Co

p yr
igh
t
20
23
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Shelley Carthen Watson Elizer Darris

er
ica
n

PART OF A SERIES
Ci
ty

BLACK
Bu
sin

LEADERS
es
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YOU
ou
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als

SHOULD
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KNOW
fo
r co
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er

Here’s the second of four special sections featuring

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Twin Cities Black leaders you should know.

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Seena Hodges
se

To commemorate Black History
Month, the Minneapolis/St. Paul
Business Journal is highlighting
200 Black leaders in the Twin Cit-
ies region.
We are revealing their names
and profiles throughout Febru-
ary in print and online. (We didn't
receive responses to an emailed
survey from everyone, but they
deserve mention nonetheless.)
We’ve also asked them to share
locally based Black-owned busi-
nesses they celebrate and support.
Why are we doing this? Two
reasons:
The Business Journal has long
been committed to highlight-
ing the diversity of our business
community. We’ve devoted more
resources to raising up Black busi-
ness leaders and entrepreneurs.
And we believe we can always do
more on this front.
Also, our broader company's
mission is to help our custom-
ers "grow their business, advance
their career and simplify their pro-
fessional life." Helping our readers
develop and nurture a diverse net-
work of contacts — across indus-
tries and community activities —
falls squarely under that mission.
We want to thank our unpaid
consultants on this project:
Shelley Carthen Watson, CEO,
YWCA Minneapolis
B Kyle, president and CEO, St.
Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
Kristie Lazenberry, DEI Collab-
orative Program Director, St. Area
Paul Chamber of Commerce
Ravi Norman, chair and CEO,
Sagiliti

— Dirk DeYoung, editor-in-chief, and Kim Johnson, special projects and research editor

Sponsored by:

mspbj.com February 3-9, 2023 13

 BLACK LEADERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Craig Laurence Rice

is a senior film programmer at MSP Film Society, an award-
winning producer and director, and an adjunct professor at
the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. He has received three
Co

Emmy nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination

p

for his documentary “Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of
yr

Gordon Parks.”
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WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …

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What organization does: The MSP Film Society is a 60-year-old

20

organization dedicated to the exhibition of Independent International

Cinema. We operate The Main Cinema on Main Street and program for
23

the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis. Along with the Cine Latino and
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.
Am

Board memberships: MIIR board member

Volunteer work: I volunteer my time to individuals interested in careers in
er

the entertainment industry.

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Favorite Black-owned restaurant: The Soul Bowl inside of Graze building.

They have created a unique treatment of some classic soul food dishes.
n

Favorite weekend activity: When I have a weekend free, I look forward to

reading and listening to music.
Ci

Black-owned business you should know: Houston White and his company
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PROVIDED HWMR for their pursuit of Black excellence and their drive for success
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Committed to supporting
and sustaining Black leaders
in our community and beyond.

14 February 3-9, 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

 PART 2

TONYA
Co

ALLEN
President of the
p

McKnight Foundation
yr

since 2021; chair

of the Council
igh

on Foundations;
board member for
t

GHR Foundation,
20

Women Presidents
Organization
23

Minnesota, and
Greater MSP
Am
er
ica
n
Ci
ty
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PROVIDED TIM PEARSON

sin

Atum Azzahir Mychal Frelix

es
sJ

is executive director of the Cultural Wellness Center, a co-owner is chief growth officer and co-founder of TurnSignl, a tech
ou

of the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis and a recognized company that has created an app that connects drivers to
authority on cultural approaches to health and well-being. lawyers over a live video chat to provide on-demand legal help.
rn
als

WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT … WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …

What organization does: Inside of every human being there is a spark. Volunteer work: Sankofa Circle (Augsburg University), Josie R. Johnson
-N

We help ignite that spark. Leadership Fellow

Board memberships: NorthPoint Community Favorite Black-owned restaurant: STEPCHLD, based in Northeast
ot

Favorite Black-owned restaurant: My favorite Black-owned food Minneapolis, embodies the elegance of what Black excellence is all
about, while showing off the creativity and innovation of Black culture.
fo

business is not a restaurant. It’s an eating experience that is created

in homes, major businesses, in local organizations and institutions. Favorite weekend activity: I love to fish. Fishing has taught me lessons
r

Dreamland Heritage Catering and Events is owned by well-known food of patience, gratitude and humility, but one of my favorite lessons
co

artist and head chef Robert Taylor. It is inside Midtown Global Market. learned from fishing is being present in the moment.
m

Favorite weekend activity: Being chaperoned by my only grandson to Black-owned business you should know: Georgia Fort (reporting and
Turtle Bread for breakfast together. I get to review with him the future TV show) shows how important it is to use your platform for those
m

changes that this society is in for with his generation, to hear some of continually pushed to the margins. In the face of adversity, Georgia
er

the most profound analysis of what the world needs now. Fort shows us how willpower and determination can change the
Black-owned business you should know: The Kitchen by Baked Brand narrative.
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lu
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Colette Campbell WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT …

is chief talent acquisition and diversity officer at St. Paul-based Bremer
Financial Corp. She also serves on the boards of YWCA Minneapolis
and Minneapolis Foundation, and volunteers with Minnesota
Women’s Venture, Saint Paul College business advisory and Central
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: I love Pimento in Minneapolis and
St. Paul because of my Jamaican heritage. Pimento helps me have
a taste of home while missing my mother’s cooking. I also love their
commitment to social justice; Pimento Relief Services has become a
partner for organizations and individuals actively combating racism.
Favorite weekend activity: Relaxing and restoration, long walks, making
time for family and friends, frivolous conversations, and lots of laughter

Lakes College ag advisory council. Black-owned business you should know: Two places that I like to
support are Olio Vintage and Frogtree Farm.

mspbj.com February 3-9, 2023 15

 BLACK LEADERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
JAMES
BURROUGHS II
is senior vice
president of
government and
community relations,
and chief equity and
inclusion officer at
Children’s Minnesota,
one of the state’s
largest health
systems that provides
care exclusively to
children.
WHAT HE
SAYS ABOUT …
Board memberships:
Mortenson Family
Foundation,
American Red Cross,
Achieve Twin Cities,
YMCA of the North
Volunteer work:
Youthprise;
Fellowship
Missionary Baptist
Church; Minnesota
Urban Debate
League, volunteer
judge; Minnesota
Historically Black
College Alumni
Chapter, member;
Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity Inc.,
member; Minnesota
Wild, skater of color
recruitment and
Black History Month
jersey design
Favorite Black-
owned restaurant:
I have two: Pimento
Jamaican Kitchen
and The Breakfast
Bar.
Favorite weekend
activity: Golf, in
the right weather,
because it is a
relaxing outdoor
sport that allows me
to decompress and
enjoy the Minnesota
warm weather and
scenery. I also enjoy
hanging out with
my 10-year-old
daughter. Whether it
is driving her to ice
skating practice or
hanging out in the
community, I value
my time with her.
16 February 3-9, 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Co
p
yr
igh
t
20
23
Am
er
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Ci
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STROBEL PROVIDED
sin
Georgia Fort Marcus Pope
es
sJ
is the founder of BLCK Press, dedicated to advancing equity is president of Youthprise, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit
ou
through media. Fort is an Emmy-nominated independent working to advance equity for racially diverse youth.
journalist with a background in broadcast media. Before she
rn
launched BLCK Press in August 2020, she worked at outlets WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …
als
like Davis Broadcasting, a Black-owned media company, and Board memberships: Minnesota Council on Foundations, co-chair;
Mardag Foundation, member; Andrus Family Fund, member; Wallin
WTVM, an ABC affiliate, both in Columbus, Ga. She also worked
Education Partners Board of Trustees
-N
at Minneapolis’ KMOJ 89.9 FM.
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Golden Thyme Café and Taste
of Rondo. As someone who grew up in Frogtown’s Selby Dale
ot
neighborhood, I care deeply about this community. When I stop in for
WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT … a meal, I often see former neighbors and high school friends. These
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businesses are more than eateries, they’re part of the community.
Board memberships: BLCK Press Center for Broadcast Journalism,
r
Fight For Your Dreams, Greenlight Twin Cities Advisory Council Favorite weekend activity: I’m a huge Vikings fan. During the fall
co
and winter months, watching football is a big part of my weekend.
Volunteer work: For the past year, I’ve volunteered at three different
Otherwise, I like relaxing by enjoying nature and engaging in outdoor
m
nonprofit organizations in my neighborhood (East St. Paul) helping
activities, such as walking and biking around Como Lake.
them with grant writing, organizational strategy and media production.
m
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: I really like Soul Bowl. From their
er
menu to the vibe of their location, they have a special way of making
you feel like you belong and amplifying Black culture in a way that
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makes us all proud.
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Favorite weekend activity: I love to spend time with my three
daughters on the weekends because our weeks are so busy. It fills my
se
cup to have quality time with them.
CANDICE
Black-owned business you should know: I’d like to celebrate Queen WASHINGTON
Anna House of Fashion. The founder, Nicole, has interwoven an
intergenerational story into her brand that empowers us all to honor Operations
director at Abbott
our elders all while looking fly in environmentally friendly clothes.
Her brand represents excellence, and I think everyone should have Northwestern
Hospital, which is
the opportunity to experience that whether it’s you shopping for you
or shopping for a gift for someone else. Everyone should be able to part of the Allina
Health system,
experience the excellence that is Queen Anna House of Fashion.
where she also
serves as chair of
the BIPOC employee
resource group. She
is also a mentor with
Menttium.
 PART 2

PAUL
Co

WILLIAMS
is president and
p

Tru
CEO of Project for
yr

Pride in Living Inc.,

a nonprofit based in
igh

Pettigrew
Minneapolis focused
on affordable housing
t

development and
20

workforce training.
is chief diversity and inclusion officer
23

for the Minnesota Timberwolves and

Lynx. He joined the organization in WHAT HE
Am

SAYS ABOUT …
November 2020 as its vice president
Boards: 9th District
of player programming / diversity and Federal Reserve,
er

inclusion. HealthPartners Inc.,

ica

Destination Medical
Center, Itasca Project
WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …
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Volunteer work:
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: My Selby Ave JazzFest
Ci

favorite Black-owned restaurant in the Favorite weekend

ty

region is a tie between Soul Bowl and activity: Hiking and

Breakfast Bar of Minnesota. The food tending the land
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at both places is amazing! The vibe is we own just across

different for each, but both provide a very the St. Croix River
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diverse, welcoming and fun-loving energy. in Wisconsin. The

The biggest distinction in the vibes for me work and the goals
though, is the Soul Bowl location is more
es

are clear, and I love

of a “block-party, let’s get it popping” feel. the discipline that’s
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Breakfast Bar has more of a celebratory, required. It’s good for

family-reunion vibe. The owners of both the body and soul.
establishments are rock solid human
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beings who care about the communities Black-owned

they serve. I love them both! business you
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should know:
Favorite weekend activity: My favorite Tri-Construction
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weekend activity is hitting up the lakes in Inc. is a firm we’ve

the summer! The lakes here are beautiful, worked with on
and the greenways, trails and bike routes
-N

several construction
along the way are all an added bonus! And projects at PPL. They
I would be remiss if I didn’t add attending are a growing and
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Lynx games, Timberwolves games, Vikings exciting firm that is

games and Twins games. creating opportunity
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Black-owned business you should know: and assets across

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The Get Down Coffee Co. If you haven’t our region. We

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been to this spot, please do yourself a desperately

favor and hit it up! Owner Houston White need more Black
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has found a way to combine his love for contractors in this

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community, his flair for fashion, and his community. And,

passion for embracing diversity, and Noor Cos., led by
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created a multicultural, multifaceted, feel- NANCY Nawal Noor, a Somali

KUEHN
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good immersive experience. MSPBJ real estate developer.

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Domonique Jones WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT …

Volunteer work: I volunteer at City of Reconciliation, packaging food
and supplying to low-income residents of St. Paul.

is executive director and CEO of Partnership in Property
Commercial Land Trust, an organization that develops, redevelops
and preserves long-term affordable commercial spaces through
community-driven ownership of land.
Favorite weekend activity: My favorite weekend activity is to
attend sabbath service at my church, City of Reconciliation. I love
fellowshipping with others, and my spirituality is very important to me.
Black-owned business you should know: A Black-owned business I
would like to celebrate is Trio, which is a plant-based restaurant. The
owner of the restaurant has an incredible story, and his story inspires
me and has inspired other African-American business owners.

mspbj.com February 3-9, 2023 17

 BLACK LEADERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

ARETHA
Co

GREEN-
RUPERT
p yr

is a program director
at the Carlson Family
igh

Foundation. She is
also on the boards
t

of Genesys Works
Twin Cities, Opus
20

Foundation and The

Ivy Foundation Inc.
23
Am

WHAT SHE
SAYS ABOUT …
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Volunteer work:
Youth leadership, food
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insecurity, financial
empowerment
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and community
development
Ci

Favorite Black-owned
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restaurant: Pimento
Jamaican Kitchen:
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The food is amazing, PROVIDED BEST BUY CO. INC.

and the atmosphere
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is welcoming and
inviting. The One
Elizer Darris Amelia Hardy
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Love Special with

the MN Nice sauce
sJ

is my go-to order. In
addition to mouth- is co-executive director of Minnesota Freedom Fund, an is chief inclusion and diversity officer at Richfield-based Best
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watering dishes, you organization working to end predatory practices within the Buy Co. Inc. She also serves on the boards for the Boys & Girls
will find an owner, criminal and immigration systems. Club of the Twin Cities, Meda, The Cowles Center and more.
rn

Tomme Beevas, and

staff committed to the
als

fight for racial, social WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT … WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT …
and economic justice.
Board memberships: State Board of Public Defense, Appetite for Volunteer work: I volunteer with multiple organizations that are
-N

Favorite weekend
Change, The Legal Revolution, State Conviction Review Unit of the focused on community well-being and prosperity. I really enjoy
activity: I enjoy
Office of the Attorney General volunteering with organizations that serve kids and families.
spending time with
ot

my husband and Favorite Black-owned restaurant: I love Soul Bowl and the Breakfast Favorite Black-owned restaurant: One of my favorite restaurants in the
daughters watching Bar of Minnesota. I frequent both quite often. I love the food, the vibe, Twin Cities is Pimento. I love the owner, Tomme Beevas’ jerk chicken,
fo

movies, trying new the service with pride, and I love circulating my dollars in support of it’s absolutely delicious. I also admire his dedication to the community.
r

restaurants, and going wonderfully ran Black businesses. Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with family is one of the
co

to museums. When Favorite weekend activity: The most relaxing activity for me to do is greatest joys of my life. My husband and I have four kids ranging in age
it is warmer outside, ride my bike through the beautiful trail system in the Hiawatha area. from 5 to 17 years old — that means my weekends are spent at dance
m

I can be found most Black-owned business you should know: There are so many competitions, soccer and basketball games, and the local playgrounds.
m

weekends walking phenomenal Black-owned businesses that it is difficult to [name] only Black-owned business you should know: Kobi candles! They are hand-
around one of the Twin
er

one. The work that Marika Reese is doing with Ubuntu Cares Services poured in Minneapolis and are perfect for self-care and relaxation.
Cities’ many lakes or in is phenomenal. Her organization is making mental health and healing Not only is it run by a mother-daughter team, but their mission really
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my neighborhood. more accessible to more people. resonates with me, and I admire their entrepreneurial spirit.
Black-owned
lu

business you should

know: I was recently
se

introduced to Black
Garnet Books on
University Avenue in
St. Paul. The bookstore
is committed to
uplifting the voice, Cornell WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …
Volunteer work: A variety of community uplift programs, such as

Moore
talent and stories of Woodson Mitchell Fountain Scholarship Fund of Omicron Boule Sigma
BIPOC authors and Pi Phi Fraternity
communities.
Black-owned business you should know: I’m celebrating Leverette
is of counsel and diversity and inclusion Weekes public relations and strategic communications. I started the
company in 1973 to provide construction and leasing services. Fifty
partner emeritus at Minneapolis-based years later, my daughter Meredith Moore leads the company and is
Dorsey & Whitney, a full-service business nationally certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s
law firm. Business Enterprise National Council.

18 February 3-9, 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

 PART 2

TONY SANNEH
Co

Former professional
p

soccer player Tony

yr

Sanneh is CEO of The

Sanneh Foundation,
igh

which he established
in 2003. The
t

organization, based
in St. Paul, provides
20

youth academic
mentorship, food
23

distribution, free
sports camps and
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community space.
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WHAT HE
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SAYS ABOUT …
Board memberships:
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St. Paul Area Chamber

of Commerce, Search
Ci

Institute, Mentor
ty

Minnesota, St. Paul

Academy, Minnesota
Bu

Ballpark Authority,
RUBINSTEIN PHOTO / SARA RUBINSTEIN CENTER FOR COMMUNICATION AND DEVELOPMENT KMOJ-FM
Major League Soccer
sin

DEI committee, U.S.

Simone Freddie Bell

Soccer Safety Task
Force, Minnesota
es

Institute for Trauma-

Hardeman-Jones
sJ

Informed Education,
is general manager of the Center for Communication and U.S. Global Leadership
Coalition Minnesota
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Development at KMOJ-FM, a Minneapolis community radio

advisory committee
is executive director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities. She is the station that also provides training in broadcasting to individuals.
rn

Volunteer work:
former national director of policy and partnerships at Educators Mentoring, coaching
als

for Excellence and worked in the Obama Administration. WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT … soccer
Favorite Black-
Board memberships: St. Paul Public Schools Community Advisory
-N

owned restaurant:
Committee and The North High School Career Technical Education
WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT … Handsome Hog in St.
Advisory Committee
Paul, STEPCHLD in
ot

What organization does: Facilitates a community-driven process that Volunteer work: I volunteer for Unity South Twin Cities … while Minneapolis. Good
matches the local needs of residents not met by existing programs to preparing to become a licensed teacher for the church. food, great owners,
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organizations with track records of success elsewhere

Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Breaking Bread at 1210 W. Broadway nice vibe, but really
r

Board memberships: Children’s Minnesota Foundation; Minnesota Ave., in Minneapolis. The food is wonderful and reminds me of many about the chefs.
co

Alliance With Youth; EdAllies, chair of policy and strategy committee of the meals my grandmother made for us as children. I also enjoy Favorite weekend
Volunteer work: Jack and Jill of America City of Lakes chapter, Delta the meeting-place atmosphere and am visually fed by the splendid activity: Play cards
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Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Breck School Alumni Council murals adorning its walls. Moreover, their community partnerships are with my mom,
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Black-owned businesses you should know: The NewMpls, creator of inspiring, as they distribute thousands of meals to our neighbors and pickleball with friends,
health care workers. meet the fellas
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the Lakeview Terrace Farmers Market; and Leverette Weekes, a Black

woman-owned consulting firm that has created a dynamic footprint in Favorite weekend activity: My favorite weekend activity, aside from Black-owned
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our community from its work with smaller nonprofits like mine. hanging out with my family, is tending to my yard. business you should
know: Leverette
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Weekes and Houston

White. Leverette,
se

because she helps

others amplify
positive messages.

Lulete Mola WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT … Houston, because

is president and co-founder of the Black
Collective Foundation MN. She also serves
on the Minnesota Council of Foundations
board, the VoteRunLead National advisory
board, and is co-chair of the St. Paul
Promise Neighborhood advisory board.
I love success and
What organization does: Black community foundation creating a ability to mainstream
thriving ecosystem of Black-led change and be an example.
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Bole Ethiopian Cuisine located in
St. Paul. There are so many reasons to love Bole, from the exquisite
taste of their signature dishes to the way owners Solomon and Rekik
provide a welcoming and loving environment. Additionally, Bole is one
of the resilient Black-owned businesses that was impacted by the 2020
uprising for racial justice. I am so inspired by their commitment to racial
justice and proud they’ve come back stronger than ever.

mspbj.com February 3-9, 2023 19

 BLACK LEADERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Co
p yr
igh
t
20
23
Am
er
ica
n
Ci
ty
Bu

BLACK TECH TALENT

sin

Mike Jackson
es
sJ

is CEO of Black Tech Talent, a Minneapolis-based company he

ou

founded in April 2020. BTT provides a jobs board for firms looking
to increase the number of Black technology professionals in their
rn

talent pipelines. It also hosts networking events and coaches

als

applicants on resumes and job interviews.

-N

WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …

Board memberships: 100 Black Men Twin Cities
ot

Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Soul Bowl. It’s hard to find soul food
fo

in Minnesota, and the owners of Soul Bowl have not only curated a NANCY KUEHN | MSPBJ
great menu, but have created jobs and given back to the community.
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Favorite weekend activity: I honestly work around the clock. I don’t

Tomme Beevas
co

differentiate weekday from weekend regarding leisure, but when I do

m

take a break, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, or
catching up on new movies/TV series.
m

Black-owned business you should know: Egobee is a media is founder and chief WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …
er

production and marketing firm doing great work in the startup strategic officer of
ecosystem. What my organization does: Pimento is more than a restaurant, but a
cia

Pimento Jamaican safe space for food, vibes and liberation.

Kitchen, Pimento Board memberships: Chairman, NextStage Minnesota; commissioner,
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Foundation, St. Paul Business Council; executive committee member, Children’s

Theatre Co.; George Floyd Global Memorial National Advisory
se

Pimento Political Committee

DR. CHARLES
CRUTCHFIELD
Medical director and owner of Crutchfield
Dermatology in Eagan, a clinical professor
of dermatology at the University of
Minnesota Medical School, co-author of
a children’s book on sun protection and
a textbook on dermatology, a leader in
addressing Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in
the Black community
Action Committee Volunteer work: Most of my current volunteer efforts fall under the
and Pimento Relief auspices of Pimento Relief Services, where I use my 20-plus years
Services. Prior to experience of managing volunteers to support those on the frontlines
of economic liberation, social liberation and political liberation.
launching Pimento
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Other than Pimento, I’d have to say
in March 2012, he Cobble Social House. It’s the perfect combination of underground
was a longtime speakeasy and high-end lounge where everyone knows your name.
executive at Cargill Favorite weekend activity: Spending time outdoors learning from my
wife and two kids, Genesis and Derek IV
Inc.
Black-owned business you should know: Wise Ink Creative Publishing
— fastest-growing publisher celebrating 10 years of telling stories that
would otherwise be caged. Plus it helps that my wife is the co-founder.

20 February 3-9, 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

 PART 2

ACOOA
Co

ELLIS
Former senior
p

vice president of
yr

community impact
for Greater Twin
igh

Cities United Way,

now owner and
t

principal strategist
20

of Able Endeavors,
a business coaching
23

and consulting firm

she launched in June
2021
Am
er
ica
n
Ci
ty
Bu

THERESA SCARBROUGH RAE MACKENZIE GROUP

sin

Shelley Sharon
es

Carthen Watson Smith-Akinsanya

sJ
ou

is president and CEO of the YWCA Minneapolis. She also is founder and CEO of Rae Mackenzie Group, a diversity,
rn

serves on numerous boards, including Children’s Minnesota, equity and inclusion marketing firm, and author of “Colorfull:
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Minneapolis Park Board Foundation, Minneapolis Downtown Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent of Color.”
Council, and Northwestern Pritzker Law School Fund.
-N

WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT …

WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT …
ot

Board memberships: U.S. Bancorp, Access Commitment advisory

Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Soul Bowl. The mission of the YWCA group member; UpTurnships; Banyan Community
fo

is to eliminate racism and empower women, and a big part of that is Volunteer work: Volunteer fundraising at Banyan Community;
working to eliminate the health disparities that plague people of color,
r

mentoring professionals of color, providing them with the tips and

and the African American community in particular. Soul Bowl allows us
co

tools to help them to advance in their careers

to enjoy our traditional dishes by reimagining and preparing them in a
more healthy way. The oxtails at Pimento run a close second. Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Breakfast Bar of Minnesota. The
m

food, the music, the service, the vibe — this place is everything! Owner
Favorite weekend activity: Gathering and preparing meals for my
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and former professional football player Marcus Williams saw something

family and friends, usually while watching sports during his NFL travels missing in his hometown of Minneapolis:
er

Black-owned business you should know: Houston White is a creative authentic, Southern-inspired comfort food. No one does shrimp and
cia

powerhouse, entrepreneur, designer and developer. grits like they do!

lu
se

Ravi Norman WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …

is chairman and CEO of Sagiliti. The
Minneapolis-based company also works
to create opportunities that “maximize
MBE spending, job creation and career
development,” according to its website.
What organization does: Sustainability stewards converting utility data
into actions benefiting people, planet and profits
Board memberships: Greater MSP, Minneapolis Regional Chamber of
Commerce, YMCA of the North, and Agape/Oasis
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Sammy’s Avenue Eatery on
Broadway. Sammy’s is one of several community solutions that attempt
to address the lack of commercial food services in North Minneapolis.
Favorite weekend activity: Golfing as a way to enjoy food, fellowship
and nature, while feeding the competitive needs of a former athlete

mspbj.com February 3-9, 2023 21

 BLACK LEADERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

ARTIKA
Co

TYNER
p

is CEO of Planting
yr

People Growing
Justice Press and
igh

Bookstore, and a law

professor at University
t

of St. Thomas.
20

WHAT SHE
23

SAYS ABOUT …
What organization
Am

does: Publishes,
promotes and
er

distributes books
that encourage Black
ica

children to find joy in

reading
n

Board memberships:
Ci

Midway Real Estate

Investment Co-op;
ty

Timebank USA;
Little Free Library;
Bu

U.S. Bank, Access

THE WOKE COACH SARAH WHITING/WOMEN’S PRESS
Commitment
sin

advisory group
member; Ramsey
Seena Hodges Debra Hurston
es

County Special
Board of Appeal and
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Equalization
Favorite Black-owned is CEO of The Woke Coach, which she founded in 2018 to is executive director of the Association for Black Economic
ou

restaurant: Taste of provide coaching “around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion Power. In this role, she is leading efforts to establish Minnesota’s
Rondo. This restaurant and anti-racism,” according to the company’s website. first Black-led community credit union in North Minneapolis.
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embodies this rich

culture, legacy and
als

tradition. Each time WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT … WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT …
I visit, I feel closer
What organization does: Because racial equity is the defining issue of
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to my ancestors and Board memberships: Healthy Living With a Vision, KMOJ

motivated to continue our time, we move our clients from Ally to Accomplice.
Favorite Black-owned restaurant: Sammy’s Avenue Eatery on
my work as a civil Boards: Walker Art Center, president; Black Trustees Alliance
ot

Broadway has a turkey pastrami sandwich that I could eat every day.
rights attorney. Volunteer work: Minnesota Womens’ Economic Roundtable, Women’s Favorite weekend activity: During the week, I spend a lot of time
fo

Favorite weekend Presidents’ Organization, Women Elevating Women in front of my computer. On the weekends, I enjoy unplugging and
activity: My favorite
r

Favorite weekend activity: Either watching some great television spending time outdoors, if possible. If I have to stay in, then you’ll find
weekend activity is me reading a real book or [working on] an old-fashion jigsaw puzzle.
co

series or film or enjoying a cultural experience. We are fortunate to

writing. I have written have so many opportunities for cultural engagement in the Twin Cities.
over 30 books that Black-owned business you should know: I’d like to celebrate the
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I also love brunch, dinner or happy hour with family and/or friends. Association for Black Economic Power. This organization has had more
celebrate Black And if I can squeeze in a nap at some point, I’m in heaven! than its fair share of challenges, but with the community’s support,
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history and culture.

I am inspired by the Black-owned business you should know: I’d love to celebrate Fearless it has been able to keep moving forward so that the community can
er

African proverb: “Until Commerce, founded in 2017 by Black women for Black women. … They benefit for having a financial institution come into the neighborhood
position Black women to build healthy and high-growth businesses. that is specifically designed to address their needs.
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the lion tells his side

of the story, the tale
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of the hunt will always

glorify the hunter.” I
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serve as a lioness for

justice and freedom.
Black-owned

Abel Ebane
business you WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT …
should know: First
Independence Bank, Favorite weekend activity: My favorite weekend activity is to spend
Minnesota’s first quality time with my family. My son and beautiful wife need my
Black-owned bank is chairman of the Minnesota Black attention after running around all week. So, weekends give us the
opportunity to connect, play, watch shows, and watch Formula 1 races.
Chamber of Commerce, helping to start,
Black-owned business you should know: I’d like to celebrate all Black-
scale and sustain Black-owned businesses owned businesses — not only in Minnesota, but all over the country. It
by connecting them to resources. He also is hard to be an entrepreneur, let alone an entrepreneur of color who
is an insurance specialist at Blue Cross and must surmount more difficulties due to some preexisting systemic
marginalizing mechanisms. … We need to celebrate their resilience.
Blue Shield of Minnesota.

22 February 3-9, 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

 PART 2

More Black leaders to know

R Habon Abdulle, executive director and founder LOUIS KING
of Ayada Leads, a nonprofit whose mission is
to equip new Americans “to excel in leadership
positions in their communities” by offering
voter education and civil literacy training, as
DAMOLA OGUNDIPE
well as networking opportunities, according to Co-founder and CEO of Civic Eagle, a political
its website technology startup working to improve civic
Co

engagement and make government more transparent,

R Marvin Roger Anderson, board chair of
and a board member of Silicon North Stars, a nonprofit
ReConnect Rondo, retired attorney, co-founder
p

mentorship program empowering young people to

of Rondo Days Festival, co-founder and first
yr

explore careers in the technology field

president of the Minnesota Association of
igh

Black Lawyers
R Fredrick Blocton, vice president of sales at
t

UpNet Technologies Inc., president of UpNet

20

CSG group, and board member of 180 Degrees

Inc., which provides emergency shelter,
23

supportive housing and services for homeless

youth
R Lauren Boulware, a financial adviser with
Am

Morgan Stanley and a board member and

former president of the Harvard Club of
er

Minnesota
ica

R Brett Carter, executive vice president, group

president of utilities, and chief customer
officer at Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy Inc.,
n

as well as a board member for Minneapolis-

Ci

based manufacturer Graco Inc.

ty

R Michael Davis, senior U.S. District Court

judge for the District of Minnesota, was the
Bu

first African American to serve as chief of

Minnesota’s federal courts, serves on the Equal
NANCY KUEHN | MSPBJ
sin

Justice Works Board of Counselors

R Mondo Davison, also known as The Black Tech
es

Guy, is a serial entrepreneur working to inspire President and CEO of OIC of America Inc., an
Black men to pursue a career in technology organization providing education and training
sJ

and co-creator of Schoolz.com, an edtech services through a national network of local

startup. affiliates, and board member for Allina Health
ou

R Ron Harris, lead, knowledge transformation at

Resilient Cities Network, a global organization
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working to build a safer, more equitable and

sustainable future, and former chief resilience
als

officer for the city of Minneapolis Korn Ferry) and a member of the Edina City
R Lynn Littlejohn, vice president of community Council
-N

affairs and development at real estate R Carolyn Smallwood, CEO of Way to Grow, an
developer M.A. Mortenson Co. early childhood education and elementary
ot

R Gwen McFadden, president and owner of Risk nonprofit, and serves on the boards of the
Management Consulting Services, a minority- Ciresi Walburn Foundation and African
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and woman-owned Minnesota corporation American Leadership Forum

founded in 1997
r

R Shannon Smith Jones, executive director

co

R Sharmaine Meadows, founder and owner of St. of Hope Community Inc. and a member
Paul-based Cradle of Love, a nonmedical home of GroundBreak Coalition, a group of local
m

care agency leaders working to advance racial equity

across the Twin Cities through access to
m

R James Pierce, chief information officer of Salo

(which recently announced it had entered into capital for home ownership, rental housing,
er

a definitive agreement to be acquired by Los commercial development and BIPOC

entrepreneurship
cia

Angeles-based organizational consulting firm

THAO NGUYEN
lu
se

Ruth WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT …

What organization does: Provide and protect high-quality

Richardson
was named president and CEO of Planned
Parenthood North Central States in October.
She also serves District 52B in the Minnesota
House of Representatives.
reproductive health care and education
Black-owned business you should know: Lifting up the work of
Meredith Moore and Leverette Weekes because of their legacy and
history of impact in the region. Whether it was their work in the ‘70s
on the Minneapolis Metrodome, in the ‘80s and ‘90s supporting an
emerging pipeline of diverse talent, or their work today supporting the
1954 Project and Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity, they
continue to help executives have a positive and lasting impact.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD
NORTH CENTRAL STATES

mspbj.com February 3-9, 2023 23