Author Archive
“One Billion Rising to End Violence” brought warmth Rallying Near Frozen Powderhorn Lake
By Mili Dutta and Ankita Deka The One Billion Rising to End Violence Against Women: Twin Cities was the catalyst bringing hundreds of people together near the shore of frozen Powderhorn Lake on February 14th, Valentine”'s Day at Powderhorn Park, Mpls The event featured speeches from prominent local activists representing a cross section of social identity groups in the twin cities; including Elder Atum Azzahir . Other items in the evening included a Bollywood dancers Rashi Mangalick, Divya Maiya, and Jinal Jhavari from local artists from the Tapestry folklore dance group, a Fire dance by local performer FyreSnake, and a flash dance “Break the Chain” that has been part of the global movement was also featured. Local artists from Oya”'s Radio opened the event with their soulful music. Hundreds of people, including young children braved the cold to participate in the events. There was infectious enthusiasm in the air as the crowds cheered, danced, sang and [...]
HOBT MayDay Parade & Pageant February Ideas & Support Request
photo by Liz Welch Help Received & Need Continues From Sandy Spieler - Artistic Director, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre Many thanks to The Alley and its constituents for sharing my February letter about MayDay with so many people! It was picked up by the Twin Cities Daily Planet, Southside Pride Newspaper, City Pages blog, and MPR”'s State of the Arts blog. And many thanks to all of you who have responded by making donations and suggestions!! My heart is very full from all of you asking: “What can I do?” Here is a beginning answer of opportunities for financial and volunteer support to assure the sustaining of MayDay: Financial Support:Â Give online through our GiveMN/Razoo site (www.givemn.razoo.com/story/Heart-Of-The-Beast-Theatre-Incorporated) or the donation link on In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre”'s (HOBT) website (www.HOBT.org/index.php?contentID=1475) Give through the mail when you [...]
Phillips West Winter Social Honored Muriel Simmons
By Robert Lilligren The Phillips West 16th Annual Winter Social was celebrated Thursday evening February 7th. The Winter Social was started by legendary Phillips West activist Muriel Simmons and her family in 1997. The first Winter Socials were held in her home on the corner of 27th Street & Park Avenue. Muriel”'s intent for starting the Winter Social was to give neighbors an opportunity to “come together and enjoy each other”'s company away from the daily fight” of reclaiming and improving our neighborhood. The Social grew from a few dozen people in the Simmons”' home to several hundred today. It has changed venues several times before landing at the Lutheran Social Service Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Avenue four years ago. Sadly, we missed Muriel this year because she died on January 15th this year; but the Winter Social lives on in her honor. Neighbors young and old, of all colors, shapes, sizes and [...]
