‘Cover Stories’ Archives
New Book Casts Loving SPotlight on the “Sistas”
By DWIGHT HOBBES This article first appeared in the February 4, 2021 Minnesota Spokesman Recorder Strive Publishing empowers youth through the enlightening tool of literacy, most recently with “Celebrating the Sistas,” an anthology/workbook showcasing Twin Cities role models for girls. While these are 10 women, it”™s worth noting, young males would do well to heed the examples. The subject said Strive founder Mary Taris, is “women of color making a difference in the fields of education, politics, business, health, and social services. This biography series is building a written legacy for the children while celebrating the strength, determination, care, success, power, and beauty of each sista. “Every child should have the opportunity to learn about the outstanding contributions of these sistas,” Taris said. The concept originated with Taris and entrepreneur Kevin Johnson, founder of the Twin Cities Steppers [...]
Down But Not Out: The Future of Uncle Hugo’s
By CARZ NELSON Don Blyly might reopen the Uncles. During the George Floyd uprising, twin retailers Uncle Hugo”™s Science Fiction and Uncle Edgar”™s Mystery Bookstores were burned to the ground. The loss of these neighborhood institutions was deeply felt. Hugo”™s is the oldest science fiction bookstore in the country; its importance to the science fiction community can”™t be overstated. The two stores, known collectively as the Uncles, routinely attracted customers from all over the Upper Midwest. Don Blyly (photo credit: Light Grey Podcast) Blyly started Uncle Hugo”™s in 1974; the original location was at Fourth and Franklin Avenues. The companion store, Edgar”™s, opened in 1980. The bookstores relocated to 2864 Chicago Avenue in 1984; they were fixtures in the Phillips neighborhood for 36 years. Deciding whether to reopen the stores won”™t be easy. At 70 years young, many assumed owner [...]
Vaccines and Variants
Tips from a COVID-19 Case Investigator By LINDSEY FENNER As I”™m writing this in early February, COVID-19 news has seen rapid developments: hopeful, frustrating, and uncertain. The two biggest uncertainties have been how to get a vaccine and understanding how the different COVID variants will impact the pandemic in Minnesota. First vaccines. Vaccines are now being distributed a variety of ways: healthcare systems, community health centers, some pharmacies, and the State of MN Community Vaccination program. As of February 10, vaccines are still limited to high risk/ high priority groups, such as those 65 and older, or those who work and live in high-risk settings. I am very hopeful that much more vaccine will be available soon, but right now there just isn”™t enough vaccine for everyone who wants a shot. I know this is frustrating, but please don”™t give up on getting your vaccine! Although I will be absolutely thrilled to get my [...]
