‘Cover Stories’ Archives
Augsburg University to Sell East Franklin Avenue Property to Somali Museum of Minnesota
By AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY On March 7, Augsburg University and the Somali Museum of Minnesota announced an agreement for Augsburg to sell the former Bethany Lutheran Church property at 2511 East Franklin Avenue to the Somali Museum of Minnesota to develop into a permanent museum facility and cultural center.Since 2020, the University has worked with community-based developer Redesign (formerly Seward Redesign) to identify a financially sustainable, community-serving use for the property that contributes to the vitality of the East Franklin Avenue corridor. The church building and property were donated to Augsburg in May 2020 before the Bethany Lutheran congregation dissolved in September 2021. “We are so pleased to partner with the Somali Museum to advance their compelling vision to invest in a new museum site in the Seward neighborhood,” said Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow. “This project represents a unique opportunity to create an enduring, transformational impact along [...]
The Minneapolis American Indian Center Reopens May 1st!
All are welcome to a grand reopening and powwow celebrating the historic renovation By NATALIE RADEMACHER, Communications Coordinator, MAIC Courtesy Full Circle Planning and Design This May, the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) will open its doors again after nearly 2 years of renovation. The community is invited to celebrate the completion of this historic project at a powwow and open house on Wednesday, May 1. The festivities will kick off with a parade marking the start of Minnesota American Indian Month. The parade will begin at the Cedar Avenue Field Park (2500 Cedar Ave.) at 10 am and conclude at the Center (1530 East Franklin Ave.) followed by a public ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 am, with food available afterwards from local food trucks and the center’s Gatherings Cafe. From noon to 2, the Center will be open for the community to explore the new and updated spaces. Staff will distribute T-shirts and swag and be on hand to answer questions. At 5 [...]
Cumulative Impact Laws Ignored in East Phillips
The MPCA lacks a sense of urgency in addressing high levels of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other negative impacts in East Phillips By KAREN CLARK AND H. LYNN ADELSMAN Jolene Jones directed anger and frustration towards a panel of officials from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at a community meeting in November. Photo: DAVID PIERINI As community members continue to demand Smith Foundry be shut down due to toxic emissions and continue to show up at meetings where the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) says it’s listening and cares, the strong odor continues. On its website, the MPCA states: “The MPCA continues to focus on improving air quality in overburdened communities and to work toward environmental justice.” However, in February 2024, Círculo de Amigos staff called to report the exposure of children at the child care center to a strong odor of toxic emissions, but no one from the MPCA responded with a site visit. There is no clear [...]
