‘Cover Stories’ Archives
Our DAD, Virgil Welna
By VIRGINIA M. MAGNER He unlocks the door and cranks down the awning. Then turns on the lights. A new day is dawning. It”'s eight o”'clock sharp; all merchandise in its”' place. For the next 10 hours he”'ll keep a steady pace. Serving the needs of the young and the old. And listening with his heart, I have been told. Down creaky stairs, he heads for the basement. To a child”'s eyes, it is a place of amazement. Wood beams on the ceiling and limestone for walls. And whiffs of machine oil I do recall. (more…)
Virgil Welna 1929-2018 Vast legacy by quintessential storekeeper and community elder
Virgil Welna has heard the last bell signaling another person to meet and serve By JENN WELNA Born on March 24th, 1929 in Holdingford, MN to Alphonse (Al) and Anna, Virgil (Virg) Welna was one of six children. When he was in 8th grade, his family moved from their large house in the small town to a two-bedroom apartment in the Phillips neighborhood to ensure that each of their children could find a job and go to college. Upon his arrival in Minneapolis, Virg worked two jobs to pay his tuition to DeLaSalle High School: in the fruit department at the local grocer and at Dalsin Hardware where his father was the manager. (more…)
March for immigrant and workers”' rights!
By LINDSEY FENNER On Tuesday, May 1, International Workers”' Day, a broad coalition of community, immigrant, and labor organizations will be marching through South Minneapolis for immigrant and workers”' rights. Organized by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC), neighbors will be showing up for a platform that protects all workers. ¡El pueblo unido, jamás será vencido! TUESDAY, MAY 1, 3:30pm Lake Street & Nicollet Avenue No attacks on immigrants, refugees & Muslims No more deportations Legalization for all Clean DREAM Act Now Restore Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Salvadorans & Haitians Adopt the Sanctuary Platform Make Minnesota a Sanctuary State Expand union rights in Minnesota Stop all ”˜right to work”' (for less) attacks Living wage for all Medicare for all End to police brutality! Community control of the police! Climate justice Peace MARTES 1 DE MAYO, [...]
