Hannah Lieder, One of “Eleven Who Care”

Hannah Lieder having been honored at the 11 Who Kare Award Banquet and pictured with swimming advocates Javon Sledd and Andrew Njogu

By Brad Pass

Our neighbor and friend, Hannah Lieder, was honored by KARE11 and, new partner, 3M Corporation for her commitment and dedication to the children of Mpls. and her tireless effort to save and renovate the Phillips Community Center Swimming Pool. The gala celebration was held on July 17th at 3M headquarters with a beautifully catered reception and an inspiring program featuring the stories and work of all eleven winners of this years”' prestigious “Eleven Who Care” award.

Hannah pointed out that Mpls., the “City of Lakes”, has never had an indoor public swimming pool. The Phillips Community Center pool used to be a Mpls. Public School pool but it has been empty for many years. Indeed, it was slated for demolition until Hannah created Minneapolis Swims and joined together with neighbors to save the pool. Her motivation arises from the tragic and unnecessary incidence of inner-city youth drownings and the inability of our youth to participate in water-based recreational activities because they can”'t swim.

Through Hannah”'s efforts, a coalition of swimming professionals, potential users, neighbors and Park Board supporters have come together under Minneapolis Swims to successfully lobby the Minnesota Legislature, Hennepin County Youth Sports and others for a barebones pool restoration which includes a new shallow warm water pool for teaching and therapeutic use.… Read the rest “Hannah Lieder, One of “Eleven Who Care””

Ancient Traders Market Returns to Local American Indian Ownership

Excerpt From “The Circle” by Jamie Keith, July 2013, Pg. 6 

The American Indian Community Dev. Corp. (AICDC) bought the Market (1113 East Franklin Avenue) from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) on May 31st. A $2.2 million dollar purchase was part of a multi-year plan and partnership between the two organizations to reset Native ownership and support more community and economic developments in Mpls”' Phillips Neighborhood.

“It really is an important acquisition for”¦the American Indian Cultural Corridor and the economic strength and vitality of the community,” said AICDC CEO Michael Goze.

Info: www.aicdc-mn.org & www.lisc.org

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DREAM UNION

Breaking news on the 4th

As a monthly newspaper, The Alley seldom has “breaking news”.  As news is “breaking” rapidly every hour of the day and especially about the striving for independence around the earth, it is ironic and unfortunate that “breaking news” today is remembering the goals that sparked the quest for independence in our country.  Thomas R. Smith sent his poem “Dream Union” to The Alley so we may pass it on to you on this anniversary.  Here it is.  Best regards to each of you on this Anniversary of Independence Day.

DREAM UNION
For Woody Guthrie, born July 14, 1912

Woodrow Wilson Guthrie, you not only
faced the headlines but made music of them.
And perhaps that too was “the biggest
thing that man has ever done.”

Fatalities of fire, poverty, disease””
you seemed to accept, incorporate
them in your voice”'s matter-of-factness,
resolve to engage the world with hope.

Your songs of brotherhood, fairness,
equality still spread their fire from
tongue to tongue, a chain of flame no
fascist retardant can extinguish.

Troubadour ghost, bend to us
in our national agony, breathe your
tune into the hearts of Occupying
youth and disappointed elders.

James Wright wrote of his old scout-
master in Martins Ferry, Ohio,
“When I think of Ralph Neal, I feel
some kind of ice in me breaking open.”… Read the rest “DREAM UNION”