Minnesota Humanities Center headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. Photo: Courtesy Minnesota Humanities Center
Minnesota Humanities Center headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. Photo: Courtesy Minnesota Humanities Center
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) has announced the winners of its Ethnic Media Grants, part of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment funding. The grants, totaling $472,500, will support media organizations in Minnesota to create video content in a language other than English, helping communities share stories and perspectives with broader audiences. The grants were funded through the Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, which is supported by a portion of Minnesota’s sales tax dedicated to arts, culture, and heritage.
Mshale was among the organizations that applied for the grant, proposing a project focused on Kiswahili (Swahili). Kiswahili is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa and the world, with over 200 million speakers. It is a vital tool of communication and integration across East, Central, and Southern Africa and serves as an official language of the African Union (AU). The United Nations officially recognizes Kiswahili with an international day celebrated annually on July 7, making it the first and only African language honored in this way.
The selected awardees are:
Hmong Broadcasting Company LLC — $68,000
Native Roots Radio with FS Native American Community Development Institute — $68,200
Oromia 11 — $69,300
Oromia Media Network — $60,000
Santamaria Broadcasting, LLC — $68,000
Somali TV of MN — $74,000
Xidig TV LLC — $64,980
Three of the seven awardees will produce Somali-language content, while two will focus on Oromo-language programming. The remaining grants will support Spanish-language programming through Santamaria Broadcasting, Hmong-language content from Hmong Broadcasting Company, and Native American language content through Native Roots Radio.
“This past year was an important point in time not only for Minnesota but for the entire country,” stated MHC CEO Kevin Lindsey. “The funding provided by the Legislature was incredibly timely and will ensure that several communities throughout Minnesota will be able to share their understanding with future generations of what occurred during this unique moment in time.”
In total, MHC received 68 applications requesting nearly $4 million in proposed projects. Forty-one percent of applicants were outside of the seven-county Twin Cities metro area, with an average grant request of $58,655.40.
The Minnesota Humanities Center, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, was founded in 1971 and works to strengthen society by promoting the humanities and increasing shared understanding of Minnesota’s diverse pasts.
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar accepts the DFL endorsement for her 2026 reelection in Minnesota’s 5th District on May 9. Behind her, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (left) and Mary Granlund, Columbia Heights school board member, applaud during the convention at St. Louis Park High School. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar accepts the DFL endorsement for her 2026 reelection in Minnesota’s 5th District on May 9. Behind her, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (left) and Mary Granlund, Columbia Heights school board member, applaud during the convention at St. Louis Park High School. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — Delegates of the Minnesota DFL on Saturday, May 9, endorsed incumbent Congresswoman Ilhan Omar for reelection to the U.S. House representing the state’s 5th Congressional District, a safely Democratic seat anchored by Minneapolis and its surrounding suburbs.
The district includes all of Minneapolis and nearby first-ring suburbs such as Richfield, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, Brooklyn Center and parts of Fridley. It spans much of Hennepin County while extending into portions of Anoka and Ramsey counties.
Unlike the closely contested 2024 endorsement convention, Saturday’s gathering at St. Louis Park High School unfolded without floor competition after Omar’s sole challenger, LaTonya Reeves, told delegates she would not seek the party endorsement. Only Omar and Reeves were placed in nomination before the convention chair called for additional names.
This year marks the first time her DFL primary challenger is a Black woman.
LaTonya Reeves addresses delegates at the St. Louis Park High School DFL convention on May 9, surprising attendees by announcing she would not seek the party’s endorsement for the 5th Congressional District race. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
Reeves used her remarks to call for a broader and more inclusive Democratic Party, warning against internal divisions. “We cannot become the party that only accepts those who agree with the loudest voices and discounts others,” she said, urging Democrats to confront issues such as anti-blackness and antisemitism while rebuilding trust among disaffected voters.
Outside the convention hall, Reeves told Mshale her decision not to pursue the endorsement reflected concerns she heard from constituents. “Our people do not feel safe coming into this space,” she said, adding that many felt the endorsement process did not reflect their voices. “Therefore, I am going straight to the primary.”
Omar’s campaign drew support from some of Minnesota’s most prominent Democratic figures. U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan both spoke in her favor, with Smith praising Omar’s performance in office, saying, “This woman knows how to deliver for the 5th Congressional District.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks with DFL delegates and supporters after receiving the party’s endorsement for her 2026 reelection in Minnesota’s 5th District. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
With Reeves stepping aside, delegates endorsed Omar by acclamation, bypassing what would have been a traditional Q&A and debate between candidates. The mood in the hall quickly shifted away from contest toward broader party politics and business including electing officers for the upcoming year.
The convention, held in a school deeply familiar to many attendees, also served as a stage for other Democratic figures seeking statewide or legislative office. Flanagan, who attended St. Louis Park High School, received an enthusiastic welcome as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Smith. Nehemiah Garley, a Liberian-American challenging state Sen. Susan Pha in Senate District 38, also drew strong applause following his remarks.
Tensions surfaced during a presentation by a representative of U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who is running against Flanagan for the Senate seat. As the speaker addressed delegates, much of the room turned their backs in a visible protest, underscoring deep divisions within the race.
DFL delegates at the St. Louis Park High School convention on Saturday, May 9, 2026 turn their backs during a speech by a representative for U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who is running against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for the U.S. Senate seat. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
Attorney General Keith Ellison also addressed delegates, earning sustained applause. “This election process we’re going through today is vitally important,” he said. “So is your marching in the streets, so is your mutual aid, so is the litigation that we’re doing.” In a lighter moment, he noted he still needed 2,000 signatures by June 2 to file for reelection.
In her remarks, Omar thanked delegates and Flanagan for their support and framed her reelection bid as part of a broader struggle over national politics and local resources. She highlighted federal funding she said she helped secure for the district, including what she described as $65 million in returned resources.
“What makes it all worthwhile is the incredible work of bringing back resources like the $65 million we brought back to this district,” Omar said. Delegates responded with a standing ovation and chants of “Ilhan, Ilhan.”
Omar, the only African-born member of Congress, first took office in 2019, becoming one of the first Muslim women elected to the U.S. House. Since then, she has faced repeated primary challenges, including from Antone Melton-Meaux in 2020 and Don Samuels in 2022 and 2024.
Reeves launched her campaign in November 2025 but has not reported fundraising on the scale of Omar, who raised approximately $5.09 million for the 2025–2026 cycle through March 31, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
Omar mingles with delegates and supporters at the St. Louis Park High School convention, thanking them for their support in the upcoming election. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
On the Republican side, the GOP has endorsed Dalia Al-Aqidi, who faces primary challenges from Angela Marie Walls-Windhauser and John Nagel.
The August 11 primary is expected to effectively decide the race in the heavily Democratic district, where the party’s nominee has consistently gone on to win the general election by wide margins.
Her Excellency Constância Adelina Gaspar, African Union ambassador to the United States. Photo: Courtesy of the African Union Mission to the United States.
Her Excellency Constância Adelina Gaspar, African Union ambassador to the United States. Photo: Courtesy of the African Union Mission to the United States.
Her Excellency Constância Adelina Gaspar, the African Union’s representative to the United States, will be the featured speaker at the annual fundraising breakfast and luncheon hosted by Books For Africa next week in Roseville.
The events are scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, at Midland Hills Country Club, with the breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. and the luncheon at noon.
Gaspar, a native of Angola, became the African Union’s ambassador to the U.S. in 2025. The African Union, which represents all 55 countries on the African continent, established its first diplomatic mission to the United States in Washington in 2007 as part of a broader effort to strengthen relations with the U.S. government, multilateral institutions and the African diaspora.
According to the African Union, Gaspar brings more than 15 years of experience in public international law, treaty negotiation and multilateral diplomacy within both the African Union and United Nations systems. Before her appointment in Washington, she served as officer-in-charge of the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, where she also worked as a senior legal officer.
“We appreciate having the African Union ambassador at our Books For Africa event as she can speak for the entire continent of Africa given her position,” Patrick Plonski, executive director of Books For Africa, said in a statement. “We look forward to hearing her thoughts on educational trends across Africa, and the resulting impact on trade, economic development, and global stability.”
Founded in St. Paul in 1988, Books For Africa is the world’s largest shipper of donated textbooks and library books to the African continent. The nonprofit has sent more than 65 million books to all 55 African countries since its founding.
Last year alone, the organization shipped more than 2.8 million books valued at over $28.5 million to 36 countries across Africa—a 78% increase over the previous year—alongside more than half a million digital books distributed through computers and e-readers.
The annual fundraiser draws supporters, educators, business leaders and members of Minnesota’s African diaspora community while helping raise funds to support future book shipments and literacy initiatives across the continent, as the organization continues to expand its reach and impact.
Ablaye Cissoko (right) and Cyrille Brotto (left) perform together at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis, with kora and accordion in an intimate seated performance on May 1, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
Ablaye Cissoko (right) and Cyrille Brotto (left) perform together at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis, with kora and accordion in an intimate seated performance on May 1, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
St. Olaf Catholic Church offers a unique space for performance art. The acoustics are fantastic, sight-lines unimpeded, and the lighting reveals the performers to the audience in equal measure as the audience to the performers. While dining and dancing are often an integral part of band-in-a-bar type shows, there were none of those distractions. Our focus was wholly on the duo playing their music for us.
Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto deserved all of our attention. They took the sanctuary and created a new sacredness with the unusual harmonies of their kora and diatonic button accordion ushering in the month of May to the hundreds in attendance.
Audience watching Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto concert inside St. Olaf Catholic Church stained glass windows in Minneapolis. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
The Senegalese kora player began their first number, the plucked notes filling our ears as it filled the space inviting us to breathe deeply and relax into their ethereal sound. The accordion wheezed into life as if the two instruments, developed on separate continents, were made for one another.
The 7 pm show still had sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows. Cissoko’s tunic, an emerald green, mirrored the colors in the windows. It captivated my eye as I listened to their songs and reflected on how each pane of colored glass lent itself over to the exquisiteness of the whole. Beautiful windows, beautiful music.
The pair, Cissoko and Brotto, played primarily from their most recent album, Djiyo, (meaning water) released in January 2025. The lyrics were sung in both French and Mandinka by Cissoko. Before several of the songs, a translator stepped on stage to provide the English version of what Cissoko had described in French. While well intentioned, I found the interruptions somewhat distracting. Audience members who purchased the CD could instead access translated lyrics through a QR code included with the album.
Audience applauding Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto performance at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
To be fair, I know the lyrics hold great meaning for Cissoko. He sings about issues that are pressing and even urgent. He’s not merely entertaining us, but also wanting to educate us and if possible make a call to action. Water is both life-giving and destructive in its power. Cissoko’s songs describe those qualities and how life metes out fates both forgiving and harsh.
One alternative to the on-stage translation might be a more integrated approach—such as projecting English translations and complementary imagery behind the musicians, or providing printed bilingual handouts. Even a prominently displayed QR code could allow audience members to engage with the lyrics at their own pace.
The music transcends the meaning of the lyrics. I felt the depth of emotion and did not need to understand the literal meaning in the moment. There were Senegalese audience members and others who understood the language. My seatmate, for instance, had lived in Senegal for two years as a Peace Corps volunteer and said she could understand snippets of the words, much to her delight.
Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto perform in an intimate seated arrangement at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis on May 1 2026, offering a close-up perspective of their musical exchange. Mshale Staff photo by Richard Ooga
If I had to choose one word for this show, it would be evocative. The music had a way of bringing my mood to another plane. I found it intoxicating, refreshing, renewing. I felt stronger and bolder after hearing it.
The Museum at the Obama Presidential Center, a four-floor cultural and civic space opening June 19 on Chicago’s South Side. Photo: Courtesy of the Obama Foundation
The Museum at the Obama Presidential Center, a four-floor cultural and civic space opening June 19 on Chicago’s South Side. Photo: Courtesy of the Obama Foundation
With the opening of the Obama Presidential Center weeks away, tickets to its highly anticipated museum will be released to the general public Wednesday morning, setting up what organizers expect to be a rush for summer dates.
The Obama Foundation said sales will begin at 9 a.m. CT on May 6, with high demand expected when the online queue opens. Summer weekends are likely to sell out first, officials said, urging prospective visitors to prepare alternate dates and times before entering the ticketing system.
The release follows an earlier presale period offered to founding members of the foundation, part of a phased rollout announced last year as interest in the project intensified.
The museum is scheduled to open June 19, one day after the center’s formal dedication, and will anchor a 19.3-acre campus in historic Jackson Park that is otherwise free and open to the public. While general access to the grounds does not require a ticket, entry to the museum itself will be timed and must be reserved in advance.
General admission tickets are priced between $23 and $30, with discounted rates for Illinois residents. The foundation also said Illinois residents will be able to reserve free admission on designated Tuesdays.
Visitors to the museum will encounter a four-floor exhibition space featuring interactive installations, historical artifacts and immersive storytelling centered on the presidency of Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, as well as broader themes of civic engagement and democracy.
The broader campus includes public amenities such as a library branch, athletic facilities, gardens and public art, much of which will be accessible without a ticket.
The foundation said tickets released this week will cover visits from June 19 through Nov. 30, with additional dates expected to be announced later.
Disclosure: The author is a founding member of the Obama Foundation.
Nomfusi delivers a powerful, soulful performance at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on April 21, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
Nomfusi delivers a powerful, soulful performance at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on April 21, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
April 21 is going to be a tough date to perform on a stage in Minneapolis unless you’re wearing purple and billing yourself as a tribute to a former Paisley Park resident whose name was Prince.
Nomfusi boldly took the stage anyway. The Cedar Cultural Center hosted her show, and at least 70 people clapped and sang and grooved to her tunes. That the crowd was fewer in number did not stop her from giving it her all.
The Cedar’s executive director, Michelle Woster, explained to me the next day that “the performers are paid the same whether it’s a sellout crowd or a small one, so their performance is the same either way.”
Nomfusi performs with keyboardist Ezra Erasmus and bassist Talo Ndou at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on April 21, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
With Nomfusi, it’s about more than money, even though one of her songs championed the earning of money to the max. Nomfusi presented an earnest and sincere demeanor. Her songs were about love, respect and raising up the oppressed. She didn’t give us half an effort but gave us her all.
Her all is impressive. She’s akin to the Carolina wren. Small in stature, but loud in voice. She started her show right at 7:30 p.m. on a Tuesday evening, even as people were still pulling themselves away from the remarkable spring weather and a deep colorful sunset.
Decked out in an outfit that shimmered and sparkled, Nomfusi did not take a back seat to any distractions. Along with her keyboardist, Ezra Erasmus, and her bassist, Talo Ndou, they took us on a journey of new work and familiar songs. She gave us a heads-up that we’d hear Afro-soul, Afro-jazz and traditional music from her homeland, South Africa.
Nomfusi has tagged herself as a blend of Miriam Makeba and Tina Turner. In her 90-minute set, she sang song after song that showed off her full-throated voice as well as her playful, whimsical lyrics and dance moves.
Nomfusi performs in a shimmering, sparkly outfit at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis on April 21, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
Song highlights
“Guwe” – a love song for anyone, a partner, sister, parent, child. “All the way from Africa, I came to get some love.”
“Owami” – a song about healing. It was a gorgeous journey she took us on as she performed it.
“To the top” – “You have to be your own source of strength. One thing I know, you’re gonna make it to the top. One thing I know, you’re gonna see your dreams come true.”
“Imali” – from The Lucky Charms album. Nomfusi is a perpetual source of positivity. This song had Tina Turner written all over it.
“Iqaqa” – this one featured classic South African singing with isicathamiya clicks.
There were many more energetic numbers. As the show wrapped up, I thought to myself it’s been a while since I’ve heard a woman sing with this level of strength and caliber at the Cedar or anywhere in Minneapolis. It’s no wonder she’s successful.
Gov. Tim Walz applauds toward the gallery during his final State of the State address Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Tim Walz/X)
Gov. Tim Walz applauds toward the gallery during his final State of the State address Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Tim Walz/X)
Gov. Tim Walz used his final State of the State address Tuesday night in St. Paul to reflect on a year marked by loss, political upheaval and recovery efforts across Minnesota, while defending his record and pressing lawmakers to strengthen fraud prevention.
Walz opened the speech in a lighter tone, greeting lawmakers, judges and family members in the House chamber and joking that his son was “wandering around” the Capitol. But the mood quickly shifted as he turned to a series of tragedies and disruptions that have shaped the state’s recent history.
He asked lawmakers to stand in honor of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, longtime Brooklyn Park residents whose deaths last year continue to resonate across Minnesota politics and their home community.
“We didn’t just lose treasured friends,” Walz said. “We lost the most consequential speaker in Minnesota’s history.”
A moment of silence followed as members of the Hortman family looked on.
A year marked by loss and disruption
Walz described the past year as one defined by overlapping crises — including political violence, mass shootings and a federal immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge that brought widespread disruption across the Twin Cities.
He said the period left many families in fear and strained relationships between neighbors as enforcement actions unfolded across workplaces and residential areas.
Even after the operation wound down earlier this year, its effects have lingered — from economic losses to lasting trauma for families and businesses. Local officials have estimated the operation caused more than $200 million in economic impact in Minneapolis alone. Combined estimates for Minneapolis and St. Paul place losses at more than $600 million, reflecting a broader disruption to the region’s economic base.
The ripple effects have been felt well beyond the urban core. In Brooklyn Park, city leaders have pointed to strained small businesses, shaken community trust and a long recovery still ahead following months of disruption.
Walz said his administration is now focused on helping communities recover.
“And even as our collective psyche tries to recover from the after-effects of Operation Metro Surge, we can take decisive action to help our economy recover as well,” he said.
He pointed to proposals including $10 million in partially forgivable loans for affected businesses and rental assistance for more than 9,000 households through housing stability programs.
Defending investments in Minnesota families
Walz used much of the speech to highlight long-term investments in Minnesota families, schools and working communities.
He pointed to free school meals, expanded child tax credits, tuition-free college for qualifying families, and major investments in early childhood education and workforce training programs.
“We feed our kids,” Walz said, noting that Minnesota has served more than 300 million free school meals since launching the program.
He also highlighted tax cuts, rebate checks, infrastructure spending and climate initiatives, framing them as efforts to ease financial pressure on working families facing rising costs.
Fraud crackdown and calls for legislative action
Walz also addressed growing scrutiny over fraud in state-funded programs, one of the most politically sensitive issues of his administration.
Minnesota has faced multiple investigations involving misuse of public funds, including high-profile cases tied to nonprofit programs such as Feeding Our Future, which have resulted in dozens of guilty pleas.
Walz said his administration has implemented a nine-part fraud prevention strategy that includes stronger oversight, additional investigators and expanded use of data analytics to detect suspicious activity earlier.
“People who have ripped us off are getting caught, and they are going to jail,” he said.
He acknowledged political criticism but said reforms are already underway and require legislative support to be fully effective.
“I’ve said the buck stops with me,” Walz said, urging lawmakers to pass stronger oversight measures, increase penalties and centralize fraud prevention efforts.
He also proposed restructuring parts of the state’s human services system to reduce administrative complexity and prevent improper payments before they occur.
“If you’re taking fraud seriously, take your responsibility seriously and pass legislation to stop it,” he said.
Republican response
House Speaker Lisa Demuth pushed back after the address, saying Walz did not adequately address concerns about fraud and state spending.
Demuth, who is running for governor in 2026, said Minnesota needs stronger accountability and tighter oversight of public programs as the state continues to deal with the fallout from large-scale fraud investigations.
“The people of Minnesota deserve a government that protects their tax dollars and prioritizes transparency,” Demuth said, adding that Republicans believe the state must do more to prevent misuse of public funds and reduce costs for taxpayers.
She said lawmakers still have “significant work to do” this session, particularly on restoring trust in government programs and addressing long-term fiscal concerns.
Closing a chapter in Minnesota politics
Walz, who is not seeking reelection after eight years in office and a 2024 run as the Democratic vice presidential nominee, framed the speech as both a reflection on progress and a call to complete unfinished work.
“This is not a goodbye,” he said. “But it is my last State of the State.”
He closed by sharing a story of a Minnesotan who traveled to Texas to help reunite a detained immigrant with his family — a moment he said reflected the state’s identity during difficult times.
Walz ended with a final appeal to unity and resilience.
“For seven years, we’ve been writing a story together,” he said. “Let’s get to work.”
Malawi Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda (center) poses with participants following his keynote at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis on April 17, 2026, flanked by Lane Ayres (right) and retired Minnesota Senior District Judge Tanya M. Bransford (left), alongside two additional attendees. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber
Malawi Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda (center) poses with participants following his keynote at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis on April 17, 2026, flanked by Lane Ayres (right) and retired Minnesota Senior District Judge Tanya M. Bransford (left), alongside two additional attendees. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber
Malawi’s chief justice told a Minnesota audience that judicial independence is facing growing global pressure, warning that the erosion of legal norms is not confined to any one country.
Speaking at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Rizine Mzikamanda described the rule of law as “foundational to democracy,” cautioning against what he called the reemergence of the “rule of men” over legal institutions.
“We are seeing the reemergence of the rule of men, trying to replace the rule of law,” he said. “We ought to stand on guard.”
The event, attended by about 100 people in a reception-style setting with guests seated and standing throughout the forum space, was hosted by the Law & Democracy Initiative of Books For Africa, a St. Paul–based nonprofit founded in 1988 that has grown into the world’s largest shipper of donated school textbooks to Africa.
Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson (right) shakes hands with Malawi Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda before delivering her remarks at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis on April 17, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber
Mzikamanda’s keynote drew connections between Malawi’s recent constitutional challenges and broader global threats to judicial independence. He was a Humphrey Fellow at the University of Minnesota during the 1997–98 academic year—a program that brings accomplished mid-career professionals from around the world to the United States for academic study and professional exchange.
He pointed to the country’s disputed 2019 presidential election, which was annulled by the courts after widespread irregularities, including altered vote tallies. Judges who ruled on the case faced intimidation, including attacks on court buildings and threats to their lives.
Malawi Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda delivers the keynote address at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis during a forum on the rule of law and judicial independence on April 17, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber
“They were so scared that they began saying their final prayers,” Mzikamanda said. “But they remained committed to doing what was right according to law.”
The court-ordered rerun election ultimately led to a peaceful transfer of power—an outcome widely cited as a rare example of judicial intervention strengthening democracy.
Before the keynote, U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell framed the rule of law not as an abstract concept, but as something sustained through individual commitment.
“The rule of law is not just a slogan,” Blackwell said. “It lives in whether a judge enforces the rule even when it is inconvenient.”
Drawing parallels between Malawi and the United States, he added: “It is as true in Malawi as it is in Minneapolis. The rule of law is, at its core, a restraint on power—and power everywhere resists restraint.”
U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell delivers remarks at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis during a forum on the rule of law and judicial independence on April 17, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber
Blackwell, who gained national prominence as lead prosecutor in the Derek Chauvin trial before his appointment to the federal bench, emphasized that legal systems endure only when those in power are held accountable.
Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson—the first person of color to serve as chief justice of the court—echoed those themes, underscoring the shared challenges courts face across borders.
“We are part of a broader global effort to sustain democratic values and public trust,” said Hudson.
Hudson described the rule of law as “the foundation upon which stable and just societies are built,” adding that courts must remain steady even as public trust is tested.
Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson delivers remarks at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis during a forum on the rule of law and judicial independence on April 17, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber
“There will be moments when courts are tested, when decisions are questioned, and when trust is strained,” she said. “And it is in those moments that our commitment to the rule of law must remain steady.”
For aspiring lawyers in the audience, the message resonated beyond theory.
Ja’Shaylee Minor, a first-year student at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, said the event reinforced the responsibility future attorneys carry.
“The most important thing is to uphold the rule of law,” she said. “It was very inspiring to see both of the justices speak about that as a law student and a future attorney.”
Minor, who previously studied at Howard University, said the discussion deepened her understanding of how legal systems operate across borders.
Audrey Sarpong, also a first-year law student, said the event highlighted the role individuals play in sustaining legal institutions.
“Each one of us has a part to play in the legal profession,” she said. “It has really inspired me to do my part.”
Attendees listen to speakers during a discussion on the rule of law and judicial independence at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis on April 17, 2026. Mshale Staff Photo by Jasmine Webber
Sarpong, a Minnesota native with family roots in Ghana, said she saw the event as a reminder of the importance of strengthening the rule of law both in the United States and across Africa.
The program concluded with remarks from Fatima Lawson, board president of Books For Africa, who emphasized the organization’s work in expanding access to legal knowledge and educational resources across the continent.
“At Books For Africa, we believe that access to legal knowledge is a fundamental part of sustaining democracy,” she said. “To that end, we are currently raising funds to send a comprehensive reference law library to allow graduates to join us in this mission.”
But it was the students in the room who left with the final word—reflecting on what they had heard, and what it meant for their future in law.
Rep. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley addressed constituents during a Senate District 38 town hall in Brooklyn Park on Aug. 26, 2025. Mshale Staff Photo by Tom Gitaa
Rep. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley addressed constituents during a Senate District 38 town hall in Brooklyn Park on Aug. 26, 2025. Mshale Staff Photo by Tom Gitaa
Minnesota state Rep. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley shared an emotional update on Thursday after her husband was hospitalized with a serious medical emergency, offering a glimpse into the personal strain unfolding during an active legislative session.
In a video posted to social media, Momanyi Hiltsley said she left a committee hearing last Tuesday after receiving a call from her husband, who was later diagnosed with a ruptured colon. He underwent surgery days later and is now recovering.
“He is out of the woods and he is recovering, so we are so thankful,” she said.
The Brooklyn Park lawmaker expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from community members, including those who have helped care for her children and organize meals for her family during the recovery period.
She also highlighted accommodations made by colleagues at the Minnesota Legislature, who have allowed her to continue participating remotely while remaining with her family—an arrangement she said has made it possible to continue serving constituents during session.
“They’ve made it possible for me to participate remotely and still serve my constituents and the people of Minnesota,” she said.
Momanyi Hiltsley, who represents District 38A, has been an active presence in her community and at the Capitol since her election, frequently engaging residents on issues including public safety and human services.
While noting that her husband faces a longer recovery, she emphasized the importance of community support during difficult moments.
“We have an amazing village and support system,” she said.
The post drew significant engagement online, with hundreds of comments and reactions from constituents and community members offering support.
The update comes as lawmakers enter the final weeks of the legislative session, a period typically marked by heightened debate and key budget decisions.
South African jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini is seen in a promotional photo. He performs May 13 at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. Photo: Courtesy
South African jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini is seen in a promotional photo. He performs May 13 at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. Photo: Courtesy
“It’s always collaborative,” Nduduzo Makhathini stated. “As the bandleader, you carry the intention of the music, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re controlling the music.”
Joined by bandmates Zwelakhe Duma Bell le Pere on bass and drummer Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, the trio will deliver their latest songs at The Cedar in the middle of the week on May 13th.
The bandleader of this jazz trio, Makhathini creates his sound on keyboard and vocals. He spent time with Mshale recently offering his thoughts on music, memories, shared trauma, and family, one not leading to the next, but at times salvaging the the remnants, providing a place holder, a container, for the experiences.
“When I bring the music, I don’t entirely think of myself as the composer—“ Makhathini said modestly, “—of course, that’s the correct language that is used by society, but I think I’m just someone with some kind of ability to cite things that are happening elsewhere. I’m constantly trying to be aware of another world. So I’m gonna be presenting my ancestors, I’m gonna be presenting my lineage,” the South African musician said in an effort to elaborate on his artistry.
“Once everyone understands the intentions in the sound, then we can go all kinds of different directions. It’s an open itinerary, there is no obsession to reaching a particular place. It goes all kinds of different directions, then we check in with each other and it goes again.”
At 43, Makhathini knows where he’s going, knows where he’s been, but he’s also curious to find out where he might be headed musically that he didn’t anticipate. He’s a book that’s still writing itself.
“In the concert, I’m always trying to consult with silence. It’s like sounds in their orientation are always looking forward to dissolving into the mother sound, which is silence,” said Makhathini.
“So while we put so much energy playing sounds, we don’t mind if these sounds get absorbed into silence. The music in itself is producing these metaphors for surrender, for emptiness.
“Sometimes, we need to let [our preconceptions] go. It’s in the language of emptiness, maybe that’s what we need. So the music is about [finding the emptiness].”
Don’t expect to find many empty seats at The Cedar. His show at the Dakota nearly sold out a couple years ago. Now he has a new album out co-produced with his son, Thingo Makhathini, The Myth We Choose, Blue Note records.
“I’m very excited that he’s produced my new record and composed some music for it. It’s grappling with the whole notion of fatherhood and stereotypes. I try to bring him to the music for us to think about what does it mean for us to have this relationship of father and son.”
Tickets for Nduduzo Makhathini’s show at the Cedar Cultural Center available here.
Attendees react to a speaker at the annual African Heritage Day on the Hill organized by the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage at the State Capitol on March 4, 2025. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
Attendees react to a speaker at the annual African Heritage Day on the Hill organized by the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage at the State Capitol on March 4, 2025. Mshale Staff Photo by Richard Ooga
Many African heritage families in Minnesota are experiencing rising anxiety tied to immigration enforcement concerns and persistent disparities, according to the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage’s 2025 annual report—even as population growth and economic influence across the state continues to expand.
“Families are anxious. Neighbors are afraid,” Council Chair Wayne Doe wrote in the report’s opening, describing what he called a growing sense of silence and withdrawal in parts of the community.
The report points to African immigrant communities, including residents from Somalia and Liberia, as particularly affected. It says some families are becoming more cautious about attending public events, engaging with government services, or participating in civic spaces due to fears linked to immigration enforcement and increased scrutiny.
“We have to make sure people feel safe before they can fully engage,” said Executive Director Linda Sloan, who described trust-building as a central part of the council’s work. She said CMAH has leaned more heavily on partnerships with grassroots organizations and trusted community voices to help bridge that gap.
At the same time, the report highlights the scale of Minnesota’s African heritage community and its growing economic presence across the state.
It estimates about 287,000 working-age African heritage residents in Minnesota, supported by more than 103,000 births since 2010 and the arrival of roughly 79,000 Black immigrants between 2010 and 2023.
Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage Chair Wayne Doe and Linda Sloan, the executive director, speak at the annual African Heritage Day on the Hill on March 13, 2023. Mshale Staff Photos by Richard Ooga
CMAH places the community’s overall economic footprint at about $18 billion in combined income and housing-related assets, including roughly $10 billion in consumer spending power.
Entrepreneurship continues to expand as well. The report cites about 48,500 Black-owned non-employer businesses across the state—nearly double the number recorded in 2017—and more than 2,100 employer businesses that together generate roughly $924 million in payroll and employ over 33,000 workers.
Altogether, CMAH estimates African heritage residents contribute about $58 billion in economic output and support roughly 300,000 jobs statewide.
Despite that growth, the report says long-standing disparities in education, employment, housing, and health outcomes remain a pressing concern.
Mental health access is highlighted as a particular gap, with the report pointing to limited availability of culturally responsive providers, stigma around seeking care, and broader system barriers that continue to affect families.
“Our strength has always been in community, faith, resilience,” Doe wrote, framing the report as both a reflection of progress and a reminder of unfinished work.
