Foro de Derechos de los Inquilinos || Renters Rights Forum || Baro Sharciyada Kiraystaha

Interpretación disponible en español.
Fasiraadda somali waa la heli karaa.

Come learn about renter protections in our present moment and how to advocate for renters in Minneapolis!

We'll cover the eviction process, protections against retaliation, utility shutoff protections/payment programs, and ways to support yourself or neighbors struggling with making rent.
Bring your questions or submit them in advance to housing@phillipswest.org.

RSVP Ahead of time - Register on Zoom

Venga a aprender sobre las protecciones para inquilinos en la actualidad y cómo defender a los inquilinos en Minneapolis. Cubriremos el proceso de desalojo, las protecciones contra represalias, los programas de protección y pago de servicios públicos, y cómo apoyarse a sí mismo o a sus vecinos con dificultades para pagar el alquiler. Traiga sus preguntas o envíelas con anticipación a housing@phillipswest.org.

Confirma asistencia con antelación - registrarse

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Brought to you by Philips West Neighborhood Organization (PWNO), in partnership with the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) and the Minnesota Translator and Interpreter Cooperative (MNTIC).

Celebrate Black History in the Central Neighborhood

CANDO is kicking off Black History month this Friday with Smoke in the Pit!

Smoke in the Pit, located just on the edge of the Central neighborhood of Minneapolis is one of the neighborhood’s oldest operating Black businesses in the area, having served the southside for close to 30 years. Now operated by Dwight Jr, Smoke in the Pit was founded by Dwight and Ivy Alexander in 1998.

We Keep Us Safe - AND Fed!

CANDO is proud to sponsor 40 free meals this Friday (February 6th) starting at 1pm! Drop in to get chicken, ribs, catfish or some greens to fight back the winter blues.

Found us from out of town, or can’t stop in for the BBQ?
You can help Minneapolis feed it's neighbors at gofundme.com/f/support-dwights-restaurant-in-george-floyd-square

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The  population  of  Central  is  diverse  and  activist and  has  been  since  its  inception. It  may  be  all  but  forgotten  today,  but  before  Minnesota  even  became  a  state  it  had  an  African   American  community of free,  educated,  and  influential  black  families  who  settled  in  the  area.

Minneapolis was home to them fifty years before waves of Scandinavian, German, and Irish immigrants surged into the Twin Cities. The Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery on Lake Street and Cedar Avenue (on the National Trust of Historic Places) retains permanent evidence of that early  settlement and its ties to abolitionist movement. The cemetery was founded in 1853 by Martin and Elizabeth Layman, among  the founders of the First Baptist Church, a gathering place for abolitionists. Their cemetery was never segregated. The cemetery holds the grave of famous Black abolitionist leader William Goodridge; his son, an internationally renowned photographer, Glenalvin J. Goodridge; and his grandson Toussaint Grey. Goodridge’s network of friends included Fredrick Douglass and white abolitionist Wendell Phillips - for whom the Philips Neighborhood is named.

Excerpt from CENTRAL NRP PHASE II NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN

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TIME TRAVEL BLACK: SOUTHSIDE SUNDAY WITH PLOT GALLERY

Join CANDO in uplifting southside’s own while honoring the Black roots of the Central neighborhood!

This Sunday, February 8th, we invite you to join us to time travel BLACK 200 years into Minnesota’s past - between 2-4pm at PLOT Gallery. Hosted by Asa-Azriel Rice in partnership with the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO), explore how one family legacy has impacted both our neighborhood - and our nation.

PLOT Gallery is a multidisciplinary art space located in George Floyd Square at 38th and Chicago Avenue. PLOT was founded in 2015 by Asa-Azriel Rice to create opportunities for incredible emerging and underserved artists, bridging the gap and connecting them with future collectors, while nurturing their individual talents.

plotgallery.com
3730 Chicago Ave S. ste A
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Wokiksuye – In Remembrance & Witness; En recuerdo y testimonio

Wokiksuye pronunciation: [woh – GEEK – sue – yea]

>> Español Abajo <<

Please join First Peoples of Mni Sóta Makoce for official public memorial ceremony in collaboration with the Good Family, mourning all those lost in this occupation 

Open to All Walks of Life who will Stand with us in Peace & Prayer – Nawajin en Wodakota k’a Wocekiye 

Saturday February 7th 2026

1-3pm Memorial Ceremony led by Arvol Looking Horse followed by community-led singing, poetry and more 

Powderhorn Park
Children warmly welcome
Music • Art • Tipis • Snacks • Hot beverages
Please wear sparkles, glitter, and glam!

Special invitation and care for those who have witnessed violence, loss, or ICE abductions.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/MPLS-Feb7

*ASL Interpretation available

*Accessible seating available

*Alcohol and drug-free space

We’re proud to uplift this community event held in collaboration with:
NDN Collective, Braveheart Society, Indigenous Protector Movement, American Indian Movement, Freedom Trainers, Sunrise Movement, Project South, and many others.

En unión con los pueblos Indígenas de Mni Sóta Makoce y la familia de Renee Good para una ceremonia conmemorativa pública el sábado 7 de febrero en Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis. De luto por Renée, Alex y todos los que hemos perdido en esta ocupación.

La ceremonia conmemorativa será dirigida por el Jefe Arvol Looking Horse y comienza a la 1 p. m., seguida de cantos, palabra, poesía y más.

Invitación y cuidado especiales para aquellos que han sido testigos de violencia, pérdida o secuestros de ICE.

En colaboración con: NDN Collective, Brave Heart Society, Indigenous Protector Movement, American Indian Movement, Freedom Trainers, Sunrise Movement, Project South, y MÁS.

Aprende más: https://bit.ly/MPLS-Feb7

*Interpretación en ASL disponible

*Asientos accesibles disponibles

*Espacio libre de alcohol y drogas

#FueraICE #NadieEsIlegalEnTierrasRobadas

Monday 1/19: Nonviolent Direct Action Training & Monarca Upstander Observer Training

Neighbor, we’re in this together.

While ICE escalates attacks on our immigrant neighbors, as well as observers, the Central neighborhood must step into our shared values of courage, care, and community.
We know that we care for us and we keep us safe.

Join us on Monday, January 19 for free trainings to help keep us safe! Pro-Immigrant, Pro-Labor, Pro-Democracy! Now available in the Central neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Visit the link below to register and receive location information.

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Choose between these three trainings:
12-2pm Monarca Upstander Observer Training (FULL)

3-6:30pm NVDA Training

7-9pm Monarca Upstander Observer Training

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Whether you have never joined a direct action, or you've planned one, this hands-on training is for you. Together, we will:

• Learn what makes direct actions successful (or not successful).

• Practice key hands-on skills for safe, fun, and effective direct actions, from de-escalation to linking arms to marshaling.

• Connect with fellow community members who are committed to safe, joyful resistance against white supremacy, corporate greed, and authoritarianism.

34th & Portland Visitors Guide

Dear Visitors,

You are in the central neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The block you are entering and visiting has become a space of mourning, but it is still our home.

Please remember: You are a guest in our neighborhood.

Take a deep breath.

Drive slowly.

Clean up after yourself.

Approach the space with reverence.

Respect the people that live here. The children on this block and in the surrounding areas have bed times, contrary to what they may tell you.

Err on the side of being quiet.

Notify neighborhood leaders of suspicious activity.

Be respectful of the people who live here.

Ask yourself why you’re taking a picture or video before you take it. Pause and consider not posting to social media.

Central is a historically Black neighborhood home to vibrant cultural and linguistic diversity, situated in the heart of south Minneapolis on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Dakhóta and Anishinaabe people. The Central neighborhood is defined by the borders of I-35W to the west, Chicago Ave to the east, Lake Street to the north and 38th Street to the south.

If you’re interested in supporting neighbors overwhelmed by the trauma of this moment, we’re fundraising for 3 months of support for 40 impacted families at
givemn.org/34th-portland-neighbors

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THIS COMMUNITY IS ORGANIZED AND TENDED BY THE

CENTRAL AREA NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (CANDO)

DIRECT INQUIRIES TO CANDO@THECENTRALNEIGHBORHOOD.COM

LEAVE A MESSAGE AT 612-353-6768

@CENTRALNEIGHBORHOODMPLS

Response to Shooting on 34th and Portland

Dear Community,

This morning a neighbor was shot and killed by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (also known as ICE) in the area of 34th Street East and Portland Avenue South in the central neighborhood.

We are outraged, disgusted and horrified by these actions. 

As your neighborhood organization, we affirm the following:

1. No human being is illegal.

2. Immigrants and refugees are welcome here.

3. Everyone has the right to feel safe.

4. Observing our government in public is a legal right.

5. We are stronger together.

We understand that this administration has declared war on our community, our neighborhood, our city and our state. We will not be intimidated. 

As your neighborhood organization, we commit to the following:

1. We will be a vehicle to resource the community, and we feel prepared to do so with integrity.

2. We will use our resources and voice to defend the humanity of all of our neighbors.

3. We will move with transparency and communicate with love.

4. We will be accountable for the times we fail to do any of the above. 

We are requesting the city of Minneapolis to hold a press conference and support resource distribution to ensure neighbors can stay safe - with prompt psychological first aid response to neighbors who witnessed the murder.

All of us, or none of us,

Mickella Rolfes & Lane Brown

Co-Executive Directors

Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO)

Resources:

1. What do you do if your loved one is detained by ICE?

1. Contact the Rapid Response line: 612-441-2881

2. Contact the Paralegal line: 651-372-8642

2. What do you do if you are detained by ICE?

1. You have constitutional rights (Espanol)

1. NO ABRA LA PUERTA si un agente de inmigración está tocando la puerta.

2. NO CONTESTE NINGUNA PREGUNTA de un agente de inmigración si trata de hablar con usted. Usted tiene el derecho a guardar silencio.

3. NO FIRME NADA sin antes hablar con un abogado. Usted tiene el derecho de hablar con un abogado.

4. SI USTED ESTA AFUERA DE SU CASA, pregúntele al agente si tiene la libertad de irse y si le dice que sí, váyase con tranquilidad.

5. ENTRÉGUELE ESTA TARJETA EL AGENTE. Si usted está dentro de su casa, muestre la tarjeta por la ventana o pásela debajo de la puerta. (Las tarjetas están disponibles en monarcamn.org y en la oficina de CANDO, en el tercer piso del Centro Comunitario Sabathani).

6. ICE ESTA PRESENTE? Llama al 612.441.2881 para hablar con alguien en nuestra línea de respuesta rápida.

7. TIENES DUDAS O PREGUNTAS? Llama al 651.372.8642 y conéctate con nuestra línea de conoce tus derechos.

2. You have constitutional rights (English)

1. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

2. DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

3. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

4. IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

5. GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door. (Cards available from monarcamn.org and the CANDO office on the 3rd floor of the Sabathani Community Center.)

6. SEE ICE? Call 612.441.2881 to talk to someone on our Rapid Response line.

7. GOT QUESTIONS OR UNSURE? Call 651.372.8642 to connect with our Know Your Rights line.

3. What to say to federal agents (English)

1. “I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.”

2. “I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.” (example here) (el ejemplo)

3. “I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.”

4. “I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.”

3. More resources available at Monarca (monarcamn.org)

4. What do you do if you see ICE? 

1. Call the rapid response line: 612-441-2881

2. Paralegal line: 651-372-8642

3. DO:

1. Blow short blasts with a whistle if you see ICE. Whistles are available from the CANDO office on the 3rd floor of the Sabathani Community Center.

2. Blow long blasts with a whistle if you see ICE or other federal agents kidnapping a targeted person. Whistles are available from the CANDO office on the 3rd floor of the Sabathani Community Center.

3. Honk your horn if you see ICE vehicles on the road.

4. Try to get the targeted person’s name, DOB, country of origin. This helps Monarca intervene and find them before they are moved out of state. Try to get contact info of others left behind - also helpful to Monarca. Report this information to the rapid response line.

5. Back up if instructed.

4. DO NOT:

1. Take any video of the targeted person.

5. Take a legal observer training

1. Monarca

2. MIRAC

Example of a Judicial Warrant:

SPEAK UP & SPEAK OUT! CITY BUDGET HEARING TONIGHT at 6:05pm

YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Tonight is a great night to fight for community! We’re gathering downtown to lift our collective voices in supporting the -

1. Increase of funding to neighborhood organizations through the Equitable Engagement Fund 

2. 38th and Chicago Business Support Plan which will assist the neighborhood in creating a vibrant, safe, and culturally grounded commercial corridor.

3. 38th Street Thrive Strategic Development Plan (Budget Amendment) which honors the legacy of Black history along 38th street and invests in housing stabilization for our neighbors

Will you lend us your voice in supporting these initiatives?

Attend in Person at the Public Hearing for the City Budget on the third floor in room 350 at the Public Service Center (PSC), 250 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415 .

• Register to speak up to 30 minutes before the hearing. 

• Plan to bring someone to back you up! We need a strong representation. 

• You will be given 2 minutes. At the end of your time, you may hear a timer go off. The Chair will tell you that your time is up.

• Certain rules apply to Public Hearings. Signs are not allowed, but shirts representing your cause are! Speak respectfully using titles when possible. (tinyurl.com/smac25)

• Give yourself plenty of time to find Parking (Parking costs are higher downtown: carpool or use public transportation if possible)

• You’re on TV! Be mindful that everything you say or submit online to the public comment is public record and will be available online for others to view.

Participate Online

Submit written comments online to the City Clerk (minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/meetings/public-comment), making sure to reference the case or action number (listed in parentheses next to each item number below) that you’re speaking about. The City of Minneapolis makes all comments public and includes them in the public record and online. Only include information that you are comfortable making public.

Watch Online

Public Hearing on Tuesday evening can be viewed using the YouTube link: youtube.com/watch?v=iA0vY0H4ooQ

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SAMPLE SCRIPT

My name is ____________. I live in ward ____________  in the ____________ neighborhood.

I'm here today to urge you to (support/not support) the:

• Increase of funding to neighborhood organizations through the Equitable Engagement Fund 

• 38th and Chicago Business Support Plan

• Community Streets Plan (Community Visioning Council)

• 38th Street Thrive (Budget Amendment)

• East Phillips Urban Farm & Roof Depot

• ICE & City Separation Ordinance

• ________________________________________

(This/These) issue(s) are important to me because:

• Neighborhood organizations (2025-00901) have/are (community gardens, urban farms, food access, language education, emergency response for federal agents, important city infrastructure, racial equity requires resources, citizen engagement & organizing, fiscal sponsors, community solutions to Public Safety, etc.)

  • ________________________________________

• 38th & Chi Business Support Plan (2025-01326) (46 years of property tax abatement: retroactive until 2020, flexible-open plan while incorporating spaces for reflection, cultural expression, and remembrance)

  • ________________________________________

• Community Streets Plan (2025-01309) (CVC vision for George Floyd Square, community-informed design, space for a permanent memorial to George Floyd)

  • ________________________________________

• 38th Street Thrive (2025-00901) (Amendment #27) represents (legacy and heritage of the southside African American community, preserving economic vibrancy, creative identity, and affordability, strengthens the vitality, resilience and partnership of the people who live and work in the district)

  • ________________________________________

• The East Phillips Urban Farm / Roof Depot (2023-00736) (stewardship, ethical accountability, solar-powered indoor farm generating year-round fresh produce, as well as affordable housing, communal spaces, 500+ jobs)

  • ________________________________________

• ICE & City Separation Ordinance (2025-00716) (no information-sharing between police and federal agencies; no participation in federal enforcement, even in supportive roles like crowd control; require federal agents show their faces and wear official badges with name plates; and “punitive measures” up to and including termination for personnel or agencies violating the separation ordinance)

  • ________________________________________

WHO REPRESENTS ME AT THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS?

The Central neighborhood is represented by Ward 8 Council Member Andrea Jenkins and Ward 9 Council Member Jason Chavez. Uncertain of who represents you? Identify your representative online at minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/find-my-ward

Learn More about the City’s Budget Process online at www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget/

December 2nd Community Townhall: A Unified Vision for George Floyd Square

DECEMBER 2ND TOWNHALL
A UNIFIED VISION FOR GEORGE FLOYD SQUARE

Join CANDO, the Community Visioning Council (CVC), PLEDGE, Listen Media, Black Visions and local businesses and organizations at the Community Visioning Council’s Townhall presenting a Unified Vision for George Floyd Square! Held at Phelps Park Gym in south Minneapolis, the townhall will begin at 6pm and feature an interactive experience allowing community to interact and ask questions. This event follows an intensive year of organizing across culture, race, class and difference.

The residents and businesses in the Central, Bryant, Bancroft and Powderhorn park neighborhoods have come to agreement on a unified vision.

The Community Visioning Council (CVC) nominated this vision - called the "Community Streets Plan" - for a vote on October 18th. The vote included residents, community groups, activists, memorial caretakers, nonprofit organization staff/board members and business owners from the 38th & Chi Business Coalition. The vote was unanimous. Before presenting the plan to the Minneapolis City Council for a vote, the CVC chose to bring the plan to the broader community one last time for a final round of feedback and conversation at a townhall.

The CVC will be serving dinner (there will be something for all dietary needs) and will provide a presentation to the community. This is a space for Questions & Answers. Come learn about the community's progress and plans for moving forward. Bring a neighbor with you!

Townhall Accessibility & Interpretation
Phelps Park Gym - 701 E 39th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
December 2nd, 6-8pm
Wheelchair Accessible Space
English-to-Spanish interpretation provided by Minnesota Translator and Interpreter Cooperative (MNTIC)

Questions or Accommodation requests?
Send a message to cando@thecentralneighborhood.com
Learn more at the CVC website www.gfscvc.org.

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Who is the Community Visioning Council (CVC)?
The CVC is made up of residents, businesses and organizations who live and work in the Central, Bancroft, Bryant and Powderhorn Park neighborhoods - the four neighborhoods that meet at the intersection of 38th and Chicago in south Minneapolis where George Perry Floyd Jr. was murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020.

The Neighborhoods Surrounding George Floyd Square
Central, Bryant, Bancroft and Powderhorn park neighborhoods all meet at the intersection of 38th and Chicago - George Floyd Square.
Central is represented by CANDO (Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization) thecentralneighborhood.com
Bryant is represented by BNO (Bryant Neighborhood Organization) welovebryant.org
Bancroft is represented by BNA (Bancroft Neighborhood Association) bancroftneighborhood.org
Powderhorn is represented by PPNA (Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association) ppna.org

38th and Chi Business Coalition
City Food Studio - cityfoodstudio.com
PLOT Gallery - plotgallery.com
PGMA Development
Just Turkey Restaurant - justturkeymn.com
Bichota Coffee - bichotacoffee.com
Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center - cafac.org
Smoke in the Pit - smokeinthepitrestaurant.com
Minnesota Agape Movement -  theagapemovement.com
POC Foundation
Mill City Auto Body
Finish Touch - finishtouchboutique.com
Migel Auto Service
Listen2Us Studio - listenmedia.org

Community Care Package

Dear neighbors,

Our team has been reeling from the recent wave of violence in South Minneapolis. Two separate incidents took three lives and injured dozens of others.

Our care package to you is a gift of community. 

Here’s where to find it:

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Smart North Tech Hub (Youth 12-24)
Sabathani Community Center, 3rd Floor, 310 East 38th St, Mpls, MN
smartnorth.org

After School Hours: 3:00pm - 6:30pm

Sabathani Open Gym (Youth 10-24)

Sabathani Community Center, 2nd Floor Gym, 310 East 38th St, Mpls, MN
Mon, Wed & first 3 Fridays: 4:30pm-6:30pm (ages 10-17), 6:30pm-8:30pm (ages 18-24)

sabathani.org

Hosmer Library Youth Hang Zone
Hosmer Library, 347 E 36th St, Mpls, MN
Tuesday, September 02, 4:30pm–6:00pm

hclib.org

FOR PARENTS

Crisis Nursery

4544 4th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
www.crisisnursery.org

FATHER Project

310 E 38th St UNIT 204, Minneapolis, MN
goodwilleasterseals.org/services/family-stability

9am-5pm

NAMI MN Parental Support Groups

1919 University Ave. W, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55104

651-645-2948

namihelps@namimn.org

FOR ALL
Queermunity

3036 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

 612.208.7082

queermunitymn.com

Open 7 days a week 8 AM to 8 PM

Kente Circle

345 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55409

612-243-1600

kentecircle.com

Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Pillsbury House & Theater

3501 Chicago Avenue S
pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org

Monday – Friday, 8:30a-5p

What we have to offer is this:

1. Challenge isolation - fear drives us away from one another.

2. Stay curious about connecting with others in your community.

3. Do your best to eat enough food and drink enough water.

4. Don’t feel pressured to react to this trauma in a certain way.

   We’re in this together.

   Please remember: you aren’t alone.

With love,

Neighborhood Staff of the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization

Neighborhood Events & Activities

Bryant Community Garden Volunteer Day - Saturday, July 19th from 9am to 12pm

3858 Columbus Avenue S

Black Business Week Kickoff at George Floyd Square - Thursday, July 24th from 2pm to 7pm

38th and Chicago Avenue S

Inside Out 4: Block Party with Pillsbury House & Theater - Saturday, July 26th from 1pm to 5pm

3501 Chicago Avenue S

Gardens & Graveyards: Grief Release Gathering - Sunday, July 27th at 9am

3744 Chicago Avenue S

Bikes & Botany - Bike Clinic and Garden Exploration - Saturday, August 2nd from 2-4pm

Hosmer Library - 347 East 36th Street

Ice Cream Social - Thursday, August 7th from 5-7pm

Phelps Field Park - 701 East 39th Street

Community & Board of Directors Meeting - Wednesday, August 20th from 6-8pm

Bryant Community Garden - 3858 Columbus Avenue S

Legacy on the Block: A Black Business Showcase to Kick Off Minneapolis Black Business Week at 38th & Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Legacy on the Block: A Black Business Showcase to Kick Off Minneapolis Black Business Week at 38th & Chicago

Minneapolis, MN – July 2025 — The City of Minneapolis will launch its annual Black Business Week with Legacy on the Block: A Black Business Showcase, a full-day activation taking place on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, centered at 38th & Chicago.

Legacy on the Block is a powerful, place-based celebration of Black entrepreneurship, creativity, and community power, led by Healthy Roots Institute and City Food Studio in collaboration with the 38th & Chicago Avenue business coalition, other local partners, including CANDO, Sabathani Community Center, AGAPE Movement, and more.

The event will feature a City-led press conference at 4:30 PM, with remarks from Mayor Jacob Frey, Councilmember Andrea Jenkins, and community leaders. The press conference will uplift the ongoing legacy of Black business ownership and call attention to the significance of the 38th & Chicago corridor as a cultural and economic hub.

Event Highlights Include:

• Food Court Sampling & Business Storytelling from anchor corridor businesses like Smoke in the Pit and Just Turkey

• A curated Art Crawl featuring Plot Gallery, Listen 2 Us Studio, Mystic Healing Stones,Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center, Wing Young Huie, and other creatives

• A Cultural Walking Tour of 38th Street led by community historians and movement leaders

• A vendor market and resource zone showcasing Black entrepreneurs and community organizations

• A Fireside Chat and Open Mic amplifying the voices and visions of local Black business owners, creatives, and residents

The day begins with a Communities of Practice convening at Sabathani Community Center—bringing together cohort members from the Greater Twin Cities United Way Full Lives Grant to explore collective healing, food access, and Black-led collaboration. From there, the activation moves into a vibrant public celebration throughout the 38th & Chicago corridor.

Why It Matters:

Legacy on the Block is more than an event—it’s a statement. At a time when public attention has turned away from the intersection once at the center of global consciousness, this event calls us back—to witness, to support, and to invest in the Black businesses, artists, and community builders who never left.

This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a platform for Black entrepreneurs to be seen, supported, and sustained,” says Chef Lachelle Cunningham, event lead and founder of Healthy Roots Institute and City Food Studio. “Black business owners can’t build legacy in isolation—we need each other. Legacy on the Block is about moving together in unity, lifting one another up, and showing what’s possible when we invest in our community.”

Press Conference Details:

• Time: 4:30 PM

• Location: The Square at 38th & Chicago

• Speakers: Mayor Jacob Frey, City Council President Elliot Payne, City Council Member Andrea Jenkins, Neighborhood Development Center and community business leaders

Media RSVP and Contact:

Members of the press are encouraged to attend the 4:30 PM press conference and explore the full activation throughout the day. Interviews, photo opportunities, and vendor features will be available.

For press inquiries or to RSVP, contact:
Bridgette Stewart, agapebstewart@gmail.com