Send prayers to planet, relatives

I’ve seen enough things to know that if you just keep on going, if you turn the corner, the sun will be shining.”

Al Sharpton, Jr.

Arise and shine; go touch a life; Go and chase your destiny. Arise and shine; with the power of one; It’s your time.”

Sherri Orr

Hello Monitor readers,
I send good thoughts, condolences, and a collective embrace to everyone that has been feeling sorrow, frustration, and/or who are personally grieving a loss.
Natural disaster losses are heartbreaking and everyday losses of beloved human beings are painful and unfortunately, expected; however, the loss of our children, young adults, and elders due to senseless and at times, preventable acts of violence and shootings are unbearable! Please send prayers and good thoughts to our planet and to all our relatives.

Reflections from a peacemaker
Continuing last month’s conversation on “poverty” or “hopelessness” is artist and peacemaker, Jane Powell’s reflections and insights:
Words such as “poverty” and/or “hopelessness” are too general. By that I mean, what do each of us imagine when we hear “poverty” or “hopelessness”? I believe the words do not express the complexity of facets, especially when it comes to people of color.
What impacts come from historical trauma passed down from slavery and Jim Crow laws and, specific to Rondo, the dividing of a thriving community by a major highway – which had in fact, initially not been routed through Rondo? Where were/are sources of pollution situated? Noxious odors and toxins affect the livability of a community. In the Twin Cities, these sites mainly are situated by communities of color, which were “force” formed by redlining.
The color of one’s skin stands out affecting offers of equitable employment, housing and services. Increasingly I am reading articles concerning the long-term disparities in the health care treatment of Black and Brown bodies by our medical institutions. I am glad these are being printed; however, the lack of care continues and creates distress and distrust. Consider the criminal justice system and note the significantly greater percent of Black and Brown versus White bodies who are incarcerated for similar offenses, with harsher sentences and wrongful convictions. As these individuals are fathers, brothers, uncles, and also, mothers, sisters and aunts, their removal additionally creates cracks in their community. There is a greater percent of Black and Brown versus White bodies who are stopped by police for traffic and other issues. How many White families have “the talk” with their kids about the color of their skin and navigating and staying alive in America’s White-focused legal, economic and social system?
There is more to this deep and complex issue and, as White allies, we can inform each other and work to change our local and national legal, economic and cultural systems.

Let’s talk about mini forests
And, to assist with thinking spring and greener, UMN research student, Anna Turner provides earth-friendly information:
When you think of a “mini-forest” in St. Paul, what comes to mind? A city street lined with the same elm tree, perfectly spaced out block after block? A pot filled with manicured bonsai trees sitting on the stoop of your neighbor’s front porch? Or do you envision a dense and diverse forest, much like one which once grew wild all over Minnesota, tucked within your community? If the latter appears in your mind, you’re already envisioning the possibilities of what a tennis court-sized space in the middle of St. Paul can grow to be. A community-based project located in Rondo, Frogtown, Como, and Hamline/Midway is aiming to turn that vision of an urban mini-forest into a planted reality.
As Molly Codding, local environmentalist, spoke on in a previous Monitor column, “Community forests in Midway neighborhoods dontribute to rnvironmental justice,” urban trees serve a multitude of economic, environmental, and social benefits. This urban forestry project is focused on decreasing disparities in urban tree canopy across the Twin Cities, addressing racist planning such as redlining, and cultivating community-based climate action. The mini-forest project prioritizes community collaboration in its selection of potential planting locations in St. Paul neighborhoods. The project will gain community input, via a survey, on site selection and interest in community involvement. The information gained from the survey, as well as from the stories shared and conversations had between community members and organizations, will be used in the advancement of the engagement process. The mini-forest survey can be found on the informational website here: https://rondo-frogtown-mini-forests-project.weebly.com/survey.html
There is so much promise within a mini-forest. From closing gaps in tree canopy disparities to growing green sanctuaries in which generations can reap the numerous benefits. Maybe the most notable of these mini-forest potentials is its ability to foster an approachable community-based climate and justice action. When you are walking to your community garden to collect your fall harvest or riding the bus on your daily commute, look around and notice all the concrete or barren corners of your neighborhood that hold potential to a greener future.

Keep the positive vibrations flowing; mourn when needed and stay optimistic!
May Peace Be In the Rondo, Frogtown, Hamline/Midway, Como, and Surrounding Communities...
May Peace Be In Our Homes & Communities…
May Peace Prevail On Earth (MPPOE)!