HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.10.28 PacketMINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION
September 23, 2014 6:00 PM
City Hall — Community Room
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Seidman called the meeting to order at 6:04pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Answering roll call were Commissioners Arseneault, Bigbee, Davis, Gates, Kennedy,
Sanders, Chair Seidman, Weinert, and Winnick. Staff present: Staff Liaison MJ Lamon, and
City Management Fellow Lindy Crawford.
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee to amend the Regular Meeting Agenda of
September 23, 2014 to add guest presenter Jessi Kingston to item VI. G. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried.
IV. APPROVAL OF June 24, 2014 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner Arseneault moved to approve the minutes as presented to the HRRC.
Commissioner Kennedy seconded. Motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
None.
VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Introduce 2014-2015 New Student Members
2014-2015 new student commissioners introduced themselves to the HRRC.
B. Low Income Housing/Affordable Housing
Guest speaker Joyce Repya gave a review of affordable housing and low income housing.
Affordable housing is 30% or less of your adjusted gross income. Anything above 30% is not
considered affordable. Low income housing is defined based on the median income and is
subsidized. Joyce shared the current affordable housing numbers for the city of Edina. The
Edina Housing Foundation is looking to create an affordable housing policy. Joyce suggested
the HRRC could show support for the policy.
C. Resolution to Rename Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples' Day
Commissioners discussed the proposed Indigenous Peoples' Day resolution. Commissioners
suggested amending the language in the last paragraph to read "...in City calendar and other
City documents as appropriate." Commissioner Kennedy moved to approve the resolution
with suggested language change. Commissioner Winnick seconded. Motion carried.
D. Finalize 2015 Work Plan
Commissioners discussed the 2015 proposed HRRC Work Plan and suggested ideas for
new initiatives. Draft of 2015 work plan will be submitted to City Staff on October 1, 2014
and presented to City Council on October 7, 2014 at a work session.
E. Communication with City Council
Staff Liaison Lamon informed Commissioners of the various ways to communicate with City
Council. Any item that is not on the HRRC Work Plan that goes to Council for
consideration will be attached to the City Council agenda as an Advisory Communication
under the Correspondence section. An item that is on the HRRC Work Plan that goes to
Council will be considered as a Report and Recommendation and will be placed under the
Reports and Recommendations section of the City Council agenda.
F. Community Conversations Update
Commissioners Bigbee and Davis stated the working group has fourteen volunteers for
Community Conversations and nine of those volunteers have committed times to meet.
G. NFL Team Name Change Resolution
Guest Speaker Jessi Kingston spoke about the NFL Team Name Change resolution.
Commissioners revised the Resolution to discard "Whereas the U of M stadium is located
upon University of Minnesota property, and Whereas state and federal anti -discrimination laws
prohibit offensive and derogatory behavior on public property.
Commissioners revised the Resolution to include "Therefore be it resolved further that
the Mayor is encouraged to communicate by letter our disapproval of the use of the term
"Redskins" to the National Football League, Washington team, University of Minnesota, Minnesota
Vikings, the media, state and federal legislative officials, and other interested parties."
Commissioners suggested sending copies to state and federal legislatures. Commissioner
Winnick moved to approve the NFL Team Name Change resolution with suggested
changes. Commissioner Kennedy seconded. Motion carried.
H. Edina Community Resource Center Update
Commissioner Winnick updated the HRRC of the past Edina Resource Center meeting.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Commissioners reviewed correspondence received from the public by City Council.
VIII. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBER, AND STUDENT COMMENTS
A. 3CMA Conference Update
Commissioner Bigbee gave an update to the HRRC about the 3CMA Conference he
attended and for which he was a guest speaker at.
B. Next Meeting: October 28, 2014
Chair Seidman specified the HRRC will discuss the December I Ith annual televised meeting
and noted there will be no monthly meeting in November.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Liaison Lamon asked commissioners if someone would write a blog post.
Commissioner Winnick stated he will write about the Edina Resource Center.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Kennedy to adjourn the September 23rd meeting,
Bigbee seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:14pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Minutes approved by HRRC October 28, 2014
MJ Lamon, HRRC Staff Liaison
Jan Seidman, HRRC Chair
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Liaisons: Report attendance monthly and attach this report to the Commission minutes for the packet.
Do not enter numbers into the last two columns. Meeting numbers & attendance percentages will calculate automatically.
INSTRUCTIONS: Counted as Meeting Held (ON MEETINGS' LINE) Attendance Recorded (ON MEMBER'S LINE)
Regular Meeting w/Quorum
Type "1" under the month on the meetings' line.
Type "l under the month for each attending member.
Regular Meeting w/o Quorum
Type "V under the month on the meetings' line.
Type "1" under the month for each attending member.
Joint Work Session
Type "l " under "Work Session" on the meetings' line.
Type "1" under "Work Session" for each attending member.
Rescheduled Meeting*
Type "V under the month on the meetings' line.
Type "1" under the month for each attending member.
Cancelled Meeting
Type "l " under the month on the meetings' line.
Type "1" under the month for ALL members.
Special Meeting
There is no number typed on the meetings' line.
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*A rescheduled meeting occurs when members are notified of a new meeting date/time at a prior meeting. If shorter notice is
given, the previously -scheduled meeting is considered to have been cancelled and replaced with a special meeting.
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Inactive
Inactive
Inactive
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Guest Presenter
Action Requested:
None.
Agenda Item #: VI.
Action ❑
Discussion ❑
Information Mx
Information / Background:
Bill Neuendorf, Economic Devleopment Director will share inofrmation on the Grandview area
redevelopment and citizen engagment plan.
Attachment:
None.
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 8
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Approval of Meeting Agenda
Agenda Item #: III.
Action
Discussion ❑
Information ❑
Action Requested:
Approve the meeting agenda for the regular meeting of the Human Rights and Relations
Commission.
Information / Background:
Attachment:
Meeting Agenda; 2014 Schedule
City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 1
AGENDA
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION
October 28, 2014 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
11. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
IV. APPROVAL OF September 23, 2014 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
During "Community Comment," the Human Rights & Relations Commission will invite residents to
share relevant issues or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The
Chair may limit the number of speakers on the some issue in the interest of time and topic.
Generally speaking items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during
Community Comment Individuals should not expect the Chair or Commission Members to respond
to their comments tonight Instead, the Commission might refer the matter to staff for consideration
at a future meeting.
VI. Guest Presenter: Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Director (15 min), Grandview
Redevelopment Citizen Engagement Plan
VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Bias Offense Response Plan Update (Winnick)
B. Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution Update (Kennedy/Lamon)
C. Televised Meeting: Finalize December agenda (All)
D. Community Conversations Update (Bigbee/Davis)
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
IX. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBER, AND STUDENT COMMENTS
A. Next Meeting: December 11, 2014 (Televised Meeting in Council Chambers)
X. STAFF COMMENTS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in
the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something else, please call 952-927-
8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
2014 Meetings and Events
Day
Date
Event
Time
Location
Tues
Jan -28
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Sat
Feb -8
Edina Reads
10:30 a.m.
Fireside Room (Senior
Center)
Tues
Feb -25
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
.Thurs
Mar -13
South View's 4th Annual Taste of
South View
6:30 p.m.
South View Middle School
Mon
Mar -17
Boards and Commission Recognition
Event
5:00 p.m.
Hughes Pavilion (Centennial
Lakes)
Tues
Mar -25
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Tues
April -8
Days of Remembrance: Play
7:00 p.m.
Fireside Room (Senior
Center)
Thurs
April -10
Genocide Awareness:
Rwanda/Congo
7:00 p.m.
City Hall
Sun
April -13
Holocaust Remembrance/Yom
HaShoah
2:00 p.m.
City Hall
Tues
April -29
Volunteer Recognition Banquet -
Tom Oye Award
5:00 P.M.
Braemar Clubhouse
T+-5
ApFil 22
X89 -p-
TSS
May 20
COUR .fi W GRI c�� �,,.,
Tues
May -27
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Tues
June -24
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Tues
July -22
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Mon
Aug -4
Council Work Session
6:00pm
Community Room
Tues
Aug -26
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Tues
Sept -23
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
Tues
Oct -28
Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Community Room
�bF25Noy
25
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Thurs
Dec 11
Televised Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
+es
see -24
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To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Adoption of Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item #: IV.
Action
Discussion ❑
Information ❑
Action Requested:
Approve the minutes for the regular meeting of the Human Rights and Relations
Commission.
Information / Background:
Attachment:
Draft meeting minutes from HRRC meeting; Attendance Roster
City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 4
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Bias Offense Response Plan
Action Requested:
None.
Information / Background:
The Plan was approved by City Council on October 7, 2014.
Attachment:
Approved Bias Offense and Response Plan
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Agenda Item M VII. A.
Action ❑
Discussion ❑
Information M
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 g
INTRODUCTION
The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC) first drafted the Bias Offense Response and
Prevention Plan (the Plan) in 1994. The HRRC proposed the Plan to the Edina City Council in March
1997, and the City Council adopted the Plan with some slight revisions on May 5, 1997. The Edina City
Council directed the HRRC to review the Plan at least once per year and provide recommended
amendments as needed. The Edina City Council updated the Plan in 2003, 2008, and most recently in
2011, and 2014.
Minority population increases continue among the City's residents, workforce, and school population.
Approximately 20% of the Edina's School District population is identified as ethnic minority, according
to school district information. With increasing diversity in the City and school populations, attention is
called to the Plan to ensure participants are prepared to implement its provisions should triggering
incidents occur.
PURPOSES
To establish a procedure for appropriate and timely local response to bias offenses thus
showing strong community support for the victim and zero community tolerance for bias
offenses that occur within the boundaries of the City of Edina;
To raise awareness of bias offense responses within the community;
To establish a Community Resources Network that can be activated as needed.
The Edina HRRC provides or coordinates support to victims of bias offenses and provides leadership in
the community to prevent such offenses through education and collaborative community action against
prejudice and bigotry. However, it is not the role of the Edina HRRC to investigate bias offenses.
BIAS OFFENSE DEFINED
A bias offense is defined by Minnesota Statute Section 61 IA.79, Subd. I, a copy of which is included in
Appendix A.
PARTNERSHIP
The Edina HRRC will partner with citizens and organizations in the community in order to provide
timely and meaningful support to victims of bias offenses. Local community partners are identified in
Appendix B, Community Resources Network.
Key partners include:
• Edina Police Chief
• Edina City Manager
• Edina Mayor and City Council, if appropriate
• Edina School Superintendent, if appropriate
• Local media, if appropriate
• Professional mediation organizations, if appropriate
10
RESPONSE AND PREVENTION PLAN PROCESS:
I) Subject to the limitations in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Chapter 13, the Edina
Police Department will notify the City Manager and the HRRC Chair upon receipt from the Edina Police
Department or other law enforcement investigatory agency notice of a substantiated event or incident which
may constitute a bias offense under Minnesota Statutes. Together, the Edina Police Chief, City Manager and
HRRC Chair will determine the appropriate level of response, including any necessary public statements.
2) The Edina City Manager will notify the Mayor and City Council as appropriate. Upon receipt of a signed Data
Practices Release Form from the victim(s), the HRRC Chair will promptly contact the victim(s) to offer support
and determine any further response from the City or community. If the Edina Police Chief informs the HRRC
Chair that the initial victim(s) request privacy or if the victim(s) does not return the release form, the HRRC
Chair will make no contact.
3) The HRRC Chair will call upon members of the Community Resources Network as needed, respecting the
privacy of the initial victim. Community response options include:
• Contact appropriate members of Community Resources Network to inform them of a bias offense and
request their support and participation in the response.
• Only where appropriate and after consultation with the initial victim(s) and the Edina City Manager, the
HRRC and/or Community Resources Network members may plan a community -wide response.
4) HRRC Chair or designee will initiate initial and follow up contact with the victim(s) in person or by phone.
5) After follow-up has occurred, the HRRC and Community Resources Network members involved shall meet as
necessary to review the response and take action or make changes.
6) The HRRC will send letters of appreciation to Community Resources Network members involved.
7) In the event the "Public Property", damaged or defaced as a result of an action that may constitute a bias
offense under Minnesota law is not owned or leased or used by the City and is located within the City of Edina
(Other Public Property), the Chief Executive Officer or Board Chair of the Other Public Property shall be
contacted by the Edina City Manager and be given the opportunity (i) join in the implementation of the Plan; or
(ii) join in the cooperative implementation of the Plan with any similar plan in place or created by the owner or
operator of the Other Public Property. The City reserves the right to implement the Plan in the event that an
owner or operator of the Other Public Property either acting through its Chief Executive Office, Board Chair,
or designee (i) declines to participate; or (ii) does not respond to the City's invitation to participate in the
implementation of the Plan. However, if the owner or operator of the Other Public Property requests the
Edina City Manager to not implement the Plan, the City Manager shall notify the Mayor, City Council, and the
HRRC Chair of such request, and shall seek Council guidance on implementation.
8) The HRRC Chair will provide a summary report of the response to the Edina City Council and Police Chief.
9) At least annually, the HRRC will review the overall process and recommend necessary amendments to the
Edina City Council and Police Chief.
10) The HRRC will periodically sponsor public information sessions, education and training to promote the
understanding and prevention of offenses through collaborative community action.
is
APPENDIX A
2013 Minnesota Statues: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=61 1a.79
61 IA.79 CIVIL DAMAGES FOR BIAS OFFENSES.
Subdivision I. Definition.
For purposes of this section, "bias offense" means conduct that would constitute a crime and was
committed because of the victim's or another's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, disability as defined in section 363A.03, age, or national origin.
Subd. 2. Cause of action; damages and fees injunction.
A person who is damaged by a bias offense has a civil cause of action against the person who
committed the offense. The plaintiff is entitled to recover the greater of:
(1) $500; or
(2) actual general and special damages, including damages for emotional distress.
A plaintiff also may obtain punitive damages as provided in sections 549.191 and 549.20 or an
injunction or other appropriate relief.
Subd. 3. Relation to criminal proceeding; burden of proof.
A person may bring an action under this section regardless of the existence or outcome of criminal
proceedings involving the bias offense that is the basis for the action. The burden of proof in an
action under this section is preponderance of the evidence.
Subd. 4. Parental liability.
Section 540.18 applies to actions under this section, except that:
(1) the parent or guardian is liable for all types of damages awarded under this section in an
amount not exceeding $5,000; and
(2) the parent or guardian is not liable if the parent or guardian made reasonable efforts to
exercise control over the minor's behavior.
Subd. 5. Trial; limitation period.
(a) The right to trial by jury is preserved in an action brought under this section.
(b) An action under this section must be commenced not later than six years after the cause of
action arises.
Subd. 6. Other rights preserved.
The remedies under this section do not affect any rights or remedies of the plaintiff under other
law.
History:
1996 c 468 s I
12
APPENDIX B
Community Resources Network
ORGANIZATION
CONTACT
TELEPHONE
Edina Human Rights & Relations
Commission
Staff Liaison
952-927-8861
Edina Police Department
Chief of Police
952-826-1610
City of Edina
City Manager
952-927-8861
Edina City Council
Mayor
952-927-8861
Edina Public School District #273
Superintendent
952-848-4000
Richfield Public School District
Superintendent
612-798-6000
Hopkins Public School District
Superintendent
952-988-4000
Edina Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
952-806-9060
Hennepin County
County Attorney
612-348-5550
Owner/operator of "public property" if
not the City of Edina
Call the Human Rights and Relations Staff
Liaison for assistance
952-927-8861
Professional Mediation Organizations
Call the Human Rights and Relations Staff
Liaison for resource list
952-927-8861
Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Commissioner
651-539-1 100
13
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution
Action Requested:
None.
SNA.
Agenda Item M VII. B.
Action ❑
Discussion ❑
Information
Information / Background:
Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution was presented to City Council on October 21, 2014. City Council did
not approve resolution, but asked for this topic to be on Speak Up Edina!
Attachment:
None.
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 14
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Agenda Item M VII. B.
Action ❑
Discussion ❑
Information
Information / Background:
Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution was presented to City Council on October 21, 2014. City Council did
not approve resolution, but asked for this topic to be on Speak Up Edina!
Attachment:
None.
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 14
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Televised Meeting
Action Requested:
Approve December HRRC regular meeting agenda.
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Agenda Item #. VII. C.
Action
Discussion IXI
Information ❑
Information / Background:
HRRC will hold their annual televised meeting on December 11, 2014. Commission needs to review draft
agenda and finalize.
Attachment:
Draft December agenda.
City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 15
DRAFT AGENDA
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION
DECEMBER 11, 2014
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
IV. APPROVAL OF October 28, 2014 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
VI. Guest speaker (20 minutes presentation & 10 minutes Q&A) (Suggested on UN's Adoption
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948)
VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS (30 minutes: items A -D 5 - 10 minutes each)
A. Days of Remembrance/Genocide Awareness
I . 2015 Event Announcement
B. Community Outreach Working Group (Bigbee/Davis)
C. Tom Oye Award Announcement (Winnick)
I. 2015 Nominations
D. Human Rights City Designation (Kennedy/Sanders)
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITION
IX. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBER, AND STUDENT COMMENT (50 minutes: Up to 5
minutes for each commissioner)
[Commission and Student members should take opportunity to review 2014 project or
comment on goal/ideas/plan for 2015 project]
X. STAFF COMMENTS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in
the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something else, please call 952-927-
8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
in
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Community Conversations (Bigbee/Davis)
Action Requested:
None.
Information / Background:
Community Conversations Sub Committee update.
Attachment:
Working group notes; U of M Community Conversations
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Agenda Item M VII. D.
Action ❑
Discussion ❑
Information
City of Edina • 4801 W. 504h St. • Edina, MN 55424 17
Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission
Community Outreach Working Group
Notes of meeting
October 6, 2014
Present:
Arnie B
Chris B
Laura D
Maggie G
Charles G
Mary K
Sallie L
Katie M
Katie O
Melvin O
Sid R
Judith R
Leonard S
Arnie and Laura greeted attendees and outlined the
agenda for the meeting:
Self introductions (name, location, why I'm interested in
CC,), etc.
Background and goal of CC
Process
Training
Tentative timeline
Role of volunteers
Identify and invite participants
Facilitate CC
Record and report
Next steps
Answer questions
Additional team members
Set next meeting/s
18
There was discussion and questions with many ideas and
suggestions. We agreed that the next step is to schedule
a two hour training session with one of the staff at The
Advocates for Human Rights.
This is tentatively scheduled for:
Monday October 27th
7:00 - 9:00 PM
at Edina City Hall Council Chambers.
The group also agreed that the first Community
Conversation should take place on either Saturday
November 15th or Sunday November 16th. We have
been offered the use of a community room at an
apartment complex in the Parklawn neighborhood with a
diverse population. We agreed that we will need to
consider options for child care and interpreting.
As this is the first meeting of this group, Arnie and Laura
encourage each member of the group to let us know if you
believe there are other comments that should be reflected
in these notes - which serve as our "memory" as we move
forward - and which serve as our communication to the
Human Rights and Relations Commission and City
Council regarding our activities and plans.
Arnie Bigbee and Laura Davis
19
View this message on the web.
What kind of campus would help you thrive as a U employee? Have you had
experiences that have made you feel more or less welcome, included, and
respected?
Help create a welcoming campus climate through sharing individual and
collective experiences in a conversation that matters. Your voice is
important. Will you join us?
Tuesday, November 11, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Multipurpose Room 5, Recreation & Wellness Center
Food and beverages will be provided.
Free and open to all University staff on the Twin Cities campus. In order to
ensure good planning for food and space, please RSVP.
Through a number of small group discussions with a variety of people, you will
have the opportunity to respond to questions designed to bring to light issues
that affect the ability of all individuals and groups to thrive at the University.
Students and faculty are being invited to similar conversations, which are all
part of a year-long focus on campus climate on the Twin Cities campus. This
spring, the conversations will continue with a focus on action steps that will
inform the implementation of the university's strategic plan.
To request a disability -related accommodation, please contact Jen Mein no
later than October 30.
Sponsored by the Campus Climate workgroup. Hosted by the Art of
Participatory Leadership community.
This message was sent by Vice President Kathy Brown to all Twin Cities staff except
instructional staff.
20
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Correspondence and Petitions
Action Requested:
None.
Information / Background:
Correspondence received since the last HRRC meeting.
Attachment:
Correspondence.
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Agenda Item M VIII.
Action ❑
Discussion ❑
Information
City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 21
10-10-14
Edina Human Pinhts & Relations Commiss_on
4601 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
Dear Neighbors,
I have three requests:
1. Recommend to the City Council that
fUtLre housing developments be mandated
to include a Tiinimum percentage of
affordable/below-market-rate units.
Without such a set-aside requirement,
our community will re-nain an exclusive
domain, not racially and economically
diverse. (I understand that Richfield
has an affordable mandate, and I've lately
read that New York City requires at least
20% of new housing to be affordable.)
2. Recommend to the ;itv Council that
Edina no longer recognize in its official
pronouncements, activities, and calendars
"Columbus Day." Because this holiday
preseln'ly commemorates a period of
unparaled slavery, genocide, and oppression,
it should be replaced with something like
"Indig,enous Peopiles Day" or "Native American
Day." (Localiy, Red Wing, Minneapolis, and
possibly Brainerd have effected this change.;
3. Investigate and end the whitewashing or
sanitization of Edina_'s Wikipedia entry.
A university student under tfe tutelage of
Dr. James W. Loewen (Sundown Towns author)
has repeatedly sought to add data th.it
would acknowledne Edina's "sundown past."
However, these edits have consistently been
deleted, perhaps by someone in Edina city
government. I enclose a record of these edits
plus a copy of the current Wikipedia article,
which mentions NOTHING about the historical
exclusion of Blacks and Jews, especially in the
Coun-:;ry Club District. Yes, this is a
shameful facet of municipal history, but it
deserves to be candidly (and perhaps apologetic-
ally)addressed. These persistent deletions
represent an .Sault on scholarly integrity
and a deliberate falsification of the historical.
record. They may also be describes as censorship.
22
-2 -
Hoping for your speedy atkention to these
three matters --and with warm ,t regards,
Sanford Bertlan
4400 MorninSside Road
Edia, MN 55416
952 925-5?36
`A3
Edina, Minnesota
From Wt7cipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edina (4F'C:'dama(ee ,DY-na) is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and a first -ring suburb situated
immediately southwest of Minneapolis. Edina began as a small farming and milling community in the 1860s. The
population was 47,941 at the 2010 census.151
Contents
■ I Geography
■ 2 Demographics
■ 2.12010 census
■ 2.2 2000 census
■ 2.3 Population statistics
■ 3 History
■ 3.1 Settlement
■ 3.2 Naming
■ 3.3 Morningside
■ 3.4 Edina today
4 Education
■ 4.1 Public schools
■ 4.2 Private schools
a 5 Colleges
• 6 Places of worship
■ 7 Economy
• 7.1 Shopping
7.2 Hotels
■ 7.3 Largest employers
■ 8 Recreation
a 8.1 Parks
■ 8.2 Private Country Clubs
■ 9 Notable Edinans
■ 10 Edina in popular culture
I l See also
12 References
■ 13 External links
Coordinates: 44.53'44"N 93021'17"W
Edina, Minnesota
- --------------......_.--
City
d
seal
Motto: "For Living, Learning, Raising Families &
Doing Business"
1 - i.
i'
Location of Ed .
within Hennepin County, Minnesota
Coordinates: 445344,w 93°21'17"W
Country United States
State Minnesota
County Hennepin
Founded 1860s
Incorporated 1888
Government
Geography
• Mayor
_
B.
James Hovland
i Arealtl
Many major highways run through or are close to Edina, making it readily accessibleto those within the metropolitan
city
15.97 s mi 41.36 km2)
area. Minnesota State Highways 62 and 100 divide the City into four sections. U.S. Highway 169 and Minnesota State
i • Laod
q
Highway 100 extend north and south. Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 62 extend east and west. Minnesota
15.45q mi (40.02 km2)
State Highway 7 is within three miles (5 km) of the city. Interstate 394 is within five miles (8 km).
• Water
0.52 sq mi (1.35 km) 3.26%
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.97 square miles (41.36 km2), of which
j Elevation
922 11 (281 m)
15.45 square miles (40.02 km) is land and 0.52 square miles (1.35 km2) is wator.lrl Residential areas comprise the
population (2010)Pl
largest portion of the City, which is now more than 95 percent developed Within Edina are many different
• City
47,941
neighborhoods, including Highlands, Indian Hills, Viking Hills, Momingside, Country Club District, Cahill Village,
-Estimate(2013)
49,376
Chapel Hill, South Harriet Park, Interlachen, Rolling Green, Sunnyslope, White Oaks, Parkwood Knolls, Braemar Hills,
1 131
Birchcrest, Dewey Hill and Hilldale.
• Density
3,103.0/sq mi (1,198.1/1®)
Demographics
I •Metro
--e-- ---
------ 146
--- - -_... -
Timemne
CST(UIC-6)
According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $76,805, and the median income fora
-Summer(DSI)
CDT (UTC -5)
family was $114,673. Males had a median income of 567,011 versus $41,742 for females. The per capita income for the
ZIP codes
55410, 55416, 55424, 55435,
city was $44,195. About 2.0% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of
j
55436, 55439, 55343
those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.
I Area code(s)
- ---s.... -- -
952
-- ---._ ._.__..
, FB?S Cade
27-18188
2010 census
GNISfeature D)
064317701
! Website
City of Edina
i
(httpY/edin-.g-/)
24
As of the censust21of 2010, there were 47,941 people, 20,672 households, and 12,918 families residing in the city. The population density was
3,103.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,198.1 Ain). Tbere were 22,560 housing units at an average density of 1,460.2 per square mile
(563.8 /Ian=). The racial makeup of the city was 88.1% White, 3.0% African American, 0.2% Native American, 6.1% Asian, 0.7% from other
races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race mere 2, 3% of the population.
There were 20,672 households of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together,
6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.5% were non -families.
33.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 18% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average
household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.98.
The median age in the city was 45.2 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were
from 25 to 44; 29.6% were from 45 to 64; and 20.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4%
female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,425 people, 20,996 households, and 12,870 families residing in the city. The population density was
3,011.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,162.6/kml). There were 21,669 housing units at an average density of 1,376.0 per square mile
(531.2/km'). The racial makeup of the city was 94.28% White, 1.15% African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.99% Asian, 0.04% Pacific
Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population. 21.9% were
of Getman, 14.4% Norwegian, 10.20A Irish, 9.3% Swedish and 8.4% English ancestry according to Census 2000.
Mstorical
population
Census Pop, %*
1890
531 -
1900
749 41.1%
1910
1,101 47.00%
1920
1,833 66.5%
1930
3,138 71.2%
1940
5,855 86.6%
1950
9,744 66A%
1960
30,482 212.8%
1970
44,031 44.4%
1980
46,073 4.6%
1990
46,075 0.0%
2000
47,425 2.9%
2010
47,941 1,10.6
Est
2013
49,376 3.0%
U.S. Deeennial Censualbl
2013 F drwteul
There were 20,996 households, 26.50A had children under the age of 18; 34.0% of all households were individuals; 18.5% of households were
adults 65 years of age or older living alone. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.91.
Population broke down as follows: 22.9% under the age of 18,4.4% from 18 to 24,23.6% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older.
The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males,
Population statistics
Population history
1940 11950 11955 1960 11970 11980 11990 119941t1I1996tt1i 19981t119991ij12000 20021q]
5 855 X9,744117,0001 30 4821
44,031-1 46 07346,075 46 841 147,029 47,113147 2741 47,425�47,5701
1. A Estimate
History
Settlement
Edina began as part of Richfield Township, Minnesota In the 1850s, 17 families, most of them immigrating as a result of the potato famine in Ireland, came to Minnesota and
claimed land in the southwest section of what was then Richfield Township. They were followed by English and Scottish farmers, who claimed additional land near
Minnehaha Creek. The Baird and Grimes neighborhoods (which are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places), and Country Club District are located in the
northeast part of Edina and were among the first areas to be established
in 1888, the residents of the township held a meeting to consider founding anew village, thus separating themselves from Richfield Township. The idea was favorably
accepted by those within the community and a committee was established to oversee the transition.
Naming
After the decision was made to form a new village, a debate ensued regarding the naming of the new village. Several town meetings were held in the Minnehaha Grange Hall,
during which the names "Hennepin Park", "Westfield" and "Fdina" were suggested Minutes taken by Henry F. Brown, a farmer and future owner (1889) of the Edina Mill,
are summarized as follows: 171
66 "A long debate ensued with regard to the name by which the corporation shall be called. A motion was made and passed to reconsider the vote taken at the
previous meeting of the name of the proposed village, Wesorteld Another motion was then made by Andrew Craik to call the proposed village Edina (upon
moving to the township in 1869 from Edinburgh, he bought and renamed the mill to the Edina Mill). Before the motion could he decided, James A. Bull, a
member ofthe five person committee, made another motion to adjourn, which was seconded by the majority. However, the chairman of the meeting called this
motion out of oiler, at which time disorder ensued with Baird, Wilson, Ryan and Bull declaring their intent to no longer serve as members of the committee if
a gag law was to prevail. During this heated moment the meeting became somewhat boisterous until, after a few minutes order was restored Seeing that no �9
more work could be done at this time, a final motion was made and passed to reschedule the meeting to a future date."
At the next meeting, the name Edina was finally chosen with a vote of 47 for and 42 against.
There has been a prevailing myth about the decision to name the new village Edina, which states that two opposing communities -the Irish Cahill community and the Scottish
Mill community fought about whether to give the community an Irish name (Killarney Lakes) or a Scottish name (Edina). The 1860 census, however, indicates that there were
no Scottish people in Edina in 1860, and only a couple were present at the time ofEdina's founding (1888).
Morningside
The first suburban development in Edina occurred during the early 1900s in Morningside, a neighborhood in the northeastern part of the village. As Morningside grew,
conflict arose between its residents who wanted more city services, and the residents of the rest of the village who wanted to maintain Edimes rural character. As a result of
that conflict, Momingside seceded from Edina in 1920 and became a separate village. In 1966, however, the Village of Momingsi de once again became part of Edina.
Edina today
25
Today, many of the street names in Edina are named after families whose farms once occupied that area, for example: Grimes Avenue, Code Avenue, Gleason (Gleeson)
Road, Cooper Avenue, Hansen Road and Wyman Avenue.
Edina has a reputation for being one of the most affluent suburbs of Minneapolis.ts3 Edina citizens are considered wealthy (e.g. median household income for 1999 in Edina
was $66,019,191 compared to the averages of 537,974 for Minneapolis and $47,111 for the state of Minnesota)1101 which led to the once derogatory tern of "cake eaters" (a
reference to the "Let them eat cake" quote misattributed to Marie Antoinette). The term is now largely used in jest in regional sports rivalries. Such usage can be seen, for
example, in the Disney film, The Mghry Ducks, in which the term is used in reference to the Adam Banks character. Up until the 1960s, the name "cake eater" had been
attributed to the Washburn (Minneapolis) Millers, a high school located in a prosperous neighborhood of nearby Minneapolis. Additionally, popular culture in Minnesota
references that Edina is an acronym for the phrase "Every Day I Need Attention" once again referencing the stereotypical Edina resident as wealthy and aloof.
Edina is home to some billionaires, most notably Richard M. Schulze and the late Carl Pohlad.["][")
m
Minnehaha Grange Hall Ruins of Edina Mill Edina city hall and
next to Minnehaha police department,
Creek rebuilt in 2004
Education
Public schools
Most of Edina is in Independent School District (ISD) 273, which serves children primarily from Edina There are approximately 7500 K-12 students served by 1139 teachers
and support staff in six elementary schools (Grades K-5), two middle schools (Grades 6-9), and one senior high school (Grades 10-12). The district administrative offices are
located at the Edina Community Center.
Edina High School is often listed in the top 100 schools in the United States in academics and is the #1 school in Minnesota. 1131 (most recently in Newsweek, 2005).1141 Recent
studies show that 98% of EHS students graduate,["' that 85% of EHS grads go to college and that 85% of Edina High School graduates completed college within 5 yrs after
high school graduation. [161 A recent follow-up study showed that ten years after graduation from Edina High School 43% of EI -1S graduates had obtained advanced
postgraduate degrees or were pursuing graduate degrees at the time of the study.
Public schools in Edina j
Elementary Schools
Concord
Creek Valley
Come. is
_._._.._._._...
Elementary School(http://www.cdina.kl2.mn.us/country
French Immersion
Middle Schools j Hieh School
South ViewMtddle School 1 Edina High School
Valley View Middle School]
Private schools
There are four private schools in Edina: OurLady of Grace (OLG), which is a Catholic school that serves students K-8, St Peters Lutheran School, Excel High School and
Calvin Christian School.
Colleges
Devry University, Minnesota State University, Mankato education site, Minnesota School of Business, Broadview Institute, Excel College and the Keller Graduate School of
Management are located in Edina.
Places of worship
■ Calvary Church (httr//calvarycrc.net) (Christian Reformed)
■ Calvary Lutheran Church(httpJ/www.calvary-edina.urg/who.bbm) (ELCA)
■ Chapel Hills (http://www.chapelhilisucc.org) United Church of Christ
■ Christ Presbyterian Church (http:/Avww.cpconlirie.org/index.php?
content--bome) (PCUSA)
■ Colonial Church of Edina (http://xvww.colonialchurch.org) (Conservative
Congregational Christian Cotlference);(National Association of Congregational
Christian Churches);(United Church of Christ)
• Creek Valley Church (http://www.creekvalicychurch.com)
■ Cross View Lutheran Church(http://www.crossview.net/cvl)(MissouriSynod)
• Edina Community Lutheran Church (http://ecic.ctsmemberconnect.neVhome-
ctrl.do) (ELCA)
• Edina Covenant Church
(http://edinacov.org/Mna.CovenantLChurch/HONE.hW) (Evangelical
Covenant Church)
■ Edina Morningside Community Church (http://emeuce.churchonline.net)
(UCC)
• Good Samaritan (http://wwiv.good.org) United Methodist Church
26
• Grace Gospel Bible Church
(http://www. gracegospelbiblechurch.org(GraceGospelB ibleChurch/Gramaspx)
■ Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall
• Normandale Evangelical Lutheran Cbumb (http://nonnluth.org) (ELCA)
■ Our Lady of Grace Church & School (http://olgparish.org) (Catholic)
• St Alban's (bttp://www.stalbamedimorg) Episcopal Church
■ St. Patricks Church of Edina (http://www.stpatrick-edin&orglindex.php)
(Catholic)
■ St Peter's Lutheran Church & School (http://stpetersedina.org) (Missouri
Synod)
■ St. Stephen's (http://ststephem.com/stst/home) Episcopal Church
■ Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (http://sothchurchcom) (ELCA)
■ Sri Venkateswam Temple (http-//svtemplemn.org) (Hindu)
• WooddaleChurch — Edina Campus (http:/Avww.wooddale.org)
Economy
Edina is home to the headquarters of Jerry's Foods, Lund Food Holdings, Nash Finch Company, salon chains Regis Corporation (owner of
Regis Salons, Supercuts, TGF Haircutters, and Cost Cutters),["I"sl and ofDairy Queen and Orange JuhusJ"II of
Shopping
Edina has numerous retail shopping centers, including Southdale Cente0211(211
Other shopping centers include Yorktown, Centennial Lakes Plaza, and the Galleria. The city shares another thriving commercial area at
West 50th Sheet and France Avenue South with Minneapolis, known as "50th & France" Seuthdale Canter
Edina has only municipal liquor stores; no other liquor stores are allowed. Edina maintains three liquor stores, which are located at 50th &
France, Southdale (York Ave.), and Vernon & Interlachen Blvd. A.
Hotels
50th & France
There are two hotels in Edina the Residence inn by Marriott which is adjacent to Edinborough Park, and the Westin Edina Gallcria Hotel &
Residencest'31 at 69th Street and York Avenue. A 7 -story Aloft hotel is to be built by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, near Highway 100 and -
77th Street, by the year 2018.11 The lack of hotels in Edina dates back to the early 1930s when Edina was still officially a "dry" city. There
are several hotels in a region several blocks north of I-494; this area was once part of Edina. After successful petitioning, the area was
annexed to Bloomington, which allowed alcohol sales at the time.
Largest employers
According to the city's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,lul the largest employers in the city are: Jerry+s Foods
# I Employer ,#ofEmployemi
i1 !FairviewSouthdaleHospitalil,000
Worldwide
1,000
inn Public Schools i600
imenade Salon Concepts 500
_.-_-.__.__._._..._._.__.-__
gis Salons
_--_-._..
500
Os Franchise
1 500
sterCuts
---_--...-- ...._ _...
ariStyle
1500
.._ _ -- —
500
Recreation
Parks
Edina's parkland and open space totals more than 1,550 acres (6.3 krn2). The Edina Park and Recreation Department oversees 44 parks,
which include amenities such as baseball, football and soccer fields; softball diamonds; basketball and tennis courts; outdoor skating rinks;
playground equipment for young children; and picnic shelters. The Department also maintains eight miles (13 km) of scenic pathways for
bicycling, walking, jogging, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Ovedooking the 12th holo on
Braemar Golf Course
27
Edina Parks
Alden Park
Fred Richards Golf Course
I Rosland Park
Arden Park ___.__-
___--_
Garden Park .....
- .---.---._.-_
Sherwood Park
---____-- ------------
Arneson Acres Park
..
Garden Park Addition
,_.__.__
J St John's Park
Birchcrest Park
Heights Park
{ Strachauer Park j
- -- --
Braemar Baseball Park (Courtney Fields)I
Highlands Park
— —
T Lea Todd Park
Bredesen Park
IKojetin Park
Tingdale Park
Browndale Park
jKrahlHill
Utley Park I
Centennial Lakes Park
jLskeEdinaP4rk
LVan Valkenburg Park
Chowen Park
I Lewis Park
Walnut Ridge Park i
Cornelia School Park
Lincoln Drive Floodplain
I Weber Field Park +
Countryside Park
McGuire Park
I Williams Park
Creek Valley School Park
Melody Lake Park
' Wooddale Park I
Edinborougb Park
Moore Property
! York Park
Fox Meadow Park
--
__. '
Normandale Park
_
Yorktown Park
----
Frank Tupa Park
_I
__ _._
Pamela Park
---- - -- -
Concord School Park
Besides overseeing the parks, the Edina Park & Recreation Department is also responsible for the operation of l0 facilities within the city:
■ Arneson Acres Park ■ Braemarlec Rink ■ Edina Art Center ■ Fred Richards Golf Course
■ BmcmarGolf Course ■ Centennial Lakes Park ■ Edina Senior Center(httpJ/Nvww.ci.edina.mn.us/content
• Braemar Golf Dome • Edina Aquatic Center ■ Edinborough Park ■ Normandale Park
Private Country Clubs
There are two country clubs in Edina, the Edina Country Club (http://www.edinacountiyclub.orgf) located in the Country Club District, and the Interlachen Country Club.
Notable Edinans
The following people were born in, or have resided in, Edina:
■ Audrey Aleen Allen - American model, Playmate of the Month for Playboy
■ David W. Anderson- founder offamous Dave's restaurant chain
• Lynsey Bartilson - actresst1
■ Dorothy Benham- Miss America, 19771271
■ Paris Bennett -American IdolcontestanJ281
• Ward Brehm- Chairman and founder, The Brehm Group, Inc.
■ Bud Brisbois- professional trumpet player
■ Lois McMaster Bujold - fantasy and science fiction author
■ Brian Burke (ice hockey)- former hockey executive with Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs
■ Austen S. Cargill R - member of the Cargill family
• Curt Carlson - founder of Carlson Companies
• Leeann Chin - founder of Leeann Chin Chinese Cuisine
• Kevin Cwayna- International Mister Leather 1997
• Ike Davis -baseball payer for the New York Mets1291
■ John Denver -singer/activist
• Julia Duffy - actress, famous for playing the role of Stephanie on Newbart�")
■ Fredrik Eklund - real estate broker in New York City and star of Bravo's reality television series Million Dollar Listing New York
■ Joe Finley - defense, Buffalo Sabres, professional ice hockey player
• Craig Finn - lead singes / rhythm guitarist of The Hold Steady
■ Mardy Fish - professional tennis player Ike Davis
■ Ric Flair- professional wrestler
■ Vince Flynn - author
■ Barbara Carlson Gage - Carlson Companies
■ Adam Goldberg -NFL tackle/guard13mi
■ Judith Guest - novelist and screenwriter
■ John Harris - amateur and professional golfer; won U.S. Amateur Golf Championship in 1993
■ Frank Totton Heffelfnger II - former executive VP of Peavey Company
■ Doron Jensen - founder of TimberLodge Steakhouse
28
■ Richard A. Jensen - theologian and Carlson Professor of Homiletics at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
■ Ron Johnson — former Senior Vice President of Retail Operations at Apple, Inc., current CEO of J.C. Penney
■ Anders Lee—NHL center for the New York Islanders
■ Bobby Lee— American actor andcomediant32t
■ Nicholas Legeros—bronze sculptor
■ Hilary Lunke—professional golfer, won 2003 US Women's Open
■ Jamie McBain —NHL defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes
■ Karl Mecklenburg— professional football player with the Denver Broncos
■ George Mikan — professional basketball player for Lakers
• Lou Nanne — former NHL defenseman and general manager
■ Marilyn Carlson Nelson— Carlson Companies
■ Win Neuger— former Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and Director at AIG Global Investment Corporation
■ Bill Nyrop— former NHL icon; won three National Hockey League Stanley Cup championships with Montreal Camden,, 1976-78
■ Donald Nymp— US Administrator of Civil Aeronautics (now the Federal Aviation Administration) and Chairman of the US Civil
Aeronautics Board (now National Transportation Safety Board); President, CEO and chairman of the board ofNorthwest Airlines
■ Clinton M. Odell — owned the Burma -Vita company and in 1925 introduced Burma -Shave along with the ground -brew ldng
advertising concept
■ Greg Olson — catcher with Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves.
■ Mary Pawlenty — former First Lady of Minnesota, Attorney, First District Judge
■ Carl Donald Peterson—Minnesota Supreme Court Justice from 1966 to 1985, served in the Minnesota House of Represcolatives from
1959 to 1963 and ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1962 with Gov. Elmer L. Andersen
• Barbara Peterson—Miss Minnesota USA 1976, Miss USA 1976
■ Paul Peterson—member of The Family and The Time, musician and producer
■ Polly Peterson — Miss Minnesota USA, 1981
• Tom Petters— of Petters Group Worldwide
■ Carl Pohlad — former owner, Minnesota Twins
■ Jenny Potter — ice hockey player (winner of 1998 Winter Olympics Gold Medal for Team USA).
■ Kirby Puckett — center fielder for the Minnesota Twins from 1984-95; led Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991
■ Paul Ranheim — retired NHL forward and former Edina High School standout
■ Kaylin Richardson— World Cup Alpine Skier (2006 and 2010 Olympic Team Member)
■ Doug Risebrough— former General Manager oftheMinnesota Wild
• Richard M.Schulze—founder and former chairman of Best Buy
• Joe Senser — former NFL player for the Minnesota Vikings
■ Jennifer Steinkamp — artist
• Christopher Straub — fashion designer and former contestant onProject Runway 6
• Michele Tafoya— sportscaster1331
■ Robert Ulrich —chairman and former C.E.O. of Target Corporation
• Paul Westerberg—leader of The Replacements and mgjorsolo artist
■ JeffWright— safety with Minnesota Vikings
• Andrew Zimmcm — professional chef and host of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods and Bizarre World
■ Bus Mertes - professional football player and coach NFL Minnesota Vikings
Edina in popular culture
Adam Goldberg
Doron Jensen
Mary Pawlenty
Merdy Fish
■ The interior of Edina's former City HaIVPolice Station building (now demolished and rebuilt) was filmed as the police station in the Coen brothers' 1996 film Fargo.1341
■ One of the baseball fields at Countryside Park was used in the opening scenes of the movie Little Big League.1351 The umpire can clearly be seen wearing an Edina
Athletic Association shirt
■ Several scenes from Jingle All the Way, a Christmas movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, were filmed in an Edina neighborhood, Bmccwood, near Arden Park.1361
■ In Disney's The MlghtyDucks, controversial star player Adam Banks bails from Edina
■ The interior of a 1950s rambler in Edina's Highlands neighborhood was used in the Coen brothers' 2009 film A Serious A,an.13>)
• Edina's Southdate Center hosted the premiere of the Will Smith film, Seven Pounds on December 12, 2000")
• On April 26, 2004 President George W. Bush made a fust -time presidential campaign visit to Edina.
■ Lead singer Craig Finn from the band The Hold Steady is from Edina and has made several allusions to the town in their songs. For example, the song "Hometsl
Hometst" from the album Separation Sunday describes a wild night in the town, ending with the line "I drove the wmng way down 169 and almost died up by Edina
High" Also, the song's title is a reference to Edina High School's mascot, the Hornet.
29
Edina, Minnesota was also mentioned in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in season 12, Episode 10 "Genetic Disorder." Character Greg Sanders' family
originated from Edina, Minnesota where his bragging wealthy Grandfather Olaf helped form the cities' nickname calve -eaters, which is a common term referring to
Edina when related to high school sporting events.
See also
References
1 ^'b'US Gazetteer files
2010" (bttp://www.census.gov/gmwww/gazettcer/files/Gaz_plaoes national.txt).
United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
2. ^"6xAmerican
FactFinder" (httpl/factfmder2.crosus.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/indmxbtml). United
States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
3. ^' ° "Population Estimates" (http:/Ayww.census.gov/PopcWdata/citi s/totals/2013/SUB-
EST2013-3.html). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2014-07-23.
4. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names" (httpJ/geonames.usgs.gov). United States
Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
5. ^ "2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary
File" (http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tablesavicWjsD/ Mes*oductview.xhtmi?
pid=DEC_10_PL GCTPL2.ST13&prodTyp"ble).AmericanFaciFinder.U.S.
Census Bureau, 2010 Census. Retrieved 23 April 2011.
6. A United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and
Housing" (http://www.camus.gov/prodtwww/decenniaJ.bbnl). l). Retrieved July 23, 2014.
7. ^From Settlement to Suburb: The History of Edina, Minnesota by Paul Hesterman,
Published by the Edina Historical Society, 1988
8. ^ City of Edina. "Historical Contexts Study, City of
Edina" (httpJ/www.ei.edit.run.us/eitycouncRahstoricContextsStudy.htm).
Ci.edina.mmus. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
9. ^ 'U.S. Census Berea Quickfacts, City of
Flit" (http,//quickfacts.rensus.gov/gfd/Oates27/2718198.hbul).
Qaickfacts.census.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
10. ^ "U.S. Census Burea Quickfacts, City of
Minneapolis" (http://qui"cts."nms.gov/gfdtstates/272743000.html).
Quickfacts.census.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
Il. ^ Pohlad 1, Carl Pohlad, Edina, MN (htq)Y/www.comm.umiLedukwinsrepart/ch5.htin).
12. ^ Pohlad 2, Carl Pohlad 2006 FEC filing listing Edina, MN as home address
(httpJ/images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?26920023374).
13. A US News, [1](bttpJ/www.usnews.coWeducation/best-high-schools/minnesota).
14. A Newsweek, America's Top Public High Schools
(http://www.msubcrosn.comridII8757097n
sort=Rank&count-1236&start-08climit=100&year-2007&S earch=undefined).
15. ^ [2] (http://www.edit.kl2mmus/new&tmediareleases/2010-2011/100bem.htmi)
16. A [3)(httpJ/www.ana.kl2.mmus/edinahigh/counseling/pdfs/profde-10_1l.pdf)
17. ^ "Contact Us (http://www.regiscorp.com/NA/Contact/defaultasp)." Regis Corporation.
Retrieved on January 26, 2011. "Our corporate address: Regis Corporation 7201 Metro
Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55439"
18. ^ "Edina city, Minnesota (http://factfin&r.census.gov/servleVMapltDTawServid?
geo_id=16000US2718188& bucket_id=50&tree_id=420&context-saff&_fang--m&_sw
U.S. Cetus Bureau. Retrieved on January 26, 2011.
19. ^ "Corporate Offices (http://www.dairyquemeomAn-en/locationsn." Dairy Queen,
Retrieved on May 12, 2010. "International Dairy Queen Corporation 7505 Metro Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55439-0286" "Orange Julius of America 7505 Metro Blvd
Minneapolis, MN 55439-0286-
20, ^ "Street Map (bttp://www.ei.edina.mn.us/PDFs/L3-05_Map%2oEdina-0l.pdi)." City
of Edina Retrieved on May 12, 2010.
External links
■ City Webpage (http://edinamn.gov/)
■ Edina Public Schools (http://www.edinaschools.org/)
■ Edina Chamber of Commerce (http://ivww.edinachamber.com/)
21. ^ Retailing (http://www.econoniist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystoiy.efm?
story_id=10278717), Southdale shopping Center was also the first indoor shopping mall.
The Economist, December 19, 2007, June 12, 2009.
22. ^ Minnesota Historical Society - History of Southdale Mall, [4]
(httpJ/www.nuihs.org/library/tips/history_topics/72southdate.html),
23. ^ "The Westin Edina Galleria Hotel &
Residences" (http://www.vvestinedinaresidences.com/). Westinedinaresidences.com.
Retrieved May 13, 2010.
24. ^ "Work on Gateway Project in Edina
begins" (http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2008/10/31/news/0d3Oredevelopmenttxo.
Mnsun.com. October 30, 2008. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
25. ^ "City of Edina 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report" (htq)JAvww.edinamn.gov/edinafles/file&Tinal*/"202011%20CAIIR%20for%
20website.pdf) (PDF). December 31, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
26.^LynseyBartilson-IMDb(http://www.imdb.com/namcmm0058723/).
27. ^ Miss America History -1977 (http://www.missamerica org/our--miss-
amerieWI970/1977.asp)
28. ^ Paris Bennett former EHS student, Paris Bennett former EHS student
(httpJ/www.austitt360.com/tv/content/ty/stories/2006/04/20pa&.html)-
29. ^ "Series preview: Twins at N.Y.
Mets" (httpJ/www.shabibune.coWsporWtwitd97126244.hunl?
elr-KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr). StarTribune.com.
June 25, 2010. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
30. A 'Ego Really Isn't Her
Thing"(httplAvww.wizardsandwarriors.org/show/arfcieslxecordi.htm).
Wirerdsandwaniomorg. February 9,1986. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
31. ^ "STLtoday.com - St. Louis Post -Dispatch Archives" (http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-
search/we/Arehives?
pnroduct=SLBrp_theme=sl&p action=search&p maxdocs=200&p topdoc=l&p_text t
Mmewsbank.com- October 18, 2009. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
32. A "Epl08 - Bobby Lee" (http://bryancalle&cowJ2014/03/13/ep108-bobby-leel).
btyancallen.com. March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
33. A Zulgad, Judd (October 21, 2008). "Tafoya gives up NBA
duties"(http://www.webcitatio&org/5bklmjTVg). &or Tribune. Archived from the
original 1?mp://www.sbauibune.com/sports/wolves/318136541uml) on October 21,
2008. Retrieved October 21, 2008. %.Tafoya, who lives in Edina..."
34. ^ City hall in Fargo, IMDB: Fargo Filming Locations
(bttp://www.imdb.com/titlettt0116282/locations)
35. ^ Little Big League Filming Locations (httpJ/www.imdb.eomAitle/tt0110363/locations)
36. ^ IMDB: JingleAll the Way Filming Locations
(htq)://www.imdb.com/fide&Ol16705/locations)
37. ^ A little piece of Hollywood, September 11, 2008 Edina Sun Current newspaper
38. A Post your comment: Tide (Optional) Your comments: (December 13, 2008). "Twin
Cities gets blast of Will (Smith)
power" (http://www.staitibune.com/entert6nment/movicO6O8O269.htmi?
clr-KArksLekD8EQDUoaEygyP40.DW3 ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs
Startribunecom. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
wki'medis Commons has
media related to Edina,
Minnesota.
------------- - _-
30
■ Braemar Golf Course(httl://www.braemargolf.como
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9/18/2014 Edina, Minnesota: Revision history - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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■ (cur I prev) $ 21:15, 18 September 2014 76.191.26.60 (talk) .. (41,656 bytes) (+2,605). . (I
added my paragraphs reflecting Edina's sundown past for the eighth time. My sources are credible
and this part of history is important, if unpleasant for some to accept.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) $ 17:34, 15 September 2014 C1ueBot NG (talk I contribs) in. . (39,051 bytes) (-11) . .
(Reverting possible vandalism by 204.169.28.106 to version by Juno. False positive? Report it.
Thanks, ClueBotNG. (1953571) (Bot)) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) 0 17:34, 15 September 2014 204.169.28.106 (talk) .. (39,062 bytes) (+11) . .
(—►Places of worship) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) O 03:37, 15 September 2014 Juno (talk I contribs) .. (39,051 bytes) (-2,610). . (Both
the sourcing, and conclusions drawn from them remain exceedingly suspect.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 02:00, 14 September 2014 76.191.26.60 (talk) .. (41,661 bytes) (-28). . (I was
given permission to use the name of the man I interviewed and made appropriate edits here.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) 0 19:58, 13 September 2014 76.191.26.60 (talk) .. (41,689 bytes) (+162). . (I added
a sentence about a longtime Jewish resident who had no adverse experiences and cited an interview.)
(undo)
■ (cur I prev) 0 22:58, 11 September 2014 76.191.26.60 (talk) .. (41,527 bytes) (+2,476). - (I
added four paragraphs recording Edina's sundown past. My edit was removed several times despite
its credibility] cite residents --including one of the first Jewish residents --and Dr. James Loewen,
visiting professor at several universities.) (undo)
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■ (cur I prev) 0 16:05, 11 September 2014 Juno (talk I contribs) .. (39,051 bytes) (-2,474). . (This
is highly suspect and based and a very questionable source.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 17:00, 9 September 2014 Mogism (talk I contribs) rm .. (41,525 bytes) (4) . .
(--*Exclusion of African Americans and Jews: Cleanup/Typo fixing, typo(s) fixed: 1960's --* 1960s
using AWB) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) d 01:52, 8 September 2014 76.191.26.60 (talk) .. (41,526 bytes) (+2,475) .. (I added
four paragraphs recording Edina's sundown past.) (undo)
■ (cur prev) Q 20:00, 7 September 2014 140.209.14.37 (talk) .. (3 9,051 bytes) (+83) .. (undo)
■ (cur ( prev) Q 19:56, 7 September 2014 140.209.14.37 (talk) .. (3 8,968 bytes) (+34). . (undo)
■ (cur prev) Q 06:51, 1 September 2014 Juno (talk I contribs) .. (3 8,934 bytes) (-2,292). . (This is
the same source and even that source concedes that is hearsay.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 04:09, 1 September 2014 2602:306:8316:8150:6425:bff.a9ac:bd2a (talk) .. (41,226
bytes) (+2,292) .. (I returned my edit recording Edina's sundown past and added two more
paragraphs reflecting this.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) 0 06:47, 28 August 2014 Juno (talk I contribs) .. (38,934 bytes) (-874). . (This is
speculation, and poor speculation at that.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 06:28, 28 August 2014 76.191.26.60 (talk) .. (39,808 bytes) (+137). . (I added a
sentence about Edina's African American population in 2000.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 22:02, 27 August 2014 192.17.192.22 (talk) .. (39,671 bytes) (+737). . (I returned
a sentence recording Edina's sundown past to the page and added another sentence providing more
evidence of its sundown past.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 15:02, 22 August 2014 Juno (talk I contribs) .. (38,934 bytes) (-410). . (Undid
revision 622276779 by 2602:306:8316:8150:90B0:24B6:4F81:3A6 (talk) This seems promotional, at
best.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) d 01:28, 22 August 2014 2602:306,8316:8150:90b0:24b6:4f81:3a6 (talk) .. (39,344
bytes) (+410) .. (I added a sentence recording Edina's sundown past.) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 05:08, 2 August 2014 Koncurrentkat (talk I contribs) in. . (38,934 bytes) (+181) . .
(--*Notable Edinans) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 03:55, 29 July 2014 SporkBot (talk I contribs) m .. (38,753 bytes) (+174) . .
(Substitute template per Tf) outcome) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 06:12, 28 July 2014 Koncurrentkat (talk I contribs) m .. (38,579 bytes) (+77) . .
(Notable Edinans) (undo)
■ (cur I prev)'J 06:02, 23 July 2014 Rossdegenstein (talk I contribs) .. (38,502 bytes) (+222)
(Updated population 2013 estimate) (undo)
■ (cur I prev) Q 22:01, 4 July 2014 98.240.132.26 (talk) .. (38,280 bytes) (-5) .. (-Public schools:
The schools are middle schools, not junior high schools) (undo).
http://en.wikipedia.orgAv/index.php?title=Edina _Minnesota&action=history 33 214
9/18/2014 Edina, Minnesota - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
As of the census E21 of 2010, there were 47,941 people, 20,672 households,
1970
44,031
44.4%
and 12,918 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,103.0
1980
46,073
4.6%
inhabitants per square mile (1,198.1 /km2). There were 22,560 housing units
1990
46,075
0.0%
at an average density of 1,460.2 per square mile (563.8 /km2). The racial
2000
47,425
2.9%
makeup of the city was 88.1 % White, 3.0% African American, 0.2% Native
2010
47,941
1.1%
American, 6.1 % Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more
Est. 2013
49,376
3.0%
races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.
U.S. Decennial Censusl61
2013 Estimatei3)
There were 20,672 households of which 29.4% had children under the age of
18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a
female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and
37.5% were non -families. 33.1 % of all households were made up of individuals and 18% had someone
living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family
size was 2.98.
The median age in the city was 45.2 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.5% were
between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 29.6% were from 45 to 64; and 20.7% were 65
years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,425 people, 20,996 households, and 12,870 families residing in the
city. The population density was 3,011.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,162.6/km2). There were 21,669
housing units at an average density of 1,376.0 per square mile (531.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city
was 94.28% White, 1.15% African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.99% Asian, 0.04% Pacific
Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were
1.14% of the population. 21.9% were of German, 14.4% Norwegian, 10.2% Irish, 9.3% Swedish and 8.4%
English ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 20,996 households, 26.5% had children under the age of 18; 34.0% of all households were
individuals; 18.5% of households were adults 65 years of age or older living alone. The average household
size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.91.
Population broke down as follows; 22.9% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44,
26.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For
every 100 females there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males.
Population statistics
Population history
1940 1950 1955 196011970 1980 11990 199411] 19961�1 1998111 1999111 2000 200211]
5,855 9,744 17,000 30,482'44,031 46,073 46,075 4ti,1i41 4i,(}2�) 1'i,:€13 471274 47,425 -'0,570
1. ^ Estimate
History
http://en.wikipedis.org/wikYEdina,_Minnesota 34 3/17
9/18/2014 Edina, Minnesota - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Settlement
Edina began as part of Richfield Township, Minnesota. In the 1850s, 17 families, most of them immigrating
as a result of the potato famine in Ireland, came to Minnesota and claimed land in the southwest section of
what was then Richfield Township. They were followed by English and Scottish farmers, who claimed
additional land near Minnehaha Creek. The Baird and Grimes neighborhoods (which are both listed on the
National Register of Historic Places), and Country Club District are located in the northeast part of Edina
and were among the first areas to be established.
In 1888, the residents of the township held a meeting to consider founding a new village, thus separating
themselves from Richfield Township. The idea was favorably accepted by those within the community and
a committee was established to oversee the transition.
Naming
After the decision was made to form a new village, a debate ensued regarding the naming of the new
village. Several town meetings were held in the Minnehaha Grange Hall, during which the names
"Hennepin Park", "Westfield" and "Edina" were suggested. Minutes taken by Henry F. Brown, a farmer and
future owner (1889) of the Edina Mill, are summarized as follows:l7l
44 "A long debate ensued with regard to the name by which the corporation shall be called. A
motion was made and passed to reconsider the vote taken at the previous meeting of the
name of the proposed village, Westfield. Another motion was then made by Andrew Craik
to call the proposed village Edina (upon moving to the township in 1869 from Edinburgh,
he bought and renamed the mill to the Edina Mill). Before the motion could be decided,
James A. Bull, a member of the five person committee, made another motion to adjourn,
which was seconded by the majority. However, the chairman of the meeting called this
motion out of order, at which time disorder ensued with Baird, Wilson, Ryan and Bull
declaring their intent to no longer serve as members of the committee if a gag law was to
prevail. During this heated moment the meeting became somewhat boisterous until, after a
few minutes order was restored. Seeing that no more work could be done at this time, a final
motion was made and passed to reschedule the meeting to a future date."
At the next meeting, the name Edina was finally chosen with a vote of 47 for and 42 against.
There has been a prevailing myth about the decision to name the new village Edina, which states that two
opposing communities—the Irish Cahill community and the Scottish Mill community fought about whether
to give the community an Irish name (Killarney Lakes) or a Scottish name (Edina). The 1860 census,
however, indicates that there were no Scottish people in Edina in 1860, and only a couple were present at
the time of Edina's founding (1888).
Morningside
The first suburban development in Edina occurred during the early 1900s in Morningside, a neighborhood
in the northeastern part of the village. As Morningside grew, conflict arose between its residents who
wanted more city services, and the residents of the rest of the village who wanted to maintain Edina's rural
character. As a result of that conflict, Morningside seceded from Edina in 1920 and became a separate
village. In 1966, however, the Village of Morningside once again became part of Edina.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edina,_Minnesota 35 4/17
9/18/2014 Edina, Minnesota - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Exclusion of African Americans and Jews
Edina, like many prestigious suburbs, pushed out its African American population in the early 20th century.
By the 1950s, Edina had a well-established reputation as a sundown town, having effectively kept out
African Americans and Jews through the use of exclusive zoning laws and individual hostile behavior
towards African Americans and Jews.181191
A former resident wrote, "I once saw the ordinance while doing research for a civics class. The ordinance
went something like this: `No colored person shall be on the streets of Edina from after sundown until dawn
unless going straight to or coming straight home from servant's quarters.' At the time (early 1970's), it was
still on the books. Once, in the late 1960's, there was a neighborhood meeting held at our house. The subject
was the African American doctor and his family who wanted to purchase a home in the neighborhood. The
comments from my neighbors were appalling. They of course mentioned that property values would go
down if this was allowed, never mind that the guy was a physician. Many of the neighbors mentioned that
they moved to Edina specifically to avoid the `coloreds' and to avoid having mixed race grandkids."1101
According to Joyce Repya, associate city planner for Edina, restrictive deed covenants preventing African
Americans from moving in held several restrictions, including a racial exclusion clause reading, "No lot
shall ever be sold, conveyed, leased, or rented to any person other than one of the white or Caucasian race,
nor shall any lot ever be used or occupied by any person other than one of the white or Caucasian race,
except such as may be serving as domestics for the owner or tenant of said lot, while said owner or tenant is
residing thereon."[' 11 One of Edina's first Jewish residents recalls being told by a friend whose parents
bought a house in Morningside that her parents read documents stating the house could not be resold to
Jews. 1 ' 21
By 2000, Edina had 546 African American residents, so it is definitely no longer sundown.1131 A longtime
Jewish resident who moved there in the late 1970s reports no adverse experiences. [14]
Edina today
Today, many of the street names in Edina are named after families whose farms once occupied that area, for
example: Grimes Avenue, Code Avenue, Gleason (Gleeson) Road, Cooper Avenue, Hansen Road and
Wyman Avenue.
Edina has a reputation for being one of the most affluent suburbs of Minneapolis.1151 Edina citizens are
considered wealthy (e.g. median household income for 1999 in Edina was $66,019,1161 compared to the
averages of $37,974 for Minneapolis and $47,111 for the state of Minnesota),1171 which led to the once
derogatory term of "cake eaters" (a reference to the "Let them eat cake" quote misattributed to Marie
Antoinette). The term is now largely used in jest in regional sports rivalries. Such usage can be seen, for
example, in the Disney film, The Mighty Ducks, in which the term is used in reference to the Adam Banks
character. Up until the 1960s, the name "cake eater" had been attributed to the Washburn (Minneapolis)
Millers, a high school located in a prosperous neighborhood of nearby Minneapolis. Additionally, popular
culture in Minnesota references that Edina is an acronym for the phrase "Every Day I Need Attention" once
again referencing the stereotypical Edina resident as wealthy and aloof.
Edina is home to some billionaires, most notably Richard M. Schulze and the late Carl Pohlad.11811191
http://en.wikipedia.orgtwiki/Edina,_Minnesola 36 5/17
Alternative Library
Literature, 1990/1991
A Biennial Anthology
Edited by
Sanford Berman
and
James P. Danky
r.
McFarland & .Company, Inc., Publishers
Jefferson, North Carolina, and London
37
MLA Columbus
Quincentennial Resolution
WHEREAS: A Presidential Commission is planning
a massive celebration to take place in 1992 on the 500th
anniversary of Columbus's voyage, with festivities in-
cluding a trip to Mars by three solar -powered "space
caravels," the sale of commemorative coins, and a scholar-
ship program designed to `both honor the achievements
of Columbus and encourage young people who embody
his spirit and accomplishments to carry forward his legacy
into the next century,"
AND WHEREAS: Columbus's voyage to America
began a legacy of European piracy, brutality, slave
trading, murder, disease, conquest, and ethnocide, and,
further, engendered the Native American Holocaust
which saw a population of over 5,000,000 American In-
dians in the land area of the United States decline to about
250,000 by the last decade of the 19th century.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The
Minnesota Library Association urges libraries to provide
Columbus Quincentennial programs and materials which
examine the event from an authentic Native American
and non—European perspective, dealing directly with
topics like cultural imperialism, colonialism, and the
Native American Holocaust.
Columbus Quincentennial
Resolution Documentation
The standard Columbus Day image of Columbus is false.
[Koning, Hans. Columbus: his enterprise. Monthly Review
Press, copyright 1976. p. 10.1
When [Columbus] discussed his Westward voyage, he
always dwelt on its religious aspects: to convert the Asian
"heathens" to Catholicism, and/or to use their gold for the
reconquest of the Holy Land from the Moslems.
[Ibid. p. 34.]
Columbus' own words about his impressions of the In-
dians ... "Here was a people to be converted to our Holy
Faith by love and friendship and not by force.... They
would make fine servants ... these people are totally un-
skilled in arms, as your Majesties will learn from seven
whom I had captured ... should your Majesties com-
mand it, all the inhabitants could be taken away ... or
made slaves on the island. With fifty men we could sub-
jugate them and make them do whatever we want."
[Ibid. pp. 52-53.]
These Indians were destined not even to live as slaves;
they were to die.... And no ... man in that Church .. .
which Columbus invoked so frequently, spoke of the
sanctity of life and tried to save them. In fact, Friar Buil,
head of the contingent of priests to come out later, equaled
the soldiers in bloodthirstiness.
[Ibid. p. 55.]
Every visitor, in the first days, describes with astonish-
ment' [the Arawaks] friendliness, innocence, and high
spirits, they clearly did live at peace with themselves and
their environment.
[Ibid. p. 56.1
Seven Spaniards ... came ashore, and on Columbus' in-
structions tried to buy the bows and arrows with their
hawks' bells and beads. The Indians traded them two
bows but refused to sell more. After some shouting, the
Spaniards set on them with their swords ... two Indians
were quickly cut down, and the others fled ... .
[Ibid. p. 60.]
For the native population of America, the second Columbus
voyage was perhaps the crucial one: On that occasion, the
pattern was set for centuries to come. The pretense was
ended, the idyll over.... Soon [the Spaniards] would be
Approved at the Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference, St. Cloud, November 7, 1990. Similar resolution passed at the
1990 American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago.
2H
38
212
Alternative Library Literature, 1990/1991
treating the Indians, in the words of Bishop De las Casas,
"not as beasts ... but like excrement in a public square."
[Ibid. pp. 70-71.1
A canoe appeared around the point of land with four men,
two women, a child. When they saw the Spanish fleet,
they were so astounded that, in the words of Chanca,
"they remained without a motion, a whole hour...." To
the Spaniards these people were game rather than fellow
beings. Several boats set out to get them .... They were
overpowered and brought to the Santa Maria. One, whose
stomach had been split open by a Spaniard, was tossed
overboard, but he swam to shore, holding his guts in his
hand. The gallant Spaniards went after him, captured him
anew, and this time threw him overboard after binding his
hands and feet. The Indian managed to free himself, and
swam off once more. Then he was "shot through and
through" from the deck of the ship and sank in the clear
water.
[Ibid. pp. 74-75.]
be hung around the neck. With that they were safe for
another three months.... Whoever was caught without
a token was killed by having his or her hands cut off.
There are old Spanish prints ... that show this being
done: the Indians stumble away, staring with surprise at
their arm stumps pulsing out blood. There were no gold
fields. ... It was an impossible task, but those Indians
who tried to flee into the mountains were systematically
hunted down with dogs and killed.... Armor, muskets,
swords, horses, and dogs had made the Spaniards invinc-
ible. All prisoners had been hanged or burned to death.
... Thus it was at this time that the mass suicides began:
the Arawaks killed themselves with cassava poison.
[Ibid. pp. 85-86.1
During those two years of the administration of the
brothers Columbus, an estimated one half of the entire
population of Hispaniola was killed or killed themselves.
The estimates run from one hundred and twenty-five
thousand to one-half million.... In 1515 there were not
more than ten thousand Indians left alive; twenty-five
years later, the entire nation had vanished from the earth.
Ten women, whom Columbus had captured earlier,
jumped overboard and tried to escape. Four were caught. [Ibid. pp. 88-89.]
... They were to be used as sex slaves for the crew.
[Ibid. p. 77.1
Columbus' brother Diego had been in charge.... The
gold collecting had been entrusted by him to two men,
.conquistadores, captains, robber barons, bandits: the
proper name depends on your point of view.
[Ibid. P. 82.1
Columbus ... turned to a massive slave raid. ... The
brothers rounded up ... Arawaks—men, women, and
children—and imprisoned them in pens ... guarded by
men and dogs.... Of the five hundred slaves, three hun-
dred arrived alive in Spain.... The slave trade turned
out to be "unprofitable, for the slaves mostly died."
[Ibid. pp. 84-85.]
There now began a reign of tenor on Hispaniola for which
I can find no proper historical parallel.... The unique
horror of Columbus' new state was that even the blindest
obedience could not save the people.... Every man and
woman, every boy or girl offourteen or older in the prov-
ince of Cibao (of the imaginary gold fields) had to collect
gold for the Spaniards.... Every three months, every In-
dian had 'to bring to one of the forts a hawks' bell filled
with gold dust.... Copper tokens were manufactured,
and when an Indian had brought his or her tribute ... he
or she received such a token, stamped with the month, to
From the very first, the Spaniards did not come to the In-
dies ... to settle. They came to trade, or to put it less
hypocritically, to plunder, and then to return home to
Castile with the loot.
[Ibid. p. 90.1
The Spaniards were Christians, But that manifested itself
in surprising ways. De las Casas reports how they made
low, wide gallows on which they strung up the Arawaks,
their feet almost touching the ground. Then they put
burning green wood at their feet.... Chiefs and nobles
were ... burned to death on grids of rods. Once, he
writes, a captain complained that he couldn't sleep
because of the cries and he ordered the victims strangled.
But the constable ... instead put sticks over their tongues
so they could not make a sound, and "roasted them slowly,
as he liked." Men, women, and children on Columbus'
Hispaniola were hacked to pieces, and those pieces were
sold from stalls to the Spaniards for feeding their dogs.
[Ibid. pp. 122-123.]
The docile Arawaks ... died like flies. The fiercer Caribs
of Cuba were ... brought in long chained files to the
mines and the fields and exterminated.... When they
revolted or tried to escape or seemed lazy they were
burned to death ... beaten to death or torn to pieces by
dogs.... Never before in history was a whole people so
destroyed, and by so few.
39
MLA Columbus Quincentennial Resolution
[Douglas, Marjory Stoneman. The Everglades: river of
grass. Mockingbird Books, 1974, copyright 1947. pp. 69-
70.]
Columbus observed of the Arawak ... "How easy it
would be to convert these people ...." The Island Arawak
Indians were destroyed within 100 years ... a result of
subjugation by the Spaniards, diseases introduced from
the Eastern Hemisphere, and conflicts with ... the Carib
Indians.
[Thornton, Russell. American Indian holocaust and sur-
vival: a population history since 1492. University of
Oklahoma Press, 1987. pp. 12-13.]
The 5 + million American Indians in the conterminous
United States area ... had declined to but 600,000 by
1800 ... they had declined to about 250,000 by the last
decade of the nineteenth century. This was a population
some 4 to 5 percent of its previous size, representing a
population decline of approximately 1.25 million per
century.
[Ibid. p. 43.)
The arrival of Columbus in the western hemisphere ini-
tiated a campaign of terror and genocide. It took away the
economic, political and cultural identity of the native peo-
ple and imposed upon them a system of subjugation and
dominion that has continued to this day.
[Searcy, Emory R. "From the Executive Director." CALC
Report, Mar. 1990, p. 3.]
After failing to find contacts to the emperor of China or
the traders of India, Columbus decided to pay for his
voyage in the only commodity he found—human lives. He
seized 1200 ... Indians, crammed as many of them onto
his ships as would fit and took them to Spain where they
were paraded naked through the streets and sold as slaves
in 1495.
[Mollenhoff, Lori. "Challenging the lies." CALC Report,
Mar. 1990, p. 5.]
The official version of the Columbus story does more than
213
whitewash ... it also justifies. The outright murder,
piracy, and slave trading practiced by the conquistadores,
if mentioned at all, is said to be the fault of the inevitable
"march of progress," unavoidable consequences of
spreading our enduring values .... For many Native
Americans, the legacy of Columbus is not just cultural—
they continue to face the same old-fashioned, violent,
land -grabbing brand of imperialism Columbus practiced
many years ago.
[Nicolai, Dan. "Contesting the Columbus Day Quincen-
tennial." Artpaper, Nov. 1989, pp. 12-13.]
History is too complex to blame Columbus for the fate of
Native Americans. However, he carried the seeds of
native enslavement and destruction with him to this part
of the world; he engaged in the killing, maiming and
demoralizing of native people. He set the tone and paved
the way for succeeding generations of Europeans to
amass a record of racial and cultural encounters that stag-
gers the imagination in terms of loss of life and disregard
for the property, cultural, religious and human rights of
Native Americans.
[Buffalohead, Roger. "Celebrating Columbus" voyage: a
case of historical amnesia." Star Tribune, Mar. 24, 1990,
p. 15A.]
The fugitives in the mountains [of Hispaniola] were
hunted down with hounds; if they escaped capture, they
often died of disease or starvation. Thousands killed
themselves by taking a poison made from cassava. Many
parents killed their infants to spare them a living death
under Spanish rule. In only two years, half the 250,000In-
dians on the island were dead. Dead by murder, dead by
mutilation, dead by overwork, dead by suicide. It was the
beginning of genocide for the native population. By 1548
... not 500 Indians remained in Hispaniola. It was the
first page in the history of the European settlement of the
Americas. A beginning marked by conquest, slavery,
death, a page written in blood. It makes one wonder
whether Columbus Day should not be mourned, rather
than celebrated.
[Meltzer, Milton. Columbus and the world around him. F.
Watts, 1990, p. 144.1
40
"A Teachable Moment" Say
MSRRT Quincentennial Panelists
, nnfnnrrd Ror um. ••..
"In Fourteen Hundred and Ninety -Two Columbus
sailed the ocean blue." So begins the traditional chant.
And that's why the Minnesota Library Association Social
Responsibilities Round Table conducted a panel discus-
sion, `The Columbus Quincentennial: Is There Anything
to Celebrate?," during MLA's Annual Conference in St.
Cloud.
Nineteen ninety-two, only one year away, will mark
the 500th anniversary of that truly epochal event. Like it
or not, the anniversary will happen. But exactly what
takes place, and what direction or tone it assumes is partly
UP to all of us, including librarians, teachers, writers, ar-
tists, and activists.
The action has already begun. There's a federally
funded Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee
Commission, founded in 1984 to oversee the national
celebrations and to sanction events. It claims 39 states
and 100 cities have set up their oivn Quincentennial units.
The New York and Massachusetts groups will host stops
of the Grand Regatta Columbus 92 Quincentenary, a tall
ship parade starting in Spain, then traveling to the Carib-
bean, up the East Coast, and on to Britain. The federal
agency is looking for big -spending sponsors, especially
corporations willing to lay out up to a million bucks each
for use of the body's logo. Ad Week magazine describes
the Quincentenary as an "Olympic -sized marketing op-
portunity for corporate America."
Several private booster -groups have emerged, in-
cluding Joe Laufer's International Columbian Quincen-
tenary Alliance, which has already published v. 5, no. 4 of
its Discovery 500 newsletter, and Anne Paolucci's Colum-
bus Countdown 1992.
The Latin American Institute of the University of
New Mexico and the Spain '92 Foundation in Washing-
ton, D.C. jointly publish the slick quarterly, Encounters.
The Children's Book Council is marketing a Discovery
Display Kit, Columbus mobile, and New World book-
mark set. This "Great Discovery Combo" retails for a
mere $70.Omnigraphics, located in Detroit, has been ag-
gressively advertising its Quincentennial wares in the
library press. The Library of Congress this year announced
an ambitious calendar of both events and publications.
And the American Library Association lately received a
214
National Endowment for the Humanities grant for
$275,000 to develop reading and discussion programs.:
"That's only a partial overview of what's either
planned or happening right now," said panel moderator
Sandy Berman, who added: "I haven't even mentioned the
three solar -powered space caravels to be shot toward'.
` .
Mars or the replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria
that Spain intends to send across the Atlantic again." He
concluded: "Not everyone is happy with the way this com- -
memoration is shaping up. And that's the focus of this pro- 'If
gram: to examine what the 'celebration' is really all about,,;
what the Columbus legacy has meant to all of us, but,
especially Native Americans and Afro-Americans, and
how we ought to respond or participate in the Quincen-
tennial itself."
Opening up the November 7 program, Lori Mollen-,
hof, Racial Justice Coordinator for Minnesota Clergy and
Laity Concerned and herselfa Native American, sounded
a theme that would reverberate through the whole
discussion: that the Quincentennial represents "a teach- .
s
able moment," an opportunity for information -gate-
keepers to finally let history be told from the viewpoint of
"those at the bottom." Immediately echoing that idea,,
Ricardo Levins Morales, Coordinator of the Alliance for .'
Cultural Democracy and well-known Twin Cities' T-shirt
and poster designer, noted that his homeland, Puerto
Rico, has been occupied for 500 years and thus the corn-
ing "celebration" actually marks five centuries of co= ;`
y
lonialism. Quoting a Quincentenary official's remark that; '
s
the '92 commemoration will prove "a lasting memorial to
'
that first great entrepreneur, Christopher Columbus,"
Levins Morales contended that the 40 -year period follow-
ollowing
ingColumbus' arrival in the Western Hemisphere pro-
duced one of the greatest losses of human life in history.
Further, he claimed, it inaugurated the "Columbus Ad-
ministration," which still remains in power. To this Ad=
ministration gold and wealth are far more valuable than .
people, an attitude that frankly bewildered the first
Native Americans exposed to it. But, insisted Levins
Morales, that attitude persists, reflected in public policies
that either ignore or minimize the importance and needs
of children, older people, and others who are deemed not
productive." That earlier Columbus Administration, he
41
A Teachable Moment" Say MSRRT Quincentennial Panelists
emphasized, by valuing greed over people also sparked
the Trans-Adantic African slave trade, with devastating
consequences to Africa. And later, that same dynamic—
the Europeans' unending desire for cheap, malleable
labor—siphoned off Asians and Arabs to mine and build
the "New World." Observing that Columbus' employers,
Ferdinand and Isabella, also severely persecuted Jews,
Muslims, gays, and lesbians in the motherland, Levins
Morales agreed that now is a good chance to "heal" the
wounds of colonialism and oppression. However, he cau-
tioned, the wounding must first stop before the body can
heal. He called upon everyone to affirm and acknowledge
the right of every people to "their own voice."
In an eloquent oral memoir, Ruth Denny, a Native
American who edits The Circle for the Minneapolis
American Indian Center, related that as a child she wished
to return to "a time before Columbus." For the first time
in her life she felt deeply afraid of being killed or beaten
while covering anti-spearfishing and treaty rights protests
in Wisconsin during the past two years. Pre-Columbian
Indians, she noted, had no words for "racism," "sexism,"
"alcohol," "oppression," or "genocide" in their vocabulary.
Fourteen ninety-two and its aftermath "didn't have to be
a tragedy," she maintained. Native Americans initially
welcomed the newcomers. Now is an opportunity for the
newcomers' descendants to reciprocate that welcome.
Wryly declaring that "history is written by winners,"
Joanna O'Connell—Assistant Professor in the University
of Minnesota's Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese—thinks
the Quincentennial should challenge us to transform our
215
own values and could be an occasion for re-education.
She discovered, from teaching a "Latin American Culture
and Civilization" course, that while students at the outset
didn't know much, they did know two things: that Colum-
bus "discovered" America and that the Aztecs believed
the Spaniards to be "gods." Both "facts" are untrue.
In effect reinforcing Levies Morales' concept of a
"Columbus Administration," O'Connell recalled that
Castile and Aragon in 1492 mercilessly consolidated
political and ideological power, forcibly unifying Iberia's
diverse polities and expelling Jewish and Muslim
"heretics." Coincidentally, a Castillian grammar ap-
peared, a harbinger of linguistic imperialism. Indeed, the
Conquistadors and their ecclesiastical companions suc-
ceeded in almost totally destroying Mayan and other In-
dian literatures. But oral tradition survived and so—
miraculously—did the Aztec version of the conquest,
Broken Spear. O'Connell believes that the Quincenten-
nial should be grasped as a chance to not only overturn
long-standing myths and prejudices, but also to make con-
nections between what happened "then" and what's going
on now: for instance, viewing the invasions of Grenada
and Panama as continuations of the original Conquest,
and the highly -touted "war on drugs" as another
manifestation of the 500 -year-long war on indigenous
peoples.
For resource lists and data on counter-Quincenten-
nial activities, contact MSRRT, c/o Sandy Berman, 4400
Morningside Road, Edina, MN 55416.
42
Should We Celebrate Columbus Day?
Hans Koning
It lies within our comfortable liberal tradition that
we don't like events to be depicted in stark colours, We
like shadings. We particularly don't like things or people
to be written up as all bad.
Everything has its nuances, we claim. Only fanatics
and extremists fail to see that. Mankind and womankind,
sitting (still rather well-fed) in their (still rather well -heated)
rooms, feel a considerable tenderness towards themselves.
Upperdog, mostly white, mankind, that is. And
throughout its bloody history, mankind has labelled as
fanatics, agitators, and troublemakers all those who have
felt less tender and rosy about the world.
Well, fanatical and extreme as it maybe, I find it very
hard to think of any shadings or nuances in a character
portrait of Christopher Columbus.
Grant him the originality and fierce ambition needed
to set that western course. But what else is there to say?
Here was a man greedy in large ways, and in small ways—
to the point where he took for himself the reward for first
sighting land from the Pinta lookout. Cruel in petty
things, as when he set a dying monkey with two paws cut
off to fight a wild pig; cruel on a continental scale, as when
he set in motion what de las Casas called "the beginning
of the bloody trail of conquest across the Americas."
We may try to redeem him by stating that he was a
man of his time. That is certainly true. And it is to the
greater glory of those men who were not "of their time": de
las Casas, who fought in vain for half a century to save the
Indians; Antonio de Montesinos, a Dominican friar who
preached in Santo Domingo in 1511, "I am a voice crying
in the wilderness." (He was recalled shortly thereafter.) It
would be the lives of those very few men who would, if
such were possible, save the honour of that Holy Faith in
whose name a continental massacre was committed.
There were a few worldly men around, too, who
were not "of their time." Pedro Margarit, who sickened at
the treatment of the Arawaks, who left Hispaniola and
spoke against Columbus at Court. In another theatre, a
man such as the Portuguese Alfonso de Albuquerque,
who treated his subjects in Portuguese India as if they
were people.
But men like these were pathetically few in number,
and still are. The Spaniards cut off the hands of the
Arawaks who didn't come through with enough gold.
More than four hundred years later, Brazilian entrepre-
neurs cut off the ears of Indians who didn't come in with
enough wild rubber. The Spaniards threw the Indian
children in the sea, shouting, `Boil in hell, children of the
devil." The United States General Westmoreland an-
nounced, "An Oriental does not prize his life like we do."
He used new and improved napalm, while the Spaniards
in Hispaniola used green wood for burning the Indian
caciques in order to make them suffer and scream longer—
as an example for the others, of course.
In what is now the United States, the Indians were
destroyed no less effectively than in Hispaniola. In Brazil,
it is going on even now.
Perhaps we will come to say that Columbus. was not
only a man of his time, but that he was a man of his race.
The word "race" may no longer be accepted in
science because it cannot properly be defined. That does
not prevent us all from knowing quite well what is meant
by "the white race'; but let us say then that Columbus was
a typical man of the (white) West. And the West has
ravaged the world for five hundred years, under the flag
of a master -slave theory which in our finest hour of
hypocrisy was called "the white man's burden." Perhaps
the Master -Race Nazis were different from the rest of us,
mostly in the sense that they extended that theory to their
fellow whites. (In doing so, they did the subject races of
this world a favour. The great white -race civil war which
we call World War lI weakened Europe and broke its grip
on Asia and Africa.) I am not ignoring the cruelties of
other races. They were usually less hypocritical, though;
they were not, in Marx's phrase, "civilization mongers" as
they laid waste to other lands. But they too fill the pages
of history with man's inhumanity to man.
What sets the West apart is its persistence, its capacity
to stop at nothing. No other race or religion or nonreligion
ever quite matched the Christian West in that respect. Of
course those others did not as a rule have the technology
and the means to go on. The West did, and does—that
same persistence has given it its power for good and for
bad. We may end then by saying that Columbus was but
one frightening example of the corruption of unchecked
power, such as precisely the West used to wield.
Reprinted with permission from Briarpatch, March 1991, pp. 3-5. Copyright ® Hans Koning 1991.
216
43
Should We Celebrate Columbus Day?
And there was nothing to check the Spaniards,
whose steel, horses, and gunpowder made them in-
vulnerable. Any check on their power would have had to
come from inside themselves. Inside themselves was lust
for gain and the Christian faith. The two did not appear
to be in conflict.
Undoubtedly, the Spaniards were Christians. But
that manifested itself in surprising ways. De las Casas
reports how they made low, wide gallows on which
they strung up the Arawaks, their feet almost touching
the ground. Then they put burning green wood at their
feet. These executions took place in lots of thirteen.
Thirteen Arawaks were hanged each time. Why? This
was "in memory of Our Redeemer and His Twelve
Apostles."
De las Casas continues to say that chiefs and nobles
were usually not hanged like that, but burned to death
on grids of rods. Once, he writes, a captain complained
that he couldn't sleep because of the cries and he ordered
the victims strangled. But the constable ("and I know
his name and the names of his family in Seville") instead
put sticks over their. tongues so that they could not
make a sound, and "roasted them slowly, as he liked."
Men, women, and children on Columbus' Hispaniola
were hacked to pieces, and those pieces were sold from
stalls to the Spaniards for feeding their dogs. It was con-
sidered good military policy to give these dogs a taste for
Indians.
De Bry, an etcher from the Dutch Lowlands, has il-
lustrated the conquest. Those faces, under the pointed
helmets, with the little triangular beards, looked on coldly
217
as the Indians are strangled, burned, and cut down, They
are the stuff of nightmares.
The curse of the conquest still lies over most of Latin
America: Here the encomiendas continue in a more sub-
tle form, and the very few still own the very many.
South of the United States border, October 12 is now
commemorated as "the day of the race." The race, that is,
as it now exists, of mixed Spanish and Indian and African
stock.
You cannot find fault with that. That race, la raza, is
a reality. These children of conquerors and slaves are the
only achievement of the conquest, the only wealth it pro-
duced. For all the gold and silver stolen and shipped to
Spain did not make the Spanish people richer. It gave
their kings an edge in the balance of power for a time, a
chance to hire more mercenary soldiers for their wars.
They ended up losing those wars, anyway, and all that was
left was a deadly inflation, a starving population, the rich
richer, the poor poorer, and a ruined peasant class.
Perhaps in the children of la raza lies the hope for a
final reconciliation of this war that Europe and its white
outposts have waged on America and Africa.
But we up north, we call October 12 "Columbus
Day." Are we committed then to continue in that bloody
track? Shouldn't we try to have our thoughts, on the an-
niversary of the day it all began, run in a new direction?
Shouldn't we change that name?
Our false heroes have long burdened our history and
our character.
Shouldn't we wind up that Enterprise of Columbus
and start thinking of a truly New World?
44
Honoring Columbus Honors
Legacy of Slave -trading., Genocide
Jack Weatherford
Christopher Columbus' reputation has not survived
the scrutiny of history, and today we know that he was no
more the discoverer of America than Pocahontas was the
discoverer of Great Britain. Native Americans had built
great civilizations with many millions of people long be-
fore Columbus wandered Iost into the Caribbean.
Columbus' voyage has even less meaning for North
Americans than for South Americans, because Columbus
never set foot on our continent, nor did he open it to
European trade. Scandinavian Vikings already had settle-
ments here in the 11th century, and British fishermen prob-
ably fished the shores of Canada for decades before Co-
lumbus.
The first European explorer to thoroughly document
his visit to North America was the Italian explorer
Giovanni Caboto, who sailed for England's King Henry
VII and became known to us by his anglicized name, John
Cabot. Cabot arrived in 1497 and claimed North America
for the English sovereign while Columbus was still
searching for India in the Caribbean. After three voyages
to America and more than a decade of study, Columbus
still believed that Cuba was a part of the continent ofAsia,
South America was only an island and the coast of Central
America was close to the Ganges River.
Unable to celebrate Columbus' exploration as a great
discovery, some apologists now want to commemorate it
as the great "cultural encounter." Under this interpreta-
tion, Columbus becomes a sensitive genius thinking
beyond his time in the passionate pursuit of knowledge
and understanding. The historical record refutes this, too.
Contrary to popular legend, Columbus did not prove
that the world was round; educated people had known
that for centuries. The Egyptian -Greek scientist, Era-
tosthenes, workingforAlexandria and Aswan, alreadyhad
measured the circumference and diameter of the world in
the 3rd century B.C. Arab .scientists had developed a
whole discipline of geography and measurement, and in
the IOth century A.D., Al Magdist had calculated that the
Earth had 360 degrees of longitude and 180 degrees of
latitude. The Monastery of St. Catherine in the Sinai still
has an icon—painted 500 years before Columbus—that
shows Jesus ruling over a spherical earth.
Nevertheless, Arnerieans have embroidered many
such legends around Columbus, and he has become
part of a secular mythology for schoolchildren. Autumn
would hardly be complete in any elementary school with-
out construction paper replicas of the three cute ships
that Columbus sailed to America, or without drawings of
Queen Isabella pawning her jewels to finance Columbus'
trip.
This myth of the pawned jewels obscures the true
and more sinister story of how Columbus financed his
trip. The Spanish monarchy invested in his excursion, but
only on the condition that Columbus would repay this in-
vestment with profit by bringing back gold, spices and
other tribute from Asia. This pressing need to repay his
debt underlies the frantic tone of Columbus' diaries as he
raced from one Caribbean island to the next, stealing
anything of value.
After he failed to contact the emperor of China, the
traders of India or the merchants of Japan, Columbus
decided to pay for his voyage in the one important com-
modity he had found in ample supply—human lives. He
seized 1,200 Taino, Indians from the island of Hispaniola,
crammed as many onto his ships as would fit and sent
them to Spain, where they were paraded naked through
the streets of Seville and sold as slaves in 1495. Columbus
tore children from their parents, husbands from wives.
On board Columbus' slave ships, hundreds died; the
sailors tossed the Indian bodies into the Atlantic.
Because Columbus captured more Indian slaves than
he could transport to Spain in his small ships, he put them
to work in mines and plantations which he, his family and
followers created throughout the Caribbean. His maraud-
ing band hunted Indians for sport and profit—beating,
raping, torturing, killing and then using the Indian bodies
as food for their hunting dogs. Within four years of Colum-
bus' arrival on Hispaniola, his men had killed or exported
Reprinted with permission from Four Directions. Newsletter of the St. Paul American Indian Center 1, U (Sept./Oet.1989), pp. 5-6.
Weatherford, an anthropologist at Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, has written Indian Givers and Native Roots.
218
45
Honoring Columbus Honors Legacy of Slave -trading, Genocide
one-third of the original Indian population of 300,000.
Within another 50 years, the Taino people had been
made extinct—the first casualties of the holocaust of
American Indians. The plantation owners then turned to
the American mainland and to Africa for new slaves to
follow the tragic path of the Taino.
This was the great cultural encounter initiated by
Christopher Columbus. This is the event we celebrate
each year on Columbus Day.
219
The United States honors only two men with federal
holidays bearing their names. In January we com-
memorate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., who
struggled to lift the blinders of racial prejudice and to cut
the remaining bonds of slavery in America. Monday we
honored Christopher Columbus, who opened the Atlan-
tic slave trade and launched one of the greatest waves of
genocide known in history.
46
Recognizing the Second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day
By: Alondra Cano, Lisa Bender, Elizabeth Glidden, Cam Gordon, Andrew Johnson,
John Quincy, Abdi Warsame, Blong Yang
Whereas, the City of Minneapolis recognizes the annexation of Dakota homelands for the building of our city,
and knows Indigenous nations have lived upon this land since time immemorial and values the progress our society
has accomplished through American Indian technology, thought, and culture, and;
Whereas, the City of Minneapolis understands that in order to help close the equity gap, government entities,
organizations and other public institutions should change their policies and practices to better reflect the experiences
of American Indian people and uplift our country's Indigenous roots, history, and contributions; and
Whereas, the idea of Indigenous Peoples Day was first proposed in 1977 by a delegation of Native nations to the
United Nations -sponsored International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the
Americas; and
Whereas, in 1990 representatives from 120 Indigenous nations at the First Continental Conference on 500 Years
of Indian Resistance unanimously passed a resolution to transform Columbus Day into an occasion to strengthen the
process of continental unity and struggle towards liberation, and thereby use the occasion to reveal a more accurate
historical record; and
Whereas; the City Council proclaimed 2013 "The Year of the Dakota: Remembering, Honoring and Truth
Telling" *nd theCity understands the need for continued work in the -spirit of Truth Telling; and
Whereas, the City of Minneapolis has a strong history of over four decades of American Indian activism;: which
the City celebrates and honors; and
Whereas, the United States federal government, the State of Minnesota, and the City of Minneapolis recognize
Columbus Day on the second Monday of October, in accordance with the federal holiday. establishedin1937.
Now;_ Therefore, Be It Resolved by the City Council that the City of Minneapolis shall
recognize indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October.
Be It Further Resolved that the. City of Minneapolis shall continue its efforts to promote the well-being and growth
of the Minneapolis American Indian and Indigenous community.
Be It Further Resolved that Indigenous Peoples Day shall be used to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of
Indigenous people on this land, and to celebrate the thriving cult=.: and value that Dakota, Ojibwe, and other
Indigenous nations add to our city.
Be It Further Resolved, the City of Minneapolis encourages other businesses, organizations and public entities to
recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.
Pcu'ted, -ipil25, 2014
Barbara Johnson, President of the Council
Approved:
Betsy Hodges, Mayor
Attest:
Casey Carl, City Clerk
rtiriio ne
Indigenous People's Day
added to Mpls. calendar
4HMMYfromm
BellecomY, a civil rights orga-
nize "Forme, it's been almost
%yeatsthat we vebeen talking
about this pirate."
Theactionmayhave sparked
a statewide and national move-
ment. And similar action is
happening elsewhere The Red
Wing City Council is slated to
vote next week on a resolution
to redesignate the holiday as
Prat Peoples Day.
State Rep Susan Allen, the
first Native American woman
elected to the Legislature,
and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison
expressed interest Friday in
recognizing another holiday
on Columbus Day at the state
and federal level
The celebration of Colum-
bus Day has long been a raw
issue for Native Americans,
whopoint to the explorer's vio-
lence towardindigenous people
io-
lencetowardindigenouspeople
upon arrival in the New World
Plus, some note, Columbus
never reached the mainland of
North America. It has been a
federal holiday since 1934.
'It's difficult to imagine, if
you are from a mainstream
expenence, how to it feels to sit
in a classroom and be told,'Oh
yeah, well there was this dark-
ness Then Columbus came.
Then there was light,'" Ellison
said. "How dehumanizing it is
to feel that way."
Ellison said his interest in
changing the federal holiday
was piqued by someone who
asked him about it at the City
Hallgathering•'Isaid that's
an Idea,"' Ellison said in an
interview. "So we're going to
be thinking aboutitnow"
'Setif � the r+mad slnighY
Bellecourt recalled Friday
that his brother; Vernon Belle -
court, threw a pint of his own
blood on a replica of Colum-
bus' ship NiSa at the St. Paul
science museum in 1992. "lie
did that for all the blood that
was drained from our commu-
nity and our nation across the
western hemisphere," Clyde
Bellecourtsaid
Allen, spcaJdng to the gath-
ering of activists, thanked
everyone "wbo year after year
have protested the celebra-
tion of Coluunbus' legacy of
enslavement and massacre"
New council member
Alondra Cann introduced the
change, with support from the
Native American Community
Development Institute.
"This is not necessarily
about Columbus. He is not
the center of our existence,"
she told a gathering before the
vote. '"Phis is about the power
of the American Indian people
and indigenous communities
all over the world. We are set-
t ng the record straight."
Cano added that the initia-
tive was merely a first step
toward ensuring more Native
Americans own homes, prac-
tice urban agriculture and suc-
ceed in academics.'1'here is so
much work to do," she said
The final resolution was
scaled back from another ver-
sion earlier in the week which
stated that the city should
rename Columbus Day itself.
The final resolution does not
rename Columbus Day, but
rather recognizes Indigenous
People's Day on the same date
Several city ordinances and col-
lective bargaining agreements
still reference Columbus Day,
said city attorney Susan Segal.
The council vote, which
fell one day after Mayor Betsy
Hodges held her first state of
the city address at the Minne-
apolis American Indian Cent,;
was umnimous.
"Irepresentpeoplethathave
Italian history. They're some-
what offended by this change,
this recognition," said Coun-
cil President Barbara Johnson
'But I think it's about all of us
moving forward understand-
ing the strength that we have
because of all the different
groups that have impacted this
community, both long ago and
today—ongoing"
Minneapolis isn't the fust
city to recognize Indigenous
People's Day. The cityofBerke-
ley, Calif., has celebrated Indig-
enous People's Day since 1992.
Several states also do not rec-
ognize Columbus Day.
Eric Roper • 612173-1732
TMtter.@StribRoper
PRAYER, SOHO, VOTE:
ClydeBellecourtheld up a
mndorfeathet, above• atter
leading a prayer, and the
Ringing Shield Drum circle
sang before the Minneapolis
CRY Council unanimously
voted torecognizelndig-
enous People's Day.
At IeR,MaryDdorieandoth-
ers wiped away tears during
the prayer. The final resolu-
tion does not rename Colum-
bus Daybut rathesrecognizes
Indigenous People's Day on
the same date
WURTNErPEW
Special to the StuTn'bune
To: HRRC
From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison
Date: 10/28/2014
Subject: Chair, Commission Member, and Student Comments
Action Requested:
None.
Information / Background:
A. Next Meeting: December H, 2014
Attachment:
None.
A,
o e
Cn
o
• '^'coi�rot�ATFe •
Agenda Item M. IX.
Action ❑
Discussion ❑
Information
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 49