School Bus Bullies, Superheroes, and Why I Remember the Kitchen

2011

They say every school has a bully. I don’t know if that’s true, but our school has a bully. A big, mean kid with a bowl cut and a scar running down his cheek. He rides my bus to and from school every day. Every day, the loud voice of the backseat tyrant is heard over all the others. Laughter is silenced with a flick of his wrist. His name is Joe. No last name, just Joe. On this warm afternoon in late May, Joe is picking on Andrew, calling him names, slapping him with the sharp metal edge of a ruler (a particularly nasty and popular weapon of bullies), pulling his hair. I say, “Cut it out,” and the bully’s eyes turn to me.

My Mother’s Garden

2011

Her garden, growing on Germain Street, needed just as much as a baby, every bit of her attention, love, and care. We moved so many times. The house on Germain was the fourth we moved into, but not the last. The backyard of this house was a bit narrow and long and even had a little hill that led to a small woodsy area. Almost every day from spring until early fall, my mother came home to her garden ready to care for it. She threw on her black short-sleeved shirt, navy blue shorts, size five black Old Navy sandals, and a pair of yellow rubber gloves.

Gordon Parks Recalling 1920s Rondo

2011

Gordon Parks was an acclaimed artist who confronted poverty and racism with such creative grace that he became an internationally admired cultural icon long before his death in 2006 at age ninety-three. An accomplished photographer, writer, composer, musician, and film producer and director, Parks was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912, and later moved to Saint Paul, where he spent his formative years. His memoir, A Choice of Weapons, which describes his experiences from 1928 through 1944, was first published in 1966 and reissued in 1986 and 2010 by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

June 13th, 2011 Lowertown Reading Jam: Melvin Giles presents “Sowing the Seeds of Peace”

2011

The Saint Paul Almanac continues its year-round literary celebration of Minnesota’s capital city with the acclaimed Lowertown Reading Jams. On Monday, June 13, the Jam will be hosted and curated by urban farmer and peace activist, Melvin Giles. Centered around themes of gardening, feeding the hungry, peace and social justice, the evening, entitled “Sowing the Seeds of Peace,” will feature readings and spoken word performances by several community members from throughout the Twin Cities. This penultimate Reading Jam of the 2010-2011 season takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Black Dog Café, 308 Prince Street, located across the street from the Saint Paul Farmer’s Market.

Butterflies on Selby

By David Lyndale ● 2011

There is a café on Selby where I go to clear my mind and listen to the stories old Black men tell. Outside the café is a planter and in

Pig’s Eye Post Spring Edition: Things to do Outside | New and Closing Exhibits

2011

Although the Saint Paul Almanac publishes only yearly, the organization stays active between issues by maintaining its interactive website and putting together cool events, like the Lowertown Reading Jams. Each month, the happening is hosted by a different author of note, who is joined by other up-and-coming artists.... Authors scheduled in coming months include Melvin Giles (June 13) and Diego Vázquez Jr. (July 11). Also: Things To Do Outside... See the city from a fresh perspective or enjoy the City's free May-August “Music in the Parks” series. Brand New Exhibit: “Underwear: A Brief History”. Last Chance Exhibit: Last month of spectacular woodturning pieces.

Too Big for My Skin

2011

My momma never told a lie, she couldn’t when the truth was clear Through stretch marks and crow’s feet, the truth is what she told me Not through words, but through the curve of her hips The gleam in her eyes . . . the memories on her lips She is so beautiful, that her skin can’t even keep her concealed She is so beautiful, that in her early days she carried another life inside her, manifested the fire Sending her existence higher...

A Normal Wet Rainy Day in Saint Paul

2011

I hold out my hand and feel the soft tapping of raindrops on my palm. They are cool and don’t seem to care where they end up. I take out my umbrella and hold it up so I don’t get wet. It is fall. The wind starts up, and I am glad I wore my sweatshirt and rain poncho. The rain starts coming down harder now, and my patrol flag flaps madly as if trying to escape my grasp.

Remembering Katie McWatt through Arthurs’ Words

2011

Katie McWatt was about thirty-three years old when she ran for Saint Paul City Council: In March 1964, civil rights activists Reverend Denzil Carty, Kwame McDonald, and Alpha Adkins convinced Katie McWatt to run for a seat on the St. Paul City Council. There had never been an African-American on the Council in the history of the City. Her experience as an advocate for improved educational opportunities, the hiring of more African-American school staff, lobbyist for non-discrimination in housing, employment of African-Americans in the building trades and a dedication to social justice were critical issues for McWatt.

Avian Celebrities on Como Lake

2011

We were halfway around Como Lake when I heard it—the long mournful three-tone whistle-cry that grew in volume. I stopped. What is that? What is that? I know that sound. But it was utterly out of context, and I had to think to place it. The bird called again. I stopped Doug and made him take out his earbuds. (He was listening to American Music Club on his iPod.) Doug, I hear a loon!