Andrea Jenkins is a poet and writer living and working in the Twin Cities. She is currently employed by the Minneapolis City Council as a Senior Policy Aide. As an African American, Out Transgender Woman she has faced her share of significant challenges, however she continues to move on with grace, dignity, and pride. She has performed with Leslie Feinberg, Kate Bornstien and Minnie Bruce Pratt to name a few.
One of the reasons that Saint Paul has a snow emergency protocol different from that of Minneapolis is that so many of the cross streets in many parts of town do not have houses or other buildings with numbers on them. This means that knowing which side of the street is “the odd side” can be tricky. This is why I was a little surprised when, Thursday evening, the city told us that the odd side of streets is where we must park on many roadways in town until further notice—just like Minneapolis. This means many of us have to move our cars. To where? Well, since you asked, we have a few ideas this week.
A little over a week ago, I received a message from Kathy at Ginkgo Coffeehouseto let me know that Ellis Paul, who was scheduled to play two events there that Saturday, was snowed in—in Virginia! I resisted the urge to mock our southern neighbors for a lack of a heartiness that we fake so well. Our own storm arrived on Friday with its own spate of local cancellations and kvetching—naturally behind a façade of Minnesota Nice. We might have missed some cool events over the weekend, with a renewed reminder that winter is not over. Still, we can make up for what we missed with a lot of hot happenings this week.
The Collaborative Development Project, a joint initiative of the Saint Paul Almanac, Juxtaposition Arts, and Givens Foundation for African American Literature, and in partnership with Youthprise, is pleased to announce that articles and artwork by a team of youth and adults from our organizations will be published in February. Their work will be featured in a special Black History Month edition of Youthprise’s publication Newsflash.
I think it is getting warmer. Is it just my imagination or an exercise in learning the meaning of the word “relative”? I will be content to be content with what I feel, even if it results in my being a typical Minnesotan and wearing shorts when the State High School Hockey Tournament comes to town. I can’t wait, though. While some of the snowbirds are getting their own dose of hockey tournament weather to our south, we have some ideas to keep us warm until Minnesota’s spring is sprung from its blanket of ice.
A mic dedicated to more radical poetry. A mic that looks back on the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance, the Beat Generation, early protest Hip Hop and all of the new contemporary and potent forms of protest & testimonial poetry/music. We want to hear from those who have had to force their way to center stage. We want to hear what is on the heart of the people. This is your microphone.
The Saint Paul Almanac is pleased to announce the fifth in its 2013–2014 season of acclaimed Lowertown Reading Jams, feauturing performances by Chay Douangphouxay, Donte Collins, Naomi Ko, and Kevin Yang. The word “hand” has an extensive array of meaning, both literally and figuratively. Without bounds, we use spoken word to play with the endless allusions that the word “hand” has in the English language, as well as its roles in our lives. For example, the use of our hands can be used to create, mold, and shape matter into universes; at the same time the hand can be used as an instrument for mass destruction. I guess anything is possible when all hands are on deck!
In 2010, Kaoz re-emerged onto the hip hop scene, collaborating with numerous hip hop, pop and R&B artists from across the country. The Tyler Durden EP (Experience) released June 2010, was followed up by The Tyler Durden Mixtape (released August 2010) completing the Fight Club trifecta. Kaoz is releasing an album entitled, Enter-SexTions early 2013, and more recently executive produced a full length hip hop CD Real Talk–which tackles HIV/STI prevention, stigma and homophobia (released 10/25/11).
The Golden Thyme Coffee Café and the Saint Paul Almanac are pleased to announce the “Soul Sounds Open Mic,” hosted by Tish Jones! An open mic dedicated to all of your favorite love poems. The poems you recite to whisper into the ears of the one you desire most and the poems that you have to re-read twice because you can’t believe how good they make you feel. This is an evening dedicated to all of the work you’ve ever written for that special someone, a night when you can express love to family, spouses, cities, food, sports teams—whatever! It’s all for the love.
Friends have noticed that the days are getting longer. Maybe the days are getting warmer, too, but I dare not speak too soon, in case the polar vortex makes me eat my words. Instead, I’ll follow the sun and write a letter or two because St. Valentine was known as a great letter writer. However you want to celebrate, or not celebrate, now, in the hope of longer days and maybe warmer weather, it is time to write and connect with the creative energies we love in Saint Paul.
On Tuesday, Minnesota holds its precinct caucuses. I know that we have spent a good deal of time cultivating a hefty measure of cynicism about politics. It’s been stewing for a long time, and out of that big pot, more beef is served every day. Caucuses are a place where you can trade that tired dish for a potluck with your neighbors. Pick your party, ideas, and thoughts to share. I could give you a couple dozen reasons to go, but a big one we should remember is the fact that communities need both artists and art, and need people who recognize how important art is to communities. That’s you—and your friends and family.
Hans Weyandt—who has co-owned Micawber’s with Tom Bielenberg since 2003— is quitting the book business to stay home and care for his three sons as his wife, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, takes on a new position. The father of boys ages 6, soon-to-be-4 and 16 months, Weyandt said he’s had many men—especially older men—say they wish they would have done what he is about to do. And despite the prospect of spending more time with dad, Weyandt’s eldest, Elliott, isn’t happy that he will no longer be allowed to roam the stacks at Micawber’s—a place that’s been a part of his life from the beginning—and take a book home with him at whim.
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