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‘Rondo: Beyond the Pavement’ shines a light on the intentional destruction of a thriving Black community

NNPA NEWSWIRE — While paying homage to the elders in the Rondo community, Bianca Rhodes used the film as an opportunity to teach the youth about the history of Rondo, a thriving, local Black community in the epicenter of Minnesota’s state capital. She partnered with the High School for Recording Arts to get a group of students who wanted to learn about filmmaking and their local communities. Rhodes taught the youth – many who conducted interviews and operated the cameras – about the history of the community, and after learning about what the construction did to the once thriving community, she said they were eager to get to work.

Published

5 years ago

November 14, 2019

Oakland Post

By Josh Cobb, Twin Cities Association of Black Journalists /Insight News Intern

In the early to mid-20th century, Minnesota’s state capital was the epicenter of a thriving, local Black community; the Rondo neighborhood. It was an essential gathering place, as it was home to businesses, political organizations such as the Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and there was a strong sense of family among its community members.

The community was destroyed and became a shell of itself by the late 1960s due to the construction of Interstate 94. In a process that lasted more than a decade, homes, families and businesses were removed from the heart of the Rondo neighborhood.

Through the years, many have scrutinized the decision to place the highway in the center of a predominantly Black neighborhood instead of a route that would have been near abandoned railroad tracks. Bianca Rhodes, the production manager and venue coordinator at St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN) decided to document the history of the community through the stories of people who lived through this time with the film, “Rondo: Beyond the Pavement.”

Rhodes’ love for film began when she, along with her best friend, got to work for the relaunch of a Twin Cities PBS show called “Don’t Believe the Hype.” She got to work as on-air talent and a behind the scenes mentor, while also keeping learning from her mentors Daniel Pierce Bergin and Robin Hickman.

“They were the executive producers of ‘Don’t Believe the Hype,’” said Rhodes. “They were the dynamic duo. They are my mom and dad of media.”

Rhodes’ family ties to the Rondo community led to her being approached by the St. Paul Almanac to participate in an intergenerational conversation about Rondo. The filmmaker said the conversation fueled the decision to make the documentary.

“They’ve (Rondo residents) always looked out for me. It was a way for me to give back by doing that film,” Rhodes said. “I would be honoring the people who always cared about me in their own little ways.”

While paying homage to the elders in the Rondo community, Rhodes also used the film as an opportunity to teach the youth about the history of Rondo. She partnered with the High School for Recording Arts to get a group of students who wanted to learn about filmmaking and their local communities. Rhodes taught the youth – many who conducted interviews and operated the cameras – about the history of the community, and after learning about what the construction did to the once thriving community, she said they were eager to get to work.

“They almost turned into investigative reporters,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes said one of the hardest parts of making the documentary was getting people to talk about their personal experiences with the destruction of Rondo.

“That’s the part that a lot of people don’t understand,” Rhodes said. “There’s a lot of pain behind this. We’re asking people to talk about stuff that they haven’t talked about in many years.”

To combat that obstacle, her team would share a meal at the subject’s home before conducting the interviews. She said this delicate method made the process more genuine and created the space for elders to speak more candidly about their experiences.

After making the film, Rhodes said her love for Rondo has intensified and there is a special place in her heart for the Rondo community.

“I will always be in Rondo and spend money in Rondo,” Rhodes said.

Since the rollout of the film, Rhodes and her team have received tremendous positive feedback.

“What I’m most proud of is being able to do the work that I said I was going to do,” Rhodes said. “I wanted to take both of my passions in social justice and film and tie it together. It inspired me on how I need to do films for the rest of my life.”

In addition to the documentary, there is also a “Rondo: Beyond the Pavement” podcast. The podcast includes extended interviews and addition stories told from Rondo residents.

“Rondo: Beyond the Pavement” is available on Amazon and the podcast is online at www.rondobeyondthepavement.org.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org