Photo Credit: City of Minneapolis / City Council Transgender Child Day proclamation
(MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.) – Celebrations occupied most of the Minneapolis City Council’s regular meeting on September 17. Several honorary resolutions brought applause and lengthy commentary.
Transforming Families Executive Director Hannah Edwards thanked council members President Elliot Payne and Jason Chavez for proclaiming September 26 as the Day of the Transgender Child. Edwards emphasized that many people relocate to Minneapolis for safety and inclusion.
She then invited everyone to join an event honoring trans youth at Loring Park. Becca Drysden, a staff member at Transforming Families, stated Minneapolis was a city where “trans youth can experience joy and safety, free from the worries of other places.”
Community Health Worker (CHW) Day speaker Vani [last name unknown] submitted the proclamation request. She noted that Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw was instrumental in providing her with an internship that jump-started her 25-year career as a CHW, and that Vetaw is an inspiration for her rise from CHW to council member.
Photo Credit: City of Minneapolis / Minneapolis City Council CHW Day
Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance Executive Director Sunny Ainley expressed gratitude for CHW recognition. Later, she advocated for ongoing recognition, investment, and fair compensation for CHWs.
When it came time for the honorary resolutions commemorating El Salvador Independence and Latino Heritage Month, the good vibes continued. General Consul of El Salvador Alons Santa Cruz noted that the consulate opened four years ago, and he feels like it’s family.
An unknown speaker also discussed how to stay together in this moment of celebration for Latino Heritage Month, saying in part, “every human being is not good…we have to understand what [it] is that humanizes a human being.”
Photo Credit: Minnesota Legislative Reference Library / Karen J. Clark
The Council also recognized Karen Clark’s Legacy in LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, immigrant rights, and the East Phillips Urban Farm. Former State Representative Clark passed away in June after a brief illness.
South Minneapolis State Representative Samantha Sentsura praised Clark’s relentless fight to ensure communities had clean air and a say in their future. Sentsura described her as a mentor who left a legacy of hope for the causes she championed.
Mexican Independence Day highlighted the contributions of Minneapolis’s Mexican community. An impassioned community member stated, “Borders do not exist,” declaring that Mexico holds the truth regarding pre-colonial life in the Americas and that the forced separation takes away from culture.
Photo Credit: GoFundMe / Chaz Vision Media Legacy Fund official page
Marria Alise Lovejoy-Dillon, daughter of Minneapolis radio personality and music legend Charlie Dillon (AKA Chaz Milionaire), acknowledged and thanked the Council for the final resolution honoring her father's life and legacy.
In an interview with Minnesota Spokeman-Records after her father’s passing in August, she said, “Our elders are libraries, and when one of them dies, a whole library dies,” Lovejoy-Dillon said. “Go talk to your elders and get your story and get your family’s history.”
She expressed honor and pride in continuing his legacy through broadcasting, creative arts, and the establishment of the Chaz Vision Media Legacy Fund. Lovejoy-Dillon then commended her grandmother’s strength and handed her the speaking floor.
Alice Still, Charlie’s mother, thanked the Council for acknowledging him and said the council embodies his beliefs in “diversity, justice, and freedom.” Former coworkers and friends, including Q Bear, Glam Life Kim, and Lena Beina emphasized Charlie’s contributions, impact, and community presence.
With that, the honorary resolutions ended, and the Council began handling regular business.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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