In consideration of the powerful shadows hanging over the “Squared” intersection of Chicago Ave. and 38th Street in Minneapolis.   It is always a rich rewarding experience to offer a view from the aging organizers’ corner of the room. Culture, Spirituality, Life and Breath are unseen resources begging to become visible in the actions of the keepers of this now world renowned “George Floyd Square”.

The question is, how do the forces of Health & Healing, the memories of people who watched the filming of Derek Chavin carrying out his people’s incomprehensible hate for humankind, function side by side, without destroying all harmonic potentiality.  Many hundreds of thousands of people across the world watched this man’s actions in horror and disbelief, while millions of us who have seen this act repeated in public as an entertaining ritual for all our natural lives watched this time not the act but, this act being watched.

From watching the watchers explode from a point of open disgust, we exploded with determination and dedicated will power to take the lead in singing the songs and dancing the dance of “We Are the World”. As choreographers of the dance between Rage and Resiliency, we saw movements of physical bodies across the world that were specifically informed, intolerant, and courageous. We saw dancers of a coherent Jam of cultural futures in “Justice Squared”  

Culture “is something that is transmitted from the past, passed on from generation to generation, and has established itself as ‘tradition’. Tradition is the process through which culture maintains its continuity.”  

 Ahmad A. Azzahir from Time Dimensions and Community Development, Cultural Wellness Center’s Organizers Manual 

Started in 2022, the community-designed Black Legacy Fellowship invests in the well-being and renewal of Black activists and organizers committed to the sustainability of the Twin Cities racial justice movement. A partnership between the Cultural Wellness Center and the Pohlad Family Foundation, the Fellowship supports Black activists and organizers who are descendants of enslaved Africans and are dedicated to racial justice work in the Twin Cities. 

“The enduring legacy of enslavement means that we need to continue to build our people up to be a source of strength for the Black community,” said Elder Atum Azzahir, the founder and executive director of the Cultural Wellness Center. “The seven fellows chosen for this year’s cohort represent resilience and commitment to community, and we welcome them to the fellowship.” 

The fellows in the 2024-2025 cohort include:  

• • Sharon El-Amin is an entrepreneur who overcame personal challenges and is now the executive director of McKinley Community Outreach Center. 
  • Tish Jones is a poet, emcee, and Hip Hop Theater artist who founded TruArtSpeaks; she now serves as the executive director.
  • Njia Lawrence-Porter is a seasoned educator, author, and college consultant who is an Academic Advisor at Normandale Community College. 
  • Carmen Lewis is a multi-talented advocate, healer, and dynamic public speaker who most recently served as the executive director of the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization.

• Resmaa Menakem, PhD, MSW, LICSW, SEP is a healer, therapist, trainer, speaker, and author of the New York Times bestseller My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Healing Our Hearts and Bodies. 

• Teto Wilson is the founder, owner, and barber at Wilson’s Image Barbers and Stylists who also leads Wilson’s Image College Scholarship.

• AsaleSol Young is a daring visionary and critical strategist, committed to addressing systemic gaps who serves as the executive director of Urban Homeworks. 

Click here to read their full profiles and to learn more about the fellowship.

“Through the fellowship, we want to recognize the dedication of people who have worked in the racial justice movement for a long time–and those who are the future of the movement,” said Susan Bass Roberts, president of the Pohlad Family Foundation. “We welcome them to a journey of well-being and renewal so they can continue to have a positive and sustainable impact on our community.” 

Fellows receive financial support of $55,000 in unrestricted funds to support their well-being and renewal and $15,000 to designate to a nonprofit or community-based organization of their choosing that is working toward the longevity of the Twin Cities racial justice movement. Fellows participate in a cohort learning model about well-being and renewal including retreats and program activities to reinforce shared learning. Fellows have the option to work through a Cultural Self-Study curriculum delivered by the Cultural Wellness Center and connect to Black Elders, the community, and each other in their renewal and wellness practices.

On June 1st, the Cultural Wellness Center proudly unveiled its Community Health Hub Kitchen at the Midtown Global Market with a soft launch that highlighted the benefits of ancient grains. This new initiative offers a tantalizing array of Grab-N-Go meals designed to nourish both body and soul, promising a deliciously healthy addition to the market’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Health Hub Kitchen is more than just a spot to pick up a quick bite; it represents a holistic approach to wellness, integrating nutritious food with comprehensive health services. At the soft launch, visitors were treated to an array of meals featuring ancient grains like quinoa, farro, and amaranth, each dish bursting with flavors and packed with nutrients. These grains, revered for their health benefits, formed the cornerstone of the menu, offering patrons a taste of traditional wisdom blended with modern culinary innovation.

In addition to its delectable food offerings, the Health Hub Kitchen provides a range of free health services aimed at promoting overall well-being. Throughout the day, attendees could take advantage of complimentary blood pressure checks, ensuring they stay on top of their cardiovascular health. Free take-home rapid COVID-19 tests were also available, emphasizing the Center’s commitment to public health and safety.

The event wasn’t just about physical health. The Cultural Wellness Center recognizes the importance of mental and emotional wellness, incorporating a variety of therapeutic activities. Guests had the opportunity to experience Somatic Yoga and Somatic Zumba sessions, blending physical movement with mindfulness to foster a deeper connection between body and mind. The soothing practices of Craniosacral Therapy and Meditation offered attendees a chance to unwind and rejuvenate, while Sound Therapy sessions provided a unique auditory experience designed to promote relaxation and stress relief.

The soft launch was a resounding success, drawing a diverse crowd eager to explore the Health Hub Kitchen’s offerings. As the Midtown Global Market’s latest attraction, the Health Hub Kitchen is poised to become a cornerstone of community wellness, providing easy access to nutritious meals and health services in a welcoming environment.

Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal on the go, or seeking ways to enhance your overall well-being, the Cultural Wellness Center’s Health Hub Kitchen has something to offer. Visit the Midtown Global Market today to discover the delicious and vibrant meals and take part in the variety of wellness services designed to nourish your mind, body, and spirit.

We’re experiencing a full-circle moment today at the Cultural Wellness Center—and on Give to the Max Day!

 In 1996, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) honored me with a RWJF Community Health Leadership Award that we used to create and operate the Cultural Wellness Center.

Now, 27 years later, RWJF is recognizing our work with Ramsey County.

We are thrilled to share that Ramsey County — through its partnership with the Cultural Wellness Center — has won the 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize! We could not be prouder of our collective efforts and the partnership that has gotten us here today.

Why were we selected? The prize announcement said, “Located in the heart of Saint Paul’s Twin Cities region, Ramsey County is home to communities that are proactive in building their own future to heal the wrongs of the past. The strong foundation of on-the-ground community partnerships was built out of a desire to regain Kujichagulia (self-determination). Kujichagulia 2.0 is a unique effort between the community-based nonprofit Cultural Wellness Center, Ramsey County, and the Black Community Commission on Health. Making Black community members integral to county decision-making—while keeping the responsibility to policymakers—is central to their goal of eliminating systematized racist practices related to health, housing, education, career opportunities, and other issues that disproportionately affect the Black community. 

 The RWJF Culture of Health Prize includes:

• A $250,000 prize. ​ 
• National and local promotion of communities’ stories to inspire other communities and policymakers across the country to take action to create a healthier future for all.  
• Opportunities to expand networks by connecting with other Prize communities as well as national and local leaders working to improve health equity. 
• Access to technical assistance, coaching, and workshops to enable us to accelerate our progress.  

In the 10 years since it was launched, the RWJF Culture of Health Prize has celebrated more than 50 communities across the country that are at the forefront of advancing health, opportunity, and equity for all. The 2023 Prize celebrates solutions led by communities like ours that are breaking down the barriers to health and well-being caused by structural racism and other forms of systemic discrimination. We are proud, along with the eight other winning communities, to join the ranks of Prize alumni who are improving health equity across the country. 

Our work has always been by us and for us. This is our win, and we cannot wait for what lies ahead. Thank you for being a part of this journey! 

 In community,

Elder Atum

Cultural Wellness Center