Will Heller

Law as an Instrument of Liberation: Thurgood Marshall

Throughout this month, we will be sharing the stories of civil rights leaders who inspired people to act despite fear – people who were catalyzed in moments similar to this one. These are individuals who chose courage over comfort and action over silence. Their legacies remind us that transformation requires both vision and the willingness to fight for it, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Thurgood Marshall stands with his family, 1965. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Thurgood Marshall understood that the law could be either a weapon of oppression or an instrument for liberation. As special counsel for the NAACP, he won 29 of the 32 civil rights cases he argued before the Supreme Court, systematically dismantling the legal foundations of segregation. His greatest victory came in 1954 with Brown v. Board of Education, when the Supreme Court declared “separate but equal” unconstitutional in public schools, essentially striking down Jim Crow laws.

Marshall refused to accept fear as a reason for inaction – much like what we are witnessing today – as he actively fought against segregation during a time when representing Black clients in civil rights cases could cost you your life. He faced death threats, hostile judges, and a legal system designed to preserve white supremacy. Marshall’s legacy extended beyond the courtroom. In 1967, he became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, where he continued to fight for affirmative action and civil liberties until his retirement in 1991. His life’s work proved that one person’s courage, multiplied across a movement, can transform society.

Right now, our communities face their own moments of fear and uncertainty. Increased ICE presence has created anxiety and fear in neighborhoods across Minneapolis. And yet we are seeing how communities are standing up, and leaders are pursuing legal action because of what men and women like Thurgood Marshall accomplished in the past.

This is when we must call on how Marshall and a movement of people transformed America’s evolution as a country. Change happens when people refuse to let fear stop them from acting, when communities come together to protect the most vulnerable among us, and when we use every tool at our disposal to defend dignity and justice.

Right now, supporting your community might mean checking on your neighbors. It might mean learning your rights and sharing that knowledge or volunteering your time or donating to organizations who are getting mutual aid to our communities, or simply showing up when it matters most.

Thurgood Marshall showed us that one person’s courage, multiplied across a movement, can transform society. We honor his legacy not just by remembering his victories, but by continuing the work he started.

Your gift today will help families who are unable to go to work and have had family members taken away with housing, utilities, and other vital needs.

Donate to the Rapid Response Fund Today

Will Heller

Resources from the State of Minnesota for Immigrants and Refugees

We wanted to make sure you are all aware of a couple resources at the state to support populations that might feel particularly vulnerable during this time.

The Refugee and Immigrant Helpline, Refugee and Immigrant Helpline / Resettlement – Department of Human Services, is a connection to helpful information, resources and services in your community. Our navigators are here to provide support and guidance you can trust. We value your privacy. Not sure where to get started? Just ask, and we can help. We welcome every person and every question. If a navigator isn’t available right away, leave a voice message or send an email 24/7 to get a call back.

We are here to help

  • Connect with resources for jobs, food, health, housing, legal help, language classes and more.
  • Get a referral to Resettlement Network Services.
  • Find answers to your questions and learn about all available help.

Additionally, for anyone that feels like they have been discriminated against because of their race, national origin, or other identity, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. This online form can be filled out to report incidents of discrimination, https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/.

Will Heller

Interns Showcase Their Experiences And Achievements At The 2025 Summer Showcase

Pillsbury House + Theatre was abuzz with activity during the 2025 Summer Internship Showcase as community members gathered to see what our interns had been working on over the past few months. The theater itself was host to a vibrant program of readings and performances, while all throughout the building, interns had the opportunity to share the impact of their experiences in media, agriculture, fashion, and more. All in all, it was a day of learning, discovery, and celebration of the incredible achievements of our hardworking interns.

Youth Internships have always been a crucial part of Pillsbury United Communities’ ongoing efforts to prepare our communities’ youth for a wide range of career paths, and these summer internships were no exception. We are incredibly grateful for all of the interns who chose to spend their summer with us, as well as the community members and partners who make it possible for us to be able to offer these programs.

Photo Credit: David Pierini

Will Heller

“Fit & Fun Family Jam” Community Health Fair at North Market

Music and laughter that filled the air at the 2025 North Market Community Health Fair: “Fit & Fun Family Jam,” a joyous celebration of much of what makes the North Minneapolis community so special. Attendees spoke with representatives of different community health organizations and learned more about the resources available to them. Children with vibrantly painted faces decorated the concrete underfoot with equally vibrant chalk drawings. Many received free meals, courtesy of Wendy’s House of Soul, as well as backpacks and even a free bike, in one case.

The event, hosted by Pillsbury United Communities in collaboration with Culturally Responsive Caregiver Support & Dementia Services, brought together members of the surrounding community with the goal of nurturing healthy lifestyle choices, as well as raising awareness for the many organizations that work so hard to do the same.

Pillsbury United Communities extends gratitude to all of the sponsors who contributed to making this health fair possible:

Will Heller

Brian Coyle Center Hosts Cedar Riverside Community Health Fair

On August 21st, 2025, The Brian Coyle Center was host to the Cedar Riverside Community Health Fair. Live music from KRSM Radio (KRSM Radio is an Enterprise of Pillsbury United Communities), punctuated by the playful shouts of children, created an air of celebration as members of the surrounding community met and connected with many of the organizations that serve them. Local providers offered a wide array of health and wellness resources, including free health screenings, Covid-19 testing/vaccination, HIV testing, bike/backpack giveaways, free haircuts, and more. Additional activities, like face painting, henna, and a Halal food truck made for a fun and energetic event.

This health fair is part of a broader effort by Pillsbury United Communities to provide Minneapolis residents with increased access to health resources, with additional health fairs hosted at North Market in the Webber-Camden neighborhood and the Waite House Center in the Phillips neighborhood. We are grateful for the ongoing support of all of the attendees, community partners who take part in events like these.

Pillsbury United Communities extends gratitude to all of the sponsors who contributed to making this health fair possible:

Will Heller

A Look At The 2025 Multi Cultural Dinner

It was a gray, late-September evening in Minneapolis, the skyline backed by dark, rain-heavy clouds as scattered showers made their way across the city. Despite the threat of rain, though, a celebration was taking place in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. The sounds of drums and choirs flooded the streets, punctuated by the excited shouts of dancers and audience members alike. Outside the Brian Coyle Community Center, children ran up and down the sidewalks, playfully squealing over the din of hundreds of conversations between friends, neighbors, and community members. Inside, the air was filled with a rich mix of spices as attendees filled their plates with dishes from all kinds of different cuisines.

This was the 2025 Multi Cultural Dinner – an evening of local food, traditional performances, and community relationship building.

Pillsbury United Communities hosts the Multi Cultural Dinner in partnership with other neighborhood organizations and businesses. The event works to uplift the cultures of Cedar-Riverside and build bridges of understanding across our community, welcoming folks of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the richness of our city’s most diverse neighborhood together.

We extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone who made the Multi Cultural Dinner possible this year.

 

Will Heller

A Lesson in Love — World Premiere at Pillsbury House + Theatre

Have you ever seen a Black romantic comedy on stage? This fall, the joy, laughter, and tenderness of the rom-com tradition come to life at PH+T with the world premiere of A Lesson in Love, a new play by Nubia Monks.

Like the best rom-coms—think Brown Sugar or The Best Man—A Lesson in Love blends humor, vulnerability, and heart. It asks what happens when our needs, intuition, and truths collide in the complicated terrain of connection. Along the way, the play celebrates the many unexpected ways love shows up in our lives: messy, funny, tender, and real.

Directed by Jamil Jude, A Lesson in Love invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and revel in the joy of seeing Black love centered on stage.

Preview Performances: September 24 & 25

Opening Night: September 26

Run: September 27 – October 19, 2025

Pick-Your-Price tickets ($5–45) are available now.

Order Pick-Your-Price Tickets Here

Elizabeth Brisbin

🎓 Big Congratulations to the FANS Senior Scholars Class of 2025

Pillsbury United Communites FANS Scholars Class of 2025

Pillsbury United Communities is bursting with pride as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our FANS Senior Scholars Class of 2025! These brilliant young leaders have shown dedication, resilience, and heart — and their futures are shining bright. 🌟

🎉 We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ve committed over $35,000 in scholarships to support this exceptional group on their journeys to higher education! 🎉

From classrooms to communities, these scholars are already making an impact — and we can’t wait to see how far they’ll go. To every graduate: we see you, we celebrate you, and we believe in you.

👏 Join us in giving them a round of applause and sending your best wishes for the road ahead! 📚💪

Elizabeth Brisbin

Remembering Bob Frawley

It is with profound respect and admiration that we honor the legacy of Bob Frawley, the first Director of the Brian Coyle Center and founder of the FANS Ultra Race. Bob’s impact during his  15-year tenure with Pillsbury United Communities – rooted in his unwavering commitment to community development, opportunities for young people to succeed, and social justice – are immeasurable.

Bob’s journey in Pillsbury United Communities began in 1988 when he founded FANS (Furthering Achievement Through a Network of Support). This initiative, which he directed until 2000, established the annual FANS Ultra Race, a fundraiser for scholarships for young people to attend college that continues to this day.

From 1991 to 1993, Bob directed the Currie Center, predecessor to the Brian Coyle Center. He then served as the first Director of the Brian Coyle Center in Cedar Riverside from 1993 until 1998, playing a crucial role in its buildout and establishment. His leadership and vision were instrumental in creating the vibrant hub that continues to serve as a cornerstone of critical community infrastructure. Bob’s leadership extended to his role as Director of Waite House, where he mentored so many community members and future PUC leaders. He was also instrumental in creating PUC’s affiliate program which supported the development of emerging, culturally specific nonprofits.

After leaving Pillsbury United Communities, Bob continued to support the FANS Ultra Race each year as a racer and fundraiser. He also dedicated himself to supporting smaller Immigrant led non-profits as a grant writer and strategic consultant. His core work was focused on empowering these organizations to realize their missions, serve their communities and achieve sustainability.

Bob touched countless lives, and his impact is best reflected in the words of those who had the privilege of working with him:

Amano Dube, Senior Directior of Community Development at the Brian Coyle Center
“I have known Bob since early 2000 when I was literally a volunteer for Oromo Community of MN which was located in a very small corner across from Brian Coyle Center. Bob touched the lives of so many immigrant communities in the twin cities. He is probably the main reason for so many new American social services organizations to exist and succeed in serving their communities. He is super smart, methodical, articulate and fearless. He understands how to navigate and extract resources from the philanthropic communities to benefit the communities in need. He left the lasting impact on the lives of so many. May his soul rest in peace!”

Noel Raymond, Senior Director of Narrative, Arts & Culture at Pillsbury House + Theatre
“When I started at PUC, I was initially afraid of Bob – he was intensely focused, exacting in his assessment of results, extraordinarily productive, and super disciplined when it came to finances. As I began to work with him on evaluation initiatives, fundraising strategy and program development, I came to so appreciate all of these qualities and I set about adopting them in my own work. Despite my initial fear, Bob was an incredibly generous and patient mentor and made me truly feel seen and successful. I came to understand that this was his super power – he quietly and diligently mentored so many. I am honored to have known him and to be part of his lasting legacy.”

To make a donation in honor of Bob Frawley, visit here. All donations will be directed to the FANS Scholarship fund, as requested by Bob and his family.

Elizabeth Brisbin

A Series of Immersive Cultural Events

September was a month of celebration of food and culture at the Brian Coyle Center thanks to “We Are Cedar Riverside”, an event series that invited any and all people from across the city to attend cultural immersion workshops hosted at the community center. The event included a series of workshops based around Somali, Oromo, and Native American cultures – three cultures that heavily populate the neighborhood of Cedar Riverside. The series also included Brian Coyle’s annual Multicultural Dinner, which hosted over 700 people and featured food from local restaurants and performances.  

Things kicked off with the Somali Cultural Immersion Workshop on September 9th. Members who attended were provided a rich history of the country of Somalia and its people by a representative from The Somali Museum of Minnesota. Artifacts and textiles from the museum were included in the presentation to show off the country’s beautiful art. After the event, participants were given a feast of Somali foods and flavors provided by local vendors.  

At the Oromo Cultural Immersion Workshop, Dr. Hussien Kedir Kelil of African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) led a highly informative lecture on Oromia and what life is like for the Oromo people. Dr. Kelil is a PhD holder and an Associate Professor of Policy and Leadership and is a prominent and exceedingly respected influential personality among the Oromo people His presentation illustrated how Ethiopia is widely regarded as a unique and incredible place. The crowd was captivated to learn that Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. Spectators got to try Ethiopian cuisine after the event and engaged in discussions about what they had learned.

The Native American Cultural Immersion Workshop wrapped up the series with a presentation from Jennifer Webber an Oklahoma Choctaw Tribal descendant as well as our Youth Operations Manager at Pillsbury United Communities, and Dancina Warner, a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. Their presentation focused on the history, culture and current events of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Dakota Tribes located in the state of Minnesota. It provided exposure to the culture, spirituality, and communities so that audience members could listen to their experiences and feel more educated.  

One of the most anticipated events of the series and of the year was the Multicultural Dinner. This beautiful Fall evening took place on September 21st and consisted of food, performances, and cultural celebration. Lines of food were set up in Brian Coyle’s gymnasium for community members to walk through and dish up a variety of different cuisines. Once their plates were full, they transitioned outside towards rows of tables which were set up to drive conversation and discussion. Performers representing Somali, Native American, Ecuadorian, and Oromo cultures got up on stage to dance while groups gathered by the stage to enjoy. The evening concluded with lots of warm smiles, full bellies, and a rejuvenated sense of community among neighbors.  

Thank you to everyone who came and participated in this year’s workshops and dinner. Events like these are so special when we get to share them with members of our community. Thank you to all the volunteers who put forth their time and energy to serve plates, greet faces, and decorate Brian Coyle Center. Lastly, thank you to our sponsors who helped put on this event and make this year’s annual tradition one of the best it’s ever been.  

Elizabeth Brisbin

“Our Stories Our Lake Street” Showcase

On Friday, August 18th, seven of our youth interns voiced their concerns and advocated for change in their community during the “Our Stories Our Lake Street” Showcase at Urban Ventures in Minneapolis. The event was a partnership between Pillsbury United Communities and the Minnesota Humanities Center to celebrate youth voices from in and around East Lake Street.

Our youth interns put in time and effort over the summer to research issues in their community, interview locals, and craft speeches and to create a final film that encapsulated their perspectives. With the mentorship of their youth leader, Kay Carvajal Moran, they created a piece of work that reflected their beliefs and findings. The efforts of their work were on full display during the event. 

The evening started with a social hour as party-goers chatted with the numerous vendors in attendance. Tables were set up for jewelry, fruit, artwork, and more. A food truck occupied the street right outside of the entrance. One of the wildest attractions of the showcase were two piñatas just outside of the building. Both were quickly raided for their sweet treats by the children in an exciting frenzy.

After all the fun festivities, the crowd gathered at the stage to welcome the interns who were ready to present their work. Each intern began with a prepared speech that talked about the different issues citizens face on and around Lake Street. To cater to the audience, a mix of English and Spanish were used. The issues they spoke on ranged from drug and alcohol abuse, housing insecurity, food access, education, etc. It was clear that their time spent on these topics either taught them new things or reinforced what they already felt.

Following their powerful words was what had originally been a set time to screen their film. Due to unforeseen technical issues, the attendees were not able to complete their screening. In lieu of this, however, members of the audience were invited to the stage to share their own words, speeches, or poetry in a moment of impromptu magic. Everyone in attendance left the event feeling assured with the future of Minneapolis being in these students’ hands.

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