A year in photos: North Minneapolis 2017
From backyards to schoolyards, within congregations, and out on West Broadway Avenue, North News photographer David Pierini captured many moments of Northside life in 2017.
Shiloh Temple choir director Jovonta Patton, a Billboard Chart-topping gospel artist, sings and leads the choir during a Sunday service in February.
Two Loring Elementary third-graders look like moon visitors as they prepare to enter a honey bee colony as part of beekeeping lesson organized by Pollinate Minnesota in May.
Albretta Safford dances with friends from the Heritage Park YMCA on West Broadway for Open Streets.
Ursula Armstrong, left, picks out a loaf of bread while shopping with her daughter, Heidi Temple, during the grand opening of North Market, the new nonprofit grocery store on 44th and Humboldt Avenues N in December.
Kindergarteners Aniyah Dobbins-Bailey, Jonas Dixon and Tahiry Collier fidget during a closing prayer at Ascension School's annual Christmas program in December. The eighth grade performed a musical play about the birth of Christ titled Josie and the Jinglicious Dream Lamp in front of family and friends who packed the church. The other grades, like kindergarten classes, were part of the chorus.
Val Fleurantin of Noir Elite Fitness hugs a class participant at her Jammin' in the Parks pop-up fitness event in July. Fleurantin and her business partner Chaz Sandifer seek to support black women to live healthier lives. In 2018 they plan to open their own gym at North High School.
Jordan resident Ticiea Fletcher stands in her backyard with her daughter, Logan Jessica, 10. Ten years ago, Fletcher’s toddlers were poisoned by lead, and her life changed forever. Today she fights lead full time: caring for her son, Dustin Luke, who was disabled by his exposure to it and advocating on the ground in neighborhoods and at the state capitol to save other families from the difficulties her family has experienced.
Mark Smith, left, and Marla Etheridge greet each other after Etheridge arrived at H. White Men’s Room for an evening of music, food and fellowship in the tradition of an African gathering known as a Boma in June. White’s barbershop is known for being a cultural touchstone for North Minneapolis.
Synovia Golbert found a dance partner during a Live on the Drive concert.
Mai Neng Moua, pictured with her husband, City Councilman Blong Yang, published her memoir, The Bride Price, this year. It explores the consequences she faced when she fought against traditional Hmong marriage customs.
Elizer Darris greets Dr. Josie Johnson before graduating from the African American Leadership Forum's fellowship program in December. The graduation was part of a transformative year for Darris, a motivational speaker, who was recently released from prison.
Folwell neighborhood residents elected an entirely new board for their neighborhood association this year after community members expressed concern with the board’s operations and demanded change.
Minneapolis Police Inspector Aaron Biard showed three Ascension Catholic School students a picture he snapped of them with his body camera. Biard was named commander of the Fourth Precinct in June.
Lenora Ware shows off the flower she wore for Open Streets on West Broadway.
Kyle Rucker leads his students in song as part of an after-school music camp he runs to teach kids about recording and songwriting.
Jeffrey Gigler dips Dorothea Martti at the end of a song during a Live on the Drive concert. They have known each through different swing dance groups for nine years.
Three girls sit close while listening to music during a summer block party at Redeemer Lutheran Church.