Golf tournament to benefit four North Minneapolis causes
By Harry Colbert, Jr. Editor-in-Chief
Golfers – experienced and novice alike – will take to the links at Theodore Wirth Golf Course on Sept. 12 in support of four Northside entities.
Be the Change Golf Tournament co-organizer Houston White wants others to enjoy the satisfaction of a great sand shot on Sept. 12 at Theo Wirth Golf Course. Photo courtesy of Houston White
The Be the Change Golf Tournament will benefit photography students at North Community High School, the Heritage Youth Sports Foundation, Sprayfinger and the effort to change the name of Patrick Henry High School. The tournament will also be an effort to foster conversations around equity and healing. Normally grouped in familiar foursomes, for the Be the Change tournament teams will be allowed three “familiar” players and one randomly selected to the group in an effort to spark new community connections.
Tournament co-organizer Houston White said golf is the perfect participatory sport to foster lasting change.
“Four hours spent is a long time to be together and the whole goal is to get people who don’t necessarily play together partnered up to make lasting relationships,” said White. “We want to shine a light on all the issues of disparity and the racial tension that exist in this state.”
White said the beneficiary organizations were chosen because they often go overlooked.
“We’re raising money to give to these organizations that are small; they’re not legacy organizations so they don’t get a lot of attention,” said White.
The Heritage Youth Sports Foundation encourages youth development by providing opportunities for personal and athletic growth.
Sprayfinger builds partnerships with artists, teachers, business owners, arts organizations and others to address culture, community, expression, and the process of graffiti writing as an artistic value.
Student-led efforts have been underway for two years to change the name of Patrick Henry High School to one of a historic or prominent Black person in light of the fact Henry was a slave owner. Proceeds from the event will assist in those efforts.
“All the organizations we’re supporting are youth centered, which is important because our youth are watching us to see how we come together during these trying times,” said John Baker, event co-organizer.
The Be the Change Golf Tournament takes place Sept. 12 at Theo Wirth from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Golf is $150 per person. Registration is open through Sept. 4 online at www.bethechangegolf.com.