North Minneapolis in Focus: Pictures of the Year 2022

Our brains publish the written word with disappearing ink. But our heads hold on to photographs. How can that be in this digital age when countless images fly before us? The heart serves as arbiter. It edits the story of life into an indelible set of pictures, unique to each person. As we look back on the photos from the last 12 editions of North News, we hope you find an image worthy of your memory.

Sojourner Truth Academy fifth-grader Terrell Griffin and his classmates were in awe of the antics of Timberwolves' mascot Crunch. The team’s star, Karl-Anthony Towns, visited the school in April to dedicate a new gym floor. Photo by David Pierini

Alexandria O’Neill, left, and NiJionna Montjoy took in the surprise news that every North Nigh senior would receive a $10,000 scholarship thanks to fundraising by  Pillsbury United Communities. Photo by David Pierini

Henry Quarterback Donvontae White-Sledge leads the Patriots on to the field to start a game in October. Henry was undefeated in conference play this season after two seasons of not winning a single game. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson 

Courtland Pickens harmonizes with his choir Known MPLS  as Sienneh Subah solos during a March concert at the Capri Theater. Photo by David Pierini

Ja’Laiyal Jones is affectionately called “Half Scoop” by the other members of the Dynamic Dolls Dance Team. But as demonstrated at Urban League Family Day in September, she brings full-size sass to the performances. Photo by David Pierini 

A Northside mother had fun in the sun trying to teach her young daughter how to hula hoop. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

Ian Dischinger dons a vest and straw hat to rehearse a number in the dance studio at Lundstrom Performing Arts. Ian is part of Dancemania, which is adapted for students with special needs and lots of pizzazz. Photo by David Pierini

Adrianna Capers, right, portrayed Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus, played by Cayden Stanley during a re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross at Ascension Catholic Academy on April 14. Peggy White’s fifth-grade class told the story of the day Jesus was crucified in observance of the Easter holiday. Praying at each of the 14 stations of the cross, depicted in carvings or pictures on the walls of the church, is a Good Friday tradition. Photo by David Pierini

North High head football coach Charles Adams III releases a balloon on Feb. 13 to remember Desahun Hill during a ceremony at the football field in February. Hill, the team’s quarterback, was shot and killed while walking from school. Photo by David Pierini

It is tradition for the North High football team to walk to the field on game day to present a united front. But for the Polars’ first game in August, they walked with the jersey of Hill, who would have been a junior. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson.

Moziah Thomas performs his spoken word piece titled “Panic.” Thomas is a member of the Legacy Arts Group at North High, which traveled to Scotland in July to perform at the world-famous Fringe Festival. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

Theron Cromartie, 7, center, tried a bass for the first time in the lobby of the Capri Theater on Dec. 3 following an educational performance titled “All About That Bass.” It was part of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s “xplOrchestra!” series. Photo by David Pierini

Tonicia Abdur Salaam, principal of Dr. Josie R. Johnson Montessori School, Judeah Reynolds and Sheletta Brundidge lead the “Happy Birthday” song for George Floyd before they released a balloon in October. Reynolds witnessed the police murder of Floyd and wrote a children’s book about what she saw. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

A man stopped his car in traffic, got out and showed his solidarity for striking Minneapolis  teachers at the Davis Center in March. The strike ended after three weeks. Photo by David Pierini

Paige Raino stands next to her Princess PaigeLemonade stand that her father Tyrone built himself. “Every time I give customers my lemonade, they always come back for more,” she said. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

Sanctuary Covenant Church commissioned local artist Kenneth Caldwell to paint a planter for an arts garden that takes up part of the parking lot of at Merwin Liquors. Since its arrival, Sanctuary has been building its campus to slowly spread east towards Merwin Liquors in hopes of disrupting violence with beauty. Photo by Axhae’la Hanson

Ariel, left, plants a kiss on the head of her mother, Sophia Foster. A teachers’ strike forced Foster to bring her daughter with developmental disabilities to work. But the single mom supported the strike because of the care the teachers provide to Ariel. Photo by David Pierini

Kwone Bryant-Franklin brought his daughter, Alice, 2, to the Kids Zone at Family Day, where they had fun dancing together. Photo by David Pierini

Eve Chang was crowned homecoming queen at Henry High School in October. After the crowning ceremony, Chang received a homecoming proposal from her group of friends and 15 dates to the dance. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

Miriam Wynn dances with her granddaughter to the live music at a Juneteenth Celebration in Bethune Park. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

Diana Armstrong and her exceptionally long fingernails are in the Guinness Book of World Records. She grew them to honor a late daughter who used to paint her nails. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson.

Hmong dancers gathered in for a group photo during Open Streets West Broadway in April. Photo by David Pierini