**After the street unveiling, Bernadette’s family gathered and embraced each other.**

Story and photos by Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter

A section of Russell Avenue North was renamed Bernadette Anderson Way in honor of a life dedicated to nurturing young people and amplifying the rights of Northsiders.

Anderson passed away in 2003, but the street renaming ceremony on Sept. 13 was an effort from her family who wanted the community to remember their beloved matriarch’s legacy.

"She wasn’t just a mother to us, she was a mother to the entire community,” her daughter, Patricia Anderson said. She was a way of living, a way of being, and a way of loving,". "I hope this street naming instills a sense of community and encourages people to care for one another."

Anderson, affectionately known as Queen Bernie, was described by family as a force, her hands full of various commitments to making the community a better place. She was an advocate for youth and civil rights issues, ran a program called Bernadette’s Place at the uptown YWCA where she worked for 20 years, served as a director at KMOJ Radio, and is also known as the mother of the Minneapolis Sound, housing young musicians while supporting her son and musician Andre Cymone.

When Anderson recognized her son’s passion for music, she opened their home to fellow artists and friends. One of those kids was a young Prince, who was Cymone’s best friend.

"She had a gift for understanding what others were going through," Cymone said. "If there was anything she could do to help, she would.”

A block party commemorating the street name dedication was hosted on Russell, between Plymouth and 12th avenues, where Anderson lived. The ceremony was a family reunion, concert and community celebration.

Andre Cymone, Bernadette Anderson's youngest son, performed onstage during the block party. Cymone was best friends with Prince and they both lived and played music in Bernadettes basement in their youth.

**Bernadette's nieces, Angela Dawson (left), and Selena Davis, right, dance with Bernadettees sister, Constance Jackson (center) during her grandnephew Andre Cymone’s performance.**

**Andre Cymone and Tara Starks, Berndette’s granddaughter, greeted each other for a job well done with the reveal.**

“When it came to her children and community issues, she'd be right there,” said her daughter, Sylvia Amos. “She wasn't intimidated by anyone. She respected you, and she held her ground. When she entered the room, everyone would straighten up.”

People took to the stage to speak about Queen Bernie's impact included, family and community leaders like state Sen Bobby Joe Champion, Walter ‘QBear’ Banks, Fire Chief Bryan Tyner, and civil rights leader Spike Moss, whose name was also added to a Northside street this summer.

“I attribute my growth and my ability to represent North Minneapolis because of great people like Bernadette Anderson,” Champion said.

Mayor Jacob Frey also made an appearance to declare Sept.13, Bernadette Anderson Day in the City of Minneapolis.

The event ended with the family unveiling the new sign bearing her name. The community rejoiced.

"I can envision her smiling, saying thank you,” Patricia Anderson said.

A Northside street gets a new name to honor a ‘Queen’