As a member of Seward Civic & Commerce Association, Seward Co-op stands in solidarity with Seward business owners and the East African community that has been targeted.

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 9/19/19) – CAIR-MN, Main Street Alliance of Minnesota, Bethany Lutheran Church, Seward Civic & Commerce Association, Redesign Inc., and the Seward Neighborhood Group today rally in support of businesses in Seward that were targeted and vandalized.

We are coming together to show that while hate can break windows, we won’t let hate break our community. We stand in solidarity with Seward business owners and the East African community that has been targeted more broadly and believe it is important that we all stand up in unison and say that hate has no business here.

Community groups are asking Minnesotans to join them in helping rebuild and show solidarity with these businesses.

Here are ways Minnesotans Can Help:

1. Contribute to the Go Fund Me page: Proceeds will be used to make repairs to damaged storefronts when they aren’t covered by insurance. They will then be used to help provide security cameras, lighting, and other improvements that can deter crime. Any funds beyond that will be used to help with loss of business and other needs.

Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hate-has-no-business-in-seward

2. Make a point of shopping at one of these businesses. Stop by the Capitol Cafe, Lakes Pharmacy, Seward Market and Halal Meat, Barber and Braiding, $5 Pizza and Tobacco Plus and enjoy their many products and services. Show them that our neighborhood is welcoming and supportive by actually supporting them.

3. Business owners can show support by putting up a Hate Has No Business Here, All Are Welcome Here signs in their windows. Get one at: https://www.mainstreetalliance.org/hate_has_no_business_here

4. Attend events in the Seward community this weekend at which affected neighbors and businesses will be gathering to process and show support:

• The King’s Fair, happening at Matthews Park from 12pm to 5pm, will offer a space for neighbors to come together, listen to live music, and make signs to show solidarity.
  More details on King’s Fair can be found here

• The Milwaukee Ave Peace Celebration takes place from 4pm-5pm to celebrate the International Day of Peace. We would like community members to patronize immigrant businesses on that day.
  More details on Milwaukee Ave Peace Celebration can be found here

The vandalism has caused ripples of fear and financial stress for the businesses that are on the hook for repairing the damage and who have seen a decrease in customers. These businesses are a valuable part of our community and they need our love and support. Please stop in and let them know how much you value their contributions to our community.

Classes return to Seward Community Co-op on Sept. 4. Enjoy opportunities—some free—to learn a new skill or dig into an interesting topic with an instructor from the community.

Sign up now, as some classes are selling out fast. Click the links below to register.

Nourish 101: Cauliflower Curry Soup – SOLD OUT
Tuesday, Sep. 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friendship store
Nourish 101 classes feature basic scratch-cooking techniques and recipes that feed a family of four for under $10.
Jessica Brown, Jess Delicious
FREE

Develop and Maintain a Levain Culture: Flour, Water and Time – SOLD OUT
Wednesday, Sep. 5, 6-7 p.m.
Franklin store
Learn how to develop and maintain a levain culture (a type of sourdough starter). Starter will be available for students to take home.
Steve Horton, Baker’s Field Flour & Bread Head Miller and Baker
$6/$5 co-op owners

Intro to Soap Making – SOLD OUT
Wednesday, Sep. 12, 6–8 p.m.
Franklin store
Learn soap making from one of Seward Co-op’s most popular soap vendors! Each student receives an instruction manual and takes home five bars of soap ($25 retail).
John Hanson, Seward Soap
$30/$25 co-op owners

Okonomiyaki: A Savory Japanese Pancake
Thursday Sep. 13, 6-8 p.m.
Franklin store
When life gives you cabbage, make Okonomiyaki— a delicious pancake filled with cabbage, meat and seafood.
Koshiki Yonemura and Benjamin Smith, Tanpopo Studio
$35/$30 co-op owners

Co-op Kids: Pizza Party! – SOLD OUT
Saturday, Sep. 15, 11 a.m.-noon
Friendship store
Kids will learn about the plants, flavors and uses of herbs and spices common in Minnesota. Ages 5-12.
Instructors from Midwest Food Connection
FREE

Ayurveda for Healthy Digestion
Thursday, Sep. 20, 6-7:30 p.m.
Friendship store
Many diseases originate from our gut. This class will focus on the concept of Agni, Ayurvedic diet and Ayurvedic home remedies for digestive issues and more.
Vanashree Belgamwar
$12/$10 co-op owners

The Skinny on Fat
Tuesday, Sep. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Friendship store
Confused about fat? Culinary nutritionists Jenny Breen and Jesse Haas are teaming up to tackle this controversial topic. We’ll also prepare and enjoy recipes featuring cooking oils, nuts, seeds and other fat-rich foods.
Jenny Breen and Jesse Haas
$30/$25 co-op owners

Honest In Trade: A Conversation about Supply Chain Sustainability
Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6-7:30 p.m.
Franklin store
Learn about Once Again Nut Butter’s social justice programs, employee ownership model, supply chain transparency and their dedication to the planet.
Gael B. Orr, Once Again Nut Butter
FREE

A Perfect Bowl of Autumn Soba Noodles
Thursday, Oct. 4, 6–8 p.m.
Franklin store
Have you made Japanese Dashi stock before? This tried and tested recipe is from Tanpopo Noodle Shop, a Japanese restaurant that was once located in Lowertown St. Paul.
Koshiki Yonemura and Benjamin Smith, Tanpopo Studio
$35/$30 co-op owners

Intro to Soap Making
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6–8 p.m.
Franklin store
Learn to make soap from a Seward Co-op vendor. Each student receives an instruction manual and takes home five bars of soap ($25 retail).
John Hanson, Seward Soap
$30/$25 co-op owners

Nourish 101: Farro with Tomato and Feta
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friendship store
We’ll learn how to cook with farro, one of many delicious and affordable ingredients you can purchase at the bulk sale Oct. 25.
Jessica Brown, Jess Delicious
FREE

Nourish 101: Fermenting Veggies with Pickle Witch
Thursday, Oct. 25, 6–8 p.m.
Friendship store
Learn the basics of fermenting in a hands-on workshop that will teach you to turn almost any vegetable into a nutritious and delicious fermented pickle. Bring your own container to take your ferment home!
L. Kling, Pickle Witch
FREE

Festive Fermented Beverages
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6–8 p.m.
Franklin store
Learn the basics of making live, fermented beverages. By capturing and propagating the ginger bug, participants can make fizzy juice, soda, alcohol and vinegar.
Monarda Thrasher, Tea for the People, LLC
$15/$12 co-op owners

Intro to Soap Making
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6–8 p.m.
Franklin store
Learn soap making using the cold process method. Each student receives an instruction manual and takes home five bars of soap ($25 retail).
John Hanson, Seward Soap
$30/$25 co-op owners

Nourish 101: Thanksgiving Sides
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friendship store
Nourish 101 classes feature basic scratch-cooking techniques and recipes that feed a family of four for under $10 ($15 with meat). Learn how to feed your family economically and still have leftovers!
Jessica Brown, Jess Delicious
FREE

Important Class Information
Walk-ins are welcome as space allows, but Seward Co-op may cancel classes if there are fewer than three preregistered attendees. In this case, participants will be notified and given a full refund. Payment must be made at time of registration. To ensure a refund, cancellations must be made 48 hours before the class date.