By Anthony T. Eaton Crumbling sidewalks, mismatched bricks, and a disappearing tree canopy—what’s going on with Saint Peter Street? Once a charming and walkable corridor in downtown Saint Paul, the stretch between Fourth and Fifth Streets now feels like a case study in neglect and short-term thinking. Yes, there have been some improvements. ADA-compliant curbContinue reading “THE DECAYING CITY: What Is the Plan for Saint Peter Street?”
Category Archives: The Brew
THE DECAYING CITY
Loitering, Drugs, and Apathy: What’s Happening at Central Station? As usual on Sunday, I took the train downtown and got off at Central Station. Immediately, I noticed the familiar group of people gathered near the vertical access tower—which, notably, remains closed. What stood out even more was the security guard. Rather than actively monitoring theContinue reading “THE DECAYING CITY”
THE DECAYING CITY: Kellogg Mall Park
By Anthony Eaton Kick It at Kellogg Mall Park This Summer! That was the title of the city’s recent email promoting summer events at Kellogg Mall Park in downtown Saint Paul. I couldn’t help but find it ironic, having just been there that morning with a cup of coffee, searching for a clean spot toContinue reading “THE DECAYING CITY: Kellogg Mall Park”
IT IS EASY TO FORGET
But We Must Remember By Anthony T. Eaton It is easy to forget how far we’ve come because, in many ways, that’s the comfort of progress. Rights are won, visibility increases, and the pain of the past begins to blur at the edges. The world feels a little more open, a little more accepting. ButContinue reading “IT IS EASY TO FORGET”
FAMILY DOES NOT MEAN LOVE:
BREAKING THE SILENCE By Anthony T. Eaton As a child, I learned how to make myself small—how to disappear into the background, unnoticed and unheard. While others in my family could express their emotions freely, especially anger, mine felt like a privilege I hadn’t earned. I grew up in a world of narcissists, gas lighters,Continue reading “FAMILY DOES NOT MEAN LOVE:”
THE DECAYING CITY:
WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL By Anthony T. Eaton Ah, Downtown Saint Paul. It’s not quite where the fun never stops—but more like where the fun pulled a U-turn sometime in the late ’90s and never looked back. Still, there are wonders to behold! Culture buffs can flock to the Ordway or the FitzgeraldContinue reading “THE DECAYING CITY:”
TWO DIFFERENT LEADERS, APPROACHES AND TIME: SAME GOAL
By Anthony T. Eaton The civil rights movement was not a singularly focused struggle but a collection of voices, philosophies, and strategies demanding equality for Black Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were two of its most iconic figures. The two of them embodied seemingly opposing approaches to achieving racial justice. Despite theseContinue reading “TWO DIFFERENT LEADERS, APPROACHES AND TIME: SAME GOAL”
Vegas for One: A Solo Gay Adventure in Sin City
This wasn’t supposed to be a solo trip. Originally, I planned to meet a friend in Vegas over the third anniversary of my husband’s passing. But life had other plans—just a week before our trip, my friend took a bad fall and ended up with a broken knee. No Vegas for him, just surgery andContinue reading “Vegas for One: A Solo Gay Adventure in Sin City”
JUST ANOTHER PHOTO OP?
WHERE IS THE REAL PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL? Recently NPR rant a piece about the recent announcement of the closing of the Alliance Bank Center. At the 11th hour the mayor made an appearance and provided responses to questions by the NPR reporter. Here is a link to the story: Downtown St. Paul businessContinue reading “JUST ANOTHER PHOTO OP?”
MINNESOTA LGBTQ+ HISTORY: STRUGGLE, PROGRESS AND RESILIENCE
Minnesota has a long and rich history of LGBTQ+ activism, filled with struggles, setbacks, and victories. From early grassroots organizing to landmark legal wins, the state has played a pivotal role in the national fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In the mid-20th century, being openly LGBTQ+ in Minnesota—like much of the country—was dangerous. Homosexuality was stillContinue reading “MINNESOTA LGBTQ+ HISTORY: STRUGGLE, PROGRESS AND RESILIENCE”
Espresso Talks 