Photo by Steve Kagan ©

 Born May 21, 1932, to Lillian and Leland Early, Bernadette was a strong-willed and resilient child who established an outgoing personality at an early age. The third of six daughters, Bernadette was placed into foster care along with her siblings because her parents had fallen ill to tuberculosis, and they were forced to isolate from the family. The tumultuous experience in foster care and early education settings informed Bernadette's later view on the importance of caring for others, particularly children and youth, in a way that affirms their humanity.  

Bernadette would marry Fred L. Anderson at the age of fourteen and together they had six children. As a young mother, Bernadette became actively involved in school-related issues. She was a longtime volunteer member of the PTA and worked in the Minneapolis Public School system as a social worker's assistant. Later, she joined the staff of the YWCA and served for 22 years as Metro Services Director and headed several youth initiatives, like the Y-Debs at the Ruth Hawkins Center in North Minneapolis and Bernadette’s Place at the Y’s Uptown location. She served on the boards of radio station KMOJ and Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, and as president of the Minneapolis Urban League Guild, representing the Urban League locally and nationally. 

Bernadette (Bernie) was known as a nurturer who practiced tough love as a way to steer youth onto the right path. As outlined in an extensive 1989 Star Tribune profile of MS. Bernadette Anderson entitled ‘In Tune to The Wavelength of Kids’, she nurtured, listened to, and helped many kids stay the course. Her home at 1244 Russell was a welcoming gathering space for any occasion. It was seen as a safe refuge or meet-up spot for young folk who shared a common love for music as well as others connected to the family who needed a temporary home. That was the case when Bernadette’s son, Andre Cymone, brought his best friend Prince Rogers Nelson home with him. Prince was having problems at home and after first having a conversation with his mother, they all agreed he would stay with the Andersons. Andre and Prince were given the space and freedom to develop their distinctive musical style which many say gave birth to the Minneapolis Music Revolution. 

A lifelong resident of Minneapolis, Bernadette Anderson was a respected community activist who didn’t hesitate to speak truth to power. Her fearless personality had a propound impact on how the City’s key decision makers responded to her demands for action. Even after her retirement she could be seen, along with a group of like-minded women in Minneapolis who championed the fight for civil rights, at meetings wherever social and economic well-being of African Americans, the disadvantaged, or the disenfranchised was being discussed. In an article published in Insight News in October 2003 acknowledging the passing of ‘Queen Bernie,’ Clarence Hightower, MUL President and CEO recalled meeting Bernadette for the first time at the Ruth Hawkins Y.

“My first impression was she was a big woman with a big voice.” He recalled attending services at New Salem Baptist Church after her passing and hearing someone ask the question “who will continue the legacy of strong advocacy that Bernadette carried for so many years,” and Rev. Jerry McAfee responding, “get some heart.” As I look back on her life, I realize it would be disrespectful of me or any one of us who say we’re advocates not to go forward with her same courage, strength, commitment and determination. I promise to do that." 

Bernadette Anderson passed away October 7, 2003, at the age of 71 after a brief battle with lung cancer. She will be remembered for her passion for life and for living it to the fullest. Bernadette’s children, Fred “Sonny” Anderson (deceased), Sylvia Loveless Amos, Edward Anderson, Patricia Anderson, Linda Anderson, and Andre Cymone (Katherine) Anderson have continued her legacy of service to the community and to youth empowerment in a variety of ways. Her spirit lives on in each of them and their children. The honor of the street renaming of Bernadette Anderson Way ensures she will continue to be remembered in Minneapolis for generations to come.