“Ms. Bernadette was committed to family and community. GREAT LADY.”
-Thornton Jones, aka Pharoah Black
Testimonials - Highlighting the Legacy of Bernadette
“A phenomenal woman!!! I hold her deep in my heart. She taught me so much. My first real
job was at Hawkins YWCA. Bernie was fierce and took on the deep-seated racism of that
organization with boldness. I’m honored to share her earthly birthday.”
--Dara Ceaser
“Momma Bernadette’s impact on our lives is profound. She wasn’t just a community figure;
she was family, a guiding light through life’s challenges. Her love, compassion, and nurturing
spirit echoed our own mothers, enriching our lives and the entire community.
Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others, her boundless generosity, and her living
ways continue to shape us today. As we dedicate Bernadette Anderson Way, let’s celebrate
her remarkable legacy of love and compassion, ensuring her presence is felt yesterday, today,
and in the future. With heartfelt gratitude and admiration, let’s continue to nurture and
share love along Bernadette Anderson Way. Sonny, Edward (Eddie), Sylvia, Patricia, Linda,
and Andre, thank you for sharing your mom with us.”
--Jerome Benton & Family
“Talk about sweet, giving, so understanding to everyone. The MOTHER of the
block. She fed me, protected me, gave to me and educated me. And honestly kept
me from a few whoopins from my Mother. Northside! Russell Avenue North! Classic!
-- Ellisha McKinney
“I met Miss Bernadette while attending Harrison Elementary School. She was
serving lunch and always had a smile on her face. She knew all of the kids and their
individual situations. If lunch was probably the only meal you may have for the day,
she would always make sure that you got a little extra. Every one of us trusted her
wholeheartedly and felt comfortable coming to her to talk about anything; school,
friendships, family struggles. As I got older, I saw myself incorporating some of her
insights into my everyday perspectives, while working to understand and respect
others’ POV (point of view). You always felt that she saw you and you were seen.
You always felt welcomed at their house and it was the place to hang out. She was
a part of the fabric of our Northside Community. If anyone deserves to have a street
named in their honor, it’s Bernadette Anderson.”
--Tony Mosely
“I looked at this woman as a mother figure. I wanna say, I think I called her mom as that was
what she was to us all, the neighborhood mom. That was the only way I saw her. She was
the one person supporting all the neighborhood musicians around the Northside and within
her block on Russell and a few more blocks radius was the birthplace of the Minneapolis
Sound without a doubt.”
--Jellybean Johnson
“I looked at this woman as a mother figure. I wanna say, I think I called her mom as that was what she was to us all, the neighborhood mom.
Jellybean Johnson
A Tribute to the Remarkable Ms. Bernadette Anderson
By Rosalind Sullivan, Esq.
Let me begin by expressing my deep pride in hailing from the vibrant community of North
Minneapolis. My journey in life had an unconventional start as I became a mother shortly
before my high school graduation. Yet, with unwavering determination, I went on to serve in
the U.S. Army and earn degrees from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of
Management and Hamline Law School (now Mitchell Hamline Law School). I share these
personal milestones with gratitude, recognizing that my accomplishments were made
possible by the support and guidance of my incredible village. In this village, Ms. Anderson
held a pivotal role, providing the strong foundation upon which my achievements were built.
Ms. Anderson was not just a mother to her own children; she was a mother to the entire
community. A mother's role involves nurturing, guiding, correcting, modeling behavior, and
empowering her children. Ms. Anderson embodied all of these qualities, making her a
surrogate mother to me and countless others in our community.
My formative years were spent at North Commons, Ruth Hawkins, where I actively
participated in YTeens and Soul Personified. In this nurturing environment, Ms. Anderson
fostered a sense of belonging, acceptance, and safety, which are vital for the growth of
young individuals, particularly young girls. I distinctly recall a time when I was attempting to
be "fast," and Ms. Anderson took a moment to inquire about a young man I was spending
time with at the park. Her questions were simple but spoke volumes. She had that look that
conveyed she was watching over me, and indeed she was. Though I felt somewhat
uncomfortable and embarrassed at the time, I understood that she cared for me, even
though we weren't well-acquainted. I recognized that she was looking out for my well-being,
ensuring that I was safe while at the park.
Years later, when I proudly graduated from law school and had the opportunity to reconnect
with Ms. Anderson after many years, I was filled with excitement as I shared my
achievements with her. It was a moment akin to telling a long-lost aunt about my
accomplishment. My intention was not to boast but to express my deep sense of
indebtedness. I wanted her to know that she had played an integral role in my journey. In that
moment, I felt like a child seeking approval from a cherished parent, and her radiant smile
and genuine excitement were the greatest rewards. I am profoundly thankful for Ms.
Anderson, her unwavering commitment to our community, her countless sacrifices, and the
boundless love she shared. She didn't need to know you or your parents to offer love,
guidance, and support. My village, especially Ms. Anderson, holds a special place in my
heart, and I am filled with anticipation as we come together to celebrate her remarkable life
and enduring legacy.