It started during a 2019 trip to New Orleans with his wife Acooa, and a directive from his grandmother to visit the National WWII Museum there. (She is a charter member.)
Jeremiah noticed an advertisement for the documentary – “Invisible Warriors,” a film about the work of African American women in industry/factories during the war, along with an exciting reimagining of the “We Can Do It” Rosie the Riveter picture. She was silver haired and Black. The filmmaker suggested uncovering the Minnesota contribution to the War. Intrigued and curious, Jeremiah came home to learn more, particularly how the Twin Cities Ordinance Plant earned a national reputation for successful integration of African American women in various jobs in the plant.
The Arthur McWatt Fellowship with Ramsey County Historical Society provided encouragement and space for the research. Over the past several years and hours pouring through newspapers and historical documents, Jeremiah can name some 40 of Minnesota’s hundreds of Black Rosies. On Saturday, February 24, he will give an in-depth presentation of their lives and histories.
I asked Jeremiah to tell me about his life and experiences in Como Park. His eloquent and heartfelt reply is printed below.
There are faces in Como that light up with recognition when they see me riding the familiar grey tandem bike, my son pedaling eagerly in the back. He’s ten now, and those shared rides are just the latest thread woven into the rich tapestry of my life in this vibrant community.
My Como journey began in the carefree days of elementary school. My friend Ben’s house on East Como Boulevard, with its magical treehouse beckoning from the backyard, was a haven for birthday parties, sleepovers, and countless hours of laughter with classmates. Later, the thrill of learning to ski at Mount Como etched memories onto my winter days. As I transitioned to Murray Junior High, the faces around me were new, but many classmates and even a few crushes called Como home.
But Como is more than just childhood memories. It’s where I pay homage to my ancestors, their final resting place nestled within the quiet embrace of Calvary Cemetery. From my paternal grandparents to my great-grandmother and even further back, three generations find their peace here, including the pioneering spirits of Henry and Grace Savard, my great-great-grandparents.
My commitment to Como extends beyond personal connections. After my wife and I purchased a home in Como, I proudly served as the Ward 5 representative on the Saint Paul STAR Board, contributing to our community’s revitalization efforts. Currently, I lend my voice to the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission, ensuring the structures and stories of our city’s past continue to resonate in the present.
And today, the cheers erupt alongside fellow Como neighbors as the Minnesota Aurora triumphs, and we commiserate together over the highs and lows of the Minnesota United season. These shared moments, woven into the fabric of our daily lives, remind me why Como holds such a special place in my heart. It’s not just a place, it’s a community, a tapestry of memories, connections, and a shared future that continues to unfold with every turn of the pedals and every shared conversation.
