One Minnesotan headed to the Paris Olympics might never appear on camera.

That fits his style.

Adonis Frazier, the fitness director at the famed Minneapolis gym that produced WBA welterweight champion Jamal James, is serving as an assistant coach on the USA boxing team.

On the phone from the USA’s training camp in Saarbrucken, Germany, Frazier pauses while a few of his cohorts walked by, loudly commenting on the “S” pendant he wears.

“It’s supposed to represent Superman,” he said. “But sometimes I think it stands for ‘Stress.’”

The Frazier family tends to bite off as much as it can chew. Adonis’ father, Sankara, is the founder, executive director and head coach at the Circle of Discipline gym, which uses boxing to teach life skills, and engages in other forms of community service.

Sankara coaches James, the former champion who is trying to get another shot at a title.

“Jamal is still working at the Circle, still giving back,” Adonis said. “My father always told us, I don’t care if you guys become champion of the world, if I get a sense you’re not giving back, I’m not dealing with you.”

Adonis is a former boxer whose career was altered by a car accident. He, like his father, went into coaching, and now he states as his goal bringing the USA its first men’s boxing gold since 2004 and first women’s gold since 2016.

“I’ve been a part of Team USA since 2017 and worked with the youth team and with the elites,” Adonis said. “We’ve been to the Pan Ams, the Netherlands, Thailand, Italy, Columbia, Guadalajara. I’ve been out to Colorado Springs quite a few times working with the U.S. team. We’ve done a lot of traveling, we just haven’t said much about it.”

That’s boxing’s lot in the modern sports world — every shred of attention must be earned. James recently threw out the first pitch at a Twins game, and the people at the Circle were surprised that it went unmentioned. They’re also proud of three young boxers from their gym who have made it to national silver and golden gloves tournaments — Luis Ortiz, Demarcus Murphy and Stevie Gomez.

The COD also runs a training camp in Barnum, Minn. that serves children, and which has received support from the Armory Foundation and MEI Total Elevator Solutions.

“I was hesitant about taking on Olympic coaching, because making the Circle great is always our family’s primary objective,” Adonis said. “But my whole family — my mother, my wife, my father, everybody — were like ‘Hey, man, go do it.’ It’s part of the legacy of the Circle and everything else in the Frazier name. So I thought, let’s go ahead and do this.’”

That legacy is growing. James won a title. The Fraziers are renowned coaches and role models. Former North High standout Omar Brown played safety at Nebraska and signed with the Denver Broncos. “He’s one of our cousins and he grew up in the Circle, as well,” Adonis said.

Adonis’ son, Dasan, is a popular social media influencer and actor. “Which is funny, because when I was growing up, you never wanted people to know what you were doing,” Adonis said. “I don’t get social media, but he does. He just had his first role call with Tyler Perry. He’s going to meet me in Paris.”

Adonis’ daughter, Nia, boxes, and another product of the Circle, J.T. Baker, attended Cornell and works for J.P. Morgan.

Jamal James is 35, and still looking for high-level fights. Adonis said he had to pass on a couple of opportunities recently when Sankara was ill, but that “at 35, these days, he still has time.” Boxing may never return to its glory years, but the Fraziers have proved that it has its place, at least in Minneapolis.

When Adonis was coaching his daughter in a national tournament, he took a picture of her, and later saw a motto on a shirt behind her.

“It said, ‘Once you try boxing, everything else is easy,’” Adonis said. “I love that. My youngest son is fighting now. We’ve got five generations of fighters. I’m in Germany today because of the drive that my father instilled in me.

“My wife works at the Circle. My mother’s there. My father’s there. Everybody’s putting in the work, and we’re working with The Link.”

The Link, a charitable organization, was founded in 1991 by Vikings Jim Marshall and Oscar Reed.

Asked his goals for Paris, Adonis said, “I would say ‘Make history,’ but I think it’s important to say ‘Make history in a positive way.’ That’s the kind of history we’re after.”

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Aquatennial — a dayslong celebration that highlights the city — makes its return next week with free events and its signature parade and fireworks show.

Here’s what you need to know about the festival:

What is the Minneapolis Aquatennial?

The Aquatennial is the civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual event, which this year will take place from July 24 to July 27, features multiple events, including the Torchlight Parade, and culminates in a fireworks show.

The Torchlight Parade kicks off the celebrations. It starts at 12th Street South on Nicollet Mall at 7:30 p.m. on July 24 and ends on Fourth Street South. There will be floats and performances, and the parade will be emceed by K102’s Chris Carr and Company.

Who are this year’s Parade Grand Marshals?

The 2024 Grand Marshals are Nicole Hensley and Lee Stechlein, members of the Walter Cup Champion Minnesota Professional Women’s Hockey League team. 

Hensley was the first goaltender selected in the inaugural PWHL Draft and is a two-time Olympian. Stechlein, a Roseville native who played for the Unviersity of Minnesota and the Minnesota Whitecaps, is a three-time Olympic medalist.

What’s the history behind the Aquatennial?

The Aquatennial can be traced back to 1939, when a group of Minneapolis businessmen who wanted to promote the city as a summer destination and create a sense of civic unity came together to brainstorm what eventually became known as “The 10 Best Days of Summer.” 

Minneapolis in the 1930s had witnessed a Teamsters truckers strike and anti-union violence in which 67 were injured and two killed, and the businessmen believed that a celebratory spectacle would improve the city’s reputation, according to the Minnesota Historical Society.

The group pulled together a festival that featured more than 200 events, thanks to the help of volunteers from the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The inaugural festival was held in July of 1940. 

The name “Aquatennial” was chosen by contest and reflects the lakes and rivers of the city. The first parade had 86 floats, 15,000 marchers, 50 bands and drew in a crowd of more than 200,000, the historical society says.

Throughout the years, popular events have phased in and out: The Aqua Follies show, in which 24 women performed a choreographed aquatic revue on Lake Wirth, attracted crowds of roughly 6,000. For a while, all the women were required to be exactly 5’4″ and weigh 125 pounds, the historical society says. The show, which also featured stunt divers and comics, brought in revenue for the festival until the mid-60s, when it was cut for budgetary reasons. 

The Milk Carton Boat Race across Lake Bde Maka Ska was promoted by the American Dairy Association from 1971 until 2015, and the festival has seen skateboard competitions, sand sculpture competitions, and live shows.

The mainstays have been the Queen of Lakes pageant contest, as well as the Torchlight Parade and the fireworks that conclude the festival. The fireworks display on the final night is one of the largest in the country. 

In the early 2000s, the festival neared bankruptcy as programming costs rose, and the Minneapolis Downtown Council bought the rights to the Aquatennial in 2003. The “10 Best Days of Summer” became truncated, and the goal of the Aquatennial shifted to focus more on highlighting downtown Minneapolis.

How do you get to the Aquatennial?

Attendees can take Metro Transit to the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade by clicking here to download a free ride pass, which will be valid from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 24. 

Parking is also available in the ramps on 10th, 7th, 6th, and 5th streets. For more information click here.

For a full schedule of events, click here.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to get through this thing called life.” If you aren’t familiar, these are some of the most famous lyrics from Minneapolis legend and entertainer Prince. The Minnesota city not only birthed him, but it has also worked to position itself as a destination that travelers of all interests want to visit.

I recently visited for a few days to get a firsthand look at all of the area’s hotspots, and now I want to put you on so that you are well equipped when you decide to pop in for yourself. While I certainly will not gloss over the fact that it was the place in which George Floyd ultimately lost his life, what I can say from my experience, is that the city—and local entrepreneurs and businesses—are working to ensure that the “Twin City” is a more inclusive and inviting place for visitors of all races.

From Black-owned business and must-try restaurants to a newish Four Seasons Hotel, here’s how you can explore Minneapolis like a true insider.

Where to stay

By now you’ve likely heard the viral social media sound asking the young child if they want to go to the Four Seasons in Orlando. Well, lucky for me, Minneapolis opened a property just two summers ago and it is absolutely gorgeous. Located in downtown, and within walking distance of just about everything you’ll need, the Four Seasons Minneapolis has all the upscale amenities you dream of, including: a full-service spa, rooftop pool and bar, multiple dining options and each room has plush robes and slippers waiting for you.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted with a cold glass of champagne before being escorted to my king room on the 26th floor. With a view of what felt like the entire city, I spent lots of time just taking in the views. Additionally there’s a complimentary house car on property that will take you anywhere within a 3-mile radius and there are bikes available for guests who want to explore on two wheels. On most weekends, you can catch a rooftop yoga session or other workout classes taught by locals.

Beyond the Four Seasons, there are tons of other hotels and boutiques within the area, so it just boils down to your personal preference.

Best places to eat

I was pleasantly surprised at the number of Black-owned eateries within walking distance from my hotel. For my morning caffeine fix, I walked across the street to check out Mocha Momma’s Coffee on the bottom level of the Minneapolis Central Library. With a mission statement of “mentoring urban youth with coffee so the community thrives,” I knew that I was in the right place. I went with an iced lavender oat milk latte—my usual order almost anywhere—and it hit the spot. On one of the morning when I needed a full service breakfast, I set out on foot to Breakfast Bar of Minnesota for the Southern staples I’m used to. Fried salmon croquettes, cheese grits, eggs and biscuits filled my belly before I started a very long day.

If you don’t mind going a little farther in the city, Houston White’s The Get Down Coffee Co. is a whole vibe in itself.

For lunch, I stayed at the hotel and went to the rooftop to check out Riva Terrance where I ordered the panzanella salad topped with skirt steak. Other must-try spots are: Butcher & The Boar for the smoked short rib and eggs for brunch (Pro Tip: ask for the jalapeño cheddar biscuit instead of tortillas), Borough for its fork-tender pork belly at dinner, Soul Bowl in Graze: Provisions + Libation and, in the spirit of something sweet, check out Edwards Dessert Kitchen—all in the North Loop neighborhood. While there, pop in to Cobble Social House (also Black-owned) for a few lights bites and a nightcap from its rotational cocktail menu.

Where to play

While I was technically in Minneapolis to cover the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Team trials, I still had ample time to visit some of the city’s hotspots. If you’re like me and love to peruse local boutiques and shops, you’ll love North Loop. A few standout spots for me were: Queen Anna House of Fashion (Black-owned), D. NOLO (also Black-owned) and Martin Patrick, which although it’s geared toward men, I loved browsing the coffee table book selection as well as home decor.

Of course, you’re in The Purple One’s hometown, so it’s only right that you pay homage to him while there. If time permits or you’re able to snag a ticket for your dates, I highly suggest taking the trip to Paisley Park. If not, you can opt to swing by his larger-than-life mural near the interaction of N. 5th Street and Washington Ave. Or, as you’re heading back home, you can patron the official Prince store in the Delta terminal of Minneapolis’ airport.

For the artsy folks, the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District neighborhood hosts Open Saturdays from noon until 4p on, you guessed it, Saturdays. Typically in warmer months, you’ll be able to browse dozens of local art studios.