Thursday I attended the funeral of Andrena Guines in Minneapolis.  I was there because I knew Andrena.  The Memorial writing about Andrea is here: Andrena Guines Jan 8 2026.  Below is a portion of the folder…

“From an early age, Andrena was taught that one’s vote and voice matters.  Her strong social beliefs left her to a life of service and deep commitment to empowering others.  She worked on many successful political campaigns in Georgia and Minnesota.  Andrena won the Vice Chair for THE Congressional District 4 -DFL and became a 2024 Presidential Elector for the State of Minnesota.  This honor placed her name in the Library of Congress.  She also participated as one of the core members of Black Women Rising, where she found community and offered support to others.”

Best I know, Andrena died unexpectedly at home.  She was only 60.

The service, our mutual friend, Joyce, said: “was a beautiful service.”  Joyce also said, and I totally agree,  “Andrena was a force for good in everything she did”.

I’d say we experience a ‘crossing boundaries’ event:  Joyce, who is Jewish, had initially introduced me to Andrena, who was Baptist.  Ultimately Andrena became a very active Catholic.  I would guess that more than half the congregation was not Catholic.  The songs, congregation and indeed the entire tenor of the service reflected how we are all one.  I think Andrena would approve.

I could not help but note that the previous day, just a few miles to the south, at 34th and Portland Ave, was the tragic killing of a young woman by an ICE agent, and in this same church some months earlier had been the funeral for Melissa Hortman and her husband, both victims of a political assassination June 14, with funeral June 28, 2025.