Saint Paul council honors Rondo drill teams, adopts resolution recognizing their legacy

The City Council of the City of Saint Paul on Monday unanimously adopted Resolution 26-1150 recognizing the historic legacy, cultural preservation and community contributions of Rondo-based drill teams and dance groups.

Council member Buie invited representatives of the legacy drill teams to accept the recognition and offered each speaker two minutes. Shasu Adeli accepted the recognition on behalf of her grandmother, Lou Wiley, describing the Lou Wiley High Steppers's founding in 1980 and the group's role in providing disciplined, creative opportunities for young people. "The legacy of the Lou Wiley High Steppers lives on," Adeli said.

Garland Jackson, speaking for the Umoja percussion unit and recalling his time with several drill teams in the 1980s and 1990s, thanked the council and urged continued support for youth arts, music and dance. Lynn Graham Washington, a lifelong Rondo resident, traced the community history and said drill teams taught life skills that reached beyond performance. "We fought with drums, not with guns," she said, recounting how teams built belonging and opportunity for hundreds of youth.

Council members praised the resolution and the speakers. Council member Johnson said the recognition will help preserve and archive the history of drill teams as part of the city's Black narrative, calling the action "history in the making." Following brief council remarks, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the resolution.

The resolution calls for council recognition and presentation to representatives of the legacy Rondo drill teams and invites the community to Rondo Days events at the MLK Center this weekend. A group photo and brief reception followed the vote.