
So far, at least, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board seems largely unrepentant.
The board was exhorted Wednesday at its bi-weekly meeting by Pastor Virginia Jones to repent.
"The Bible says you have to repent. That means turn from your ways. Turn from your wicked ways," Jones told the nine commissioners.
As of this writing, southwest Commissioner Brad Bourn expressed something approaching ruefulness, while North Side colleague Jon Olson admitted to some repentance but not the specific kind being sought by the bevy of activists who have been sniping at the board on racial equity issues.

"I try and repent every day," Olson said. Bourn said, "For years, I've expressed my regret and concern over the dismissive and disrespectful behavior the Park Board shows when issues of equity are brought forward by members of the community. At-large Commissioner Annie Young said she wasn't sure what to repent for. Board President Liz Wielinski wasn't ready to repent either. The other five commissioners didn't respond to a Star Tribune e-mail seeking their stance on repentance, their election plans and new leadership next year.
The activists argue that the park system has been discriminatory toward people of color in hiring, promotion and discipline. The district's response can be found here:
It was the fourth straight board meeting where the activists have used the board's agenda item allowing public comment to sound off on racial grievances. That period was followed Wednesday by more than 30 seconds of chanting "enough is enough" that prompted a board recess for 10 minutes.
A new topic was opened Wednesday when Nekima Levy-Pounds, now a resident of encompassing Hawthorne neighborhood, raised a concern about Farview Park. She objected to the $50 fee charged by the park system for a nine-week summer camp for children held at the park. It involves arts, sports, water fun, education and field trips. She said that participation for $25 is available, but that such programs should be free in areas of widespread poverty. "My son enjoys it," she said.