MINNEAPOLIS — The City of Minneapolis is commemorating a local legend by renaming 1244 Thomas Ave. N. to Bernadette Anderson Way.
On Sept. 13, city leaders will change the street name to honor Anderson as the mother who helped raise Prince, but also as an activist who created positive change in Minneapolis. After the renaming ceremony, her son (and musician) Andre Cymone will lead a block party in Bernadette's honor.
The iconic Prince Rogers Nelson lived in Anderson's home for a while and played in a band with her son when they were teens.
But Anderson's legacy extends far beyond her connection with Prince, as she worked for more than 20 years at the YWCA, served as the director of a radio station and as president of the Minneapolis Urban League Guild, according to the City of Minneapolis.
In her work with youth Anderson developed an alcohol-free teen club to encourage safe and fun extracurriculars.