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Mr. Tiger Jack Rosenbloom was a pillar of St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood—a man who arrived in Minnesota in 1936 with just ten dollars and a boxer’s resolve. Known for his fierce independence and deep respect for God, family, and hard work, he built a small business from the ground up that operated for over 57 years. His nickname “Tiger” came from a moment in the ring when he responded to a racial slur with knockout force, earning the title from his trainer. Through decades of racial injustice and the destruction of Rondo by freeway construction, Tiger Jack’s store stood firm as one of the last surviving Black-owned businesses in the area. His legacy was rooted in self-reliance, dignity, and a refusal to accept handouts—values he lived, not just preached.

Mrs. Nurceal Dillon Rosenbloom, known as Mrs. Tiger, was equally formidable in spirit. Originally from Osaka, Mississippi, she endured the harsh realities of Jim Crow before moving north and working 37 years at United Hospital. After long shifts, she returned home to help run the store and raise eight children, embodying quiet strength and unwavering love. Her presence became a source of inspiration for young Black girls in Rondo, a living example of grace under pressure. After Tiger’s passing, she lived to see the street where they built their legacy renamed Mr. and Mrs. Tiger Jack Street. Their store was later preserved by the Minnesota Historical Society, and their story continues to be honored as a testament to Black resilience, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

Mr. Positive