Insight News ::: 1.25.10

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Shawn Chromey-Daniels as Older Henry Ameris Martin as Young Henry Kaujah Iverson as Mrs. Brown.

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January 25 - January 31, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 4 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Precinct Caucuses are backbone for political power and leadership

By Lydia Schwartz Contributing Writer

Tom Foley

Dr. Irma McClaurin is founding Executive Director of UROC.

UROC development surpasses contracting and hiring goals The University of Minnesota exceeded its own goals to employ significant numbers of womenand minority-owned businesses in the renovation of the former Plymouth-Penn Shopping Center

that now houses the University’s Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC). The building opened in

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Precinct Caucuses for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL), Independence, and Republican Parties are on Tuesday, February 2 at 7pm. For people who want to take an active role in preparing for an upcoming election, caucuses are the best place to start. By attending a precinct caucus, any Minnesotan can have a voice in the political process.

Precincts are the smallest unit in Minnesota’s electoral system.

Your vote is counted in your precinct. A precinct caucus is a group of individuals that live in a precinct who get together once every even-numbered year to support a political party, participate in its business, and cast a vote in a candidate preference poll. Precinct caucuses are essential for parties to organize a grassroots network.

At your caucus, you will be asked to sign in with your name and

Q and A DFL Gubernatorial Debate address to verify that you live in that precinct. When you sign in, you are stating that you agree with the party’s principles and that you intend to support its candidates in the coming election.

Several things happen at a precinct caucus. The caucus will elect precinct chairs and associate chairs. Attendees are given the opportunity to serve as a precinct

Tony Webster

chair or associate chair in order to organize the party at the most fundamental level.

Delegates and alternates to the county unit convention are elected at precinct caucuses. Participants may become delegates to conventions that endorse candidates for public office and

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Right decision; right time

MPS chooses

Bernadeia Johnson

By Al McFarlane and B.P. Ford, The Editors The Minneapolis Board of Education last week selected Bernadeia Johnson to succeed William Green as the next superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools. Currently Deputy Superintendent , Johnson takes the helm of the district when Green retires on June 30, this year. The Board of Education will finalize its selection with a vote on Johnson’s candidacy at its regularly scheduled business meeting on

Ahmed Dagane chosen Metropolitan State outstanding student

Bernadeia Johnson February 9.

Johnson’s selection has the support of the Coalition of Black

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Left to right: Command Sergeant Major Todd Sherman, 3rd Recruiting Brigade; Carl Cannon, Peoria Park District, guest of Indianapolis Battalion; Dan Scholz, New Richmond High School, OH, guest of Columbus Battalion; Al McFarlane, Insight News, MN, guest of Minneapolis Battalion; Tom Crosby, Mariemont High School, guest of Columbus Battalion; Annie Carter, Detroit School District, MI, guest of Great Lakes Battalion; James Colley, Haysi High School, VA, guest of Nashville Battalion; Shaun Owens, Bryan Station High School, TN, guest of Nashville Battalion; Tom Pavlansky, Lakeview High School, OH, guest of Cleveland Battalion; Diane Walters, Game Crazy, IL, guest of Chicago Battalion; Scott Garvis, Burnsville High School, MN, guest of Minneapolis Battalion; Dereck Toles, Inspiring Minds, OH, guest of Cleveland Battalion; Lester Diaz, Henry Clay High School, guest of Nashville Battalion; Akili Shakur, Purdue University, IL, guest of Chicago Battalion; Gary Pszeniczny, Altoona High School, WI, guest of Milwaukee Battalion; Mark Gibbs, Lakeview High School, guest of Great Lakes Battalion; and Col. James Iacocca, 3rd Recruiting Brigade Commander.

Rethinking the military option Brigadier General Arnold Bray

Inspired by U.S. Army leadership

By BG Arnold Bray Commentary I often ask, “What do Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Shaquille O’Neal, Tavis Smiley, Angela Burke-Murray and me have in common? We were are all inspired

by Army leadership and imbued with Army values and exposed to success by caring and discipline our Dad’s learned in the Army (or was

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reinforced by the Army system). In my case I was doubly exposed. My real-father served in the Navy in WWII (for what it’s worth my father never abandoned me even after divorce and remained actively in my life). We were all encouraged to go to school and taught to be the best version of ourselves. These leaders were combat soldiers by

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The Love Series: Just in time for Valentine’s Day

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Creating and defending our freedom at home and in the world

By Al McFarlane Editor-In-Chief Part 1 in a series Dr. Nancy “Rusty” Barcelo, University of Minnesota Vice President and Vice Provost who heads the U’s Office for Equity and Diversity put it exactly right.

She said as we people of color grow to become the majority of the American population, we have to be clear on our role in protecting our nation, our freedoms, and our values.

Barcelo and I reflected on the role of military service over breakfast Sunday at the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration at the Millennium Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis.

“That’s why it warmed my heart to be greeted here this morning by seven-year-olds in Boy Scouts uniforms,” she said, smiling toward the proud demeanor of service and earnestness of the attentive

troopers.

In their lifetimes, she said, people of European descent will become the minority in America.

People of color, African, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Native Americans, today’s minorities, will become the majority.

So we have to be intentional on our duty to defend our families, our nation, and our values, here and in the world, she said.

Barcelo said she

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The Vikings ownership has invested well thus far

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Page 2 •January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Insight News

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Measuring candidates by our interests In an effort to motivate greater numbers of Insight News readers toward caucus attendance, and informed and early participation in the political process, Insight News invited all gubernatorial candidates competing for DFL endorsement to respond to 10 questions which focus on how they will address the concerns of Minnesota's communities of color in their campaigns and should they be elected governor. Because of space limitations, Insight News editors have published responses to only questions 1 and 9. To read candidate responses to all 10 questions, please visit www.insightnews.com. At time of publication the Mark Dayton and Susan Gaertner campaigns had not responded to the questionnaire.

How do you reflect on the general preponderance of disparate outcomes for people of color in Minnesota? Are there any in particular that are of special concern to you? What is your plan to address them?

Matt Entenza entenza.com Across nearly every key indicator of health and prosperity there are alarming disparities that threaten Entenza the future of our state.

These disparities are not only morally egregious, but they also undermine our greatest asset: our people. As Minnesota's population continues to age and retire, people of color are increasingly replacing the demographic status quo. If these disparities continue at their current rates then the ability of our state to compete economically will be significantly challenged.

We need someone in the governor's office who will welcome communities of color as partners

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane

and give them their deserved seat at the table, so that the implications of state policy on those communities are recognized and addressed. This is why I carried and passed legislation to save the Councils of Color from being abolished. For too long the voices of too many communities have been absent from policy-making in St. Paul.

Though it is critical that we address all of these disparities education and poverty are fundamental. While these are all bound together in an inseparable link of cause and effect, I believe the next governor must bring both a strong strategy that recognizes this link and also specific proposals to address each individually.

Steve Kelley www.stevekelley.org/ Racism is more than just a collection of individual actions of prejudice. Past and current racism has Kelley contributed to poverty and unequal educational attainment.

Three institutional inequalities that must be addressed are as follows: 1. The education achievement gap.

We can close this gap by creating a Minnesota Children's Zone that wraps our children in coordinated community outreach services from birth to their graduation from some form of post-secondary education.

2. Gaps in health care access and quality. The health gap can be combated using the Wisconsin model of collecting county-bycounty health data that tracks racial inequities. We will then be able to target problem areas and improve the overall health of our communities.

3. Racism in the criminal justice system.

It is time for a comprehensive examination and reform of our criminal justice system that involves law enforcement, members of the current court system, reform activists, and civil rights leaders to create a truly just justice system.

Racism eats away at the foundations of our state. We all have the responsibility to counteract both individual and institutional racism to build the kind of state that we are proud to leave our children and grandchildren.

CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler

Margaret Anderson Kelliher www.margaretforgovernor.com

Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane

We know, from years of research across our country, that disparities in income, education, health care and other Anderson issues exist for people Kelliher of color, and while it's hard to single out just one issue, I believe that improving access to health care is an important step forward.

Minnesota has prioritized improving outcomes in health care for people of color through the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative. As governor, I will continue to focus on changes to our health care system that truly prioritize a commitment to quality of care for all people regardless of their income level or insurance coverage. We have to make sure that in 2015, and 2020 and beyond, our state's health care delivery system will look very different.

Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Elliot Stewart-Franzen Web Design & Content Associate Ben Williams Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. MinneAPOlis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC) Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI) National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

Paul Thissen www.paulthissen.com Disparate outcomes in health care, housing, education, criminal justice and other areas are a mark on a state Thissen that prides itself on fairness and progressive values. To begin, we need to open our eyes to the reality of the injustice in our communities.

I will speak out on racial injustices and discrimination. But, then we need to take action. As Chair of the

Caucus From 1 select people to lead the party at higher levels.

Precinct caucuses also provide the opportunity for attendees to voice their views on issues of concern to attendees. Participants get the chance to discuss with their neighbors issues that matter to them, and have the opportunity to influence their party’s platform.

Attendees may also submit and vote on resolutions that the party conventions may make a part of the party platform.

Precinct caucus attendees can also vote in a non-binding, statewide preference, or ‘straw,’ ballot for candidates. Candidates often try to attend as many precinct

Health and Human Services Committee, I have been particularly attentive to health disparity issues and have lead on efforts to close the gap. I authored and passed the Cover All Kids bill that now allows 40,000 kids in Minnesota to see a doctor. I also believe that the best way to address the gap is to improve socioeconomic status. We need to adopt policies for not only good paying jobs, but also to create wealth and assets in families and communities.

Senator John Marty www.johnmarty.org I am deeply concerned about the difference in outcomes between white Minnesotans and Minnesotans of Marty color. While I'm concerned and have worked on many issues, one that I feel cuts to the core of a lot of other issues, such as educational outcomes, is the racial disparity in income and wealth. I served as cochair of the Legislative Commission to End Poverty by 2010 and know there are things we can do as a society to address poverty. We can do it and we have to do it. I am the chief author of legislation that came out of the Poverty Commission legislation that will increase the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour, to make affordable childcare available to every worker with young children, and to increase the earned income credit for low income workers.

Tom Bakk www.bakk2010.com I believe strongly that with hard work and determination, everybody should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless Bakk of their race, ethnicity or national origin. I am troubled when confronted with statistics showing the disparate outcomes we have for people of color in our state.

It is clear evidence that we are not, in fact, at a place where all people, regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin, have an equal chance to succeed.

Of particular concern to me are disparities in education and incarceration. I see these as closely linked. I have built my campaign around a message of "jobs, jobs, jobs." When people are working and are able to provide for their families, it can ease many of the stresses that are linked to some social problems, including crime.

One barrier to people finding goodpaying jobs is a lack of education.

Minnesota has traditionally had very strong schools, but there are too many times when people are not entering the job market with the skills needed. I talk on the campaign trail about a renewed focus on investing in our human infrastructure and I mean to do this at all levels, in every community and in all parts of the state.

Rep. Tom Rukavina rukavinaforgovernor.com Graduation rates and incarceration rates are my highest concerns.

As a state representative, I have Rukavina often been one of the lone voices against the ongoing expansion of penalties and probation among all of the population. Also, I have a record of working hard to provide scholarships and other means for minorities; the goal, of course, is to promote greater levels of accessible higher education.

R. T. Rybak www.rtrybak.com

Rybak

My philosophy is that where we see disproportionate need, we must invest disproportionate time and resources. I will bring this philosophy

caucuses as they can in order to build local support.

Candidates seeking DFL endorsement for governor are MN Sen. Tom M. Bakk (DFL-6); former US Sen. Mark B. Dayton; former MN Rep. Matt Entenza; Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner; former MN Sen. Steve Kelley; MN Speaker of the House, Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-60A); MN Sen. John J. Marty (DFL-54); the Mayor of Minneapolis R. T. Rybak; DFL Party member Ole S. Savior; and MN Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-63A).

Anyone may simply observe the process. However, in order to participate you must reside in the precinct. If you wish to be a county unit convention delegate or vote on the preference ballot, you must be 18-years-old or be qualified to vote

by Election Day. You also must not be an active member of any other

to the state as Governor.

As an example, four years ago, we started NorthForce, which directed concentrated resources from the City of Minneapolis and our partners to the Northside.

Working in partnership with neighborhood residents and leaders, we: • began revitalizing commercial corridors like West Broadway and Lowry Avenues; • invested in single-family affordable housing and attracted homeowners to areas especially hurt by foreclosure and absentee landlords; • cleaned up thousands of problem properties through a curbto-alley sweep of the entire neighborhood; • focused on job-training and jobcreation for Northside residents; • closed down dozens of "convenience" stores that were magnets for crime and community destabilization; • created summer jobs and internships for hundreds of Northside youth through the Minneapolis Promise; While we have seen promising results on the Northside, our work is far from done. We will not rest until residents of North Minneapolis can expect the same opportunities and outcomes as residents of any other part of Minneapolis.

Ending disparities requires sustained and long-term effort.

Many of the things we've tried in Minneapolis have worked; some have not, and when they have not, we've tried again. I am proud of the efforts that we have made to put an end to disparate outcomes for people of color. And I'm not done trying.

This is the kind of sustained attention and hands-on focus that I will bring as Governor.

How will you use your Campaign as a tool for leadership development and long-term capacity building in communities of color?

Matt Entenza entenza.com This campaign has already begun the process of working to include underrepresented Entenza populations into the DFL political process.

We are conducting caucus trainings state-wide, but with particular emphasis in communities of color, and look to increase delegate participation as much as possible leading up to the convention. My campaign already has organizers in many communities of color (organizers from those communities) and by the end of the campaign will be represented everywhere. A significant part of our strategy depends on pumping out turnout in these communities and engaging them in the political process, and for the DFL to win in November we will need everyone active.

My campaign's commitment to communities of color has been recognized by many leaders in those communities, and is why so many of them endorse my candidacy including Congressman Keith Ellison, Rep. Bobby Jo Champion, Rep. Cy Thao, Sadiq Abdirahman, former St. Paul Police Chief Bill Finney, Reginaldo HaslettMarroquin, Mohamed Jibrell, Batala McFarlane, Dr. Neal Thao, former Rep. Gregory Gray, Ibrahim Abikar, Abdikadir Ahmed and Hashi Shafi.

Steve Kelley www.stevekelley.org/ The problems that Minnesota faces are staggering. There is no way that any Governor can solve Kelley them alone, which is why I am committed to grassroots capacity building in our communities of color.

As opposed to simply talking about inclusion, I have built a diverse political party and must agree with the principles of the party whose precinct caucus you are attending.

Minnesota Statute (Section 202A.19) permits Minnesota residents to take time off from work, without pay, to attend precinct caucuses. However, you must provide written notice at least 10 days in advance to your employer. State universities, community colleges, and public schools may not hold classes or events after 6pm on caucus night.

Nor can state agencies, school boards, county boards, township boards, city councils and all other political subdivisions conduct meetings after 6pm on caucus night.

For more information on where your party’s precinct caucus is located, contact your party, visit the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State’s website

campaign team. I have 2 African American staff members and an Asian intern (out of a staff of seven) as well as volunteers from the Latino and Somali communities. I sought out talented, young people of color to work on my campaign because I want them to build leadership skills that they can take back to their community.

I am committed to building capacity in communities of color, which is why I am building a grassroots campaign that engages people in diverse communities and helps develop community leaders.

For example, on Monday, we held a round table with community leaders in North Minneapolis. Some of the young people who are volunteering on the campaign are attending the meeting to make connections with African and African-American community leaders and start to develop the next generation of activists.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher www.margaretforgovernor.com My professional background is in community organizing and because of that, I understand and place a Anderson premium on leadership My Kelliher development. record as a public official and our campaign's message of building partnerships with diverse coalitions says that we will prioritize empowering communities of color, and hold public institutions accountable for protecting civil and human rights, access to jobs, transportation equity, and education.

Paul Thissen www.paulthissen.com I think one of the biggest tragedies of the last 20 years of Republican and Independent Thissen leadership in the governor's office is the increased distrust of state government. Even as Americans nationally became skeptical of the federal government, Minnesotans saw St. Paul as a place for effective change.

Since I began this campaign I have visited 83 of Minnesota's 87 counties. As I have travelled I have taken considerable time to meet with members and leaders of communities of color throughout the state. As examples, I sat with Somali community leaders in St. Cloud as well as affordable housing advocates for East Africans in Marshall and Hmong LGBT leaders in St. Paul.

Senator John Marty www.johnmarty.org We are working to engage people in the political process by speaking to their concerns and offering Marty them a vision for how we can build a better future. My message does that. We are working to get out into communities of color, engaging them with our vision, and bringing them into the campaign. To continue to do this, and to do it well, we need your help. We have many opportunities for people to take real leadership roles in the campaign.

With people power we will make it really happen.

Tom Bakk www.bakk2010.com As I travel the state I have been meeting with Minnesotans from all walks of life.

It's been a fascinating experience. I've met Bakk with leaders from many different communities and learned much from them and I hope from meeting with me they have learned a little about the Iron Range.

I want to hear from Minnesota's communities of color and I want to know how we can improve Minnesota from their perspective. (www.sos.state.mn.us), or contact your local County Auditor’s office.

The DFL Party is offering a series of workshops to prepare locals for attending their precinct caucus. They will discuss how a DFL Precinct Caucus works, becoming a delegate, running for a DFL Party office, and writing a resolution. The DFL Precinct Caucus Workshops are being held in several locations: • Franklin Library Friends of Franklin Room at 1314 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis on Saturday, January 30, 12-2pm (geared for the Somali community but anyone can attend) • North Regional Library Meeting Room South at 1315 Lowry Ave N, Minneapolis on Tuesday, January 26, 6-8pm

On the campaign trail I speak of working together as one community, where we all have to pitch in to solve problems. The more the leaders of the state reflect and understand our diverse communities, the better equipped Minnesota will be to more forward as one community. But to do this, we all must approach this with the common goal of improving Minnesota for everyone, from every corner of the state and from every background.

Rep. Tom Rukavina rukavinaforgovernor.com My campaign has grown in diversity as it has moved forward and as such I have reached out to all Rukavina communities looking for input and suggestions on how they would like to see the role of the governor and the work of the state evolve.

Throughout this campaign, I will continue to work with all the communities of color- Latinos, Hmong, African American, Native American and others- to gather insight and input. I believe that by bringing the voices of all the people to the forefront of this campaign, the outcome will be a better, stronger Minnesota for all of us.

R. T. Rybak www.rtrybak.com I will do it in the same way I have done it in the Mayor's office, by hiring a diverse staff who are well connected in their Rybak communities and have the trust and access they need to successfully connect our campaign to the community.

My campaign to win the governor's office back for progressives is not a one-man show, nor can it be the effort of a narrow group of Minnesotans. It is crucial to have a strong candidate who can reach out and inspire all Minnesotans to vote. But strong candidates are not enough. DFL campaigns that don't have the capacity to engage communities of color and new voters will fail in 2010 no matter how strong the candidate. There is not enough of the old guard to carry the day.

On my campaign, engaging the diversity of communities across Minnesota is our steel support, not window dressing. It is core of our strength not only for winning, but governing. The campaign is the foundation of our governing coalition that will deliver the change we need once we win this election together. Because winning is when the real work starts.

Ole Savior Response for all questions:

Rebuild the old neighborhoods New schools. More teachers.

Jobs, "full" employment Savior goals in MN at decent pay and better living conditions. Higher educational opportunities for advancement of "all" people. Job creation by building a new Viking Stadium, construction etc. and also opening up new areas of jobs like the MN State Fair which is closed 50 weeks a year - create a new "year round "playland" like a "Disneyland" of four seasons (thousands of new jobs here).

MN Immigration policy will be fair and good welcoming new citizens. Tribal government needs to represent all "not" just a few like Mystic family.

More LRT between cities.

Everyone will benefit.

• Rondo Community Outreach Library Multi-Purpose Room at 461 N Dale St, St Paul on Saturday, January 30, 10am-12pm • Sumner Library Cargill Room at 611 Van White Memorial Blvd, Minneapolis on Saturday, January, 30, 1-3pm All locations are handicap accessible. To RSVP for a workshop, call (651) 251-6380 or send an email to communities@dfl.org with your name, phone number, email with the date and time you will be attending. Once you RSVP, you will receive an email on how to download the workshop materials to bring with you to the training.

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EDUCATION Ahmed Dagane chosen Metropolitan State outstanding student A Burnsville man has been selected an outstanding student at Metropolitan State

University. Ahmed Dagane, chosen fall semester, was among 920 students receiving

bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Metropolitan State’s 85th commencement exercises on December 15.

“I’m at a loss for words; I wasn’t expecting to receive it,” said Dagane, the first in his family of five siblings and 10 half siblings to graduate from college.

The native of Kenya is a registered nurse in inpatient psychiatry at the Hennepin County Medical Center. A member of the Minnesota Nurses Association, he previously worked as a patient services coordinator in the hospital’s emergency department.

Before that, Dagane was a health care assistant for a hospital in Kenya that serviced many Somali refugees.

He received his associate of science degree from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Dagane, a B,A. recipient, received an academic scholarship from the Hennepin Health Systems foundation, is pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing from Metropolitan State.

Dagane, married with three children, eventually plans to pursue a graduate degree in nursing.

Metropolitan State

MSU

Ahmed Dagane on the right, pictured with MSU’s First College Dean, Daniel Abebe University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, provides

high-quality, affordable education programs for adults seeking bachelor’s, master’s

and doctoral degrees. It is the only state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Metropolitan State appoints Cecilia Stanton interim dean Cecilia Stanton, Crystal, has been appointed interim dean of students.

The one-year appointment was effective January 11.

As dean of students, she is responsible for overseeing services and programs to foster student success, including student life and leadership development (orientation, student organizations and

governance). TRIO programs, multicultural student and retention services, international student services, veterans, women’s and GLBT services, and handling student judicial and disciplinary matters.

Stanton has more than 10 years experience in student affairs and extensive experience in diversity training and development. She is coming to the university from the Art Institutes of Minnesota, where she was on the faculty.

Previously, she was director of faculty diversity and

engagement for Capella University, assistant vice president for culture and leadership with Allianz of North America, and assistant dean of students for Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She also has a consulting business, Stanton Consulting.

Stanton holds a B.A. in psychology from Bloomfield College, a M.A. in sociology/psychology from Lehigh University, and is a Ph.D. student in industrial organizational psychology at Capella University.

Cecilia Stanton

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The Love Series: Just in time for Valentine’s Day finest (just make sure it’s from the heart). Next, consider a few simple deeds-thoughtful gestures that help to make your love and commitment even more rock solid. Finally, don’t forget simple romance-tender expressions that keep your marriage exciting and zestful. Caution: What you are about to read may contain material that causes increased communication, intimacy, and satisfaction within your marriage!

Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey This week I have been tearing up my house in search of my wedding ring. A few days ago, when I realized that it was not on my finger, I did not panic because I figured it was in my bedroomeither on my night stand or on the ring holder, which sits on my dresser. I became only slightly more anxious when I discovered, after checking twice, that the ring was officially missing.

Determined not to give up hope I searched on the floor, under the night stand, under the bed, between the sheets, and between the mattress and box spring.

Long story short, by the time I finished going through all of the trash in our large outdoor trash can, I figured there was a good chance that I would never see the ring again. Feeling really saddened by the situation, I was comforted by an inspired thought that popped into my head; while the ring represents an lifelong commitment that I have made to my husband and he has made to me, the ring itself is not the commitment; it’s a symbol. When I told my husband what happened, he didn’t make me feel worse than I already felt. All he said was “I’m sorry, babe.” His three simple words meant so much to me; it showed me that after 19 years of marriage, our commitment to one another is still the priority, and the symbol (the ring) can be replaced.

Let me be clear; we have not always experienced the happy relationship that we enjoy now; but our commitment to each other kept us working at it. We think we have finally figured out what real commitment in marriage looks like, and we are still learning and growing. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here are a few reminders as you celebrate your love, your marriage, and your commitment.

Real commitment is sharing life together The only way to be and stay connected with your spouse is through regular (and intentional) communication. Don’t make it elaborate or expensive. Set up a weekly lunch date, if possible or grab coffee together on the regular. Don’t just try it for a month-keep doing it and watch what happens.

Real Commitment is spending time apart No, this isn’t a misprint! Yes, time together is crucial, but it is also important that each person make time for other important (and healthy) relationships with friends. After enjoying guys only weekend, or a girls shopping trip, you will most likely be excited to reunite with your spouse. You know they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder!

Real Commitment is Remembering Romance No need to wait for her birthday, an anniversary, or Valentine’s Day for you to show your sweet side.

Romance can start with a simple text message. (Men, we ladies

Simple Words: “I love you” – “I’m Sorry” – “You’re Right, Honey” – “I see your point” – “I need you” Communicating to your love in an honest way promotes humility and trust and both parties will benefit.

Don’t be afraid of being vulnerable or of being wrong.

http://puvanan.blog.friendster.com/files/uncategorized-long_2.jpg

sometimes find it romantic when you use your muscles to carry a heavy load for us!) It can be expressed in so many subtle ways that cost you nothing more than your thoughtful consideration: a look, a smile, a kiss, hug, a squeeze…, but the point is when one spouse gives loving attention to the other, she is speaking the language of commitment.

I believe that marriage is to be enjoyed-not just endured-and the choice is yours. The marriage relationship is strengthened when each person takes the time, effort, and energy to demonstrate their commitment to their spouse. It’s not the big house or the expensive ring that truly spells commitmentit’s the love in action each day.

Begin thinking about ways that you can express yourself to your Valentine that does not require a trip to the mall or jewelry store.

Although I am praying that I find my ring, I feel confident that my husband is committed to me whether or not that ring returns to my finger!

Part 2: Keeping it Simple on Valentine’s Day On special occasions my husband,

Lonnie, and I usually don’t exchange big gifts. What we really enjoy is giving and receiving greeting cards from one another. Whether the occasion is a birthday, an anniversary or Valentine’s Day, we take pleasure in searching for just the right card that conveys our genuine sentiments. Our simple, yet impactful tradition began many years ago. I remember receiving a special card from him. Moved by the message, I turned to him and asked, “Do you really feel this way about me?” He assured me that he did and then he explained that it took him a long time to pick out the card, because he had to find one that said exactly what he was feeling (I love that man, y’all!).

It’s amazing how much power simple words of truth possess; they inspire passion, provide comfort, encouragement, healing, restoration, security, and devotion. As Valentine’s Day approaches consider how you can provide a meaningful gift to the love of your life that doesn’t break the bank. Start with some simple words; an original hand-written poem, letter, or one of Hallmark’s

Simple Deeds: Place his favorite drink in his car before he leaves for work - Leave her a sweet note on the bathroom mirror - Plan a coupon-inspired date night - Relive a moment: Go to the place you first met (or one of special significance) and reminisce.

Simple Romance: Cuddle on the sofa together- Start off with a back rub, warm oil and all, and see what happens from there… - Answer a series of openended questions like “I get most excited when you…”

If you are making your spouse earn intimate and romantic encounters with you, reconsider that strategy. In reality, you are a gift to your spouse and he is a gift to you; unwrap this gift and explore in new and adventurous way. Surely if you can go out of your way to do things that make your children and your girlfriends happy, then your spouse should enjoy that benefit as well.

Physical intimacy is also medically proven to address a host of other issues; it reduces insomnia and anxiety, boosts immune system, burns calories, reduces pain, etc. In short, it’s good for you and highly recommended…often!

Is it possible that simple, yet sincere words and deeds mixed with a little (or a lot of) romance

could make Valentine’s Day 2010 one to remember? Absolutely!

Actively protect your marriage and value the gift of intimacy during this season and at all times.

I am working on my V-Day plan right now and I hope that you have been inspired too. If not, I’ll be praying that the love-bug bites

you tonight! Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs.

A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

Page 6 • January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

HEALTH Mental illness from a sibling’s perspective

By Anna Meyer and Matthea Little Smith Even though I have always known that something was a “little off” with my sister, learning that she had a mental illness was devastating. This is something I hear many times from folks in the community about their loved ones. As Black people, we don’t mind saying our family member is “a little off” or “a little crazy,” but when our loved one gets an actual diagnosis, it becomes real.

There are many questions we ask ourselves: Will I get sick, too? Can I pass this on to my children? What will my friends think of me? Will the church think that I am not a Christian?

Often people who live with mental illnesses do not come face to face with their situation; rather, they may think, “I just feel sad. This will pass.” On average, a person with a mental illness waits 10 years before seeking professional help. People often fear that going to the psychiatrist and finding out that they have a mental illness will change everything—they often feel to blame for their disorder and wish it were just a passing nightmare.

My sister decided to look for help on her own, and when she was diagnosed, she felt so sad and isolated—as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her head. I could see the pain she felt, perhaps more than the rest of the family because we are very close.

My sister’s diagnosis caused me an incredible amount pain. I felt the need to block my feelings and avoided seeing her. I didn’t know what to say or how to help her. I searched for information on the Internet, trying to learn the symptoms and causes of her illness. I also hoped to find something that could help me get through this process. I have since learned that running away from the situation or trying to feel indifferent won’t make me feel better.

When you first learn of a sibling’s illness, it may seem impossible to feel better again. But siblings of people with mental illnesses over time can gain knowledge and skills that help them endure their brother or sisters’

illnesses and that help them maintain a relationship with them.

If you have a sibling with a mental illness, it may help you to keep a few points in mind to help you learn to live more at peace with your loved one: You cannot cure your sibling’s mental illness.

Mental illnesses affect the individual with the mental illness and his or her family members.

No matter what you do, the symptoms of your brother or sister’s mental illness could get better or worse.

Remember that this is an illness.

Try to think of your sibling separately from his or her illness.

Your sibling’s mental illness is not a reason to be embarrassed. Most

likely, you will find that people fear mental illnesses because they lack knowledge about them.

You are not a social worker. Your role is to be a brother or sister.

Recognize the incredible bravery your brother or sister has shown in living with his or her mental illness.

After denial, sadness and rage, acceptance comes. If you add learning to this mix, you may come more quickly to a place of understanding.

It is natural to feel many emotions when you have a sibling with a mental illness, such as pain, guilt, fear, rage, sadness, confusion and so on. You, not your sibling, are responsible for your feelings.

With time, you could come to see the

positive side of your experience: you will have become more conscientious, sensitive, receptive, understanding and mature.

We Want to Hear From You! The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota offers free classes that help family members learn to cope with and better help a loved one with a mental illness.

For more information or sign up for a free NAMI class, contact Matthea at msmith1@nami.org or (651) 6452948 ext. 108. You may also visit www.namihelps.org for more free resources.The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) authored the information provided in this article.

Jasmine Lynn: No hiding place from gun violence

By Marian Wright Edelman Nineteen-year-old Jasmine Lynn arrived at Atlanta’s Spelman College, my alma mater, as a smart, dedicated student full of promise.

She was a psychology major with a 3.8 grade point average who wanted to be a lawyer. Her friends knew her as “a beautiful, free spirited ball of energy [who] always had a smile on her face.” But last September, just a few weeks into her sophomore year at Spelman, Jasmine was walking with friends on the nearby campus of Clark Atlanta University when she was hit and killed by a stray bullet. The young man charged with her murder, Devonni Benton, was a 21-year-old student at ITT Technical Institute who allegedly had just gotten into a fight with several Clark Atlanta students and made the terrible decision to get the

UROC From 1 late September.

The University committed to 30 percent WMBE participation in renovating the building at 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, even though University of Minnesota policies only require that womenand minority-owned business enterprises (WMBE) represent at least 10 percent of all subcontracting firms and workforce members involved in construction of new buildings or renovation of existing buildings.

The final figures for the UROC project show tha 26 WMBE firms participated in the renovation for a total of $1,462,202 in contracts—38 percent of total construction cost.

Stahl Construction and MNBest were the University’s primary partners in the project.

The project also surpassed its female and minority workforce goals. The standard University goal for minority workforce involvement is 23 percent, remained 23 percent for this project, with 24.1 percent achieved; the standard goal for female representation is four percent, five percent set for this project, with 5.3 percent achieved.

In addition, the University provided community outreach funds for this project to hire three interns from the North Minneapolis Urban League construction program. Feedback

last word by firing a gun as he left.

So an area that should have been a safe haven and sanctuary of learning for the thousands of students attending the historically Black institutions that make up the Atlanta University Center, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s alma mater Morehouse, became just one more urban war zone, with Jasmine caught in the crossfire.

Back home in Kansas City, MO, a family spokesperson said Jasmine’s devastated parents never could have expected their daughter would come home from college “in a box.”

Jasmine was doing all the right things—enrolled in college, excelling in her classes, planning for her future—when she was killed. Ironically, the alleged shooter was trying to pursue his education too. But in a culture where guns are far too easily available, a simple argument

changed multiple lives forever. In an editorial published in the Spelman campus newspaper after Jasmine’s death titled “Are we safe beyond the gates?” the writer answered by quoting Spelman president Beverly Daniel Tatum: “President Tatum informed students during the memorial service in Sisters Chapel that this incident could have happened anywhere.

She’s right, it could—but it shouldn’t.”

The terrible truth is that children and young people aren’t safe from gun violence at school, at home, or anywhere else in America. The Children’s Defense Fund’s annual report Protect Children, Not Guns in 2009 reported that 3,184 children and teens were killed by firearms in 2006, the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That nearly equals the total number of U.S. combat deaths

in Iraq since the war started and is more than five times the number of American combat fatalities in Afghanistan. Every two hours and 45 minutes a child or teen is killed by a gun. That’s almost nine children and teens each day and 61 every week. More preschoolers (63) were killed by firearms than law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty (48). And more 10- to 19-year-olds die from gunshot wounds than from any other cause except car accidents. Many of these deaths were homicides, some were suicides, and some were accidents—but in every one, a gun was the instrument that ended a life that had hardly had a chance to begin.

It happens all over America every day—but it shouldn’t. In the days and weeks after Jasmine’s death, students at Spelman, Morehouse, and other nearby

colleges and universities came together for prayer vigils and walks.

They began to demand change— not just increased security on their own college campuses, but a change in our culture that allows this to happen. We need to hear their cries and add our voices to theirs. Too many of us know someone like Jasmine whose life was cut short because of a gun. And those Americans who haven’t yet been personally touched by gun violence are still affected by the increased health care costs and decreased national productivity gun violence leaves behind. We need to make sure the politicians we elect to public office enact common sense legislation to protect children and all of us from the proliferating number of guns in private hands – over 270 million – in our communities and control who can obtain firearms and the conditions

of their use. Every citizen, community and political leader needs to act to end the culture of violence that desensitizes us— young and old—to the value of life.

Had Jasmine graduated from Spelman with honors and received her law degree, who knows what she may have become? How senseless, sad, and unnecessary that we will never have the chance to find out.

from those students indicates the experience was “life changing” and provided them with valuable knowledge of the construction industry.

The WMBE sub-contractors who worked on the UROC renovation are: Absolute Commercial Flooring, Anderson

Iron, Boone Trucking, Casillas Glass, The Caulkers Company, Construction Engineering Services, D’Fence, DMJ Corporation, Electronic Office Environments, Elite Catering, EVS Engineering, Global Concepts Enterprise, JMAX Trucking, Setu Jones, Kaboom,

Legacy Management, Metro Acoustics, MN Best Construction Company, Offisource, Inc., Rani Engineering, Rec Serv Office Installations, Shamrock Disposal, Trinity Building Services, Urban Design Perspectives, Vera Corporation , and Waterproofing

by Experts.

Architects for the project were Urban Design Perspectives and Charles Levin Architects. Archie Givens, CEO and director of the Legacy Management and

Development Corporation, served as the owner’s representative with responsibility for overseeing the UROC building renovation.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.

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Insight News • January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Page 7

COMMENTARY Matt Entenza would make a great Governor for Minnesota

By Keith Ellison (DFL-MN) In 1987, when I sat down for my first day of law school at the U of M, a tall guy was already sitting in the next chair. His name was Matt Entenza and I have been close to him ever since.

We were student activists together, our children were born around the same time, and we have always shared the values of generosity and inclusion.

In the 23 years I’ve known Matt, I’ve been proud to call him a friend and to see him become one of the finest progressive leaders in Minnesota. I endorsed Matt for governor in May because I know he would make a great

Governor for everyone in Minnesota.

Matt always has stood up for equality, opportunity, and justice for all people. As a freshman

and fought to protect human rights. He’s also stood up in the legislature to make sure programs vital to our communities, like ESL and adult education were fully

MinnesotaCare for 60,000 people, and making sure local governments got back substantial amounts of the aid funding Gov. Pawlenty had cut in 2003. This is

Matt stood up to Gov. Pawlenty, bringing about the first meaningful education funding increase in years, restoring or preserving MinnesotaCare for 60,000 people, and making sure local governments got back substantial amounts of the aid funding Gov. Pawlenty had cut in 2003. legislator in 1995-96 he carried legislation to protect the Councils of Color, ensuring that Black, Latino and Asian Minnesotan voices were heard. Since then, he has been there time and again when rights were threatened or people neglected. Matt has authored hate crimes legislation

funded.

Matt not only has been a voice for our priorities – he’s delivered on his promises. In 2005, as House DFL leader, Matt stood up to Gov. Pawlenty, bringing about the first meaningful education funding increase in years, restoring or preserving

still the only time Gov. Pawlenty has been convinced to concede to the legislature.

Matt knows how to fight—for himself and for us.

Matt not only can win – he will win. He has the right campaign and the right message to win and make Minnesota a place

where everybody has an opportunity to succeed. I and others across the state have endorsed him because we know he’ll take on the difficult issues we face while standing up for our shared priorities.

Please join with me and the many others around our state who have decided it’s time to make Minnesota work again. On February 2, we need you to attend your precinct caucus in support of Matt Entenza. You can find out your precinct caucus location by calling the Entenza campaign office at (651) -647-1425 or visiting www.dflcaucuses.org.

These tough times call for a leader we can count on; a leader who has been tested and proven he has what it takes to get things

Congressman Keith Ellison (DFL-MN) done even in the face of tough opposition. Matt has shown, time and again, that he is that kind of leader. Please show your support on February. 2!

Passing jobs-focused bonding bill is critical for state

By State Rep. Jeff Hayden, 61B A new decade is upon us and with it come great challenges. I want to talk about the critical issues facing our community and state and what we can do at the State Capitol this session to improve the lives of Minnesotans.

The longest recession since the Great Depression continues to harm Minnesota families.

Unemployment is hovering around 10%, over 250,000 Minnesotans are unemployed, and home foreclosures persist.

Our over-arching goal this session will be to get Minnesota’s economy working again for struggling Minnesotans.

One way we can do that is by passing a jobs-focused bonding bill and to do so early on in the session. By investing in shovel ready infrastructure projects we can create 10,000 to 20,000 good paying jobs while

strengthening our long term economic interests. Typical projects include higher education improvements, statewide transportation and public safety projects, and those that enhance our local communities, environment and promote economic development.

Due to the recession, the state again faces a $1.2 billion budget deficit, on top of the $6.4 billion deficit from last

of these cuts, which is what happened last year.

Last year, our deficit was solved by approximately $2 billion in cuts from the Legislature, $2 billion in federal stimulus funds, and $2 billion in unilateral unallotments by the Governor.

The cuts made by the Governor hit programs that serve the poorest and sickest Minnesotans, while protecting the state’s wealthiest from any

By investing in shovel ready infrastructure projects we can create 10,000 to 20,000 good paying jobs while strengthening our long term economic interests. year. This is the largest state budget deficit in Minnesota history. It is a top priority of mine this year to fight for a balanced budget that doesn’t ask the most vulnerable Minnesotans to bear the burden

sort of responsibility to solve our budget crisis. In other words, the people hurting most by this recession were asked to sacrifice while the people who have been doing alright were asked to sacrifice nothing. I

believe our state budget is a moral document and I will fight this session to pass a morally and fiscally sound balanced budget.

Some of the Governor’s unallotments and cuts will be difficult to reinstate because of the continued budget deficit.

However, we must make it a top priority to restore the General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program before it is eliminated on March 1st, 2010.

Due to the Governor’s lineitem veto of GAMC, 35,000 Minnesotans who earn less than $8,000 per year, 70% of which have mental illnesses challenges, will lose their basic health care.

The name has been changed, but here is a true story from one person currently enrolled in GAMC. When Lori arrived at the emergency room she was coughing up traces of blood and had crushing chest pain. At first, doctors thought she might have pneumonia, but the final

diagnosis was far worse. Tests found that Lori had lung cancer that had spread from breast cancer. Her current hospital bill is $46,115. She will need further care and does not know how she will pay her medical bills when GAMC is eliminated.

I have worked with members of the House Health Care committee to put together a plan that would restore GAMC before it is eliminated.

While there are many details still to be worked out, I am optimistic we can bring people together on a solution that will maintain our responsibility to care for those most in need.

I will again, this session, serve on the Health Care and Human Services Finance and Policy committees, as well as the Housing Finance and Policy and Public Health Finance committee. In these committees I look forward to advancing legislation that improves and expands affordable housing in Minneapolis as well as efforts

State Rep. Jeff Hayden, 61B to combat the continued home foreclosure crisis.

These are tough times, but there are some signs our economy is beginning to move in the right direction. I will work tirelessly to expedite our recovery and make sure it is a real recovery for all Minnesotans.

It continues to be an honor serving in the State Legislature and I welcome your input and ideas. Please call me at (651) 296-5369 or e-mail me at rep.jeff.hayden@house.mn.

Page 8 • January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Insight News

Army From 1 choice who advanced their sons’ potential and communities by their actions and proud service.

There are many opportunities to serve in America’s Army as Soldiers and Officers.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of historical understanding and misperception about the military, and the Army in particular, we are forfeiting our hard-fought positions within this great organization. Yes! I said great. However, before you blast me for patriotism, please read on. (Warning it will take you a few minutes).

From the late 1770s until the Korean War, really the Vietnam War, African Americans fought to be in and lead the front-line units.

Even though African Americans actually fought in every war with distinction, contributions were minimized or relegated to footnotes.

Even when units like: the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, Revolutionary War; 1st South Carolina Regiment; 54th Massachusetts Regiment, Civil War; 24/25 Infantry and 9/10 Cavalry, post Civil War; or Harlem Hellcats of WWI all fought well; we recognized the face of the unit—the

Johnson From 1 Churches and African American Leadership Summit (CBC/AALS), said Bill English, organization cochair, education administrator, and constant fixture and School Board meetings. “The District has a good strategic plan that has universal buy-in from all stakeholder groups.

While we may not agree with Johnson on every single issue or priority, we don’t want to sacrifice a single student or single graduating class to the process of getting a new superintendent up to

senior officers who were all white.

Black officers only led Black troops (legally) before 1948. Historically African Americans were rarely denied positions as noncommissioned officers (NCO) or sergeants (pay was another issue). African American NCOs really set the stage for African American possibilities. To date African Americans have held every NCO position within the Army and they, in-turn, have changed communities by their examples.

While tremendous strides in education and home ownership were achieved for African Americans by NCOs who returned home from the Army, leadership and decision-making was still questioned until the Vietnam era officer.

In our hunger to be warriors and leaders, we aspired to not only be the sergeants but also officers (commanders) in combat units. This collective view of combat leadership and pride in the military inspired African American communities. When someone achieved high levels of leadership especially in the front-line units everyone knew and shared in what appeared to be a right of passage.

So What?

The African American desire to lead combat Soldiers and wear the uniform created a respect among most

African Americans for her Soldiers (This feeling is accurately captured in A Soldiers Story and from talking with WWII era survivors personally). The higher authority they held, the more prestigious he/she was (comparable to teachers, pastors, lawyers, doctors, and bankers). Our pride and patriotism was best exemplified in 1944 when 2,500 AAs (5,000 volunteered) were assigned to white units as an experiment to reinforce front line white units. This experiment was a great success but the results were questioned because they were all volunteers of “above average intelligence.” On July 26, 1948, the segregation of forces ended with Executive Order 9981. The Korean War saw integrated forces in the early 50s but they didn’t really impact the whole of the Nation and, therefore, didn’t challenge or showcase African American leadership of Integrated forces.

Soldiers, NCOs and officers of the early wars increased African American participation in every facet of American life...and many became the foot soldiers and examples behind the Civil rights movement (Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis etc). They brought leadership that openly challenged America with a discipline, dignity and resolve that was commensurate

speed with on the job training.”

“Johnson has demonstrated her toughness,” English said. “She has taken the fall for some mistakes and missteps by Superintendent Bill Green, and has not sought or received credit for successes she engineered under his watch.”

English credits Johnson’s leadership and tenacity in creating a tool for principal and teacher evaluation that will allow the district to get rid of ineffective teachers and principals and reward effective teachers and school leaders. “Teachers make the difference in student success. Now we can evaluate teachers and principals in a way that reflects

Johnson’s commitment to changing the culture of Minneapolis Public Schools.

Creating a tool to get rid of bad teachers and promote good teachers is a significant step,” he said.

The Rev. Randolph Staten, CBC/AALS co-chair, said his support of the decision t to select Johnson is complete and unequivocal. “This is the right decision at the right time,” he said.

“It is critical for us to come out loud and clear on why Johnson is a brilliant, superb choice to lead the District and Minneapolis families forward.”

Staten called Johnson an excellent, seasoned educator who “is outstanding with the fundamentals of education and management. She is negotiating the current contract with the teachers union and that contract emphasizes accountability for principals and teachers. Johnson understands systems and curriculum development. She is capable of making tough choices focused on doing what it takes to eliminate the gap in learning outcomes for students of color. She is head and shoulders above anyone we could bring in,” he said.

http://insightnews.com with military leadership and defied stereotypes.

The big switch of support occurred subtlety: Vietnam enabled African Americans to fight in every role from Special Forces’ Soldiers to Brigade Commanders. AAs were involved so much in the military that some Americans found ways to avoid participation, discipline, values and opportunities that the military afforded. The good news is that by the end of Vietnam most of the Nation was convinced of African Americans capabilities...but it seemed that many AAs had also satisfied their own curiosity and sometime in the late 60s and early 70s participation and support for African Americans in combat became questionable for America and African Americans.

The fruition of service and fighting to fight: This swell of Soldiers of WWII through Vietnam and especially the front-line leaders produced our first African American 4-star general, Roscoe Robinson, and enabled our Army to boast almost 10 percent of the Army’s generals as African Americans by 1978. Additionally many of our Congressional leaders also started with military training in combat units: Sen. Ed Brooke (Army), Congressman Charles Rangel (Army) and Congressman

Ronald Dellums (USMC)).

The senior leaders and generals of today are remnants of the pride of the pre 70s. In the late 70s, 80s, and 90s, African Americans continued to join, but mostly focused on joining the Army only as a place to get a trade or network for advancement in our civilian equivalent degrees (mostly in the logistics and communications fields). African Americans that joined the service for combat units leveled off and dropped significantly. As a result, today our General Officer Corps is still around 10 percent even though our enlisted ranks are above 20% African Americans; but more importantly, the available officers for selection have declined.

The final so what: The Army— the most diverse and inclusive of all services—and indeed the military (Department of Defense), the Nation’s largest corporation, is losing African American leadership.

It has been the impetus for change in so many ways. The leaders of the 2030s and 2040s are in high school now, and if we don’t renew our commitment, willingness to shed our blood, we may not be able to enjoy its treasure as equal partners.

The respect is still there, but the collective desire to serve needs an overhaul or there won’t be another

GEN Roscoe Robinson, Commander, Europe, and first African American Commander of the 82nd Airborne; Colin Powell, the first African American Commander, Joint Chiefs; Johnnie Wilson, Commander, Material Command—the Nation’s largest Command; Larry Ellis, first African American Commander of Forces Command; or Kip Ward, Commander, AFRICOM, and the only African American 4-star general left on duty among all services.

I know this was a bit lengthy but it is important and if you survived all that discussion share it. HBCUs account for over 50% of our Nation’s African American officers and a significant number of General Officers to include General Kip Ward our Nation’s highest ranking African American officer. Most all HBCUs have officer training programs (ROTC or Officer Recruiters) and scholarships to help you fulfill your college commitment to become part of a legacy of service. We need to discuss all of the opportunities that are available and I hope this helps.

If you are on this HBCU bus tour, remember “your” Army matters to African Americans communities more than “we” talk about.

Bill English

The Rev. Randolph Staten

Tom Madden

“Yet, there are some in our community saying they question the fairness of Johnson being put forward as the only candidate.

Their criticism is fueled by cuts their personal projects may have suffered in tough decisions Johnson made. We want to say that those personal dissatisfactions notwithstanding, the Black community solidly supports Johnson’s selection,” Staten said.

Minneapolis School Board Chair Tom Madden said, “Under Johnson’s leadership, the Minneapolis Public Schools district developed its current Strategic Plan and is now implementing a bold academic agenda.”

“She has been instrumental in developing turn-around strategies for our under-performing schools,

beginning with the North Side Initiative; reorganizing the English Language Learners’ (ELL) department; expanding early childhood opportunities and developing strong systems of accountability,” Madden said.

After a career in banking, Johnson the financial services sector in 1991 to begin a second career in public education. She was a teacher and an assistant principal in the St. Paul Public Schools then became principal at Hall Elementary in Minneapolis. She served as Deputy Superintendent for Memphis City Schools under former MPS Superintendent Carol Johnson, and she returned to Minneapolis to serve first as Chief Academic Officer and later as Deputy Superintendent.

The Minneapolis Board of Education met with national consultants Michael Casserly, Executive Director of the Council of Great City Schools, and Tom Payzant, former Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools and faculty member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education to

develop a strategy to hire a replacement to Superintendant Green. The board issued a request for proposals to firms that assist districts in conducting superintendent searches and reviewed the responses received from six firms.

Board members also conducted 24 listening sessions to hear from a variety of constituencies that shared their evaluation of the Minneapolis Public Schools, their vision of how to move forward and their criteria for a new superintendent.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet Johnson at information sessions to be held in three areas of the city on February 1, 2 and 3; location and time details to be announced. A formal interview of Johnson that will be open to the public and broadcast on Channel 15 will take place on February 4 in the Assembly Room at the John B. Davis Educational Services Center, 807 NE Broadway 55413.

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Insight News • January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Page 9

Northside Agenda Willard Homewood Organization’s January monthly meeting will be 6-6:45pm this Thursday, January 28, 2010, at NorthPoint Regional Center, 14th at Penn Avenue North. The agenda includes a presentation by 5th Ward Council Member Don Samuels on West Broadway business development initiatives, a presentation by Paul Baukinight on his proposal to Minneapolis Public Schools to build a new district headquarters at Penn and Plymouth on the vacant former McDonald’s Restaurant lot, and

the Homewood Design Competition for the NE corner of Plymouth and Sheridan in North Minneapolis.

Competition guidelines call for four to seven “live-work” units with garage and work/studio space on three contiguous parcels owned by the City of Minneapolis. Representatives of Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Development (CPED) will discuss opportunity for neighborhood involvement in the project.

State Rep. Bobby Joe

Champion, DFL – 58B, will hold a Transportation Town Hall meeting later that evening 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Thursday, January 28th at UROC, 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, inviting residents and business owners to join U.S. 5th District Congressman Keith Ellison and Minneapolis City Councilman Don Samuels in a discussion about the plans and the business impact for the proposed Northside Bottineau Light Rail to Downtown Minneapolis.

Military

reaching and stabilizing the wounded while still under fire.

“Then an enemy combatant fired a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) with the direct hit resulting in my sustaining wounds and a brain injury,” she said.

Within moments the Army unit concluded the firefight, and within minutes she and others were airlifted to a battlefield triage hospital. Within hours she was aboard a medically outfitted military jet en route to expansive hospital surgery capabilities in Germany. And within 48 hours she was at Fort Sam Houston, at one of the most advanced hospital and rehabilitation facilities in the world.

“Today, unless you really study me, you can’t tell that I have a brain injury or the other battlefield injuries, except that sometimes my speech will slur, or from time to time, I may walk a little funny. But my fight today,” she said, “is to return to my unit in Iraq. I want to get back with my brothers and sisters. This is my life.”

Her story was echoed, simply with variation on the details, by a Latino soldier, an Asian American soldier, and the many African American soldiers I spent time with over several days in San Antonio.

Their stories and the visual impact of seeing so many people of color in Army uniform in officer and enlisted ranks, reminded me of my days as a Cub Scout, in Kansas City, MO, learning the Scout values that treasure family, country, duty and honor. In my mind’s eye I

reviewed seeing our neighbors, the postman, the school teacher, the factory worker and the truck driver, at monthly drills at the neighborhood National Guard Armory, and seeing them saddle up for two-week training deployments in the summer.

They were the pillars of our community and they shouldered the responsibility of defending our nation as well.

I was one of several community people from cities across the country invited by the Army Recruiting Command to spend time with soldiers and visit hospital and rehabilitation facilities at Fort Sam Houston.

We also were special guests to the Army sponsored AllAmerican Bowl, the nationally televised high-school football contest showcasing the best players in America’s high school football programs.

The experience reminded me that perhaps, as a journalist and newspaper man, I had dropped the ball in presenting the legacy of leadership and service Black Americans have provided this nation through military service, even when the nation was ambivalent about our presence and contribution.

I wondered if we, the elders of the Black community, have dropped the ball by failing to the keep that story of Black heroics, tenacity, leadership, service and honor front and center of our public mind.

From 1 was a “military brat” child of a career soldier, who, even with combat duty, never saw himself as an aggressor, but rather, as a defender of America, its values and interests.

Our conversation flowed from my detailing the overwhelming experiences I had the previous week at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, TX, where I listened to wounded veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars describe the incidents which cost them legs and arms, literally.

I was overwhelmed by the spirit of brotherhood, of sisterhood, of family these men and women embraced and nurtured. It guided them and protected them. Even in death.

One soldier, a woman of about 50, was a medic deployed with an armored patrol in Iraq.

She said her convoy was ambushed. The lead vehicle was blown up by an improvised roadside bomb blast, gunfire rained like horizontal hail, pinning soldiers in and behind their vehicles.

“The first word a wounded warrior utters is ‘Medic!’” she said. “They tell you women soldiers don’t do combat, but that is not always the case.

Because to get to the wounded soldiers who were calling out for help, I had to do what I had to do, returning fire to eliminate the threat.”

She described her success in

Next Week: The Senator, the General, and the Hero, Sgt. Ray Robinson.

Page 10 • January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events

treehugger.com

Wanted: Community-minded book lovers - Ongoing One in seven U.S. adults lack the literacy skills necessary to enjoy great books, help their children with homework, or understand medication labels.

But you can change this by volunteering with the Minnesota Literacy Council. With only two or three hours a week, your love of reading can create a stronger community. Tutor an adult learner, assist in an adult classroom, or teach a basic English or GED class. We have locations throughout the Twin Cities area, flexible scheduling and training to help you get started. Contact Allison at volunteer@themlc.org or 651645-2277, Ext 219 or visit us on the web at www.themlc.org.

Saint Paul Winter Carnival January 21 - 31, 2010 For more information, visit www.winter-carnival.com ‘Sienna Saturdays’ - Ongoing Saturdays during the month of January 2010 (Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30), 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Wellsfargo Winter Skate Rink, Landmark Plaza (downtown Saint Paul). Free hot chocolate and skate rentals (while supplies last) courtesy of Toyota, The Local Toyota Dealerships and the 2010 Sienna Minivan. www.stpaul.gov/parks GLBT Host Home Program information sessions – Jan. 26, 28 Attend Tues., Jan. 26, 6-8pm, Midtown YWCA (Conference Room), 2121 East Lake St., Mpls. www.ywca-minneapolis.org; or Thurs., Jan. 28, 6-8pm at Common Roots Café (Meeting Room), 2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. www.commonrootscafe.com Summit Academy OIC Information Sessions - Ongoing The following are held at 2 p.m.: Jan 20 – Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota, 1159 University Ave. W. Jan 27 – Lao Family Community of Minnesota, 320 W. University Ave. Feb 3 – Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St. Feb 10 – Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community Building, 179 Robie St. The following are held at 10 a.m.: January 14, 21, 28; February 5, 12 at Plaza Latina, 925 Payne Avenue, St. Paul

Minneapolis Transportation Interchange Open House - Jan 27 Weds., Jan 27, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hennepin County Environmental Services Building, 417 N. Fifth St., Mpls. First Floor. www.hennepin.us.

West Broadway Business and Area Coalition presentation – Jan. 28 10 things businesses need to know at tax time. 8:30a at the Cookie Cart, 1119 West Broadway, Mpls.

Join the Conversation: ‘Minnesota Transportation in 2010’ Learn About Update Plans for Highways 212, 5 and 101 – Jan 29 Friday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN. The event fee of $17 includes bistro sandwich and salad lunch.

To register, visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn or call 952-443-1422. Registration deadline is Jan. 25. For more information, call Pete Moe at 952443-1408.

Stop foreclosures in North Minneapolis! Three Afternoons of Door to Door Outreach - Ongoing Saturdays: 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Jan 30, Feb 6, and Feb 13. Meet at North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave N Minneapolis. Please contact Marcus Harcus: (612) 600-0155 or mh.ncrc@gmail.com to sign up, or ask questions.

Hennepin County Foreclosure Workshop - Jan 30 Sat, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. at Hennepin County Library - Central, Doty Board Room (2nd floor), 300 Nicollet Mall, downtown Mpls. 612630-6000.

Krewe de Walleye and Havin’ a Ball are Celebrating Mardi Gras in Minnesota with Bruce Daigrepont’s Cajun Band and The New Riverside Ramblers – Jan 30 Sat, Jan 30. Doors Open at 6:15 p.m.

Cajun/Zydeco Lesson with Flory Katz at 6:30 p.m.; New Riverside Ramblers playing from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parade and costume contest at 8:30 p.m. Bruce Daigrepont’s Cajun Band playing from 9:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.

Withrow Ballroom, 12169 Keystone Ave N, Hugo, MN. (651) 439-5123. www.withrowballroom.com Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Founders Day Celebration - Jan 30 Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will be the keynote speaker at the Founders Day Celebration of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Saturday, Jan. 30th, 11:30 a.m. at the Radisson University Hotel in Mpls. The luncheon event is open to the public, and tickets are $50. For tickets call (612) 259-1472 or visit www.dstmps.org.

Interlochen Dance Faculty to Hold Audition at James Sewell Ballet - Jan. 31 Sunday, at 528 Hennepin Ave. Ste. 205, James Sewell Ballet, Mpls, MN 55403. Registration is at 1 p.m. with the audition being held from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Minneapolis is one of 14 stops on Interlochen’s nationwide dance audition tour. www.interlochen.org/dance.

Independent Media Potluck – Jan 31 3 pm – 6 pm, MAY DAY BOOKS, 301 Cedar Ave. S. (basement HUB

Bicycle),West Bank, Minneapolis 612-333-4719.

Alexs Pate presents “The Poetry of Rap,” - Feb. 4 Thurs, Feb. 4, 7 p.m. at the Rondo Community Outreach Library (461 North Dale Street, St. Paul). Free and open to the public. For more information call 651-266-7000.

Nature Tots: Nature Scents – Feb. 4 Thurs., 10 a.m. Free with museum admission. Bell Museum of Natural History, 17th Ave. SE in Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota campus. Free admission on Sundays. Info: 612-624-7083.

Bell Museum of Natural History, 17th Ave. SE in Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota campus.

Free admission on Sundays. Info: 612-624-7083. Register: 612-6249050. breatheloveknowrelate - Ongoing Feb 5 - 7 and 12 - 14. All shows 7:30 pm. Dreamland Arts, 677 Hamline Ave N, St. Paul MN. (12 blocks North of I-94, 6 blocks East of Snelling Avenue) Tickets: $15 at the door, $12 in advance. Student and senior discounts available. (651) 645-5506, www.dreamlandarts.com

InsideNorthside.org Workshop: Create a Web Page - Feb. 6 Sat., Feb. 6, 1–2 p.m. at North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave. N. Mpls. www.insidenorthside.org, 612-293-MPLS (6757).

T. Mychael Rambo presents “My Heart Sings So My Spirit May Fly” - Feb. 6 Sat, Feb. 6 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Arlington Hills Branch Library (1105 Greenbrier Street, St. Paul).

Free and open to the public. For more information call 651-2667000.

5th Annual Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle - Feb. 6 10:00am 5K/10K Race/Walk Kids Fun Run, Long Lake Regional Park, 1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton. $35 adults, $20 students, Kids Fun Run free. Proceeds benefit Camp Bovey, a summer camp youth program of East Side Neighborhood Services. www.snowshoeshuffle.org, 612787-4000.

Hennepin County Foreclosure Workshop - Feb 16 Tues, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. Hennepin County Library - Rockford Road, 6401 42nd Ave. N., Crystal. 952847-5875.

Transportation Town Hall Meeting There will be a Transportation Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, January 28, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, UROC, 2001 Plymouth Avenue in North Minneapolis. Please join Rep. Bobby Joe Champion, Congressman Keith Ellison, Councilman Don Samuels, business owners and others to learn about the plans and the business impact for the proposed (Northside) Bottineau Light Rail to Downtown Minneapolis.

Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Savoy Uptown 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 2329 Hennepin Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55405 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name: Lowertown Hospitality Group, Inc., 125 Bates Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55106 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Steve Ledin - Vice President Date Filed: 1/7/2010 Insight News 1/18/2010, 1/25/2010

ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team is announcing a program for college Internships for the fall and winter. The program will consist of five teams of 5 interns each in the following areas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3) Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Business administration.

Each team will have a leader and be given challenging assignments.

We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a parttime basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits.

Interested Parties please send resume to: The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program 10125 Crosstown Circle #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-829-1250 Fax: 952829-1040 www.minnesotablizzards. com

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Insight News • January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Page 11

BUSINESS Crime is only one career option: Apply your skills with a better end in mind Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Murder. Now, there’s a career.

One good day on the job and you can look forward to a quick promotion to prison; leave your family, friends and freedom behind. Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?

But are criminals’ minds really less brilliant than anyone else’s?

Every person, every day, faces choices. The obstacles of mental illness, impulsivity, drug abuse, poverty and peer pressure seem impossible to get past some days, but think it through. The series of decisions that lead to a life of crime require thought, planning, initiative and action: the same skills valued by employers on almost any job site. You take your strongest skills on your best day, put them to work one way or another and in the end, one career choice gets you three square meals inside four brick walls; the

other gets you concert tickets, vacations with friends, and a new car or guitar if you want it, with no looking over your shoulder, no fear of getting caught, killed or busted.

It’s not that simple, of course.

Your buddy cases a house and backs you up when you go in to take the TV and Xbox. If the same buddy offered you a job in a warehouse, you would maybe take that job instead, but no one comes by connecting you with that kind of work. You have to go find it, and that means leaving your neighborhood and taking a few chances.

The next time you are faced with an opportunity to sell or not sell, hurt someone or hold back, kill or not kill, check that end result. What’s in it for me? If the answer is, a paycheck and weekends off to hang with friends, that’s great. If your potential end result is jail time, think about taking a step back; that extra second you spend weighing your decision could lead to all kinds of great things down the road.

Julie’s 2010 challenge: if you want work and just have no clue about where to start, send me an email. I’ll help you figure it out.

You might be surprised at what’s

New MCTC Intercollegiate Fundraising Committee launches campaign for basketball teams Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) last week announced a campaign to raise donations to cover the operating expenses for the MCTC men’s and women’s basketball programs, with an initial goal of raising $118,000

by March 1, 2010, to fund the programs in the 2010-2011 basketball season.

At its June 22 board meeting, the Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) Foundation authorized the formation of a fundraising committee and an Intercollegiate Athletic Fund and will administer the dollars that are raised. The fundraising committee will be solely responsible for raising the funds under the direction of the foundation. The foundation board will continue its focus on raising funds for scholarships.

“The basketball program has had phenomenal success both on and off the court with the students who have participated,” said Reede Webster, MCTC dean of college advancement and chair of the newly formed Intercollegiate Athletic Fundraising Committee. “We want to do all we can to keep

intercollegiate athletics running at MCTC.” The program historically has been funded through college funds, but budget challenges have led to the decision to seek private funding. “MCTC is not in a position to fund intercollegiate athletics through its annual operating budget,” said President Phil Davis. “We’re cutting $2.5 million from this year’s operating budget, closing programs that have served the community for decades and laying off faculty and staff. Fiscal year 2011 may bring further budget reductions.”

Several other colleges have closed their athletic programs over the past few years due to budget pressures, Davis said.

MCTC is one of only four community and technical colleges in the metropolitan area to offer intercollegiate athletics.

MCTC’s basketball teams have earned national recognition.

The MCTC Mavericks men’s basketball team played in the NJCAA Division III national championship game in March, marking its fourth appearance in the national championship tournament. The women’s team won the national championship

in 2004. Jay Pivec, coach of the men’s team, was named this year’s NJCAA Division III Coach of the Year and the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

MCTC Foundation Board Member Harvey Rucker said the basketball program is well known in the community and has received broad support. “The community has long recognized the value of the MCTC basketball teams, and it is our hope that they will now step forward and help fund our intercollegiate athletics teams.” He will serve as liaison to the Intercollegiate Athletic Fundraising Committee.

“The foundation’s primary mission is to raise money for scholarships,” Rucker said. “But we support the Intercollegiate Athletics Fundraising Committee members in their efforts and believe we can have a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

The MCTC Foundation and its partners have raised more than $5.4 million in scholarship support over the past three years for the Power of You-a collaboration of MCTC, St. Paul College, and Metropolitan State University. The Power of You has

tripled the number of recent high school graduates who have enrolled at Power of You institutions, including more than 500 students of color, according to Rucker.

MCTC men’s basketball Coach Jay Pivec says he is thrilled to have the foundation’s support. “I recognize that the foundation’s primary mission is to raise money for scholarships,” Pivec said. “A great example is the Power of You program, which has provided the opportunity of a college education for hundreds of low-income students and students of color.

“I’m pleased that the members have agreed to oversee fundraising for operational costs for intercollegiate athletics, and I’m looking forward to a successful campaign working with the Intercollegiate Athletics Fundraising Committee,” Pivec continued. “I believe we can provide more students with the opportunity to get an affordable, high-quality education, and to continue the opportunity for students to participate in intercollegiate athletics.”

out there for you.

Already this year, Minneapolis has seen more murders and far more crime than any community needs; If you know someone who is standing at

the crossroads, do everything you can to push them in the direction of something better. They’ll thank you. We’ll all thank you.

Write to julie@insightnews.com.

Page 12 • January 25 - January 31, 2010 • Insight News

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SPORTS The Vikings ownership has invested well thus far Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com The Vikings ownership, and executive staff, has steadily poured resources and personnel acumen into, what is now, a jewel of a franchise amongst all NFL teams. Considering the success of the Vikings’ college draft classes this decade, the purple fans may be able to ride a wave of success as they did during the 90s, under head coach Dennis Green.

During those Dennis Green days, the Vikings had excellent teams with a tendency to not close the deal when the pressure of the playoffs got piped in. Those teams seemed to be a bit more homegrown, whereas the Vikings team that enters the 2010 to 2020 decade is something much more engineered. Perhaps the additional engineering will lead to seasons that end with more polish than the shocking exits of old. And then again, perhaps when old Brett Favre exits, then the team will be shocked back into the reality of not having one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time leading their team (by the way, The Tarvaris Jackson Fan Club is accepting applications).

What has been proven in recent years is the commitment of the Vikings ownership to try and

provide for the best entertainment product on the field. And plain and simple, the people of Minnesota haven’t been accustomed to this type of east coast, brash investment style that the Wilf Family exhibits.

Thankfully at the same time, the Wilf’s have not been equally as brash in media appearance as some sports franchise owners tend to do. One of those brash, visible, owners that come to mind is actually the one the Vikings most recently defeated in the Dallas Cowboys (Check back at www.insightnews.com if the Vikings beat the Saints). Jerry Jones is the media magnet owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and he is well known for his tendency to throw around large sums of money and controversy every chance he can. I mention Jones in particular because the style of ownership that the Wilf family exhibits seems to slightly mirror that of Jones, and as such, is almost polar opposite from the other Twin Cities major sports franchise ownerships.

The Vikings recent aggressive pursuit of free agents, along with the steadily successful formula of collegiate recruiting, is the same overall formula that Jones has used to keep the Dallas Cowboys amongst the NFL elite for the last couple of decades. Here in the Twin Cities, sports fans are accustomed to ownership examples such the grassroots approach of the Minnesota Twins, who rely on their scouting systems to find inexpensive, young, “diamonds in the rough” rather than spending big money to bring in high-priced veterans. The Timberwolves franchise seems to lean towards the conservative approach to team development also. Interestingly, the year that the Timberwolves made a major run at a championship coincided with their coughing up some money to bring in high priced veterans Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell. The Minnesota Twins’ championships of 1987 and 1991 were led by a combination of star players and veteran players,

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf similar to when the Timberwolves were at their best.

It is interesting to observe the methods by which sports

through swift financial action, but championships cost. Whether paying to keep the right players and coaches, or paying to pick

The Vikings franchise is a jewel in the NFL these days franchise ownerships go about their business, and all strategies have their merits, but some common principles in life still seem to apply: “You get what you pay for.” Sometimes that payment may come through patience, and at other times it may come

them up when they are needed and available, it takes an interesting balance to reach success, and championship teams typically exude that balance. That balance is generally born from the temperament and character of the teams’ ultimate leadership, the

www.shamasportsheadliners.com

owners.

The Wilf family seems to carry that championship ownership gene, in that they have a steady, balanced approach towards development of their franchise, while staying alert to sudden opportunities (See: Brett Favre, Jared Allen, Visanthe Shiancoe). And thankfully, when those opportunities arise Viking fans can rest easy, that unlike Jerry Jones, their owners won’t be greedy and throw out millions of dollars to pick-up somebody named Pac-Man with a stripper fetish. I’m just saying; that’s important.