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Insight News January 15 - January 21, 2018
Vol. 45 No. 3• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
‘Adiós Utopia’ at the Walker Art Center TURN TO PAGE 11
Helena Serrano’s “Dia del Guerrillero Heroico” on display at the Walker Art Center as a part of “Adiós Utopia: Dreams and Deceptions in Cuban Art Since 1950.” Walker Art Center
Page 2 •January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Insight News
Insight 2 Health
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January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Early detection is key to saving vision for those with glaucoma According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), almost 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma and of that, more than half do not know they have to disease. African-Americans are disproportionately affected by glaucoma more than any other ethnicity. Untreated, or detected too late, glaucoma can lead to total blindness. AfricanAmericans age 40 and older are encouraged to regularly be screened for the vision-stealing disease. According to the NEI, those suffering from diabetes, hypertension or those who have suffered a previous eye injury are most at risk to suffering from glaucoma. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve in the eye. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that sends electrical impulses for sight to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss or blindness.
Clear fluid flows in and out of a small space at the front of the eye and keeps the tissues in the eye healthy. If this fluid drains too slowly, it puts pressure on the optic nerve and can cause glaucoma. Often, there are no symptoms at first. Vision stays normal and there is no pain, but as the disease gets worse, side vision may begin to fail. Objects straight ahead may be clear, but objects to the side may not be seen. Over time, with no treatment, people with glaucoma may not be able to see objects straight ahead. An eye care professional can determine whether a person has glaucoma through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During this exam, drops are put into the eyes to enlarge the pupils. The eye care professional is then able to see more of the inside of the eye to check for signs of damage to the optic nerve. A dilated eye exam is important because screening for eye pressure alone is not enough to detect glaucoma.
National Eye Institute
African-Americans are disproportionately affected by glaucoma, and those 40 and older are encouraged to be screen every one to two years.
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but treatment can help control the pressure in your eye and delay further damage to the optic nerve. The most common treatments include medications, such as eye drops or pills, laser surgery or traditional surgery. Treatment usually begins with medication and, if needed, laser surgery. Traditional surgery is usually for patients whose eye pressure cannot be controlled with medication or laser surgery. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to control glaucoma before it causes permanent vision loss. Those at higher risk for glaucoma, should be sure to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years. To protect vision from other risk factors, follow doctor’s instructions for managing diabetes and hypertension. For more information, please contact the National Eye Institute (NEI) by email at 2020@nei.nih.gov or visit www. nei.nih.gov.
Get checkup, do research before joining health club Many of us began the New Year resolving to start anew; to do things better. Finding a way to get back
in shape is always among the top New Year’s resolutions. While shaping up is always a goal worth pursuing, Better Business
Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) says it’s important to start with a physical and to research the backgrounds
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It’s important to know all the terms before signing up for a gym membership. of health clubs in your area before signing a contract. “There’s always that desire to get started and dive headfirst into a new fitness regimen,” said Susan Adams Loyd, president and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “However, a health club membership is a considerable financial commitment. This is a time when people do want to sweat the details.” Before starting an exercise program, it’s always a good idea to consult a medical professional – especially if a person has been inactive for a stretch. BBB also recommends following a few general guidelines. Research the fitness club’s background. Those researching clubs can visit www.bbb.org to access free business profiles and customer reviews on any gym or health club you’re considering. Be clear on the terms of introductory offers. Gyms and health clubs often use special introductory offers to attract new members, such as free or reduced enrollment fees. Be clear on all the terms and what the monthly – or yearly – price
will be once the introductory or trial period is over. Ask if your membership renews automatically. Many times, people who join a health club fail to realize that their contract will renew automatically and that they have to take specific steps to cancel, such as providing a written cancellation notice anywhere from 30 to 60 days before their current contract expires. Many contracts may not allow a person to cancel before the term ends without an early termination fee. However, health clubs have different policies when it comes to how a move might affect your membership. Whether or not a person can be released from a contract usually depends on how far away that person is moving and if the club has other locations in the area of the new home. Ask about early termination fees and clauses or health conditions that might allow membership cancellation without incurring charges. Also find out how much notice is needed to give to get out of a contract. Be aware that often requires
submitting a written notice. Inquire about what happens if the gym goes out of business. Ask the sales representative to explain what will happen if they suddenly go out of business – or if they’re purchased by another fitness company. It is also a good idea to read customer reviews, to see what others have to say about the club’s cost, fitness trainers, as well as the condition of and access to exercise equipment and facilities. The BBB suggests consumers also consider other factors such as fitness goals, location and affordability. The BBB warns against highpressure sales tactics. The agency says a reputable fitness club will give a person plenty of time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities, and research other options before making a decision. And most importantly, the BBB says get everything in writing. Review the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises made by the salesperson are included.
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Insight News • January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Page 3
aesthetically speaking
Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities
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Insight News January 15 - January 21, 2018
Vol. 45 No. 3• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Carter, Frey echo hope for the future, disdain for Twin Cities’ past in inaugural addresses By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor @HarryColbertJr Within a week of one another, two inaugural addresses were giving offering light onto the direction of Minnesota’s “twin cities,” Minneapolis and St. Paul. The addresses struck similar tones. There was talk from both incoming mayors about the need for improved policing practices – especially when engaging people of color – and eliminating glaring gaps in housing, employment and wages. Both new mayors looked to the past as a rebuke of the way things used to be and offered a vision for the way things can be. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter outlined his vision for a more prosperous – and more equitable – St. Paul when he
gave his inaugural address Jan. 2 at his alma mater, St. Paul Central High School. Carter made national headlines when he factually stated the racist origins of the “Star Spangled Banner,” but what didn’t trickle out to many national outlets was Carter outlining a path of wealth creation for future residents of St. Paul with a proposed public/ private initiative to fund every child born in the city with a $50 savings bond. Carter also outlined his plans to work with the St. Paul City Council to raise the minimum wage in the city to $15. Carter, the city’s first African-American mayor, did not shy away from the problems facing his city when it comes to ethnicity. “In a city where a child’s life outcomes can still be better predicted by her race than by her work ethic, we need a new approach to city-building,” said Carter. “We must examine
Uchechukwu Iroegbu and MN Daily
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (center of first photo) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (right of second photo) being sworn in during their Jan. 2 and Jan. 8 respective inaugurations.
every law, every system, every policy and process to eliminate structural inequity and give every child born in St. Paul the opportunity to achieve her full potential. Building a city that works for everyone can
only happen if everyone gets to build.” With Carter’s inauguration, the mayor said he sees a renewed sense of hope for all of St. Paul’s residents. “I’m excited for the future.
Not just because of my new role, but because of our collective spirit; our collective willingness to reimagine St. Paul; our collective drive to build a city that works
for all of us,” said Carter. “We have a lot of work to do. Right here in Minnesota, we face some
INAUGURAL 4
Film screenings, talk by NFL Hall of Famer and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice, (Ret.) Alan Page
TESTIFY: Diane and Alan Page Collection exhibit reframes conversations about racial justice By Abeni Hill, Staff Writer During the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday through the Super Bowl, Minnesota residents will have the chance to learn about racial justice by visiting the Diane and Alan Page Collection at the Hennepin County Library’s Cargill Hall. “Our hope is that the exhibit will challenge people, offer hope to people, and encourage people to take steps to move us closer to that day when we are one country,” said Alan Page. The Diane and Alan Page Collection is a selection of
Kale Severson
Insight News Editor-In-Chief, Al McFarlane (second from left) with the Page family, daughter, Georgi Page (left), retired Minnesota Supreme Court justice, Alan Page (second right) and Diane Sims Page following an airing of “Conversations with Al McFarlane.”
art and artifacts that paint a portrait of race relations and Black representation in the 19th through 21st centuries. The name of the exhibit is “Testify: Americana From Slavery to Today.” “After 20 to 30 years of collecting this just feels like a birth and very joyful and exciting time,” said Diane Sims Page. Sims Page also acknowledged her daughter, Georgi Page Smith, who worked as the exhibit’s project manager. “She has done all of the brainstorming and she thought of the name ‘Testify.’”
CONVERSATIONS 4
Ghanaian women up against U.S. owned gold mine that destroyed their farms (GIN) – On the website of the Colorado-based Newmont mine, the top page reads in bold letters, “Culture of Zero Harm.” This might come as a surprise to the Ghanaian women of Dormaa-Kantinka whose farms have been threatened and/or seized by the company many thousands of miles away. Yaa Konadu, a 74-year-old grandmother, was given the bad news from one of her workers. “Newmont has destroyed the farm,” she was told. Many of her cocoa trees were ruined. A red notice with a case number was the only sign of the culprit of this devastation. In a heart-rending report by
GHANAIAN
GIN
Yaa Konadu sold her land of eight acres for $343 to Newmont mine, saying she felt she had little choice.
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Business News
Liberian beauty Despite Unequal products Treatment,mogul Black Richelieu Women WillDennis Rise buys Essence
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Mainstream media often ignores Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fight for economic justice and his strong relationship with the Black Press.
King’s fight for economic justice was largely ignored by mainstream media
King’s unheralded victories recorded in the Black Press By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will always be remembered as a social activist and Baptist minister whose role was integral in the Civil Rights Movement. Publicly and privately, King fought for equality, justice and human rights for African-Americans and others who suffered from racism, segregation and other injustices. His sermons, including the “Drum Major Instinct,” and his speeches like, “I Have a Dream,” are as important as they are legendary. But, those closest to King recalled some of his more unheralded feats. They also recalled the importance of the Black Press during the movement. “I would say King’s abiding
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commitment to focus on poverty and to deal with the wealth and equity gaps, and particularly the conditions of the poor, has been less heralded than his other accomplishments,” said Dr. Clarence Jones, a visiting professor at the University of San Francisco and a scholar and writer-in-residence at Stanford University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute. Jones met King in 1960 when he was 29 and King was 31. Jones served on King’s legal team and help draft many of his most important speeches, including the 1963 “I Have a Dream” masterpiece. But, it was a speech that King delivered just five days before his April 4, 1968 assassination that Jones remembers most. “I’ve said so often that the sermon he gave at the National Cathedral in Washington was most important,” said Jones. “He
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Liberian beauty products mogul Richelieu Dennis buys Essence By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor In a deal that reestablishes Essence magazine as a totally, Black and independently-owned entity, Sundial Brands founder Richelieu Dennis recently announced the purchase of Essence Communications from Time, Inc. The Essence Communications deal also comes a week after Dennis was knighted in his native Liberia by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who admitted him into the Most Venerable Order of the Knighthood of the Pioneer with the Grade of Knight
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Commander. Sirleaf reportedly described Dennis as an “awesome hero.” “Talk about surreal,” Dennis said in an interview with NNPA Newswire. “I can’t even bring myself to say (knighthood). It’s been a phenomenal week.” Dennis said that the purchase of Essence Communications comes with a deep-seated passion and commitment to making sure, “we are doing everything we can to leverage the power of the business to impact our community in a positive way and to demonstrate that we can run highly-profitable organizations.” Dennis continued, “We can also leverage the impact and the resources that those businesses generate to drive economic empowerment and social justice in our communities for ourselves and by ourselves.” Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group, said it was good news to hear that ownership of Essence magazine
Essence
Richelieu Dennis purchased Essence Communications from Time Inc., returning the iconic Essence magazine to 100 percent Black ownership.
has returned to the Black community. “I hope it’s a trend,” said Leavell. “We do need strong Black ownership in our industry, even as I’m expecting that our Black newspapers will prosper in 2018.” Leavell also said that she hopes that Black entrepreneurs will see the work and products of the Black Press and “seek to restore some light.” “We need more and more publications that depict us in a positive way and that’s certainly what ‘Essence’ has done in the past and I hope they will continue,” said Leavell. While financial terms of the Essence Communications purchase weren’t disclosed, Dennis said he’s not only retaining Essence President Michelle Ebanks, who will continue to run the company, but Ebanks will also join the organization’s board of directors and lead an all-Black executive team at Essence, who will have equity stakes in the business. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” Ebanks told the NNPA Newswire. “The Essence
brand has always had a special place in the hearts and minds of Black women and entrepreneurs and leaders like (Dennis) recognized Essence and its importance and wants to restore it. This has allowed a dream to come true and we couldn’t be happier.” Ebanks said it was an extraordinary and special privilege to be part of an organization that would be responsible for elevating Black women in the industry. Dennis said the deal to purchase Essence came together rather quickly after reading an article in the Wall Street Journal about Time, Inc.’s intention to sell the company. “The stars aligned. We started to think about the implications of what this would mean if Essence were truly bought back into the community and the impact it could have on the audience and on the industry to be able to create our content and to monetize our own content,” said Dennis. “There was never a waiver in the commitment on what Essence means to our community.”
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Part one of a three-part series Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane
The power of nonprofit volunteer leadership FUNdraising Good Times
Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Abeni Hill Contributing Writers Nadvia Davis Fred Easter Timothy Houston Michelle Mitchum Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Uchechukwu Iroegbu Rebecca Rabb Artist Donald Walker 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.
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Volunteers play a key role in the life of nonprofits. They serve as board members, provide services and advocacy and they donate their professional services. In fundraising, the important role of volunteers cannot be overstated. Fundraising volunteers provide leadership and strategy. They open doors that can lead to meaningful funding or resources. They give gifts of their own and they cultivate and solicit others to do the same.
Inaugural From 3 of the worst disparities in the country due to decades of policy and resource decisions that, by excluding whole communities from the table, too often serve to weaken or even weaponize the public systems we look to for help.” Six days later (Jan. 8) and just a couple of miles west of Carter’s inaugural address, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey too offered words of hope for his city’s residents, but he did not shy away from the city’s checkered past when it comes to systematic racism. “We have maps in City Hall
Ghanaian From 3 U.S.-based environmentalists in the latest Sierra Club magazine titled “Fools Gold,” the story of women in the central Brong-
This is the model that is at the heart of thriving and successful nonprofits. At the same time there are many nonprofits with volunteers who don’t “step up” at the expected level. There are many reasons for this, all of which can result in less than optimal funding – and relationships – for nonprofits. In this column we identify characteristics of volunteers who – in general terms – are not performing up to expectations. Whether you are a board member, staff or volunteer at a nonprofit you may have noticed some of the following “challenges” playing out within your organization. Fundraising leaders ask to serve “in name only” and are not joined at the hip with CEO and fundraising staff. They fail to make a leadership level gift to the campaign and do not provide motivation and encouragement
to fellow fundraising leaders and volunteers. When you talk with these leaders you notice they lack passion and enthusiasm. Or, conversely, they are very enthusiastic when speaking, but fail to follow through on their commitments. Some are unable to clearly make the case for the organization and the campaign, even though they are asked to do so in public. They may lack vision or be unable to provide resources that can advance an organization’s fundraising. Bottom line … they don’t live up to expectations. If the fundraising leadership within your organization displays more than a few of these characteristics, don’t be alarmed. These issues are found in large established institutions as well as grassroots organizations. And, they can be addressed. Understanding what is going on – and why – can help
identifying North Minneapolis as a ‘slum’ occupied by our Black and Jewish communities,” said Frey, referring to official zoning maps from the 1930s. “It’s that kind of intentional segregation that divides communities and ideas. It is that kind of intentional segregation that restrains our economic growth, prevents inclusion, and hinders the exchange of ideas necessary for our modern-day success stories. We didn’t get here by accident.” Frey said his vision for Minneapolis is one of inclusion, placing the issue of affordable housing at the forefront. “I campaigned on the premise that a strong commitment to racial justice includes a strong commitment to investing in affordable housing. And we promised that the
Ahafo region of Ghana, fighting to keep their family farms against the efforts of the second largest gold mining company to take them, unfolds. Newmont reportedly offered Yaa Konadu 1,500 Ghanaian cedis ($343) for her eight acres of farmland that had supported her family for generations – land she’d inherited from her
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Fundraising leaders ask to serve “in name only” and are not joined at the hip with CEO and fundraising staff.
your organization move towards new results. It will take work, but it also takes work to focus on a goal you know won’t be fulfilled. In part two we share causes behind these symptoms and suggestions for how to overcome them. In part three we discuss the important role a volunteer coordinator or director can play
and how to find the right person to fill this position. Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For more information visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
affordable housing would not be limited to areas that already have a high concentration of it,” said Frey. “Affordable housing should be in every neighborhood because everyone has the right to live in a great city. And in our great city we don’t push certain communities aside, we welcome them in.” But Frey said while Minneapolis still demonstrates a need for improvement, the city has come a long way from its separatist’s past. “We have elected not one – but two trans council members of color,” said Frey, speaking of the November’s historic elections of Andrea Jenkins (8th Ward) and Phillipe Cunningham (4th Ward). “They made history last year and made Minneapolis proud by living their truths and encouraging others to do
the exact same. These are just some recent examples of how the people of Minneapolis have worked together for the betterment of their communities. That’s what today is about – coming together, uniting around a shared vision, and charting a course that quite simply improves people’s lives.” Frey, who moved to Minneapolis just nine years ago, is the city’s second Jewish mayor, and during his inaugural address spoke fervently about embracing diversity. He said inclusion is right for humanity, but also said it is a sound business model. “We stand on stolen land in a city and state with a long history of attacking and excluding our Indigenous and Black communities,” said Frey. “Yet all too often, economic inclusion
and diversity are treated as buzz words, and policies fall short of measurable progress. Too many neighborhoods have been cut off from our city’s prosperity and relegated to the margins. (People of color) have been – and will increasingly be – our Minneapolis. It is time that we embrace this reality fully. Too much of our community experiences underemployment even while we have over 50,000 job openings in our market. Not only does this mean that our families are not living their greatest realities; this also means that by 2040 we will have left $31 billion on the table in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Any smart business person would agree that this would be an unacceptable loss.”
grandmother – and about $50 for the small farmhouse. There was no direct negotiation, she told Sierra Club, and she accepted the sum feeling she had no choice, but she refused the $50 for her home as woefully inadequate. The U.S. company faces opposition from local Ghanaians. According to Ghana’s “The Chronicle” of Aug. 3, “irate youth” living within the Newmont Ghana Gold Ahafo Mine Area staged a massive demonstration against the company for failing to hire local workers in the better-paying jobs while employing staff from outside the area. Further, they told reporter Michael Boateng, the company failed to honor training programs for the locals and neglected locally-
owned companies for awards of contracts. Newmont claims it has paid $36 million and $42 million as royalties as taxes respectively, with $363 million spent in the Ghanaian economy. Mine manager Derek Boateng defended the company but acknowledged that employment expectations and resettlement challenges remained huge problems. Also, illegal mining by small-scale miners known as “galamsey” was a “great menace” which government, stakeholders and other relevant institutions had to stamp out, he said. Meanwhile, chemicals used in gold mining have killed fish near the Newmont Processing facility. Residents and activists
with the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining blame a cyanide spill. Also, despite claims by the company of investment in women’s initiatives, the rates of unwanted pregnancies have increased and schoolgirls point the finger at Newmont workers, nurse Regina Dufie told the Sierra reporter. Praises for Newmont are frequent from government officials who in 2016 named it mining company of the year. A video of Newmont’s early days in Ghanas and the local opposition can be seen on YouTube under “The Case of the Newmont Ahafo Goldmine in Ghana.”
for President Lincoln’s body removal from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Ill. “The sign, when you are in its presence, takes you back to those days,” said Alan Page. He said one side reads, “Uncle Abe we will not forget you” and the other side reads, “Our country shall be one country.” In addition to the exhibit, Alan Page will present a talk, “Testify: It’s Not About the Flag or the Anthem, It’s About Justice” on Jan. 31 from 2 p.m.
to 4 p.m. in Cargill Hall at the Central Hennepin County Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. “We have this controversy about players protesting,” said Alan Page. “The controversy has lost sight of the underlying reason for their protest.” The exhibit will be open through Feb. 6. The Pages were guests on “Conversations with Al McFarlane,” which airs Tuesdays at 1 p.m. on KFAI 90.3 FM and online at www.kfai.org.
Conversations From 3 “The exhibit encompasses a whole range of items,” said Alan Page. “Some of which are oppressive and many of which are items of expression.” The Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Supreme Court justice mentioned a funeral banner from 1865 used
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Insight News • January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Page 5
New Center for Responsible Lending report says for-profit education “a risky proposition”
Black students hit hard by for-profit college debt Center for Responsible Lending
Commentary by Charlene Crowell Mounting student debt is a nagging problem for most families these days. As the cost of higher education rises, borrowing to cover those costs often becomes a family concern across multiple generations including the student, parents, and even grandparents or other relatives. Today’s 21st Century jobs usually demand higher education and specialized skills to earn one’s way into the middle class. In households where educational loans are inevitable, it becomes an important family decision to determine which institutions are actually worth the debt incurred. Equally important is the institution’s likelihood of its students graduating. Higher education institutions that do not provide its students and graduates with requisite skills and knowledge become money pits that lead to deeper debt and likely loan defaults. New research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL)
analyzed student debt on a stateby-state basis. An interactive map of CRL’s findings reveal on a state basis each of the 50 states’ total undergraduate population, for-profit enrollment, and the top for-profit schools by enrollment for both four-year and two-year institutions. Entitled “The State of For-Profit Colleges,” the report concludes investing in a forprofit education is almost always a risky proposition. Undergraduate borrowing by state showed that the percentage of students that borrow from the federal government generally ranged between 40 to 60 percent for public colleges, compared to 50 to 80 percent at for-profit institutions. Additionally, both public and private, not-for-profit institutions, on average, lead to better results at a lower cost of debt, better earnings following graduation, and the fewest loan defaults. “In many cases, for-profit students are nontraditional students, making sacrifices and struggling to manage family and work obligations to make better lives for their families,” noted Robin Howarth, a CRL senior researcher. “For-profit colleges target them with aggressive marketing, persuading them to invest heavily in futures that will never come to pass.”
certification test, she found she could only find a job in her field of study that paid $12 per hour, much less than the $35,000$45,000 salary that Everest told her would be her starting salary as a medical assistant. She was also left with
CRL also found that women and Blacks suffer disparate impacts, particularly at forprofit institutions, where they are disproportionately enrolled in most states. For example, enrollment at Mississippi’s forprofit colleges was 78 percent
Charlene Crowell writes that both public and private, not-for-profit institutions on average lead to better earnings following graduation, at a lower cost of debt, than for-profit colleges.
$21,000 in student debt. As a result, she has struggled since matriculation with low credit scores and cramped housing conditions for herself and three children. For her, public schools, according to Brianna, are “better in the long run” due to their lower cost despite having more requirements for attendance. Similarly, Elena (last name withheld), a 35-yearold Latina, enrolled in a forprofit institution after seeing television commercials for the local branch of Everest College targeted at those without a GED, like herself. Assured by Everest
female and nearly 66 percent Black. Other states with high Black enrollment at for-profits included Georgia (57 percent), Louisiana (55 percent), Maryland (58 percent) and North Carolina (54 percent). Focus group interviews further substantiated these figures, and recounted poignant, real life experiences. Brianna (last name withheld), a 31-year-old Black female completed a medical assistant (MA) certificate at the now-defunct Everest University. Once she completed her MA certificate and passed the
that she would earn between $13-$15 an hour working as a pharmacy technician, she thought that wage would have been enough for her to repay tens of thousands of dollars in student loans and interest she incurred. Yet, the best wage she could find with a pharmacy paid only $10.50 an hour. Elena also shared that the financial aid officers at Everest encouraged her to apply for “all these monies (grants and loans) that I could get. And they took it all – all of it. And yes, I am left with this bill.” These two personal experiences are magnified across the country with high female for-profit college enrollment. For example, the Midwestern states of Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin have female-dominated for-profit enrollment and disproportionate Black enrollment, too. These were also states with some of the lowest for-profit graduation rates after six years of study. In Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and North Carolina, median forprofit student debt levels at graduation in these five states was much higher than that of their public peers, ranging from $29,947 to $34,891 for for-profit students compared to $21,605 to $23,638 for public students. Public colleges and
private, nonprofit institutions in these same five states combined also had average Black enrollment rates that were noticeably smaller, i.e. Georgia (32 percent), Louisiana (31 percent), Maryland (28 percent), Mississippi (38 percent) and North Carolina (23 percent). These disparate outcomes are even more grievous when one takes into account that forprofit colleges are primarily funded by taxpayers, receiving up to 90 percent of their revenues from federal financial aid such as Pell Grants and federal student loans. Veterans educational benefits are additional taxpayer-paid revenues. Finally, three years following graduation from a for-profit institution, former students in 44 states had doubledigit default rates. These states included Kansas, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. These and other findings document how Americans are investing heavily in higher education, but, in large part, the choice of institution determines whether they will receive what they paid for: gainful employment. Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.
PPGJ joins GetLifted initiative for creating financial literacy Planting People Growing Justice (PPGJ) founder, Dr. Artika Tyner, announced the organization has been selected to be part of GetLifted, a new initiative designed to help individuals create lasting financial wellness. “Being named a GetLifted organization has provided us with the opportunity to promote financial inclusion through education and community engagement,” said Tyner. “We’re excited about the project. Our mission is to plant seeds of social change through education, training and community outreach. We’ll be hosting financial literacy workshops throughout the year.” GetLifted seeks to reduce the shame and stigma of personal debt that exists on the Northside of Minneapolis and the Eastside of St. Paul. These communities have seen significant disinvestment. The organization is collaborating with a diverse range of individuals and companies that are committed to neighborhood revitalization and empowering communities with financial capability. The organization’s goal is to reach more than 2,500 community members – a
goal that is being made possible through funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation. GetLifted is partnering with LSS Financial Counseling to provide financial education to individuals and local organizations. The training focuses on budgeting, reducing debt and building assets, building a good credit score and protecting against identity theft and consumer scams. Upon completion of their training, participants will share their new financial knowledge and skills with others within the community to help find solutions to financial distress. The GetLifted initiative for financial literacy comes at a time when two-thirds of Americans can’t pass a basic financial literacy test. That inability affects individuals in multiple ways. Many don’t know how to create a budget, and often take on more financial risk than they can handle at interest rates they can’t afford. Those particularly affected are African-Americans, Hispanics, women and millennials. To enroll in an upcoming workshop, contact Tyner at plantingpeoplegrowingjustice@gmail.com.
A View Post Grad FUNdraising from Chronicles Good Times Campus
By ByMel Julianne Pearl Malveaux Byand Abeni HillShaw By Latisha Townsend
Artika Tyner
King’s lasting impact on equity in education By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s influence on the Civil Rights Movement is indisputable, but his fight for equity in education remains a mystery to some. That fight began with his own education. “He clearly had an advanced, refined educational foundation from Booker T. Washington High School, Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and Boston University,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. “His education in his speeches and sermons and writings were apparent and he wanted us all to have that type of education.” King completed high school at 15, college at 19, seminary school at 22 and earned a doctorate at 26. “Dr. King laid down the case for affordable education for all Americans, including Polish children – from the ghetto and the barrios, to the Appalachian Mountains and the reservations – he was a proponent for education for all and he believed that strong minds break strong chains and once you learn your
lesson well, the oppressor could not unlearn you.” The Rev. Al Sharpton, the founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), said that NAN works with Education for a Better America to partner with school districts, universities, community colleges, churches, and community organizations around the country to conduct educational programming for students and parents. “The mission of the organization has been to build bridges between policymakers and the classrooms by supporting innovations in education and creating a dialogue between policymakers, community leaders, educators, parents, and students,” said Sharpton. “We’re promoting student health, financial literacy, and college readiness in our communities, just like Dr. King did.” King was a figure to look up to in both civil rights and academia, Sharpton told the NNPA Newswire. “Then, when you look at his values, he always saw education, especially in the Black community, as a tool to uplift and inspire to action,” said Sharpton. “It’s definitely no coincidence that a number of prominent civil rights groups that emerged during Dr. King’s time, were based on college
Abernathy Family Photos/Wikipedia Commons
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a champion for equity in education. Civil Rights Movement co-founder Dr. Ralph David Abernathy and his wife Juanita Abernathy (not pictured) follow with King and wife, Coretta Scott King, as the Abernathy children march on the front line, leading the Selma (Ala.) to Montgomery (Ala.) March in 1965. The children are (leftright): Donzaleigh Abernathy in striped sweater, Ralph David Abernathy III, and Juandalynn R. Abernathy in glasses. Name of the white minister in the photo is unknown. campuses.” Sharpton added that King routinely pushed for equality to access to education. “Just as importantly, he always made a point to refer education back to character – that we shouldn’t sacrifice efficiency and speed for morals,” said Sharpton. “A great student not only has the reason and education, but a moral compass
to do what’s right with his or her gifts. It’s not just important to be smart, you have to know what’s right and what’s wrong.” Dr. Wornie Reed, the director of Race and Social Policy Research Center at Virginia Tech, who marched with King, said when he thinks of King and education, he immediately considers the late civil rights leader’s advocating
that “we should be the best that we could be.” “King certainly prepared himself educationally … early on he saw that education played a crucial role in society, but perceived it as often being misused,” said Reed. “In a famous essay that he wrote for the student newspaper at Morehouse in 1947, he argued against a strictly utilitarian approach to education, one that advanced the individual and not society.” Rep. Elijah Cummings (DMd.), who remembers running home from church on Sundays to listen to King’s speeches on radio, said King had a tremendous impact on education in the Black community. “Dr. King worked tirelessly to ensure that AfricanAmericans would gain the rights they had long been denied, including the right to a quality education,” said Cummings. “His fight for equality in educational opportunities helped to tear down walls of segregation in our nation’s schools. He instilled hope in us that we can achieve our dreams no matter the color of our skin. He instilled in us the notion that everyone can be great, because everyone can serve and there are so many great advocates, who embody this lesson.” In support of education
equality, civil rights leaders across the country are still working to ensure all students, regardless of color, receive access to experienced teachers, equitable classroom resources and quality education, Cummings noted further. For example, the NAACP has done a tremendous amount across the country to increase retention rates, ensure students have the resources they need, and prepare students for success after graduation – whether it be for college or a specific career path, Cummings said. During his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Oslo, Norway, King said, “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.” The need for high quality education in the Black community is universal and the route to get there may be different, but education does matter, Jackson said. “Dr. King told me he read a fiction and a non-fiction book once a week. He was an avid reader and, in the spirit of Dr. King, today we fight for equal, high-quality education,” said Jackson. “We fight for skilled trade training, affordable college education and beyond.”
Page 6 •January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Insight News
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PHOTO CAPTION: Djibril Diallo, the UNAIDS Director of the Regional Support Team for West and Central Africa, says that Black Americans need to get more involved in the global fight against HIV/ AIDS. (UNAIDS)
Chief Medical Associate Offi2cer, Editor Pfizer Rare Disease Unit By Carmen Robles By Dr. Kevin By Williams Afrodescendientes
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Insight News • January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Page 7
National poll shows Latinos are concerned about police violence, feel less safe under Trump More than 50 percent of Latinxs are convinced that police use deadly force unjustly against their community and a wide majority of Latinas feel less safe since President Trump was elected. As a measure of Latino support of reentry in general, more than three-quarters of Latinxs also support restoring the vote to people convicted of crimes. LatinoJustice PRLDEF commissioned Latino Decisions, a national polling and policy group, to survey Latinxs and document their experiences and opinions about the criminal justice system. It is the first ever poll of the Latinx community focused on the criminal justice system. “Latinos in America are significantly concerned about their public safety both at the hands of police and by their neighbors,” said Juan Cartagena, president of LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “They are convinced that they will be more subject to unlawful deadly force by police compared to whites, they believe local police treat them in ways similar to how AfricanAmericans are treated, and they disavow the use of racial profiling by law enforcement. Latinos also feel less safe after Trump’s election and they perceive whites to be more discriminatory or angry towards them since the presidential election.” The national survey found that Latinxs support more rehabilitation, drug treatment and mental health programs over increased funding for police or prisons, less incarceration for nonviolent offenses, restoring the vote to people who have paid their debt to society – which they overwhelmingly support, fully counting Latinos separate from Blacks or whites in criminal justice databases and to a lesser extent, support for marijuana legalization. “This unique poll highlights Latinos’ overwhelming support to increase funding for rehabilitation and mental health services to reduce crime,” said Dr. Edward Vargas, a senior analyst at Latino Decisions. “This poll also highlights the policy preferences for Afro Latinos, a group that is widely overlooked yet greatly impacted by criminal justice and policing.” Other findings include 76 percent of Latinos strongly support restoring the vote to people convicted of crimes after they have paid their debt to society,
with the highest support, coming from Puerto Ricans (85 percent), younger Latinos, 18 years old to 34 years old (84 percent) and Latinos previously stopped by police (82 percent). Restoring the vote is also supported by Latinos across partisan lines with 70 percent of Latino Republicans and 83 percent of Latino Democrats in favor of allowing the formerly incarcerated to participate in elections. Eighty-four percent of Latinos believe racial profiling by the police should not be permitted. In the context of the recent national attention given to the treatment of African-Americans by the police, nearly two-thirds of Latinos (64 percent) believe Latinos experience similar treatment at the hands of police with higher proportions of Mexicans, AfroLatinos and Latinos directly
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Juan Cartagena, president of LatinoJustice PRLDEF. stopped, arrested or victimized by crime, believing that’s the case. Fifty-eight percent of Latinos
are convinced police use deadly force unjustly against Latinos versus whites. Many more Latinos
who are younger (69 percent), Afro-Latino (70 percent) or directly involved in the criminal justice system because they were stopped (71 percent), arrested (68 percent) or were victims (64 percent) hold that same belief. The Latino data-gap problem – where law enforcement, corrections and parole agencies refuse to go beyond the Black/ white binary and count directly affected Latinos – is a salient one among Latinos with two-thirds of them thinking it important or very important to collect data on Latinos in the criminal justice system. More than three-quarters of all Afro-Latinos believe Latinos should be separately counted. Almost three times as many Latinos (58 percent) would prefer funding for rehabilitation, drug and mental health programs
as a way to reduce crime than funding for police departments (20 percent) and rehabilitation is far more preferable than increased money for prisons (6 percent), or deportations (12 percent). Among the most important problems that require attention in the criminal justice system, Latinos ranked insufficient rehabilitation programs and excessive incarceration of nonviolent offenders as numbers one and two, respectively. A majority of Latinos (57 percent) feel less safe since Trump was elected with two-thirds of Latina women feeling less safe since Trump came aboard. Many more Latinos (72 percent) feel that since his election, whites have become more discriminatory and angry towards Latinos.
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Community
Popular Belizean Snack Foods The Un-Bougie Foodie By Wesley Wright
www.facebook.com/ theunbougiefoodie Every culture has its own snack or fast foods that are very popular to inhabitants of that country. For Belizeans, some of these favorites are salbutes, garnaches, and my favorite ‌ panades. Being raised in a Belizean household, my parents often prepared dishes that have rice and beans, chicken, beef, pork or ďŹ sh. But sometimes preparing
these meals was labor intensive. Even more so if you were hosting a party for more people than your immediate family. This is where these snack foods eectively serve their purpose. Tasty for appetizers at a party, or just as a snack, they were ďŹ lling and didn’t require a whole lot of prep work from the host. Garnaches, for example, are simple to make because you are just stacking the ingredients. When you take a corn tortilla, spread it with black or refried beans, add cheese, and then garnished it with cortido (a cabbage, onions, carrots mixture similar to sauerkraut), you end up with a delicious salty, spicy, and satisfying snack. In less than an hour you can make about a dozen of these. Similar to garnaches, are salbutes. Even though this
Belizean panades. wonderful treat is enjoyed across the country of Belize, it’s a dish
Wesley Wright
that has its origin with individuals that were of mixed race or ethnic
ancestry called Mestizo. With salbutes, it’s common that the tortillas are handmade, but rather than beans, cheese and cortido that you would put on the garnaches, you would stack stewed chicken, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickled onions and a spicy sauce. I love that you can have it as spicy as you want, and Belizeans love habanero. Now we come to my favorite ‌ panades. Invite a Belize over for a card party, some drinks or just to hang out, and you’ll make a new friend. Tell them that you’re making panades, and you’ll have a friend for life. Similar to an empanada, panades are basically corn tortillas that are folded over with various types of ďŹ llings like smoked ďŹ sh, beans or cheese. They are then fried, (best in a cast iron skillet). No matter what
ďŹ llings you choose though, you can’t forget the cortido garnish. The same cortido you would make for the garnaches, can be the same you use to garnish your panades. I prefer my cortido without carrots, but always prepare it how you’d like. Young and old alike will enjoy these appetizing snacks. You will ďŹ nd that introducing it to friends that are not familiar with food from Belize will be excited about the preparation process, and rave about the avors. Making these Belizean snack foods is also a great opportunity to get friends to eat together and having your party become a huge success. Wesley Wright is the creator and host of “The Un-Bougie Foodie,â€? which airs Saturdays at 10 a.m. on 104.7 FM, WEQY-LP.
Happy birthday Dr. King Man Talk By Timothy Houston Columnist This week, all over the country and the world events and activities will be held to commemorate the birth, contributions and achievements of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a leader, preacher, activist, writer and a selfproclaimed extremist for love. I believe one of his greatest works was written in 1963 from his jail cell in Birmingham, Ala. Without the aid of any reference material,
BHK From 3 captioned the speech, ‘Sleeping Through a Revolution,’ and that’s exactly what he’d say today, if he were here.â€? Many of King’s accomplishments were aided by his relationship with newspapers like the Atlanta Daily World, the Pittsburgh Courier and other Black-owned newspapers, said Jones. “The two essential pillars of support of the Civil Rights Movement were the Black Church and the Black Press,â€? he said. “The Black Press was critically important, and King had a healthy appreciation for the Black Press.â€? The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., another close conďŹ dant of King, agreed. “The kinship King had with (former EBONY and Jet owner) John Johnson, (National Newspaper Publishers Association founder) John Sengstacke and others was apparent, and he realized their value and they recognized his value,â€? said Jackson. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, said he will always cherish the days that he worked with King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. “I witnessed, ďŹ rst-hand, the fearless courage of Dr. King
‘never.’â€? King declared Black people had waited for these Godgiven rights long enough and that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.â€? He wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever aects one directly, aects all indirectly ‌ Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider.â€? From his dimly lit jail cell, King passionately addressed the accusation that the Civil Rights Movement was “extreme,â€? ďŹ rst disputing the label, but then accepting it. His discussion of extremism implicitly responds to numerous objections to the Civil Rights Movement, such as President Dwight Eisenhower’s claim that he could not meet with civil rights leaders because doing
so would require him to meet with the Ku Klux Klan. This approach would accomplish nothing. He
argued that Jesus and other heroes were extremists and wrote, “So the question is not whether we will
King ended his letter with a message of hope. This message is needed now more than ever. With
as he spoke out against global racial injustice and war when it was not popular to do so,� said Chavis. “The mainstream press routinely mischaracterized Dr. King as a principle-less agitator. But, it was only the Black-owned newspapers during the 1960s that would, without apology, tell the truth that Dr. King was both a theological and intellectual genius whose worldwide vision, activism and principles demanded a public stance against the unjust Vietnam War, and against the duel racist Apartheid in America and South Africa.� Dr. Wornie Reed, the director of the Race and Social Policy Center at Virginia Tech, who marched alongside King in the 1960s, said too few people knew about King’s major project when he was assassinated, “The Poor People’s Campaign.� “The Memphis garbage workers strike was a side issue; the kind he was frequently involved in. He was putting in long days and nights across the country, calling on all of us who cared to come to Washington to help him to put maximum pressure on the federal government to come forth with concrete plans to reduce poverty in this rich country,� said Reed. “King was promoting a level of pressure that the federal government had never faced before. And many of us were organizing groups to do just that. When King vowed to stop commerce in Washington, to stop planes, buses, and trains, in other words, to close Washington
down, he gained the support of all the radical Black groups who had abandoned King and the SCLC. These groups had tired of the ‘soft’ approach of the Civil Rights Movement. Many readily agreed to go to D.C. and help him do just that.â€? Sadly, the childhood poverty rate is higher now than it was in 1968 when King was assassinated. Then, it was between 15 and 16 percent, Reed said. Now, the national child poverty rate was 18 percent in 2016, according to the Children’s Defense Fund. The poverty rate for Black children under 18 years old is a shocking 30.9 percent. Also, Reed said, the Black Press was more important to King and the Civil Rights Movement early on during the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the early days of the sit-in movement. The Black Press provided vital coverage of the activities and the leading personalities in the movement, he said. “Often the major press was concerned with the disruptions of the movement while the Black Press tended to provide more information about what the activities meant on the ground in Black communities,â€? said Reed. National Urban League President Marc Morial said King’s profoundly important, but less heralded work on economic justice, particularly toward the end of his life, left a legacy that the Urban League champions today. “In his ďŹ nal speeches and
his plans to launch a ‘Poor People’s Campaign,’ Dr. King laid out his extraordinary vision for a country that provides equal access to economic opportunity and prosperity to all, no matter their color or creed – a dream that organizations like the National Urban League are still ďŹ ghting for,â€? said Morial.
Since its inception, the Black Press has played an integral role in communicating the raw and uncompromising struggle of King and African Americans across the country, Morial added. “The Black Press remained on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement, oering
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be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love?�
King wrote the 20-page letter on the margin of the newspapers and other scrap pieces of paper. His words in the letter were so thought-provoking and powerful that they still resonate today. King wrote the letter in a response to a statement made by eight white Alabama clergymen. These men questioned King’s tactics. They believed social injustices existed, but argued the battle against racial segregation should be fought solely in the courts, not in the streets. They criticized him calling him an “outsider� who causes trouble in the streets of Birmingham. To this charge, King eloquently responded using his knowledge as a preacher and an activist as the platform for his response. The theme of the letter was simple and straight forward; we can’t wait. King believed “this ‘wait’ has almost always meant
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RENTAL PROPERTIES INH Properties manages Section 8, Section 42 and Rural Development projects in the following MN cities:
Anoka – Bridge Square, 763-421-6772 Big Lake – Autumn Winds, 320-258-6000 Brainerd – Mississippi Terrace, 218-829-0274 Cold Spring – Cottage Court, 320-685-3888 Coon Rapids – Coon Creek, 763-767-7755 Eden Valley – Hillside, 320-453-5968 Fergus Falls – Kaddatz, 218-205-0644 Glenwood – Glenview, 320-634-3188 Hawley – Northside Terrace, 218-483-4524 Hutchinson – Clinton House, 320-587-5458 Isle – Isle View, 320-676-8624 Isle – Mille Lacs Manor, 320-676-8624 Mankato – Dublin Road, 507-345-3351 Minneapolis – Holmes Park, 612-378-8817 Morris – Crystal Lake, 320-589-3662 Onamia – Oakwood, 320-532-4321 Onamia – Onamia Shores, 320-532-4321 Pierz – Kamnic Lane, 320-468-2581 Rice – Benton Place, 320-630-1201 St. Michael – Countryside Cottages, 763-497-4901 St. Paul – Parkway Gardens, 651-771-0835 Virginia – Alice Nettell, 218-741-3650 Residents must meet income guidelines. Rent based on income at some locations. INH Properties is an equal opportunity housing company
Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty, wrote King.
racial proďŹ ling on the rise and the unemployment gap between Blacks and whites at the highest levels in modern times, we cannot wait. King concluded his letter with the following statrment. “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty,â€? wrote King. Happy birthday, Dr. King. Timothy Houston is an author, minister and motivational speaker committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get copies of his books, or for questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.
a glimpse into the everyday lives of African-Americans far before mainstream media paid attention,� said Morial. “In many ways, the Black journalists were a critical pillar of the movement and of communication Dr. King’s vision for a more equal America to the world.�
Join FedEx Express at the Minneapolis Airport! HANDLERS & MATERIAL HANDLERS APPLICATION SESSION Saturday, January 20, 2018 • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Spirit & Truth Worship Center 3254 Penn Ave N • Minneapolis, MN 55412 Opportunities available for: • Hourly rate for Handlers: $13.65 • Hourly rate for Material Handlers: $14.49
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Page 10 •January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Insight News
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Dem Atlas
Roy Hargrove
Monday, Jan. 15
$5
HIP-HOP
DJs Mr. Lucky, Nola and Evian Rave celebrate their five-year anniversary of spinning disco and funk music.
Bust-A-Yee 4: LaFlash Birthday Special Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m. 21-plus $5 Catch a night of hip-hop with D.N.A., Rich Garvey and Farr Well With DJ MiniMix and art by Zach Julen.
Jan. 15 Jan. 28, 2018
Tuesday, Jan. 16 JAZZ Roy Hargrove Quintet Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $25-$40
Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com
Sunday, Jan. 21
TRIBUTE
EDM 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert Ted Mann Concert Hall 2128 S 4th St., Minneapolis 7 p.m.
Neon Dreams First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. 18-plus $10 advance, $12 door
This musical event celebrating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy features performances by the U of M Jazz Combo Jovonta Patton, Ashley DuBose, Delphin Starr, Meah Ismail and Daonna Lewis.
Halifax-based EDM band, Neon Dreams, plays in the 7th Street Entry of First Avenue.
Monday, Jan. 22 JAZZ
Friday, Jan. 19 Mar. 14 - 20
HIP-HOP/ROCK The Current›s 13th Birthday Party with Dem Atlas First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – Midnight 18-plus $20
Wednesday, Jan. 17
Celebrate the 13th birthday of 89.3 The Current with Dem Atlas, Bully, Now, Now, and The Social Animals.
Freak of the Week Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 18-plus
Afro-cuban band, Maamanya, plays The Cedar with Congolese guitarist Siama.
Thursday, Jan. 18
Modern jazz great Roy Hargrove has collaborated with the likes of Common, Erkyah Badu and more and has a quite impressive solo career. He performs two shows at the Dakota.
DISCO/FUNK/DANCE
8 p.m. All ages $12 advance, $15 door
Saturday, Jan. 20 WORLD/LATIN Malamanya with Siama The Cedar Cultural Center 416 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis
Roberta Gambarini with Cyrus Chestnut Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. $25-$40 Join Grammy-nominated vocalist Roberta Gambarini with Cyrus Chestnut for an evening of jazz at The Dakota.
Tuesday, Jan. 23 PANEL DISCUSSION “Where Race and Sports Intersect: What is the Media’s Role?” University of Minnesota, Murphy Hall, Room 130 206 Church St. S.E.,
Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. This panel asks, “should athletes use their platform for social activism or does doing so create a larger distraction for their employers and fans?” The panel includes retired Vikings defensive end Carl Eller, Rebekkah Brunson of the Minnesota Lynx, former Twin, LaTroy Hawkins of the Twins broadcast team for Fox Sports North and others.
Wednesday, Jan. 24 HEALTH Intro to Soap Making Seward Community Co-op 2823 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. $30, $25 co-op owners Ever thought about making your own soap products? Stop down to the Seward Co-op for a class.
Thursday, Jan. 25 PARTY RuPaul’s All Star Viewing Party Lush 990 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. 18-plus $5 (free for patrons 21-plus) Every Thursday through March stop down at Lush to catch “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
PARTY Chantel Sings of KMOJ Big Birthday Bash 3 The Hideout at the Pourhouse 10 S 5th St., Minneapolis 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Singer/songwriter and KMOJ morning show host, Chantel Sings celebrates her birthday with a party in downtown Minneapolis.
Saturday, Jan. 27 JAZZ/HIP-HOP The Boma Lightbox.Studio 2600 E. 26th St., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Minnesota Harvest Initiative and New Renaissance present a night of hip-hop, jazz, spoken word and more with music by Walter Chancellor Jr., Alma Andina, Keno Evol, DJ Mickey Breeze and more.
Sunday, Jan. 28 JAZZ Regina Carter and Xavier Davis Crooners Lounge and Supper Club 6161 Highway 65 N.E., Minneapolis 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. 21-plus $40 Jazz violinist Regina Carter and pianist Xavier Davis give us that “Southern Sound” at Crooners.
Friday, Jan. 26
Timberwolves crush Cavaliers with 127-99 win By Nadvia Davis The Cleveland Cavaliers would need way more than a big block from LeBron James over Timberwolves Tyus Jones to even come close to winning Monday night’s (Jan. 8) game at the Target Center. After a 12-game home losing streak against the Cavs, the Minnesota Timberwolves bounced back and got a big win, 127-99 over Cleveland. With a sold-out crowd of 18,578 fans, the Timberwolves put on a show from start to finish. Wolves Andrew Wiggins finishing with 25 points alongside Jimmy Butler who contributed 21 points and Karl Anthony Towns who dropped 19. Right from the tipoff, the Timberwolves set the tone with excellent ball movement, steals and tight defense on the Cavaliers. Wiggins knocked down the Timberwolves first three-point basket early in the first quarter. The Timberwolves were spot on hitting quick baskets that gave them a sixteen-point lead and caused the Cavaliers to take a timeout with 4:39 minutes left to play in the first quarter. The Timberwolves finished the first quarter ahead 32-18. Wolves Guard Jamal Crawford dished a sweet assist
to Gorgui Dieng to knock down a smooth three-point basket at the start of the second quarter. Crawford continued the threepoint trend hitting a threepoint basket and giving the Timberwolves a 21-point lead. With each made Timberwolves basket, the Cavaliers struggled to both contest shots and find a scoring groove of their own. The Timberwolves managed to hold James to 10 points in the game. The crowd got real “lit” when Butler hit a buzzer beating three-point basket to close out the first half. The Timberwolves lead 69-42 going into halftime. The Wolves maintained their lead and picked up right where they left off at the start of the third quarter. Taj Gibson went to work in the paint gathering several rebounds and quick put backs to stretch the lead early in the third. With a little more than six minutes left to play in the quarter, frustrated Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas close-lined Wiggins to the jaw and was promptly ejected from the game. The Timberwolves closed out the third quarter with well-executed defense that forced the Cavaliers to turn the ball over 14 times throughout the game. The Wolves … shocking almost everyone … went into the fourth quarter with a whopping 35-point lead, 102 – 67. The Cavaliers made an
Minnesota Timberwolves
Jimmy Butler drives past Cavs superstar, Lebron James. attempt to close the gap in the fourth with guard Kyle Korver’s hot three-point shots, but it wasn’t enough. The Timberwolves continued to rock the Cavaliers
as they penetrated the lane and found the open teammates. But in the end the Timberwolves proved why they
Karl Anthony Towns goes up over former Cavs center, Kevin Love. are one of the feared teams in the Western Conference, as they finished off the defending Eastern Conference champs. And it should be noted that
Jones extracted a little revenge on James streaking past him for a fast-break dunk that James had no chance to block.
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Insight News • January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Page 11
Leading with Art: Rarely seen Cuban art on display at the Walker
‘Adiós Utopia’ offers look into post-revolutionary life in Cuba The art existed, it was just hidden from our eyes. With frosty (at best) relations between Cuba and the U.S. following the Cuban Revolution, which ended in 1959, the United States placed an embargo on goods from our neighboring island country, and with that embargo and restricted travel, much of Cuban culture and art was a mystery to most Americans. In 2009, when then President Barack Obama began to normalize relations with Cuba, there came with it a yearning for cross-cultural knowledge and understanding. And one of the best ways to understand a people is through art. “Adiós Utopia: Dreams and Deceptions in Cuban Art Since 1950” views how Cuba’s revolutionary epoch shaped 65 years of Cuban art. This powerful and unprecedented exhibition establishes a new narrative focused on the experiences of artists who lived and trained in Cuba. The exhibit is on display through March 18 at the Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis. “The visitor of this exhibit will get to see the evolution of Cuban art from the initial stages of the revolution when the art was more abstract, to more modern times when the art became more literal,” said Fabian Leyva-Barragan, curatorial fellow at the Walker Art Center. “With the revolution we see a lot of political ideals being seen through the artists’ eyes. Anchored by key moments of 20th- and 21st-century Cuban history, “Adiós Utopia” is considered the most comprehensive presentation of modern and contemporary Cuban art shown in the United States since 1944, when the Museum of Modern Art in New York presented “Modern Cuban Painters.” Although many artists have since emigrated from Cuba to live and work abroad, “Adiós Utopia” focuses on the untold narrative of those artists who remained in Cuba, were educated under the revolutionary educational system, and whose careers evolved after Fidel Castro’s revolution. “Adiós Utopia: Dreams and Deceptions in Cuban Art Since 1950” was conceived in 2013 by the Cisneros Fontanals Fundación Para Las Artes (CIFO Europa) of Cuban-born collector and
Raúl Martínez’, “Rosas y Estrellas” (Roses and Stars), 1972, from the Patricia & Howard Farber Collection, New York. philanthropist Ella FontanalsCisneros. The “Adiós Utopia” tour is being coorganized by the MFAH and the Walker Art Center. A related, comprehensive book being published in
English and in Spanish by CIFO Europa, “Cuban Art: Dreams and Deceptions Since 1950,” will accompany the exhibition. The exhibition charts the development of artistic
production on the island from just before the overthrow of the Cuban republican government by the revolution in 1959; through the period of revolutionary euphoria and Cuba›s alliance with
the Soviet Bloc; to the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s and Cuba›s ongoing isolation and economic distress. Drawing from more than two dozen collections in
North America, the Caribbean and Europe, “Adiós Utopia” showcases works from each decade that were considered pivotal to the evolution of Cuban art.
Stars Paris Bennett and Jamecia Bennett, directed by Lou Bellamy
Children’s Theatre Company, Penumbra Theatre bring “The Wiz” to life with star-studded cast Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in partnership with Penumbra Theatre will present “The Wiz,” directed by Lou Bellamy, founder and artistic director emeritus of Penumbra Theatre Company and starring Paris Bennett as Dorothy and her mother, Jamecia Bennett as Glenda the Good Witch. “The Wiz” also stars Dennis Spears as Tinman, Dwight Leslie as Scarecrow, Aimee Bryant as Addaperle, Rudolph Searles, III as Lion, Greta Oglesby as Aunt Em/ Evillene and T. Mychael Rambo as The Wiz. “My concept for our production is rooted deeply in African American history & custom,” said Bellamy. “Dorothy’s journey from (in our production) Nicodemus, Kansas to the Wiz’s palace in
Dan Norman
The cast of “The Wiz,” (top left to right) Aimee Bryant, Jamecia Bennett, Greta Oglesby, (bottom left to right) Dennis Spears, Paris Bennett and Rudolph “Tre” Searles, III.
Harlem, pays homage to the Great Migration made during Reconstruction by thousands of African-Americans from rural environs to urban living.” Long heralded as the leading theatre for young audiences in the country, CTC creates theater for multigenerational audiences, while Penumbra, the leading African-American theater company in the nation, produces socially responsible drama depicting authentic representations of Black life and culture. “It is a great thrill and honor to partner with Penumbra Theatre,” said CTC artistic director, Peter Brosius. “They are a major force in the national theatre world as well as a local treasure. The insights and
experience they bring to this partnership have been extraordinary and we look forward to continuing to find ways to work together.” “This relationship isn’t transactional,” said Sarah Bellamy, Penumbra artistic director. “We are getting to a space of depth and real honesty with each other in terms of our conversations about equity, what our aesthetics are, how we can create a proactive, equitable, shared learning environment and that feels very unique.” “The Wiz” Jan. 23 and runs through March 18 at CTC, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis. Individual show tickets and subscriptions can be purchased at www. childrenstheatre.org or by calling the ticket office at (612) 874-0400.
Page 12 •January 15 - January 21, 2018 • Insight News
Already in 2018 we have seen a lot of first. Many of them are coming due to the historic election of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. His inaugural ball also allowed for a few first – or so we believe. While the official number is not known, it is estimated that more than 1,000 people
showed up for the Jan. 5 event at Union Depot in St. Paul. The city’s first African-American mayor, and a mayor of a new generation, Carter’s ball was unlike any other. After all, when was the last time a city’s mayor took to the turntables to spin during a party? And
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when has a mayor strolled (a line movement common among Black fraternities and sororities – Carter is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha) during an inaugural ball? Yes, it is indeed a new day in St. Paul. And we’re all for it.
Harry Colbert Jr.
Maybe the most wonderful thing about this photo of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter dancing with his wife, Sakeena Carter, is the expression on the young girl’s face third from the right. #Priceless.
Adrian Perryman, aka, DJ MV.
Crystal McClintock, stunning in her all black.
Alice Robbins (left) and her daughter, Aaliyah Robbins at the historic ball.
Hip-hip and spoken word artists Desdamona Ross (left) and Tish Jones.
Hip-hop artist and activist, Maria Isa.
ERIC GALES ALBUM RELEASE
Rep. Ilhan Omar (DFL-60B) and her husband, Ahmed Hirsi.
(Left to right) Artist Ta-coumba Aiken, and Black Music America’s Kim Rhodes and Pete Rhodes.
Always effervescent, Tamiko Edwards.
INCENDIARY BLUES GUITAR
Sharon Kennedy Vickers (left) and husband, Charles Vickers.
Happily expecting parents, Fonzie Mayfield (left) and Kathryn Mayfield.
The women of Zeta Phi Beta representing, (left to right) Liz Lassiter, Lutinji Abram, Sharhonda York, Insight News’ Abeni Hill and Brittany Lynch.
What it looks like with nearly 1,000 people partying to the “Casper Slide.”
JANUARY 27 • 7 PM