aesthetically speaking
Minnesota R&B/soul’s top six new prospects
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Insight News February 1 - February 7, 2016
Vol. 43 No. 5 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE
Anika Ward ensuring diversity in State’s hiring By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Angela Talton
Angela Talton promoted to Nielson Chief Diversity Officer
Twenty years ago in 1996 during one of Chris Rock’s HBO stand-up comedy specials the comedian said about Minnesota, “Ain’t no Black people in Minnesota. The only Black people you find in Minnesota are Prince and Kirby Puckett.” Sadly, that same year, the state lost one of its favorite sons, Puckett, to a stroke. And while the state still lacks the diversity, Prince is not the only one left. And at the highest level of government Anika Ward is doing her part to see that jokes such as the one Rock told in 1996 can no longer be relevant. Recognizing the lack in diversity in hiring at the state level, and in particular at the highest level in state government, this past March Gov. Mark Dayton hired Ward to lead the charge for diversity, naming her statewide executive recruiter –
WARD TURN TO 6 Photo: Minnesota Management & Budget
All elections matter:
It’s time to make our voices heard at the ballot box in 2016 By Melanie L. Campbell NNPA News Wire Guest Columnist On February 1, Iowa, which has a 3.4 percent Black population and New Hampshire, which is less than 2 percent Black, will hold their presidential caucus and primary. From there, the primary battles move to states with larger Black populations — first in South Carolina where over 27.8 percent of its population is Black. Then it’s on to Super Tuesday with several southern states with large Black populations that are key
Neilsen
Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA
Melanie Campbell, the president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, says that history has proven that all politics is local and that local elections matter. Photo taken during a NAACP press conference at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2015.
for presidential candidates to win their party nominations including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The additional reality is that in less than one year the presidency of Barack Obama, the first African American President, comes to an end. We were reminded of this reality on January 12th, when President Obama delivered his final State of the Union message. I watched the President with bittersweet remembrance of his historic and impactful twoterm presidency. The President
BALLOT TURN TO 2
NEW YORK – Nielsen Holdings announced Angela Talton has been promoted to chief diversity officer. “Diversity and inclusion are crucial to our growth, strength, and ability to innovate. Angela’s vision, leadership and execution have helped us reimagine diversity at a global scale,” said Mitch Barns, Nielson CEO. “As Nielsen’s chief diversity officer, she will be a vital part of my leadership team and a champion for our companywide investments to ensure our business is representative of the communities where we live and work.” Prior to this appointment, Talton served as senior vice president, Global Diversity and Inclusion, and she will continue to oversee Nielsen’s diversity and inclusion programs including supplier diversity, training and employee engagement. Talton has been with Nielsen since 2007, joining the company as senior vice president for Global Call Center Operations. Prior to joining Nielsen, she held the positions of divisional vice president at Sears Holdings Corporation and vice president, Business Processes at ALLTEL Communications. Talton holds a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Nielsen is the rating service used to gauge television audience size and demography.
Economic inequality at home and abroad By Julianne Malveaux NNPA News Wire Columnist Days before the opening of the World Economic Forum, Oxfam, the international organization that works on world poverty issues, released a report that addressed inequality. They found the international wealth gap growing rapidly. Last year, just 62 individuals had the same wealth as the 3.6 billion people who make up the bottom half of the world population. Wealth has become much more concentrated – in 2010, more than five times as many people shared the same amount of wealth as the bottom half. While the top 62 people saw their wealth grow by 44 percent
in five years, the bottom half saw their wealth drop by about the same amount (41 percent). And world incomes reflect increasingly concentrated wealth inequality. Nearly half of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day. One in five people – 1.2 billion – live on less than a dollar a day. Oxfam says that, “growing economic inequality is bad for us all – it undermines growth and social cohesion…the consequences for the world’s poorest people are particularly severe.” While the Oxfam world inequality data is jarring, we don’t have to go global to witness the “particularly severe” consequences of domestic income and wealth inequality. Consider Flint, Michigan, the small (population
INEQUALITY 6 TURN TO
Flint River in Downtown Flint, Michigan (1974)
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Car review
Health
Business
Community
2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition
Food first: Food should be fun!
Secrets to an empowered fundraising team
Minnesota Parent magazine hosts 10th annual Camp Fair
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Car review: 2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition By Frank S. Washington NNPA News Wire Auto Columnist DETROIT – Hyundai has a real deal waiting for you in its showrooms. The 2016 Elantra Value Edition won’t be around long. It will be replaced by the 2017 model that goes on sale this spring and we hope the value edition bites the dust with the new model. That’s not because it is a bad vehicle, rather, anything that has the word “value” in the nameplate does belong in the lineup of a premium nameplate, which is Hyundai’s aspiration. They’ve announced that will make the Genesis a luxury brand unto itself. But that doesn’t mean that this Hyundai Elantra is not a great value for the consumer. At $20,650 this car had a lot of
2016 Hyundai Elantra premium features. There was a backup camera, heated front seats, Bluetooth, a smart key, a moon roof and satellite radio. Our test car had the 1.8-liter four cylinder engine that made 145 horsepower and 130 poundfeet of torque. Mated to a six-
speed automatic transmission, the car got 29 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg combined. This engine was a little loud as most four cylinders were back in the day. But this is not to back in the day. More sound-
proofing was or is needed. We also griped about the lack of automatic dimming mirrors all round. There are places that costs should not be cut; the rearview mirror should have at least been automatic dimming. Anyway, even with those
glitches, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra was a good car. It was comfortable. There was plenty of elbow room when a 6’7” friend needed a ride. He didn’t have to turn into a contortionist to get in or out of the front seat of the car. The back seats were spacious; there was plenty of hip, head and leg room. Because the Elantra was a front-wheel-drive sedan there wasn’t much of a rear hump. Thus, a third person could get in the back seat and be relatively comfortable. That’s saying a lot for a compact car. The car handled well. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. In the rear was a light-weight coupled torsion beam and monotube shock absorbers. The Elantra had a stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. It had electric power steering that
provided a little feedback, thus a bit of road feel. We had cloth seats that were made of quality material. Our interior was all black; two tone is available on other trim lines. The information screen, with most of the controls, was high in the dash. Beneath it was the climate controls. Following was the gear shift and then the cup holders. It was a flowing ergonomically sensible design. Here’s the really good part about this car. As Hyundai clears out its 2016 Elantra models to make room for the 2017 edition, the price will come down. Our guess is that you’ll be able to get a firstrate car chock full of premium goodies for a very decent price. Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com
Racial justice report rates city, parks, schools Voices for Racial Justice and a partnership of organizations committed to building racial equity in Minneapolis have announced that they will develop a racial equity report card that evaluates the city of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB), and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). The partners shared a racial equity vision and agenda with
city leaders in early 2014, just after Mayor Betsy Hodges and several new Minneapolis City Council members and parks commissioners took office. The agenda called for intentional work to build racial equity in a city that has some of the nation’s worst disparities between people of color and whites. Key principles in the agenda called for the adoption and implementation of a racial
equity framework to guide all city policymaking, as well as leadership that better reflects the demographics in Minneapolis, and authentic community engagement that allows the perspectives of underrepresented communities to guide policymaking and practice. The agenda also called for policy change on issues including employment, housing, policing, education, parks and
the arts. Methodology will include review of official action by the city council and mayor, the MPRB, and MPS leadership on policies that affect racial equity, and the surveying of city leaders and community leaders. As in the Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity, the Racial Equity Report Card will grade individual leaders and the city as a whole. Also
as with the legislative version, the report card will highlight leadership and progress toward racial equity, as well as missed opportunities and negative actions. The Racial Equity Report Card has been made possible through funding from the Minneapolis Foundation. Partners include the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, Appetite for Change, Black Lives Matter
Minneapolis, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, HIRE Minnesota, Hope Community, Jewish Community Action, the Minneapolis NAACP, Neighborhoods Organizing for Change, Nexus Community Partners, Pillsbury United Communities, Somali Action Alliance and others. The report is expected to be released in the fall of 2016.
Ballot
Anniversary of its founding in 2016, it was very moving to hear President Obama deliver a message of hope, optimism and achievement. He also declared he is going full speed with his 4th quarter agenda for the American people that includes continuing to fight for voting rights reform. During the speech, I recalled the images of millions of black Americans standing in long lines for hours and many voting for the first time for President Obama in 2008 and 2012. Still, even with the historic election of President
Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States and the many gains made, there is much work to be done that the next president will be responsible for in 2017 and beyond. African Americans and other people of color dominate statistics of the undereducated, unemployed and poor; and millions do not have access to affordable health care in many states with large minority populations, especially in the South where many governors have blocked fully implementing
the Affordable Care Act for partisan gain. Further, the Black Lives Matter Movement is a reminder that there is much social justice work to be done — where we dominate the statistics on those likely to be victims of police violence or injustice. Thanks to partisan gridlock nationally and in many state legislatures, middle class wages are stagnant and the Labor Movement — a traditional gateway to middle class for working families — is under attack like never before in states
across the country. Also, thanks to the U. S. Supreme Court — our voting rights are not fully protected through the Voting Rights Act! As we all know it’s not just any old ordinary election year. There’s a lot in the mix. The seeds of discourse sowed by some are finding their way into the mainstream. Right now 31 states have passed some form of restriction to voter access. So, we have our work cut out for us to ensure the Black vote not only turns out in record numbers in
2016, but, we also must unite to protect our vote. That means we have to work even harder. There is much at stake. In 2016, voters will elect the 45th president, 435 members of the U. S. House of Representatives, 34 U.S. Senators and 12 state governors. Further, history has proven that all politics is local and that local elections matter. In 2016, forty-one of the 100 largest cities are holding municipal elections including
From 1 stressed the need for reforms in our democracy and emphasized the importance of people, not corporations electing their representatives. He also called for bipartisan unity when it comes to the electoral process. As the leader of a nonpartisan Black civic engagement organization (NCBCP), that will be celebrating the 40th
BALLOT TURN TO 5
February 2016 Join us this February as we salute a rising icon of African American culture!
African American actors, artists and performers have been commanding the spotlight for decades, but the newest generation of trendsetters is in a class all its own. Join us “In Conversation” with actress JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL for an entertaining look at the next wave of African American cultural luminaries and taste makers! Then enjoy a special reception following the discussion where you’ll get a chance to meet Jurnee and snap a photo with her! Check out our exclusive interview and content, and find an event near you at
macys.com/celebrate
Event subject to change or cancellation.
Jurnee Smollett-Bell Best known for her award-winning performance in The Great Debaters, and for her role on the critically acclaimed series, Friday Night Lights. Jurnee has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and her newest project, Underground, debuts on WGN America this spring!
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Insight News • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Page 3
HEALTH
Food first: Food should be fun! measuring!
By Julie McMahon CHHC
2)Make up your own concoction! It can be based on something you’ve seen or tasted elsewhere. Keep a good amount of veggies, lettuce, beans, nuts, seeds and sprouts around so when your creativity hits you can chop, roll and wrap your new creation! Just open the fridge and cupboards and see what you can make!
Have you ever watched a toddler playing with their food? They love to play, explore, mash and toss the food around! They love colors and if you are lucky they will offer to feed you! Yikes! The point is that food starts out fun and a way to nurture, but somewhere along the line it gets mixed up.
3)Make it pretty!!! Have fun with color and add a garnish of beautiful berries, tomato, avocado, cucumber or whatever you want. Treat yourself to a beautiful meal!! So how did I play today?
Instead of FUN we get caught up in: • Counting calories • Counting points • Complex planning • Complex preparation • Self-judgment No wonder why food becomes a chore. Just the mere mention of the word “dietâ€? is enough to have you “seize upâ€? and never lose a single
pound! Truth is, that when you decide to play in the kitchen and eat real food then all the “dieting� and
“counting� can be tossed out the window! 3 tips to playing with your food! 1) Add your own unique ingredients
and/or amounts to a recipe. One reason I love smoothies, salads and soups so much is that you can really just dump ingredients in without getting all hung up on
I started my day with a morning green smoothie made with a couple scoops of vanilla vegan protein powder, a scoop of powdered greens, a handful of spinach, an avocado and some unsweetened coconut milk! Then I created my own version of a Detox Salad I saw at Whole Foods. I sent the recipe out a few
weeks ago, but today I “played� by pulling what I had on hand and making it beautiful with a garnish!! This is a wonderful way to “treat� yourself and give yourself a “spalike� treatment at home! In a food processor I chopped up 3 crowns of broccoli, 1 head of cauliflower and 6 carrots. I added currants, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries, and added Himalayan salt, pepper, parsley and a whole lemon squeezed on top. Garnished with cucumbers and berries! ~Nutrition Julie is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Raw Food Nutrition Educator who is passionate about Nutrition, Health and Wellness. Julie believes that real, whole, nutritious foods are a powerful tool in living a healthy, conscious, disease-free life and works to educate, inspire and empower the people she works with through her step by step Food First System. For more information, visit www.NutritionJulie.com
Using the power of elimination to increase health to adverse effects. For example, in women who are having issues with symptoms related to hormone imbalance (e.g. PMS, tender breasts, menopausal symptoms) an important first step is to make
Our Health
sure that they are having regular eliminations. The goal should be for at least one bowel movement
WINBUSH TURN TO 6
By Nicole Winbush MD Our bodies are miraculous in all that they do for us, our senses allow us to experience our environment, and our heart and circulatory system pump blood throughout our body for our entire life usually without missing a beat. Our digestive system takes the food we eat and breaks it down to the molecular level so that it can be brought into our body and provide energy to trillions of cells. One of the least appreciated functions of our body is its ability to get rid of waste products. This waste comes from many sources: undigested food, the breakdown from physical structures as our body repairs itself, hormones (chemical messengers inside our body), chemicals from outside the body (e.g. medications) and exposure to chemicals in our environment (e.g. air pollution, pesticides). Because the process of eliminating waste and unneeded chemicals from our body is so important we have several systems to facilitate this process. This week we focus on one key
Fiber helps our intestinal system work better and move things through. In addition, fiber has several other benefits. Soluble fiber, the type found in beans, apples, berries, nuts and oatmeal can also lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar. system, our intestinal tract and the elimination of solid waste. Wherever we are living, we have to take out the trash. It is the only way to keep things clean. The same goes for our internal environment. Regular
eliminations (bowel movements) are key to maintaining this balance. Via solid waste many substances are removed from the body. If you take medications, many of these are broken down in the liver and then need to be
eliminated through the stool and urine. Similarly, hormones (in both men and women) are broken down in the liver and need to be eliminated through the stool. If the body is not having regular eliminations, these chemicals can build up in the body leading
GET FREE HELP ENROLLING HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH MNSURE. Everyone deserves health insurance they can afford. MNsure can help you get it. Visit us to compare health plans, ďŹ nd the best coverage for you and determine if you qualify for financial help. January 31 is the deadline to enroll for 2016 coverage. Call or visit for free assistance with MNsure enrollment.
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Insight News • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Page 5
BUSINESS Secrets to an empowered fundraising team FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Last week’s column focused on building a fundraising team. This week we provide suggestions for creating an empowered fundraising team. The key word is empowered. Here’s the best definition of an empowered fundraising team
that we have heard “allowing good people to do what they are best at.” That’s from Dr. Ned Doffoney, former president of Fresno City College. Using this philosophy his team raised the first $1 million of a $4 million campaign goal. Here are a few suggestions. First, let your fundraising chair set the agenda for your fundraising leadership team meetings. Your chair is your leader. You don’t want staff crafting an agenda and passing it off to the chair right before the meeting. That is a red flag. An empowered team uses information provided by
leadership as an input. The team’s goal is to figure out how to secure the resources and funding the organization needs. We suggest an agenda that begins with the commitments each person made at the last meeting. All team members should be prepared to report out on their commitments and to provide an update on their area of responsibility. Each should report quantitatively: how much was raised since the last meeting? How many new prospects were identified? How many solicitations resulted in a gift or a decline? Each should also report qualitatively: What
is working? Where are the challenges? What does he or she need from fellow team members or staff? Here are some general qualities to strive for as you build a fundraising team: A sense of urgency. Commitment. Expertise. Connections. Transparency. Knowledge. Flexibility. Focus. Planning. You want to create a culture of accountability where members feel they are accountable to their team members and the organization as a whole. They understand and have bought into the organization’s fundraising goals as individuals and
collectively as a team. They come up with alternatives – in advance – to make sure that goals can be achieved even if the original plan looks like it might run into challenges. All members should be resourceful. But resourcefulness isn’t always monetary. Resources include their professional skills as well as connections: people they know who can help make things happen. You want a team where thoughts and ideas are freely exchanged and valued; creativity is appreciated; and the team itself is empowered to make decisions, set goals and policy.
Bringing representatives of your staff, board members and volunteers together to create a fundraising leadership team is a risk. Take another risk and be open, transparent, accountable, and let your team members set goals and direction. Copyright 2016– Mel and Pearl Shaw For more fundraising and nonprofit management suggestions visit www. saadandshaw.com. When you are ready to work with fundraising counsel call us at (901) 522-8727.
Jones, Curry to lead restructured human services departments Two key leadership appointments have been made following the reorganization of Ramsey County’s Community Human Services department into two new departments. Womazetta Jones has been named director of Social Services. This new department combines the divisions of Adult Services and Children & Family Services with nearly 680 employees responsible for adult protection, child protection, mental and chemical health services, foster and child care licensing, senior and disability services and adoptions. Jones joined Ramsey County as director of the Children and Family Services division in 2013. Prior to that, she worked at the Illinois
Ballot From 2 mayor and/or city council. Several of those cities holding local elections have large Black populations including Baltimore, Md., Baton Rouge, La., Norfolk, Va., and Washington, D.C. It is time for us to use our skills. Those in leadership positions have to reach people on the grassroots level. It’s great to reach people who are always taking part in the process but we have to figure out how to go deep — that means the beauty shop and the barber shop and the ushers and the cashier at the drug store and the waitress at the diner. Each one, reach one. I’m talking about educating and reinforcing to black people of every stripe about the power and importance of their vote. Lest we forget — in 2012, Black voters surpassed the rate of White voters for the first time in history — and Black women, we are the “secret sauce” leading the way for the Black vote and young Black women led the way in 2012. To assist voters, the NCBCP Black Women’s Roundtable
Tina Curry
Womazetta Jones
Department of Children and Family Services for several years in a number of roles, most recently deputy bureau chief responsible for statewide child protection practices. Jones holds a master’s degree in psychology from Chicago State University.
Tina Curry has been named director of Financial Assistance Services. Previously a division within Community Human Services, the 370 employees of Financial Assistance Services provide financial, food, medical, child care and shelter assistance
released our non-partisan 2016 Election Voter Guide. The BWR Voter Guide provides a number of tools that voters can use that includes how to find your precinct, how to become a delegate and other resources. Further the National Coalition has joined with more than 80 organizations to form the National Black Voter Alliance. History has taught us that all elections matter and the Black vote has made the critical difference to improving the lives of generations. Now is the time to unite and come together to leverage the power and influence of the Black vote in 2016 and beyond. Now is the time for action.
for residents of Ramsey County. Curry began working at Ramsey County in 2007 as a manager in child protection. For the past three years, she has led the Financial Services division. Curry holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. “Womazetta and Tina have proven themselves as exceptional leaders at Ramsey County,” said Deputy County Manager Meghan Mohs. “Each of them brings their own unique wealth of knowledge and experience to these critical roles during this exciting and transitional time.” Nearly 135,000 Ramsey County residents utilize services offered by these two departments.
You see possibility. We see you.
Melanie L. Campbell is the president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), a nonprofit organization that promotes greater social and economic justice to enhance the quality of African American life. NCBCP strives to create an enlightened community by engaging people in all aspects of public life through service/ volunteerism, advocacy, leadership development and voting.
Right now, your little girl sees herself as a fairy princess. While you imagine a more traditional career in her future, you want to support her in whatever she chooses to pursue. When you’re ready to plan her happily ever after, spend time with our online financial tools and resources that are designed to help you work toward your goals. financialgenius.usbank.com.
Member FDIC. ©2016 U.S. Bank.
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Ward From 1 a position run out of the Minnesota Management and Budget office. The position was created following a January 2015 executive order by the governor. Having the job less than a year, Ward’s efforts are already paying off. Prior to creating the position, non-whites made up just 9 percent of the state’s government workforce and even less at the highest level of administration. “In less than 10 months we’ve
Inequality From 1 around 100,000) Rust Belt city that has made national (if not international) news because of the quality of its drinking water. Republican Governor Rick Snyder appointed an emergency manager who recommended switching the city’s water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The river water was so foul that General Motors refused to use it, saying it would rust auto parts. If it would rust parts, what about kids? More than 40 percent of the people in Flint are poor. Fifty-six percent are African American. The city’s median income is about $23,000 a year, compared to $48,000 for the rest of the state. Clearly, the people of Flint can’t afford to purchase politicians or to force them to be
Winbush From 3 daily. Here are some strategies to encourage regularity. Increase fiber intake. Fiber is the part of plant and grain foods that is indigestible or only partly digestible. Fiber helps our intestinal system work better and move things through. In addition, fiber has several other benefits. Soluble fiber, the type found in beans, apples, berries, nuts and oatmeal can also lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar. Some key foods to add to your diet to increase your fiber intake include: Beans. Eating beans regularly is an excellent way to increase
moved from 6 percent minority in high level posts to having 25 percent of the new hires being people of color,” said Ward. “That’s a direct result of the work coming out of this initiative.” According to Ward, state jobs number near 30,000 and while the new recruiter hopes to diversify the entire government workforce, she is specifically targeting talent to fill the senior most positions of state agencies. “There’s a focus on executive level hiring … 1,000 of the most senior positions,” said Ward. “These have potential to influence policy. The long-term view is to
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place individuals in key positions across the state and create a diversity that will last beyond this administration. This is a great opportunity to be a part of something that’s going to make a great difference for Minnesota and for my community.” The state executive recruiter said her efforts are being made less difficult with the assistance of groups such as the African American Leadership Forum, the Coalition of Asian American Leaders, Latino led organizations and others interested in seeing people of color succeed in various state leadership roles. Ward
is actively working to recruit candidates for positions such as general counsel at the Public Utilities Commission, CFO at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and vice president of campus planning and management for the Minnesota Zoo. Ward’s efforts and effectiveness are not going unnoticed. On Jan. 20 Ward, 39, was honored by Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal as one of its 40 Under 40. Ward, a native of St. Paul, who attended historically Black Florida A&M University before completing her bachelors and masters at Concordia University,
responsive to their needs. Instead, like a billion people worldwide, the people of Flint have been deprived of the human right to clean and safe water. We in the United States like to brag about how much better off we are than the rest of the world. But we can’t seem to provide our citizens with something the United Nations (UN) has declared a basic human right. In 2010, the UN General Assembly said that access to clean and safe water is a human right, noting, “Everyone has the right to water, no matter where s/ he lives.” The UN has said that they will monitor the progress of nations in providing water and sanitation. Maybe the UN should come and monitor Flint. While the UN has said that water is a human right, some industrialists disagree. In 2013, Nestlé’s chairman Peter BrabeckLetmathe said he wanted to
privatize the water supply. While he has been vocal in talking about the fair distribution of water, he also leads a company that is the world’s top seller of water, and is charged with returning value to shareholders no matter how water
is distributed. It would be good to see Nestle and Mr. BrabeckLetmathe weighing in on the Flint situation, perhaps providing some donated water to underscore the need for fair water access. Certainly, capitalism minimizes
your fiber intake. Some people have trouble digesting beans. This ability can often improve if you take it slow. Start by eating a small portion of beans and gradually increase your intake. If you cook beans from scratch be sure to soak them for several hours or up to a day prior to cooking to increase digestibility. Whole grains. We encourage you to try to get a variety of whole grains in your diet and to try new grains that you may not have tried before to increase the variety. Some of these might include barley, quinoa and brown rice. Vegetables and fruits. Some vegetables and fruits are especially high in fiber. Fruits like apples and pears are high in fiber. High fiber vegetables include:
broccoli, greens, Brussels sprouts and squash. As an added benefit several vegetables like broccoli, collards and cauliflower also help the detoxification systems in our liver work better. For fiber remember to eat your vegetables and fruits rather than drink them. Juices have little to no fiber. Still need help? Try psyllium. Even after making some dietary changes, some people still need help to get the digestive tract moving. Psyllium is a natural fiber supplement that can be taken on a regular basis to support regularity. It is readily available over the counter in preparations like Metamucil. You can ask your healthcare provider if they think this would be helpful. Psyllium fiber also has been shown to lower
cholesterol and blood sugar to some degree in people who take it regularly. It is important to take psyllium with enough water. Don’t forget the water. Our digestive system also needs liquid to make sure that solid waste can move through smoothly. Adequate fluid intake is important. For most people a starting point is to try to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. This should be spread throughout the day and might mean a glass of water when you wake up, a glass of water with each meal and three more glasses spaced throughout the day. You have tried all these things and it is still not working. If you have made some of the changes described above but still have trouble with regular bowel movements you should see your
The plight of Flint citizens will hardly make the agenda of the Davos World Economic Forum. But the United States cannot claim lofty space as a world human rights leader when our own citizens are denied the basic right to clean water.
said the recent recognition was humbling. “It’s an incredible honor,” said Ward. “I was humbled just to be nominated in the first place; and to be mentioned alongside the other nominees and honorees … it means a lot.” “She (Ward) is doing a tremendous job ensuring that state government better reflects the diversity of our state,” said Dayton. Prior to becoming the state’s top recruiter Ward was director for the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center at the Science Museum of Minnesota, where she served as principal investigator
for STEM workforce diversity initiatives, including Bits 2 Bytes, an initiative connecting youth and young adults from communities of color to careers in food justice and computer programming. The married mother of four is also active through community organizations ARTS-Us, an African diaspora arts and cultural education program, Bond Community Health Center and Save our Sons. For those interested in applying for a state position, Ward encourages job seekers to go online to www.mn.gov/careers for a complete list of job openings.
the possibility of fair access when proposals to privatize water are considered. Cher has donated 180,000 bottles of Icelandic Global water to Flint. She is paying for half of the bottles of water, and the water bottlers are donating the other half. She has shared her outrage about the Flint situation in cyberspace, calling out Governor Snyder for his callous indifference to the people of Flint. The governor’s tepid apology, only delivered under pressure, does nothing to ameliorate the damage to thousands of children and young people who have been exposed to the leaded water. Governor Snyder says he hopes the issue does not become “political.” Really? If politics is the practice of dividing resources, then this clean water matter is intrinsically political. Who gets clean water? Why? When the demographics of Flint are
compared with those in the rest of the state of Michigan, it is clear that the poorer, blacker residents of Flint get far less attention from the governor than wealthier, whiter residents. The citizens of Flint have been forced to accept a deficient water quality, for political reasons. The plight of Flint citizens will hardly make the agenda of the Davos World Economic Forum. But the United States cannot claim lofty space as a world human rights leader when our own citizens are denied the basic right to clean water.
healthcare provider to discuss other options. If it has been many years since you have had regular bowel movements you may need some additional help to get your system working smoothly. Many medications can have a constipating effect and chronic constipation can sometimes be a sign of other serious medical issues. In these times we are all being exposed to more and more substances in our internal and external environments, it is important to keep our system of elimination working to support our best health. Do you have other things you are doing to support your best health. Let me know. I would like to hear from you. @ WinbushMD
Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist and Founder of Economic Education. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available for pre-order at www. juliannemalveaux.com.
Dr. Winbush coordinates Community Medicine and Wellness activities at NorthPoint. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine. She sees patients (in consultation with their Primary Care Physicians) to assist them in optimizing their health at the Heritage Park location of NorthPoint Health and Wellness. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a healthcare provider if you suspect you are ill.
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER Tue, Mar 1, 7:30 pm Open Door Cry Exodus Revelations
America’s iconic powerhouse of contemporary dance returns for a one night only showcase of works by African-American choreographers, including Alvin Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations.
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Rachael McLaren. Photo © Andrew Eccles.
© 2015 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5
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Insight News • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Page 7
Transforming public spaces: The value-added of diversity and inclusion Women Leading Change By Dr. Artika Tyner The landscape of the United States is rapidly changing which is evidenced by the emergence of a rich multicultural tapestry. Our workplaces are more diverse and our communities are becoming increasingly diverse. Despite these demographic shifts, organizational culture and practices may limit the ability for all members of a team to thrive. This is a missed opportunity to engage others in fostering new ways of thinking, improving service delivery in the business world, promoting critical thinking in higher education, and offering holistic care in the medical field. Recent research has demonstrated how diversity makes us brighter by opening our eyes to new the dimensions of thinking, creating, and building. This is the value-added of diversity and inclusion. Diversity is the thread that weaves our organizations and communities together. My favorite quote related to diversity is from the late Dr. Maya Angelou, “We should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry and we must understand that all threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” This quote reminds each of us to embrace our differences and cultivates the interconnectedness of the human experience. Diversity is needed to bring together the brightest minds to create solutions to business, economic and social challenges
Diversity and Inclusion create an atmosphere where people come together and exchange ideas from diverse perspectives--life experience, cultural backgrounds. of the 21st century and beyond. The foundation of entrepreneurship is: we see a problem, we create a solution. The essential operative word is “we.” Imagine if we applied the same principles to addressing the pressing social justice issues of our time. Together, we can create solutions from eliminating the spread of HIV and AIDS to creating access to a quality education. The challenge is to bring together people with diverse professional backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives to problem solve together. This is innovation at its best. A prime example of this type of innovation is the work of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. When I interviewed former director of the Kirwan Institute, john a. powell, he emphasized the importance of striving for the realization of a vision of fairness, inclusiveness, and equity for all. powell convened professionals from all sectors to unite in this pursuit of social justice. He created a participatory leadership model which drew upon the expertise of sociologists, economists, demographers, and lawyers and laid the foundation
of transformational thinking. “Transformational thinking requires creativity, vision, and persistence. Transformative approaches restructure the very institutions and inter-institutional relationships that result in inequalities. Transformative solutions are those that produce sustainable, significant changes in society.” John A. Powell Diversity and Inclusion create an atmosphere where people come together and exchange ideas from diverse perspectives- life experience, cultural backgrounds. It empowers teams to see through the eyes of ingenuity and creativity. It is tempting to see through the world through one lensour own. However, this is one dimensional and offers only the perspective of what we individually “know” or have experienced. This perspective overlooks the fact that knowledge is a collective process of engagement. According to Paulo Freire, “knowledge emerges only through invention and reinvention, through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in
the world, with the world, and with each other.” Through learning, we see the world through a new lens, provides new insights, and new ways of thinking. Innovation without Diversity and Inclusion is bound to go off course, since diversity is critical to advancing a robust exchange of ideas, supporting creative problem solving and promoting the common good. I often remind my students that we are one body with many members. The body represents our shared vision of building a more just world. “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,’ it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body” as outlined in I Corinthians 12:14—15. Leaders recognize each member of a team is integral to the success of the collective. Can you have a Super Bowl winning team without a quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker? Each plays essential roles in offensive and defensive strategies. The same is true for organizations where each individual can contribute to the success of the team by effectively leveraging their strengths, seeing through the lens of ingenuity, and engaging in creative problem solving. Now is the time to re-imagine diversity and inclusion. We must recognize the value-added of diversity and inclusion by building a more inclusive society through the transformation of our public spaces, whether it be our schoolhouses, church houses, or the people’s house (government/ legislature). Through this transformation, we can build a more just and equitable world.
Holtzclaw conviction:
Victory for the many unknown victims of sexual assault By Benjamin L. Crump, Esq., NNPA News Wire Guest Columnist “Wrong is wrong: justice needs to be served,” is a statement that my client Jannie Ligons made when she was interviewed shortly after Daniel Holtzclaw was found guilty of rape, forcible oral sodomy and other charges against 13 African-American women. Ligons, a 58-year old grandmother and day care worker with no criminal history, was one of the women sexually assaulted by Holtzclaw while he served as an Oklahoma City Police Officer. In 2014, Ligons made a complaint about Holtzclaw, which triggered a police investigation that ultimately led to his conviction. Last Thursday, a jury responded
Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA
Benjamin Crump represented five of the 13 women involved in the Daniel Holtzclaw case. This photo was taken during a press conference about the shooting death of Michael Brown and police violence in the U.S. at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
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by sentencing him to 263 years in prison. Holtzclaw misused his position and authority as a police officer for at least 15 months while he sexually assaulted 13 African-American women. It is truly courageous that Ligons even came forward against him, because most victims of sexual assault never report their assault. The case against Holtzclaw was by all counts ignored by mainstream media. Here, we had a police officer preying on African-American women in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Oklahoma City and no one was paying attention. From the moment Ligons filed a complaint against Holtzclaw to when Holtzclaw was indicted to when
HOLTZCLAW TURN TO 8
Page 8 • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Insight News
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$1.5 million to support people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers A new Minnesota Board on Aging grant program will help community organizations raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and serve caregivers of people who have the diseases. The 2015 Legislature appropriated $1.5 million to be used now through June 30, 2017 to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, increase the rate of cognitive testing in the population at risk for dementias, promote the benefits of early diagnosis and connect caregivers to education and resources. “Alzheimer’s alone impacts some 89,000 Minnesotans
over age 65 and the number is growing,” said Jean Wood, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging. “These grants promote a more supportive environment for people with dementia, including resources for their caregivers.” All of the 20 projects funded have awarenessraising efforts, including using theater to educate Latino communities about dementia and a social media platform to do outreach to the Korean community. Other grantees will promote the benefits of early diagnosis of dementia and offer early identification memory screenings within senior public
housing facilities, engage with businesses to identify working caregivers and promote safe exercise programs for people with Alzheimer’s. Grantees are diverse in being equal parts urban and rural, with some specifically responsive to the cultural norms and values of African-American, Native, Korean, Lao, Latino and Somali cultures. Grantees include educational institutions, public health boards, long-term care providers and community organizations. Volunteers of America of Minnesota of Minneapolis received $130,697 to offer dementia education, offer
early identification screening in Minneapolis public housing senior high rises, create a dementia resource toolkit and connect caregivers to services and resources while being responsive to African-American and Somali individuals. Other area recipients include Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio in St. Paul, who received $49,999 for outreach and dementia education and to connect Latino caregivers to services and resources. East Side Neighborhood Services, Inc. of Minneapolis was awarded $49,953 to offer dementia education to the organization’s employees and volunteers who
provide services to seniors at home and to provide education, support and resources to other caregivers. Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Minneapolis, Minnetonka, was awarded $135,000 to offer dementia education and early identification memory screening and to connect caregivers to services and resources while being responsive to Jewish, Russian-speaking and Somali individuals. Jones-Harrison Residence, Minneapolis, received $49,504 to offer dementia education for LGBT individuals and create appropriate key messages for the LGBT community. Lao
Advancement Organization of America, Minneapolis, was given a grant of $49,994 to offer dementia education using technology, outreach to businesses and to connect caregivers to services and resources responsive to Lao individuals. The University of Minnesota was given $92,313 to support caregivers and improve dementia care while being responsive to Hispanic individuals. The university was also given $73,500 to train exercise coaches for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Holtzclaw
he sat down for trial in front of an all-white jury, the media did a disservice by refusing to inform America about what had been happening in Oklahoma City. The role of the police department is to protect its citizens and property from criminal activity, enforce laws,
and assist the prosecution in preparing cases against alleged criminals. However, there is an additional role and expectation where law enforcement should provide oversight and training to ensure that misconduct in their department does not occur. When it does happen, they have
an obligation to investigate fully and ensure that there are real consequences. The crimes committed by Holtzclaw are too important to ignore. This man violated 13 women that he vowed to protect. In doing so, he also violated his badge and the trust that people within the community
have placed in police. In 2012, President Obama issued a proclamation stating, “It is up to all of us to ensure victims of sexual violence are not left to face these trials alone…We must do more to raise awareness about the realities of sexual assault; confront and change insensitive attitudes wherever they persist…” Two years later, the White House Council on Women and Girls issued a report entitled “Rape and Sexual Assault: A Renewed Call to Action.” This report examined rape and sexual assault from numerous angles including the economic impact, campus sexual assaults, and the sexual assault of imprisoned men and women. But, it did not focus on the increasing complaints of sexual misconduct against arresting officers; nor did it discuss the underreporting of sexual misconduct and harassment that is endured by women working in law enforcement from their male counterparts and/or supervisors. As citizens of this nation, we
must ensure that mistreatment of women will not be tolerated, particularly while in the custody of law enforcement. Holtzclaw’s victims ranged in age from 17 years old to 57 years old. In many ways, this case represented the 400 years of racism, oppression, and sexual assault African American women have always had to face. This was a victory not only for the OKC 13, but also for so many unknown victims of sexual assault. We were able to stop a serial rapist with a badge when everyone else ignored these Black women. My hope is that now this case will become an example for the rest of America and the world to follow.
From 7
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Benjamin L. Crump is the President of the National Bar Association and represents the families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, and the father of Tamir Rice. He also represented five of the 13 women in this case.
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Insight News • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Page 9
COMMUNITY Curtis Blake and Greazy Gravy live at Wilebski’s Wilebski’s Blues Saloon presents a Curtis Blake and Greazy Gravy, Friday, Feb. 12. The band will hit the Wilebski’s (1638 Rice St., St. Paul) stage at 6 p.m. Blake cut his teeth on the blues harp when he was
only 13 years old. By the age of 18 he was playing with his first band, The Citizens. He gained recognition while playing harmonica with Sonny Rodgers and his Cat Scratchers Band. He received national attention for his harmonica
work on Rodgers’ hit single, “Big Legged Women/Cadillac Baby.” The single received a W.C. Handy award. Blake also received an award in 2011 from The Minnesota Blues Society for Best Sideman. Blues Society recognized Blake “as a master
of diatonic and chromatic harmonica instruments.” The Greazy Gravy band also features guitarist, Jerre Maynard, John Heck on bass and Greg Shuck on drums. Tickets for the Feb. 12 show are $7.
‘Jazz Singers’ exhibition opens at Library of Congress Minnesota Parent magazine hosts 10th annual Camp Fair Minnesota Parent magazine will host its 10th annual Camp Fair from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul. This free event brings a variety of camps together in one location. Parents and kids can speak oneon-one with camp representatives – often the same individuals that children will be joining at camp during the summer. Parents and children can also browse summer activities in a variety of categories – day or overnight camps, music, art and performance programs, science
and academic activities, sports, horseback riding and more. Free children’s activities at the Camp Fair include face painting, a craft station and an appearance from a special Como Zoo animal. The Como Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. the day of the event. Zoo admission is free. Voluntary donations of $2 or $3 are accepted. The Minnesota Parent Camp Fair is sponsored by the YMCA and the Loft Literary Center. For more information about this event or Minnesota Parent, visit www. mnparent.com/campfair.
Washington, D.C. - An exhibition opening next month at the Library of Congress will offer perspectives on the art of vocal jazz, featuring singers and song stylists from the 1920s to the present. “Jazz Singers” will open on Thursday, Feb. 11 in the Performing Arts Reading Room Foyer on the first level of the Library’s James Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It closes on July 23. Rare video clips, photographic portraits, candid snapshots, musical scores, personal notes, correspondence, drawings and watercolors will reveal the sometimes exuberant, sometimes painful, art and life of jazz singers. The materials are drawn mainly from the Library of Congress Music Division’s collections, including the photographs of William Gottlieb and the papers of Max Roach, Chet Baker and Shirley Horn. Additional items are from the Library’s Prints and
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The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Court Reporter in Minneapolis, MN. Salary range is $80,332 $92,382. For more information visit the court’s website, www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer
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suicide note; a rarely seen Romare Bearden sketch; a handwritten letter from Mary Lou Williams to Carmen McRae suggesting songs she might like to record; a holograph score by Gil Evans written for Helen Merrill and film
Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com
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Ella Fitzgerald Photographs Division, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division and American Folklife Center. Exhibition highlights include a letter from Jelly Roll Morton to Alan Lomax; a Chet Baker
Reimbursed Senior Volunteer Positions Senior Corps is seeking volunteers aged 55+ willing to help seniors as friendly visitors in their homes and for outings in the community OR to help kids in schools as mentors. Tax free stipend, travel reimbursement, and other benefits. Contact Lisa Beardsley at 651.310.9450 or lisa.beardsley@lssmn.org
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Volunteers of America, MN Would you like to gain 140 pounds after the Holidays? Not physically gain this weight, but weight in the sense of another person! Volunteers of America-MN is looking for skilled, dedicated parents to provide care for at-risk youth, ages ranging from infants to teenagers. We provide foster parents with lots of friendly training, 24-hour support, and a monthly stipend. For more information, please contact Brittani Walker at 952-945-4064 or visit our website http://www.voamnwi.org/foster-care
OPEN ENROLLMENT Attention, North Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center Parents. There’s a new school opening in the fall of 2016 with grades K -1. The new Mastery School, a part of the Harvest Network of schools will open at 4021 Thomas Avenue North in the Victory Neighborhood. If you want a great start for your kindergarten or 1st Grade students call Gaynell Ballard-Ray at 612-876-4191.
and television clips with Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Rushing, Luciana Souza and others. The curator of the exhibition is Larry Appelbaum, senior music reference specialist in the Music Division at the Library of Congress and the exhibition director is Betsy Nahum-Miller, a senior exhibit director in the Library’s Interpretive Programs Office. An online version of the exhibition will be available on the opening date at www.loc.gov/ exhibits. The Library of Congress Music Division, with more than 21 million items, holds the world’s largest music collection. The division is home to approximately 600 archival collections, most of them the personal papers (including music scores as well as correspondence, photographs, legal and financial documents, programs, clippings and other materials) documenting the lives and careers of composers and performers. For more information, visit www.loc. gov/rr/perform/.
Page 10 • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Insight News
insightnews.com Danami
Dizzy Fae L.A. Buckner
Fotos For Barcelona
Jayanthi Kyle
Jordan Stower
Vie Boheme
Lady Midnight
6 for ’16 By Toki Wright There are two major factors that will advance the Minnesota music scene for artists of color – practicing
tradition and celebrating our accomplishments. For far too long area musicians have failed to receive the kind of support that would propel them into the national spotlight.
Minnesota R&B/soul’s top six new prospects Some of that blame can be put on promoters, on artists themselves, as well as fair-weather supporters. Far too many times have artists expressed their frustrations with the lack of
support at home and have had to venture out into other parts of the world to be recognized. I directly connect this sentiment to an underlying layer of structural racism that excludes Black ideas and
fears true expression while simultaneously convincing people that their condition is better than others living in areas more densely populated with color. Venues would traditionally not book acts
of a darker shade unless they had certified national acclaim. Local press would mention those artists as an afterthought, excluding them
SIX TURN TO 12
Ballet Hispanico energizes Ordway By Suzanne Ozturk On a cold and blustery night Minnesota Ballet Hispanico Latin American Dance blazed through the Ordway bringing Latin heat to the city of St. Paul in colorful contrast to the white and gray landscape outside. The dancers transported the audience to another world with their steamy sensual and polished unique combination of classical ballet and Latin dance, a captivating array of fluid, elastic and acrobatic movement, each set performed to tantalizing music. Ballet Hispanico’s 45 years of repertory embodies the evolution of the diversity of Latino Culture, clearly in the lead as the most current expression of American contemporary dance. The electrifying combination of classical ballet with salsa, flamenco, tango, rumba, congo mamba and cha cha is instantly compelling. Artistic director Eduardo Vilaro, a former Ballet Hispanico dancer and
ordway.org
Ballet Hispanico first generation CubanAmerican, became artistic director of Ballet Hispanico in August of 2009. The choreographers represent a multitude of nationalities including Venezuela, Cuba, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. All bring the beauty of ballet
intertwined with the rhythms of the Latin beats. The diverse troupe, from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Spain, Venezuela, Italy, Mexico and the US typifies the diversity of contemporary Latin culture. The young dancers worked in sync connectivity interacting with each other as part of the whole. The intoxicating
performances were: “El Beso” choreographed by Gustavo Ramirez Sansano. This was a witty and playful demonstration of the iconic nature of the kiss. The themes explored were the social kiss and the “special kiss” of lovers usually behind closed doors. The defining message was the universality of love in its varied manifestations.
Transcending superimposed societal norms is the human condition, regardless of race, color or sexual orientation. The gender neutral original costumes by Venezuelan fashion designer Angel Sanchez highlighted this in an innovative delivery of well known truth specific and vibrant cultures and transcend this individuality giving it a collectivity fluidity human commonality. “Sombreriso,” choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, uses bowler hats inspired by Magritte’s series of self-portraits: a man in an overcoat whose face is obscured by green apple or white bird eyes peeking out “the visible which is hidden and that which is present. A high energy and athletic performance, it exemplifies and plays with the idea of irreverence for superficial gender assumptions about the truly secure ‘machismo’ man.” In Club Havana, the signature work of CubanAmerican choreographer Pedro Ruiz, takes place in a reimagined night club in Havana populated by virtuoso dancers.
Among my favorite part of the performance was the wellattended post-performance Q & A session, hosted by Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro. It provided an interactive venue for the obviously moved and fascinated audience members. The dancers, as graceful and poised in responding to questions from the audience as they were onstage, were generous and personable in giving a brief personal history including what inspired them to pursue their dream in dance. The intense camaraderie and connection between the dancers was palpable as they answered questions about the performances, their personal histories to how a parent should handle a child who is determined to pursue dance in lieu of college. The Ordway dedicated this performance to the memory of Ordway board member Debra Ann Sit, an ardent champion of the arts and enthusiastic supporter of the World Music & Dance Series. For more information go to www.ordway.org
insightnews.com
Insight News • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Page 11 com or call (612) 805-0514.
Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis 10 p.m. 21-plus Free
SUPER BOWL/ HIP-HOP/R&B Super Bowl Viewing Party with Thee Urbane Life, Shed G and DJ A-Quil Darby’s Bar & Grill 315 N. 5th Ave., Minneapolis 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. No cover
The first Tuesday of each month join an assortment of Minneapolis’ best improvising musicians performing live at the Icehouse.
Wednesday, Feb. 3 Feb. 1 - 7
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
Monday, Feb. 1 OPEN MIC Freedom of Xpression Open Mic Capri Theater 2027 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis 6 p.m. Free In celebration of Black History Month this free open mic features Voice of Culture Drum & Dance and is hosted by Desdemona.
Tuesday, Feb. 2 ECLECTIC/IMPROV Coloring Time
STAGE PLAY “I’m A Deadbeat Who?” University of Minnesota Coffman Memorial Union 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. “I’m A Deadbeat Who? The Stage Play” is an exciting dramatization that was written to demonstrate how a young African-American father faces the trials and tribulations of parenthood and life. The performance is followed by a 30 minute question and answer moderated by Reg Chapman of WCCO. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/ deadbeat-who-play or by calling (612) 876-7598.
No Malice the tremendous success Malice achieved, he was left questioning the significance and value of his pursuits in the music industry.
Saturday, Feb. 6 FILM/POETRY READING
FILM First Thursday Films at the Capri presents: “Cronies” Capri Theater 2027 W. Broadway, Minneapolis 7 p.m. $5 “Cronies” is a funny, moving and sharply-observed look at male friendship, shot in St. Louis, directed by Michael J. Larnell and executive produced by Spike Lee. “Cronies” is presented in collaboration with the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul. Advance tickets are online at www.mspfilm.org or at the door night of show.
Thursday, Feb. 4
Friday, Feb. 5
FILM
24th Annual Bob Marley Remembered Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 8:30 p.m. $14 – $18
“BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez” is an inspirational portrait of the poet and activist’s life and work. A seminal figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, Sonia Sanchez has harnessed her gift for words as a champion against racism, sexism and war, fusing art and activism over the past six decades. With the purchase of a ticket patrons will be able to attend a free preshow poetry reading. Tickets are available at www.intermediaarts.org.
Sunday, Feb. 7 PHOTOGRAPHY
A hip-hop subgenre was born – coke rap – and brothers Malice and Pusha T were the centerpieces in a storm of sudden stardom. But despite
Celebrating the life and work of Robert Nesta Marley, this event is the most popular annual reggae event in the state of Minnesota.
Mardi Gras with
“BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez” Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis7:30 p.m.
REGGAE/PERFORMANCE
4Seen Film Club Presents “The End of Malice” Lagoon Cinema 1320 Lagoon Ave., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.
Join Thee Urbane Life, Shed G and DJ A-Quil for football, food and fun Super Bowl Sunday at Darby’s. This viewing is free of charge with free parking and features the music of DJ A-Quil – spinning before the game, during commercials, halftime and after the contest. Food and drink specials available and several contests for giveaways. For more information email theeurbanelife@gmail.com.
Free Family Portraits In Progress 213 Front Ave., St. Paul 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Free On a first come first serve basis, community members can get free family portraits by profession photographer Tomas Leal. For more information email inprogress301@gmail.
dirty dozen brass band February 9 * 8pm
408 St Peter St. | St Paul, MN 55102 tickets: 612.332.5299
From $2 to $6,242
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Page 12 • February 1 - February 7, 2016 • Insight News
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Six
Photo Credit: Public domain. Courtesy of Alabama Tourism Department
From 10 from “Best Of ” lists. Thus, potential supporters got it in their minds that artists of color were not “good enough” to spend their money to support. Well times are changing and change is good. Looking into 2016 we bring you our continued tradition of presenting the top prospects in Minnesota’s R&B/soul category. Many of them genre bend between what we traditionally hear by infusing new age sounds, hiphop, jazz, gospel and more. Let’s celebrate and support these phenomenal artists.
Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.
Celebrating Black History. Honoring Hallowed Grounds. As we celebrate Black History, we remember the long marches, the stirring speeches and silent sit-ins. We may forget that the places where history was made are still here. And that history is still alive in the solid iron of bridges, the creaking wood of courtrooms and the sun-dappled dirt of back roads where a dream took root and grew to change a nation. Write the next chapter by embracing your Real Possibilities. Visit us at aarp.org/blackcommunity.
L.A. Buckner Arthur “L.A.” Buckner is a certified powerhouse musician and the epitome of professionalism. As a drummer and bandleader he has been at the center of many projects in the Twin Cities including Deliverance for Youth (DFY), Ethan Yeshaya Trio (EYT), The Cameron Wright Band, and “American Idol” contestant, Paris Bennett. In 2015 he released the seven song project “#LAOnTheRun” to critical acclaim. With his own wedding on the horizon Buckner is already set to make 2016 a big year for collaboration. Find out more about L.A. Buckner at www. arthurlabuckner.com. Vie Boheme Singer/songwriter and choreographer Vie Boheme is a dynamic talent on stage and in the vocal booth. Last year saw her producing the crossgenre “Hit the Step,” singing backup for Eric Mayson’s “Detail” album release party, and wowing audiences as an opening act at Ashley Dubose’s
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“Be You” album release party. Boheme is highly energetic on stage, a toast to her background in choreography. With the recent release of her single, “Exit” she has the town buzzing for what comes next. Look for a video for the new single in the coming months. To learn more about Vie Boheme go to www. listentovie.com. Danami and The Blue Detroit born transplant, Danami Champion, made a 180 degree turn in his musical presentation in the last year. The MC shed his standard track and DJ show for a full on band known as The Blue. In the vein of Soulquarians (J Dilla, D’Angelo, Common, Questlove) Danami and The Blue is a mix of hip-hop and neo soul with elements of jazz. His philanthropic work this year has been equally impressive with his “30 Days of Giving” event that collected more than 200 pounds of food for the needy. His “Before the Wait EP” is nothing short of amazing in both sound quality and content. Listen to “Before the Wait EP” at www.danami. bandcamp.com. Dizzie Fae Seventeen-year-old St. Paul native Dizzie Fae burst on the scene in 2015 with a unique sound and presentation. With her debut performance opening for The Internet in October and last week’s opening slot alongside Kehlani and Lexii Alijai, Fae is poised to make some serious noise this year. Her debut music video for the Tasha Baron (Black Blondie/ Sarah White) and Marc Rice produced “Color Me Bad” has garnered a respectable 5,000-plus YouTube views in four months, which is a lot considering her new arrival.
Expect to see a whole lot more from Fae this year. Follow Dizzie Fae on Facebook at www. facebook.com/dizzyfae. Lady Midnight Watching Lady Midnight perform for the first time a few years back in the outfit Vandaam, many were sure that she was set to explode internationally. I didn’t realize at the time, but she also fronted the top AfroCaribbean band, Malamanya. Soon after watching Vandaam, the trio (with Adept and sloslylove) discontinued performing and Midnight went on hiatus in Mexico. Since then she has returned and has been making some serious sounds in the music scene. Her vocals have been heard on the I Self Devine and Muja Messiah “9th House” project and she will be opening for KING on Feb. 12 with producer Afrokeys at Icehouse. Simply put, she’s amazing. Learn more about Lady Midnight at www.facebook. com/iamladymidnight. Jayanthi Kyle/ Gospel Machine Jayanthi Kyle has been a staple in the Twin Cities vocalist community for some time now, but it looks like this may be the year the rest of the country takes notice. Her record, “Hand in Hand” was branded the Twin Cities Black Lives Matter theme song for many. With the recent release of the impressive album, “Holy Ghost” with “garage gospel” group Gospel Machine, all eyes are on her. To hear more from Kyle and Gospel Machine check out www.jayanthikyle. bandcamp.com/releases and www.gospelmachine.com.