Insight News ::: 02.08.16 by Insight News, Inc

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Insight News February 8 - February 14, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 6 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Global leader: Honorable Judge LaJune Lange reality across the globe.

Women Leading Change

The global citizen is rooted in core values. Throughout her career, Judge LaJune Lange has demonstrated the qualities of global citizenship by serving in the community, promoting equity, and upholding the rule of law. Her work is rooted in the value of service. She began her career as a Hennepin County public defender where she advanced equal justice under the law. She sought to protect her client’s right to a fair trial and uphold due process of the law. Her commitment to service and natural leadership ability led to her appointment by the governor to the trial court in 1985. She served as a Fourth Judicial Court judge where she handled civil and criminal cases. Since her

By Dr. Artika Tyner Leaders are global citizens who recognize the reality of our shared humanity and common destiny. This realization is motivation to embark on a journey to create a more just world. On this journey, leaders seek to make a lasting impact which transcends borders and uplifts our global village. The Honorable LaJune Lange exemplifies the qualities of a global citizen and leader in her daily life. Judge Lange is on a mission to make justice a lived

Judge LaJune Lange

retirement from the bench, she has continued to serve as an advocate for justice. Judge Lange’s leadership is also deeply rooted in the value of equity. This sense of fairness and justice motivated her to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court Task Force for Gender Fairness in the Courts. She was also the CoVice Chair of the Minnesota Supreme Court Racial Bias Task Force. As a result of these efforts, significant reforms were implemented in Minnesota which improved access to justice for women lawyers and litigants, racial minorities, and persons needing interpreters. Judge Lange uplifts the rule of law through her advocacy. Lange works

LANGE TURN TO 8

Twins looking to attract bigger, more diverse crowds By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer For the past few years several seats at Target Field have gone without butts, but the club is hoping winning and community outreach efforts will attract

more fans this upcoming season. While winning tends to be the best way to attract fans, top brass within the organization has let it be known that reaching out to diverse communities is a key strategy. While a more diverse demographic is emerging in the region, the fans

inside the stadium have been overwhelmingly white. And though the team is thrilled to have those loyal fans, attracting fans of color could go a long way to filling some once empty seats. Last year’s team scored well in the win column, posting the first winning season in five

years, but the team saw its lowest attendance in 10 years, drawing 2,220,054 through the gates. That’s an average of 27,408 fans per game in a stadium that seats 39,504. As a part of the team’s diversity efforts to fill the 12,000-plus empty seats, 50 games this coming season will

be broadcast in Spanish on La Raza 1400/1470 AM. Beyond Spanish broadcasts, team president Dave St. Peter said he hopes community outreach efforts will endear a new group of fans to Twins baseball. “We’ve worked hard to build bridges in all communities – African-American, Latino,

Hmong, Native-American … Somali,” said St. Peter. “It’s about reaching out and actively inviting people to the park.” “The age and ethnicity (of people in the region) is changing and we can’t ignore

TWINS TURN TO 5

MPS still in search for superintendent By Stacey H. Taylor Contributing Writer Minneapolis Public School (MPS) board members discussed moving forward choosing a new superintendent in the wake of Interim Superintendent Michael Goar withdrawing his name for the permanent position. On Jan. 23, an email was sent to Minneapolis Public Schools subscribers from MPS Chair Jenny Arneson containing a letter from Goar officially withdrawing his name from consideration for the permanent superintendent job. In the letter Goar stated he felt he had become a “distraction” in the selection process. As recently as Jan. 21 Goar seemed determined

to move into the permanent position. Goar’s recent withdrawal came less than two weeks after the board unanimously voted not to approve the contract of top candidate Sergio Paez. Paez was the former superintendent in Holyoke, Mass. and came under fire in the wake of abuse allegations in the district. Last year MPS reportedly paid the firm of Hazard, Young, Attea & Assoc. $80,000 to search for a permanent superintendent and Paez emerged. The board is exploring how it can now recover the money from the search firm. The initial selection process began when Goar, who had been

MPS TURN TO 5

Michael Goar

Jenny Arneson

Siad Ali

Ferguson: Legally abused, socially raped Justspeak

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor The proposed agreement between the city of Ferguson, MO and the US Justice Department, as reported in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Thur, Jan 28, 2016, A3, falls short of true

Leaving the Ferguson police in charge of self-correction is akin to putting rapists in charge of their own rehabilitation.

justice. Left out of the deliberations were members of Ferguson’s Black community adversely affected by what WSJ reported as “...widespread discriminatory practices in the city.” The Justice Department’s review of the Ferguson Police department revealed an organization that “... routinely violated the civil rights of the city’s Black residents.” In light of these findings, no “civilian committee” to foster community-police dialogs, no “community-oriented policing model,” and no revamped police training or adjustments

to the “use-of-force guidelines” will erase the psychic terror perpetrated by the Ferguson police department without impunity. Also, leaving the Ferguson police in charge of self-correction is akin to putting rapists in charge of their own rehabilitation. An extreme analogy? No. The Black citizens were legally abused and socially raped. No question. Now it appears that the very Justice Department charged with upholding citizens’ civil rights at the highest level is backing off of its responsibility by making the city of Ferguson and its

police department immune to litigation. If successful, the Black citizens of Ferguson will have been violated twice-- once by the police department sworn to protect them and then again by the Justice Department charged to uphold their civil rights. Where is the justice? Left out of this report are economic reparations due for the financial abuse and harm caused to those Black citizens targeted for decades with bogus traffic and other violations that increased the revenue of a racist

FERGUSON TURN TO 8

Black History

Health

Education

Community

Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights present Future History Makers

Medical Society honors Dr. Charles Crutchfield, III

Armstrong, Cooper athletes declare college choices

Helpful steps for dealing with Minne“snow”ta

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Legacy Honoring history and heritage, Insight News, in partnership with the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department, profiles past and emerging leaders from the Twin Cities African American community. Honoring The Legacy…… Lena Olive Smith was a prominent civil rights lawyer and activist during the 1920s and 1930s. She made major contributions toward securing civil rights for minorities in the Twin Cities. Smith began fighting for the rights of others when she became the first African American woman licensed to practice law in Minnesota in 1921. She was the only African American woman to practice law in the state until 1945. Lena Olive Smith came to Minneapolis at the age of twenty-one in 1907 with her mother and siblings. Smith’s career before she became a lawyer challenged the racial norms of the Twin Cities. She co-owned a hair salon with a white female partner in downtown Minneapolis but eventually went bankrupt. She then became a realtor, a profession known for its blatant racial prejudice. Many realtors and neighborhoods in Minnesota made private agreements restricting the sale of homes to African Americans. The racism in real estate led Smith to attend Northwestern College of Law, where she graduated in 1921. She became one of nine African American attorneys known to have practiced law in Minneapolis between 1890 and 1927. She was the only black woman to have a law practice in the Twin Cities throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Protecting African Americans’ civil rights was no less urgent a cause for progressive lawyers in this era than in later years. The Twin Cities did not experience a level of African American migration equal to that of other major cities or the racial

Ava Duvernay Arts & Entertainment (not shown)

Jeff Johnson Trailblazer Marc Morial Humanitarian

Marvin Sapp Living Legend

Caroyln Hunter Owner-Operator

Tori Turner Community Choice Youth Award Winner

Aaron Johnson Community Choice Youth Award Winner

12 Months. 365 Days. 8760 Hours. 525,600 Minutes. To those who always find time to reach out…reach back…and bring others along. McDonald’s® celebrates you, not only during Black History Month, but each and every day throughout the year. Find out more at 365Black.com.

Above: Lena Olive Smith. Below: Andrew Gordon

friction that came with it. However, local civil rights issues were the same. African American and white society in the Twin Cities were often segregated. Discrimination in hiring and firing practices and in housing was routine. Yet African Americans maintained a thriving local culture replete with newspapers, churches, restaurants, clubs, fraternal halls, and civil rights groups. In 1925 Smith helped found the Urban League in Minneapolis. In 1930 Smith was elected the first woman president of the Minneapolis National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She left this position nine years later to become a member of the Executive Board and Chair of the joint Legal Redress Committee of the Minneapolis and St. Paul NAACP. As Chair of this committee, Smith was a major force for a proactive posture in the courts. Smith was also known for acting as the NAACP’s prosecuting attorney in the Arthur A. Lee case in 1931. The Lee family bought a home in a previously allwhite neighborhood in south Minneapolis. A white attorney advised the Lees to sell their home to the neighborhood committee and leave the area. The Lee family dropped his counsel and Lena Smith stepped in to defend their rights. The case drew local attention as crowds estimated in the thousands milled around the Lees’ home, threatening them. Smith successfully protected the Lees’ right to stay in their house. Smith took on other locally important civil rights cases in the period before 1940, including suits against White Castle and the Nicollet Hotel. These cases focused on equal public accommodations. Smith helped end the segregation of African American audiences at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis. In 1937 she investigated the alleged beating of Curtis Jordan by two offduty Minneapolis detectives. Smith won the case for Jordan. Smith also led the NAACP protest of the University of Minnesota’s showing of The Birth of a Nation. In 1939 Smith was listed in Who’s Who Among Women Lawyers. She was a member of several legal associations and had an extensive law

library. Smith was active in her practice until her death in 1966. Smith’s career is also notable for her work outside the courtroom. In a time when legal action often failed to help minorities, Smith took civil rights issues to politicians, business leaders, and the press. Throughout much of her professional life Smith lived at 3905 Fifth Avenue South in Minneapolis. The home was a detached two-and-a-halfstory dwelling of wood-frame construction finished with narrow clapboard and classical revival details. In 1991 the house was added to the National Register of Historic places based on its association with Smith. Leadership Profile Andrew Gordon is a trial attorney and advocate for indigent clients, juveniles, and newly arrived immigrants and their families. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, Gordon once had high hopes of being a public defender. In fact, he was a finalist for an attorney position with the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office until the county instituted a hiring freeze. Disappointed but not deterred, Gordon found work as a public defender in the City of Boston until his work visa expired. Gordon then returned to Minnesota spending three days a week volunteering at the Legal Rights Center while he applied for his green card. A year later, a staff attorney position opened. Gordon, who was now a permanent resident, applied and was selected for the job. Gordon is now the Associate Director of the Legal Rights Center. In this role, he supervises staff attorneys, manages volunteers, and conducts strategic planning and development for the organization. Gordon also contributes to the legal education of both new attorneys and the community by presenting lectures on legal rights, engagements and collateral consequences of a juvenile adjudication and/or criminal conviction. Currently, Gordon is representing 20 individuals with charges stemming from Black Lives Matter protests. Gordon’s

HISTORY TURN TO 8

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Insight News • February 8 - February 14, 2016 • Page 3

HEALTH Medical Society honors Dr. Charles Crutchfield, III The 2015 First a Physician award was presented to Dr. Charles Crutchfield, III at the annual meeting of the Twin Cities Medical Society on Jan. 12. The First a Physician award, established in 2007, recognizes a member of the Twin Cities Medical Society who has made a positive impact on organized medicine

by selflessly giving of his/her time and energy to improve the public health, enhance the medical community’s ability to practice quality medicine, and/ or improve the lives of others in our community. Crutchfield’s leadership involves volunteer work and community enrichment, teaching of residents and medical students, longstanding

mentorship of physicians at all levels of training and excellence in clinical practice. His volunteer work extends, via his foundation, to support Camp Discovery, a summer camp for children with severe skin diseases. He also created and sustained a named lectureship at the University of Minnesota dedicated to ethnic skin. Through his combined

works he has been at the forefront of improving the health of Minnesotans, and particularly Minnesotans of color. Crutchfield regularly lectures on a voluntary basis for the University of Minnesota Medical School and hosts rotating students and residents in his clinic. Crutchfield holds a full professorship of clinical

medicine at the University of Minnesota and serves as a visiting professor at his alma mater, Carleton College. Crutchfield is a graduate of the Mayo Clinic Medical School and a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a consultant for WebMD and CNN.

Could you be ruining your children’s dental health? INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed

Bethesda 127th. Church Anniversary x x x x

Thursday, February 18th, 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 19th, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20th, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, February 21st, 4:00 p.m.

As hard as parents try to set the right examples, teach the right lessons and reinforce the right habits to their children, we all manage to, at some point, mess up along the way. While some things in life are complicated and offering the proper parenting can be tricky, imparting the right dental habits shouldn’t be. But Dr. Peter Vanstrom – a leading authority in dentistry today – says a tradition of bad habits continues to plague unnecessarily many households. “For example, many people still believe that hard-bristled toothbrushes are the way to go – and that rigorous brushing is a good method for getting the mouth reliably clean, but that’s wrong,” he says. “Today, we’re seeing more and more young people in their 20s and 30s with receding gums and other problems that could be avoided.” Vanstrom, a dental consultant for CNN medical as well as a member of the editorial board for WebMD, discusses ways for parents to set a good example for

HEALTH TURN TO 9

“BUILDING WITH LIVING STONES FOR CHRIST” (1 Peter 2:5, KJV)

Churches serving with us: Ŷ Thursday, Greater Friendship Baptist Church Rev. Billy Russell, Pastor, Proclaimer Ŷ Friday, Greater St. John Baptist Church Rev. Roderic Gholston, Pastor, Proclaimer Ŷ Saturday, Bethesda Church Banquet, held at St. Olaf Catholic

Church, 215-8th Street, Minneapolis, MN. Tickets available through Bethesda Church

Prof. of Law, U of MN, Myron Orfield, Speaker.

Ŷ Sunday, Nu Way Baptist Church Rev. Willie McAfee, Pastor, Proclaimer Other Twin Cities churches will also be sharing in the celebration.

You are cordially invited! Come, Let Us Exalt His Name Together!! Location:

You belong. The health plan with you in mind.

Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church 1118 So. 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Office # (612) 332-5904 Fax # (612) 332-7462 Email: bethesda1118@q.com

Rev. Arthur Agnew, Pastor

Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley 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.

At Medica, you’re not just part of a health plan. You’re part of a community that believes in better health for all. Learn more at medica.com

Page 4 • February 8 - February 14, 2016 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Russell Simmons brings water and attention to plight of Flint residents recounted horrific stories of how the contaminated water has and continues to affect their health and compromise an already fragile quality of life, and wreak havoc on children whose damaging levels of lead poisoning have been diagnosed as acutely damaging to life threatening. The prognosis is not good for the citizens of Flint. “My heart breaks for the people of Flint, who are being deprived of the most basic of necessities — clean drinking water,” said Simmons who hugged one teary resident as she shared her struggle regarding the health of her three-year-old son and oneyear-old daughter. “My three-year-old can’t talk and my baby has been having (violent) seizures,” said one distressed mother. The extent of the water problem is appallingly evident. When 24-year-old Nakeyja Cade turned on her kitchen faucet to demonstrate how shamefully ineffective the state supplied faucet filters are, as supporters looked on in horror. Cade filled a small glass with tap water and placed a lead measurement device in

By Roz Edward Special to the NNPA News Wire from the Michigan Chronicle When business mogul and founder of the RushCard, Russell Simmons, arrived in Flint early Monday morning to deliver cases of bottled water door-to-door, he did so with a minimal amount of fanfare. Flanked by a handful of local reporters and several staff members, Simmons and his affable team carried case after case of Aquahydrate to eager and desperate residents. In total, Simmons and his team delivered 150,000 bottles of water to cardholders of the prepaid debit card, and students at Flint Southwest Academy. Simmons partnered with Sean “Diddy” Combs and Mark Wahlberg (owner of Aquahydrate) to launch a relief campaign for victims of the Flint water contamination crisis, which includes a pledge of 1,000,000 bottles of water to the people of Flint. However, the congenial mood became increasingly somber as citizen after citizen

Russell Simmons the glass. The reading of 185 parts per billion in the filtered water sample far exceeds the 15 parts per billion action level set by the U.S. Environmental protection agency. “This is the third filter I’ve put on, and I just put this one on two weeks ago, but none of them have worked,” explained the distraught mother. The lead filters distributed to residents and businesses in Flint have a National Safety Foundation International

Tatiana Wheeler

certification to treat water with up to 150 parts per billion of lead, although no amount of lead consumption is considered safe. Unfiltered water collection samples collected since late December have had readings reported as high as 4,000 parts per billion of lead contamination. “This is environmental racism and Gov. Rick Snyder should be hauled out of here in handcuffs. This would never have happened in Beverly

Hills,” said an outraged Simmons, who implored that all parents have their children tested immediately for lead poisoning. “This has to do with not sending less fortunate and people of color less services. They were voters who did not vote for this governor, so they are less important to him.” At each modest home, Simmons and his small but dedicated band of workers visited to with water donations, and Simmons offered thoughtful, but provocative words of encouragement. “I didn’t know that things were this bad until two weeks ago. I just read in the New York Times yesterday that the water filters were working,” said an emotional Simmons. The Def Jam co-founder and ultra-successful business magnate is using his celebrity to encourage other public figures to put their status to work by

both making donations to the residents of Flint and elevating awareness of the severity of the water crisis in Flint. “I know celebrities like Game, who donated 500,000 bottles of water and Puffy who donated a million bottles of water. Will Smith has made donations and I called Khloe Kardashian who wrote a check and tweeted about what’s going on here to her 40 million followers. And more people need to know.” Simmons also chastised local corporations who operate locally, but have done little to help alleviate the nearly unbearable burden placed on the backs of residents. He challenged larger corporations and service providers to step up to the plate and do their part to bring some measure of relief

FLINT TURN TO 5

Impeach Michigan Governor Rick Snyder I disagree. I don’t think he should resign. I think he should be impeached for a variety of oath of office transgressions that I am still researching; and then be indicted and prosecuted for attempted murder. It appears as though public officials have grown tired of simply excusing police officers for extinguishing one Black life at a time and moved their activity up a level to genocide. I also wonder what percentage of white Minnesotans, if polled,

Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter Nobody asked me, but, I have read demands that Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, resign his position.

would suggest that the governor would’ve sat – for a year – on the knowledge that Grosse Pointe, or some other of Michigan’s affluent, mostly white towns had water that was contaminated with lead and encouraged those nice folks to make their kids’ lemonade with brown water. That Flint city workers have, for months, been ordering their water delivered hints at a conspiracy. Not only did the governor know about the water “quality,” but he didn’t want to

expose to it those whose health benefits could bankrupt the state. My guess is that most Flint city workers, much like Minneapolis 4th Precinct police employees, come to work from their homes in other towns. Otherwise, accurate water quality information would’ve quickly spread to family, friends and neighbors in Flint. I am encouraged to learn that federal officials are looking into the possibility of criminal wrongdoing here.

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Insight News • February 8 - February 14, 2016 • Page 5

Flint From 4 to their customers, mentioning Time Warner on more than one occasion. “You pay a cable bill and utility bills. They should respond to your needs and contribute to the relief effort,” Simmons told several residents during his visit. Following the door-to-door water dropoffs, which were later joined by renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represented the families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star and real life attorney Phaedra Parks, Simmons and Crump discussed with residents plans to file a class action lawsuit to hold parties involved in the water poisoning disaster accountable and to seek to make the victims of the water crisis whole. Crump said one of the items they would insist

immediate rectification of is the replacement of lead pipes and infrastructure improvements. “This is way worse than Watergate,” Crump said.

“People didn’t die from Watergate. These are our children’s lives at stake.” Both Crump and Simmons vowed to petition U.S.

MPS From 1 the district’s executive director, was chosen for the interim position following last year’s unexpected resignation of Bernadeia Johnson. Reportedly, Johnson left behind one of the largest achievement gaps in the country between white and minority students and a budget deficit estimated at $21.6 million. Goar accepted the position and, at the time, expressed his interest in seeking the permanent position. “The past three or four weeks have been a rollercoaster ride,” said Goar in recent a telephone interview. Goar said when Johnson left he maintained the stability of the schools and was intent on becoming the next superintendent. When he began in February of 2015 he made it clear he was going to cause waves in the interest of “doing right by our kids.” Nevertheless, controversy

Twins From 1 that,” said Jim Pohlad, CEO of the Twins. “Our community is not the same as it was … and that’s a good thing.” Part of that outreach is being done under the direction of Miguel Ramos, director of Diversity Marketing for the Twins. Ramos said the organization has partnered with several non-profits serving communities of color to engage youth. Youth engagement activities are both baseball and non-baseball orientated with the team along with the Baseball Players Association providing scholarships and internships in technology related pursuits. Ramos said becoming a stakeholder in communities of color is good for the Twins and good for the area at large. “The Twins is a business. Baseball is a business, but this is bigger than the Twins,” said Ramos. “It’s important for the Twins to be a part of the community. If we’re a part of the community all of Minnesota will be supportive of the Twins.”

[...] Any time things do not go right in a school system the superintendent is responsible. - Michael Goar

plagued Goar from the start. The first step Goar took was addressing the deficit of $21.6 million by firing more than 100 staff people from the district’s Davis Service Center office. “I was clear when I took the position that I thought the central office was too big,” said Goar. “I wanted to take money out of the central office and push it to

the schools. So I eliminated 120 positions. I fired 120 people.” Gore said he knew people were upset with him for that decision. Again, early in the school year, Goar faced another challenge with an intense backlash for purchasing the Reading Horizon curriculum that many found to be culturally, racially and gender offensive.

Carew joins the team for spring training Not even a major heart attack can keep Twins Hall of Famer Rod Carew from the game he loves. This past September Carew suffered a heart attack so severe that he needs a left ventricle assistance device to help pump blood. Carew is on a list for a heart transplant, but come spring training, the 70-yearold adorned with a statue of his likeness outside Target Field plans to join the club as a special instructor. He hopes to get a transplant following spring training.

five-time All Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner. He finished his career with 2,452 hits, 353 home runs and 1,391 RBI.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch to investigate which elected officials should be held responsible for the water crisis scandal.

After a brief visit to Flint Southwester Academy, where Simmons urged students to take nutrition seriously and to use critical thinking in deciding what types of food and beverages where best for counteracting some of the damage caused by unhealthy consumption, he noted that Flint was essentially a food desert, and again urged corporations to develop comprehensive plans for addressing nutritional needs in the community. Before returning to his door-to-door delivery schedule, Simmons attended a rally at First Missionary Baptist Church where a standing roomonly crowd awaited and where he was joined by a contingency of pastors and congregations from Detroit, including Rev. David Bullock, Bishop Edgar Vann and Baltimore pastor Jamal Bryant. Prior to departing for Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Simmons spent time with residents and fans to listen to

more of their concerns, and briefly interjecting a little lighthearted fun as he hugged residents and posed for selfies with fans. “I’m here because I have to be,” Simmons said as he departed, “but I’ll be back with more help.” On Tuesday, following Simmons’ visit to Flint on Monday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced it would join the criminal investigation into Flint’s water crisis, according to Gina Balaya, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit. Balaya announced that federal prosecutors in Michigan are “working with a multiagency investigation team on the Flint water contamination matter, including the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the EPA’s Office of the Inspector General and the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.”

“The books were racially offensive,” said Goar. “No kids saw any of the material, but some adults were upset and felt I approved it. I was responsible because my people made a mistake. Any time things do not go right in a school system the superintendent is responsible.” MPS board member Don Samuels said the entire board was criticized for the Reading Horizons incident, but Samuels does not believe the criticism Goar took over the curriculum weighed into his decision to withdraw his name from the running. MPS board member Siad Ali said the board’s new direction must include deep engagement by the community and a “high level of transparency,” for all involved with the 36,000 MPS students. The board said this time around it would not release the names of the finalists prior to a vote for the district’s top job. No date has been set for finding a permanent superintendent.

The team will honor Hunter on July 16 when the Twins host the Cleveland Indians.

You see possibility. We see you.

Hunter elected to Twins Hall of Fame Torii Hunter hasn’t been retired a full year and he’s already a Hall of Famer. The team announced on Jan. 29 that Hunter was elected to the Twins Hall of Fame, just months after he announced his retirement. Hunter, 40, retired after 19 years in the majors – 12 of them with the Twins. Last season Hunter was part of the surprising team that challenged for the division and wildcard. He hit 22 homers with 81 RBI in 2015. Hunter retired as a

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Insight News • February 8 - February 14, 2016 • Page 7

EDUCATION Armstrong, Cooper athletes declare college choices Eleven student athletes from Armstrong and Cooper high schools recently signed national letters of intent to play for colleges across the country. During afternoon ceremonies Feb. 3 Cooper students Phillip Howard – football, University of Minnesota, Moses Nyangacha – football, North Dakota State University, D’Khari Whitfield – football, Southwest Minnesota State University, Jachai McNeal – football, North Dakota State College of Science, Kamau Anderson – football, Valley City State University, Yvette Williams-Upsher – softball, Viterbo University, Steve Fitzsimmons – baseball, Valparaiso University and Armstrong students Mariah Haberle – soccer, North Dakota State University, Maggie Spellman – soccer, University of North Dakota, Chance Bowen – football, Minnesota State

Armstrong signing photo: from left, Maggie Spellman, Mariah Haberle, Chance Bowen and Malik Besseck. University – Mankato and Malik Besseck – football, Georgia State University all signed letters of intent.

A national letter of intent is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and college or university.

Cooper signing photo: from left, Jachai McNeal, Kamau Anderson, Moses Nyangacha, Phillip Howard, Steven Fitzsimmons, Yvette Williams-Upsher, and D’Khari Whitfield.

2016-2017 Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship accepting applications Applications for the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship are now being accepted. The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship is available to minority students from union families attending or planning to attend one of the 31 technical

colleges, community colleges or state universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. To be eligible, a scholarship applicant must be a racial minority and a union member or be the child, grandchild or spouse

of a union member. Scholarships are awarded to both full-time and part-time students who will be attending a MnSCU technical or community college or state university in the fall of 2016. Scholarships are $1,200 for full-time students (12 or

more credits undergraduate or six credits or more graduate) and $500.00 for part-time students. Scholarships are given each year to students who enroll in two or four year, undergraduate or graduate programs. Scholarships may be

renewed for up to two years for community or technical college programs, up to four years for students working toward a bachelor’s degree, and two years for those enrolled in a master’s program. Applications and additional

information about the scholarship are available online at www.nelliestone.org or by calling: (651) 738-1404 or toll free at (866) 738-5238. Applications must be postmarked no later than June 1.

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Page 8 • February 8 - February 14, 2016 • Insight News

History

that knowledge to the court, prosecutor, and general public.

From 2

Most Rewarding Work Experience I enjoy working in the community helping to educate my clients and their families. In 2010, I was invited to Loring Nicollet Alternative School for a “Know Your Rights” presentation. The students were really receptive and have asked me to return each year since. Experiences like such allow me the opportunity to build relationships and really connect with the community I

commitment to community empowerment is fueled by his desire to marrying defense advocacy in court with advocacy in community. What Motivates You The opportunity to guide a client through a confusing legal process, and ensure their story is communicated. I enjoy learning from my clients and being able to impart

Lange From 1 as an international expert to help women in other countries transform the laws on female inheritance,

domestic violence, and advises world leaders on constitutional reform and election procedures. She has served as a powerful advocate & difference maker for organizations like the United Nations World Conference on Race and National Bar

insightnews.com

Ferguson

serve. Advice for Aspiring Attorneys Listen to your clients. Attorneys burn out when they stop listening. If you want to do this work well and do it for a long time- you must ensure your client’s voice is heard. Hometown Kingston, Jamaica Education Macalester College University of Minnesota Law School

Association. Judge Lange recognizes the importance of participatory leadership rooted in the value of civic engagement. “We must be fully present in the world. Exercise the right to vote in an informed way, holding candidates accountable on issues before, during and after the election,” stated Lange. By being fully present, each person can aid in developing innovative solutions to the challenges they face. The global citizen empowers others to discover the leader within. Leaders inspire others to take action and lead social change. This compels ordinary people to do extraordinary things by tapping into their leadership skills and making a difference.

From 1 and white supremacist police organization and economically disenfranchised those it was supposed to protect. A monetary fund should be established by the city of Ferguson, and any legal proceedings against the Black citizens of Ferguson as a consequence of the Ferguson police department’s actions should be dropped and amnesty awarded. If we can hold oil companies

Judge Lange challenges young lawyers and community members to engage in a process of self-discovery where they begin to cultivate the transformative power in their hands. This power is then channeled into the collective action needed to eradicate injustice and eliminate inequities. Judge Lange empowers others to lead by modeling the way. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Global citizens recognize the fact that social justice issues are pervasive and far-reaching. Whether it be promoting

responsible for careless oil spills, then cities wracked with racist behavior and structures should be made accountable for racism spills. Only then will true justice be served. Anything less is a travesty, and continuing proof that when it comes to equal treatment under the law, whether in the eyes of the Ferguson police or the US Justice Department, ultimately, #BlackLivesDon’tMatter. Irma McClaurin is an award winning columnist, now available for syndication. In 2015, she earned the Black

global development or developing equitable governance strategies, Judge Lange stands ready to lead change by combining her legal training with her natural leadership abilities of strategic thinking, reflective listening, and creative problem solving. Judge Lange has created training opportunities to educate, equip, and train leaders. She serves as the Honorary Consul for South Africa. Over 20 years ago, she founded the LaJune Thomas Lange International Leadership Institute. ILI was founded to help create transformative leaders who would work to make a positive difference one person at a time. Judge Lange describes leaders as “a repairer of the breach. A partner across cultures and oceans.” This type of leader is someone who is willing to go into difficult situations to listen, assist and train. She embodies these qualities as she facilitates the process of transformational change and engages leaders from political stakeholders to grassroots organizers. A global citizen makes a lasting impact. Judge Lange has built the solid foundation for her leadership legacy. Her work will continue to set the gold standard for future lawyerleaders. Judge Lange’s leadership has transformed the lives of countless law students and young lawyers. She is committed to training

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Press of America’s Best in the Nation, Emory O. Jackson Column Writing Award presented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). She is Insight News’ Culture and Education Editor, an activist anthropologist, writer, motivational speaker and champion of diversity and inclusiveness leadership. Contact: imcclaurin@gmail. com. Find her at: www. irmamcclaurin.com, @ mcclaurintweets (C) 2016 McClaurin Solutions; All Rights Reserved. Do not reprint without permission.

young leaders to serve as ethical, morally responsible leaders. She is welcomed into classrooms across the world to share about her leadership journey and plant the seed of leadership in the next generation. Judge Lange serves as a historian and valuable contributor to the narrative of Minnesota’s history. Judge Lange was an honorary member of the board of advisors to the Minnesota African American Museum (MAAM), an educational, cultural, and archival museum. She diligently works to ensure history captures the rich story and legacy of African Americans in Minnesota. Most recently, she was instrumental in commemorating the first Dred and Harriet Scott days in the state of Minnesota (December 5-6, 2015). The first weekend in December now honors the Scott family’s struggle to realize freedom from the bondages of slavery and attain the promise of equal citizenship. The struggle for freedom and liberty still persists today. Judge Lange reminds us not to accept that change cannot happen. Instead, Judge Lange challenges each of us to pick up the mantle of leadership and serve as a global citizen. Change begins with each of us. Through this collective action, we can move from the valley of despair to an oasis of hope where liberty, freedom, and justice reign supreme.

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Insight News • February 8 - February 14, 2016 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Book celebrates history of Negro Leagues, Black baseball players in Minnesota In a tale of unsung heroes and forgotten stars who battled discrimination and other hardships to play the game they loved, “They Played for the Love of the Game: Untold Stories of Black Baseball in Minnesota” is told by Frank M. White. A century before Kirby Puckett led the Minnesota Twins to become World Series championships, Minnesota was home to countless talented African-American

baseball players, yet few of them are known to fans today. During the many decades that Major League Baseball and its affiliates imposed a strict policy of segregation, Black ballplayers in Minnesota were relegated to a haphazard array of semipro leagues, barnstorming clubs and loose organizations of all-Black teams – many lost to history. “They Played for the Love of the Game,” which has a foreword by Hall of Famer

Frank M. White Dave Winfield, recovers that history by sharing stories of

African-American ballplayers in Minnesota, from the 1870s to the 1960s, through photos, artifacts and spoken histories passed through the generations. White’s own father was one of the top catchers in the Twin Cities in his day, a fact that White did not learn until late in life. While the stories tell of denial, hardship and segregation, they are highlighted by athletes who persevered and were united by their love of the

sport. White is a former athlete, coach, official, and sports administrator. He currently coordinates the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program for the Minnesota Twins. He will share his book and stories on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. The event is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow.

Helpful steps for dealing with Minne“snow”ta can go a long way in keeping you motivated throughout the winter months. 4. Complete a personal development project. The slow pace of winter will allow you the needed time to complete an individual or family budget, personal mission statement, long-term financial plan, or a professional development activity. This is also a good time to start exercising. Join a gym or use the one at work, or simply use a jump rope at home. Don’t make it too complicated. The goal is to use this time of year to get moving toward self-improvement. If winter is a fact of life in Minne“snow”ta, how do you beat the winter blues? Maybe you should adopt the philosophy “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” By taking cues from nature you can more securely negotiate the seasons of your life. In your winter, you can accomplish needed activities, put things to rest, and enjoy the company of good friends. Use these four simple steps to making the most of this winter, and your spring will be closer than you think!

Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Cold weather and snow are facts of life in Minnesota. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. Living in Minne“snow”ta can bring on the winter blues. The “winter blues” is a term used to describe the mild depression, lack of enthusiasm, and low get-up-and-go that many people experience during this cold season. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to both prevent the blues and make the most of this cold season. Here are four helpful steps to dealing with Minne“snow”ta. 1. Cheer up friends and family. Although the winter holiday season is often a reminder of our loved ones that have gone on, we should also not forget to celebrate and enjoy the company of those who remain. Make a list of some of your friends and family who could use a little cheer. Invite them over, send an email, write them a letter, send a text, Skype, or call them based on their preferred communication. You may be the spark that is needed to warm their winter blues. In any

Health From 3 their children’s lasting dental health. • Ditch hard-bristled toothbrushes. Don’t be someone who takes out their aggressions on your teeth while brushing – especially if you’re an older person. Over time, forceful brushing with hard bristles can accelerate gum recession, which may increase sensitivity. The soft-but-firm is the way to go in a toothbrush. That can be accomplished by using a much higher count of soft bristles, as found in products such as Curaprox ( w w w. c u r a p r o x . c o m ) . “With this kind of brush, you can actually improve gum health by gently messaging them, which stimulates blood flow to the area,” Vanstrom says. “I’m seeing more patients suffer from gum recession and disease at a younger age, including some in their 30s and 20s. That’s why it’s important to implement good habits when kids are young!” • Avoid a negative stigma toward oral hygiene. “Another bad legacy parents sometimes impart to their children is to put a stigma on brushing,” he says. “In many homes brushing is considered a chore, probably because parents see it that way.”

Andrew Cisel / Creative Commons

case, you will feel better for doing it. 2. Take on a winter activity. Winter in Minnesota is filled with lots of winter activities. From ice fishing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, ice skating, hockey,

snowboarding, snowmobiling, and many more, they all allow us to have a positive outlook on the cold weather and snow. This year, I plan to take up cross-country skiing. This will be a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy family and

much needed piece of furniture. Accomplishing something you can see is a visual reminder that you have made good use of your time. It is also a way for you to enjoy the home improvements that you have made. These small victories

An easy way to take the work out of oral hygiene is to have easy-to-use products that feel good. Fun products that are visually stimulating are good for smaller children, who are usually more prone to making a game out of brushing and flossing time. There are other products on the market that make flossing easier. • Be mindful of the development of casual bad habits. For many, especially children, it’s easy to develop bad oral habits – thumbsucking, nail-biting, strawchewing, ice-crunching and teeth-grinding, to name some. And, because they’re not as strong as adults, children may be prone to using their teeth to open plastic bags and such. Of course, the habits of our childhood often stay with us in adulthood, so lead first by example, and make sure your child doesn’t pick up these habits on their own or through someone else. Peter Vanstrom DDS, FAGD, EPFA, PC is recognized as one of today’s leading authorities on dentistry. He has appeared as a dental expert on several segments of CNN, CBS, NBC and ABC. He currently serves as a dental consultant for CNN medical as well as a member of the editorial board for WebMD.

Classifieds

Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com

Courtroom Deputy

Court Reporter

The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Courtroom Deputy in St. Paul, MN. Salary range is $50,270 - $81,711. For more information visit the court’s website, www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Operations Generalist – Duluth The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Operations Generalist in Duluth, MN. Salary range is $39,171 - $63,664. For more information visit the court’s website, www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer

friends. 3. Tackle an indoor project. We are visual people and projects that we can see help us feel valued. Use the extra time indoors to stain that cabinet, fix that closet door, paint that spare room, or put together that

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

Foster Care

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

NOW ACCEPTING WAITING LIST HOUSING APPLICATIONS Birmingham Townhomes is accepting housing applications through 2/10/16 for our waiting list for 2, 3, and 4 BR units with Section 8 rental assistance. Income limits apply. For a housing application, please call 952-876-9203. EHO.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For copies of his book, questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

Page 10 • February 8 - February 14, 2016 • Insight News

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Courtesy of Schubert Club

Hidden Gem… The Schubert Club By Carmen Robles Tucked among the artistic corner of Washington Avenue and 5th street in St. Paul, MN is a hidden gem that is nearly 130-yearsold: The Schubert Club. In 1882, Marion Ramsey Furness, daughter of Gov. Alexander Ramsey, along with some music-loving friends formed a club they called “The Ladies Musicale,” thus creating Minnesota’s earliest recitalpresenting organization. The name was changed to honor Franz Schubert (who had lived some fifty

years before) and the goal to establish a high standard of musical excellence in St. Paul became their mission. The Schubert Club has since secured a prominent place in the history of musical organizations. It is one of the oldest arts organizations in the country, predated by only a very few (the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra) and it’s located right here in our neighborhood! “It’s beautiful in there and the staff is as always attentive,” said Daniel Vega of his recent visit to The Schubert Club where

he saw a performance of “Accordo.” “My granddaughter thought it was amazing, funny and said that her music teacher was going to give her extra credit for attending and providing the program”. Vega added: “The concert was a window into how people were entertained by film in those days. The first movie, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligeri,” was a dark comedy produced in Germany at the turn of the century. The art direction was truly one of a kind. The second show, “Sherlock Jr.,” was a show full of audience participation. People laughed

out loud, hissed at the villain, whistled at the damsel in distress and laughed until the very end. Guest pianist, Stephen Prutsman made it seem like a totally different experience. The artistic vibe was all around: the venue beautiful and the acoustics phenomenal”. The Schubert Club reaffirms its mission to promote the art of music— particularly recital music, through performance, education and museum programs—and to maintain a high standard of excellence. “One of my favorite programs that The Schubert Club does is a program

called Project CHEER which provides free music lessons to young students who otherwise wouldn’t prioritize music instruction,” said Tessa Retterath Jones, director of marketing and ticketing. “The program, located at the Hallie Q. Brown Center, is nearing its 50th year! I really believe if we want to see more diversity in our arts staffs and attending arts programs that classical music appreciation needs to start from a young age, which is why I am such a fan of this program”. The Schubert Club Museum, a reflection on the joys of music-making

through the centuries, is located on the second floor of the Landmark Center 75 West 5th Street and is open Sunday – Friday 12pm4pm with free admission. “Accordo” is presented by The Schubert Club and Kate Nordstrum Projects. This season will feature three programs, two in the national historic landmark, Christ Church Lutheran, and one in the new Ordway Concert Hall. For more information and a complete listing of The Schubert Club extensive community outreach activities go to www.schubert.org.

Contempo Physical Dance on stage at The O’Shaughnessy The O’Shaughnessy presents the debut of “Cool Play,” a new work by Senegalese-French choreographer Patrick Acogny performed by Contempo Physical Dance. “Cool Play” will be on The O’Shaughnessy stage (2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul) Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and Feb. 27, along with excerpts from “Batuque,” choreographed by Artistic Director Marciano Silva dos Santos. The program will also feature a return to the stage by dos Santos in a rare appearance as a company dancer in both works. Inspired by the work of his mother, Germaine Acogny – the artistic director

of the Jant-Bi and L’Ecole des Sables International Center for African Dance – Acogny explores identity and ideas of place with Contempo Physical Dance’s diverse cast of Minnesota-based dancers. Very loosely based on the environment and traditional dance gatherings in Senegal, “Cool Play” is a conceptual and very contemporary exploration of the individual’s behavior in a society where the appearance seems fundamental to the people within it. “Yet behind this apparent frivolity and often tacky elegance, tragic dramas and issues sometimes hide,” said Acogny. “This dance is a form of resistance to fate, to personal situation, a cry of

Courtesy of The O’Shaughnessy

rebellion and affirmation in a world where people feel threatened by the madness of political, religious and capitalist ventures.” In “Batuque,” dos Santos

examines the African origins and rise of samba in Brazil. Known for bringing a fever pitch of energy to the stage, the dancers in this energizing work rock

in and out of the rhythmic complexities of originally composed percussive music inspired by the many flavors of samba. Contempo Physical

Dance is known for its Afro-Brazilian contemporary dance fusion, highly physical movement, energetic dancing and invigorating theatrical experiences. Through this international choreography residency the company enters into an important dialogue on the creation of new work based in contemporary movement forms of the African Diaspora. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25 with discounts for students, seniors, military and groups. For more information and tickets, contact The O’Shaughnessy Ticket Office at (651) 690-6700. Tickets can also be purchased online at oshag.stkate.edu.

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ine's Day Valentwith

Grammy Award-winning Angelique Kidjo at The O’Shaughnessy

14 Courtesy of The O’Shaughnessy

BADI ASSAD & special guest Robert Everest

6pm Dinner Show 9pm Cocktail Show "hypnotically compelling!” – LA Times

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.

Order your tickets today!

tickets: 612.332.5299 | dakotacooks.com 1010 nicollet mall, downtown MPLS

Singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo will perform a solo concert April 24 at The O’Shaughnessy in St. Paul. Two-time world music Grammy Award-winner Kidjo was named one of the Top 100 Inspiring Women in the World by The Guardian. Kidjo’s extensive accolades include worldwide concerts, musical collaborations with Philip Glass, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys, and a spot at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music chart for her 2014 album “Eve.” The April 24 concert is presented in partnership with the Cedar Cultural Center. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45 with discounts for students, seniors, military and groups. For more information and tickets, contact The O’Shaughnessy Ticket Office at (651) 690-6700. Tickets can also be purchased online at oshag.stkate.edu. The O’Shaughnessy is located at 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul.

651.224.4222

FEB 16-28

When I dance, I become something amazing: myself.

A CHORUS LINE THE T HE M MUSICAL USIICAL