Insight News ::: 02.09.15

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O-D: Producer talks K.Raydio album & African roots MORE ON PAGE 10

Insight News February 9 - February 15, 2015

Vol. 42 No. 6 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Humphrey School’s Professor Samuel Myers gets prestigious NEA Westerfield Award

Myers researched social policy impact on the poor Dr. Samuel Myers, Jr., the Roy Wilkins professor of Human Relations and Social Justice at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, has received the Samuel Z. Westerfield, Jr., Award by the National Economic Association (NEA). The award – NEA’s highest honor awarded to recognize distinguished service, outstanding scholarship and achievement of high standards of excellence – was presented at the organization’s annual meeting in January in Boston. Several past Westerfield Award recipients attended the event, including Myers’ father, Samuel Myers, Sr. The event also drew Nobel Laureate, Robert M. Solow, Myers’ dissertation advisor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “It was a significant honor to have two Harvard classmates of Samuel Westerfield in the audience – Samuel Myers, Sr. and Robert Solow,” said Myers, Jr. “Both appreciate the connection to the University of Minnesota’s legendary economist, John D. Black, and the role of markets

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Dr. Samuel Myers with five past recipients of the Westerfield Award: L-R: William Darity, Jr - Samuel Dubois Cook Professor of Public Policy; David Swinton, PhD President, Benedict College in Columbia, SC; Margaret Simms, PhD - Institute Fellow at the Urban Institute; Robert Solow, Professor of Economics, Emeritus MIT (Myers, Jr.’s dissertation advisor at MIT); Samuel Myers, Jr - Professor, Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice; Bernard Anderson - Whitney Young Professor of Management at the Wharton School; and Samuel Myers, Sr - Chairman of the Board - Minority Access, Inc (seated)

Bahamas tourism engages Black newspapers to attract African Americans

Black Press: Peace keepers, truth tellers Black Press of America

Congressman Keith Ellison talking with taxpayers after the press conference at the Prepare + Prosper free tax preparation site in St. Paul.

Congressman Ellison, Lt. Gov. Smith promote 2015 Claim It! campaign

Left to right: Tracy Fischman, Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith, Department of Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly, Meghan Barp, Senior Vice President of Community Impact, Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Stephanie Smith, EITC recipient.

Insight 2 Health Not a quick fix, a lifestyle change

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Minnesota leaders joined together to recognize the 40thanniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the launch of the 2015 Claim It! campaign. National, state and local government leaders – including Congressman Keith Ellison, Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith, and Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly – participated in a press conference at the St. Paul-based Prepare + Prosper last week.

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Black accountants association to help with tax returns The National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA, Inc.) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the AARP Foundation to promote the Tax-Aide program to multicultural low- and moderate-income

By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief NASSAU, Bahamas (NNPA) – A top Bahamas official praised the Black Press last week as essential to truthfully and creditably chronicling African American progress from one generation to the next. Philip E. Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, commended the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) for 75 years of excellence. “It goes without saying that your relevance, with time, is all the more important as the stories of struggle and sacrifice are passed on to each generation of Blacks,” he said in a speech at the NNPA mid-winter convention here. “This is essential so that

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Philip E. Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development

Obediah H. Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism

Business

Education

Lifestyle

Klobuchar highlights efforts to boost diversity in tech sector

Robbinsdale Area Schools works with American Academy of Pediatrics to improve student health

Take chances and achieve your goals

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Page 2 • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Insight News

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Two weeks down … eight to go

NOT A QUICK FIX, A LIFESTYLE CHANGE I2H Blog

By Carmen Robles Associate Editor Afrodescendientes The second full week of this session of the Insight 2 Health (I2H) fitness challenge ended with the same enthusiasm with which it began. Throughout the second week of the challenge, the more than twenty participants were still intact and eager to welcome the third week of the ten-week challenge. Participant Julie Hall shares her feelings: “The first week of I2H went good. I committed to going all the days and felt really good that I accomplished that. I thrive in group settings and that was my biggest draw to this challenge. This is round 2 for me and I was excited to come back. My friend told me about this challenge and

asked me to join. We have been on this fitness journey together for a few years. I asked her to join me in a challenge not knowing the person a few years ago and we have been on a mission since (Jaime Stampley). We have been friends since high school. So since she trusted me to do a challenge I trusted her to try this one. We are accountability partners for this challenge.” Hall added: “Like I said before, I blogged about my journey last time, but I am lacking the motivation to do it this time. I thought it would be beneficial for me to reflect over what I accomplished and to help me to continue when it was over. However, I never reflected. I felt great when I completed the last challenge and I believed that there was no way to fall back [into old habits]. That was not the case - it was the hardest month or so not being connected. I basically gained all the weight back being on [holiday] break. My goal is to NOT repeat that.” Lilly Thoor shares a personal and touching story: “My first week was all about catharsis and self care.

Top row (l-r): Julie Hall, Lilly Thoor, Adero Riser-Cobb, Adam Stein. Bottom row (l-r): Theresa Behnke, Julie McMahon, Dr. Darren D. Moore

It was a tough week personally and the work outs helped release some of the emotional numbness leaving me feeling alive and exhilarated! My goal is to experience this at least three to four times per week.” Adero Riser-Cobb sums up his experience: “The Insight2Health fitness challenge has been very successful for me thus far, losing 55 pounds during the last three sessions and currently on my fourth session. I was ready to

embrace a healthier way of life and the I2H challenge was perfect for me. The program›s approach is designed for you to succeed; it is not a quick fix, it is a lifestyle change and I am on the pursuit of healthier living. You have access to multiple trainers, a nutrition coach and mental health coach. The participants are likeminded people we are all there to get fit and to live healthier lifestyles; helping, motivating and encouraging each

other. My experience with I2H has been a life changing and defining experience.” These are just a few heartfelt accounts of motivating factors that inspired participants Julie Hall, Adero Riser-Cobb and Lilly Thoor to join Insight 2 Health fitness challenge fifth round. Stay tuned to other stories to be shared by the participants of the fifth round of

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Insight News • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Page 3

HEALTH OPINION

Survey hides tobacco impact, use in communities of color The latest Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey (MATS) report released January 22, 2015, masks the health inequities that exist in commercial tobacco use by American Indians, communities of color and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) communities. While the MATS boasts good news for Minnesota, revealing decreased statewide smoking rate of 14.4% in 2014, down from 22.1% in 1999, and it recognizes certain disparities in “Who smokes in Minnesota”, including those with lower educational attainment and lower income; the report release omits any discussion of the significant disparity in smoking rates for American Indians, communities of color and LGBTQ communities as

compared to overall rates. A 2013 study by tribal communities in partnership with the University of Minnesota documented the statewide smoking rate for American Indians is 59%, similarly a study by Rainbow Health Initiative indicates the overall rate in Minnesota’s LGBTQ community is 30% and 36% for LGBTQ persons of color. The Minnesota Cancer Facts and Figures (2011) indicates the smoking rates for Hispanic men is 26% and for African American men 23%. We know Minnesota’s communities of color and American Indian communities have lower high school graduation rates and lower incomes than Minnesotans overall; thus it should not be surprising to see these huge

disparities in smoking rates. Inequalities in health are direct indicators of the institutional racism identified by the Minnesota Department of Health in the Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota report released in 2014. Disproportionate commercial tobacco use in our communities is not a secret, and thus to continue Minnesota’s decline in smoking rates, we must immediately invest significant dollars in commercial tobacco use prevention strategies explicitly targeting American Indians, communities of color and LGBTQ communities. It is in the best interest of all Minnesotans to rapidly move towards health equity for all communities. Signed,

Thyroid disease can diminish quality of life

American Indian Cancer Foundation Health Equity Working Committee

CAPI USA Rainbow Health Initiative Sierra Leone Community in Minnesota

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Health insurance is un affordable. Everyone deserves insurance they can afford. MNsure can help you get it. MNsure is a free service where you can compare health plans to find the best plan for you, often at a surprisingly affordable price. In fact, most people qualify for financial help. Free in-person or phone assistance is available to help you every step of the way. Caawimo ayaa laguu heli karaa Soomaali.

By Mayo Clinic News Network Much like motor vehicles have engines, our bodies have similar parts to help us function. The heart and brain are the big anatomy regulators, but did you know the thyroid is also a crucial driver of bodily operation? When your thyroid experiences problems, your whole body starts to feel out of sorts — and your quality of life suffers. Knowing how your thyroid works and what signs indicate something is wrong will help you get the care you need and enhance your livelihood. Deb Vogelsang, nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health System, answers some common questions about thyroid disease. Q. What is a thyroid? A. A thyroid is a gland at the base of the neck. This important part of your body produces hormones that regulate blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and weight. Q. What are potential thyroid problems? A. There are four main thyroid afflictions: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules. • Hyperthyroidism is the case of an overactive thyroid. • Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive. • Thyroid cancer refers to malignancy in cells of the thyroid. • Thyroid nodules are growths on the thyroid. While all of these conditions can be serious, each has its own symptoms and distinctions. Q. What are the symptoms of thyroid problems? How are they treated? A. As stated before, each thyroid problem has its own nuances. Here are common symptoms to look for with each condition: • Hyperthyroidism. Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, fatigue, trouble sleeping, tremors and sweating. • Hypothyroidism. Thinning hair, weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, depression and impaired memory. • Thyroid cancer. A lump on your neck, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes and changes in your voice. • Thyroid nodules. In many cases, nodules don’t produce symptoms. In other cases, nodules become large enough that you can see and/ or feel them. Some nodules are cancerous, although most are benign. Contact your health care team if you experience these symptoms or have other concerns about potential thyroid health. Treatment options for these conditions include: • Hyperthyroidism. Multiple treatments are available for hyperthyroidism. Treatments include radioactive iodine, antithyroid medications, beta

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TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART. blockers or surgery. It’s important to discuss options with your health care provider to determine what’s best for you. • Hypothyroidism. The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is an oral medication called synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. After taking this medication, people see improvements with fatigue and even weight management. Finding the right dosage is key, as all patients require different care plans. • Thyroid cancer. Treatment for thyroid cancer is dependent on the type, size and stage of the tumor.

Options include surgery — which may consist of partial or complete removal of the thyroid — radioactive iodine, external radiation therapy, chemotherapy or targeted drug therapy. • Thyroid nodules. There are a few options for treating noncancerous nodules. Watch and wait, conduct surgery for large benign nodules or use thyroid suppression therapy. The thyroid is so important to your well-being. It’s a gland that regulates vital functions of your body and influences not only your health, but the quality of your life. So if there’s an issue, the faster it’s addressed, the better you’ll feel.

Women often put the needs of family and friends ahead of their own needs. While having a big heart is admirable, it could put you at risk for heart disease if you don’t also take care of yourself. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. High blood pressure (anything higher than 120/80) can damage arteries and increase your risk of having a heart attack. The American Heart Association recommends getting your blood pressure checked once every two years after the age of 20. The symptoms of a heart attack are unique for women, so make sure you discuss what signs to look for with your provider. Call 763-581-CARE and schedule an appointment at your nearby North Memorial Clinic.

Page 4 • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Insight News

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AchieveMpls’ Career and College Center helping North students go to college By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Simple mathematics ‌ by 2018, 70 percent of all jobs in Minnesota will require some form of postsecondary education. But in 2013, Black students in the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) graduated at a paltry rate of just 57 percent. So one need not be a genius to see that if the district cannot improve its graduation rate for Black students, many of these students will find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to gainful employment and economic stability. And the graduation rate for Hispanics is just slightly better at 58 percent and the rate for Native-American is lowest of all at just under 49 percent. The good news ‌ all those numbers are up from the

previous year. While there is no concise reason given for the uptick in graduation rates – six percent improvement for Blacks – the efforts being made by AchieveMpls seem to be paying off. AchieveMpls is a nonprofit partner of MPS that mobilizes community support in efforts to ensure academic achievement, equitable opportunities and career and college readiness for all students. AchieveMpls is in the various MPS high schools with its Career and College Centers (CCC) helping students plan for life after high school. At North Community High School some say college would be nothing but a far off dream without the resource center. “I have colleges talking to me and if it wasn’t for the CCC, I wouldn’t have any colleges

“The situation is critical,� said Costain. “This is a booming economy with a lot of jobs, but a lot of kids are going to be on the outside looking in if we don’t get to them now.� talking to me,� said Matthew Goodman, a senior at North, who was also a part of the state semifinal football team. “If CCC weren’t here I don’t think I’d be looking forward to college. CCC

gave me a look into my future.� Goodman said he plans to pursue an education in computer graphics and gaming. “I want to go into a career where my work can be seen throughout the world,� said Goodman. “And I’ve discovered that I have a talent for writing stories, so I’m going to write

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the Insight 2 Health challenge. The second week introduced us to the full I2HC – The F.I.T. Lab expert fitness trainers Adam Stein, founder of Fulton Fitness Inc., and Michele Anderson, both ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainers; and certified Yoga Instructor Theresa Behnke. The week was packed full with the usual vigorous fitness exercises previously learned, only taken up a notch by this alternating team of fitness specialists. Exercises were intense enough to cause sweating and heavy breathing, increasing the heart rate to near maximum. These exercises were modified –easy, moderate and vigorus-- for the three levels of participants. Yours truly is a member of the ‘easy’ level and I hope to advance to ‘moderate’. Follow my blog as I share this personal journey of a healthier me with Insight News audience. Research shows exercise fitness experts measure activity in metabolic equivalents (METs). METs is described as the energy it takes to sit quietly or burn one calorie per every 2.2 pounds of body weight per hour for a typical adult. For

Dhani Jones Sports Honoree (not shown) Iyanla Vanzant Inspirational Honoree

Kevin Liles Entertainment Honoree Henry Coaxum McDonald’s Owner/Operator Honoree

Al Sharpton Humanitarian Honoree

Gabrielle Williams Community Choice Youth Honoree

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stories for video games, too.� Pam Costain, president and CEO of AchieveMpls, said the stakes have never been higher when it comes to ensuring that all Minneapolis students have successful high school careers. “The situation is critical,� said Costain. “This is a booming economy with a lot of jobs, but a lot of kids are going to be on the outside looking in if we don’t get to them now.� Costain said she hopes to get low income students and students of color interested in specialized careers before their senior year in high school. “Kids have to know what they’re doing and have to be on some career track,� said Costain, while speaking to a group of educators and students at a recent AchieveMpls session at North. “Growing up in a middle class home – and being white – I could go to school and change my mind about what I wanted to do and I

knew I would land on my feet. It’s not that way for low income students. The stakes are just too high.� April McCann, a senior at North said she knows her career path and credits the CCC with helping to find her calling. “I’m going to be an anesthetist,� said McCann, who plans to enroll at North Dakota State University next fall. “Without CCC I wouldn’t even be thinking about being an anesthetist. I found out how much money they make and that got me interested.� McCann said she is in the process of securing scholarships so she can graduate from college debt free. “With CCC it makes it easier to research scholarships because a lot were set up by North alumni and they give (to scholarship funds) because they know what we’re going through,� said McCann.

example, a person who weighs 160 pounds would burn approximately seventy two calories an hour in a stationary position such as sitting or sleeping. Vigorous-intensified activities burn more than six METs, or 430 calories ,during that same hour. One limitation to this way of measuring exercise intensity is that it does not consider the fact that some people have a higher level of fitness than others. However, the skilled fitness practitioners with the I2H challenge are keenly aware of these levels and diligent in observing those differences among participants giving a “personal� training experience that is unique, motivational and innovative while providing an environment that is both challenging and supportive to each individual. According to a Mayo Staff penned article in Healthy Lifestyle Fitness February 5, 2014, “Studies show that your perceived exertion correlates well with your heart rate. So if you think you’re working hard, your heart rate is likely elevated�. Confirming once again, attitude is a big factor in sustaining healthy life style changes. The Insight 2 Health challenge prides itself on creating an exercise ritual that increases the METs which helps lower high blood pressure for a healthy heart, while helping to alter negative and self defeating attitudes with affirmations and inspiration. Led by owner, champion athlete and ACE certified trainer Tyrone Minor, The F.I.T. Lab is composed of accomplished, expert certified fitness professionals who are motivated to help the participants find balance in their lives. These qualified specialists have a personal passion for fitness. They inspire lifestyle change and make every effort to engage the Insight 2 Health challenge participants in all levels for support of healthy habits through healthy choices. A meeting with self described “all about the food� nutritionist Julie McMahnon set the foundation to support these vigorous workouts with the right balance of food and vital intake of water. Throughout the week Julie shared tasty, nutritional supplemental recipes for smoothies and meals. These recipes are full of veggies, fruits, chia seeds and almond milk replacing old habits of fast food and foods with high

levels of sugar and sodium, the deadly duo causing havoc across American. Yoga instructor Behnke facilitated a dynamic session leading the participants into positions in which to become more in tune with your body, mind and spirit. Stretching and balance are the keys to unleashing the negativity locked within our body and soul. The combination of soothing music, breathing techniques and positive affirmations, while vigorous, was also relaxing. It was a powerful reaction of contentment and physical sensation releasing the stress and feeling it leave your body through the extensive stretching exercises. Dr. Darren D. Moore, Ph.D., LMFT of “THE MOORE THERAPY MOVEMENT! NEED I SAY MOORE?�, mental coach consultant for the I2H rounds off the elite I2Hdream team. Dr. Moore led participants through a series of goal setting assignments. The coursework included creating a vision board; a powerful visualization, motivational tool with words and pictures which are inspirational and motivational to the individual creating it. A daily reminder of one’s desires, ambitions and dreams, it is believed that visualizing what you want for yourself can help you make it happen. Participants wrote out weight goals, and gave an autobiographical account of eating and physical activity habits. The assignments served as a ‘window to the soul’ helping to identify the origin and the triggers associated with these negative habits. Al McFarlane, President/ Editor-in-Chief of Insight News and co-founder of the Insight 2 Health challenge says it best: “The Insight 2 Health Challenge is one way to have a public conversation and take action within ourselves as a community to solve our own problems.� The Insight 2 Health fitness challenge is a partnership between McFarlane Media Interests (Insight News) and the F.I.T. Lab. It is supported, in part, by North Point Health & Wellness Center; Open Cities Health Center; Southside Community Health Services; UCare; Jamaica Tourist Board; Major Taylor Bicycling Club Minnesota; Embassy Suites Hotel and Mayo Clinic Health Patient Education.

Claim It!

the EITC. Examples include the recently unemployed or self-employed, or those living in rural areas. EITC eligibility is determined by the amount of earned income and the number of dependents. The average amount for a family of three can be more than $6,000. “The Earned Income Tax Credit is our nation’s largest investment to boost the wages of working families. In 2013, it supplemented the paychecks of nearly 350,000 Minnesotans,� said Representative Keith Ellison. He continued, “Nationwide, it lifted six million families out of poverty, helping them pay for rent and groceries, repair a car or put aside savings for the future. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the EITC, Congress should expand the benefits to more working families.� Minnesota is one of 26 states with a state version called the Minnesota Working Family

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LOVIN’ BY EXAMPLE. Here’s to the leaders that don’t talk about dedication, they show it. To the people who constantly perform selfless acts as they reach out, reach back and bring others along. We show our gratitude during Black History Month, but we applaud you everyday. Let’s all be inspired to stay deeply rooted in spreading the love, 365 days a year. Find your motivation at 365Black.com.

Š2015 McDonald’s

Claim It!, created in 2006 by Greater Twin Cities United Way and Prepare + Prosper, is a statewide public awareness campaign that encourages eligible taxpayers to take advantage of EITC. “United Way’s mission is to create pathways out of poverty and Claim It! is one of the tools that can aid in the process; so we’ve proud to collaborate with Prepare + Prosper to reach as many eligible taxpayers as possible,� says Meghan Barp, United Way senior vice president of Community Impact. She continues, “An example is our strategic placement of billboards in high traffic areas. We want to see a significant increase in the number of people ‘claiming’ the tax credits they’ve worked for.� According to the IRS, one in five taxpayers doesn’t claim

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Insight News • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Page 5

BUSINESS Klobuchar highlights efforts to boost diversity in tech sector Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar helped launch a “Diversifying Tech Caucus” that will bring together lawmakers, researchers, and academics to shape policy that can help increase diversity in the tech sector. Klobuchar toured Clockwork Active Media, a woman-owned and womanled business that specializes in digital strategy, content, design, and technology. Women hold fewer than 25 percent of STEM jobs in America, and only 3 percent of startups are founded by women. “Clockwork Active Media is a great example of a womanowned and women-led business that is promoting diversity in the tech sector and moving our economy forward.” Klobuchar has long supported efforts to increase

diversity in the tech sector. She has cosponsored the Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act, which would allow the National Science Foundation to run a grant program to promote women and minorities pursuing jobs in science and math careers. The Diversifying Tech Caucus is a bipartisan and bicameral Caucus that will work towards policies that increase representation of women, minorities, and veterans in the tech sector, and the ability of these groups to access the good jobs that this industry creates. Industry and academics will work together to unveil extensive research that Congress can use to elevate the issue and help develop meaningful solutions.

Senator Klobuchar highlights her efforts to promote diversity in the tech sector at women-owned and women-led Clockwork Active Media.

The “Carnegie Hall or Bust” fundraiser FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw We were recently caught off guard when Dr. Todd Robinson, a FUNdraising Good Times! reader, shared with us that he raises over $75,000 using information from this column. We had to learn more so we could share his story with you and inspire you to achieve your fundraising goals. We asked Robinson a few questions and with this two part series we share his story with you. But first, a little background. Dr. Robinson is the son of Earnestine Rodgers Robinson, the renowned, barrier-breaking,

Earnestine Robinson classical composer. She has created her third oratorio “Exodus” which will have its world premier at Carnegie Hall in New York City on February 16th. An oratorio, is a large-scale

musical work for orchestra and voices, usually based on scripture such as Handel’s Messiah. The Exodus premier will include 200 choir members from

across the country. And so the fundraising question arose: how will the choir members afford the travel and accommodations that accompany this great honor? We asked Dr. Robinson to share his fundraising needs and goals. “This started out as a “onetime” project. We needed to raise funds to underwrite the costs of bringing together a 200-member adult and children chorus from around the country for a performance at Carnegie Hall. The members of the choir were being recruited from schools, churches and community choirs. Since the recruitment was primarily “grassroots” in nature (and not some established symphonic choir), all those participating would be responsible for covering all of their costs without the benefit of corporate sponsorship. This meant that

each individual would pay a required fee to the Carnegie Hall production company, plus airline travel and the expensive cost of living charges of Manhattan (taxis, food, hotel, etc). Of course, there were other costs outside of the chorus that we needed to cover.” “Being ‘grassroots’ in nature, we knew that many choir members were dealing with modest budgets,” Robinson continued. “As a result, the dream of performing on the famed stage would be out of reach for most, especially the children. However, we wanted a multi-cultural choir with members with diverse, varied backgrounds. Therefore, it was our mission that we wanted to make this incredible opportunity a reality for every person who wanted to participate no matter their financial standing.” The Robinson’s made a pledge to raise the $140,000 to

$170,000 needed to make the dream a reality. This became both their mission and their challenge. And then Robinson recalled a FUNdraising Good Times! column that included a discussion of fundraising and creativity. Next week: More about Dr. Robinson and how he raised $75,000+ without starting a nonprofit. Visit www. earnestinerobinson.com for more information about the life and work of Earnestine Rodgers Robinson. Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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ResponsibleByNature.com © 2015 Xcel Energy Inc.

Page 6 • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

EDUCATION

Robbinsdale Area Schools

Meadow Lake first-grader Aron Ibarra gets his eyes checked by Kelly Polski, an LPN working at his school.

Robbinsdale Area Schools works with American Academy of Pediatrics to improve student health Robbinsdale Area Schools is working with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on a project to improve the quality of health services offered in local schools. The AAP’s Enhancing School Health Services through Training, Education, Assistance, Mentorship and

Support (TEAMS) project offers training, resources and technical assistance to school districts that are working to strengthen their policies and practices related to school health services. The project is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention School Health Branch.

As part of the TEAMS project, Robbinsdale Area Schools has partnered with Cathy Brunkow, an RN MBA from Hennepin County Public Health, and several local Park Nicollet pediatricians (including Dr. Bernadette Coden-Festin, Dr. Anna Rakovshik, Dr. Keena Leung and Dr. Caroline

Mathews) to review existing health services in the district and identify and implement needed improvements. “School health services are critical to ensuring that students are in the best possible position to learn,” said Amber Spaniol, RN Health Services program director. “The TEAMS project will help us to improve asthma care and coordination for

students.” In November, Spaniol, Cathy Brunkow, RN MBA, and Dr. Coden-Festin traveled to AAP headquarters in Elk Grove Village, Ill., for a workshop to assess student health needs in Robbinsdale Area Schools, prioritize top health services issues to address and develop improvement strategies. “This is a tremendous

TASTE OF WEST BROADWAY

THURSDAY FEB 26, 2015 5PM–8PM

opportunity for our district to better meet the needs of our students,” said Michael Favor, executive director of student services, “and it demonstrates the dedication of our district’s nurses and health assistants to keeping our children healthy, safe and ready to learn.” Through the TEAMS project, the AAP has provided 30 school districts from across the country with training through in-person workshops, webinars, individualized coaching and other resources. Robbinsdale Area Schools was one of 12 districts selected from over 50 applicants to participate in the third cohort of the TEAMS project. Robbinsdale Area Schools was chosen in part based on the strength of the district’s health services leadership and partnerships. “The TEAMS participants are positioned to make great strides toward improving student health and reducing health-related barriers to learning in their districts,” said Dr. Linda Grant, MPH, FAAP, of the TEAMS Project Steering Committee. “Their work will serve as a model for other districts seeking to strengthen their health services.”

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citizens and seniors. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program has provided free income tax assistance to persons with low and moderate incomes since 1968. In 2014, the program provided 2.6 million people with free tax help, and those who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). While the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is extremely successful, there are still 19 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers who qualify for free tax preparation services. NABA will also recruit volunteers at www. aarpfoundation.org/tanaba who will be trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deliver tax preparation services. NABA has successfully mobilized volunteers for various community service programs, including the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, for over 20 years. For more information contact: NABA - Minneapolis/ St Paul Chapter, Tel: 612-3718622, Fax: 1-866-839-1814 or by email: membership@ nabamn.org.

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Page 7

LIFESTYLE Take chances and achieve your goals Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson This year is all about stepping out there on faith! It’s all about taking chances and achieving goals that you never imagined possible! This year I want you to see yourself as a successful and determined individual! No fear or regret will get in your way as

Myers From 1

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 Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott 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.

you start this wonderful journey. This is how I have decided to start each and every day of 2015! Joy and excitement is what this year represents for me. There are so many great things to look forward to this year. Think about it for a moment. Think about all the research you put into starting that new project and how you are finally ready to see it through! There are some people who have been working hard and saving to purchase that new house. How wonderful this year will be for them! What about that person who will finally graduate from college this year after going back time and time again. Well in affecting social and economic inequalities.” Myers’ expertise and research focus on the impact of social policies on the economically disadvantaged. He is a national authority on the methodology of measuring racial and ethnic disparities in public procurement and contracting. Myers, Jr. has served as an expert witness in groundbreaking litigation regarding disparity studies, including federal cases of GEOD vs. New Jersey Transit

This year is the year that goes down in history for you as the year you made up your mind to work on the certain goal that is always in the back of your mind.

(3rd Circuit Court of Appeals) and Geyer Signal vs. Minnesota Department of Transportation. He regularly provides technical assistance to state transportation departments, airport authorities, and local transit agencies. Myers, Jr. has served as president of both the NEA and the Association of Public Policy and Management. He is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and was a Fulbright Fellow with the Chinese Academy of Social

Sciences in Beijing during the academic year of 2008-2009. Myers, Jr. has consulted with the National Employment Policy Commission, National Academy of Sciences, U.S. Civil Rights Commission, U.S. General Accounting Office and U.S. Congressional Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime. He also served as a senior staff economist at the Federal Trade Commission. The Westerfield Award is named after the distinguished

it’s your year too and time to celebrate! This year brings so much joy to so many people that I talk to. Their excitement has rubbed off on me and I can’t stop smiling and feeling happy for each and every one of them. This is a time to recognize the hard work that your loved ones have done and to celebrate with them. This is not a time to be jealous of anyone, because you never know what their journey has been like. They have worked hard to get to this point and they should be very proud of their accomplishments. Remember to rejoice with them now because your day is coming

and you will want your friends and family to share in your joy. This year is the year that goes down in history for you as the year you made up your mind to work on the certain goal that is always in the back of your mind. This is YOUR year so get excited and be thankful for your new journey! And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and keep striving for greatness.

economist and former Ambassador to Liberia, Samuel Z. Westerfield, Jr. Established in 1973, it acknowledges outstanding scholarly achievements and public service by an African-American economist. Previous recipients include Nobel Laureate and Princeton University Professor Sir W. Arthur Lewis, MIT professor, Phyllis Wallace and Northwestern University professor, Marcus Alexis. The January ceremony was the first

time that the son of a previous winner has been honored. In addition to Myers, Sr., past awardees who attended the event included David Swinton, Bernard Anderson, Margaret Simms and William Darity, Jr. Myers, Jr. is the director of Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey School and has been a member of the Humphrey School faculty since 1992.

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www.thequeensproject. com or email at penny@ thequeensproject.com.

Press From 1 our youth and future generations understand and appreciate the price of what they enjoy today.” NNPA publishers were also greeted by Minister of Tourism Obediah H. Wilchcombe. A former journalist, Wilchcombe pledged to advertise in NNPA newspapers to help attract tourists, especially African Americans, to the Bahamas. In his speech, Davis said, “No one has the authority to tell your story like you can so as to aptly illustrate in the words of an old African proverb: ‘Until the lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters.’” Davis urged publishers to continue providing robust coverage of their communities while embracing the technology favored by young people. “As you move to celebrate Black History Month beginning early next week, I encourage you to continue as responsible generational leaders, being

PRESS TURN TO 9

Page 8 • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

COMMENTARY The legacy of Carter G. Woodson Opinion

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Interim President, NNPA The best way to celebrate Black History Month is to make more Black history. Black History Month is now celebrated around the world. We are grateful for the visionary leadership of noted historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson for being the founder of what was known as Negro History Week in 1926 that 44 years later evolved into Black History Month. It is also important to note that this year marks the centennial celebration of Woodson’s founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The mission of ASALH is to “promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.� Established in 1915, the association has no peer in the preservation of our rich history. ASALH continues to extend

the legacy Carter G. Woodson “speaking a fundamental truth to the world – that Africans and peoples of African descent are makers of history and co-workers in what W. E. B. Du Bois called, The Kingdom of Culture.� Yes, it is clearly of the greatest necessity for all of us to support and spread knowledge about the accomplishments of Woodson, which included his landmark, The Mis-Education of the Negro. Written in 1933, the book is as timely today as it was 82 years ago. We must not allow anyone or anything to diminish or to dismiss the uninterrupted relevance and importance of Black American history, culture and intellectual genius. The “fundamental truth� about the glorious and triumphant history of peoples of African descent needs to be retold and appreciated by all people throughout the world. We are a proud people. We are an African people. We are the Black family, community, nation and global community. We are a people of the long centurieslong struggle for freedom, justice and equality. Our history did not begin or end with the tragedy and holocaust of transatlantic slavery. The history of African people

begins with God’s creation of humanity. We are the original people. Human civilization had its birth and evolution in the cradle of the heart of Africa. When I hear people today say that Black Americans have a challenge with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) academic courses and disciplines, I ask: Why? We are the originators of math and science.

addressing our long-term needs with a solid transportation and transit investment plan. This past week the Governor

put forward a thoughtful plan to meet those needs. In this legislative session I will seek to support a balanced, long-term

contribution to support HBCUs this month; • Subscribe to a Black-owned newspaper this month for yourself and for a relative. #OurVoice75 Support the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) 75th Anniversary throughout this year. • Let’s prepare to reassert our demand for the protection of the voting rights of all people and in particular for Black Americans as we approach in the next few weeks the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March. Let’s make more history together. Our future will be determined by what we do today. Let’s make this Black History Month a time of both reflection and action to advance the interests of Black America and all African people everywhere.

One of the reasons Black History Month is so important is because it forces us to remind ourselves that high achievement and excellent academic performance are a vital components of our historical evolution. Being skilled in science and math is not tantamount to “acting White,� whatever that is. Rather, it’s thinking Black in the finest of traditions. In a real sense Black History

Month is Black Achievement Month. We must do a better job in defining and controlling the narrative about Black Americas in the past, currently and the future. The so-called “mainstreamâ€? media is still full of negative stereotypes and debilitating caricatures when it comes to reporting news, sports or about the cultural arts of people of African descent. Here are my five recommendations for properly celebrating this 2015 Black History Month: • #Black Lives Matter: We endorse the national social media campaign to assert the value of all Black American lives and to confront and stop raciallymotivated police brutality; • Let’s strengthen Blackowned businesses this month not only by buying Black, but by encouraging the mentorship and development of a new generation of young entrepreneurs; • Financially support the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), whether to an individual college, or through the National Association For Equality Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) or the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. Make a

transportation bill that meets the needs of all Minnesotans. Rep. Dehn encourages constituents to contact him

with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas. Rep. Dehn can be reached by phone at 651-296-8659 or by email at

rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Dehn’s legislative page and sign up for email updates.

Carter G. Woodson

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http:// drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/ drbfc

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The legislative session is now a month old. The Governor and both legislative bodies have released their budgets and transportation proposals. The transportation initiatives of Governor Dayton and the House Republicans couldn’t be further apart. On one hand we have a balanced approach that benefits all Minnesotans, on the other we have a short-term, quick fix approach that provides half the funding that was passed in 2014 and leaves transit out entirely. If funding remains flat, Minnesota is projected to fall short of our transportation and transit needs by $6 billion over the next ten years. Governor Dayton’s plan raises the required funds in an equitable way. The money needed to support road and bridge maintenance and construction will come from vehicle owners, with an increase in the wholesale fuel tax, raising the price by about $0.16 a gallon, and a small increase in license tab fees phased in over four years. A half cent increase in the sales tax in the metro area will fund transit, bike and pedestrian projects in the metro. General Fund dollars are used to fund transit in the rest of the state. In contrast to the Governor’s plan, the House Republicans propose a one-time spending increase of $200 million, which would only go for local roads. They also propose spending down 90% of the Trunk Highway Reserve Fund and ask MnDOT to do more with what they have. House Republicans have proposed a short sighted transportation package that neglects transit and doesn’t tackle our long-term needs. Road and bridges are important, but so is transit. Mass transit systems in dense metropolitan areas move large quantities of people in an efficient manner. People depend on transit to get to school or work, run errands, and to access vital public services like health care. It’s wrong to ignore transit and leave the people who use it behind like the House Republicans are proposing we do. For too long we’ve put off

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Understanding Our Past to Direct the Future “Sankofa� 7700 France Ave, Edina, MN

February 25, 2015

7:00 P.M.

Al McFarlane,

Town Hall Meeting Crisis in Black Education

February 26, 2015

7:00 P.M.

February 27, 2015

Marc Morial,

7:00 P.M.

Reverend Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

National Urban League

ON-SITE PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE

PARTNERS

All delegates must park at the Minneapolis/Bloomington Hilton located at 3900 American Boulevard West, Bloomington, MN. A shuttle service to and from the conference will be provided. The shuttle will leave every half hour from the Hilton and from the 7700 France Ave West entrance.

KMOJ Radio- The people Station, Insight Newspaper, Minnesota State Mankato College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Minnesota State Mankato College of Education, Minnesota State Mankato College of Business, Minnesota State Mankato College of Arts and Humanities, Minnesota State Mankato Library, OfďŹ ce of Institutional Diversity.

Note: Delegates may park free at the 7700 France Ave location in the west parking lot (behind building) ONLY on the following days and times: t February 25-26-27 after 5:30 P.M. 4IVUUMF 4FSWJDF GSPN $46 QSPWJEFE CZ -BOE UP "JS t Wednesday, February 25 after 5:30 P.M. for Town Hall Meeting 5IVSTEBZ 'FCSVBSZ o 'SJEBZ 'FCSVBSZ t Thursday, February 26 for keynote presentation of Marc Morial at 7:00 P.M. %FQBSU $46 BU A.M. t Friday, February 27 for keynote presentation of Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. at 7:00 P.M. t Saturday, February 28 All day 3FUVSO $46 BU P.M.

www.mnsu.edu/panafricanconference A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and an AfďŹ rmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the OfďŹ ce of Institutional Diversity at 507-389-2914 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Institutional Diversity Program at least ďŹ ve days prior to the day of the event. INDV161PO_0115

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Jazinae Patterson: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities 2015 Youth of the Year On Thursday, January 22 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities with the help of a panel of judges selected Jazinae Patterson from Southside Village Club as the 2015 Twin Cities Youth of the Year. Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year recognition is the highest honor a Club member can achieve. The Youth of the Year program celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. These deserving young people are recognized for service to their Club and community, academic performance and contributions to their family. In order to obtain this honor, Patterson competed against six youth from Club sites in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Candidates had to complete three essays, obtain three letters of recommendation and submit academic transcripts. The judges reviewed their packets and interviewed each youth individually. This culminated in the candidates giving three minutes speeches during the January Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities board meeting. Patterson is a junior at Washburn High School and has been a Club member since the age of nine. “At the Boys & Girls Clubs they believe that all children deserve the opportunity to succeed. They believe that all children, no matter what their

Jazinae Patterson

ABOUT THAT CAR: 2015

Press From 7 the critical voice that gives the perspective that others are simply not equipped to give,� he said. “I also entreat you to embrace

Claim It! From 4 Credit (WFC). “The federal Earned Income

when cruising at any speed, 20 mph or 80 mph. The system helped it attain a fuel rating of 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg combined. That might not sound like much but given its weight and the horsepower required to move it smoothly, it wasn’t bad. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain moved our Escalade smartly. It could get from zero to 60-mph in 5.98 seconds. That’s what Cadillac said and we didn’t quibble. The Escalade ESV even had a sport setting in the ride mode selector. With a base price of $81,295 and $84,290 as tested, it is obvious that the 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV is not for everyone. But for those who can afford it, the Escalade ESV is an awfully luxurious package.

wood trim looked like they stripped the bark off a tree and then shaved a piece of wood off and put it in the Escalade. The interior of our test vehicle was sheathed in chocolate brown leather that looked like it would be at home covering huge sofas or thick easy chairs. Of course, there was the

the technology of youth. Arming yourselves in this way will allow you to exponentially contribute to nurturing hearts and enlightening minds throughout the world.� Davis drew a direct link between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and recent unrest across the nation

when unarmed African Americans were killed by police officers who were never prosecuted. “Today, history screams as loudly in Ferguson [Mo.] as it did in Mississippi during the 1960s,� he said. “We must, though, be careful that the ideologies which led to our bonded and

disenfranchised forebears to unrest and uprising are not used to rationalize the actions of those who resist the necessary casings of law and order. “As journalists, your role as peacekeepers, therefore, can never be overstated. You must do all that you can to continue to

be forthright and objective truthtellers, calming the waters, while providing an accessible resource for young emerging leaders.� Like African Americans, Davis said, the Bahamas has had its own struggles with racial tension. He said that history is “painfully punctuated with accounts of

bloodshed and death, poverty and provocative policemen, incited cities and solemn cemeteries.� He explained, “Much as that history derives from the abominable Jim Crow that survives today dressed in the fabled emperor’s new clothes.�

Tax Credit and the Minnesota Working Family Credit are powerful tools for our families – helping to pull thousands of families headed by working adults out of poverty,� said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “The

benefit to our communities also is significant; the credit generates an additional $1.50 for the local economy for every $1.00 claimed by tax filers.� Minnesotans who qualify for the EITC likely qualify for free

tax preparation. There are more than 250 free tax preparation sites across the state. “Tax season is incredibly important for so many low- and moderate-income families,� said Tracy Fischman, executive

director of Prepare + Propser. “Because of tax credits like the EITC and WFC, we call it a ‘money-moment.’ It’s likely the one time of year when people receive a large sum of money and can think about using it to

save and get ahead.� To locate a free tax preparation site, call United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211, statewide, toll-free 1-800-543-7709; or visit www.youclaimit.org.

Phone: 612.588.1313

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Other creature comforts included a head-up display, a smart key with remote start, power adjustable pedals, a 110 volt power outlet, 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a capless fueling system and a power liftgate. It made sense that the Cadillac Escalade ESV had a rear vision camera, blind side alert, rear cross traffic alerts and a drive awareness package that featured lane departure warning. Still, the most impressive thing about our Cadillac Escalade ESV was how it moved – effortlessly. We’re talking about a vehicle that weighed more than three-tons – 6,040 pounds to be exact. We had the four-wheel-drive version. Like all 2015 Cadillac Escalades, it was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that made 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque at a not unreasonable 4,100 rpm. Outfitted with cylinder deactivation, the Cadillac Escalade would use only four-cylinders

bigger than a regular Escalade; you can call it the long-wheelbased version. That wheel-base is 14-inches longer and its overall length is 20-inches longer than a regular Escalade, which doubled the cargo space behind the third row. It was a Cadillac, thus, the interior was outstanding. Real

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CUE system (Cadillac User Experience) with a new text to voice feature. Love it or hate it, the intuitive, proximity sensing, haptic capacitive system had a clean look, no buttons and it had a personality all its own. All contemporary Cadillacs are equipped with it and as we‘ve tested several we’ve grown more comfortable with this system. Some features on this Escalade were new. It had LED daytime running lights in the front. The third rows seats were power folding. And the second row seat backs flopped forward with the push of a button. Of course, there was OnStar with features like automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, monthly vehicle diagnostics and stolen vehicle assistance. And it had an in-house navigation system, Bluetooth, voice controls, satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot were among the equipment.

By Frank S. Washington NNPA Columnist AboutThatCar.com DETROIT – The seats in our 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV were a little firm. But there was plenty of head room and the leg room was sufficient. We felt confident that two adults would be comfortable but three would be squeezed. That was our observation about the third row seats of the Cadillac Escalade ESV. It only got better as we moved forward. The big sport-utility’s second-row seats were captain’s chairs. Our only quibble was there was no center console for them. But they were heated. And the first row seats were cooled as well as heated and they provided a seating position that was as high as that of a fullsize pickup truck. A Cadillac Escalade ESV is

circumstances, can have a great future. They believe in me. They have faith in me. Because of this I was able to build trust with more people and see my potential.� “Jazinae is a positive role model to youth across the Clubs,� said Erin Carlin, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. “Between serving as President of Keystone Club (a Club leadership program) and making the honor roll while playing varsity basketball, she also volunteers her time to younger Club members. Every day she goes above and beyond, not only as a Club member, but as a member of our community.� State youth of the year competition will be held on April 13th at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities Mt. Airy Club location. Patterson will face youth representing Clubs from across the state of Minnesota. The winner will be announced in a ceremony including legislative representatives and community leaders on April 14th. The winner of the state competition takes home a $25,000 Home Team Scholarship to the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year program to go towards continuing education at the College or University of their choice. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities represent more than eighty years of service to youth. For more information, visit us at www.boysandgirls.org.

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Cokato Apts, Cokato, MN (a seniors complex 62 or over or handicapped) has vacancies on 2nd Floor for one BR apts. Waiting list open. Contact Don at 320-286-2758. E-Mail cokapts@embarqmail.com

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280. Must meet certain qualifications.

West Falls Estates

International Falls, MN. 56649 Rent based on 30% Of adjusted income Call Patricia Brown At 218-283-4967 TDD 800-627-3529

Fax: 612.588.2031

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

Email: info@insightnews.com

Operations Generalist – Jury Specialist The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Operations Generalist – Jury Specialist. This position will be located in St. Paul. Salary range is $41,009 - $66,701. For complete job description, visit the court’s website www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer

Music Director Part-time Mt. Olivet Baptist Church is seeking a PT Christian Music Director to support our Music Ministry. The ability to read and teach music, accompany other musicians and strong keyboard knowledge are requirements, as well as at least one year of experience teaching and directing choirs of at least 12 members. Duties include rehearsing assigned choir(s), serving during Sunday worship services, special events and as a supporting instrumentalist. Contemporary and traditional gospel music, anthems and hymns are a part of our worship. Position reports to the Minister of Music. If interested, please send your resume electronically to lorean48@aol.com or by mail to: Personnel Ministry Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 451 West Central Avenue St. Paul, MN 55103 Website: www.mtolivetbaptistchurch.org

North Memorial Needs Volunteers to Help Victims of Domestic Abuse SafeJourney, a program serving North Memorial Medical Center and Maple Grove Hospital, helps patients and individuals in the community who are experiencing domestic abuse. Volunteer advocates are needed to provide a listening ear, support, safety planning, information and referral. You do not have to have previous knowledge or experience, but rather looking for people who are sensitive to the issue, caring, and non-judgmental. Advocates sign up for 2 on-call shifts per month. Flexible scheduling - daytime, overnights, and weekends. Training is provided. Deadline to apply and schedule a short interview is January 26. Please call Suzy at 763-581-3942.

Page 10 • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Insight News

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O-D:

Producer talks K.Raydio album & African roots By Toki Wright Twitter - @mrwrighttc

AS: What do you want people to know about your music?

As we continue to shed light on members of the Twin Cities aesthetics community, we bring you Milwaukee to Minnesota transplant O-D. Born out of the Pete Rock/J Dilla school of thought, the beat maker has paid dues producing music for Ghana’s M.anifest and Blitz the Ambassador, The Chalice and the collaborative album with K.Raydio, “One Drop.” I recently sat down with O-D to talk about his music and family roots.

O-D: I take music very seriously but I also don’t try to approach making music seriously, if that makes sense. I try to make a place to create and let go. I’m from an era where we dig for records and we learn about music from the past and the present. I approach hip-hop music with intentionality and also view it as a cultural practice. There’s an intrinsic value in doing it regardless of where it goes. AS: Can you give our readers

some background on who you and your family’s roots?

that has a way of politicizing people.

O-D: I was born and raised in Milwaukee and went to Rufus King High School. My parents both are immigrants to the U.S. from very different parts of the globe; my dad from England and my mom from the Seychelles Islands. Most people may not be familiar with them but they are a set of islands in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of the African continent, northeast of Madagascar. I came into hip-hop and social-political awareness around the same time. Milwaukee is a place

A-S: What else can you tell us about Seychelles as many of our readers may not be familiar? O-D: There are about 150 islands but only a few have people living on them. Initially there were no indigenous inhabitants before the French colonized it and was a place where a lot of pirates used to frequent. There was a prominent and less talked about slave trade in the Indian Ocean. The islands are mostly African, though some Arab.

My grandfather was actually was a Chinese immigrant so on my mom’s side we’re African and Chinese decent. It’s a similar dynamic to some Caribbean nations. There’s a lot of racial intermixing. I still have a lot people there and go back every few years. You’ve got to save that bread and vacation time to make that trip halfway around the world but it’s a beautiful place. AS: What do you mean when you say Milwaukee has a way of “politicizing people?”

O-D TURN TO 11

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Page 11 Beasly & Dru Dizz

Finding Novyon

Project Pat

Feb 9 -15

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. 9 FILM/SCREENING J Dilla documentary/film screening Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. No cover In preparation for 2015 Dilla Day, Augsburg College’s Dilla Day chapter presents a movie series in his honor. The late James Dewitt Yancy, better known as J Dilla, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of hip-hop. Free popcorn and donuts will be provided. The screening takes place in the Christensen Center on the East Commons of Augsburg College. For more information contact Reies Raees at Romeror@augsburg. edu or (651) 270-7592.

Tuesday, Feb. 10 O-D From 10 O-D: It’s a very segregated city. Having a white parent and a black parent it’s very clear the spaces available that are welcome for different sorts of people. Fortunately, I had the privilege of going back and forth between some of those lines. Seeing that, you can’t help but be very critical of those dynamics being very light-skinned and sort of an ethnically ambiguous person of color of African descent.

Mario REGGAE/PERFORMANCE International Reggae AllStars Bunker’s Music Bar & Grill 761 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis $6 Continuing their Tuesday night residency at Bunker’s, members Lynval “Golden Voice� Jackson and Tenn “Jah-Bee� Bennett of Jamaica, Tony Paul of Trinidad/ Tobago, Charles “Chilly� Petrus, Bingo and Brian Alexis of Venezuela bring their global sound. Expect to hear everything from recent dancehall mashups to classics from Bob Marley.

S.O.S. Band

Thursday, Feb. 12 POETRY/PERFORMANCE The Calof Series Patrick’s Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis 7 p.m. No cover

Wednesday, Feb. 11

The Calof Series is a monthly series pairing two singer/songwriters and two storytelling/spoken word artists to present and workshop works-inprogress. Taking place in the Cabaret’s intimate Lobby Lounge, audiences enjoy free admission, coffee, pastries and the chance to discuss and shape new work with artists.

HIPHOP/PERFORMANCE

HIPHOP/PERFORMANCE

Uncovered Artist Series X Triple Rock Social Club 629 Cedar Ave. S, Minneapolis 9 p.m. 21-plus $5

Gravity Nights – One Year Anniversary Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 10 p.m. 21-plus $5

Want to hear some new Minnesota sounds? New artists Finding Novyon, Softporecorn, Ackronem and Eloda, Catalyst and Bailey Cogan, present a night of music with live painting by Amanda Weber.

There’s a lot of privileges I benefited from but also had a set of challenges. AS: You recently released the “One Drop� album in collaboration with singer/ songwriter K.Raydio. What’s your take on the title as it relates to the record? O-D: As we started working on the record, one of the first songs that K.Raydio wrote was “One Drop.� It’s about a set of experiences that she was familiar with – not saying that’s her story. As soon I heard it I said, “This just might be the album.� You know the

C and Stress), Beasly and Dru Dizz, Tek, Pretty Ugly and abstract art with Kiwi Pies, plus a Dilla set by DJ Franscisco.

Friday, Feb. 13 HIPHOP/PERFORMANCE Project Pat Club Underground/Spring Street Tavern 355 Monroe St. N.E., Minneapolis 9 p.m. $15 advance, $20 door Tennessee hip-hop legend Project Pat of Hypnotized Mindz returns to Minneapolis with opening performances by Renagade, Polar Bear Ent., J4TaY, A.C.E. and Trai-P, Aquafresh Ft. Lincoln Music Group, C4, A-Dot Taylor, HelleBeats, Profit and Skooby and Uncommon Sense.

at www.vitalculture.com/ UncleJ.

Saturday, Feb. 14 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Mike the Martyr – “Marbury� Album Release First Avenue and 7th St. Entry 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $7 Mike the Martyr’s critically acclaimed new album features Ali Vegas, Muja Messiah, Joe Blow, Toki Wright and more. Join Martyr for a night of hiphop featuring Muja, Bobby Raps, Manny Phesto, Finding Novyon, Bayb Shel of Rez Rap and DJ Frank Castle.

Sunday, Feb. 15

FUNK/PERFORMANCE S.O.S. Band with Cherrelle Mill City Nights 111 N. 5th St., Minneapolis 7 p.m. $25 general admission, $50 seated VIP Playing such hits as “Take Your Time (Do It Right)� and “Just Be Good To Me,� the S.O.S band will be joined by Cherrelle at Mill City Nights. For more info call (651) 373-0471. R&B/PERFORMANCE Mario The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave. Minneapolis 10 p.m. 21-plus Presale $25, $30 door

S.,

R&B heartthrob, Mario comes to the Cabooze with guest performances by Francis Sampah and Bryan Doe. For more information call (323) 680-2784.

Tickets are available online

WizeEnt, Cherry Sky and Long Doe Records present the one year anniversary of Gravity Nights, a showcase of art & fashion fused with R&B and hip-hop for an ultimate experience. Performances include Skoolboy Ent. (Ken

history that if you have any African blood in this country you are Black. This goes back to people wanting to have the largest number of people they can enslave but also creates a solidarity that doesn’t necessarily exist in other parts of the world where there are people of African descent. AS: How does your African history influence your work? O-D: There’s a musical tradition there that is part of the African Diasporic

O-D TURN TO 12

2014 // 15 SEASON Northrop Presents

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

Tue, Feb 17, 7:30 pm

The Lark Ascending In the Mirror of Her Mind Agon Return This acclaimed dance institution will perform an eclectic program of ballet in sync with the 21st Century.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND FOCUS FEATURES PRESENT A MICHAEL DE LUCA PRODUCTION “MUSIC FIFTY SHADES OF GREY�EXECUTIVE DAKOTA JOHNSON JAMIE DORNAN JENNIFER EHLE AND MARCIA GAY HARDEN PRODUCED BY DANNY ELFMAN PRODUCERS MARCUS VISCIDI JEB BRODY BY MICHAEL DE LUCA p.g.a. E L JAMES p.g.a. BASED ON SCREENPLAY DANA BRUNETTI p.g.a. THE NOVEL BY E L JAMES BY KELLY MARCEL DIRECTEDBY SAM TAYLOR-JOHNSON A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON REPUBLIC RECORDS

Â? <50=,9:(3 :;<+06:

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Ashley Murphy and Da’Von Doane in Far But Close. Photo Š Rachel Neville.

STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Page 12 • February 9 - February 15, 2015 • Insight News

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FILM REVIEW

Timbuktu By Dwight Brown NNPA Film Critic Islamic fundamentalists are encroaching on the basic liberties of people in Africa and the Arab world. We hear about it, but it’s hard to put into context, hard to understand the magnitude of the situation. Leave it to veteran, Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako (Bamako) to boil a complicated social phenomena down to a simple allegorical tale that’s as educational and spiritual as a biblical passage. A dark cloud looms as Jihadists take over Timbuktu, Mali. The zealots have outlawed music, soccer and socializing. They’re hostile to local men and particularly treacherous to women, especially those who try to make a living. They impose harsh sentences, even death, for any offense. Miles away in a desolate area, surrounded by golden sand dunes and only a few shrubs, a Tureg family makes a meager existence. The people around them have fled, bullied by the encroachers. Kidane (Ibrahim Ahmed) lives with his wife Satima (Toulou Kiki), his 12-year-old daughter Toya

O-D From 11 experience. There’s a genre called Sega. It’s sort of a mixture between Southern and Eastern African rhythms. There’s also a history of storytelling called Moutia.

(Laya Walet Mohamed) and Issan (Mehdi A.G. Mohamed) their young shepherd, an orphan the couple adopted. The daily indignities of the new repressed life in Timbuktu feel a lifetime away, until Issan and one of Kidane’s cows is involved in an incident with a fisherman. Kidane comes to Issan’s defense. That confrontation takes Kidane from a cloistered, sanguine life into the middle of a religious/ cultural/political tyranny he couldn’t fathom. He’s soon fighting for his life. The scourge of Sub Sahara and Northern Africa and Arab countries comes into full view in this minimalist, modern, pastoral fable. It is expertly told by Abderrahmane Sissako, whose inspiration for this cautionary tale was an incident in Mali, where a couple with two children was stoned to death because they were not legally married. Extremists were the culprits. We read about the 220 little girls who were kidnapped, think it’s a major atrocity but don’t understand how that kind of terrorism and oppression grinds people down on a daily basis. In just 97 minutes, this astute filmmaker, with cowriter Kessen Tall, boils down the complexities of the new

That’s people sitting around fires and telling stories in Creole. There’s also a dance that people do. Personally I’ve been more influenced by Black American music. AS: Who were some of those American influences?

Toulou Kiki, Ibrahim Ahmed, and Laya Walet Mohamed c0-star in the drama, Timbuktu. fanaticism, into terms we can understand. He does it with a vignette featuring vulnerable humans who had lived life with a reasonable expectation of basic freedoms that are now stripped away, day by day. Golden sand dunes provide a rich background, a mesmerizing canvas through the lens of Director of Photography Sofian el Fani (Blue is the Warmest Color), who actually shot the footage in the towns of Oualata and Nema, Mauritania. The tightly-woven storytelling is aided by the precision editing

of Nadia Ben Rachid. Amine Bouhafa’s music accentuates the right scenes, from the simple family life to the harsh tribunals. Ibrahim Ahmed’s stoic portrayal of Kidane centers the movie. He makes the character lifelike, deserving of a wonderful life and not indignities. Toulou Kiik, as his loving wife Satim who is warned to cover her face with a burka or suffer the consequences, displays inner strength. Layla Walet Mohamed as the young girl Toya and Mehdi

AG Mohamed as Issan, the catalyst, are perfectly innocent. Salem Dendou doesn’t overplay the role of Chief Jihadist, the head of the tribunal. His interpretation of the demonic antagonist is that he is rightfully in power and serving a higher being than everyone else. Many films take on a controversial subject and become preachy and dogmatic. In the hands of Sissako, the plight of thousands if not millions of people who are losing basic freedoms too militant religious fanatics is all

the more devastating because he trimmed the problem down to its roots. To the basics. This is a masterwork from one of the world’s most perceptive artists. In fact calling Sissako a brilliant filmmaker is an understatement. He comes from a tradition of storytelling that made African filmmakers like Ousmane Sembène (Guelwaar) healers, shamans and elders. He’s a genius.

O-D: There are people that influenced me but not technically. Bob Marley is a big influence but I’m not pretending my music sounds like him. In terms of hip-hop, producers like Pete Rock, Dilla, Primo, Dr. Dre. More recently some the L.A. beat scene folks like Flying Lotus and Kaytranada

are some of my favorites. Going back, Tribe Called Quest, WuTang, Mobb Deep, De La Soul … the golden age stuff. Being someone that collects and digs for music, John Coltrane, Gil Scott Heron, Fela Kuti, Curtis Mayfield (are also influences). Getting into sampling you have to appreciate that music.

AS: What listeners look forward to in the future from O-D?

Readers can find O-D online at www.twitter.com/O_d, (Bandcamp) www.o-dmusic. bandcamp.com/ and www. kraydioando-d.bandcamp. com/releases. He’s also online at www.facebook.com/ odmusic1.

O-D: I want to do an album centered around my production with different artists. Potentially some instrumentals but featuring MCs and vocalists.

Visit NNPA Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com.

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