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February 22 - February 28, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 8 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Artspeak:

Education is the gift that keeps on giving

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Today’s youth are bombarded by technology. They consider YouTube a primary news source. And, they are exposed to violence (up close and/or via the media) at unprecedented levels. Black History month provides an opportunity to share knowledge with today’s youth which, hopefully, will provoke them to reflect, remember, and reconsider. They are, after all, our future, our tomorrow, our leaders and our visionaries. I dedicate this column to Nokomis Montessori Magnet School of St. Paul who invited me to share my thoughts during

Q and A with Minnesota gubernatorial candidates

Tom Foley

Irma McClaurin, PhD

Black History Month.

Dear Nokomis Montessori Magnet School students, You are too young, and perhaps you have not read

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Metro State student

Yia Lo honored for academic achievements A Ham Lake man who has long been a Hmong community activist has been selected an outstanding student at Metropolitan State University. Yia Lor, chosen as fall semester outstanding graduate student in the university’s College of Management, was among 920 students receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees during Metropolitan State’s 95th commencement exercises on December 15.

“I’m honored and humbled by my selection,” said Lor, who was selected student commencement speaker. He earned a Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration.

For the past six years, Lor has been an academic advisor for the TRiO Educational Talent Search, a national nonprofit that promotes higher education to middle- and high school students. Lor assists more

Aviation website explores chapter in American History

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Yia Lo

than 200 students.

Lor’s long history of helping the Hmong community is inspired by the eight years he and his Laotian family spent in a Thailand refugee camp.

“I witnessed a lot of

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Black leaders finally meet

with Obama on jobs

By Pharoh Martin NNPA National Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Civil rights leaders met with President Barack Obama last week to discuss the president’s jobs strategy and to voice their concerns about the disproportionate effect of the jobs crisis on the African American community.

Even while the federal government was officially shut down due to the severe snow storm that was incapacitating the Washington, D.C. area, the president still welcomed the Rev. Al Sharpton, NAACP President Benjamin Jealous and National Urban League President Marc Morial into the Oval Office for their first formal meeting since Obama became the country’s first Black president.

“The assumption is that because the president is AfricanAmerican he should be up for representing African American interests,” Sharpton said. “That’s like saying because you’re from the labor union you should represent labor interests.”

Described as a “very candid

Suluki Fardan

B. Smith

Metropolitan State University

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Brand excellence

By Al McFarlane and B.P. Ford, The Editors B. Smith personifies gracious persistence, elegant relentlessness and unbending intent.

She has created herself as a national consumer brand that is synonymous with beautiful, sensible style. She was in the Twin Cities last week to keynote the annual Black History Month program put on by the Black Leadership

Network at SuperValu, the nation’s leading grocery retailer and wholesaler which is based here.

A native of Pennsylvania, PA, B. (Barbara) Smith began her career as a fashion model.

She shattered the beauty industry’s color barrier by appearing on the cover of Mademoiselle in July 1976. She has been on the cover of 15 magazines and now can be seen on Betty Crocker and Pillsbury products, in Mercedes-Benz TV commercials, and as spokesperson

for Colgate Palmolive Oxy products.

She told the attentive SuperValu employee group that she was the product of a military household that placed a high premium on education and accomplishment. When she decided she wanted to go to a modeling school, her father wouldn’t hear it. It took repackaging the idea to make it pass muster, be acceptable to her goal-focused dad.

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Obama, rights leaders discuss jobs

New film star Nate Parker: the next Denzel Washington

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By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief Part 1 in a series

President Barack Obama and open” dialog, the leaders met for more than an hour exploring a framework for reducing the excessive job loss numbers in the nation’s inner-cities, according to a telephone conference with reporters after the meeting.

“Our meeting with the president was a positive conversation,” Morial said. “We support very strongly the president’s 2010 focus on jobs and job creation. We certainly share with him the great challenges that our communities are facing as the

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNPA) - A traffic jam in the streets of Downtown Port-au-Prince makes it barely impossible to navigate the van from block to block. People walk along the edges of the streets, seemingly defying the moving vehicles only inches away.

Some sit on chairs or upside down buckets on the sidewalk, selling goods or cooking in large pots.

Others - in sweltering 90-degree temperatures - balance large baskets and bundles on their heads with great poise. For an American in Haiti for the first time, it’s momentarily difficult to tell what’s normal and what is due to the devastating earthquake that only occurred a month earlier.

But, then it’s made starkly clear

Photos: Hazel Trice Edney/NNPA

Several early morning food lines stretch into thousands of people. at the sight of a heap of rubble. What was once a building is now a mountain of cinder blocks and metal. In some areas a shifting breeze brings the sudden whiff of a putrid odor, a reminder of mass graves holding thousands of bodies

not far outside the city.

A young woman walks topless and exposed in the streets, turning heads and exacerbating the confusion. The Haitian driver

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Olympic skater Shani Davis, prickly competitor

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Page 2 •February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Insight News

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Part 5 in a series

Measuring candidates by our interests In an effort to motivate greater numbers of Insight News readers toward caucus attendance, and informed and early participation in the political process, Insight News invited all gubernatorial candidates competing for DFL endorsement to respond to 10 questions which focus on how they will address the concerns of Minnesota’s communities of color in their campaigns and should they be elected governor.

We asked candidates to discuss ending the education achievement gap and their ideas for improving state government’s hiring and contracting from communities of color.

Here are the responses to the last of the 10 questions, 8 and 10.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order according to last name.

forward as a state to have everyone represented in the policy-making portion of government. As Entenza governor the openappointment process will be transparent and reflect the growing diversity of our state.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher www.margaretforgovernor.com

What is your plan to ensure inclusive staffing and appointments as governor, in key positions and throughout your cabinet and administration?

State government must reflect the diversity of Minnesota. People of color are underrepresented in government Anderson state Kelliher leadership and cabinet positions.

My administration will change this reality, and will seek advice from and include people of color from throughout the state.

As governor, I will continue to engage people in all communities of color, and work with people like Rep. Jeff Hayden who has been successful in bringing people into the party and into electoral politics.

Tom Bakk www.bakk2010.com

Steve Kelley www.stevekelley.org

The governor sets the tone throughout the state government. I will work to create an inclusive atmosphere as far as staffing and Bakk otherwise. I plan to be very hands-on in the creation of my staff. I will surround myself with people who will reflect the diversity of our state and demand that others in my administration do so as well.

On a broad scale, I am committed to making sure that the diverse people that represent all of the communities in Minnesota make the Kelley highest levels of decisions in our state government.

That means appointing AfricanAmerican, Latino, Somali, Hmong, American Indian and members of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds to important positions in our state government.

Matt Entenza www.entenza.com As governor I will make the commitment that my cabinet will reflect the diversity of this state. This also applies to every department. I believe it is critical to us moving

Senator John Marty www.johnmarty.org

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Key appointments will be based on expertise and commitment to the vision of inclusion and dignity set by my administration.

I Marty will look to key organizations and leaders in the communities for recommendations for those people with the knowledge, leadership and vision that will best serve the people of Minnesota. Ultimately, I want my cabinet to be accountable not to me but to the people most impacted by the policies they implement.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane

Rep. Tom Rukavina www.rukavinaforgovernor.com

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver

I have a very clear past record on inclusion – for all people with a limited voice in public matters. In alignment that, all Rukavina with appointments to my cabinet and administration will be fair and balanced and will reflect the common person and their real-life experiences. As I mentioned, the diversity of our state needs to be reflected in all of the workforce, and my cabinet and administration would be included in this.

Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Elliot Stewart-Franzen

R. T. Rybak www.rtrybak.com

Web Design & Content Associate Ben Williams

As mayor of Minneapolis I’ve worked hard for inclusion in staffing and appointments. In my own office, I’m Rybak proud of my diverse staff, who are 40% people of color.

I’m also proud that during my tenure, we have appointed Fire Chief Alex Jackson, the first African-American to hold the post in the history of Minneapolis.

It’s also important that under Police Chief Tim Dolan’s leadership, the Minneapolis Police Department has become more diverse than at any point in our history, with the overall force now 19% officers of color. During Chief Dolan’s tenure, 29% of new police officers hired have been people of color, as have 68% of communityservice officers hired. And the trend continues: our most recent recruit class was one-half people of color.

Our success in recruiting a more diverse police force is no accident. It has happened because we instituted the first-ever comprehensive diversity plan for the Police Department, established a Multicultural Community Recruitment Team in the department and put into place the department’s first-ever recruitment plan for people of color. And it has happened because over the last several years, we have worked hard on building relationships of trust with communities of color — and with their help, we have actively recruited their best young people to join our police force. We will continue to make a priority of hiring, retaining and promoting top-quality officers of color to serve and represent all our communities.

It’s good but it’s not enough,

Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. MinneAPOlis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC) Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI) National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

however, to pledge to hire racially diverse staff: we need to build accountability into the system. In Minneapolis, every City department’s business plan includes the goal of diversifying staff, and every department head and manager is held accountable in their performance review for the progress they’ve made on that goal. As governor, I will bring this kind of accountability to state government.

It’s important not only to appoint people who are members of various underrepresented communities around the state, but to make sure that those people are leaders who are well connected in those communities, have access and trust, and can represent them fairly and sensitively. As governor, I will be particularly keen to appoint and promote emerging leaders from communities of color to key positions in state government.

Ole Savior Response for all questions: Rebuild the old neighborhoods - New schools.

More teachers. Jobs, “full” employment goals in MN at decent pay and Savior better living conditions. Higher educational opportunities for advancement of “all” people. Job creation by building a new Viking Stadium, construction etc. and also opening up new areas of jobs like the MN State Fair which is closed 50 weeks a year - create a new “year round “playland” like a “Disneyland” of four seasons (thousands of new jobs here). MN Immigration policy will be fair and good welcoming new citizens. Tribal government needs to represent all “not” just a few like Mystic family. More LRT between cities. Everyone will benefit.

Paul Thissen www.paulthissen.com In appointing commissioners to head state level agencies, I will search for an individual who not only has on the Thissen ground experience and detailed knowledge of the issues his or her office will deal with, but also one who shares my vision for Minnesota. My commissioners will need to be able to think big about our state and offer excitement about the possibility of improving life here for all citizens. I believe strongly that in order for state agencies to be effective the commissioners must have the trust of its constituency. In selecting commissioners I will discuss candidates and solicit feedback from the advocacy and citizen groups likely to work with the agency.

Please describe your plan and strategy to win the 2010 Governor’s Race.

Tom Bakk www.bakk2010.com I’m the best DFL candidate to win in November, because I am the one candidate who understands how to talk to Minnesotans about how to fix this state’s financial problems.

There are many serious issues facing this state, issues ranging from education to health care to infrastructure and on down the list.

But until we get our financial house in order, there simply are no resources to address these problems.

To fix our financial problems, we must get Minnesotans to work.

Our current deficit is almost entirely the result of reduced income tax collection. We cannot fix this problem by cutting services or raises taxes alone. We can only fix this problem by getting Minnesotans back to work. There is nothing more important than getting a paycheck on Friday. When people lose jobs, it puts the security of their families at risk. I know this, because I’ve been there. During the last bad recession in Minnesota, in the early 1980s, I ran out of unemployment and could not afford health insurance for my family. It was something I’ve never forgotten and I am passionate about putting people to work.

As I travel the state and talk about my plans for Minnesota, I know that this is the issue on people’s minds. As chair of the Senate Taxes Committee, I can talk about these issues with credibility.

When I talk about my experiences, I can connect with everyday Minnesotans, all of whom know somebody without a job. For these reasons I believe my campaign is in a great position to win the DFL endorsement and ultimately be successful in November.

Matt Entenza www.entenza.com We will win the governor’s seat back this year by running on a positive message of innovative re-

investment in our state and our people. Through education and the new green energy economy we can once again make Minnesota not just a national leader, but a global standard. Ours is a grass-roots campaign that will harness the power of the people to change our society of scarcity into one of prosperity, and grow the pie big enough so that everyone has a fair share.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher www.margaretforgovernor.com It’s really important to me that Minnesotans from all over the state, all communities, all walks of life, and all backgrounds are involved in my campaign for governor.

From the very beginning of my campaign, I’ve sought and received support from a variety of groups.

I’ve been endorsed by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, womenwinning, and Emily’s List.

We have mounted an aggressive fundraising campaign, and I am proud to have raised more than $250,000 in the four and one-half months since I kicked off my campaign. I have hired a great staff and consulting team to help guide me through the process.

I also am actively working to earn the endorsement of the Minnesota DFL party, and have assembled a strong team of field staff who are helping me reach out to precinct caucus goers and potential delegates across Minnesota. With DFL endorsement, I will set out across the state and share my message of how to make Minnesota work again.

As the DFL endorsed candidate, I fully expect to run in a Primary against Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza. Both have significant personal wealth and my campaign is prepared for the potential of a negative campaign.

In midterm years, Minnesota’s Primary electorate is more female, much older, and has higher levels of education than the General Electorate. In 2006, the Primary voters were 58% women, 53% were over 55 years of age, and 43% were college graduates. I believe my personal narrative, leadership style and accomplishments will take on greater importance than the minor differences in policy positions between the candidates. Running to be the first woman Governor of Minnesota may be a key asset as well.

I believe the biggest challenge in the general election will be the dynamics of the race rather than any particular candidate. Midterms are typically referendums on the party in power. Job approval ratings of the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats will have an impact on the race for governor in Minnesota.

Additionally, the Republican Gubernatorial candidate will be able argue that the governor’s office is the only remaining check on total DFL dominance in the state. Finally, the Independence Party has proven itself to be a spoiler in close statewide elections There are many qualities swing and independent voters will look for when deciding which candidate to support. Among others, they will look for strong leadership skills, experience in the job, and personal integrity. I have all of those qualities and they are strengths in my campaign.

My biggest advantage in this campaign will be my ability to connect with and earn the trust of voters throughout Minnesota.

I am the only candidate running for Governor who has lived as much of my life in rural Minnesota as I have in urban Minnesota. My campaign will take full advantage of a strong narrative crafted around my personal biography that underscores my experience, leadership ability, legislative accomplishments, and vision for Minnesota’s future.

Steve Kelley www.stevekelley.org I respect all of the candidates in the race and have worked with many of them, but as Democrats, we need to win this time. The costs of employing the same failed strategy in the governor’s race are simply too high. Our children are suffering in overcrowded classrooms with outdated materials and falling into the achievement gap. Our most vulnerable residents are being kicked off their health care. Hardworking Minnesotans cannot find the dignity that comes with a good paying job.

There is no doubt that I am the strongest candidate to win the general election on the DFL side.

Not only do I combine a proven ability to win independent and

moderate republican votes, but I also have the experience on the wide range of issues that Minnesotans care about in this election.

Right now, it looks like the Republicans are racing to the right and having a contest to see who is the most narrow-minded. Marty Seifert has some momentum, but it will be important to keep an eye on Norm Coleman, who is likely to enter the race and attempt to run as a conservative in moderate clothing.

We also need to be aware of the role of the Independence Party in the governor’s election in Minnesota.

In the past two races, the Independence Party has skimmed just enough votes from the DFL to ensure Republican victory in the Governor’s election. Recent polling by the Pioneer Press (January, 2010) shows any Independence Party candidate for Governor earning ten percent, a disturbingly high percentage that threatens a DFL victory.

It is critical that the DFL has a candidate who can compete in all of Minnesota, especially the suburbs, no matter whether the Republicans choose Seifert, Coleman, or another candidate. In the past, the DFL has chosen gubernatorial candidates who can only appeal to the DFL base in the core cities and the 8th congressional district. This has resulted in repeated losses in the governor’s race.

However, there is a winning model for DFL candidates for Minnesota, as demonstrated by Amy Klobuchar and Barack Obama. It’s to appeal to voters in the entire state, take Republicans on in the suburbs and exurbs where they feel they are strong, and win. In 2006, Klobuchar won 6 of 7 suburban counties and a majority of the exurbs, while Tim Pawlenty won the same areas. For example, in Senate District 42, which comprises Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, there was a 20% drop-off from the DFL U.S. Senate candidate and the DFL candidate for governor. In other words, people in the suburbs are willing to vote for a DFLer, it just has to be the right DFLer. A 45% strategy is flawed. We need a candidate who can win a mandate.

In 1992, I won my first seat in the Legislature, taking it back for the DFL from the Republicans.

Twenty percent of the voters in my district voted for Ross Perot in that election, and most of them also voted for me. I’ve won votes in tough places for Democrats – like Interlachen Park and Minnetonka – without sacrificing my progressive values. I will use the winning Obama model to take back the governor’s office in 2010.

One of the key components of appealing to all of Minnesota is having a winning message.

Democrats often talk about programs, not about people. They also often lose focus and talk about too many disparate messages or issues. We need to emphasize the common values that bind Minnesotans together.

Minnesotans have suffered under short-sighted, political gimmicks for too long. We need an honest governor who will confront the challenges we face and solve them without mortgaging future generations. My campaign will continually reinforce our core values, keep a simple message that people can understand, and stick to it, because that’s a winning model.

My campaign will also focus on issues that unite us – like education and fair taxation – not those that divide us. We need to take on divisive social issues, answer them, and point out that they are not the biggest challenges facing our state.

President Obama did this well in 2008 and I will do the same.

Building a coalition of Democrats and independents will require common sense positions on issues that move Minnesota forward. For example, a number of DFL candidates for governor have embraced John Marty’s single payer health care bill. While it would be politically easier in the DFL endorsing process for me to sign on to the bill, I don’t believe that it is a common sense solution to Minnesota’s health care challenges.

I believe that Minnesota should assess the implementation of federal health care reform and then fill any gaps in coverage so that all of our residents are insured. To me, this makes a lot more sense than attempting to get no less than 7 waivers from the federal government, losing out on federal health care dollars, and spending billions of Minnesota taxpayer money on a program that is incompatible with the federal plan.

Common sense positions like this one stand out to independent voters and set me apart from the crowd.

I am confident that I can win the general election because I have a proven record of success against Republicans, a winning strategy, and a message that will unite Minnesota.

I am also the only candidate on the DFL side who has experience in a statewide endorsing campaign. I

earned 609 delegate ballots in 2006 – 46.9%. I know how to win delegate support between precinct caucuses, senate district and county unit conventions, and the state convention. In 2006, I very nearly defeated a presumptive nominee for the DFL endorsement. I built a statewide network of supporters who encouraged me to run again in 2010. I will win the DFL endorsement because I am the only candidate who has a statewide network of delegate supporters already in place, an emphasis on field and ground organizing on my campaign, and experience in a floor fight.

The primary poses a unique challenge because there are 2 candidates who have pledged to throw their personal fortunes into the race. However, I firmly believe that the DFL Endorsed candidate will win the primary in 2010, as long as they have a primary strategy in place before they earn the endorsement.

Conventional thinking in the governor’s race has earned the DFL and working people nothing but loss in the past 20 years. It is critical that we take a new, winning strategy in 2010. I am the best candidate to deliver the governor’s office to the DFL in 2010.

Senator John Marty www.johnmarty.org The most important thing to winning any election is having a vision that excites people. I’m running because our state has failed to truly address our social and economic problems; no one else has spelled out any vision or plan to do so. My administration will tackle the root causes of our problems – we will get our economy moving again through job creation, not by cutting and slashing programs and services affecting the most vulnerable people. We will fix our health care system — it is fundamentally broken and no amount of tinkering will do the job — with my Minnesota Health Plan, a single payer plan that makes health care a right for every Minnesotan. My administration will invest in the future, investing in our children and our environment. In addition, we will clean up the political process, taking special interest money out, so that the voices of the wealthy and powerful no longer crush the voices of people who lack money and access.

It is starting with this vision, a vision that moves people, and then aggressively organizing around it, that enables us to win. We will work with, and organize in every community, especially those where people have been left behind by those in power. Listening to people, hearing their concerns, inspiring them with hope for the future, and helping them get out the vote will help us win. We speak to the good, the hopeful, the generosity, and public spirit in people. With your support, we can and will win.

Rep. Tom Rukavina www.rukavinaforgovernor.com Refreshingly Honest is my campaign slogan and with 23 years at the capital I have earned that reputation, as well as the reputation of having an open door for the public and sticking up for all the groups and communities that other people don’t necessarily stick up for.

I will continue to grow this grass roots campaign. People will support a little guy with honest, broadminded values (like Paul Wellstone).

People will support someone who works harder than anyone else, but is not expected to win (like Rudy Perpich). People will support someone who looks into their eyes and tells it like it is (like Jesse Ventura). None of the three aforementioned governors were expected to win- and maybe I’m not either. But I can feel it in my heart that people are not looking for a Governor that HAS a million bucks, but they are looking for a Governor that will treat them like they ARE a million bucks.

R. T. Rybak www.rtrybak.com This election is about jobs and delivering real results for people.

Minnesotans want their leaders to get past gridlock and get the budget under control. They want leaders focused on creating jobs and opportunity.

In Minneapolis we haven’t just talked doing this, we’ve delivered results — lowering crime, creating thousands of jobs, starting the Minneapolis Promise to connect kids to jobs and opportunity, and delivering honest, balanced, responsible budgets.

We’ve supported small business and fueled the clean-energy economy. We’ve done it with tough financial management, reforming

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Insight News • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Page 3

Haiti From 1 explains that mental health hospitals are among those destroyed by the earthquake; therefore many patients, like her, who were formerly confined are walking around without care or medication. He further explains that the traffic jam and nearly impossible parking is largely due to the destruction of parking decks that existed before the earthquake.

On the other side of the city the day before, a basketball game between young men in the streets appeared like any major city in the U. S. But, that was only if you chose to ignore the sea of tents in the background where their families now live. Women cook in open air and people bathe with little privacy; doing the best they can to resume lives that will never be the same.

Considering all that’s happened, the hustle and bustle in the Capitol City of Haiti is a good sign. It is a sign of a city, still ravaged and mangled, still reeling from the pain of massive death; yet struggling to return to life. The people of Port-auPrince are reaching out for all the help it can get – from the U. S. and around the world. This is not only because of the earthquake, but because the rainy season that is about to start could cause even more death and destruction.

“We’re asking the international

Education From 1 discrimination and oppression of Hmong at the camp, and that really influenced who I am today,” said Lor. “It made me think about what I could do to change these perceptions and help my community.”

Lor graduated with top academic honors from Lindhurst High School, Olivehurst, CA, in 1994. He was active in the multicultural and student science clubs and served as a peer counselor.

Lor graduated from California State University at Chico in 2001 with a double major in Asian studies and mathematics. Lor also colaunched the college’s Hmong Student Association, serving as its president. Additionally, Lor was active with the Upward Bound Alumni Association, primarily mentoring younger students.

A woman and her children, living in tent, momentarily pose for the camera. community to continue to finance all of the projects that are in the pipeline of the program of development,” said Haiti’s Minister of Tourism Patrick Delatour, a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Even his life is a dichotomy as he sits at the conference table, speaking passionately to a group of nine African American media representatives as President Rene Preval’s point man for reconstruction. He envisions the future of Haiti through eyes that still grieve the loss of both of his own parents, killed in the January12 earthquake.

Speaking for Preval, who was unable to keep an appointment with the delegation, Delatour makes it clear that money allocated for pre-

earthquake development in Haiti should not be reallocated for earthquake-related needs. “[Preval] does not want to use the humanitarian needs of that disaster as an excuse to divert money that happens to be in the pipeline and redirected toward Portau-Prince ,” he said.

The severely underdeveloped infrastructure of Haiti, the financially poorest nation in the Americas , was already due millions of dollars in international relief for development of roads, hospitals and food. “All of those programs must continue while we are looking for fresh money [for the Earthquake

While still attending college, Lor served as cofounder of the Hmong Cultural Center of Butte County. At age 24, he was also elected vice president of the Chico Hmong Advisory Council, becoming the youngest Hmong leader in the Chico area. As part of his council work, Lor spearheaded a conference attended by more than 500 that brought varied community leaders together to discuss Hmong social and racial justice issues. He also led council efforts to help ensure Hmong elders working for the United States during the Vietnam War received Social Security benefits and U.S. citizenship.

In the Twin Cities, Lor volunteered for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, a nonprofit that assists low-income folks with tax preparation.

He is currently volunteering with Take Action Minnesota, assisting the nonprofit on police reform issues and promoting the teaching of a Hmong

history curriculum in Saint Paul Public Schools.

Ultimately, Lor said, he plans to obtain a doctorate degree and to serve as an administrator for an international nonprofit.

“I want to help revolutionize nonprofit organizations in our community,” he said. “I want to help provide new energy and ideas and encourage a mentality of marketing, creativity and being strategic in financing so the organizations can sustain themselves.”

He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Brooklyn Park.

Metropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, provides high-quality, affordable education programs for adults seeking bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. It is the only state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

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BlacksinAviation.com explores chapter in American History FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines has a new virtual museum, BlacksinAviation.com, that explores the history of African Americans in aviation from precivil rights to the present.

Launched today, the virtual museum highlights the challenges and accomplishments of AfricanAmerican aviation professionals, including the struggle for racial equality in commercial airlines, the military and aerospace.

The virtual museum is a Web site that provides written profiles along with video interviews, photos and historical documents to cover this chapter in American history. Some of today’s most accomplished aviators assisted American Airlines with Blacks in Aviation, including NASA

Candidates From 2 government and focusing on results.

With big vision and firm management we can get Minnesota moving again, but we can’t keep doing things the same old way at the Capitol — the same old politics have failed us. We need new ideas and a different set of priorities that put people and jobs first.

It’s been over 20 years since Minnesota elected a DFL governor, and 2010 will be a tough year, too.

Minnesotans want change. They are worried that the three pillars of their economic security —their jobs, their retirements and their homes — are all at risk. They don’t believe there is a real economic recovery when unemployment rates are so high.

Trust in government to solve problems for people is at an all-time low. We won’t win by offering voters the same old thing that hasn’t

ArtSpeak From 1 enough history, to know that at one point in time, during slavery, it was illegal for

Administrator Charles Bolden, who was chosen to lead the aerospace agency in 2008 and members of the Tuskegee Airmen.

“Blacks in Aviation tells a story within a story,” said Capt.

Mark Hettermann, American’s

to that industry. The example set by these pioneers has turned a most exclusive group of professionals into the most inclusive of ones. These stories need to be celebrated and brought to our children to inspire all.”

“It is a tribute to an industry that our country has dominated since its very beginnings on a sand hill in North Carolina.”

Internship Program, and the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum holds a summer camp for kids in grades 5-8. The airline also participates each year in Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals’ Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp, which introduces middle and high school children to aviation careers.

The Blacks In Aviation videos will be provided on DVD to local schools for classroom viewing, and American Airlines and American Eagle pilots who volunteer at schools will use these videos during Black History Month and throughout the year.

Each week during Black History Month, new video interviews will be added to the virtual museum.

Vice President – Flight. “It is a tribute to an industry that our country has dominated since its very beginnings on a sand hill in North Carolina. A sharper focus falls on the heroes and heroines who overcame significant obstacles and social stigmas to make extraordinary contributions

By launching Blacks in Aviation, American continues its legacy of bringing aviation career opportunities to students. Today, American has several programs designed to expose students to aviation careers. College students majoring in Aviation Studies may apply to the airline’s Pilot

been working for them.

We will win, however, by offering Minnesotans a real choice — a strong leader who has performed under pressure and knows how to run government so that it delivers real results for people.

This is what I offer. But it will take something more. We need a candidate who can galvanize our base progressive voters so that they get out to vote. No other candidate can match my energy and enthusiasm for campaigning. I’ve campaigned all across Minnesota for years for President Obama, Howard Dean, and dozens of DFL House and Senate candidates. I can mobilize young people and turn out grandparents — and I love to campaign.

I was especially proud to be the first big-city mayor in America to endorse Barack Obama for president — even before he started his campaign — and I am the only candidate in the race for governor to have done so. I was thrilled to be

part of that historic campaign, which mobilized voters — including young, first-time and previously disenfranchised voters — across Minnesota to turn out in record numbers to support our first African American president. It’s one of the proudest experiences of my life.

Another reason DFLers have lost the last several races for governor is because, in the end, an independent candidate tells voters that while they agree with us on lots of issues, we can’t be trusted to spend your tax dollars wisely. By Election Day, they have persuaded enough voters that we lose the race.

They won’t be able to do that with me. I will stack up my record of accountability, results and financial responsibility against any Democrat, Republican or independent. No one in the race has structurally balanced eight $1-billion budgets in a row with no tricks or gimmicks, paid down $117 million in debt, reformed government, cut costs, and done it all while making needed

investments in public safety and our infrastructure.

I will not, however, run in a primary against a DFL-endorsed candidate. Our party must be unified to win, and that needs to start in April with the DFL endorsement, not after a primary when it may be too late.

anyone Black (slave or freedman) to be able to read and write. Thus, learning to read and write became a revolutionary act. Literacy was something that these slaves and freedmen were willing to be beaten for, and for which they were even willing to die.

Because of this history, for those of us who have it, education is a gift. And I want you to think of it as the gift that keeps on giving.

What I mean is that with education doors are opened that can make impossible dreams come true. For example, I grew

up in the housing projects of Chicago’s Westside. From the age of eight, I have been writing poetry; it was education that made me realize that becoming a writer was something more than a dream. Learning to read exposed me to different possibilities. For me, reading was magic. I could go places in books that I could not go in real life because I didn’t have the money or the access. Reading opened up new worlds for me.

Through books, I traveled.

Paul Thissen www.paulthissen.com I believe my greatest strengths walking into the endorsement, primary and general elections are my record and leadership at the capitol and the fresh start I can offer my party and the state of Minnesota.

Health care is a make-or-break, top of mind issue for voters. I offer expertise, knowledge and a record of delivering concrete results for Minnesotans unmatched among the candidates. I have consistently delivered on issues of economic security throughout my legislative career and will put those at the top of

Education is a gift that keeps on giving.

As a child, when I read, I was able to incorporate the new things I learned into my writing. And so, when I was eight-years-old, I wrote a play about a young girl who visits the world beneath the ocean, with a sea horse as her tour guide. Back then we didn’t talk about the environment, nor did we recognize that beneath seas and oceans were worlds beyond our imagination.

Now mind you, up to that moment, I had never visited an ocean, and I certainly had not seen a sea horse-and the segregated urban schools I attended in Chicago as a child did not have many field trips to the aquarium. It is through education, through reading, that I was able to imagine this world and write about it well enough to write and produce a play so that others could learn.

Tuskegee Airmen in front of a P-40.

scrapetv.com

my agenda as governor. And, in a time when Minnesotan are looking for a fresh start and are tired of sharp partisanship, I am the a candidate that comes free of old political baggage and battles.

Winning the DFL Endorsement is the first challenge. I started this campaign early, knowing it would take time and hard work to build the support I need to win. For the past year and a half I have worked harder than anyone. And our success is clear: moving from an “also running” candidacy to a leading contender for the DFL endorsement.

We’ve raised more money over the course of the campaign from more people than any other candidate and have picked up strong support statewide. The DFL needs to endorse a candidate in April who can unify the party going into the primary and general election. I am the candidate best suited to do that.

Securing the endorsement is the foundation of our plan to win the primary election. I believe with a

strong network of support, and a field operation that can hit the ground running we will overcome the personal wealth of potential primary opponents. Minnesotans are looking for smart, competent and principled leadership.

General election voters are looking for real solutions to the problems they face - and that is what I believe I offer as a candidate for governor. I have always stood strong for DFL values and fought for the rights of working people in this state. I have a record as a common sense legislator with an ability to bring people together to solve problems. Voters in Minnesota have proven time and again that they are willing to cross party lines to support a candidate that shares their values and offers fresh ideas and an innovative approach to making things better in this state. And, I can point to a record of success on delivering on these ideas.

Education is the gift that keeps on giving.

Mexico, Belize, Panama, and many of the islands in the Caribbean: St. Croix, Jamaica, Antigua, Cuba, and a few others.

I have forged friendships all over the world; met people, seen places, and encountered languages that I might not have known otherwise. Education is the road I traveled to reach them.

I attended a vocational high school. And while I learned very practical skills of learning to type and do shorthand, I also dreamed of going to college. I am a first generation college graduate. No one in my family had ever gone before me. My father dropped out of school in the second grade to help take care of his brothers and sisters, and make sure they completed school. My mother completed high school by attending night school. I was the first in my family to receive a college degree, the first to receive a terminal degree in creative writing (MFA), and the first to receive a second terminal degree in anthropology. I still dreamed this impossible dream.

For me, education was a key.

I have worked as a professor of literature, teaching African American, American, and African literature, teaching about the writings of women and Black women in particular.

I have worked as an anthropologist, teaching people about other cultures around the world. I have lived in Belize, Central America , in the Netherlands, and in Surinam, South America.

For me, education has proven to be the gift that has opened up doors to other gifts— it has given me connections to people in India, China, South Africa, Kenya, Peru, Brazil,

Education is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

I would like to ask each of you who reads this to ask yourself, how has education been a gift to me; what will it allow me to do different in my life; and how will it enable my dreams to come true?

Irma McClaurin is an anthropologist and also Associate Vice President for System Academic Administration, as well as Executive Director of the Urban Research and Outreach Center at the University of Minneapolis. Her latest essay, “Walking in Zora’s Shoes or ‘Seek[ing] Out de Inside Meanin’ of Words’: The Intersections of Anthropology, Ethnography, Identity, and Writing,” was just published in Anthropology Off the Shelf: Anthropologists on Writing (Wiley 2009). The views expressed are entirely her own. ©2010 McClaurin Solutions

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Insight News • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS New film star Nate Parker: the next Denzel Washington we’re going through now.

KW: In seeing all the civil rights movies you make, it seems like you’re consciously picking socially-relevant projects.

NP: Absolutely! My community has to come first. How we feel about and what we’re willing to do for our people has to be imbedded in our very bones. When dealing with our people, we don’t have the luxury of treating it like a hobby.

Nate Parker in The Great Debaters ate Parker was born in Norfolk, VA, on November 18, 1979, to a 17 year-old single-mom who never married his biological father. He and his younger sisters were raised mostly in Bath, ME, which is where his stepfather was stationed by the U.S. Air Force.

Parker only started acting after graduating from the University of Oklahoma, when he was spotted by a talent scout while waiting for a friend at an audition. Signed by an agent, Parker immediately moved to Los Angeles where he soon landed work in commercials and bit parts on several TV shows before he found his breakout role as Hakim in the desegregation drama Pride.

He has since starred in other sagas with civil rights themes such as The Great Debaters and The Secret Life of Bees, and later this year he’ll be playing a Tuskegee Airman in the WWII epic Red Tails. Here, Parker talks about his current release, Blood Done Sign My Name, a bio-pic about the rise to prominence of a young Ben Chavis, who went on to become Chairman of the NAACP, in the wake of a lynching in North Carolina. He also discusses his preference to make sociallysignificant projects.

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Kam Williams: Nate, thanks so much for the time.

Nate Parker: Of course, any time, brother.

KW: What interested you in doing Blood Done Sign My Name to play an important civil rights figure like Ben Chavis?

NP: To put it plainly, it was the fact that it fit my model. I prefer to make movies which not only have a message for “then” but a message for “now.” Here was this 22-yearold brother who had no idea what was about to happen, and yet, when it did, he stepped into it in a way which changed an entire community. There was leadership and a sense of accountability in this young man, and those are qualities I can talk about in 2010. So, when I read the script, I knew that it could serve as a tool in the present for some of what ails our community.

KW: How did you prepare for the role?

NP: I read everything I could about the period, including the book the film is based on.

The book was incredible because it deals with racism, white supremacy and the Black inferiority complex in a real way, and it illustrates how they can be a cancer on a community.

KW: And how does that relate to today?

NP: I look around today, and I see the Prison-Industrial Complex, and how 50% of our brothers and sisters are behind bars, and how half of us are dropping out of school. And I look at the escalating HIV rate in the Black community.

These are issues now, and we need leaders to address those crises in the way that Ben Chavis was effective at inspiring a whole generation of kids.

KW: Is it true that your showbiz career got started when you were spotted by a talent scout?

NP: Yeah, I was working in computers when this stranger approached me out of the blue, saying I should become an actor. I took it as a gift from God, because I had been praying for clarity about what He wanted me to do, since I

wasn’t happy in computers. So, I gave my employer notice, and moved to L.A. in two weeks. It was definitely Divine intervention. And six year’s later, here I am, and Jon Simmons, the guy who signed me up, is still my manager.

KW: Praise the Lord! I guess you were surprised by your meteoric rise, huh?

NP: It’s been surprising in the sense that it happened so quickly.

But I’d say it’s been more of a blessing than a surprise because I believe it was God’s plan to give me this platform. That’s where my passion comes from, to use it to benefit people, especially people from my community.

KW: Why are these message movies you make so important?

NP: Because the way in which we were disconnected from our

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continent has left us in limbo when it comes to identity. Our community lacks a rite of passage that you see in so many other cultures, that celebration where you’re surrounded by other people who look like you explaining to you what it means to be a person of African descent coming of age.

When I was young, to have a big nose, big lips or dark skin was the worst. You were the wretched. That was something I not only felt, but I participated in. Unfortunately, I was put down for my big lips and nose, and I would join in teasing others about their darker skin.

That’s why I believe the first step we need to take to change our community is in identity, in learning who we are and why we are. In understanding the struggles we went through in Africa, the strength that it took to endure the Middle Passage, and the struggles

KW: There comes a stage in every Black actor’s career where Hollywood forces him to put on a dress and act the fool. How have you been able to avoid that?

NP: Through the grace of God who gave me this opportunity. I have to acknowledge Him as the one that has blessed me, and I put my faith in Him. Will I explore other genres? Definitely, but like I said, my community has to come first. I know this attitude is rare, especially in a capitalist society where we’re encouraged to stay away from the ghetto if you make it out. Sadly, Black people disassociate ourselves from the things which make us who we are, identifying them as lesser, or inferior. It’s a form of self hate.

So, with reckless abandon, we strive to be like the majority.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? If so, please answer it.

NP: Wow, that’s a great question! I want young people to ask me if I’m serious. Our young people have been lied to and misled for so long.

When I stand on this soapbox, I want young people to ask me that because once they know I’m serious, they’ll be willing to ride with me.

KW: Well, thanks again, I’m happy that I finally got a chance to chat with you, after interviewing so many of your co-stars: Alicia in The Secret Life of Bees; Jurnee and Denzel in The Great Debaters; and Terrence Howard in Pride.

NP: I’m happy you did, too.

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KW: I’m looking forward to speaking with you about Red Tails when it gets released next Fall.

NP: Fantastic, thanks.

To see a trailer for Blood Done Sign My Name, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= SfRPyvSywdo

Page 6 • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Insight News

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HEALTH We all deserve love—not the illusion of love, but real love NNPA Columnist

By Phill Wilson (NNPA) Millions of Americans celebrated Valentine’s Day last weekend by sending each other flowers, going out to brunch or dinner, or even getting engaged. Of course, advertisers want us to believe that love is about heartshaped boxes, diamonds, flowers, chocolate, and candlelit dinners. But true love is much more substantive than

that. In fact, our addiction to the fairy tales we see in the movies not only makes it less likely that we’ll experience love but also leaves us more vulnerable to heartbreak—or worse.

Regardless of our race, age, gender, sexual orientation or even marital status, being sexually active in today’s world—particularly for those of us who are Black—requires that we talk about difficult issues: our beliefs about monogamy; the importance of getting tested for HIV and other STDs; our sexual history and risk factors; and, for many of us, disclosing the fact that we have an STD, such as HIV. Countless numbers of us who say we are in love aren’t having the difficult

conversations that true love requires. Instead we are engaging in a fantasy—for example, not wanting to “ruin the mood,� or pretending that people in love don’t have to talk about difficult issues.

But by skipping these conversations to preserve the fantasy of love, we not only leave ourselves more vulnerable to STDs and HIV but also deprive ourselves of the opportunity to experience the love that we really want.

Lasting love means being committed to sharing in each other’s daily life—our hopes and desires, our fears and insecurities. It is more about washing the dishes, walking the dog and taking out the trash than it is about wining and

dining and making passionate love. The mundane tasks of daily living create the context within which true love can grow. When you’re washing and drying the dishes, you share your hopes and dreams. You discuss worries and fears while walking the dog. Along the way, you learn about and build trust in the other person. As you begin to know each other, you begin to love each other—the true person, not the fantasy.

I often say to gay people who are thinking about disclosing their sexual orientation: Our families cannot love us if they don’t know us.

If we want them to love us, we need to allow them to know all of who we are.

The same principle applies

to romantic relationships. If we spend our energy holding back from our partner and hiding certain facts about ourselves, we do not have true love; we have a fantasy at best. There is no way to know whether the person really loves us because we haven’t given him or her the chance to really know us. No wonder we feel anxious and insecure in this type of relationship environment.

But if we take the risk of letting someone know us, then that person can support us and have our back. When that happens, we find out for certain whether he or she really loves us, and we feel confident enough to interact safely with our mate.

I think this is particularly

true for women. I often hear Black women say, “I can’t talk to my partner about getting tested for HIV or even using a condom because he might leave me.� He might, but if you cannot share your concerns with him, maybe you should not share your vagina with him either.

We all deserve love—not the illusion of love, the fantasy of love or the Madison Avenue version of love, but real love.

And the price of true love should not be the risk of death.

That’s what love’s got to do with it!

Phill Wilson is president and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute.

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Insight News • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Page 7

BUSINESS Approachability, compassion, composure: Key leadership skills everyone can work on Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Studies bear out what HR managers have always known: some people are natural leaders.

Extensive research from Korn/Ferry Institute reveals 67 different competencies which true leaders carry in common.

Were they born with it? Was Joe Mauer born AL MVP? Whether it’s leading a team on the field or in the office, competencies develop over time, through learning and experience. If you decide you want to improve a leadership competency, you probably can. First, recognize something you need to work on; then, make the effort.

Three competencies that leaders can develop over time are approachability, compassion and composure. If you were to ask

ten people around you (friends, family, co-workers), how would you rate on these three qualities?

Are you approachable?

Some people are naturally friendly; but workers who are stretched and stressed out may get annoyed when people approach. What questions or observations do people bring to you? When you sense someone standing behind you, do your teeth clench and does the hair on your neck stand up just a little?

If it does, practice taking that deep breath, think a random pleasant thought, and give someone your attention. They might have something interesting to share – or they might see you as competent, knowledgeable and able to answer a question. When you behave according to those expectations – with competence, knowledge and clear explanations – people who appreciate you will let you know it. We all have days when we’d prefer to be left alone, but the more approachable you are, the more likely you are to move ahead.

Compassion in the workplace

American Indian OIC

awarded $15 million grant WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor last week announced more than $225 million in health care and high growth training grants funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grants will allow community colleges, community-based organizations, state workforce agencies and other public entities to deliver training that leads to employment in a range of health care fields and other growing industries.

With today’s announcement, organizations in all 50 states have received a share of nearly $750 million in competitive grant funding made

available through the Department of Labor.

American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center in Minneapolis, will receive $5 million to assist unemployed, incumbent and dislocated workers in the health care industry.

“The Recovery Act’s investments are making a positive difference in the lives of America’s working families,” said Sec. of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The Recovery Act funded grants announced today will ensure

GRANT TURN TO

8

does not mean you have to be the shoulder everyone cries on.

Rather, it means you recognize the challenges others are facing.

Compassionate bosses generate loyal employees who believe the boss gets it – and in turn, the boss is able to anticipate obstacles that can steer a project off course. Saying, “I see you’re working late again. Let’s grab a sandwich and talk about the project,” can help a leader keep a pulse on how things are going and allows for changes to be made when an employee is having a tough time, before it

costs the company money.

Max and Glynn are managers who could benefit from working on that third competency, Composure. Calm and steady control over emotions is not just a leadership skill, it’s a life skill.

The way these two shout it out every week, it’s amazing neither one has had a heart-attack. They have made an indoor sport out of insulting and screaming at each other. The underlings in that office cope by making independent decisions and kind of bypassing the leadership structure. The dysfunction isn’t

crippling, but it isn’t fun, either.

Keep your emotions at home most of the time.

Your credibility and your leadership potential depend on it.

Julie Desmond leads Job Search workshops for Help Wanted!

Workshop in Minneapolis. Send your comments and questions to julie@insightnews.com.

Page 8 • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Age appropriate spring fashion trends for 2010 Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey Hey Marcia, A dear friend just emailed me to announce that she is getting married this May in Los Angeles (we’re both in our forties). I’m making plans to go to the wedding, and I want my look to be tight and right. Since I hate shopping, could you please give me advice on the latest looks for this spring that would suit a woman of my age.

Please help-I don’t want to look like a middle-aged Minnesota Eskimo when I hit sunny California!

Hey Girlfriend!

So you’re forty-ish and fabulous too, huh? You know they say that

forty is the new thirty, so confidently embrace your age and the many blessings of your life.

You raise a great question, because we don’t all love shopping (really?). Here are the three keys to looking your best at our age; 1.

Not too short, 2. Not too low-cut, 3. Not too tight. Aside from that, you can and should take cues from the season’s current fashion trends, because we certainly can’t have you rolling around Cali looking out of place! Just because we live in Minnesnowta, doesn’t mean we have to be fashion-less. At the same time, you don’t have to spend a grip for your spring update. As always, I’d advise you to use the staple pieces that you already have and build upon them.

Here is some insight on the current hot spring trends ideas that you might find helpful as you update your spring look for your big trip.

with white, khaki, or black slacks (or a skirt) that you already own.

Hot colors-all things pastel With yellow leading the way, pinks, corals, and various shades of blue are being spotted everywhere. Purchase a top in any of these great colors and pair it

Hot footwear It seems that in the shoe department, nearly every style is in style!

Platforms, stilettos, gladiator styles, and fringed open toe boots, are all competing for our attention. Here’s a word of

Hot ruffles For spring and summer, ruffles are everywhere! You’ll find them on clothing and accessories. They definitely freshen up your look without giving you a teeny-bopper vibe. If your shopping budget is pretty small, pass by the rack of dresses and head straight for the blouses. Look for a budgetfriendly (maybe sleeveless) ruffled top and a nice belt and team it with a skirt from your closet.

Hot jewelry To add instant glam and style to your look, opt for dangly chandelier earrings.

Another option that gives instant sizzle is turquoise jewelry; choose from necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, or rings.

Grant From 7 thousands of workers across the nation can receive high-quality training and employment services, which will lead to good jobs in health care and other industries offering career-track employment and good pay and benefits.”

While grantees will serve a

caution; whatever style you select, make sure that it’s at least halfway comfortable. Foot pain makes you evil.

Hot outerwear-the cape Tap into your inner Sherlock Holmes by purchasing an updated or modified version of the cape.

It’s the perfect outerwear for that in-between spring weather. Every retail outlet, from the high end stores to discounters has these versatile pieces in every fabric and style possible. A cape would also be ideal outerwear for the plane ride, as it can easily double as a blanket.

No matter what your age, you can rock the latest styles-just don’t try to rock everything all at once.

In your twenties you can possibly get away with wearing yellow from head to toe. In your forties, a yellow top paired with white pants, silver hoops and a chunky silver bracelet with yellow accent stones is plenty. As always, we want our inner beauty to shine brightest, with our yellow ruffles coming in as a close second (wink). Safe Travels and Enjoy! wide range of workers, each project will focus on targeted regional populations.

Approximately $25 million is reserved for projects serving communities impacted by automotive industry restructuring.

“With these funds announced today, workers in communities hardest hit by auto layoffs will receive additional resources to help them prepare for and find new jobs,” said Dr. Edward

http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons4/2009/12/53/436/4362844/spread_3acAO1.jpg

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan,

she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

Montgomery, executive director of the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers. “The president and the administration remain committed to supporting auto communities and their workers.”

Last week’s announcement marks the sixth and final round of competitive grants made available for employment and training through the Recovery Act. Projects funded through these grants will be conducted in

partnership with the public workforce system, businesses and other organizations to guarantee that training leads to jobs.

Haiti

the coming rains, Delatour said: “Fortunately, for us, God is on our Side because the rainy season has not started yet.”

He hopes for mass deliveries of tarps, an open but water-proof tentlike shelter which he believes is best.

Though the weather is warm year-round, starting in March is a three-month rainy season during which it pours daily. Floorless tents and coverings without walls are a major concern of Ron Daniels, who led the delegation on the fact-finding mission to Haiti.

“I am so fearful of what may happen if somehow more stable structures or temporary housing is put in place before the rainy season begins,” Daniels said. “Just the drainage and the lack of sanitation and what that water is going to mean when it starts carrying all of those contaminants and fluids will just be a disaster on top of a disaster,” he said.

Daniels, who has long been an activist for Haiti, says he is amazed that the country appears to be stabilizing although the need for help is consistent and growing. But, the resilience of Haiti - with a proud history as the first Black-led republic in the world after gaining independence as part of a successful slave rebellion in 1804 - is no surprise to anyone.

Daniels is hoping that empathetic African-Americans will continue to reach out in masses.

“I am not here to organize the Haitian community. The Haitian community can organize itself. For the last 15 years, my task has been to bring the African American and other people of African descent to the table to partner with HaitianAmericans and we take that seriously. We obviously want you to take that seriously because we want to bring the vast resources of the African American community to the table.”

From 3 relief]”, said Delatour.

The earthquake relief need is great. It amounts to at least $1 billion for demolition alone; plus $4 billion for reconstruction, he said.

Conditions observed during the African-American delegation’s tour of Port-au-Prince underscored the depth of needs outlined by Delatour.

The dome of the Presidential Palace is toppled eerily forward. Churches are demolished, including the once majestic Catholic Cathedral; hospitals, health centers and schools are either wiped out or too dangerous to re-inhabit.

At least 400,000 people, about a third of the population of Port-auPrince, have already left the city for other provinces . Thousands are in tents, but hundreds of thousands are still in need of shelter as the rainy season approaches.

Delatour was the highest ranking among a string of presenters who briefed the delegation of working journalists during the whirlwind tour February 9-12.

The group included Herb Boyd and Eddie Harris, Free Speech Television; Daniel Berdiel, XM/SIRIUS Satellite Radio; Joe Madison, Black Eagle, Host, Madison and Company, XM/SIRIUS/WOL; Sharon Madison, also Madison and Company; Hazel Trice Edney, Editor-in-Chief, NNPA News Service; Richard Muhammad, editor-in-chief, Final Call Newspaper; Omarosa Stallworth, Haiti Support Project, Celebrity Ambassador; and Ron Daniels, president and CEO of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century and founder of its Haiti Support Project.

Now that food, water and medical help is being provided, the most pressing need is shelter from

For more information on the range of Department of Labor Employment and Training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.

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Smith From 1 “I told him the modeling school I wanted to attend is also a ‘finishing’ school,” Smith said. That experience led to her phenomenal career as one of the top fashion models in the world. It afforded her a lifestyle that was not only bi-costal, but bi-continental, as she was able to live and work in France and England.

Though it might not have been apparent to her at the time, Smith’s task of redefining a product that didn’t sit well with her dad, into a product that he could embrace…changing his perception of a “modeling school” to something that resonated positively with his interests, “the finishing school,” may also have awakened in her the intuitive knowledge of the power of the branding.

Smith owns three successful B. Smith restaurants, the first of which she opened in 1986 on Restaurant Row in New York.

Her B. Smith’s Restaurant in the historic Beaux-Arts Union Station in Washington, D.C. is hailed by many as a national treasure. The third successful restaurant is in the scenic Long

Insight News • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Page 9 Island Hampton Village of Sag Harbor.

Smith has emerged as a respected expert in affordableyet-elegant living.. For nearly a decade, Smith hosted the nationally syndicated/cable lifestyle television show “B. Smith with Style,” that aired on NBC stations in more than 90% of the U.S. and in 40 countries.

She had regular appearances on programs such as “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show” and “The View.” On radio, her twice-weekly vignettes “B. Smart Tips for a Better Life” aired in New York on WBLS-FM, the city’s #1 adult 25-54 station.

Smith’s flair for décor, demonstrated in the ambiance of her restaurants, led to the development of her first home collection, which debuted at Bed Bath & Beyond in Spring 2001. The B. Smith with Style Home Collection is the first line from an African American woman to be sold at a nationwide retailer and includes bedding (duvet and comforter sets, coverlets, quilts, coordinated sheets, decorative pillows, window treatments) as well as tabletop, bath ensembles and area rugs, doormats, wall art, candles, bathroom furniture, and paper

Suluki Fardan

Don Bryant and wife Camille Bryant, President and Vice-President respectively of The Alden Group, B. Smith and husband Dan Gasby, President and Chairman respectively of B. Smith Enterprises, Ltd., and B.P. Ford and husband Al McFarlane, Vice-President and President, respectively of McFarlane Media Interests, Inc., following B. Smith’s presentation at the SuperValu Black Leadership Network Black History Month event. products.

She said her specialty serveware, launched in 2004 has expanded to include over 300 SKUs. While in

Minneapolis, she introduced Twin Cities entrepreneur Don Bryant, president of The Alden Group, a North Minneapolis based product development and

Jobs From 1 result of the jobs crisis and its high levels of long-term unemployment.

And while, no doubt, the great recession has affected all Americans it has disproportionately African Americans, Latinos and those living in urban communities.”

Because of the weather, iconic civil rights and women’s right stalwart Dorothy Height, who was also invited, was not able to attend the meeting. The 97-year-old chairwoman of the National Council of Negro Women was, until that point, also fully involved with the deliberations.

The particular focus on African-American employment by the president and civil rights leaders came about because the Black jobless numbers are teetering near rates that rival Great Depression levels. While the country’s unemployment rate fell

The Rev. Al Sharpton

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous

National Urban League President Marc Morial

below the double-digit highs it posted at the end of 2009 in January to 9.7 percent the jobless rate for Black continued to rise to a dizzying 16.5 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At this time last year, when President Obama first took over an already severely economically recessed country, the Black unemployment rate was at a still extreme yet more modest 12.8 percent.

“We will not rest until the unemployment rate comes down to acceptable levels. That means way

down in the four and five percent range,” said Morial, who’s aiming for a target rate never seen by African Americans.

For the past six months, the National Urban League has been advancing a six-point jobs plan. In November, the NUL chief executive sent a letter to the Obama Administration and congressional leaders that outlined his organizations’ recommendations to address the jobs issue, which included proposals such as direct funding to lower than federal-level

municipalities, schools and nonprofit community-based organizations to hire staff for critical community services, expansion of the Small Business Administration’s Community Express Loan Program and the Youth Summer Jobs Program, among other provisions.

“We’re not saying that you should do this or that you should take action with this specifically but we are saying, “Here are some ideas”, Morial said, calling his organization’s jobs plan a “laundry list” of provisions put together by

marketing firm which, in partnership with B. Smith Enterprises, recently launched B. Smith Olive Oil, a superior, healthier alternative of cooking.

The B. Smith Olive Oil is in Cub Food Stores and, Bryant and Smith hope to soon have national distribution in grocery stores.

leading economists.

The group said that after courting Obama as an ally on their war on jobs loss they want to share the same concerns with an embattled Congress that is currently trying to hash out job creation legislation. Mirroring healthcare, a jobs bill narrowly passed the House along party lines in December but the Senate is facing a growingly tougher task.

“We are looking for a way to target the frustration, particularly at the Republicans in the Senate,” Jealous said.

The NAACP leader said that he is growing weary of Republicans continued use of obstructionist tactics to railroad Obama’s domestic agenda. He is also frustrated with the passive Democrats, who, despite enjoying unprecedented leverage as the party in power in both the legislative and executive branches - are allowing legislation to be dragged along.

He said that the Senate bill should favor the House bill, which

looks to use leftover bank bailout money to aid states, extend unemployment benefits, invest on infrastructure and expand tax credits for families with children.

Since a Senate jobs bill is still being debated, Morial said that he will push for the inclusion of a number of provisions from his jobs plan.

“We believe that any jobs bill passed through Congress needs to be inclusive, needs to have focus on those areas that have high unemployment,” Morial said.

Sharpton insisted that he was not looking for a race-based jobs bill but argued that the involvement of leaders representing communities hardest hit by unemployment was essential to a successful jobs recovery.

“We must have input in this jobs and training bill,” Sharpton argues. “Why? Because our communities are the most impacted. We have to live and suffer with the results so we have to be at the table.”

Page 10 • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-5882031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Remembrance March commemorating Black History Month - Feb 22 Mon, Feb 22, march begins at 10 am; presentation begins at 10:30. Beginning at the Bloomington Ice Garden (3600 West 98th St, Bloomington, MN) with presentation at Normandale Community College Fine Arts Auditorium (9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN) www.normandale.edu

Maafa21, a Feature Length Black History film - Feb 22 Mon., Feb 22, 6:30 PM at The University of Minnesota, Coffman Memorial Building, Room # 303 Free to the public and students. Q & A to follow. students4humanlife@gmail.com Tel. 651485-2313.

Tommy Watson - Feb. 22 Mon, Feb 22, 7 p.m. at the Sun Ray Branch Library (2105 Wilson Avenue, St. Paul).

Tommy Watson, subject of “A Face of Courage: The Tommy Watson Story – How Did He Survive?” shares his story. Free and open to the public.

For more information call 651-266-7000. www.sppl.org Blake School’s 2010 Diversity Symposium Feb 23 Tues, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. on Blake’s Upper School campus located at 511 Kenwood Parkway in Mpls. www.blakeschool.org

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

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

We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits. Interested Parties please send resume to: The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program 10125 Crosstown Circle #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040 www.minnesotablizzards.com

Evening Maintenance and Security Worker JOB LOCATION: Twin Cities Metro SALARY: $10-$13/hour TYPE: Part Time / 20 hours DEADLINE: Open Until Filled PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for providing light maintenance and general security for HQB during the late afternoon through evening hours of operation with occasional weekends. Key responsibilities include: end of daily operations visitor control and general facility security, light maintenance and general janitorial duties.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Responsible for locking all internal and external doors at the end of the facility's operating hours.

2. Ensures that all users of the facility safely conclude their business and appropriately exit the facility on a timely basis.

3. Maintains close monitoring of operations and visitor control, securing St. Paul Police assistance, as appropriate.

4. Provides light maintenance, including changing light bulbs, monitoring HVAC operations, minor equipment repair, painting and checking mechanical operations.

5. Sets-up rooms for use, as directed.

6. Janitorial duties may include but are not limited to: vacuuming floors and furnishings, mopping hard surface floors, cleaning, dusting and polishing furniture, cleaning walls and windows, cleaning and disinfecting kitchen and bathroom, emptying and sanitizing waste baskets.

5. Perform errands and special projects as requested by supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Education: High School degree or equivalent. Vocational training in building maintenance and specialized training in the areas of HVAC, plumbing and electrical repair not required but highly preferred.

Work Experience: 3+ years of general building janitorial, maintenance and repair experience.

Other Requirements: Physical ability to moderately strenuous work safely.

Customer service skills Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager. Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines HOW TO APPLY: Submit Resume and Cover Letter or Application available on our website to: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Inc. ATTN: Human Resources 270 North Kent Street St. Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax www.hallieqbrown.org hr@hallieqbrown.org

Black Jeopardy XI - Feb 24 Join members of the Hamline community and participate in a lively, competitive test of knowledge on Black history. Prizes for all, including audience members! Location: Bush Student Center Lobby, Weds, 6:30 p.m.

Hamline University’s St. Paul campus, 1536 Hewitt Ave. 651-523-2423. www.hamline.edu/events Henry’s Freedom Box by Christina Ham, Music by David Simmons Ongoing Feb 5 to 27, Purchase tickets in advance online for discount tickets (buy before 8:00pm Thursday evenings for weekend shows). SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North, St. Paul.

Performance times and tickets are available at (651) 225-9265 or www.steppingstonetheatre.org, http://www.steppingstonetheatre.org Free Mumia - Feb 27 Sat., 3 pm, Feb 27 at Walker Church, 3100 16th Ave S. Free and Open to the public. Presented by Against Police Brutality.

Huge Warehouse/Garage Sale!

Better Futures Enterprises is holding a Huge Warehouse/Garage Sale! Couches, Chairs, Dressers, Tables, Lamps and much more!

Saturday, February 27 • 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

6390 Industrial Drive, Eden Prairie, Just west of 494 near Hwy 62 • Cash Only Go to www.networkforbetterfutures.net or Call Vincent at 612-860-3141 for more details and directions.

Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Jefferson International Legal Defense Fund 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 2507 W. Broadway, Mpls. MN 55411 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name: Ocean Medical Investigative Group, 2507 W. Broadway, Mpls. MN 55411 Thomas H. Johnson, 2507 W. Broadway, Mpls. MN 55411 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Thomas H. Johnson, President Date Filed: 1/20/2010 Insight News 2/15/2010, 2/22/2010

Memphis to Mali - Feb 27 Sat, Feb 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake Street, Mpls. There will be live entertainment, an art exhibit, book expo, and much more. Free. www.midtownglobalmarket.com, 612-872-4041.

Warm Up to Super Cool Miles Davis - Feb 28 Sun, Feb 28, 2 until 4 p.m. at Rondo Community Outreach Library, 461 N. Dale Street, St. Paul.

Free and open to the public. For more information call 651-266-7000. www.sppl.org Dreamgirls film showing - Feb. 28 Sun, Feb 28 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Central Library in the 4th Floor Meeting Room. (Note: This film is rated PG-13.) enjoy the music and drama of “Dreamgirls,” a 2006 Academy Award-winning film starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson. Free and open to the public. For more information call 651266-7000. www.sppl.org

Events Fremont Clinic’s Stroke Prevention Project offers free stroke risk screenings Every day this February from 9 a.m. -12 noon by appointment and 2 – 5 pm may walk in for the month of February. Please ask for Carol or call for an appointment at 612-287-2433. Funded by the MDH, Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative.

National Pancake Day - Feb 23 Tues, Feb 23, 7 am - 10 pm at participating IHOP restaurants nationwide. For every free short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are invited to make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Donations made at IHOPs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network program at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

REDA’s February After 5 Member Networking Event - Feb 24 Weds, Feb 24, 5 pm - 7 pm at Boca Chica Restuarante, 11 Cesar Chavez, St. Paul. Please RSVP jt@districtdelsol.com or (651) 222-6347.

Appetizers and a complimentary Summit beverage provided.

Between jobs seminar: Surviving and Thriving After a Layoff - Feb 24 Linda Schmid, Clinical Director of Crisis Connection, will lead a discussion on the psychological stages one goes through when losing a job at Dayton’s Bluff Library, 645 7th St. E., St. Paul on Weds, Feb 24 at 6:30 p.m. 651793-1699, www.sppl.org Society of Minnesota Sculptors Opening Reception - Feb 25 Opening reception Feb. 25, 6-8 PM. Gallery runs Feb 25 to March 24. Minnetonka Center for the

Arts, Laura H. Miles Gallery, 2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata. 952 473-7361, ext. 16, www.minnetonkaarts.org Tour the University of Minnesota’s Dairy Barns – Feb 27 Saturday, 9 a.m. at the University of Minnesota Dairy Barn, St. Paul Campus. Cost: $9; $7 members; $5 children under 12 Registration required. Bell Museum of Natural History, 17th Ave. SE in Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota campus. Free admission on Sundays.

Info: 612-624-7083. Register: 612-624-9050.

The Sports Family Forum - Mar 2, 9 Colin Powell Center, 2924 4th Ave. S., Mpls.

Session I: Tues, Mar 2, Session II: Tues, Mar 9.

Both Sessions 6 pm - 9 pm. Student Athletes Free.

Adults $10 per person (Includes Sessions I & II) Presented by the Lewis Sports Foundation, lewissportsfoundation@comcast.net, 952-886-3399.

Public Hearing on Reappointment of MPD Chief Dolan - Mar 3 Wed, Mar 3, 1 pm - 5 pm at City Hall Council Chambers, 350 S. 5th St., Room 317, Mpls. This meeting is the only opportunity for public input before the city council votes on whether to reappoint Minneapolis Police Chief Dolan for another three-year term.

NAMI presents Family-to-Family - Mar 6 Saturdays, starting March 6, 12:30 to 3:00 pm at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. (lower level dining room), Mpls. This class is for family members who have a loved one living with a mental illness. Learn about mental illness, identify resources, build communication skills, reduce stress and find support. Join others for this free 12-week series taught by experienced family members. Pre-registration required. To register, please contact Darryl at 612-584-3597 or Kwasi at 612-359-0077.

Keys to Successful Rental Living - Mar 6 A three-hour workshop that will be offered by Lutheran Social Service to help individuals learn how to be successful renters on Sat, Mar 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Center for Changing Lives in Mpls, located at 2400 Park Ave. 612-879-5250.

2010 South Minneapolis Housing and Home Improvement Fair - Mar 6 Sat., 10 am - 3 pm at South High School, 3131 19th Ave S., Mpls. Free Admission. www.housingfair.org Minnesota’s Second Annual World Affairs Challenge - Mar 6 Sat, Mar 6, from 9 am - 4:30 pm, Macalester College 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul. Kagin Ballroom & Olin Rice Hall. The World Affairs Challenge is an academic competition focused on this year’s central theme: Water around the World. charmagne@worldsavvy.org, www.worldsavvy.org.

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Insight News • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS Olympic speed skater Shani Davis, prickly competitor Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Shani Davis currently holds the World Records for Speed Skating’s 1000m and 1500m distances. Davis was the first Black athlete to win an individual event Gold Medal at the Winter Olympics. Davis accomplished that feat in the 2006 Olympics, in Turin, Italy, and he actually claimed both the 1500m silver Medals. In his career thus far, Davis has set eight World Records. All of

these accomplishments and many, many, more, make Davis an integral figure in African American History.

Though the Olympics is the most attractive media and popular culture event when it comes to most sports, Davis considers his World Allround Championship Gold Medals (’05 and ’06) to be more valuable than his Olympic Gold Medal.

In the World Allround Championship skaters must perform in all four primary skating distances (500m, 1000m, 1500m, and 10,000m). To add to the difficulty of the Allround event, all of these races must be done in a two-day span of time.

Some may scoff at Davis’ suggestion about the Allround versus the prestigious Olympic Gold, but Davis has constantly been one to stir controversy by

doing things his own way. There seems to be consistent criticism of Davis due to his history of not entering events that many others may want him to, and then on the other end of the spectrum there have been suggestions of teammates having colluded to ensure that Davis would qualify for other events. The attacks and analysis seem to continue no matter what Davis does. Perhaps Davis is a prickly competitor that follows his own rules according to the success he seeks, and not the success that others seek; and perhaps Davis’ unique qualities amongst speed skaters draws the type of attention that being “unique” tends to do. Fortunately it seems that Davis is not one to care what others have to say about him and his journey.

Davis’ strong spirit of

independence seems to hail from his mother, who made all those

try. Surely the fact that roller rink attendants had to tell Davis’

Davis was the first Black athlete to win an individual event Gold Medal at the Winter Olympics. big and little decisions in her son’s early speed skating development that would bring him to the success he experiences today.

Early morning training, and moving to residences that were more compatible to her son’s training schedule were amongst the special approaches Davis’ mother used to better her son’s preparation.

All of this developed out of a simple suggestion from Davis’ mother’s boss that Shani give the sport a

media-2.web.britannica.com

Shani Davis currently holds the World Records for Speed Skating’s 1000m and 1500m distances

to slow down for the his safety and that of and others, must have led to the notion of a transition to speed skating. And so Davis took his show from the roller rink to the ice rink, and as they say, “The rest is history.” For Davis, that history began only two months after beginning the sport as he immediately claimed regional titles.

The name Shani translates from Swahili to English to mean

something like “light” and “weight.”

As a successful pioneer in speed skating, for African Americans, Davis performs a heavyweight duty in leadership. Tiger Woods is the “latest and greatest” model of societal transformation through sports. The World of golf will never be the same (in a great way) since the talented touch of Tiger Woods, and perhaps the same can be inspired by the success of Shani Davis. It should be exceptionally inspiring to young African American athletes, that even in this advanced day and age, it is still possible to be the first in history to accomplish something significant for this (our) great culture and people.

Page 12 • February 22 - February 28, 2010 • Insight News

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