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Insight News February 13 - February 19, 2017
Vol. 44 No. 7• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Penumbra Theatre at 40 Art, Race and a Nation on Stage TURN TO PAGE 2
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
Page 2 • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Insight News
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Exhibit: Penumbra at 40 Without Penumbra the world may have never heard of August Wilson. A brilliant poet, it was Penumbra Theatre and its founder and artistic director Lou Bellamy that helped turn Wilson from poet to playwright. Wilson, whose Pulitzer Prize winning play “Fences” that
has been transformed into an Oscar-nominated film, produced his first play, “Black Bart and the Sacred Hills,” at St. Paul’s Penumbra. His equally lauded “Jitney” debuted at Penumbra, located at 270 N. Kent St. With the presentation of “Eden” in 1977 – a Steve Carter production – Penumbra opened
its doors, offering audiences the opportunity to take in some of the best of Black theater. Forty years later Penumbra is as vibrant and as vital as ever. Now Bellamy is turning over the reins to his daughter, Sarah Bellamy’s capable hands. Recognizing the value and importance Penumbra has
had in the arts and the state, the Minnesota Historical Society is honoring the legacy of the production company with an exhibit, “Penumbra at 40,” at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. The exhibit provides a behind-thescenes look at the founding and history of the nation’s largest and
preeminent African-American theater. Original scripts, props, costumes and more document Penumbra’s “epic journey and its unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and social justice.” “Penumbra at 40” opens Feb. 18 and runs through July 30. The exhibit is a partnership
between the Minnesota Historical Society, Penumbra, the Givens Collection of African American Literature at the University of Minnesota Libraries, and Umbra: Search African American History. For more information on this and other exhibits visit www. mnhs.org.
In search of safe space By LaDonna Sanders Redmond I have always been in search of safe spaces. The perpetual search is a fact of life for a Black woman growing up in America. Few people understand that safety is always on the minds of women, in particular Black women. Where to park at night, what you have on that might draw attention. Where you put your drink in bar, how you meet a date. My gender and/ or race can ignite responses that cause me to recoil, emotionally or physically. It can be a refusal to serve me in a restaurant or at a store counter. Being told that an apartment is no longer available, even though it was available a few minutes before my arrival. It may seem that a Black woman must be on guard at all times. This truly isn’t possible but it does not stop one from being hyper-vigilant. Always checking and tending to the invisible energy that may shift against us at a moments notice. Since Nov. 9, my usual havens are not providing the protection that they have provided in the past. Perhaps safe space was an illusion to begin with and I was happy to live under that illusion. I have found safety in the places that may seem odd to others. The laundromat is a one such place. Washing clothes has always been a place of reprieve for me. The ritual of sorting for wash, loading and getting quarters, inserting quarters into the machine is meditative. I lose myself in the simplicity of the
of the actions that are mindless but essential for clean clothes. Sitting and waiting with a good book is a part of the process. This happens until someone interrupts. The interruption questions my presence in the space. “Change is only for customers,” says an employee. I explain that I am a customer. At 5’10” and living in a full body. I’m hard to ignore. “No you aren’t,” insists the employee. Hmmm. I’m standing here surrounded by all the accoutrements of washing clothes. I have balled up clothes, laundry detergent and baskets. I even have my wash day outfit on – a head tie, t-shirt, yoga pants and flats. A quick glance around the place lets me know that I am the only person of color in the laundromat. The exchange isn’t important. I am not silent. I wash my clothes and the space monitor finds something else to do. The fact is that I have to explain my presence in a way that white people do not. I write a terse note to the owner. He and his wife respond quickly and invite me to meet for coffee. When I arrive, he recognizes me immediately. I have come to the laundromat for several years. He apologizes. We shake hands. His wife thanks me. I still go to the laundromat. The space monitor is nowhere in sight. The election of the 45th president of the United States has caused me to redraw the lines of safe space. The campaign and the election have emboldened people who harbored racist ideologies. Feeling freed from the restraints of common decency, they have
the permission to spread racist, sexist or hateful language and words publically. Their behavior is now outwardly directed at any considered “other.” There are more people willing to share thoughts and opinions that directly question my right to live freely. Now I must protect my liberation in the most forward fashion necessary. Recent public policies regarding boarder walls or immigration bans may seem to have nothing to do with the life of a Black woman that is a citizen of the United States. I live an intersectional existence. It is impossible for me to think that someone who voices support of immigration ban or building a wall to keep Mexicans out would not also support public lynching of Black people. Another safe space for me was the Internet and local gym in Minneapolis. On Facebook, I have cultivated a list of activist friends and foodies that share my thirst for freedom and liberation. Many of them grow or cook food. Many share my love of all things Prince. The gym also offered a similar mix – people deeply in love with Prince and foodies of sorts, full of colorful individuals that are committed to health that were never at loss for a supportive comment or a welcoming smile. It’s a gym that many come to for different reasons but the fact that we are all there creates a bond. I bought a puppy from someone at the gym. That puppy is the light of our lives. I have built a few friendships with people that I normally would not have known. I realized that when I saw
a statement by the gym’s owner on another body builders page. One comment by the owner of Los Campeones on Facebook changed how I use, both the gym and Facebook, as safe space. The comment essentially said that he would gladly pay his fair share for the wall. He went on to say that he would pay another person’s share as well. I was stunned. In 2017, in one of the most liberal communities in Minneapolis there is a business owner that will publically proclaim his support for keeping Mexicans out of the country. Seward community is named after William Seward. As secretary of state, Seward fought for the end of slavery, passing laws to protect abolitionists and using his position to intervene in cases where free Blacks were threatened with enslavement. Seward also supported immigrants and Catholics at time when it wasn’t safe to be either. It is ironic that the gym calls itself “the champions” in Spanish and is located in a community named after an abolitionist. I confronted the owner on Facebook through direct message. No answer. I posted to the gym’s Facebook page. No answers. I posted to my page. I have received responses from people that ranged from support of the gym owner to support of the issue. The grapevine let me know that my posts have created discussion in the gym. That was the goal … discussion. With this new information about the gym, some people have cancelled their gym memberships. Others
have asked to see the Facebook post. The post has been deleted. To those that are curious, I have suggested that they ask him what he posted, he does not deny his views or his support of the boarder wall. White supremacy must be discussed and challenged. If you are for white supremacy, you should let everyone know. Some of us want to make informed decisions about who we support. I am not for any forms of oppression. I work to end oppression wherever I see it. I am not a martyr. I am woke. I work in solidarity with others that are oppressed. I am not an immigrant. I am not Latina. Yet, I am threated by immigration bans and a boarder wall; if that wall goes up. Other walls are coming. I do not support colonialism or imperialism. I participate in the sustainable food movement. I am not a farmer. Yet, I advocate for farmers to be paid fairly. I am not a farm worker. Yet, I advocate for safe work conditions and fair pay for farm workers. I am not Muslim. Yet, I work in solidarity with Muslims for religious freedom. I am not a Black man, but I work to end state sanctioned violence directed at him. I am not transgender, but I will not stand by for one to be harassed or killed. For a business owner to use his right of free speech to support a contentions political issues is risky. Ask Uber, Eden Foods, Paula Deen and a host of other people that feel they have a right to say what they want, when they want. Hate speech masquerading as free speech always impacts a
brand negatively. I am a Black woman. I am forced to live at the intersections of race, class and gender. With this awareness, I can no longer support that gym. Just as I have let my friends know that this was an awesome gym, I will let them know that this is no longer the case – especially if you are Mexican, Muslim or an immigrant. I recommend being cautious of this place. One’s safety could be in jeopardy in word or action at any moment. I feel a public apology was warranted. Not to me but those that the owner aimed his comment. Usually this doesn’t happen because the white supremacist ego is fortified by the status quo. Even those that look like me may support the owner out of fear, ignorance or a combination of the two. It is hard to imagine, but not all Black people supported the Civil Right Movement, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcom X. It is easy to see how this kind of conversation would not garner support. I can imagine the fear in the hearts and minds of Black people as they try to navigate the new waters of racist ideology. Fear of drowning in racist rhetoric is very real. However, white supremacist views do not to go away, but become deeply entrenched in its host; hidden out of sight but out of mind. Still they must be confronted. James Baldwin said there is a thin line between witness and actor. As a writer, I am a witness and actor. It my responsibility to write the story that ends oppression and to share that story widely and freely.
For all of life’s biggest little moments The first tooth. The first peek-a-boo. The first wobbly steps. We support parents from the beginning. Visit makegoodhappen.com to find care near you.
your first role models. This Black History Month, AARP celebrates those who helped shape future generations and the communities they live in. So get involved by volunteering around town or connect with new people at one of our events. There are tons of ways you too can create exciting futures for everyone here in Twin Cities. We’re celebrating a rich history and incredible diversity this month. Visit aarp.org/twincities to learn more.
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Insight News • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Page 3
aesthetically speaking
Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities
MORE ON PAGE 10
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Insight News February 13 - February 19, 2017
Vol. 44 No. 7• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Champion seeks to protect Safe and Sick Time to take away local control and implement statewide standards that harm metro area workers.” Champion said the Republican backed bill under consideration would prohibit the enactment of labor benefits at the local level. He said as written, the bill has three core components that prohibit local governments from establishing a minimum wage, requiring businesses to provide sick and safe time, establishing rules relative to benefits, terms of employment, or working conditions and the effective date would make the bill retroactive for ordinances that were enacted on or after Jan. 1, 2016. Minneapolis and St. Paul
Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL59) is speaking out on behalf of workers in Minneapolis, offering his support for the Minneapolis Safe and Sick Time ordinance – an ordinance that is in danger at the state level. “I strongly oppose the legislation that would strike down sick-leave mandates put in place by Minneapolis last year,” said Champion in a released statement. “The preemption measure would ban local employment regulation on minimum wage, unpaid leave and scheduling requirements. We fought hard for these benefits that help working families. We cannot allow legislators on the state level
Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-59)
have implemented additional benefit policies for employees working within their territorial boundaries. A consortium of labor, business, local elected officials and social-based organizations fought for the leave benefits that passed in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Champion said the ordinances are supported by many small businesses and serve their communities well. In addition he said they help working families stay employed through a higher minimum wage and paid sick leave.
CHAMPION 7
Raeisha Williams
Women’s March protests Trump presidency By Ingrid Ferlo The day after the inauguration of the President Donald Trump, almost three million women
across the United States – more than 90,000 in Minnesota alone – took to the streets to show their discontent with the new president. The march brought together women from all races and
backgrounds. “We often say we have a sisterhood of women, and that is true, but even in that sisterhood we have immigrants, African-American, Latina and White – and we as women face
McFarlane” on KFAI 90.3 FM, which airs live every Tuesday at 9 a.m. and reaches global audiences on www.kfai.org. In addition to marches in multiple United States cities, there were anti-Trump marches
different challenges because of our background and ethnicities,” said Raesiha Williams, activist and political candidate who was a featured speaker at the march. Williams was recently part of the “Conversations with Al
in other countries putting the figure of protesters at an estimated four and a half million people. Most people protested
WOMEN’S MARCH 4
Agencies offer free tax preparation service By Ingrid Ferlo For Minnesotans who are having trouble filling out their tax returns, the United Way and Prepare and Prosper are offering their help. “This supports our goal of ensuring that we create pathways out of poverty for low and moderate income families,” said Meghan Barp, senior vice president of Greater Twin Cities United Way. United Way is partnering with Prepare and Prosper for the 11th year to help people from the Twin Cities to file for tax returns. Barp and Tracy Fischman, executive director of Prepare and Prosper were recently guests on “Conversations with Al McFarlane” on KFAI 90.3 FM. The show airs every Tuesday
blackmales.mpls.k12.mn.us
Black Teen Summit at U Meghan Barp
Tracy Fischman
at 9 a.m. and reaches audiences globally on www.kfai.org. Barp said they seek to make filing for taxes a “celebratory”
event while Fischman said tax
I2H
Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge: Getting stronger
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UNITED WAY 4
Community
Minnesota opens new savings plan for disabilities
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Teen Summit was established to have students learn more about Black leaders that have not traditionally been highlighted in the public educational system. The summit takes place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, 300 Washington Ave. S.E.
The Office of Black Male Student Achievement (OBMSA) in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Office of Equity and Diversity will be hosting the first inaugural Black Teen Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 22. This year’s theme is Past, Present and Future Leaders in the Black Community. The Black
Lifestyle
Healing for the Black family
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Black male students who are in the Building Lives Acquiring Cultural Knowledge (BLACK) classes are researching and developing presentations to share about these leaders with students from across the Minneapolis Public
OBMSA 4
News
Green Dot purchases Simmons’ RushCard in megadeal
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Page 4 • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Insight News
Insight 2 Health
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Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge: Getting stronger Afrodescendientes
By Carmen Robles Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Laura Paynter moved home to Minnesota a couple years ago, after being in New Zealand for 11 years and California for five years before that. Her husband, Gordon, is a New Zealander and both of her children were born there. When the F.I.T. Lab opened its doors at 1583 Hamline Ave. N. in Falcon Heights at the end of her block, she was curious to check it out. “I stumbled in at the launch of the last (Insight 2
Women’s March From 3
United Way From 3 returns are a way to alleviate poverty in moderate income families. The partnership
Health Fitness) Challenge and they asked if I wanted to join,” said Paynter. “The kids had just gone back to school and I had not exercised much over the summer so I wanted a kickstarter to getting fit. Also, my son was 11 pounds when he was born and my stomach was still stretched out, so I wanted to finally do something about that.” Paynter began working out with the group that following Monday” She’s currently on her second round of the challenge. At the end of her first challenge Paynter lost 3 inches around her waist and could not believe how strong and fit she was feeling. “I hadn’t felt that strong since my 20s,” boasted Paynter. “Tyrone (Minor, owner of the F.I.T. Lab) said if I did another challenge that I would get even stronger, so I signed up for
yet challenging, fitness and lifestyle initiative designed to promote measurable and
long-lasting health and fitness outcomes in program participants. The objective is to introduce lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Participants meet up to four times a week in a group class setting and also consult with a nutrition expert and mental health professional. In New Zealand, Paynter worked as a historic preservation planner and held positions at the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as well as Wellington city and Wellington regional councils. She also held a temporary assignment to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. The work she is most proud of was a collaborative project at the regional council with the region’s indigenous Maori tribes where they rewrote the regional environmental plans to integrate Maori values. “New Zealand is far more progressive when it comes
to recognizing indigenous rights,” said Paynter. “It was fascinating work because it gave me a reason to learn everything I could about Maori culture and history. Whenever I thought I was starting to understand Maori worldviews, I would learn something else that would shift my perspective again.” In addition to getting fit Paynter enjoys spending time with her family and doing volunteer work. “I just want to be strong and be an example for my kids (and) to show how important it is to be fit,” said Paynter. “They (her children) are both really curious about the gym, so I hope The F.I.T. Lab starts a children’s program too.” To learn more about the Insight 2 Health Challenge, call The F.I.T. Lab at (651) 645-5242 or visit its website at www.thefitlabinc.com.
another one.” The Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge is a fun,
against racist, misogynistic and inflammatory rhetoric used by Trump during his campaign. Women also marched against foretold plans of cutting budget support for women health reproduction services, such as Planned Parenthood.
“The organizers here did an exceptional job to bring all women to the table,” said Williams, stating that integration was one of the key outcomes of the march. While the movement that was able to bring together
women from all backgrounds, it also attracted several men. “You had men and boys supporting their moms, wives and daughters participating in the march, saying ‘we hear you, we see you, we know your issues are real,’” said Williams.
Organizers of the march say they are working on methods to keep the momentum of the movement going. Williams said the recent executive order banning Muslim immigration sparked a lot of fresh anger and she foresees the current
administration’s actions will keep marchers active in the struggle for equality. She said the multiethnic march will filter into other movements such as Black Lives Matter.
also helps families in budget planning. “It is also a time where many households receive more money back through these refunds than any other time of the year, so we do a lot to facilitate opportunities to save for a rainy day, catch up on
rent and other expenses,” said Fishman. Show host Al McFarlane pointed out that tax returns are normally received with mental resistance and fear by people who do not understand the process. That is why the United Way and Prepare and Prosper
partnership held a “taxaton” to educate clients and guide them through the process of filing their taxes. Prepare and Prosper trains hundreds of volunteers on the tax code to help to their clients – a service that is offered for free. Prepare and Prosper is located at
the Court West Building, 2610 University Ave. W. in St. Paul. Those interested in the free service can call (651) 291-0211 or (651) 287-0187 to schedule an appointment. The partnership between United Way and Prepare and Prosper is supported by the
Minnesota Department of Revenue. Tax services are available year-round. According to United Way’s records, more than 300,000 households have benefited from the free tax return service.
Achievement for MPS. “Real models are leaders from our community that our young kings and queens can see and access on a daily basis. The ability to ask questions of and be engaged with the work these ‘real models’ are accomplishing, right here in their own community, is invaluable.” Walker said the likes of Michael Thomas, chief of Academics, Leadership and Learning for MPS, Jason Sole, president of the NAACP, and Nekima Levy-Pounds, currently running for Minneapolis mayor are examples of “real models.” KMOJ general manager and on air personality, Freddie Bell, will moderate the lunchtime panel, consisting of many of the before-mentioned leaders.
Walker said the most important phase of the summit will future leadership. “After learning about the past and present it will then be time to have our kings and queens focus on their own leadership,” said Walker. “With the support of the YMCA of Greater Twin Cities, our young kings and queens will build upon all that they’ve learned and experience throughout the morning. A continuing development of our kings and queens personal and collective leadership traits/styles will be unveiled by engaging in an active learning seminar aimed at putting their beliefs and philosophies to the test while at the same time strengthening their stance.”
Laura Paynter
OBMSA From 3
Cricket is proud to support Black History Month
Schools (MPS) and neighboring districts. Those chosen to highlight include AfricanAmerican leaders Bayard Rustin, Stokley Carmichael, Huey Newton, Bobby Seals, Shirley Chisolm, Angela Davis, Assata Shukar and others. The students will also focus on current African-American leadership including area leaders. “We have traditionally viewed these people as role models, but we have shifted our thinking to seeing them as, ‘real models,’ said Michael Walker, director of Black Male Student
From our leadership to our employees, we’re proud to champion diversity. We’re committed to supporting people, programs and organizations that contribute to the growth of African American entrepreneurship and develop future tech leaders here in our Atlanta community and beyond.
© 2017 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.
The tobacco industry will stop at nothing to addict teenagers to smoking. Adding flavors like menthol make it easier for kids to start and harder for them to quit. Currently, 71 percent of African American youth smokers smoke menthol. But if kids don’t start, smoking stops. Learn how we can all help at stopthestartmn.com.
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Insight News • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Page 5
Classifieds Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com Financial Criminal Debt Specialist
The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Financial Criminal Debt Specialist in Minneapolis, MN. Salary range is $46,759 – $75,991. For more information visit the court’s website, www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer
St. Paul Central H.S. Class of 1967 50th Reunion Sept. 8-10, 2017 Facebook - St. Paul Central Class of 1967 50th Reunion or email address to: geministar1149 comcast.net, Marie Braddock Williams, Committee
LEGAL SECRETARY Central Minnesota Legal Services Wide range of administrative duties in a 17-person office (Mpls). Legal word processing work; e-filing. Legal areas include family law, housing. Exc. Oral & written communication skills req. WORD+. Second language+. Sal: D.O.E. Excellent benefits. Specifying interest & skills to: Ginger Palmquist, CMLS, 430 1st Ave N, #359, Mpls, MN 55401-1780 or cmls@centralmnlegal.org Resume, refs, & cover letter by 2/13/17 (late appls accepted until filled) EOE No calls.
Volunteer Customer Service Assistants Hennepin County is seeking volunteer greeters for its North Minneapolis human service center at 1001 Plymouth Avenue North to welcome and guide visitors, answer questions and assist with special projects. Reliable adults who enjoy working with people and who are available for a few hours twice a week are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will be able to volunteer for a minimum of three months. Volunteers are integral to Hennepin County’s mission of enhancing the health, safety and quality of life of its residents and communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way. Get involved by visiting http://www.hennepin.us/humanservicevolunteer and submitting a volunteer application.
LIL’S ANGELS MEMORY LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Northeast Minneapolis: Monroe Village, 1900 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis; Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The light from a few illuminates many.
South Minneapolis: Lunds & Byerly’s Grocery,1450 West Lake St., Minneapolis; Meets the 2nd Friday of each month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. NEW LOCATION Brooklyn Center: Jehovah Jireh Church, 6120 Xerxes Ave. N., Brooklyn Center; Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To RSVP, or for questions, please call Dorothea Harris at 952-945-4175 Volunteers of America
A single beacon of caring can light up an entire community. Our McDonald’s® 365Black® Awardees shine their beams of compassion in the communities they serve. It is through their example that we are all a little more enlightened.
MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN
Find out more at 365Black.com
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Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.
Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed
Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane
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Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Gloria Freeman Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Artika Tyner Toki Wright
Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang
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Page 6 • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Insight News
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Community Job Fair Your business tag line here.
Sabathani Community Center 310 East 38th Banquet Center #216 Minneapolis, MN 55409 Job training ged training various employers on the spot interviews
Unity Opportunity Collaborative—UOC will be hosting a Live hiring event in Minneapolis on February 16, 2017. From 1pm—5 pm at the sabathani community center. The event is FREE for all career seekers. Meet face to face with employers. Dress Professionally and bring multiple copies of your resumes and 2 forms of ID (drivers license, SS Card and or birth certificate)
For more information Contact— Will Wallace @ Emerge 612-419-9697 OR Awmin—African American Women and Men In Need @ 612-877-4193
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Insight News • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Page 7
Community Minnesota opens new savings plan for people with disabilities
Minnesotans with disabilities and their families can save for goods and services to improve their lives under the new Minnesota ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Plan, which opened this month. The plan allows a maximum of $14,000 a year, to a total maximum of $100,000, to be contributed to an account for an individual before the individual’s public benefits are affected. Participants can choose to put their money into what operates as a regular checking account or into one of six investment options. ABLE accounts are not limited to people with disabilities on public programs.
The accounts are exempt from eligibility consideration if people are on Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income or other public programs. Currently, people with disabilities may lose eligibility for public benefits once they reach $2,000 in savings. Earnings on accounts and distributions for qualified expenses are not counted as taxable income. Minnesota ABLE Plan accounts can be opened online at mn.savewithable.com. Parents of eligible minor children may open an account for their child. Any person can contribute to an ABLE account. Contributions can be made by check, through an employer’s payroll direct
deposit, or directly from another checking or savings account. “The Minnesota ABLE Plan helps people with disabilities, including those who want to work and build earnings, and families who want to contribute funds that can be used to maintain health, independence and quality of life,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “People will now be able to save for education, housing, assistive technology and a variety of other things that are not included in public benefits.” People interested in the Minnesota ABLE Plan may visit www.mn.savewithable.com or call (888) 609-8872.
savewithable.com
Champion From 3 “This bill preempts local government ordinances and would deny paid sick days and living wages to thousands of metro workers,” said Champion in his statement. “Taking away local control for small business is an intrusion on small business and local elected decision makers rights. Communities should be able to maintain local controls that are pertinent to their neighborhoods. According to Champion the proposed policies were pushed by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and disempower communities to set wage and labor standards with no respect for local government decision. “The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership want to prohibit cities from enacting their own benefit requirements as outlined in this proposal. They argue that a patchwork of local ordinances is unworkable for small businesses and it makes it harder to do business in Minnesota,” said Champion.
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Page 8 • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Insight News
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Lifestyle
Healing for the Black family Man Talk By Timothy Houston
This week is the beginning of Black History Month. During this month, I will be focusing on issues related to the Black family. It is clear that the Black family is under attack on all fronts. To counter this, we need information that will help bring
emotional healing and resolution. Knowledge is power, and power is needed for sustained changed. Here are a few things to consider as we work to help facilitate healing for the Black family. We must first, seek to get a better understanding of men.
Consider this, the first man (Adam) came from the ground and was an empty shell before God breathed life into him. Because of this, man has within him the ability to suppress his emotions which makes it possible for him to deal dispassionately with the consequences of his actions. Like women, a man has emotions, but he generally expresses them through his actions. A man feels most secure when he keeps his emotions to himself. When a man is given the space needed to be alone with his feelings, he feels emotionally secure, and this makes for a better family unit.| Next, seek to get a better understanding of women. The first woman (Eve) was created with the ability to bring forth life within her. Able as she is to sense the subtle changes of a child growing in her womb, woman has physical and emotional connections to a child that supersede that of a man. It is her nature to express her love and care through her emotions. A woman feels most comfortable when she share her emotions. When a man provides
a healthy outlet for the woman to share her feelings, she remains emotionally balanced, and the family unit is better because if it. Also we need to address the issues that negatively impact our children. Because the Black family is under attack, single family households are on the rise. Children from broken homes face all kind of obstacles and challenges. Without the financial and emotional security of a two parent household, some children are left to fend for themselves. This self-governing lifestyle leads to bad choices and negative consequences. Healing the Black family unit is the first step to healing our children. Ultimately we must seek to end emotional battle altogether. Struggles involving emotional battles damage relationships, and in the end, no one wins. When men find themselves losing the battle emotionally, they may try to make it a battle of words, which can be harsh and damaging. And if he continues to lose, he may shutdown completely which, in turn, causes him more internal conflict. Because man is an
empty shell emotionally, he is able to put his silent treatment into that temporary storage place, leaving the woman alone to deal with her feelings. This emotional battle will impact the family. The Black family will win the war waged against them, but it will take strong communication skills to do it. The family is God’s intentional creation, and he will always be a part of the solution so seek godly counsel. When a man and woman come together at the negotiation table, the lines of communication are open, and the ability to resolve the issue becomes possible. There is no force more powerful in this world than a man and woman working together. Their union creates families and the whole world pauses to take notice. With God’s help, there is healing for the Black family. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.
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Never give up on you Motivational Moments
By Penny JonesRichardson If you think you’re the only one with problems and concerns about your future, please think again. This is the time of year that most individuals are working on goals and trying to figure out what has worked so far and what hasn’t worked for them. When setting goals, this is truly how the process works. You identify the goal; you start working toward it and then realize that something is missing. You realize that you may have missed a step in your planning. Now here you are about to throw in the towel and give up. I once worked with someone who got easily
distracted every time she had a setback in working on her goals. She said once her plans all went south, so did her interest in that goal. Again, she is not alone in her thinking. She thinks like so many people when their plans are shifted because life gets in the way sometimes. We all have so many daily duties including jobs, family and other things that take up most of the day. Finding time to work on goals and map out how to complete those goals takes time and it can be a waiting game. You may have to wait until you have your journey mapped out and all the key factors pinpointed before you see some results. The one thing everyone has in common when working on goals, is the fact that they never give up just because they may have to rethink the process and start from scratch. Starting from scratch does not mean failure. It just means that you are taking a new approach to achieving your greatness. Doing the things that will take you to your next
level is not only about you, but always believe that others are watching too; especially those who you are close to and the ones who you share your dreams with. If you are representing yourself as person who never gives up, even when there are obstacles in your way, then that is exactly the image others will see. If you are a person who constantly quits when faced with obstacles and you have to start over, then others will see that in you too. Now remember to be careful and know that there is always someone watching and looking up to you and cheering for your success. And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and keep striving for greatness. Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject. com.
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Insight News • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Page 9
Implementing your fundraising plan FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Will a fundraising plan solve your fundraising challenges? Will your organizational culture change? Will your board suddenly become more involved? What about funding
… will the money and resources you need miraculously appear? While we wish a plan could magically bring resources to a nonprofit, the truth is that it won’t. A plan is only as valuable as the people who implement it. A fundraising plan is a management tool. It includes strategies, roles and responsibilities, timelines, gift charts and guidelines that guide fundraising. The plan provides structure and serves as a reference tool that fundraising team members use to help hold each other accountable. The plan can encourage consistent progress, and the strategic use
of often-limited resources. However, these won’t happen until the plan is used. And that takes time. During the process of growing from one level to another, nonprofits may struggle with day-to-day operations. They may find it difficult to invest time in planning while simultaneously sustaining current activities. By necessity this can make the implementation of a fundraising plan a longer term process than may have been anticipated. Having a fundraising plan can help your organization determine if you have the right people in the right positions.
The roles and responsibilities included in a fundraising plan can give board and staff members a deeper understanding of what is expected of them. These can also serve as a reference when hiring new staff or recruiting additional board members. It is the people who will bring a plan to life. Each person involved with your fundraising needs to believe in your organization. Collectively your fundraising team needs to have a strong mix of fundraising skills, experience and connections. While one person may be a “rain maker” for your organization, we recommend building a
team so your organization isn’t dependent upon any one person or relationship for its financial health. At the heart of all successful fundraising is willingness. Willingness takes many organizations through the first phase of their growth. During this time a formal fundraising plan may not be in place, nor is it always necessary. The trick is to sustain willingness and creativity, and to grow a culture and the structures that will support your organization as it grows. A fundraising plan is one step in the process. It may take time to
experience the benefits of working from a fundraising plan. It could take 18 months to three years to truly grow into a plan. But once the people, systems and relationships are in place they can be refined and expanded as you grow. Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For more information visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
Metropolitan Transportation Network brings $1.4 million expansion to Northside Wheels are turning to transform a two-acre industrial property in North Minneapolis into a regional operations hub for school buses operated by Metropolitan Transportation Network, Inc. (MTN). MTN plans to spend $1.4 million to upgrade and expand the existing buildings and paved outdoor storage facility on the site at 4640 Lyndale Ave. N. The largest portion of the investment will go toward exterior site improvements, including a significant update to landscaping, complete resurfacing of the sprawling
asphalt parking lot, and modern security systems. “This is going to be a showcase development that will make the local neighborhood proud, while meeting our company need for a smoothfunctioning, high-intensity operating center,” said Tashitaa Tufaa, president and founder of MTN. Thor Companies is handling the $2.7 million redevelopment and managing the design and build-out of the property for MTN. “We’re excited to develop the North Lyndale operating
terminal for MTN,” said D’Angelos Svenkeson, senior developer, Thor Development. “Retrofitting the property to serve as the hub for a burgeoning school bus operation presents some unique site and design challenges, which have inspired us to produce what we believe to be a state-of-the-art facility for a transportation terminal for MTN.” Even though the targeted completion date for the operations center is Aug. 15, MTN is already taking applications to fill 60 jobs at the center.
“We’re looking to tap the local workforce to fill our jobs as much as possible, and I encourage anyone interested in working at MTN to visit our website at www.metrotn.com, for more information,” said Tufaa. Bringing dozens of jobs to the Northside of Minneapolis is something that Bill English, project director of the Minneapolis-based nonprofit, Northside Jobs Creation Team (NJCT), cheers as a much-needed contribution to the continued economic revitalization of North Minneapolis. English and the
NJCT worked closely with MTN to find an appropriate Northside location for the company’s expansion, and to help the company overcome barriers to completing the transaction and obtaining requisite city and neighborhood approvals once the current site was selected. MTN closed on the property late in 2016, with an eye to shift a significant portion of its operations away from its Fridley headquarters into North Minneapolis to better serve existing customers such as Minneapolis Public Schools – and to accommodate future
business growth in Minneapolis and nearby suburbs. From its former use as the headquarters for a roofing company, the property comes ready-equipped with three lowrise industrial buildings. The main building on Lyndale Avenue will be renovated to handle general office and dispatching functions. One of the warehouse buildings will be converted to a vehicle maintenance facility, and the other will be retrofitted and expanded for use as an enclosed vehicle storage garage.
Green Dot purchases Simmons’ RushCard in megadeal By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor Every American needs a RushCard — or Green Dot. That’s the mantra of RushCard founder and business mogul Russell Simmons, who together with Steven Streit, president of Green Dot Corporation, explained the intricacies of their new partnership in an interview with the NNPA Newswire. Simmons and Streit said Green Dot Corporation has agreed to purchase UniRush, LLC, the parent company of the RushCard prepaid debit card. The deal is worth about $167 million and will merge Green Dot’s 4.5 million cardholders with RushCard’s 750,000 account holders. Simmons will remain with
the company and continue to play a significant role in guiding the union. “There are some things that we can do with our card that will be happening soon that will make us unique,” said Simmons. Green Dot’s acquisition of the RushCard enhances the company’s prospects among the tech-savvy, urban and millennial consumer segments of the financial services market where RushCard has traditionally excelled. “The reason Steve was so attractive, as a partner, is that he does care and he has the innovative products that go with caring,” said Simmons. “We have early direct deposit, where people get their pay two days early, fraud protection and features that my customers need.” Streit said his mission continues to be to financially educate low-income families and to serve their needs.
photo courtesy of UniRush Streit courtesy of Green Dot Corporation
Russell Simmons “If I had my way, young people, especially from low-income families, would always talk about money and learn how to manage money,” said Streit. The two CEOs said while they’ve long been competitors, they’ve also been admirers. When Simmons didn’t shy away from a storm of bad publicity and personal criticism for a glitch in the RushCard two years
Steve Streit ago, Streit said he was impressed with how the Def Jam founder responded. Simmons helped to create a multi-million-dollar fund to help cover the costs that customers had while their cards were beset by technical problems. In some instances, Simmons sent money to customers to help pay their rent, car loans and other payments. “A big part of (buying RushCard) is Russell himself,”
said Streit, noting that he met Simmons some time ago when Simmons gave a keynote speech at a conference about prepaid cards. “Russell understands the community and cares deeply. I thought he handled himself so well (during the glitch). Everyone can be a great CEO or a great leader when things are going well. Russell worked hard when things were going bad. The fact is that he quickly turned the health of that company around and he regained the confidence of his customers.” Green Dot also encountered problems of its own last year when a glitch stopped many of its customers from accessing their accounts, making purchases and withdrawing cash but the company was also able to overcome those issues. Together, Green Dot and RushCard are two of the oldest prepaid debit cards in the marketplace. Simmons’ RushCard popularized prepaid
cards, while Green Dot pioneered the reloadable prepaid card and is the largest provider in the U.S., according to Forbes Magazine. According to Streit the deal, expected to close before the end of the first quarter, enhances Green Dot’s shareholder value and materially expands the company’s scale. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) said Simmons continues to advance the economic development interests of the AfricanAmerican community, as well as all marginalized communities across the United States. “The NNPA, in particular, recognizes this acquisition with serious anticipation toward helping to further fulfill the inclusive goal of economic justice and equality for all,” said Chavis.
LEGENDARY PICTURES AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENT A LEGENDARY PICTURES/ATLAS ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION A FILM BY ZHANG YIMOU MATT DAMON “THE GREAT WALL” JING TIAN PEDRO PASCAL WILLEM DAFOE AND ANDY LAU VISUAL EFFECTS COSTUME MUSIC COBY RAMIN DJAWADI PRODUCERS ERIC HEDAYAT ER YONG ALEX HEDLUND SUPERVISOR PHIL BRENNAN DESIGNER MAYES C. RUBEO PRODUCTION DIRECTORS OF EDITORS MARY JO MARKEY ACE CRAIG WOOD ACE DESIGNER JOHN MYHRE PHOTOGRAPHY STUART DRYBURGH ASC ZHAO XIAODING PRODUCED EXECUTIVE BY THOMAS TULL p.g.a. PRODUCERS JILLIAN SHARE ALEX GARTNER E. BENNETT WALSH LA PEIKANG ZHANG ZHAO STORY CHARLES ROVEN p.g.a.SCREENPLAY JON JASHNI p.g.a. PETER LOEHR p.g.a. BY MAX BROOKS AND EDWARD ZWICK & MARSHALL HERSKOVITZ DIRECTED BY CARLO BERNARD & DOUG MIRO AND TONY GILROY BY ZHANG YIMOU A UNIVERSAL RELEASE © 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IMAX® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF IMAX CORPORATION.
© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
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CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES
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Photo by Barry Drones
A-Quil
Brandon Glover Proper-T
Feb. 13 – Feb. 19
Jan. 2 Jan. 8, 2017
Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com
Monday, Feb. 13
to the Radisson Red for speed da ng, DJs, happy hour specials, board and video games and more.
PRODUCTION/ HIP-HOP/ PERFORMANCE
Wednesday, Feb. 15
Heavy Rota on MC Producer Showcase Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
COMEDY
Classic hip-hop spins all night with performances by Sun Wu Kong, Tommy Karate, DJ Cassieopeia, T-Lashawn, Wash Your Dome, Dlee & Flash, Forecast and more.
Tuesday, Feb. 14 DATING/PARTY An -Valen ne’s Day Radisson Red Minneapolis 609 3rd St., Minneapolis 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. If you couldn’t find a date you can come
Shed G Comedy Series featuring Brandon “Hot Sauce” Glover Parkway Theater 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis 21-plus $15 advance, $20 door The long-running Shed G Comedy Series has moved to the Parkway Theater in South Minneapolis. To kick off the move Shed is bringing comedy favorite Brandon “Hot Sauce” Glover. Glover has appeared on Show me, Comedy Central, BET’s “Comic View,” Aspire TV’s “We Got Next” and more, recently taping at special for Ne lix. Advance ckets are online at www. vitalculture.com/ events/detail/3330.
PRODUCTION Last of the Record Buyers Honey 205 E Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Hip-hop producers sign up at 9:30 p.m. to play whatever you want from your catalog.
Thursday, Feb. 16 SPOKEN WORD/ NEO-SOUL/ PERFORMANCE The Feels – A Night of Resilience Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m. 21-plus $8 The popular Soul Tools Entertainment and KBEM Jazz 88 sponsored event dedicated to healing, The Feels features an all-star cast with vocalist Proper-T of ZuluZuluu, emcee King
Fuvi, poet Lady TCB, comedian Trevor Wade and sounds by DJ Miss Brit.
Friday, Feb. 17 FUNK/R&B/ PERFORMANCE Jay Young and the Lyric Factory – Bandwidth: RadioPlay Vol.2 Jazz Central Studios 407 Central Ave. S.E., Minneapolis 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. This annual event features some of the Twin Ci es best musicians covering music from Bobby Brown, Thelonious Monk, Tina Turner and more.
Saturday, Feb. 18 JAZZ/PARTY To Thee Nines FLY Edi on Five Event Center 2917 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. 21-plus $25 advance, $30 door
Thee Urbane Life presents one of its signature events, To Thee Nines, featuring a live jazz trio and DJ A-Quil. Complimentary valet and complimentary hor d’oeuvres are included in the price for this dress affair.
Sunday, Feb. 19 HIP-HOP/ PERFORMANCE 5th Annual HipHop4Au sm Amsterdam Bar and Hall 6 W. 6th St., Saint Paul 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. SP Style and The Au sm Society of Minnesota presents the 5th Annual HipHop4Au sm, a live show to benefit and create awareness for au sm featuring performances by Carnage the Execu oner, SP Style All Stars, Maria Isa, St. Paul Slim, Big Wiz, Frostbyte, T.O.N.Y, Kamillion, Divinci and other special guests.
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Insight News • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Page 11
Threads presents ‘The Secrets of Slave Songs’ at The O’Shaughnessy
Photos: Bill Cameron Photography
Threads Dance Project
In honor of Black History Month, The O’Shaughnessy presents the Karen L. Charles Threads Dance Project in “The Secrets of Slave Songs.” The remount of this Sage Award nominated show opens the dance company’s ninth performance season. “The Secrets of Slave Songs” examines slavery, its abolition and consequences in the United States. Expressive choreography, combined with renditions of Negro spirituals and others songs from the American slavery experience, illuminate the complicated journey in our nation’s history. On opening night, Threads will partner with the MinneapolisSt. Paul chapter of the Links, Inc. to host a pre-show panel of local artists of color to share
their career journey and perspective on arts as advocacy with a group of 30-40 Twin Cities youth. There will be a post-show discussion with the audience following the Feb. 25
performance, moderated by Dr. Duchess Harris from Macalester College. “Although ‘The Secrets of Slave Songs’ originates from a place that seems distant, I seek
to confront the trauma of the institution of slavery in America and ask the audience to examine how that trauma abides with us today via a society highly polarized by race,” said Karen
Charles, Threads artistic director. I also wanted to honor my ancestors and the allies who helped abolish slavery in America.” Performances are Feb. 24 and Feb. 25
at 7:30 p.m. at The O’Shaughnessy, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. For tickets or more information call (651) 690-6700 or visit oshag. stkate.edu.
by GEORGE S. KAUFMAN and EDNA FERBER ERBER directed by RACHEL CHAVKIN
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Page 12 • February 13 - February 19, 2017 • Insight News
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