Insight News ::: 02.19.18 by Insight News, Inc

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Insight News February 19 - February 25, 2018

Vol. 45 No. 8• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Emerge Creating unity Closing the gap

(Left to right) EMERGE president and CEO, Mike Wynne, board chair Colbert Boyd and vice president of Community Based Services, Linda Bryant. Victor R. Rivera Garcia

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Page 2 •February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Insight News

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Nike to consider Minneapolis’ North basketball players’ shoe design By Nadvia Davis Amidst the MLK Dream Classic basketball tournament in Chicago, the Minneapolis North High School boys basketball team had an experience of a lifetime sharing ideas with Nike personnel to create what could be the next big athletic shoe design. Nike executive Domonique Debnam hosted a two-hour workshop in which the North High players attended. Out of the 32 teams participating in the tournament (16 boys and 16 girls teams), the “North High Boys team was the only team to take advantage of the workshop,” said North head coach, Larry McKenzie. During the workshop, the team was tasked with creating two types of shoes designs to present to a Nike panel. Shoe design number one was labeled “NHS Matters,” a design that incorporated the school colors and a polar paw print, symbolizing their pride for community and school. Shoe design number two was labeled “What’s the Cure” and featured the word “survive” with illustrated wavelengths from a heart monitor machine in the colors pink, grey and white to show support for breast cancer awareness. (The) breast cancer shoe design caught Nike panelist

attention. Players designed everything including the shoe box,” said McKenzie. The prominent apparel and shoe brand took to Twitter to showcase how impressed they were by the team’s shoe designs. Despite the challenging circumstances that some of the young men at North High face, this workshop allowed them to see the importance of life lessons both on and oﬀ the court. “The purpose was to expose the players to the Nike organization outside of basketball,” said McKenzie. As for a design update following the workshop, no new information has been released to the team from Nike. The hope is one of the shoe designs crafted by the team will be selected to be manufactured. With high hopes for the shoe design to come to life, McKenzie is keeping a level head no matter what the outcome. One of the biggest takeaways from this workshop for the team was to not get so ﬁxated on only going to the NBA, but to know there are other ways to be connected to the game, such as professional careers through marketing, human resources and broadcasting. Although the overall goal of participating in the holiday tournament was to win, McKenzie prided himself on sharing the message with his team that, “this experience was more about expanding the players horizons.”

Two Nike concept shoes created by members of the North High boys basketball team. The shoe on top, meant to bring awareness to breast cancer, is being considered for production.

TRANSFORMATION: Rooftop By Randall Bradley Architect On these cold winter days construction continues. The installation of the high roof over the Estes Funeral Services and Cremation Chapel at the corner of Penn and Plymouth Avenues North,

Minneapolis, has begun. The chapel will be the largest clear spanning space within the facility. Steel was chosen to achieve this spanning over wood. This roof was likely built as follows. Two rows of three columns each were erected on six previously installed footings. The columns were in an east/ west orientation line – one line

being the southern elevation (wall) of the chapel, the other line will be the northern elevation (wall) of the chapel. Two steel beams were installed on these six columns in the east/ west conﬁguration. Steel barjoists were installed on top of these beams in a north-south orientation. Corrugated metal decking was then installed and fastened to the bar joists in an

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The transformation at Penn and Plymouth Avenues in North Minneapolis is in full swing with construction of Estes Funeral Services and Cremation Chapel in the foreground, and behind it, the soon-to-be world headquarters of Thor Companies. east-west direction as indicated on the structural engineering drawings. This assembly of beams, bar-joists and metal decking in a layering orientation is a definition of a roof, insofar as structure that both encloses a space and can support exterior loads, as designated by the building code. To the casual eye, this appears to be a flat roof that overhangs the clerestory windows immediately below. The building code does not allow for dead-level flat roofs. Water must drain from roofs whether “flat,” sloped, curved, domed or steepled. Water must be channeled or sloped-to-drain through a scupper, gutters or internal roof drains. This roof will likely have rigid insulation that has been manufactured with the necessary slope built in. The installation will place and align these sheets of insulation to achieve the required slopeto-drain or slope-to-scupper, component for clearing the roof of water. These two components of structure and thermal insulation do not complete the roof. The final ingredient that completes the roof as we know it, is the membrane. The roof membrane on your home is typically asphalt shingles. Sloped metal roofing panels can also be considered the final membrane protecting against moisture penetration. On flat roofs there are several methods, from four-ply, hotmopped built up asphalt roofing to a variety of rubber based and PVC (polyvinylchloride) materials that are delivered to the site in rolls. They can be installed by mechanical fastening or adhesively. Some are held on the roof by ballast. Ballast is one inch to two inches diameter rock with a primary purpose to keep the membrane from lifting due to high winds blowing across the surface of the roof. This could result in water

penetration as the membrane separates from its fastening. There are consequently two definitions of “roof” in play. These definitions are often used in the same conversation shifting back and forth several times between structure and membrane. In my own experience, as an architect, in meetings with the general contractor, the roofing subcontractor and building owner, the owner’s comments can generally be described as, “huh?” There are many aspects of the design profession and construction industry that do not invade everyday language and thought. But, the men and women whose livelihoods occupy these tasks, do so in order to deliver projects that are beneficial to the community as well as, protect your health, safety and welfare. All the roofs on this facility will respect the building code and slope-todrain. Clerestory While most widely associated with the architecture of Gothic cathedrals, clerestory windows are also noted in Egyptian architecture and Minoan palaces as far back as the Amarna period, (1353 – 1336 B.C.). A clerestory window is set in a high wall for daylighting purposes not vision. Albert Kahn, a noted architect who focused his work on industrial buildings, used clerestory windows extensively on his factory buildings for the automotive industry. Lots of natural light fell on the factory floor without the distraction of looking outside at passing events. The upper portion of this chapel will be ringed on three sides by clerestory windows. The sun provides light all over the sky. That light changes during the course of the day

as the earth rotates and orbits the sun. Focusing on the four cardinal points at this address, each one offers a different quality of sunlight. The eastern, morning sun, starts with long shadows that quickly dispel the night air and bring warmth and joy to help us begin our day. The southern sun is all business. It fires our day and provides light for commerce, production, manufacturing, transportation and other outdoor activities. This is the big sun of the big sky that we are used to in the Midwest. The southern sun is also the harshest natural light there is. The western sun can switch from long evening shadows to twilight in the twinkles of our eyes. The eastern, southern, and western sunlight offers the full spectrum of light variation that can be applied by nature and these lights impact all of our days. Northern light is reflective light and is the mixture of the other three. This is the steadiest non-direct sunlight and is the light most preferred by artists, especially painters. Northern light gives the best color rendition available. The chapel will have clerestory windows on the north, east and west sides. This will provide a naturally lit and welcoming, calming space for meditation and reflection. Architects design from all the materials of the earth, in all of her varietals, to the endless sunny and joyful blue sky and everything in between in order to provide the best possible spaces for you to occupy and enjoy. Since July of 2017, architect Randall Bradley has been writing a multi-part series on the construction of the new development at the corners of Penn Avenue North and Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis.

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Insight News • February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Page 3

aesthetically speaking

Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities

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Insight News February 19 - February 25, 2018

Vol. 45 No. 8• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

EMERGE: Changing the narrative By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor @HarryColbertJr Twenty eight percent unemployment. In North Minneapolis the documented unemployment rate is 28 percent. Let that sink in for a bit. It’s no mystery, in order to stabilize a community, ﬁrst the individuals within that community must achieve stabilization. That stabilization starts with education and training, but ultimately, it manifests with realizing longterm economic opportunities. But for the residents of North Minneapolis – primarily comprised of people of color – opportunities are not readily accessible. For some, barriers are many; whether they be lack of formal education and job readiness or diﬃculty entering the labor market due to past incarceration. It is because of this daunting challenge that the Unity Opportunity Collaborative was

formed. Consisting of EMERGE Community Development, the Minneapolis Urban League, Sabathani Community Center, Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Education and the Stairstep Foundation, The Unity Opportunity Collaborative is working collectively to close the opportunity gap that exist for people of color in Minneapolis by providing GED learning, job readiness and digital readiness training, career credentialing and job placement. Thanks to 2015 efforts led by Sens. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL59) and Jeff Hayden (DFL62), the collaborative received $4.5 million to assist in these efforts. Quantitative data shows the money is being put to good use. To date, the Unity Opportunity Collaborative has provided job readiness training to more than 1,000 individuals, digital readiness training to more than 200, career credentialing to more than 600 and found more than 400 fulltime jobs for individuals eager

for employment … eager for an opportunity. All these numbers well exceed the collaborative’s stated goals. “There are a lot of jobs available in the current labor market but there’s a group of people who need a hand up, and that’s why we’re here,” said Mike Wynne, president and CEO of EMERGE. The jobs readiness arm of Pillsbury United Communities, EMERGE was spun off into its own agency in 2007. Based in North Minneapolis and Cedar Riverside, EMERGE (www. emerge-mn.org) provides financial coaching, supportive housing and other services. Wynne has served as president and CEO since EMERGE’s spinoff and in total, he’s been doing the work for more than 30 years, having led the division within Pillsbury United. Linda Bryant has been doing the work alongside him the entire time. Bryant is EMERGE’s vice president of Community Based Services. For Wynne and Bryant, the job of finding jobs is not a job, but a calling.

Victor R. Rivera Garcia

EMERGE’s North Minneapolis location at Emerson and West Broadway Avenues is home to hope, providing job training, digital training and housing services.

“Linda and I have more than 30 years of working together. We’re products of the communities we serve,” said Wynne. “For us it’s personal.” “My work has always been personal,” said Bryant. “I want to ensure others have the same opportunities I have. I was brought up on welfare. I was the first in my family to graduate high school. I was the first to get a college degree. (EMERGE’s work is) about interrupting generational poverty the same way I was able to interrupt it for my daughter and her child.” Colbert Boyd, EMERGE’s board chair, said being data driven, the organization can demonstrate the impact it’s having through numbers. “As a long-time board member I have been amazed by the growth and impact of EMERGE,” said Boyd. “Our board has pushed hard with our leadership staff to broaden our impact, improve our data and show up in community

EMERGE 7

Event was part of NBA’s Building Bridges through Basketball initiative

Kids and Cops build community The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation hosted 20 local youth and five officers from the Minneapolis Police Department to participate in a Building Bridges through Basketball event with KarlAnthony Towns, Jamal Crawford and Cole Aldrich. The group participated in a facilitated discussion designed to create a safe space for a candid conversation exploring perceptions and dynamics affecting law enforcement and youth from the communities they serve. The purpose of the Feb. 12 discussion was to encourage participants to share their perspectives, experiences and collectively brainstorm and spotlight programmatic solutions to build a stronger, safer Minneapolis. The event took place at the Timberwolves and Lynx practice facility inside Mayo Clinic Square. “(This) was about building a narrative with these kids to show that there are cops out there that are trying to make a difference,” said Towns. “The police need their help to build a safe community. I hope that today we were able to contribute in some way to starting a dialogue all together.” “My role is doing all I can to change the culture at the Minneapolis Police Department and today was one of many ways we look to do that,” said Minneapolis Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo. “These kids are all members of this community and future leaders, and today was one step in the dialogue of showing them how much they matter to us.” The conversation was kicked off with comments from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey,

Hip-hop artist and Insight News contributing writer, Toki Wright, will serve as a judge for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest returns for fourth year, Toki Wright named as a judge

Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns (hat turned to the back) of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks with area youth about the importance of mending police/community relations. who shared why conversations like these are so important to build stronger communities. “Having conversations like the one we had today is critical for community safety,” said Frey. “I appreciate the Timberwolves players taking time out of their day to be here and I want to thank the young people for being so open and honest. I’d also like to thank the oﬃcers for participating and taking steps to ensure that we as a community are treating each other safely and with respect.”

Business Insight 2 Health African-Americans Despite Unequal at risk fromBlack unusual Treatment, optometry practice Women Will Rise

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Building Bridges through Basketball is a program under the NBA Voices initiative, which aims to address social injustice, promote inclusion, uplift voices and bridge divides in our communities. The NBA teams up with players, teams and local leaders to host a series of community programs designed to engage young people, law enforcement and local community organizations in a joint eﬀort to share perspective and create positive change.

Washington, D.C. –NPR Music announced the return of its popular Tiny Desk Contest. Over the past three years, the contest has received more than 18,000 entries and led to breakout artist discoveries such as Fantastic Negrito, Gaelynn Lea and Tank and the Bangas. These Tiny Desk Contest winners have gone on to perform for sold-out crowds around the world, and one even picked up a Grammy Award. “This contest is a window into emerging talent across the country,” said Bob Boilen, creator of the Tiny Desk concert series and host of “All Songs Considered.” “It’s our peek into the future of music and we can’t wait to share it.” NPR Music has again chosen Tiny Desk alumni to judge the contest. Melodic pop duo, Sylvan Esso, and Gaby Moreno will review submissions to ﬁnd artists they love. They’ll be joined by Tarriona “Tank” Ball of 2017 Tiny Desk Contest winner, Tank and the Bangas. The judging panel is rounded out by three NPR

member station hosts including hip-hop musician and DJ, Toki Wright of The Current (89.3 FM) in Minneapolis and contributing writer for Insight News. Wright will be joined by New York City’s WFUV Music Director Russ Borris, “World Café” host Talia Schlanger from WXPN in Philadelphia and NPR Music’s Bob Boilen, host and creator of “All Songs Considered.” Unsigned bands and musicians can submit videos at www.NPR.org/ tinydeskcontest starting Monday (Feb. 19) and through March 25 at 11:59 p.m., eastern standard time. Musicians interested in entering NPR Music’s 2018 Tiny Desk Contest must play one original song at a desk (any desk), upload a video of the performance to YouTube and submit with the entry form at NPR.org/tinydeskcontest. NPR Music welcomes music from all genres, and entrants from previous years may submit again with new material. Artists must be at least 21 years old

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Metropolitan Don’t complain, activate awards Council $5.2 million to expand affordable housing

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Author War onTimi opioids Bliss’ hurts sickle cell disease characters, stories patients refl ect our children’s worlds

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and live in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia to enter. The winning artist(s) must be available to travel to Washington, D.C., between May 7 – May 9 to record their Tiny Desk performance at NPR headquarters and able to go on tour in spring 2018. The contest’s top prize includes a performance at the iconic Tiny Desk space at NPR’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. The winner will perform at a live taping of NPR’s “Ask Me Another” and will also join the Tiny Desk Contest “On the Road” live event series. The event series includes stops in Minneapolis, Chicago, Petaluma, Calif. Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, Denver and Washington, D.C. Since its launch in 2008, nearly 700 performances have been recorded at the Tiny Desk – Boilen’s workspace. The series has provided a stage for artists from across the genre spectrum and at every phase of their careers including Adele, T-Pain, Chance the Rapper, and more.

Commentary AS

Independent The Chronicles of fiMiss lmmaker Freedom Rel Dowdell Fighter, Esquire: peeks interest Ending mass incarceration with provocative documentary

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Page 4 •February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Insight News

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MEDA awarded $1 million for growth and development of minority-owned businesses

2018 AFRICAN HERITAGEb DAY ON THE HILL

Philadelphia – Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) announced Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) is one of five recipients of the $5 million NEXT Fund for Innovation (NEXT Fund), Developed with support from Wells Fargo and Prudential Financial, the program funds business models, products, platforms or processes holding the ability to drive transformational change and scale in the community development financial institution (CDFI) industry. The NEXT Fund provides a new source of flexible capital for community development financial institution innovation. MEDA will provide a new equity-like capital product to support early-stage minorityowned businesses in Minneapolis that have potential for high growth. “Meda is excited to be part of this innovative program to provide sorely needed patient capital to minority-owned businesses,” said Gary Cunningham, president and CEO of MEDA. “Nationally, less than 10 percent of patient and equity capital is invested in minority-owned businesses. MEDA is proud to partner with

OFN and Wells Fargo to provide this funding which is necessary to fund innovation, potential and growth in minority businesses. By investing in these businesses, MEDA will be helping them reach scale, increase revenues and become sustainable employers.” “Over the course of 10 years the NEXT Awards propelled CDFIs ready for scale to achieve their vision,” said Beth Lipson, OFN treasurer and executive vice president, strategic initiatives. “With the NEXT Fund we recognize and reward emerging CDFI business models, platforms or processes with great potential – bringing flexible capital, including equity and subordinated debt, into play at a critical stage. As a result of the NEXT Fund CDFIs can achieve the 10x influence that is needed to truly drive transformational change.” “We’re proud to continue our work with OFN to help CDFIs continue to innovate in the communities they serve,” said Megan Teare, senior vice president and manager of CDFI investing at Wells Fargo. “These five awardees have the potential to employ creative, high-impact strategies that can drive change.”

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Insight News • February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Page 5

Post Grad FUNdraising Chronicles Good Times

By ByMel Julianne and Pearl Malveaux Shaw

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Insight 2 Health

African-Americans at risk from unusual optometry practice By Joseph Hammond Urban News Service When Pat Raynor developed cataracts, she hoped her optometrist would simply refer her to a qualiﬁed eye surgeon. But the 65-year old Virginia woman said the optometrist who handled her routine eye exams seemed more interested in business than medicine. He pressured her to accept a form of care known as co-management in which he – rather than the surgeon – would handle post-operative checkups. “When I went home, I kept thinking about it, and I knew something was not right,” Raynor said, explaining her decision to seek successful treatment out of state. Raynor is one of the millions of Americans who develop cataracts – a common condition of aging in which a thick ﬁlm that develops in part of the eye can lead to cloudy vision or in some cases a loss of vision if left untreated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. More than half of all people in the United States will have a cataract or have had cataract surgery at the age of 80. Evidence suggests that African-Americans like her may be more prone to certain types of cataracts. A study published in the “Ophthalmology” edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 54 percent of African-

American nursing home residents suﬀered from cataracts versus only 37 percent of whites. That also makes African-Americans especially vulnerable to the ticking time bomb regarding eye care buried in the Medicare Act of 1992. Guidelines adopted then allowed a practice known as “comanagement” for eyesurgery. In most surgical procedures the operating surgeon is responsible for post-operative care. Under a co-management relationship, an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon performs say a cataract operation on a patient with that patient’s optometrist performing postoperative care. Optometrists are technicians who are specialized in preserving vision and the overall health of the eye. On average optometrists attend four years of college as well as graduate school. Though a few optometry schools allow applications from students, who didn’t complete an undergraduate degree. Some optometrists later earn doctorate degrees The requirements for ophthalmologists are far more strenuous. After completing an undergraduate degree, they attend four years of medical school. Their medical degree complete a would be ophthalmologist then spends several years getting hands-on training. Usually, an internship, which last at least one year is followed by three years of residency. Some also complete an additional fellowship year as well.

Stockvault

Many who have had eye surgery are receiving follow-up care from an ophthalmologist when examination from a more trained optometrist might be warranted.

Conversely, optometrists usually do not work in internships at hospitals or supervised residencies at medical facilities. Co-management was intended for use only in limited circumstances, particularly by rural patients who might have trouble reaching an ophthalmologist. Instead, it has become a mechanism for sweetheart deals between optometrists and ophthalmologist who reward each other through mutual referrals. Today, roughly nearly one in ﬁve cataract surgeries are performed in a co-managed relationship, experts say, with almost all of them taking place in urban areas. Since most elderly African-Americans live in urban areas, they stand a higher risk of being steered toward such arrangements. Most individuals do not experience complications after eye surgery. But

for those that do, the consequences can be severe, especially if their follow-up care is with an optometrist, who is not a medical doctor, rather than an ophthalmologist. In 2009, a scandal at a veteran’s hospital in California revealed that many individuals treated for cataracts could have potentially had better health outcomes if they were treated by ophthalmologists. Some individuals were blinded. Nevertheless, many health care professionals argue co-management oﬀers safe and eﬃcient care. “With the continued focus on patient-centered care, the co-management of surgical patients, such as those having cataracts removed or laser surgery, is the standard and optimal approach to pre- and postoperative care,” said Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the American Optometric Association in a written

statement to the American Media Institute. “This is especially true in underserved areas, as it is estimated that 90 percent of people in the U.S. live within 15 minutes of a doctor of optometry. Comanagement allows patients to receive care from a doctor they already know and trust, maintaining their patientdoctor relationship.” Quinn also noted that optometrists and ophthalmologists have been co-managing patients for decades in many jurisdictions and that the practice is recognized in all 50 states recognize. He also said that co-management can occur in other types of medicine. But those arrangements can be especially murky when it comes to eye care. A 2006 survey by the National Consumer League found that only 30 percent of consumers knew the diﬀerence between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

For her part, Raynor said it is important that patients be given the information they need – regarding both medical capabilities and ﬁnancial relationships among providers – in order to make informed choices about their vision. “A lot of people can’t aﬀord cataract surgery, and I would have probably gone through with co-management but, I didn’t have a credit card,” said Raynor. She is glad she had her care overseen by ophthalmologist. “After my ordeal, I am just thankful to have my eyes, and now I can see even better than before cataracts, I was having a hard time just seeing and focusing. You know there used to be a house I would drive by this beige house but, after my cataracts were removed, I noticed the house was in fact pink,” said Raynor.

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Metropolitan Council awards $5.2 million to expand affordable housing The Metropolitan Council has approved more than $5.2 million to four Twin Cities metro area communities to support development of aﬀordable housing. This is the second round of Livable Communities grant awards in 2018, going to projects in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Roseville and Minnetonka. “For more than two decades, the Livable Communities Grant Program has turned polluted land across the Twin Cities into fertile ground for economic growth and opportunity and invested in our local communities,” said Gov. Mark Dayton. “These grants will create 70 jobs and support

the development of more than 560 new units of housing.” “Investing in local communities is one of our most effective ways to support the creation of affordable housing,” said Met Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff. “The council investment will help to create more than 350 units of affordable housing, increase the net tax capacity by nearly $832,000 and leverage more than $12 million in other public funding and more than $146 million in private investment. I’d say that’s an excellent return on investment.” The Mariner, Minnetonka, was awarded $1,876,500 towards a mixed-income

Metropolitan Council

Met Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff

Emerge From 3 collaborations. We are proud of EMERGE’s leadership.” Some of those collaborations include connecting job seekers to employers such as Medtronic and Fairview Health Services. Bryant said for EMERGE to best serve

EMERGE 9

Victor R. Rivera Garcia

EMERGE president and CEO, Mike Wynne and vice president of Community Based Services, Linda Bryant.

housing development near the Green Line Extension Opus station. Mino-Bimaadiziwin, Minneapolis, was awarded $1.8 million towards development of affordable apartments with community wellness and office space. The Council recently awarded a grant for brownfield clean up at the site. Penn Avenue Union, Minneapolis was awarded $1,069,819 towards a mixedincome, mixed-use development near the future C-Line Penn Avenue/Golden Valley Road station, which includes residential units, commercial space, a restaurant and youth after-school programming. Pioneer Press, St. Paul received

$250,000 000 towards renovation and conversion of the former Pioneer Press building into 143 affordable apartment units with a teen tech center run by the YMCA, and future retail space. Edison, Roseville, was granted $248,288 towards development of a mixed-income community for veterans and people who previously experienced long-term homelessness. The Council typically awards communities throughout the metro area about $12 million a year for brownfield clean up, affordable housing and models of mixed-use and transit-oriented development, promoting job growth and economic opportunity.

Housing Fair

Craft Laney School, 3333 Penn Ave. N. Educational seminars are scheduled throughout the day including a HomeStretch Class and information about home improvement, financing, buying, building, remodeling, landscaping and home maintenance. More information regarding the fair is available online at www. NorthHousingFair.com.

The Cleveland Neighborhood Association will host its third annual North Housing Fair to connect North Minneapolis residents with organizations ready to meet their housing related needs. The March 24 fair is billed as a one-stop-shop for every housing related resource from contractors to loan programs, legal, neighborhood resources and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lucy

Advocates seek mental health services in schools Mental health advocates will gather for Mental Health Day at the Capitol on March 15. Key issues this year include school-linked mental health services, housing and employment programs, health insurance parity for mental illnesses, funding for children’s and adults’ residential services, along with other concerns. An issues brieﬁng session will be held at the Cedar Street Armory, 600 Cedar St., St. Paul, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a rally in the Capitol Rotunda from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Visits are

Key issues this year include schoollinked mental health services, housing and employment programs, health insurance parity for mental illnesses, funding for children’s and adults’ residential services, along with other concerns.

being scheduled with legislators for after the rally. The event is sponsored by the Mental Health Legislative Network, a coalition of nearly 40 organizations working to improve mental health services in Minnesota. Free buses are being provided from greater Minnesota and at locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. For information, contact network co-chair NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at (651) 6452948 or 1-888-626-4435 or go to www.namihelps.org.

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Page 8 •February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Insight News

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Insight News â&#x20AC;˘ February 19 - February 25, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 9

Author Timi Blissâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; characters, stories reflect our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worlds Students at Atrebla Early Learning Center in Minneapolis were entertained by author Timi Bliss, who read her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Search of the Sandmanâ&#x20AC;? as part of the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Black History Month program. Bliss, a South Minneapolis resident, wrote, illustrated and published the book last year. The story focuses on a little girl named Charlie, who goes

on a search for the sandman at bedtime, and embarks on an adventure featuring twinkling stars, hooting owls and chirping crickets. The book is based on a story Bliss created years ago that she told to her daughter to help her go to sleep at night. The main character is named after Blissâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; granddaughter. The bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s characters Charlie and Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother are African-

Author Timi Bliss reads to students at Atrebla Early Learning Center.

American. Bliss is writing two additional books in this series that are titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Search of the Gingerbread Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Search of the Boogieman.â&#x20AC;? The students at Atrebla were delighted by the fanciful story, read by Bliss on Feb. 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a multicultural center, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that children see and hear stories with characters that reďŹ&#x201A;ect

themselves, and the world around them,â&#x20AC;? said Gershon Smith, Atrebla assistant director. Information on Blissâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; books can be found at www.timibliss. com. For more information on Atrebla Learning Center, contact Executive Director Alberta Smith or Assistant Director Smith at (612) 724-0788.

Relationships in need of healing Man Talk By Timothy Houston Columnist The relationship between Black men and women is in need of healing. Even today, the images of Black men and women portrayed in on television are unsettling. With the bombardment of negative images, there is a need to focus on healing Black

relationships. As we address the needs of the Black relationship, we also address the needs of all other relationships. Healing of the Black relationship must include healing for the Black man. We must courageously face the impact slavery continues to have on the Black family. During the 400-plus years of slavery, the Black man was forced to produce children, but was not allowed to be present to parent them. He was sold oďŹ&#x20AC;, killed or humiliated to nothing in the eyes of his woman and family. In the 150 years since, the Black man has been presented as a liability. The Black woman receives more

assistance and support if the Black man is not in the picture. This constant attack on the image of the Black man keeps the wound open and festering. The Black community will need to be intentional in providing Black men healing, tools, time and the spiritual and emotional support needed to grow and developed into a positive image viewed by his wife and family. Healing for the Black relationship must include healing for the Black woman. Without the Black man present to help support her, the Black woman has had 550 years of bearing the weight of being both mother and father. The

ďŹ nancial pressure of operating a one-income household and the sole-responsibility of meeting the ever-increasing needs and demands of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children has left her tired and frustrated. The community and or the man in her life needs to be present and intentional about providing her with time and space to rest from her labor. This sabbatical will go a long way in rejuvenating her to the point that she will willingly get back into the fray. Healing for the Black relationship must include healing for Black emotions. The war of wounded emotions exists between Black men and women. When Black men or women

ďŹ nd themselves losing the battle emotionally, they may try to make it a battle of words, which can be harsh and damaging. And if they continue to lose, they may shutdown completely which, in turn, causes more relationship conďŹ&#x201A;ict. In the end, the Black family will be the one impacted. In the family, that which impacts one of us, impacts all of us. There is healing for the Black relationship, but it will take the entire village to help do it. The Black man and woman must both be given tools and the space to heal. This is not about â&#x20AC;&#x153;picking yourself up by your bootstraps.â&#x20AC;? It is about dismantling the vestiges of

slavery. Every one of use must be uniďŹ ed in this pursuit. The healing for the Black relationship is non-optional. There is no force more powerful than a man and woman working on one accord because their oneness creases families, generations and fulďŹ lls the God-intended purpose for them. 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.

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles

Children will read the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have A Dreamâ&#x20AC;? speech during the YWCA Minneapolis Black History Month event to be held Feb. 26.

Children to recite excerpts of MLK â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have A Dreamâ&#x20AC;? The YWCA Minneapolis, 1130 Nicollet Mall, will host a Black History Month event Feb. 26 from 10:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m. YWCA Minneapolis has been celebrating Black History Month for approximately 20 years. The Feb. 26 event allows children to celebrate African-American heroes and their historical contributions while reinforcing the YWCA Minneapolis Early Childhood Education antibias curriculum. Each classroom focuses on one hero and learns about that hero through a variety of activities including art, music and books throughout the month of February. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In its 125-plus year, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for YWCA Minneapolis to continue to live our tradition of social justice through innovative programs and advocacy in education, racial justice and wellness,â&#x20AC;? read a statement from the YWCA Minneapolis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;YWCA Minneapolisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Black History (event) is shaped by the deep-

Emerge From 7 members of the community it has to meet the people where they are and lift them from there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a woman come to one of our job fairs in house slippers. Clearly, she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet job ready, but she said she was tired of waiting on a check; she wanted to work,â&#x20AC;? recalled Bryant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ready that day, but this woman was able to come through the doors and be heard. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what drives me every day Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m here.â&#x20AC;?

seated belief in the importance of social justice at all levels. Having heroes that reďŹ&#x201A;ect the diversity of the children

reinforces our vision that each child is able to use all the talents and gifts they have.â&#x20AC;? A group of preschool

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children will recite an excerpt from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have A Dream Speech.â&#x20AC;? Some

children will be available to talk about who their classroom hero is and what they learned about them.

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Contributing Writers Nadvia Davis Fred Easter Timothy Houston Michelle Mitchum Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Victor R. Rivera Garcia Uchechukwu Iroegbu Rebecca Rabb Artist Donald Walker 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,

Page 10 •February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Insight News

insightnews.com Desiigner

Thomas Abban

Monday, Feb. 19 THEATER Blackout presents: Love Power Panther Mixed Blood Theatre Company 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis 8 p.m. $10 See segments on Black history played out onstage with Ashawnti Ford, Denzel Belin, John Gebretatose, Alyssa DiVirgilio, Duck Washington and Theo Langason.

Feb. 19 March 4, 2018

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

Tuesday, Feb.20 JAZZ Stanley Jordan Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. $25 In a career that took ﬂight in 1985 with commercial and critical acclaim, guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan has consistently displayed a chameleonic musical persona of openness, imagination, versatility and maverick daring.

Wednesday, Feb. 21 THEATER

“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” SteppingStone Theatre 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul 10 a.m. All ages $10-$16

Saturday, Feb. 24 ELECTRONIC/HIP-HOP Steve Aoki, Desiigner Minneapolis Armory 500 S 6th St, Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $40-$182

The Mildred D. Taylor novel on racism during the Great Depression, “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” comes alive at SteppingStone.

The Kolony Tour hits the new Minneapolis Armory with Steve Aoki and “Panda” rapper, Desiigner.

Thursday, Feb. 22 ROCK/HIP HOP

Sunday, Feb. 26

Rock Hop featuring Dem Atlas and Thomas Abban Turf Club 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

GOSPEL Courtland Pickens Wooddale Church 1407 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis 10 a.m.

This show has been billed as “A Dive into Punk, Folk Soul and Hip-Hop.” The show includes Dem Atlas, Thomas Abban, Ayvah and Seaberg.

Hometown gospel artist Courtland Pickens plays a Sunday morning show on Eat Street.

Friday, Feb. 23

Monday, Feb. 26

MUSEUM

POETRY

FAA’s Annual Wax Museum Friendship Academy of the Arts 2600 E. 38th St., Minneapolis 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Truly North: A Loft Cabaret The Loft Literary Center 1011 Washington Ave. S., Ste. 200, Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $10

Friendship Academy scholars create a wax museum of historical Black ﬁgures.

The Loft celebrates its True North series with readings

from Dessa, Donte Collins, Marcie Rendon, Roy Guzmán and Mai Neng Moua.

Tuesday, Feb. 27 HIP-HOP Ces Cru Azul Night Club 400 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 21-plus $20 Strange Music duo Ces Cru return to play Azul with Sota Saiyan, MajorFlow Ent, Swifty of $wift Prodution$, Brandon Pulphus and Hollowpoint Underground.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 PROGRAM LAUNCH Be the Change mentoring celebration H. White Men’s Room 1500 44th Ave. N., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. All ages No cover SAFE is celebrating the launch of its Be the Change mentoring program. The event will celebrate mentors, mentees, parents, partners and supporters.

Thursday, March 1 FILM

Mar. 14 - 20

“Step” Capri Theater 2027 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. All ages $5

uses dance to foster change in their lives and community.

Friday, March 2 R&B Miguel Palace Theatre 17 7th Pl. W., St. Paul 8:30PM 18-plus $43.50-$63.50 Platinum superstar, Miguel, plays the newly renovated Palace Theatre in downtown St. Paul.

Saturday, March 3 AWARDS Celebrating the Sistas DoubleTree by Hilton 1500 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park 5 p.m. $25 Twin Cities Steppers Association is hosting the 10th annual Celebrating the Sistas Community Leadership Recognition Award. Honorees include Nekima Levy-Pounds, Dr. Artika Tyner, Vanne Owens Hayes, Dr. Sylvia Bartley and more. Dr. Josie Johnson will present the keynote speech.

Sunday, March 4 THEATER “Hairspray” Washburn Arts Council 201 W. 49th St., Minneapolis 2 p.m. All ages The award-winning play gets a high school rendition at Washburn High School.

The Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul presents “Step,” a ﬁlm based on a girls step team in Baltimore that

Lisa Marie Brimmer will serve as an artist mentor for Penumbra’s “My America” finalists.

Penumbra announces ‘My America’ finalists Last fall Penumbra Theatre launched a civic engagement campaign called “My America” to imagine a more loving, inclusive America. Penumbra’s “My America” initiative invited Minnesotans to submit their stories, poems, plays, personal essays and other forms of creative writing to describe how they experience our nation and what they dream it can become. In an eﬀort to reach as diverse a group as possible, materials were translated into Hmong, Somali and Spanish. More than 90 people from across the state – from as far north as Bemidji and as far south as Pine Island – participated in Penumbra’s open call for submissions. Participants ranged in age from 14 to 74; 45 percent identiﬁed as Caucasian, 30 percent as African-American, 12 percent as mixed heritage, 8 percent as Native-American, and 5 percent as Asian-American. Six of the submissions came from men and women in Minnesota’s correctional facilities. Submissions were reviewed by a panel of local artists, activists and journalists, and evaluated based on strength of idea. After several rounds

of review, the finalists were selected. The finalists are, Rui Rui Bleifuss (14, Minneapolis), Rebekah Crisanta de Ybarra (35, Center City), Devery Fairbanks (60, Bemidji), Isabella Star LaBlanc (20, St. Paul), Julie Landsman (74, Minneapolis), Rosetta Peters (39, Marine on Saint Croix), Angela Richards (26, Minneapolis), Christine Smith (39, St. Paul), Abby Swafford (31, Bemidji) and Wendy Thompson Taiwo (37, St. Paul). The finalists will work closely with artist facilitators Erin Sharkey, David Melendez, David Mura, Sarah Myers and Lisa Marie Brimmer to develop their narratives. Finalists will receive a cash prize and have the opportunity to share their stories at “Let’s Talk: My America” on March 12, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 Kent St., St. Paul. Penumbra’s “Let’s Talk” series, hosted by Sarah Bellamy, creates space for conversations around issues of social justice, equity, and the arts. Penumbra Theatre’s “My America” is sponsored by MPR News and supported in part by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of its Knight Arts Challenge.

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Page 11

Lila Downs storytelling transcends barriers, bridges traditions The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts presents iconic Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning singer Lila Downs, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ordway Music Theater. Downs’ poignant storytelling transcends all language barriers. Raised in Minnesota and Oaxaca, the global superstar’s artistry bridges traditions from across the Americas, with inﬂuences ranging from the folk and ranchera music of Mexico and South America to North American folk, jazz, blues and hip-hop. As a human rights activist, Downs’ lyrics often highlight issues relating to

social justice, sharing stories that too often go untold. Her current album, “Salón, Lágrimas y Deseo,” is an anthem for female empowerment and earned her a ﬁfth Latin Grammy. The initial single, “Peligrosa,” includes lyrics that invite all “dangerous” women to join her – women who are intelligent, independent, who know how to get things done, make decisions, ﬁght and love. Downs’ previous album, “Balas y Chocolate,” went platinum in Mexico. Downs has graced the stages of many of the world’s most prestigious festivals and venues including Jazz

at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Festival of Sacred Music — Hollywood Bowl. She has been invited to sing at the White House and performed on the Academy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards telecasts. Her music has also been included in several feature ﬁlms such as “The Counselor,” “Tortilla Soup,” “Real Women Have Curves” and “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.” Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at (651) 224-4222 or in person at the Ordway ticket oﬃce, 345 Washington St., St. Paul.

Amazon

Singer-songwriter Lila Downs

Hansberry’s ‘Raisin’ a classic in American canon “A Raisin in the Sun” is on an extended run at Park Square Theatre. The Lorraine Hansberry’s classic will run Feb. 22 through March 23. “A Raisin in the Sun” is the tale of the Youngers, a Chicago family on the hopeful brink of progress. When Walter Lee, Sr. passes, his life insurance payment promises opportunities for better neighborhoods and higher education, but Walter Lee, Jr. (Darius Dotch) has his own dreams for the money. When his scheme unravels and the white neighborhood association objects to the family’s move, they must decide what happens – in the words of Langston Hughes’s poem that gives the play its title – if a dream is deferred. Hansberry’s play has entered the American canon as a classic of mid-century drama and, importantly, as an all-too-rare (at the time) depiction of African-American life on the predominantly white “Great White Way.” Hansberry’s intentional depiction of multiple

generations, augmented with multiple iterations of American Blackness, makes her work a landmark beyond its “ﬁrst” status. The cast also includes Ivory Doublette (Ruth Younger), Calvin Zimmerman (Travis Younger), Imani Vaughn-Jones (Beneatha Younger), Cynthia Jones-Taylor (Lena Younger), Darrick Mosley (Joseph Asagai), Daniel Coleman (George Murchison), Derek «Duck» Washington (Bobo) and Robert Gardner (Karl Linder). Showtimes for “A Raisin in the Sun” are 7:30 p.m. except for Saturday and Sunday matinees, which begin at 2 p.m. All performances are on the company’s Andy Boss Thrust Stage in St. Paul’s Hamm Building, 408 St. Peter St. Ticket are $25, $40 and $60. Discounts are available for seniors, those under age 30, and groups. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square ticket oﬃce, 20 W. Seventh Pl., or by phone at (651) 291-7005 or online at www.parksquaretheatre.org.

Darius Dotch as Walter Lee, Jr. in the Park Square Theatre production of “A Raisin in the Sun.”

JOIN THE CELEBRATION AND FIN ND AN EVENT NEAR YOU AT

Page 12 •February 19 - February 25, 2018 • Insight News

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Aesthetically Speaking

Independent filmmaker Rel Dowdell peeks interest with provocative documentary, ‘Where’s Daddy?’ By Kam Williams Talented filmmaker Rel Dowdell has a lot of people talking. Dowdell’s first feature film, “Train Ride,” garnered widespread critical acclaim. Produced with independent financing, the movie was acquired by Sony Pictures in 2005 and enjoyed tremendous financial success. In addition, the film featured the final performance of the late Esther Rolle. Here, Dowdell discusses his third full-length feature, “Where’s Daddy?,” a documentary examining the child support system. Kam Williams: Hi Rel, thanks for the interview. Rel Dowdell: Always an honor, Kam. This was an interview I was really looking forward to doing. KW: I loved “Where’s Daddy?” What interested you in the subject of child support? RD: I was simply tired of seeing how negatively AfricanAmerican fathers were depicted in the media. Shows like “The Maury Povich Show” truly cast a disparaging light on AfricanAmerican fathers who always look completely dysfunctional in relationships with AfricanAmerican women. And, in addition, they look like they are always embracing the aspect of not being a responsible father; like it’s the last thing on their minds. They look scared to death to be a father and running from fatherhood. Moreover, they have hatred for the child because the child was with a woman they no longer have an affinity for. Those are very damaging and malignant images in society today. One should never embellish stereotypes that are crippling. Therefore, I wanted this film to show that there are a myriad of AfricanAmerican fathers out there who

really want to be active and loving fathers to their children, but have been faced with some arduous circumstances, some seen, and some unforeseen, that have hindered them from doing so. I wanted to give AfricanAmerican fathers a voice that they previously did not have, to share their most personal stories about the pitfalls they have faced with the child support system and their failed relationships. KW: This was your first documentary. Did you have any trepidations about tackling a new genre? RD: A little. I realize now that it’s vital for filmmakers to embark on doing a feature-length documentary. It really makes one go into places and chasms of creativity that one previously would never have the chance to with doing strictly feature films. There’s a certain nobility in working with subjects who are giving you their innermost feelings with no script. It’s cathartic, not just for the subjects, but also the filmmaker. I thought your comment in your review comparing me to Michael Moore was insightful, for the African-American community has never really had that type of filmmaker tackle some of the most important and affecting issues in our community. It’s long overdue. KW: How do you go about presenting a balanced view of the child support issue when you might be tempted to slant the film towards one side or the other? RD: You have to go into dealing with each subject in a non-accusatory fashion. Don’t make each subject feel like it’s an interrogation. One of my subjects was a father who had eight children with seven different women. One may feel that father should be demonized. However, it was important to let that particular father tell why he made the decisions he made over and over; and see if he learned anything from them. His

Filmmaker Rel Dowdell (right) talks with author, Mister Mann Frisby, whose story with the child support system is documented, along with others, in Dowdell’s “Where’s Daddy?” answers, I think, will surprise the audience. I also asked an African-American mother why she filed for child support. Her answer, I think, will also surprise, as well as enlighten. KW: Who is your intended audience? RD: Everyone. We all came from parents. Some of us have great and loving relationships with our parents, and some, unfortunately, do not. Some people never knew who their father was, and that’s tragic. Our parents, or lack thereof, have a profound effect on our lives and the person we end up becoming. The child support system has a lot of problems with it that people do not want to discuss. It’s taboo to millions of people. That’s what makes this film so important. It’s not dealing with an “also ran” topic. It’s not dealing with a topic that’s only relevant for a short period of time. It’s dealing with one

that’s lasting and paramount to all communities, for it affects all communities. However, it affects African-American fathers, and subsequently, their families, often in vastly more negative fashions. One father says he was about to take his children fishing one morning, and the sheriffs came and shackled him in handcuffs and foot shackles like a slave. Imagine how that indelible image will affect his children long-term. KW: What message do you want people to take away from “Where’s Daddy?” RD: That the child support system does not truly assist who it’s supposed to, which are the children. It often creates irreparable resentment and hatred between fathers and mothers. Men have died from it. Men have become emasculated from it. Men feel like they have no self-worth from it. Children become broken mentally and

emotionally from it. Often, mothers even hate their sons from it because of the estranged relationship with the father. This begins another cycle of dysfunction and emasculation. It is important to remember that first things learned are hardest to forget. Traditions pass from one generation to the next. The system needs to be changed. I hope people embrace the message. There’s something in it for everyone. KW: Was there a meaningful spiritual component to your childhood? RD: Most definitely. I hope that comes across in the film. One major spiritual component that I’ve always embraced is to welcome the opportunity to be a messenger or an emissary. It is a blessing. KW: Who loved you unconditionally during your formative years? RD: Thank God, I had a

NOW THROUGH MARCH 18, 2018

great family support system. I had both parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who all had significant impacts on my life that I will always be thankful for. KW: Do you think that the success you’ve achieved in your career is because of you, because of a higher power, or because of a mixture of both? RD: Definitely both. The higher power makes you who you are, but it’s up to you to embrace it. KW: Thanks again for the time, Rel, and best of luck with the film. RD: Thanks a million, Kam. It’s always a privilege to converse with one of the world’s preeminent and most sociallyaware critics. “Where’s Daddy?” is available for stream or purchase on Amazon.com.

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