Insight News ::: 3.15.10

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The Arts of Community Exhibit opens Friday, March 19 at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, with an opening celebration from 6 - 9 PM. The exhibit will run from Friday March 19 through Friday April 16. For more info: 612-871-4444 Info@IntermediaArts.org

March 15 - March 21, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 11 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Education Spotlight We'd like to highlight the achievements of those teachers and students who have made that extra effort at school.

Email nominee to info@insightnews.com

Suzanne Warmanen, Isabell Monk O’Connor and Barbara Bryne as the Weird Sisters.

Photos: Michael Daniel courtesy of The Guthrie Theater

Macbeth at the Guthrie

By Alaina Lewis In 1963 when The Guthrie Theater first opened its doors to the public under the direction of Sir Tyrone Guthrie, the first play to grace their stage was William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Now, more then 45 years

later and nestled in a new location in the Mill City district, the Guthrie Theater is proud to introduce their 50th Shakespeare production by bringing to life Macbeth, a tale shadowing a nobleman’s lust for power and greatness, and the treacherous road he takes to get there.

Directed by Joe Dowling, this re-awakening of the dark production, sees many changes since the last time Guthrie audiences were given a dose of it 16 years ago. The story, packing as much grit and character as a feature film, begins with an incredibly choreographed battle scene set on a

stage that breathes the cold remains of a once vibrant empire, now sullen in the haze of an apocalyptic shell.

The part of Macbeth is played by actor Erik Heger, who ignites a stream of vulnerability that has never been seen before, as he attacks his part in a raw manner by

offering no hesitation in his delivery and forcing audiences to connect to his characters fears, desires, and sexuality. This version of the 1603 play, probably more violent and unrelenting than prior interpretations, is cleverly

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First Lady Michelle Obama promotes reading

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Celebration of the Black Press to feature Dr. Height; Other Civil Rights Heroes

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Jeremiah Ellis

Ellis wins 65A DFL endorsement

By Lydia Schwartz Contributing Writer On February 13, State Rep. Cy Thao (DFL-65A) of St. Paul announced that he is not seeking reelection. Thao has represented House District 65A since 2002 and his election marked a milestone in the evolution of the political engagement of the Hmong community.

District 65A includes the Rondo, Frogtown, East Midway, North End, Capitol Heights, and Mount Airy neighborhoods.

Jeremiah Ellis, who was one of four candidates, won the DFL endorsement to run for Thao’s open seat at the Senate District 65 Convention on March 6. “I’m humbled to have the DFL endorsement. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I will continue to reachout and organize across this district,

for success in the August 10 primary,” said Ellis.

“Many are excited about my candidacy because of the results demonstrated in my public service career and my deep roots in this district,” said Ellis.

“The strong showing of elected officials from both Minneapolis and St. Paul reflects the strong belief in my ability represent this district. When it wasn’t convenient or easy, I way the only candidate with the courage to organize neighbors to demand a higher level of accountability of elected representation” Ellis is the great-grandson of a Rondo Avenue businessowner, grandson of ministers, and son of an educator and a union electrician. He attended Johnson Senior High School and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. While working for St. Paul Public

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WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Black Press Week, the annual celebration of the nearly two centuries-old mission of Black-owned newspapers, will be fueled this year by the fact that the 183-yearold civil rights institution is continuing to plead its own cause even as it honors the achievements of others.

“When Mr. Russwurm and Mr.

Cornish said, ‘We wish to plead our own cause. For too long have others spoken for us’, they began publishing the very first Black newspaper on March 16, 1827,” said Dorothy R. Leavell, chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation, which leads the annual event in Washington, D.C. “It certainly is momentous because 183 years later with a Black President in the White

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Summer

Dr. Dorothy I. Height

Enrichment Fair offers opportunities to avoid summer learning loss

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Andre Wilson, Bodi Paulson-Sutton and J'Siris Jones

Education Spotlight

Students win special recognition for creative writing Andre Wilson, J’Siris Jones, and Bodi Paulson-Sutton, students in kindergarten, first and second grades at Bright Water Elementary in North Minneapolis, were recognized by the Minnesota Reading Association (MRA) for their contributions to the Writers are Readers Young Authors Celebration contest. The students

were recognized on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in a school assembly. Wilson, Jones and Paulson-Sutton will also be recognized on March 19 at the MRA’s Celebrate Literacy Reception for their creative writing pieces.

A total of 18 Bright Water students entered the contest.

September Luitjens, Montessori Learning Specialist, led the effort to encourage student participation in the contest.

“Expressing ourselves is a way that we make connections to the community around us. The littlest ones do this through storytelling and as the

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Twinkie Time!

The fans are going to have to yell a little harder

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Page 2 •March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Racism goes viral affecting all sectors of society Justice for all

By Judge Greg Mathis Since the election of President Obama, we’ve seen a resurgence of racism in every sector of society.

From growing websites that allow users to spew anonymously to on-air personalities sharing their prejudiced views with others, the displays have been, to say the least, disturbing. Many people believe these types of acts are carried out by

lower class, uneducated people, not yet aligned with modern views of tolerance. The most recent incident, which took place on a college campus, may change all of our views on that.

In February, students at the University of California at San Diego held an off-campus party where guests were encouraged to wear gold teeth, mocking rappers from Compton, CA, and to dress in baggy clothing style that is popular among today’s urban youth and wannabes. Adding insult to injury, the party’s hosts served up watermelon…repeating an age old – and overdone - slam on African Americans. To compound the situation, a campus television show highlighted the party on air and used a racial slur to refer to Black

students. As if things couldn’t get worse, a student hung a noose from a bookcase in the campus library.

Outraged students thought the administration was slow to react and kept too low a profile as the events unfolded. They responded to the perceived inaction by holding a sitin the university Chancellor’s office.

Diversity is key in all aspects of life, especially in higher education settings. If students from homogenous communities are not exposed to a variety of cultures they may not be able to adjust and dispel the stereotypical images they may bring to the table. Additionally, interacting with and, possibly, befriending someone from a different culture may lead a student to think twice before saying or participating in something that is

racially or culturally offensive.

Unfortunately, there has been a lack of diversity in California colleges and universities since affirmative action was struck down in the state.

Currently, Black students are

Diego – and universities and colleges nationwide – should begin to offer mandatory diversity training for first year students. Furthermore, racist and offensive behavior should carry with it a stiff penalty, not necessarily expulsion but perhaps

If students from homogenous communities are not exposed to a variety of cultures they may not be able to adjust and dispel the stereotypical images they may bring to the table. disproportionately underrepresented in the state’s universities. Those who do enroll are truly minorities within the school; they should not subject to racist acts or images. The University of California at San

extensive community service in an urban area.

Colleges can and should work to shift and ultimately change prejudiced behavior among students. If it is not nipped in the bud

on the campus level, the racist ideals could grow and these young people, with their poisoned thoughts, could go on to wreak more havoc in society.

Judge Greg Mathis became the youngest judge in Michigan’s history and was elected a Superior Court Judge for Michigan’s 36th District. He has been called upon as a regular contributor to national television programs, including “Larry King Live,” “Politically Incorrect,” CNN’s “Talk Back Live,” “Showbiz Tonight” and “Extra” to discuss his opinions on complex issues of the day, such as national security, unique sentencing, affirmative action and celebrity scandals. He also offers his take on high-profile legal cases.

Join our 21st century movement, and take the I AM EMPOWERED pledge To Be Equal

By Marc Morial (NNPA) - “I pledge to responsibly commit my time and talent to ensure that the nation is empowered to eliminate racial gaps and disparities in housing, education, employment and healthcare by 2025…”

Last week, the National Urban League officially kicked off its

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centennial celebration and takes its century-long fight for equal opportunity and empowerment to the next level. The centerpiece of our celebration is a bold, new social mobilization campaign which we are calling I AM EMPOWERED. We recently launched a new, interactive website: www.iamempowered.com, which asks citizens across the country to join us in a pledge of time and talent to achieve four Empowerment Goals by 2025: Education: Every child is ready for college, work and life.

Jobs: Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits.

Housing: Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable, energy efficient housing on fair terms.

Health care: Every American has access to quality and affordable

health care solutions.

Individuals can also text EMPOWER to 69866 or download the IAE mobile application, available at the Apple App Store, Android Market and coming soon, the Blackberry App World to take the pledge.

This important

Urban League’s growing community of constituents and partners like never before. The I AM EMPOWERED Social Mobilization Platform uses 21st century technology to unite people from all walks of life with the Urban League, its affiliates,

The new website will be a social mobilization platform that connects, engages and serves the National Urban League's growing community of constituents and partners like never before campaign reminds us of the power of the individual to become a force for change by galvanizing collective action to uplift entire cities and communities.

But that’s not all. The new website will be a social mobilization platform that connects, engages and serves the National

coalition of supporters and one another in one location. Members can access information, services and share ideas to advance the cause of equality 24-hours a day, seven days a week in real time, on line.

The I AM EMPOWERED cyber community harnesses all social media vehicles, including

Facebook and Twitter, to let members customize their experiences, create profiles and sub-groups, advocate on issues and upload and share videos, content and information with others.

Members can also obtain assistance in the areas of homeownership and entrepreneurship through an everexpanding set of tool boxes and other guided experiences. The online and mobile platforms also connect the Urban League and its family of nearly 100 affiliates in one continuous community for the first time.

I AM EMPOWERED has the support of an Honorary Centennial Committee whose members include former President Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Condoleezza Rice, Quincy Jones, Dorothy Height, Magic Johnson, Iman, Muhammad Ali, Colin Powell, Linda Johnson Rice and Spike Lee.

The National Urban League has come a long way since it was founded in 1910 to assist African Americans moving north to flee economic, social and political oppression in the south. We have been at the forefront of every major achievement of the freedom movement - from the abolishment of Jim Crow to the election of the nation’s first Black President. And, with the persistence of inequality in health care, jobs, education and housing, it is clear, our work is not yet done. I urge you to become a part of our 21st century movement for change by taking the I AM EMPOWERED pledge and joining our new online community. I am Empowered are you?

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Hollywood lauds stereotypes: Pervasive degeneracy of Mary Jones earns Oscar

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist (NNPA) - The comedienne, talk show host and actress Mo’nique

has become just the fifth African American woman to win an Oscar.

Her portrayal of Mary Jones, the revolting and depraved mother of Precious, was arguably masterful, and she now joins Hattie McDaniel (who played a maid),

Halle Berry (who played a sexstarved fool), Whoppi Goldberg (who played a medium in Ghost), and Jennifer Hudson (who played a singer).

I mention the roles that African American women played

to win their Oscars because the roles African American women get in Hollywood are too frequently stereotypical, and it is these stereotypical performances that are often lifted up. While I am glad for Mo’nique’s victory, I did not relish the Precious story of welfare pathology making it to the screen. Why not more positive roles for African American women?

Sandra Bullock, for example, won Best Actress for her role in The Blind Side. She played a White mother who took a Black child into her home and helped him reach football stardom. Why no roles like that for Black women? While The Blind Side is based on a true story, there are countless true stories of African American women who take in relatives or other people’s children and move mountains for them. This might send the wrong message about Black women, though. It might suggest that we believe that it takes a village to raise a child, instead of highlighting the bestial way that Mary Jones treated Precious.

I know, I know, it’s all about the Benjamins, and those who have the power to “green light” films don’t think that people will go see a movie with positive depictions of African American people.

Precious, for all its pathology, didn’t have an easy time getting produced and, indeed, has 12 producers, including Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, who helped promote the film. The movie had a small, $10 million, production budget, and has earned only about $50 million, recouping production costs, but underscoring the modest level of resources available for this movie.

It rankles that an image of the fat, Black, slovenly welfare cheat is lifted up even at a time when public assistance rolls have been drastically cut, despite our economy. The myth of the welfare queen, strongly promoted

by President Ronald Reagan when he was governor of California, reinforced in 1996 when President Bill Clinton supported “welfare reform (I called it deform) legislation, is one of the ugly urban legends that seems to shape perceptions of African American women.

“And ain’t I a woman,” Sojourner Truth might say.

Aren’t there positive dramatic roles for African American women in Hollywood?

To be sure, every character in Precious is not a negative stereotype. Mariah Carey’s role as a social worker was a pitch perfect depiction of an overworked and somewhat harried helping professional with too large a caseload. Paula

statusmediaglobal.files

Mo’nique

Patton plays teacher Miss. Blu Rain in a way that reminded me of my best teachers, those who went the extra mile. There are other characters with redeeming social value in the movie, but they would have to be given the pervasive degeneracy of Mary Jones.

I would love to see someone green light the story of Madame C.J. Walker, our nation’s first Black woman millionaire. There’s some glamour there, and some drama!

What about the story of Ida B. Wells, who had to flee the state of Tennessee because of her antilynching writing.

In a contemporary context, why not tell the story of Cathy Liggins Hughes, the millionaire owner of Radio One who slept in her studio because she couldn’t afford rent and the cost of station operations.

These are dramatic stories, but they fly in the face of the stereotypes that were replete in Precious.

I don’t begrudge Mo’nique her Oscar. She took the material she was given and she worked it.

She made Mary Jones a repulsive character with absolutely no redeeming social value. I am simply frustrated that these are the only kinds of roles that Hollywood offers African American women, the only kinds of roles that The Academy Awards chooses to lift up. I am frustrated that some may consider Mary Jones’ bestiality as typical, not atypical of African American women.

When African American women’s characters in film are more reflective of our reality, and when these characters’ performances are lifted up by The Academy, then we will have come a long way, baby. Until then, Mo’nique’s victory is her laudable personal success. It is a Black community setback.

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Insight News • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Page 3

First Lady Michelle Obama promotes reading

By Audrey Fischer, Editor, Library of Congress Information Bulletin First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan were special guests at the National Education Association’s 13th Annual “Read Across America” Day, held at the Library of Congress on March 2.

The event celebrated Dr. Seuss’s 106th birthday and kicked off the NEA’s national reading-promotion campaign, in which an estimated 45 million educators, parents and students are expected to participate in literacy promotion events nationwide.

“We’re honored that the NEA president chose this library to host this important event,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

“This building—the Thomas Jefferson Building—is named for a president who loved reading!”

them on their feet. But the kids later sat attentively as U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan read the Seuss classic Horton Hears a Who! Published more than 50 years ago, the book’s message remains timeless: every voice counts, no matter how small.

“The President of the United States reads all the time,” declared Obama. “We make sure our girls read every day. They can stay up an extra 30 minutes if they are reading, so you know everyone in our house reads every night.”

Obama read The Cat in the Hat to the children, making sure to point out the book’s valuable lesson—do not let strangers in the house when parents are not at home, lest mayhem ensue. At the part in the story when the children are asked whether they should confess the outrageous events of the day, Obama paused to advise, “Always tell your mother the truth.”

Wearing replicas of the Cat in

“The President of the United States reads all the time,” declared Obama. “We make sure our girls read every day. They can stay up an extra 30 minutes if they are reading, so you know everyone in our house reads every night.”

Working with the Library’s Center for the Book, the NEA is one of the Library’s 80 readingpromotion partners. “President Obama issued a proclamation making this ‘Read Across America Day’ and you get to be here, in America’s library,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, addressing nearly 300 Arlington, VA, and District of Columbia elementary school students who came to the Library of Congress for the event.

The gleeful students were entertained by musicians who got

the Hat’s iconic red-and-white stovepipe hat, the children greeted the beloved character himself and two other surprise guests, Thing 1 and Thing 2.

NEA President Van Roekel administered “The Reader’s Oath” to the children.

“I promise to read each day and each night. I know that it’s key to growing up right …”

A webcast of the event is available on the Library of Congress website at www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_ wdesc.php?rec=4853.

Abby Brack, Library of Congress

First Lady Michelle Obama reads The Cat in the Hat to Arlington, VA., and District of Columbia elementary school students.

$31 million for hunter education and conservation projects U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar recently announced that Minnesota will receive $30,978,760 to support hunting, sport fishing, fish and wildlife conservation and education programs across Minnesota.

The funds will be made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR).

“No matter what the season, Minnesotans proudly carry on

long-standing outdoor traditions, including hunting and fishing,” said Klobuchar.

“In the land of 10,000 lakes, we recognize the value of the great outdoors, and these funds will continue to protect our natural

land, water and wildlife habitats so that we can enjoy them for generations to come.”

The WSFR program works to conserve and manage fish and wildlife and their habitats.

Minnesota is expected to use

the funding to provide technical assistance, instructor training, curriculum development and other support to the Minnesota Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program.

Klobuchar serves on the

Senate Environment and Publics Works Committee and is a cosponsor of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act.

Page 4 • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Insight News

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Summer Enrichment Fair offers opportunities to avoid summer learning loss Admission Possible partnered with LearningWorks and the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership to put on the third annual Summer Enrichment Fair on March 6. The fair offered lowincome students from the Twin

Cities metro area access to summer programs to keep them learning over the long break from classroom activities.

Held at the Blake School, the fair gave more than 200 high school students a chance to

explore 23 different summer programs encompassing diverse interests such as camping, student journalism, entrepreneurship, theatre performance and social justice.

The opportunity to stay mentally active over the summer isn’t just for fun: it actually helps students be better prepared for learning in the fall. Research from the Center for Summer Learning at The Johns Hopkins University shows that teachers spend a good deal of time in the fall re-teaching skills lost during the summer, sometimes called “summer slide.”

The loss of learning acutely affects low-income students like those who participate in Admission Possible, a free afterschool college prep program, because they are less likely than their higher income peers to participate in organized activities over the summer. Admission Possible’s two-year curriculum requires that juniors apply to at least one summer enrichment opportunity, and many students apply for more.

“It’s important for all students and critical for low-income students to continue learning throughout the summer,” said Mee Cheng, Admission Possible’s coordinator for the enrichment fair.

“Summer enrichment programs give low-income students the chance to gain more knowledge about future careers, learn about themselves and ultimately gain better access to the types of experiences colleges look for in the admission process.”

LearningWorks, the fair’s hosting organization, offers Minneapolis middle school students a challenging academic enrichment program to start them on the path to college.

LearningWorks Alumni Outreach and Programs Director Steffen Foss wants to be sure that alumni of his program – now high schoolers – stay on track to go to college by finding new and challenging experiences.

“LearningWorks is committed to helping our alumni connect with quality summer enrichment opportunities as they enter high school,” said Steffen Foss, LearningWorks’ coordinator for the Fair.

“The Summer Enrichment Fair allows students to find and pursue opportunities that align with their passions and

Education From 1 skill develops a child finds themselves composing in many other forms. At Bright Water Montessori we encourage writing as this creative engine is what is used to fuel the love of reading other people’s work.”

According to the MRA

Ellis From 1 Schools, Ellis dedicated his career to closing the achievement gap and eliminating education disparities through community partnerships.

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Photos courtesy of Admission Possible

Students filled the halls of the Blake School to find out more about opportunities for summer enrichment activities.

Admission Possible AmeriCorps coach Jenny Sanchez helps her students fill out applications and research more summer opportunities. goals as they make the journey to college.”

Issa Ali, a junior in the Admission Possible program at Columbia Heights High School, is

glad he had the opportunity to start thinking early about what to do this summer. “If I hadn’t gone to the summer enrichment fair, I wouldn’t have a plan for this

summer,” Ali said. “I would have just thought of summer as time off from school, but now I have something to look forward to.”

website, the purpose of the contest is to provide students “the opportunity to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm for writing to entertain or inform other readers.” The contest was open to all students in Minnesota.

Bright Water Elementary is a charter school in its second year of operations. It adheres strictly to the Montessori model of education.

In addition to academic skills, students in a

classic Montessori classroom also learn to act cooperatively, be selfdirected, and to manage their time. The school currently serves 62 students in kindergarten through grade 3. It will add a grade each year through sixth grade.

The following children were also recognized for their creative thoughts and writing that were submitted to Writers are Readers, a Young Author’s Celebration

through the Minnesota Reading Association: Diana Rojas, Samara Valme-Jones, Tylia Brooks, D’Viaughn Smith, Kamia Wilson, Jonah Briel, Eleanor Whittey, Jonah McDonald, Val Coppo, Jackson Malone, Ava Briel, Genevieve Parker, Elliot Scheller, Sophia Stout, Heaven Lee Henderson.

Ellis immersed himself in understanding the legislative process and the importance of constituents services while working for US Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL-4). “My experiences as a public servant and homeowner have reinforced the values of equity, engagement, collective work, and accountability which are critical to good policy creation,” he said.

Ellis said he hopes to offer strong, courageous

representation to lift every voice in District 65A by being available and responsive to community questions and concerns. He wants to engage all stakeholders in conversation about improving neighborhoods and to demand equity in the distribution of resources from the State of Minnesota.

“Representation is the ongoing conversation which makes our neighborhoods safer, healthier and better educated…Neighbors must be in the communication

Jeremiah Ellis loop with their representative…I have every intention to reach out to our community and be inclusive in the lawmaking process through town halls, listening sessions, and community celebrations,” Ellis says.

Ellis is also running to ensure economic viability by creating jobs and funding early childhood education and to break the “cradle-to-prison pipeline” through high-quality education. He hopes to champion academic reforms and mentoring programs in schools to prepare children for future success. Ellis says he will support public safety measures, such as the restoration of Local Government Aid to support police and fire services, and closing the loopholes in gun control legislation that allow guns to easily enter neighborhoods.

Ellis says he plans to work with community partners and local elected officials to prevent displacement of residents and local businesses along University Ave. as the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit is being constructed.

For more information on Ellis’ campaign, visit http://JeremiahEllis.org or call 651-734-8011.

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Insight News • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Book review: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Book Review

By Kam Williams

By Rebecca Skloot Crown Hardcover, $26.00 392 pages, illustrated ISBN: 978-1-4000-5217-2 “Henrietta died in 1951 from a vicious case of cervical cancer…

But before she died, a surgeon took samples of her tumor and put them in a Petri dish.

Scientists had been trying to keep human cells alive in culture for decades, but they all

eventually died. Henrietta’s were different: they reproduced an entire generation ever 24 hours, and they never stopped. They became the first immortal human cells ever grown in a laboratory.

Henrietta’s cells have now been living outside her body far more than they ever lived inside it… If we went to almost any cell culture lab in the world… we’d probably find millions—if not billions—of Henrietta’s cells in small vials on ice.

Her cells were part of research into the genes that cause cancer and those that suppress it; they helped develop drugs for treating herpes, leukemia, influenza, hemophilia, and Parkinson’s disease…

Henrietta’s cells have become the standard laboratory workhorse.

HeLa cells were one of the most important things that happened to medicine in the last

hundred years.”

Excerpted from the Prologue (pages 3-4) Anybody who thinks that the medical establishment’s secret exploitation of African Americans in the name of science ended with the notorious Tuskegee Experiment of 1932 has another thing coming. Those familiar with the book Medical Apartheid are well aware that such nefarious practices have persisted to the present.

However, the little-known case of Henrietta Lacks has got to be one of the most jawdropping yet. Born in Virginia in 1920, she grew up working in the fields on the same tobacco farm in tiny Lackstown where her ancestors had toiled for generations as slaves. She married and became a mother of five until, in 1951, she developed a very aggressive form of cervical cancer and passed away

a few months later at the tender age of 31. She died a pauper and her remains were buried in an unmarked grave.

That might very well have been the end of the story, except for the fact that, without her consent or even knowledge, doctors took a sample of her cancerous tumor. As it turned out, her rapidly-reproducing malignant cells had a unique quality in that they were miraculously immortal. Eureka!

Cultured in the lab by research scientists, the landmark discovery would prove to be invaluable in the development of everything from the polio vaccine to in-vitro fertilization to the Genome Project to cloning.

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyhow, that the manufacture and sale of these socalled HeLa cells (a name coined by taking the first two letters from Henrietta and Lacks)

blossomed into a multi-milliondollar business. Patented and selling for as much as $10,000 per vial, the precious substance has for decades returned quite a fortune for a couple of biotech companies.

Yet, the impoverished descendants of the donor never shared in the profits.

To add insult to injury, many of them couldn’t even afford health insurance.

This shameful chapter in the annals of American medicine is revisited in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a remarkable biography written in riveting prose by investigative journalist Rebecca Skloot. Very rarely do you come across a book this compelling about a relativelyobscure individual.

Thus, high praise indeed is in order for the author for fashioning such a compelling narrative of her humble subject’s life, death and everlasting gift to

healthnewsreview.org

humanity, while simultaneously shedding light on some serious ethical issues which had been conveniently swept under the rug until now.

Michelle O’Neill (Lady Macbeth) and Erik Heger (Macbeth)

Macbeth From 1 reinvented to attract a wider audience of individuals of who might not always look to the theater for action-packed entertainment.

Even through all the clear cut adjustments, and the changing faces of this year’s cast, there is one thing that remains the same, and that is the role of one of the Weird Sisters, reprised by African American actress Isabell Monk O’Connor, a 21-year veteran of the famed Guthrie Theater company.

O’Connor, a celebrated artist who’s been in the business of entertainment since she began years ago after taking an acting class at Towson University outside of Baltimore, Maryland, has found a plethora of great honors that have

taken her from stage, to screen, and inside the pages of a children’s novel.

“I wanted to have an opportunity to act in the classics, not just the modern day kitchen sink stories- which I don’t dislike, it’s just that I wanted to do the grander epic tales that are much more universal and speak to all people, instead of just one culture or one group. I’ve been fortunate to be able to do that for the last 21 years,” O’Connor said when referencing why she chose the Guthrie Theater as her home instead opting to join a more dominantly African American theater group.

O’Connor, whose first major film role was in the movie, The World According to Garp, has found herself pressed into the film stock of an array of celebrated productions in cinematic history.

She can be seen in Rosewood,

Intolerable Cruelty, Into Temptation, Justice, Grumpy Old Men, The Black Knight and a dozen other features. She has worked with many top notch artists all the way from Morgan Freeman and on to George Clooney.

O’Connor, who many refer to as a triple threat, is easily recognized for her achievements as an actor, educator, as well as a Children’s Book author for her novel Hope, published in 1999, which was later brought to stage by Stepping Stone Theater in 2006 in the production The Story of Hope.

Published by Carolrhoda, The Story of Hope depicts the struggles of a biracial child. The book was later followed in the series by Family and Blackberry Stew.

Although O’Connor has seen many a triumphs in her career with both the Guthrie Theater and in her vast catalog of productions, she remains modest when it comes to

Michelle O’Neill (Lady Macbeth) and Erik Heger (Macbeth) her celebrity, and makes no mistake about her desire for her art to be what she is recognized for, rather than her trappings of fame as one of Minneapolis’ most acclaimed African American artists.

“I’m in the business because I enjoy the craft of acting and the process of acting. I’m not in it to be

noticed, necessarily. I would kind of prefer not be noticed unless it’s for doing my work, and doing it well. That’s enough notoriety for me,” said O’Connor.

Macbeth will be playing at the Guthrie until April 4, 2010.

O’Connor can also be seen in the feature film The Convincer, starring Greg Kinnear and Billy

Crudup, filmed on location here in Minneapolis, and due in theaters sometime next year.

For show times and ticket i n f o r m a t i o n , www.guthrietheatre.org or (612) 377-2224.

Page 6 â&#x20AC;˘ March 15 - March 21, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Insight News

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HEALTH Black women are 12% of U.S. population; but 61% of new HIV infections among women For a long time African-Americans did not recognize that HIV was prevalent in African-American communities so did not fully appreciate the potential and real threat of this disease

By Rebecca Nuttall Special to the NNPA from the New Pittsburgh Courier (NNPA) - Although the number of HIV infections is growing at an alarming rate throughout the Black community, African American women are the group most disproportionately affected. While representing only 12 percent of the U.S. female population, they account for 61 percent of all new HIV infections among women. â&#x20AC;&#x153;African American women are 20 times more likely to get infected

with HIV than white women,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Debbie Hagins, clinical director of outpatient services for the Chatham County Health Department IDC Clinic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is in part due to the increased likelihood of being exposed to HIV through heterosexual contact because HIV is so prevalent in communities of color.â&#x20AC;?

In an era where an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence due to the advent of new medications, many will not be alarmed by these statistics.

However, this is only one of a number of HIV/AIDS disparities facing the African-American

community, most of which are preventable.

Hagins is an investigator in the GRACE (Gender, Race And Clinical Experience) study, a clinical research study sponsored

by Tibotec Therapeutics that examined gender and race differences in response to HIV medication.

The study demonstrated that HIV medications are effective when taken as prescribed for men and women. â&#x20AC;&#x153;HIV disease in the 21st century is very treatable. While medicine does not cure HIV/AIDS, it does offer effective treatment by suppressing viral replication. The medicines work best if they are taken everyday,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Factors that help HIV+ persons take their medicines daily include having medications that are well tolerated, medicines that can be taken once or twice a day, and regimens having as fewest pills possible to take.â&#x20AC;?

Despite medication, African Americans die ten times more than whites from HIV/AIDS and AIDS is the number 1 cause of death in young AA women aged 25-34. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A number of factors contribute to thisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some we can controlâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; some we cannot. Far too many African Americans learn of their positive status very late in the course of their disease which increases the risk of disability and death,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, many African-Americans come into medical treatment months to years after learning of their diagnosis, also contributing to an increased risk of dying.â&#x20AC;?

Hagins said other socioeconomic factors also contribute to these disparities such as access to care and medications.

These same factors that contribute to increased mortality rates also account for increased infection rates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For a long time AfricanAmericans did not recognize that HIV was prevalent in AfricanAmerican communities so did not fully appreciate the potential and real threat of this disease,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because of misperceptions

about HIV many people did not and still do not understand transmission of the virus so did not take measures to prevent its spread. HIV has spread silently in the communities of color for too long.

Because of stigma and fears surrounding an HIV diagnosis, many do not get tested or do not seek and remain in treatment once they have been diagnosed.â&#x20AC;?

The GRACE study showed that that successful management of HIV

color.â&#x20AC;?

In an era where an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence due to the advent of new medications, many will not be alarmed by these statistics.

However, this is only one of a number of HIV/AIDS disparities facing the African-American community, most of which are preventable.

Hagins is an investigator in the GRACE (Gender, Race And

â&#x20AC;&#x153;HIV disease in the 21st century is very treatable. While medicine does not cure HIV/AIDS, it does offer effective treatment by suppressing viral replication. The medicines work best if they are taken everydayâ&#x20AC;? comes from a combination of support and appropriate treatment.

For this reason it is important for those living with the disease to connect with local HIV community groups for information and a broad range of support services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the lessons learned from the GRACE study is that keeping people of color engaged in medical care, especially women infected with HIV, has many contributing factors,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The GRACE study learned that for reasons not related to lack of response to medications, some HIV+ African-Americans have other challenges than just their HIV diagnosis. There are also challenges in taking their medications as prescribed and in remaining in medical treatment.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;African American women are 20 times more likely to get infected with HIV than white women,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Debbie Hagins, clinical director of outpatient services for the Chatham County Health Department IDC Clinic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is in part due to the increased likelihood of being exposed to HIV through heterosexual contact because HIV is so prevalent in communities of

Clinical Experience) study, a clinical research study sponsored

by Tibotec Therapeutics that examined gender and race differences in response to HIV medication.

The study demonstrated that HIV medications are effective when taken as prescribed for men and women. â&#x20AC;&#x153;HIV disease in the 21st century is very treatable. While medicine does not cure HIV/AIDS, it does offer effective treatment by suppressing viral replication. The medicines work best if they are taken everyday,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Factors that help HIV+ persons take their medicines daily include having medications that are well tolerated, medicines that can be taken once or twice a day, and regimens having as fewest pills possible to take.â&#x20AC;?

Despite medication, AfricanAmericans die ten times more than whites from HIV/AIDS and AIDS is the number 1 cause of death in young AA women aged 25-34. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A number of factors contribute to thisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some we can controlâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; some we cannot. Far too many African-Americans learn of their positive status very late in the

course of their disease which increases the risk of disability and death,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, many African-Americans come into medical treatment months to years after learning of their diagnosis, also contributing to an increased risk of dying.â&#x20AC;?

Hagins said other socioeconomic factors also contribute to these disparities such as access to care and medications.

These same factors that contribute to increased mortality rates also account for increased infection rates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For a long time African Americans did not recognize that HIV was prevalent in African American communities so did not fully appreciate the potential and real threat of this disease,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because of misperceptions about HIV many people did not and still do not understand transmission of the virus so did not take measures to prevent its spread. HIV has spread silently in the communities of color for too long.

Because of stigma and fears surrounding an HIV diagnosis, many do not get tested or do not seek and remain in treatment once they have been diagnosed.â&#x20AC;?

The GRACE study showed that that successful management of HIV comes from a combination of support and appropriate treatment.

For this reason it is important for those living with the disease to connect with local HIV community groups for information and a broad range of support services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the lessons learned from the GRACE study is that keeping people of color engaged in medical care, especially women infected with HIV, has many contributing factors,â&#x20AC;? Hagins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The GRACE study learned that for reasons not related to lack of response to medications, some HIV+ African Americans have other challenges than just their HIV diagnosis. There are also challenges in taking their medications as prescribed and in remaining in medical treatment.â&#x20AC;?

Spring activities for healthier living

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a long and stormy winter and snow has found its way to almost all of the 50 states. But, finally, spring is on its way.

Daylight lasts longer, temperatures are getting warmer, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more energy in the air.

The start of a new season is a great time to renew weight-loss and fitness resolutions. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, shares the following tips for springing into a healthier, active, better-for-you lifestyle.

Springtime chores and activities are great ways to burn calories and jumpstart activity.

Housework, especially if done to fast music, gets the body moving and the home ship-shape, too.

Undertake an old-fashioned spring cleaning from top to bottom, and do it with intensity.

Stretch high and bend low, extend your arms, and move as much and as fast as possible. Wash the windows, scour the grout, clean the oven, declutter the closets, sweep out the garage, and more.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll not only feel a sense of accomplishment, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have burned some calories, stretched and toned muscles, as well as brightened up your indoor environment.

From the inside, move outside. Springtime is a great time to get fit through a walking program. Even gym regulars find that engaging in a walk through the neighborhood or park in fresh air is invigorating. For those who have been sedentary, start slow and walk only as far as it feels comfortable. Build up walking time gradually. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to warm up before and cool down after to reduce stress on muscles.

Wear walking shoes and dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, appropriate for the weather. When walking after dark, wear bright colors or use reflective tape for motorists to see.

As winter winds down, plan for a home-grown vegetable garden. Order seed catalogs and visit the local garden center to get inspired. Nothing tastes as good, or is better for you, as when it is fresh from the garden. Large parcels of land arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t needed.

Utilize small containers to grow almost any vegetable or herb on a balcony or patio. Even a windowsill can accommodate a vegetable that is frequently

scottydelicious.com

harvested, such as herbs and lettuce, and tomatoes can be grown from the bottom of a hanging planter. If natural sunlight is at a minimum, use grow lights, available from a garden center, which also is a great place to get advice on starting a garden.

If flowers are your thing, plan out new beds or recultivate old ones. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be getting exercise and enhancing the aesthetics of your yard at the same time.

Here are common springtime activities and the amount of calories each burns if done for 30 minutes: â&#x20AC;˘ Watering lawn or garden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 63 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Fertilizing yard â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 104 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Mopping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 146 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Scrubbing floors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 159 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Sweeping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 167 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Weeding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 167 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Planting seedlings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 188 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Trimming shrubs by hand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 188 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Laying sod â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 209 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Cleaning gutters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 209 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Painting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 209 calories

â&#x20AC;˘ Mowing lawn (walk behind power mower) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 230 calories â&#x20AC;˘ Gardening â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 134 calories Getting a fresh start with these springtime activities, coupled with a healthy eating plan, is a positive way to move weight-loss goals forward in 2010.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss education and support organization, was established more than 62 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., TOPS promotes successful weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness education, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, and several chapters in Europe.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

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Insight News • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Page 7

BUSINESS Employment survival guide: Adapt, stand apart and play by the new rules Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Survival of the fittest has not always referred to employment survival. Today, getting a job is

no small feat.

If you’ve succeeded in getting hired, strategize effectively to keep the position you have. You will need to call in all your personal resources: your talents, your skills, your connections. And with competition as fierce as it is now, you can add three new tactics to your game plan: adapt, stand out, and choose your own rules.

The ability to adapt and evolve has serviced humankind since day one.

Make a commitment to learn something

new and try something new on the job every day. Building your knowledge base and adding new skills will demonstrate to others that you are interested in your work and able to handle whatever challenges arise.

Standing apart is what sets leaders ahead of the pack.

“Everyone’s doing it,” means anyone can do it, which means you can be easily replaced.

Search for ways to add value by utilizing your unique gifts – both the technical and the

human talents that set you apart from the crowd. Becoming the go-to person for certain issues gives you a niche and a leadership perspective. You are less easily replaced when your co-workers need and appreciate what you bring to the team.

The new rules? Create your own. Punching a clock and going through the motions of work just for the money isn’t enough to give you the energy and edge you need to keep a position for long. What else can you add to maximize your

Obama’s Economic Plan: Still overcoming the odds

By Michael A. Grant NNPA Guest Commentary (NNPA) Much of America is still in the emergency room trying to recover from economic wounds inflicted while Barack Obama was serving as U.S. Senator for the great state of Illinois.

It is no surprise that if pain can be found on the body politic of the U.S.Citizenry, a more severe economic discomfort is being felt

by African-Americans. This represents a long tradition dating back to slavery: the last hired, the first fired and the least likely to be awarded a contract.

So Americans of African descent are rightfully outraged that the dream for too many is still deferred or – if attained – seems to be slipping away. But before African Americans – join the chorus of premature judgment on this President, from my position as president of the National Bankers Association, I would like to share an up-close view of what President Obama has done to defend and advance the economic status of Americans who were hardest hit by this recession. I either attended his press briefings at the White House or spoke with his appointed team at the U.S.

Department of the Treasury.

Here’s what I know to be true: • African-Americans – and other ethnic minorities – have been invited to help shape public policies designed to bring the U.S. economy back from the brink.

• I watched the President sign legislation that would protect the most vulnerable from credit card rip-offs.

• I watched the President force through a Stimulus Bill that saved millions of Americans’ jobs and will create millions more before its capacity has been exhausted.

• I watched this President instruct the Department of Housing and Urban Development to use the full power of government to nip the trend in home foreclosures.

• I watched this President lead an opening up process that caused one-third of the minority banks in our Association to receive TARP funds. I along with several minority banks have spent numerous hours at the Treasury Department making sure that minority banks received fair but not preferential treatment.

• I attended a press conference last Fall when President Barack Obama released his plans to

Michael A. Grant shore up the capital positions of community and minority banks so that lending could flourish again and jobs can be created all over America.

I think the ancient maxim: “Rome was not built in a day” is the most fair and accurate way to assess the performance of this President. His broad, visionary agenda, designed to transform America and reconnect her with her historical greatness, motivates him every day. But just because he ran one of the

Consumer Financial Protection Agency needed

By Charlene Crowell NNPA Financial Writer (NNPA) - For most Americans, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is the private sector’s gold-standard of objectivity and fairness.

Founded in 1912, this nonprofit organization today has 123 offices in the United States and Canada that monitor more than four million local and national businesses and charities.

So when this advocate for fairness and transparency issues a written warning against deceitful activity, it is time to take note.

After receiving a deluge of complaints, the BBB recently told buyers to beware. The warning also came following an independent investigation and lawsuit by the West Virginia Attorney General.

The culprit: online payday loans. According to Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, “Desperate times are leading people to the Internet to apply for payday loans and many are falling deeper into debt after getting tangled up with a lender who has zero regard for the law.”

As with traditional payday store loans, online payday lenders quickly give consumers a painful lesson. These consumers also quickly find out that what was intended to be a small, one-time loan turns on a debt spigot that is far more difficult to turn off. Often operating without state licenses and with no geographic boundaries, online lenders are given access and information on borrower bank accounts that siphon off funds with each lending cycle, leaving fewer available funds and no legal protections under state laws. Funds deducted from most bank accounts wind up paying fees and interest — but not the principal borrowed.

Ironically, the consumer alert issued by the BBB came during the annual observance of National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7. When President Barack Obama signed the proclamation on February 27, he said in part, “Consumers should know their rights and should learn about goods and services before they buy.”

From the perspective of many consumer groups, including the Center for Responsible Lending, becoming an informed consumer is just not enough. The plague of

financial problems that today affect families, governments, and businesses alike is a systemic ill fueled by inherently unfair and irresponsible financial practices, made worse by the deceptive way products are marketed. Scant regulation and enforcement, more than uninformed consumers, are the twin reasons for the myriad of problems incurred from payday loans, credit cards, overdraft fees, and toxic mortgages.

Late last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to create a new and independent Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). For several months, the measure has lingered in the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, whose members bicker over the need to create a new federal agency while stooping to partisan threats of filibuster.

So while America’s people are resorting to desperate measures,

like online payday loans to sort through their own financial wreckage, Capitol Hill has yet to demonstrate a sense of urgency that could provide solutions in proportion to the real problems people suffer — like depleted family finances or lack of health care.

The theme of this year’s national consumer observance is “Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy”. It seems that an effective federal regulator, like a CFPA, could be the ‘tool’ America needs.

Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s Communications Manager for State Policy and Outreach. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelen ding.org.

NNPA

most flawless campaigns in U.S. history is no reason that Americans – Black, brown, red and white – should not be a little more patient and a little more supportive of a human being who continues to defy the odds with results but who is constantly judged against unrealistic expectations.

Michael Grant, J.D. is president of the National Bankers Association.

efforts? Do you have a moral motivator? For instance, are you working for money, but also to help others through your work? Or do you have a success motivator? This would be a goal around fame or achievement. What are you working for?

Create a framework for reaching your personal mountaintops. To be clear, you must be ethical and all that. But you will achieve more, faster, when you approach your work from new perspectives, take chances and

push yourself for purposes beyond money alone. “We’ve always done it this way,” is no more plausible than, “Everyone’s doing it.” Decide for yourself what the right way is and then follow it through to the success you, personally, value.

Send your career planning challenges to Julie@Insightnews.com.

Page 8 • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Nothing’s fashionable about perpetual lateness Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey When my girlfriend, Janice and I took our daughters to the movie theater to see The Princess and the Frog, Disney’s first-ever film featuring an African American Princess, we were beyond excited.

My girlfriend, super serious about securing the best seats in the house for this historic event, wanted to arrive forty minutes in advance of

show time. I, on the other hand, thought that was a bit excessive.

Our compromise was to drive separately (she took the girls with her), so she could have first pick of the seats and I could finish my todo list at home.

I arrived about ten minutes before the start of the movie to a nearly empty theater, and felt slightly let down that there was not a stronger showing by our community during the opening weekend.

Despite my disappointment, I settled into my seat with my popcorn and we all began watching previews of the coming attractions. Little by little, folks began to trickle into the now darkened theater while Janice leaned over to me and whispered, “How trifling!”

By the time the movie had

started folks were still coming in, some with large families, and stepping over the people who were already seated. My girlfriend became really annoyed when, during the first part of the movie, a family of four stepped clumsily over us to find free seats. To make matters worse, two of the kids kept crawling over us to go in and out of the movie! Really?!!

Halfway into the movie, I noticed that the movie was finally nearly filled, but I had to shake my head with embarrassment at my peeps; being late is not cute! Being late and disturbing others in the process is really not cute!! And being late, disturbing others, and having the nerve to ask folks to scoot down because you and your crew (five deep) want to sit together, is just downright u-g-l-y!!!

Being late is no joke when perpetual tardiness limits your success. There are several reasons you should practice being on time.

1. It demonstrates reliability 2.

It demonstrates respect for others and their time. 3. It demonstrates commitment to something or someone besides you.

On the other hand, your habitual tardiness creates 1. Stress for you 2. Stress for your family 3.

Stress for your career and goals.

If after looking at your life, you are beginning to rethink your philosophy of arriving fashionably late, then here are some tips to get you started. 1. Pick out your clothes (try them on if needed) the night before. 2. Have all needed items-like keys-placed on the designated “launch pad” the night before.

3.

Upon waking,

immediately get dressed (after offering a prayer of thanks) 4.

Give yourself some cushion timeplan on arriving at least ten minutes prior to the start of the appointment.

I would not be real if I didn’t confess that I struggle with being timely-I can tend to run anywhere from one to ten minutes behind schedule. While I usually seem to arrive on time when I must, it’s often at a high price; stress! I plan to keep practicing developing timely habits for three reasonsAlanna, Arianna and Landon-the three people who call me Mama.

In many ways, the way you prioritize and manage your time speaks to various aspects of your character.

Demonstrate your ability to be trustworthy, reliable, and professional and then watch

revellphotography.com

doors of opportunity begin to open.

And when you walk through those doors, just make sure you do it on TIME. Enjoy!

Bearden Place design competition for Willard Homewood development Winning design of “Bearden Place” in Willard Homewood neighborhood to be built in partnership with the Builders Association of the Twin Cities The City of Minneapolis, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC), and its Builders Outreach Foundation (BOF) recently announced a housing design competition, “Bearden Place: A Housing Competition in the Artists’ Core,” as part of a strategy and commitment to rebuilding communities affected by foreclosure. The competition is to

design six, live/work units for the site, located at the northwest corner of Plymouth and Sheridan avenues North.

The property is in the Willard Homewood neighborhood, rich in architectural tradition, but heavily impacted by foreclosure. In the past two years, significant resident commitment has focused efforts on revitalizing this neighborhood with a marketing campaign targeted to bringing artists into the community.

The housing design competition reinforces those efforts for continued rebuilding.

The sponsors are calling for innovative and creative ideas that address issues and challenges of designing high quality, affordable/entry-level home ownership; spatial flexibility and live/work space; sustainable building practices and materials; design for a range of lifestyle choices and family configurations.

Market rate units will not exceed $175,000, and the development needs to meet MN GreenStar Bronze Certification for new construction.

“Collaborating with the Minneapolis arts and design communities is a great opportunity for the Northside,” said Ward 5 Council Member Don Samuels.

“The partnership with the Twin Cities Builders Association, architects, and designers is yet another example of how the City is working with others to recover from the impacts of foreclosure in our communities,” he added.

“Neighborhoods in Minneapolis heavily impacted by foreclosure are rebuilding with high quality, sustainable housing,” said Tom Streitz, Director of Housing Policy and Development, City of Minneapolis. “The

partnership embodied in the design competition will be a further catalyst to our continued neighborhood rebuilding,” he said.

The competition is meant to harness the skills, energy and ideas of our design community in this rebuilding effort. Participating architects and designers are encouraged to engage landscape architects, artists, social scientists, and other creative disciplines on their teams.

BATC/BOF will serve as the developer and will manage the entire construction process. BATC members will work with the selected design team to provide construction and cost management of the winning scheme, resulting in a built housing project that demonstrates a successful method of collaboration that can be modeled for other development opportunities on City-owned properties of various scales.

“The Builders Association of Twin Cities is partnering on the competition because it fits within our mission as a leading resource for housing information. As presenters of the Parade of HomesSM (tour this spring from March 5-28), our members

understand how great design is the real key to making a home truly livable and affordable,” said Sue Marshall, executive board member, BATC. “This partnership lets us use our experience and expertise to give back to our community, and through our charitable arm, Builders Outreach Foundation, we can assist the team in numerous ways in the management of the construction project,” she added.

“The Builders Association is excited to work with the City on this important project,” said 2010 BATC President Gary Aulik.

“Giving back to the community is a key component in our organization’s mission, along with creating quality, durable and affordable homes for Twin Cities families,” he added.

Submissions are due Wednesday, April 21, 5pm to the City of Minneapolis, Department of Community Planning & Economic Development, 105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

The Naming of Bearden Place The development will be named, Bearden Place, after Romare Howard Bearden (1911-1988) whose life and art are marked by

exceptional talent, encompassing a broad range of intellectual and scholarly interests, including music, performing arts, history, literature, and world art.

About the Artists’ Core The Artists’ Core, a community response to the housing/foreclosure crisis, grew out of the Willard Homewood Residents Economic Development Committee meetings begun in the mid-1990’s. In April 2008, there were 65 foreclosed homes in the 16-square block area now designated as the Artists’ Core.

Today, there are fewer than five of the original 65 homes on the market. The community continues work to ensure new families are invited to purchase homes.

For more information on the design competition, contact Katie White at katherine.white@ci.minneapolis.m n.us or (612) 673-5238.

Dates to note: Site visits are scheduled for March 17 and 29 at noon; submissions are due April 21. A public exhibit of design entries is scheduled for June 2010.

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Insight News • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Page 9

Photos courtesy of Congressman Mike Pence

Congressman Pence and Dr. F.D. Reese

Congressman Mike Pence participated in the 2010 Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage, which took place from March 5—7 with stops in Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. This year marks the 45th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, one of the most pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement. Congressman Pence joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) in serving as honorary co-leaders and Congressman Artur Davis (D-AL) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) were the honorary co-hosts. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) served once again as the Pilgrimage Chairman

Crossing the bridge in Selma

By Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) Last weekend our family had the privilege of joining colleagues from both political parties on a walk through the historic sites of the Civil Rights movement in Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. We will never forget the experience. I served as coleader of the 10th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage sponsored by the Faith & Politics Institute.

We arrived in Montgomery on Saturday afternoon and made

our way to the home church of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sitting in the front pew at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, we heard from Dorothy Cotton about her years working with Dr. King.

She spoke of the faith that sustained their work and the historic importance of music and singing to the movement.

We then made our way to the Civil Rights Memorial, where our kids were given the privilege of laying a wreath to honor those who had lost their lives in the struggle for equality, and into the nearby museum with its inspiring

Congressman Pence and Congressman John Conyers

Press From 1 House, we still have to plead our own cause. As evident in the lack of meaningful outreach to count all African Americans in the United States in the Census that’s now being conducted; it’s evident in many of the advertisers in this country who shun us even though we have strong economic impact upon the economy of the United States and the World. And yet, our newspapers suffer for advertising.

And even in this day and time, we are still an afterthought in the main stream media.”

NNPA newspaper publishers, who over the past year have taken stands against what appears to be advertising discrimination in economic stimulus dollars, the automobile industry, the U. S. Census and other industries, convene in the nation’s capital this week for the annual celebration of “pleading the cause,” a phrase first coined by John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish as they founded Freedom’s Journal, the first Black newspaper, in New York City.

Among those to be honored during the annual NewsMaker of the Year Awards Gala on March 18 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel are civil and social justice warriors Dr. Dorothy I. Height, chair and

president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women for her lifetime of civil rights achievements; Dr. Ron Daniels, president of the State of the Black World, 21st Century; Earl and Amanda Stafford of the Stafford Foundation; and Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins for his outstanding community service; Rep. Barbara Lee, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus will be awarded for her political leadership; and a posthumous salute will be given to entertainer Michael Jackson.

Height, among one of the most important figures in civil rights history, is to receive the lifetime achievers award at the NewsMaker dinner.

“She is a jewel in our community,” said Leavell, comparing her to famous publishers of old like Frederick Douglas and Ida B. Wells who were counselors to United States presidents. “She is still very vibrant, she is still a warrior and at 97 we are excited that she will grace us with her presence on that evening.”

A special State of the Black Press Address by NNPA Chairman Danny Bakewell will be given during a State of the Black Press Luncheon and Forum at the National Press Club on March 18.

The State of the Black Press event, which will feature a Leavell

displays of history. But it was the personal stories of segregation, told by the people who lived it and peacefully fought against it, that were most moving to us.

Hearing firsthand accounts of how African Americans in the South were systematically denied the right to vote, intimidated, beaten and even killed fighting for that right will never leave us.

The next day, we traveled with my colleague and legendary civil rights leader, Congressman John Lewis to Selma, Alabama.

John Lewis was personally recruited by Dr. King as a college student and his courage and moral authority continue to inspire millions.

John took us to Selma to mark the anniversary of a day that changed his life and America: March 7, 1965, also known as “Bloody Sunday.”

As John recounted that momentous day, he told of how he and several hundred courageous activists crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma during a march on the state capitol and were beaten by state police waiting on the far side of the bridge. The images of that day were transmitted around the world and would sear the conscience of the nation. It set the stage for more protests and was the catalyst for Congress to enact the Voting Rights Act later that year.

We gathered for worship at Brown Chapel in Selma, and after a rousing service, we left the church to walk to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. As a leader of the trip, I had the privilege to walk at the front of the march with John Lewis and other congressmen and dignitaries and I had the great honor of walking the entire way response to the Bakewell speech, will also feature civil rights leaders from a broad spectrum of Black institutions to discuss the current mission and future of the Black Press. They are the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Bennett College; Dr. Ron Daniels; NAACP Chair Roslyn Brock; Harry Alford, National Black Chamber of Commerce; and Marc Morial, National Urban League.

With a new slogan coined by Bakewell, “The Power to Influence Black America,” as its backdrop, publishers will also meet with CBC and other Congressional and White House leaders during the three days. The week will culminate, March 19, with an annual enshrinement luncheon at Howard University’s Blackburn Center where Dr. Thomas Battle, retired director of the MoorlandSpingarn Research Center, will be honored.

“We’re really excited. We have exciting plans,” said Leavell. “Our voice is still needed. How will our communities know what we are doing educationally and culturally and as entrepreneurs if it were not for the Black Press? In this day and time, it is just as important because otherwise stories about our communities, stories that involve our issues would still not be on the front burner.”

alongside Dr. F.D. Reese, pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Selma.

As we began the march, I asked Dr. Reese if he could tell me about that day 45 years ago, and he did. As we strolled the historic route, surrounded by thousands, I was enthralled by this pastor’s description of that fateful day. He said that when they reached the crest of the bridge and could see the other side of the river, the first thing they saw was the state police waiting to stop the march. He said, “All you saw was a sea of blue,” but still they marched.

I asked if they thought of turning back when they saw the array of police. He smiled and said, “No, we had prayed at the Brown Chapel and decided we would go on regardless.” And so they did.

After pausing at the base of the bridge for prayer, he told me how the tear gas and the beatings with night sticks overtook the crowd. My friend John Lewis was among those most severely beaten.

As our march came to an end, I extended my hand to Dr. Reese and thanked him not only for what he had done for the civil

rights movement, but I thanked him for what he, John Lewis and others had done for America that day. Dr. Reese replied humbly, “God did something here.” And through these brave Americans, I believe that with all my heart.

Every American should know the story of Montgomery and Selma. Thanks to courageous Americans like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman John Lewis, Dorothy Cotton and F.D. Reese, these cities have become an integral part of the American story in our nation’s unrelenting march toward a more perfect union.

Page 10 • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events Classic Black films at VOA Park ElderCenter - Ongoing First and third Mondays of each month, 11 am - 12:15 pm. These films are free of charge and the public is invited.

Popcorn, hotdogs and drinks are provided for a suggested donation of $1. VOA Park ElderCenter, 1505 Park Ave. Mpls. 612-339-7581, parkcenter@voamn.org Regina Carter, Jazz violinist – Mar. 15 Mon., Mar. 15, 7:30 PM at Northrop Memorial Auditorium, 84 Church Street S.E., Mpls. $40. www.reginacarter.com

“Freedom of Information: Your Key to Open Government,” - Mar. 15 with Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Mon., Mar. 15, Noon at James J. Hill Reference Library, 80 W. 4th St., Saint Paul. 651266-7000, Ext. 5 or www.sppl.org.

Readings by Writers Hosted by Carol Connolly – Mar. 16 Tues, Mar. 16, 7:30pm at The Commodore Hotel, 79 Western Ave., Saint Paul. 651-222-1751, www.publicartstpaul.org Flight of Fashion – Mar. 16 Tues., Mar. 16, from 5:30 - 8:00 PM at the Mall of America. Tix: $20 until Mar. 15, $25 at the door. “An evening of networking, a fashion show with the latest spring attire and information on helping women and their children become financially stable” http://wingsfashionshow.eventbrite.com

donations are welcome. All event proceeds will benefit Vail Place’s mental health recovery services.

RSVP To: Greg Heaton-Hill, 952-9389622 Ext. 25. www.vailplace.org

Tues., Mar. 16, 7:30 am - 9:30 noon at the Osseo Area School District Office, 11200 93rd Avenue N., Maple Grove.

763-425-6505 ext. 226, rssjoes@yahoo.com.

Free child support information from Hennepin County - Mar. 16 Hennepin County Family Justice Center, 110 S. Fourth St., Room 172, Minneapolis, on Tuesday, March 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A question-andanswer session will follow the presentation.

For additional information and reservations, call 612348-2478.

Governor Candidate’s Forum – Mar. 18 6:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Minneapolis North Community High School, 1500 James Ave. N. Confirmed attendance: State Representatives: Margaret Anderson-Kelliher, Paul Thissen, Tom Rukavina, State Senator John Marty, Matt Entenza, Ole Savior and Peter Idusogie. More info: Troy Parker, (612) 242-0892.

Lutheran Social Service seeks adoptive parents – Mar. 16 The adoption information meeting will be held on Tues., Mar. 16, from 6 p.m.

– 8:00 p.m. at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), located at 2400 Park Ave., Mpls. For more info or to register: (612) 879-5230, www.minnesotaadoption.org.

Vail Place 2010 Annual Meeting, “The Road to Recovery” – Mar. 16 Tues., 4:30 PM at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Avenue South Mpls. No cost to attend but

4th Annual Business and Community Roundtable: The Changing Face of Homelessness Mar. 16

Assumed Name

Assumed Name

The Minnesota Sinfonia with pianist Loren Fishman - Mar. 19, 20 Fri., Mar 19, 7 p.m. at Founders Hall, Metropolitan State University, 700 East Seventh Street, St. Paul and 2 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 20 at the Basilica of St. Mary, 88 17th Street N., Mpls. Free and open to the public, no tickets needed. 612871-1701. www.mnsinfonia.org Special Needs Adoption Training workshop – Mar. 19, 20 Call Lynne Haggar at (612) 879-5230,

Development Director Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, a local non-profit using law and science to protect Minnesota’s environment, has an opening for a full-time development director. The development director is responsible for MCEA’s overall fundraising program—to identify, solicit, and cultivate a diverse funding mix from major and minor individual donors, foundations and other channels to support MCEA’s mission and programs.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a minimum of five years of significant fundraising experience with general membership and major gift solicitation, familiarity with the local and state philanthropic community, grant-writing experience and excellent communication skills, both oral and written. In addition, the candidate must have excellent computer and development data management and analysis skills.

Interested candidates should send a letter of introduction and resume by March 31, 2010, to: Kent Eklund, Cincinnatus, Inc., Riverplace Suite 210, 43 Main Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, or by e-mail to employment@cincinnatus.com

1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: KJF Management 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 5516 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name: Kurt J. Faber, 5516 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Kurt J. Faber, President Date Filed: 6/02/2009 Insight News 3/08/2010, 3/15/2010

ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball

The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program 10125 Crosstown Circle #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Rick Aguilar, Aguilar Productions

LOCATION:

Twin

Cities

Metro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Education: High School degree or equivalent.

Vocational training in building maintenance and specialized training in the areas of HVAC, plumbing and electrical repair not required but highly preferred.

3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name: Molly Johnson, 3918 Aldrich Ave N, Mpls., MN 55412 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

2. State the address of the principal place of business: 8301 Sumter Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name: Mechille Mann, 8301 Sumter Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

6th Annual Thinking College Early Fair – Mar. 20 For students and parents grades 6-12.

Sat., Mar. 20, 9 am - noon at Harding Senior High School, 1540 E Sixth Street, St. Paul. (651) 603-4948, sharon.cobb@spps.org LSS to hold Adoption Information Meeting – Mar. 20 Sat, March 20, from 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), located at 2400 Park Ave., Mpls.

Huntington Place Apartments The BEST 1 bedrooms in Brooklyn Park! 1 BRs starting at $595 • Huge bedrooms • Tons of closet space • In & outdoor pool • Special Offer! Move in by 3/31/10 And receive $300 off your 2nd month’s rent PLUS half off your deposit! Call today! 763-5600244 www.liveathp.com EHO

Signed by: Mechille Mann - Owner Date Filed: 3/01/2010

Signed by: Molly Johnson, Owner Date Filed: 03/03/2010

Insight News 3/15/2010, 3/22/2010

Insight News 3/15/2010, 3/22/2010

6th ANNUAL Promoting the Emerging Markets

JOB

2. State the address of the principal place of business: 3918 Aldrich Ave N, Mpls., MN 55412

Rally and March: “Bring the Troops Home Now!” - Mar. 20 Sat., Mar. 20, 1:00 p.m. Gather at Third and Cedar Avenue on the West Bank in Mpls.. March to a closing rally at Bedlam Theatre, 1501 South Sixth Street, Mpls.

PRODUCED BY

We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits. Interested Parties please send resume to:

Evening Maintenance and Security Worker

1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: MJ Designs

African Violet Society of Minnesota Spring Judged Show and Sale – Mar. 19 to 20 Har Mar Mall Snelling and County Road B, Roseville, MN. 651-631-0340.

Fri, March 19: 10:00am - 8:00pm. Sat, March 20: 10:00am - 4:00pm. http://sites.google.com/site/avsminn esota

PROVEN WAYS TO BUILD YOUR BRAND IN THE “MULTICULTURAL ECONOMY”

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

952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040 www.minnesotablizzards.com

Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: A Natural Beauty

or 1-888-205-3769, to register for the 2-day training on March 19 & 20. The training will be held at The Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Avenue, Mpls. (Centrum B), 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri., March 19 and 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sat., March 20. www.minnesotaadoption.org.

MULTICULTURAL MARKETING MIDWEST CONFERENCE Focus on the:

U.S. ASIAN-INDIAN MARKET PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS NEW ! NEW! U.S EMERGING ASIAN-INDIAN MARKETING RESEARCH/STUDY

A Buying Power of $70 Billion and Growing

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PRESENTATION OF THE U.S. ASIAN-INDIAN MARKETING STUDY AND RESEARCH Presented by New American Dimensions, Los Angeles, CA

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MARKETING UPDATES/2010!!

U.S. MULTICULTURAL BUYING POWER OF TWO TRILLION IN 2010 ARE YOU GETTING A SHARE OF THESE MARKETS ????

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

U.S. AFRICANAMERICAN MARKET UPDATES/2010 FOCUS GROUPS DEMOGRAPHICS BRAND LOYALTY FINANCIAL SERVICES MEDIA CONSUMPTION

SEANN NELIPINATH DR. BRUCE CORRIE India Chamber of Commerce Minneapolis, MN

Concordia University St. Paul, MN

Presented by

DAVID MORSE

RAJESH

New American Dimensions BALACHANDRAN U.S. Bank Los Angeles, CA Minneapolis, MN

SHARMILA FOWLER

AL MCFARLANE

New American Dimensions Chicago IL

McFarlane Media Interests, Inc. Minneapolis, MN

Sponsors

DIRECT MARKETING PANELS CASE STUDIES

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

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

PREMIER MARKETERS SHARE STRATEGIES THAT WORK!

MULTICULTURAL MARKETS BUYING POWER IN MINNESOTA 10 BILLION DOLLARS !!

To Register go to conference web site at www.aguilarproductions.com Registration Fee $195 (includes full registration to all seminars, breakfast & lunch) Non-Profit Registration Fee $100 (includes full registration to all seminars, breakfast & lunch) Student Registration Fee $75 For More Information call Aguilar Productions 651-665-0633 Conference Location HILTON MINNEAPOLIS, 1001 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis Phone: 612-376-1000

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Insight News • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Page 11

Changes to Hennepin County library board The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners appointed Caitlin Cahill of Plymouth and Gary Thaden of Minneapolis, and reappointed Claudia Kelly of Medina to the Library Board on March 2. Their terms end on December 31, 2012.

Cahill and Thaden are replacing Cynthia Steinke, whose term ended December 9, 2009, and David Pratt, whose term ended December 9, 2009 and who passed away last month.

Cahill is a technology integration specialist with the Orono School District, Thaden is an attorney with Pettersen & Associates, Inc., and Kelly is a playwright and aspiring novelist.

“Community members from Hennepin County contribute time, expertise and knowledge to serve on the Library Board,” said Lois Langer Thompson, Hennepin County Library director. “I would like to thank outgoing member Cynthia Steinke for her years of service to Hennepin County Library.

On behalf of the Library Board, staff and residents, I welcome two new members — Caitlin Cahill and Gary Thaden — and

Claudia Kelly, who was reappointed for her second term, and look forward to working together to ensure our citizens continue to have access to excellent, responsive, forward-thinking library service.”

Claudia Kelly was first appointed to the Library Board in 2007 and is the vice president. She is a lifelong resident of Hennepin County who has vivid memories of frequent visits to her childhood libraries — the Hennepin County Library in the Glen Lake Elementary School in Minnetonka and the old Minnetonka Library in a storefront on Minnetonka Blvd. and Highway 101.

Kelly, whose first play was produced last summer at the Minnesota Fringe Festival, is working on her first novel. In addition to her Library Board volunteer work, she is a disaster relief volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Kelly says she is a longtime library supporter who is especially “passionate about our virtual library [www.hclib.org] — from BookSpace to all of the

research stuff available.”

In addition to her work with the Orono School District, Caitlin Cahill is a professional photographer and web developer, with her own digital imaging business named Peregrine Imaging.

She graduated from George Washington University, majoring in international affairs and Chinese language, and volunteers for SkillsUSA Minnesota, a career and technical education organization for high school and college students.

“Some of my earliest (and fondest) memories are of visits to Hennepin County libraries; to this day, the library is my sanctuary,” Cahill said. “I am looking forward to giving back to the libraries that have given me more than I could ever repay, and I look forward to serving my community.”

Gary Thaden earned his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law and at Pettersen & Associates, Inc., is government affairs director for two construction trade organizations.

A former member of the Minneapolis Library Board, he is a member

Caitlin Cahill

Gary Thaden

Claudia Kelly

of the American Library Association and is currently serving on the Walker Library Community Advisory Committee and the board of directors of the Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections at the University of Minnesota libraries.

He writes a monthly column on libraries for two neighborhood newspapers in Minneapolis, The Wedge and Hill and Lake Press.

Thaden has extensive experience serving on boards of directors, currently also serving on the boards of the Labor/Management Health Care Coalition of the Upper Midwest, Twin Cities Pipe Trade Health & Welfare Trust, Gopher State One Call, the

Construction Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council.

“I enjoy serving on boards and taking disparate sources of knowledge and forming good policy for the organization,” Thaden wrote in his Library Board application.

Among his other interests, Thaden is president of Norwegian Explorers, the local Sherlock Holmes literary society.

“I am very excited to join the Library Board and to work with the Hennepin County Library staff,” Thaden said.

“My service on non-profit boards, my love of books and knowledge, and my willingness

to serve the public will help me as we all work towards bringing even better library service to residents of Hennepin County.”

The Library Board is a citizen advisory board that reviews budgets and establishes management and service policies governing the library system.

Library Board members appointed by the County Board serve three-year terms and meet monthly at a Hennepin County library.

Other current Library Board members are Brandi Brown, John Gibbs, Holly Guncheon, Sandy Johnson, Jill Joseph, Kathleen Lamb, John Pacheco (secretary), and Therese VanBlarcom (president).

Consider what the Haitian people want

By Nicole C. Lee NNPA Columnist (NNPA) - In the midst of the rubble that still contains the bodies of loved ones, the real people of Haitian, civil society and NGO leaders, met last month to begin to think about how they would build a new Haiti. I am on my way to Haiti now to consult with many of those leaders in order to ensure that I and TransAfrica Forum fully understand their reality, their needs and their vision for a new society.

Because I know that Haiti’s full recovery must be based upon their priorities and their needs. But even while Haitians are beginning to imagine their future, I also know that the reality of day-to-day life in

Haiti is overwhelming.

If you have read my earlier columns, then you already know the facts. Haiti suffered a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on January 12, 2010. To date, an estimated 222,000 were killed; officials estimate that once the rubble is removed that the numbers will increase to over 300,000.

Over 300,000 were injured, resulting in thousands of newly disabled. Additionally, 1.2 million are living in spontaneous camps, and over 3 million people are affected.

Millions of ordinary U.S. citizens responded to the quake with their hearts and their pocketbooks. Over $600 million dollars were raised in the U.S. alone and the Obama administration committed $100

million to the relief effort. Today, almost two months after the quake, millions of meals have been served and about 50,000 emergency shelters (tarpaulins or tents) have been distributed. These efforts are noteworthy; however, the devastation caused by the earthquake exceeds the levels of support provided by the international community. While many in Port-au-Prince have yet to receive any help at all, humanitarian flights have decreased by 50 percent.

I spoke with a colleague who recently returned from Haiti and she shared that a community located just 10 – 15 minutes away from the airport, which is where humanitarian supplies are stored; a neighborhood of approximately 300 people had received no access

NAACP applauds commitment to quality education WASHINGTON, DC – The NAACP applauded Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s announcement recently of a renewed effort to vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws while addressing the challenges of failing public schools, and restoring the country’s active commitment to the landmark Brown v Board of Education ruling that ended legal segregation. American schools are more segregated now than they have been in over 40 years – today, 39 percent of Black students and 40 percent of Latino students attend highly segregated schools where 90 to 100 percent of the population is non-white.

“A quality education is not a segregated education. It is not educating children in racial or ethnic isolation.

In a multicultural world, educating our children of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds in an inclusive environment will make us a more competitive and prosperous nation,” stated NAACP President & CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous.

The NAACP plans to work with the administration and others to help design and implement plans that can redress the resegregation of our schools consistent with the spirit and

intent of the Supreme Court rulings. The NAACP advocates plans that include strategic site selection of new schools; drawing of attendance zones in general recognition of the demographics of neighborhoods; allocation of resources for special programs; targeted recruitment of students and faculty; and tracking of enrollments, Jealous praised the administration’s initiatives to reform school discipline policies that disproportionately criminalize rule violations in schools serving predominantly low-income, Black and Latino students. Recently, a five-year-old girl was handcuffed in Florida by school resource officers for having a temper tantrum; and in New York, a girl was handcuffed and taken to jail for doodling on a desk with a magic marker.

According to statistics in one Florida county, African American youth constituted 19% of the student population, but represented 51% of student arrests, and 45% of out of school suspensions in 2005.

“This inappropriate use of jails and the juvenile justice system for minor acts of defiance adds to a ‘school to prison’ pipeline for our children that

Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education increases the drop-out rate and ultimately deprives our nation of the full potential of all of its children,” said Jealous.

Jealous commended the Obama administration’s commitment to reversing the failure of many of America’s schools in low income neighborhoods.

“Secretary Duncan expressed the Administration’s commitment to great teachers for every student, equal distribution of resources to meet student’s needs and a fair and inclusive education for all.

That is the American dream – a dream that all Americans should cherish and be willing to stand with the Obama Administration to fight for,” Jealous said.

to food and other supplies. So they have self-organized. Relying on community resources, including food and financial savings, they have been able to provide for their own basic needs.

As a result of the quake community members are unemployed, their schools are destroyed, and savings are now exhausted. This community and hundreds of communities throughout the country do not have access to food or other relief distributions.

I know, before boarding my flight that the situation remains dire, around the country people in camps require food, shelter, health care, sanitation and access to cash for work programs. The rains have already begun and there is significant concern given the

crowded and unsanitary conditions in which most are forced to live; new medical emergencies, such as diarrhea and respiratory infections are feared.

I’ll be visiting a few of the secondary cities as well as rural areas to better understand the conditions facing the more than 600,000 displaced peoples who have left the Port-au-Prince area for the rural countryside and smaller towns.

Part of what I hope to better understand is the way in which we can support increasing distribution at the local level, outside the capitol city. I’ll be looking for evidence that our government is supporting the distribution of agricultural inputs and seeds, so that peasants and farmers can grow their own food and Haiti can become self-

sufficient. Agriculture provides 60 percent of the national food production and seeds need to be made available immediately; planting season began on February 19. Lastly, I will be looking to see the extent to which Haitian government and civil society are being included in the discussions around reconstruction. And to determine ways in which African American and Haitian Americans can join together in solidarity with the people of Haiti to ensure that their immediate needs are met and that the long-term goal of a sovereign nation are addressed.

Nicole C. Lee is the President of TransAfrica Forum

Page 12 • March 15 - March 21, 2010 • Insight News

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Twinkie Time! The fans are going to have to yell a little harder Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Outdoor baseball! Ha-haaa, that’s what I’m talking about!

Who wouldn’t like the smell of the air provided by an open-air stadium. Whether the air is industrial or fresh (in L.A. you either learn to appreciate smog and the Santa Ana winds that blow it away…or you move), it all smells good to me. Thus, I know one person who is going to be a little quicker picking up his press credentials for Twins baseball this year.

Last year was actually my first time experiencing the electricity of Opening Day baseball. But all of that “Crack of the bat, crunch of the peanuts, smell of the grass” stuff managed to resonate, and kept me tuned in to the long patient season. So now I’m geared up

for the 2010 Twins season.

Now the first thing I have to say (you know there is a complaint coming), is that I did not like the shipping-off of outfielder Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers. Perhaps it was a move to make sure there was enough monetary room for the “Center of the Minnesota Universe” a.k.a. Joe Mauer. But as someone who gets occasionally annoyed by the presence of stiff, slow, lumberjacks in baseball, Gomez was the physical and personality embodiment of what I can like most about baseball.

My affinity for fast athletes aside, what we do know, is that Gomez was not the key to the Twins winning the 2009 American League Central Division. What we also know is that the Twins’ (seems like) back-to-back MVPs, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are the core reasons that the Twins were 2009 American League Central Division Champs. And other than that, we know that the Twins are the envy of the baseball World when it comes to scouting hidden talent, so there’s generally a surprise player

REUTERS

Minnesota Twins players celebrate after scoring the winning run on a hit by Alexi Casilla in the twelfth inning during their MLB American League Central Division playoff baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Minneapolis. tucked into their annual campaign somewhere, so the year seems to set up well for even greater success.

Now usually the Twins developing-player jewels are quickly wooed to some large, metropolitan, Major League franchise once their blossom begins to unfold. But in the case of pitcher Francisco Liriano, an

and would pay Mauer more than the Twins could ever dream of, but I sure wouldn’t leave the legendary fawning that Mauer gets around here either, if I were him…keep it in the family.

The 2010 Twins’ tune was humming right along until the recent news of a pending injury to seminal superstar pitcher Joe Nathan came through the wire

Look out for Liriano. He’ll be mowin ‘em down...the hitters, not the grass.

upload.wikimedia.org

Joe Mauer has become only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award.

injury during his blossoming period a couple of years ago may have saved the overall potential of this years’ Twins’ bouquet.

I’m sure that the executive offices of the Twins knew that this “Mo’ (Mauer) Money, Mo’ Problems” year was coming, and decided that holding on to the temporarily muted growth of Liriano was better than incurring the skyrocketing price tag of former Twins “Sinatra on the Mound” Johan Santana. And so now the Twins have a rather fortuitous mix of hometown and damaged goods discounts. I’m pretty sure the Yankees could

last week. (Teeth sucking sound) Oooh, that hurts! And so perhaps the tune of the 2010 season begins with a more humble crescendo than desired, but you know what? Out-door-stadium, baby! The fans are going to have to yell a little harder now anyway considering Heaven will be the roof, and fresh cut grass will be the rug below. And of course always remember the old local slogan for the rough times in the new Target Field stadium: “If you don’t like the weather in Minnesota…wait 10 minutes.”

Twinkie Time!