Insight News ::: 3.19.12

Brasil

Gardens in Paradise Sunday, March 25th - Saturday, April 7th at Macy’s Downtown Minneapolis

INSIGHT NEWS March 19 - March 25, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 38 No. 12 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

DIRECT Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI

King Peggy

tour promoting her phenomenal book, King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village.

According to one reviewer, “The charming real-life fairy tale of an American secretary who discovers she has been chosen king of an impoverished fishing village on the west coast of Africa. King Peggy has the sweetness and quirkiness of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and the hopeful sense of possibility of Half the Sky.” King Peggy chronicles the astonishing journey of an American secretary who suddenly finds herself king to a town of 7,000 souls on Ghana’s central coast, half a world away. Upon arriving for her

By Al McFarlane Editor-in-Chief If you had to choose one word to describe Peggielene Bartels, that word, “direct”, might be your choice. You could choose “stately”.

You could choose “beautiful.”

Perhaps, “fierce”. Or, “royal”.

Any of these words would fit this sovereign, King Peggy, ruler of the town of Otuam, in the Central Region of Ghana. But in truth, to use any one of these appellations alone, while accurate, would underwhelm the immensity of her story and her ebullient persona. To incorporate all, would be the beginning of a fitting description: a description fit for a king.

King Peggy visited Minneapolis March 5th as part of a national

KING PEGGY TURN TO 6

The

State of Black America stock.xchng

National Urban League seeks to “Occupy the Vote” Opinion

By George E. Curry The National Urban League’s annual “State of Black America” report took a sharp turn this year from what it normally considers the most pressing issues facing African-Americans.

“More than the economy, more than jobs, more than an excellent education, the single

issue that arguably stands to have the greatest impact on the future of Black America in 2012 is the vote,” wrote Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.

That’s quite a statement from the head of an organization famous for its successful job training programs and close working relationship with Fortune 500 companies.

Morial explained: “As Congress wrestles over measures to create jobs and grow the economy, a multistate effort is underway to exclude those Americans most profoundly affected by the

VOTE TURN TO 9

Business Leadership Profile

Four generations of great hair

PAGE 2

No easy solutions

By George E. Curry © TheDefenders Online.com After remaining virtually unchanged throughout 2011, the Black unemployment rate fell from 15.8 percent last December to 13.6 percent in January, a drop of 2.2 percent. But from January to February, the figure eased back up to 14.1 percent , an indication that the persistent problem of Black unemployment is not

Justspeak

Ethnic mapping and racial profiling: What’s in a name?

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likely to go away soon.

African-Americans, who voted for President Obama at a rate of 95 percent, have been quietly sulking over his inability to lower the Black unemployment rate. They saw the rate rise from 9 percent in December 2007, at the beginning of the recent recession, to 14.9 percent in June 2009 when the recession officially ended, to 15.8 percent in

EMPLOYMENT 2 TURN TO

To Be Equal

By Marc H. Morial “The single issue that arguably stands to have the greatest impact on the future of Black America in 2012 is the vote.” The State of Black America 2012 This week, the National Urban League takes its fight for jobs, education, voting rights and empowerment to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. In meetings

Interview

Len Elmore: From hoops star to lawyer to broadcaster

PAGE 7

with Obama Administration officials and leaders from both parties in Congress, we will demand immediate action on the persistent jobs crisis and we will offer our own 8-point plan to Educate, Employ and Empower the 13 million Americans who remain out of work.

The highlight of our threeday occupation of the nation’s capital is the March 7 release of our annual State of Black America report at a 7 pm town hall meeting on the campus of Howard University. I will be joined by Howard University president, Dr. Sidney Ribeau and a host of civil rights, political,

OCCUPY TURN TO 5

Full Circle

Hope, the remedy for disappointment

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Four generations of great hair Business Leadership Profile

By Erin Jerabek, Executive Director West Broadway Business Area coalition Dimensions in Hair was awarded the 2012 Best Barber and Beauty Shop in Minneapolis’ 5th Ward.

Dimensions is a multicultural full service hair salon that caters to each client’s unique style and personality while giving priority to maintaining the integrity and health of the hair. The business has been thriving on W. Broadway for over 17 years.

Michael and Doris Spicer are the salon owners but they are not the only Spicers in the hair business. Michael’s grandmother started the family trend that has lasted four generations of creating great style. Grandma Spicer was a beautician and salon owner. She started a small shop in the basement of their home in Illinois. According to Michael, his grandmother was one of the first beauticians around to use the marcel iron, giving women a soft wavy style. Her skills and cutting edge techniques attracted women from neighboring cities and towns into their small basement shop. Grandma Spicer retired from hairstyling at 78.

Michael grew up spending a significant amount of time in his grandmother’s salon. Michael’s mother was a 2nd generation stylist also worked there. Lisa Spicer-Wade, Michaels daughter also recalls spending time in the grandmother’s salon, “even

Employment From 1 December 2011. Meanwhile, White unemployment rose from 4.4 percent in December 2007 to 8.7 percent at the end of the recession before falling to 7.5

when no one was down there, I would just walk around in the salon, smell all the wonderful smells and look at all the tools.” Lisa started as Stylist at Dimensions in Hair the first year it opened.

Michael went to Barber School after high school and worked as a barber in Richmond, Indiana. Eventually, he moved to MN and finished college at Metro State. He worked for ETA, the Super Computer division of Control Data. Upon being laid off, Michael enlisted the advice of a job coach. Giving Michael’s history, the job coach told Michael, “he would return to barbering.” Although, at first he was a bit apprehensive, it wasn’t too long after that meeting that he and Doris decided to open a beauty and barber shop on W. Broadway.

Doris Spicer was born in North Minneapolis, which contributed to the Spicer’s choosing W. Broadway as the location for the salon. Doris was not a stylist but when they decided the salon was in their future, Doris enrolled and graduated from Horst (now

Michael Spicer

Lisa Spicer-Wade

percent last December. It was 7.4 percent in January and 7.3 percent in February.

Obama, who goes out of his way to avoid discussing race, did not endear himself to African Americans when he said in 2009: “The most important thing I can do for the African-American community is the same thing I can

do for the American community, period, and that is get the economy going again and get people hiring again.”

But people haven’t been hiring in significant numbers during Obama’s presidency.

Consequently, Black unemployment reached 16.7 percent last August, the highest

Photos: Suluki Fardan

the Aveda Institute) shortly after.

Doris doesn’t work at the salon anymore but she is still involved in the operations. “Doris is one of those people that excels in everything she does. She gets A’s that’s what she does,” Michael described Doris’ strong and diverse skill set.

Lisa was working as a stylist in North Carolina when Michael and Doris decided to open Dimensions in Hair. “My dad called me and told me to move home and come work in the salon, so that is what I did.”

Lisa came home and has been working in the salon ever since.

When asked if any of Lisa’s children received the hairstylist gene, Lisa laughed, “of course.”

Although they are not old enough just yet at least one of Lisa’s children are destined to become a stylist and are interested in the opportunity. Lisa is also a residential realtor and worked for Catalyst Community Partners on several community development initiatives in North Minneapolis.

And there is more, Darius, Michael’s son is also a barber.

Darius works at a salon in Las Vegas but he got his start at Dimensions in Hair with the family.

level since 1984.

But both critics and supporters of the president underestimate the difficulty of reducing Black unemployment, which has been twice the rate of Whites at least since 1972, the year the Bureau of Labor Statistics began collecting such data.

At a recent conference on Black unemployment sponsored by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) in Washington, Algernon Austin, director of EPI’s Program on Race, Ethnicity and the Economy, said: “The American economy has done a pretty good job providing employment for Whites. For most years, the unemployment rate for Whites has been at or below 5 percent – for many years, it has been at or below 4 percent.

“However, in this time period, it has done, frankly, a terrible job at putting Blacks to work. For most of the years, looking at national annual unemployment rates, it’s been above 10 percent – in many years, it’s been significantly above 10 percent.”

In fact, in 20 of the past 27 years, the Black unemployment rate has stood at 10 percent higher.

It was 18.9 percent in 1982 and

19.5 percent the following year.

Austin placed the unemployment figures in a chilling perspective: “The absolute worst unemployment rates that Whites have experienced corresponds to about the best – the absolute best – rates that African-Americans have experienced.”

Trying to inject a light moment in a discussion that does not lend itself to humor, Austin told those attending the conference on Black unemployment, “We could give up the struggle for equality, for equal opportunity to work, and say, ‘We just want the absolute worst that Whites have experienced in unemployment in the last 50 years.’ Just give us the worst and that would be a tremendous improvement over what we’ve experienced.”

All jokes aside, why has Black unemployment been so stubbornly high?

The most frequently cited reasons include a younger work force, a lower proportion of African-Americans earning college degrees and Blacks disproportionately living in areas of high unemployment.

An EPI briefing paper on occupational segregation

Michael does have one other son, Mike Spicer Jr., who is not a barber but is like Lisa is also a realtor and is dedicated to contributing to the economic and community development of North Minneapolis. Mike works for Urban Homeworks, a nonprofit housing developer and one of the lead organizations in the Northside Tornado response and recovery.

In addition to their 5th Ward Best of Award, Dimensions in Hair also recently received a façade grant from the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition for new windows, tile, signage, and a large mural.

The mural will be completed

by March.

With the new improvements to the business they have seen over a ten percent increase in cliental.

Michael is excited about the new developments to W. Broadway including the new Minneapolis Public Schools building. He is also in support of the potential for a W. Broadway street car and proposed housing developments along the avenue, “these investments are good for the neighborhood and good for business.”

Like his grandmother’s salon, Dimensions in Hair attracts a multicultural cliental from all around the state including the occasional professional athlete.

The staff is experienced, reliable, and consistent with their workalways putting the client first.

Dimensions in Hair Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9AM to 6PM Beauty Shop (612) 529-4757 Barber Shop (612) 588-5161 1417 West Broadway Ave. North Minneapolis, MN 55411 www.dimensionsinhairsalon.com

noted that “black men tend to be crowded into lower-paying occupations – even when they have similar educational attainment as white men.” It found, “The average of the annual wages of occupations in which black men are overrepresented is $37,005, compared with $50,333 in occupations in which they are underrepresented.”

Tanya Clay House, director of public policy for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said at the conference that the overuse of credit history and criminal background checks also works to the disadvantage of Blacks and Latinos.

She explained that while 25 percent of Whites have poor credit, half of Blacks and a third of Latinos have bad credit. Moreover, the Lawyers’ Committee argues that one’s credit history does not yield any useful information on an applicant’s honesty, reliability or future job performance.

“We still have approximately 60 percent of employers who are still using credit checks,” House stated. “And approximately 92 percent use criminal background checks to screen applicants, oftentimes illegally.”

Austin, the EPI official, said that in order to close the unemployment gap: The federal government should provide funds to local governments for job creation.

Non-profit and for-profit organizations should be provide funds to train Black job applicants and place them in jobs.

Private sector employers who hire residents from highunemployment communities should be given government wage subsidies.

Panelists acknowledged that the political climate might not be right in Washington to support such government actions.

However, that did not prevent them from making their case.

Austin said, “The past 50 years have shown that the private sector and modest amelioration efforts have failed to provide a good job for every AfricanAmerican who wants to work.”

He added, “A sustained level of high unemployment for AfricanAmericans decade after decade after decade after decade should be recognized as a crisis as serious and as deep as periodic national recessions.”

In his briefing paper, Austin stated, “If a bold new approach is not developed to address the racial unemployment disparity, it is likely that African Americans will be condemned to unemployment rates that are twice those of whites into the foreseeable future.”

George E. Curry, former editor-inchief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry. com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge.

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Insight News • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Page 3

Ethnic mapping and racial profiling: What’s in a name?

Justspeak

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor “First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. …Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.”

I am always haunted by these words of Rev. Fredrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemöller, delivered in his last sermon before he was incarcerated by the Nazis in 1937.

They are a reminder of how fragile

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Natalie Benz Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Maya Beecham Harry Colbert, Jr. Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Fred Easter S. Himie Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

freedom is, and a warning of what can happen to all of us when we remain silent in the face of atrocities. Our country is engaged in a battle of “rights” versus “security.” And in the name of the latter, we find ourselves standing at a precipice in which the “rights” of a few (Muslims) are deemed to be expendable for the sake of the “security” of all. Enter the new age of “ethnic mapping.”

We are told that Muslims, often portrayed to us in the media as monolithic and acting in some type of “psychic unity” in their disdain and hatred for Americans and Christianity, are a security threat. And so, we must pre-empt them in order to save ourselves. The question is who is included in the “ourselves?” Are Blacks included, even though we were once subjected to “Racial Profiling?”

Are Gays’ and LBGTs’ included or, because their lives and loves are viewed by some as amoral and an affront to certain types of Christian values, should they be excluded? It’s not clear anymore. And Ethnic Mapping seems to be another way to take bodies that are easily identifiable—because they are Black, Brown, Muslim—and find ways to monitor and contain them.

Does a potential terrorist attack justify the New York Police Department recent surveillance of Muslim students like Jawad Rasul as part of their new “ethnic mapping” strategy? Does the fear of such a threat justify them going so far as to plant an informant in Rasul’s circle of acquaintance? In a recent NPR interview on March 8, 2012, Jawad, an ordinary student at City College of New York who has a family and prays five times a day in accordance with his Islamic faith, described how disconcerting it was to learn that he had been spied upon. He stated, “…It’s really disturbing [to learn that there was an informant along on a rafting trip], and it breaks the trust that we have developed—or we had developed at this time with the law enforcement agencies…”

So do the ends justify the means? I mean does it matter if we tap into and disrupt the privacy of everyday citizens because we think that they might be a risk simply because of their religion?

It’s a slippery slope that we are on in this country.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the British had a program called “Sus.” It allowed them to stop anyone, most of whom happened to be primarily young men of Black Caribbean descent, who they deemed to be Suspects, simply because they were young, Black, and of Caribbean ancestry.

Most of these youth were thoroughly British, many having been born in the U.K. Yet, their skin color made them a target for no other reason than that it made them stand out from the majority of white British citizens.

James Slacker, a British reporter stated in a 2010 article that “…so-called ‘Sus laws’ were scrapped in the 1980s after the alleged targeting of Black

PhotoXpress

people by police led to race riots in London, Birmingham and Liverpool.” In the same article, he revealed that British police are thinking of returning to this form of ethnic profiling, despite outrage over the possibilities.

Moustafa Bayoumi hit the nail on the head in his recent book, How Does It Feel To Be a Problem: Being Young and Arab in America. In this book, he explores the thoughts and experiences of young ArabAmericans who get mistaken for the enemy. American has already been down this road when we interned hundreds of Japanese citizens because they looked like the enemy.

Our fears are overtaking us. In anthropology, we call it “xenophobia” or fear of foreigners/strangers.

In our American history, that xenophobia was refined into ideologies and practices of racism that still prevail today. Now we have both xenophobia as expressed in antiimmigration sentiments and the ongoing manifestations of racism, most frequently directly towards non-white people. And of course, homophobia (fears of gay and LBGT people) is increasing as an outgrowth of the religious fervor that seems to have consumed some segments of this country.

All of these examples point to a growing malady in the United States and globally. Difference is perceived to be a bad thing. And those who cannot be homogenized because of their skin color, religion, sexual preference are increasingly coming under attack, as if we are a virus that needs to be stamped out. This is dangerous terrain for any country.

We must remember that it was an ideology based on biological racism, a belief in racial purity, and a superior race that led to one atrocity. And it is the fear of

“difference” that has driven other atrocities throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. When will we learn from the past?

Today, in 2012, we are increasingly becoming a world divided into “them” and “us.” Of course, the “us” faction are always right. But they tend to have historical myopia. For example, in the United States, those who are calling for anti-immigration legislation forget that they are not the original people who populated this land. Their (white) ancestors were originally immigrants, and had the current anti-immigration legislation they promote been in place, many of them would not be sitting in the positions of power and influence they now hold.

Most of those promoting antiimmigration laws are white. And that is their blind spot. They fail to accept the reality that “whiteness” and “maleness” are still forms of privilege in most western countries. And, those ethnics who join them and seek to “pass” either by de-ethnicizing themselves or by adopting their ideology of

intolerance against difference are promoting a platform that is unsustainable in a free world.

Those of us who are unable to change our racial phenotype (not that we should) or are unable to blend in (not that we want to), regardless of our successes, are always questioned, scrutinized, and increasingly we are resented for our accomplishments.

I had coffee the other day with a young Black woman who works in an organization in the area of donor relations. She explained that whenever she meets new clients, she must go through at least ten minutes of reciting her pedigree and credentials in order to even begin the conversation.

The people her job requires her to meet with simply can’t imagine that a Black woman is able to give them advice about the best way to distribute their money philanthropically. This is an extra step her white colleagues do not have to go through. And yet, we still want to insist that it’s a level playing field.

The opposition to President

Obama falls along these lines.

What we are observing in terms of the opposition to him is not just partisan politics; this resistance to his leadership is entangled with the fact that there are whites who simply cannot accept the fact that a man of African/African-American descent or who is Black (as the President chooses to position himself) could have anything of value to say to them; they are resentful of his achievements and his ability to have won by a landslide election to the highest position in this country. Behind his back, they are whispering “who does he think he is?” They accuse President Obama of being a snob for his belief in education, and yet no other President has ever had to apologize for going to college and promoting higher education.

Ethnic mapping is simply another iteration of racial profiling. We are drawing upon stereotypes, xenophobia and racism. It is a form of tracking people based purely on how they

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Page 4 • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Insight News

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EDUCATION

Edwin Flowers, Twin Cities Academy High School

Herbert Ouma, Eden Prairie High School

Kai Stute, Woodbury High School

Klenton Miles StockmanWillis, Hill Murray High School

Jamar Kelly, Cretin-Durham Hall

Khyle Eastin, The Blake School

Rashawn Fountain, Eden Prairie High School

Ademola Rotimi, Champlin Park High School

Travonte Neal, Eastview High School

Andre Hinds, The Blake School

Ayorinde Wusu, Park Center High School

Wesley Ferguson, Wayzata High School

Davion Johnson, St. Paul Central

Photos: andrews-photography.com

LaJaun Willis, III, Eden Prairie High School

Rites of Passage: Building strength of mind, strength of character On Saturday, March 10, 2012, fourteen, high school seniors experienced a traditional African ceremony that symbolized their transformation from childhood to adulthood. In front of their family, friends and mentors, the fourteen initiates were presented at the 14th Annual Minneapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill’s Rites of Passage (ROP) ceremony, entitled: Building Strength of Mind and Strength of Character.

At a time that academics are scratching their heads and pointing blame as a result of the glaring need to help students of color succeed in education, this year’s initiates represented a group of students

who are thriving in education and owning their destiny. They represent public, private, city and suburban high schools.

They excel in academics, the arts and athletics and are leaders in their schools, churches and communities.

The initiates represent highs schools from Hopkins, The Blake School, Wayzata, Twin Cities Academy, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Central, CretinDurham Hall, East Ridge, East View, Champlin, Hill-Murray, Woodbury and Park Center.

“This year’s initiates are one of the most creative groups we have ever had,” said Chuck Hill, one of the mentors who has participated in the program

since its inception and the proud father of two of the program’s graduates.

The ROP program is a 6-month long program that pairs students (initiates) with adult male mentors.

The mentors spend one-onone time with them to ensure the initiates have a point of contact and feel supported throughout the program. The initiates experience workshops on a range of topics including, finances, health, and college.

They also spend time working in the community including serving at General Mill’s Martin Luther King breakfast.

Additionally, the initiates and mentors go on an overnight

retreat to bond and reflect on the program experience. The culmination of the program is the rites of passage ceremony and dinner.

The event is co-chaired by two members of Jack and Jill. This year’s chairs are The Honorable Tanya Bransford and Vanessa Ware.

They oversee the entire event, from recruiting the students and mentors to planning the workshops to providing support for the initiates’ families.

“We’re excited and honored to work with these young men,” said Bransford. “They are so grateful to be a part of ROP, but it is truly our privilege to be a part of their lives.”

The cost to produce the ROP is primarily generated through funds raised by Jack and Jill members and the initiates. “So far we have been fortunate enough to secure gifts from our past relationships, but as with everything else the costs to run this program are increasing and it’s a tough economy,” stated Ware. “We believe in the value of this program and until it becomes too cost prohibitive, we will strive to keep it going.”

The Monitors, a men’s civic organization, has sponsored the ROP program the longest – six, consecutive years– followed by Jostens and General Mills. New to this year’s sponsor list is Best Buy and BT Nsight, Inc.

Minnesota does not offer many, if any, programs aimed at supporting African American male students who are doing well in high school and are positive role models in their community. Since the inception of the ROP program in 1999, more than 200 initiates have graduated. The ROP program was created by a Minneapolis Jack and Jill member, Linda Baker Keene, currently the CEO of the Girls Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, who saw a need to shed light on the successes that often times are overlooked or over shadowed by negative attention on African American males.

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Insight News • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Page 5

AESTHETICS

Review: I’m Going to Chuuch

By Alaina L. Lewis Ever met someone whom you knew was destined for great things in entertainment and thought to yourself, “One day I’ll be able to say, I knew them when…”?

And such is Minneapolis filmmaker and newly turned playwright DaJuan Savage who has taken his formula for writing sharp, quick witted, and masterful screenplays and transitioned it over to the world of theater. His stage debut, “I’m Going to Chuuch,” opens at Capri Theater in North Minneapolis on March 24 and 25. There’s no denying the show is set to amaze and draw tears and with it comes an unforgettable message about finding your home in God. Savage got his start as a documentary filmmaker. One of his very first projects was a piece about homelessness where he immersed himself in that community here in Minneapolis and cut together a detailed illustration of the struggles of living on the streets. His ability to capture candid takes and human vulnerability is what makes his filmmaker eye the genuine deal and he’s now ready to bring this trademark to the world of theater.

“My purpose behind my work is capturing the stuff that you don’t see on television.

We’re shown stuff that says ‘life is always good,’ or ‘people are always snap happy’ and that’s not true. I like to show what’s making these people struggle,” Savage shares with

Occupy From 1 business, youth and religious leaders for an open-dialogue about some of the most pressing issues facing Black America.

In this election year, no issue is more important than galvanizing Black voter participation and turning back the current assault on voting rights that threatens to disenfranchise as many as 5

Profiling From 3 look, dress, and speak. However, it is a form of surveillance that historically has used specifically against Brown and Black bodies, and now is being used to monitor those whose religious practice and dress make them stand out.

Isn’t it ironic that virtually every high school shooting tragedy in this country was initiated by fellow students who were adolescent white males, often described as disaffected, anti-social, and possibly the subject of bullying? Yet, there is no “racial profiling” or “ethnic mapping” of young, white men. Why? Could it be because “whiteness” is not viewed as a “race” or an “ethnicity?” And if it is not, then why not? If as much attention was paid to such white anti-social young men as is paid to Muslim young men who go fishing and pray five times a day, perhaps we could prevent the tremendous tragedies that have occurred in schools across this nation. That type of “white” profiling or “white” mapping might actually have an impact on preventing real harm.

In the case of ethnic mapping, racial profiling and “Sus laws,” there is virtually no empirical data to suggest they have significant impact on stopping terrorism or reducing crime. What they have done is to ensure that specific members of society are forced to recognize that they do not have the same rights as others (their white counterparts), and are made to feel as outsiders in the countries of their birth and citizenship.

American society is at a precipice. Increasingly politicians campaign on a Conservative platform, and those who vote for them as part of the conservative right, wish to have their religious beliefs dictate the political and social direction of this country.

They would rob us of choice, an inherent American right. I should

Dajuan Savage

Chantel SingGs

Photos courtesy of Alaina Lewis

Insight News.

“Chuuch” doesn’t cut corners on drama, nor does it make light of the unfortunate goings on that seemingly get swept under the rug in some church settings – it also doesn’t apologize for its raw material which departs from some of the watered down fictional stage plays which are making their rounds across the country today.

“Chuuch” follows the journey of a young man who

comes home for his father’s funeral only to discover that his shady uncle is now running their church. Dabbling in the world of sex, drugs and other acts proves to have great affect on the congregation when they learn that the IRS will be seizing their place of worship.

The play stars some of Minneapolis’ finest artists.

National songstress Chantel SinGs stars as a woman searching for a way back to God after being raped by her

pastor. Local comedian Pierre Douglas plays the shady pastor who preaches the light but can’t get enough of living in the dark. Tamia Clark from the famed group the Sounds of Blackness plays an Angel who acts as a witness to all that is going on with this group, and newcomer Bryen Bogan plays the young man whose come home to bury his father only to realize that he’ll have to help bury the rest of the drama going on around him too. Felix

Hampton Brown and Tina Turner are serving as the plays directors.

Savage wanted to create a piece that everyone could relate to, whether by personal experience, or by association.

He wants “Chuuch” to be a show that doesn’t cut corners on truth but also encourages his audience that every problem they have whether big or small can be confronted and solved with the help of God. “I’m Going to Chuuch”

opens March 24th at 7pm and March 25th at 6pm at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis.

With the Saturday evening show already sold out, “Chuuch” is proving to be one of the years most anticipated events. You don’t want to miss out on an amazing show.

For tickets please call: DaJuan Savage at 763-8073161 or buy them at the Capri Theater box office on March 24th or March 25th.

million Americans this year.

As Congress wrestles over measures to create jobs and grow the economy, a multistate effort is underway to exclude those Americans most profoundly affected by the political process. Last year, more than half a century after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, thirty-four states attempted to pass legislation that would impose unreasonable voting restrictions or absurd penalties limiting the registration

process. Despite the efforts of civil rights groups and others, these bills have become law in 14 states, with bills in 26 states still pending.

This coordinated attack on the rights of citizens to participate in their government comes at a particularly perilous time for communities of color.

The African American unemployment rate is hovering above 13%.

Latino unemployment stands at nearly 11%. And as various “Occupy” movements across

the country have made clear, millions of Americans are fed up with growing income inequality.

Our own 2012 State of Black America “Equality Index” finds the economic status of African Americans relative to Whites is only 56.3%. For Hispanics the economic Equality Index is 60%. In a moment that cries out for greater civic participation, some are intent on silencing our voices and taking away the most powerful weapon in the arsenal of

democracy – the right to vote.

Fortunately, this issue is catching fire in Washington and throughout the nation.

Citizens across the country are joining the U.S. Department of Justice, civil rights groups and the Congressional Black Caucus in challenging these blatant attacks on voting rights.

Our 2012 State of Black America report also contains essays from national experts on ways to improve urban education, support small businesses, and promote better

nutrition, especially among urban youth.

Although the State of Black America is not yet what we want it to be, it is my hope that this year’s report will inspire all Americans to Occupy the Vote to Educate, Employ and Empower.

To find out how you can get a copy of the 2012 State of Black America log on to www. iamempowered.com.

have the right to choose if I want to take birth control, and it should be made available as other drugs are. No one has mentioned the fact that health insurance pays for Viagra for men.

The vision the political conservatives (PCs) have carved out is not a pretty one—Gay and LBGT people would be persecuted because PCs believe them to be an “abomination” in the sight of God. And, women would have little to no control over their bodies, because the political conservatives-- in what they consider their divinelysanctioned wisdom— would eliminate choice for birth control and abortion as options.

And yet, these same groups do nothing to reform foster care and orphanages that are filled with

children whose parents chose to bring them into this world, but place them in institutions in which they do not live emotionally and physically healthy lives. And what about homeless youth, where are their plans for this vulnerable group? Where is the political conservatives’ call for changes in the policies on these matters, and where are their recommendations to spend more government funds to improve the lives of these children? Better yet, why aren’t PCs promoting adoption of these children among their ranks?

Rev. Niemöller cautioned us over seventy years ago about the slippery slope of xenophobia, racism, and religious intolerance.

His message was clear: those who are easily targeted will be

rounded up first, then they will come for everyone else, and ultimately, there will be no one left to speak out.

Once we go down the road of treading on the rights of those who are most unlike ourselves, what makes us think our own rights will be respected?

The precedent has been set, and there is no turning back, because there will be no one left to protest. © 2012 McClaurin Solutions

mcclaurintweets) Read more: http://en.wikiquote. o rg / w i k i / M a r t i n _ Niem%C3%B6ller http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ news/article-1320983/Angerreturn-Sus-laws-let-policetarget-minorities.html

http://www.npr. org/2012/03/08/148235381/ ethnic-mapping-prophylacticor-offensive http://us.penguingroup. com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/ 0,,9780143115410,00.html

Irma McClaurin, PhD is the Culture and Education Editor for Insight News of Minneapolis.

She is an anthropologist and writer living in Raleigh, NC and a former university president. (www.irmamcclaurin.com) (@

Page 6 • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Insight News

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Book signing

Top: Papa Warrior, King Peggy’s brother.. Bottom: L-R: King Peggy, Robin Hickman, Terra Cole, Natonia Johnson and Francine Chakolis (seated)

King Peggy From 1 crowning ceremony in beautiful Otuam, she discovers the dire reality: there’s no running water, no doctor, and no high school, and many of the village elders are stealing the town’s funds.

To make matters worse, her uncle (the late king) sits in a morgue awaiting a proper funeral in the royal palace, which is in ruins. The longer she waits to bury him, the more she risks incurring the wrath of her ancestors.

Peggy’s first two years as king of Otuam unfold in a way that is stranger than fiction.

In the end, a deeply traditional African town has been uplifted by the ambitions of its headstrong, decidedly modern

female king.

And in changing Otuam, Peggy is herself transformed, from an ordinary secretary to the heart and hope of her community.

Though the book stops there, the story does not.

Minneapolis Urban League invited King Peggy to a luncheon meeting with community elders.

The historic meeting would be recorded as a television program for Conversations with Al McFarlane on three Twin Cities television networks, MCN 6, SPNN 19, MTN 15 and, for radio broadcast on KFAI, 90.3 FM. From the 2nd floor boardroom of the Glover-Sudduth Center for Neighborhood and Economic Development at 2100 Plymouth, I watched as the car bringing the King and her escort, her brother Papa Warrior, arrived at the Minneapolis Urban League

headquarters.

I got downstairs in time to greet her at the door, and welcome her to North Minneapolis and to the Minneapolis Urban League, a legacy institution serving Twin Cities’ Black community and center city neighborhoods.

“Direct” described the way King Peggy greeted two young leaders, political trailblazers I introduced to her as “young elders.”

“King Peggy,” I said, “let me introduce you to Natonia Johnson. She is a candidate for the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners’ seat representing this district.”

Johnson stood and nodded a respectful greeting across the boardroom table.

King Peggy scanned the confident sweep of Johnson’s rise to attention, and declared, “You will win!”

L-R: Spike Moss, Peter Hayden, Papa Warrior, and Al McFarlane

Photos: Suluki Fardan

L-R: Rebecca Fabunmi, Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Robin Hickman, Natonia Johnson, King Peggy, Terra Cole, Papa Warrior, and Dr. Anita Davis-Defoe.

“And this,” I said, directing the King’s attention to her right, “is Terra Cole, candidate for the Minnesota House of Representative for this legislative district.”

Her gaze penetrating deeply like a MRI body scan, King Peggy surveyed Cole’s ascent, her smile and the greeting in her eyes. “You will win,” she decreed.

Thus began an hour of intense engagement. It was a conversation that reminded us to remember who we are, and the act of guidance we are receiving all the time.

“You are not alone,” King Peggy told the village elders, who assembled themselves in a forum resembling formative stages of a traditional village council.

You are surrounded by beings who care for you, who will guide you, who will enable and empower you to overcome any adversity, who deliver you to and through challenges and adversity to strengthen you,” she said.

King Peggy’s impact on Twin Cities elders mirrors the impact she and her story have on people learning about her through television interviews, and by reading her book. Online, comments praising the King and her story include the following: Online reviewer Silicon Valley Girl (Sunnyvale, CA USA) rated the book 5 stars out of 5 and said, “Peggy Bartels was a Ghanaian-American woman, working a demanding secretarial job at the Ghanaian embassy in D.C. Separated from her husband, her life outside work was minimal. Then she got a middle-of-the-night call telling her that she’d been elected king of her ancestral village in Ghana -- a village she’d only visited a few times.

Should she accept the offer?

Well, of course she should and does, and thankfully we now have this wonderful memoir to read. Peggy saves up her money and goes back to visit her family in Ghana and be installed as king. Naturally she finds that much is not as it

should be. And, as we readers expect (but some of the people back in Ghana don’t), Peggy shakes things up. Humorous, touching, informative, and totally enjoyable. Don’t miss.”

Rosemarie Larkin, Philadelphia, PA, in January this year rated the book 5.0 out of 5 stars and wrote a review entitled Who died and made you king?

Larkin wrote: “My sibs and I used to jeer that at each other when one of us was getting too big for his britches; but it actually happened to Peggielene Bartels, naturalized American and secretary at the Ghanian embassy in Washington.

Unknown to her, she was the chosen heir of her Uncle Joseph, king of the Ghanian fishing village of Otuam. The omens consulted by the elders had confirmed his unusual choice.

Uncle Joseph, though a king, had not been a wealthy man, so Peggielene had for years been sending part of her modest salary home for the maintenance of her uncle and the village. When a cousin called her one night to tell her she was the new king, she at first thought she was dreaming.

However, when she flew to Ghana for her investiture she found more of a nightmare.

During her uncle’s long decline several of the village elders had done very well for themselves; stealing taxes and illegally selling off crown land and pocketing the proceeds. The royal coffers were empty, the palace uninhabitable, and there was not even enough money to bury Uncle Joseph with the honors due a king. With a new mostly absentee king who was a `mere’ woman, the elders fully expected to be able to continue to run the town for their exclusive benefit.

In a society where women are still expected to modestly lower their eyes and obey when addressed by men, the elders couldn’t have possibly reckoned on feisty Peggielene.

Determined that crown revenues should be used for the benefit

KING PEGGY TURN TO 11

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Insight News • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Page 7

Len Elmore: From hoops star to lawyer to broadcaster Interview

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com A man long associated with March Madness, Len Elmore is currently appearing on CBS for his 12th season as an analyst during the network’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship coverage. In addition, he has served as a basketball analyst for ESPN for the past 13 consecutive years, calling ACC and Big East games, including the Big East Tournament.

Elmore is an eight-year NBA veteran, having played with the Indiana Pacers, Kansas City Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks. He spent two seasons with the ABA’s Indiana Pacers in 1975-76 before the franchise joined the NBA. Len is a 1974 graduate of the University of Maryland where he was a three-time All-ACC player as well as an All-American his senior year. In 2002, the 50th Anniversary of the ACC, he was chosen as one of the ACC’s Top 50 Players of all time.

Elmore also earned a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1987 and began his law career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, N.Y. He presently serves on The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics Reform, on the University of Maryland Foundation Board of Trustees, as well as on the Board of Directors of both 1800Flowers.com and Lee Enterprises, Inc. Plus, Len has served as President of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.

Born in the Big Apple on March 28, 1952, Len still resides there and was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001. Here, he talks about March Madness and about his extraordinary careers on the court, behind the microphone, and as an attorney.

Kam Williams: Hi Len, thanks for the interview. I’m also born in 1952 and grew up in New York, so I’ve followed your career since high school when you led Power Memorial to the city championship and the #1 ranking in the nation.

Len Elmore: Thank you, Kam. KW: With everyone filling out their March Madness brackets in office pools right now, let me start by asking who you think has what it takes to win the NCAA Tournament this year?

LE: Boy, there’s not just one team. Obviously, there are the favorites like Syracuse, and certainly Kentucky, a good young team. We could also look at a team like Duke which has enjoyed a resurgence. After being up and down during the season, the Blue Devils finished strong enough to be considered for a #1 seed. Then, there are those teams that people haven’t really spoken about much, like Kansas, which has played very well, as has Missouri. And there are others with plenty of potential,

such as Michigan State which worked its way into a #1 seed.

Most people didn’t have this level of expectation for them after they finished .500 in the Big Ten last year. But The Spartans have really redeemed themselves with a lot of youth, although they also have a terrific veteran in Draymond Green. Ohio State sort of has to overcome some of their issues, but they’re very capable of going all the way in a six-game series. And North Carolina is definitely built to go the distance in the tournament.

So, those are the teams I think we should be looking at, but in the end, I really believe that Syracuse and Kentucky are the two teams that have shown very few weaknesses.

KW: When filling out my brackets, I tend to consider coaching, point guards, injuries and momentum.

LE: Syracuse is uniquely set up in terms of all those variables, especially the point guard situation. But we’ve seen them in that position the last couple of years, and they still went out early, because of a tough matchup against teams who were able to handle them really well. So, your strategy might work some of the time, but you may as well throw stats out the window if some magic dust has been sprinkled on a Cinderella team.

KW: I think March Madness makes for the most exciting and compelling spectacular in all of sports. Why is that?

LE: The beauty of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament is in its structure, a one and done situation, which includes so many teams not considered serious contenders who nevertheless have the potential to overcome their shortcomings and rise to the occasion. You also have the fallibility of a heavy favorite who might make a few fatal mistakes in a game and find itself facing elimination. Those are the components of the drama that make March Madness.

KW: This question is from the Michael Reichwald, President of Yorkson Legal, who is a great March Madness fan: Do you feel a special bond to Jeremy Lin, as you both attended Harvard?

LE: Not necessarily a Harvard bond. I went to Harvard Law school, not the undergrad, so I can’t say I’m as capable as he is. The bond I do feel with him has to do with his persevering in developing the fundamental basketball skills he’s displayed.

It’s almost an indictment of NBA players how fundamental skills can become an equalizer of great talent. Lin approaches the game with an unselfish attitude, wanting to play with and for his teammates. That’s where his success lies. Yes, he might not be as talented as many of his opponents. Yet his teammates are better and play harder with him out there on the floor because of his unselfishness. By comparison, we’ve all too often witnessed NBA stars who attain a certain level and only play for themselves. We’ll have to see whether Lin can sustain this level of play long term, but I think his will always be a success story

lockout. He’s generating a lot of excitement and bringing new people in who might not have been following the NBA. But whether this level of excitement will last, remains to be seen.

Len Elmore regardless, simply because he’s demonstrated an attitude that ought to be adopted by more players.

KW: Gail Marquis says that back in the Seventies, you were teammates at Maryland with John Lucas, Tom McMillen and Tom Roy. All of them had been top high school players in their respective states. She would like to know how your coach, Lefty Driesell, blended those diverse talents, and how you got along as a team, race relations-wise?

LE: That’s a pretty interesting question. Coach Driesell was the architect of a system designed to get the most out of our individual talents. And he made sure that everybody had a chance to room with each other to break down barriers. But as far as our actually meshing as a team, that was up to us. That was based upon both how we were raised as individuals and on our desire to become a unit. In terms of race relations, we were looking for unity, to coalesce, and to cross cultural bridges. We were so close that we’d find ways to socialize together. We lived, hung out and ate together. And our love for each other and development of bonds was so deep that we’re all still friends to this day.

KW: Rod Williams says: In your day, the NBA only drafted college underclassmen as hardship cases. I think what is overlooked in the success of Jeremy Lin is that he had stayed in college which afforded him an opportunity to study the game while his mind and body matured.

LE: The term “hardship” was a fallacy and a work of art, since there was no filter through which the league would determine whether or not someone was really a hardship case. You wouldn’t believe how many guys from middle-class backgrounds left school early

David Shankbone

because they wanted the money.

That being said, I do believe staying in college for 4 years obviously allows one to develop fundamental skills. What’s lost on so many of the young kids who come out early nowadays with tremendous athletic talent, with what the pros call a big “upside,” is that they still need to develop the fundamental base in order to build into an extraordinary talent.

As extremely talented as Lebron James is physically, he still lacks certain fundamentals that might be exposed when his body starts to betray him, if ever. The flip side of that is Kobe Bryant who is so fundamentally sound. He’s more of an anomaly.

KW: That might because he was taught by his dad who played in the NBA. Did you go up against Joe Bryant back in the day?

LE: Yeah, I played against Jellybean.

KW: Rod was also wondering what you thought of Secretary of Education and HarvardAlumArne Duncan’s recent performance in the NBA Celebrity Game?

LE: Unfortunately, I missed it, but my wife and younger son watched it and they were impressed. Arne was a great player in college. As a matter of fact, I was in law school at the same time he was playing for Harvard as an undergrad.

I got to scrimmage with him a little bit back then, since I was trying to stay in shape during my retirement. So I know firsthand just how good a player he is.

He still plays with President Obama, and I’m sure the game of basketball remains his first love.

KW: What does Jeremy Lin mean to the NBA? LE: He’s a terrific story for the league at a time it’s trying to recover its fan base and viewership in the wake of the

KW: Lowery Gibson says: Mr. Elmore, you played at a time when the game was bigger that the sum of its players, even with the superstars of your time. He asks: does the sport still feel the same to him?

LE: In all honesty, I’m not nearly as much of a fan of the NBA as I was maybe 10 or 15 years ago, or certainly as I was when I was a player. It’s become more entertainment focused, and less focused on the purity of the game. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’s just not my cup of tea. One of the reasons why I enjoy college basketball a little more is because of its team orientation as opposed to individual orientation.

I’ve always been taught that basketball is a team game and greater than the sum of its parts. So, Lowery, you hit on something.

KW: Patricia Turnier: A lot of kids think that they can become a superstar athlete without an education. Very few are aware of the financial problems many pros encounter after they retire.

You managed successfully to have other careers after your NBA days. How did college prepare you for your postgraduate career? What message do you have for today’s youth about financial security?

LE: Getting a well-rounded education and developing a love of learning that hopefully will continue to last my lifetime certainly helped prepare me to understand what’s coming at me in this world and to adapt. I can’t say there was one thing in particular that helped prepare me for life beyond basketball except for the exposure to college and that laboratory, if you will, that allows us to learn who and what we are, and to be able to utilize that knowledge in real life. I’m concerned that young people today, far too often, abdicate their responsibilities of learning and adapting and give that over

to people who may not always have their best interests at heart.

And without a well-rounded education, they get into trouble if they don’t have the skills or the resources to overcome the issues that present themselves.

That’s a big problem today. I also recognize that when I played, we didn’t get paid anything close to what these guys get paid today.

So, I knew, despite playing in the NBA, that I would have to prepare for another career or vocation for when my playing days were over, in order to maintain relevancy. I didn’t want to become known for what I used to do.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

LE: I see a person who has achieved many goals that he set for himself, and who didn’t allow a few setbacks to interfere with his love of life. And I see a person who is a good husband and a good father, and who will hopefully leave a legacy for my sons to be the same.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

LE: How my mother and father stressed education and always made sure we had a place to study and books to read.

KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?

LE: I’d like to be remembered as somebody who persevered, who in many ways overcame, who recognized the importance of giving back, particularly to our youth, and as someone who tried to reach back and to catapult the next generation beyond him.

KW: Well, thanks again for the interview, Len. Much appreciated.

LE: Thanks, Kam. Take care.

To see a portion of Len Elmore’s keynote speech at the 10th Annual Frank McGuire Foundation Awards dinner, delivered in November of 2008, on the day after Barack Obama won the Presidential Election, visit youtube.com

Page 8 • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE

Sister, re-calculate!

Murua (Swahili for ‘Respect’)

By Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., L.P. I get lost driving ALL of the time.

In an act of mercy, a couple of years ago, instead of buying chocolates for Valentines Day, my husband purchased a Global Positioning System (GPS) for me to use in my car. It was such a thoughtful gift and I learned so many lessons from using it!

The first lesson that I learned is that, like me, many women start out on journeys without really knowing where we want to go or even how to get to our destinations.

When driving a car, not clarifying for ourselves where we want to go wastes time, increases stress and wastes gas! Not knowing what we want has a similar impact on our lives. When we do not clarify our values and life goals, we waste time, increase stress, and waste energy! Therefore, one of the first activities that we need to engage

in as women is to engage in the process of “values clarification”.

Our values are our personal standards for others and ourselves in our lives. They define what we will and will not stand for and more importantly, they help us set boundaries. Without clear boundaries, we become vulnerable to the whims and caprices of others. Additionally, we may allow our lives to be externally driven by other people’s standards and expectations.

Therefore, our values provide the guiding principles for our thoughts, behaviors, and goals in life.

Clarifying our values provides us with a personal compass that can lead to success and can be an effective strategy for eliminating self-sabotage. Women (and men for that matter) who do not identify their core values are more conflict avoidant, indecisive, stagnant and confused.

They become vulnerable to simply “going along to get along” and wind up doing things that are against their best interests or spirits — and selling themselves short when it comes to their expectations of others in their relationships, their workplaces, and in their world. Clarifying what your top priorities are allows you to focus your energy on what matters

most to you and allows you to clearly define how much you can feasibly do, without hurting myself — which leads to the second lesson I learned from my GPS! The second lesson that I learned from having a GPS is that

we all know that they will give you directions to get to a location in 8 blocks that, with common sense, you could have reached in 3 blocks)! Consequently, I decided to rely solely on my GPS. Using the GPS, I faithfully headed out

“Our ability to stick to conditions that no longer serve us is simply evidence for the adage: ‘Insanity is repeating the same behaviors, expecting different results.’” sometimes we women set goals for ourselves and can not let go of our commitments — even when we see that we are going in the wrong direction and that our strategy is not actually working out. For example, I learned that sometimes even when I’m TOLD by the GPS to go “left,” I still turn “right!” You see, some of us just cannot take directions. We have to experience consequences for ourselves because we base our decisions on what we “feel” and not necessarily our logic. To illustrate this point, I will share a personal story. One day, I had a meeting out in North East St. Paul and I was riding with my husband. Although neither of us had ever been there before, he dropped me off at the meeting location on time and with no hassle.

A month or two later, I was again scheduled to go out to the same place for another meeting. This time I was driving myself. I did not print out a Yahoo map (because

on 694 East. As soon as I got to an unfamiliar place, the GPS told me to turn left, but I was SURE that the last time we went to the place, we had turned right!

Therefore, I ignored the system and turned right…telling myself “machines can never replace the brains of humans! Well, needless to say, fifteen minutes later, I found myself in the “boonies” and nowhere close to the meeting location. I learned that sometimes people give us feedback that may be helpful to our success, but we do not listen. After all, it is not easy to “trust” other people or sources of information when you are unsure of where you are going (whether it is to a meeting or a place in life)!

Learning to trust others with more information requires learning to trust your own ability to be a critical thinker, make good judgments, and follow directions. Because we stay committed to the wrong courses of action, some of us stay shackled

to unhealthy jobs, unhealthy relationships, unhealthy habits, and unhealthy options for change! We just cannot trust ourselves to listen to our own good senses or to others who tell us we are going the wrong direction! We stick to a course of action without changing-hoping that the man we are dating will do better in the future, or that the job we hate will suddenly become a nurturing healthy place to work, or that our children will suddenly become more considerate, appreciative and responsible. Our ability to stick to conditions that no longer serve us is simply evidence for the adage: “Insanity is repeating the same behaviors, expecting different results.” We need to be able to change course.

The third and final lesson that I learned from my GPS, was that even when I made the wrong turn, the machine kept reminding me that it was “re-calculating.”

There is HOPE in recalculating.

Recalculating means that I maintain my destination and establish a new path to getting there. I may have wasted more time and energy than I originally thought necessary to get to my destination, but that is okay. Life is not a destination--it is a journey. So, along the journey of life, I may have to do some cognitive reframing, change my perspective, and see the glass as half full rather than half-empty. If I make a wrong turn on the way to my destination, I may see or learn something that I would not have otherwise seen or learned; I may learn to appreciate my time, my resources, and myself better. I may even have to learn to ask for help or to get directions from others

outside myself. As I recalculate, I may have to learn to trust.

In the end, what I have actually learned from the GPS is that even if I am going the wrong direction, I can always turn around. My internal, personal GPS (my values) will get me to my desired destination even if I am going a different route than I had originally intended. So, on the journey of life, when we mess up, make mistakes and choose the wrong path, just know that all we have to do is “Recalculate, sister, re-calculate.”

BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., L.P. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice, serves as President of Brakins Consulting and Psychological Services, and is the Executive Director of the African American Child Wellness Institute. The mission of the African American Child Wellness Institute is to promote the psychological and spiritual liberation of children of African Descent by providing culturally specific mental health services and by developing culture-based, holistic wellness resources, research and practices. Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya warns that this column should in no way be construed as constituting a therapeutic relationship through counseling or advice.

To forward a comment about this article or to make an appointment, please contact Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya by email @ bravadaakinsanya@hotmail. com or by telephone at 612302-3140 or 763-522-0100

Independence, bittersweet Gone to Ghana

By Cordie Aziz Columnist Cordie Aziz is a former congressional staffer who moved to Ghana after losing her job last year. Follow her daily adventures at goneiighana.blogspot.com On March 6th, Ghana celebrated 55 years of independence.

Considering the youth of the country, I was confident that Independence Day would bring streets filled with festivals and decorative items, plenty of backyard barbeques, and a level of excitement that would put the United States to

Stadium vendor shame. After all, we have been celebrating for hundreds of years, and each Fourth of July you would swear we had just won the Revolutionary War. So imagine my disappointment when I realized Independence Day in Ghana was eerily similar to every other day.

People were still hard at work on Independence Day. I found it all too easy to pick plantain chips

Courtesy of Cordie Aziz

from shops that had decided it was too costly to take an entire day off. Vendors pulled their items out of storage and placed them for display at the junctions of busy roads, hoping to entertain a few interested buyers, despite the holiday, and there were no brass brands that incited enthusiasm in gathered crowds. People didn’t even ride around the city with flags tied to the cars and wildly

honking their horns, as they do for soccer games and political rallies.

In the morning, the only reminder of the festivities was a few people jubilantly blowing vuvuzelas; the loud horn, which gained popularity during the World Cup in South Africa. I am assuming they were on their way to the parade, one of the few national reminders that March 6th was, in fact, a historic day in the country. And, of course, like most important holidays and events, the President gave a speech.

However, many people noted that it was shorter compared to previous years.

Even the pre- Independence celebrations were disappointing.

I attempted to attend a reggae charity concert at the Stadium, which boasted names such as Anthony B and Jah Mason. But

GHANA TURN TO 11

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Insight News • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Page 9

COMMENTARY Give Tubby Smith a lifetime contract Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter Nobody asked me, but, I feel kinda sorry for Gopher Basketball Coach, Tubby Smith.

Tubby, not unlike other Black men who are “in charge”

of something, is way under appreciated. And now, some sportswriters are suggesting that folk at the U are thinking about their next coach.

Tubby has been snake bitten by injuries, defections and off the court issues. I’ve always felt that when players are transferring out, it speaks to a coach’s ability to establish a set of rules and stick to them.

No prima donnas. No one player more important than the team or the program.

Point guard Al Nolan went

down last year and left us without someone to run the offense and provide tough on ball defense to the opponents’ point. This also had the effect of greatly diminishing the effectiveness of Blake Hoffarber a fine shooter, who was pressed into service at the point. Also, Royce White, a fine forward, got embroiled in legal issues and left for Iowa State. This excellent recruit never played in a UM uniform. Earlier, Davoe Joseph left for Oregon. Power forward Trevor Mbakwe lost part of

last season to legal issues, as well. This year, Trevor, now the conference rebounding leader, blew out his knee just before the 2012 conference schedule began. Big Mo Williams has been hurt since last year. Colton Iverson left after last year.

What is impressive through all of this is that Tubby has his team playing tough defense even through a losing season. This is more than you can say for the likes of Michael Beasley and Kevin Love of the Wolves.

What is even more

impressive, and significant, is that an NBA coach and an NBA Hall of Famer have sent their sons to Tubby. These have to be termed “intelligent and well-informed choices”.

I’m guessing Lionel Hollins and Ralph Sampson Jr. expect high level, first class coaching instruction and clean programs.

That’s what they are getting. It is also significant that they were not deterred by the fact that their sons would play in the oldest basketball facility on earth.

I think it’s interesting that

the U has a new football stadium and fairly new, impressive hockey and baseball venues. Not only is “The Barn” a pitiful 21st century basketball venue; there isn’t even a big time practice facility with which to lure McDonalds All America High School players whose Fathers, or Mothers can’t bully into making the best, long term choice.

If President Eric Kaler and/ or the next athletics director have any sense, they’ll give Tubby a practice facility and a lifetime contract.

March marks new phase of rights movement

By Wade Henderson This month’s 47th commemoration of the Bloody Sunday March of 1965 marks a new phase in the civil rights movement. It represents a turning point for people from all backgrounds, who are joining together, not only to remember our shared past, but also to fight for a shared future.

It’s a moment of recognition from all sides that, though our nation has progressed since 1965, we are not yet finished with the struggle to include everyone in the fullness that American life has to offer.

Until recently, efforts to undermine civil and human rights had taken a subtler approach

Vote From 1 political process.”

In his chapter on minority voter participation, Rep. Bobby Scott [D-Va.], quoted the Supreme Court decision in Wesberry v. Sanders: “No right is more precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the election of those who make

than in times past. The targets have diversified, the rhetoric has evolved. The deadly violence that once denied people their most basic rights – to vote, to attend public schools, to climb the economic ladder, and to march – has today been masked by a more genteel language, and replaced with a more systemic type of discrimination. Yet the efforts are still pernicious.

But Alabama’s H.B. 56, by targeting Latinos and immigrant populations for harassment and arrest, has resurrected the dark days of fearmongering and racism. Under this law, anyone who “looks foreign” is a target of a law that will be enforced by racial profiling. Meanwhile, across the

the laws under which, as good citizens, we must live. Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined.”

According to Scott, that’s exactly what is happening in the months leading up to the November presidential election.

“Unfortunately, the existence of the Voting Rights Act does not deter some from becoming creative in their efforts to reduce voter participation,”

Courtesy photo

Wade Henderson

country, voter suppression laws are making it increasingly harder for people of all backgrounds – particularly minorities – to participate in the democratic process.

The violence surrounding the first march from Selma to Scott explained. “One current trend is to require certain voter identification with no or limited exceptions. Currently, 31 states have laws on the books requiring all voters to show forms of identification before voting.”

Of those, 15 require photo identification, such as a driver’s license. The other 16 require certain non-picture IDs. Many, including some Black conservatives, argue that requiring a photo ID has nothing

Montgomery in 1965 was a climactic event for our nation and led to the introduction and passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It cost the lives of men like Jimmie Lee Johnson, an African-American protester who was murdered while protecting his mother, and Reverend James Reeb, a White minister from Boston who was savagely beaten to death and denied treatment by Selma’s public hospital. But they did not die in vain. Days later, President Johnson’s speech a joint session of Congress summed up the importance of fighting these injustices saying ‘‘their cause must be our cause too. Because it is not just Negroes, but really it is all of us, who must overcome the

crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice.”

Now is the time to repeal the most recent spate of oppressive and backward-looking laws, which seek to revive the “legacy of bigotry and injustice” that President Johnson said we would overcome. H.B. 56 has kept children from attending school, stopped mothers and fathers from working, and isolated families who live in fear of being profiled or harassed. Voter suppression has once again returned in the form of narrowed voter windows, burdensome voter ID laws, and restrictions on registration.

Today’s repressive laws in Alabama and elsewhere recall the sins of the past. And this week,

individuals of conscience from every background revive the spirit of Dr. King, Jimmie Lee Jones, Reverend Reeb, and countless others who were bold enough to stand up against naked bigotry when their lives were at stake.

Bigotry can’t be tweaked, it cannot hide behind evolved rhetoric or a genteel denial of freedom, and it cannot be allowed to metastasize within an America that’s as good as its ideals. And so we all will continue to march – together.

to do with race. However, Scott disagrees.

Quoting a study conducted by the Brenner Citer for Justice at the New York University School of Law, Scott said, “African Americans are more than three times as likely as Caucasians to lack a government-issued photo ID, with one in four African Americans owning no such ID. Moreover, no convincing evidence exists that says that inperson voter fraud, which is the

only type of fraud that photo IDs could prevent, is a meaningful problem.”

The effort to suppress the Black vote extends beyond voter IDs. “There is also a trend to limit opportunities for voter registration and early voting. Last year, at least five states enacted laws that reduced their early voting periods. Additionally, several states introduced bills to end same-day voter registration

and to restrict voter registration mobilization initiatives.”

Scott noted that in the past, poll taxes, literacy tests and other discriminatory schemes were adopted to suppress voting by people of color.

“The Voting Rights Act dismantled the schemes and barriers to voter participation,” Scott wrote. “As a result, since

Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

VOTE TURN TO 10

Page 10 • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Insight News

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FULL CIRCLE Hope, the remedy for disappointment Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Last week, I received an email with feedback from a reader of my article about “The importance of Fathers.” He thanked me for the article and expressed the joy of being a father and his frustration as an African American man trying to find work here in the twin cities. As I pondered over his words, I could not help but to reflect back on a time that I too was without work here in Minnesota. This was a time of frustration and disappointment for me, so to keep myself from losing

Vote From 9 1965, the number of black elected officials across the country has increased from just 260 to over 10,500 today. The number of Latinos who now hold public office has increased to 5,850, and the number of minority elected officials continues to rise as well.

These numbers demonstrate that the provisions in the Voting Rights Act are effective and also what we stand to lose if voting rights are not protected.”

A key provision of the 1965

hope, I got dressed in a suit and tie and left the house everyday just as if I had a job. As the months went by, it was this simple act of dignity that kept me from losing hope. This difficult time in my life took place before the recession so I know the current job situation is even more dire.

It the twin cities more Black men than ever are facing the reality of unemployment.

Minnesota’s Black unemployment rate was a shocking 27 percent in the third quarter of 2011, by far the highest level in the 25 states examined in a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).

Minnesota was one of only five states in the subgroup where black unemployment topped 20 percent.

During the same study period, Minnesota’s white unemployment rate was just 6 percent.

Last year, another EPI report showed that the Twin Cities ranked

second worst among 29 large metropolitan areas in black-white unemployment disparities for 2010, with black unemployment more than triple the rate for whites. This disparity is the dark cloud that looms over the heads for our readers today, and it is the

Voting Rights Act is Section 5 – which is being challenged by some states and conservative groups – requires states with a documented history of discriminatory voting practices to pre-clear any changes in their election laws or practices.

In December, the Justice Department blocked South Carolina’s newly-passed voter ID law on the grounds that people of color would be adversely impacted. Scott said he hopes the department will do the same in other states covered by Section 5.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter understands the possible erosion of Black political

power as well as anyone. But he said attention must also be placed on self-destructive behavior in the Black community.

“Of 316 people who were murdered in Philadelphia last year, nearly 75% of those killed were black men,” he wrote in the report. “Around 80% of those doing the killing? Black men.” He added, “If the Ku Klux Klan came to Philadelphia and killed almost 300 black men in one year, my city would be on lockdown. The U.S. Justice Department would be called upon. There would be a federal investigation. Congress would hold hearings. And yet, I don’t hear a serious, rational,

have felt the sting of long term unemployment, there is still hope.

I share with you the words of the Apostle Paul, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (NLT).

There is no disappointment in hope. As those who are out of work continue on their journey to employment, keep looking, hoping and believing.

reason why it is necessary for our government and business leaders to take drastic actions to resolve it.

This problem also requires each of us to use our circle of influence to apply direct pressure on those who have the power enact real change.

These disparities are a part of our

present, but they should not be allowed to be a part of our future.

Despite these appalling statistics, there is hope. The absence of work, has forced a new breed of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. These dream makers are not only self sustaining, but they are also helping others out of their despair. During a 5-year period the number of Black businesses in Minnesota grew by 59% compared to 12 percent for all businesses in Minnesota.

From health care, to social assistance, administrative and support, waste management, food services, consultants, carpenters, black businesses are springing up everywhere. As these businesses grow, the opportunity for employment will grow with them.

Although the stats on the number of new businesses are promising, each person’s reality is different. For those who

non-hysterical conversation from anyone addressing this epidemic.”

In its report, the National Urban League offered an 8-point education and employment plan that includes: • Fair and equitable school funding; • Robust early childhood education for each child; • Strengthening high schools and re-engaging potential dropouts; • Placing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ) curriculum in all classrooms; • Making sure there is a

qualified, effective and diverse teaching force; • Emphasize strategic workforce development targeting Americans most in need; • Develop new job training models with a placement component and • Improve and integrate data systems.

Morial feels his best chance of getting that plan adopted will be through what he calls “Occupy the Vote.”

In a speech Wednesday night at Howard University in conjunction with the release of the State of Black America report,

he said, “Not only must we vote, we must resist efforts in 2012 to enact these voter suppression laws.”

PhotoXpress

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www. georgecurry.com You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/ currygeorge.

Read more: http://www.nnpa.org/ news/lead/national-urban-leagueoccupy-the-vote-by-george-ecurry/#ixzz1pCo40XTz

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King Peggy From 6 of the people, she `packed’ her Council of Elders with honest and competent men and women and opened the first checking account in the village to track the funds. Publicity in America brought Peggy and her village to the attention of Shiloh Baptist Church in Landover, Maryland, whose membership officially `adopted’ Otuam; helping to acquire pumps for clean water, a new school, and ambulances.

This is a wonderfully warm, humorous, and informative true story which is far from over. Peggy’s use of righteous anger, good humored guile, and judicious compromise to manage and redirect her obstreperous and self-serving Council for the benefit of her people offers political advice of the highest order. I wonder if she would

Ghana From 8 like most concerts in Ghana, the main act never appeared. There were a few opening acts and then the crowd was entertained by a DJ and a few of the promoters dancing on stage. Around 3 am I called it quits. I actually attempted to leave the Stadium an hour before, but poor crowd control made that impossible. Every gate was blocked by a security man trying to keep the outside crowd under control, despite there being no more than 200 people inside the stadium. If I had to pick a highlight over the past few days, it was a stadium vendor who had “no business, no wife” written on the side of his food carrier; sad, but true.

In the end, I felt bad that Ghana doesn’t celebrate their

Insight News • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Page 11 consider running for Congress?”

Ann M. Pitman, also rated the book 5.0 out of 5 stars and said the story is “Everything I want in a great book.”

She wrote: “First of all, you need to know - I LOVED THIS BOOK! It has everything I love in a book: great characters, a great story line, wonderful humor but best of all, it’s a true story! I did not want to go to sleep because I wanted to know what happened next! What will those crazy people do THIS time!?!?!?!

The only complaint I have is that I wanted photographs, LOTS of photographs, so I could see the village and the people, and more shots of Peggy as King, beyond the single shot on the cover.

The things we can accomplish when we put our minds to it . . . . King Peggy proves it!

The 11-year-old I babysit and I read this book together

independence with the same fervor as the United States.

Instead of independence evoking a sense of pride in Ghanaians, it seems to spark a conversation about how community leaders and politicians continue to disappoint the ones they serve.

It brings back memories of how great Nkrumah really was and how there appears to be no such leader on the horizon. Even more disappointing, is that instead of celebrating the accomplishments of the country and having hope for the future, many Ghanaians are hit with the bitter reality that life , for many of them, is harder today than it was 10 years ago. So I guess in the end, independence is still a bittersweet moment for many Ghanaians and I can definitely empathize with them.

After all how can you celebrate what you once were if you are disappointed in where you are now.

and both LOVED it. It was the first book I brought over that she was genuinely excited to read, and she followed me around the house after we read the back cover asking me questions (“How do you think she felt to be king? How did she get to be king? What did she do when she got to Ghana?”). It was fun to read the book as quickly as we could to try to find answers to the questions we both had. It’s also inspiring to get to share the story

of both a woman and someone of color rising to a leadership position AND having to deal with the expectations of others and realities of being a leader. …the story was so compelling. Know that this is absolutely appropriate to share with young women, and is a particularly inspiring memoir.

Reviewer Trudie Barreras said, “The adjective that best describes this magnificent book, as well as the author and

title character, is REGAL! To begin with, I think it is a tour de force of brilliant writing. The choice to present it in third person is incredibly wise, because it lets Peggy’s story be told without the arrogance, perhaps even hubris, which comes across in so many first-person narratives.

To say that this is current and timely is indeed a masterpiece of understatement.

Profoundly, I hope that this

story assists in the endeavor King Peggy has so courageously launched of improving the lives of her own people, as well as forwarding the entire endeavor of continuing to form bonds of love and compassion between people in Africa and America.

I sincerely hope it becomes the best seller it deserves to be, because I know that this will greatly enhance the efforts the author has so selflessly undertaken. “

Page 12 • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Inspiration bank: Great stories motivate Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com An inspiration bank is a collection of ideas that propel people forward when the going gets tough.

Everyone has an inspiration bank; some just don’t realize how powerful it can be. By diving into a great story and keeping it with you, the inspiration is yours to

cash in on when you wake up one miserable Tuesday morning and cannot see a way to put your feet on the floor, one in front of the other. Recently, my nephew TJ deposited a pretty good story into his inspiration bank. It seems like a story about hockey, but it is not.

It’s about hard work and bad luck and people achieving improbable goals.

I’m always on the lookout for an inspirational win that I can become a part of. The movies Miracle (Olympic hockey) and Secretariat (horse racing) come to mind. For a while the adventures of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton provided both

fascination and inspiration, as did the Minnesota Twins when they won two World Series championships in just a few years. Recently, I watched some American guys skiing down Mount Everest. I couldn’t tear myself away from the show, but honestly, the idea that I could ski Mount Everest never crossed my mind. The strong idea that went into my bank was that with practice, planning and purpose, a person can do anything.

That’s the beauty of being caught up in something beyond your daily work, your job search, your career plan, your profits and losses. People accomplish

amazing feats every day. Taking part in others’ stories makes accomplishment part of your possibilities, too. Theater, music, sports, art and books are all good sources for inspiration and possibility.

Whether you meet your nemesis in hockey, basketball, piano or ice fishing, if you compete to win, you understand the exhilaration of the game.

Even those on the sidelines can get caught up in the action, feeling like you’re part of what’s happening in front of you. Tests have shown that after a football game the adrenaline level of a man in the stands can be equal

to that of the players. Engaging makes something real; a fan is more than a spectator… he’s part of the game, which makes the game a part of him.

TJ’s story came via the MN State High School hockey tournament. Well documented across the internet is the fairy tale of Benilde-St. Margaret’s high school hockey team, a tragic onice accident that left a student paralyzed and the community that rallied around him, his team, and each other to ultimately win the State High School Hockey Championship. With class and with focused intention, TJ and his teammates accepted the hand

they’d been dealt. They surely reached deep into their own inspiration banks for the physical and emotional resources required to meet the challenge.

A championship trophy cannot put an injured young man back in skates, but it does put a big deposit in the inspiration bank, hopefully giving TJ and his buddy the motivation they both need to keep working toward new goals, whatever they might be.

Julie Desmond is Talent Manager for Express Employment Professionals. Write to julie@ lakeregionstaffing.com.

From resolutions to reality: Financial planning in 2012

By Michelle Thornhill

New Year resolutions can be difficult to make, and even harder to keep. This year, as I made

resolutions around my health; spending time with family and friends; and spiritual growth, I also made a point to include financial related goals. For 2012, my family set two financial goals: to eliminate credit card debt and meet with a financial specialist to review our plans for retirement and college savings. I say family because my husband and I felt it was very important to include our five and seven year old sons in the process.

They each established their own financial goal – my seven-year old decided he would save money to buy and care for a guinea pig (wonderful!).

In setting these goals, we made sure they were realistic, specific and

measurable. This way, we remain clear on what we are working to achieve, and are committed to holding ourselves accountable as a shared family responsibility.

As far as our credit card debt repayment goal, we first determined how much money in our budget we would allocate towards repayment. For us, this meant making a decision to spend less in certain areas so we can direct more funds toward debt repayment. Then, we decided to use an online tool to create a payment strategy and timeline based on paying down the highest balance, with the highest interest rate, first. The tool also provided a chart where we can regularly track

and monitor our progress. This is great because we have a visual representation of how well we are doing. Being able to see just how every dollar makes a difference is extremely motivating!

In meeting with a financial specialist, we will work together to develop a list of recommendations based on our long-term financial goals and in consideration of our current financial picture. Once we have a plan, we will then monitor our progress against the plan throughout the year. This might look like a simple spreadsheet where we can create an action list based on the plan objectives that serves as a checklist to keep us on track.

I must admit, even though I work in the financial services industry, sometimes I feel overwhelmed when it comes to financial management, particularly in light of the current economic state. This is why it is very important to seek guidance from someone trained in financial management regardless of your profession, stage in life or income-level. Some people assume that you have to be wealthy to meet with a financial specialist, but this isn’t true. A great place to start is visiting your local bank and speaking with a banker.

They can provide basic guidance or direct you to other resources.

I understand that finances are a private matter for most, and so you might be hesitant about speaking to a “stranger” about your money. However, speaking with

a professional who can direct you on different financial management strategies, tools and resources can mean the difference between where you are today and where you want to be in the future. If you are not ready to speak with someone professionally, take advantage of the online resources that are available. Many of them are free.

Wells Fargo also offers a number of online tools and resources that will help you with your financial goals in 2012.

Whether its credit management, retirement savings, wealth building, or budgeting, visit WellsFargo. com for a wealth of financial information that can definitely bring you closer to realizing your goals.

Whatever you decide regarding your financial goals, be sure to make time to regularly review your plan and track progress.

All the best in the New Year!

Michelle Thornhill is senior vice president, Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo & Company. Visit www.wellsfargo.com/aspirations for more information.

This article has been prepared for informational purposes only.

The accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Since each individual’s financial situation is unique, you need to review your financial objectives to determine which approaches might work best for you.

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Insight News • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Page 13

COMMUNITY

Northside neighborhood beat Victory The Victory Neighborhood Association will hold a board meeting 7-9pm Wednesday, April 4th 2012 44th Ave. For more information, Debbie Nelson 612-529-9558 or info@ victoryneighborhood.com Shingle Creek The Shingle Creek Neighborhood Organization engages residents, meet to discuss various topics,

activities, projects and events in the neighborhood. The next meeting will be held 7-9pm Tuesday April 10 at Creekview Park 5001.

For more information: Amy Lusenbrick 763-561-1616.

Harrison The Harrison Neighborhood Association will host a housing committee meeting 6:307:30 Thursday April 5th at the HNA office 503 Irving Ave. N.

For more information; Larry Hiscock 612-374-4849 or info@hnampls.org Senate Debates Candidate for Minnesota State Representative Terra Cole will be debating for the District 59B position. The debate will be held at 2:30pm, Saturday March 24 North High School 1500 James Av. N. with a forum as well as meet and greet prior to the debate.

Calendar • Classifieds Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, natalie@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Natalie Benz. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events School Integration Community Forum Thursday March 29 Helen Bassett, MN state task force member, and James Burroughs, Executive Director of the Office of Equity and Diversity for Minneapolis Public Schools speak on school integration funding.. Reserve your spot by contacting Rebecca Noecker at rnoecker@achievempls.org.

Thursday, March 29 / 11:30 am - 1pm Dorsey & Whitney, 50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1500, downtown Minneapolis.

High School Career Fairs March through May AchieveMpls Career Fair. Connect with Minneapolis High School students and represent your career or industry. Professionals from all sectors are welcome to participate.

Contact Rebecca Noecker at 612.455.1571 or rnoecker@ achievempls.org Rising student artists bring hometown flavor to Central Library – Thru Mar 28 MPS invites students, families and community members to the premiere arts event showcasing masterpieces created by local upand-coming artists with a passion for drawing, ceramics, painting and fiber arts – who happen to be

MPS students! Exhibit on display March 5-28. Central Library Cargill Gallery - 300 Nicollet Mall.

Seven - Thru Mar 25 “SEVEN” is an inspirational documentary play about the remarkable lives and work of seven courageous and diverse women.

The play is a collaboration by seven award winning playwrights who traveled to interview these seven women that have overcome enormous obstacles to bring about major changes in their individual home countries. For more info and performance dates, visit: chainreactiontp.com Two-day Job Transition Services workshop - Mar. 6&8 and Mar. 20&22 Tue./Thu. 9am–3:30pm., Employment Action Center Office, Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN. Sponsor: Women In Transition. Fee: Sliding fee scale.

The workshop will help you chart your career path, navigate obstacles and land the job. For more information call 612-7528444.

Finding Your History, Telling Your Story - Mar 20 JHSUM presents “Finding Your History, Telling Your Story” genealogy lecture on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sabes JCC. The workshop will be presented by videographer Max Orenstein and genealogist and artist Susan Weinberg. If you are interested in genealogy but don’t know where to start, this event is for you! Take the first steps of your genealogy journey with two

Cole will also host a candidate resident meet and greet 5-7pm Monday March 26 at Segue Coffee 609 10th St. S, in addition to a Senate District Convention 8:30-5pm Monday March 31 at Patrick Henry High School 4320 Newton Av. N. For more information: 612564-8258.

Youth Violence Prevention Minneapolis Youth Violence Prevention Week—held March

Phone: 612.588.1313

seasoned professionals. Weinberg and Orenstein will discuss their approaches to genealogy as an artist and a videographer and what inspired them to explore their family’s stories. Jay and Rose Phillips Building - Barry Family Campus - 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd. Mpls.

The Importance of Youth Purpose and How to Support It - Mar 22 This webinar examines whether youth have a sense of purpose in life and what the research shows about the importance of purpose as well as the current state of efforts to support the development of purpose in all young people. Thur., Mar. 22, 12:30-2pm. Free, but registration is mandatory. Register at https://www.thedatabank. com/dpg/449/personalopt2.asp? formid=meetcyd&c=8336993 Student Salon 2012 - Mar 22Apr 13 Student Salon 2012 features multimedia works produced by Metropolitan State undergraduate students. The exhibit opens with a reception on Thur., Mar. 22, 5–8pm and continues through April 13.

Gallery hours are Mon.–Thur., 11am–7pm, and Fri.–Sat., 11am–4pm. Located in the Library and Learning Center, 645 E. 7th St., St. Paul.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at Northeast Middle School - Mar 22-23 Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Thur. Mar. 22 & Fri. Mar. 23 7pm. Northeast Middle School Auditorium - 2955 Hayes St. NE Mpls. Tickets $5 for students, $8 Adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door on in advance at Northeast Middle School (612-668-1500).

McKnight Artist Fellows Reading - Mar 24 The winners of the 2011 McKnight Artist Fellowships for Writers, Loft Award in Children’s Literature and Loft Awards in Creative Prose, read from their work. A reception follows. Readers include Heather Bouwman, John Colburn, Jessica Roeder, Ethan Rutherford, and

19-23, 2012—is a chance for kids and adults to take part in reducing youth violence in the city. The week is part of a national public education initiative featuring activities and events to call attention to the issue of youth violence, identify strategies to combat this public health epidemic, and promote the positive role youth and adults can have in making their communities and schools safer. The City of

Fax: 612.588.2031

Dominic Saucedo. Judges for the fellowships were Arthur A. Levine (children’s literature) and Pam Houston (creative prose). Sat. Mar 24. 7pm. - The Loft Literary Center at Open Book - 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. Free and open to the public.

Twin Cities Sustainable Communities Conference - Mar 24 Sat. Mar. 24 8:30am-3:30pm Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland, Mpls (at Hwy 94 & Hennepin) - bus & bike friendly FREE event. Everyone is welcome.

Blaine woman receives kidney transplant - Fundraiser to help with expenses - Mar 24 Alyssa Witter doesn’t take one moment for granted. She recently received a lifesaving kidney transplant, but the costs are overwhelming. Volunteers are planning a fundraiser Sat., Mar. 24 from 11am-3pm at Garnet Masonic Lodge #166, 4923 Steward Ave. in White Bear Lake.

Admission is $5 for adults and includes a hot dog, chips and a soda. Admission is $3 for children 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and younger.

4th Biennial International Conference on Hmong Studies, Mar 30-31 Hmong scholars from China, Thailand, Canada and the United States will be presenting at the conference. The ideas and studies presented at the conference will explore current conditions and future challenges that Hmong people face. Presentation topics include Hmong culture, history, leadership, politics, business, language, religious beliefs and more. Open to the public.

Tickets for the conference and banquet can be purchased online at www.csp.edu/hmongcenter.

Mizna Journal Release Party Mar 31 Join Mizna to celebrate the publication of the “Literature in Revolution” issue of Mizna’s eponymous literary journal. Cosponsored by The Loft Literary Center and supported by the Jerome Foundation and the Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation. Sat. Mar. 31, 7:30pm.

The Loft Literary Center at Open Book - 1011 Washington Ave. S.,

Minneapolis, in collaboration with Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis Youth Congress, and Community Power Against Violence, is urging the public and local agencies of all types to participate in Minneapolis Youth Violence Prevention Week. For more information; Roberta Englund 612-5212100 or info@webbercamden. org

Email: natalie@insightnews.com

Mpls. Free and open to the public.

12th Art at Highland - Mar. 31 Sale of quality work by 47 juried artists who create fine crafts and fine arts including basketry, clay, fiber, glass, leather, jewelry, paintings, paper, wood, and mixed media. Sat. Mar. 31 10am–5pm.

Free Event.@ The field house at Highland Park Senior High School, 1015 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul.

The National Public Health Week Film Festival - Apr 2-6.

Nutrition, human rights, AIDS, end-of-life decisions, and sexual health are the topics of this year’s eighth annual festival, hosted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program and films starting at 5:30 p.m. Free admission, food, and beverages for attendees. To view the film schedule, speakers, and locations, go to www.sph.umn.edu/filmfest.

Insurance Agent Looking for people with a strong entrepreneurial mindset to own their own insurance agency. The average agent earns over $120,000 a year, with some earning over $500,000. If you desire financial independence, call 651-204-3131 to set up an appointment.

Celebrate What’s Right With The World - Apr. 6 Join Women In Transition for an afternoon designed to help women take a fresh look at who and where they are, take the next steps toward reaching their potential and living their dreams out loud. You’ll view an inspiring video and engage in powerful dialogue to embrace an attitude of celebration – personally and professionally. Join us and discover new ways to lead a happier, healthier, more productive life. Workshop fee is $10 and will be held on Fri., Apr. 6 1–4pm. 6715 Minnetonka Blvd. #212, St. Louis Park, MN. To register call (612) 752-8444, Women In Transition.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the personal property described as follows, To-wit: A 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix VIN -- 2G2WP55276123089 Will be sold at a public auction by the Hennepin County Sheriff on the 13th day of April, 2012 at 10:00 AM at T & J Auto, in the City of Brooklyn Park, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, to pay and satisfy a lien, due thereon from the repairs and storage as well as auction advertising plus necessary expenses of making the said sale, in the total amount of $15,452.50; and that the grounds of the said lien are as follows, to-wit: Anthony P. Morgan (Owner) T & J Auto Parts, LLC 3551 85th Avenue North

ELECTION JUDGES NEEDED

NOTICE OF SALE

The City of Brooklyn Park is looking for Brooklyn Park residents interested in assisting at the polls for the upcoming August 14 and November 6 elections. An hourly wage is paid and training is provided. Individuals may be absent from a place of work after giving an employer at least 20 days written notice for the purpose of serving as an election judge without penalty. If you are eligible to vote and can read, write, and speak English, and you are not a candidate in the election or closely related to a candidate, you can be an election judge. Bilingual judges are needed at the polling places. If you are interested in helping your community while enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow citizens, please call 763-493-8180. For more information please visit our website at www. brooklynpark.org. An equal opportunity employer.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the personal property described as follows, To-wit: A 2004 BMW X5 VIN -- 5UXFB33593LH48506 Will be sold at a public auction by the Hennepin County Sheriff on the 13th day of April, 2012 at 10:00 AM at T & J Auto, in the City of Brooklyn Park, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, to pay and satisfy a lien, due thereon from the repairs and storage as well as auction advertising plus necessary expenses of making the said sale, in the total amount of $14,402.50; and that the grounds of the said lien are as follows, to-wit: T & J Auto Parts, LLC 3551 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 (763) 315-1179

Page 14 • March 19 - March 25, 2012 • Insight News

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