Insight News ::: 3.2.09

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March 2 - March 8, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 34 No. 9 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

New Power Generation emerging in 5th Ward

By Al McFarlane & B.P. Ford, the Editors editors@insightnews.com Minneapolis DFLers Tuesday March 3, take the first steps in identifying candidates they will support in this fall’s general elections. Minneapolis City Council seats, the Minneapolis mayor and Minnesota governor contests will be on the ballot in November.

Tuesday night, democrats select delegates in precinct caucuses, who will be charged with nominating DFL Party candidates.

North Minneapolis business owners Kevin Lacy and Hakim Propes Tuesday joined community organizer and public policy advocate Kenya McKnight in declaring interest in Minneapolis’ 5th Ward City Council seat.

They were welcomed by Rev.

‘Racist’ cartoon: New York Post endangers president and community

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(L-R) Hakim Propes, Randy Staten, Kenya Mcknight, Kevin Lacy, and Al McFarlane

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Champion: MnDOT must embrace inclusion

By Amber English Community leaders and workforce advocates put the fire to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, demanding increased transparency and accountability in the departments’ minority employment and contract awarding practices.

“How about seeing a few faces of color on these road projects as we drive around the metro area,” William Means of Minnesota OIC said during testimony at a hearing before the Minnesota House of Representatives Transportation and Transit Policy Sub-Committee. Rev. Paul Slack of ISAIAH, Louis King of H.I.R.E. Minnesota, President of the Minnesota State Baptist

Suluki Fardan

A job is best social service program Bill English (L), and Rev. Jerry McAfee Convention Rev. Jerry McAfee, Insight Owner and Editor Al McFarlane and Co-Chair of the Coalition of Black Churches/African-American Leadership Summit Bill English also testified before the committee.

The hearing followed MN/DOT’s 2009 report to the Legislature concerning the department’s progress in recruiting a diverse pool of employees and contractors. Federal regulations mandate that any project utilizing full or partial federal funds employs a percentage of minority and women workers and sub-contractors.

MN/DOT’s Office of Civil Rights sets the specific goals.

What the report revealed,

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American Indian Movement founder Clyde Bellecourt opened the HIRE MN Town Hall Meeting at the American Indian Center with a traditional prayer to the four directions, the sky and earth. efforts to create jobs for our community.

“The best social service program in the world is a job,” King said, describing the first principle that guides the H.I.R.E.

Alliance seeks racial, economic and environmental justice "The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability is a broad coalition of organizations that come together to advance racial, economic and environmental justice in a way growth and development happens in our

Unity South welcomes Rev. Festus Umeojiego as its new pastor

By Al McFarlane & B.P. Ford, the Editors editors@insightnews.com Louis King, President of Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Centers, and H.I.R.E co-convener with environmentalist Will Steger, is preaching about the principles that guide his passion for getting our community back to work. He’s selling the world on his idea of responsibility, accountability and justice. He makes the point over and over again, whether talking to overflow Town Hall Meetings around Twin Cities, to the State Legislature in hearings at the Capitol, or in Legislative Hearings in the community, or in churches he views and visits as core institutions at the heart of his

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region," said Jennifer Jimenez, a H.I.R.E. MN convener. "We do this by supporting grassroots organizing campaigns, like HIRE Minnesota, that

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MN initiative. “ There’s a lot of talk in this state about job cuts. We hear listening on TV that about 54,000 people are out of work,” King told standing room audiences at Lao Family Center in St. Paul, at the American Indian Center in South Minneapolis, and at Glover Sudduth Center for Neighborhood and Economic Development.

The second principle is to recognize that” Barack Obama did for a lot of us in saying this blackwhite thing is old news. It’s all of us. The world is no longer like the

Slumdog Millionaire film review

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Kenna Sarge & Voice of Culture

Reclaiming, reviving tradition

By Alaina L. Lewis White House

Amidst crisis, President Obama spoke to his first joint session of Congress Tuesday night. He is flanked by Vice President Joe Biden (L) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Obama lifts America’s spirit in speech of hope

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) – In his first speech before Congress, filled with the soaring inspiration reminiscent of his campaign, President Barack Obama Tuesday night promised the nation, “We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before.”

Surrounded by cheering and applauding Democrats and less optimistic Republicans, he said, “The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation. The answers to our problems don’t lie beyond our reach. They exist in our laboratories and our universities; in our fields and our factories; in the imaginations of our entrepreneurs and the pride of OBAMA TURN TO 3

Voice of Culture, a new dance company founded by dance instructor Kenna Sarge, is in the makings of bringing our traditions and roots back to the world of dance as it prepares the Twin Cities for its artistic awakening.

Sarge, a trained instructor and a true mother of culture, hosts V.O.C, a youth percussionist dance group, that’s theme is centered on exposing West African Dance and traditional drumming.

In existence for only a few months, but already shaping up to survive it’s promising journey, V.O.C. does more than just entertain it’s audience with a simple hip sway or the beat of a drum, rather it shares the fruits of our beginnings through the message within each movement.

The company was born from a vision to produce works that reflect and teach the traditions of

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Neighbors helping neighbors— to break into vacant houses

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March madness Photos: Michelle Spaise

L to R standing Djembefola Kinyari Al-Ahad, Yonci Peaceful Jameson, Deja Stowers, Djembefola Yetunde Whittaker, seated Selima Al-Ahad, Kenna Sarge, Ebrima Sarge

is coming

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Page 2 • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Insight News

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HIRE

God’s creations starting to disappear

From 1 old black and white TVs. It’s multi-colored, and it’s multiethnic. So we organize across boundaries – from North Minneapolis and South Minneapolis to here in St. Paul at the Lao Family Center.

Environmentalists have joined with community organizers and workforce specialists. It takes all of us to make this work. We organize beyond boundaries and we set aside perceived and real differences because we have some business to take care of,” he said.

“Because if you’re not working that means that you don’t eat at the diner. And if you don’t eat at the diner, the waitress can’t shop at the Target. And if the waitress can’t shop at Target, the cashier can’t take her children to McDonalds. And if there’s no McDonald’s, there’s no after school programs or after school work for our children.” King said “When we hear about 54,000 people losing work, there’s a whole food chain going down.”

“The third principle: be heard and be prepared. Not only are we going to inform the public policy agenda, we are going to be part of rebuilding the infrastructure of this community, and also part of developing the renewable energy industry that will lead this country into greatness again,” he said.

Dr. Bruce Corrie, dean of the School of Business at Concordia University in St. Paul, and co-host of the Lao Family Center Town Hall Meeting said the challenge for us in the green economy is who’s going to build it? “And so we as a group, we call ourselves ALANA, - Africans, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans, we had a summit on September 15th of last year and we called green experts and community people to strategize. At the State Capitol we presented our strategies to grow green businesses and green jobs in the new economy,” he said. (The report is online at alanagreen.org).

“ALANA communities are going to be the fastest-growing segment of the primary labor work force by 2030, and the ALANA firms are growing faster than the overall firms and businesses in Minnesota today.

We have our values very similar to

By Al McFarlane & B.P. Ford, the Editors editors@insightnews.com

Suluki Fardan

State Representative Karen Clark (DFL) 61A the values of the green economy, but the challenge that we face with this opportunity is that our kids in the schools have one of the worst rates of graduation in schools and science in Minnesota.

Our challenge is our firms are not in the sector where these green economies or businesses are growing. Our challenge is that the occupational groups today where we are found in Minnesota are not the sectors that will grow when the green economy will grow,” Corrie said.

“So we need to do something.

It’s Minnesota’s choice. If Minnesota is going to be a global competitor in 2030, it needs to address this challenge and make the investments today. Otherwise, in 2030 we’ll be a declining state, because our prime workforce needs that investment,” he said.

Karen Monahan heads the Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota, an organization that works on various environmental justice issues, said climate change is a big focus because it “does not affect everyone equally. The folks who are disproportionately affected, oftentimes, have the least amount of resources to deal with the effects. For example, dirty coal plants are often put into communities of color and lowincome communities. Coal plants cause asthma. African-Americans have the highest rate of asthma.

Asthma is the number one reason students miss school. You link that to test scores, you link that to

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Karen Monohan, Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota dropout rates – people still have to be able to eat, they still have to put a roof over their head. Oftentimes, you know, social services are out there to help with that, and people turn to other means,” Monahan said.

“When you’re talking about environmental justice you are also talking about healthcare. Often these families don’t have healthcare. It could mean $10,000 out of pocket expense. It means lost wages,” she said. “Talking about the environment means talking about issues of race and class,” Monahan said.

The Reverend Ronnie Patterson is pastor of St. Paul’s New Hope Baptist Church, and president of the St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial

Alliance. He said “as pastors we feel the impact, because we know that if jobs are not available and our folks are not working, then we suffer even in the religious community. We love preaching.

We love praying. We love singing.

We love shouting. But in order to have a quality ministry, you’ve got to have money. So we are very concerned about our people having jobs.”

Bill Means offered a traditional greeting in the indigenous language of this area.

He said “when you walk outside you’re actually kicking up the dust of our ancestors. We know something about this green. I represent the OIC State Council.

We got five OIC programs in the state. As you know, at OIC, we give a hand up, not a handout. We take people off the welfare rolls and put them on the payrolls.

That’s our business. We’ve been here in the State of Minnesota since 1964. We know what we’re doing when it comes to job training. We’re here tonight to say we want these jobs for our communities. When you go by a highway project that we’re paying

Alliance From 1 demonstrate how people, places and issues are interconnected, that the issues and the challenges we face in our communities really bind us all. HIRE Minnesota is an exciting opportunity for the Alliance to work with important community partners to ensure that the opportunities and resources generated in infrastructure and renewable energy industries result in tangible benefits for all residents of the Twin Cities region. We have a real chance to make the Twin Cities a more equitable region. The Alliance is excited to help capture this pivotal moment, to bring groups together to secure living wage jobs for our communities, to gain economic prosperity and ensure a healthy environment. We know that there will be a lot of investments made by both public and private sector, and one of the investments that is needed is right at the heart of our community - the Central Corridor Light Rail Train (LRT). We need to make sure that this project is built right. It must allow communities of color to share in the economic benefits that it promises, including both good access to rail stops and to job opportunities."

Nghi Huynh, the editor and publisher of Asian-American Press and president of the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium said, "When we heard about this project, our media partners said we have to get involved because we believe that it is the right thing to do for the community."

"Our mission is to educate the public about this movement. Why green jobs? Second, we have to do promotion to get the people excited and engaged. Third, we have to invite the community to join the movement, like today. A lot of people come because we sincerely invite them to participate.

Chupheng Lee, the Vice Chair of Lao Family community of Minnesota, welcomed the

Will Steger is co-chairing H.I.R.E. MN Town Hall Meeting initiative. He says the movement is a dream come true because of "the diversity and the power" of people and organizations who are working together to effect change.

Steger has documented changes in the environment by travelling and studying climate conditions in the Arctic for over 45 years. He said scientists told us 15 years ago that we'd see the first changes in global warming in the Arctic and the polar regions.

"What's happening is that we're burning an immense amount of carbon from fossil fuels. It is the fuel in our cars and coal plants, and it is emitting carbon dioxide, an invisible gas that traps heat around the globe. The more we put into the atmosphere, the more the globe warms, and it's causing some major problems in the Arctic. The North Pole is a huge ocean, larger than the United States. That ocean, up until just a few years ago, used to be covered by ice and snow. It was just a thin layer, 8 feet, 6 feet of ice and snow, which was really critical. Now think of an area the size of the United States which, in the summertime has 24 hour light because the sun does not set. It does not set for five months, so that's like a solar panel's dream. So you've got all this energy hitting the top of the earth. Well what happens when it's hitting the snow and ice? It bounces back up, and that keeps the earth cool, and that balances the warmer equator. We have the ocean currents that balanced and stabilized climate until recently," Steger said.

"But now with the adding of carbon dioxide, the earth is warming and this sea ice is melting in the summer. Last year we lost 50% of that sea ice.

That's the same amount of area from the Mississippi river all the way to the east coast of the United States. All that area that was ice a few years ago. It's now

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Will Steger

open ocean, dark surfaces. Now what happens to the energy that's coming in when it hits the dark surface? It starts to absorb.

This is what the scientists call positive feedback. It's a cycle within a cycle. So once you start losing ice you get more darker surface, more warming, you have this cycle," he said.

"You also, in the Artic, have a huge area of three million square miles of frozen swamp that has been totally frozen for millions of years, now thawing out in the summertime. It is giving out carbon dioxide and methane.

Methane is a very dangerous greenhouse gas, and that now is starting this positive feedback," he said.

"Now the upshot. We have this ice cap, still a massive amount of ice in Greenland two miles high of ice. In warming the Arctic, you're starting to get melting of this ice that's never melted before, and that water goes down in the glaciers and makes that ice flow real quickly to the ocean. We have a very, very serious issue here. I'm here because I see as a moral implication of global warming: mass extinction. God's creations now starting to disappear. That's what motivates me, what motivates many of us," Steger said connecting the dots between jobs and the environment.

"The way out of this is why we're here today. It's creating this new, low-carbon economy that's going to build our economy, build our communities, build our schools.

We really need to unite as a people and use our diversity to grow this movement. It's very important that we get everyone engaged."

for with the gas tax, you can’t tell me it takes a rocket scientist to hold a sign that says slow down or stop. That pays 16, 17 dollars an hour. We want to see some Black faces, some Indian faces, some Chicano faces, and some women.

We’re here to try to help all protected classes, including women.”

“We’re going to send a

message to America that we don’t want our people left out. We don’t want all the traditional corporations getting all these jobs, sending people into our community. We train our own community members; we’ll fix our own buildings. That’s what we’re about – community,” Means said.

multiethnic crowd to the Lao Family facility. "I would like to say welcome everyone to Lao Family. Lao Family was established some 28 years ago to serve the Hmong community that first settled as refugees in Minnesota. We have English school to teach those newcomers, especially first serving the Hmong community; but have grown and now we serve the Somali and all the other communities as well. We also have dislocated workers, and we are helping community members looking for jobs when they have lost their jobs or when they're looking for jobs for the first time because they are a newcomer, and have no skill or experience. We are guiding them to find a job, and also chemical dependency help is part of our program. Lao Family is getting involved with HIRE Minnesota because we are growing, so we are moving into the mainstream more and more. The general public is recognizing us and using our facility to meet and for the service as well. We're getting involved to make sure that our legislature hears and recognizes the Hmong community and to make sure that they don't leave out the Hmong community and people of color."

Earl Howard trains community health workers.

Community health workers teach community members how to prevent disease by decreasing risk factors. We also help community members' get health services and resources. We teach individuals how to create realistic goals in reference to their health, and we empower them to achieve those goals.

"Whether you're marching on the state capitol, in a classroom teaching, on top of a roof building a house or a home for a family, or in your community assisting individuals with health services and resources, we all play a part in building the community. So I would challenge city officials, state officials and everyone here to push for funding community health workers, and community health work training programs."

Wameng Moua, editor of Hmong Today, asked about the

"billion dollar project that's going to rip up our neighborhood here in the upcoming years here in the name of LRT. How are we going to be assured that the same people who are going to be displaced are also going to be working on this project as well? I haven't heard anything from anybody that's going to assure us of that.

Tim Brouse spoke on behalf of ISAIAH, which he described as "a non-partisan ecumenical organization of almost a hundred churches in the metropolitan and St. Cloud area, that come together to work around a common vision that we should act out of hope, not fear, that we should move from isolation to community, that we need to reject this myth of scarcity, that there's not enough resources to go around, and recognize that God's abundance will provide for all of our needs, if not all of our wants, and we need to move to a world of greater racial, economic and social justice for all of us."

"As people of faith, we in ISAIAH recognize that we have a sacred obligation to be good stewards of our planet and our resources, that we must protect that which God has given us, for ourselves, for our children and for all of God's creation.

Environmental degradation disproportionately affects people of color and those in poverty.

Therefore our actions must promote racial and economic opportunity for all people. We do this by acting in community with our public officials and our allies, voicing our faith values, working to conserve and preserve the planet's resources and demanding environmental justice for all.

ISAIAH is promoting passage of the Healthy Communities Act, which calls requires that state government examine environmental impacts in making spending decisions. We demand that the Minnesota Department of Transportation to do everything possible to open opportunity to all people in it's spending on infrastructure and transportation in the future," he said.

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Insight News • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Page 3

United Hands

By Lue Bratton-Lampley

My ancestors unlocked the pain My forefathers held the links to the chains The next generation joined hand and hand We’re united all over this land United hands each generation The power behind me Hearts beat beside me The clan of my family tree Each and everyday We have God to praise When I begin to write This spirit is a guiding light Sometime I don’t want to sing This spirit touch the pain I can open my mouth, it speaks for me United hands each generation The power behind me Hearts beat beside me The clan of family tree Each and everyday We have God to praise (when singing repeat)

www.worldwidehealth.com

Copyright Feb. 15th, 2006

Policies in the area of public safety must also include forgiveness Children’s Defense Fund

By Marian Wright Edelman In the middle of all the headlines and 24-hour news reports about the economic crisis, one critical story is just beginning to be told. Four days after Christmas, the Washington Post ran this article: “Child Neglect Cases Multiply As Economic Woes Spread.” In the article, area child welfare workers talked about the noticeable rise in the number of child abuse and neglect investigations. Many of the new

Obama From 1 the hardest-working people on Earth. Those qualities that have made America the greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history we still possess in ample measure.”

America has been devastated by the economic crisis with millions now unemployed and Black unemployment nearing 13 percent. Millions were glued to their television sets, looking for a word of hope as Obama prepares to unveil his first budget later this week.

The President was realistic: “You don’t need to hear another list of statistics to know that our economy is in crisis, because you live it every day. It’s the worry you wake up with and the source

Dance From 1 African dance that have been hiding within our current African American culture. It’s a way to share the inner workings of our cultural ancestry and examine our roots before we bridged a divide.

Right now, during its introductory stages, the members of the company are involved in a step by step training process that does more than just simply require memorizing moves and passing around a drum. V.O.C. dancers are trained to recognize the origins of a dance, the meaning of a beat, and the art of reproducing our stories that are told through movement.

Highlighting the importance of expressing the West African tradition of rhythmic communication, her artists are trained to express different moments of celebration from the of a birth of a child, and on to ones arrival at adulthood, through the customary use of conveying meaningful messages with drum and movement.

Although Sarge is a dance instructor at The St. Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts, she reserves V.O.C for young people who are more than just interested in learning a new African dance or in search of a new after school program, but rather young artists who are ready to submerge themselves in the awareness and origins of our West African culture. The young protégés get more than just a

neglect cases were connected to families trying to make do without heat, electricity or necessary medical care, like asthma medications and other basic needs.

An emergency room doctor at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, worried about a recent jump in the number of children coming in with bruises, broken bones and burns, and colleagues in other cities told her they’d noticed the same thing.

Operators at child abuse prevention hotlines were also hearing from growing numbers of parents whose financial problems were pushing them over the edge and making them lose control around their children. The child welfare experts interviewed in the article agreed that economic stress puts already fragile families, like those facing domestic violence or

substance abuse, at even greater risk. Families who may have seemed fine only a few months ago are also in danger. Linda Spears, vice president of the Child Welfare League of America, told the Post she is seeing cases of “middle-class families living in their cars, so afraid of losing their children that they tell the children not to tell anyone they’re homeless…. In late winter or early spring, I suspect we’ll just begin to see the impact on kids.”

The same stories are quietly popping up in many communities across the country. Children are already directly affected by the nation’s economy. Between 2006 and 2007, the number of poor children grew by 500,000 to the current total of 13.3 million. That number is expected to increase even more as the full impact of the

recession is felt. And even before America reached a full-blown economic crisis, we already were experiencing a child abuse and neglect crisis. In 2006, more than 900,000 children were abused or neglected, and 40 percent of those children got no help after their initial investigation. Now the threat is even greater as child abuse and neglect together become one more indicator of how Americans are responding to the current pressure, stress and insecurity.

Action is needed at all levels. In Congress, steps hopefully will be taken soon to alleviate stress on families by extending unemployment insurance benefits, getting food stamps to more families for immediate relief, and shoring up states’ capacity to offer them the health coverage and range of social services and supports they

need—all improvements included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit improvements and the new Make Work Pay Credit in the recovery package will help get money into the hands of families that they can spend quickly for basic needs for their children and themselves.

Families also will benefit from anticipated expansions of housing and job training opportunities.

Special help is needed at the federal level and in states and communities to strengthen supports for already vulnerable families challenged by substance abuse, mental health and domestic violence, and to increase significantly staff and services to help prevent and treat child abuse and neglect. Faith communities and

other community-based organizations must provide special outreach and help with children during these challenging times, and we must not forget the important supportive roles we can play, neighbor to neighbor and in our own families, to ease pressures on stressed-out families.

We know what works to help keep children safe. But this help needs to come soon. Children in danger and at risk right now can’t wait.

of sleepless nights. It’s the job you thought you’d retire from but now have lost; the business you built your dream upon that’s now hanging by a thread; the college acceptance letter your child had to put back in the envelope. The impact of this recession is real, and it is everywhere,” he said. “What is required now is for this country to pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face, and take responsibility for our future once more.”

Part of the exuberance among Democratic members of the House and Senate was no doubt their recollection that it was the eight-year Republican Administration of President George Bush that has led to the crisis.

“The Bush Administration left our nation in fiscal shambles.

The problems our country faces

are significant and it will require a lot of hard work to put America back on the road toward economic recovery,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA) in a statement. “President Obama laid out a plan to rebuild our fragile economy so that we can emerge stronger than before through job retention and creation, investing in our infrastructure and greater accountability and oversight of our financial institutions.

Additionally, he understands that we must resist the temptation to balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable Americans doing so would be particularly cruel in today’s economic climate.”

• Tax cuts for 95 percent of working families, beginning April 1.

• Comprehensive health care reform.

• Ending tax breaks for corporations that ship jobs overseas.

“Over the next two years, this plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs,” he said. “More than 90 percent of these jobs will be in the private sector - jobs rebuilding our roads and bridges; constructing wind turbines and solar panels; laying broadband and expanding mass transit.”

Obama says his anticipated budget will not be just “a laundry list” of items on paper. “I see it as a vision for America - as a blueprint for our future.’’

He continued, “My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every issue.

It reflects the stark reality of what we’ve inherited — a trillion-dollar deficit, a financial crisis, and a costly recession.”

Leading Black members of Congress, anticipating how the President’s first budget will deal with the poor and historically disadvantaged are optimistic:

“I look forward to learning the details later this week,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA.) in a statement. “Clearly, America cannot afford to spend and spend and spend given the recession and the record deficit run up by George W. Bush.

However, we can also not afford to neglect essential programs that assist our most vulnerable populations and that offer opportunity for all people to share in the American dream. I am confident that the President’s budget will recognize these priorities, and I look forward to working with him to move our country in a new direction.”

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) concludes, “This is a bold and decisive start to the challenges we face…And it must include the least among us.”

lesson in dance but also discipline, tradition, and an understanding of their African ancestry. The group receives training from both the hands of Sarge as well as through African dance workshops they are able to attend throughout the city and in the United States. V.O.C has been blessed through all their learning experiences, and are currently preparing for a trip to Oakland, California to attend a dance workshop hosted by Diamano Coura, in an effort to continue perfecting their craft as they prepare to become a permanent fixture within the Twin Cities dance scene.

The young artists can be seen performing West African drum and dance in different cultural events throughout the Twin Cities.

Next up for the group, Sarge

Among the specifics that Obama said would be reflected in his budget:

He also promised to eliminate wasted money through: • Reforms in the defense budget that would stop payments for “Cold War-era weapons systems we don’t use.”

• Eliminating the ‘’no-bid contracts that have wasted billions of dollars in Iraq.’’

He also reiterated some of the hallmarks of his economic stimulus plan, including unemployment benefits, continued health care coverage to help the unemployed and job retention and creation.

(L-R) Djembefola Kinyari Al-Ahad, Selima Al-Ahad, Djembefola Yetunde Whittaker, Yonci Peaceful Jameson and Kenna Sarge will be hosting the upcoming Global Hotdish Variety Show on

February 28th at the Minnesota History Center and her company

Marian Wright Edelman, whose latest book is The Sea Is So Wide And My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation, is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information about the Children’s Defense Fund, go to www.childrensdefense.org.

Djembefola Yetunde Whittaker and Kenna Sarge Voice of Culture will be one of the acts performing. Be on the lookout.

Website: www.voiceofculturedance.com.

Page 4 • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY ‘Racist’ cartoon: New York Post endangers president and community

By Cyril ‘’Josh’’ Barker Special to the NNPA from the Amsterdam News NEW YORK (NNPA) - A political cartoon published by the New York Post on Wednesday, Feb. 18, has many alleging the newspaper promotes blatant racism. The cartoon that ran in the newspaper’s “Page Six” section features two white police officers who have gunned down a chimpanzee in a pool of blood.

One of the officers says, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.” Sean Delonas drew the cartoon. The work is a parody of a recent news story that broke earlier in the week where a woman was attacked in Connecticut by a chimpanzee.

Police shot and killed the animal that was being kept as a pet.

President Barack Obama also signed $787 billion stimulus bill on Tuesday.

The cartoon appeared in the

tabloid on Wednesday and prompted immediate opposition from civil rights organizations. At the National Action Network headquarters in Harlem, the Rev. Al Sharpton voiced his outrage.

“We cannot have different standards in this country when it comes to offending people,” said Sharpton. “This, to us, is something that’s offensive to all Americans, Black, white, Hispanic and Asian.”

In an act of protest, Sharpton led picketing of the offices of the New York Post on Thursday at noon. He’s demanded that the paper clarify the meaning of the cartoon and/or discipline the artist and editor responsible.

Community leaders and political figures joined him, including Councilmember Charles Barron and Assemblywoman Inez Barron.

“The racist rag sheet [the New York Post] has hit an all-time low,” said Councilmember Barron. “The cartoon is racist and threatens the life of our president, Barack Obama. We are calling on

the Justice Department to investigate the New York Post.

Overall, our community, city and country will not accept this.”

Sharpton told the AmNews that he is also going to focus on Rupert Murdoch, “head of the world’s largest media empire” and CEO of News Corp., which owns the New York Post and Fox News. “The National Action Network and I are challenging the fact that Rupert Murdoch had to obtain a federal waiver from the FCC to own a TV and radio station in the same city.

He did it in Boston, and he did it in New York. We’re going to challenge him maintaining that waiver.”

The reverend added that the NAN protests will take place outside the New York Post daily at noon. Friday’s protest will take place at 5 p.m., and Sharpton announced that filmmaker Spike Lee will be leading the march.

Along with picketing, Sharpton plans on going after companies who advertise in the New York Post. He said, “There’s

no other conclusion I can come to other than the inference, that in some way, they’re trying to say that this monkey and the president are one and the same, which speaks to the historic, frightening stereotype that we’ve seen in the past of African-Americans.”

Upon seeing the cartoon in the newspaper early in the morning, Sharpton discussed it on the nationally syndicated radio program “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.” The picture was also posted on the NAN website.

At the time of the press conference on Wednesday morning, Sharpton said he had not received any explanation from the New York Post nor an apology.

The editor in chief of the Post, Col Allen, said in a statement, “The cartoon is a clear parody of a current news event, to wit the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. It broadly mocks Washington’s efforts to revive the economy. Again, Al Sharpton reveals himself as nothing more than a publicity opportunist.”

Sean Delonas/New York Post

Cartoon drawing in Feb. 18 New York Post.

In response, Sharpton said at the press conference, “That’s not clarification at all. How do you mix that? To say that I am a publicity hound, that is correct. I seek to get all of the publicity I can on injustice. That’s what activists do. I’m a very proud publicity hound.”

“This cartoon is racist, vile and disgusting,” decried Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries. “It is offensive to me as a Black man. It is offensive to me as

an American. It is offensive to me as someone who represents a community that has been victimized by police brutality. The election of President Obama demonstrates that we have made significant racial progress in this country. This cartoon, which portrays our president as a monkey, demonstrates that we still have a long way to go. The New York Post should issue an immediate apology.”

Murdoch apology fails to state policy changes to prevent racist insensitivity Commentary

By Benjamin Todd Jealous We welcome Rupert Murdoch's statement that the New York Post will endeavor to be more sensitive to the communities it serves, but unfortunately his apology fails to answer how the Post will do so.

Murdoch could resolve this unfortunate situation in 15 minutes by meeting to develop substantive measures to ensure that this type of incendiary incident does not happen again.

Murdoch's apology comes only after almost a week of tens of

thousands of expressions of outrage and disgust from people across the country. The offenders are still on staff and there are no measures being taken to increase diversity in its newsroom. The apology from Murdoch is sadly too little, too late and we call on Murdoch to take the steps needed to assure that the New York Post can practice more responsible journalism and truly be sensitive to its community, in the future.

The New York Post and Fox News have a history of racially insensitive reporting. With the support of the editor in chief, the cartoonist Sean Delonas has published numerous vile cartoons tinged with racism. Fox News was

widely criticized during the elections for calling Michelle Obama "Obama's baby mama" and terming the affectionate and common fist bump between thencandidate Obama and his wife, a "terrorist fist jab" at a time when death threats against the candidate were at an all time high for any presidential candidate.

The New York Post stands alone from most daily newspapers in refusing to report its diversity numbers to the American Society of Newspaper Editors. One has to wonder how many Hispanic or African American reporters and editors are working at the New York Post? Clearly, with more diversity in its newsrooms, it's

likely the paper would have been able to understand the deeply offensive nature of the cartoon.

Our guess is that the numbers are abysmally low for a newspaper serving a city with a population as diverse as New York.

It is hard not to interpret the cartoon, which was juxtaposed to a photo of President Obama, as an encouraging sign to those who would assassinate our 44th president because of the color of his skin. The depiction of two police officers shooting down the primate is deeply troubling to communities who struggle daily with suspicious police killings.

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement

Executives (NOBLE) has also condemned the cartoon calling it "despicable, insensitive and easily interpreted as racist." Good police officers all around the country should be dismayed by this slur on their character. African Americans have historically been compared to primates as a way to dehumanize the entire group. We were called monkeys while we were being brutally lynched and denied equal civil and human rights. In fact, a 2008 study published by the American Psychological Association found that an association between primates and African Americans still exists among many white Americans.

We hope that Murdoch will make good on his apology and agree to make the needed changes in the newsroom and its policies Founded in 1909, the NAACP-the nation's oldest, largest and most widely-recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization-is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It's more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Majesty and misery: The richness of lift every voice

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist When I learned that Senator Dianne Feinstein would be charged with the inaugural arrangements I prayed. I prayed that our San Francisco sister would be as sensitive, as I was, to the moment and the meaning of the Negro National Anthem and to the possibility that the San Francisco Boys and Girls Choir might sing that song.

Yes, I know that I was delusional. President Barack Hussein Obama is the president of the United States of America, not of Black America. That means that our president might demur on making racial gestures, singing the right song, in the right tenor. I did not

expect President Obama to sing the Negro National anthem. But I prayed someone would sing it.

While no one sang it, one many parsed it. The Rev. Joseph Lowery was the unwitting answer to my prayer. When he lifted up the words, God of our weary years God of our silent tears, he put the words of the Negro national anthem in the inaugural mix.

I will always be grateful to Rev. Lowery for his words, but also to president Obama for bringing Rev. Lowery to the table. I revel in the history, in Black history, in the afterglow.

While I revel, media colleagues align themselves in a different space. They write that they don't need Black history, and as I read them, I swear I am going to go running down the streets and sidewalks in sheer

hysteria.

Of course we need Black history, this manifestation of Dr. Carter G. Woodson's vision.

Now we are actually openly talking about African-American people, history and possibility.

Should we just forget Black history because an AfricanAmerican man is president of the United States? Or should we wait until our nation's statuary, and our K-12 curriculum begin to reflect our cultural energy.

If you ride around our nation's cities and towns you will find statues that suggest that we lift up those who make outstanding contributions. Why are there not more AfricanAmericans in the mix? Even if there is someone to concede that history is being made right this minute, who will correct the statuary? When do we get to

lift up the likenesses of Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, Patricia Roberts Harris, and the other African American women who have made a difference in our world?

Until these women are as elevated as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, it makes no sense to consider eliminating Black History Month.

Why would some eliminate?

They say that Black history month means segregation. The real segregation is the way our history books were written, the fact that every high school book had a page or two on slavery, usually illustrated as a Black man who looked like a recent escapee from an uncle Ben's rice box, a page that had aunt lemma's closest companion

illustrated, a book that reduced slavery into a paragraph or two, a book that failed to capture the nuances of slavery - the reality of those slaves that purchased themselves, the complexities of the lies of those who navigated freedom, the challenges of those who were related to those who actually owned them.

Attorney General Eric Holder was on point when he indicated that we are afraid to confront our very foundations.

And our fear has given fuel to the fear of others, cowards, who would suggest that we should eliminate Black history month because they think the racial world is now flat.

Not flat, our world begs for a conversation, and until we clear the air the conversation will be, perhaps, approached during Black history month. We

have elected an African American man as president of the United States, but we have not fixed every history book nor captured all of the nuances of African American heritage and history.

How many white folks know the words of the Negro National Anthem - Lift Every Voice and Sing. How many of those trying to slam the door on Black history - Black and White understand the richness and reality of the Negro National Anthem?

Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women.

She can be reached at presoffice@bennett.edu

http://insightnews.com

Insight News • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Page 5

BUSINESS New withholding announced; most workers will see bigger paychecks this spring The Internal Revenue Service released updated withholding tables that will result in more take-home pay this spring for millions of American workers.

The new withholding charts, now posted on IRS.gov, incorporate the new Making Work Pay credit, a key tax provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that became law last week.

“For most taxpayers, the

additional credit will automatically start showing up in their paychecks this spring,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.

“Since employers and payroll companies will handle this change, people typically won’t need to take any additional action. The IRS will continue working to implement this and other provisions of the new law as quickly as possible.”

Workers don’t need to fill out a new W-4 withholding form to get

the Making Work Pay credit reflected in their take-home pay.

About the credit The Making Work Pay credit, which is available for tax years 2009 and 2010, is 6.2 percent of a taxpayer’s earned income for a maximum credit of $800 for joint filers and $400 for other taxpayers.

Most workers will qualify for the maximum credit. Because the credit is refundable (people can get

it even if they owe no tax), most low-income workers will also qualify for the full credit.

Many higher-income taxpayers will see little or no change in their take-home pay. The Making Work Pay credit is phased out for a married couple filing a joint return whose modified adjusted gross income (AGI) is between $150,000 and $190,000 and other taxpayers whose modified AGI is between $75,000 and $95,000.

Taxpayers will not get a separate, special payment from the IRS like last year’s economic stimulus payment.

The timeline The IRS asks that employers start using the new withholding tables as soon as possible but not later than April 1. Most workers will see a boost in their take-home pay soon thereafter.

The updated withholding tables, along with

other instructions related to the new tax law, will be incorporated in the new Publication 15-T, which will be posted to IRS.gov this week and mailed to more than 9 million employers in mid-March.

For more information or to view the new Withholding Tables, visit IRS.gov.

Report finds silent economic depression for people of color

By Special to the NNPA from the Louisiana Weekly (NNPA) - A new report concludes that the current economic recession is being experienced as a depression by people of color.

Entitled “State of the Dream 2009: The Silent Depression,”

the report is the sixth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day report from United for a Fair Economy (UFE).

“While media and public attention has focused on the recession that started a year ago for the total population, particular communities of color have been experiencing a recession for five years,” stated Amaad Rivera, Racial Wealth Divide Initiative Leader for

UFE and one of the report’s coauthors. “By definition, a longterm recession is a depression.”

The report — based on extensive research of current and historical data, academic papers, speeches, policy papers and government statistics — includes a critique of mainstream economic analysis and posits a new framework for evaluating economic wellbeing.

The report, released January 15, is the first of its kind to do a thorough analysis of the historical reasons for the disparity in economic realities between whites and people of color, and to suggest steps toward remedying the problem.

“The current economic crisis requires more than a color-blind stimulus.

It demands a complete economic restructuring that addresses the

racial wealth divide,” stated Dedrick Muhammad, Senior Organizer and Research Associate at the Institute for Policy Studies, a co-author of the report.

The report explains the mechanisms that helped create the silent economic depression for people of color, explores how the depression affects individuals and communities of color, and proposes policy

solutions to close the racial economic divide.

United for a Fair Economy is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works across races, ethnicities and classes to help close the growing economic divide. Its website is www.faireconomy.org.

IRS says more taxpayers making mistakes on tax returns this year The Internal Revenue Service announced that an early sampling shows about 15 percent of federal tax returns include errors relating to the new Recovery Rebate Credit.

The amount of a taxpayer’s 2008 stimulus payment, combined with information about their 2008 tax situation, determines eligibility for the new Recovery Rebate Credit.

Some filers erroneously claimed the credit, others claimed the wrong amount and some mistakenly entered the amount of the stimulus payment they received last year on the Recovery Rebate Credit line on

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com 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 Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Elliot Stewart-Franzen Web Design & Content Associate Ben Williams Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Paul Edward Hamilton Ryan T. Scott Julie Desmond Rashida McKenzie Marcia Humphrey Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Mpls., 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.

the Form 1040.

“Filers should NOT report the stimulus payment directly on their tax returns,” said IRS spokesperson Carrie Resch.

“Use that figure only on the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet or trust the software to compute the credit correctly.

Or simply let the IRS calculate it for you.”

The Recovery Rebate Credit is a one-time benefit for people who didn’t receive an economic stimulus payment last year and a small number of people who received some of the payment last year and whose circumstances may have changed, making them eligible now for the unpaid portion.

These situations may include people who earned more or less in 2008 than in 2007, who had or adopted a child, or who ceased being a dependent in 2008. Also, seniors and retirees who did not file for a stimulus payment last year may qualify for the credit if they have at least $3,000 in qualifying income or benefits, such as Social Security or Veterans benefits.

Most of the 119 million Americans who received a stimulus payment last year are not eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, but will need to provide the amount of their stimulus payment to determine for sure.

To determine eligibility for the new credit, taxpayers supply the stimulus payment information either on a worksheet when preparing a paper return or in response to the program’s questions when using tax software.

Paper filers in doubt may enter “RRC” on the Recovery Rebate Credit line on the Form 1040 and the IRS will calculate the credit based on its records.

Generally, the credit will be added to a taxpayers refund or applied to an amount that is owed.

Like last year’s stimulus payment, the Recovery Rebate Credit is a maximum of $600 for individuals and $1,200 for joint filers. Another $300 is added for each qualifying child under age 17.

Myths About Reporting Stimulus Payments To minimize further mistakes, the IRS sets the record straight on some myths and misunderstandings that may be causing increased filing errors.

Myth #1: The economic stimulus payment you got last year must be paid back, is taxable or lowers your refund.

Fact: The stimulus payment is not taxable federally, does not have to be paid back and does not lower your tax refund. Do not report it as income.

Myth #2: You must report the stimulus payment you received last year on your 2008 tax return.

Fact: You DO NOT report the stimulus payment directly on your tax return. If you are using tax software, enter the stimulus payment amount when prompted and the software will complete the calculation and enter the correct credit on your

return. If you are filing a paper return, enter the stimulus payment amount on the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet in the instruction booklet then complete the worksheet and enter the result on your return.

Myth #3: When using tax software, the amount of the refund displayed on the screen decreases as soon as you enter your stimulus payment, so that proves it’s either taxable or it reduces your refund.

Fact: Some tax software adds the Recovery Rebate Credit to your refund up front then subtracts your stimulus payment from the credit as soon as you enter the amount of payment you received in 2008. With

some exceptions, people are only entitled to either the 2008 stimulus payment OR the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2008 tax return, not both.

Myth #4: If you enter the amount of your stimulus payment directly on your tax return, your refund will be delayed for weeks.

Fact: Entering the amount of your stimulus payment directly on your tax return is an error and may delay your refund, but usually by no more than one week.

Myth #5: If you can’t provide the amount of your stimulus payment, you can’t get the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Fact: The IRS has an online tool

called “How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment?” at www.irs.gov that provides the amount of your stimulus payment when you enter your Social Security Number and your 2007 filing status and number of exemptions claimed.

(If you don’t have internet access, call 1-866-234-2942, choose option 1 and provide the same information.)

If you’re in doubt, enter “RRC” on the appropriate Recovery Rebate Credit line on the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ and the IRS will figure the credit for you.

Fact: This is true for many but not all. For example, taxpayers who added a qualifying child to their household in 2008 or a person who ceased being a dependent may qualify for the credit. People who earned too much to qualify based on their 2007 return, but had less income in 2008 may also qualify for more.

Myth #6: If you got a stimulus payment last year, you are not eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

For more information, visit IRS.gov or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.

Myth #7: The Recovery Rebate Credit will be sent as a separate check.

Fact: The credit will be added to your 2008 tax refund. It will not be a separate payment.

Page 6 • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

FULL CIRCLE Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure

By Rashida McKenzie I keep coming across this scripture, Mark 10:27. The scripture says, Jesus looked at them and said, 'For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.' It sticks out to me because it comes at a time when I am somewhat uncomfortable with my own dreams. Why? Because in my head they are so big, that I can't fathom how it is all going to come together and get done. The reason I

feel so comfortable writing this is because I know that I am not alone.

We all want something out of life.

What is it that you want?

Sometimes it is hard to answer that question aloud because you know if it sounds too big for you to wrap your whole mind around, then it will definitely sound crazy to other people. When this fear of talking about my dreams comes over me, I take a second and realize that I need to change channels. I am thinking about my goals in terms of a mortal standpoint, but when I

tap into God's knowledge and power, which is infinite, I realize that as a child of God I have the ability to do whatever I want to do as long as it is within God's will for my life. So if you are feeling how I am feeling I encourage you to press on. Write out your complete vision, how do you see it? When do you want to accomplish it by?

Figure out what steps are necessary to get you there. After you have written all the desires of your heart, put them in order of priority and tackle that list one by one. Don't

limit the list because doing so puts a limit on your blessings.

Remember that we were made to use our gifts. Realize that sometimes fear is not a fear of failure, but it can be fear of success. When that fear comes over me, I like to repeat this passage written by Marianne Williamson in her book A Return to Love: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our

darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we

unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Dream Big; bigger than anything you could ever anticipate happening to you. Know that some people will discourage you along the way and that getting there won't always be easy. Don't allow anything or anyone to be a distraction and just go get it. Above all, no matter what you do, continue to dream on, dreamer!

Rev. Festus Umeojiego named pastor at Unity South The Rev. Festus A. Umeojiego, the new minister at Unity South, has a long history in the Twin Cities Unity Ministries. He previously served as the Senior Minister of Unity Church in Woodbury from 1988 to 2001.

In June of 2002, Festus was called away to serve as Senior Minister of Unity Church on the North Shore, Evanston, IL until his return to the Twin Cities in

June. He’s also served as a minister in Houston, TX prior to his service in Woodbury, Minnesota. According to Festus, Minnesota has always been and still is his “true home.”

Prior to ministry, he was an engineer in the automotive industry, and holds Masters Degrees in both mechanical and nuclear engineering.

Festus once noted, “Nuclear

science, especially in quantum theory, together with a spiritual base from Catholic teachings and my native understandings, have opened me to non-linear way of conceiving reality, which I find consistent with the spiritual thinking and growth at Unity.”

Festus brings his spiritual base to the Unity teachings in a unique way. Unity is a positive,

practical progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer. Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each person’s right to choose their own spiritual path. Unity reminds people that there is a spark of Divinity in each and everyone of us.

More about Rev. Festus is available on unitysouth.org or office@unitysouth.org. or by calling (952) 884-6656 Sunday worship services are at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at Unity South, part of the Association of Unity Churches International, 7950 First Ave South, Bloomington, MN 55419.

Rev. Festus Umeojiego

Stamps highlight NAACP’s 100th Anniversary; Civil Rights pioneers honored on stamps NEW YORK CITY — The sacrifices of 12 civil rights pioneers were immortalized on postage today during the NAACP’s annual meeting in New York City. The Civil Rights Pioneers stamp sheet, bearing six 42-cent First-Class commemorative stamps, are available nationwide today. They were dedicated by U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors member Thurgood Marshall Jr. The stamps honor the achievements of Ella Baker, Daisy Gatson Bates, J.R. Clifford, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Charles Hamilton Houston, Ruby Hurley, Mary White Ovington, Joel Elias Spingarn, Mary Church Terrell, Oswald Garrison Villard and

Walter White.

“For more than 100 years, the NAACP has championed the cause of racial equality,” explained Marshall, “breaking down the strongholds of political, economic and social injustice.

The NAACP and these 12 civil rights pioneers are inextricably linked. The hope of our nation is built on the legacies of these very special people and thousands of others whom we’ll never even know. That’s the spirit of America — bred in the sacrifices of a few for the benefit of many.”

Marshall was joined in dedicating the stamps by Medgar Evers’ widow and NAACP Chairman Emerita, Myrlie EversWilliams, NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Julian Bond

Photos: U.S. Postal Service

Charles Hamilton Houston & Walter White

and Professor, Alphonse Fletcher University and Director, Du Bois Institute, Harvard University, Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., who is also a member of the Postmaster General’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee.

“I am very pleased that the United States Postal Service has

Oswald Garrison Villard & Daisy Gatson Bates

Ella Baker & Ruby Hurley

Megar Evers & Fannie Lou Hamer

issued this stamp commemorating civil rights pioneers at this moment in time — just as the NAACP celebrates its historic 100th anniversary,” said Myrlie Evers-Williams.

“Those of us who have made a lifetime commitment to the NAACP realize the challenges and sacrifices faced by these pioneers and their tremendous dedication to the cause of justice.

As we move forward to celebrate the future, we must not let younger generations forget these champions who paved the way for the advancements we enjoy today. I am deeply honored that Medgar Evers has been chosen to be immortalized with this select group of heroic legends.”

Art director Ethel Kessler and stamp designer Greg Berger, both of Bethesda, MD, chose to approach this project through photographic montage. Pairing two pioneers in each stamp was a way of intensifying the montage effect. The selvage image, or area outside of the stamps, is an illustration by Greg Berger showing participants in a march.

from the collection of the Library of Congress, was made between 1880 and 1900.

Villard was one of the founders of the NAACP and wrote “The “Call” leading to its formation.

His undated portrait comes from the records of the NAACP at the Library of Congress.

Mary Church Terrell (18631954) Throughout her long life as a writer, activist, and lecturer, she was a powerful advocate for racial justice and women’s rights in America and abroad. The portrait of Mary Church Terrell,

Mary White Ovington (18651951) This journalist and social worker believed passionately in racial equality and was a founder of the NAACP. The photograph of Mary White Ovington was taken between 1930 and 1940. It is part of the NAACP archival collection at the Library of Congress.

J.R. Clifford (1848-1933) Clifford was the first black attorney licensed in West Virginia. In two landmark cases before his state’s Supreme Court, he attacked racial discrimination in education. The image of J.R. Clifford is a detail from an undated photograph from the University of Massachusetts Library Special Collections.

Joel Elias Spingarn (1875-1939) Because coverage of blacks in the media tended to be negative, he endowed the prestigious Spingarn Medal, awarded annually since 1915, to highlight black achievement. The portrait of Joel Elias Spingarn is dated in the 1920s and comes from the records of NAACP at the Library of Congress.

Oswald Garrison Villard (18721949)

Daisy Gatson Bates (1914-1999) Bates mentored nine black students who enrolled at all-white Central High School in Little Rock, AR, in 1957. The students used her home as an organizational hub. The 1957 photograph of Bates is from the New York World-Telegram & Sun Newspaper photographic collection at the Library of Congress.

Charles Hamilton Houston (1895-1950) This lawyer and educator was a main architect of the civil rights movement. He believed in using laws to better the lives of underprivileged citizens.

Houston’s portrait is a Nov. 22, 1939, photograph from the Washington Press obtained from the Library of Congress.

Walter White (1893-1955) Blue eyes and a fair complexion enabled this leader of the NAACP to make daring undercover investigations. The portrait of Walter White, dated around 1950, is from the records of the NAACP at the Library of Congress.

Medgar Evers (1925-1963) Evers served with distinction as an official of the NAACP in Mississippi until his assassination in 1963. The photograph of Evers is from the Library of Congress.

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) Hamer was a Mississippi sharecropper who fought for black voting rights and spoke for many when she said, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Her portrait is dated Aug. 24, 1964.

Ella Baker (1903-1986) Baker’s lifetime of activism made her a skillful organizer. She encouraged women and young people to assume positions of leadership in the civil rights movement. The portrait of Ella Baker is dated between 1943 and 1946 and is from NAACP records at the Library of Congress.

Ruby Hurley (1909-1980) As a courageous and capable official with the NAACP, she did difficult, dangerous work in the South. Hurley’s image is from a 1963 newspaper photo.

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24.

http://insightnews.com

Insight News • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Page 7

AESTHETICS Dev Patel delivers as lovesick game show contestant Film Review

By Kam Williams, Columnist kam@insightnews.com Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) was just one correct answer away from winning the grand prize of 20 million rupees on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” when the police decided to question him about his extraordinary string of luck.

After all, no one ever lasted this long on the television game show before, and the producers doubted that this dirt-poor, uneducated orphan from the teeming slums of Mumbai could have achieved his unlikely feat without cheating.

Therefore, the night before his return for his final appearance on the program, they arrange for the authorities to drag the innocent 18-yearold down to the station for a little Abu Ghraib-level interrogation away from the public eye. But despite being tortured by a couple of sadistic cops (Irfan Khan and Saurabh Shukla), Jamal matter-of-factly explains exactly how he came to acquire the answers to such seemingly obscure trivia questions. And soon, what gradually becomes apparent is that everything is on the upand-up.

For, all the unfortunate lad has to share is his sorrowful autobiography, an endless tale of woe which he reveals via a kaleidoscope of colorful flashbacks. Surprisingly, it turns out that he’s actually been less concerned with taking home the 20 million rupees than with using his TV publicity as a means of finding his long-lost love, Latika (Freida Pinto), a fellow street urchin and fan of the popular quiz show.

This is the engaging premise of Slumdog Millionaire, a genre-defying romantic thriller from Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan.

www.baltimoremagazine.net

Dev Patel (L) and Freida Pinto in a scene from Slumdog Millionaire The clever co-directors deftly interweave three nonsimultaneous strands of Jamal’s life story into an absorbing triskelion that definitely deserves to be recognized come Oscar time.

One aspect revolves around his climb to the top on Millionaire as he engages in both superficial banter and psychological warfare with the show’s slimy, if unctuous, emcee (Anil Kapoor). That relatively-light badinage stands in sharp contrast with his being mercilessly roughed up by the police who resort to water boarding and electric shocks in quest of a confession. The third part of the picture is devoted to Jamal’s surviving by his wits

during his challenging childhood with the help of Latika and his ne’er-do-well older brother, Salim (Madhur Mittal).

Will Jamal die behind bars while being interrogated or will he be allowed his honestlyearned shot at that final question? If back on the air, will he give the right answer and win the loot, will he reunite with his sweetheart, or achieve both goals?

A dizzying, delightful spectacle situated on the Subcontinent well worth the investment for the kaleidoscope of colors splashed across the screen alone. Plus there’s a spellbinding performance on the part of the protagonist

Patel, and enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end of this explosive adventure.

Excellent (4 stars) Rated R for violence, profanity and disturbing images.

In English and Hindi with subtitles.

Running time: 120 minutes Studio: Fox Searchlight To see a trailer of Slumdog Millionaire, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=AIzbwV7on6Q

HBO special profiles prominent African-Americans

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Film critic Elvis Mitchell and director Timothy GreenfieldSanders have collaborated on another series of fascinating interviews with a mix of

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Angela Davis

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Kara Walker

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Maya Rudolph

African-American artists, activists, academics and athletes. Many are instantlyrecognizable icons who need no introduction, such as Tyler Perry, Laurence Fishburne, Melvin Van Peebles, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Angela Davis.

Others are a little less known, like Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, comedienne Maya Rudolph, country singer Charlie Pride, gangsta' rapper RZA, painter Kara Walker, clothes designer Patrick Robinson and Oscarnominated scriptwriter Suzanne De Passe. And then there are those who have met with success away from the limelight, including Episcopal Bishop Barbara C. Harris, community organizer Mahora Carter and Dean of Meharry School of Medicine Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice.

What all 15 share, nonetheless, is the toll exacted on their psyches and souls by being Black in America, something they weigh-in on honestly, each from a unique point of view. Walker talks about how weird it felt to be criticized by a college professor for painting a still life instead of a subject reflecting the Black experience.

Bishop Jakes observes that "Our faith has been both a blessing and a curse, because we were taught to hope for heaven while we live in Hell on Earth." Van Peebles speaks about cultivating his cornucopia of talents in the absence of any formal training, likening himself to the bumblebee which defies aeronautical explanation and "flies anyway."

Maya Rudolph admits to having struggled with her identity, being a mixture of white, Black and Jewish, yet looking like none of the above.

"I always felt like an impostor," she says of the pressure of her formative years, since it "cuts very deeply when you're trying to figure out what about you is great."

Majora Carter reflects on being raised in the slums of the South Bronx, where she grew

up depressed about her brother's murder yet curiously unafraid of her dangerous surroundings.

Although unseen and unheard, celeb interviewer Elvis Mitchell must be again commended for eliciting such an array of frank and novel insights from this impressive

assemblage of prominent African-American luminaries.

Excellent (4 stars) Rated TV14 for profanity and adult content.

Running Time: 55 minutes Studio: HBO

Page 8 • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Insight News

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HEALTH Eat your colors for better health

By DeeAnn Leines U of M Extension Did you know that colors are good for you? Fruits and vegetables contain compounds called phytochemicals that give them both their color and aroma.

Phytochemicals are also found in beans, grains and other plants. A couple of the more common ones are beta carotene and lycopene. There is some evidence that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may reduce the risk of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and is also good for the heart.

Phytochemicals are chemicals produced naturally by plants to protect themselves, but

when consumed may also help humans protect themselves from disease. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain the largest amounts of phytochemicals.

Refined foods such as sugar and alcohol do not contain phytochemicals.

It is recommended that adults eat 2 1/2 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruit and 6 ounces of grains (of which 3 ounces are whole grains) each day. In addition to phytochemicals, these foods are rich in minerals, fiber and vitamins, and are low in saturated fat. It’s better to eat food high in these nutrients than to consume supplements because foods have fiber and other trace minerals in them as well.

There are five color groups

of vegetables and fruits. They are red, yellow/orange, blue/purple, green and white/tan.

Eat a variety of colors in your diet for the abundance of nutrients you need to be healthy.

How can you get your family to eat more fruits and vegetables? If your children are young, try to get them to taste a variety of fruits and vegetables so that they get used to a multitude of flavors. As you are grocery shopping, make a mental note to check out some of the more unusual fruits and vegetables and then try serving them at home. Don’t give up just because your child says they do not like something after tasting it once. Sometimes it takes time to develop a liking for some of

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the more strongly flavored fruits/vegetables.

Keep a colorful variety of fruit and vegetables washed, handy and ready to consume to

encourage children to grab them for snacks. Include your children in preparing those multi-colored meals and the fun will follow!

DeeAnn Leines is a health and nutrition educator with University of Minnesota Extension.

U of M College of Veterinary Medicine introduces collaborative cancer program The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, in conjunction with the University's Masonic Cancer Center, has established a new Animal Cancer Care and Research (ACCR) program.

This collaboration is unique in the United States because it incorporates the ACCR program into the Masonic Cancer Center, one of only 41 National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States.

"We believe it will become the premier model for animal cancer care and research," says Dr. Trevor Ames, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Within five years Ames says he expects the University of Minnesota to be recognized as the best institution in the country for conducting research in comparative oncology and providing care for companion animals with cancer.

"ACCR scientists have already made significant discoveries," says Ames. "One particularly noteworthy finding is that many cancers in the dog are caused by the same genetic abnormalities found in humans."

The mission of the ACCR program is ambitious: To advance knowledge in cancer

biology that can be translated and implemented into treatment that will reduce the incidence of cancer and improve the outcome for animal and human cancer patients.

"The ACCR program is a key part of our Comparative Medicine Signature Program at the University," says Dr. Robert Washabau, who chairs the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. "Cancer claims the lives of animals as well as humans, and research into the causes and treatments of cancer is often applicable across species."

The ACCR program draws its expertise primarily from scientists in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Masonic Cancer Center, but ACCR scientists also work closely with the Medical School, School of Pharmacy, and School of Public Health.

"Great synergies can be achieved when veterinarians, physicians, and scientists with complementary expertise join forces to tackle the types of cancer shared by dogs and humans," says Dr. Jaime Modiano, director of the ACCR program. "ACCR researchers are currently working to define breed- and disease-specific 'Achilles' heels' in dogs. These findings could then be

translated into more effective and less toxic cancer treatments. The implications could reach far beyond dogs and veterinary medicine."

Modiano's laboratory is one of three research labs involved in the program. Modiano holds the Alvin S. and June Perlman Endowed Chair in Animal Oncology and is a member of the Masonic Cancer Center's Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer and Immunology research programs.

ACCR scientists work on research in genetics, cancer prevention, stem cells, metastasis, and cell signaling.

Many of these basic research findings are readily translated into cancer care including diagnostics, treatments, and quality of life.

"We can learn more about cancer by working together," says Douglas Yee, M.D., director, Masonic Cancer Center. "This program will advance our understanding of cancer in both animals and people."

For more information on the Animal Cancer Care and Research program or to download a PDF of the ACCR newsletter, Synergy, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/accr.

Cheerios® is looking for everyday heroes who lead the fight against heart disease Calling all heroes, Cheerios is searching for heart-inspiring people who fight against heart disease each and every day. In America, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women, particularly among African-American women, who are at the greatest risk for cardiovascular disease than any other ethnic group[1].

In response to this alarming statistic, Cheerios is once again asking for nominations for the Cheerios Sisters Saving Hearts Award that honors individuals or service organizations that have made a difference in the AfricanAmerican community.

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to help fight the battle against heart disease or have you given your heart and soul to save others?

Cheerios Sisters Saving Hearts, a grassroots grant-giving initiative, is searching for heartinspiring people who help eradicate this curable disease.

Now in its third year, Sisters Saving Hearts will honor five heart-inspiring individuals or service organizations that have dedicated their time, talents and passion to fight heart disease in their local communities with a

$5,000 grant to the charity of their choice.

From now until March 15, 2009, help Cheerios spread awareness and fight the leading killer among women in America by nominating a heart hero in your community. To nominate an individual or organization, complete an online or mail-in entry form explaining how the nominee has impacted others or improved the community on behalf of heart disease prevention. Nominees must be at least 18 years of age and can be a friend, family member, colleague, organization or yourself. The five honorees will be selected by a panel of judges based on the honoree’s community impact, activities on behalf of heart disease and cholesterol and number of individuals helped/served by the honoree’s actions.

“We are devoted to promoting healthy lifestyles and know how important education is in the fight against heart disease,” said Jeff Hingher, Cheerios Marketing. “The Cheerios Sisters Saving Hearts initiative also helps arm Americans with useful information on heart disease

prevention and provides steps to a heart-healthy lifestyle via diet and exercise as well as regular cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.”

In addition to the Sisters Saving Heart grant initiative, you can also help others receive free cholesterol screening for women in need through the Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts® program. Now through January 31st, 2010, for every code entered at www.cheerioshelpinghearts.com , Cheerios will donate $1, up to $200,000, to raise awareness for heart disease and provide free cholesterol screenings for women in need, through its partnership with WomenHeart.

Codes will be featured inside specially marked boxes of Cheerios cereal.

For more information about Cheerios Sisters Saving Hearts grants and nominations or about the Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts, please visit www.SistersSavingHearts.com or www.CheeriosHelpingHearts.com Source: American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2008 Update

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Insight News • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Page 9

Forum From 1 Randolph Staten, co-chair of the Coalition of Black Churches and African American Leadership Summit and former member of the Minnesota Legislature.

“Sometimes we get to the table too late,” Staten said on last Tuesday’s broadcast of Conversations with Al McFarlane.

The program was presented in front of a live audience at the Glover Sudduth Center for Neighborhood and Economic Development, headquarters of Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue, in North Minneapolis.

“But we need to get our people into the political process early. The next few days are critically important,” he said in reference to Tuesday night’s DFL Party precinct caucuses.

Staten said part of the problem is that the white press and old-line political operators “want to look at us as though we are less than other voters. They will say that Black people don’t turn out for the political process. They will say we don’t vote,” he said.

“That is a lie. The record shows we are very aggressive voters. We outvote whites. Look at the last presidential and congressional elections. We do vote, especially if there is something and someone worth voting for. We do vote. We do participate.”

“I believe political involvement is critical. The proverb says ‘People who don’t control the politics of their communities are a people in

Al Flowers

Suluki Fardan

shame and disgrace,’” he said.

“Yet, there are some who say ‘I don’t want to get involved’ and therefore fail in their duty to direct the affairs of our community. To them, I say, ‘Have you lost your mind? Politics control everything you do, including where you live, where you work, what you eat, what kind of education you and children can have.’”

Staten said there should be no elections for which the Black community has not prepared candidates in advance. School Boards, City Council seats, and mayoral contests should bear the imprint of Black voters, he said.

“Let me be frank. The current Minneapolis City Council has done nothing to represent us as a community and we have to use the methods we have to change that,” he said. “As far as mayor and governor races are concerned, we need to ask tough questions of those who want to be reelected.

How can you talk about being

Mn/DOT From 1 however, was a staggering disparity between the goals set and the numbers achieved. But MN/DOT Director of Policy, Safety, and Strategic Initiatives Bernard Arsenau and director of MN/DOT’s Office of Civil Rights, Hope Jensen assured Legislators and the public in attendance that the agency recognized their deficiencies and was working to improve upon them.

“I’m here to accept some responsibility for our progress and what we’ve done in the past in this area,” Arsenau said before the sizeable crowd that turned out for the hearing. “It certainly isn’t as good as we’d like to see.”

The one project MN/DOT touts as a success—the 35W bridge reconstruction—was administered by an out-of-state contracting firm, Flatiron Construction Corporation.

The Colorado-based firm exceeded its’ 11 percent goal, achieving nearly 15 percent women and minority participation.

Bobby Champion (DFL) 58B “We want to accept responsibility for that,” Arsenau said.

“But more importantly, we want to move forward with a program that will provide us with the foundation that’s needed to work for both the minority community and the contractors.”

With the recent passage of the Federal Economic Recovery Plan, more money will be pumped into MN/DOT projects—resulting in more jobs. The agency projects some

reelected or about running for governor when you have one of the worst records in the country in terms of enfranchising Black people?”

Staten said politics even control who gets incarcerated and who doesn’t. “Today’s newspaper reported a judge sentencing Carl Eller to the workhouse to make an example out of him for daring to call the judicial system and police conduct racist and prejudiced. All of us know the system is racist.

Every day we experience inappropriate treatment by the courts and by police. This judge has decided to punish more harshly than even prosecutors recommended, because someone told the truth.”

Kevin Lacy, president/HVAC, at Performance Contractors, previously owned All-American Heating and Air Conditioning, and is continuing an intergenerational family legacy in the building and construction trades industry. He was born and raised in Minneapolis and said our community has been zoned out of opportunity. “I’m thinking about economics.

Northside has no business that Northsiders own. There is nothing on Plymouth Avenue. A couple of generations ago, Olson Memorial Highway and Plymouth Avenue were bustling business arteries.

Plymouth Avenue had businesses lining both sides of the street from Russell to Washington. We have nothing now,” Lacy said.

Lacy said he will seek to bring neighbors and friends to the precinct caucuses and try to motivate continued awareness and involvement in the political process

as he decides whether to seek DFL endorsement for the 5th Ward City Council seat.

Hakim Propes owns a barber shop in South Minneapolis and runs a lawn care and snow removal business with most of his customers in North Minneapolis. “I work for many of you,” he told the audience at the Minneapolis Urban League broadcast. “And I believe it is time for me to start voicing my opinion. I live in this neighborhood and I am inspired by Marcus Harcus, a candidate for 4th Ward City Council, and by others who have run for office.”

Propes said he is running so the community does not forget about the youth. “We cannot forget about the youth that we are so afraid of,” he said. “That is the workforce. We can put up all the businesses we

12,000 jobs will be available statewide on Economic Stimulus Projects—just over 7,000 of them in the metro area.

King, among others, wants to make sure that minorities are not shut out of those jobs as they have been in the past. H.I.R.E. Minnesota recommends the legislature require MN/DOT to establish 25% minority and female participation on stimulus project goals.

“We will not stand on the sidelines this construction season and see this money go away,” King said.

Until now, MN/DOT has admittedly spent less on programs designed to encourage increased hiring of women and minorities: the On the Job Training program, Roads Opportunities and Diversity Success Program, and the Transportation Opportunities Training Program.

From 2007 to 2008, the agency spent

only $229,000 on these three programs that collectively served 430 people.

Alternatively, MN/DOT’s Graduate Engineer and Land Surveyor Program, designed to provide rotational work experience to graduate engineer trainees, had an operating budget of $3.2 million according to the agency’s report. Of the participants in that program, only 11 percent were women and 9 percent were minorities.

Rev. Jerry McAfee characterized the situation as “highway robbery”, suggesting that the economic stimulus funds be withheld until MN/DOT improves its’ programs and operations. Bill English, of the COBC/AALS, echoed those sentiments, threatening to bring U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representatives Keith Ellison, MN5, Betty McCollum, MN-4, and others into the fold by asking them to hold back the stimulus funds should

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want but if you don’t get them into the workforce, and away from the gang culture, it’s all for nothing.

Our families and our community will be segregated and broken up by the power of other people who control our community. We have to change ourselves from the inside out. I want to show youth that we can create programs and jobs that can change the face of our community by changing the fates of our kids and neighborhoods.”

Kenya McKnight said she is further along in her quest to be the DFL nominee for 5th Ward. She has sent letters announcing her candidacy and seeking delegate support at the precinct caucuses, as has the incumbent Don Samuels.

“We deserve stability and leadership that will go to bat for us,” McKnight said to the broadcast audience. “We need to say to ourselves, to the city and the world that we are somebody. And I am saying I am North Minneapolis.”

McKnight said she has lived in North Minneapolis for the past 23 years “Not a lot has changed since I was 9 years old. I played the silent support role in many areas, working to build alliances that would build our community. I really just wanted to be an organizer, getting people involved in community and politics. I looked around and said ‘Where is everybody?’ Then I realized that change in my community is up to me. You have to be the change if you want to see it. I realize we each have to say ‘if not me, then who? If not now, then when?’”

“I look at what my parents went through and I look at the challenges facing my young nieces and

nephews. I believe I have a responsibility to show both the young and the elders that we are prepared to take charge. I am riding on a legacy of greatness. We have to help the pioneers who laid the foundation. It’s my duty,” McKnight said.

In audience comment portion of the broadcast, media personality and businessman Al Flowers said he is considering challenging R.T. Rybak, who has announced he is seeking reelection as mayor of Minneapolis. “The only way to get our issues heard is to sit next to Rybak and state our concerns,” Flowers said. “We lost $29 million in empowerment zone money that was intended for our community.

Now we are about to get stimulus money from Washington. If no one steps up, we will have eight more years without addressing our concerns.”

Nghi Huynh, editor and publisher of Asian American Press and president of Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium said he sees opportunity if candidates are able to unite communities of color. “In politics and in business I see some possibilities.

Other ethnic communities want to join the Black community in the pursuit of political and economic opportunity.

We want to join with organizations like the Urban League and the NAACP to support the Black community and to empower all communities of color,” Huynh said, pledging to leverage the ethnic press to broaden civic engagement and business and economic development.

MN/DOT fail to take steps toward transparency, meeting aggressive goals, and enforcing the laws currently on the books “Failure to act on [the committee’s] part will require us to bring legal action against MN/DOT, to request the U.S. civil rights commission to investigate MN/DOT, and to use peaceful and nonviolent protest including shutting down infrastructure projects using bodies and vehicles if necessary, to bring public scrutiny to the failure of MN/DOT and its’ major providers to guarantee equal opportunity and equal contracting opportunity to women and minority owned

businesses in Minnesota,” English said.

State Rep. Bobby Champion (DFL 58B), vice chair of the Transportation and Transit Policy sub-committee, expressed a commitment to work on improving this issue further.

“We want to make sure there’s true investment in terms of training,” Champion said. “We want to make sure the stimulus package does not come forward nor is implemented without there being clear vision in terms of inclusion.”

Page 10 • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Neighbors helping neighbors—to break into vacant houses

By Madeleine Baran, TC Daily Planet Poverty rights activists broke into at least a dozen vacant Minneapolis buildings this week and helped homeless families move in.

“This is the modern underground railroad,” said Cheri Honkala, National Organizer for the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, the group organizing the “takeovers.”

This week’s actions are part of a growing national movement to illegally open up thousands of vacant, foreclosed homes to provide housing for the growing number of homeless people. Over 3,000 Minneapolis homes went into foreclosure in 2008.

Advocates estimate that over 7,000 Minnesotans are homeless.

Most Twin Cities’ homeless shelters have been filled to capacity for months.

On a recent afternoon, organizers planned their next takeover while eating cabbage, rice, sausage, and corn bread prepared by Rosemary, a 59-yearold African American woman facing eviction from her home.

Rosemary, who asked that her last name not be used, plans to remain in her house illegally after the March 31 eviction date. In the meantime, she spends her time

organizing for tenant’s rights.

“Welcome to the revolution,” Rosemary said, greeting a homeless couple looking for housing.

Lonnetta and Dwayne took a seat on Rosemary’s couch.

Dwayne, 52, walking on crutches from a series of recent foot surgeries, explained that he lost his janitorial job in June when he broke his foot. The married couple asked that their last name not be used.

Forced to survive on Lonnetta’s $637 a month Social Security check, the couple soon became homeless. Social service providers told them to stay at Harbor Light, a homeless shelter in downtown Minneapolis, where the couple would be housed on different floors. Lonnetta, 48, feared being separated from her sick husband who she said needs frequent reminders to take his medication. Instead, the couple started living out of their truck.

A relative put Lonnetta and Dwayne in contact with the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, a national anti-poverty organization based in Minneapolis.

Honkala, the group’s National Organizer, became an activist in her teenage years when she and her young son lived in her car after becoming homeless. When a drunk driver hit the car one night,

Honkala said she got fed up, and moved into a vacant Minneapolis HUD property for several months.

After years of anti-poverty work, Honkala rose to national prominence in the 1990s by founding the Kensington Welfare Rights Union in an impoverished Philadelphia neighborhood. The activist group helped move homeless families into vacant properties, and used the publicity from those occupations to force the city to issue housing vouchers.

Honkala moved back to Minneapolis two years ago and started matching homeless families with vacant buildings.

She estimates that about forty families have been housed since her return, including twelve this week.

Honkala met Dwayne and Lonnetta last week. She offered to find them housing in a vacant home. The couple readily agreed.

The plan turned out to be more difficult than the couple anticipated.

Activists first attempted to house the couple in a vacant South Minneapolis home.

A city inspector and the police soon arrived and demanded they leave. The police issued trespassing citations to Lonnetta, Dwayne, Honkala, and Manuel Levinsholden, a 19-year-old organizer. Honkala said that a pro bono attorney will provide legal assistance.

Activists then led the couple to Rosemary’s house, where they hoped to house the couple in one of the block’s five vacant homes.

While chatting in Rosemary’s living room, Honkala received a phone call. “Well, that’s not going to work,” she said. “Burglar alarms.”

However, with no shortage of properties to choose from, it only took a few phone calls to find a new location several blocks away.

Within a few minutes, Honkala, Levinsholden, Lonnetta, and Dwayne were inside a large, empty yellow duplex.

Dwayne cautiously walked around broken glass on the kitchen floor and made his way into the dining room, surveying the hardwood floors and large windows. “I want it,” he said.

“Look at that bathroom,” said Lonnetta, turning on what appeared to be a brand new light fixture. “That’s pretty.” She then made her way into the living room, painted blue, but marked with dozens of white splotches to cover up graffiti.

When asked how the activists will get the heat and hot water turned on, Honkala grinned and said, “God turns on the utilities.”

Rosemary, who came by to inspect the couple’s new home, stumbled while walking up the steep staircase to the second floor.

After dusting herself off, she

Dave Underhill

looked around the upstairs kitchen: a row of old wooden cabinets and an empty space where a dishwasher might have been. “Not bad,” she said.

Meanwhile, Honkala grabbed several documents left on the downstairs kitchen counter, including paperwork stating that HUD owns the house. One document indicated that the home was last inspected on February 3rd.

“This is just a waste,” she said. “It’s a waste to have thousands of empty homes like this and people with no place to live.” Organizers plan to provide furniture and help the families with basic renovations.

Honkala said that the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign will continue to house the homeless in vacant buildings until the government can provide a safe, affordable alternative.

More takeovers are planned for

this weekend.

Meanwhile, Rosemary faces eviction in a few weeks, but has no plans to leave. “We’ll pack my house with people,” she said. “It’ll be a showdown.”

“Wait,” Dwayne said, looking surprised. “You’re going to lose your home, too?” He shook his head. “No man, we ain’t gonna let them do that, no way. We’re neighbors.”

Madeleine Baran is a freelance journalist, specializing in labor and poverty issues. Her articles have appeared in The New York Daily News, Dollars & Sense, Clamor, The New Standard, and other publications.

Article Tags: Minneapolis, St. Paul, activism, homelessness, Housing, Poor People’s Campaign, squatting

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send community events to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: 612588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Visit www.insightnews.com for more events.

Events Shared Community Kitchen on West Broadway Survey - Now thru Mar. 15 Shared Community Kitchen on West Broadway is conducting a 5 - 10 minute survey to learn more about your interest in using the kitchen.

Everyone who completes a survey will be eligible to win a $100 gift card to Cub Foods, a $100 gas card, and a $50 gift card to Bean Scene.

Surveys will be taken from February 9, 2009 until March 15, 2009. Go to www.pohladfamilygiving.org and click on the Shared Kitchen Survey icon on the home page. Paper copies of surveys are available in North Minneapolis at Cub Foods, Cookie Cart, Bean Scene II, Minneapolis Urban League, Sumner Library and North Regional Library and other participating churches and businesses.

LEGO(R) Club Monthly Meeting Mar. 3 Mon., Mar. 3, 6:00 pm at the LEGO(R) Store in the Mall of America. In this meeting kids and families will discuss upcoming

competitions and activities as well as build a mini model. Hosted by All About Family, not run or endorsed by LEGO Company. www.allaboutfam.org.

Minneapolis DFL Party Precinct Caucuses - Mar. 3 Neighborhood gatherings begin endorsement process for city council, mayor and park board. A complete list of precinct caucus and ward convention locations can be found at http://minneapolis.dflers.org. Those unable to attend the March 3 precinct caucuses who still wish to be considered for a delegate position may provide a letter to their precinct caucus. A sample letter is available at http://minneapolis.dflers.org.

Website Marketing workshop Mar. 3 Tues., Mar. 3, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at N. Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave. N. Mpls. FREE. "This workshop provides low-cost powerful marketing options to attract target audiences to your website." For workshop info/registration please call Bonita at Neighborhood Development Center, 651-379-8429.

Human Rights Group Hosts Pray the Devil Back to Hell - Mar. 4 Weds., Mar. 4, 7:10 at the Lagoon Cinema on Hennepin Ave., Downtown Mpls. "Pray the Devil Back to Hell is a brilliant film chronicling the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women

who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country." The Advocates for Human Rights will moderate post-film Q&A sessions at the 7:10 p.m. showings to discuss the documentary and issues of women's rights, truth and reconciliation in post-war societies.

Info: www.PraytheDevilBacktoHell.com Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board regular meetings - Mar. 4, 18 6:30 p.m. Weds., Mar.4, and 5 p.m.

Weds., Mar. 18, in the board room at MPRB headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Mpls. All Board Meetings are broadcast live from 5-9 p.m. on Channel 14 on the Minneapolis Comcast cable network and on the web at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/webcast s.

V-Day Minneapolis 2009 - Mar. 5 thru 8 Mar. 5 thru 8. Minneapolis joins a global effort to end violence against women and girls with" The Vagina Monologues" play performances, VDay Benefit Concert, "What I Want My Words to do to You" (WIW) screening, and other events. Info at www.myspace.com/vdayminneapoli s.

Land Stewardship Project Twin Cities Open House - Mar. 6 The public is invited to a celebration of the opening of the Land Stewardship Project's (LSP) new

Twin Cities office on Fri., March 6, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 821 East 35th St., Mpls. Info: 612-722-6377 (ext.

1213) or mcmahon@landstewardshipproject. org.

SKIN: solo in a crowd - Mar. 6, 7 Choreographed, written and performed by Mary Easter, March 67, The Ritz Theater, 345 NE. 13th Ave. Mpls. Adult $22, Student / Senior $19. Tickets and info: 6124 3 6 - 1 1 2 9 , www.ritztheaterfoundation.org Sweet Honey In the Rock 35th Anniversary Celebration - Mar. 6 thru 10 March 6-10th, at The O'Shaughnessy, College of St Catherine, 2004 Randolph Ave., St Paul. Tickets and info: 612-6739230, avaspecial@avaspecial.com, www.sweethoney.com.

DAV Seminar on Veterans Benefits - Mar. 7 Sat., Mar. 7, 9:30 a.m. at the Normandale Community College Auditorium, 9700 France Avenue S., Mpls. Seminar is free to all veterans and members of their families.

8th Annual Political Theatre Festival - Now through Mar. 7 February 19-March 7, ThursdaysSaturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm and 7pm at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. Schedule at www.intermediaarts.org/ptf/schedul e.php. $15 Adults, $13

Seniors/Students/Fringe, $11 Groups of 10+ and Intermedia Arts members. Reservations are now available by calling 612-871-4444 or via email at info@intermediaarts.org "Minnesota Prints and Printmakers, 1900 - 1945" - Mar. 7 Opens Saturday, Mar. 7. Tours are available 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays - Saturdays; 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. The Art Gallery is also open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Contact: 651297-2555, www.mnhs.org/hillhouse Hitchcock Blonde, at Jungle Theater - Through Mar. 8 Through Mar. 8 at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. . ." Info: jungletheater.com.

Registration begins at Camden Music School - Mar. 9 Mon., Mar. 9 for Spring and Summer terms at Camden Music School.

People of all ages and interests can choose from a wonderful variety of music lessons, ensembles and summer camps offered in Camden and Northeast Minneapolis. Family discounts and scholarships are available. Spring scholarship application deadline: 5pm Weds., April 1. Info: 612-618-0219, www.camdenmusicschool.com.

Industry Analysis workshop Mar. 9, 26 Mon., March 9, 6:45 - 8:45 p.m. at Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale Street, St. Paul and Thurs., Mar. 26, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at N. Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave N Mpls.

FREE. "Discover research tools for analyzing your industry's trends, obstacles, net worth and future outlook."

For workshop info/registration please call Bonita at Neighborhood Development Center, 651-379-8429.

HIRE MN Town Hall Meeting Mar. 10 Tues. March 10th, 6:30-8 PM at Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th St. Mpls. HIRE Minnesota seeks to secure major commitments for business development and job training for emerging green-collar jobs.

Info: 612-278-5259, www.hiremn.org.

Healing The Effects of Violence Mar. 10 Tues., Mar. 10, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lutheran Social Service, 2400 Park Ave. Topics will include child development, understanding family violence from a child's perspective, how children are affected and ways to stop the cycle of family and domestic violence. For more info or to register, mothers please call Sandra Lester at 612-8795211 and Grandparents or caregivers please call Linda Hammersten at 612-287-5328. Free childcare is provided.

Minnesota Pipeline event on Early Childhood Education Funding & Desegregated Schools - Mar. 11 Weds., Mar. 11, 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.

at the Minneapolis Urban League Building, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls. "Learn more about how you can join the movement to support efforts to secure Early Childhood Education Funding for all children in Minnesota! Learn more about the growing movement to desegregate Minnesota schools." Info: 612-3023100.

Tune in as KFAI Celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8!

KFAI, Fresh Air Community Radio, celebrates International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, 2009, as women from all around the Twin Cities take over the airwaves.

You name it, there’s a program for it: music, spoken word, the arts, public affairs, health, and even those Twilight vampires. Tune in at 90.3 FM Minneapolis, 106.7 FM St. Paul, or online at www.kfai.org. After the live broadcast, can also be heard “on demand” via the KFAI archives.

Go to www.kfai.org/iwd for the day’s schedule. For additional information, contact Adam Mehl, KFAI Program Director, at 612-341-3144, ext. 20.

Celebration honors Quincy De'Shawn A Celebration of Life honoring "Q-the Blacksmith", Quincy De'Shawn Smith, Sr., and celebrating his birthday and exceptional life is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 12 noon to 6 p.m., at the Seed Academy & Harvest Preparatory School located at 1300 Olson Memorial Highway in North Minneapolis. Smith died tragically on December 9, 2008. He would have been 25 on his birthday April 2nd.

Event managers say they are seeking sponsors for this and future events and announced various sponsorship levels for donors who contribute between $2,000 and $100 to underwrite the event. Individual tickets are $10.00 each. Children age 12 and under $1.00 at the door (accompanied by an individual ticket holder).

A special children's hour 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., features "Chik N' Wing the Clown".

Proceeds will support the Qthe Blacksmith Justice Fund and a special trust fund for his infant son "QJ".

For further information: ernbrail@yahoo.com

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Insight News • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Page 11

EDUCATION Employment Action Center provide academic and career guidance

By Mehgaan Jones Since the 1980s, the Employment Action Center has been providing employment services to the Twin Cities. In 1986, the city of Minneapolis began funding EAC’s Minneapolis youth program.

The Youth and Young Parent Programs provide services to young people in Hennepin and Ramsey County.

The EAC has eight programs that focus on needs ranging from academic and career development to guidance in creating a successful family.

One of the programs that has

strengthened the community and displayed tremendous dedication to the youth is Bright Futures. This program is for mothers or mothersto- be ages 16-19 that are striving and willing to learn more about being a parent and graduating from school. Annette Brown, Program Director of Bright Futures, has been with the program for eight years since the beginning of Bright Futures development. “Since 2000, Bright Futures has been providing services to teenage mothers or mothers to be,” said Brown.

Bright futures receive referrals from Minneapolis Public Schools for girls who have dropped out of school or who intend on dropping

out. “A lot of girls quit school because they do not have the proper maternity attire or have issues with hygiene because they cannot afford certain products,” explained Brown.

The program assists 120 girls a year with parenting classes, career development, preventive pregnancy plans, community resources and so much more. “We weave the prevention of repeat pregnancy into every topic that we discuss with the girls which include healthy diets, use of alcohol, STD’s, budgeting and personal safety, ”said Brown. The case managers explain to the young ladies how a second child

can affect everything from your budget to the delay of getting a better education.

The program has been very successful with the percentage of repeat pregnancies. In the last two years, only two girls have had a repeat pregnancy.

Bright Futures has a staff of three case workers and wonderful volunteers. The young girls build a trusting relationship with their case managers. The case managers devote a lot of time with the girls.

Brown explains, “Sometimes the case managers do a lot of traveling, even spending several hours to make sure the girls receive the services they need.”

Bright Futures and all of the EAC Youth and Young Parent programs give young people the opportunity to provide for their families and obtain an education and a flourishing career.

“Society believes that they are failures. I do not believe that just because you have a child at a young age doesn’t mean you cannot make it and be successful in life,” said Brown.

For more information on the EAC’s Youth and Young Parent Programs please call 612-752-8800 or visit www.eac-mn.org/YYP/YYP-home

Annette Brown

EAC

Hennepin County board appoints Thompson to be Hennepin County Library director Lois Langer Thompson, a librarian with more than 20 years experience in the Hennepin County Library system, has been appointed by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners to be Hennepin County Library’s new director.

Hennepin County Administrator Richard Johnson said, “Lois’s vision is what the Library needs right now. It’s time to be creative and deliver service in a new way. Her open mind and objective perspective, paired with two decades of Hennepin County Library experience, will help us navigate through our economic challenges and make the Library an even more essential institution in the eyes of our residents.”

Hennepin County Board Chair Mike Opat said, “Our world-class library system has never been more

important for our residents than it is today. Its success has come as a result of a dedicated staff and many excellent directors, so I’m very pleased that Lois will now lead the Library in a permanent position.

Only one year has passed since the Library nearly doubled in size by folding in the Minneapolis libraries, and there is much work yet to be done to create a seamless, unified system. Lois is the right person to lead the task, and I look forward to many accomplishments in the years ahead.”

Thompson became the Hennepin County Library’s interim director after Director Amy Ryan resigned last September to become president of the Boston Public Library.

Thompson’s other positions at Hennepin County Library have included deputy library director,

division manager, coordinating librarian, and senior librarian, among others.

As interim library director, Thompson led the ongoing consolidation of Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Library, a system of 41 libraries.

Her responsibilities included preparing the 2009 operating budget and 2009-2013 capital budget, implementing cost saving reductions of more than $1 million while overseeing the 2008 budget, executing the Hennepin County Library’s Capital Plan, and building collaborations within and outside County government.

Among her responsibilities while deputy library director, Thompson managed Hennepin County Library’s Capital Projects Office and created an integrated organizational structure following

the merger with the Minneapolis Public Library last January.

As division manager for library services, Thompson directed staff at 26 libraries and fostered a customer-focused environment that anticipated and embraced new ideas, technologies, and learning.

While coordinating librarian of Hennepin County Library’s Southwest Resource Group of seven libraries, her responsibilities included managing the Eden Prairie Library building project.

She also was a senior librarian at the Eden Prairie Library, a supervising librarian at the Plymouth Library, an Adult Services librarian in the southeast cluster libraries (Augsburg Park, Oxboro, and Penn Lake), and a Youth Services librarian at the Westonka, Maple Grove, and Penn Lake libraries.

Prior to Thompson’s employment at Hennepin County, she was an Adult Services librarian at the New Ulm Public Library.

Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in history and a minor in business, from Gustavus Adolphus College.

She earned a Master of Arts degree in librarianship and information management from the University of Denver.

Thompson received Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers Award in 2004, which honors “emerging leaders in the library world…from across the United States and Canada who are innovative, creative, and making a difference.”

“I’m honored to lead Hennepin County Library,” said Thompson, a resident of Edina. “I look forward to working with the County Board,

Hennepin County Public Affairs

New Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson

whose support ensures our community has a premier library system. And I appreciate the commitment of the Library Board, Library Foundation, and staff who make it a reality.”

Delta Airlines Foundation endows Atlanta scholarship fund ATLANTA, GA– Delta Air Lines’ (NYSE: DAL) charitable giving arm – The Delta Foundation – is recognizing one of the world’s most prominent civil rights leaders and honoring the lifetime achievements of the Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery with a 10year, $1 million scholarship that will benefit eligible students of Morehouse College. Lowery’s achievements will be further recognized with the creation of travel accounts established in his name at Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University.

The first of its kind, the “Joseph E. Lowery International Leadership Scholarship” will be awarded to Morehouse College students in good academic standing who have demonstrated they are socially conscious, civically engaged and globally focused— the principles that epitomize Lowery’s work in the pursuit of worldwide peace, justice and human rights. The newlycreated travel accounts at both Spelman College and Clark

Atlanta University will provide support among other things for recruiting needs and exchange programs.

“Delta has been honored to work with Dr. Lowery for many years and is pleased to recognize his work by establishing travel accounts at Spelman and Clark Atlanta, as well as a scholarship at an institution with the reputation of developing some of the bestknown leaders of our time, including the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson.

“At Delta, honoring and promoting diversity is core to our values and we recognize the need to salute those who have paved the way for diversity and justice while at the same supporting the young minds who will lead us into the future.”

Beginning in fall 2009, Morehouse students maintaining a minimum 3.8 grade point average with a demonstrated interest in community service and

international affairs will be eligible to apply for the first annual scholarship award.

Students receiving the scholarship and graduating from Morehouse College will be encouraged to apply for positions with Delta Air Lines.

Additional information on eligibility requirements and applications procedures will be available soon at both morehouse.edu and delta.com.

“Delta has demonstrated its commitment to the leaders of tomorrow and the Atlanta University Center with the creation of both the scholarship and travel accounts. I am honored to have been selected as the namesake representing the spirit of these substantial gifts,” said Lowery. “On the civil rights front our work is far from over and support like this helps us to continue efforts towards blazing a path aimed at achieving equality for all.”

Delta CEO Richard Anderson presents the Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery with a $1,000,000 check establishing a new scholarship at Morehouse College in Lowery’s honor.

Operation Glass Slipper announces third annual prom dress giveaway event Operation Glass Slipper, a local non-profit organization that distributes dresses to girls who could not otherwise afford to go to prom, announces it third annual giveaway event will take place March 14 -15 at the Mall of America.

Qualified participants will be able to shop for a dress and browse through a large selection of shoes, purses, jewelry and make-up to complete their prom attire at no charge.

Operation Glass Slipper is prepared to help a record number of teens get outfitted for prom this year due to the struggling economy.

The organization has more than 4,000 dresses available in a wide selection of styles and sizes.

“We expect a record number of teens this year who will need help in affording prom,” said Pam Philipp, director of Operation Glass Slipper Director. “Thanks to the generosity of the Twin Cities community, we have our biggest selection of dresses to date to meet the demand.”

Pam and her daughter, Emily Philipp founded Operation Glass Slipper in 2007 after learning about a similar project that collected prom dresses for victims of Hurricane Katrina. They wanted to reach out to young women in the Twin Cities’ community who couldn’t

attend prom because of the expense.

Today the organization consists of a 16member volunteer board that keeps the organization running.

“Our volunteers spent countless hours finding and mending dresses, scouring clearance aisles for purses and shoes, soliciting donations of food and beverage for the volunteers at our giveaway event, and putting together all of the logistics for our ‘big day’ at Mall of America,” said Pam. Operation Glass Slipper asks women and girls in the Twin Cities to go through their closets and donate their prom gowns and formal, bridesmaid,

and cocktail dresses (new or gently used), shawls, shoes and clutch bags. These items are being cleaned, repaired, and stored until March, when the group will hold an open house at which girls for whom prom dresses are prohibitively expensive can select one at no charge. In order to have all the dresses ready in time for the giveaway event, they will be accepting dresses for this year’s event through March 1. (If you have dresses to donate after that, check the Operation Glass Slipper website to see who accepts donations year-round.)

To participate, high school students should speak to their

guidance counselor or teacher at school, a community leader who knows them or a member of the clergy at their church and have them contact Operation Glass Slipper.

Participants will be able to

select a dress during the Open House the weekend of March 14-15 at Mall of America.

During this two-day event, girls will be able to try on dresses, as well as choose from a variety of shoes, clutch bags, shawls, and

other accessories. Hours are 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday, March 14, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, March 15.

Page 12 • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Insight News

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SPORTS

March madness is coming Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Some would say that it is the “most wonderful time of the year”, but most will call it March Madness. The NCAA Basketball Tournament is coming soon with all its pomp, circumstance, and buzzerbeating shots. Every year, the many who embrace the university culture join hands to pass along their bracket of 64

collegiate teams vying for the title of NCAA Basketball Champion. There is a women’s and men’s side of this annual event, and both are great to watch. Considering that we talked about the future of women’s collegiate basketball last week when discussing the accomplishments of local high school basketball phenom Taylor Hill, we will glaze over to the men’s potential tournament storylines.

Even those who don’t know sports know about the fever created by college basketball. I would imagine it comes from the fact that most office buildings are filled with college graduates (kids pay attention). I also think it’s popularity has to do with the fact that it’s good

fun inside, when it’s too cottonpickin cold outside…at least here it is. Whatever it is about it, you will see a tournament bracket sheet coming to an office near you.

Most of my attention to college basketball this year has been focused on the improving Gophers team. From watching them early this season, I kind of had the feeling that they would end up coming down to earth later in the schedule, after an excellent beginning to the season. That fact of the matter is that Tubby needs one or two more dynamic athletes to add to the solid foundation he has built. Sophomore guard Al Nolen Jr. and others have all progressed nicely, but when you see teams like North Carolina, Connecticut, or Kentucky, you realize what time it is.

From the very beginning of the season my eye-popping has been mostly stimulated by the absolute incredibleness (I didn’t think that was a word) of athletic prowess demonstrated by the team from the University of North Carolina. We have seen it for years, and you have to give them credit. That team is off the hook this year! It baffles me that they have lost as many games as they have, but it’s all about what you do when tournament time comes. The whole team is equipped with monsters of different varieties.

They have big monsters, fast monsters, extra-athletic monsters, and hard working scrappy monsters on their monstrous team. I wouldn’t be surprised if somehow they don’t make it to the championship game, but they are clearly my pick to win it all.

There is no bigger monster in college basketball this year than University of Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet. This fella is 7’3” 263 lbs., muscular, athletic, nimble, and hails from Tanzania, so you know he’s doing his thing. If anybody

Photograph by Brad Person, Courtesy of University Athletics

Clockwise from top: Devoe Joseph, Al Nolen, Paul Carter, and Ralph Sampson III. brings any weak junk anywhere near the hoop they are likely to have the ball either A. Slapped into the middle of next week, or B. Imprinted right between their eyes. That dude is not havin it! Some have been able to expose his mild lack of basketball knowledge, and incredibly yet another actually “gangstered” up and overpowered him. Nonetheless, that dude is not havin it!

Unfortunately, the NCAA basketball tournament is geared

towards teams that have good small guys, unless the big guys are fast like gazelles as with North Carolina. That is also the reasons that the Gophers should have special hope for the future.

They definitely have a couple of great guards in Nolen and Westbrook.

The only other major ripples I expect would come from a quiet jewel of a team from Memphis, and a dynamic team from Oklahoma. It has really been a long time since a team

that wasn’t a perennial power shocked the world like NC State did back in 1983. That would be great to see, but I mentioned all the teams that will likely hoist the trophy when it is all said and done. I guess I did mention the Gophers. I told you they have the guards they need. Give Tubby another year of recruiting and the U of M should be right back in the big mix.

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Insight News • March 2 - March 8 • Page 13

Prep steps: Welcome to the world of job searching Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Every day, countless well-trained, well-educated, dedicated and successful people join the ranks of the newly unemployed. Many have been gainfully employed for years, if not decades. For some, looking for work seems like the equivalent of stepping off an airplane in a foreign

land where the language and the landscape are completely unfamiliar.

You will get used to living with the natives, but before you actually begin job search journey, pack your bags, both physically and mentally.

Whether looking for work in carpentry, food service or aerospace engineering, every job seeker needs a few basic necessities.

Computer access: at home, at a local library, at an internet café. You don't have to pay for it, but you do have to have regular access to the www.

Email: gmail, hotmail, and yahoo are a few of the many sites offering free email addresses.

Choose one and set up a professional address that includes all or part of your name. Right or wrong,

nicknames will sometimes raise questions about your level of professionalism.

Obscure letter/number combinations are secure, but will not be instantly recognizable to a hiring manager at a time when you want to be recognized and remembered.

Telephone: a working phone is obviously a critical tool for job seekers. What people forget, though, is that you also need a short, professional message on your voicemail, and you need to check your voicemail frequently. Answer your phone whenever possible, and return calls promptly. There is no excuse for not returning a phone call.

Resilience and persistence: I'm going to say this more than once as we go through this process: no one

can guarantee you a job, but remember is it's really up to you. Pay attention, do the right things, and you will succeed. Even if "there aren't any jobs," keep looking. If you're good, you will eventually find work.

24/7 is too much of anything.

Even God and Olympic athletes take breaks for rest and relaxation. Be realistic about the time you put into your job search. Four to five hours a day is about all a person can take.

But remember, cheaters never prosper. Be honest with yourself by keeping track of the time you spend looking for work. Jot down a start time, and stick with it until your planned end time. Once you have logged the hours and activities you promised yourself, don't beat yourself up for stepping away from

your search for a few hours. Taking a search break to exercise, clean a closet, or coach your kids' soccer game will keep your head clear and reenergize you for the next day's work on your search.

Julie Desmond is Senior Talent Consultant with the Walstrom Group in Minneapolis.

Write to Julie@insightnews.com.

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Legal Notice STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT FAMILY COURT DIVISION Court File No. 27 FA 09 823

In Re the Marriage of: Lorrain Shaw-Torbert, Petitioner

SUMMONS

Johnny Bee Torbert, Jr., Respondent.

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED TO serve upon Petitioner an Answer to the Petition (which must be in writing) that is herewith served upon you, within thirty (30)days after service of this Summon, exclusive of the day of service.

If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

This dissolution includes real property located at 6012 - 68th Avenue North in the City of Brooklyn Park, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota and legally discribed as: Northview Estates, Lot 009, Block 002.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY RESTRAINING PROVISIONS UNDER MINNESOTA LAW, SERVICE OF THIS SUMMONS MAKES THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO BOTH PARTIES TO THIS ACTION UNLESS THEY ARE MODIFIED BY THE COURT OR THE PROCEEDING IS DISMISSED: (1.) NEITHER PARTY MAY DISPOSE OF ANY ASSETS EXCEPT (A.) FOR THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE OR FOR THE NECESSARY GENERATION OF INCOME OR PRESERVATION OF ASSETS, (B.) BY AN AGREEMENT IN WRITING, OR (C.) FOR RETAINING COUNSEL TO CARRY ON OR TO CONTEST THIS PROCEEDING; AND (2.) NEITHER PARTY MAY HARASS THE OTHER PARTY; AND (3.) ALL CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INSURANCE COVERAGE MUST BE MAINTAINED AND CONTINUED WITHOUT CHANGE IN COVERAGE OR BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION; AND (4.) PARTIES TO A MARRIAGE DISSOLUTION PROCEEDING ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEMPT ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA LAW. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION INCLUDES MEDIATION, ARBITRATION, AND OTHER PROCESSES AS SET FORTH IN THE DISTRICT COURT RULES. YOU MAY CONTACT THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR ABOUT RESOURCES IN YOUR AREA. IF YOU CANNOT PAY FOR MEDIATION OR ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION, IN SOME COUNTIES, ASSISTANCE MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU THROUGH A NONPROFIT PROVIDER OR A COURT PROGRAM. IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC ABUSE OR THREATS OF ABUSE AS DEFINIED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 518B, YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TRY MEDIATION AND YOU WILL NOT BE PENALIZED BY THE COURT IN LATER PROCEEDINGS; AND NOTICE OF PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (5.) UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION §518.157, IN A CONTESTED PROCEEDING INVOLVING CUSTODY OR PARAENTING TIME OF A MINOR CHILD, THE PARTIES MUST BEGIN PARTICIPATION IN A PARENT EDUCATION PRORGAM THAT MEETS MINIMUM STANDARDS PROMULGATED BY THE MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE FIRST FILING WITH THE COURT. IN SOME DISTRICTS, PARENTING EDUCATION MAY BE REQUIRED IN ALL COUSTODY OR PARENTING PROCEEDINGS. YOU MAY CONTACT THE DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATOR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS REQUIREMENT AND THE AVAILABILITY OF PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS. IF YOU VIOLATE ANY OF THESE PROVISIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS BY THE COURT. Date: Feb. 5, 2009

Signed by Petitioner: Lorraine Shaw-Torbert 6012 - 68th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55429

I have access to hundreds of foreclosed properties in Minneapolis-St.Paul and surrounding suburbs. Let me help you take advantage of this real estate market.

Page 14 • March 2 - March 8, 2009 • Insight News

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