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Join the Dusome Foundation for its annual wine tasting fundraiser. Saturday, April 17, 5-8 pm at Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis. MORE ON PAGE 7

April 12 - April 18, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 15 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

What is the legacy you’ll leave?

Slangin’, bangin’ and sangin’ about sex drugs and rock and roll?

Or some thick cutie slidin’ down a pole?

Black people, where’s the control?

We gotta get a hold of this generation and help save their souls.

School bullying: It’s killing our children

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What legacy will follow your name?

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How you stole a wallet and stuck it up your sleeve?

How you so hard, when the popo came, you ain’t leave?

You was a stone cold killer that was too scared to succeed?

Had a free pass to Heaven but didn’t believe?

Is your legacy worth anything?

Black people it’s time to rethink our ways.

Turn over a new leaf and see some better days.

Put down the alcohol and the purple haze.

Stop thinking about us and ours only and help collect the strays.

Just because you not drinkin’ and druggin’ don’t mean that kid’s mama not.

And he can’t deal with it so he turns to the rock.

On the corner slangin’ good yea, until the cops blow up his spot.

Now the judge is tellin’ him, 20 years is what you got.

That is, if he don’t get shot.

Or strung out or beat to death.

Callin’ out to a mama who ain’t there with his very last breath.

You just might be the only chance he got left.

But you missed a chance to help because you slept.

Minding your own business you turned a blind eye and his help you kept.

Black people what is the legacy you’re leaving?

It’s time to stand up and proclaim your emancipation.

Get out of your comfort zone and help this generation.

That’s facin’ destruction and devastation.

Young scholars, doctors and lawyers wastin.’

Their God-given talents and givin’ up on education.

LEGACY TURN TO

Why Did I Get Married Too: Tyler Perry & company in Bahamas for battleof-the-sexes

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Allean Danielle Thompson

A new poll tax?

Measure would disenfranchise many

By Lydia Schwartz The Minnesota Voters Alliance and Citizens for a Better Minneapolis are heading a petition for a photo ID requirement of anyone who wishes to vote because they are concerned about the potential for voter fraud in Minneapolis city elections.

These two groups and their supporters would like to see a photo ID requirement for all elections in Minnesota, but they are starting with a push in the state’s three biggest cities: Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth.

Opponents of the petition argue that requiring a photo ID in order to vote is essentially creating a poll tax, which are illegal because it limits who has the ability to vote. In the event that the proposal becomes law, the State of Minnesota will be compelled to issue individuals at or below the poverty level an ID card for free.

The Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, Keesha Gaskins, points out that this proposal will only create another tax-burden on Minneapolis residents.

“Minneapolis will have to come up with a system to create IDs for people; it will be incredibly expensive.

We’re already

struggling to pay for our schools, police, and roads,” she said.

The proposal would also cause many problems for students who register to vote in the precinct they live in while attending college.

Most students living off-campus

Style on a Dime: Got (too much) stuff?

Developer demands fairness in selection process

“Give us our 10 minutes!”

By Paul D. Bauknight, Jr. Owner, The Urban Design Lab

Suluki Fardan

Keesha Gaskins

will move every year while they are in school and do not bother to update the address on his or her Driver’s License because of the expense. They would have to obtain a new Minnesota ID or Driver’s License every time he or she moves in order to vote.

The measure would also unduly burden the poor and the elderly because many do not drive or have lost access to the documents needed in order to

VOTING TURN TO

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Recently the Minneapolis Public Schools made their recommendations for a new headquarters building.

We congratulate Mortenson as the staff recommendation and for developing a strong majority, minority partnership. Bringing the MPS headquarters to North Minneapolis will provide an opportunity for jobs for residents and the schools board’s insistence on a social impact statement for project is exemplary.

So amongst all of this good news and opportunity, why is there a nagging question

regarding the fairness of the selection process?

In a presentation to the board on March 23, 2010, staff recommended three projects to move forward and present directly to the board. The Mortenson/Legacy Team, Ryan and Transwestern each had 10minute presentations outlining their development proposals. In the March 23 board document, it shows that Mortenson /Legacy and Ryan were ranked in the top two but the Transwestern proposal was ranked in the bottom two. BUT it was able to move past the third ranked Urban Design Lab proposal directly to the board of education.

The Urban Design Lab’s proposal, led by an AfricanAmerican North Side resident

and the only minority-led team was ranked #3 by the MPS selection committee. It was removed from contention in favor of a proposal that not only was ranked lower but, by the district’s own documents, had come in after the RFP submittal deadline so it should have been excluded from the process on that issue alone.

When pressed for a rationale for this decision, Chief Operating Officer Steve Liss explained that while the Urban Design Lab proposal was exciting and it certainly met all criteria and was ‘more than just a building’, the concern was that the complexities of the project might delay its start and completion and that this was the

MPS TURN TO

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Mr. T’s Sports Report Support Northside youth going worldwide

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Page 2 • April 12 - April 18, 2010 • Insight News

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Velma Korbel named Minneapolis Civil Rights Director Commissioner Velma Korbel of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has been selected by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak to serve as the next director of the City of Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights.

“Velma Korbel is a strong manager with a long record of successfully and efficiently enforcing civil-rights laws and mandates. She will bring new energy and focus to the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights. She is immensely qualified to lead the department and I am very pleased to nominate her for the job,” said Rybak.

Korbel has worked in the field of human rights for over 20 years. Since 2003, she has served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, where she has led the department through several improvements in case management, quality control, alternative-dispute resolution and outreach. Highlights of

Korbel’s accomplishments include: Of 2,209 new charges filed with the Department from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009, 98.5% — or all but 35 — were resolved within the legally mandated one-year window. Of those 35 remaining charges, all were resolved within 54 weeks of original filing.

In 2008, Korbel also instituted a new workflowbased case-management system to replace the 1994 casetracking system that was no longer supportable. The new system will be fully implemented in 2010.

Korbel instituted a Quality Assurance Team within the Department’s complaint/caseprocessing function, which led to a 50% reduction in the number of cases returned to investigators.

Korbel also instituted cost savings and efficiencies in response to budgetary pressures.

Velma Korbel

File Photo

Prior to heading the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Korbel worked for nine years for the Metropolitan Council, including as director of equal opportunity for the last four. As director of equal opportunity, she established the compliancemonitoring regime for Hiawatha light rail design and construction that led to that project’s exceeding its goals for contracting with minority- and women-owned business enterprises, as well as for hiring of women and people of color.

Korbel also served as acting director of equal opportunity and diversity management for the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission. Prior to entering public service, she worked in the human-rights and affirmative-action field in the private sector.

Korbel holds an M.B.A. from American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, GA, and a B.B.A. from National University in San Diego, CA.

She is a veteran of the United States Navy, where she served for six years.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Minnesota Department of Human Rights and it has been a privilege to work with a capable, committed team to deliver programs and services to the residents of Minnesota,” Korbel said. “I look forward to continuing my civil rights career in Minneapolis. It will be an honor to work with stakeholders to build a Civil Rights Department that is reliable, resourceful and respected.”

Korbel succeeds current Civil Rights Director Michael Jordan, who has served in that post since 2007.

“The Department of Civil Rights has made great strides under Michael Jordan’s leadership. I appreciate his dedication and thank him for his service to the people of Minneapolis,” said Mayor Rybak.

Obama’s American agenda benefits Black America, too

By Cynthia Tucker WASHINGTON, DC — President Obama’s historic status as the nation’s first Black president hasn’t spared him criticism from some Black commentators and members of Congress, who claim that the president ought to have a bona fide “Black agenda.”

Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus have chastised Obama for, they claim, doing little to address the unemployment rate among Black workers, some six to seven points higher than the overall rate of just under ten percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Last month, talk show host Tavis Smiley’s annual “Black Agenda” conference included a

panel which heavily criticized Obama for failing to directly address a range of difficult social problems which still plague Black America. Indeed, Smiley has become a consistent critic.

Smiley has every right to score the president’s accomplishments and failures as he sees fit. But it is naive for him to expect that the nation’s first Black president will champion an exclusively Black “agenda,” any more than John F. Kennedy, the nation’s first Catholic president, issued a “Catholic agenda.” Obama was not elected the president of Black America. He’s the president of the entire country.

Still, Obama hasn’t ignored those detractors. Perhaps that’s why he met with a group of Black preachers, including Atlanta’s T. DeWitt Smith, head

of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, on Tuesday. Here’s hoping he took the opportunity to point out that his policies benefit Black Americans, too.

According to Families USA, a health care advocacy group, 40 percent of Blacks reported being uninsured during some portion of 2007-2008, compared to about 26 percent of whites. Black or white, they will be able to afford health insurance as a result of the new law, which Obama made a priority.

The president also battled entrenched interests to change the student-loan program, which freed up money to give a slight funding increase to Pell grants. Many Black students will benefit from the boost in tuition assistance, just as many white and brown students will.

But the most significant assistance that Obama is providing to Black students — to all students, actually — lies in his promising reform plan for elementary and secondary education. The new emphasis on charter schools and merit pay has the potential for bringing the best and brightest teachers into public school classrooms, while weeding out the incompetent and uninspired.

There are few things that the federal government can do that have a more significant effect on children than helping them to get a good education. For Black kids, that’s crucial. The difference between those Black Americans who have achieved mainstream success and those mired in poverty lies, for the most party, in the difference in acadmic achievement.

For Black boys, who have

fallen behind Black girls in educational attainment, a “Black agenda” could be constructed around this issue alone. Black women now graduate from college at twice the rate of Black men.

It’s true that collegeeducated Black workers have a higher unemployment rate than college-educated white workers — a commentary on a “postracial” America. But it’s also true that college-educated Black men and women will fare much better than their lesseducated counterparts.

So far, few Black opinionmakers have zeroed in on Obama’s education reform plans. That reticence may stem from an ambivalence — or hostility — toward the reforms from a mainstay of the Black middle-class: teachers.

Teachers’ groups have not

exactly rallied in support of Obama’s plans.

(Georgia may have lost out in Round 1 of Race to the Top because it didn’t get state-wide buy-in from teachers’ groups.

Some teachers remain especially critical of merit pay.)

Still, his emphasis on teacher accountability has the potential for doing more to shake up public education than any reforms of the last two decades.

Obama may not have a plan for reducing the Black-on-Black homicide rate (who does?) or shoring up Black marriage (other than serving as a good role model), but, if he can boost educational achievement for all children — including those who are poor and Black — that would certainly qualify as progress. Let’s call that an American agenda.

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Insight News • April 12 - April 18 • Page 3

COMMENTARY School bullying is killing our children

By Sirdeaner Walker NNPA Guest Commmentary (NNPA) - One year ago, I was an ordinary working mom, looking after my family and doing the best I could as a parent. But on April 6, 2009, my life changed forever.

While I was cooking dinner for my four children, my son Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover excused himself and went to his room.

When I checked on him, I imagined he would be doing his homework or playing video games.

Instead, he was hanging from an extension cord tied around his neck. He was only 11-years-old.

Carl liked football and basketball and playing video games with his little brother. He loved the Lord and he loved his family. What could drive a child to take his own life?

That question haunts me to this day. I will probably never know the answer, but what we do know is that Carl was being bullied relentlessly at school. He didn't want to tell me what was bothering him, but I kept at him, and he finally told me that kids at school were pushing him around, calling him names, saying he acted "gay,"

and calling him "faggot."

While my heart instantly broke for him, I was furious that he was being subjected to this treatment.

Immediately, I called the school and I expected they would be just as upset as I was. But instead, they told me that it was just ordinary social interaction that would work itself out.

I desperately wish they had been right.

I did everything that a parent is supposed to do: I chose a "good" school; I joined the PTO; I went to every parent-teacher conference; I called the school regularly and brought the bullying problem to the staff's attention. And the school did not act. The teachers did not know how to respond.

Carl's death devastated me.

So I can't tell you what it meant to me when, only days after Carl died, I received a FedEx envelope that contained a letter from Dr. Eliza Byard, executive director of the Gay Lesbian Student Education Network (GLSEN), an organization that advocates for safer schools for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and straight students. It was the first letter I'd received about Carl's death. And it was such a comfort to hear that I was not alone.

But I have to admit, I was a

Sirdeaner Walker and son Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover little nervous because my son Carl didn't identify as gay or straight, he never talked about it. Despite the protests of some of my dearest friends and family members, I trusted my intuition and let GLSEN help me.

Because of GLSEN, I have had the opportunity to share my story and raise awareness about bullying in our schools. After seeing how other children, like my Carl, live in fear every day, it's important to understand that teasing is not mere child's play, especially for children who are LGBT or perceived to be LGBT. According to a 2007 GLSEN

survey, 91 percent of students surveyed said they experienced harassment at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation. 59 percent experienced physical harassment, and 39 percent said they had been physically assaulted. That same study found that 63 percent of LGBT middle school students had heard school staff make homophobic remarks. How can innocent children thrive academically and emotionally in an atmosphere like that? They can't. Bullying is not a gay issue or a Black issue. It's a safety issue and it does not have to be an inevitable

Photos courtesy NNPA

part of growing up. Bullying can be prevented. And there isn't a moment to lose.

Educators need additional support and clear guidance about how to ensure that all kids feel safe in school. That is why I have chosen to advocate for the Safe Schools Improvement Act-federal legislation that would make effective anti-bullying policies mandatory in nearly every school in the United States.

And when I say effective, I mean incorporating policies that are proven to reduce victimization and create a greater sense of safety and belonging for all students.

These anti-bullying policies would address race and ethnicity, gender, religious affiliations, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, and any other distinguishing characteristics.

Currently, only twelve states and the District of Columbia have enumerated safe schools laws that include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As a woman of deep faith, I know that the only way to ensure that all children are safe is by passing comprehensive federal legislation.

Carl was denied a lifetime of opportunities when his school failed to act. I am committed to making sure that no other young person has to endure what my son went through, and that no other family suffers as mine has. As we approach the one-year anniversary of my son's death, please honor his life by talking to your state's legislators and asking them to pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act. Ms. Walker resides in Springfield, Mass. To learn more about the effects of school bullying and how to make your child's school a safer place, go to glsen.org.

The dangerous drift back towards segregated schools Children’s Defense Fund

By Marian Wright Edelman Two recent decisions by school boards in North Carolina are

local signs of a troubling national trend towards resegregation in public schools.

In New Hanover County, which includes Wilmington, parents and advocates spent much of last year debating a new middle school redistricting plan that would focus on "neighborhood schools," essentially resegregating the schools by race and economic class because our neighborhoods look that way. School board member Elizabeth Redenbaugh was the

only White and only Republican member to join two Black Democratic colleagues in opposing the new plan.

In a letter sent to parents and fellow board members last fall, Redenbaugh described some of what she was seeing: "I have literally had parents…approach me and state, 'The bottom line is this: I do not want my children in school with Black children.' I have had parents ask me why we do anything at all for the Black children in our county. They

look me in the eye and say, 'we have spent so much money on Black children . . . Nothing helps. I don't know why we even try anymore'…Such statements literally grieve my heart and beg the question: Who is my neighbor?" But despite the concerns Redenbaugh and her colleagues shared, they were ultimately overruled by the other members early this year in a 4-3 vote.

Meanwhile, in Wake County, NC, which includes Raleigh,

schools may be moving backwards in a similar direction.

Wake County has been lauded for its student assignment policy to balance schools using socioeconomic status augmented by a comprehensive program of magnet schools. But on March 24, the Wake County School Board voted to begin studying a new districting plan that would change the current busing system and reassign students based on "neighborhood attendance zones"-a return to

potentially more segregated schools because of the neighborhood demographics.

Advocates for Wake County's current socially and economically integrated school system are fighting to prevent this change.

But these significant decisions represent a very disturbing trend across the country. The sad truth is that the dream Dr. King rightly

SCHOOLS TURN TO

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Page 4 • April 12 - April 18, 2010 • Insight News

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EDUCATION New policy boosts students in need, HBCUs Special to the NNPA from the Afro American Newspapers WASHINGTON (NNPA) - With the signing of yet another historical piece of legislation, President Obama made good on his promise to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all Americans.

The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, enacted on March 30, strengthens the Pell Grant program, invests in community colleges, extends support for historically Black colleges and other minorityserving institutions, and helps student borrowers manage their student loan debt by capping repayments at 10 percent of their discretionary income. These efforts will be fully paid for by ending the government subsidies currently given to banks and other

Schools From 3 considered one of the greatest victories of the Civil Rights Movement-the desegregation of our nation's schools-is unraveling before our eyes.

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Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White 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 Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. MinneAPOlis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC) Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI) National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

financial institutions that make guaranteed federal student loans.

“By removing the bank’s middle men and eliminating millions of dollars in annual subsidies we are able to ensure that students have a more competitive and robust program for entering colleges and leaving them and going on to jobs not burdened so heavily by additional loans,” said Melody Barnes, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council.

In addition to increasing affordability, this legislation comes at a crucial time for HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), which will receive $850 and $150 million, respectively. The institutions typically bear the brunt of economic despair more than other colleges and universities. Doing more with less, HBCUs and PBIs are enrolling higher proportions of low- and middle-income students.

These much-needed dollars Desegregated schools grew in the years directly following the Civil Rights Movement, but since 1988, racial resegregation in public schools has been rising slowly and systematically. In June 2007, both the spirit and intent of the historic Brown v.

Board of Education Supreme Court decision were assaulted when the Supreme Court acknowledged in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education the benefits of racially diverse schools for all students who attend them, but ruled that desegregation plans that assign students to schools on the basis of race are unconstitutional. At a time when the number of poor and minority children in America is growing and the number of White middle-class children is decreasing, our schools are once again becoming

and graduate.

• Invest $2 billion in a competitive grant program for community colleges to develop and improve educational or career training programs.

• Save taxpayers $61 billion over 10 year by allowing students to borrow directly from the government through the Direct Loan program, thus avoiding excessive bank fees.

Photo courtesy bright.dlancer.net

can be used to renew, reform, and expand programming to ensure that students at these institutions are given every chance to live up to their full potential.

Several provisions in the bill, which Black lawmakers fought to include, will:

• Invest $35 billion over 10 years to increase the maximum annual Pell Grant to $5,550 in 2010 and to $5,975 by 2017.

isolated by race and class. Plans like the diversity policy and magnet school program that have been in place in Wake County, which focused primarily on socioeconomic status instead of race, helped produce integrated schools with broad appeal and academic achievement gains; this twopronged approach was lauded as another method of achieving diversity without concentrating children in racially isolated, high-poverty schools. But as the recent school board decision there shows, even those successful measures are now under attack.

The problem, as leading expert Gary Orfield of the Civil Rights Project at the University of California, Los Angeles and others have argued, is that segregated schools are not good for any of our children. We already know they are disastrous for poor and minority students,

for whom there is a strong connection between school segregation, failing schools, and high dropout rates. Almost half of America's Black students and nearly two-fifths of Latino students attend high schools that have been labeled "dropout factories" by Johns Hopkins University researchers and the U.S. Department of Education, where less than 60 percent of the freshman class will graduate in four years. But studies of the outcomes of inter-district transfer programs also show that while programs designed to improve integration significantly improve the life chances of children who are transferred in, they do not have a negative effect on the academic progress of students in the receiving district-one of the apparent fears of many parents. In fact, as Orfield and others note, integration has been shown to benefit children on both sides.

• Invest $2.55 billion in HBCUs and minority-serving Institutions to provide students with the support they need to stay in school

These benefits build on other provisions of the law that put the Pell Grant program on sounder footing by covering past and expected shortfalls and that invest new dollars in community colleges.

“The success of these institutions is not only vital to the success of African Americans, but it is also vital to the success of all Americans,” said John S. Wilson, executive director of the White As our society becomes more and more diverse, it is critically important that children from all backgrounds learn to interact with one another productively. When parents are allowed to hold on to the outdated beliefs that sending their children to a "diverse" school means sending them to an inferior school, it does their own children a disservice. In a rapidly globalizing world, returning to segregated schools would be another missed opportunity for all of America's children. We have so far left to

House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, in a teleconference this week.

Strengthening HBCUs and PBIs, said Wilson, pushes the U.S. Department of Education closer to their goal set by President Obama last February, that “by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.”

He adds, “That is the goal that guides structure and context for all we’re doing.”

Starting July 1, all new federal student loans will be direct loans delivered and collected by private companies under performancebased contracts with the Department of Education.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, ending these wasteful subsidies frees up nearly $68 billion which this new law reinvests back into students and into deficit reduction over the next 11 years.

go. We can't afford to take any more steps backwards.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children's Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.

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Insight News • April 12 - April 18 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Why Did I Get Married Too

Tyler Perry & company in Bahamas for battle-of-the-sexes Film Review

By Kam Williams For years, four very close couples, friends since college, have been taking an annual vacation together to luxurious getaway spots to reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on the state of their marital relationships. Their previous reunion at a Colorado ski lodge proved very eventful, especially for the emotionally-abused Sheila (Jill Scott), who eventually summoned up the courage to dump her openlyunfaithful husband, Mike (Richard T. Jones), a creep brazen enough to bring his mistress along.

This go round, these unusuallyintrospective revelers made reservations at an oceanfront resort in the Bahamas, where just as much melodrama is about to unfold. But this time Mike’s the third wheel, because Sheila’s now remarried to Troy (Lamman Rucker), the local cop who rescued her like a knight in shining armor in a blizzard back in

the Rocky Mountains.

Nonetheless, Mike shows up uninvited, hoping to rekindle a little romance with his ex. He’s looking to leverage the fact that the newlyweds arrive a little distant from each other due to Troy’s inability to find a job since relocating to Atlanta. And while Sheila has tried to reassure Troy that she doesn’t mind being the breadwinner, the role reversal simply doesn’t sit well with a guy who’s more comfortable with being the provider.

Meanwhile, the three other couples find themselves facing serious battle-of-the-sexes issues, too, starting with outspoken Angela (Tasha Smith). She has trouble trusting her hunky hubby (Michael Jai White) who won’t share his cell phone password with her. After all, the former pro athlete has cheated on her before, and likely has more opportunities to stray since he’s finally gainfully employed as host of “The Sports Shuffle,” a TV talk show.

A little more difficult to discern are the subtle strains on the seemingly-perfect marriage of psychologist Pat (Janet Jackson) and architect Gavin (Malik Yoba), given that she’s a celebrated love guru with a best-seller “He’s Cheated, So Now What?” out on

the market. However, we soon learn that even a mild-mannered shrink might need to blow off some steam after keeping her feelings about the death of her son bottled up inside for so many years. Last but last, there’s Terry (Tyler Perry) and Dianne (Sharon Leal), whose relationship tension revolves around his suspicions that his workaholic, attorney spouse might be having an affair in spite of her perfectly plausible explanation for her whereabouts.

“Can this marriage be saved?” remains the running theme raised repeatedly in Why Did I Get Married Too, one of those rare sequels which is actually better than the original. Tyler Perry earns high marks for not only reassembling his entire principal cast, but for embroiling the talented ensemble in another compelling, modern morality play which feels as fresh as it is funny. The panoramic Caribbean location certainly helps, as does the addition of a few new faces, including Cicely Tyson, Lou Gossett, Jr. and a closing credits celebrity cameo it would be unfair to spoil.

As for standouts, scene-stealer Tasha Smith turns in another one of her trademark performances as the volatile Angela, a shrill banshee whose over-the-top antics keep you

lionsgatepublicity.com

in stitches whenever she’s on camera. Equally-noteworthy is Janet Jackson, whose character’s deeper development afforded her an opportunity to stretch her acting range. When you factor in that the production went on hiatus after the passing of her brother, it makes her scenes, many of which were shot while grieving, that much more

Kevin Foley

The Capri Theater's "Legends" series marks another first with "Down on Broadway," two live performances on April 17 and 18 that will be recorded for CD release.

Dennis Spears, the artistic director of the "Legends" series, headlines the show, with Sanford Moore on piano, Jay Young on bass, Daryl Boudreaux on percussion and Steven Jennings on drums. The song list will include hits from Funny Girl, Showboat, The Wiz, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

These live recordings will fulfill the idea that came to Spears during dress rehearsal for the first concert he directed at the theater three years ago, "Classic Capri," which led to the creation of the "Legends" series.

"I have to do a recording in this space!" said Spears. "From day one I realized that the Capri is, acoustically, a performer's dream."

Spears said he developed the title "Down on Broadway" after the Manhattan Broadway. "This big, beautiful space is bursting with gifts," he said. Using the concert as the basis for his first CD in six years is also a natural. "I like the

Tavis Smiley joins late night lineup in Minneapolis Richard Clarke - former Special Advisor to the President for CyberSecurity and author of the new book, The Cyber-War: The Next Threat to National Security and What to Do About It. Mark Harmon - actor and star of the television show, "NCIS".

Anne Lamott - bestselling author of Traveling Mercies: Thoughts on Faith and the new novel, Imperfect Birds.

Father Gregory Doyle - Jesuit priest and Founder/Executive Director of the youth organization Homeboy Industries "Tavis Smiley" continues to air in Minneapolis at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., in addition to the new 11:30 p.m. timeslot. Check local listings for channel numbers and show times. See the full schedule for the week of April 5 at: www.pbs.org/tavis.

Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG-13 for mature themes,

sexuality, profanity, drug references and domestic violence.

Running time: 121 minutes Distributor: Lionsgate Films To see a trailer for Why Did I Get Married Too, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= NSONVGYiIHo

“The Best of Broadway” comes to West Broadway

Tavis Smiley is a smart hybrid of news, issues and entertainment, featuring interviews with newsmakers, politicians, celebrities and everyday people.

Minneapolis viewers are now able to watch Tavis Smiley's unique take on the headlines as he interviews top newsmakers and celebrities at a new timeslot.

"I'm really happy to be coming to TPT Life in late-night," said Smiley. "This gives us the opportunity to bring our mix of politics, culture and social issues to folks who enjoy tuning in at the end of the day."

The impressive and diverse lineup of guests scheduled for April includes: David Simon - executive producer and head writer of "The Wire" on HBO and creator of the new series, "Treme" about postKatrina New Orleans Chris Rock - comedian, actor, producer and the star of the new film "Death at a Funeral"

impressive.

Renaissance Man Perry proving he still has his finger on the pulse via yet another, madcap, marital melodrama apt to resonate with the collective conscious of the Black community.

Dennis Spears

Photo courtesy Capri Theater

spontaneity of a live recording. I'm a live performer. I'll be pushing the audience to push me," said Spears.

"Down on Broadway" is the fourth of this season's five-part "Legends" series. Tickets for the last three shows sold out. "Our little baby is growing up," said Spears.

The final series concert, "The Great American Songbook", featuring Debbie Duncan with her original trio, is scheduled for Friday, June 4 at 7 pm.

The Capri Theater is owned and operated by Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), a non-profit human services organization that serves North Minneapolis children and families through education, community programs and community development. For more information, visit www.pcycmpls.org Show times are 7 pm on Saturday, April 17 and 3 pm on Sunday, April 18. Tickets are $25 for the evening show and $20 for the matinee. They can be ordered online at thecapritheater.org, or by calling OvationTix at (866) 8114111.

Page 6 • April 12 - April 18, 2010 • Insight News

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HEALTH

Plastic surgery gaining acceptance in Black communities

By Aleesa Mann Special to the NNPA from the Howard University News Service WASHINGTON (NNPA) - A woman pokes and pinches her face in front of a mirror, wondering if a smaller nose and thinner lips will boost her confidence. A patient stands in a gown as her doctor draws surgical lines on her body, and a man blushes, teary-eyed as his family sees him for the first time after his facelift.

These scenes from reality TV shows like ABC's "Extreme Makeover" and E! channel's "Dr. 90210" mark a period of candor towards cosmetic surgery in the media. Some may even say they are, in part, responsible for the public's change in attitude towards cosmetic procedures Even among African Americans and other racial minorities, this once taboo procedure is gaining acceptance.

The changing face of cosmetic patients is largely attributed to improving socioeconomic status among minority communities, images of cosmetic surgery in the media, and the open admission of celebrities who have undergone plastic surgery. Hollywood stars Queen Latifah, Tina Turner, Toni Braxton and Patti LaBelle are among the few African American celebrities who have actually admitted that they have had some work done. Now the trend is transitioning into the general populous.

Chris Gander

More than 900,000 African Americans underwent plastic surgery in 2008, a 145 percent increase since 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Numbers for other minority groups are also on the raise.

"These makeover shows have made cosmetic surgery more acceptable," said Dr. Michelle Hardaway, an African American plastic surgeon in Farmington Hills, MI. Procedures she feels many people once regarded as only for the rich and famous, are now much less so.

TV programs have made it more

normal, she said.

Dr. Stephen Baker, plastic surgeon and associate professor at Georgetown University Hospital, says the number of people with disposable incomes has helped contribute to the popularity of plastic surgery for patients.

TV programming, Baker said, is also a factor.

"I think TV has somewhat demystified it," Baker said. "The stigma is gone, so maybe they feel a little less guilty about doing it themselves."

In his own practice, Baker has observed plastic surgery become

more socially acceptable among minority communities. Over the years, he said, the number of African Americans he has treated has grown to almost a sixth of his patient base.

While plastic surgery patients are predominantly caucasian, the number of cosmetic patients among Hispanic, African American and Asian communities has experienced rapid growth spurts in recent years.

Combined, the number of minority patients opting for plastic surgery jumped 64 percent between 2004 and 2005, and another 33 percent between 2007 and 2008, the American Society of Plastic

Surgeons reports.

In 2008, African Americans made up 8 percent of patients in the cosmetic surgery industry, an industry that pulled in over $10 billion that year.

"I think it speaks to our culture being more mainstream," said Shane.

Perrault, an African American psychologist in Silver Springs, MD, said of the blurring of racial and social lines in today's American culture: "There was a time when we didn't do things because it felt like we were selling out. That mentality is gone and now we have a more glamorized, mainstream focus."

For Perrault, the growing number of African Americans undergoing plastic surgery indicates a trickling down effect of values those that start in pop culture, and overtime become accepted by society.

The stigma towards plastic surgery may be going in the direction of the stigma that used to be reserved for hair extensions, Perrault suggested.

"Those are so mainstream you don't even think about it anymore," he said.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction, nose reshaping and breast reduction are the most commonly requested surgical procedures among African American cosmetic patients. Botox, injectable fillers and chemical peels are the most popular minimally invasive procedures.

While Hardaway agrees African Americans are opening up to the idea of plastic surgery, she still notices a lingering hesitation among the community when it comes to rhinoplasty, also known as nosereshaping.

"Sometimes I'll see patients who have family telling them not to have it," she said. "Or sometimes they won't even tell the family because of the stigma."

One patient came in for a consultation for rhinoplasty, but didn't go through with the procedure until years later, Hardaway said.

Both Hardaway and Baker have observed an increase in their African American clientele, and both emphasize that the growth includes men, as well.

Hardway identified liposuction, eyelid procedures, and fillers as some of the most popular requests among her African American male patients.

The doctors also agree on another point: the increase in plastic surgeries among African Americans does not reflect a changing selfidentity. Their patients, they say, aren't trying to significantly change their appearance; they're just looking for an improvement.

Baker likens it to trying to get the upper hand against the natural thinning and sagging of skin over time.

"The clock and gravity don't change," Baker said. "And I think that as people live longer they want to look as good as they feel."

Minnesota STD cases decline in 2009 according to health department Chlamydia cases remain stable, syphilis and gonorrhea cases drop The total number of reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Minnesota dropped slightly to 16,702 in 2009, a 5 percent drop from the previous year, state health officials reported today.

According to a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), there were 17,649 cases

reported in 2008 and 17,057 cases in 2007. Reportable STDs in Minnesota include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chancroid. “Chlamydia was Minnesota’s number one reported STD this past year with 14,186 cases,� said Peter Carr, manager of the STD and HIV Section at MDH. “This is almost identical to last year’s totals where we saw 14,350 chlamydia cases

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MDH data show that geographically, chlamydia occurs statewide with about 1 in 3 cases occurring in the Greater Minnesota areas. Nearly 70 percent of cases occurred in teens and young adults aged 15 to 24.

Untreated chlamydia can lead to infertility in some women and, in rarer cases, even among men. An

infected woman can pass the infection to her newborn child, causing premature delivery, infant pneumonia and serious eye infections leading to blindness.

About 3 of 4 females and 1 of 2 males will show no symptoms once infected. Routine testing, even in the absence of symptoms, is the only way to detect these cases.

Chlamydia screening guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) call for health providers to provide annual screenings of all sexually active women aged 25 and younger and for women older than 25 that have risk factors such as a new sexual partner. Some clinics have incorporated these screening guidelines into their electronic patient records so clinicians are alerted when it is time to provide the screenings.

Gonorrhea remained the second most commonly reported STD in Minnesota with 2,302 cases reported in 2009 representing a 24 percent decrease compared to 2008.

Nationally, preliminary reports are showing a 21 percent drop in gonorrhea cases in 2009. “The drop in gonorrhea cases may be a positive sign that screening, partner follow-up and treatment strategies are making an impact,� said Carr.

Health officials emphasize that it is important to remain diligent in identifying and treating gonorrhea cases. Untreated gonorrhea can also lead to infertility in both men and women. Gonorrhea can spread to

organs and joints and these conditions can be life threatening.

Gonorrhea can be passed to newborns during childbirth causing blindness if the infant is not treated.

There was a 28 percent decrease in the number of early syphilis cases reported in 2009, while the percentage of those co-infected with syphilis and HIV rose by 5 percent in 2009. There is a two- to five-fold increased risk of getting HIV infection when syphilis is present.

For syphilis, MDH data show that 117 early syphilis cases were reported in 2009 compared to 163 cases in 2008. New infections continued to be centered within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The percentage of those co-infected with syphilis and HIV rose from 40.1 percent in 2008 to 45.3 percent in 2009.

Among the early syphilis cases, nearly 91 percent (106 cases) were males with a vast majority of cases occurring among men who have sex with men (MSM). Nearly 72 percent (84 cases) were among whites, 17 percent (20 cases) were among African Americans and about 7 percent (8 cases) were among Latinos. There was one case among American Indians and one case among Asians.

Untreated syphilis can lead to blindness, mental illness, dementia and death. Testing and diagnosing the disease in its early stages is critical.

Health officials noted that it is important for health providers to provide more syphilis screenings to

their sexually at-risk clients. Early syphilis—infection of less than one year—is the most infectious stage of the disease. CDC recommends that MSM patients be tested at least annually. For those at highest risk with multiple partners, especially if they are HIV positive, they recommend testing as often as every three months. “STDs are preventable,� said Carr. “To help prevent getting or spreading STDs, consider delaying the start of sexual activity and limiting the number of sexual partners; get tested, know your STD status and that of your partners, practice safer sex at all times, and don’t share needles for drug use, piercing or tattooing. Getting tested for STDs each year is very important for sexually active persons - even without symptoms.

And, if infected, get their partners in for testing.�

Health providers are responsible for making reasonable attempts to ensure treatment of the sex partners of their STD infected patients. A new approach called expedited partner therapy (EPT) allows physicians in Minnesota to dispense prescriptions or medications through their patients who have tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea to treat their sexual partners who are uninsured, unwilling or unable to get to a clinic.

The MDH Partner Services Program provides follow-up for people with HIV, syphilis, and those with untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea as well as for their sexual partners who may need examination and treatment. The program also provides follow-up to chlamydia and gonorrhea infected patients referred from clinics who have not been treated. Partner referral cards are available to clinics from the MDH to help clients notify their partners anonymously.

To help create awareness about STDs in Minnesota, MDH has made available educational resources online on behalf of National STD Awareness Month (April). MDH will continue to support chlamydia and gonorrhea screening clinics serving areas with the highest rates of infection.

The complete STD Surveillance Report – 2009, STD fact sheets, and information about National STD Awareness Month (April) can be found on the MDH Web site at: www.health.state.mn.us/std.

To learn more about EPT in Minnesota, visit the MDH Web site at: www.health.state.mn.us/ept.

The new CDC treatment guidelines for STDs are available online at: www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment/defau lt.htm.

For confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs, call the Minnesota Family Planning & STD Hotline, toll free, at 1-80078-FACTS (voice or TTY), 651645-9360 (Metro area).

insightnews.com

Insight News • April 12 - April 18 • Page 7

BUSINESS Giving feedback? Give encouragement too Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Abri wrote to Insight News because she can’t stand her boss. Usually it takes two to

tangle. Next to every bad manager is an employee complaining about their bad manager, and usually, they are both part of the problem. When it comes to giving feedback, though, the manager’s style is often a big part of the problem.

Abri is a Quality Editor. Her job is to edit surveys before they go back to a client. She checks for typos and grammar issues and verifies that the scores make sense.

Every time Abri completes a project, her manager reviews her work and

sends feedback in an email. The manager calls it feedback; Abri calls it torture. Opening those email critiques is painful. She knows they list, in a thick block paragraph, single spaced, the microscopic details of her errors. “It’s all negative,” says Abri. “Am I really that bad?”

Understand, the manager’s emails are meant to help Abri develop her skills. But negative feedback alone cuts people off from the urge to improve. By adding a dose of sugar, the manager will see better results,

sooner. Does Abri do anything right? Did she avoid making yesterday’s mistake again today? Did she complete the project early? Did she handle a complex issue in a positive way?

Managers, when giving constructive criticism (or feedback), put your people into a position to accept what you are going to say. First, mention something you value.

For example, say, Thank you for getting this done so quickly.

Next, the feedback: I noticed

SBA names Minnesota Minority Small Business Champion Sharon B. Banks, Senior Project Manager at the University of Minnesota, has been named the Minnesota Minority Small Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Minority Small Business Champion award is presented annually in each state to individuals who assist small businesses through outstanding advocacy efforts on behalf of minority-owned small businesses. Yvonne Cheung Ho, President and CEO of MEDA, nominated Banks for this award.

Banks, a native of Pittsburgh, has lived in the Twin Cities since moving from Atlanta in 1979. She describes herself as a "problem solver" and considers her organizational and interpersonal skills her greatest assets. As Senior Project Manager in the University of Minnesota's Office for Business and Community Economic Development, she is responsible for the inclusion of women, minorities and person with disabilities on University construction projects. Prior to joining the University, she was Manager of Career Development and Diversity at Northwest Airlines.

At the University, she collaborated with Construction Project Management representatives to implement a process to analyze construction closeout reports and confirm contractor compliance to University targeted inclusion goals.

This process of compliance resulted in an increase of 23.7% inclusion of

Women, Minorities and Disabled Persons (WMDBE) firms receiving contracts at the University of Minnesota.

Banks was the Senior Project Manager for the TCF Gopher Football Stadium responsible for WMDBE inclusion.

Under Banks' supervision, the General Contractor exceeded all of the project goals. The WMDBE project goal for the stadium was 22%; actual participation achieved was 30%. Workforce utilization was set at 29%; actual workforce levels achieved were 34%.

The female goal was 4%, with actual achievement of 6%.

Banks' interest in supporting small businesses and minorities extends beyond her work life into her personal life. She participated on the Richfield Community Council which was convened by the Mayor to strategize how to advance minority small business interests within Richfield. As a member of this council, she provided information measurement tools to identify weaknesses in the business community of Richfield.

Utilizing her prior experience as Manager of Diversity at Northwest Airlines, Banks provided information to embrace the increasing diversity in Richfield. The committee presented a letter of recommendation to focus on diversity initiatives designed to improve relationships in the business community and in the school system.

Banks has served as Chairperson for the Minnesota Minority Supplier Development

Council, Board of Directors of the National Association of Minority Contractors, Southern University Youth Motivation Task Force, NAACP Career Counseling Board for Personal and Professional Development and the Wallin Foundation High School Mentor Program at North High School in Minneapolis.

Banks earned a B.S. in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University and a M.A. in Public Affairs with a concentration in Economic Development from the University of Minnesota. She is a graduate of Mentium 100 and a lifetime member of the National Black MBA Association.

She lives in Richfield with her husband Clifford and son Cristian.

you missed three problems so you might want to go more slowly tomorrow.

Finally, another positive: you’ve come a long way on these; thanks for the good work.

If an employee truly can’t do anything right, a good manager will help them move on to something more appropriate.

But if Abri is, overall, a good employee, someone the company has invested in through time and training, someone they want to keep, then it is the manager’s

responsibility to reinforce the positives, helping Abri see both her strengths and her weaknesses.

The Critic’s Sandwich is not a new concept, but it seems to be new to our next generation of managers. Encourage people today, and they will be training others down the road.

Julie Desmond directs job search and career management training for Help Wanted!

Workshop.

Write to julie@insightnews.com.

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Dusome From 1 Join The Dusome Foundation for its annual wine tasting fundraiser.

The Dusome Foundation is a Minneapolis-based 501 (c) (3) organization founded by U of M alumnus and Tanzania native Stella Mandago. The Foundation fights against illiteracy in the rural village of Mipa, Tanzania.

Dusome's mission is to dramatically enable and improve

literacy while providing innovative leadership opportunities to the villagers of Mipa. This year's event includes a special screening of a short documentary on Tanzania by Lisette Wright, founder of the Kisangaji Project.

Saturday, April 17, 5-8 pm Open Book 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis For more information: www.dusomefoundation.com Donation $30

usbank.com | 651-466-LOAN (5626) *5.99% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available for 30-year first position home equity installment loans $40,000 to $150,000 with loan-to-value of 70% or less or 80% or less depending on market. Higher rates apply for higher LTV or other loan amount. Automatic payments from a U.S. Bank Package required. Loan payment example: on a $40,000 loan for 360 months at 5.99% interest rate, monthly payments would be $239.56. No customer paid closing costs, APR is 5.99%. Payment example does not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums.

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Offer is subject to normal credit qualifications. Rates are subject to change. Property insurance is required. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Home Equity loans and lines of credit are offered through U.S. Bank National Association ND. ©2010 U.S. Bancorp, U.S. Bank. Member FDIC. 100071

Page 8 • April 12 - April 18, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Got (too much) stuff? What to do when stuff overwhelms Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey The other day I went into my daughter’s closet and found clothes scattered all over the floor. Most of the clothes were dirty, but some were clean and they were all mixed in together.

Needless to say, mama was hot (and not in the good way)! When I asked my daughter about this big mess, she did not have a suitable answer-there really was none.

She had already been warned about the consequences of not putting her clothes away properly. This time I was really fed up. My solution to her wardrobe mismanagement?

It was two-fold: First I decided to make her wear the same outfit to school for the rest of the week. My goal was to help her understand that it was a privilege to have more than one outfit to wear to schooland that it should not be taken for granted. Second, I decided that she probably really had more than she needed (it’s called the too-much-stuffsyndrome)-it was time for an intervention.

I have to tell you that my baby was pretty upset at first, but as I explained the principle behind my decision, I could see her begin to accept this lesson with humility. I realize that this won’t be the last time that her floor is littered with clothes, but hopefully I am teaching her the importance of maintaining an orderly space and resisting the urge to accumulate stuff.

Plus, decluttering is hot right now (in the good way)! So if you are drowning in a sea of clutter and want some tips on how to lift the load, just keep reading.

Not only are there ways to unload unnecessary items in your home, in some cases you can be paid to do so, and that sounds like a winning combination.

Too Much Clothing? If you have clothing in excellent condition, that can add up to extra cash in your pocket.

Take it to a consignment store like Turn Style (they accept more than just clothes). For kids’ gear go to Once Upon a Child, where they give you cash on the spot. Of course if you prefer to avoid the (possible) consignment hassle, there are many non-profit thrift stores that would be happy to take your donation.

My favorites are Salvation Army and Goodwill. If you are on the fence about letting go of clothes that you rarely wear, ask yourself “have I

http://www.littlestars-luxor.org/littlestars%20photos/pile%20of%20clothes.jpg

worn this in the past year?” If the answer is no (and it’s not your special party outfit) then get it out of the closet.

Too Many Books? If you have books or magazines that are just sitting on your shelves collecting dust, take them to Half-Price Books.

Be prepared to spend about twenty-minutes in the store while they look over your items and then make you an offer (which you are not obligated to accept). What I also really like is that even if they choose not to buy any of the items that you bring in, they offer to recycle them for free, so you don’t have to lug books back home.

Too Many Old / Unused / Broken Electronics?

Has your basement or spare room become the electronics graveyard? There are websites that offer to buy old cell phones and computers, but check them out thoroughly and proceed with caution. For computers try Gazelle.com or MyBoneYard.com and for cell phones consider CellForCash.com. If simply clearing your space would be just as valuable, participating Best Buy locations offer free recycling of phones, televisions, and computers!

Note: Microwaves and console TV’s are not accepted.

Remember to call ahead to verify details.

I think that my daughter was relieved when I thinned out her closet and drawers.

She might have even enjoyed her one-outfit-week, although she’d never admit it. I would guess that most of us, have found ourselves inexplicably holding on to material things that are of little value. Instead of remaining burdened by growing piles of rarely used items, reclaim the space in your, home, garage, and (most importantly) your mind by giving, selling, or otherwise recycling. Even by taking small steps in this positive direction, you can yield notable benefits. Enjoy!

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:19-21 Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

insightnews.com

Insight News • April 12 - April 18 • Page 9

Census day has passed, so now what?

By Pharoh Martin NNPA Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) Census Day, April 1, has passed but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to turn in your 10-question Census form. The Census Bureau will continue to accept 2010 Census questionnaires by mail through mid-April.

For households that fail to mail back their forms, census workers will begin making door to door visits beginning May 1, and will continue doing so until midJuly.

Census data determines crucial dollar allocations and political representation within communities. The data determines the apportionment of

MPS From 1 time to get the building done.

There was also concern about the cost of this project even though our proposal was competitive against the lowest costs presented. However, the financial strategies The Urban Design Lab presented to mitigate the concerns of the district were not considered in their analysis. Regarding the proposal coming after the RFP deadline, Mr. Liss has refused to date to provide an answer.

The Urban Design Lab (UDL) contends that it should have gotten its chance to present before the board of education as the #3 proposer. “Just give us our 10 minutes” we asked. We don’t want special treatment or to be chosen out of hand – we just want a fair process and our proposal presented like the other two top contenders.

The UDL proposal was a comprehensive proposal that made the connection to the district’s core mission - the education of our kids - by connecting them to critical institutions in our community, NorthPoint Health & Wellness, The Minneapolis Urban League

congressional seats to states. It also determines the distribution of more than $4 trillion dollars in federal funds to local governments and communities over the next decade and lays the groundwork for what community services will be provided.

Still, only 54 percent of the nation’s estimated 145 million households mailed back their census forms on April 1, reports the U. S Census Bureau. April 1 was the official deadline day to reply to the Census so that the federal government can begin conducting the nation’s decennial headcount, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

The 2010 U.S. Census will cost taxpayers almost $12 billion, according to a 2008 budget request submitted by the

Department of Commerce, making it the most expensive count ever.

“The Census Bureau and I would like to thank everyone who has already taken 10 minutes to fill out and mail back the 2010 Census,” Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said in a statement.

“For those who have not yet had a chance to send it back, I’d like to reiterate that it’s not too late to participate and doing so will save a lot of taxpayer money.”

The massive address canvassing operation will cost taxpayers an average of $57 per household versus the 42 cents it takes to get a response back by mail to send a census taker doorto-door to collect the same information that they didn’t mail it back.

and the University of Minnesota’s UROC by building at the corner Penn & Plymouth.

There already is a ‘Health & Education Campus’ at this site including MPS and these surrounding institutions working together on reducing disparities in health, education and economics for students and families.

UDL proposed a Platinum LEED building, the highest level of sustainability, including a waste to energy plant that would create electricity for the district’s building on site. This is a tremendous money saver not only for the district but for surrounding institutions who could use it as well.

The inclusion of an African American-owned grocery store and greenhouses in the development, deliver a much desired amenity - bringing fresh and healthy foods to a community suffering from significant health disparities.

This fresh food system, combined with the Green Collar jobs from the waste to energy process, would have created over 100 permanent jobs.

It is imperative that our community looks beyond project-based jobs to on-going community participation. All of the proposers should work with

Summit Academy and other local service providers on construction jobs. This is a worthy goal of any development project in our community. But we must also start looking at the long-term benefits and involvement of community members over time in any major development in our community.

What happens when the building is done?

The UDL proposal addresses ‘What happens when the building is done?’ question. We have the support of a number of local institutions, including the Minneapolis Urban League, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, the University of Minnesota, and the National Association of Minority Contractors.

But despite this support and inclusion of some unique and powerful initiatives, we were pushed out of our #3 spot to present to the board of education like the other two top contenders. We just want a fair

Approximately 140,000 census takers will follow-up in person with every single address that doesn’t mail back a form in order. So if the Census form is still sitting on your coffee table expect a visit by a public worker carrying a U.S. Census Bureau badge. For the first time, workers will also carry around GPS-enabled handheld computers to record data. The handheld devices will improve accuracy of the count and precision of geographic data gathered, according to the Census Bureau.

In the case that nobody answers, a census taker will visit a home up to three times. A census taker can only ask census formrelated questions but may require your phone number in order to follow up with questions

regarding incomplete information.

“If we feel that you may have a discrepancy with your questionnaire we’ll call you back,” said 2010 Census chief operating officer Arnold Jackson in an earlier interview with NNPA News Service. “We may call eight million households out of 145 million.”

By law, the Census Bureau is not allowed to share respondents’ answers with any other governmental agency such as the FBI, the CIA or welfare and immigration agencies, nor with any court of law or even with the President of the United States. Its employees take an oath for life to keep census information confidential. Failure to uphold that oath is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in

prison.

If you did not receive a form or need a replacement, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 1-866-8726868.

You can also pick up what’s called a “Be Counted” form from a service-based location such as a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. Be Counted forms were designed to count people who are displaced or who lack a permanent address but can also be used for people who never received a form. The Census Bureau has said that people are not able to fill out forms online but they are experimenting with allowing Internet submissions in future Census counts.

shot at this deal. We just want “Our 10 Minutes”!

The MPS board is voting on

their selection on Tuesday, April 13th. If you support equity and

contact the board to say “Give the Urban Design Lab their 10 minutes”!

Voting

order to submit the petition to become a question on the ballot.

Supporters of the petition argue that requiring a photo ID card helps protect the rights of legitimate voters. Kris Broberg, President of Citizens for a Better Minneapolis, says that we must prove to our fellow citizens that we have the right to choose our government. He argues, “How are we supposed to catch fraudulent voters, if all we have to go on is someone’s word?”

They also argue that our electoral system cannot inspire public confidence if no safeguards exist to confirm the identity of voters.

Former Minnesota Secretary of State and former MN State Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer believes that people are discouraged from voting when they cannot trust the system.

“Who you are and where you live is a right for other people to know…What’s secret is who you vote for,” she said.

Petition supporters also point out that it can take months for Hennepin County to process voter registrations that are made on Election Day. “We don’t have the tools to detect fraud [on Election Day]…It’s our duty and responsibility to prevent noncitizens from voting and to report any instances of fraud,” Kiffmeyer said. Currently, a firstoffense voter fraud conviction is a misdemeanor. A felon who attempts to vote could go back to

From 1 obtain a Minnesota ID. “The measure [only creates] an unnecessary step in an attempt to suppress the vote in Minneapolis…It’s wrong to bar even a single citizen from voting,” Gaskins said.

Gaskins also argues that there needs to be more evidence that voter impersonation is a major issue in Minnesota. The petition advocates “need to prove that there is a problem of voter fraud in Minnesota before they create a barrier to the ballot based on some mythological issue…We just finished a contentious race in Minnesota and [neither US Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) nor former US Sen. Norm Coleman’s] lawyers made any claims of voter fraud,” she said. One of the main issues that arose during the election was the disappearance of several hundred ballots, which a photo ID requirement would not have solved.

In order for a citizen petition to become a ballot question, supporters must gather the signatures of at least five percent of the total votes cast in the previous State General Election.

On November 4, 2008, 208,973 Minneapolis residents voted.

Supports need to gather the signatures of at least 10,449 registered Minneapolis voters in

justice in public process, please

prison.

Under the proposed measure, absentee voting would remain the same, creating a disparity in the law between voters. Voters who vote in-person must present an acceptable ID but those voting absentee by mail are not required to do so.

Andy Cilek, Executive Director of the Minnesota Voters Alliance, says they already expect challenges to the petition from the Democratic Party. “We feel it should be a statewide issue, but the [Minnesota State] Legislature keeps throwing it under the table,” he said.

In 2005, the Indiana State Legislature passed a statewide law requiring voters to present a photo ID on Election Day. The League of Women Voters of Indiana filed a complaint with the Indiana Court of Appeals and on September 17, 2009, the court found the current Indiana Voter ID law to be unconstitutional by violating the Equal Privileges and Immunities Clause of the Indiana State Constitution. The Indiana Court of Appeals decision is currently before the Indiana State Supreme Court.

Current Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie declined to comment on the debate because his office works closely with local election boards and he does not want to intervene if the question ends up on the ballot.

Legacy

I feel like I’m trapped in a nightmare or some kind of fable.

From 1

Take control of you legacy!

Do you even know what a legacy is?

A legacy is defined as anything handed down from the past.

And if we don’t hand down something better, our people won’t last.

Because our legacy is a name brand bag.

We rob Peter to pay Paul for a brand new Jag. Ain’t paid our rent, but braggin’about poppin’a tag?

What is your legacy?

Keepin’up with the Joneses is what it’s all about.

Walkin’around stuntin’and frontin’like you got clout.

Man this makes me wanna shout, pull my hair out.

Cause all they got is frustration and doubt.

They ain’t stable and don’t have the confidence that they’re able.

So put your money where your mouth is, or better yet on the table.

Teach them about them God, not the black label.

It’s time out for the passing the buck, we need to come correct.

Because this generation right here, is feeling the effect.

Instead of achieving dreams he’s the #1 suspect.

I can’t believe, these are the types of things we respect.

We choose & select to disrespect and neglect.

The legacy our forefathers left us.

They were beat in riots and didn’t even cuss.

Had to walk miles to work and still didn’t take the bus.

And guess what? They left that legacy for us.

But we’ve let them down and betrayed their trust.

We meant something to them, but what do ours mean to us?

So since a legacy is left by those who’ve gone on before.

Remember your bad decisions will open a door.

For some kid to walk through searching for more.

Stitch your legacy tight and watch them soar.

The Legacy!

All rights reserved © Copyright February 2010

Page 10 • April 12 - April 18, 2010 • Insight News

insightnews.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Screening of Food, Inc – Apr. 8 Tues., Apr. 8, 6 pm at School of Environmental Studies, 12155 Johnny Cake Road, Apple Valley. Free, with donations to the School of Environmental Studies Education Foundation encouraged.

952-891-1212, #239. www.valleynaturalfoods.com

Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 5881313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events

World Language Storytime: Vietnamese - Apr. 3 to 24 Saturdays, April 3 - 24, 11 a.m. at Augsburg Park Library, 7100 Nicollet Ave., Richfield, 952-847-5300. For children age 2 and up. Experience the world in other languages.

Soap Boxing Poetry Slam – Apr. 5 Every 1st Monday - at the Artists’ Quarter in Downtown St. Paul. Doors open at 7 pm - Slam begins at 8 pm. $5 cover - free if you compete. (612) 207-7991, www.soapboxing.com Conversation Circles - Apr. 5 to May 10 Mondays, April 5-May 10, 6:15 p.m. at Augsburg Park Library. Non-native English speakers: practice your English and make new friends in an informal, volunteer-led setting, and learn about the library, too. Call 612-630-6069 for more information in English or, in Hmong, 952847-8845; in Somali, 952-847-8756; in Spanish, 952-847-8510.

Concordia Cafe - Apr. 7 Weds., April 7, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Concordia University, Buenger Education Center, 312 Hamline Ave., St. Paul (I-94 and Hamline Ave.) A free information session for adults exploring accelerated undergraduate or graduate degree programs. www.csp.edu/concordiacafe. con’tro’VERSE’ial: Spoken Word Event - Apr. 7 Weds., April 7 from 7-10 p.m. at Hamline University - Bush Student Center, Ballroom, 1551 Hewitt Avenue, St. Paul.

Career and Community Resource Fair – Apr. 7 Northwest Hennepin Career and Community Resource Fair at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park.

10a-3p.

MCASA Holds 4th Aware Event – Apr. 7 The Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault will hold its 4th annual AWARE celebration at the Kelly Inn, 161 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul. The event is an opportunity to educate the community about sexual violence, acknowledge individuals and organizations that have played a key role in working to end sexual violence, and also a fundraiser for MNCASA’s ongoing public policy efforts.

Wed., Apr. 7, 2010, 4:30pm to 7:30pm Suggested Donation: $10

http://www.ed.gov/

James Shelton III

U.S. Department of Education official speaks at St. Thomas The University of St. Thomas will host a free, public lecture by James Shelton III, assistant deputy secretary for innovation and improvement in the U.S. Department of Education.

Shelton, who will give the 13th annual Julian Parker Lecture for the university’s School of Education, will speak on “Educational Innovation – Challenges and Opportunities,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, in the auditorium of Schulze Hall on St. Thomas’ campus in downtown Minneapolis. A reception precedes the lecture at 6 p.m.

Shelton manages teacher-quality, school-choice and learning-technology programs for the Department of Education. Previously he served as a program director for the education division of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also has worked for NewSchools Venture Fund and cofounded LearnNow, a schoolmanagement company. He also has worked as a management and education-business consultant. He has degrees from Morehouse College and Stanford University and lives in Washington, D.C. For further information, contact Dr. Robert Brown, (651) 962-4992. For reservations, email Katy Moore at moor5104@stthomas.edu .

Cuban Movie Festival 2010 – Now to Apr. 8 Regular hours: 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Mar. 4 – Apr. 8. St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main Street, SE, Mpls. www.stanthonymaintheatre.com. Free parking in ramp at 2nd Street SE and 2nd Avenue SE. Admission: $6; 4 for $20.

American Refugee Committee speaks on Haiti - Apr. 8 Thurs., April 8, 7 PM at the Parish Community of St. Joseph, 8701-36th Avenue N., New Hope (corner of Boone and 36th.) All are welcome at this informative program about ARC’s ongoing humanitarian work; for more information, Pat Helin, 763-542-1966.

Lutheran Social Service adoption information meeting - Apr. 10 Sat., Apr. 10, from 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), located at 2400 Park Ave., Mpls. Call Lynne Haggar at (612) 879-5230 or visit www.minnesotaadoption.org to register.

Get to NOMI Home Tour - Apr. 11 Meet & greet at 42nd Avenue Station 11am-1pm. Homes open until 3pm.

Email: mynewneighbor@gmail.com Come celebrate with your neighbors Apr. 11 If you live between Penn and Vincent and between Golden Valley Road and Broadway, Come join in for: fun, food and connection. Bring the kids, share a meal and get to know and/or deepen your connection with your neighbors and local businesses. Sun., April 11 at 5:00pm True Vine Missionary Baptist Church 2630 Thomas Ave. N, Mpls, MN. Nettie Smith 612-588-4935.

PACER workshop addresses independent living for youth with disabilities – Apr. 12 PACER Center is offering “Housing and Services: Putting the Pieces Together,” a free workshop for parents of young adults with disabilities. Mon., Apr. 12, 2010, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn.

Advance registration is requested.

To register, call 952-838-9000 or 952-8380190 (TTY). In Greater MN, call 800-5372237 or visit PACER.org St. Joan of Arc Church Mental Illness Ministry Meeting – Apr. 12 Mon, Apr 12: Dr. Henry Emmons, The Chemistry of Joy; 5:45pm: light meal provided; 7—8:15pm: Dr. Emmons; free; open to all; St. Joan of Arc Church Mental Illness Ministry, Door 1, 4537 Third Av S, Mpls; Roseann Rogers, 612.823.8205; Mary claudemaryparadis@comcast.net; www.st.joan.com The 2010 Noble Lecture: Archiving Black Transnational Modernity – Apr. 13 Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd W., St. Paul. Free. Info: 651-259-3000, 800-6573773, 651-282-6073 (TTY), www.minnesotahistorycenter.org Earth Day Cleanup - Apr. 17 At Folwell Park. For info or to volunteer, contact Mary Ann 612-521-2100. 9:30am-

DEPT: Administration SUPERVISED BY: Director of Finance and Operations & Executive Director TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Exempt SALARY GRADE: $25,000 - $33,000 POSITION SUMMARY: Coordinates the day to day affairs of Executive Management for the agency. Key responsibilities include: Executive support, office administration; human resources program coordination, customer relations, employee records management and regulatory compliance support.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Supports the overall leadership for the Agency.

2. Provides administrative support for the Executive Director, including but not limited to: Taking projects from start to finish including troubleshooting, problem solving and providing updates as necessary; anticipating and proactively supporting the administrative needs of Executive Director including conducting research and analysis, preparation of correspondence, reports and charts, managing calendar and schedule. Maintains files and records as appropriate.

3. Assists Executive Management with Board meeting logistics and details, including scheduling and administratively supporting the production of Board meeting information packets, etc.

4. Supports the Director of Finance and Operations in the coordination of the human resources function, including maintaining personnel files and appropriate agency documentation to support compliance requirements; documents the HR activities, actions and processes related to hiring.

5. Develops reports and budget information as needed.

6. Provides general office support to Executive Management.

7. Professionally represents HQB in various community engagement activities and meetings, as appropriate.

8. Acts as a liaison between general public, partners, organizations and other key constituents and Hallie Q. Brown Executive Management.

9. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Work Experience: Bachelors Degree with 2-3 years of administrative experience, Associates Degree with 3-5 years of administrative experience or the equivalent required.

Other Requirements: • Ability to deal with confidential information • Ability to handle tight deadlines • Exceptional computer skills • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Excellent customer service skills • Organized and detail oriented • Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager • Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines • Ability to relate to people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds • Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to:

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Substitute Teacher DEPT: Early Learning Center SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher participates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities.

Assists with ensuring that the classroom is appropriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for each child.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.

Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities.

2.

Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy.

3.

Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely managing developmental activities for the participants.

4.

Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports.

5.

Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood development. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver's License and proof of insurance. Minnesota Teachers' License (preferred).

Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experience required.

Other Requirements: • Dealing with confidential information.

• Tight deadlines.

• Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager.

• Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines.

• Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org

A Prayer, film screenings of “What I Want My Words to Do to You,” and a Teach-In on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) All events held at Old Arizona Studios, 2821 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. Tickets and more info, visit www.vdayminneapolis.weebly.com Justice Alan Page to speak at MN State Mankato – Apr. 16 “The Importance of Education” Fri., Apr. 16, at Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN. Page’s talk, sponsored by the Ethnic Studies Department, will be from noon until 1 p.m. in Room 284 of Centennial Student Union. Free. 1-800722-0544.

“The House of Bernarda Alba” by Federico García Lorca - Apr. 9 to 25 All shows at 7:30 p.m. at the SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North. Tix: $15 General Admission / $12 Students & Seniors. 612-203-1088, www.PangeaWorldTheater.org

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Executive Coordinator

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org

16th Annual Shingle Creek Clean Up – Apr. 17 Raptors from the U-of-M, prizes, food and fun for the whole family. 763-561-1616 9am-12pm.

Beatles Sing-Along - Apr. 9 A Fundraiser for Music Scholarships at Camden Music School. Fri., April 9, 7pm at Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway, Mpls, MN. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. www.camdenmusicschool.com.

612-529-2317.

Naked Stages - Mar. 31 to Apr. 17 Weds., Mar. 31 to Saturday, Apr. 17 at Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave S. Mpls. (612) 825-0459. www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org Classic Black films at VOA Park Elder Center - Ongoing First and third Mondays of each month, 11 am - 12:15 pm. These films are free of charge and the public is invited. Popcorn, hotdogs and drinks are provided for a suggested donation of $1. VOA Park ElderCenter, 1505 Park Ave. Mpls. 612339-7581, parkcenter@voamn.org

12pm.

Socialist Minnesota Conference - Apr. 17 Sat., Apr. 17 at the University of Minnesota, West Bank Auditorium in the basement of Willey Hall, 225 19th Ave. S, Mpls. 612-760-1980, mn@socialistalternative.org

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/lib-web/events/

Quincy Troupe

NOMMO African American Authors Series A series of conversations with and readings by notable African American authors, exploring their work and thoughts on the state of the art of African American literature.

Hosted by Alexs Pate, University of Minnesota professor and author of Amistad.

Quincy Troupe, author of 17 books, including American Book Award winners Snake-Back Solos and Miles: The Autobiography, Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 7:00 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, 300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis.

Tickets are $15 each. Complimentary tickets for U of M students and members of the Friends of the University of Minnesota Libraries (limit two).

For more information, please visit: http://lib.umn.edu/events/

Marcy Arts Gala at the Soap Factory – Apr. 17 Art auction, music and food. Funds go to arts programs at Marcy Open School.

6pm-11pm.

M&I Bank to Host Shredding Events to Help Protect Identities and Environment – Apr. 17 Saturday, Apr. 17, from 9am until noon or until the shredding truck is full at its Bloomington, Roseville, St. Louis Park and Woodbury locations. Jackie Kacala 414-390-5500.

V-Day Minneapolis 2010 - Apr. 15, 17, 18 V-Day benefit production of acclaimed play A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and

Teacher(s) Excell Academy for Higher Learning Charter School, located in Brooklyn Park, MN has the following job position openings for 2010-2011 School Year: Lower/Upper Licensed Elementary Classroom Teacher(s). Grades 6-8 Licensed Science Teacher. Please submit letter of intent and resume to careers@excellacademy.org. For full job description visit website at Excell Academy.org.

P/T FITNESS COORDINATOR City of Maplewood We are looking for an energetic and creative person to oversee our fitness programs at our community center. Performs suprv work developing, implementing and overseeing group fitness & personal training programs, coordinating & overseeing program ops, activities and staff. Starting salary: $19.05/hr; range: $19.05 - 25.53/hr plus prorated benefits!

30 hrs/wk-day, eves, & wkends. MUST HAVE: 2 yrs exp as a fitness instructor; current nationally accredited certs in group fitness instruction and personal trng. Must complete a city application & questionnaire. Contact Maplewood City Hall, 1830 Cty Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109; (651) 249-2000; or visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Deadline: 4/23/10.

AA/EEO

ABA

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

“GenerosiTea” – Apr. 17 An afternoon tea, “GenerosiTea,” will benefit the music program at Joyce United Methodist Church, 1219 West 31 St, Mpls, 3:00pm, Sat., Apr. 17, 2010. Tea and confections will be served following the performance. Suggested donation $20 For more information call 651-214-0646.

Premier Screening of “We Shall Not Be Moved” – Apr. 17 Documentary film archives the building of the African American, Tillery Agriculture Community by the USDA, during the 1930’s depression and continues through present day. As a preview to the this feature documentary, Seitu Jones, a local artist, will share his photo archive of this very same Frogtown garden co-op!! Sat., Apr. 17, 2010, 1:30-3:30pm, Rondo Out-Reach Library, 461 North Dale St., Saint Paul.

This event is free and open to the public.

You may bring a dish to share or break bread with us.

5th Annual African American Mental Health Awareness Conference – Apr 17 The Role of the Family, Church and Community & Mental Health and Self Image of the African American People.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 451 Central Ave. St. Paul. 8:15am-12:30pm. RSVP – Call Camphor Church 651-224-0341 by Apr. 13.

Buchenwald and Beyond – Apr. 18 Sun., Apr. 18 at 5000 Girard Avenue South, Mpls. 3 - 4 p.m., reception to follow. Free, open to the public. 952-6935206, www.worldwithoutgenocide.org Terry Tempest Williams, “Finding Beauty in a Broken World” - Apr. 20 Tuesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Hamline United Methodist Church, located at 1514 Englewood Avenue in St. Paul. Free event and parking. www.hamline.edu/wesleycenter “Critical Conversations: Middle East Conflicts, Root Causes” - Ongoing A course on Middle East Conflicts will be held through St. Paul Community Education, every Tues. from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for five weeks, beginning Tues., April 20 at Como Park Senior High School, 740 West Rose Ave., St. Paul. Fee: $35. Info / registration: call 651-293-8733.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Requirements: Physical ability to moderately strenuous work safely. Customer service skills Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager. Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines

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

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Inc. ATTN: Human Resources 270 North Kent Street St. Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax www.hallieqbrown.org hr@hallieqbrown.org

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

HOW TO APPLY: Submit Resume and Cover Letter or Application available on our website to:

insightnews.com

Insight News • April 12 - April 18 • Page 11

Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation announces winners of 2010 Timberwolves & Lynx College Scholarships The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation announced that Karly Kostich (Mt. Iron, MN.), Derek Krautkremer (St. Paul), Dokyung "Dolan" Lee (Edina), Amanda Nelson (Clark, S.D.) and Kayla Yang (St. Paul) are this year's winners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Scholarships.

The scholarships were awarded to eligible high school seniors in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Each scholarship, worth $2,000, will go toward tuition costs at a college or university for students who will be attending classes in the fall semester of the 2010-11 school year. The winners were recognized in an on-court ceremony during the Timberwolves game against the Golden State Warriors last Wednesday, April 7.

All applicants for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Scholarships were required to have a minimum 850 SAT or 19 ACT score and a 3.0 GPA. All applicants also participated in extra-curricular activities and completed over 45 hours of community service (outside of school) during the course of the school year. A panel for the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation reviewed all applications and selected the winners.

"All of our scholarship winners have demonstrated a phenomenal amount of dedication to academics and community

service throughout their high school careers," Timberwolves President Chris Wright said. "The FastBreak Foundation is proud to help these amazing young students continue to pursue their academic dreams."

Karly Kostich is a senior at Mt. Iron-Buhl High School in Mt. Iron, MN. She is president of her senior class and secretary of her school's National Honor Society.

She is a volunteer with the Mt. Iron-Buhl Community Education program as an elementary girls basketball coach and is active in her church. Kostich was also a two-year starter for the Mt. IronBuhl girls basketball team.

Derek Krautkremer is a senior at Highland Park High School in St. Paul. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was instrumental in forming the boys hockey team at Highland Park. He also is involved with Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and has been a counselor at Camp Needlepoint, a summer camp for kids with diabetes.

Dokyung "Dolan" Lee is a senior at Edina High School. Lee is a National Merit Commended Student and is active in his school's symphony and chamber orchestras. He is co-founder and treasurer of End Slavery Now, Minnesota's first youth-led antihuman trafficking organization.

Lee is also co-chair of his school's Amnesty International organization and was appointed as student commissioner to the City of Edina Community Health Committee.

David Sherman NBAE/Getty Images

Left to right: Karly Kostich - Mt. Iron, MN; Derek Krautkremer - St. Paul, MN; Chris Wright - Timberwolves President; Dolan Lee Edina, MN; and Amanda Nelson - Clark, S.D. Not pictured is Kayla Yang - St. Paul, MN. Amanda Nelson is a senior at Clark High School in Clark, SD. Nelson is a National Honor Society member who has held leadership positions in the Future Farmers of America and 4-H, and

has participated in band and the dance team. She is active in her church and works part-time at a nursing home and helps out on the family farm.

Kayla Yang is a senior at Humboldt High School in St.

Paul. She is a National Honor Society member who has participated in Student Senate, French Club, Friendship Club and the Math Team. She has participated in numerous community activities and is

currently employed at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in the Information Technology department.

The Clarence Sutton Memorial Golf Tournament takes kids to college Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com It takes a whole lot of work to get 90-100 high school and junior high students to travel from Minnesota, through a multi-state college tour of the South and Midwest. I would imagine that even the kids who participate in the Progressive Education Ministries Black College Tour recognize how difficult it must be for the adults guiding the excited young minds back and forth, on and off the bus. But when St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman makes it an annual routine to participate in the ceremonial send-off, as the kids load the buses, then you know that there must be something really good going on.

The annual Black College Tour is generally held in October,

but the biggest fund raising event to make the Tour possible is right around the corner. On June 12 The Clarence Sutton Memorial Golf Tournament will be held at the recently renovated Highland National Golf Course in St. Paul.

For those who like golf and golf tournaments, you'd be hard pressed to find one with greater purposes than those pursued by this event. You also may want to catch the 15th hole at the Highland course, which now boasts a sand bunker in the shape of "Snoopy" - I'd imagine quite a few photos will be snapped there during the tournament.

Clarence Sutton passed only a few years ago, but his spirit of concern for education is growing through the Black College Tour, and his love for the game of golf.

"He always talked about either education or finance, and he really, really loved to play golf," said Joanne Clark, College Tour organizer.

Clark added, "He was one of the first around here to host seminars teaching kids about the value of a dollar and the pitfalls of credit cards. He was out front when it came to those things, but

he also quietly did many little things to help give the kids a chance to learn and participate.

Mrs. Sutton keeps it going with a scholarship program that she has led at Progressive (Baptist Church) for the last couple years."

Clark is able to unearth one of the greatest lessons of the College Tour through a favorite question of hers: "Did you learn how to go to school for free?" This is what she asks the College Tour participating youth upon returning, and she highlights a skill that clearly needs to be conveyed throughout the community until it becomes common knowledge.

"Our college tour is unique because it's open to everybody.

We've brought kids from Rochester and even Milwaukee.

We've even begun to bring other cultures so there is diversity," said Clark. This year the tour will also include one or more Big Ten schools such as Ohio State University. "We want kids to see different envirnoments. A lot of times there are athletes in the group, and we want them to see all the opportunity that is out there for them. Some of the highlights

of the tour are the Black college football game and the museum trip," added Clark.

The college tour is for students in 8th through 12th grades. "Colleges like when high school students visit their campuses; and the earlier these students are exposed, then the more time the kids and their families have to prepare," Clark said.

She added, "The best part is when we're taking kids who would never have had the chance to see this side of things without our program. The other great thing is that the kids have to do some sort of community service, so you will see most of the kids at the golf tournament as well, putting in some work. We want them to understand that they must also give back, just as the sponsors and volunteers give to them. Plus giving back gives the kids something to hold their heads up about."

Many forms and levels of sponsorship for the golf tournament are in full swing now.

The Courtney Henry Family of local McDonalds franchises has been a leading sponsor since the

very beginning with the College Tour.

Registration information can be

found online at: www.golfdigestplanner.com/15267Sutton3

insightnews.com

Insight News • April 12 - April 18 • Page 12

SPORTS Support Northside youth going worldwide to the U.S. Junior Track & Field Nationals in Spokane, WA. I'm on a search now to find out who foot the bill, because then I just accepted the vague "booster" answer, and probably should have thanked more people. That opportunity allowed me to compete against a future Olympic Silver Medalist. I would have to mark that experience as the only race I ever lost in which I wasn't a bit perturbed thereafter. I watched Alvin Harrison's back that whole race, ate all the dust he and his twin brother kicked up, and loved every moment of it. I had

Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com This story has some point blank objectives so before I start trying to make it sound greater than great, let me make sure you take the basics with you so we can get the job done: Who: Alexander Clark, North High School Senior What, Why, Where: Raising $3995 to represent Minnesota & the U.S. at the America Downunder Summer Bowl in Australia & New Zealand When: Due date is April 20th Send donations to: Alexander Clark 4329 Webber Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55412 #5 Or call (952) 715-0669 I'm sure not too much more explanation is needed than that, but personal experience with opportunities like this call for some more context and testimony.

The Whirlwind of activity that comes with one's last year of high school can often be reflected on as the most important year of one's life.

Some drop out, some make life altering college choices, and some have the opportunity (pending your support) to travel to Australia to represent North Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the entire United States.

Alexander Clark sounds like the name of an

Alexander Clark ambassador, and in fact he will be an ambassador once he completes collection of the $3,995.00 required to partake in a trip to Australia for the 2010 America Downunder Summer Bowl held annually on the Gold Coast of Australia. Clark will participate in two football games and some amazing sightseeing in Australia, as well as New Zealand, through this opportunity.

your state All-Star football team… Your hard work at Minneapolis North High School and skill on the football field have earned you a nomination… The trip of a lifetime awaits you…

You will meet many other athletes from all over the World.

Now if you're one of the three people who read my column weekly, then you know I'm big on our young

Alexander Clark is a hard working young man Segments of the invitational letter read: Congratulations, you have been nominated to represent

urban students having worldly sensibility and knowledge.

When Clark returns from this trip he will

Photo courtesy of the student

have a story to tell about every element of his trip, and the audience will be his peers, who perhaps have not traveled too far from the Minnesota or Midwest nest.

Having been successful in high school sports in California, I was invited to compete in a handful of hometown competitions that involved athletes from other distant countries. There's no other way to put it than, it was off the wall cool, and even cooler to be able to say I beat 'em. As a young man, you feel like you've conquered distant lands. It gives you a glimpse of the Olympic experience in that way, and oh trust that the international competition is more than warmed up and ready to put a brash young American in their place.

The other more relevant experience involved people coming together to send me

won just to be there, and Alexander Clark deserves the same opportunity to grow.

Mr. Clark is working his tail off doing yard work, and anything else he can get his hopeful hands on. "I'll wash dishes!!" he told me. We'll do another article to talk more about Alexander the person, but for now, let's just make sure we do what community does. I think he's done enough already to earn his trip (but keep working young man), and unlike an 18-yearold me, this young man has his thank you letters ready to roll.