Arts administrator, poet Lisa Brimmer on the impact of transracial adoption MORE ON PAGE 10
Insight News May 11 - May 17, 2015
Vol. 42 No. 19 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Justice not delayed in Baltimore Black Press of America By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Three extremely qualified African American women are at the forefront of making certain that Freddie Gray’s death at the hands of police in Baltimore will not go unpunished. Loretta Lynch began her first day as U.S. attorney general by focusing her attention on Baltimore and offering the assistance of her department. Within hours of receiving a report from the medical examiner that Gray’s death had been ruled a homicide,
Damas Pakada
Courtesy Photo/Office of the Mayor
BALTIMORE TURN TO 4
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake of Baltimore, Md., speaks to a staffer during a swearing in ceremony earlier this year.
Star Tribune stories create false spectre By Steven L. Belton Interim CEO, Minneapolis Urban League
TC Daily Planet
The newest dining light to wink on along North Minneapolis’ West Broadway is the Breaking Bread Cafe, whose grand opening Wednesday morning brought nearly 200 movers, shakers, gourmands and local residents to share appetizers and hear from its creators about how it came into being.
The Northside breaks bread By Mark Peterson, TC Daily Planet A great deal of the credit for this new business goes to the non-profit Appetite for Change, whose co-founder and director Michelle Horovitz spoke of the need for an enterprise which uses food as an agent for health and social change. Emcee A. J. Briscoe introduced a roster of guests, including Mayor Betsy Hodges and husband
Gary Cunningham, director of the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (META), who welcomed the new restaurant as a real addition to the North Side and also as a family affair; executive chef Lachelle Cunningham is Gary’s daughter. Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern, host of Bizarre Foods and a native New Yorker, remarked that “Breaking Bread being here is a great opportunity for the neighborhood and for my
Insight 2 Health Hydrate! One of the easiest things you can do for your health
PAGE 2
adopted city”. Other speakers included Marcus Owens, executive Director of Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), Princess Titus, co-founder of Appetite for Change, Shiloh Church’s Bishop Richard Howell, Matt Croaston, who read a letter of congratulations from U.S. Representative Keith Ellison, and Sue Zellickson, long-time local food maven and founder of Women who Really Cook network.
The mission of the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL) is to link African descendants and other people of color to opportunities that result in economic success and prosperity, and to advocate for policies that eradicate racial disparities. Recent stories published by the Star Tribune about the MUL (“Did Urban League get paid twice?” April 13, and subsequent stories) have created a false specter of financial impropriety, have distorted the organization’s history in delivery of contracted services and, as a result, have undermined the reputation of a long-standing community organization. That this recent reporting parallels coverage of other groups in our community is obvious. But all organizations and leaders serving AfricanAmerican and disadvantaged populations in our community are not alike, and they deserve more careful reporting, based not on innuendo but on facts. Fact: The Urban League Academy (ULA) is a 40-year partnership between the MUL and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Our 89 students are typically African-American, below the poverty level and have been unsuccessful at up to five MPS high schools. Most have faced trauma such as abuse, neglect and/or homelessness.
Steven L. Belton Despite these odds, in 2014, 67 percent of ULA students eligible to graduate earned a diploma. An example is Darren, one of our 2014 graduates. Darren felt lost and frustrated at South High School. He was on the verge of quitting school when he enrolled at ULA. “The smaller class sizes help you learn better,” said Darren. “You get one-onone teaching, and everyone seems to really care about you.” Darren now is enrolled at AnokaRamsey Community College. Fact: The 13th Grade Program is a separate college and career pathways readiness program for young adults ages 17 to 24. This noncredit program focuses on building academic, technical and soft skills
MUL TURN TO 8
Video of police beating Black soldier sparks protests by Israel’s Ethiopian Jews May 4 (GIN) – A video that caught an Israeli police officer and a volunteer shoving and punching a black soldier in uniform outraged members of the Ethiopian Jewish community and set off a clash Sunday between Ethiopian Jews and police in central Tel Aviv. Thousands took part in the Sunday protest over the incident including many non-Ethiopian Israelis. Police met the crowd, which froze traffic along a major highway, with water cannons and tear gas. Some 13 people were injured and two policemen were reportedly suspended on suspicion of using excessive force. From the video, caught by a security camera, the soldier, Damas Pakada, a member of the Israeli Defense Force, appears to be pushing a bicycle. Two officers approach him and after a brief interaction, attack him, push him to the ground, punch him, and appear to put him in a headlock. The officers look to weigh about twice Pakada’s slim size. Pakada was initially accused of attacking the officer and arrested, only to be released once the surveillance video of the attack was uploaded to social media. Fentahun Assefa- Dawit, executive director of Tebeka – Advocacy for Equality and Justice for Ethiopian Israelis, says that this was the straw that broke the camel’s back, but not an isolated incident. The only thing unique about this incident, he said, is that it was caught on film. Young Ethiopian Israelis being attacked by police and then falsely accused of crimes is an all-too common scenario, he said. “You can imagine, if there were no footage, what would have happened to this soldier?”
ISRAEL TURN TO 8
Business
Commentary
Education
Fundraising and basketball
No better time to end racial profiling
Cooper High School’s Students In Action team takes third at Minnesota region competition
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Page 2 • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Insight News
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Hydrate! One of the easiest things you can do for your health
By Julie McMahon CHHC Sound Nutrition LLC It seems obvious that if our plants are wilting, we water them! Those of us with cats, dogs and other animals know that we must give them water or they will die But sometimes when it comes to our own bodies, we forget to drink the life giving water that we need! There are so many beverage options for us that it seems we are “drinking” enough. In reality, drinks such as caffeine filled coffee, tea, soda, alcohol and beer don’t hydrate us and even rob us further of the water our cells need. Did you know that your body is about 67% water by weight? If your body drops its water weight by just 2%, you will feel tired, and if it drops by 10%, you will be setting yourself up for significant health issues! Some of the signs of dehydration are: Early Signs: Fatigue, Anxiety, Irritability, Depression, Cravings, Cramps, Headache, Lack of Sweat Further Signs: Heartburn, Joint and back pain, Migraine Headaches, Fibromyalgia, Constipation, Colitis and Angina, Obesity Emergency Signs: Asthma, Allergies, Diabetes II, Hypertension, Lupus, Psoriasis, Thyroid and Autoimmune issues Some quick tips to increase your water intake: 1. Keep a glass of water by your bed and drink a full 8 oz right when you wake up. Your body is at its most dehydrated state in the morning, and drinking a glass right away will curb cravings for caffeine and sweets.
2. If you normally have a soda or coffee in the day, replace one with a glass of water instead! Water will give you TRUE ENERGY instead of the temporary boost you get from coffee and soda. 3. Make your water more interesting! If you don’t like the taste of water add a lemon, or lime, or cucumber, or berries...tastes great and seems more like a beverage!
Get Your Green On!
Eat some green everyday....whether it’s a salad, a smoothie or cooked greens on the side....your body needs the green!! Why? Here’s the deal.....more greens make your blood naturally less clumpy and makes it FLOW better. Meaning it LOWERS blood pressure naturally! Better blood flow means more oxygen to your cells! More oxygen means MORE ENERGY, MORE MENTAL CLARITY and LESS DEPRESSION!! Also the greens have a ton of FIBER to keep things moving in the bathroom. Lastly, greens have a lot of protein! Who knew! (If you are already on a blood thinner such as Coumadin, talk to me, because greens will effect this.)
Cucumber/Parsley Dream! 1 small banana 1/2 avocado 1 cup cucumber, cut into pieces 1/4-1/2 cup parsley, tightly packed 3 leaves kale, stems removed 2 medium navel oranges, skin and pith cut off 1 cup coconut water Beets Me! 1 Beet w/beet greens 1 handful parsley 1 apple 1 avocado 1 T chia seed 1 lemon juiced 2 cups water WOW!!! Go Blend up a Smoothie today!!
Julie McMahon, Founder/Owner of Sound Nutrition, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Raw Food Nutrition Educator who is passionate about Nutrition, Health and Wellness. Julie believes in the power of whole foods to create optimal health and maximum energy flow and works with her clients in a step by step approach to achieve their personal vision of health. For more information, or to schedule a free nutrition consultation, visit www.mysoundnutrition.com or call Nutrition Julie at 612-270-9344.
The Benefits of Greens... • Nutrient dense • Packed with Phytochemicals • Increased Energy • Increased Fiber • Increased Mental Clarity • Decreased Inflammation, Aches and Pains • Weight Loss and Maintenance of Ideal Weight • Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails • Increased Flexibility • Increased Alkalinity • Full of Enzymes Here’s a couple SMOOTHIE recipes to get you started!!
Toss the Sugar! Now we’re getting serious! By Julie McMahon CHHC Sound Nutrition LLC We’ve talked about getting hydrated! Are you drinking your water? Remember the best time to grab a glass of water is right away when you wake up. Starting this habit will help you to realize when you are thirsty throughout the day! We have also talked about adding in GREENS by having a daily green smoothie and adding a salad in daily! So What’s Next?! Sugar!
The Average American now consumes 100 pounds of sugar and sweeteners per year! Yikes! Our bodies were not designed to handle this much sugar! This is why we are seeing a rise in diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. Every time we take in sugar, our body sends out a hormone called insulin to drive the sugar out of our blood. It does this by creating fat cells to put the excess sugar into. So bottom line...too much sugar = more insulin = more body fat. Start looking at where sugar is getting into your world. This would include things like soda,
energy drinks, cookies, muffins, treats as well as breads, pastas and alcohol. So what do you like to grab? Start to notice and start to reduce. Sugar is highly addictive! Artificial Sweeteners are even worse! If a label says “diet” or “low calorie” it probably has an artificial sweetener in it. Artificial sweeteners are proven to cause weight gain...avoid products such as “Equal” or “Splenda” or “High Fructose Corn Syrup”. If a label says “low fat” it probably has extra sugar in it to make up for the taste. Avoid foods labeled “diet” and
“low-fat”! The Solution? Look at the labels of products you are eating and notice how much sugar is on the label. Many foods have 10, 15, or even 30 grams of sugar! Ideally, look for products to be under 5 g of sugar. Even so called “healthy foods” can be loaded with sugar! Remember we need protein and fiber to slow down the sugar absorption, so look for those on your labels too. Figure out where sugar is coming into your world and make a choice to decrease and eliminate as much as possible.
Julie McMahon, Founder/Owner of Sound Nutrition, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Raw Food Nutrition Educator who is passionate about Nutrition, Health and Wellness. Julie believes in the power of whole foods to create optimal health and maximum energy flow and works with her clients in a step by step approach to achieve their personal vision of health. For more information, or to schedule a free nutrition consultation, visit www.mysoundnutrition.com or call NutritionJulie at 612-270-9344.
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Insight News • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Page 3
HEALTH
Taking responsibility for testicular cancer By Rian Dickstein, M.D. Men’s Health Network (MHN)
Nancy Feldman
UCare’s Nancy Feldman receives 21st Century Pinnacle Leader Award UCare President and CEO Nancy Feldman has received the 21st Century Pinnacle Leader Award from the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST. The TRUST established the 21st Century Pinnacle Leader Award to recognize individuals who are “trailblazers” in leadership, transformation, and innovation in health care. The TRUST gives this award only when it wants to recognize a great health care woman who has made a difference in Minnesota’s health care industry. Feldman received the award at the TRUST’s 2015 Forum, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Tuesday evening, April 21. The evening event was attended by a record-breaking 900 people. The TRUST holds the event to highlight the leadership accomplishments and passion of female leaders in Minnesota health care. “Nancy’s career accomplishments involved
shaping health care policy and state programs for countless Minnesotans. In her 20 years at UCare, Nancy has been an unwavering champion of health care rights, especially for those who face the greatest challenges with accessing care,” said Ghita Worcester, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs, UCare. Feldman has been President and CEO of UCare since 1995. During that time, UCare expanded its offerings from one Medicaid program in several Minnesota counties to four different income-based state public programs throughout the state, plans for Medicare beneficiaries in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and consumer plans available on MNsure. UCare’s revenues in 2014 were $3.1 billion. The health plan employs more than 850 people at its Northeast Minneapolis headquarters and serves more than 490,000 members.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, April, is over, but that doesn’t mean men should forget about testicular cancer prevention. Testicular cancer is a relatively rare cancer as it accounts for about 1% of all cancers; however, it is the most common cancer found in young men (ages 15-34 years old). Despite a higher rate of testicular cancer diagnoses in the past few decades, the death rate has significantly fallen due to improvements in treatment. As a result of our great success in treating testicular cancer, it is sometimes a forgotten or overlooked disease in terms of its importance. Thus, it is of the utmost and critical importance that we spread the word about testicular cancer. In particular, the area where we can improve the most is that of detection. You can not treat what you don’t know exists. Moreover, the earlier you diagnose and treat this disease, the less likely it will spread and the easier it is to treat. Therefore, we must not ignore the importance of screening for testicular cancer. Currently, there is no standard or routine screening test used for the early detection of testicular cancer. Physicians are reliant upon patient reporting to help make the diagnosis, as the majority of these cancers are first found
BREATHE EASY WITH PROPER ASTHMA CARE.
Rian Dickstein, M.D. by the men themselves, either by chance or by self-exam. The first symptom is usually a lump, nodule, or mass on the testicle. Alternatively, the patient might note enlarged or swollen testicles. Occasionally, pain is the presenting symptom, which may or may not be related to the disease; either way, these symptoms prompt additional investigation with either your primary care physician, or preferably a urologist. Despite the fact that no standards exist, most physicians agree that a monthly self-testicular exam should be performed after the onset of puberty. The exam should be done during or after bathing when the scrotum is relaxed. The more familiar a person is with their body, the better they can assess what feels abnormal or different. Although cancer is a major concern, more often than not these symptoms are related to infection, injury or other causes. Nevertheless, it is important to see a physician to treat any other underlying
or serious conditions causing these symptoms. Unfortunately, many young men aren’t seen by a physician, for one reason or another, until they have advanced stage disease. Some men are in denial that there is a problem. Others are embarrassed or fearful about their problems, whether it be concern over discussing or exposing their genitals to a physician, concern over loss of sexual prowess (impotence or libido), or even concern over sterility. Some even delay seeing physicians for fear of ridicule or dismissal from physicians. Additionally, in today’s environment, there is the ever-growing fear of being unable to afford care because of either not having insurance or not having the funds to pay for deductibles or co-insurances. The onus is on us as a community to spread the word and educate young men about the dangers of testicular cancer. But we must also calm their fears and help them understand the truths. Moreover, just because this is a disease of young men, does not mean that it does not affect the women in their lives. One major issue, for example, is the potential for infertility after losing a testicle and potentially receiving treatment with either radiation and/ or chemotherapy. Thus, the implications of this diagnosis involve not only the patient but also their loved ones. The bottom line is that we need people to be more aware
of testicular cancer. We need young men to be doing monthly self testicular exams to feel for any changes in their scrotum, including lumps and bumps, masses, pain or tenderness, or anything else unusual at all. If there are any concerns, we need families to be supportive and encouraging of men coming to see their physician for further evaluation. We don’t want these young men losing their opportunity to be cured. We need them to come in before it’s too late. They have too much at stake. When in doubt get it checked out, if even for only peace of mind. The ultimate responsibility for your health is yours and yours alone. To learn more about testicular cancer, including how to do a self-exam, go to: www.menshealthnetwork.org/ library/tca.pdf Rian J. Dickstein, M.D. is a urologist who completed a fellowship in urologic oncology at the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Currently, he is a practicing urologist at Chesapeake Urology Associates and is an Assistant Clinical Professor in Urology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Dickstein has published numerous articles on urologic cancers in multiple medical journals and has presented at national meetings on subjects primarily related to bladder and penile cancers.
You belong. The health plan with you in mind.
Asthma affects more than three million African Americans and often starts in childhood. Substances that trigger asthma symptoms include flowers, smoke and smog, chemicals and cleaning products, and perfume. In serious cases, a full-blown asthma attack can occur, which can lead to an ER visit. It’s important to know what triggers can cause a serious attack, so you can prevent it from happening. At North Memorial, our providers can help diagnose and treat asthma. Call (763) 581-CARE to schedule an appointment. Learn more about asthma at northmemorial.com/sneeze.
At Medica, you’re not just part of a health plan. You’re part of a community that believes in better health for all. Learn more at medica.com
Page 4 • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Insight News
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BUSINESS
Fundraising and basketball FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Part II It’s that time of year – basketball every night! The games get better and better. Fans are loyal, excited and stressed. People on the east coast stay up way too late. Everyone is wearing their team’s logo. The playoffs are on! If you’re a fundraising
Baltimore From 1 state attorney Marilyn J. Mosby promptly announced
fanatic you are inspired as you imagine your fundraising team performing with the precision of your favorite basketball team. In the NBA the coach develops a game plan. In fundraising, it’s the fundraising plan, strategic plan, business plan – or a combination of these – that serve as the game plan. Before each crucial game NBA coaches scout their opponent. In fundraising, you prepare by researching potential donors. What are their interests and philanthropic priorities? Their current - or prior! - relationship to your organization? Don’t take your
team onto the court unprepared! Good coaching is key to both the NBA and fundraising. Basketball teams have a head coach: in fundraising coaching can come from consultants or the chief development person. Great teams have loyal fan bases who are with them whether they are up or down. These fans believe in the team, their talents, resources and ability to prevail. With fundraising, there is a constituency that believes in your case. They feel you have all the elements to succeed, or that you are getting there. As in basketball, good fundraising teams feed off the energy. The community gives to
your campaign, introduces new donors and encourages you to be successful. Basketball teams reward their fans with fan appreciation gifts and events. You need to do the same. It’s called stewardship. Good teams practice, practice and practice. Good fundraising programs are always educating, training, and orienting their leadership, staff and volunteers. They consistently communicate, sharing an easy-to-understand message and clear examples of impact. They don’t take anything for granted. Basketball teams are big
on stats: the number of points, how they compare with the competition or prior years. Same in fundraising. It’s time to get big on data: use it to compare your activities and results. Review it closely, make adjustments to your strategies and tactics and increase the odds of meeting your goal. Let’s talk about recruiting. NBA teams have scouts out on grade school courts - or so it seems. What about your organization? What is your recruiting strategy? Where will your talent come from? You need more than one superstar: you need a winning team. How are you cultivating
your next fundraising hires, your new board members and advisors? And don’t stop at scouting: winning teams keep their top talent. You know what that means: time to invest in building and reinforcing your current talent and helping them to be the best they can.
the filing of charges against six Baltimore cops in connection with Freddie Gray’s death. A couple of hours later, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake followed up with a strong
warning to rogue cops that her administration would not tolerate racism. Mosby summed it up this way: “If, with the nation watching, three black women
at three different levels can’t get justice and healing for this community, you tell me where we’re going to get it in our country.” One legal maximum holds that justice delayed is justice denied. If that’s the case, early indications are that there will be no delay in justice in Baltimore in connection with the death of Freddie Gray, who was arrested and placed in a police van without a seat belt on April 12. He fell into a coma en route and died a week later as a result of injuries to his spinal cord. Mosby, a descendant of five generations of police officers, surprised the public last Friday by how quickly she filed charges against six police officers. At the news conference, she said: “To those that are angry, hurt or have their own experiences of injustice at the hands of police officers I urge you to channel that energy peacefully as we prosecute this case I have heard your calls for ‘No justice, no peace,’ however your peace is sincerely needed as I work to deliver justice on behalf of Freddie Gray.” Mosby is a graduate of Tuskegee University, a historically Black institution in Alabama. At 35 years old, she is believed to be the youngest chief prosecutor in the nation. And she clearly aligned herself with the young people who had protested Gray’s death. “….to the youth of the city. I will seek justice on your behalf. This is a moment. This is your moment. Let’s ensure we have peaceful and productive rallies that will develop structural and systemic changes for generations to come. You’re at the forefront of this cause and as young people, our time is now.” In a statement to the media that lasted less than two
minutes, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake warned: “To those of you who want to engage in brutality, misconduct, racism and corruption, let me be clear: There is no place for you in the Baltimore City Police Department.” On Friday, President Obama said, “It is absolutely vital that the truth comes out on what happened to Freddie Gray. And it is my practice not to comment on the legal processes involved; that would not be appropriate. But I can tell you that justice needs to be served.” When strong sisters take strong stances, invariably there are vocal opponents. Rawlings-Blake was repeatedly criticized for not requesting the National Guard and heavy military equipment earlier to curb the violence that flared after Gray’s death. But, as she repeatedly explained, she wanted to avoid the over reaction that Ferguson had undergone, which only incited more street violence. Speaking at Gray’s funeral, Rep. Elijah Cummings (DMd.) declared, “I’ve often said that our children are the living messages we send to the future we will never see, but now, our children are sending us to a future they will never see. There is something wrong with that picture,” he said “I’m in the twilight years, but I am telling you we will not rest we will not rest until we address this and see that justice is done.” To the surprise of no one, the Fraternal Order of Police asked Mosby to step down as prosecutor. Gene Ryan, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, wrote: “I have very deep concerns about the many conflicts of interest presented by your office conducting an investigation in this case. These
conflicts include your personal and professional relations with Gray family attorney, William Murphy, and the lead prosecutor’s connections with members of the local media,” he wrote. “Based on several nationally televised interviews, these reporters are likely to be witnesses in any potential litigation regarding this incident.” The FOP is raising money for the accused police officers, but must find another site after GoFundMe, the crowd funding site, took down the site. According to public records, Murphy donated $5,000 to Mosby’s campaign and served on her transition committee. The Baltimore Sun quoted Rochelle Ritchie, a spokesperson for Mosby: “State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has been elected by the residents in Baltimore City to uphold the law in every neighborhood including her own, regardless of if her husband is the councilman within the district where numerous crimes occur. Hundreds of people donated to her campaign. There is no conflict of interest surrounding Billy Murphy. He is representing the family in a civil case which has nothing to do with the criminal case.” In an interview with the New York Times, Mosby said her life experiences made her uniquely qualified to prosecute this case. Mosby, whose husband serves on the city council, would later tell a reporter, “I’ve had experiences as an African-American woman where I’ve been harassed by police, or my husband has been pulled over and harassed by police. Does that give me a perspective? I think it does.”
Building stronger urban communities in partnership with North Minneapolis
UROC Community Day 2015 TO P M WEDNESDAY MAY
3 to 4 p.m. Robert J. Jones building dedication program Celebrate five years of UROC’s University-community partnerships with an open house featuring tours, displays, demonstrations, live music and food. Join University of Minnesota Regent Richard B. Beeson and President Eric W. Kaler in a special ceremony to dedicate UROC in honor of former University of Minnesota Professor and Senior Vice President Robert J. Jones. The event is free and open to the public. University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center | 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-626-UROC (8762) | uroc.umn.edu
427 African Americans in Minnesota are currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants. Nationally, African Americans are the largest group of people of color in need of an organ transplant. African Americans have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure than Caucasians, increasing the risk of organ failure.
Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
Follow George Curry Twitter at @currygeorge.
on
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Insight News • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Page 5
Blacks lag in accessing high-speed internet By Jazelle Hunt NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) – As education, jobs, and the national and global economy go digital, people without broadband (highspeed Internet) access risk being left behind. This disparity in who’s online and who isn’t is often called the digital divide – and Blacks and Latinos are more likely to be in the latter group. But people access the Internet in different ways. Black people are more likely than their White counterparts to own a smartphone and use it for Internet access. At the same time, 12 percent of Black people are smartphone dependent – they have few or no other options for accessing the Internet at any given time. This is compared to 4 percent of Whites and the 7 percent national rate. “Even though low-income households are over-indexing on smartphone use, I don’t think
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that’s how you want to type a paper, do your research, do your homework, apply for jobs, or apply for scholarships,” says Jessica Rosenworcel, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner, speaking at a Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council (MMTC) event. The divide can also be traced to educational outcomes, from elementary school up to college. It’s a problem known as the “homework gap.” In an effort to prepare kids for a digital world and workforce, teachers and schools are increasingly assigning homework that requires Internet access to complete – 7 in 10 teachers do, according to Pew figures. But many students, particularly students of color from migrant/immigrant or lowincome families, do not have broadband access or any device at home. “We have 29 million households in the country with school-age children. Of that, 5 million do not have broadband at home,” says John Horrigan, senior researcher on the Internet and technology at Pew Research Center. “And within that 5 million, African American households and Hispanic households are disproportionately represented.” Among Black households
DC Central Kitchen/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Free community-based computer classes are often underfunded small-scale operations, which contributes to the digital divide. with less than $50,000 annual income and school-age children, 38 percent do not have broadband access. Above that income, the figure is 13 percent; among households earning below $25,000 per year, 46 percent do not have Internet access at home. While students face the homework gap, job seekers who aren’t as comfortable using
computers can face difficulty in securing a career and building wealth. As more industries require some level of computer literacy, and as jobs without these requirements become scarcer, it will become harder to earn a living wage without these skills. “Our economic future depends on [getting people online],” Rosenworcel says.
“Already, 50 percent of the jobs that are in the economy today require some level of digital skills. By the end of the decade, that number is 77 percent.” Income inequality is both a cause and a byproduct of the digital divide. People with low income often cite cost as a barrier to getting or keeping Internet service at home. But there are
other reasons people aren’t online. For some, it is a lack of comfort or familiarity, and poor access to training programs that could help. For others, it’s a simple lack of relevancy; what’s the point of putting money and effort into getting a high-speed connection, especially with serious socioeconomic realities to overcome? Relevancy tends to be a primary reason among older Americans. According to a survey report from Project GOAL (Get Older Americans Online), 70 percent of Americans who aren’t online say they simply have no interest. Those who are interested primarily want to get news or information or use e-mail, and not much else. “Trying to figure out what the value is in going online is still an issue for the older adult communities,” says Debra Berlyn, executive director of Project GOAL. “Then within that community there’s a huge difference between a 65-year-old and an 85-year-old in terms of how they may value going online. So those huge discrepancies mean that you have to show the value a bit differently.” For seniors, the Internet can add a social dimension to
INTERNET TURN TO 8
SAFETY
Six tips to help you prepare for storm season (StatePoint) Year after year, Americans from Tornado Alley to the Gulf Coast to the metropolises of the Eastern Seaboard witness storms that cause millions in damage and loss of life. However, no matter where you live, or what type of extreme weather you may face, there are things you can do to protect your home and family from the worst. “When it comes to resilient design planning, the most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to break the bank. A few quick and easy adjustments can keep you safe,”
says Greg Beste, member of the American Institute of Architects Disaster Assistance Committee and Project Management Director, IVI Assessment Services, a CBRE Company. Beste offers some storm season advice: • Document your home -before disaster strikes. Grab your smartphone and take photos of your home now, inside and out, covering the foundation and all interior and exterior spaces. At best, you’ll have a nice keepsake; at worst, a visual documentation that can be used for an insurance
claim in case of disaster. You can also share the images with your insurance company right away, to add to their files for future reference. • Be an expert on your house. How old is your home? What type of framing does it have? When was the roof last repaired or replaced? These are questions you should know the answers to, as they will dictate what design changes should be made. • Make fixes easy, inexpensive and relevant. For example, are high winds a major worry where you live? Add an extra layer
Associate Editor Culture and Education Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Toki Wright Photography David Bradley 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.
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of protection by swapping out the shingles on your roof for a heavier material, or secure the roof sheathing with a more windresistant nailing pattern, using an extra box or two of nails. Know where your home is weakest; those spots are the first places to shore up in defense. • Communicate your building goals. If you’re working with an architect to build or retrofit your home, make sure that he or she understands the importance of resiliency. Even more importantly, your contractor should feel comfortable executing these goals. Communication at every step is the key. • Safe rooms are not a cause for panic. A safe room doesn’t have to be high-tech. With the right design and construction,
your mud room, laundry area or even a powder room can be a safe haven in case of disaster. • Design beyond code. Building codes are the minimum standard and in many cases, have not been updated to reflect the current reality. If you live in a particularly vulnerable area, an architect can advise on additional measures to take -- for instance, in coastal areas, building a foot higher than the minimum flood zone would indicate is recommended. Resources like www.architectfinder.aia.org can help you connect with the information and individuals you need. Don’t just wonder if you’ve done enough to prepare for storm season. Take action to keep your home and family safe.
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COMMENTARY No better time to end racial profiling Black Press of America By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, NNPA Freddie Gray, 25, was racially profiled and then chased down by the Baltimore police officers. He subsequently died as result of police action taken after what the mayor called an unjust arrest. But the Gray tragedy is not an isolated case. It is symptomatic of a criminal justice system gone mad with racism and bigotry. This deadly scenario of racial profiling and the use of fatal police force against Black Americans continue to increase across America with blatant
disregard for precious value of life. Yes, Black Lives Matter all the time everywhere. Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) have once again introduced a bill designed to make racial profiling a federal criminal offense. It’s called The End Racial Profiling Act of 2015 (H.R. 1933). If police officers knew that they could face federal imprisonment for committing acts of racial profiling, this law would have a definite impact toward reducing these racist practices. The growing public demonstrations in Baltimore and across the nation are indications that something substantive needs to change. Even with the calls for better police training and the proposed transition to more community based policing will not work effectively as long as racial profiling by police officers
is openly permitted without punitive consequences. Conyers stated, “This is a systemic issue plaguing men of color in America, stigmatizing them from youth throughout adulthood. The bill introduced by Sen. Cardin and I would make for the first time, use of racial profiling a federal offense. By ending use of racial profiling in police tactics and prioritizing community relations, we can cultivate community focused; smart policing that rebuilds trust in law enforcement.” Of course with a Republican-led Congress, it will take significant bipartisan support to get the Conyers’ bill passed. Senator Cardin represents the state of Maryland and this is the state that the whole world is now watching and waiting to see what will be the outcome in Baltimore of the Freddie Gray case. Cardin emphasized,
“Tragic events in Baltimore and New York, North Charleston and Ferguson, and elsewhere around the country have shown us that federal legislation finally ending racial profiling is essential.” It has been 50 years since the infamous Watts riots in Los Angeles that were also triggered in part by racial profiling and hideous acts of police brutality. So have we learned anything about this issue in the past 50 years? The direct answer is that our society is still in a state of denial of its racial problems that are deep seated and rooted in the systems of racial injustice, poverty and economic inequality. The current attempts to divert attention away from the unjust racial profiling actions and deadly brutality of the police in Baltimore against Freddie Gray to speculation about whether Gray broke his own spine and
crushed voice box in a so-called self-inflected rage is a classic example of how the police always criminalizes their victims. Police officers guilty of brutality always in the aftermath attempt to demean the character of those they have brutalized. Keep in mind Gray was deemed suspicious at first by the police only because of how he looked. In other words, the fact that Gray was racially profiled ultimately led to his death at the hands of police. We must, therefore keep marching and keep demanding equal justice. We must continue without apology to shout as loud as we can that “Black Lives Matter.” The case of Freddie Gray as well as all the other recent cases of racially-motivated police brutality must remain in our collective national consciousness and activism until justice is done. We should definitely express our support the Conyers-Cardin bill. Racial profiling should not
be tolerated and must be made a crime by law. Changing laws and enacting The End Racial Profiling Act, however, are the right steps to be taken, but that will not be the complete journey towards equal justice and fairness. All forms of racial injustice must continue to be challenged. The ultimate goal is to have a non-racial society and an inclusive democracy where race or ethnicity will not be a discriminating factor. We still have long ways to go. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http:// drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/ drbfc.
Open letter to my community By Corey Yeager As I sat glued to the telecast of the Baltimore City riots, I was overcome with an overwhelming sense of gloom and hopelessness. A hopelessness springing forth like a river bursting at its banks following the torrential downpour of persistent injustice. A sense of gloom borne from the mounting inhumanity facing young and old, the educated and mis-educated, those screaming injustice from the tops of their lungs and those searching for a coherent voice. Injustice has historically plagued our communities, neighborhoods and families and it seems that this
injustice has found a home within our very souls. Persistent questions remain as we enter into the uncharted territory that is the violence experienced by our tormented community. It is becoming more and more apparent that we as a nation are facing a seemingly insurmountable racial divide. A divide born of the evil that is the continued killing of unarmed African Americans. An evil produced by the hands of the very officers charged with our protection and enduring servitude. What should be a community’s response? Should we peacefully coexist with the continued slaughter of our people? This
can no longer be accepted. It is thus our charge, as a community, to reign in the unrelenting chaos that has been so bitterly inflicted upon our people. We are dying in cities across this country at a rate that should no longer be tolerable. From the travesties found in the murders of Black men such as, Johnathan Ferrell, Oscar Grant, Amadou Diallo, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Freddy Gray and countless others, a pattern of inhumanity projected onto Black males is evident. Although it may be apparent to us, it seems invisible to many in the White community. A clear racial divide has been established between White
and Black America. A divide magnifying the growing gap that these two differing America’s have on the racial injustice and slayings, conveyed by local law enforcement. An overwhelming percentage of Whites express a great deal of confidence in the ability of local police to treat Whites and Blacks equally. It would be a challenge to find many Blacks with the same sentiment. It is apparent we are living in two very different Americas. How will we reign in the police brutality that engulfs our community? Who will fight for the rights of those that have been trampled upon? We continuously hear that the murder of our people
is justifiable. We are told over and over that if we were only to adhere to the commands of the police, no harm will befall us. I wonder what it is that Trayvon Martin did that was egregious enough to cause his murder. I’m curious if Eric Garner’s misdemeanor offense of selling loose cigarettes on the street called for his demise? Did Tamir Rice, a twelve year old, guilty only of holding a bb gun, deserve to be shot to death by police, merely 2 seconds after arriving on the scene? I was taught long ago by a mentor that whenever possible we must learn to be warm with our anger. This writing and my associated curiosity is an attempt for me to
be warm with an anger that yearns to be white-hot. Our community must find a way to stand as one unified body, with a fused voice demanding that we will no longer tolerate the unremitting abuse of our people. At the same time we must ask ourselves what we have done to allow these officers and other individuals to see us as standing targets. We must realize that it has become open season on the Black and Brown populations of this country. Let us come together to abruptly close this season and the accompanying license given to those that would
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EDUCATION Cooper High School’s Students In Action team takes third at Minnesota region competition Cooper High School’s Students In Action team (“CIA”) won third place and took home a gold banner at the Minnesota region Students in Action Spring Competition April 18. The competition included an online survey and an oral presentation on service efforts over the past year. The team also received a gold banner for their work. The girls are junior Pachia Xiong, senior Pakou Vang, junior Allison Merkl, junior Abigail Merkl and junior Madison Nichols. According to event organizers, the competition was “a chance for student teams to
showcase their service efforts over the past year and share how your team has used the three pillars of Students In Action Leadership, Engagement and Impact.” “The group worked extremely hard this year, and I’m very proud of them and their accomplishments,” said Caroline Geise, the college access and service learning coordinator at Cooper. “Cultivating a culture of service can have an impact far beyond the walls of Cooper, and I am pleased to see that their hard work earned them this recognition at the state level.”
Left to right: front row - Madison Nichols, Pachia Xiong, Pakou Vang; back row: Allison Merkl, Abigail Merkl
Nadrat Amos wins first place in Human Rights Essay contest Plymouth Middle School eighth-grader Nadrat Amos recently won first place in the Human Rights Essay Contest at the school level, and her essay will now advance to the state level of competition. The New Hope Human Rights Commission, working in collaboration with Plymouth Middle School, sponsored participation in the statewide essay contest and nearly 300 entries were received. In her essay, Amos wrote about her own experiences with discrimination as an African immigrant, saying that she “learned from an early age that there are huge barriers dividing Africans and AfricanAmericans in the area where
Nadrat Amos I live.” She closes by saying that people should celebrate
their differences “instead of criticizing them.”
Wellspring to host book signing; fundraiser Wellspring Second Chance Center announced it will be hosting a “Road to Restoration” book signing with author Kenny Jones The event take place on Friday, May 22 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Seven Ultra Lounge, 700 Hennepin Ave., downtown Minneapolis. The event is a free event, but donations are welcomed. On Saturday, May 23 Wellspring Second Chance
Center will host “The Road to Restoration” Gala/Silent Auction with Jones serving as the keynote and musical guests, James Grear and Company along with Pee Wee Dread. That event takes place at the Interfaith Outreach Community Partners, 1605 County Road 101, Plymouth, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The cost is $50.00 for individual tickets and $75.00 per couple. Proceeds will be used to further support the
Benyoshi Aoki-Sherwood
Savannah Smith
“Nadrat’s essay stood out because the examples she used were very relevant in relationship to issues facing Muslims in today’s world, particularly Muslim women,” said Susan Beaubaire, the vice chair of the New Hope Human Rights Commission and a retired Robbinsdale
Area Schools English and speech teacher. “The most moving part of her essay was her own personal account of her experience dealing with hate speech. She wrote an engaging essay that was well documented and offered her own opinions on how we as citizens can alleviate hate
speech throughout the world and in society.” “Nadrat has such a great mind,” said Lauren Adams, her eighth-grade English teacher. “She is always searching for a deeper meaning, so she takes our classroom discussions to a high level of thinking. Nadrat is a great asset to our class and this school because she is a role model. On many occasions, she has helped other students in the class, motivating them to succeed as she has. I am so proud of the work she has done, and I hope she continues to inspire others.” Eighth-graders Savannah Smith and Benyoshi AokiSherwood were awarded second and third prize, respectively. Luke Opat, Alia Rocha and Alyssa Hanson each received an honorable mention. All were recognized during the New Hope City Council meeting Monday, April 27.
organizations mission to reduce intergenerational incarceration of youth and enhance the lives of ex-offenders through a second chance. Every youth attending this fundraiser will receive a copy “Being R.E.A.L.,” written by Jones. For more information call (612) 296-2895 or (612) 701-8085 or email deseria. galloway@yahoo.com.
High School for Recording Arts receives major grant from Bush Foundation The Bush Foundation announced that High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) received a $100,000 grant in recognition of outstanding work integrating the arts into public life. HSRA was one of 16 community organizations selected by the Bush Foundation to be a part of a Community Creativity Cohort. Members of the cohort will spend the next year engaging community, building and supporting leadership, advancing racial and economic equity and sharing with community members new and creative ways to transform the arts into meaningful social change projects. HSRA’s executive director, Tony Simmons, attributes the selection of HSRA as a Community Cohort member to the successful and entrepreneurial student-originated public arts projects HSRA students conceptualized and implemented in recent years. “Our students served as incredible creative thought leaders, producers and artists,” said Simmons. “Our students launched the ‘Click 4 Life’ campaign to push for a tougher seatbelt law in the state of Minnesota and played a major role in creating the ‘26 Seconds’ national high school drop-out prevention campaign, featuring HSRA students and NBA AllStar, LeBron James.” The “Click 4 Life,” and “26 Seconds” along with a number of other public service campaigns were sponsored by and done in collaboration with longtime HSRA partner, State Farm. As an example of how HSRA’s public arts projects have contributed to meaningful social
change, Simmons said a number of legislators and lobbyists have stated that the “Click 4 Life” campaign was a major contributor to the passage of the primary seat belt law passed in Minnesota more than five years ago. “To have HSRA, along with our partners and clients at State Farm, the Minnesota Department of Education, Verizon and Target Corporation recognized for doing outstanding work with
our students is an honor and a privilege,” said Simmons. “We take being a part of the Bush Foundation Community Creativity Cohort very seriously. We will continue to work with our students and partners in providing a true 21st century education for our students while making the world a better place by using their public art to positively transform our community and the world.”
UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND GOLD CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT A GOLD CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT/BROWNSTONE PRODUCTION “PITCH PERFECT 2” ANNA KENDRICK REBEL WILSON HAILEE STEINFELD BRITTANY SNOW SKYLAR ASTIN ADAM DEVINE EXECUTIVE KATEY SAGAL ANNA CAMP ALEXIS KNAPP MUSIC HANA MAE LEE WITH JOHN MICHAELEXECUTIVEHIGGINS AND ELIZABETH BANKS SUPERVISOR SARAH WEBSTER MUSIC PRODUCERS JULIANNE JORDAN JULIA MICHELS MUSIC PRODUCED BY MARK MOTHERSBAUGH PRODUCERS SCOTT NIEMEYER JASON MOORE BY PAUL BROOKS MAX HANDELMAN ELIZABETH BANKS WRITTEN DIRECTED BY KAY CANNON BY ELIZ ABETH BANKS A UNIVERSAL RELEASE © 2014 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
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Page 8 • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Insight News
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LIFESTYLE Marriage should be honored by all Man Talk
By Timothy Houston Spring is in the air, which also means that the marriage season is upon us. Marriage should be honored by all (Hebrews 13:4). This means that marriage is an honorable estate and should be welcomed and celebrated with love and admiration as
its corner stone. “And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband” (Ephesians 5:33 MSG). Everyone should honor and respect the institution of marriage. To begin with, marriage should be honored by the husband and wife. When a man takes his lawful wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, he makes the world better. Because they freely give themselves to each other, they both become better together. They are no longer
two, but one. “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will be one” (Genesis 2:24). When a man loves his wife, he loves himself, and together they are able to share this love with the world. This make for better relationships, neighborhoods, and communities. Secondly, marriage should be honored by the husband’s love for his wife. I have heard it said that if a man loves his wife, she will naturally love him back. The bible says it like this, “Husband, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly
as Christ did for the church – a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor – since they’re already “one” in marriage (Ephesians 5:25-28). The true honor in marriage is love. Finally, there are no words more powerful than that of a husband. A real husband
will praise his wife because of the love he has for her in his heart. She can trust him because she is safe with him. She knows that his words are not motivated by an attempt to take advantage of her sexually or emotionally, because he has made the greatest commitment of all to her, marriage. This is the basic fundamental principle that all men must learn. The words of a husband to his wife are greater than the words of any other man. From the words of the marriage proposal to every word he speaks from then forward, his words matter. Marriage is honorable in all
things. This fundamental truth is truer now more than ever. Merely living together can never produce this oneness. This can only be achieved through the commitment of marriage. I am hopeful that every couple will find this oneness and that every marriage will be honorable. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get a copy of his book, for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
Tell someone about your dreams:
Become that person you always dreamt you would be Motivational Moments
By Penny JonesRichardson What is wrong with saying how you really feel to someone? What is wrong with admitting that you want to do things
MUL From 1 of disconnected, un/ underemployed young adults who aren’t enrolled in a postsecondary institution. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) reviewed and approved our work plan, including specific program goals and learning objectives. An assigned MDE program manager met with MUL staff to review the program model in April 2014 and raised no objections. So, it is puzzling that the MDE commissioner is quoted in the
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differently than you usually do? What is the problem with confessing that you are ready for a life change and you are ready right now? These are the questions that I ask so many individuals when I hear them say that they are not pleased with where they are on their lives journey. The key to changing things in your life is to admitting that you are unhappy with the way things are going. When you go through life doing things that
don’t make you feel like you’re being fulfilled, then maybe it’s time for a change. So many people walk through life doing things for others and making loved ones happy, that they tend to believe that making others happy is their destiny in life. It’s great to brighten up the day of others, but don’t forget about yourself. Statistics show that most people live and work in a place that they are not pleased with. Most people are too afraid
to step out there on faith and believe that there is a better life out there for them if they believe. Being happy is a state of mind and is determined by your definition of what you consider to be happiness. What makes one person happy, may not be on the next person’s happiness list. This is also true in relationships. Two people can live together and never truly know what makes their mates happy. Some don’t even know their dreams and
desires. That’s why the key is to share with each other how you really feel and what you want your life to look like. And you may be surprised as to what the answer is. Change is good for everyone and change is a part of finding your best you. Step out there and do something different! Step out there and tell someone about your dreams and goals and that you are about to become that person that you always dreamt you’d be! Invite them on your
journey and you never know what great adventures you may share along the way! And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and keep striving for greatness.
Star Tribune saying that her department has no oversight of the 13th Grade Program. Fact: Just three months ago, in February 2015, MDE conducted a financial desk audit of the 13th Grade Program and found no deficiencies or concerns. The MUL shared the desk audit with the Star Tribune’s reporter, but she elected to exclude this information from her story. Fact: Currently, in the second year of the 13th Grade Program, there are 119 participants, six of whom are also students at the Urban League Academy. Again, these programs have different objectives and offer different
services. Moreover, it is common accepted practice for nonprofit organizations to have multiple revenue streams to serve clients. “Every public charity in the state of Minnesota actively seeks more than one source of funding,” according to Jon Pratt, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. Our objective and hope is to provide our students and participants with all the education, training, job counseling, career coaching and other services for which they are eligible. Muhammad is one of our success stories. Raised by a single mother, Muhammad graduated
from high school with dreams of success, but no life plan. Disconnected from opportunity, he sought the help of a family friend who brought him to the MUL. Upon entering the 13th Grade, Muhammad received counseling and services to help him develop a life plan, career road map and the confidence to follow them. He is now a freshman at South Dakota State University. Fact: The MUL is not “currently in financial crisis,” despite the Star Tribune’s unsubstantiated and contrary assertion. In an April 15 article, the reporter contended that
MUL’s loss of revenue since 2000 equates to financial crisis. Many nonprofit and for-profit organizations have undergone reductions in force and revenue in the past 15 years, particularly as a result of the national recession in 2008 and the years immediately following. Fact: The MUL is committed to the highest ethical and performance standards. Comments attributed to Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake, imply the MUL’s past use of state grants warrant exceptional scrutiny. This belies the fact that our largest state grant, a partnership between
the Minnesota Department of Transportation, trade unions, prime contractors and the Minneapolis Urban League, has more than doubled in the past five years. The MUL’s reputation has been damaged by the misleading innuendo reported by the Star Tribune, which has harmed our ability to serve our students and program participants. They and the Star Tribune’s readers deserve better.
life that can often decline in old age. One 2009 study from Washington policy think-tank, the Phoenix Center, found that
seniors who use the Internet are 20 percent less likely to report being depressed. Another 2009 study from neuroscientists at the University of California, Los Angeles found that just one week of Internet use boosted brain function in middle-aged and older users.
Over the past few decades there have been many attempts to close these digital divides. The federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, for example, supports the establishment of better broadband infrastructure and public computer centers. The
FCC’s E-rate program seeks to connect the nation’s classrooms and school libraries to the Internet. Another FCC program, Lifeline, which originally offered landlines for lowincome families, is exploring a modernization to include broadband Internet. But these programs are generally underfunded, not wellknown, deprioritized when funds are allocated, or unable to evolve fast enough. Experts believe that getting everyone online will require prioritizing the Lifeline modernization, as well as creating an effective, inclusive
plan to reach the people who need it most. Experts also believe that public-private partnerships will be key. “One big takeaway is that these communities need to be heard,” says Nicol Turner-Lee, vice president and chief research and policy officer for the MMTC. “Because what basically happens is once policy is created, in terms of cultural sensitivity, they’re not matched up to reality. So we end up…back here five years from now, still saying that broadband has not touched or changed the lives of individuals.”
Israel
widespread frustration in the Ethiopian community which, three decades after it first arrived in Israel, has become an underclass plagued by poverty, crime and unemployment. ‘Anyone who attended the protest yesterday experienced at one point in their life humiliation based on nothing but skin color,’ said Mehereta Baruch-Ron, a Tel Aviv deputy mayor of Ethiopian descent. ‘We have had enough. It is time to do something.’ Shlomo Molla, a former lawmaker of Ethiopian origin, said his generation failed to make a change and that hope lies with the younger generation who were born in Israel and are less intimidated by the establishment. “We should stop enlisting in the army, not join the police, and stop paying taxes, because if the state doesn’t take its citizens into account, the citizens are also permitted not to take the state into account.’ Children of the older generation of Ethiopian Jews speak fluent Hebrew, study in universities and serve in the army alongside native Israelis. But despite such gains, the younger generation is still struggling compared to other Israelis. As the video of the beating went viral, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set up a meeting with the young soldier. “I was shocked by the pictures,” he told Pakada.” We cannot accept it, we will change things.” “Maybe good things will come out of this difficult situation.”
From 1 asks Assefa-Dawit rhetorically. Pakada would have been put in jail with a record for assaulting a police officer following him around for the rest of his life. The clashes reflected
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\Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.
Steven L. Belton is interim president of the Minneapolis Urban League.
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Insight News • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Page 9
COMMUNITY City agencies partnered to hold public safety fair The City’s Neighborhood and Community Relations Department along with local public safety agencies held a Public Safety Fair on Saturday, May 2, at North Commons Park, 1801 James Ave. N. in Minneapolis. This family friendly event included free life-saving trainings and safety tips. A fire truck, ambulance and squad car to tour and a mascot was on site to interact with kids. Topics included: Fire prevention tips and fire extinguisher demonstration; Free, hands-only CPR & AED training; Keeping your community safe: knowing the eight signs of terrorism; Interacting with police: How officers and citizens can work together; Metro Transit Police and Minneapolis Park Police: who are they and how do they protect you.
The Pan Asian Arts Festival at Landmark Center for your entire family, with: • 40+ Asian Folk dance performances from the diversity of community - Cultural Exchange Through Performing Arts; • Hmong Wearable Arts Exhibition and Pan Asian Youth Animation Installation; • Asian craft makings, face painting, carnival games. This FREE event will feature on-going carnival games, Pan Asian Dance and Music performances, Asian arts & crafts activities, including the making of origami, lanterns,
Enjoy the top Asian dances and artistic talents on May 17 at Landmark Center. Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) arts groups will come together to celebrate May Asian heritage month with a whole day of family fun. The Pan Asian Arts Festival – Festival/Asian Style will be held at the Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102), on Sunday, May 17, 2015, from Noon – 5pm. Led by Pan Asian Arts Alliance and sponsored by the Landmark Sunday Series, this will be a whole day event
and traditional hats and masks. The Bicultural Healthy Living Campaign will also be introduced at the event. Bicultural Healthy Living is the ability of immigrants and refugees to bridge two cultures, the American mainstream culture and their culture of origin, into one that allows them to live healthfully and happily. For more information, please contact: paaa@amamedia. org, 612-376-7715 www. panasianartsalliance.org. Please visit our website for more info.
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory kicks off centennial celebration The Jewel of St. Paul, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, first opened its doors to the public in 1915. Now in its 100th year, this tropical gem is planning on celebrating in a big way. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is welcoming the public to come and revel in the beauty of this historic landmark with a weekend of music, activities, and events June 19-21. “This centennial gives us a wonderful excuse to showcase how much the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has meant to this community for so many years,� says Horticultural Curator Tina Dombrowski. “But it’s also a great time to celebrate all the ways this generous community has helped the Conservatory grow and thrive.� This summer, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory will also unveil the new Centennial Garden (artist rendering attached), a stylized nod to the traditional European landscape gardens that drew visitors to Como at the turn of the century. The Garden will welcome
guests into the Visitor Center and serve as a landmark to remember all of the community members who have made the past 100 years possible. From its seasonal flower shows in the Sunken Garden to its wide collection of rare and beautiful plants found in the North Garden, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has become one of the most beloved buildings in Minnesota. Open 365 days a year the Conservatory serves as a tropical getaway during the winter months and place of lush, greenery in the summer. “Como’s Conservatory is part of that the golden age of Minnesota architecture, between about 1900 to 1920, where you had the rise of the Prairie School, along with these grand public buildings,� says architecture critic Larry Millett. “Architecture of that period tends to be really monumental and well built, and the public has a great deal of affection for these buildings.� The strong sense of ownership Como visitors feel for the Conservatory
Letter
the disease of racism and poverty. Sick with an educational system that has long mis-educated our people. Sick with unemployment rates that are almost double that of other communities. A sickness that infects us with housing atrocities disproportionate to our rightful sustenance. We have deferred hope since the African’s arrival in this country. Our ancestors were forced to defer their hopes with an anticipated optimism that the following generations may see the light of freedom. Even with the birth of the civil rights movement and voting rights bill only a stillborn freedom was actualized.
From 6 do us harm. The visions of a burning Baltimore represents the result of a people that have become fed up with a sustained injustice. This injustice is rooted not only in the senseless killing of Black and Brown citizens but also in a deep sense of deferred hope. The Bible speaks of this deferred hope as one of the causes of a sick heart. The heart of the Black community is and has long been, sick. Sick with
has helped save the building from a few calamities over the decades. The Great Depression forced much of the Conservatory to close for lack of funds, and rusted rivets were a serious structural problem through the 1950s. A devastating 1962 hail storm smashed
thousands of glass panes, but the plexiglass replacements blocked sunlight to plants, and required a second renovation back to glass. Citizens concerned about preserving the Conservatory’s unique history formed a restoration society which helped
The hope of our ancestors has yet to be realized. The dim light of freedom is but a flicker from the candle of hope. How will we as a community re-kindle this flame? So many of the young people that we watch damaging property and vehicles in the Baltimore revolution (as it is a revolution not a riot), do not see themselves as part of this American dream they have heard of but never seen. They do not see a legitimate future on their horizon. It is a fundamental understanding that human existence is merely a byproduct and representation of the given socio-political context.
What context have our young Brown and Black brothers and sisters come to know? A context full of discrimination, not-belonging, rejection and inferiority? Relegated to an almost certain permanent status, as the wretched of the earth. To live in a land in which you are existentially alienated to the unbearable darkness of futurelessness is almost unendurable. Given that so many in this country are living a life of humiliation, dehumanization and persistent marginalization, it is not a surprise to see what has occurred in Baltimore.
Classifieds RENTALS Tapestry Management, LLC has various sized apartments/townhomes for rent in the following locations: St. Paul, Golden Valley, Mankato, Red Wing, N. St. Paul, Rochester, Plymouth, Jordan, Winona, Olivia, and Redwood Falls. Rental assistance is available to qualified applicants in all locations. Please contact the appropriate location for availability and additional information. Birmingham Townhomes – St. Paul 952-854-8800 Calvary Center Apartments – Golden Valley 763-546-4988 Colonial Square Apartments – Mankato 507-345-1321 Cooperidge Apartments – Red Wing 651-388-1500 Franklyn Park Apartments – N. St. Paul 651-770-1504 Innsbruck Townhomes – Rochester 507-289-1319 Mission Oaks Townhomes – Plymouth 763-559-5770 Newbridge Apartments – Rochester 507-282-8284 Northgate Community Housing – Rochester 507-289-1319 Oakridge Apartments – Rochester 507-281-1031 Schule Haus – Jordan 952-492-2084
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DUMP TRUCK DRIVER
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is hiring a Case Manager for our Families Moving Forward program center in Minneapolis. Help us end homelessness! Visit: www.beaconinterfaith.org/careers for details.
Systems Change Program Manager
RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE
North Memorial Needs Volunteers to Help Victims of Domestic Abuse SafeJourney, a program serving North Memorial Medical Center and Maple Grove Hospital, helps patients and individuals in the community who are experiencing domestic abuse. Volunteer advocates are needed to provide a listening ear, support, safety planning, information and referral. You do not have to have previous knowledge or experience, but rather looking for people who are sensitive to the issue, caring, and non-judgmental. Advocates sign up for 2 on-call shifts per month. Flexible scheduling - daytime, overnights, and weekends. Training is provided. Deadline to apply and schedule a short interview is January 26. Please call Suzy at 763-581-3942.
got their start during the industrial revolution, an era when people began to realize how essential it is for humans to stay connected with nature, and that lesson has only been strengthened over the last century,� says Dombrowski. “We have an affinity for plants and animals, and we find comfort and inspiration in nature. I believe that’s one reason why the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory endures and is relevant to visitors today.� Look for a detailed list of events and activities for the weekend of June 19-21 coming soon. It will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, a vow renewal ceremony for all interested couples, special history talks, strolling musicians, a coloring contest, lighting of the conservatory dome purple, and an outdoor concert followed by a screening of the 1986 rock musical horror comedy “Little Shop of Horrors�. The public is also encouraged to share their memories and photos using #MMC100 on their social media sites.
I offer no canned solution in this writing. What I do hope to ignite is an awareness and consciousness amongst our communities, neighborhoods, families and individuals. As a PhD student and licensed psychotherapist with a systemic, relational and contextual bend, I am reminded that healthy individuals are found within healthy families and healthy families are found within healthy communities. One portion of this healthiness must be our collective community consciousness. We cannot stand idly by hoping that the predominantly White police
force will miraculously see the light and begin to treat our people in a more humane fashion. We can no longer be dependent upon others to do right by us. We must do right by ourselves and those that have agonized before us. Let us stand together in solidarity, with a consciousness that will no longer allow us to live under this long shadow of death and suffering. As the legendary poet Maya Angelou states in her legacy poem, and still I rise. It is our given and unrelenting task to rise as a people. It is unquestionably within us‌
Fax: 612.588.2031
Email: info@insightnews.com
Case Manager
Wanted experienced dump truck driver. Only experienced need apply: Call Jesse Green (651) 815-7197 or email jessegreen625@yahoo.com
Sexual Violence Center (SVC), based in North Mpls, seeks a Systems Change Program Manager. Applications due May 20, 2015. Details: http:// www.sexualviolencecenter.org/get-involved/index/
secure Como’s place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and later, a $12 million renovation that opened in the early 1990s. Their efforts were part of a long legacy of community and docent groups that raised private funding to protect the Conservatory’s future, a mission that’s been carried forward by Como Friends—a merger of several nonprofit fundraising groups that incorporated under one banner in 1999. Over the last 15 years, Como Friends has invested more than $35 million in improvements at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and the Como Zoo, including the new Fern Room opened in 2005, Tropical Encounters opened in 2006, and The Ordway Gardens opened in 2013. While the Conservatory may be 100 years old, a century of community commitment to the building and the botanical collections it contains has made the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s future brighter than ever. “Conservatories like this
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280. Must meet certain qualifications.
Child Development Center Teachers
Bethel University is seeking a Preschool and Toddler Teacher for our King Family Foundation Child Development Center located in the St. Paul Frogtown neighborhood. The position is responsible for implementing activities which are designed to develop a range of spiritual, social, cognitive, and/or motor skills for individual and/or groups of children and supervise the development of the whole child. Bethel is an institution of higher education committed to integrate the evangelical Christian faith into every area of life. For more information and application visit our website at https://www.bethel.edu/employment/openings/staff.
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Director of Professional Development Job Summary: The Director of Member Services The Director of Professional Development is an exempt employee who reports to the Executive Director and has primary responsibility for planning and managing educational events and conferences. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s level degree in Event Planning, Marketing, Communications, or related field; with at least three years related work experience. Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects and priorities effectively and professionally. Excellent, positive interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience in planning, managing and developing conferences and educational events. Organized, able to attend to details and multiple deadlines. Closing Date: May 17, 2015 Salary: $41,200-$61,800 Contact: For more information, or to submit a resume czeise@mnssa.org | www.mnssa.org
Page 10 • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Insight News
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Arts administrator, poet Lisa Brimmer on the impact of transracial adoption By Toki Wright Twitter @mrwrighttc Multidisciplinary artist Lisa Brimmer balances her blossoming career as a playwright, poet, curator, comedian and arts administrator at Intermedia Arts in south Minneapolis. Her work involves navigating complex societal issues through the arts. Her personal experiences as a queer person of color and transracial adoptee (or child adopted by parents of a different race) have had a major impact on her work. I caught up with Brimmer while she was in the midst of planning her High Society music and poetry residency at the Black Dog Café and curating a Queer Person Color Cabaret at Patrick’s to get more insight. AS: How would you describe your artistic work?
LB: I write poems predominantly for page but I perform them so people think of me as a spoken word poet, which I’m cool with. I’m an improvisational musician in that I work with some really incredible and amazingly fun people. We create soundscapes, music, vibes and feeling. That’s really exciting to be around and it informs my work as a theater artist, as an actor and also as a writer. It influences my storytelling on stage in many genres. I’m a personal storyteller in that I’m a memoirist. I write for Gazillion Voices Magazine, an adoptee centric online magazine. I’m a theater writer, director and advisor. AS: You mention “transition” a lot in your work. What do you mean by that? LB: As an artist I really started as a writer behind the scenes. Then I broke into more spoken word on the scene in
performance in a way that directed a lot of the content of my work. Also, how I thought about myself as an artist in this new phase of stepping back out of the supposed spotlight and more into the supportive strategic vision role. Also, creating space and making sure people are taken care of in that space. In regards to my career as a programs manager with Intermedia Arts, in regards to a lot of the curating and directing I’m starting to do this year, it’s seeming to be more of the theme than necessarily performance. At the end of the day it’s transition. It’s holding that and acknowledging that and also being excited about that because it’s creating more space for artists that look like me and identify like me. As a queer person of color I didn’t always feel like I had someone I could look to as a role model, or just the idea that there was space for me. And I came out late. I’m really
aware of that making a lot (of) what I experienced easier in a way. As much as it’s made it more difficult personally it’s probably made it easier professionally. That’s definitely conflicting to feel that sort of natural pacing that life sometimes gives you to deal with a lot of really ridiculous things coming at you. You can only handle so much burden at a given time, so I feel really lucky in that transition. All of my adoptee stuff is wrapped up in that too. The complexity and the layering of identities are really strong when I start to think about where I’m at and where I’m moving towards. AS: How has being an adoptee impacted your work? LB: I’m a transracial adoptee. I was born in Madison, Wisc., and adopted in Lodi, Wisc. It’s a 2,000 person rural town. I grew up in a white family. Having moved to Minneapolis
I had my first experiences with people of color in general. What I’ve noticed in the last eight years is less of feeling like an “other” with people of color and more feeling a part of the community. Minneapolis has really been my home for that. It’s where I’ve come into myself in a place of knowing myself and finding myself here in a community that I didn’t have access to or wasn’t even available where I come from. I’ve had a lot of changes as far as how I identify and navigate the world that have come from the real experience of navigating the world as a person of color, not as someone that gets the fantasy of white privilege. As a transracial adoptee you have this fantasy of having privilege within white community and it’s erasure of culture and erasure of your actual stature in America. I wrote about it. You can’t even see that you are being
“Anglo-sized.” You can’t even see how you are experiencing racism because you don’t have any context for it. As a part of the Givens Foundation for AfricanAmerican Literature as a fellow, I had my first experience of being in room with 20 other Black folks. That was scary because I felt, they all know that I’m not actually “one of them.” Except nobody actually felt that way, I just felt that way in my head. So for me to have come through that and having found family through a way I hadn’t experienced before (is transitional). An acceptance, and love, and forgiveness in a way for ignorance was a really powerful thing. To learn more about Brimmer’s poetry, events and more, follow her on Twitter at @2speakease. She can also be contacted at Lisa.m.brimmer@gmail.com.
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Insight News • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Page 11
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
May 11 - 17
Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com
Psalm One aka Hologram Kizzie
Hakeem Saadiq Ford as Baloo the Bear
Monday, May 11th FITNESS Minneapolis Bike Week Martin Olav Sabo Bridge Pit Stop 315 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis 7:30AM FREE Minneapolis Bike Week starts this Monday. “Stop by a commuter pit stop on your way to and from work and get snacks, great giveaways, and a quick bike inspection by a bike mechanic!” - www. mplsbikeweek.org
Tuesday, May 12th DANCE NIGHT 2 On Tuesday With That Dude Trey & DJ B Rock Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 9PM
205 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 7pm-11pm
That Dude Trey revives his popular weekly with a new twist. Dedicated to party people that want more than just top 40 Hip-Hop.
Who said there’s no reggae/ dancehall in Minneapolis? Every Wednesday night top DJ’s Sound of Fujun and DJ Diamond One bring you Reggae Happy Hour.
Wednesday, May 13th
Thursday, May 14th
REGGAE/DANCEHALL/ DANCE NIGHT
PLAY
Reggae Happy Hour Red Sea
Whittier’s Jungle Book Whittier International
Elementary School 315 W 26th St, Minneapolis All Ages – Thursday 5/14, Friday 5:30PM Admission is $5.00 for per person and $5.00 Dinner
Rhiannon Les Exodus.jpg _ Giddens .jpg _
Performed by Whittier students, directed and ReWritten by Ms. Da Black Pearll and Co-Directed By Kamille Wells and Mercedes Heiden Reynolds. Plus DJ Matthew Mix.well returns to Minneapolis to facilitate the music.
Friday, May 15th
HIPHOP/PERFORMANCE
Starts at Noon
Psalm One and Carnage the Executioner Fine Line Music Cafe 318 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 9PM $10-$15
Sunday, May 17th
Saturday, May 16th Art-A-Whirl Weekend w/ Mixed Blood Majority 331 Club 331 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis, Minneapolis
FUNK/PERFORMANCE George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis 18+ 9:30 $25-$75
This Poem is Not about Trees. By Julia Israel
Not long ago in a land afar, was a forest of coniferous trees And in that forest were trees of all kinds; tree babies, tree queens and tree kings. The king trees were there to protect the land, the children, the plants and the mothers, but something had gone quite array in this land, the king trees were fighting each other!
Though fire and water and winds were a threat, the king trees own problems had grown. Instead of protecting the trees in the land, they were burning and chopping their own. They held secret meetings and schemed and lied and plotted against one another And sometimes they’d just outright cut off the branch of their own like-kind tree brother!
And while they were quarreling, massaging their egos and advancing their own agendas, the storm came and knocked all the baby trees down and destroyed the hope of their mothers.
One king tree was alerted and jumped up shouting – “Who did this, what happened and who shall we call!? Something traumatic has come to our land and caused our tree families to fall!”
With sap in their eyes the queen trees responded and said in a lowly voice“Us queen trees and babies are not strong enough, we have succumb to the weather, had you and the other kings gotten along, we’d have been much stronger together.”
How silly, you think, for me to say the coniferous could harm themselves, but sadly it’s so how they’d self-destruct to advance by any means. It happened afar, and it’s happening here. You see, This poem is not about trees.
khunaspix (Canstockphoto)
Page 12 • May 11 - May 17, 2015 • Insight News
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BOOK REVIEW
“Undivided: A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace” By Kam Williams “They didn’t talk. Not for 10 years… Instead, a mother and daughter tiptoed with pain around the deepest gulf in their lives—the daughter’s choice to leave the church, convert to Islam, and become a practicing Muslim. Undivided is a realtime story of healing and understanding… as they struggle to learn how to love each other in a whole new way… Undivided is also an up-close and personal look at the life of a Muslim convert— at a time when attitudes are mixed about Muslims.” -- Excerpted from the back cover Alana Raybon was raised in a tight-knit, Colorado community where she and everybody she knew were Christians. And when she went off to college, her parents thought they had no reason to worry about their daughter’s faith, since she would be pursuing a joint degree in a program cosponsored by Alvin Ailey at Fordham University, a Catholic school. But it was in New York City as a freshman that Alana abandoned her lifelong love of dance in favor of surrendering to the tenets of Islam. As she explains it, “I felt empty inside.” And while you or I could probably satisfy that hunger with a burger and fries, hers was
Alana Raybon and Patricia Raybon
Alana Raybon and Patricia Raybon visiting college campuses a soul thirst for the deeper meaning of life that would only be quenched by studying both the Bible and the Quran, reading the autobiographies of Gandhi and Malcolm X, and attending Sunday School as well as services at a storefront mosque in Manhattan. Alana emerged from the information overload a Muslim, a development that
didn’t sit well with her devout Christian mother, to say the least. Pained, Patricia initially blamed herself, wondering, “Maybe I didn’t pray enough. Or take Alana to church enough. Or care enough. Or love enough.” The two had a falling out that would last a decade. Eventually, Patricia got over her anger and feelings of rejection when she finally
woke up to the fact that God wouldn’t want her to remain estranged from her own flesh and blood. The pair’s tempestuous path from alienation to reconciliation is the subject of “Undivided: A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace”, a co-authored memoir offering hope that Christianity and Islam can peacefully coexist, a much-needed message in these very divided times. After all, Mahatma Gandhi once said that “Peace between countries must rest on the solid foundation of love between individuals,” making an analogy perhaps more appropriately applied today to religions, given the borderless new world order which has folks more passionate about faith than citizenship. And, as Patricia concludes, “I knew that things must change. Mothers can’t be angry at daughters.” An inspirational autobiography alluding to another sage, age-old maxim, namely, “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” “Undivided A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace” by Patricia Raybon and Alana Raybon Thomas Nelson Hardcover, $22.99 260 pages ISBN: 978-0-529-11305-4
Alana Raybon