Insight News ::: 5.17.10

May 17 - May 23, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 20 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Chanda Baker Smith A fresh voice in education

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Community members joined Dr. Robert Jones (l) and U President Bob Bruininks and Regents at UROC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Suluki Fardan

UROC: A new beginning for North Minneapolis UROC, the University of Minnesota’s innovative research, outreach and community engagement project at 2101 Plymouth Avenue North, houses arts, health, technology and business development collaborations each designed to leverage the immense intellectual, political and financial capital attached to the U for the service of our community.

An overflow crowd of

neighborhood people, leaders and workers in civic and community organizations, public officials and university employees broke bread, heard inspired music, shared business cards and warm greetings, and heard stories about the vision and value of this new partnership between the University and our community.

University President Robert Bruininks and members of the

Board of Regents joined UROC staff and community partners in a ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony was the highpoint of a daylong open house that included shamanistic music from first nations artists, blues and gospel from area jazz masters, and ebullient brass ensemble music offering the Golden Gopher Fight Song to the spirit of triumph that lifted hearts and minds in recognition of the

new day at hand.

UROC’s initial development phase began in 2005 with informal conversations between Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and University President Bob Bruininks about how the University might join with the city to tackle the complex problems that faced North Minneapolis, one of the most underserved communities in the metro area.

In remarks to attendees Wednesday, University Senior Vice President Robert J. Jones credited Gary Cunningham, then executive director of NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, with bringing ideas and people together with needs and opportunities, to suggest a new, vital role the University could play in the life of the urban community.

UROC TURN TO

Students express personal insight through theater

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Lena Horne dead at 92

By Pharoh Martin NNPA Correspondent Statement by the President on the passing of Lena Horne:

istockphoto

What else do we know about Haiti?

By Mahmoud El-Kati Part 1 of 3 The sensibilities of many of us were shocked and saddened at the horrific devastation caused by an earthquake in Haiti (January 12, 2010). The Haitian people, already burdened by grinding poverty, disease and internecine violence for many years, are now faced with the unwelcomed visit from natural disaster. Bodies of people spewed across the land, hurt, crippled, bruised and burned beyond imaginable sight, almost unbelievable to the naked eye. The estimate of over 200,000 deaths may be a modest number.

In the eyes and minds of most Americans, if not the world, the picture of Haiti as the worst of the worst has been long normalized in our minds; the poorest country in the hemisphere, if not the world; the land of disease and death, carnage from man-made political violence from a collection of political thugs,

known as the Tonton Macout, all compile a single image of Haiti as the eternal hell, a hopeless case.

Now the most destructive earthquake in over two hundred years adds to the stockpile of uncalculated misery. In a few word: Haiti is beyond salvation.

But, not so fast.

One must always wonder, if one thinks one sees all that there is to see. Are there other dimensions to the story of Haiti? How did this nowin situation come to be? What is Haiti bestowing this impression on popular imagination? Well, the very insightful, activist-writer and human rights lawyer, Randell Robinson, dares to help us understand. In his recent book, Unbroken Agony, he gives us the back story of Haiti - the island upon which Christopher Columbus first set foot over five hundred years ago. This is the beginning of a long, complex and bewildering story which through waves of blood and glory, has brought us the present day reality. A reading of Robinson’s HAITI TURN TO 9

“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lena Horne - one of our nation’s most cherished entertainers. Over the years, she warmed the hearts of countless Americans with her beautiful voice and dramatic performances on screen. From the time her grandmother signed her up for an NAACP membership as a child, she worked tirelessly to further the cause of justice and equality. In 1940, she became the first African American performer to tour with an all white band.

And while entertaining soldiers during World War II, she refused to perform for segregated audiences - a principled struggle she continued well after the troops returned home. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Lena, and we join all Americans in appreciating the joy she brought to our lives and the progress she forged for our country.”

(NNPA) - Legendary singer, actress and dancer Lena Horne died on Sunday night at the New YorkPresbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center at the age of 92. The Brooklyn-born entertainer was the first Black performer to be signed to a long-term contract by a major Hollywood studio and who went on to achieve international fame as a singer. The cause of her death has not been reported.

Horne was a mantle of African American beauty, who as a versatile and iconic performer made her name from a variety of entertainment platforms including the big screen, where she was the first African American actor to sign to a longterm contract by a major Hollywood studio; in music, where she won four

Style on a Dime: Allergy relief 101 is right in your kitchen

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Lena Horne in 1989 Grammy awards, and in night clubs, where she extensively toured despite the racism that plagued her era.

As an entertainer, Horne’s light skin completion allowed her to traverse through doors that many other Black entertainers had a hard time walking through. Still, she was loved and highly respected because she refused to let herself become “an imitation of a white woman,” as she would later say.

Horne got her start in entertainment as a 16-year-old dancer at Harlem’s famed Cotton Club and worked the jazz club circuit before jumping into movies with her major studio debut in 1942 with Panama Hattie. Horne’s success in

Courtesy NNPA

movies helped pave the way for actresses such as Halle Berry and Dorothy Dandridge to become silver screen starlets and for crossover entertainers such as Diahann Carroll and Diana Ross to exist. But, more importantly, her pioneering roles helped open doors for African American actors to rise above subservient roles in Hollywood.

Although born in a Black upper middle-class family, Horne spent her life cutting through the red tape of racism. Although she has 22 film credits to her name, her outspoken criticism of the unequal treatment of Black soldiers during World War II

HORNE TURN TO

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Mr. T’s Sports Report Stadium issue is budget versus the building

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Page 2 • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Insight News

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30th Annual Debutante Cotillion at Hyatt Regency The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of The Links, Inc. will present 14 outstanding young ladies at its 30th Annual Cotillion on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. For three decades outstanding high school seniors have participated in a season of activities that honor their academic and community volunteer achievements as well as encourage their collegiate future.

Robin Hickman, CEO and Executive Producer at SoulTouch Productions, a participant in the 1981 Cotillion valued the mentorship and nurturing provided by her elementary School Principal, Shirley Kaiser, who is a member of the Links.

“It was so important to me to be warmly embraced and to bond and interact with the women in my group. I received a Links scholarship and I reflect fondly on how the experience helped me prepare for college at Howard University in Washington, D. C. Hickman is giving back 30 years later by conducting this year’s Leadership Workshop for the 2010 participants and escorts.

“This program has been the best thing that I have

participated in,” said Dr. Tracy Troup Washington, a local family physician for Aspen Medical Group’s Urgent Care Department. Troup was also a Debutante in the first Minneapolis-St. Paul Links Cotillion in 1981. “The opportunity to interact with other young African American women who had similar interests and who were collegebound was a great motivator for me. We had excellent role models in the members of The Links and the community professionals to which they exposed us. I have friends today that I met 30 years ago as a participant,” Dr. Troup.

Kirstyn Smith, a participant in this year’s Cotillion, is a senior at Wayzata High School and is planning to attend Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and major in economics.

When looking back on the activities this year she said, “it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

I will cherish the friendships of the diverse and dynamic group of African American women whom I would have never met if I had not been a participant in this program.” She is grateful to her parents for introducing her to the program.

“The 2010 program is not much different than it was 30

years ago because the relevance for the young ladies has and continues to meet the need to interact with positive African American role models and other aspiring young women”, said Leslie Taylor, 2010 Debutante Cotillion Chairperson.

The 2010 Debutante season will culminate with the black tie presentation and ball on May 29 at 6 p.m.

The 2010 Links Debutantes: Amanda Frances Alexander, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A l b e r t (Pamela) A l e x a n d e r.

High School: Edina High S c h o o l .

Escort: Mr. Joseph Cunningham, son of Mr. & Mrs. James (Karon) Cunningham.

Sponsor: Link Wenda Weekes Moore.

Chloe Elizabeth-Mary Davis, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Harry (Bobbi) Davis. High School: The Blake School.

Escort:

Mr. Phillip Jean-Baptiste, son of Mr. & Mrs. Jerry (Cynthia) Jean-Baptiste. Sponsor: Link Sandy Harris.

Shanequa Darniesha Haggard, daughter of Ms. Patricia Haggard & Mr. G e r a l d Cannon. High S c h o o l : Wayzata High S c h o o l .

Escort: Mr. Daryl Brown, son of Ms. L e t e s h a Spencer. Sponsor: Link Gloria Lewis.

Timaria Nicole HammondDowning, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gerald ( J a n i c e ) Downing and Mr. Timothy Hammond.

High School: Minnehaha Academy.

Escort: Mr. A u s t i n McDowall, son of Mr. & Mrs. Harold (Anise) McDowall.

Sponsor: Link Kimberly Price.

Alexandria Antionett Love, daughter of Ms. Monica Jo Love & Mr. Troy Barner. Presenter:

Mr. Troy Barner.

High School: Eden Prairie High School.

Escort: Mr. F r u q u a n Stewart, son of Mr. & Mrs. Rickey (Miranda) Stewart.

Sponsor: Link Joyce Taborn Jackson.

Felicia Ann Merrill, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Marcus (Amy Levy) Merrill.

High School: South High School. Escort: Mr. Kenneth King, Jr., son of Mr. & Mrs. K e n n e t h (Jackie) King. Sponsor: Link Shirley Kaiser.

Yakira Imani Moore, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Clifford (Ora) Moore. High School: Tartan High School.

Escort: Mr. John B a k e r Anderson, son of John Baker & P a t r i c i a Anderson. Sponsor: Link Shirley Kaiser.

Abigail Akua Neil, daughter of Ms. Cheryl Mayberry & Mr. Noel Neil. High School: Edina High School.

Escort: Mr. Z a c h a r y Duberry, son of Ernest & Toni Duberry. Sponsor: Link Wenda Moore.

Taylor Danielle Ratliff, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Harry (Lisa) Ratliff. High School: Patrick Henry High School. Escort: Mr. Kasey Boyd, son of Dr. Joel Boyd & Cheryl Cooper Boyd. Sponsor: Link Stephanie Crosby.

Elon Nadeen Smith, daughter of Mr. Felton Lewis Smith. High S c h o o l : DeLaSalle High School. Escort: Mr. Paul Slack, son of Mr. & Mrs. Paul (Dedra) Slack.

Sponsor: Link Kimberly Price.

Kirstyn Imani Smith, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Troy (Gloria) Smith.

Escort: Mr. Jeremy Turner, son of Mr. & Mrs. Derrell (Bernadette) Turner. Sponsor: Link Lorraine Griffin Johnson.

Britainy

Cheneicé Stephens, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Stuart (Andrea) Stephens. High S c h o o l : DeLaSalle High School. Escort: Mr. Derrick Gregory Boone, son of Mr. & Mrs. Gregory (Sherri) Boone, Sponsor: Link Michelle Miller.

Sofia-Bella Janetta Vitale-Gill, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Rodney (Mia Phillips) Naseth.

High School: Convent of the Visitation High School.

Escort: Mr. Brandon Hill, son of Mr. & Mrs. Leon (Tori) Hill. Sponsor: Link Doris Baylor.

Daniesha

Marie Wharton, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Kevin (Felicia) Wright.

High School: Wayzata High School. Escort: Mr. Jason Steele, son of Ms. CeLois Steele & Mr. J.D. Steele. Sponsor: Link Laysha Ward & Link Lezlie Taylor.

Photos courtesy of debutantes

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Insight News • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Page 3

BUSINESS Habitat for Humanity helps prevent foreclosures Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Foreclosures have hit record highs in Minnesota, leaving thousands of families homeless and neighborhoods in chaos. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) wants residents to stay in their homes. Since 1993, its free Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program has helped over 5,000 families, providing information, referrals to other agencies, and counseling to homeowners struggling to make payments.

Falling behind on a home mortgage can quickly spiral into a tornado of mail, phone calls and, ultimately, foreclosure. Most people who face the prospect of

losing a home are good people who have fallen on very hard times. People do want to pay for their homes, but without a steady job and with health care and other costs rising, some homeowners fall behind and cannot catch up.

Through the Foreclosure Prevention Program, residents have access to advocates who guide them through the foreclosure process and negotiate with lenders on their behalf.

The Foreclosure Prevention process starts with a phone call to William Bolton, program intake counselor. Bolton uses a long list of questions to gain a good understanding of a resident’s situation and to determine whether the home is truly affordable given the owner’s circumstances. Bolten then refers the resident either to appropriate local services or to a Foreclosure Prevention counselor.

Counselor Hassan Abdillahi says, first and foremost, the program is designed to help people. By understanding the issues that led to falling behind in

Courtesy Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Bottom row (left to right): Chanida Phaengdara (Program Assistant); Cheryl Peterson (Program Manager). Top row (left to right): Hassan Abdillahi (Housing Counselor); Aleisha Kruck (Housing Counselor); Amy Werger (Financial Counselor); and William Bolton (Intake Counselor). Not pictured: Adade Amenounve (Housing Counselor). the first place, the counselors can determine what options are available for bringing the mortgage current. Financial

counselors are also available to help people stabilize their overall household situation so they will be able to keep up on future bills

and expenses.

With extensive mortgage experience, counselors are able to communicate effectively with lenders on behalf of residents.

Each situation is unique; some residents need a lower interest rate, some need a longer loan life, and some need other options. The counselors understand mortgage terminology and they know how to communicate financial information effectively between the homeowner and lender.

Abdillahi and colleague Aleisha Kruck agree, homeowners should call at the first sign of a problem. Says Kruck, “It’s never too early to call. Some people call because they anticipate a problem. We help by providing information or at least peace of mind.” Once a resident is back on track, TCHFH counselors are available at any time to answer questions, explain documents or contact a lender with questions.

TCHFH counselors encourage all homeowners to practice personal responsibility: open

mail, balance the checkbook and when receiving any notification, they say, homeowners should respond immediately and politely.

By showing a willingness to cooperate, a resident improves his ability to negotiate and his chances of keeping the home. “If you’re frustrated,” says Abdillahi, “stay calm and tell the banker you will call back later.” Or call TCHFH and let Abdillahi or Kruck make the call for you.

TCHFH aims to stabilize households and neighborhoods.

Its Foreclosure Prevention services are free of charge and open to all Minneapolis neighborhoods and all income levels. By keeping families in their homes, TCHFH hopes to keep neighborhoods intact, preventing the problems associated with vacant and boarded up properties. Residents interested in taking advantage of this free service should call (612) 305-7163. Offices are located in the Urban League on Plymouth Avenue, and in SE Minneapolis on 4th Street SE.

$2 billion toward ending hunger Walmart and the Walmart Foundation last week announced a $2 billion cash and in-kind commitment stepping up their efforts to help end hunger in America, said Margaret McKenna, president, The Walmart Foundation.

According to a November 2009 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, hunger rates in the U.S. are the highest since 1995 with nearly 15 percent of households lacking access to an adequate supply of nutritious food.

President Obama has referred to hunger as a problem “we can solve together.”

The new initiative, “Fighting Hunger Together,” includes four key components: • Donating more than 1.1 billion pounds of food from Walmart stores, distribution centers and Sam’s Club locations, valued at $1.75 billion; • Grants totaling $250 million to support hunger relief organizations at the national, state and local levels; • Mobilizing Walmart associates and customers. For example, Walmart’s logistics team will lend their expertise to help food banks become more efficient in their operations; and • Collaboration with government, food

Courtesy Walmart

Margaret McKenna, Walmart President

manufacturers and other corporations that are fighting hunger to increase impact and reach a greater number of families in need.

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Page 4 • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Chanda Baker Smith: A fresh voice in education The race for Minneapolis Board of Education heats up in the wake of numerous changes, not only in elected members, but in the overall structure of the board itself. This November, Minneapolis residents will elect five members to the board of Education and four in 2012.

Due to a referendum in 2008 enacted by voters, election districts will be based on existing districts for the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board eventually increasing the size of the board from seven to nine members by 2013.

With the announcements from thee current board members, including Tom Madden, Chris Steward and Pam Costain, that they will not be seeking re-election, there’s a flurry of interest in the seats up for grabs, with six candidates vying for the two At-large seats alone.

Chanda Smith Baker is one of them.

We were able to catch up with Chanda to get her perspective on the race and why she’s running.

INSIGHT: Chanda why are you running?

CSB: I’m running because I realize it’s possible for schools in low income and urban areas to achieve high results in academic achievement. With the right leadership, partnership and community involvement, it’s

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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.

mean agreement, it just means you seized the opportunity to be informed about the decisions being made that impact you and your community. But you must show up!

People can’t be afraid of policy...you have to lead from where you are.

I would also work for organizational effectiveness. Making sure systems are aligned to measure, report and create multiple measures of success.

possible to create a culture of success and learning within our schools and for our children.

As a mother of five school aged children, my husband and I struggled in our choice of schools for our children. This struggle led me to become more active in education over 10 years ago. I’ve always urged mothers to use their voices to advocate for their children. This year, they urged me to use mine!

I interact on a daily basis with children and programs that are successful through my role at Pillsbury United Communities. I’ve been a part of start up schools and have been involved with initiatives to create more choices, more options for parents and students. The goal is to significantly increase academic achievement and I am confident I can work with the MPS school board to achieve that.

low academic achievement is cited for these decisions we have to ask ourselves was this our only course of action? What else could be done?

INSIGHT: What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing MPS?

INSIGHT: What is your view on Charter Schools?

CSB: We need to bridge the achievement gap. In 2009, only 34% of the children excelled in reading, a mere 8% in math. The Board also needs to reflect the diversity of the community it serves, with over 70% of MPS children being of color, the board should explore options and solutions that reflect the unique needs of ALL children. If all children, although having various needs, educational and behavioral styles, are held to the same standard, we have to ask ourselves if this model is working? What other options are available to parents and their children. Are we providing all the tools and resources to ensure success?

There are a lot of empty schools, North High School, my alma mater is scheduled to close by 2012. While

CSB: Each child, family and situation is different. Charter schools can be a viable option for parents who understand the unique needs of their children. There is a misconception that charters are all private or take away from funding or the needs of other students etc. They do not draw or take away from funding for existing public schools.

While some are private, many are public and under district jurisdiction.

We are a choice and consumer driven society, it’s part of our cultural fabric; only, it’s just now happening in education. Charters aren’t new they’ve been around for over 20 years, they’re just now becoming a popular choice for parents who aren’t satisfied with traditional options. We shouldn’t blame parents for wanting to explore the best options for their

INSIGHT: How has working the campaign affected your family?

Chanda Baker Smith

Courtesy of CSB Campaign

kids. We have to understand what parents are looking for and create schools and the learning environment they’re looking for. There are currently three charters under MPS. As an At-Large member of the board, I would leverage my experience and knowledge of charter schools in my role with the MPS school board.

INSIGHT: What do you hope to accomplish with MPS? CSB: We have to create a level of transparency and partnership with the community, including parents, community leaders and community organizations. The children have also been absent in the conversation. How do we meet them where they’re at?

How do we help them get what they need to be successful?

We also have to regain improvements in academic performance. We have to think outside the box and explore other options. The mistake people often make is staying away from conversations they don’t like....but you have to be at the table. It doesn’t

CSB: When I first considered running I met with my family to gain their input. They were all 100% supportive of me. As a mother with five children, it was important for my husband and me to maintain a level of balance in our household given all the excitement of the campaign. But they are all whole-heartedly involved! My children-and their friends- help with the campaign, stuffing envelopes, etc. It’s definitely been an exciting time for us.

With the headquarter move, a new superintendent and the growing needs of our communities and children, it’s imperative that our school board not only reflects the diversity of our community, but stays current on the evolving needs of the children. Our most pressing question is how do we keep our educational system from becoming obsolete?

Chanda’s husband, Roland Baker, Jr., has served over 20 years in the airline industry working for Northwest Airlines, now Delta Airlines. He’s also a member of the union. The couple have six children: Tamara, 24, Dominique, 17, Malik 14, Elon, 11, Jayland 7 and Ryland, 5.

Chanda is especially proud of daughter, Tamara, a Patrick Henry graduate, who will be attending Clark

University for her MBA. Chanda is a founding member of the Hope Collaborative, an initiative that brings inspirational educators that have demonstrated success with low income students of color. She is currently the Chief Learning Officer with PIllsbury United Communities serving as the VP of Strategic Partners and Educational Strategies, Government and Community Relations. She’s also heavily involved in many community service programs “Chanda is well qualified to help guide our district during a very challenging time in Minneapolis Public Schools. As a Minneapolis North Community High School graduate, a parent of public school children, a non-profit executive who’s leading a charter school in partnership with MPS, she provides the balance and experience we need right now on the board,” said campaign manager, Brett Buckner.

The DFL Convention is May 22 at Patrick Henry High School.

Chanda is seeking the DFL endorsement and has secured prominent endorsements from State Rep. Jeff Hayden and former Commissioner of Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board, Mary Merrrill Anderson among many others.

Primary Election Day is August 10th with General Election November 2nd “I just hope voters will see me for the contributions I have made and will continue to make. I hope they won’t let ethnicity and where they live limit their thinking of what they feel we can contribute as a board. Parenting and leadership transcend race and neighborhood.....it’s not a geographical issue....it’s about the future of our children,” said Baker.

A Minneapolis School Board without Black participation?

By William English

Recently, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and several of the Trade Unions released their

endorsed candidates for the upcoming November Minneapolis Public School Board election.

Only one union to date, Service Employees International Union, has endorsed a single African American for the new school board.

We have been advised that each of the major MPS unions screened several African American candidates for the school board including current School Board member T. Williams and new candidate Chanda Baker. I know for certain those two African Americans screened. Only Chanda Baker received the SEIU endorsement While I cannot speak for the qualifications of all the African American candidates I find it impossible to understand why only (SEIU) could identify a single qualified African American that they could endorse.

Additionally MFT failed to endorse Hussien Samatar, an exciting Somali leader for one of the School Board district seats, and it did not endorse Alberto Monserate, a highly qualified Latino candidate.

We support the endorsements of both Hussien and Alberto as they are well qualified candidates. But for very compelling reasons we should not seat a new school board without substantial representation of African Americans.

Here are the facts that support that claim: These unions endorsing a single African American demonstrates their disregard for the need to have cultural competence from their largest student group at the policy level. More importantly the arrogance demonstrated by MFT is unparalleled, especially when

students of color make up over seventy percent of the total student population.

African American students are almost forty percent of all students in Minneapolis public schools. This means that almost forty percent of the more than $550M in revenue to the district is attributed to the presence of African American students. That amounts to approximately $225M from the presence of African Americans in direct revenue to the district. Since African Americans contribute over $400M in state taxes, a lack of representation at the school board is taxation without representation.

Shame on MFT and all and the other trade unions, except SEIU, for this disregard for the value of African American participation But beyond those facts is the record of T. Williams who has been a reasoned and moderate voice on the current school board. He has time and time again demonstrated his ability to provide critical thinking and insightful policy rationale on important issues facing Minneapolis Public Schools. Moreover he has focused his energy and input on improving the education of all students while being a strong advocate for students of low income students of color and particularly African Americans. So why is it that none of the unions’ find him qualified to receive their endorsement. Is T. Williams, as the sole current school board member

MPS TURN TO

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Minneapolis Principal’s Academy names 2010 - 2011 members Nineteen participants have been selected for the 2010-2011 Minneapolis Principals’Academy.

The Minneapolis Principals’ Academy is designed to develop principal leaders who are effective in creating successful schools that get results. It is a year-long intensive and rigorous professional development program using both national and local experts in the field of educational leadership to prepare dedicated leaders for the principalship.

Selected applicants are educators who aspire to obtain school principal positions after completion of the professional development program.

Minneapolis Public Schools received 47 applications this year.

Members of the 2010-2011 class are Yusuf Abdullah, Patrick Henry; Kim Adams, Special Education, MPS; Jay Alexander, Lake Harriet; Gary Beasley, South High; Anne DePerry, Whittier; Steve Flucas, Linwood Monroe Arts Plus, St. Paul; Ryan Gibbs, Andersen United; Jennifer Hedberg, Lyndale; Lori

Holmgren, Cityview; Carly Jarva, Park Center Sr. High, Brooklyn Park; Jayanthika Karai, Olson Upper; Jairo Moncada, Andersen; George Nolan, St. Cloud Public Schools Equity Coordinator; Sally Reynolds, Success Academy; Walter Schleisman, Crosswinds Arts and Science - East Metro Integration District; Laura Sullivan, Sheridan; Merry Tilleson, Ramsey; Mike Walker, Roosevelt and Libby White, Lucy Laney.

12 Graduate in 09/10 Class Twelve 2009-2010 Principal Academy members will be graduating this month: Todd Aber, Anishinabe; Roxanne Beasley, Waite Park; Susan Enerson, Loring; Amy Luehmann, Bethune; Paul Marietta, Bancroft; Rochelle McGinness, Sheridan; VaNita Miller, Anwatin; Cynthia Mueller, Anne Sullivan; Angela Osuji, Anwatin; Debbie Regnier, Nellie Stone Johnson; Lloyd Winfield, Northeast and Lucilla Yira, Windom.

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Insight News • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Students express personal insights through theater issues and presents them to students across Minnesota providing healing and support.

We use theater to begin a discussion with our peers about things important to us.”

Courtesy Central TouringTheater

Left to Right- Matt Carlyon, Hasani Harris, Tiara Bellaphant and Antiquika Jones A note from the students at Central HS: “The news today is full of school closings, students struggling with achievements,

students dealing with deaths, or being judged for who they are but the news isn’t all bad.

Central Touring Theater has created a play that covers these

Saint Paul Central Touring Theater presents “There is No Box for Me” and “Seeds of Change,” two original plays created by youth ensembles at Macalester College in the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, 1600 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul on Friday May 21 and Saturday May 22 at 7:30 pm each night.

Tickets are $5.00 with special rates available for families and groups.

Central Touring Theater (CTT) was established 31 years ago under the leadership of Jan Mandell as a safe space for youth to explore artistic expression as a powerful and meaningful force in the world today. CTT members, coming from a variety of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, engage in a vigorous and unique theater training that helps them learn about each other and transform their communities by becoming advocates for social justice and equality.

The troupe has toured to over 10,000 people this year and performed over 30 shows from

Zany Sample Night Live offers smorgasbord of area artistry Sample Night Live presents its next monthly show Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at History Theatre in downtown St. Paul. A dozen arts organizations will offer tenminute previews of upcoming or ongoing works. The first act, at 7 pm, is G-rated and family friendly.

The second act, at 8:15 pm, is unrated and uncensored. Tickets to the show range from $5-$20, and can be purchased online at www.SampleNightLive.com or by calling the box office at (651) 788-5992. All performances are ASL interpreted.

Now in its third season, Sample Night Live connects highquality local arts organizations to new audiences with a fun rockand-roll-style show the first Wednesday of every month.

Since its inception in 2008, Sample Night Live has connected more than 300 high-quality arts organizations with more than 4,000 new fans.

Audience members have the opportunity to opt-in to the mailing lists of organizations they like and are automatically entered to win free tickets to The Guthrie and The Ordway, as well as numerous other prizes contributed by the evening’s performers.

They also receive a swag bag filled with freebies and discount coupons to arts events across the Twin Cities. There are even special goodie bags for kids!

Sample Night Live’s 2010 season is sponsored by Travelers and supported by the Saint Paul Cultural STAR Program, The F.R.

Thomasina Petros Bigelow Foundation, Ecolab, Padilla Speer Beardsley, The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Western Bank, and the Saint Paul Foundation. More information about Sample Night Live and links to the websites of all past and current participating arts organizations are available at www.SampleNightLive.com.

Performance Line-up: Hosted by: Lounge-asaurus Rex House Band: The Smarts Visual Arts Installation: Lauren Strom A portion of the ticket sales from this performance will benefit The

Courtesy Sample Night Live

Human Rights Campaign Act One - G-Rated - 7 p.m.

The 48 Hour Film Project (Film) 50Fifty Reel Challenge (Film) Jazz Ensemble (Wonder Kids) Lounge-asaurus Rex (Improv) The Dregs (Vocal Ensemble) Act Two - Unrated - 8:15 p.m.

Sam Cook (Spoken Word) Twin Cities Jazz Festival (Jazz) Skylark Opera (Classical Music) Richard Griffith (Lutenist) The Twin Cities Improv Festival featuring The Mustache Rangers (Improv) The Brutes (Rock Band)

Monticello Middle School to Carleton College to the University of Minnesota to Totem Town Saint Paul. “There is No Box for Me” utilizes hiphop, spoken word, dance, and theater to express youth voices on important issues. It follows the story of a young man, Calvin Clementine, and his struggle to get out of bed and back to school.

The story connects the lives of a young African American woman defending her intelligence as her peers put her

on trail for “acting white,” young men effected by gang violence, and a student from Kenya, looking to show others that education is the most important tool they possess. All work is original and created by the cast of thirty students who have worked together this entire year to write and refine this high energy performance.

“Seeds of Change” is both a performance piece and an African American male support network that aims to lower the achievement gap between

African American males and other students. “Seeds of Change” is a space where the students and their allies can talk openly about issues that challenge the African American community, discuss effective means to help African American males achieve academic success, and advocate for positive changes in education. This year, noted actor Ansa Akyea has been integral to the development of “Seeds of Change,” serving as an artistic and academic mentor to these ambitious young adults.

Page 6 • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Insight News

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Grants seek and promote healing from racial inequity In an unprecedented effort to address the devastating impact of racial inequities on communities across the country, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has launched a five-year, $75 million initiative America Healing - that aims to improve life outcomes for vulnerable children and their families by promoting racial healing and eliminating barriers to opportunities.

In Minnesota, St. Paul Foundation will receive $1.8 million to help Twin Cities organizations strengthen capacity to reduce institutional racism and increase cultural competence by creating dialogue and expanding programs for individuals, communities, non-profit organizations, and public entities.

Children of color are overrepresented among the 29 million low-income children and families

in this country, particularly among families living in concentrated poverty. According to data from the National Center for Children in Poverty, about 61 percent of African American, 62 percent of Latino, 57 percent of Native American, 58 percent of children with immigrant parents, 30 percent of Asian American children and 26 percent of white children live in low-income families. “The Kellogg Foundation’s vision is for a nation to marshal its resources to ensure that all children in America have an equitable and promising future,� said Sterling K. Speirn, president and CEO. “That is simply not the case in many communities across the country today. The goal of the America Healing initiative is to help make that vision a reality by engaging communities and supporting them in the hard work of racial healing

and addressing the effects of historic and contemporary structural issues, such as residential segregation and concentrated poverty.�

During the first phase of America Healing, 119 organizations will receive grants totaling $14,613,709 specifically to support community-based organizations’ healing efforts among racial and ethnic groups that address historic burdens, disparities and barriers to opportunity. Their efforts will focus within local communities to increase opportunities for children in education, health and economic areas. Grantees represent 29 states and the District of Columbia and all racial and ethnic population groups.

In Minnesota, race-based, class-based, and place-based disparities regarding housing, education, income, and health are among the worst in the nation. The region has the highest share of adults without a high school diploma in the country, and ranks only 40th among the largest metro areas for Latinos with a completed high school education.

Believing that racism plays a large part in the creation and maintenance of these disparities, the Saint Paul Foundation will be working alongside the Minnesota Community Foundation on a newly developed joint strategic plan that affirms the value of “equity� with a goal of creating communities free of racism and other forms of discrimination.

Together, the foundations will broaden programs and grant making that specifically address racism, increase the capacity of communities of color and other communities to address racism and discrimination, and support continued internal work to address and document approaches to reduce institutional racism and increase cultural competence.

To further racial equity internally at the foundations and in communities, multiple approaches will be taken. Tools including creating dialogue about racism though New Conversations About Race and Racism; honoring community stakeholders working to undo racism through the Facing Race Ambassador Award program; launching learning communities that engage the nonprofit and public sectors in a deeper way around the issue of racism; forming networks of anti-racism service providers called Equity Lab; providing grants to nonprofits and anti-racism service providers; creating an online inventory of Minnesota anti-racism service providers; sharing learning with the community and the philanthropic field; and becoming a more equitable foundation through continuous learning. By integrating programs designed to specifically address racism and discrimination, the project will imbue the value of equity internally and across the state, improving the lives of vulnerable communities. “The mission of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is to help

communities create conditions that propel vulnerable children to succeed as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society,� said Dr. Gail Christopher, vice president of programs. “Because children of color are so disproportionately represented in low-income families and impoverished communities, realizing our mission requires addressing historic and current structural barriers to opportunity, such as exposure to environmental toxins and under-resourced schools, which are a direct result of past policies and practices of racialization and privilege.�

Christopher said that the overwhelming response to the initial phase of the initiative - there were nearly 1,000 responses to the request for racial healing proposals from both urban and rural communities - demonstrates that “we have tapped into a movement in this country, a reservoir of good will and eagerness to have the hard conversations, and to do the difficult work of addressing long standing issues that have needlessly divided communities from coast to coast.� “America Healing seeks to capture the spirit of our times and re-invigorate our country’s historic commitment to ensure that every child, no matter what race or ethnicity, develops their full potential to lead a healthy, educated and economically prosperous life,� said Speirn. “At a time when our nation shows disturbing signs of

becoming more polarized, this courageous effort by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to promote healing within local communities is sorely needed. It reminds us of our true democratic ideals as a nation and of the inalienable right guaranteed by our founding documents to the free and unfettered opportunity that every human being deserves,� said U.S. Representative John Lewis (DGA), who spoke at the launch event.

Other phases of the initiative will seek to curtail racism in the media, the environment, education, housing, health and criminal justice systems, with an emphasis on expanding opportunities for all children. “We have an opportunity to make dramatic progress in healing our nation,� Christopher said. “As a country, just as we as we have done in previous periods in our nation’s history, we must shine a light on racism so that we can put its effects on children and communities behind us.�

Moreover, the America Healing initiative complements the racial equity approach in all of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation grantmaking directed at supporting vulnerable children, their families and communities.

The new initiative will continue to focus on issues at the core of structural racism and will align with the foundation’s program areas: Education and Learning; Food, Health and Well-being; and Family Economic Security.

Fremont Community Clinics becomes Neighborhood HealthSource As Fremont Community Clinics celebrates its 40th Anniversary, it’s also looking to the future with a change of the organization name to Neighborhood HealthSource. The change was announced recently at Fremont’s 40th Anniversary Gala at Target Field. The three clinic names will remain the same and the focus will continue to be on the vital services each provides to its surrounding neighborhoods.

According to Executive Director Steve Knutson, “Fremont is changing its organization name to better reflect what it provides, not just the high quality medical services at our clinics, but also

through various outreach programs in the communities and partnerships with other local nonprofits and service providers to improve the health in our

neighborhoods.�

For 40 years now, Fremont has provided affordable and accessible health care to all. Knutson says that mission won’t change. “We will

The Gordon Parks Gallery FEATURING THE EXHIBITION GORDON PARKS: CROSSROADS AT METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY GRAND REOPENING EVENT â—† MAY 21, 4-8 P.M.

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Exhibition and events are free and open to the public. • Screenings of Gordon Parks’ movies and biography • Program with photographer Wing Young Huie • Jazz performance by Debbie Duncan

Library and Learning Center Third Floor 645 East Seventh Street Saint Paul, MN 55106

www.metrostate.edu/cas/cwa/gallery

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continue to ensure that our patients have access to high quality health services-regardless of their financial situation.�

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Insight News • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Page 7

Photos by Suluki Fardan

Dr. Robert Jones gave President Bruininks and Regents a guided tour of the UROC facility.

Pioneer plant scientist turns focus to urban agenda UROC From 1 Jones paid tribute to UROC founding executive director, Irma McClaurin who will assume broader duties at the U as associate vice president for system academic administration. He previously announced the new interim leadership team for UROC, Professors Heidi Barajas, Rose Brewer, and Geoffrey Maruyama, will be responsible for expanding engagement of University faculty in teaching, research, and outreach through UROC and with the University’s community partners. Specifically, work will focus on further expanding UROC programming, working to more deeply engage colleges and faculty in community initiatives, identifying gaps in programming, and determining how best to fill those gaps.

The team will rely upon monthly University Northside Partnership (UNP) Community Affairs Committee meetings for critical community engagement and to create a forum for hearing ideas and concerns.

In 2006,the University created the University Northside Partnership to convene community organizations based in North Minneapolis, city and county representatives, faith-based leaders, and university faculty and staff. The partnership aimed at building stronger and healthier neighborhoods that would tie together community and university expertise and resources and leverage these with city and county services and resources.

Towards the end of 2006, the University announced creation of UROC as the interface between University and community to achieve community-identified goals.

Since 2006, the University has invested almost $200,000 in the Northside Seed Grant Program, administered by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), to support proposals from community organizations that operate programs that serve residents of the Northside community.

In November 2007, UROC’s first executive director, Irma McClaurin, was hired, and the final transactions to secure the former shopping center at 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. as UROC’s home were completed in February 2008.

The building opened its doors in October, 2009.

The scope of the programs located in UROC are aimed at providing solutions to the complex issues that face North Minneapolis in the areas of education, economic development, and health and that reflect national trends in urban areas.

The UROC building provides University faculty and staff with office space in North Minneapolis for collaborative outreach and research programs in early childhood education, health disparities, health career development, youth development through the arts, and Extension programs.

Suluki Fardan

Ora Hokes and granddaughter with President Bruininks

material?” I found that absolutely amazing.

Part 2 of 3 AM: What was going on in Robert Jones’ mind when he was six or seven? What were your dreams?

What did you think about? What did you want to become at that time?

RJ: My dream at that time was to become a great scientist. I thought about medical school, but I knew there was no way I could finesse the financial cost of going to medical school. I thought about engineering but I wasn’t all that good with making things. All the things I took apart most of the time I didn’t get back together right. My brother had much more engineering talent than I did.

But I knew I was good at science. It was my passion; it was something that I was very passionate about.

AM: What about science did you know you had an aptitude for? If you can, describe that in a way that helps people who say, “I’m not good at science, or I’m not good at math…”

RJ: Well, let me be clear. I wasn’t the best math student in the world; in fact I had a math phobia. I could do math as long as I was sitting at my desk.

But if the teacher asked me to go to the board, I would freeze almost every time. So I had a math phobia that I really didn’t get over until I was actually in college. Even though I had aspirational goals to go to college, I avoided taking algebra and trigonometry until my senior year. I found myself through my mentor. He saw that I was talking about going to college but I hadn’t prepared myself adequately with math. I had taken all the chemistry and other science courses and done extremely well. I graduated number five or six out of a hundred and twenty five or thirty students in my class. So I knew I could do the science part of it. But I was just afraid of mathematics and I avoided it as long as I could. I found myself taking third year and fourth year math all during my senior year, all at one time. I survived. I was able to maintain a 3.25 GPA, graduate, and get admitted to several universities.

What I would say to young kids who have an interest in science but have a math phobia, don’t let that stop you. You have to deal with it because mathematics is even more important today than it was when I was young.

I think the most important attribute of being a good scientist, the core principle, is whether or not you have innate curiosity and extreme patience. Scientific inquiry is a very slow, methodical process that takes a long time to make incremental advances. I had that innate curiosity. I was curious about everything, especially things that were alive.

When I was supposed to be picking cotton, I often found myself standing there looking at a piece, a boll of cotton that I would have in my hand and think, “Now how can this green plant produce this white fluffy

AM: And how does it?

RJ: Well it’s a complicated process, but basically everything comes down to the process of photosynthesis, which we all learn in basic biology.

Plants take in CO2 from the atmosphere and give off oxygen.

They take that CO2 and make sugars and the sugars form into different kinds of complex carbohydrates. The plant is able to make all kinds of fiber and other tissue not only to sustain the vegetative part of the plant but to produce the fluffy stuff we call cotton.

So all that stuff is very fascinating to me. It’s one of the reasons I went into plant physiology. I was always curious about the systems of the plant that allowed it to produce grain or whatever product or fruit it was able to produce.

I started out in what is called soil chemistry and fertility… that’s just studying the dirt, as commoners call it I like to call it soil. Dirt is what’s on my shoes. Soil is what we grow plants in. But I found that not as interesting as studying what is alive.

Soil is alive, of course, but in a different way than plant systems are alive. So it was the innate curiosity about life and what makes plants and animals and living systems tick that drove me as a scientist. Ironically, those were the kind of things that I was thinking about, not at the age of six, but definitely by the age of eight.

AM: And so as an African American, a Black man in America, how have science and your curiosity conspired to give you a view of the future?

What would you say, as a scientist, lies ahead for African American people. What lies ahead as a result of your work?

RJ: Well as I said, my research was primarily designed to prepare our food production systems for the onslaught of global climate change.

Clearly, thirty years later, all of it is really coming to bear now and people understand that this is a real problem.

My work was also driven by the fact that I was very much aware that in Africa and some other developing countries food production systems were not as effective and as efficient as they are here in America, primarily because of lack of research, lack of development, lack of the interest in developing crops that were resistant to high temperature and to water stress environments. The original impetus for my work, in addition to preparing food plans for global climate change, was to learn how we can use technology and knowledge to increase food production in order to sustain those populations in areas where it is too hot and too dry now for crops to be successful. That scientific interest has had an implication for what a lot of major biotech companies are doing now - transforming plants using genetic technology based on research that my lab and others conducted in the last 10 or 15 years.

We wanted to understand the underlying mechanism of heat and drought stress and how we can manipulate the plants to make them more tolerant so we can feed people

Overflow crowd at the UROC ceremony not only in the US but, more critically, in developing countries around the world. Basic research we did now forms the basis for what biotech companies are doing to make plants more heat and drought tolerant. I feel extremely pleased with that. I’ve had a very successful career as a scientist.

Concurrent with that I have been an administrator for twenty of my thirty-one years at the University, first

Suluki Fardan

part-time and then full-time for the last fifteen years. I’ve been a person that had trouble just focusing on one thing. But after thirty-one years I finally closed my laboratory last year because it became too difficult to keep up with the cutting-edge work in my scientific field and also have responsibility for leading all the University campuses and managing our other resources across the state.

That takes an enormous amount of time.

But my scientific knowledge and training have been very helpful to me in all my administrative work, especially the University’s urban agenda. I’ve transformed my attention from scientific efforts to feed people to now working with the University’s new goals and initiatives to help resolve complex problems in urban communities.

I’m still very much a problemsolving person, but now my research and my efforts have been transformed from the traditional laboratory setting to the real laboratory of working in the real world…community problems and working with communities on real, difficult problems that need to be resolved. We think the University of Minnesota has a role to play in resolving some of these complex issues.

For over 80 years, Hallie Q. Brown has been the Lighthouse of the Community...

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The Hallie Q. Brown Early Learning Center is currently accepting applications for enrollment.

We are a licensed daycare and preschool program with a 4 Star Parent Aware rating. We feature licensed and trained staff, Project Early Kindergarten (PEK) curriculum and a sliding fee scale. We gladly accept Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Contact us today for a tour and more information.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center 270 N. Kent Street St. Paul, MN 55102 651-224-4601 www.hallieqbrown.org

Page 8 • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Allergy relief 101 is right in your kitchen Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey Last Saturday, I finally broke down and took my son, Landon, to the doctor. For about four weeks, he has suffered from a rattling cough, runny nose, and mild head (and ear) aches. Thinking it was only seasonal allergies, I had been faithfully giving him home remedies, like garlic and olive oil drops for his ears. I became more concerned when he seemed to be talking really loud and claiming that he was having trouble hearing us; he wasn’t answering when we called. The doctor basically said that he was fine-no ear infection, no signs of pneumonia-but offered a prescription of antibiotics “just in case.” Knowing that antibiotics

MPS From 4 running for re-election, being used as a scapegoat for these unions who have yet been able to settle on new contracts? For these unions, particularly MFT, to penalize Williams is cynical and self-serving and in fact a choice to penalize African American students and parents in the district. What a travesty.

A review of the record supports the reality that MFT has not been a strong supporter of diversity in the

should not be used willy nilly, I took the prescription, but had no intention of filling it. Instead, we will continue with our natural allergy remedies. You might find them helpful too.

Drink Your OJ and Have Nuts.

Believe it or not, a daily cup of juice and 2 ounces of Brazil nuts reduces airway inflammation by as much as 40%. The combination of vitamin C (in the juice) and selenium (in the nuts) work together to keep inflammation in check.

Eat Yogurt. Surprisingly, yogurt is useful for allergy sufferers. Studies show that by eating one to two cups daily, it helps to stop reactions to pollen before they start.

Rinse Your Nasal Passage. Saline mists, salt water sprays, and nasal rinses are also economical ways to wash the pollen from your nose and provide quick relief.

Fruits and Veggies. Apples, bananas, and onions all have antiinflammatory properties and help to

class-room. Their insistence in maintaining a rigid seniority system has cost the district a loss of almost two thirds of its teachers of color including a large number of African Americans. Most African Americans know the trade unions’ history of not being very concerned over the lack of African American presence in the leadership of their organizations.

Only SEIU, the service employees’ bargaining unit, has demonstrated their commitment to diversity and inclusion of African Americans at the leadership level and in their rank and file. Thank them for their foresight and we urge them to reconsider and endorse T. Williams for his record

build up the immune system.

It seems that this spring has many allergy sufferers more uncomfortable than usual. Even my husband and I have been itching, sniffling, and sneezing. Instead of spending big bucks on over-thecounter medicines, and contending with the unpleasant side effects, try natural foods and remedies to address your issues. As always, check with your doctor prior to trying any new regimen or supplements. As for my dear, sweet son, it occurred to me that he simply had a bad case of the mama-I-can’thear-you-because-I-don’t-want-tosyndrome. I also have a natural remedy for that too. When applied it to the seat of his pants, it usually works wonders in one dose! Write me if you need the recipe. Enjoy!

Editor’s Note: The opinions in this column are those of the writer and not necessarily of Insight News and/or its staff. Readers should not rely on this information as professional medical advice or use it to replace any relationship with

your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about medications and other treatments, consumers should always consult

their physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.

of being an outstanding board member.

We cannot and will not speak to the qualifications of people we have not observed or know of their commitment to education. I will leave that to the voters. However, I can and must speak of the qualifications and long involvement on many education issues of Chanda Baker.

We have personally worked with and observed her involvement on issues of education over the past ten years. Her passion for transparency and her drive to learn what really works and what does not work qualify her for endorsement and election to an at large seat on the school board. Perhaps it is the legacy of her family history in education that has driven this young African American woman to use her skills and ability to advocate for improving public education. Of course she has been a critic of the failures of the education establishment to meet the needs of all students, but in that

criticism she has always been an advocate for strong public schools.

She has used her time and energy to become knowledgeable of those evidenced based strategies that work for all children and is well positioned to be an outstanding policy maker on the Minneapolis Public Schools.

It seems ironic that at a time when the achievement gap between African Americans and other students of color, versus the achievement of whites, is growing our union brothers and sisters who purport to be our friends find it impossible to identify and endorse qualified African Americans. The unions past history and lack of sensitivity in these times make it incumbent that our community act before the primary elections.

We call on the City endorsing convention to endorse two African American candidates to the school board as at-large members.

Additionally we call on that convention to support and endorse Alberto Monserata and Hussein

Samatar as well. Delegates to that convention should endorse our two at large African American candidates or endorse no one and let the voters decide. Moreover we call on elected officials and candidates for public office to support two African Americans for those at-large seats on this school board.

We need to remind our progressive friends that African Americans have been the most loyal DFL voters in the state’s history. Our

Sam Weng

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.

community demands and deserves your support for the election of two African Americans, both the highly qualified and current board member T. Williams and Chanda Baker to the next school board. To do so would provide and opportunity to keep one of three experienced board members and to bring a new and exciting woman candidate that will create a truly diverse and highly qualified school board.

insightnews.com

Insight News • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Page 9

Legislative session best and worst for racial justice Minneapolis; Diane Loeffler, Minneapolis; Carlos Mariani, St. Paul; Erin Murphy, St. Paul; Kim Norton, Rochester, Michael Paymar, St Paul; John Persell, Bemidji, Nora Slawik, Maplewood; Linda Slocum, Richfield; and Paul Thissen, Minneapolis.

Part three of three in a series from “Conversations with Al McFarlane” Public Policy Broadcasts on KFAI-90.3FM (in Minneapolis) and 106.7FM (in St. Paul) and online at kfai.org Batala McFarlane: Who are the legislators that we should watch? Who is doing a good job? Who received passing grades? Who isn’t doing a good job?

Jermaine Toney: We actually saw our racial justice honor roll grow. So these are the As and the Bs. In 2008 we named 17 law makers as champions for racial equity. They sponsored and supported pieces of legislation that advance racial equity and opportunity. In 2009 we named 31. So you see the growth there.

Al McFarlane: I want you to name the ones that you gave As to.

Jermaine Toney: Just in general they are from urban areas, from suburban areas, and from rural areas. They are Democrats.

They are Republicans. They are women

Haiti From 1 book can be useful in helping us to understand the Haitian story as something more than what the tip of the iceberg show us. It is a book which explains the rest of the iceberg, unseen.

Once, the island was called Ayity or Haiti by the Taino, its original people, but was summarily renamed Hispaniola by Columbus and his conquering interlopers from Spain. From this point in time, the history of the “The New World,” indeed, changed mightily.

According to contemporary European observers, after the 1490s “within the blink of an eye,” life on the island was transformed. Contact between these Spanish conquistadors and the indigenous Tainos brought about unspeakable conclusions: a gaggle of contagious European diseases, such as small pox, which the immune system of the natives could not resist. “And so they died like flies,” was just one phase of the rampant deathblows dealt to these innocent people.

Conquest and super labor exploitation led to enslavement, and eventually genocide, which led to

Horne From 1 and her left-leaning political views and associations got her blacklisted from Hollywood for much of the 1950s.

Despite her absence away from the big screen, Horne went on become one of the most revered night club performers in the post-war period. During the movement for civil rights, Horne was an active participator in marches and protests, including the 1963 March on Washington where she spoke and performed.

Horne spent the last years of her life focused on her musical career.

She released her last studio album, “Being Myself” in 1998 on Blue Note records. She was 81 at that time. She received a Tony Award in 1981 for her one-woman Broadway show, “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.”

Jermaine Toney and men. So it’s not just Minneapolis and St Paul; our champions are from across the state. Some highlights: In the Senate, we named: Steve Dille, Dassel, Minnesota; Linda Higgins, Minneapolis; Gary Kubly, Granite Falls; Ron Latz, St. Louis Park; Tony

the rapid extinction of the Taino.

In less than two generations Tainos became as scarce as buffaloes in the U.S. This sad episode led to another different, but equally tragic, episode in man’s inhumanity to his fellow man - the importation of West Africans as the new labor force, replacing native peoples, in Haiti and eventually, native peoples throughout most of the Caribbean islands. From 1501 onward, this process of the callous elimination of the Taino, Arowak, and Carib people who inhabited these islands continued. All of this was done in the name of “gospel, glory, and gold.” The celebrated slogan of Spanish power, which expresses its religious, nationalist, economic, and arrogant aims. This slogan amounted to a perfect template for the emerging ideology of “White Supremacy.”

Other nascent European Nation-States were soon to follow: Portugal, Holland, France, the Dutch and England, became the major exponents of this shared doctrine towards “non white humans” according to their respective Nationalist aims. This explosion of power from Western Europe represents the first chapter in modern Imperialism, and She is being mourned in both the entertainment and social justice worlds.

“Ms. Horne was a pivotal figure in the entertainment world. She was a consummate entertainer whose dignified stage presence destroyed many of the stereotypes in which other Black entertainers of her era were cast. She was a cross-over success before the term was widely used. Although many have failed to fully acknowledge her civil rights efforts, Ms. Horne used the power of her celebrity to change the shape of racial discrimination in the United States,” said Dr. E. Faye Williams, national chair of the National Congress of Black Women in a statement. “Her life was genuinely iconic. The beauty and enjoyment that she brought to the masses with her entertainment will last far longer than many of the entertainers who followed her. She was a unique personality who will truly be missed.”

Lourey, Kerrick, Northern Minnesota; Mee Moua, St. Paul; Mary Olson, Beltrami County (which is near Bemidji); Sandra Pappas, St. Paul; Yvonne Prettner Solon, Duluth; and Patricia Torres Ray, Minneapolis.

In the House Representatives:

colonization and thus the greatest transformation of lands and peoples in human history. The first people in this hemisphere to be engulfed by Europe and the modern idea of “race” and the practice of racism were the indigenous peoples, the Native or “Indian” peoples. These Native islanders were very early (1501) to encounter West Africans who were kidnapped into captivity and brought in as the newly enslaved by the Spanish. The Africans eventually repopulated the Island of Haiti and the various other islands. Today we call these people “West Indians.” A rich and complex relationship evolved between these two subjugated peoples, Tiano and Africans, which spawned the creation of a new population from Native Taino and African unions, a natural consequence of being forced together as subject peoples under “white supremacy.” The clash of cultures from different geographic backgrounds resulted in the formation of new cultural forms that we know today as Caribbean culture. Haiti, which means, the Land of Mountains, was at the center of the earliest stages of “New World” languages and culture.

Courtesy OAP

Bobby Joe Champion, Minneapolis; Karen Clark, Minneapolis; Jim Davnie, Minneapolis; Mindy Greiling.

Roseville; Jeff Hayden, Minneapolis; Bill Hilty, Finlayson; Frank Hornstein, Minneapolis; Sheldon Johnson, St. Paul; Margaret Kelliher,

So the honor roll is growing and that’s great. We love to see that.

But there was also some of the worst stuff that happened last session. Budget decisions, particularly unallotment by the Governor, undermined progress towards equity.

Here are actions that really undermined this process we have been just laying out. One is that the Governor proposed the 27% decrease to the Renters’ Credit, which is about $51 million. Approximately 274,000 Minnesotans, renters, are faced with reductions and over 18,000 renters would actually lose access to the credit. Who are those renters?

That’s elderly renters, that’s renters of color, that’s low-

income renters. We know that people of color are 14% of the population, but around 26% of the renters in the state of Minnesota.

So it disproportionately falls on communities of color.

Equally devastating is the $300 million of state aid to local government that was unallotted. We did an analysis and found that the counties with higher percentages of people of color, unemployment, and poverty are the ones getting the highest reduction in state aid to local government. So what does that mean? That means we will see fewer firefighters. We will see fewer services. We will see fewer snow plows… just fewer services in general.

So our counties that are struggling the most and our residents who are struggling the most have been asked to bear the brunt of the budget cuts.

This is what we mean by describing this session as the worst for racial justice and equity.

Page 10 • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Insight News

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Congressional Arts Forum names winners US Rep. Keith Ellison hosted the 29th Annual High School Congressional Arts Competition Forum May 3 at the Perpich Center for Art Education (PCAE) in Golden Valley. Each spring, Ellison sponsors a district-wide high school arts competition. The High School Congressional Arts Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of students from across the nation and in each Congressional District.

A total of 50 pieces of artwork were submitted by 30 art teachers from 20 schools in the Fifth Congressional District. Schools competing included: Perpich Center for the Arts High School (Golden Valley), Hopkins High School, Hosterman District 287 (New Hope), Washburn High School (Minneapolis), Fridley High School, Robbinsdale Cooper High School, Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Southwest High School (Minneapolis), FAIR School Downtown, Totino-Grace High School (Fridley), Richfield High School, Spring Lake Park High School, Breck School (Golden Valley), Spring Lake Park Learning Alternatives Community School, The Blake School (Minneapolis), Metro Heights Academy (Columbia Heights), P.E.A.S.E. Academy (Minneapolis), Phoenix VOA High School (Minneapolis), Columbia Heights High School, and El Colegio High School (Minneapolis).

“The quality of artwork in this competition was truly astounding. These talented young people are a real tribute

to the value of arts education in our schools,” Ellison said. “The diversity of styles, techniques, and perspectives demonstrated the potential and talent of this new generation of artists.

Ellison awarded certificates of participation to each student and announced the winners at the arts education forum: 1st Place – Abigail Marolt of the Perpich Center for Art Education (Grade 11). Abigail’s Photos:flickr.com/photos/keithellison artwork will hang in a Winning artwork left to right: 1st Place – Abigail Marolt, 2nd Place – Lydia O’Callaghan-Morrison and national art exhibit in the 3rd Place – Peter James Holme corridor leading to the Blake School (Grade 11). Lydia’s artwork will hang teacher is Nancy Norwood.

United States Capitol for one year. Southwest Airlines Honorable Mentions went to: Nicole Delmonico of Ellison’s Washington, D.C. office for one year. In donated two round trip tickets to Washington, D.C. for to addition, the Perpich Foundation presented her with a Spring Lake Park High School; Angela Preston of Abigail and one parent for the formal Art Ribbon-Cutting Richfield High School; Alex Peters of Totino-Grace High $100 award. Lydia’s art teacher is Bill Coburn.

Ceremony on June 17. Additionally, the Perpich 3rd Place – Peter James Holme of the Perpich Center School; Joanna Hunt of Totino-Grace High School; Lydia Foundation presented her with a $150 award. Abigail’s for Art Education (Grade 12). Peter’s artwork will hang Bickal of Southwest High School; and Emmi Brytowski teacher is Colleen Brennan. in Ellison’s District Office for one year. The Perpich of Fridley High School.

2nd Place – Lydia O’Callaghan-Morrison of the Foundation presented him with a $50 award. Peter’s

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Events

PHONE: FAX:

screenings all month on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9a-12p and from 2:15p-4p. Contact Carol @ 612-287-2433

Stroke Risk Screenings – Tues. and Thurs. in May May is Stroke Awareness Month and Fremont’s Stroke Prevention Project is offering free stroke risk

Independence & Revolution 1810/1910/2010. Thru. May 28 The exhibit is part of the framework for the festivities commemorating the Bicentennial of the Independence of México and the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Centennial of the Mexican Revolution.

Participating Artists: Martha Driessen, Substitute Teacher Veronica Jato, Sandra Felemovicius, DEPT: Early Learning Center Gustavo Lira, Maria Cristina Tavera, and SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager Xavier Tavera. Scheduled gallery tours TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt through the duration of the exhibit: SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour Tuesdays (May 4 - 25): 4pm & 5pm, Fridays (May 7 - 28): 10am & 11am, POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long Saturdays (May 1 - 22): 12pm &1pm 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.

Take Charge of Your Health Care: Asking Questions, Getting Answers May & June Free class that teaches consumers to empower themselves by using the Internet to learn about health issues and to ask questions of health care providers. After this program, participants will feel more empowered to ask questions of health care providers and more confident in finding health information on the Internet.

•The “Take Charge of Your Health Care” class will be presented on the following dates: •Mon., May 24, 6:30pm, Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice St. 651-558-2223 •Sat., June 19, 2pm, Riverview Library, 1 E. George St. 651-292-6626 •Mon., June 21, 6pm, Dayton’s Bluff Library, 645 E. 7th St. 651-793-1699

612.588.1313 612.588.2031

•Sat., June 26, 11pm, St Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave. 651-642-0411 •Wed., July 7, 10:30am, Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway St. Paul, 651-695-3700 For more information, please call or email: Nathan Maas @ 612-298-7068 or nathanmaasmhlp@gmail.com “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.

Red Balloon Bookshop Upcoming Events – Thru May A series of book clubs and events for children, and adults. Includes author meetings and readings, book clubs for kids, book clubs for adults who enjoy children’s books and more. To see all upcoming events, visit: http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/ Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate at the Walker Art Center – May 25, June 8, June 22 The Arty Pants programs in May and June are presented from 11 am–1 pm Tuesdays, May 25, June 8 and 22. Activities are free with gallery admission; Walker members and children ages 12 and under always receive free admission.

FAIR Crystal Presents Elders’Wisdom, Children’s Song – May 18 FAIR School Crystal will host a community celebration honoring four community elders at the FAIR Theatre on Tue., May 18, 4:30-5:30pm. The 4th grade students will honor four elders with strong ties to

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.

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

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.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF ORANGEBURG May E. Kiazolu, Plaintiff, v.

Varney Jumor Kiazolu, Defendant.

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

The open forum explores how can the community and government agencies better support youth?

For further information call (612) 596-8512, or email carol.wandersee@co.hennepin.mn.us the FAIR Community. The Elder Wisdom, Children’s Song™ community celebration will be hosted by America’s Troubadour, Larry Long, and is free and open to the public. For info contact: Larry Long - 612722-9775 or larryl@communitycelebration.org KNOVA Learning Minnesota student enrollment meeting- May 18th Tuesday May 18th at UROC located at the intersection of N Plymouth Av. and Penn, KNOVA Learning Minnesota, a K-3 charter school scheduled to open fall 2010 in North Minneapolis, will hold enrollment meetings with parents from 6-8pm. The school’s mission is to prepare students for advanced careers and competitive colleges. For more information call 763.355.7555 or email www.knovaminnesota@gmail.com

IN THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Docket No. 10-DR-38-278

SUMMONS

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE: 612.588.1313 FAX:

612.588.2031

EMAIL:

sales@insightnews.com

Accounting Clerk Flexible, part-time schedule at North Minneapolis nonprofit. Responsible for processing weekly payroll; coding and entering accounts payable; maintaining filing system for paid invoices and other documents. Three years experience required. Please submit resumes to: human.resources@thesbsgroup.net Updated 1-2 Bedroom Apartments in Whittier Clean, quiet, secure, Parking available near bus WHITTIER COMMUNITY APARTMENTS 612-870-RENT(7368) “Equal Housing Opportunity Provider”

Townhomes For Rent TO:

THE DEFENDANT ABOVE-NAMED YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to answer the Complaint in

2 Bedrooms $490/month 3 Bedrooms $565/month For more information contact: Fergus Falls HRA 1151 Friberg Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 218-739-3249 • fergusfallshra.com

this matter, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at his offices located at 2000 Park Street, Suite 100, Post Office Box 8596, Columbia, South Carolina, 29202-8596, within thirty (30) days from the service thereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

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:

) ) )

http://insightnews.com

A Community forum on supporting youth through juvenile justice reform and violence prevention takes place 6:30 pm-8:30 pm., May 20, 2010 at Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center, 2924 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis. The forum will cover Minneapolis’s Blueprint for Violence Prevention and the work of Juvenile justice reform/ Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI).

The successful candidate will have a 4yr. degree in accounting and 5yrs. experience in fund accounting for a non-profit organization.

Salary is 60k+ (dep. on exper.) plus health ins. and pension. Send resume to Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, Attn: Grant Abbott, 1671 Summit Ave., St. Paul 55105, or fax: 651-6466866 or e-mail: gabbott@spacc.org by May 28.

People of color and from any religious tradition are encouraged to apply.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Executive Coordinator

ben@insightnews.com

Forum on supporting juveniles

Director of Operations The Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, a non-proselytizing social service, church related non-profit, has a position opening for Director of Operations. This is a full-time position to oversee administrative and financial aspects of the Council's operations including: manage building, equipment purchases, maintenance, insurance, human resources and IT. Reports to Executive Director.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to:

DEPT: Administration SUPERVISED BY: Director of Finance and Operations & Executive Director TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Exempt SALARY GRADE: $25,000 - $33,000

EMAIL: ONLINE:

ISAACS & ALLEY, L.L.P. G. Robin Alley, Esquire 2000 Park Street, Suite 100 Post Office Box 8596 Columbia, SC 29202-8596 (803) 252-6323 Attorneys for the Plaintiff gra@isaacsandalley.com Columbia, South Carolina February 12, 2010 NOTICE: The Summons in this action, of which the above is a copy, together with the Complaint therein was filed with the Clerk of Court of Orangeburg County on March 5, 2010

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.

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: The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program 10125 Crosstown Circle #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040 www.minnesotablizzards.com

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Insight News • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS Stadium issue is the budget versus the building Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com The legislative window for Vikings efforts towards a new stadium has closed and the fact that there is a looming state budget shortfall doesn’t spell well. Yet the campaign is on throughout the state to convince the business community of the benefits that a new Vikings stadium could bring.

The legislative session adjourns on

May 17, so it doesn’t look good, save a miracle, but that might not be so bad after all. As the recent national healthcare legislation proved, and as Prussian theorist Carl von Clausewitz stated, “No campaign survives first contact…”

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. That is what I see when I have had the opportunity to survey the recent activity around the new Twins and Gophers structures. I’m sure this is part of the message delivered by the Vikings staff and supportive legislators, as they visit with the various statewide Chambers of Commerce and Fortune 500 company CEOs. For those like the man (Jeff Baker), who posted the recent billboard

stating, “Dear Mr. President, I need a Freakin’ Job” I would have to imagine that the construction jobs and service contracts that would be born through the stadium project make a lot of household’s palms itch. Naturally there is quite a bit of excitement for the Twin Cities community for the newlybuilt stadiums, like a child having a new toy to play with, but it doesn’t hurt that the buildings don’t suck. This only proves the quality of the construction industry residing here in our backyard, and the compliments have been heard far and wide for the Twins stadium in particular.

It would be an easy decision if it were only those Pro’s that go into the Viking stadium issue, but the Con’s are the same for the bum on the street and the state of Minnesota alike: money, greenbacks, sawbucks, dividends, bread, scratch, cheddar cheese, or whatever you want to call it. The financial situation for the State, Nation, and World are…bad, and seem to go every whitcha’ way, every other day (the wonders of the 24hr news cycle don’t help). It takes time, vigilance, creativity, and will to get through these periods in the country’s history, and the same is the case for the Vikings efforts to get a new stadium.

The key word, in my puny opinion, is creativity. There is certainly opportunity to be had should a large entertainment

Twins Stadium under construction stadium shouldn’t come on the back of taxpayers. The Vikings investment will be one-third of that $870 projection. Targeted taxes at memorabilia and such seem feasible, but Gov. Pawlenty is potentially gearing up for campaigns towards greener political pastures, and

A lot of “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” come with a stadium project construction project come to a region, and it is up to those “haves” to find ways to make it work for the good of the community at large; and likely their own investment bottom line in the long run. The majority of the $870 million dollars for a retractable roof

his stance on tax increases has always seemed to lead his overriding message as a politician, so he might be trying to leave this one for the next guy rather than provide ammo to future political opponents.

It all makes for a pretty

interesting story that has some real pocketbook implications for many. I can’t call it other than to confirm my joy of passing my ticket to a young fella from St. Paul Selby residence, and getting my hot dog from one of those brilliant young girls from the Northside. And so like I said, it’s up to the “haves” -executives, politicians, and letter-writing constituents (you and I)-- to work it out. But, if the state constituency hasn’t’ given up on the Timberwolves, then I think you can always bank on support from the folks around here to make a big sporting investment go well.

No answers over here where I sit, but plenty of fodder for the barbershop. What I do know is that the Vikings Metrodome

minnescraper.com

lease expires after the 2011 season, so they better keep the PowerPoint presentations rollin’ because L.A., my hometown, needs a football team, and the Vikings colors already match my Lakers’ uniforms.

The Twins are kicking butt, and the Vikings are coming off of an “almost” Superbowl year.

But once again, so much rides on the diabolical mind and aging body of one Brett Lorenzo Favre. I mean, if Brett doesn’t come back then all of that money and job growth might be riding on the arm of one Tarvaris Fox Jackson. I hope that happens so I can say, “I told you so,” when Tarvaris leads The Purple to a Superbowl victory. Long Live the Tarvaris Jackson Fan Club!

Page 12 • May 17 - May 23, 2010 • Insight News

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