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May 20 - May 26, 2013

Vol. 40 No. 21 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Transitions

From foster care to life on their own

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Life on one’s own is a daunting task.

It is even more daunting for young adults who have been in foster care – often bouncing from residence to residence with very little stability and no real support system of which to speak. Things most take for granted, such as establishing and maintaining a banking account or budgeting for monthly expenses, oftentimes go untaught to foster children. For some children in the foster care system, the primary concern is surviving each day, not planning for tomorrow.

With this in mind, one organization is working to assist teens and young adults in the Hennepin County foster care system and help them transition into life on their own.

Connections to Independence (C2i), was initially founded as a program within Summit Academy OIC but in 2009 the program became an organization onto itself, with then program manager Jessica Rogers taking over as executive director. The mission of C2i is to prepare youth for living independently as they get closer to reaching adulthood and aging out of the foster care system.

Participants are typically between the ages of 15-21 and focus on a healthy mind, body, and soul approach to learning

Thomas Stone

Anne Hodson

State Senator Scott Dibble (61), State Representative Karen Clark (62A) and their spouses with Governor Mark Dayton signing the bill for Marriage Equality May 14, 2013.

Governor signs same sex marriage bill into law; takes effect Aug. 1

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer

Markita Hawkins independent living skills. Youth are assigned an independent living skills counselor who they work with until they exit the

C2I TURN TO 10

With a throng of nearly 6,000 supporters on hand at the Capitol, Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law a bill that will legalize same sex marriages in the state.

The law, which was fasttracked through the Minnesota state House and Senate, was signed on the steps of the Capitol this past Tuesday (May 14).

Minnesota joins 11 other states

and the District of Columbia in allowing same sex couples to legally marry. The law goes into effect Aug. 1.

“It’s historic, it’s so exciting,” said Monica Meyer, executive director of OutFront Minnesota.

OutFront is a gay rights advocacy group that has been at the forefront of the fight for gay marriage in the state. “I think the country is seeing a sea change and we’re gaining momentum across the country.”

Meyer said the next big date

in the fight for marriage equality will come this fall when the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear two different cases involving rights for same sex couples.

“I keep telling my wife, then we’ll be married, married (if the Supreme Court rules on the side of same sex couples),” said Meyer, who said she and her wife have been married for four years.

She said the two were married in Canada (her wife is Canadian) and again in Iowa, another state that legally recognizes same sex

marriages.

Meyer said the passage and signing of the same sex marriage law is historic not only because of the significance of permitting same sex couples to legally marry, but because just this past November there was a ballot initiative to amend the state’s Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

MARRIAGE TURN TO 10

Rally demands strong Homeowners’ Bill of Rights

Rose McGee

Mark R Brown

Rose McGee wins fight to stay in her home

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer McGee has been in a wellchronicled, yearlong battle with CitiMortgage to stop the

foreclosure of her residence and to remain in the place she has called home for more than 20 years. That battle ended this past week when the two sides reached a settlement that will allow McGee to obtain a new mortgage on her home.

MPD

Fallen officers recognized by area law enforcement

PAGE 2

“Yes it’s true. I get to say in my home. I’m getting a new mortgage,” said McGee in an email to supporters.

“I’m so thankful to God, my

MCGEE TURN TO 10

Education

Kenna Cottman: An example of African American excellence

PAGE 4

ST. PAUL (May 15, 2013) — More than 200 Minnesotans filled the rotunda of the State Capitol urging legislators to bring a strong Homeowners’ Bill of Rights to the floors of the House and Senate for a vote before the end of the session. Community leaders from throughout Minnesota were joined by State Reps.

Melissa Hortman, Raymond Dehn, John Lesch, other legislators, members of the clergy and homeowners facing foreclosure.

It is still possible for the Legislature to pass a strong Homeowners’ Bill of Rights, comprehensive legislation that will protect Minnesotans from unfair and unnecessary foreclosures.

The strong showing of support indicates that Minnesotans want to see passage of the bill this year.

Throughout the state, more than 150,000 Minnesota homeowners have lost their homes to foreclosure since 2006.

In 2012, there were three times more foreclosures in Minnesota than in 2005, continuing to have a disastrous effect on Minnesota communities. These foreclosures can and should be avoided.

Rose McGee, a Maple Grove homeowner who was facing foreclosure as the result of a banking practice known as “dual tracking” spoke to the crowd. Recently, McGee received word that loan servicer Fannie Mae agreed to a settlement after a yearlong campaign to stay in her home.

McGee’s story was one of many that provided inspiration for this legislation.

“We must not give up,” McGee said. “I will be staying in my home, but nobody should have to fight this hard for something so simple. The legislature must immediately pass a strong Homeowners’

RIGHTS TURN TO

Full Circle

What does it mean to be submissive?

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Chanda Smith-Baker

Chanda SmithBaker new co-chair of African American Leadership Forum The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) recently announced that its founder Gary Cunningham has stepped down as cochair of the Forum. Chanda Smith-Baker, president and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, will join the AALF leadership as its newest co-chair.

SMITH-BAKER TURN TO

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Health

Breathe easier this summer: Tips to control your child’s asthma

PAGE 11

Page 2 • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Insight News

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Fallen officers recognized by area law enforcement

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Officers from throughout the metro honored their fallen comrades as a part of Peace Officers Memorial Day. In a Wednesday (May 15) ceremony inside the Minneapolis City Hall Rotunda, officers from the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department gathered to pay tribute to area officers killed in the line of duty. Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau said she is thankful that two more officers would not have to be memorialized following a May 10 shooting incident that led to two officers being shot. Both officers survived the incident.

This suspect was killed.

“We will be forever grateful

Commander Bruce Folkens (near left), Commander Medaria Arradondo, Deputy Chief Kris Arneson and Deputy Chief Eddie Frizell stand to acknowledge fallen officers during a mid-week ceremony to honor those killed in the line of duty. that two of our own were not killed in the line of duty last

Friday (May 10),” said Harteau, who said on average, nationwide,

one officer is killed in the line of duty every 57 hours.

The chief became emotional when she recalled the days of her being selected to head the Minneapolis department and her first day on the job. Harteau said she could not revel in joy because at the same time, Cold Spring officer Tom Decker was killed in the line of duty.

“On the day I was confirmed, I learned of Tom Decker’s (death),” said Harteau, wiping away tears. “It should have been a joyous day, but I was heart broken. I didn’t know Tom Decker but I didn’t need to; we are cops. My first day as Minneapolis chief wasn’t spent in Minneapolis; it was spent in Cold Springs at Officer Decker’s funeral.”

Lt. Bill Whisney of the Minneapolis Police Department read off the names of 61 area officers killed in the line of duty, beginning with Robert Laughlin

of the Minneapolis Police Department, who was killed on July 28, 1884 and culminating with Mike Pollitz of the St. Louis Park Police, who was killed in November of 2011.

Hennepin County Sheriff Richard Stanek said it is important to remember every officer who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the general public.

“The only thing I know for sure is those of the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department and officers of surrounding counties will never forget (those killed in the line of duty),” said Stanek. “God bless the peace worker.”

Similar ceremonies were held throughout the nation and around the area including in St. Paul.

Twin Cities’ retail cleaning workers set deadline for June strike Retail cleaning workers who work for contracted companies cleaning Target and other stores in the Twin Cities announced last week that they are set to walk off the job again if employers continue to refuse to open dialogue with them and the Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (CTUL), a Minneapolis workers center that has been organizing the workers for three years.

The workers announced their plans in a press conference that was held in downtown Minneapolis.

“Since the last strike in February, we believe that workers’ rights have continued to be violated,” said Brian Payne, an organizer with CTUL. “Therefore, janitors who work for companies that clean Target and other stores are setting a deadline for a strike starting Monday, June 10 at 5:00 pm.

said CTUL member Emilio Miranda Rios. “In September, I was injured on the job and had to go two months without medical attention because my company, Eurest, refused to accept responsibility. I was out of work for three months with no income, and I had to go to a food pantry just to survive. For eight years I have been cleaning Home Depot and JCPenny stores receiving miserable pay, waiting for better wages and working conditions. I am ready to go on strike to make sure that my rights and the rights of others to organize without fear of retaliation are respected.”

“I work for Carlson Building Maintenance cleaning a Target store,” said Maricela Flores, a member of CTUL. “I am a single mother raising four

We hope that the cleaning companies will agree to meet with workers and CTUL about the right to organize without fear of retaliation before then.”

“I work for Diversified cleaning a Target Store. Many workers only make $8.50 an hour,” said Bonifacio Salinas, a member of CTUL. “That wage isn’t enough to survive.

We are the ones that do all the work and we need and deserve more. Cleaning companies have continued to illegally intimidate workers—we will be striking to defend our right to organize without fear of retaliation.”

If the workers strike, they will join other low-wage workers throughout the country who have taken similar action including fast food workers in Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, New York City and Milwaukee.

“We want our rights and we want to be respected,”

CTUL

Emilio Miranda Rios speaking

STRIKE TURN TO

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We need more charter schools Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter Nobody asked me, but it is unassailable that charter schools are doing an admirable job with our kids.

They are empowering parents and teachers to expect and get high levels of achievement from young people from whom “popular wisdom” often expects too little. I do not offer this opinion

Urban Academy

Vincent Smith Jr. with State Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul

as an indictment of any other schools, but I will share some evidence I’ve collected.

Last week at the Capitol I had the pleasure of happening upon the 2013 edition of the Minnesota Charter Schools Essay Writing Contest.

Students, faculty, parents and grandparents and friends had gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to hear the contest’s winning entries.

As much as I would like to share all of the winning entries in this space; I have selected two that I think exemplify the writing quality and maturity level of ideas expressed.

The essay question was, “What was your best day of school?”

Here is the entry of Vincent Smith, Jr. He is a 2nd grader at Urban Academy.

My best day in school was when I got suspended for punching a classmate. I (had) not been behaving well in school. I (had) been rude. I (had) been talking and fighting instead of working. I even stole candy. When my friends were bad, I would follow.

Getting suspended got me thinking. My Dad is in prison but he often calls me. He is good but he did something bad.

I figured I was the same. I am good but I do bad things. Being bad is not cool.

The day I got suspended was the best day because it helped me change. Now, I

stay away from trouble. I have become a role model. It feels great to be a leader and not a follower.

Here is Denisse Sanchez’s entry. She is a 10th grader at Minnesota Transitions High School.

My best day of school happened when my English class had a discussion on the letter written by James Baldwin titled “My Dungeon Shook.”

The topic of the conversation was “what do we learn from other generations?” It got intense and it brought me back to the day when I realized my education was the only way out

EASTER TURN TO 10

Prison calls: Put families before padded corporate profits

By Dr. Artika R. Tyner, Clinical Law Faculty, Community Justice Project Martha Wright is an 87-yearold grandmother and a retired nurse. When her grandson, Ulandis Forte, went to prison in 1994, she was determined to keep in touch. Wright knew her grandson had made a mistake, but she did not want him to feel abandoned. More than grandmother’s intuition, research also shows that prisoners who maintain family connections are much less likely to re-offend, breaking the crime cycle.

When Ulandis was moved to a facility in Arizona, thousands of miles away from his grandmother’s home in the District of Columbia, collect telephone calls were their only means of maintaining a relationship. She was spending nearly $1,000 per year of her fixed-income on phone calls limited to 15 minutes or less.

This mother’s day, there are thousands of mothers and grandmothers in Minnesota who can’t speak to their loved ones because of the excessive costs of making a phone call from prison. Even worse, there are over 15,000 children in the state of Minnesota who have a parent in prison. For these children, keeping in touch with their

Artika Tyner parent means paying more than $17 for just a 15-minute collect phone call. This cost is 24 times that of a normal call, according to the Center for Media Justice.

Calls made from prison, which are most often made collect and paid for by inmates’ families, are so expensive because 60 percent of costs go toward commissions for corporations and prison agencies, according to Prison Legal News. Telecom companies pay for exclusive contracts at prisons and then pass on this fee to inmates’ families. Across the country, these high commission rates allow corporations to pocket $152 million a year off struggling families. In Minnesota, state prisons receive 49 percent commissions on phone calls made from prisons which generate about $1.5 million in revenue each year.

Ten years ago, Wright finally reached her breaking

point and decided to take action.

After attempting to fight these predatory practices through the court system, she filed a petition in 2003 with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – a decade later, it is still cheaper to call Singapore than to speak to someone in a U.S. prison.

Only recently has the FCC shown signs of progress. Last year, the agency began the process of proposing new rules to regulate this lucrative industry, and in April, it finished collecting public comments. The FCC commissioners must now decide whether the financial hardship families bear to keep in touch with incarcerated loved ones is reasonable in light of the unfettered business practices that make it possible.

Prison phone calls do not have to cost this much; rates are not based on the actual cost of phone services. While 85 percent of state prisons receive commissions from telephone providers, states that have banned commissions have seen prison phone prices drop by 30 to 80 percent, according to the Center for Media Justice.

Minnesota cannot continue to bear the burden of these predatory practices either, not just financially, but also because of the toll on our communities.

Maintaining healthy connections with the outside world and strong bonds with loved ones is critical for

prisoners’ mental and emotional stability and reduces the likelihood of repeat offenses.

This is especially important since the average annual cost per inmate in Minnesota is $41,364 (Vera Institute for Justice). Studies have shown that maintaining contact with an outside support system, such as loved ones and family members, decreases the likelihood of recidivism for prisoners.

These contacts help prisoners successfully reintegrate into society by meeting their basic needs, such as securing shelter, and strengthening their community connections.

Phone calls are one of the most accessible ways for families to remain connected.

The FCC has had long enough to fix this unfair situation; Minnesota’s congressional representatives must insist that the agency adopt final rules by the end of the year.

Interim FCC Chairman Mignon Clyburn has been a vocal advocate around this issue, saying recently in a speech that the higher phone rates are resulting in “further isolation” and “broken families.” Clyburn and Chairman Nominee Tom Wheeler must prioritize the interests of families over padding corporate profits. This is essential for the promotion of strong families and safe communities.

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Insight News • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Page 3

BUSINESS

Please accept my apologies Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com “I’m sorry.� “I deeply regret what happened.� “I apologize.� “My bad.�

In business, everyone makes mistakes once or twice a week. Most go unnoticed, are quickly corrected if they’re caught, and the corporate wheel keeps

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Alysha Price Photography Suluki Fardan Michele Spaise 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.

turning. The bigger mistakes come back to haunt, or bite, us, in which case an apology might be called for. Saying you’re sorry is never anyone’s idea of a good time.

In baseball, the big mistakes are called errors. The result of an error is 60,000 people deriding you with boos and maybe throwing cups at you from the stands. The proper player’s response, in this situation, is to never, ever repeat the offense. The consequence of ignoring the mob and the flying cups is basically losing your job.

In business, you won’t be subjected to the cacophony of 60,000 disenchanted ticket payers. But when customers or co-workers barrage you with their disappointment, it might feel like that. Go ahead, you

think, throw the cups. Face it: You’ve dropped the ball. Now what?

If you misspoke in conversation, correct yourself immediately by saying, “I’m sorry, I misspoke.

Sometimes the best way through a tough situation is straight through it

A professional apology should be relative to the crime.

I meant to say‌� Not so big a deal. Move on. If you lost the

deposit on the way to the bank, crashed the company car or a building you’re responsible for was burned to the ground, then the apology might need to be more formal. You, your leaders and the media can decide together whether to hold a press conference.

Most mistakes fall somewhere in between. For your garden variety mess-ups, try this: Own it: “Here is what happened.� Regret it: “I am sorry for any damage/injury/ losses that resulted from my mistake.� Repair it: “What can I do to make things right?�

Then never let it happen again.

A researcher who studied boys and girls in gym classes across America discovered something interesting. Girls in the study apologized readily and casually when they

make a mistake. Boys rarely apologized.

The interesting part is that the girls never seemed very sorry; the boys felt awful for days.

So it seems your choices are to apologize and feel fine, or resist making the apology and feel lousy for days. Sometimes the best way through a tough situation is straight through it. Own it, regret it (for real), repair it and never, ever repeat it. Saying you’re sorry gets easier with practice, and if we’re honest, we all have opportunities to practice at least once or twice a week.

Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your career planning and job search questions to jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.

Rothman announces $14 million settlement with Prudential SAINT PAUL, MN – Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman signed a Resolution and Regulatory Settlement Agreement with Prudential Insurance Company today to ensure payment of due and payable proceeds from life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and retained asset accounts to Minnesota beneficiaries, and strengthened procedures to make sure policy holders and beneficiaries receive the unclaimed proceeds from these policies and contracts in a timely manner in the future. “Consumers purchase life insurance policies to ensure that their loved ones have some financial security upon their passing and trust that the money will reach their beneficiaries,� said Commissioner Mike Rothman. “Today, the Department of Commerce and Prudential agreed on how the company should put in place the safeguards to ensure the life insurance funds reach their rightful owner.�

The Settlement Agreement is the result of a targeted examination

conducted by the Commerce Department, which focused on Prudential’s handling of life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts – in particular, the accuracy and availability of contact information to identify policyholders and their beneficiaries. Electing to conduct its own examination, the Department did not join a multistate agreement negotiated with other states nationally.

The Commerce Department’s examination determined that there were many policies where policyholders had died but no claims had been made, revealing Prudential’s inability to identify and contact policyholders or their beneficiaries upon the determination of a death. This practice prevented timely payment of policies to their rightful owners.

The Settlement requires Prudential to review their records and information for Minnesotarelated policies during a lookback period to 1986, and in the future, to ensure that company records include accurate Social

Security numbers and birth dates to identify deceased policyholders and ultimately connect beneficiaries with their money. Additionally, the Settlement details other consumer protection, including: enhanced procedures to find beneficiaries when policyholders have died; improved customer-service assistance in making a claim; and compliance with Minnesota’s claim handling and unclaimed property laws if Prudential is unable to identify or locate policyholders or beneficiaries in a timely manner.

Prudential’s Minnesota customers will benefit from the Commerce Department’s Settlement and will see changes in business practices to correctly and expeditiously identify policies that need to be paid out.

The Department is focused on reuniting Minnesotans with their rightfully owed money.

Prudential has identified up to approximately $13 million between 1986 and 2010 that may be owed and returned to Minnesotans in the form

of policy proceeds.

These proceeds will be paid either directly to the beneficiaries or to the state as unclaimed property if the beneficiaries cannot be located. These new policies and procedures require Prudential to identify a decedent and take affirmative steps to pay out benefits, rather than relying solely on family members or beneficiaries who may be unaware that life insurance policies or annuities exist. The Settlement also includes a $1 million settlement payment to the state.

Prudential worked cooperatively with the Department during the examination in finding internal solutions to the issues involving the location of beneficiaries and enhancing compliance with Minnesota claim statutes.

The first step of this Settlement requires Prudential to clean up the company data, and proactively work to reunite beneficiaries with policy and contract proceeds.

What should I do if I believe I

have a Prudential policy?

If you think you are a beneficiary of a Prudential policy, or a loved one has died and you think they were insured under a Prudential policy, a toll-free number has been set-up at (888) 850-9991 to receive assistance from Prudential in claiming a policy.

How can I avoid missing out on money I am rightfully owed?

Talk to your loved ones about any insurance policies they may have, learn who the beneficiary is listed on the policies, and contact the agent or company if you have questions.

How can I avoid a delayed payment or non-payment of insurance proceeds owed on my policies?

Make sure your insurance company has your most up-todate information. This includes: current address, social security number, and date of birth. Check with your insurance company to make sure they have updated beneficiary information for each policy.

Johnson launches campaign to end payday lending and encourage low interest rate borrowing alternatives Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies announced plans for an education awareness campaign designed to convince minority organizations, elected officials, and public interest groups to support his proposal to end payday lending as we know it today and to encourage lending institutions to create lower interest borrowing solutions that will provide transparent and responsible lending options to meet the high demand and need for short term and emergency borrowing.

According to a recent study conducted by the Pew Charitable Trust, nearly twelve million Americans take out payday loans each year when faced with financial challenges and the need to borrow in order to meet cash shortfall when covering emergency expenses. Because of the current high interest lending rates charged by payday lenders,

many borrowers are unable to pay back loans in a timely manner and end up indebted for up to five months, paying as much as $520 in finance charges for loans averaging $375. (Payday Lending in America: How Borrowers Choose and Repay Payday Loans, published February 2013). “Borrowers, many of whom are minorities and low-income earners, are forced to pay exorbitant interest rates which create a never-ending cycle of borrowing and debt,� said Johnson. “My goal is to change this discriminatory and unfair lending environment of payday lending and treadmill borrowing and to bring an end to payday lending as we know it today. If we are successful in this effort to lower borrowing costs for emergency loans, we will be able to put billions of dollars back into the pockets of consumers who need it most.�

•

Robert L. Johnson He continues, “Unfortunately, there will always be people in need of short term and emergency borrowing, and of course we recognize that lending to this group has risks. However, we hope that regulators, lenders, and public interest groups will support alternative solutions.

We believe that lower interest rate solutions will bring about a significant change for the better in the financial lives of millions

of working class Americans, particularly minority Americans.

Consider the following statistics from the Pew study: • Fifty-eight percent of payday loan borrowers have trouble meeting monthly expenses at least half the time. These borrowers are dealing with persistent cash shortfalls rather than temporary emergencies.

Where there’s smoke, there’s ire Keep backyard campfires and chimeneas from smoking you and your neighbors out. The smoke is not just a nuisance — it can be toxic and harmful to people. t -JNJU CBDLZBSE GJSFT JO UIF DJUZ t /FWFS TUBSU GJSFT EVSJOH BO BJS QPMMVUJPO BMFSU t *O UIF 5XJO $JUJFT JU T JMMFHBM UP CVSO BOZ XBTUF -FBSO NPSF BU www.livinggreen.org/fire

Minnesota Pollution $ontrol Agency

Only 14 percent of borrowers can afford enough out of their monthly budgets to repay an average payday loan. The average borrower can afford to pay $50 per two weeks to a payday lender—similar to the fee for renewing a typical payday or bank deposit advance loan—but only 14 percent can afford the more than $400 needed to pay off the full amount of these nonamortizing loans. • The stated price tag for an average $375, two-week loan bears little resemblance to the actual cost of more than $500 over the five months of debt that the average user experiences. • Forty-one percent of borrowers have needed a cash infusion to pay off a payday loan. Many of these borrowers ultimately turn to the same options they could have used instead of payday loans to finally pay off the loans, including getting help from friends or family, selling or pawning personal possessions, or taking out another type of loan. One in six has used a tax refund to eliminate payday loan debt.

The RLJ Companies, founded

by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies.

Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET).

For more information visit: www. rljcompanies.com.

Page 4 • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Insight News

insightnews.com

EDUCATION Kenna Cottman: An example of African American excellence WE WIN Institute’s students learned about great AfricanAmerican heroines of the past such as Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth and of the present such as Josie Johnson and Kenna Cottman.

WE WIN children have been studying the accomplishments of African-American women leaders in Minnesota. They created posters and life-sized mannequins of Cottman. They also learned that Cottman is an extraordinary mother, teacher, dancer, and drummer. She has a tremendous love for her community and for her people.

It is exhibited by her teaching throughout Minnesota, through her leadership and participation in Juneteenth festivities.

Cottman has also created various programs such as African Nights, where she brings dancers from the African world together to demonstrate their skills. Ms. Kenna, as children fondly call her, is a dance educator who teaches about the history of African people through art, culture, movement and song.

She is a Black American Griot,

following in the oral tradition of storytelling through art. Fourth and 5th grade students at WE WIN Institute wrote about the accomplishments of Kenna Cottman.

Kenna Cottman, teacher extraordinaire

By Kaliyah Bland, Deja Miller, Ashiantae Braxton and DeCarlos Love Ms. Kenna Cottman is our chosen leader. She comes from a very artistic family that supports her. Ms. Cottman is an AfricanAmerican dancer, teacher, kick boxer and organizer. She has done great work all over West Africa and has been involved in teaching dancing and organizing in the Minneapolis area for over 20 years; doing multiple activities as well as programs.

Ms. Cottman’s family contributed greatly to her love for dance. At a young age, she was inspired by several family members. Her mother, Ms. Beverly Cottman, started teaching Ms. Kenna her first dance steps at the age of 5.

WE WIN Institute

Left to right: Kaliyah Bland, Ashiantae Braxton and DeCarlos Love Her mother is a storyteller.

Ms. Beverly’s stage name is “Auntie Beverly.” Her father, Bill Cottman, inspired Ms. Kenna through his work as a photographer.

After much work and studying under people such as Cauleen Caliman, Ms. Kenna began teaching various classes at many places. She taught African dance at our very own, WE WIN Institute. She also taught kickboxing at the YMCA, she taught hip-hop dance class at North Community High School, and she taught dance classes at Franklin Middle School. Ms. Kenna also taught all over the state of Minnesota, Utah, and California. She traveled to Africa over five times on a mission to learn and to teach.

Ghana, Senegal and the Gambia are all places in Africa where Ms. Kenna has traveled.

She has trained with a number of artists including, William

Atchouellou and Heriette Gboli.

Ms. Kenna is a member of the Baato Askan Wii Drum and Dance in the Gambia, West Africa. Today, Ms. Kenna is the founder, artistic director of Voices of Culture Drum and Dance. Since 2008, her company has created and performed drum and dance as well as studied West African drum and dance throughout Minnesota.

Ms. Kenna Cottman is an African-American dance teacher who has traveled and done great work around the world. She has been inspired by many, and she has inspired many, making an impact on various schools and programs.

Ms. Kenna is a great dancer and a very nice person. She is a motivation to all of us. She inspires us to dance and give our best. Even though we are not professional dancers, she is a great African-American teacher and leader.

Kenna Cottman

Superintendent announces priorities to shift the educational experience at MPS Dr. Bernadeia Johnson, superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), announced priorities Monday to reshape the educational experience for all students in the state’s third largest school district. The announcement included developing a partnership zone for achievement, autonomy and accountability and several key labor negotiation priorities.

Johnson, who made the announcement Monday before about 250 education stakeholders, parent leaders, MPS employees and members of the media at the Hennepin County Central Library, said

MPS must intensify its efforts in preparing all students to meet the challenges of today and the rapidly changing future.

“It’s time to get off the dime, to stop protecting the status quo, to stop being satisfied with poor performance, to stop blaming others and get focused -- with partnership and innovation – to finally solve the riddle of Minneapolis Public Schools,” Johnson said. “Why aren’t all children learning?”

The announcement emphasized the establishment of a new partnership zone where school teams will exchange autonomy for accountability, governed by

2013 Youth Leadership Conference!

PROJECT READY

Youth Conference

Join the Minneapolis Urban League Project Ready program, along with MSU, Mankato Ͳ as they present the 2013 Youth Leadership Conference.

The conference will be held on the MSUͲMankato campus over 3 days — Friday, May 31 Ͳ Sunday, June 2, 2013.

COST for *students in grades 6Ͳ12: $148.27 (includes registration, housing, and meals for all 3 days of the conference)

Please visit the MUL’s website at www.mul.org for more info or to register online.

(Students should check with their school counselor about scholarships for this event.)

Weekend Schedule At-A-Glance Friday x x x

Check In & Registration Dinner & Entertainment ‘Visions’ Masquerade Ball Saturday x x x x x x x

Breakfast Career Pathway Workshops Social Enterprise Learning Circle Workshop Project Ready Leadership Banquet Dinner Guest Speaker Leanna Archer Sunday

x x x

Brunch DrawingͲGiveaway Closing Remarks

Leanna Archer, Teen Entrepreneur & CEO of her own hair care product line, Leanna’s Inc.

performance contracts with clear standards of effective school performance. MPS will establish the partnership zone in which 20-30 percent of schools, including high priority and struggling schools, will have the opportunity to shift into a new relationship with the school district based on partnership, achievement, autonomy and accountability. The approach will require partnership at every level of the school district and community: board and administration, district and union, teachers and principals, schools and families, businesses and partners, Johnson said.

“We are committing to a fundamental change in MPS culture, programs, preferences and practices,” Johnson said.

In the partnership zone, schools will have ownership over critical decisions, such as hiring the people that best match the needs of students and ensuring that students and staff members have the time they need in the school day and school year to support improved academic outcomes for students.

There also will be clear and transparent accountability for these choices and consequences.

Furthermore, Johnson said the school district is committed to partnering with local businesses and communities for extended and wrap-around services. The school district will commit its own funds to invest in this shift in its strategic plan.

Johnson said the school district will collaborate with principals, teachers, other MPS staff members and their unions to establish schools in the partnership zone that will use 2013-14 for identifying schools and building capacity, 2014-15 to begin performance contract implementation and 2015-16 to begin scaling up the opportunity across the school district.

Labor negotiations will be critical in successfully implementing shifts in the strategic direction of the district. Labor negotiation priorities include increasing instructional time, flexibility in hiring decisions, fiscal responsibility and the building of career ladders to promote teacher leadership.

Johnson said the school district is working toward adding time to the school day for student instruction and teacher collaboration. In addition, Johnson said changes

MPS TURN TO 10

ARTIST PROFILE

Skinny

By Alaina L. Lewis

R

efreshingly rare, are words best associated with talented Twin Cities hip-hop artist Skinny.

Skinny, is the son of Love Promotions founder, Pamela Weems, and is easily identifiable to fans by his signature high-top fade – a proper crown for any lyrical prince, most would say. With his special brand of rap, he is now positioning himself right smack on the front line of our local “twerking” movement. And with popular singles “Spoonful” and “Twerk,” he’s proving bar after bar, that he’s a hit machine in the making.

SKINNY TURN TO

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Hip-hop for all A brief conversation with white rapper Rittz

MORE

• Ecodocumentary chronicles trials and tribulations

By Alysha “AP” Price Has hip-hop truly diversified?

Is the culture becoming more accepting of variety within itself? In recent years

there’s been an emergence of rappers ranging in race and gender. Perhaps the people have spoken and the culture has now evolved beyond the artist and resembles the audience. However, as in any organization the dominating

• FLOW Art Space hosts national polymer clay exhibition

party has the most influence and there is no question that African-American men make up the majority of hip-hop artists.

RITTZ TURN TO

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• Snapshots

Page 6 • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking

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Eco-documentary chronicles trials and tribulations of environmental activist

By Kam Williams The Bush administration’s announcement in 2008 of its intention to auction-off the mining rights to many square miles of virgin land located in national forests ignited waves of protests by environmental activists.

But when picketing, petitioning and the lobbying of politicians failed, the government proceeded with its plan to grant oil and gas mega-corporations access to the pristine parcels.

Crashing the auction was Tim DeChristopher, a

First Run Features

Tim DeChristopher with supporters outside the federal courthouse during his criminal trial as seen in BIDDER 70.

frustrated college student who had participated in the pro-nature preservation demonstrations.

He impulsively joined in the bidding and by the end of the day had purchased the rights to 22,000 acres of real estate in the Utah wilderness for $1.7 million with the hope of somehow saving some soil from fracking.

Trouble is, he had neither funds nor the wherewithal to extract any minerals, which was a technical violation of federal law.

And since the energy industry doesn’t cotton to tree-huggers interfering its

their profit margins and inclination to “Drill, baby drill!” it prevailed upon the government to throw the book at DeChristopher.

By the time the dust settled several years later, the outspoken economics major was convicted and carted off to prison to serve a two-year sentence. While DeChristopher’s trials and tribulations are the front story of “Bidder 70,” this eyeopening documentary codirected by Beth and George Gage simultaneously issues an urgent call for non-violent civil disobedience on the part of citizens truly concerned

about global warming and the unchecked consumption of non-renewable carbon.

A powerful, empathetic portrait of a selfless, planetary patriot willing to sacrifice his liberty for the sake of Mother Earth‘s longterm prospects.

Excellent (4 stars) Unrated Running time: 73 minutes Distributor: First Run Features

Arts on Chicago prepares schedule for June 8 celebration Almost 40 neighborhood artists involved with the 20 art projects of Arts on Chicago will come together to celebrate the year-long initiative on June 8, 9 a.m to 4 p.m.

The four neighborhoods that meet on Chicago Avenue between 32nd and 42nd Streets— Powderhorn, Bancroft, Bryant, and Central— have as much diversity and creativity as any other area in the Twin Cities.

Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and artists will lead a Paint the Pavement activity on 34th near Powderhorn Park from 9 am to 1 pm.

StevenBe’s Fiber Arts studio will hold knitting workshops and Steven Be’s Arts on Chicago project, Fiber Sprawl, will be on display in the studio courtyard. Attendees can enjoy screen printing at the PHAT Mobile -- built by MCAD Professor Natasha Pestich (City

Pages Artist of the Year 2012) -- at 35th and Chicago, or write poetry on Molly Van Avery’s bicycle-powered, rolling writing studio the Poetry Mobile. Theater artists and storytellers Dylan Fresco and Michelle Barnes will perform their story-collecting project What Grows Here, a “Story Walk” from 32nd to 38th streets, at 2 pm; and photographer Stephanie Rogers will lead an urban nature walk through her project Urban/Environment starting at 10 am.

In addition to these interactive activities, visual art and photography from acclaimed artists Wing Young Huie, Stephanie Rogers, HOTTEA, Forest Wozniack, TAWU (The Art Within Us) artists collective, Michael Hoyt, and Upstream Arts will be on display at various locations between 32nd to 42nd on Chicago Avenue. Activities

Pillsbury House Theater

The Mobile Sign Shop, a project where neighbors make signs with their family names on them to be displayed on large poles along Chicago Avenue (and the people in the photo happen to be sitting on another project, Wish Well, which provides seating and outdoor meeting space outside of Pillsbury House Theatre). will begin at 9 pm and last until 4 pm.

This celebration is aligned with the 38th and Chicago Business Association’s annual BBQ & Music Festival from 11 am to 2 pm on the 3700 block

of Chicago Avenue.

Arts on Chicago is a “creative placemaking” initiative designed by Pillsbury House + Theatre, Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, MCAD Professor Natasha

Pestich, Upstream Arts, and with support from the Ward 8 Council Office of Elizabeth Glidden, to implement twenty art projects in one year to knit together existing creative assets in the Central, Powderhorn,

Bancroft, Bryant communities along Chicago Avenue. The process builds a framework for the ongoing support of a vibrant arts and cultural district.

Skinny

a heightened Midwest appeal.

The lyrics to his latest single “Turn Down For What,” verbalize his mantra of making music you can move to with no room to question his objective as an artist, “Three, four, if you ain’t dancing you can go.”

“Music is not supposed to be boring. I don’t want to make music that you can just nod your head to, I want to get you crunk,” said Skinny.

“It’s entertainment, so music should be more than just about

your ears being satisfied. It should hit you everywhere. It should make you want to get up and move something.”

Skinny has opened up for artists like Big Sean, Diggy Simmons, OMG Girlz, Machine Gun Kelly and Kirko Bangz. His music has even caught the attention of actress Amanda Bynes who shouted him out on Twitter, causing Skinny to become a discussion topic on the popular series “Dish Nation.” Most recently

Skinny performed with Atlanta dance crew Twerk Team, at the Midwest Drake Relays.

“I’m happy to be performing. This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid and could hold a pen in my hand and write down my thoughts in verse. I can’t wait to see where music is going to take me,” said Skinny.

To follow Skinny’s musical journey, catch him on Twitter @AintYouSkinny.

minority in hip-hop.

AP: How does it feel to be a minority in hip-hop, where the majority is made up of AfricanAmerican males?

Rittz: It feels like there is more pressure to be better and do better but there isn’t as much pressure as it used to be.

Now days, everybody raps but in my opinion hip-hop is Black culture, it always will be and should be. But no doubt as a white rapper it’s harder. I feel like if you’re going to be a white rapper then you need to be good

at it, you can’t be playing around being average. Now there have been some white rappers getting away with being average these days but in my opinion if you’re white you need to try to be better than the norm. Personally being a minority in the game puts pressure on me to not come whack because there is seriously no room for that.

AP: Speaking of minorities in hip-hop what thoughts do you have, if any, on homosexual rappers?

Rittz: My take on it is … to

each his own. Who cares. It’s not my place to judge anyone who has struggled to pursue their dream or career as a rapper.

Rap is a competitive sport but I’m not one to put anyone down to make myself look a certain way. As I said before I make music for people who have struggled to overcome something in their lives, all I care about is uplifting people.

I’m not trying to put anybody down because I don’t want that type of energy being brought to me.

From 5 Twerking is the latest dance craze that love it or leave it, shows no signs of going anywhere, even if a lot of folks don’t have the capabilities to truly make it “twerk.”

Skinny, a founding member of the rapping/dance crew The Backpack Kidz, has taken the southern dance trend, twerking, and given it

Rittz From 5 I caught up with Atlanta rapper Rittz, whose appearance in no way matches the stereotypical norm as a rapper.

Rittz is a Caucasian male with a look that is best described by the name of his record label – strange.

Fresh off of the release of his first album titled “The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant,” Rittz shares his feelings on being a

insightnews.com/aesthetics

Aesthetically Speaking • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Page 7

Flow Art Space hosts national Polymer Clay exhibition Flow Art Space hosts the national juried exhibition Polymer Clay - Gallery Style featuring some of the finest polymer clay work being created in the United States today. Thirty artists are represented in a rare exhibition which highlights this underexposed medium.

A Friday, May 31 reception from 5-8 pm - free and open to the public - will be held at Flow Art Space in the Northern Warehouse in Lowertown, 308 Prince St., Suite 218 St Paul MN, 55101. A total of $400 in prize money and $140 in gift certificates will be awarded for first, second and third place in the categories of Established Artist, Emerging Artist and also

People’s Choice provided by the Polymer Clay Guild of MN (www.polymerclayguildofmn. org) and Clay Squared to Infinity (www.claysquared. com). Awards will be presented at 7 pm, and refreshments will be served.

The exhibition runs May 29 - June 15, with general hours of Wed, Thur, Fri 2-7 and Sat 11-3 or by appointment by calling 612-564-3569.

Free entry.

Metered street parking is free after 5 pm. 100% of all sales go directly to the artists.

For more information, please contact: Melissa Metzler at Flow Art Space, 612-5643569 or art@flowartspace.com; www.flowartspace.com

California-based Laurie Mika’s “Blue Madonna”

Minneapolis artist Layl McDill’s “Scribble Scape - The Doors Beyond the Waves and Pillows”

TU closes its ninth season with three world premieres The O’Shaughnessy company closes out its ninth performance season with a spring dance concert of world premiere works

by Uri Sands and Camille A. Brown. Sands presents two premieres-a triptych of duets titled No Middle Name, and Escapades- an adventurous full-company work exploring themes of vice and escape of the everyday. Solo work makes

up New York choreographer Camille A. Brown’s new piece, Make Amends, which was specially commissioned for this concert by The O’Shaughnessy. Also on the program is Dwight Rhoden’s lyrical B Sessions, set to the music of Beethoven. TU Dance’s Spring Concert at The O’Shaughnessy is on Friday, May 31st at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 1st at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday,

June 2nd at 2:00 p.m.

The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University is located at 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. Adults: $18, $25, $31; Seniors 65+/Students: $16, $23, $29 (Tickets include a $2 restoration fee). For more information: The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 651.690.6700 / www. theoshaughnessy.com

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA AN ORIGINAL FILM/ ONE RACE FILMS PRODUCTION A JUSTIN LIN FILM VIN DIESEL PAUL WALKER DWAYNE JOHNSON “FAST & FURIOUS 6” MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ JORDANA BREWSTER MUSIC TYRESE GIBSON CHRIS ‘LUDACRIS’ BRIDGES SUNG KANG LUKE EVANS GINA CARANO JOHN ORTIZ BY LUCAS VIDAL EXECUTIVE BASED ON CHARACTERS PRODUCERS JUSTIN LIN AMANDA LEWIS SAMANTHA VINCENT CHRIS MORGAN CREATED BY GARY SCOTT THOMPSON WRITTEN PRODUCED DIRECTED

BY CHRIS MORGAN

BY NEAL H. MORITZ p.g.a. VIN DIESEL CLAYTON TOWNSEND p.g.a.

BY JUSTIN LIN A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON DEF JAM RECORDINGS

© 2013 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, MAY 24 OWN THEM ALL ON BLU-RAY & DVD ™

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Photo: Ingrid Werthmann

Page 8 • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking 1

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Snapshots

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LARRY GRAHAM &

GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION MAY 27-28ÊUÊÇÊEÊ Ê«

LEGENDARY FUNK/SOUL BASSIST “…part of the very genealogy of funk music.”

-Telegraph UK Bass legend Larry Graham is one of the most accomplished and influential personalities in the R&B world. From his early days with Sly and the Family Stone and Graham Central Station to his celebrated solo career and recent work with Prince, Graham’s iconic “Slap” style has inspired countless artists. Graham’s sound is certainly one of the defining characteristics of modern R&B and soul music.

2

1) Jellybean Johnson hanging out at Bunkers 2) Salimah Bryant belts out a tune during the Red & White Affair at Bunkers 3) Angela Smith and “Velly” hanging out at Tryg’s 4) Crooner J Most on stage at Bunkers 5) DJ Dan Verve mastering the mix Friday 6) Danielle Drake and Lakisha Mitchell enjoying a Friday night at Tryg’s 7) Darrius Cook on the scene at Tryg’s

CALL TODAY FOR TICKETS

612.332.5299 OR VISIT US ONLINE AT

DAKOTACOOKS.COM 1010 NICOLLET MALL DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

insightnews.com

Insight News • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Page 9

FULL CIRCLE What does it mean to be submissive?

Man Talk

By Timothy Houston “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). What does it mean to be submissive? Throughout my travels, the word “submit” or the concept of being

submissive has always been a volatile topic. Just because the Bible says wives submit to your husband does not mean everyone believes it to be true.

Some women view the word as reminder of an archaic time when it was believed that a woman’s place was in the home bare-foot and pregnant.

The word submit is not a dirty word. It means to yield to governance or authority or to be under the authority of another.

It does not mean that a woman has to do whatever her husband says. It does not mean she is a silent partner with no say

whatsoever. It simply means that she is able to be governed or led by another. The wife has in her the ability to lead and follow. She is reasonable, accountable, and responsible.

When a man and woman come together in holy matrimony, the family unit is formed and the concept of submitting comes to play.

Two heads make a monster so someone will have to take the lead in accountability and responsibility. One person will be under God’s divine authority and other will support them in that role. There is no guess

work to what role the husband and wife will have because the Bible spells it out for them.

The husband is required to submit to God. He is the family’s point man that is required to take the brunt of the pressure and responsibility. He is called to be the head, lead, financial provider and the responsible agent to God on behalf of the family. He is not required to make all the decisions, but he is responsible for all the decisions made. This accountability to God is the husband’s part in the family equation.

The wife is required to be

under her husband’s divine authority and protection. Her role in the family is to be the other half of the equation that brings balance, peace, and unity to the family unit. She is at his side providing the love and nurturing needed to build a family. She is his equal and called to be under his spiritual accountability to God. What does it mean to submit?

It means that both the husband and wife are both under God’s authority. They are spiritually one, and God is able to lead and guide them in the things that will lead to success. Working

together, the husband and wife become a cohesive family unit that is not only submissive to God, but submissive to one another. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). This is only possible when God is the nucleus of the family.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities.

For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Strike From 2 kids. With my wage being so low I can’t afford to support my family. I am sick and tired of the company ignoring us. The only time they pay attention to us is when they retaliate against workers. That is why I am ready to go on strike again to demand the right to organize.”

The group has set the deadline for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10 for retail cleaning contractors like Diversified Maintenance Systems, Carlson Building Maintenance, Prestige Maintenance USA, and Eurest Services to open dialogue with the workers regarding the right to organize without fear of retaliation.

Should the companies not agree to the worker’s request by the deadline, the workers have agreed to strike to ensure their right to organize without fear of retaliation, which could occur at any time following the deadline. In such a strike, workers will walk off the job, conducting what is believed to be the second-known strike of retail cleaning workers

Smith-Baker From 1 Since 2008, Cunningham has been a driving influence that has grown AALF from five members in the Twin Cities to

Rights From 1 Bill of Rights as a small step towards making sure no one else has to go through such an arduous journey.”

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison was in Washington during the time of the event and sent a message of support, which was read by a staff representative. “I want to send my sincere appreciation and gratitude to each one of you who are involved in

CTUL

Maricela Flores speaking who clean Target stores in the company’s history. The first happened in Minneapolis in February.

Diversified Maintenance Systems is Target’s largest

cleaning contractor, with contracts to clean over 600 Target stores nationwide. Over the past 10 years, DMS has faced at least: 10 federal lawsuits alleging unpaid wages and/or overtime.

Earlier this year, a class action settlement was reached between retail-cleaning workers and DMS for $675,000 in damages. The suit alleged that the contractor forced workers to work up to 80

hours a week without receiving full overtime pay while cleaning Target and other stores.

Eight Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) complaints, exposing

44 violations of workplace safety regulations.

Six U.S. Department of Labor investigations, finding 87 violations of minimum wage and/or overtime laws.

over 4,000 nationally. He will remain connected to the Forum through his focus on growing the national AALF network which now has a presence five metropolitan areas; Seattle, Wash., Tacoma, Wash., Portland, Ore., Des Moines, Iowa and the Twin Cities.

The AALF is a cross-

sector network of African Americans working together to find solutions to the Black community’s most vexing issues. AALF’s goal is “a just and healthy society that works equally well for everyone”.

AALF’s other co-chair Trista Harris said she is “excited that Chanda Smith Baker will be co-chairing the Twin Cities African American Leadership Forum. Chanda is a visionary leader, who steps

up whenever she can. Chanda’s work after the 2011 North Minneapolis tornado was a model of bringing multiple individuals and organizations to the table to ensure the best possible result for our

community.”

Additional information on the AALF may be found at www.aalf.us or by calling (612) 879-0602 ext. 19

this movement to protect homeowners,” Ellison said via the statement. “I stand with each of you who are fighting to pass legislation that puts our community and homeowners first.”

A vote on a strong Homeowners’ Bill of Rights could come as early as tomorrow in either the House or the Senate. Today’s rally was sponsored by ISAIAH, MN Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC), Occupy Homes, CTUL, SEIU and Minnesotans for a Fair Economy.

Page 10 • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Calendar • Classifieds Send Community Calendar information to us by email: info@insightnews.com, by fax: 612.588.2031, by phone: 612.5881313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free or low cost events preferred.

allows, we will accept last-minute additions and cash payments of $10 at the tour starting points. Prepayment/registration and more information is available at: http:// www.preserveminneapolis.org/ wpfile/tours/

EVENTS

Volunteers of America Foster Parent Information Meetings Ongoing Foster Parent Information Meetings for interested skilled parents desiring to provide care for troubled youth in the Volunteers of America foster care program. Kids of all ages are in need of a stable home with dedicated parents. Information meetings are held at Volunteers of America Corporate Office every Friday from 10am-11:30am. To RSVP or for additional information on becoming a foster parent, contact Jolene Swan at 952-945-4064, email ftpfostercare@voamn.org or online at voafostercare.org

Walking and Biking Tours May 19 through September 15 During the summer of 2013, Preserve Minneapolis will offer 27 unique tours that highlight the natural, built, and cultural treasures found throughout the City. The 2013 schedule runs from May 19th through September 15th. On each tour, guides with experience in fields like architecture, history, and preservation will tell the “stories behind the stories” and give participants a greater understanding of the area’s social and built history…with fun and a sense of humor. Tours typically cost $8 per person. Participants must pre-register online. Tours fill up fast and will be held to their size limits; however, when space

Marriage From 1 The Rev. Jerry McAfee, pastor of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church was one of the opponents of legalizing gay marriage, but he said his issue has less to do with gay marriage than it does with the state’s lawmakers.

“This should send a message to African-Americans (in the state),” said McAfee. “They (state legislators) talked about gun control, they talked about poverty, they talked about education, but not one bill came out. They (proponents of the gay marriage law) cried about same sex marriage and they fast-tracked it. This bill should show our people that (state) Democrats don’t really care about

McGee From 1 children, Northside Community Reinvestment Coalition, Jewish Community Action, Occupy Homes MN, Drewes Law Firm, Congressman Keith Ellison,

C2i From 1 program.

But in reality, C2i has become family for many who otherwise do not call anyone else family.

“If it wasn’t for C2i, I probably wouldn’t be in school today,” said 18-year-old high school senior Thomas Stone.

“They’re like a second family to

Unplugged at Arnellias! June 1 Experience an evening of Live Music and Powerful Poets as they take to the stage inspirational and authentic messages through

Phone: 612.588.1313

Dred Scott’s Fight for Freedom

Tuesday, May 21, 1:30 p.m.

Minnesota African American Museum (MAAM –location TBA), 1700 Third Avenue South, Mpls.

MAAM presents Lynne Jackson, the great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott and director of The Dred Scott Heritage

their individual lyrical art form.

This monthly music series features the band Nu Fusion, fronted by Singer/Songwriter/ Poet Queen Niyahbingai, Poet, WordPlay4U2Hear and monthly features of global music, dance, and authentic arts. This event

Minneapolis Urban League Business Teacher

Job Summary: The high school business teacher instructs students in business at a secondary school level that in turn leads some students to pursue a business or technology as a career or improves the student’s business knowledge and career skills. They teach business curriculum such as resume writing, business careers, account checking, computer keyboarding and computer courses, and financial literacy skills. Working with computers, the business technology teacher instructs and teaches students about spreadsheets, word processing, graphics and databases.

They prepare the students business assignments and exams, grade the papers and evaluate the student’s progress. While teaching the instructor maintains classroom order, sets acceptable behavior from their students and enforces school rules.

Experience and Qualification Requirements: A solid foundation in the use and application of computers, software and proper integration into the curriculum, information technology and business. Minnesota Teaching License with certification to teach Business Education.

Must have a bachelor’s degree with a major in business education or equivalent. Experience working w/student placement in internships, and school-to-work certification.

Classroom management skills a must. Ability to work cooperatively with parents and staff. Ability to work well with high school students in an alternative school setting.

HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to vdavis@mul.org; fax to 612-521-1444 or mail to 2100 Plymouth Ave. No., Mpls, Mn 55411, Attn: HR - Preferred method is email. This position is open until filled.

takes place at Arnellia’s Music Venue 1183 University Avenue St Paul MN 55104. DATE: June 1 2013 TIME: Doors open at 7p.m.

Show starts at 8 p.m. General tickets $10.00 Advanced Seating $12.00. For inquires contact Isaac: 651.353.5329. For free tickets

Visit www.thefriends.org or call 651-222-3242 for more information. for your Non Profit Organization employees or Group, contact globalhiphoptheater@gmail.com with the name of your org, # of ticket requested and a contact name for return call.10 free tickets are courtesy of sponsors.

issues than same sex marriage.”

A couple of allies of McAfee may come as a surprise to some.

Michael Cole Smith and his husband, Jamil Smith Cole made national news when photos of

community members gathered to support McGee in a prayer vigil at the Hennepin County Government Center Tuesday afternoon (May 14) before McGee went into settlement court, where she reached a deal with lenders CitiMortgage and Fannie Mae. McGee fell into foreclosure

after losing her job at a nonprofit.

She said she immediately contacted CitiMortgage to let them know of her job situation and they assured her they were working on a modification, but then sold her home at a sheriff sale May 18, 2012.

The widow of William E. McGee, former chief public

defender for Hennepin County, Rose McGee said she was a victim of dual tracking. Dual tracking is the practice where a lender continues to pursue foreclosure even though the homeowner is applying for a mortgage modification.

“We must not give up,” said McGee. “I will be staying in my

home, but nobody should have to fight this hard for something so simple. The legislature must immediately pass a strong Homeowner Bill of Rights as a small step towards making sure no one else has to go through such an arduous journey.”

and credits C2i with providing stability in her life.

“I learned so much – how to get a job, how to buy a car, how to get an apartment; how to sustain relationships with people, the day-to-day things that help you transition out of foster care,” said Hawkins, who was born into foster care. “This is one of the best programs because they taught me so much.”

Hawkins has been in the C2i program since she was 14 and says because of her involvement with the organization she is

now a youth consultant with the YMCA. Hawkins recently obtained her degree in medical assistance and hopes to obtain a job in the medical field, but also hopes to continue to work with youth – particularly in the foster care system.

June Baker, 22, has been with C2i since age 16.

Baker, who was recently emancipated, now works full time and maintains her own apartment. Many of the life skills she uses to maintain her independence, she credits to

the coaching she received at Connections to Independence.

“I probably would have struggled a lot more without their help,” said Baker referencing her experience locating, securing and maintaining her first apartment.

Baker was born into foster care, but lived with her grandmother until she passed away when Baker was 12-yearsold. From there Baker bounced from group home to group home; even running away for brief stints.

“I’ve been through a lot, but I don’t want people to be like, ‘Aww, poor baby,’” said Baker.

“I’m here and made it through. I think as long as you have a good support system you’ll be just fine.”

Baker said C2i provided her with the support system she needed.

For more information on Connections to Independence, visit www.c2iyouth.org.

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month.

of the hood. I told the class that back in the day, I never went to school. I hated school and that I had all Fs. I never looked

forward to going to school because everything that was going on outside of school then was my main priority.

My Mom and Dad never finished high school and now are living the life of poverty.

That’s all I’ve ever known. I soon learned that I had the strong urge to get Office Administrator out of it. My Dad told SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development in St. Paul seeks an outgoing and organized Office Administrator to me “(T)he only way to handle Customer Service and Clerical duties. Full-time. Call get out of this cycle is 651-225-9265 or email ross@steppingstonetheatre.org for to get your education.” job description and requirements.

He’s always told me not to be like him or my Mom; that they have to STAFF ATTORNEY struggle everyday just SMRLS seeks Public Benefits atty, 2 yrs. exp. Salary $44K+ DOE, very good benefits. Resumes to: to survive, because they georgia.sherman@smrls.org can’t live. Because they made the wrong choices, they are now paying for *HOTLINE ATTORNEY* the consequences.

SMRLS seeks atty. for Hotline Proj. in rural MN. Truthfully, I do not Salary $43K+ DOE, vg benes. Resumes to: marialuisa.giese@smrls.org AAEOE want to be like them. I have already struggled myself and know how Minneapolis Urban League it feels not to be able School Office Coordinator to eat or get what you Job summary: need because there is Under the supervision of the School Principal coordinate no money coming in. I all school administrative activities, assisting with operawant something better tional, academic, college access, career development and and bigger in life. I don’t family engagement activities.

want to survive anymore, I just want to live. The only way to do that is to get my education, go to college and get a degree in something I love doing. I don’t want to be trapped in the cycle of poverty and my education is the only way to break free. So now I go to school everyday, get good grades, and am now trying out different things.

This day also made me realize how far I’ve come in life, and that me sharing my story to the class could help someone else who’s struggling to make the same decisions I’ve had to make.

Listening to young people like these and the others I heard that morning took a bit of the sting out of growing old. Looking at the pride on the faces of the generations gathered there deepened my appreciation of the work charters are doing.

me and they really pressured me to go to school. They’ve helped me to be to mature and to be an adult. It just shows they’re not here for the money, they’re here for me.”

Stone, who said he has lived in multiple foster homes, said the staff at C2i has worked with him to understand everything from automobiles to filling out college applications to properly filling out a check.

Markita Hawkins, 22, said she too has lived in multiple foster homes and facilities

From 2

All Labor Has Dignity Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m.

Sam’s Club free men’s health screenings June 8 Sam’s Club will host free men’s health screenings on Saturday, June 8, 2013, 11am-3pm. The screenings will be offered at all Sam’s Club location with a pharmacy. To find a club near you, visit www.

SamsClub.com/clublocator .The screenings will offer the following free tests: PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for men, TSH (thyroidstimulating hormone) for women, blood pressure, BMI (body mass index), and vision. If you have any questions, please contact SamsHealthScreenings@cohnwolf. com .

African-American gays were rarely included in any planning or events.

“There’s so much racism within the gay community. There’s a Black gay community and a white gay community,” said Cole Smith. “OutFront is two floors above us (inside Sabathani) and they could have used us (to support gay marriage) a long time ago, but they didn’t come talk to us until long after things got going. There’s a lot of division and separation in the gay community.”

Smith Cole said while happy the law has passed, he did not do anything special to celebrate the governor’s signing.

“I’ve always said I don’t need a piece of paper to legitimize my marriage. I never needed a piece of paper or anyone’s approval,” said Smith Cole.

(the) Minnesota Attorney General’s office and the many supporters whose prayers, music, venting chats, weeping sessions, glasses of wine, meals, “cupcakes” and just plain ole love - thank you.”

McGee said they are working on final details for a settlement resolution. Nearly 70

Classified Sales Representative

Foundation, who will discuss the role of the 1857 Supreme Court decision and its effect on the abolition of slavery.

Penumbra Theatre, 270 North Kent Street Join professional actor and Macalester College Professor Harry Waters for a reenactment of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1962 speech to the Minneapolis convention of the United Packinghouse Workers, where King drew connections between the labor and civil rights struggles.

Music and related readings will complement his performance.

Pavia Winds Woodwind Quintet at Camden Music School June 1 The Pavia Winds Woodwind Quintet, one of the Midwest’s most exciting young chamber music ensembles will perform 4 pm Saturday, June 1 at Camden Music School, 3751 Sheridan Avenue North (Luther Memorial Lutheran Church), 55412. The concert is free and open to the public. More information: 612-618-0219 or www.camdenmusicschool.com.

their opulent 2009 wedding went viral on the Internet. While their marriage was not recognized by the state and though it will be recognized come Aug. 1, the couple, which together own and operate Talk of the Town salon inside the Sabathani Community Center, 310 E 38th St., #117, said though happy their marriage will be legally recognized there are issues of greater importance.

“Rev. McAfee is not against gays or homophobic – far from it,” said Cole Smith. “He’s about getting poor people fed and getting guns off the street. But because he let it be known that he wouldn’t support gay marriage (legislation) he came off as homophobic. I commend him 100 percent.”

Cole Smith said the fight for gay marriage in the state has largely been a white issue and

interviews. Rep. Champion knew if the bill said employers can’t ask the question at all, it would have never passed. How long are we going to hold people accountable for their past? We’ve got greater

Insight News is looking for a Classified Sales Representative to start immediately.

This is a part-time position perfect for a college student or someone looking for supplemental income. Candidate must be a motivated self-starter with the desire to grow the business. Candidate must be focused, must have the ability to work under deadlines and to meet or exceed set sales goals. Responsibilities include calling and emailing new clients and following up with past clients for classified sales. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to batalara@insightnews.com.

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DAVID NOBLE LECTURE SERIES

us. How many people get pulled over for driving while gay? As long as I’ve been alive people have been getting pulled over for driving while Black.”

McAfee said with so many issues plaguing African-Americans in the state, it’s disturbing that the gay marriage issue got so much traction at the expense of other critical issues. The reverend pointed to the Ban the Box legislation as an example of legislators not wanting to seriously address the issues facing some African-Americans.

Ban the Box addresses employers being able to ask prospective employees questions of arrest on job applications.

“Rep. (Bobby Joe) Champion got Ban the Box passed, but only for the first round of interviews,” said McAfee. “But they can still ask on the second and third

Easter

Fax: 612.588.2031

Michael Cole Smith and Jamil Smith Cole

Minneapolis Urban League Teachers

Science Teacher Math Teacher (2 positions) English Teacher Job Summary: Under general supervisor, serves as classroom teacher in the Minneapolis Urban League Academy High School to create a flexible instruction program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth in accordance with each student’s ability. Establishes effective rapport with students assigned to the classroom. Motivates students to develop attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for secondary grade education in accordance with each student’s ability, and instructs students in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth. Establish good relationships with other staff members.

Experience and Qualification Requirements: The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavior standards as set by the Minneapolis Public School District (MPS) and the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL). In accordance with certification requirements and the performance expectations of the MPS and the MUL, all classroom teachers shall meet the following employment criteria. * Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, including all courses to meet credential (licensing) requirements. * Valid Minnesota teaching license authorizing service in grade levels and areas assigned. * Completed credential file that meets MPS standards. * Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience. * Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education. * Interview/file data will include evidence of sensitivity and respect for others and verification of the demonstrated ability to serve as a positive role model for youth. * Regular and predictable attendance is essential. * Training in behavior management. * Training in student assessment techniques. * Three to five years experience in dealing with at-risk youth. * Experience in developing individual student instructional programs. * Current First Aid Card with C.P.R. endorsement or the willingness to obtain one. * Competency in the use of computer software and hardware. * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. * Ability to plan and implement lessons based on curriculum and school objectives and the needs and abilities of student. *Ability to integrate and differentiate instruction in a variety of subjects to address the diverse student population. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community.

HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to vdavis@mul.org; fax to 612-521-1444 or mail to 2100 Plymouth Ave. No., Mpls, Mn 55411, Attn: HR - Preferred method is email. The positions are open until filled.

Adam Houska

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Demonstrate a strong knowledge of administrative support procedures and practices; knowledge of basic office machines and equipment. Strong technology skills, as well as verbal and written skills. Must be a team player with excellent customer service skills. Attention to detail, flexible and willing to cooperate with other team members. Ability to follow oral and written instructions, ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with school personnel, students, parents and guardians, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from high school, some community college attendance preferred. Administrative Professional certification desired with proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly EXCEL and POWERPOINT. HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to vdavis@mul.org; fax to 612-521-1444 or mail to 2100 Plymouth Ave. No., Mpls, Mn 55411, Attn: HR - Preferred method is email. This position is open until filled.

MPS From 4 to the current contract provisions are needed to allow schools to make offers to the best candidates sooner; align processes that support teachers to improve; create incentives for staff to gain skills in “hard to fill” license areas and schools; and begin collaboration with

the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers on a “grow your own” program for staffing areas of critical need.

“This shift begins now with this partnership approach to our work,” Johnson said.

“The heavy lifting begins at the top, with me and my committed leadership team, a focusing of resources on teaching and learning and ownership of decision-making and responsibility at the school level.”

insightnews.com

Insight News • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Page 11

HEALTH Breathe easier this summer: Tips to control your child’s asthma (BLACK PR WIRE) — As the school year draws to a close and the temperature rises, children and families everywhere start to look forward to the simple pleasures of summer—jumprope, sunshine, playing ball, and cookouts.

However, for the 1 in every 10 children in the United States who has asthma—including one in every 6 African-American children, summer can also bring wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.

The joys of summer can be challenging if your child has asthma, a common but serious chronic disease. Summer’s long afternoons spent playing outside can expose children with asthma to triggers that can bring on attacks, such as increased pollen and allergens from blossoming plants and trees, and increased air pollution on some especially hot summer days.

“While controlling asthma requires daily attention, your child doesn’t have to be sidelined,” said James P. Kiley, Ph.D., director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Division of Lung Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.

“With proper treatment, most children who have asthma can avoid attacks, experience fewer symptoms, be physically active, and enjoy summertime.”

To make sure your child doesn’t miss a thing this season, the NHLBI recommends that you work with your child’s doctor and ask him or her to take the following key actions that can help

your child—and you—breathe easier.

• Tell you what medication your child needs to control asthma symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids, taken daily, are the most effective medication for reducing the inflammation that causes asthma symptoms in people who have persistent asthma.

• Give you a written asthma action plan that spells out what to do every day to control your child’s asthma, and how to handle symptoms or asthma attacks.

• Check your child’s asthma control at regular visits, and adjust medication as needed to keep your child’s asthma in control.

• Schedule regular follow-up visits (at least every six months).

• Work with you to identify your child’s asthma triggers, such as allergens like pet dander and pollens and irritants like tobacco smoke, sprays and pollution, and talk about ways your child can avoid them.

• Ask before you leave the doctor’s office or pharmacy for someone to show you and your child how to use each prescribed medication and device correctly.

You can visit the NHLBI’s website http://www.nhlbi.nih. gov/health/health-topics/topics/ asthma/ for more information, and to order publications from the NHLBI’s National Asthma Education and Prevention Program: So You Have Asthma, How Asthma Friendly is Your School?, Asthma & Physical Activity in the School, and a sample Asthma Action Plan.

Kick start your day

By Mark Underwood How do you usually start your day?

Do you snooze after the alarm goes off? Do you wake up feeling tired and skip breakfast?

Research has found that when you start your mornings out right, especially with good quality sleep, you’re on your way to leading a healthy balanced life.

Don’t underestimate the importance of good morning routines. You can implement a better plan to jump start your day any time— so why not start today?

Use these seven tips to make sure you are primed to have a good day.

Stick to a bedtime pattern.

For some people sticking to a bedtime pattern is easier said than done. They get involved watching TV or doing things around the house.

Everyone has distractions that

can interrupt a bedtime routine, but studies have shown that if you go to bed and get up around the same time each day, you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed and less stressed.

Research has also found that you’ll sleep better if you aren’t watching TV in bed or surfing the Internet in your bedroom before you turn off the light.

Move your alarm clock.

It’s easy to wake up and turn off the alarm when it goes off. If you really want to get up on time, move the alarm to a spot where you can’t reach it. It’s an old trick but it works for many people who want to get up when the alarm sounds.

Get a good night’s sleep.

Are nightmares, snoring, tossand-turning keeping you awake at night? Does the day drag on as your stamina is affected by poor sleep?

As millions of people grow

older, many experience age-related changes like decreased quality of sleep. Some people find they have difficulty sleeping, as each day is crowded with anxiety and stress.

Studies have shown that a poor quality sleep can affect your immune system. Many sleep studies have discovered that how you sleep and rest is are directly linked to your well-being and daily health. It’s also true that people who have chronic sleep problems have a weaker defense system against pathogens that cause illness, such as the common cold.

During sleep, the body produces important proteins called cytokines. These proteins are essential to the effectiveness of the immune system in fighting off infection and other adverse effects on the body.

Program your coffeemaker.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Wake up and smell the roses.” If you are a coffee drinker, just think

how the good it would be to wake up and smell fresh coffee brewing.

If your coffee is brewing when you wake up, the aromatic smell wafting through your house will automatically help you get going and have a great day.

Do morning exercises Wake up your body with exercise that you want to do on a continual basis. It might be walking, stretching or riding your bike…the list is endless.

If you like morning strolls, mornings are a great time to get outdoors and feel the world around you. You don’t need to walk far to breathe in fresh air and feel energized. Breathe deeply for a short time and you’re bound to feel energized.

Don’t skip breakfast.

Many people skip breakfast because they aren’t hungry or they’re in a hurry to get out the door. But studies have found that

a well balanced breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it can help you function more efficiently during the day.

A good breakfast includes complex carbohydrates, protein and a little bit of good fat can help you function more efficiently during the day. You might consider whole grain cereal, fruits and berries, walnuts, a few slices of cheese or a hardboiled egg.

Practice positive thinking.

If you’re starting your day with thoughts like, ‘here’s another boring day sitting at home or going to work’ or ‘I’m already feeling overwhelmed’ you’re not off to a good start.

Instead of gloomy thoughts replace them with thoughts like, ‘I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful family’ or ‘the weather is great so I’ll definitely go for a walk.’

When you practice positive thinking you’ll be much happier

and less stressful and that’s what jump starting a new day is all about.

Mark Underwood is a neuroscience researcher, president and cofounder of Quincy Bioscience, a biotech company located in Madison, Wisconsin focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel technologies to support cognitive function and other age-related health challenges such as memory.

Mark is also creator of popular brain health supplement Prevagen.

Mark has been taped as an expert in the field of neuroscience for The Wall Street Journal Morning Radio, CBS and CNN Radio among others. Mark is also a contributor to the “Brain Health Guide” which highlights the research at Quincy Bioscience and offers practical tips to help keep healthy brain function in aging. More information can be found at: www.quincybioscience. com.

Weight loss: Ready to change your habits?

By Mayo Clinic staff Are you motivated to lose weight?

Is your weight-loss goal realistic?

Answer these questions and more to make sure you’re ready to start a weight-loss program — and know what steps to take if you aren’t quite there.

Your weight-loss success depends in large part on your readiness to take on the challenge.

If you jump in before you’re ready, your weight-loss plan might buckle under the first challenge.

Use these questions to assess your weight-loss readiness.

1. Are you motivated to make long-term lifestyle changes?

Successful weight loss depends on permanent lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods and including physical activity in your daily routine.

That could represent a significant departure from your current lifestyle.

Be honest.

Knowing that you need to make changes in your life and actually doing it are two different things. You might need to overhaul your diet so that you’re eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, for example. You’ll also need to find time for physical activity, ideally at least 30 to 45 minutes — or more — nearly every day of the week.

Whether your motivation for undertaking these changes is better health, improved appearance or simply feeling better about yourself, find your motivation and focus on it.

2. Have you addressed the big distractions in your life?

If you’re dealing with major life events, such as marital problems, job stress, illness or financial worries, you might not want to add the challenge of overhauling your eating and exercise habits. Instead, consider giving your life a chance to calm down before you launch your weight-loss program.

3. Do you have a realistic picture of how much weight you’ll lose and how quickly?

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong process. Start by making sure your weight-loss goal is safe and realistic — such as losing 10 percent of your current weight.

Then aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week until you reach your goal. This means burning 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day — through diet, exercise or both.

You might lose weight more quickly if you change your habits significantly. Be careful, though.

Radical changes that aren’t sustainable aren’t likely to be effective over the long term.

4. Have you resolved any emotional issues connected to your weight?

Emotions and food are often intertwined. Anger, stress, grief and boredom can trigger emotional eating. If you have a history of an eating disorder, weight loss can be even trickier.

To prepare for the challenges, identify any emotional issues related to food. Talk to your doctor or a mental health provider, if needed.

5. Do you have support and

accountability?

Any weight-loss program can be difficult. You might face moments of temptation or become disheartened. Having someone in your corner to offer encouragement can help. If you don’t have friends or loved ones you can rely on for positive help, consider joining a weight-loss support group.

If you want to keep your weight-loss efforts private, be prepared to be accountable to yourself with regular weigh-ins and a log of your diet and activity.

You might also want to consider joining an online program or using a certified health coach.

6. Have you embraced the weight-loss challenge?

If you don’t have a positive attitude about losing weight, you might not be ready — and if you dread what lies ahead, you might be more likely to find excuses to veer off course.

Instead, try to embrace the vision of your new lifestyle and remain positive. Focus on how good you’ll feel when you’re more active or when you weigh less. Picture yourself celebrating every success along the way, whether it’s enjoying a new food, finishing another exercise session or losing your first few pounds.

Your results: Ready or not?

Think about your responses to the questions above: Did you answer yes to all or most of the questions? You’re probably ready to make the lifestyle changes that’ll support permanent weight loss. Forge ahead with a healthy diet and regular physical activity — starting today! If you think you

need help, consult a dietitian or enroll in a reputable weight-loss program. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, you might benefit from medically supervised weight loss with a team of health professionals — such as a dietitian, a therapist or an obesity specialist.

Did you answer no to more than one of the questions? You

might not be ready to embark on a weight-loss program right now - and that’s OK. Explore what’s holding you back and face those obstacles. Consider seeking help from your doctor or another professional, such as a certified wellness coach, to help you work through these issues. Then reevaluate your readiness for weight loss so that you can get started on

the path to a healthier weight.

If you couldn’t answer all of the questions with a simple yes or no but you feel generally positive about most of your answers and you’re upbeat about a weight-loss program, consider starting now.

You might never have definitive answers in life. Don’t let that rob you of a chance to achieve your weight-loss goals.

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Page 12 • May 20 - May 26, 2013 • Insight News

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MINNEAPOLIS URBAN LEAGUE

GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITY

8 7 TH A N N I V E R S A R Y

A NEW ERA OF

TRANSFORMATION

The Minneapolis Urban League invites you to join us for our 87th Annual Gala - honoring our past and celebrating our future, as we embark upon a New Era of Transformation!

Presenting Sponsor

Keynote Speaker

daymond john Founder of FUBU, Co-Star on ABC’s

thursday. june 20. 2013 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Minneapolis Convention Center 1301 2nd Avenue South | Minneapolis, MN 55403 $100 - General Admission | $80 - Members

tickets & sponsorships

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit us online at www.mul.org, or contact Linda Anderson at 612.302.3105, or by emailing landerson@mul.org.

Other Major Sponsors