Insight News ::: 05.15.17

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Insight News May 15 - May 21, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 19• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

My heart will dance this summer TURN TO PAGE 2

Don Walker

Page 2 • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Insight News

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Leading with art: Don Walker

My Heart Will Dance This Summer

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor When we kicked off the Leading with Art campaign the first artist we featured was Don Walker.

Walker’s reimagined tribute to Prince, “Confessions” – a piece that was originally commissioned for Prince – was the perfect visual to accompany our look back at the year that was 2016. Now well into spring, we offer another Walker work, “My Heart Will Dance This Summer.” This work is full of the life and vitality

that embodies the scenes and feelings of spring and summer. Walker’s painting is both literal and abstract with an exquisite image of a wonderfully chocolate ballerina in motion; behind her an abstract image of a human heart.

“Music and art have always been in my blood and I wanted to do something to represent the two,” said Walker of his work.

Prints of “My Heart Will Dance This Summer” are on display at the Minnesota School for the Recording Arts in St. Paul and at Winona State University.

“Winona has a room

with 12 of my works on display,” said Walker, who once owned a gallery with baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.

With a varied and illustrious career, Walker worked as an artist for both the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. At the Pioneer Press Walker worked under artists who were trained by Walt Disney. Later he met “Peanuts” creator Charles Schultz.

“That’s when I knew I wanted to be an artist,” said Walker of the Schultz meeting.

Walker has submitted

some of his latest works to the Minnesota Super Bowl Committee in hopes of having it used leading up to and during the 2018 Super Bowl, which will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“I think artists of color aren’t getting their fair share of contracts … in hotels, hospitals and other spaces,” said Walker.

Limited edition prints of “My Heart Will Dance This Summer” and other Walker works are available by contacting Walker at donwalker23@q.com or by calling (651) 224-1640.

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Insight News December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017

Vol. 43 No. 52• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

“Confessions” Twin Cities artist Don Walker was commissioned several years ago

by Prince to paint “Confessions.”

Following Prince’s death in April, Walker reimagined his original work and authorized us to use it for our year-end edition cover.

2016

...

the year that was

Don Walker’s “Confessions” kicked off Insight News’ Leading with Art campaign.

Flipping the switch Commentary

By Marian Wright Edelman What if boosting a toddler’s brainpower was as easy as turning on a light switch?

In fact, “Flip the Switch” is one of the simple activities suggested by Vroom, an initiative that provides creative tools and materials to help families turn daily interactions with children into “brain building moments.”

On one side of an electronic “flashcard” Vroom describes this idea for children between six months and two years old such as, “Before leaving the

house today, let your child be the one to turn off the lights.

Help them flip all the switches and talk about how their actions turn the lights off for darkness and on for light.” On the reverse side, Vroom explains the “brainy background” behind it. “This game teaches your child about cause and effect. When one of you hits the switch, your child will observe how the lights turn off and on. Have a conversation about what is happening so they learn some new words too.”

Vroom is partnering with leaders in a number of cities to build early learning communities where high quality early learning environments are available for all children. In Dallas, Vroom is working with the Commit! Partnership to improve access to quality early learning opportunities and create a continuum of care to support children and families, with an

ultimate goal of ensuring 80 percent of Dallas children enter kindergarten ready to learn by 2025. They are using Vroom’s “Moments Framework” to educate parents about the importance of the early years for children’s development and suggest activities they can do. For example, what do zoos, museums, laundromats and nail salons have in common? For Vroom, these are all opportunities to spread awareness about how parents can create “brain building moments” every day while they are out and about with their children.

Vroom has also launched a free app so parents can receive daily developmentally appropriate activities like “Flip the Switch” on their smartphones.

A baby is born with a brain 25 percent as large as an adult brain. Researchers at the Institute for Learning and Brain Science

at the University of Washington tell us that by the time the child reaches a fifth birthday, the brain is already over 90 percent of the size of a mature brain. That startling period of growth in size is mirrored by the growth in neural connections needed to learn how to process information and build skills.

The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University reports that in the earliest years of a child’s life more than one million of these connections are formed every second, with simpler connections paving the way for more complex ones. These early connections build the foundation for children’s future health, education and behavior.

Every time adults respond appropriately to a young child’s calls for attention, they are helping build and strengthen neural connections and supporting the development of a strong brain foundation. The Center on the Developing Child refers to this quality parent-child communication as “serve and return” interactions and says the absence of them is a “serious threat” to a child’s development.

The idea for the Boston Basics initiative was born out of a 2011 conference hosted by Dr. Ron Ferguson devoted to discovering what parents need to know to help eliminate skill gaps already evident at age two. An advisory committee of researchers came up with “basics” all parents should

practice with their children to support healthy brain development – maximize love, manage stress; talk, sing and point; count, group and compare; explore through movement and play and read and discuss stories.

The Boston Basics Campaign, launched in January 2016, is a publicprivate collaboration between leaders from the Black Philanthropy Fund, the Boston Mayor’s Office, the Pediatrics Department at Boston Medical Center, WGBH Broadcasting and the Boston Children’s Museum among many other community leaders. The “basics” are being infused throughout the Boston community — engaging health care providers, places of worship, libraries and museums, barbershops, early childhood centers, and schools to ensure parents are saturated with information about how to support their child’s brain development wherever they go.

Boston Basics demonstrates the potential for private organizations and government partners to come together in support of young children in a community.

Too Small to Fail, a joint initiative of the Clinton Foundation and the Opportunity Institute, launched the public awareness and action campaign “Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing,” which uses books, parent videos, text messaging, and social media to share fun

and easy ways for parents and caregivers to boost their child’s early brain and vocabulary development. There are now “Talking is Teaching Word Gap” campaigns in dozens of cities across the country.

Just as the latest research shows that investments in quality early childhood programs generate an average annual return of more than 13 percent on every dollar invested, every effort made in boosting young children’s brainpower – including the thousands of simple, fun and free activities parents and caregivers can weave into everyday life – benefits all of us later on. These important community initiatives are essential but cannot make up for needed public investments in programs that support children’s early development.

High-quality child care and other early opportunities are out of reach for too many children and families that need them but are also critical for further strengthening children’s early brain development. Healthy early child brain development is not a partisan issue. Congress should embrace the evidence and make the investments needed today to guarantee every baby has a strong start to ensure a strong America tomorrow.

Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.

Atlanta Inquirer publisher remembered as great journalist, businessman A CONVERSATION ABOUT CAREGIVING WITH HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE Join AARP for a night of entertainment and inspiration as actress and advocate Holly Robinson Peete shares her personal story of balancing life as a family caregiver while working and raising a family.

The event will also feature live jazz music, along with a screening of the short documentary, Stepping Up: Stories of Jazz and Caregiving, capturing the highs and lows of caregiving.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Capri Theater | 2027 W. Broadway Ave. | Minneapolis, MN 55411 Event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

RSVP at aarp.cvent.com/jazzandcare or by calling 1-877-926-8300.

Renowned publisher John B. Smith, Sr. died late last month.

Smith, publisher and chief executive officer of the Atlanta Inquirer, passed away on April 27. He was 81 years old.

Starting in 1961 as a part time advertising salesman, Smith rose through the ranks of the Inquirer becoming the paper’s advertising manager, then vice president before assuming the role of publisher and CEO. Active with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) since the 1960s, Smith formerly served as the association’s chairman.

A graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Smith also earned two master’s degrees from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) – one in business administration and another in mathematics. He also received an honorary doctorate from Carver Bible College (Atlanta). A veteran, Smith served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge.

Atlanta Magazine once named Smith “Young Man of the Year” and he received Morehouse alumni awards in the areas of business and journalism.

In 2004 he was named one of Atlanta’s most influential people in the book, “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.”

courtesy of Atlanta Inquirer

John B. Smith, Sr. Smith was a member of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Boulé) and the Prince Hall Masons.

A celebration of life service was held for Smith on May 6 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel on the campus of Morehouse.

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Insight News • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Page 3

aesthetically speaking

Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities

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Tracey Gibson brings private sector know- how to state initiative Former Cargill executive is new statewide director, Recruitment, Retention & Affirmative Action for Minnesota

By Nadvia Davis As a proud alumnus of the historically black college, Fort Valley State University in Georgia, Tracey Gibson has built on her undergraduate degree and developed an extensive career path for herself … a path that would help increase jobs and “diversity across the state to represent the people that live here (Minnesota),” said Gibson.

After completing her B.A. in accounting, Gibson began her first career with Cargill, one of the largest privately held companies in the world.

“Cargill came recruiting and that’s how I got here.

They recruited me right out of college,” said Gibson.

Gibson, originally from Detroit, relocated from Georgia to Minnesota and would spend the next 29 and a half years

working at Cargill. She held positions in various job families ranging from finance to human resources. But it was in the human resources work that Gibson found a niche, working in global inclusion and diversity.

Unlike some professionals that take time to find their career path, Gibson managed to gain longevity and momentum with every career advancement within Cargill. One of the last positions Gibson held before transitioned to working for the state was her role as senior director of Global Community Engagement.

Each new position at Cargill presented Gibson with the opportunity to travel and see the world.

“On some work-related trips, I would take vacation and stay over. I’ve been on every continent except Antarctica,” said Gibson.

After devoting more than a quarter of a century to

Cargill, the company went through a restructure that impacted Gibson’s role. During this pivotal part of her career transition, Gibson received a phone call from Minnesota Chief Inclusion Officer James Burroughs, asking if Gibson would consider coming to the People of Color Career Fair.

This phone call gave Gibson a second wind and a new focus.

Although Gibson’s move to working for the state was unexpected, she took the time to evaluate for profit verses government careers, eventually making the decision to accept her new position as statewide director of Recruitment, Retention and Affirmative Action.

With much excitement surrounding Gibson’s career move, there can be some negative perceptions

Tracey Gibson

GIBSON 5

S.U.N. Academy: A bright spot on the Northside Creating warriors of change

By Sonya Goins Contributing Writer National Retail Federation

Some say it’s the best kept secret on the Northside.

The Minneapolis YMCA is known for its athletics and teen programs, but many people might be surprised to learn that it’s also home to Sankofa Underground North (S.U.N) Academy.

“S.U.N. Academy is a school that is predicated on creating what we call warriors of change, a scholar warrior,” said dean of students, Thomas Berry. “We’re trying to teach our scholars their history, cultural history, so they can know where they came from and which way they can go.”

The Afrocentric charter school opened August 2016, serving kindergarten and first grade. It’s licensed by the state

Laysha Ward

Laysha Ward Target executive reflects on positive impact on girls and young women in retail Students of S.U.N. Academy of Minnesota and authorized by the University of St. Thomas.

Currently, there are 54 students enrolled in the program. The school plans to add a grade level

each year.

Starting bright and early, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the second floor of the YMCA is transformed into

a unique learning environment.

The students, called scholars,

S.U.N. 4

“I’m excited by the extraordinary ability of retail to create shared value, driving both business and social impact,” said Laysha Ward, executive vice president and chief external engagement officer at Target. Ward commented in an online interview published by the National Retail Federation during

its March celebration of Women’s History Month highlighting women in the retail industry.

“From small business owners to CEOs, women are leading the way. As an industry, we have a

WARD 9

Dougherty Family College; accepting students for 2017-2018 inaugural class at University of St. Thomas Minneapolis campus If there is one gift we could give teens for their future, most people agree it would be a college education.

But for too many hardworking youth, college seems beyond their reach. In an effort to help reduce the education and prosperity gap in Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas will open the Dougherty Family College for the 2017-2018 school year. The college is now accepting applications for its first class of students.

The Dougherty Family College associate of arts degree is designed to help ensure the success of under-served

students who may be the first in their family to attend college, or those who have limited support or financial assistance to pursue a four-year degree.

Students will need a 2.5 or higher grade-point average and must have a high level of financial need (e.g., meeting the eligibility requirements for federal Pell Grants and/or state grants). In addition, students must participate in a qualifying interview to determine their readiness and motivation. ACT is not required. Applications are now open at www.stthomas.edu/ dfc/applytoday.

“Human beings cannot

Business

Young Florida entrepreneur breaking new ground

PAGE 4

flourish and realize their potential without access to education and access to job opportunities,” said Dr. Julie Sullivan, president at the University of St. Thomas.

“Dougherty Family College is about expanding access, in particular for those students who have limited financial resources or have faced challenges in their life.”

The Dougherty Family College plans to admit about 150 students to its inaugural college class. Classes will be held four days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To increase access for students, the two-year college will be located on the University

of St. Thomas campus in downtown Minneapolis. It will offer students an associate of arts degree in liberal arts, with courses that meet Minnesota Transfer Curriculum guidelines.

The annual tuition will be offset by state and local grants, scholarships and corporate support, bringing final tuition costs to just $1,000 a year for the most under-resourced students. Scholarships, along with free laptops, meals and bus transportation, help to ensure mncr.org

ST. THOMAS 4

Scholarships, along with free laptops, meals and bus transportation, help to ensure students have the tools needed so nothing stands in the way of their ability to focus on a college education.

I2H

News

A Lesson for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos

PAGE 5

F.I.T. to Lead: Prepared for abuela (grandmother) duty

PAGE 6

Community

Thirty-eight local youth recognized for outstanding community service

PAGE 9

Page 4 • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Insight News

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Business

Wells Fargo announces Neighborhood Renovation Program Contest for Minneapolis small businesses Company invites eligible small business owners to enter a physical location or storefront makeover contest Wells Fargo is introducing the Wells Fargo Works for Small Business: Neighborhood Renovation Program Contest, designed to award renovations to four eligible small businesses in designated Minneapolis neighborhoods through a physical location or storefront makeover.

Wells Fargo is launching the program in collaboration with Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit organization focused on rebuilding communities.

To enter the contest, which runs through May 31, eligible small business owners must

complete a contest application and write an essay responding to questions about their business on www.wellsfargoworks.com/ renovation. Four winners in Minneapolis will be selected in the contest. One business will win up to $25,000 in business renovations, and three businesses will each win up to $10,000 in business renovations.

No purchase or entry fee is required. The contest rules, including full eligibility and application requirements, can be found at wellsfargoworks.com/ renovation/contestrules.

“Wells Fargo has a long

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Small businesses could win up to $25,000. history of building strong relationships with small business owners and fostering economic

development in each and every community we serve across America,” said Joe Ravens,

Wells Fargo Minnesota region president. “We are thrilled that Minneapolis was selected as one of the cities to participate in the 2017 Neighborhood Renovation Program, and look forward to helping improve four small businesses through the renovation contest.”

A panel of judges will review the entries and Wells Fargo will announce the winners in each of the five cities in August. Wells Fargo will also host a small business community event to showcase the renovations and extend resources to the broader community of small business

owners in Minneapolis. The launch of the Wells Fargo Works for Small Business: Neighborhood Renovation Program coincides with company’s Small Business Appreciation Celebration.

This annual event, which also coincides with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week in May, highlights the accomplishments of small businesses.

Four other cities – Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami – were selected to participate in the contest.

Young Florida entrepreneur breaking new ground with custom-designed mobile phone, telecom company INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Gloria Freeman Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Rebecca Rabb 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.

Freddie Figgers, a self-taught computer programmer, engineer, inventor, is founder of one of the nation’s fastest growing African-American-owned telecommunications companies Tallahassee, Fla. – At birth, Freddie Figgers was abandoned by his crack-addicted mother who left him behind a dumpster.

At age 9, he took apart an old IBM personal computer five times that his father bought at a local Goodwill. On the sixth time, he got it working. He was thrilled – and has never looked back. Now, the 27-yearold is founder and owner of Figgers Communication, one of the nation’s fastest growing African-American-owned telecommunications companies.

Figgers’ privately held company provides cellular, mobile broadband,

S.U.N. From 3 dress in colorful dashikis, which come directly from Ghana, West Africa. Scholars are taught lessons that are rooted in PanAfrican culture and based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa; unity, self-determination, working together, supporting each other, purpose, creativity and faith.

“Since there are only seven principles, we keep going over them, and putting them into action,” explained interim executive director Marcellus Davis. “They will be scholar activists, changing their community and transforming the world.”

St. Thomas From 3 students have the tools needed so nothing stands in the way of their ability to focus on a college education.

St. Thomas will also connect its two-year college students with paid internships through collaboration with regional employers.

“These internships will offer valuable, hands-on work

home phone and international calling services. He owns four patents with an additional two others pending. He has developed a custom-designed phone, the Figger1, that has gold trim, high-def display, dual SIM capability, multi-

user capability and automatic anti-texting functionality.

Figgers also is in negotiations to expand the company’s 16 cell to more than 105.

“I’ve had a pretty good life,” said Figgers, who was raised by his adoptive parents in Quincy, Fla., a small community just outside of Tallahassee. “My parents really supported me … I want to continue to be innovative.”

Figgers is a computer programmer, engineer and inventor. At age 13, he started working for the city of Quincy as a computer technician and network administrator in its

NetQuincy department, setting up the city’s network and helping residents. At age 16, he started Figgers Computers, repairing computers and installing wireless area networks. By age 17, he created a cloudbased hosting network. By age 18, he had created his own computer operating system.

Eager to launch his own mobile communications company, Figgers designed a VOIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol network – that transmits voice to and from the USA from more than 80 countries’ landline and mobile connections. He achieved another milestone

in 2011, when the FCC approved the company’s application to own spectrum, leading to the construction of the company’s first cellular tower.

Drawing off his success and the lure of the $420 billion mobile phone industry, Figgers started Figgers Communication, which led him to design and manufacture the Figgers F1 mobile phone in the USA for its 4G Voice over LTE Network.

“I’m using all of my capital to learn and develop new ideas,” said Figgers. “I’m reinvesting in this business.”

Besides cultural awareness, S.U.N. was also formed to address the ethnic achievement gap and the disparities that exist between Black and white students. Both Berry and Davis said the traditional system is failing students of color.

“Studies have shown that when children know who they are, they perform better,” said Berry.

Scholars start each day by reciting positive affirmations.

“I’m an African, I’m an African and I know what’s happening,” they chant. The scholar-warriors are also taught a brief history lesson before settling down in their classrooms, which are called villages.

“There’s a penalty to say that you’re Black. There’s a penalty to say that you’re Pan-

African,” said Davis. “We are trying to reclaim and liberate our mind.”

“It’s fun. S.U.N. Academy is where we learn about Africans and that’s why we wear dashikis.

And we do reading and math about Africans,” said six-yearold student Azziah Footes.

Core requirements such as math, reading, history and science are taught, but with Pan-African influence added to the curriculum. “For example, in social studies we’re learning about how Congress works, great. But did you know about Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.? Did you know about all these great Black politicians? Did you know Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American to run for president?” explained Berry. He went on to say that staff can see a

change in the way scholars view these subjects now.

Although S.U.N. is an Afrocentric school, officials say everyone is welcomed.

Currently there is one white student enrolled in the program.

Demetria Williams is a teacher at S.U.N. She later enrolled her children, ages 4 and 6, into the program after seeing positive changes in the scholars.

“Their confidence grew, my son became more articulate. He didn’t speak a lot because he didn’t feel he was understood when he spoke, so he didn’t speak,” said Williams. “My daughter also flourished in so many ways, that’s what made me stay.”

However, S.U.N. has had its growing pains. There have been several turnovers

in leadership; two principals, and one executive director. But Berry said the school is back on track to have a successful year.

“Here at S.U.N. Academy we want to shine the light, we want these kids to glow,” said Berry.

But the brightness doesn’t stop with the scholars. Officials plan to offer opportunities to parents and others in the community such as employment services and a clothing shelf.

School leaders say S.U.N. is part of the community and we all win when everyone is doing well.

S.U.N. is currently looking for more scholars and volunteers.

For more information, contact (612) 547-6617.

experience that will help our students develop professional and life skills,” said Pat Ryan, chair of the University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees.

Students will take a core curriculum of liberal arts classes, which will meet the academic standards of the University of St. Thomas four-year program but will be delivered in a different way. Each student will attend classes with the same group of 25 students throughout the twoyear program. They will take a first-year experience seminar

focusing on study skills, time management, financial and information literacy, preparatory skills for conducting research and professional development etiquette. In addition, students will participate in leadership development advisory groups to hone their critical thinking and leadership skills.

“A college degree is one of the best ways to beat poverty,” said Mike Dougherty, lead benefactor along with his wife, Kathy Dougherty. “My wife, daughters and I want to

give motivated, hard-working students the opportunity to succeed in college so they can use their talents and support themselves in the future. One day, I believe these students will be giving back to our community. But for now, this is a way for our family to give back to the community that has been so good to us.”

“Inspiration for the Dougherty Family College came from within our school, from our generous, communityminded donors and from our

own mission to be morally responsible leaders, who work to advance the common good,” said Sullivan. “Addressing Minnesota’s achievement gap requires not only compassion, but the commitment to take action – and we intend to be part of the solution.”

For more information on the Dougherty Family College, visit www.stthomas.edu\dfc.

Freddie Figgers

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Insight News • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Page 5

Renewing the call to buy Black, bank Black

By Angelo C. Louw NNPA Newswire Guest Columnist “I have observed this in my experience of slavery – that whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only increased my desire to be free, and set me to thinking of plans to gain my freedom.”

—Frederick Douglass, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” A lot has happened during the eight years of our nation’s first Black president.

A number of major events took place over the course of former President Barack Obama’s two terms in office (from the federal lawsuits against major banks that discriminated against Black and Brown homebuyers, to the shooting deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Tamir Rice; to the water crisis in Flint, Mich.) that unearthed a deeper need for law enforcement reform and the dire need to address the socio-economic challenges that many young people of color face today.

Civil rights activists and scholars have questioned why

living conditions for Black people barely improved under the leadership of our nation’s first Black president, whose campaign slogan “Yes, We Can,” rang as a promise of it – encouraging Americans to take up the task themselves, to roll up their sleeves, and to be “the change that we seek.”

During Obama’s presidency, a mountain of research emerged demonstrating the nuances of inequality between Black and white Americans, including a racial wealth gap that persists despite educational attainment.

Black students who do make it to college often carry twice the level of student loan debt and higher default rates on their loans. Black college graduates not only face higher unemployment rates than white college graduates, Blacks with college degrees have less wealth than white high school dropouts.

Researchers also said that in order to close the wealth gap between Blacks and whites, the average Black household would have to save 100 percent of its income for three consecutive years.

In “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,” Ohio State University law professor Michelle Alexander detailed how prisons have become the latest

stockvault.net

The call continues to buy Black and bank with Black institutions. form of economic and social disenfranchisement for Blacks.

Ava DuVernay’s documentary, “13th,” sought to explain how a racially-biased legal system literally condemned Black youth to modern-day slavery; stripping them of their civil rights and labeling them “other” for the rest of their lives.

DuVernay’s documentary also explored how private companies targeted the prisonindustrial complex in search of new business. However, the forprofit prison industry is not the

only one cashing in on a Black community divided by class, and one lacking the unified investment in a common theme of economic empowerment.

“I have found that, to make a contented slave, it is necessary to make a thoughtless one. It is necessary to darken his moral and mental vision, and, as far as possible, to annihilate the power of reason.”

—Frederick Douglass, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” In Miami last July,

OneUnited Bank CEO Teri Williams said AfricanAmericans spend 1.2 trillion dollars annually, but Blackowned businesses only see about two percent of that.

According to a USA Today article published earlier this year, “In 2007, prior to the recession, there were 41 banks with majority African-American ownership. There were 44 in 1986, the year Congress passed a law designating February as National Black History Month.

Today, the number of Blackowned banks has fallen to just 23 institutions.”

The article also noted that more than half of Blacks are “either unbanked or underbanked, meaning they supplement their bank account with alternatives such as check cashers.”

During a phone interview with the Fader, Williams said that the reality is that Black banks, like OneUnited and all of the Black-owned banks that came before, “were created out of the Civil Rights Movement when the majority of the banks were not accepting us as customers.”

Williams added, “since then, integration has happened and people may think now we don’t ‘need Black banks,’ but it’s actually the opposite.”

In the same interview, Williams agreed when the Fader reporter noted that in some ways economic autonomy is just as important as the protests against police violence in the Black Lives Matter movement.

“It goes back to changing our mindset. It’s important for us to do business with each other and work with each other,” said Williams. “To trust each other is a leap we ‘have’ to take. There’s no other way around it.”

There will always be pressure to “look the part,” and wear a Rolex, but surely there is a line to be drawn between looking the part and looking the part to achieve some level of whiteness or some false sense of freedom, while sacrificing real freedom and economic independence.

To be the change that we seek, Black people have to do more than just look the part; we have to “Bank Black” and “Buy Black” and invest in our communities.

Angelo C. Louw is the advocacy officer at Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute and former HIV prevention campaigner at loveLife, South Africa’s largest youth HIV intervention. He is currently a Fulbright/Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow based at the University of Maryland.

A lesson for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Education Secretary Betsy DeVos just made life harder for student borrowers

By Charlene Crowell NNPA Newswire Columnist This year’s swearing-in of a new Congress and president signaled a surge of new ideas and approaches to government.

However, no elected or appointed official should ever depart from or diminish the primary role of government – service to the American people.

Ours was, is and must remain a democracy that affords every citizen the opportunity to become a productive and contributing member of society.

Yet in recent weeks, the Department of Education has taken a series of specific actions that depart from our creed and duty. By disregarding the needs of 40 million debt-laden student loan borrowers who collectively owe more than $1.2 trillion, it seems one of the Education Department’s top priorities is to respond to concerns of student loan servicers hired and paid with taxpayer dollars.

Where is Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ plan to address these stillgrowing concerns?

With more philanthropic than administrative expertise, hearing from student borrowers, higher education officials and consumer advocates would provide insightful benefits to the new education secretary.

In 2016, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) received 12,300 student loan complaints. Of these, the vast majority – 67 percent – concerned either their lender or their servicer. Another 30 percent of student loan complaints focused on fees, billing, credit reporting, defaults and fraud.

“More frequently than other issues, non-federal and

Gibson From 3 about government jobs.

“We as state employees have to understand that there is some negative stigma about coming to work for the state in some communities, “said Gibson. “In my role I have the opportunity to change those perceptions and be more strategic in building relationships with all communities.”

Charlene Crowell says Education Secretary Betsy DeVos can benefit from listening to student borrowers, higher education officials and consumer advocates.

federal student loan borrowers expressed their concerns relating to trouble with how payments are handled,” states CFPB’s report. “Borrowers complained of misapplied payments and inaccurate accounting of payments. Some borrowers complained of misapplication of payments and reported that payments were not applied to specific accounts, but rather applied to all accounts managed by the servicer.”

Ironically, servicer complaints made many mortgage borrowers frustrated too, especially during the housing crisis. Whatever the loan financed, borrowers were pleading with servicers to act responsively and fairly.

Despite minimal standards of accountability, on April 4, the National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER), the organization that represents student loan servicers, wrote the chairs and ranking members

Gibson has hit the ground running in her new role by contributing to the state’s recruitment efforts through events such as the People of Color Career Fair and the state’s Lead-In events, which connects communities of color with state leaders to build trust and stronger relationships. She has also raised awareness for opportunities for individuals to get involved with the state’s numerous boards and commissions.

Currently, Gibson is working on her doctoral degree

Twitter

Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos 1

2

of the House Appropriations Committee and its Education subcommittee. In part, the letter wrote, “the amount that is paid to servicers is not sufficient to cover the currently requested services or the expected services that borrowers need to begin paying their student loans.”

In everyday language, that sounds a lot like, “you don’t pay me enough to do this job.”

Add to that interpretation the Trump Administration’s proposed $6 billion budget cut to the Department of Education, more money for servicers doesn’t seem likely anytime soon. Further, negotiations for new servicing contracts are expected to start this year.

The NCHER letter could be interpreted as an unofficial start to those negotiations.

Just one week after NCHER wrote federal lawmakers, DeVos wrote James Runcie, the chief operating officer for Federal Student Aid, rolling back important guidance on student loan servicing. The now retracted guidance protected

in biblical preaching at Luther Seminary. She has been married for 28 years and is the mother of two sons. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “I like to keep myself busy with things that ignite me.

People give me energy,” said Gibson.

borrowers in three key ways – providing borrowers access to accurate information and consistent service, regular audits of both records and complaints to be used in compliance reviews and connecting servicer compensation to measurable actions such as payment processing time, length of response time to inquiries, and errors.

By reversing steps designed to assist student loan borrowers and safeguard taxpayer investment, servicers will also have less accountability. Before the Education Department turns away from fair treatment of enforcement and loan regulation, officials should know that research and data have consistently illustrated broad borrower mistreatment at the hands of servicers. Should the department fail to monitor itself, borrowers can still seek enforcement and protection from state officials and the CFPB. Both entities have demonstrated an interest and willingness to act on behalf of consumers, even if the Department of Education will not.

CFPB is the consumer’s federal cop-on-the-beat and that agency is also facing challenges as President Trump has publicly

vowed a regulatory rollback in general and a haircut specifically for the CFPB. As some have maintained in public policy debates, regulation has gotten in the way of private enterprise.

No one should dismiss or forget that the private sector has always been guided and motivated by profitability. In state capitols across the country and on Capitol Hill, private interests bank roll lobbyists to cut their taxes, reduce regulation, and appoint officials who will support policies that increase their respective bottom lines. For example, Robert Eitel, senior counselor to Secretary DeVos, previously served as an attorney for Bridgepoint Education, Inc., that operates multiple for-profit colleges.

By contrast, the public sector, i.e. government, should be guided by the duties and obligations of public service.

School children have been taught for decades that government is “for, by, and of the people.”

That pledge should include consumer protection and fiscal accountability. The American people should never be denied or shortchanged for the sake of private entities looking for more lucrative contracts.

It’s a lesson that the Education Secretary needs to learn.

Charlene Crowell is communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

Page 6 • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Insight News

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Insight 2 Health F.I.T. to Lead: Prepared for abuela (grandmother) duty Associate Editor

By Carmen Robles Afrodescendientes The Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge (I2H) has given me more than a new lease in life – it has given me the stamina to keep up with my granddaughters.

I2H has prepared me for abuela (grandmother) duty for Avery Kate, 8, and Ella Jo, age 5. These two fireballs are athletes in tutu’s.

Twice a year I head out to Portland, Ore. where my son Ben and his wife Julie live with their girls. Ben and Julie get to go off on a mini-honeymoon trip and I take care of their little ones. Each trip I come back exhausted. Playing catch-up abuela within a brief time span is challenging work.

This past trip was different, however. I had loads of energy as I walked fast – almost ran – to my gate at the airport. Typical, the gate is always the one at the end of the building. I’m always lagging, out of breath by the time I get to the departing gate.

Sometimes the gate is changed and I must get to the new location which is always on the opposite side.

No problema. I could easily maneuver my way around the

seemingly endless maze of people, suitcases, wheelchairs, food carts and traffic everywhere coming out of every corner, obstructing my route. Easy peasy. When I left my cell phone in the ladies’ room, way on the other side of the terminal, I sprinted from one end to the other in no time.

Then there are the girls, full of energy, ideas and projects; able to jump around the furniture in a single bound, faster than a speeding scooter and bike with training wheels. Sleep, a fiveletter word they hate to hear.

Ah yes, thank goodness, I am a Spartan (well, an honorary one, anyway.)

We played “peek-a-boo” like I use to do with their father and his sister, Lisa Jo. We hopped scotched, and I could hop. We even hula hooped, jumped rope, danced, put on a two girl play and chased the cat.

While Avery was in school I took Ella Jo to the neighborhood park. We skipped most of the way and ran the rest. Funny part was, she kept complaining how she didn’t like to walk and wanted to ride in the car. “Silly Ella” I said playfully, “abuela is a vieja (old lady) and I can run.

Vente (come) catch me.” Catch me she did.

When I pushed her on the swing, I did squats. To her delight, I faced her as I pushed her little feet. Up she’d go and squatting down I went, coming up in time to meet her feet.

Up down, up down we went;

Nietas (granddaughters) Avery Kate Wewerka, 8 , and Ella Jo Wewerka, age 5. her squealing to go “faster” reminded me of Tyrone Minor’s

and Jaime Minor’s, “you can do anything for a minute.”

After I2H round nine and two weeks into round 10, I can

do anything for a minute, and then some.

Avery, a sophisticated, detailed-oriented young lady, was not into the Spartan-like physical activity her little sister Ella Jo thrives on. A skillful coach, much like the top of the line coaches/trainers at the F.I.T. Lab, she took on the role of trainer.

With her clipboard in hand, she bellowed out exercises for me. “Burpees,” she instructed.

“No, not the dreaded burpees,” I yelled silently in my head. When I did the modified version, Avery set down her clipboard and pencil and got down on all fours to show me the “right way” to do them.

“Abuela,” she said her frustration at my lack of coordination clearly visible as she picked up the clipboard and pencil. “You have to do it right.

Your butt is not supposed to be up in the air.”

“Push-ups next,” she yelled.

I was thrilled to show off since I’m able to do a few, and not the modified version. The real thing. Again, Ms. Do It Right corrected me going down on all fours and with a great deal of pride showing me how she can do push-ups “the regular way” she said, “not on your knees.”

Out of the mouth of babes.

To learn more about the Insight 2 Health Challenge call the F.I.T Lab at (651) 6455242. Visit the website at www. thefitlabinc.com.

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Insight News • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Page 7

Scholar athletes presented Athena Award The Minneapolis Athena Awards celebrated 55 Minneapolis and Minneapolis suburban seniors – one from each high school – representing a multitude of sports. Among the 55 student athletes selected, eight – Honour Finley of Bloomington Kennedy, Brooklyn Center’s Nia Ford, Columbia Heights’ Pashia Scott, Minneapolis Edison’s Jada Lewis, Patrick Henry’s Sofia Kenya Caprini, North Community High’s Ariel Tiara Pindegayosh, Southwest High’s April Houston and Park Center’s Mikayla Hayes – are African-American.

Finley, who will attend Kansas University in the fall, lettered in basketball, tennis and track and field.

Ford, lettered in soccer and track and field. Scott lettered in basketball and volleyball.

Lewis, who will attend Northern Iowa University, lettered in

basketball and track and field.

Caprini, who will attend the University of Minnesota, was a letter in basketball, softball, track and field and volleyball.

Pindegayosh, who was unable to attend the event honoring that Athena recipients and whose father accepted her award on her behalf, starred in basketball and volleyball.

Houston, who will attend Eastern Michigan University, starred in volleyball. Hayes, one of the area’s most decorated athletes, starred in basketball and volleyball at Park Center. Next season she will be playing basketball for the University of Florida.

A banquet in the students’ honor was held May 5 at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington. The awards are presented in partnership with the Minnesota Lynx.

Honour Finley

Pashia Scott

Sofia Kenya Caprini

Nia Ford

Jada Lewis

April Houston

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Mikayla Hayes

Father reunites with family, but finding work is difficult

By Rushawn Walters Howard University News Service President Barack Obama paroled many of the men and women who were sentenced to overly harsh federal prison terms during the “War on Drugs.” Black people were arrested, convinced and sentenced at an astounding rate during that period and to inordinately harsh terms under new ‘mandatory” minimum sentences passed by Congress and states. This story looks at the life of one of the nearly 2,000 nonviolent drug offenders who got a second chance after his sentence was granted clemency.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – When Knoxville, Tenn. native Lamont Glass went to prison in 1997, he was the owner of a Nokia flip phone.

Nineteen years later, he’s a free man with a new perspective on life and even owns a Samsung Galaxy S7. He is just one of thousands of former inmates granted clemency by then-President Barack Obama.

Glass was convicted and imprisoned in Knoxville for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm. When he went in, he was 24. Today, he’s 44.

“I really was expecting to die in jail,” said Glass. “I felt like a lost soul. Since

being out, everything just feels brighter. The air felt fresher, my shoulders were up and my head was held high.”

Glass said his violent nature and the crowd he kept around as a young kid contributed to the situations that landed him in jail, but he knows better now. Growing up, he said, “hustling” (selling drugs) was the only thing he knew. He didn’t hold a job until after being released from prison.

“The money was great,” he recalled. “I had about three cars and I had everything I needed.”

Glass said he has matured since his youth.

“When I was younger, I just liked to fight. I was always around local drug dealers who I looked up to,” he said. “But spending nearly 20 years in jail definitely humbled me.”

When he was arrested for cocaine sales, Glass said his choice was either to plead guilty for a lesser sentence or go to trial. If convicted at trial, he said, he faced a possible sentence of 30 years to life.

Instead, he chose to plead guilty and was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison.

Glass heard about Obama’s clemency program and applied.

He recalled a time not long before his released when he was on punishment in solitary confinement and was seriously feeling the weight of his sentence.

“I remember being in ‘the hole’ and telling God, ‘You got me this far; please get me over

Lamont Glass married his longtime girlfriend, Sharonda Glass after being released from a federal prison where he had served 20 years on a cocaine conviction. these last three years Don’t let me go crazy in here,’” said Glass.

Two weeks later, an officer came to the kitchen where Glass worked as a cook and told him he was a free man.

Glass’s new-found freedom has been up and down, so far. The good news is that he has been reunited with his four daughters. Glass missed most of his daughters’ lives, but he says he’s making up for lost time now that he has a second chance. His youngest was not even a year old when he was convicted.

Today she is an engineering student at Florida Architecture and Mechanical University

Solidarity MN organizes foundation support for immigrants and refugees Solidarity MN, a coalition of foundations recently formed in response to the challenging and uncertain climate for immigrants and refugees, announced it will provide aid to relief organizations and invest immigrant and refugee leaders.

The coalition will immediately begin making micro grants totaling $100,000.

Solidarity MN coalition leaders say the group seeks to uphold the core principles of democracy, equity, and inclusion with a focus on strengthening a resilient community. Greater Twin Cities United Way is serving as the coalition’s fiscal sponsor and is responsible for distributing the grants. United Way President and CEO Sarah Caruso said, “These grants are not meant to solve every challenge currently faced by immigrants and refugees but to serve as a supplement to current philanthropic efforts. The vision of Solidarity MN is to galvanize support for immigrant and refugee communities through a unified philanthropic voice and to invest in the strength and resilience of leaders working around the clock to meet the unique needs of immigrant and refugee families.”

R.T. Rybak, president and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation said, “This is an effort by the Minnesota philanthropic community to act urgently and provide needed support to immigrant and refugee communities who are

Solidarity MN

Solidarity MN hopes to foster inclusion for Muslim citizens. facing considerable uncertainty.

In order to maintain and improve life in Minnesota for all of our residents, we need the cultural and economic contributions and constant innovation that immigrants and refugees make daily in our state.”

More than 400,000 Minnesotans were born abroad, representing more than 8 percent of the state’s population and more than 10 percent of the workforce. As of 2014, Minnesota immigrants earned $12.2 billion, paid $1.1 billion in state and local taxes, and contributed nearly $9 billion to the economy.

“It is hard to imagine Minnesota without the great contributions that immigrants and refugees make. That’s why it’s so critical that we support community members at this crucial moment,” said

David Nicholson, executive director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice.

John Keller, executive director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota said, “As someone who sees every day the contributions and challenges that many immigrants and refugees face, it’s inspiring to see such unity and urgent support from Minnesota’s foundations, banding together to respond to address this unprecedented situation.

Minnesota must strive to be an even more intentionally welcoming state.”

The group anticipates a timeline of summer or early fall to release a separate request for proposals to allow organizations to apply for larger grants.

Organizations and community leaders interested in applying can find more information and apply at www.solidaritymn.org.

approaching her 21st birthday and currently studying in Brazil.

“When I first got convicted, the first thing I thought about was my girls,” said Glass. “I didn’t want them growing up without their father. It’s been the most beautiful experience spending time with my girls now and I wouldn’t trade anything for that. Our bond has only strengthened since I came out.”

Glass said he lost many friends while locked up, but one woman stuck by his side throughout his time in prison – his long-time girlfriend and now his wife, Sharonda Glass.

During Lamont Glass’ time in prison, Sharonda Glass said, they broke up but remained in contact with each other for the sake of their children.

“I would visit him almost

every weekend, but as time went on I realized I had to pay more attention to the kids and be with them,” she said.

Lamont Glass said he is fortunate to have his wife.

“She raised three girls and fostered children while I was away. Nineteen years and it feels like we’re falling in love all over again. It’s been a bumpy road, but we’re going to make it, because she loves me and I love her,” said Lamont Glass.

Sharonda Glass said she found out her now husband would be coming home early through an article while she was at work.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the list of Knoxville men being released,” she recalled. “I was excited and called everyone I knew

to tell them the good news.”

The not-so-good news is Glass is struggling to keep a job. He recently started a temporary job at a meat company, but dislocated his shoulder on the first day, he said.

“It’s hard for a convicted felon to get a job straight out jail,” he said. “How exactly do you explain a 20-year gap on your resume to an employer?”

Lamont Glass is on probation and will be on supervised release for 11 years.

“I don’t take any of this for granted,” said Lamont Glass.

“I’m doing all that I can to live my best life. I’m doing this for my family, Obama and of course, God.”

Page 8 • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Insight News

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Insight News • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Page 9

Community Thirty-eight local youth recognized for outstanding community service with YMCA Youth Thrive Awards The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, presented Youth Thrive awards to 38 teen leaders across the metro area who have made an impact on their communities.

The 2017 Youth Thrive honorees serves as volunteers, peer leaders and YMCA team members. Their accomplishments include facilitating community conversations around issues that affect young people, speaking to legislators at the State Capitol, providing meaningful outdoor experiences to kids as camp counselors, organizing volunteer service projects, building connections between their peers and the community and more.

“The YMCA recognizes young people not just as leaders of tomorrow, but as inclusive, innovative and inspirational leaders of today,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Twin

Cities. “The youth we recognized this year are passionate about building community by participating in leadership programs, volunteering their time to help others, and making a difference in their Ys, schools and communities.”

The 2017 YMCA Youth Thrive Award winners are Hannah McIntosh, Andover YMCA Community Center, Bebe Wayi, YMCA Beacons in Minneapolis, Arianna Favors, YMCA Beacons in Minneapolis, Sedrique Amentor, Blaisdell YMCA in Minneapolis, Kaylee Martynow, Burnsville YMCA, Samara Kroeger, YMCA Camp du Nord, Lily Pope, YMCA Camp Icaghowan in Amery, Wisc., Katie Anderson, YMCA Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, Nora Lahm, YMCA Camp Menogyn in Grand Marais, Jenna Stanze, YMCA Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisc.,

Courtesy YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities

2017 YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Thrive Award winners (row one, left to right) Kaylee Martynow, Arianna Favors, Faith Williams, Misgana Mamo, Tylyn Harris, Isabella Sverdlin, Sabrina Ali, Tania Morales, Hanna Peterson, Lily PoLily Pope, Savannah Stuttgen, Bebe Wayi, (row two, left to right) Anthony Boucher, Kirsten Alfaro, Anna Monarksi, Jenna Stanze, Annie Clute, Savannah Klein, Nitali Arora, Rachel Hunter, Summer Stieglbauer, Nora Lahm, Samara Kroeger, Bella Mendoza, Hannah McIntosh, (row three, left to right) Sedrique Amentor, Cole Polyak, Samuel Adesiji, Eh Moo, Roberto Riganti, Quinn McDonagh, Hayden Schutt, Nathan Loppnow, Wesley Donaldson, Abdiwahid Awad, Lindsey Tyren and Justin Madison.

Cole Polyak, YMCA Camp Warren in Ely, Isabella Sverdlin, YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, Wesley Donaldson, YMCA CycleHealth, Annie Clute, Eagan YMCA, Eh Moo, St.

Paul Eastside YMCA, Savannah Klein, Elk River YMCA, Samuel Adesiji, Emma B. Howe YMCA in Coon Rapids, Savannah Stuttgen, Forest Lake YMCA, Tylyn Harris, Harold Mezile

North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center in Minneapolis, Hayden Schutt, Hastings YMCA Nathan Loppnow, Hudson YMCA, Hannah Peterson, Lino

Lakes YMCA Faith Williams, Maplewood Community Center YMCA, Abdiwahid Awad, St. Paul Midway YMCA, Tania Morales, Minneapolis Downtown YMCA, Quinn McDonagh, Mounds View Community Center, Justin Madison, New Hope YMCA, Anna Monorski, Ridgedale YMCA in Minnetonka, Misgana Mamo, Shoreview YMCA, Summer Stieglbauer, Southdale YMCA in Edina, Roberto Riganti, St. Paul Downtown YMCA, Kirsten Alfaro, University YMCA at the University of Minnesota, Bella Mendoza, West St. Paul YMCA, Lindsey Tyren, White Bear Area YMCA, Nitali Arora, Woodbury YMCA, Sabrina Ali, Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government and Anthony Boucher, Jr., YMCA Youth Intervention Services.

Benefits of volunteering in retirement Commentary

By Deb Taylor

Volunteering your time and energy helps strengthen your community, but it also has important emotional and physical benefits.

According to a study done by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Americans over the age of 60 that volunteered reported lower disability and higher levels of well-being compared to those who did not volunteer.

David Delzer is an avid volunteer in his community.

Before retiring he worked for the VA as an engineer. In his free time he volunteered as a Cub Master, Sunday school teacher, and served on the city of Richfield’s commissions, including the Community Services Commission, Advisory Board of Health and the city’s commission that promotes cultural exchange with their Friendship City, Heredia.

Around the time Delzer

Ward From 3

retired, his dad had a stroke and subsequently ended up having to pay out of pocket for his hospital stay. As a Medicare beneficiary, your hospital status (inpatient vs. outpatient) determines what Medicare covers and what your costs will be. This is something Medicare beneficiaries do not always know about.

Delzer decided to become educated on Medicare so this wouldn’t happen again. He became trained in Medicare through Senior Community Services. He took a three day course on Medicare and insurance counseling in 2005.

After training he decided to give back to his community again.

He has been volunteering with Senior Community Services since. He enjoys counseling people and helping them make informed decisions.

Delzer isn’t the only volunteer in his family. His wife, Linda Delzer is devoted to her community as well. She also taught Sunday school, was a Den Leader, and is currently a member of the Edina Women’s Club and Edina Singing Seniors.

Volunteering helps bridge

generational gaps.

By interacting with younger generations, seniors are able to share important life lessons.

On the flip side, younger generations are able to teach seniors new ways of looking at life. By building a connection with each other both generations are able to offer the respect and affirmation that humans crave.

Volunteering time makes you feel like you have more time.

Giving others your time can make your time feel more affluent. A study done at Wharton College found that

unique opportunity to address and solve some of our greatest social issues. By bringing together leaders from across sectors, retail can be part of the solution. You can shop and save the planet at the

same time. It’s a beautiful thing,” she said.

“While there are more women in retail than in many other fields, it’s an unfortunate reality that women still lag behind

A career you can be proud of!

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The Minnesota Department of Corrections employs Special Teachers, Corrections Officers, Nurses, Food Services, Maintenance Professionals, and many more positions. For more information on all of our positions please go to: https://mn.gov/careers or visit the DOC at: www.doc.state.mn.us.

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person of color, the only one from a rural or inner city background. My advice is to not let being an ‘only’ make you feel uncomfortable or marginalized. See it as a point of strength and differentiation.

Sometimes it’s better to stand out than fit in.”

Ward’s full interview is available online at www.nrf.com/ news/target-exec-how-retaildrives-business-and-social-impact

Phone: 612.588.1313

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in key roles across industries,” said Ward. “Regardless of your business, there’s likely going to be a time when women will find themselves as the ‘only,’ whether it’s the only woman, the only

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volunteer but is shy about it is, “Do it, do what you can, and learn what you need to know to be helpful.”

However you decide to spend your time volunteering, it’s important to look for opportunities that fit into your schedule. Many retirees find activities that are flexible fit into their schedule best. Other people are able to volunteer 20 hours a week and still have plenty of time to partake in other activities.

Find an activity you’re passionate about. Volunteering is best for all parties involved when you are doing something you enjoy. It’s never too late to get started. Whether you just retired or are in your later years there is an opportunity out there for you.

Deb Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services (www. seniorcommunity.org) and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults and helps seniors and caregivers maintain their independence through free or low-cost services.

There are benefits to volunteering for retired individuals.

Classifieds Procurement Services Technician

people who give their time felt more capable, confident and useful. Since they were able to accomplish one thing, they feel they will easily accomplish tasks in the future. So, even though realistically they have less time, they feel as though they have more time. Similarly, those who donate their money feel like they are wealthier.

Volunteering keeps the brain active, which contributes to a person’s cognitive health.

The National Institute on Aging reported that participating in activities that are meaningful

and productive may lower the risk of dementia and other health problems in seniors.

While getting out of the house is important at any age, research found that volunteering can have positive effects on a person’s psychological health. In a study done by the Corporation for National and Community Service, researchers found that individuals who engaged in volunteering activities experienced a shorter course of depression than those who did not volunteer. Volunteering provides the senior a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Physical activity remains an important role in positive health outcomes through the oldest ages. Whether that activity is helping with a local sports team or walking around your neighborhood while volunteering as a companion, maintaining a healthy level of fitness helps fend off diseases as we age.

Delzer believes community is important and what he can do to help the community is just as important. His advice to anyone who wants to get out and

U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota is accepting applications for a full-time Clerk of Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This position is located in the U.S. Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Court is seeking a Clerk of Court with experience as an administrator of a diverse and innovative organization, preferably in a court environment. This position has overall management authority and responsibility for the administrative activities of the Clerk’s Of¿ce, and oversees the performance of the statutory duties of the of¿ce. The position requires an individual who possesses the experience, management skills, and technical expertise necessary to anticipate and resolve complex administrative, operational, budgetary, and information technology challenges quickly and ef¿ciently.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are required, along with a proven record of leadership and accomplishment. The Clerk reports directly to the Chief United States District Judge, and communicates regularly with the district and magistrate judges and Clerk’s Of¿ce staff. The Clerk of Court works in collaboration with the Chief U.S. Probation Of¿cer and the Clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural, and human aspects in managing a complex organization, preferably in a court environment. Salary range is $149,213 – $198,684, Depending on Quali¿cations. All applications will be given consideration commencing May 29 until the position is ¿lled. For more information visit the court’s website http://www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

Oak Ridge Manor 1199 Bahls Drive Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1367

Westonka Estates 2461 Commerce Boulevard Mound, MN 55364 952-472-4952

NOTICE: OPENING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Project-Based Section 202; rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants.

NOTICE: OPENINING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Project-Based Section8/202; rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants.

Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org from 9am May 15, 2017 until 4pm June 13, 2017.

Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org from 9am May 15, 2017 until 4pm July 14, 2017.

Completed applications must be received by mail or hand delivered, on or before June 27, 2017. All quali¿ed Applicants will be placed on the Wait List in the order they are received.

Completed applications must be received by mail, on or before July 27, 2017. All quali¿ed Applicant will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received.

CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity

Administrative Assistant Do you have top-notch customer service and office skills? Enjoy working with a diverse customer base? Want to use your skills to make people’s lives better? If this sounds like you, you might be the perfect candidate to be an Administrative Assistant at the Washington County Community Development Agency.

We offer great benefits, including employer-paid health insurance options, 4 weeks of PTO per year, and a starting wage of $16.90 or higher based on experience. We also provide a friendly working environment with great colleagues who are committed to making a difference, a tuition reimbursement program if you’re looking to further your education, and a fantastic work location just off the interstate in Woodbury, close to shopping, restaurants, and recreation opportunities.

Apply, or get more information, at www.wchra. com/careers. The first review of applications will occur no earlier than May 19, 2017.

CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity

Maple Terrace 1560 Howard Avenue Maple Plain, MN 55369 763-479-1131 NOTICE: OPENING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Persons 62 years of age or older or with veri¿able disability, rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants.

Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org from 9am May 8, 2017 until 4pm July 7, 2017.

Completed applications must be postmarked on or before July 28, 2017. All quali¿ed Applicants will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received.

CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity

Page 10 • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com Toki Mamadu

Monday, May 15 THEATER “Refugia” Guthrie Theater 818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $15-$49 Composed of nine interconnected chapters, the play explores exile, borders and the displacement of people – from a solitary old man settling into a nursing home to a gathering of Kurdish women at the Syrian Turkish border.

Tuesday, May 16 COMEDY

May 15 May 28, 2017

Hopkins Comedy Festival Royal Comedy Theatre 809 Mainstreet, Hopkins 8 p.m. $20 Miss Shannon and a host of other comics play this year’s fest through May 19.

Wednesday, May 17 JAZZ

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status.

If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com

Marcus Roberts Trio Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall 7 p.m., 9 p.m. $30-$40 Outspoken jazz musician Marcus Roberts presents contrasting styles during his performance at The Dakota.

Thursday, May 18 R&B/SOUL Marsha Ambrosius and Eric Benet Muse Event Center 107 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m. $40

Two of the most respected voices in soul music hit Minneapolis for what should be a classic concert. Marsha Ambrosius made waves debuting in Floetry and later collaborations with Dr. Dre while Benet has continued a solid solo career.

Friday, May 19 POETRY SLAM St. Paul Youth Poet Laureate Slam Black Dog Café 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Ten finalists compete to become the first ever Youth Poet Laureate of St. Paul. The lineup includes Henry Benjamin, Samoa the Poet, Chavah Gabrielle, Armand McCoy, Cynthia Zapata, Donte Collins, Talia Young, Karinna Gerhardt, Lindsay Schaefer and Xavier Columbus.

Saturday, May 20 *Aesthetically It Recommended HIP-HOP/SOUL/ AFROFUTURISM Toki Wright “At the Speed of Life 3” EP Release Party Nomad World Pub 501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. $10 advance, $12 door After producing, writing, recording, designing and releasing seven songs in seven days for the 3rd volume of “At the Speed of Life,” Toki Wright, also known as Mamadu, curates a night of good vibes, great sound, visual stimulation and play on all of your other senses. The night features mini-sets from The Lioness, Myc Dazzle & Faith Reigns, Asia Divine, Jay Hollywood, Off-10 Publications (G.P. Jacob & Scoundrel Spence), Maolu,

Marsha Ambrosi

P-Soul, Ghostband and Sonic Rain. The show is hosted by DJ Snuggles with DJ Willie Shu and DJ Miss Brit on the wheels.

THEATER “#Testify” Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. $12 advance, $15 door “#Testify” is an immersive, multi-sensory theater performance that instigates the line between fact and fiction, propaganda and politics, and race and class. The event is curated by Sha Cage in collaboration with Jayanthi Kyle, Johanna Easley, Felicia Perry, Bill Cottman, Amoke Kubat, Beverly Cottman and E.G. Bailey.

Sunday, May 21 CELEBRATION OF LIFE Breath, Gesture, Memory: Celebration of Life for Laurie Smith Carlos Pillsbury House Theatre 3501 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Interdisciplinary artist Laurie Carlos was a pillar in the Minnesota arts community. All of Smith’s family, friends and artist family are invited to join to celebrate and share her work, life, love, breath, gestures and memory.

Monday, May 22 R&B/SOUL Pavielle Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. $10 Upper Midwest Emmy Award and Sage Award winner,

Pavielle, takes to the Dakota stage with her powerhouse vocals and six-piece band.

Friday, May 26

Tuesday, May 23

An Evening with B.A.E Public Functionary 1400 12th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

21-plus $15 advance, $20 door

PERFORMANCE Loving in a Time of War: Queer Muslim Voices Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. $5-$25 donation “Loving in a Time of War: Queer Muslim Voices,” presented in partnership with Mizna, will feature writings by self-identified queer Muslims.

Wednesday, May 24 HIP-HOP/COMEDY/R&B The Feels – A Night of Manifestation Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m.

21-plus $8 Join Soul Tools and KBEM Jazz 88 for the finale of a night of healing dedicated to the arts with Audiyo Element, Destiny Roberts, Koo Keem, Brandon Jay Riddley and Kashimana.

Saturday, May 27 PARTY *AI Recommended Rooftop at the Walker – Expressions T-Shirt Day Party Vol. 7 Walker Art Center 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

21-plus $10 advance, $15 door Once again you are the art, for Expressions T-Shirt Day Party.

Two phenomenal DJs, St. Louis Magazine 2015 DJ of the Year, DJ Nune and DJ Miss Brit provide the day’s soundtrack.

Advance tickets are on sale at Expressions7.bpt.me.

Sunday, May 28 HIP-HOP

SOUL/DANCE

Soundset Festival Minnesota State Fairgrounds 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

All ages $84-$194

Busybody/ies Turf Club 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul 8 p.m.

21-plus $8 advance/$10 doors Multi-instrumentalist Eric Mayson plays with special guests Mina Moore, Dancebums, and Hiponymous.

Universal Pictures

Rarely do urban tales balance authenticity with solid drama elements and strong emotion.

“Boyz n the Hood” and “Straight Outta Compton” are perfect examples. “Lowriders” is in their league. This groundbreaking film about the Latino experience in East Los Angeles will become as classic as those aforementioned films.

The production is the brainchild of Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind”). Director Ricardo de Montrueil and writers Cheo Hodari Coker (“Southland”) and Elgin James

This body art event explores various ways the body intersects with art. The space will be uniquely curated with bodies that bend, dance, fly and more.

Thursday, May 25

Gabriel Chavarria stars in “Lowriders.”

By Dwight Brown NNPA Newswire Film Critic

BODY ART

The United States’ biggest independent hip-hop festival returns with Lauryn Hill, T.I., Talib Kweli, Travis Scott, Brother Ali, Ty Dolla $ign, Atmosphere and more.

‘Lowriders’ has the makings of the next urban classic

are the perceptive artists who brought the film to life. They’ve created a compelling story with deeply drawn characters and heart-felt drama, which is perfectly dispensed and measured throughout the film.

Just as you think one familial conflict is over, another emerges.

The script is so well written it could become a play.

Danny Alvarez (Gabriel Chavarria), a 20-something Chicano graffiti artist, leaves his spray-painted artwork all over East L.A. Many of the likenesses are of a mysterious woman, cloaked, face hidden.

That image has been a part of Danny’s artistic DNA every since his mom died.

Now he lives with his dad, Miguel (Demian Bichir), a recovering alcoholic who runs

a car club that specializes in lowriders – classic cars with 50 coats of paint that hug the ground or can bounce high like a pogo stick. His stepmom, Gloria, (Eva Longoria) and little sister round out the household. Miguel, who expresses his art through his cars, especially his prized old Chevy dubbed “Green Poison,” doesn’t approve of Danny’s graffiti. And he is even less tolerant after he has to bail Danny and his buddy Chuy (Tony Revelori) out of jail after they get busted for writing on walls.

This set up provides enough drama for a TV series, but the writers don’t stop there.

Danny gets a Bohemian white girlfriend Lorelai (Melissa Benoist), and their cultural differences complicate their romance. Danny’s older brother Francisco, aka Ghost (Theo Rossi, “Sons of Anarchy”), gets out of prison with a real grudge against the father, who never visited him and didn’t support his kids during his wife’s death.

Ghost’s way of taking revenge is by competing against his dad in a lowrider competition that has a grand prize with enough money to make a difference in both their lives.

Once the storyline is set in motion, it doesn’t stop.

Supporting actors like Revolori and Cress Williams as a police detective, fill in the cracks. Longoria as the nurturing stepmom turns on the charm.

Chavarria has just the right amount of vulnerability and bravura to make the central character believable and engaging enough to make viewers want to follow him through to the end of his journey.

However, Oscar-nominated actor Bichir, as the paternal figure who is fighting back demons, is the glue and mortar.

Whenever he is on screen the drama rings true. His pacing, rhythm and cadence take the father figure to a deep place.

It’s only springtime, but this is the kind of film that warrants an Oscar nomination campaign in several categories in the fall.

Dwight Brown is a film critic and travel writer.

insightnews.com

Insight News • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Page 11

‘Art at the Speed of Life 3,’ created in seven days, is better than many that took years to produce

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Time stops for no one.

Toki Wright understands that. And he’s not stopping for time.

The celebrated and accomplished MC, Wright is set to release his latest project, “Art at the Speed of Life 3” – a seven song EP recorded in seven consecutive days in March. The EP will be debuted on May 20 at the Nomad World Pub, 501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis. The event, hosted by DJ Snuggles with music provided by DJ Willie Shu and Miss Brit, is

from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

An ambition undertaking, “Art at the Speed of Life 3” is the third time Wright has released such a project.

“For the project, I would get up every day for seven days and produce a beat, write a song, record the song, mix it and design the artwork,” said Wright.

Each track is unique to that day’s events that made up Wright’s life between March 12 – March 18.

“On the first day, I was having financial issues (thus, “In God We Trust”), on the third day I was thinking about how we attend more funerals

At the Speed of Life 3 debutes May 20 at the Nomad.

than weddings (“See My People Through”), on the fifth day, March 16, I had to bury my grandmother (“Open the Gates”) and on the last day I was reminding myself not to focus on the negative and I came up with “Negative Space Ain’t the Place,” said Wright.

This isn’t the first time Wright has had to deal with loss while creating an episode of “Art at the Speed of Life.” An earlier version was scrapped because of the pain of losing someone close to Wright.

“The last time I did the project my good friend Abdul was killed and I stopped,” said Wright, touring in Croatia at the

time of the interview. “With my grandmother passing, something told me I had to push through and do this.”

As mentioned, all tracks were produced by Wright under the moniker Mamadu. He said he spent a year and a half in his basement honing his production skills. Wright is also joined on the project by Dre Highway on “Open the Gates” and by Mastermind and Joe Adams on “Black Man Lives (Squad Up).”

Tickets for the May 20 Nomad show are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. “Art at the Speed of Life 3” is available for download at www.soultools. bandcamp.com.

How to choose the right look for any occasion Every little element combined makes ‘the look’

By Delaney George Data News Weekly/ NNPA Member Fashion is not just the clothes, the hair, the shoes or the accessories; fashion is every little element combined that makes “the look.”

Make-up is one of those crucial elements that can make or break your desired look. While going natural is acceptable, a little make-up can enhance any look. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t waste a great outfit on bad make-up.

Always remember that make-up is applied in layers. Just like with other fashion elements, you have to start with the right foundation; then you have to build on it. When it comes to clothes, it’s about matching the right shirt or blouse with the right skirt, then matching the right skirt with the right shoe, adding the right accessories etc. When it comes to make-up, you have to match the right eye shadow with the right lip, then match that combo with the right sparkling highlighter. The right make-up can complement any look that you want to create as long as you remember that every element has to work together.

Make-up artist Ebony Harris uses multi-colored shadows, glitters and everything else in her make-up arsenal to capture her clients’ vision for their look.

“I always ask my clients, ‘What’s the occasion?’ or ‘What does your favorite outfit look like?’ so, that I can make sure

Ebony Harris

Make-up artist Ebony Harris gave this client a golden cut and crease eye application that is paired with a shimmer gold lip.

Delaney George

Delaney George matches a green and nature-colored eye shadow with a pink lip. that I apply the perfect look,” said Harris.

When it comes to clothes, it’s always best to not be too “matchy, matchy,” but when it

comes to your face, a coordinated look is your best bet.

For more fashion and makeup tips, follow Delaney George on Twitter @DelaneyGPro.

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Page 12 • May 15 - May 21, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.

(Left to right) Jackie Berry, Maria Ahlgren, Natasha Lemmie and Phebe Carr are all smiles at the Connections 2 independence Kentucky Derby fundraiser.

For the fourth year in a row Connections 2 independence (C2i) hosted its annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser at Warehouse Winery in St. Louis Park.

The event benefits the nonprofit that

assists teens and young adults who are a part of the Hennepin County foster care system.

The Kentucky Derby party, which features a fashion show, Best Hat/ Best Dressed contests, casino gaming, wine tasting, silent auction

cause. Also, for the fourth year in a row, the weather cooperated and participants mingled outside – many puffing on stogies – basking in the Minnesota sun.

Insight News was a proud sponsor of this year’s event.

and more, is C2i’s largest donor event.

While the fundraiser is Derby themed, for participants it’s less about horse racing and more about showing off their audacious wares and having a good time while giving to a worthy

Considering the event was Kentucky Derby themed, together (left to right) Portia Pierson, Dana Joubert-Hayes and Marsai Richardson pull off the “trifecta” of beauty.

Two of the best dressed, Steve Cummings and Gloria Reese.

MNHS.ORG

Teri Watts (left) and Deborah Watts – who was recently named to Essence Magazine’s “Woke 100” list – are both stunning with hats matching their dresses.

Founder of Black Excellence Clothing, Houston White shows off his Prince inspired Purple Reign collection, which debuted at the event.

Explore art, race and a nation on stage through the prism of the African American experience.

SAVE THE DATE! Building Strong Innovative Communities Together • Community Awards • Fundraising Dinner

LOCATION: U.S. Bank Stadium

AUGUST 3, 2017 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

NOW ON VIEW 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., Blvd St. St Paul Paul, MN 55102

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