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Insight News May 22 - May 28, 2017
Vol. 44 No. 20• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Honoring a legend: SHARON SAYLES BELTON TURN TO PAGE 3
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Sculpture by Ed Dwight
Page 2 • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Insight News
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Exclusive: ‘Impeach Trump now!’ Rep. Al Green calls for impeachment of President Trump Exclusive of the Houston Forward Times
In Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, it states, “The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” In the history of this country, there have only been a total of three presidential impeachment proceedings. In 1868, President Andrew Johnson
had impeachment proceedings brought against him because he removed the Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, in violation of the Tenure of Office. In 1974, President Richard Nixon had impeachment proceedings brought against him because of the Watergate cover-up, which was 106 years after President Johnson. In 1998, President Bill Clinton had impeachment proceedings brought against him for concealing the details of an extramarital affair, which was 24 years after President Nixon. Fast forward, 19 years later, and one U.S. Representative from Texas has boldly called for the impeachment of the 45th
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Rep. Al Green
president of the United States – President Donald J. Trump. This past Monday, (May 15), Rep. Al Green (D-TX), who represents the 9th Congressional District of Houston, held a press conference where he called for the impeachment of President Trump, stating that “no one is above the law,” especially the President of the United States. In an exclusive interview with the Houston Forward Times (a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association), Green shared his reasoning for calling for the impeachment of President Trump and his views on the state
of our country. “President Trump is not above the law, yet he has no boundaries,” said Green. “He (Trump) has committed an impeachable act and must be charged. I assure you that if the same circumstances existed, and if these allegations were made against former President Barack Obama, there’s no question in my mind that the same people who are in charge of the House and Senate at this moment would’ve impeached President Obama for the same behavior that President Trump is exhibiting. To do otherwise
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Saving amazing young Grace and her Medicaid Commentary
By Marian Wright Edelman “At a 20-week ultrasound, we learned that our baby would be born with spina bifida and face a lifetime of enormous health challenges.” At the time, Chris Glaros was a public servant in the Ohio Treasurer’s office. In his recent Facebook post he continued, “After hearing this news, the first thing I could think to do when we got home was read my Bible. I randomly opened up the scriptures to see what would speak to me. And it was John 14:27: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ God’s amazing comfort in that moment was made all the more
real through (the) blessing of good health insurance for our family – indeed, the generous health care provided by the taxpayers of Ohio, given my job at that time. I knew that this baby would bankrupt our family if we weren’t so fortunate.” Glaros wrote that he and his wife chose to have this precious child they named Grace and “trusted our society – our government, Republicans and Democrats both – to ensure a safety net for her life after our choice was made. Grace would not be alive today without this safety net; without protections against a lifetime limit on her insurance coverage; without protections from denying coverage because of her countless preexisting conditions; without Medicaid.” Millions of children and adults rely on the Medicaid safety net just as the Glaros family has. His post shortly after the House of Representatives passed the (un-)American Health Care Act (AHCA) spoke for so many when he added, “I am heartbroken that Donald Trump and House Republicans
could so callously and cruelly deny millions of Americans the health care they require to live the lives God intended.” The House’s un-American and unjust act to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would strip away affordable health insurance for tens of millions of the newly insured including those with preexisting conditions. Today, thanks in large part to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the ACA, 95 percent of all children in America have health coverage. The House bill directly threatens all that hard-earned progress. Do the Republican-led Congress and White House really want to be the first Congress and administration in history to take health coverage away from the most vulnerable amongst us, disabled, young and old? How can they defend destroying the Medicaid health safety net 37 million poor and disabled children need to live, learn and thrive and permit insurance companies to discriminate against children and adults with pre-existing
conditions? There are 11 million parents and other adults getting Medicaid and needed treatments for the first time under the ACA. Medicaid covers more than 60 percent of all nursing home residents and 40 percent of costs for long-term care services and supports. This cruel and unwise assault on our children, parents and grandparents is made more shameful by the fact that the House-passed bill cuts Medicaid largely to give more tax breaks to the wealthiest. This is sinful, shameful and unjust. The health of our nation (and our soul) is now in the Senate’s hands. Some Senators may be tempted to try to fix some elements of the House bill, like the assault on people with pre-existing conditions and the enormous cost increases for older Americans. But make no mistake … this cruel, unjust and un-American Health Care Act is irreparably flawed. It deserves a swift and decisive death in the Senate if we are to keep a semblance of America’s sense of fairness alive. Any bill that ends Medicaid as we know it and the Medicaid expansion
(regardless of when it would end), and increases the number of uninsured children and adults needs to die quickly. Medicaid is lean and efficient, serving millions of low-income children, pregnant women, children and adults with disabilities, and seniors. Nearly half of Medicaid enrollees are children. Medicaid covers almost half of all births in the United States. More than half of Black and Hispanic children are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Medicaid is a lifeline for children with disabilities and their families, serving 40 percent of all children with special health care needs like Grace. For families struggling to provide the time and financial resources needed to care for children with disabilities, Medicaid is often the only viable source of health care financing, which can be very expensive. Imposing a per capita cap on Medicaid or converting it to a block grant for some will end Medicaid as we know it. States would have to substantially increase their own spending, make deep cuts, or both. Any
“savings” would likely come from reducing eligibility, limiting benefits, increasing cost sharing, creating administrative barriers to make enrollment harder for eligible children, or cutting already below-market provider payment rates. These cuts would increase the number of uninsured and underinsured children and adults. Our nation’s leaders must keep Medicaid strong and reject any structural changes and cuts that undermine its critical protections, hard-earned coverage and resulting lifesaving health gains for children made over the past 50 years. The Senate must protect Grace and millions of children and people of all ages who depend on Medicaid. Let’s all hope and pray that Grace and millions of children will not suffer a cruel and life threatening injustice at the hands of uncaring leaders blind to their needs. Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.
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Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities
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Insight News May 22 - May 28, 2017
Vol. 44 No. 20• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Bronze bust sculpted by famed artist Ed Dwight sits outside the mayor’s office in City Hall
Honoring Sharon Sayles Belton By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Minneapolis’ first Black mayor and first woman mayor has been immortalized. More than 300 people gathered in the atrium outside of the Minneapolis mayor’s office in City Hall on Tuesday (May 16) to witness the unveiling of a bust in the likeness of pioneering former mayor, Sharon Sayles Belton. Sayles Belton, who is the city’s only African-American and the city’s first woman to serve as mayor, was granted a bust for accomplishments while in office. She served as mayor from 1994 – 2001. During her two terms the city experienced
a tremendous economic upturn and the city experienced its first population growth since the 1940s. Sayles Belton said being honored with a bust in City Hall is an achievement not just for her, but for all of Minneapolis. “This bust is of me, but it’s about all of us,” said Sayles Belton. “It was a collaborative community effort to address gender and racial discrimination that got me elected mayor. I hope this bust will serve as a reminder that a vision can become a reality, and if we work together we can get things done.” The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of the Links, Inc. initiated the project to immortalize Sayles Belton. The organization donated the initial
$1,000 seed money and worked to raise the full $100,000 to execute the project. In May of last year renowned sculptor Ed Dwight was selected to capture in bronze the likeness of Sayles Belton. Dwight is a pioneer in his own right. Before becoming a sculptor, he became the first African-American astronaut candidate. After his military career, he began sculpting and has dedicated his career to capturing historical African-American figures and events. His works include the Hank Aaron statue outside of Braves Stadium in Atlanta, the Rosa Parks Memorial in Grand Rapids, Mich. and the International Underground
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MKx8 Design
Former Minneapolis mayor, Sharon Sayles Belton (right) unveils her bronze bust inside of Minneapolis City Hall along with the sculptor, Ed Dwight (center).
9-year-old Aniki Allen launched Lego inspired bowtie collection
Child entrepreneur creates fashion with Legos toys By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.)
There’s nothing unusual about a 9-year-old kid playing with Legos, but for Aniki Allen, he’s taken his Lego obsession and combined it with his other obsession … fashion … and created a unique product … bowties. Allen began playing with the connecting toys as a 4-yearold and was instantly hooked. “Aniki is an only child and the only activity that I could get him to do for a long period of time when I had errands around the house was for him to play with Legos,” said Marsha Magdalene, Allen’s mother “As time progressed he just became
Ellison, NAACP oppose mandatory minimum sentencing Washington, D.C. – Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the NAACP and others are showing outrage at the attorney general’s decision to promote the use of mandatory minimum sentences for federal crimes – including nonviolent offences. Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered federal
courtesy of TYC Photography
Nine-year-old Aniki Allen models one of his Lego-inspired Ice Cream Bow Ties. more creative with his creations. For birthdays, holidays he would get huge Lego sets, where he would put them together within minutes and after a few days he would break them apart and use
the different pieces for his own creation. About a year and a half ago he created a Lego bowtie. After a few months of refining it, he made his first brick bowtie.” And in September of 2016
the mother and son launched Ice Cream Bow Ties as a business. For Allen, bringing his
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prosecutors to ‘charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense’ — a return to the bad old days of exploding incarceration, extreme racial disparities, and increasing profitability of the private
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113 of 276 girls kidnapped In Nigeria in April 2014 are still missing
80 kidnapped girls freed in Boko Haram prisoner swap (GIN) –Boko Haram militants who used kidnappings, bombings and the torching of whole villages during an eightyear insurgency in northern Nigeria, this week released 82 of nearly 300 schoolgirls taken in a brazen late-night raid at a government secondary school in April 2014. The girls were released in exchange for six Boko Haram fighters held by authorities, according to one report. After a stop at a military base in Banki near the border with Cameroon, the girls were flown to the capi-
tal Abuja for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. The handover took place May 7, ending negotiations of several months in which the government of Switzerland and the International Red Cross were involved. Parents of the missing girls carefully scanned an unofficial list with names and photos to see if their child was among those freed. Many of the girls from the school in Chibok, state of Borno, were Christian but were later photographed in Muslim dress by the militants. Of the
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276 girls kidnapped in April 2014, 113 are still missing. Reports of the disappearance of young girl students sparked international outrage and a massive social media campaign led by Nigerians in which former First Lady Michele Obama took part, tweeting a picture of herself holding a placard which read #BringBackOurGirls. This was the second release of schoolgirls since the electoral defeat of former president, Goodluck Jonathan. While the kidnapping of schoolgirls gained notoriety
worldwide, the actual number of kidnappings by Boko Haram in Nigeria is estimated at 30,000 with some young people used as suicide bombers. Observers and local media link the release of the girls to Jonathan’s almost immediate departure for the UK where he recently spent almost two months receiving unspecified medical treatment. Little is known about his ailment and officials deny that the president is ill although appeared to be gaunt and unwell.
GIN
Protesters calling for the release of all 276 girls kidnapped in Nigeria by Boko Haram.
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Brooklyn Park residents suggest ideas for parks improvement
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E-cigarette use rises rapidly in Minnesota
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Community
Williams to host free football camp June 24
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Initiative funded through U.S. Department of Labor $5 million grant
Employers invited to create apprenticeships Minnesota employers can apply for a grant to help them develop a registered apprenticeship program to recruit, train and retain their workforce. Approved applicants receive funds to offset their costs related to program development, instruction and supplies. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 for each registered apprentice.
The Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative targets employers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care, information technology and transportation. “Registered apprenticeship has long been recognized as the gold standard in employmentbased career development,” said Ken Peterson, commissioner of the Department of Labor and
Industry (DLI). “Building upon that success in the construction industry, this model can assist other industries striving to build a diverse and inclusive workforce to address the challenges of worker skills gaps, growing retirements and talent retention.” “Apprenticeships are a win-win opportunity for both employers and employees,”
said Shawntera Hardy, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). “As we look to fill a historic number of open jobs in this state, DEED is excited to partner with DLI in this effort, which will ultimately provide Minnesota employers looking to attract skilled workers another tool in their toolbox.” Employers interested
are encouraged to visit www. dli.mn.gov/aai.asp to review requirements and submit their grant application by June 14. A free webinar session will be provided June 7 to learn about the grant opportunity. The grants are part of the Minnesota Apprenticeship’s five-year project to expand registered apprenticeship in Minnesota and increase
apprenticeship registrations by 1,000 in 30 high-growth occupations and industries. Currently in its second year, this initiative is funded through a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and jointly administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Three powerful fundraising tools 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
FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Every time we work with an organization, agency or college we experience a deep kindred feeling with the people gathered at the table. Whether presenting information, listening to concerns, or developing strategies we are also meeting new friends. We are witnessing diverse individuals put their beliefs into action, and we are inspired. Nonprofit board
Impeach From 2 would cause some Americans to lose respect for, and obedience to, our societal norms.” Green believes that Trump should be charged, or impeached, by the U.S. House of Representatives for obstructing a lawful investigation of the president’s campaign ties to Russian influence in his 2016 presidential campaign. Green points to several acts committed by Trump that, when combined, warrant him being impeached. The firing the F.B.I. director overseeing a lawful investigation of the president’s campaign ties to Russia. Trump acknowledged he considered the investigation when he fired former F.B.I. Director James Comey. Trump
members and volunteers are some of the best people we will ever meet. They are passionate, knowledgeable, experienced, well-connected, thoughtful and resourceful. And, we know that you – our readers – share these qualities. Whether we have met you or not, you energize us and encourage us. We write this column each week to provide you with information that can help you meet the challenges and take advantage of opportunities. If you are a frequent reader you know there is no magic wand that will ensure your organization has all the resources needed to sustain and grow. But there are ways you can increase the effectiveness of your board and increase the number of donors and funders
who support your work. We have created three tools that can help you with your fundraising. They are at the core of all our work and they inform this column on a weekly basis. One – in fact – is a compilation of columns from FUNdraising Good Times’ first 10 years. See if one of these books is right for you and your nonprofit. “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success” walks you through the steps for planning, launching, and maintaining successful fundraising programs. You will learn how to set attainable goals, develop a fundraising plan, hire the right staff, encourage teamwork and tell your story and raise awareness. Other topics include recruiting volunteers and cultivating leaders, approaching
donors, managing your data and rewarding donors. “The Fundraiser’s Guide for Soliciting Gifts” is for you if you have been asked to raise money but are not sure how to proceed. You will learn how to prepare to meet with a prospective donor, what to say and do when meeting with a donor, exactly how to ask for a gift, what to do when a donor says “Yes,” what to do when a donor says “No” and how to close a meeting with a potential donor or funder. “FUNdraising Good Times Classics, Volume 1” is a collection of our best strategies for fundraising professionals, volunteers, and nonprofit leaders. Topics covered include feasibility studies, proposal writing, marketing, soliciting gifts, special events, board
development, strategic planning, fundraising ethics and career advice. All three books are available on Amazon.com. We know that fundraising is all about preparation. It is our hope that these tools can help you and your team members strengthen your organization. They are easy to read with short chapters – just enough information to help you and your team unlock your knowledge and create solutions that will work for your organization. Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For more information visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
made the F.B.I. Director the subject of a threatening tweet – “James Comey better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press.” Green believes his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, regardless of political affiliation, should show Trump that he is not above the law by moving forward with impeachment proceedings. He also believes Trump should stop telling blatant lies, while providing no proof, and stop using bullying tactics to intimidate members of the U.S. House. “This president has used his intimidation tactics on members of the House by threatening to campaign against them, as well as many other bully-style methods,” said Green. “Any president who can
falsely accuse a former president of committing a criminal act without having any proof whatsoever, and then not be held accountable for it, is a person who believes he is above the law. President Trump will say anything and has never had to worry about the consequences, because he’s been able to say just about anything most of his life with absolutely no impunity. My colleagues and I have to stand up to this type of behavior and show President Trump and others like him that no one is above the law. As a unified country, our mantra should be ‘I.T.N. – Impeach Trump Now.’” Green also stated that whether Trump is guilty is a separate action that the U.S. Senate has to decide. The Texas representative believes that impeaching Trump can happen, even with having a Republican-
controlled House and Senate, if the American people weigh in by demanding that Trump be charged by way of impeachment. Green is not alone when it comes to the belief that Trump should be impeached. This past March, another Texas hinted at impeachment proceedings being brought against Trump. During the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s Black Press Week in Washington D.C. Rep. Sheila Jackson (D-TX), speaking to a group of Black journalists, said she was “on the route to impeachment.” She cited the same reasons Green recently cited and added, “I’m concerned about our nation. I’m concerned about what happened when we get that call about North Korea in the middle of the night. You have in office an individual that
is unread and unlearned.” A recent survey done by Public Policy Polling (PPP) found that 48 percent of registered voters support impeaching Trump, while 41 percent oppose the idea. The survey by PPP also showed that the majority of voters had “buyer’s remorse,” as 49 percent of voters wished that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton was president, versus 41 percent who would rather have Trump. And by an even greater margin, 55 percent of those surveyed wish that President Obama was still in office, versus 39 percent preferred Trump. The PPP survey polled 692 registered voters from May 12 through May 14, both over the phone and online.
Sayles Belton’s bio I envisioned a 14-foot tall statue outside of City Hall because that’s how important she is to the history of this city and to AfricanAmericans,” said Dwight. Not the 14-foot statue that Dwight envisioned, the bust sits nicely on the third floor of City Hall – outside of the mayor’s office – alongside busts of
former city council members Van White and Brian Coyle. Dr. Josie Johnson, co-chair of the bronze tribute steering committee, said Sayles Belton was a mayor who worked hard, built bridges and loved deeply. “Your deeply etched ancestral instinct and struggle for justice and fairness kept the big pictures of management of
your city in front of you. You reached out to others and; with respect and collaboration, you listened, learned and acted,” said Johnson. “You made us a model city and we – the beneficiaries of your history, values, grit and determination – deeply appreciate you.” “This (bust) is a monument to your strength and character;
and as strong as this monument is, it can never be as strong as you,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, the city’s second woman to hold the office. “This monument will be here for generations and so will your impact on the city.” Gov. Mark Dayton declared the day Sharon Sayles Belton day throughout the state.
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.
Belton From 3 Railroad Memorial in Detroit. Dwight said Sayles Belton’s achievements merit her being in such illustrious company. “When I read Sharon
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Brooklyn Park residents suggest ideas for parks improvement By Nadvia Davis Unique, united … undiscovered. While many Brooklyn Park area parks are unique, city officials were united in their hopes hat the parks would soon no longer be undiscovered. That was the sentiment a recent event about the improvements and needs of the park system. With six months in the making to prepare for a series of community events, Brooklyn Park officials had high hopes of gaining valuable feedback from a recent Recreation and Parks systems event. “We want to find out what they (residents) are looking for in a park system and what they are missing,” said Brad Tullberg,
Brooklyn Park’s parks and facilities manager. The event kicked off with a short welcome, some background information and a brief video showing children saying cute anecdotes about the parks along with footage of the many park amenities. According to the Brooklyn Parks website, the “park system offers 62 parks, more than 2,000 acres of park land and environmental areas, and more than 400 amenities such as playgrounds, fields, golf courses and trails throughout.” Following the video, members of the community sat in groups at small tables participating in an interactive activity placing stickers on a map of all the parks they utilize in the city. Resident Audrey Kenyon
Nadvia Davis
Brooklyn Park residents taking part in a recent parks and recreation planning session. has lived in Brooklyn Park since 2012, but often travels outside of
the city for park visits with her child.
“Brooklyn Park doesn’t have an indoor playground like Edinborough Park in Edina or a splash pad,” said Kenyon. Feedback and comments similar to Kenyon’s, were what Brooklyn Park officials wanted to hear so they could make an effort to find out what it would take to help residents choose to take advantage of park and recreation options in their own backyard before venturing out of the city. Brooklyn Park City Council member Bob Mata wanted to keep things in financial perspective when it came to brainstorming new recreation and park infrastructure. “We have to be cost conscious,” said Mata. Resident and Community Advisory Team member Sara
Spears said trail safety was what prevented her from using certain parks or trails. That was in response to questions about what is preventing park usage in the city. Officials said they must take into consideration the growing population, costs and evolving landscape when thinking about which new amenities to add. Currently the city of Brooklyn Park has roughly 80,000 people and that number continues to grow. Not only will the population in Brooklyn Park increase, but so will the ethnic make-up of the city. “The demographic is changing” said Communications Coordinator Mary Tan.
Order to release white famers accused in murder of Black child sparks riot (GIN) – Two South African white farmers accused of causing the death of a 16-year-old Black teen accused of stealing sunflowers were granted bail and released, sparking a wave of protests that were met with police violence. Anger erupted in the maize producing town of Coligny, North West, after residents learned of the decision. Three houses were torched and white-owned shops looted. According to testimony at the court hearing, the two farmers, Pieter Doorewaad and Phillip Schutte, caught the teen Matlhomola Jonas Mosweu, allegedly stealing sunflowers on a farm near the township where he lived. They took
ICBT From 3 creations to market is a bonus because he’s getting paid to do what he loves … play with Legos. “It’s fun because I like Legos and I like bowties, and I like that people are wearing
Ellison From 3 prison industry,” said Ellison in a statement. «Our society has had many years to assess the impact of mandatory minimums and harsh sentencing, and the verdict is in. Harsh sentencing practices have not made our society safer nor sentencing fairer. Sessions’ memorandum is a return to the failed policies of the War on Drugs. It is bad for our communities, and utterly destructive for low-level, nonviolent drug offenders. The only people who benefit from these laws are those who have a financial stake in imprisonment: the private prison industry and vendors to the public system.” The NAACP released a statement criticizing the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to promote the use of mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. “The decision by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions requiring federal prosecutors to pursue the most severe charges possible, regardless of whether they would expose lowlevel offenders to mandatory minimums, represents not only a threat to public safety, but exacerbates mass incarceration,” read the NAACP statement. “This decision by DOJ to overturn previous Justice Department guidance will lead to thousands of people spending unnecessary
Protests broke out South Africa following the decision to free two white farmer who killed a Black teen.
my bowties,” said Allen. “That makes me feel good.” One of the people that may just sport an Ice Cream Bow Tie is music mogul 50 Cent. He was introduced to the young designer and presented with a custom bowtie. In all, Allen has about 200 bowtie creations. “Ideas come from either my mom or me. A lot of times my mom gives me ideas and I make
them from there,” said Allen. Magdalene said while her son is having fun “playing” with his Legos, he’s learning valuable life skills. “There are three things that I instill in Aniki and how we operate this business – entrepreneurship, philanthropy and creativity,” said Magdalene. “Aniki understands that at the end of the day society will view
years of imprisonment while doing nothing to advance public safety.” «The Attorney General›s directive suggests that this long ugly era of mass incarceration now has eternal life. Contradicting commonsense, conscience, and experience of red and blue state governors, this new policy takes us quickly backward,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks in the same statement. Earlier DOJ guidance
that discouraged the federal prosecution of low-level drug
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him hostage and put him in the back of their truck to take him to the police station. The farmers then claim he fell off their truck and died while others say he was beaten and fell over. North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo, defended the teenager who died «in the hands of white people.” There is no confusion in whose hands did Matlhomola lose his life,” the premier said at a funeral service in the Scotland informal settlement in Coligny. “He was in the hands of South Africans who are Afrikaners in Coligny. The courts must look on how he was killed. Judge Magaola Foso told the court that he was aware that
the case had led to increased tensions in the area, but refused to allow it to influence his ruling, the AFP news agency reported. An autopsy is being conducted. Journalists who were covering the violence were allegedly attacked by the owners of properties targeted by the rioters. They were accused of inciting violence by covering the events. Meanwhile farmers in the area are said to be on high alert, worried that they might become the next target as tensions continue. The police say they are monitoring the situation. The two men are due back in court June 26.
Mahumapelo said a government-led renewal, healing, and reconciliation program would be launched in the local municipality. South African Democratic Teachers Union, North West chairman, Mxolosi Bomvana, said nonracist whites should be seen taking action against racism. We must march together to fight racism. God has given men life but [in this case] it is not God who has taken life, it is men,» said Bomvana. He also called on community members not to destroy schools and clinics during protests.
him as a Black man, and there will be times where he will be disregarded for this, so the business is to show him through hard work he can create his own opportunities. Philanthropy is important because without love and support from friends, family and the community he wouldn’t be able to use his talent to share and inspire hope in others.” Mother and son will be
displaying their bowties during a June 4 fashion show at Studio Z, 275 4th St. E., suite 200, St. Paul. The show runs from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. The show will also feature custom pieces from designers Victor Farmah and Adrian Alexander and will be emceed by Richard Moody.
Proceeds from this event will be donated to Jelly Cha, a local 18-year-old teen with a rare form of epilepsy. For more information or to view Allen’s ties online, go to www.icecreambowties.com.
ELLISON 9
Page 6 • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Insight News
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Insight 2 Health Food First
Enjoy fresh produce from garden, Farmers’ Market By Julie McMahon Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coach
I love quick, simple and delicious meals in the spring and summer months. It’s a great time to eat lighter and enjoy all the fresh produce from your garden or from the farmer’s market. This recipe takes about 10 minutes to make
and is a good make-ahead salad that you can have in your fridge for snacks and quick lunches. Bonus, the kids love it too. Double bonus, you are adding in a great source of protein and fiber as well. Serve with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, avocado or some fresh sliced tomatoes from the garden. Yummy. Curry Chickpea Salad Wraps 1 15 oz. can chick peas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed 3 tbsp. vegan mayonnaise
½ lemon, juiced 1 ½ tsp. curry powder 3 green onions, diced 1 stalk celery, diced ¼ cup cilantro, minced ¼ cup cashews, chopped Himalayan salt (to taste) In a medium sized bowl smash the chick peas with a fork and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir until well blended. Place filling in washed large leaf lettuce such as Boston or romaine lettuce. Four servings.
Photo by Julie McMahon
Curry chickpea salad wraps
E-cigarette use rises rapidly in Minnesota Today, the Minnesota Department of Health reissued its nicotine heath advisory to inform parents and health care providers about the health dangers of nicotine for children, teens, and pregnant women. While combustible tobacco use declines, the use of nicotine-containing products like e-cigarettes continues to surge among youth. The 2016 Minnesota Student Survey found that e-cigarette use among 11 graders is now more than double the use of cigarettes with 17 percent of students using them in the past 30 days. “After reaching historic lows in youth cigarette use, it is troubling to note a resurgence of youth nicotine use under a new
theelectroniccigarette.co.uk
Health officials warn e-cigarettes are just as harmful as tobacco cigarettes. guise – electronic cigarettes,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger.
“It’s imperative parents and the health care community are aware of the dangers that nicotine poses to adolescent health; it’s more harmful than many people think.” The Health Advisory is based on a summary of the latest research on the health risks of nicotine, and reflect findings from the U.S. Surgeon General’s new report “E-cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults.” The advisory reports that nicotine exposure can harm brain development during adolescence and poses a serious health risk for youth. The teen years are a critical window for brain growth and development. As a result, adolescents are especially at
risk from the harms caused by nicotine exposure. Ongoing use of nicotine can harm brain development during adolescence, a critical time when the brain is still “under construction.” Animal research has found that even in small doses, nicotine exposure in adolescence causes long-lasting changes in brain development. This could have negative implications in young people for learning, memory, attention. Nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can also prime the adolescent brain for addiction to not only tobacco, but also substances like illicit drugs. In addition, a growing body of evidence indicates that
young people who have never smoked conventional cigarettes, but currently use e-cigarettes, are more likely to smoke conventional cigarettes in the future than are young people who do not use e-cigarettes. “Given the rapid rise in use and growing popularity of e-cigarettes among youth, we are taking steps to inform the public about the health risks of nicotine,” said Ehlinger. “It’s not harmless for our teens – many of our kids using e-cigarettes today could end up being tomorrow’s smokers.” E-cigarette are available in thousands of flavors and are widely available now in Minnesota stores. A recent report by CDC found that nearly all of
e-cigarette products found in retail settings contain nicotine. The advisory also cautions pregnant woman from using nicotine. Communities across the state are taking steps to protect youth from the harms of nicotine. Over half of the state is now covered by comprehensive clean indoor air policies that also restrict e-cigarette use. Some localities have also restricted the sale of flavored tobacco to tobacco-only shops. Given the risks to adolescent brain development, some communities across the country are also taking steps to protect kids by increasing the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21.
fresh • local • organic Your neighborhood source for local and organic foods and wellness products
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Insight News • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Page 7
May is Foster Care Month
Foster homes needed as demand grows With more children in the foster care system, the need for foster parents is critical. The number of children in foster care on an average day increased by 51 percent from almost 6,200 in 2013 to almost 9,400 in 2016. The growing numbers of children in the child protection system are due, in part, to increased awareness about child protection issues, changes in how reports are reviewed, a growing opioid crisis, and children staying in care longer. All of these factors have led to an increased number of foster children. During May, Foster Care Month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services and partners hosted events to thank foster parents for all they do and to raise awareness of the need for foster parents for the growing number of
shutterstock
Minnesotans are being asked to consider becoming foster parents, as there is a statewide shortage.
children in out-of-home care. “Foster parents take in children who may have significant needs, and provide them with the stability, guidance and care they need each and every day,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “We are thankful for all they do, and these events are one way to recognize and appreciate them. At the same time, we hope when people hear about foster care, they take the time to learn more about it from the experts on hand, and consider it for their families. Children throughout Minnesota need them.” More information about foster care, including information about becoming a foster parent, go to www.mn. gov/dhs/people-we-serve/ children-and-families/services/ foster-care.
At University of St. Thomas
Alan Page presented Outstanding Commitment Award for Community Service
(Left to right) University of St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan and Dr. Artika Tyner, associate vice president of Diversity and Inclusion, with retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and former Minnesota Vikings player Alan Page.
The University of St. Thomas Office of Diversity and Inclusion recently honored retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Alan Page with its Outstanding Commitment Award for Community Service. The annual award recognizes recipients for their dedication and commitment to academic excellence in Minnesota. In 1998, Page and his wife, Diane Sims Page, founded the Page Education Foundation on the eve of his induction to the NFL Hall of Fame. For more than 30 years, the not-for-profit organization has provided financial support to students of color in Minnesota in the form of Page Grants to pursue their educational dreams. In turn, Page Scholars have volunteered as tutors and mentors in their communities. “The Page Education
Foundation ignited my passion for service in the community and guided me on my journey to becoming a civil rights attorney,” said Dr. Artika Tyner, associate vice president of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of St. Thomas. “Being a Page Scholar provided me with a challenge and opportunity. I was challenged to reach my full potential as a student, scholar and citizen. I also had the opportunity to give back to my community by mentoring and tutoring elementary students.” For the 2016-2017 academic year, 518 Page Scholars were awarded more than $850,000 in Page Grants. Since its founding, the Page Education Foundation has provided more than $13 million in financial support to 6,500 Page Scholars who have volunteered more than 420,000 hours in communities across Minnesota.
Today, the University of St. Thomas boasts the largest number of Page Scholars among private colleges and universities in Minnesota, with 29 current students and 138 total students since 2004. “Justice Page serves as a role model by demonstrating the transformative power of academic excellence and servant leadership,” said Tyner. “His legacy will inspire future generations of Tommies to excel both in the classroom by soaring academically and outside the classroom by serving as global citizens who make a difference in the world.” Page spent 15 years in the NFL playing for both the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, becoming the first defensive player in the league’s history to receive an MVP award. Page retired from the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2015, having served 22 years.
Page 8 • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Insight News
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Insight News • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Page 9
Community YMCA partners with NFL cornerback Marcus Williams to host free football camp June 24 The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities (YGTC) will partner with New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams to host his second annual Leadership Football Camp in North Minneapolis. The camp is free and open to youth ages eight to 12. Campers will attend one “Lessons for Life” session in early June as well as the one-day football camp on Saturday, June 24. Williams grew up in Minneapolis and spent much of his time at the North Community YMCA as a kid. “The YMCA believes that sports are a vehicle for broader life lessons,” said
Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YGTC. “We are thrilled to partner with Marcus Williams to give even more young people in our community a unique opportunity to learn and grow and develop relationships with positive role models.” Last year’s camp served 120 young people and this year can accommodate up to 200. Williams will be joined by other NFL players and YMCA coaches. Registration is open now until May 26. Registration is available online at bit.ly/2pOuQQX. courtesy New York Jets
Marcus Williams
The powerful words of a husband Man Talk
By Timothy Houston A couple of weeks ago, I proposed marriage to Cantrice Freeman and she said yes. Those simple words, “Will you marry me?” are full of power and set so many things in motion. The moment she said yes, dresses, tuxedos, cakes and tons of other things became in demand. The impact of those words is exponential. If those four words have that kind of power, how much power is created in all the other things a husband will say to his wife? The words of a husband are more powerful than words from any other. Besides God,
Ellison From 5 offenders resulted in a 14 percent drop in federal prosecution of drug cases and a focus on more serious offenses and more dangerous offenders. Since
there are no words more powerful to a woman than that of her husband. A real husband praises his wife because of the love he has for her in his heart. She can trust him because she is safe with him because he has made the greatest commitment for all to her, marriage. This is the basic fundamental principle that all men must learn. “He that loves his wife, loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28). The words of a husband come with commitment. Marriage requires commitment, and without it, the words of the man are empty and shallow. Men that shy away from commitment will use words that do not require them to commit. They speak in general or in future tense. Their declarations start with “when,” tomorrow, no, never,” or any other words that do not require a commitment today. On the contrary, a real husband will use is words to
extol his commitment to his wife. His declarations start with “Today, now, yes and forever.” His words are the foundation on which they will build a lasting relationship. The words of a husband require his time. A husband wants to spend time with his wife. The first man Adam told Eve, “You are bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.” He was proclaiming
that she was a part of him, and in saying it, he was also affirming his desire to be with her. Declaring her to be his flesh and bone he was simply saying, “we are one.” Because they are one is the reason why the words of a husband are more powerful than any others. The words of a husband must express his love for his wife. “Husband, go all out
in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church – a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands out to loves their wives. They’re really
reaching its historic peak in 2013, reforms in drug prosecution and sentencing as well as the Obama administration’s clemency initiative led to a significant decrease in the federal prison population, which had dropped 14 percent to 188,800 by April. “The Sessions memo essentially guarantees a larger federal prison population,
ensuring that money that would be better used on preventing crime will be spent imprisoning people who are no risk to the communities,” read the NAACP statement. “The (DOJ) memo takes us back to the ‘War on Drugs’ mentality that has led to our current age of mass incarceration, making the U.S. the world leader in the number
of people incarcerated. The racial disparities in arrest, prosecution, and incarceration have led to the devastation of African-American families and communities. The NAACP is not ready to move backward. We must work to dismantle our system of mass incarceration, instead of exacerbating the problem. We will not allow the
attorney general to turn the clock back on federal criminal justice reform.” “Prison sentencing should be about justice and rehabilitation – not retribution. Mandatory minimum sentencing takes judgment out of the hands of judges and juries, leads to higher rates of recidivism, and singles out low-income, non-
The words of a husband come with commitment. Marriage requires commitment, and without it, the words of the man are empty and shallow.
Classifieds
Phone: 612.588.1313
Fax: 612.588.2031
Minnesota Council of Churches
Request for Proposals Minnesota Department of Human Services Health Care Admin Division Seeking proposals to improve birth outcomes in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. Lead organization must be communitybased non-pro¿t. LINK TO RFP: https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/grants-rfps/open-rfps/
Refugee Health Case Manager, Provide intensive Case Management services to refugees with complex medical needs. http://www.mnchurches.org/about/employment.html Due 5/31/17.
St. Paul Central H.S. Class of 1967 50th Reunion
Sept. 8-10, 2017 Facebook - St. Paul Central Class of 1967 50th Reunion or email address to: geministar1149@comcast.net, Marie Braddock Williams, Committee
Oak Ridge Manor 1199 Bahls Drive Hastings, MN 55033 651-437-1367 NOTICE: OPENING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Project-Based Section 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. 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. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity
Timothy Houston is an author, minister and motivational speaker. To get a copy of his book, for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
violent offenders,” said Ellison. “The president and the attorney general can go to bat for private prison lobbyists pushing the status quo or the families in desperate need of criminal justice reform; not both. Clearly they’ve chosen their side.”
Email: info@insightnews.com
TUTORING OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer with Kids at East Side Learning Center. At East Side Learning Center build a life changing relationship by meeting the individual needs of diverse children on St. Paul’s East Side through one-on-one reading tutoring with K-2nd graders. Tutoring opportunities available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Volunteers tutor a minimum of one child, once a week for about 45 minutes. Training, materials, and on-site support are provided. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 651-793-7364 for more information on this or other volunteer opportunities or visit www. eastsidelearningcenter.org
Clerk of Court
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
doing themselves a favor – since they’re already ‘one’ in marriage” (Ephesians 5:2528). There no words more powerful than that of a husband. He words extol his commitment to her. Every husband should use his words to build up his wife. She should know that she is loved, valued and appreciated. In return, every wife should build up her husband to know that he is loved, valued and appreciated. After all, because they are one, they are simply loving themselves. Cantrice, thank you for saying yes. I love you and look forward to our future together.
Westonka Estates 2461 Commerce Boulevard Mound, MN 55364 952-472-4952
Maple Terrace 1560 Howard Avenue Maple Plain, MN 55369 763-479-1131
NOTICE: OPENINING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Project-Based Section8/202; rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants.
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 15, 2017 until 4pm July 14, 2017.
Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org from 9am May 8, 2017 until 4pm July 7, 2017.
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.
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
CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity
Frequent Filer (Office Assistant)
Volunteer office assistants are needed in several areas. Multiple shifts available, Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Midway area and downtown St. Paul locations limited reimbursement for parking expense or bus fare is provided. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Contact Ramsey County—Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to Volunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us.
LIL’S ANGELS MEMORY LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Northeast Minneapolis: Monroe Village, 1900 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis; Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7:30 p.m. South Minneapolis: Lunds & Byerly’s Grocery,1450 West Lake St., Minneapolis; Meets the 2nd Friday of each month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Brooklyn Center: Jehovah Jireh Church, 6120 Xerxes Ave. N., Brooklyn Center; Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To RSVP, or for questions, please call Dorothea Harris at 952-945-4175 Volunteers of America MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN
Page 10 • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Insight News
insightnews.com Travis Scott Press
Candy Fresh
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.
Tuesday, May 23 May 22 June 4, 2017
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
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.
uniquely curated with bodies that bend, dance, fly and more.
21-plus $7
Thursday, May 25
Saturday, May 27
SOUL/DANCE
PARTY
The longest running soul/ funk/R&B show in town, Dr. Mambo’s Combo hits the state at Bunker’s.
Busybody/ies Turf Club 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul 8 p.m. 21-plus $8 advance/$10 doors
*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
Multi-instrumentalist Eric Mayson plays with special guests Mina Moore, Dancebums, and Hiponymous.
Friday, May 26 TV SHOW Candy Fresh #CoolCreatives St. Paul Neighborhood Network 550 Vandalia St., Suite 170, St. Paul 7 p.m. All ages No cover Join the crew over at Candy Fresh for the taping of their sixth show from season two with King Fuvi, Jasmine Boudah, Solo Star, Suki the Saint, Yah Yah and DJ Mickey Breeze. BODY ART 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 This body art event explores various ways the body intersects with art. The space will be
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
Tuesday, May 30
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.
Monday, May 29
HIP-HOP
The Steeles Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. $30
Lil Boosie Privé 315 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 10 p.m. – 2a.m.
Twin Cities family, The Steeles, have been a pillar in the music community. Check them out in a special show at the Dakota.
Wednesday, May 31 HIP-HOP A Great Day to Be Dope The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 9 p.m. 18-plus $10 advance, 12 door Sti-Lo Reel, Tek, Baby Shel, Devon Reason, Dot Ducati, T La Shawn and DJ Airman Heat party in celebration of Niko Slim’s birthday. Hip-Hop music all night long.
Thursday, June 1 YOGA
THEATER Dr. Mambo’s Combo Bunker’s 761 N. Washington Ave. Minneapolis 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Intro to Kundalini Yoga with Rebeka People’s Movement Center 763 E. 41st St., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. $5-$20 (sliding scale)
Thomasina Petrus will be a featured performer during “CoMotion,” a spectacle of music, figure skating and dance.
Brownbody, a St. Paulbased performance company that blends modern dance and figure skating to tell stories of the African diaspora, is presenting CoMotion, June 1 – June 4 at Highland Ice Arena, 800 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. The event is a three-part performance. Part one, “Quiet as It’s Kept,” choreographed by Brownbody’s artistic director, Deneane Richburg and incorporating a soundscape written and performed by well-known Twin Cities jazz vocalist and actor, Thomasina Petrus, captures the complexity and turbulence of the postCivil War Reconstruction
Friday, June 2
SOUL/GOSPEL
HIP-HOP Soundset Festival Minnesota State Fairgrounds 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. All ages $84-$194
Kundalini yoga is called the “yoga of awareness.” It is a dynamic, powerful tool that is designed to give you an experience felt in the body and the soul. The class will cover the foundational aspects of kundalini yoga.
Baton Rouge legend Boosie is one of the most respected names in southern hip-hop. Catch a rare Minneapolis appearance.
Saturday, June 3 PARTY Frogtown Backyard Celebration Frogtown Park and Farm 946 W. Minnehaha Ave, St. Paul 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. All ages No cover Get some free food, take part in activities for the family and more at Frogtown Park and Farm.
Sunday, June 4 HIP-HOP/FOOD HWMR: Presents the Hip-Hop Brunch H. White Men’s Room 1500 44th Ave. N., Minneapolis 12 p.m. – 3p.m. Tasty food and a new line of Black Excellence t-shirts on deck at this Black-owned business on the Northside.
Brownbody presents original blend of figure skating and modern dance June 1 – June 4
period. Exploring the reconstruction era and the rise of Jim Crow, the act combines modern dance, figure skating, theater and live vocals to understand its residual impact on our modern American lives. The second part, “Urban Bush Women Translation,” features a collaboration between Brownbody and legendary New York-based dance company Urban Bush Women to present two on-ice translations. The finale, “A Journey to Solace,” choreographed by Richburg, is a solo piece performed by Minneapolis native and North Community High School alum, Rohene Ward. Set to “Adagio for Strings” by
Barber (Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra), it explores moments of quiet stillness contrasted with the power of the ice. All performances will be followed by a discussion of the issues raised by the production, facilitated by Sandra Richardson of the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. Performances are June 1 at 7:30 p.m., June 2 at 7:30 p.m., June 3, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and June 4 at 2 p.m. The 2 p.m. June 3 show is an all ages performance. Tickets are $33 in advance and $35 at door and are available at www.bit.ly/Brownbody.
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Insight News • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Page 11
Line-up announced for the Twin Cities Jazz Festival Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Terence Blanchard will headline the 19th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival. In addition, Joshua Redman and Emmet Cohen have been added to the line-up that includes McCoy Tyner, Anat Cohen with Choro Aventuroso; and keyboardist, organist, and Minnesotanative Bobby Lyle. “I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to pair a superstar like Joshua Redman with a jazz Hall-of-Famer like McCoy Tyner, and having a chance to add a charismatic young talent like Emmet Cohen to the likes of Blanchard, Lyle
and Anat Cohen is truly exciting,” said Steve Heckler, executive director of the festival. “This is yet another reminder of how fortunate we are to have such a supportive community, which enables us to present so much talent over three days, while still managing to keep our event free and inclusive to all.” The festival is set for June 22 – June 24, in and around Mears Park in St. Paul›s Lowertown arts district. The three days will include headline acts on the four outdoor stages, as well as at more than 20 clubs, bars and studio venues.
Augusta-Sagnelli
Anat Cohen
Henry-Adebonojo
On June 17 as a Jazz Fest preview in Minneapolis, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., will host the Cameron Kinghorn Quartet beginning at 7 p.m. The group will feature Cameron Kinghorn, vocals, Javier Santiago on piano, Ted Olsen on bass and Miguel Hurtado on drums. The entire schedule including the club schedule is available at www. TwinCitiesJazzFestival.com/ schedule.
Terence-Blanchard
Ten Thousand Things presents ‘Intimate Apparel’ through June 4 Ten Thousand Things brings its first-ever production of Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” to audiences throughout Minnesota. The award-winning play is the story of an AfricanAmerican seamstress in the early 1900s, her long-distance correspondence and romance with a worker on the Panama Canal and her loving friendships with a prostitute and a Jewish tailor. Austene Van directs the cast of Aimee Bryant, Darius Dotch, Dame-Jasmine Hughes, George Keller, Kris Nelson and Karen Wiese-Thompson. Sound and music is by Annie Enneking, sets by Stephen Mohring, and costumes by Trevor Bowen. Public performances of “Intimate Apparel” are May 26 – May 28 and June 2 – June 4 at Open Book, 1011 S. Washington
Ave., Minneapolis. When “Intimate Apparel” debuted in 2004, with Viola Davis in the leading role of Esther, the New York Times called Nottage “a rare, vital, important theatrical voice.” In April 2017, she became the first female playwright to twice win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama, in 2009 with “Ruined”and in 2017 with “Sweat,”which recently moved to Broadway after a sold-out run at The Public Theater. She also wrote “Fabulation, or The Re-Education of Undine” (OBIE Award) and is the writer/producer on the Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It,” directed by Spike Lee. “Intimate Apparel”is based on the life of Nottage’s great-grandmother. “I always let our guest directors propose the plays they’d like to do, and I was so
happy when Austene suggested ‘Intimate Apparel,’” said Michelle Hensley, artistic director of Ten Thousand Things. “It is such a radiant story of a single working woman coming into her own, learning from her relationships as she does so. The early 1900s setting gives the story that ‘another time, another place’ quality that is so important to making our work inclusive. I look forward to bringing Lynn Nottage’s beautiful and powerful writing to all of our audiences.” Tickets are available at www.tenthousandthings.org or by phone at (800) 838-3006. Public performances are $30 (for audience members under 30, a pay-what-you-can option is available, with a minimum of $10).
Aimee Bryant and Darius Dotch star in “Intimate Apparel.”
Aimee Bryant
Page 12 • May 22 - May 28, 2017 • Insight News
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Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.
Host Chadwick “Niles” Phillips is known to drop a lyric or two. For years, the Blue Nile in Minneapolis was the place to be on Tuesday nights for upand-comers wanting to hit the stage – often with a live band. The renowned open mic was originally hosted by poet/
MC, Desdamona, before it was handed off to Chadwick “Niles” Phillips. With the closing – and subsequent demolition – of the Blue Nile, fans of open mics were left without a home. That is until
recently when Phillips reenvisioned the concept with Eclectica, Tuesday nights from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Reverie Cafe and Bar, 1931 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis. A few weeks old,
Eclectica has already gained a strong following. With the level of up-and-coming talent on the rise in the Twin Cities, it’s foreseeable the think the next national sensation could bless the Eclectica mic.
Javon Shaw debuting a couple of new original tunes.
Johannah Easley and Imani Waters vibing out.
The dope bassist Kenneth Garnier checking out the scene.
Spoken word artist Pierre Fulford is one to watch.
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