Insight News ::: 06. 08.15

UP ROCK: Black to the future MORE ON PAGE 10

aesthetically speaking

Insight News June 8 - June 14, 2015

Vol. 42 No. 23 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

McMahon: Gurus, Superheroes and Aliens Painter Barry McMahon offers a unique take on daily life through his many works and will have several on display during his “Gurus, Superheroes and Aliens or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Art” show.

The show, which will present art that spans 30-plus years, takes place Saturday, June 13 at Vine Arts Center, 2637 27th Ave S, Minneapolis from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. McMahon will be signing his book, “The Magnificents: The World’s Longest Field Trip” as well as the first issue of “Blue: An Artist’s Novel Issue 1 Birth and Rebirth.”

Regarding his piece, “Represent,” McMahon explains why he was moved to paint the likeness of Rep. Keith Ellison.

“Every once in a while you have the opportunity to meet someone who not only lives up to your expectations but exceeds them.

“Represent”, a portrait of 5th district U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison

“The Custom” For me, that opportunity came when I met my representative in Congress, Rep. Keith Ellison.

While performing at a rally about climate change, representing the group MN350.org, I had the good fortune of sharing the stage with Will Steger,

MCMAHON TURN TO 5

Urban League Academy graduates its last class well-wishers waited eagerly in the hall. Everything was as it was surrounding any typical high school graduation. But this was not a typical graduation.

The June 1 graduation of the 2015 senior class of the Urban League Academy (ULA) was atypical for a multitude of reasons. The graduation didn’t take place in the school’s auditorium, gymnasium or

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer

Soon to be graduates Mayra Bunay-Ortiz (front) and Shyla Evans during the opening processional of the Urban League Academy commencement ceremony.

It was a graduation just like any other; yet it wasn’t like any other.

There were all the preceremony activities. Future graduates practiced their walks as a woman franticly steamed graduation gowns. Families and

Black graduates face a stiff job market

Washington, D.C. – President Barack Obama signed a couple of proclamations honoring the contributions those of African heritage have made to the United States.

The president proclaimed June as both African-American Music Appreciation Month and National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month. Both proclamations were signed May 29.

In his recognition of contributions of Blacks in all arenas of music, Obama said music was key in bridging racial divides throughout the land.

“For centuries, AfricanAmerican musicians have shaped our nation and helped tell our story. By melding enduring truths with new sounds, they have pioneered entire genres and contributed to the foundation of our musical landscape – capturing an essential part of who we are as Americans,” said Obama in his

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – College graduates will enter a job market this year that is better than it has been in recent years, but they will still face a tough climb. That climb will be especially difficult for Black college graduates who will grapple with a jobless rate that is still in the double digits, according to a new report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a Washington, D.C.based research and education group focused on low- and middle-income workers.

Alyssa Davis, a research fellow focused on the labor market, poverty and education; Will Kimball, a research assistant with EPI; and Elise Gould, director of health policy research co-authored the report

College graduates facing tough job market

Insight 2 Health What’s in your grocery cart?

PAGE 2

ACADEMY TURN TO 8

Obama proclaims June African-American Music Appreciation Month and National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

By Freddie Allen NNPA Senior Washington Correspondent

JOBS TURN TO 7

football field – the school doesn’t have any of those. The graduation took place in the lower level of the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL), 2100 Penn Ave. N. Unlike other graduations with hundreds of graduates, this ceremony honored 11. Those 11 now have the distinction of being the final graduating class

NNPA Photo by Freddie Allen

Kasra Ganjavi

B.B. King

proclamation. “During AfricanAmerican Music Appreciation Month, we recognize the artists who have enriched our lives and the ways their beats and harmonies have advanced our unending journey toward a more perfect union. With all the energy and diversity of our

PROCLAMATION 5 TURN TO

Commentary

Lifestyle

Community

Blacks needs to join discussion on the economy

We honor our fathers

Taking care of your car this summer

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Page 2 • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Insight News

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What’s in your grocery cart?

By Julie McMahon CHHC Sound Nutrition LLC So how do you grocery shop? Do you go in with a plan? Do you bring recipes with you? OR do you just wing it? Do you ever get to the check out counter and gasp at the amount of food you grabbed without even thinking about it?

Here are my favorite tips to keep you on task and on track with your health!

My top 5 Tips to Navigate the Grocery Store!!

1. Don’t go to the store HUNGRY! Trust me! Everything will look good and you will grab a bunch of junk that you wouldn’t normally buy. Go in with a plan and a full tummy.

2. Shop the PERIMETER of the store. Foods that spoil quickly and need to be rotated more frequently are usually located on the perimeter of the grocery store.

Think Fresh!! The foods toward the inside of the store are “shelf stable” and can sit there for over a year! Many of these foods are full of preservatives and should be avoided!

chopping your veggies and having them ready to grab throughout the week! Remember, it’s human nature to eat whatever is easy to grab.

3. Collect a RAINBOW of veggies and fruits! When you look at your cart it should be full of greens, reds, yellows, blues....the colors of the rainbow! Think fresh veggies and fruits NOT skittles!

Julie McMahon, Founder/Owner of Sound Nutrition, is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Raw Food Nutrition Educator who is passionate about Nutrition, Health and Wellness. Julie believes in the power of whole foods to create optimal health and maximum energy flow and works with her clients in a step by step approach to achieve their personal vision of health. For more information, or to schedule a nutrition consultation, visit: www.mysoundnutrition.com or call NutritionJulie at 612-2709344.

4. It can be overwhelming to change your shopping and diet plan. Think about ADDING in more veggies and fruits to your existing plan and eventually they will be your first grab. (Ex: Instead of just eggs, make an omelet loaded with spinach and veggies. Instead of chicken, think roasted veggies or a huge salad with chicken.)

5. Allow time when you get home to SHOP and CHOP!! Set yourself up for success by washing and

Congratulations

PYC Arts & Tech High School Class of 2015!

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Insight News • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Page 3

HEALTH Four to nine factors contributed to each ‘never event,’ study finds ROCHESTER, Minn. — Why are major surgical errors called “never events?” Because they shouldn’t happen — but do. Mayo Clinic researchers identified 69 never events among 1.5 million invasive procedures performed over five years and detailed why each occurred. Using a system created to investigate military plane crashes, they coded the human behaviors involved to identify any environmental, organizational, job and individual characteristics that led to the never events. Their discovery: 628 human factors contributed to the errors overall, roughly four to nine per event.

The study results are published in the journal Surgery.

The never events included performing the wrong procedure (24), performing surgery on the wrong site or wrong side of the body (22), putting in the wrong implant (5), or leaving an object in the patient (18). All of the errors analyzed occurred at Mayo; none were fatal.

The Mayo Rochester campus rate of never events over the period studied was roughly 1 in every 22,000 procedures. Because of inconsistencies in definitions and reporting requirements, it is hard to find accurate comparison data, but a recent study based upon information in the National Practitioner Data Bank estimated that the rate of such never events in the United States is almost twice that in this report, approximately 1 in 12,000 procedures.

Gallbladder removal, surgery in the operation theatre

Documentary profiles people living with dementia documentary series coproduced by Twin Cities Public Television and Allina Health.

Many of the issues that patients and families face due to serious illness are highlighted through profiles of Minnesota families.

Following “Late Life: Facing Dementia,” at 5:30, tpt2 will air “Re-imagining

“Late Life: Facing Dementia” features people living with dementia. Instead of focusing on the doctors who treat these patients, it features the organizations that are helping them live well and advocates who are making communities more “Alzheimer’s friendly.”

“We have a health care delivery model that works

great for acute illness – like a heart attack or a hip replacement. But that same system offers substantially less support to an 85-year-old woman with bad eyesight and early dementia living alone, taking multiple medications,” says Eric Anderson, MD, an Allina Health internist who specializes in hospice and

Late Life: Exploring Options,” a discussion moderated by Minnesota Public Radio and tpt2 host Cathy Wurzer.

“We are working to extend the support of the hospital and clinic to people living at home, even as medical conditions challenge their health and independence.

We want

everyone to think about their role in providing quality of life to those in our state living with serious illness,” Anderson says.

To see all episodes of Late Life, visit http://www. lifecoursemn.org/videos/ documentaries.

palliative care.

“Studies of the reasons for emergency room visits and hospital stays show that a lack of support for basic needs like nutrition, transportation, monitoring medications, and adult daycare leads to many of these episodes,” Anderson says.

“Late Life” is a

Jokes about having gas are funny.

Until they find a tumor in your colon.

You belong.

The health plan with you in mind.

Julia, age 58, Mississippi

Most people don’t know that smoking can cause colorectal cancer. For Julia, it was a lesson she’ll never forget. The good news? Quitting tobacco decreases your chances almost immediately. For free help – including nicotine patches, gum or lozenges – call 1-888-354-PLAN or visit quitplan.com.

At Medica, you’re not just part of a health plan.

You’re part of a community that believes in better health for all.

Learn more at medica.com

1-888-354-PLAN

quitplan.com

Page 4 • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Supporting fathers and fatherhood FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw It’s time for Fathers’ Day. Time to lift up fathers and fatherhood.

And time to ask ourselves how we honor fathers in our daily lives, the work of our nonprofits, and through our business and public policies. News headlines spotlight the phenomenon “absent fathers,” seeking to assign blame for the many challenges we face as a country

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and as communities.

What’s often missing is a discussion of public policies and investments that can impact, support or disempower fathers, as well the personal decisions we make that can be hard to overcome. We shy away from sensitive issues of how court ordered child support and divorce decisions can keep fathers from fully engaging with their children, and with fulfilling their financial and emotional obligations. Many of us have perceptions of fathers that don’t match with reality. A father is a father even if he is not in the children’s home and is not the breadwinner. A father is a father regardless of whether he is gay or straight, employed, incarcerated, intelligent, handsome, rich, or poor.

Here’s our suggestion: Let’s focus restoring the dignity of what it means to be a man and

Let’s focus restoring the dignity of what it means to be a man and a father.

a father. For example, there are deep stigmas associated with incarceration and too many men – especially African American and Hispanic men – are incarcerated. The consequences and stigma of incarceration often continue for a lifetime

and impact men’s immediate and long term ability to father.

You can’t vote, you can’t get a job, you don’t earn enough, your birth family may not welcome back, your children may not know you. You may feel you don’t have anything

us back from helping real-life dads be part of their children’s lives. As donors we can look for organizations – especially grassroots ones – within our communities that are active in supporting men in their roles as fathers. We need to support faith based initiatives as well as those programs that support fathers who may not have or want a faith affiliation.

For Fathers’ Day honor your favorite father by making a gift in his honor to an organization that supports fatherhood.

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Espinoza receives Mexico’s Ohtli Award Mariano Espinoza, Latino Community Specialist, is a 2015 recipient of the prestigious Ohtli Award from the Government of Mexico. Awarded annually, the Ohtli Award is the highest honor for a civilian living outside Mexico and acknowledges and celebrates the commitment, vision and impact of an individual on the Mexican or Latino community.

Espinoza works to support greater connections between the Latino community and the City of Minneapolis. His work not only focuses on outreach, but ensuring broader participation in public policy and service delivery to the Latino community. Espinoza successfully supported a

partnership between the City of Minneapolis and the Latino community that led to the passage of Minnesota’s dream act, opening access to higher education for hundreds of residents. Espinoza has also worked closely with many of the City of Minneapolis’ departments to increase awareness and access to City programs and service for

community members.

Previous winners of the OTHLI include: Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis; president and CEO of the National Council of la Raza, Janet Murguia; former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson; actress Eva Longoria, civil rights activist Dolores Huerta; U. S. Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros; and Edward James Olmos.

Eric Jolly named CEO at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners Mariano Espinoza, with Ohtli Award

Associate Editor Culture and Education Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

to “bring to the table.” Part of being a father is being a man.

Supporting fatherhood includes, for example, supporting men’s ability to recover from incarceration, build new lives and engage their children.

As nonprofit leaders and concerned community members, we can encourage schools, nonprofits and faith organizations to look at their programs and explore if and how they are serving fathers – especially young fathers – and encouraging connections between fathers and their children. We can encourage the organizations and institutions we are personally involved in to become part of the solution.

In that process we need to remember that fatherhood can be expressed in so many different ways. We can’t get stuck on the image of a traditional father: that can hold

427 African Americans in Minnesota are currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants.

Nationally, African Americans are the largest group of people of color in need of an organ transplant. African Americans have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure than Caucasians, increasing the risk of organ failure.

Minnesota Philanthropy Partners has named Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D., as its next president and chief executive officer.

Jolly currently is president and CEO of the Science Museum of Minnesota. He will succeed Carleen Rhodes in August, leading The Saint Paul Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation, F. R. Bigelow Foundation and Mardag Foundation.

The board conducted a nationwide search for an experienced and collaborative leader to help a committed board and team address complex community issues by strategically using the resources of our network, according to the press release announcing Jolly’s appointment. “This important leadership role attracted a highly qualified slate of candidates from across the country. Dr. Jolly’s range of experience in organizational and philanthropic leadership, as well as in education and community engagement, stood out among the candidates,” the Foundation said.

Jolly, a champion for diversity, will be expected to steward the organization’s Strategic Framework to advance racial equity in Minnesota.

Jolly is credited with helping

Dr. Eric Jolly make science accessible to more people by transforming the Science Museum into one of the most innovative and financially healthy research and science museums in the country.

Jolly earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 1984. He served in successive academicleadership roles, including assistant chancellor and director for Affirmative Action and Diversity at the University of Nebraska. He entered the private sector in 1995, serving as vice president and senior scientist at the Education Development Center in Massachusetts. He moved to the Twin Cities in 2004 to take the top job at the Science Museum.

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Insight News • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Page 5

CAR REVIEW

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

By Frank S. Washington NNPA Columnist DETROIT (NNPA) – The Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT roadster is a mix of modern technology and straightforward old school. PRHT stands for power retractable hard top. On the MX-5 it takes 12 seconds for the top to fold back into the tonneau cover between the driver and the trunk.

It is semi-automatic: release the latch in the middle of the windshield frame, push a button and the top folds back.

To raise it is the same thing.

Push a button it unfolds into position automatically and latch it to lock it.

By definition, sports cars are low volume vehicles.

Still, the MX-5 has been wildly successful since Mazda brought it to market 25 years ago. The company says more than 940,000 have been sold worldwide, making it the bestselling two-seat roadster in the world.

For reasons that escape just about everybody, Mazda changed its name from the Miata to the MX-5, but enthusiasts would not accept the switch. Mazda had to tack on Miata at the end of MX-5.

We have to force ourselves to write MX-5 rather than Miata, which is what we call it. The car is so popular that a 25th anniversary edition was introduced and sold out in less than 10 minutes. When it was first introduced, the car was a throwback to the mostly British roadsters of the 1950s and ’60s: small, great weight to power ratio and maneuverable.

The MX-5 was powered by a 2.0-liter aluminum block four-cylinder engine that made 167 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The engine was placed as far back in the bay as possible so that the most weight would be between the front and rear wheels. This

2015 Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition gave the car excellent balance and stability. Though it was calm during our week-long test drive, the MX-5 was never was out of kilter. We never felt any twist between the engine, the transmission or the differential.

Our test car was also quick – very quick. The MX-5 scooted in and out of traffic, it stopped on a dime and it was pretty quick off the dime, too.

To maximize weight savings the MX-5 had an aluminum hood, trunk lid, control bars, rear uprights and rear calipers.

We had the top of the line Grand Touring trim. It featured 17-inch aluminum alloy

wheels, mocha interior, leather trimmed seats that were heated with five settings, a sevenspeaker premium surround sound audio system, an in dash six disc CD player, leatherette door trim and leather wrapped parking brake and matching shift knob.

The car also had Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension. It had a smart key, satellite radio and Bluetooth.

Still, our test vehicle weighed a scant 2,619 pounds. And it will shed more than 200 pounds when the 2016 version of the roadster goes on sale

this summer. However, no announcement has been made about when we’ll see the new Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT.

Before Terrence Partridge turned 2, his parents first noticed an arrest in his development of ageappropriate social skills. In fact, he actually started regressing soon thereafter, as words he had already been using began to disappear from his vocabulary.

But it would still be a couple more years before they would receive the devastating diagnosis that their son was autistic.

Unfortunately, the marriage would not last, as is so often the case with families touched by this affliction, and the burden of raising Terrence alone would end up falling entirely on his mother Therese’s shoulders.

Since early intervention can be critical in a kid’s prognosis, he was lucky she committed herself to giving him the love and support of even more than two parents. And she resolved to become an expert in autism, since it can manifests in myriad ways, making what might be a viable protocol for one child, totally inappropriate for another.

In Terrence’s case, he exhibited an early interest in music, being among the 1 in 10,000 people blessed with perfect pitch. His attentive mom recognized his talent which she proceeded to cultivate with the help of Louise Titlow, his trombone instructor.

Under his patient teacher’s tutelage, the boy blossomed into a promising prodigy to the point where he would one day play in San Diego’s New Youth Classical Orchestra as well as jazz in a

great nation, the stirring sounds of the American experience have expanded our minds and lifted our souls, helping us better understand ourselves and one another. By honoring the timeless sounds that define our past and help transform our future, we celebrate not only the musicians who move us, but also the spirit of resilience and renewal they

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CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 12 THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

By Kam Williams

From 1

SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC

for not a whole lot of money.

Mother and sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adjustment to autism chronicled in inspirational biopic

Proclamation

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH LEGENDARY PICTURES A COLIN TREVORROW FILM â&#x20AC;&#x153;JURASSIC WORLDâ&#x20AC;? CHRIS PRATT BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD VINCENT Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ONOFRIO TYEXECUTIVE SIMPKINS NICK ROBINSON OMAR SY MUSIC JURASSIC PARK BD WONG AND IRRFAN KHAN BY MICHAEL GIACCHINO THEME BY JOHN WILLIAMS PRODUCERS STEVEN SPIELBERG THOMAS TULL PRODUCED BASED ON CHARACTERS STORY

BY FRANK MARSHALL PATRICK CROWLEY CREATED BY MICHAEL CRICHTON BY RICK JAFFA & AMANDA SILVER DIRECTED SCREENPLAY

BY RICK JAFFA & AMANDA SILVER AND DEREK CONNOLLY & COLIN TREVORROW BY COLIN TREVORROW VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION

BY INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

Thus, this model may remain for the rest of the year.

At $32,935, our hardtop Mazda roadster was an awful lot of fun

McMahon From 1 arctic explorer and climate change activist and Ellison.

Ellison delivered a powerful message to the community about the importance of taking personal responsibility for energy and resource

Terrence Partridge in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bass Clef Blissâ&#x20AC;? combo led by trumpeter Gilbert Castllanos.

Louise modestly explains away her studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seemingly miraculous achievements with, â&#x20AC;&#x153;All it takes with Terrence or any autistic child is a little bit more love, a little more time, and a little more faith.â&#x20AC;? Perhaps of greater significance is her further assertion that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He can be an angel of healing self-expression through music, and heal others as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uplifting himself.â&#x20AC;?

Directed by Patrick Scott, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bass Clef Blissâ&#x20AC;? is an alternately heartrending and uplifting biopic chronicling the tight bond between a mother and son as together they confront an assortment of daunting challenges associated with autism. Scott makes a most impressive debut here, as he oh so delicately balances the access he was afforded to his subjects â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;daily lives with their plausible concerns about personal privacy.

Besides focusing on Terrence and Thereseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trials, tribulations

and ultimate triumphs, this informative documentary features a cornucopia of facts and figures about autism, courtesy of both experts and anecdotal evidence.

Did you know that in 1985, 1 in 2,500 babies developed the disorder, and that today the number is about 1 in 68?

Thus, autism is now, effectively, universal in nature which makes a labor of love like Bass Clef Bliss certain to resonate deeply with any spirituallyinclined soul compassionately attuned to other than self.

Excellent Unrated Running time: 70 minutes Distributor: BKLYN2LA Productions / Drama House Productions

embody. This month, let us remember the essential role music plays in breaking the barriers of our time and guiding us toward a more inclusive and more equal tomorrow.â&#x20AC;?

In his acknowledgement of the contributions of those of Caribbean ancestry, Obama said the contributions of the islanders was invaluable to the nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For centuries, Americans have been united with our Caribbean neighbors not just by friendship and economic cooperation, but also by our

common values and ties of kin,â&#x20AC;? said Obama via proclamation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As partners, our nations have reached for progress together, and in our diverse cultures and complex histories, we see a common trajectory toward a more free, equal, and prosperous community. Throughout the Caribbean, courageous peoples have thrown off the yoke of colonial rule, seizing the right to chart their own destinies, and they have overcome the stains of slavery and segregation to widen the circle of opportunity for all.â&#x20AC;?

consumption.

This past summer, my daughter Violet and I had the good fortune to travel to Washington, D.C. with the Minneapolis Youth Chorus on a singing tour. One of the highlights of the tour was having the opportunity to join Ellison in his office where the children sang beautifully while the congressman played his guitar. He also shared his story

about why he chose to become a politician.

Taking the time to listen and to share makes everyone a better person and these traits are even more essential in one chosen to represent others. The diverse community that is the 5th District of Minneapolis has just such a person in Rep. Keith Ellison.

That is why I chose to create this painting.â&#x20AC;?

Page 6 • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Blacks needs to join discussion on the economy Black Press of America

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, NNPA One’s worldview or social perspective is mainly informed by a matrix of different socioeconomic and political circumstances. A polling of Black America about the current “recovery” of the economy of the United States would produce a dramatically different set of responses from the polling results of White America That is because the vast economic inequality between Blacks and whites in the U.S. today appears to be escalating.

According the latest reports from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the steady overall pace of the recovery of the economy continues grow and expand. Yet while there was a .7 percent decline in the economy

for the first quarter of 2015, the forecast for the remainder of 2015 looks very favorable and profitable, especially for those who are already wealthy.

I have always believed that Black Americans should become much more aware of the economic trends that are affecting the U.S. economy as a whole. Too often we get left out of the national discussion concerning the economy because we do not consistently articulate the overall daily national economic interests of 45 million Black Americans.

While it is important to continue to cite the fact that the current annual Black American spending in the U.S. economy totals more than $1.2 trillion, how do we really leverage that fact to help empower Black American families and communities to get out of poverty? Economic productivity is not just about how much a person or a group spends. Economic productivity is also about how much a person or a group produces, invests, and leverages to achieve sustainable financial development and empowerment.

We should remain vigilant and not let the disparities or the increasing economic inequalities break our spirit.

The wealth gap between Black and White Americans continues grow wider. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2011 that the median White household had $111,146 in wealth holdings, compared to only $7,113 for the median Black household. Four years later, that gap has widened to the point that it is now being called the “racial wealth gap.”

The state of Black America’s economy has to be a priority issue that is addressed in every municipality and in every state

where Black Americans are concentrated. This also needs to be addressed as well at the federal level not once a year but every day of every month in each of the four quarters that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is determined and debated.

The GDP, as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis, is the value of the aggregate production of goods and services in the United States and that is adjusted for price changes.

Black American economists and professionals in the financial services arena should formally issue on a quarterly basis a report on the Black American GDP. Do not misunderstand what I am calling for and the reason for doing such a report routinely each quarter. This is not just about statistics. This is about the need to make the national economic debate more inclusive of the economic interests of the Black American community.

We are grateful to the National Urban League for its annual report on the State of Black America that is published each year. Its 2015 report, State of Black America® – “Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice,” that documented the facts that economic inequality between Black and White Americans was rapidly increasing across the nation.

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, emphasized, “Black America is in crisis – a jobs crisis, an education crisis and a justice crisis.” I agree with Morial and I would add that Black America’s crisis today is also an economic

crisis.

We should remain vigilant and not let the disparities or the increasing economic inequalities break our spirit.

We have been through hard time before today and we will face hard socioeconomic times in the future. Our ancestors did not let racism, injustice and inequity break their collective and individual determination to make progress even in the face of brutal and institutionalized oppression. Our struggle and labor for economic equality will continue in America and throughout the world. Let’s keep pushing forward to advance the social and economic progress of Black America.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http:// drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/ drbfc

Protect our communities from flavored tobacco products

By Ni Ora Hokes Willard Homewood Resident Did you know that tobacco use is the leading cause of death and disease in Minneapolis?

Now local residents have an opportunity to stand up to Big Tobacco and protect our children.

The Minneapolis city council is considering changes to the

city’s tobacco ordinance to restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco products (other than menthol) to adult-only tobacco stores and set a minimum price for cigars. Similar measures have already been adopted by other communities around the U.S. to protect children from flavored tobacco products, which are shown to be attractive to young people.

Cigarettes containing flavors other than menthol can no longer

be sold in the United States.

However, tobacco products such as little cigars, cigarillos, chew, e-cigarettes and others are still sold in candy flavors such as bubble gum, strawberry and grape. Right now in our city, more than 60 percent of the nearly 400 Minneapolis stores that sell tobacco offer flavored products.

Now, we know who the tobacco industry is targeting with their marketing – my community.

As an African American Elder and Health and Wellness Activist, it is disheartening to see the too many youth and young mother, with children in tow, smoking one of these cancer-causing products; while appearing to be unaware of its deadly harm. Near North Minneapolis is already impacted by social determinants of health that contributes to existing health disparities.

That’s why it’s important to protect our next generation from

becoming addicted adults. Not only do these sweet flavors invite curious youth to try tobacco products – they also mask the harshness of tobacco. Plus, youth mistakenly think that flavored tobacco products are safer than non-flavored tobacco. In fact, they are just as dangerous as cigarettes with the same health risks of cancer and heart disease.

Let’s stand up against the tobacco industry and help protect our children from a life-

threatening addition to tobacco and support a common-sense proposal now before the city council to restrict the sale of flavored products (other than menthol) to adult-only tobacco stores and set minimum prices for cigars. Take a stand and call your city council representative to voice your support and make your voice heard at a public hearing on this proposal.

Asante Sana!

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Page 7

EDUCATION Fanice Thomas selected Metropolitan State University outstanding student A Columbia Heights resident and Kenya native, whose research addressed how Western media have contributed to negative body image for Kenyans, has been selected a Metropolitan State University outstanding student.

Fanice Thomas was chosen spring semester outstanding undergraduate student in the university’s College of Health, Community and Professional Studies. She was one of 986 bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate students receiving degrees at Metropolitan State’s 96th commencement exercises on May 4 in Saint Paul.

Thomas has presented her findings to national, regional and Minnesota professional psychology associations, including the Society for Personality and Social Psychology and the Midwestern Psychological Association.

“Her work as an undergraduate in this area is absolutely unprecedented,” says Kerry Kleyman, a Metropolitan State assistant professor in psychology and Thomas’ advisor.

Thomas conducted three studies involving about 200 Kenyan females and males still living in Kenya and those who immigrated to the United States both recently and years ago. In her first two quantitative studies involving online questionnaires with Kenyans and Kenyan American females and males, Thomas said that a “significant majority” indicated exposure

Fanice Thomas pictured with Devinder Malhotra, Metropolitan State University interim president to “thin-ideal Western images” contributed to body-image dissatisfaction. In a third, qualitative study involving interviews with 10 KenyanAmerican women, Thomas said the older participants reported general body-image satisfaction, while the younger participants generally reported

less satisfaction.

“Overall, I can say that there is a large negative impact of Western media on Kenyans’ body image, both those living in the United States and in Kenya,” said Thomas. While she didn’t survey or interview non-Kenyans, she believes Western media also negatively

impacts the body image of others in Third World countries and immigrants to Western countries.

Thomas’ research comes at a time when more global attention is focused on body image. In early April, the French parliament passed a measure making it illegal for

modeling agencies and fashion brands to employ models deemed too skinny. Spain, Italy and Israel have already passed legislation requiring models to have a body-mass index of at least 18.

Thomas, 30, a native of Suneka, Kenya, arrived in the United States in 2002. She

joins an estimated 10,000 other Kenyan natives who live in Minnesota. She works fulltime as a conference center coordinator for Oppenheimer, Wolff and Donnelly, a Minneapolis law firm.

The Metropolitan State psychology major was active in university and other professional activities, including secretary of the student Psychology Club and member of the Behavioral Science Student Association, the Psi Chi International Honor Society, Society for Personality and Social Psychology and American Psychological Association.

Active in community service, the 2011 Normandale Community College graduate has served dinners at the Salvation Army and packed meals at Feed My Starving Children. She is a member of the Kenyan Community Seventhday Adventist Church, Brooklyn Center.

Future plans for Thomas include pursuing graduate school in psychology. She hopes to continue her body-image research in graduate school.

Metropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is America’s premier university for lifelong learning, providing unsurpassed, competitive academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels while maintaining affordability.

Metropolitan State University designated as Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education The National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that Metropolitan State University’s application to be designated a National Center of Excellence in Information Assurance (IA) and Cyber Defense (CD) Education was approved. Metropolitan State has been recognized as a National Center of Excellence

since 2005. The certification process occurs every five years for the designation. The current award will extend through the 2020 academic year.

The NSA and DHS work collaboratively to create standards for academic institutions to apply for the designation and the application process is rigorous. According to the NSA, “The purpose of

the National CAE designation program is to promote higher education in IA and CD and prepare a growing number of IA/CD professionals to meet the need to reduce vulnerabilities in the nation’s networks.”

Many faculty members and students have worked together to contribute to Metropolitan State’s recent success in the cyber arena. Areas of study include

an undergraduate program in Information Assurance and Computer Forensics and a graduate certificate in MIS Information Assurance.

Metropolitan State is also in the process of developing a cross disciplinary Masters Degree in Cybersecurity.

“It’s clear that Metropolitan State has the talent and the energy to build and sustain an

outstanding program in cyber defense and education,” says provost Ginny Arthur.

In addition to the Center of Excellence designation, Metropolitan State recently has been recognized for other accomplishments in this area: • Faculty member Sue Fitzgerald received funds from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for her work with cyber

education standards.

• Professor Faisal Kaleen and a small group of Metropolitan State students won second place in the Minnesota Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

Metropolitan State boasts a very active Cyber Security and Forensics Student Organization with membership of approximately 30 students.

Jobs

make it harder for students to stay in school to earn advanced degrees.

“The cost of higher education has risen faster than typical family incomes, making it harder for families to pay for college,” stated the EPI report. “From the 1983– 1984 enrollment year to the 2013–2014 enrollment year, the inflation adjusted cost of a four-year education, including tuition, fees, and room and board, increased 125.7 percent for private school and 129.0 percent for public school.”

Meanwhile, the median family income rose less than 17 percent over the same period.

Over the past decade (2004-2014), the number of borrowers has increased more than 90 percent and the average debt per borrower increased by 74 percent, according to the EPI report.

Those who can’t afford college are forced to compete in a weak labor market with older more experienced workers.

More than 23 percent of Black high school graduates fall into the gap between having a job and going to

college, compared to 14.2 percent of their White peers.

“When you have a period of sustained economic weakness like this and you have these lower wages, and you have all of these people idle, it can affect their jobs opportunities and earnings for up to a decade into the future,” said Davis.

High school graduates also struggle to find work.

The unemployment rate for Black high school graduates rose to 42 percent in 2011 and is now roughly 30 percent and the jobless rate for White high school graduates is about 17 percent.

Researchers suggested that because the majority of workers aged 17-24 years-old have less than a college degree, including more than 90 percent of Black workers, policymakers need to focus on providing them with access to good jobs and stable employment that “allows them to build a career or pay for further schooling.”

President Barack Obama’s “America’s College Promise” proposal to provide students with free tuition to attend community colleges for two years may also give high

school graduates a boost.

Kimball also agreed that high school graduates that didn’t have jobs lined up could benefit from President Barack Obama’s plan to provide students with two years of free tuition at a community college.

Nearly half of college graduates younger than 27 yearsold are still working jobs that don’t require a college degree and those jobs “are of lower quality now than they used to be,” the report said.

Gould said that, on the individual level, it may or may not be a good investment for people to go to college, because of increasing college costs and flat wages.

“Making college more affordable, changes that equation,” said Gould.

Ultimately, the EPI report found that the down economy affects young workers in many of the same ways that it affects older workers and because the causes of their job struggles are the, same so are many of the solutions.

“The bottom line is that policies that will generate

demand for U.S. goods and services and therefore demand for workers who provide them, policies that will bring down unemployment, policies that will give workers more power,” the report stated, “And policies that will raise workers’ wages are the keys to giving young people a fighting chance as they enter the labor market during the aftermath of the Great Recession.”

Researchers said that targeted jobs programs and investments in infrastructure would drive the economy toward full employment.

Kimball said that there are plenty of labor standards that policymakers can work on that can boost the bargaining power that workers have, including raising the minimum wage, updating the overtime salary threshold and ensuring greater access to paid sick and parental leave for workers.

Davis said that the problems that young graduates face in the job market are not unique compared to the overall economy and that the fates of young graduates are

tied to the overall economy.

That’s why any solutions aimed at supporting graduates and helping them find jobs in today’s market will also help other workers in the labor force.

“When we raise the minimum wage it usually translates to wage growth for everybody,” said Davis.

Kimball added that a minimum wage increase would also help those that are working their way through college.

Gould said that the idea that millennials are choosing to sit on the sidelines, complaining about not getting the job that they want, is misguided, because recent graduates are entering the labor market with an economy that is still recovering from a historic recession. “[Millenials] are likely to fair poorly in the labor market and that is going to have longterm effects for them,” said Gould. “Things have improved from the depths of the Great Recession, but for young workers, it’s still going to be slow going.”

From 1 for the Institute’s “Raising America’s Pay” research and public education initiative.

“Things are starting to look up for young grads, but we’re not quite where we want to be yet,” said Davis.

Even though, the unemployment rate for Black college graduates improved to 11.4 percent, it is still nearly three points higher than it was in 2007 (8.1 percent) before the Great Recession.

The jobless rate for White college graduates has peaked at 9 percent in 2011, and the current unemployment rate at 5.8 percent is less than a percentage point from the 2007 rate of 5.1 percent.

“This suggests other factors may be in play, such as discrimination or unequal access to the informal professional networks that often lead to job opportunities,” stated the report.

Increasing college costs coupled with mountains of student loan debt may also

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Page 8 • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE

We honor our fathers Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Another Father’s Day is approaching, and families all over the country will honor and celebrate their fathers and father figures. Whether small or grand, dads on that day will be the center of attention. I want to thank my children Anetra, Tinesha, Nicole, and Tim Jr.

for continued reverence of me as their father and mentor. God has blessed me with 35 years of fatherhood, and in honor of fathers everywhere, I would like to share what I call the “four pillars of fatherhood.” I hope these pillars will create healthy dialogue within the family setting.

The first pillar of fatherhood is financial support. Financial support is required for all children regardless of the living conditions. The bible says that if a man does not provide for his family, he is worse than an unbeliever. What this means is that if a man is not taking care of his children, his faith

is worthless. Financial support must be paramount. This is non-optional and every father must have the pillar of financial support.

The second pillar of fatherhood is quality time. This is the fun part of fatherhood. Be creative. With the average father spending about 20 minutes a day with their children, there is lots of room for improvement.

Use the internet, kitchen table, playground, game table, and any other resource or avenue available to spend time with your children. The quality time spend with fathers make emotionally healthy children.

This second pillar adds stability

to fatherhood.

The third pillar of fatherhood is spiritual development.

Spiritual development provides a solid platform for morals and values.

The child must learn to place mission before money, and precepts before biceps. They must honor the creator more than the created, and give respect before they demand it.

When children see their father reverencing God, they learn firsthand how to develop a spiritual relationship with the creator.

The fourth and final pillar of fatherhood is positive affirmation. The words of

the father shape the heart of children. Positive affirmation builds esteem and provides a safe haven for self discovery.

Without the father’s words, the child will seek approval in all the wrong places. But with the father’s blessing and approval, the child will go into adulthood with their spirit, soul, and body intact and in harmony. Positive affirmation is the life blood of fatherhood.

We honor our fathers!

Fatherhood is a key institution in a healthy community. I believe that financial support, quality time, spiritual development, and positive affirmations are the pillars

to true fatherhood. As more discussions are held around what it means to be a father, these four pillars must be included in the discussion.

I honor every father that is as committed as I am to instilling in children a positive sense of self so powerful that generations will feel its impact!

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

To get a copy of his books, or for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Learn from the past and move forward Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson I recently heard a woman say that she is constantly reminded by people of the person she

Academy From 1 of the academy as the school has been forced to close due to what officials with the MUL call a lack of cooperation with the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) that ultimately cost the League key state dollars needed to fund the school.

The Urban League Academy was founded 40 years ago as a contract alternative school operating in partnership with the MUL and the MPS. The ULA maintained an “everyone welcome” admissions policy, taking even the students that other schools refused to educate.

Students of ULA typically came from less than optimal learning environments. Some were teen parents; some homeless. Almost all were in the lowest economic rung.

Some, like 2015 graduate Aja Andrews, were forced by circumstance to help care of younger siblings. Andrews, 19, was able to achieve her

used to be. She said that when she found herself changing for the better, some people would mention things that they remember from her past. She stated that she feels bad and this makes her think of some of the decisions she made when she was much younger and not sure of herself at that time. This is common with a lot of people when they start to change for the better.

When you decide that you

want to do things differently to make sure that things happen better for you and your family, there may be those individuals who will always mention the person you once were.

Sometimes it’s hard for people to believe that you could do a complete 360 degree turn around and be on a positive journey looking for positive outcomes.

When this happens, there is no need to feel bad about things in your past. Remember

life is lessons and you probably wouldn’t even be the person you are today if it wasn’t’ for some of the things you did in your past.

Sometimes bad experiences mode and shape us into being the strong determined person we are today. Then there are some bad experiences that forced us into being the person that we are too.

I remember a gentleman from my past who talked about how he lived his life on the streets

and doing all kinds of things to stay alive. His journey started off rough for the beginning of his life, but his journey also led him into being a survivor and a person who teaches and shows other young men how to survive.

See, his past is one he shares all around the world and he is never ashamed of his journey and what it has done for him.

Remember we all have a past and we all have a destination that we are trying to get to. Think

about it for a moment. If it wasn’t for your past, would you even know where you want to go in life now? Life is lessons.

And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and keep striving for greatness.

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.

high school diploma while maintaining employment and assisting in caring for her four younger brothers and sisters.

Andrews said her graduation might not have happened were it not for the Urban League Academy.

Like Andrews, D’Tavius Williams credits the Urban League Academy with helping him secure a brighter future.

“I’m really thankful to the Urban League Academy for giving me an opportunity to be successful – that’s all you can ask for is an opportunity,” said Williams. “At the Urban League Academy it was an environment where people could thrive and be successful. We’re not bad kids.”

Williams, who prior to coming to the ULA was a star football player at Hopkins Senior High School, will attend Southwest University in Marshall on an athletic scholarship.

“I’m moving on to the next chapter in my life, playing college football and this (graduating) is a critical point in

Hugs and diplomas: Urban League Academy principal Ron Simmons and graduate Deshawn Brown embrace as Brown receives his diploma. that journey,” said Williams.

During the ceremony – while addressed – being the last graduating class of the Urban League Academy was not the centerpiece, as the graduates were the focus.

“Something about our society, they love credentials – well you’ve got yours now,” said interim MUL president, Steve Belton to the graduates.

“You all are winners. No matter what the score is, you know how to win in the end. You did the Urban League proud, but more importantly, you did yourselves proud.”

While there were many

smiles during the ceremony, the ULA principal admitted to having mixed emotions.

“This is a special day for these kids but in some ways instead of a graduation, it feels like a funeral,” said an emotional Simmons. “For 40 years we’ve been about the business of educating our community’s kids and in doing that we’ve educated more than 3,000 students who have become great community citizens. So it’s a heartfelt commencement and I’m filled with emotion to know (the school) will not return next year.”

Urban League Academy principal Ron Simmons addresses the graduating class of 2015.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Taking care of your car this summer EarthTalk® From the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Summer is near and I am planning a big road trip. Do you have any tips for boosting my car’s fuel efficiency on long, hot drives?

-- Esther McCoy, Burlington, VT Ah, the summer road trip, that classic American experience.

But long drives through steamy weather can burn through a lot of gas and cause untold wear and tear on your car’s engine and systems while putting you at risk for overheating. Doubling down on tactics to help your car run better will not only improve fuel efficiency, but could also help you avoid spending a large chunk of your vacation time in the breakdown lane waiting for a tow.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), there are lots of ways to conserve fuel on hot weather road trips that also will help prolong the life of your car. “In summer,

Kai Brinker, FlickrCC

If you take good care of your car this summer, it will take better care of you on your big summer road trip. drive during cooler parts of the day,” reports the group. “Cooler, denser air can boost power and mileage.”

While it may seem counterintuitive, using your car’s air conditioning is actually

a smart idea in hot weather.

“Today’s air conditioners create less drag on the engine than driving with the windows open,” says AAA. Meanwhile, if you have a hybrid, pre-cool it before you get in so it can devote

more electricity to driving when you are out on the road. But don’t warm-up (or pre-cool) a conventional car, as the extra idling doesn’t do the car any good and just wastes fuel and creates extra heat. Another key

tip for hot weather driving is to park in the shade when you can.

The Green Car Reports website suggests utilizing cruise control and overdrive features on cars that offer them on long summer roads trips; these features help normalize the energy demands of the engine which in turn helps conserve fuel.

According to AA1car.com, a leading online information resource on auto repair and maintenance, placing a sunshade under the windshield and cracking the windows when parked can help keep the interior cool between drives. This can also “lighten the cooling load on the air conditioner when the vehicle is first started.”

The website also reports that changing old dirty motor oil with a fresh higher viscosity one will help keep your car’s engine lubricated and running smoothly on those summer road trips. “For example, you might want to change from 5W-30 to 10W-30, 10W-40 or 20W-30 for hot weather driving,” reports AA1car.com. “Synthetic motor oils are even better for high temperature protection.”

Of course, some fuel saving tips apply any time of year. For instance, jackrabbit starts are a big no-no; drivers should always try to accelerate gradually. Taking your foot off the gas as early as possible when approaching a red light is another way to save gas. Keeping filters clean, maintaining recommended tire pressure and driving at the speed limit are additional ways to conserve fuel, reduce emissions and treat your ride nicely.

Of course, summertime road trips can also be hard on drivers and passengers, so pack plenty of sunscreen — especially if you plan to have the windows open (or top down)—and bring along a cooler with healthy drinks so everyone can stay hydrated.

CONTACTS: AAA, www.aaa. com; Green Car Reports, www. greencarreports.com; AA1car. com, www.aa1car.com.

EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss & Roddy Scheer and is a registered trademark of Earth Action Network Inc. View past columns at: www.earthtalk. org. Or e-mail us your question: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

Minneapolis launches homeownership program On Tuesday, May 26, 2015, the City of Minneapolis launched Homeownership Opportunity Minneapolis (HOM), a new housing program aimed at increasing the number of homeowners in Minneapolis and reducing the racial disparity gap in homeownership. In the City’s 2015 adopted budget, the Minneapolis City Council approved Mayor Betsy Hodges’ recommendation of $940K ($840K for affordability assistance and $100K for outreach efforts) for HOM. It is anticipated that about 125 families will be served by the program this year.

The racial disparity gap in homeownership is defined as the difference between the percentage of white households that own their homes and

the percentage of non-white households that own their homes. Minnesota has one of the worst racial disparity gaps in homeownership in the country at approximately 38 percent. In Minneapolis, it is also alarmingly high—at approximately 36 percent (20112013 American Community Survey).

“Having a stable place to live and raise a family is a goal that every Minneapolis resident should have the opportunity to achieve,” said Mayor Betsy Hodges. “The City’s new Homeownership Opportunity Minneapolis program will help make that possible, especially for diverse households.”

The HOM program will provide up to $7,500 in down payment and closing

cost assistance to eligible Minneapolis homebuyers in the form of a zero percent interest loan, without a monthly payment. The loan will be completely forgiven after the homeowner lives in the home for five years (all of the funds are repayable if a homeowner moves out before five years).

HOM funds may be used towards any single family home, duplex, townhouse, or condo anywhere in Minneapolis.

Eligibility is based on income.

“Entry cost is one of the most significant barriers to homeownership, especially in an environment of increasing rents,” said City of Minneapolis Director of Housing, Andrea Brennan. “The goal of the Homeownership Opportunity Minneapolis program is to

reduce this barrier and make homeownership, and an investment into economic sustainability, within reach for many of those who currently believe it’s not possible.”

The HOM program is being promoted in partnership with Minnesota Housing and Minnesota Homeownership Center through the “Own Your Future, Own Your Home” campaign.

The campaign focuses on homeownership as an investment for the future.

The partnership also focuses on providing information about quality, affordable mortgages available through Minnesota Housing. In addition, free, nonbiased support is available from a variety of non-profit housing experts.

The City, in partnership with

the Minnesota Homeownership Center, has contracted with several community-based organizations to provide culturally specific outreach and communication support to get the word out about the HOM program. Organizations working on the “Own Your Future, Own Your Home” campaign include: African Development Center, African Economic Development Solutions, Bii Gii Wiin, EMERGE, Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, Lao Assistance Center, Neighborhood Development Alliance, and PRG, Inc. “Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation is excited to work with the City on the HOM program as our organization is dedicated to creating stable environments

for families and kids,” said Marcus Manning, SHOP Marketing Manager/Loan Officer, Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation. “Having a safe place to call home is one very important way we can help members of our community achieve that goal.”

To learn more about HOM, visit the City of Minneapolis’ website or call Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation’s HousingResource Center (GMHC) to talk to a program administrator to see if you are eligible for HOM assistance. GMHC has offices located in North at 2148 44th Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55412 (Phone: 612-588-3033) or in South at 3749 Cedar Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (Phone: 612-722-7141).

Saint Paul Public Schools provide free summer meals Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) will provide free meals this summer to children 18 years old and younger, and people 19 years of age and older who have a mental or physical disability and who participate during the school year in a public or private nonprofit school program for the mentally or physically disabled.

The Summer Food Service Program begins June 15, 2015 at some sites and ends August 28, 2015. Meals will be available at more than 70 locations throughout the city, including community sites, park and recreation centers and schools.

Meals may include breakfast,

lunch, supper or a snack, depending on the site’s hours of operation.

• For a list of participating sites and meal service times please visit: www.2harvest.org/summerfood • ns.spps.org Families and children can also call United Way’s 2-11 information line (also at 651-291-0211) or text their location to 612-516-FOOD to find meals nearby. To find a summer meal site near you, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (for Spanish speakers).

The Summer Food Service

Program is a federal program that helps ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during school vacations. Saint Paul Public Schools has been a local sponsor for more than 25 years, providing over 375,000 meals to students each summer.

Meals will be provided in accordance with federal law and USDA policy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion,

Classifieds

reprisal and, where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/

Phone: 612.588.1313

Fax: 612.588.2031

5/1/13 260 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SHAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE INTEREST OF Name Angelica Jasmine Roberts Year of Birth 03/20/2001 A Female

Case No. 11JC000017

NOTICE OF HEARING-Publication On the State’s Motion to Terminate Parental Rights Pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2237 TO:

MUCK-WA ROBERTS:

You are hereby notified that a motion has been filed in this court requesting termination of parental rights. The Court may find that the parents are unfit by reason or conduct or condition which renders the parents unable to care properly for a child, the conduct or condition is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, the parental rights of the parent should be terminated, and a permanent custodian should be appointed for the child.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for the 22nd day of June, 2015 at 3:30pm in Division 12. At the hearing the Court may issue orders relating to the care, custody and control of the child. The hearing will determine if the parents should be deprived of their parental rights and the right to custody of the child.

The parent(s), and any other person having legal custody are required to appear before this Court on the date and time shown, or to file your written response to the petition with the Clerk of the District Court prior to that time. Failure to respond or to appear before the Court at the time shown will not prevent the Court from entering judgment as requested in the petition, finding that the child is a Child in Need of Care, removing the child from the custody of parent, parents or any other present legal custodian until further order of the Court, or finding the parents unfit, and entering an order permanently terminating the parents’ parental rights.

An attorney has been appointed as guardian ad litem for the child: Rachel Hockenbarger. You have the right to appear before the Court and be heard personally, either with or without an attorney. The Court will appoint an attorney for any parent who desires an attorney but is financially unable to hire one. The Court may order one or both parents to pay child support. The father’s attorney is Wayne French.

Date and time of hearing: June 22nd, 2015 at 3:30pm Place of hearing: Division 12, Courtroom #B6 of the Shawnee County Courthouse in the city of Topeka, Kansas.

complaint_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form.

You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 202509410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda. gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities and wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through

Administrative Assistant Brakins Consulting & Psychological Services Brakins Consulting& Psychological Services, LLC & the African American Child Wellness Institute seeks a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as an Administrative Assistant to work in a community-based private practice clinic that primarily serves African American children, adolescents and adult. We are seeking an energetic Administrative Assistant who can show initiative and leadership skills, has strong computer technical abilities, has their own transportation, has flexible hours and is willing to grow professionally with the company. The Administrative Assistant (AA) will be responsible for performing moderately complex to complex administrative tasks in support of the Executive/Clinic Director and the Mental Health Service Delivery Treatment team. Duties include extensive meeting scheduling, providing assistance to coordinate larger and complex meetings. Compiling information and preparing moderately complex documents, spreadsheets and reports using appropriate software; assisting, screening and/or selectively referring callers; handling complex and sensitive inquiries/calls from external/internal sources.

The AA is also responsible for confirming travel arrangements and managing payments for payroll and expense report reimbursement. The AA will also provide support within areas of reporting for business documentation and team/individual goals, personnel changes and department record keeping processes. The successful candidate proactively tracks procedures and deadlines. The candidate may work closely with both internal and external customers to meet service needs. The AA will also act as an onsite assistant for the Treatment team for miscellaneous duties such as equipment assistance, delivery support and supplies. Performing special projects as requested.

The successful candidate must have a minimum of 2 or 4 years of college plus 2 years experience as an administrative assistant; possess strong written and verbal communication skills and have experience with interacting with ethnically diverse mental health consumers. Versatility in web-based electronic health information software such as PROCENTIVE is a huge advantage for the successful candidate.

Interested candidates should send a resume, interest letter and at least 3 references to: BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., LP, Clinic Director Brakins Consulting& Psychological Services, LLC & The African American Child Wellness Institute 4050 Olson Memorial Hwy # 195 Golden Valley, MN 55422 (Phone) 763-522-0100 (Fax) 763-588-0100 Email: bravadaakinsanya@hotmail.com

the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 8456136 (in Spanish).

Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

USDA and SPPS are equal opportunity providers and employers.

Email: info@insightnews.com

DUMP TRUCK DRIVER Wanted experienced dump truck driver. Only experienced need apply: Call Jesse Green (651) 815-7197 or email jessegreen625@yahoo.com

Accounting and Office Assistant

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is hiring an Accounting and Office Assistant for our administrative office in St. Paul. Visit www.beaconinterfaith.org/careers for details.

Case Manager

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is hiring a Case Manager for our Families Moving Forward program center in Minneapolis. Help us end homelessness! Visit: www.beaconinterfaith.org/careers for details.

Judicial Assistant The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Judicial Assistant in our Minneapolis location.

Salary range is $62,050 – $80,666. For more information, visit the court’s website www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

ADMIN ASSISTANT Full-Time Admin Asst/Office Manager needed for small, busy, high energy office that supports radio station operations. Must have strong skills in Word, Excel, Quick Books, detail oriented, highly organized, prompt and forward thinking and able to work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Salary DOQ/competitive.

Letter of Interest and resume to: ATTN Personnel Dept, personnel@kmojfm.com

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280.

Must meet certain qualifications.

Townhomes

Available Fieldcrest in Moorhead, MN Rent based on 30% of income

2 & 3 bdroms open MetroPlains Management

701-232-1887 www.metroplainsmanagement.com

Page 10 • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Insight News

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Courtesy of: UP ROCK

UP ROCK: Black to the future By: Toki Wright Twitter: @mrwrighttc “Afrofuturism” as a concept combines ideas of Afrocentricity, history, science fiction and essentially a new way of communicating.

Musicians Dean “Dundee” Brewington and Roosevelt “Digie” Mansfield have made their mark in Minnesota as part of the group, Abstract Pack, but their new incarnation is opening many doors into how the future can look and sound.

I spoke with Digie and Dundee midway into mixing their new EP and preparing for their Late Night at the Dakota Jazz Club showcase this Saturday night (June 13).

This eclectic duo straddles the lines of performers, producers and DJs. In addition, Digie, is a behavioral specialist with his company DigieMade, LLC and Dundee is a highly acclaimed stylist.

AS: Your group name has several connotations. What is your definition of Up Rock?

Dundee: It celebrates our culture past, present and future. To come up with the name, it needed to be something that we identified with, that our peers could identify with and that was also relevant to the hip-hop culture. Breakdance was my way in. That was the liaison into this wider culture that we now call hip-hop. That was a necessary tool in my mind frame. What we try to do is stay true to all of the elements that help build culture we now know and love. We try to reflect that in our art – from

dance, to dress, to speech, to the music and the DJing.

There was a time that we were blessed to be a part in with uplifting of our community.

Digie: Dundee presented the name, and immediately that spoke to me. To me it was music and dance that relates to everything that’s me and expands generations. It’s this language that we have.

AS: On Saturday you are playing the Late Night series at the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis.

What should people know about the show?

Dundee: The impetus is for the show, in this dope historic venue, we wanted to keep this notion of Black futurism … really movement. When we do shows it needs to be a representation culturally. We wanted to find some acts that deal with what we see as a futuristic voice. (DJ) Adora Tokyo is on her own thing.

She deals with fashion. She deals with other communities.

It’s vast and wide in how she speaks in her art. Adrianna

Levett, she has a new project, Midnight + Mustafa. She has always been at the forefront of pushing new boundaries.

Digie: The future is a movement and the voices that need to be heard are not the mainstream. We represent the voices that need to be heard.

AS: You have legendary status as members of the group Abstract Pack. How does this new work relate to your history?

UP ROCK 11 TURN TO

Skylark Opera Summer Festival 2015 presents “La Rondine” Skylark Opera’s Summer Festival 2015 features one of two first-ever Twin Cities productions: Giacomo Puccini’s “La Rondine.” The area premiere, directed by Ben Krywosz and musical direction by Steve Stucki will be presented in repertory from June 13-21 at the 310seat E.M. Pearson Theatre at Concordia University, 312 N. Hamline Ave. in Saint Paul.

Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together” premiers June 12-21.

From the creator of “La Bohéme” comes the story of Magda, who flees her luxurious life as the mistress of a wealthy banker for the hope of true love. Sung in English, this first-ever Twin Cities production marries operetta’s romance with opera’s deep emotion, and features some of the most sumptuous music Puccini ever wrote.

“La Rondine” will be set in post-World War I Paris and will welcome four rising opera stars to the Twin Cities:

Cecilia Violetta López as Magda, Won Whi Choi as Ruggero, Lindsay Russell as Lisette, and Norman Shankle as Prunier.

Summer Festival Tickets are available at www. ticketworks.com or by phone at 612-343-3390. There is a free preview talk 45 minutes before the performance.

Saturday, June 13 @ 7:30pm Wednesday, June 17 @ 7:30pm Friday, June 19 @ 7:30pm Sunday, June 21 @ 7:30pm

Norman Shankle

Skylark Opera

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Page 11

Mystikal

St. Paul Slim

DJ Roxanne Anderson Photo: Anne Hodson

June 8 - 14 The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys

D.a. Bullock

Bobma Umoya

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

Monday, June 8 ART/YOUTH Art Zoo (ages 5 years – 7 years) Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis $180, $144 members (five sessions) Take a tour of animal-inspired artwork in the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collection.

Bring along sketchbooks to draw animals in their art habitats, then translate sketches into a sculpture of favorite zoo animals.

To register call (612) 870-6323 or go to www.tickets.artsmia. org. Registration closes June 8.

Tuesday, June 9 DISCUSSION

UP ROCK From 10 Dundee: It’s part of our personal story and it’s OK and that’s real. The Pack is our family. It is a real family. We have literally grown up (with) and raised each other. We are raising our kids together. We discuss a lot of our personal and artistic moves with the crew because we hold our family in high regard. We know they aren’t going to give the B.S. It’s lovely to have that support.

Digie: It’s a piece of history that we don’t want to forget.

Underneath the many layers of Up Rock, the Abstract Pack is still there but it’s not the focus.

Nothing that we do now is in the name of the Abstract Pack.

(Up Rock) is our personal beliefs. Me personally, with the youth educating, uplifting and communicating. What we do is our bridge. It’s really evident in the work that I do.

My last day at my school was (recent). All of the kids in their goodbye letters instead of Mr. Mansfield addressed me as DJ Digie. I have no idea where they got that from [laughs].

It was so dope. I brought my MPC to class one day and plugged into the sound system and was making beats. I had kids freestyling. What I was able to do was connect with kids through our universal language of hip-hop. They trust me more than they trust the teachers because we speak the same language.

AS: What is unique about the group outside of performing and why have you been able to connect with (youth) better than others?

Urban Homeworks presents Podtalk Capri Theatre 2027 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Community members are invited to join in on development conversations.

This Podtalk features Dr. John Perkins, a leader in Christian community development.

The event is free but RSVP is required by emailing emily@ urbanhomeworks.org.

Wednesday, June 10 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Hip-Hop Essentials Showcase Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 10 p.m.

IPR’s collaborative class with Rhymesayers, “Essentials” presents its summer showcase at Digie: Young people are hungry for knowledge. They’re actually smarter than teachers give them credit. It’s not in this manufactured MCA based learning – they are hungry for life. And they want somebody to teach them. When they saw somebody that looks like them, understands dance and doesn’t give them dirty looks … once I built that trust they look at me and see uncle, cousin and dad. Music, dance and slang is all a part of that. It’s an instant connection.

AS: And as a stylist?

Dundee: Obviously we go to work and do our jobs and then there’s reason you chose to do that job. When you are in the industry you talk to successful people that love it and don’t leave it. To touch

the Icehouse with St. Paul Slim, Greg Grease and Edd and Flow.

Thursday, June 11 ART GALLERY Walker Art Center 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 5p.m. – 9 p.m.

Free Every Thursday take advantage of Target Free Thursday Nights.

There is free gallery admission from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. each Thursday. This week participate in a McKnight Media Artist Fellow conversation with D. A. Bullock.

Friday, June 12

Kick It? Patrick’s Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave South, Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. (also June 13) $8 advance/$10 door

ANNIVERSARY PARTY/IN STORE

Guest Curated by Lisa Marie Brimmer, the new cabaret-style platform focuses on presenting and upholding the stories of queer people of color within the queer community and communities of color. Can We Kick It? is a celebration of queer voices of color, which are often subject to superficial and tokenizing exhibitions, especially during Pride Week.

Take part in South Minneapolis’ premiere resale store’s first anniversary. The shop has had an intimate relationship with the local arts community, as proven on this day of DJs and performances. Join DJs Aldric Zaccardi, DJ Don Cuco, Sophia Eris, DJ Just Nine and see performances

by Homeless with Big Cats and Bomba Umoya.

Can We Kick It? features Hector Chavarria, Rica De La Concha (Eric Michael Highers), Mayda, Anthony Michael, Karĩ W. Mugo, Junauda Petrus, Harry Waters Jr. and DJ Roxanne Anderson.

OUTDOOR CELEBRATION

Rhiannon Les Exodus.jpg Giddens .jpg

MULTIMEDIA/ PERFORMANCE A Tribe Called Queer: Can We someone on their head is a very personal thing. I couldn’t stress how incredible it is to allow someone to get that close them when they don’t even know you. I love having those opportunities to connect with people on a higher level. It has nothing to do with the hair.

It transcends color and creed, and allows you to talk. Brothers know that when you go to barbershop conversations stay there. It’s the same connection.

I like connecting with women.

There’s a level of connection that average brothers don’t … you can t just touch a woman any old kind of way. Men, women, cross-cultural, social economic … I’m able to deal with a lot of people from one sort of simple service. I appreciate that.

AS: Last but not least, why do you represent St. Paul with

Saturday, June 13 such intent?

Digie: It’s my community. It’s where I learned to be who I am. I have an obligation to my community.

b. Resale’s Anniversary Bash 2613 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Hip-Hop Fest SJ1 Embassy Bar and Entertainment Complex Hwy. 61, Sturgeon Lake 4 p.m. – midnight (plus Sunday) $50 This two-day music and camping festival features performances by Mystikal,

Late Night at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant feat. Up Rock, Midnight+Mustafa and Adora Tokyo

Twista, Devin the Dude, Soul Tools, Mac Irv, DJ StageOne and more. The festival is hosted by Toki Wright, Metasota, Baby Shel and NonFic.

Sunday, June 14 JAZZ/BIG BAND The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys New Century Theatre 615 Hennepin Avenue $15 – $20 7 p.m.

The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys are a group of young musicians rooted in the authentic New Orleans music scene, with a big accessible sound mixing traditional and old style jazz from the 1900 – 1930’s era, with blues, vaudeville, modern jazz adaptations and other styles.

1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Saturday, June 13 11:30 p.m.

21-plus $7

Page 12 • June 8 - June 14, 2015 • Insight News

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Snapshots

In what has now become a summer tradition, Thee Urbane Life presented Expressions, its now iconic graphic t-shirt party. The latest installment took place on the patio deck at Darby’s Bar & Grill in Minneapolis.

St. Louis’ Nappy DJ Needles was in town to provide the beats as a couple of hundred t-shirt clad guests partied on a recent Saturday afternoon. Here are a few faces (and shirts) that were in the crowd.

Photos: MKx8 Design

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