Insight News ::: 6.14.10

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June 14 - June 20, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 24 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

IRVIN

MAYFIELD, JR.

By Maya Beecham

In the history of jazz the term legendary is automatically associated with the complex melodies of Jelly Roll Morton, the swing music of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the sassy and divine vocals of Sarah Vaughan, or the spirited scat of Louis Armstrong, to name a few. Their timeless styles have influenced generations the world over. When Irvin Mayfield, Jr. grasps his trumpet and blows, you can hear the immortal spirits of jazz legends, passing the torch to a modern day jazz icon.

At age 32, Mayfield, a New Orleans native, has accomplished impressive feats that lend him the titles of maestro, composer, arranger, trumpeter, professor, cultural ambassador, and global citizen. Now Minnesota can lay claim to him in his position as Minnesota Orchestra Hall’s first Artistic Director of Jazz.

MAYFIELD TURN TO 6

Suluki Fardan

Jackson hopeful after key economic meetings:

“We must keep applying pressure”

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Suluki Fardan

Left to right: Juanita Warren, Nii Ora Hokes, Spike Moss, Michael Chaney, Leola Seals, Mary Pargo, Sharon Glover and Rep. Bobby Joe Campion in rear.

Celebrating freedom day A bill calling for an official proclamation by the Governor to commemorate Juneteenth was recently signed into law by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Authored by State Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-58B) and

by State Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-58), the new law creates an opportunity for the governor to issue a proclamation recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth.

“On a day when people

of all races, nationalities and religions from across the country join hands to acknowledge a period in our history that continues to shape

JUNETEENTH TURN TO 3

Chanda Smith Baker stays the course At-large candidate to continue bid for MPS Board In the wake of an eventful DFL City Convention, Chanda Smith Baker has announced she is staying the course of the race until the end!

“After consulting with my family, team and supporters, I decided it was imperative for me to stay in the race!” said Baker.

“Since the convention, we’ve had tremendous outpouring of support for which I am truly appreciative! I am excited, energized and ready to WIN!” Since the convention, Baker has received overwhelming

support by many community members and civic leaders, including former School Board candidate David DeGrio, who has joined the Chanda Smith Baker campaign as a co-chair.

Degrio, formerly endorsed by the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) is a chemistry teacher, director of Stonewall DFL and serves on the Minnesota Department of Education Curriculum Standards committee.

Plan Your Career

Accomplish your career goals by keeping score

PAGE 3

SMITH TURN TO 7

File Photo

Chanda Smith Baker

Kam’s film review:

Ex-con seeks job, dignity in depression-era drama

PAGE 5

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. emerged from separate meetings with new General Motors CEO Edward Whitacre Jr. and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner full of hope this week. But he is still looking forward to major forums next week, where the heat will be turned up and strategizing for economic justice will continue.

Jackson, CEO of the Chicago-based Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition, believes that new levels of Black business participation are on the horizon as activists continue to press

NNPA

NNPA

Rev. Jesse Jackson

NNPA Chairman Danny Bakewell

for economic inclusion and fair share in hiring, contracting and advertising dollars.

“This is the time to apply the affirmative action laws, Title 6 and executive orders,” said

Jackson in an interview with the NNPA News Service. “We want parity in employment, parity in executives, in

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Hayden files for re-election ST. PAUL – State Representative Jeff Hayden (DFL – Minneapolis) has filed for re-election for District 61B. He is seeking his second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Hayden said he looks forward to continuing being a strong advocate for his community at the Legislature.

“It’s an honor giving voice to the people I represent at the State Capitol,” said Hayden.

“This recession has hit our community the hardest. I want to continue working hard to make sure our economic recovery starts here.”

Hayden emerged in his first term as a leader in the House DFL caucus on social justice, health care, and home foreclosure issues. He

authored laws in his first term to combat the home foreclosure crisis, expand foster care benefits to at risk teens, and secured $3 million for new programs to address long-term homelessness. Still, Hayden says Minnesota has a long way to go.

“My goal is to achieve fair budget solutions and economic policies that raise up all Minnesotans, not just the wealthiest,” said Hayden.

“Powerful special interests and rigid ideologies have prevented many of the progressive reforms our community and state need to move forward. Together, we have the strength to make this change a reality. That’s why I am running to return to the Minnesota House.”

Did you know that?

Some good things about Haiti

PAGE 7

File Photo

State Rep. Jeff Hayden (DFL-61B)

Sports Report: What if LeBron James came to the Timberwolves?

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Page 2 • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Insight News

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The brass tacks of local & state elections Your Politics

By Keesha Gaskins Candidates have filed. Lawn signs are printed. The 2010 elections have begun. We all know it is not a presidential year so why should we care about state and local elections?

There are a great deal of important seats up for election.

This year, in addition to Governor and Lt. Governor, every state house seat, every state senate seat, 10 Minnesota Court of Appeals judges and three Minnesota Supreme Court justices are also up for election.

Hennepin and Ramsey County elections include Ramsey County District

Court judges in every district, Hennepin County Soil and Water Supervisor, Hennepin County Park Commissioner, Hennepin County Commissioner, Ramsey County Commissioner, Ramsey County Sheriff, Ramsey County Attorney and Ramsey Conservation District Supervisor.

The City of Minneapolis has school board directors up for election as well. There are a lot of other county and city offices, check your city and county websites to see what seats are up for election.

Local politics are key to the quality of our day-to-day lives.

National politics have drama; they’re sexy. We can and should pay attention to what happens on a national scale, but local elected officials have a direct impact over the community issues that we care about more than any president. As citizens, we want better schools, safer communities, clean parks and

good roads; we want better opportunities for the next generation. Local officials set the policies that determine how our schools are administrated, how county tax money is distributed, which and how many police officers are hired and local tax levies.

Decisions are made daily that impact the opportunity for our children to learn; school closings, teacher and union negotiations, and then some. We see how decisions about county programs affect economic opportunity.

Decisions surrounding law enforcement influence how and when individuals enter the criminal justice system. Then there’re judicial decisions that impact our lives from civil and criminal district court outcomes to appellate decisions that interpret Minnesota’s laws.

The Governor, House and Senate make key decisions on taxes, programs and policies.

Federal programs may give money to the state, but it is the state and local elected officials that determine how that money is spent and what communities receive the benefit of federal monies distributed to Minnesota.

Local politics are less pomp and circumstance; fewer dollars spent on advertising and candidates without a ‘glam squad’...or $500,000 wardrobe expenses. These are your neighbors asking to take on leadership of your community.

Talk to them. Find out what matters to them. What are their priorities? Do they match yours? Do they understand the requirements for the office for which they are running? What experience do they have with students, schools, administration, finance and strategic planning?

What are their views on governance?

Taking on political leadership is more than empty platitudes

and adherence to principles in the face of changing political realities. Are the candidates promising to govern? Are they thinking about factors and events that may impact the ability to meet the demands of the county, school system or the state? Do they understand the communities involved?

Assumption of political leadership is not just giving pretty speeches, it is a responsibility and a commitment to serve all citizens within their constituencies.

As a citizen, it is your duty, your right, to stay abreast and informed of the process. Decide what is important to you. If you don’t know what the issues are, ASK. Get to know your local candidates, go to your local debates, attend the meet-andgreets held by the candidates.

Remember, these local races elect the officials that make decisions about YOUR daily lives, from tax rates to what

schools are closed. Ask the hard questions, don’t be intimidated or shy, get the answers you deserve and get ready to vote in the primary on August 10, 2010!

Keesha Gaskins is the Executive Director for the League of Women Voters Minnesota and the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Gaskins holds a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law, and served as a law clerk for both the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Supreme Judicial Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Keesha graduated with honors from St. Cloud State University with a dual major in Political Science and Criminal Justice in 1996. She is a frequent lecturer on issues related to redistricting, election law, history of women in American politics, Minnesota’s electoral system and democratic reform. For more information, visit vote.lwvmn.org

Pundit Glenn Beck mocks Obama’s daughter, apologizes

By Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

(NNPA) Fox News personality and conservative talk show host Glenn Beck has apologized for mocking Malia Obama in a pretend conversation on his radio show.

Beck said he was trying to explain how President Obama uses his children to deflect media criticism, and said he took it too far.

“In discussing how President

Obama uses children to shield himself from criticism, I broke my own rule about leaving kids out of political debates,” Beck wrote on his Web site.

“The children of public figures

White House Photo

President Obama with daughters Malia and Sasha should be left on the sidelines.

It was a stupid mistake and I apologize—and as a dad I should have known better.”

According to CNN, in a recent press conference discussing the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Obama noted that Malia asked him if he’d plugged the hole yet.

Beck used that as fodder for his show as he mocked her voice in repeating that and a series of other questions. “... That’s the level of their education, that they’re coming to—they’re coming to daddy and saying ‘Daddy,

did you plug the hole yet?’

Plug the hole!” Beck said at one point, according to CNN. Since then, he’s been criticized by a number of media watchers, including the hosts of the daytime talk show, “The View” and Howard Kurtz of The Washington Post.

“This was a really low-blow on Glenn Beck’s part,” Kurtz said on the entertainment news show, “Inside Edition.” “To use an 11-year-old girl -- to drag her into the political crossfire… when he said it, it was wrong and it’s something that should never be done with kids.”

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Insight News • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Page 3

BUSINESS Accomplish your career goals by keeping score Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Anyone as deep into softball (or baseball, soccer, lacrosse, basketball) as my family is knows that kid sporting competitions rarely involve a scoreboard. The point is to let the kids learn the game and not

Business From 1 entrepreneurship and in business.”

An initial public offering worth billions, plus $300 million in fees to begin managing the public resurgence of General Motors, must be subjected to affirmative action and racial inclusion laws or the federal government will find itself in violation of economic inclusion mandates, according to Jackson and based on a recent executive order issued

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Web Design & Content Associate Ben Williams Production Intern Andrew Notsch Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Elliot Stewart-Franzen Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Technology Reporter Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

get hung up on the score. This is a good system, but once a kid becomes accomplished in a sport, he or she knows almost intuitively that the deeper point of sports is, yes, to win.

Career planning is no different. Starting out, someone might be willing to work hard for little reward, accepting the fact that he’s learning a skill.

But once he becomes skilled in a profession, he needs something more to keep the enthusiasm going. Kids figure out pretty quickly how to track their runs and three-pointers. I’m a big fan of putting the same ideas to

work in the workplace. If you have a manager who never gives you feedback (or raises), you are going to have to devise ways to measure your own progress.

In about an hour, you can start creating a scoreboard that will keep you moving toward your next success utilizing just three resources: job descriptions, client feedback and feedback from colleagues.

Look at the job description for the job you have now, and then a description for the next position you’re aiming for.

Check off those qualifications you can perform proficiently - in

your sleep, even. What’s left?

These are the skills you need to hone. Make a list and check these off as you master each one.

Client feedback is something you have to go after. Unless someone has a complaint, he or she is unlikely to offer comments unless you ask. It is perfectly acceptable to occasionally check in with a customer, asking, How am I doing? You risk hearing an honest answer, but really, you need to know the score.

Discovering that late deliveries make you, a salesperson, look bad, will motivate you to help your client. Win win. Keep a

file or notebook that includes any client comments and track your results in other ways, too, including improved sales or whatever drives your business forward. When you see areas needing improvement, add these to your checklist.

Colleagues are an excellent resource for measuring personal progress. Are you keeping up with co-workers on education, participating on projects or generating new business?

Privately compare yourself to others at your level and above.

How do you measure up? Where can you improve? Add to your

checklist any areas where you can improve.

Now your checklist becomes your scoreboard. When you accomplish an item, you’ve scored. And when you reach the career goals you’ve set for yourself, you win. You might not receive a ring when you triumph in your personal World Series, but your prizes will be just as valuable.

by President Barack Obama.

Jackson points out that 60 percent of GM now belongs to the U. S. federal government.

Jackson met with Whitacre and Geithner, making clear the need and the demand for fair share for small and Black-owned businesses, including the 200 members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

On the heels of his own Rainbow/PUSH convention June 12-16 in Chicago, Jackson will be among the keynoters on a “Crisis in Black America” panel at the NNPA 70th Anniversary Convention in New York, where he says he will discuss further the plan for unrelenting Black inclusion.

NNPA conference information is available at www.nnpa.org.

Rainbow/PUSH conference information is available at www.rainbowpush.org.

“We want fair share to go to NNPA,” says Jackson, who has fought alongside NNPA Chairman Danny Bakewell for inclusion in advertising dollars for NNPA Newspapers and economic parity for small and Black-owned businesses in general. As a long list of White-owned newspapers have gone out of business during the economic crisis of recent years, most Black-owned newspapers have survived, but under great duress - largely because of longstanding race discrimination.

Both Jackson and Bakewell have argued that this would not be the case if federal dollars, such as the $300 million in fees and the general budgets of publicly-owned companies, were adhering to affirmative action laws.

At Jackson’s conference, these issues will be discussed in forums with officials from the Small Business Administration, the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and the Treasury. U. S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-CA, a foremost Black business advocate in Congress, among other congress people, as well as Bakewell will also be at the Rainbow/PUSH convention.

The discussion will continue among civil rights leaders on a Friday panel at NNPA’s annual summer conference to be held June 16-19.

Bakewell, this week, pointed to an executive order issued by President Obama two weeks ago that set forth plans for small businesses to benefit from federal dollars.

“Our president should be given credit for that significant move,” Bakewell said.

The president’s memorandum directed the heads of all executive departments and agencies to develop more opportunities for small businesses to participate in the Recovery Act. The memo specifically calls for heightened participation of businesses owned by minorities, women and economically disadvantaged individuals in the $500 billion in federal purchases made annually.

“The Federal Government has not consistently reached its small business contracting goals,” the Obama memo asserts.

“Small business contracting should always be a high priority in the procurement process.”

The memo establishes the Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses. Geithner, the Peter Orszag, director of the Office of management and Budget, and Karen Mills, administrator of the Small Business Administration will serve as co-chairs of the Task Force.

“Obtaining tangible results will require an honest

and accurate accounting of our progress so that we can have transparency and accountability through federal small business procurement data. Additionally, we must expand outreach strategies to alert small firms to federal contracting opportunities,” the memo states.

Ken Smikle of Target Market News, a foremost authority on Black business inclusion, said in a news

story published last week by the NNPA News Service, that Obama’s “memo addresses many of the issues on which Black media owners have been seeking action from the White House. It includes directives that were addressed in Executive Order 13170 issued by President Bill Clinton in October 2000. That executive order required all executive branch agencies, including the military, to

engage in affirmative action to include minority owned businesses in the procurement of advertising.”

Smikle wrote, “Groups, including the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters and the National Newspaper Publishers Association, in April called for enforcement of the Clinton executive order in the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars

in

Juneteenth

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, and two months after Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender in April 1865.

Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.

Under the new law, the governor’s proclamation can include “honoring this observance and recognizing the important contributions African Americans have made in Minnesota’s communities, culture, and economy.”

“The more we know about and learn from our past, the better we’re able to move beyond it,” said Champion.

“This new law will help Minnesotans in every corner of the state learn about a major piece of our history and the

experiences of those whose lives continue to be affected by its legacy.”

Champion invited Minnesotans who were part of creating the Juneteenth Celebration to commemorate the passage of the bill. He said he wanted a picture that reflected the origins and transitions of the Juneteenth movement in Minnesota.

In an interview last week, Champion said Minnesotans have to look to Prof. Mahmoud El-Kati, who taught Black history at The Way, Inc., a youth oriented community service organization located on Plymouth Avenue in North Minneapolis, where the 4th Precinct police station is today.

“Mahmoud taught Spike Moss to understand the history and struggle of Black people, and

Moss, in turn reached out to Ora Hokes and other Freedom Fighters to create an event that would honor and appreciate Black youths and Black families,” he said.

“At that time, Spike was youth director at the Way. And based on teachings of Mahmoud El-Kati, he created Freedom Day in 1970.

Without permission or permit, the community celebration emerged as a major community celebration and in subsequent years, a Youth Appreciation Day was created that featured competitions in athletics and arts. That event took place the week before Freedom Day and Youth Appreciation Day high achievers were honored on Freedom Day,” he said.

To be continued …

From 1 our society today, it’s fitting that the leader of our state weighs in to help us reflect, remember and continue to move forward in a positive way,” said Champion following the bill’s passage.

Juneteenth is the oldest national celebration that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Set for the third Saturday in June, it recognizes the public pronouncement of the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, the day the Emancipation Proclamation was read for the first time publicly in Texas.

The announcement came two and a half years after President

Julie Desmond leads Job Search and Career Planning workshops in Minneapolis, St Paul and Edina, MN. Write to Julie@ insightnews.com.

Federal advertising.”

A goal of the Obama memo, as stated, is “improved collection, verification, and availability of Federal procurement data and provide accurate data on the Federal Government’s progress in ensuring that all small businesses have a fair chance to participate in Federal

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Page 4 • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Bill Green reflects on leaving Minneapolis school post Superintendent Column

By Dr. Bill Green June can be a bittersweet time for many of us at the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Our students wrap up the school year and a mixture of

sadness and excitement is in the air. Our principals, teachers and all staff are proud of the accomplishments our students have made. Our schools are all hosting annual celebrations, carnivals, performances, recognition activities and commencement ceremonies.

A special congratulations to our graduating seniors who are ready to tackle the ‘real world.’

June 30 will be my last day as Superintendent of Schools and I feel mixed

emotions myself. Serving the Minneapolis Public Schools’ students, staff and community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I hope you will feel, at the end of my term, that all of our students’ lives and educational experiences have been as enriched as mine has been in serving them. I know that change, while it may be unsettling, is essential for growth. It helps us expand our understanding and our experience. We are committed

to building a lifelong passion for continuous learning in all of our students and learning to cope and even thrive with change is part of that education.

I must admit, that through the many changes we have faced this year, it is always nice to be greeted by a friendly, familiar face. That person, Bernadeia Johnson, has served as my deputy superintendent at the Minneapolis Public Schools since August 2005. She is ready and excited to begin her

new position as Superintendent of Schools in July. Under her direction, MPS will continue its important work in narrowing the achievement gap while offering all of our students a high-quality education that prepares them for college or a career. She knows our staff, our students, our families and our communities – and the district is pleased that the important work being done will continue forward with momentum during this crucial time.

Although I am moving on to the next adventures of teaching and writing at Augsburg College, I will not be far away.

Whatever you do, wherever your life takes you, I hope that you, too, continue learning, growing and changing. I know our paths may cross in the future.

Thank you all for the opportunity to serve our students. They are truly our hope for the future.

Minneapolis Board of Education approves executive contract for Bernadeia Johnson The Minneapolis Board of Education unanimously approved a contract with Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent-designee Bernadeia Johnson last Tuesday evening.

“I am extremely hopeful for the future and excited to lead this work,” said Johnson. “I am eager to focus on the academic work of the district and I know we can do great things for the children of Minneapolis.”

The contract which was approved at Tuesday night’s board meeting specifies that Johnson will receive an annual salary of $190,000.

The contract also contains provisions for a performancebased bonus tied to academic achievement of students.

Annual performance goals will be formally established by the school board in writing

by August 31 of the contract year. The school board has sole discretion to determine whether or not the goals were achieved.

While the contract also contains provisions for family health insurance, dental insurance, disability and life insurance, Johnson

chose to forego additional benefits normally included in the superintendent’s package and opted to receive terms and conditions similar to the contracts in place for the Minneapolis Public Schools’ executive leadership team.

This contract includes cuts to paid vacation and sick time and the elimination of personal time. Johnson hopes that by forfeiting these benefits, she will lead the way for other administrative and professional employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.

New leadership team announced Johnson also announced her executive leadership team, effective July 1, 2010. The organizational structure aligns with the school district’s 2007-2013 strategic plan priorities.

Areas of strategic focus reflected in Johnson’s leadership structure include student achievement and academics; accountability; operational excellence, which includes finance and human resources; and engagement, communications and diversity. Each of these strategic areas of focus will be guided by leaders who will serve on Johnson’s executive team.

“Our strategic plan guides all of our actions and prioritizes the core of our work – teaching and learning – with a set of recommendations to improve outcomes at the school and district level,” said Johnson.

“What is critical for me is a leadership structure that allows me to intently focus on the academic work of the district while at the same time entrusting the day-today operations to a high functioning team of leaders.”

As previously announced, Erin Glynn will serve as Acting Chief Academic Officer until the position, which has been posted nationally, is filled. The division of academics is responsible for accelerating achievement for all students.

Priorities include developing and implementing a comprehensive focused instruction system based on the curriculum audit recommendations to increase consistency of teaching and learning across schools. This division will also assist in the

File Photo

Bernadeia Johnson

work of teacher development and have direct responsibility for high priority schools.

The division of schools will implement programs to drive achievement results for all students and guide principals in their roles as instructional leaders. Three new associate superintendents will round out this area.

Jill Stever-Zeitlin, who has guided several strategic planning efforts, will lead the Division of Accountability, Planning and Innovation. Priorities include designing and implementing a comprehensive accountability system that measures individual, department, school and district-wide progress toward specific targets. The system will include rewards for exceptional performance and supports when needed for improvement. Additionally, this division will lead efforts to authorize and support high-quality, autonomous schools.

Business and Operations will continue to be led by Steve Liss and will have responsibility for all functions necessary to run an effective and efficient enterprise.

Immediate priorities include the development of a longrange financial plan, under the direction of current finance lead Peggy Ingison, and the diagnosis and development of an improved information management system. Fulfilling the goals put forth by The New Teacher Project report will also be key and guided by current human resources lead Pat Pratt-Cook. Emphasis will be on rethinking district practices and contract rules that contribute to staff instability. A focus will be improving internal processes and practices so that schools have the opportunity to build

strong, stable instructional teams.

This includes ensuring accurate and timely projections for school staffing and effectively training and supporting school leaders.

Authentic engagement, communications and commitments to diversity and equity continue to be central to fulfilling the strategic plan goals.

Priorities include strengthening internal communications and connecting with diverse populations whose first language is not English.

MPS plans to adopt an internationally-recognized model for engagement from the International Association for Public Participation to establish clear expectations and best practices. Jackie Turner will continue to direct family and community engagement and Stan Alleyne will lead communication efforts.

“Structural changes alone will not deliver the outcomes we want for all students,” said Johnson. “We will also be improving decisionmaking processes and clarifying priorities in order to implement our plan and achieve our vision of every child college ready.

Coupled with the announcement of her leadership team, Johnson announced she will soon begin an administrative audit guided by Dr. Robert Schiller, consultant to the Broad Superintendent’s Academy and former superintendent.

He will conduct a thorough examination of the senior and mid-range leadership functions in light of the district’s tight financial resources. He will evaluate the organizational structure in comparison to the best structures and best practices of selected benchmarked districts. Any additional changes will be informed by this analysis.

“I am extremely hopeful for the future and excited to lead this work,” said Johnson. “With the expertise and counsel of those on my leadership team and the professionalism and dedication of MPS staff, I know we can do great things for the children of Minneapolis.”

The 2010-11 organizational chart is available online at www. mpls.k12.mn.us.

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Insight News • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Ex-con seeks job, dignity in depression-era drama Film Review

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Just paroled after doing a couple years on a chain gang, Homer Hobbs (Tyson Beckford) is eager for a fresh start. This is easier said than done since he

has several strikes against him, being an unskilled Black man with a record. This dilemma is compounded by the fact that it’s the State of Georgia during the height of the Great Depression, so the unlucky excon is definitely dependent on the kindness of others for help until he can get on his feet.

He is fortunate enough to cross paths with a street hustler named Benny Potter (Reginald T. Dorsey) who brings him to a rooming house run by Gracie (Lynn Whitfield), a Bible-

thumping landlady with the proverbial heart of gold. She, in turn, directs Homer to the local fashion hall where each Sunday evening brothers don their finest threads to compete in a menonly fashion ball with the $5 grand prize going to the bestdressed gent.

While gearing up for the contest, Homer makes a couple of other friends in flophouse neighbors Clarence (Glynn Turman), a suicidal alcoholic close to bottoming-out, and Lucy (Linara Washington) a

pretty seamstress hiding a host of personal problems. Needless to say, none of these Black folks is exactly flourishing, which is why the guys look forward to the title of swank with the most swagger in the weekly beauty contest.

So unfolds Kings of the Evening, a “historical” drama written and directed by Andrew Jones which was ostensibly inspired by The Swenkas, a South African movie released in 2004.

Although this flick claims to have been “inspired by real events,” it appears that those events actually took place in an impoverished Zulu Township outside Johannesburg in the 1990s, in the wake of the fall of apartheid, not in the U.S. back in the 1930s. For that is when The Swenkas, which features a suspiciously similar plotline, was set.

Sorry, it’s hard to get enthusiastic about an anachronistic rip-off which fails to credit its source, and seeks to imply that the idea of male beauty pageants originated with African Americans way back when. Is the film otherwise worthwhile? Yes, it’s earnest, entertaining and well meaning, but it still weirded me out, to be honest, since I’d seen the original.

Not your grandfather’s Jim Crow South.

Good (2 stars) Rated PG for mature themes, violence, smoking and mild epithets.

Running time: 99 Minutes Studio: Picture Palace Films Distributor: Indican Pictures

Picture Palace Films

Tyson Beckford in “Kings of the Evening”

Page 6 • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Insight News

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Mayfield From 1

Suluki Fardan

Mayfield ascribes to jazz as a part of his livelihood. “I am passionate about jazz, I love jazz, it inspires me, and enhances every day of my life and my job is to try to create an environment and provide leadership that can further that mission. That is what I try to do when I am playing the trumpet, that’s what I try to do with my jazz club, that’s what I try to do if I am giving an interview about it. It’s all one in the same,� he said.

His passion has built an empire. Mayfield is founder and leader of the 2010 Grammy Award Winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; co-founder of Los Hombres Calientes, a Grammy-nominated AfroCuban jazz group; founder of The Irvin Mayfield Quintet; and has performed and recorded with Ellis, Wynton and Jason Marsalis. In fact, Mayfield received a full-ride scholarship to The Juilliard School of Music, but decided to study at the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies program under the mentorship of Ellis Marsalis and Clyde Kerr Jr. In 2003, Mayfield was appointed cultural ambassador for the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans.

In 2007 he commissioned the building of the Elysian Trumpet, a hand-crafted instrument created in honor of the victims of Hurricane Katrina—including his father and first trumpet teacher, Irvin Mayfield, Sr. Mayfield, the educator, founded Dillard University’s Institute of Jazz Culture and is professor and artistic director of New Orleans jazz at the University of New Orleans. He is artistic director of the New Orleans Jazz Institute. In March 2009, Mayfield partnered with the Royal Sonesta Hotels and opened Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.

Mayfield is considered a

national jazz treasure. He has been appointed by Presidents Bush and Obama to serve on the National Council on the Arts, a body which advises the National Endowment for the Arts on grant applications and funding categories.

Empire, stardom, and celebrity do not impress Mayfield. He is humble and reverences the work of jazz legends known and unknown that paved the way for him, and people in general who work in their passion. “You know my momma has a saying, she says, ‘blessed is he who gets paid for what he would do for free.’ I hate to pick up a piece of writing that someone has written, and I can tell they only do it because they are getting paid.

There is nothing more painful.

I hate to listen to somebody who is performing that is not passionate about what they do. You know if you are going to do something and not be passionate about it there are a lot of great jobs for that, that don’t require any passion.

So my vision is to try and create some level of quality in what I am doing. Art is the distilment of all things that are great about the human experience. So I do things that I am passionate about.�

Lilly Schwartz, Director of Pops and Special Projects at Minnesota Orchestra Hall, has witnessed Mayfield’s dedication for more than a decade, as his friend and colleague. Schwartz began working with Mayfield when she hired Los Hombres Calientes, in her tenure at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA. “I think he is an incredible showman, a great musician, that’s his first love you know, and he has been incredible in that he can get the audience in the palm of his hand in about five seconds. He has got an incredible spirit. And as a person I mean I have a lot of fun with him I have to say.

He is a good guy. He is very determined, extremely bright and driven. He is someone

who has a vision and wants to make it happen and will make it happen.�

About two and a half years ago Schwartz approached Mayfield with the idea of making jazz a permanent part of programming at Minnesota Orchestra Hall. After sharing the scope of her vision, Mayfield was interested and offered a wealth of ideas. The partnership was presented and formalized by appropriate staff, and has proven to be a successful match. Schwartz, colleagues, and community are fascinated by Mayfield’s ability to garner excitement for jazz. “He knows how to foster excitement and he knows how to bring focus to things. I think he has done a lot to help promote jazz here and get general excitement, and make Minnesota Orchestra Hall more of a focal point than it ever has been for jazz.

He has also done some great work with education.�

Minneapolis South High School, one of the local schools that partner with Minnesota Orchestra Hall, has recently benefitted from Mayfield’s teachings and work.

Mayfield invited the jazz band students to perform at the Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Scott Carter, Band and Jazz Director and Music Department Chair for South High School is amazed by the collaboration with Mayfield. “I’m very impressed with his comfortable and great interaction with the students. Some people who are at that musical level have a hard time talking to younger, less experienced musicians.

His work with them was very productive and really energized them,� he said.

Mayfield was once a less experienced musician. When he received his first trumpet in fourth grade, history was being made. Then an amateur, now a global phenomenon that honors his predecessors, plays with passion, and leads by example.

Visit www. minnesotaorchestra.org for upcoming performances.

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insightnews.com

Insight News • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Page 7

W.E.B DuBois

One of the great minds of the 20th century was the son of a Haitian, Alfred DuBois.

W.E.B DuBois was the first African to earn a PhD from Harvard, wrote the first scientific book on the trades, and was a committed activist who helped to found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Jean Baptise DuSable

Was a Haitian, who founded the great city of Chicago, IL. Besides the indigenous people (Indians), he was the first Non-Indian settler on the land of the Chicago natives.

Henri Christophe

Did you know that?

At the age of 12, he was sent with a contingent of over 2,000 Haitian soldiers to support the American Revolution at the battle of Savannah in 1779. France, which controlled Haiti at that time, was America’s first ally. Christophe was later to become a major leader of the Haitian Revolution against France in 1791.

New Orleans

Many Haitians came to New Orleans and after the rebellion in Haiti they contributed mightily to the life and culture of New Orleans. They brought with them traditions of music, dance, instruments and leagues of African culture. The practice of their god, Verdun, mispronounced in English as Voodoo.

Some good things to know about Haiti Compiled by Professor Mahmoud El-Kati

Alexander Dumas

Hailed as the Father of French Literature was the grandson to Marquis Alexandre-Antoine Davy de la Pailleterie (17101781), who married a Black slave from Haiti. Her name was Marie-Louise Elisabeth Labouret.

The liberator of most of South America was supported by Haitian leaders (Alexander Petiot) with finance arms, and training in the techniques of revolutionary struggle. Haiti’s revolutionary impact on the freedom of Latin America from Spain is yet to be measured.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Was made possible because of the success of the Haitian Revolution against France. The great Napoleon Bonaparte

From 1 “I support Chanda Smith Baker because she brings diversity of perspective that no other candidate --neither currently serving, nor currently running-can provide to Minneapolis Public Schools. Chanda has extensive experience in policy, governance, organization management and community engagement. She lends a unique

Business From 3 contracting opportunities.”

It continues, “In developing its recommendations, the Task Force shall conduct outreach with representatives

The leaders of rebellions in the United States

Several leaders of slave revolts, insurrections, rebellions and conspiracies had knowledge of the successful overthrow of slavery in Haiti. Gabriel Prosser in Richmond, VA (1800), Denmark Vessy in Charleston, SC (1822) and Nat Turner of South Hampton County, VA (1831) were inspired by L’Ouverture, Dessalines and Christophe.

Paul Robeson

In 1916, straight A student and Valedictorian of his class, Robeson chose the Haitian Revolution as the theme of his speech. He was one of three Black students in the entire school. His pride in African people was allowed by an enlightened school administration.

Katherine Dunham

A pioneer in the creation of modern American stage dance, was a committed student and admirer of Haitian culture.

Besides being a master dancer, she was also a trained anthropologist. Dunham incorporated many aspects of Haitian culture in her performances. She collected many artifacts, costumes, jewelry, paintings, headgear and trinkets. Dunham, along with another gifted African dancer, Pearl Primas, were good will ambassadors of Haitian Culture.

Did you know that?

Simone Bolivar

Baker

had designs for capturing all of North America.

Haiti disrupted this process by breaking the back of France in the western hemisphere.

Napoleon was forced to sell France’s territories to the U.S. for $15 million dollars. This made the U.S twice its size.

The leaders of the Haitian Revolution made overtures to African Americans immediately after Jean Jacque Dessalines declared Haitian Independence in 1804. The Haitian government sent out an agent to Philadelphia to meet with leaders of the Black American community. The mission was to establish quasi-diplomatic relations with leaders such as James Forten, the wealthy Black sail maker, and the Rev. Richard Allen, leader of the Free African Society and the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

voice as to why parents have chosen to leave our district and she can help create solutions to bring those families back.

“It is time for a new generation of leadership and Chanda is exactly the kind of leader Minneapolis needs to bring together our district stakeholders and community partners to develop new solutions to old problems,” said Degrio in a recently-issued statement.

As the campaign gears up for the August Primary, Baker

has announced Peggy Clark as her campaign manager, Tene Wells as fundraising chair, Anika Robbins remains as media and marketing coordinator and Tamara Rogers as Treasurer. “I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those who have supported me and continue to do so,” said Baker. “We have a winning team and we are fired up and ready to go!”

In a competitive race that included eight candidates vying for two at-large seats on the MPS board and DFL

endorsement, only one candidate was endorsed.

Subsequent voting-and eventual blocking (as none of the remaining candidates secured more than 60% of the vote) resulted in no endorsement of a second candidate.

“I entered the race because I felt I could be a voice of reason, an advocate for children and families,” said Baker. Not just for North Minneapolis, but for all the children and families that MPS serves. The board is in dire need of leaders who will set

standards and hold themselves and others accountable to those standards. I want voters to be assured of my ability and intent to govern while representing their interests with my full assurance that I have their children’s-and my children’sbest interests at heart.”

Baker, a mother of five children, four of which are school-aged, shares much in common with today’s parent.

Common ground coupled with continuous experience as an educator, community

partner and administrator are experiences she hopes to leverage as a steward of the board.

Baker’s campaign continues to gain momentum as it gears up for the Primary August 10, 2010. She continues to gain support and endorsements including IAM local #1833, Women Winning, SEIU and many past and current school board members and elected officials. For more information, visit www. chandaforschoolboard.org

of small businesses and small business associations ...This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of any necessary appropriations.”

The President is also pressing for public

accountability for the group, calling for the creation of a Website within 90 days that will monitor the progress of the Task Force and “that illustrates the participation of small businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, socially and

economically disadvantaged individuals, and servicedisabled veterans of our Armed Forces, in Federal contracting.”

GM filed for bankruptcy protection June 1. The company will now become two parts, a “new” GM and

an “old” GM. The former will hold on to plants, dealers and brands that the company will drop or divest. The new GM will acquire the assets the company desires to keep.

Although Jackson is hopeful, he is determined to fight until

tangible results appear.

Beyond the conferences, “We must keep applying pressure.

That’s what we must do.

Civil rights strategy is that we expose contradictions and keep applying pressure. That’s what we do.”

Page 8 • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Insight News

insightnews.com

LIFESTYLE Handout vs. hand-up: Helping others a win-win Style on a Dime

By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com A couple of days ago I went over to the Minneapolis Habitat for Humanity office to complete my volunteer orientation. I’m so excited because within a week I get to start helping to build and rehab houses for needy families.

Before you start thinking that I am wonderfully compassionate and selfless, I want to let you in on a little secret; I am not just doing this to help others-there is something

big in it for me. I want my basement finished, on the cheap, and I want to learn some moneysaving construction skills. Do you want to stop waiting for your Honey to get started on that Honey-Do-List you’ve assigned?? A great way to learn how to tackle minor (and maybe a few major) home repairs is by becoming a volunteer at Habitat For Humanity. You will accomplish the perfect mix of helping others while learning valuable skills that save you big bucks.

Habitat history This Christian housing ministry does not provide give-aways, it sells affordable homes to those who may not otherwise have an opportunity to own. The down payment and monthly payments

received from Habitat owners go towards building more affordable homes for qualifying families and the process continues to repeat itself. If you or someone you know is in need of affordable housing, get more details from the website www.habitat.org.

Helping is easy Sometimes it feels hard to get involved with volunteer organizations; loads of paperwork, rigid orientation times, inflexible volunteer guidelines. What I liked about Habitat is that my volunteer coordinator, Katherine, set me up right away with an orientation time that fit my schedule and it didn’t take all day, it took less than an hour.

The volunteer opportunities

www.habitat.org/

allowed for as much or as little time as desired and I could get started right away by viewing and registering online.

In addition to construction volunteer opportunities, you can bake cookies for special events, complete mailings, help with

outreach, work at ReStore-the store that sells recycled building materials, to name a few. All the while, you are learning skills, serving others, and building relationships.

Although this will be my first time volunteering, I must confess that I have had a soft spot in my heart for Habitat for nearly twenty years. Habitat is the reason why my Aunt Mae and Cousin Betty became homeowners (and next-door neighbors) in Jackson, MS, nearly twenty years ago. I remember their excitement when they first moved into the homes that they actually helped build. I’ve slept many nights in both homes, eaten many delicious meals around their kitchen tables, and shared laughter and tears through our family triumphs and tragedies.

How could I not be drawn to such a relevant and vital

ministry?

My aunt, who has remained active in supporting Habitat throughout the years, told me that she recently asked her pastor if their church could help sponsor a Habitat Home for a family. She put it best when she said, “I was the workingpoor and felt overlooked, but Habitat gave me a helping hand, not a hand-out and I’m not poor anymore.”

Then she made a profound statement that put it all in perspective for me, “Marcia, remember you are building much more than homes, you are building HOPE in the lives of people.” Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Page 9

COMMENTARY Government salaries: Who among us is getting paid? example, the average salary in 1983 was $69,800 and $141,300 in 2000. However, if you were to adjust the 1983 salaries for inflation, members of Congress made $119,708 in 2000. As of January 1, 2005, members of Congress make $162,100. The president pro tempore of the

By William Reed Business Exchange Most candidates don’t seek high elected or appointed government posts with the sole intention of becoming rich from government job salaries.

Compensation for such offices as the U.S. president and other post is very generous when compared with the average American’s salary.

The current salary for United States President is $400,000.

But, being President has done wonders for Barack Obama’s personal wealth. Even though his official salary - pro-rated to reflect earnings from his first 345 days in office - amounted to $374,460, Mr. Obama declared a total income for 2009 of more than $5.5 million. Obama’s tax returns showed an adjusted gross income of $5,505,409 in 2009 – mostly from best-selling book sales. The Obamas owed $1,792,414 on that.

The President and First Lady’s total gross income was $5,623,690. That included $374,460 in wages, $13,473 in interest, $12,018 in dividends and $4,230 in other income.

Nearly $5.2 million was from book royalties. The Presidential bestsellers are: “Dreams from My Father” and “The Audacity of Hope.” The first book about Obama’s early life and his struggle to find a racial identity - earned about $3.3 million in 2009. “Audacity” a more policy-oriented book, brought in $2.3 million. Obama, a former law school instructor and U.S. senator, became a millionaire a few years ago. He earned about $4 million in royalties in 2007, the year he launched his presidential campaign. The Obamas gave $329,100 to 40 different charities - $50,000 to the United Negro College Fund.

They donated his $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize income to charity and paid $163,303 in Illinois state income taxes.

White House Photo

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden Joe and Jill Biden aren’t so well-off. The Vice President’s salary is $227,300. He and his wife’s income was $333,182, on which they paid $71,147 to Uncle Sam. They gave $4,820 to charity and paid $13,897 in state income taxes. The returns show that the Obamas made as much in charitable contributions as the Bidens earned in 2009. Ten charities received contributions from Obama’s Nobel cash. Many are Foundations that provide scholarships for students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential.

The Obamas reduced their tax bite by putting $49,000 in a retirement plan. Both the Bidens and Obamas live in public housing. The White House has 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, a movie theater, bowling alley, billiards room, tennis court, jogging track and putting greens. The Bidens live in the official vice presidential residence at Number One Observatory Circle along Washington’s Embassy Row. In New York, Governor

David Patterson and wife Michelle reported income of $328,284 last year, up nearly $41,000 because of a pay bump the state’s First Lady received from her employer, Emblem Health Services.

Paterson, under fire for interfering in a domestic violence case against a top aide, gave nearly $2,000 to charities for abused women in 2009.

As governor of Massachusetts, DeVal Patrick earned $140,650. A former Coca-Cola General Counsel/ Executive VP/Corporate Secretary, Patrick served on numerous corporate boards.

The average Congressional lawmaker is far wealthier than his or her typical constituent.

There are 237 millionaires in Congress. Just one percent of Americans are millionaires, but 44 percent of the Members of Congress are; and they make sure they receive frequent pay raises. Since 1989 a cost of living increase takes effect each year unless Congress votes against it. Pay for the average member has more than doubled in the past 20 years. For

Senate and the majority and minority leaders of both houses are paid $180,100. The speaker of the House of Representatives makes $208,100.

Reports show the least wealthy member of Congress is Florida Representative Alcee Hastings, whose net worth is calculated to

be negative $4 million.

According to the US Census Bureau, the 2009 median household income in America was $50, 323. Asians and whites earned more than African Americans and Hispanics.

(William Reed – www.

BlackPressInternational.com)

Page 10 •June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@ insightnews.com, by fax: 612588-2031, by phone: (612) 5881313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events Hazelden Offers Free Educational Opportunity - Ongoing Concerned about someone’s alcohol or drug use? Addressing Concerns Together (ACT), Hazelden’s new outreach program, can help. Join us for a free event to learn more about addiction, intervention, assessment, and treatment. Hazelden’s St. Paul campus, 680 Stewart Ave., St. Paul.

2nd and 4th Mon. of each month at 6pm. This is an open event and there is no need to register. If you have questions, please contact Hazelden at 800-257-7800.

West African Drumming with Fode Bangoura - Ongoing Learn traditional rhythms from Guinea West Africa. This is an open level class that will teach beginners basic technique and foundations of hand drumming while offering experienced drummers the opportunity to broaden their repertoire and learn challenging accompaniment. Every Tuesday 5:30-7pm Patrick’s Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. $17 per class, $150 - 10 class card, $5 Drum rental - Must call or email ahead if renting a drum (651-338-5409).

Minnesota’s Waiting Children Free Information Sessions Ongoing Downey Side…families for youth invites community members to attend a FREE information session regarding adoption and Minnesota’s Waiting Children. Sessions are held every third Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Downey Side’s St. Paul office located in the Bigelow Building at 450 No. Syndicate Street – Suite 380.

Midtown begins Tuesday Farmers Market - Ongoing Starting on June 1, the Midtown Farmers Market will be open Tuesdays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 2225 East Lake, the very same location as our Saturday (8:00 to 1:00) market. Experience Midtown’s new mix of vendors and wares—you’ll find your week’s worth of seasonal produce, a selection of arts and crafts, and delicious dinner or late afternoon snacks (gelato, pizza, hotdogs, doughnuts)!

Classic Black films at VOA Park Elder Center – Ongoing First and third Mondays of each month, 11 am - 12:15 pm. These films are free of charge and the public is invited. Popcorn, hotdogs and drinks are provided for a suggested donation of $1.

VOA Park Elder Center, 1505 Park Ave. Mpls. 612-339-7581, parkcenter@voamn.org Take Charge of Your Health Care: Asking Questions, Getting Answers - June Free class that teaches consumers to empower themselves by using the Internet to learn about

health issues and to ask questions of health care providers.

After this program, participants will feel more empowered to ask questions of health care providers and more confident in finding health information on the Internet.

•The “Take Charge of Your Health Care” class will be presented on the following dates: •Sat., June 19, 2pm, Riverview Library, 1 E. George St. 651292-6626 •Mon., June 21, 6pm, Dayton’s Bluff Library, 645 E. 7th St. 651-793-1699 •Sat., June 26, 11pm, St Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave. 651-642-0411 •Wed., July 7, 10:30am, Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway St. Paul, 651-695-3700 For more information, please call or email: Nathan Maas @ 612-298-7068 or nathanmaasmhlp@gmail.com

Smell of God -Now - July 31 The after effects of meeting god is the memory of his/her scent.

With the “The Smell of God” exhibition four emerging artists, working with noted artist Barthelemy Toguo, created a work that evidences the residual effect of having encountered god. Artists include: Nate Young, David Rich, Sankara Djeki, and Amanda Lovelee. 7-10pm @ 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls.

Credit Smart- Ongoing FREE Credit Education Classes.

Every Tuesday, 6-8pm. Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls. HYPERLINK “http://www.mul. org/”www.mul.org Contact Theresa (612) 827- 9268.

6th Annual Spring Recitals at Camden Music School - June 12 Come see what’s happening at

Young Writers -June – Aug. Young Writers is the place for youth! A gathering of aspiring young poets, novelists, fiction writers, essayists and more. We laugh, work, create, and grow together in a community workshop setting - come check it out!

Open to ages 13-19. Second and Fourth Tuesday of every month 6PM - 8PM at Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Mpls.

FREE!

612.588.1313 612.588.2031

EMAIL: ONLINE:

ben@insightnews.com www.insightnews.com

Summer at Northrop: Free Outdoor Concerts Begin June 11 24 free, outdoor concerts located on the Northrop plaza, the majority from noon to 1pm beginning Friday, June 11, and new this year, five evening concerts from 7-8pm. Spanning across the months of June and July, the series begins with Romantica, Irish-Americana rocksters on June 14. For more information, visit http://northrop.umn.edu/ events/summer-northrop or call 612-625-2345.

Second Debut Celebrates New Location with Grand Opening - June 17-20 Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota celebrates the new Second Début2 in St. Paul with a Grand Opening Celebration June 1720. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 18, a drawing for a $500 wardrobe makeover combined with a $100 SpaFinder® gift certificate, and refreshments served throughout the weekend.

Second Début2 is located at 1825 University Ave. Mpls.

M&I Bank Shredding events June 19 Saturday, June 19, 2019 a.m.

– noon. Contact Jackie Kacala 414.390.5500 jkacala@muellercommunications.com or Andrea Novak 612.798.3870 andrea.novak@micorp.com 9600 Colorado Lane N. Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 3905 W. 69th St. Edina-Southdale, MN 55435 14201 Grand Ave. S. Burnsville, MN 55337 7860 32nd St. Oakdale, MN 55128

2010 Movies in the Parks - June 14 thru Aug 28 The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has packed more than 80 movies into its third annual Movies in the Parks series. The mobile series, which travels to parks across the city throughout the summer, will run Monday through Saturday June 14-Aug. 28. Movies are free to the public and start 15 minutes after sunset. For more information, check out www.mplsmusi-

4th Annual Patrick’s Cabaret Summer Cinema - June 17 & 24 - July 1 & 8 Come and enjoy our FREE summer movie series! Venders and parking lot entertainment will begin around 6PM. Movies will be played at the indoor theater space starting at 8PM. Also, be sure to visit the Magic Bus Cafe for hot-dogs and concessions and Glaciers Cafe for frozen custard! Thursday’s June 17th & 24th, July 1st & 8th 2010 @

Children’s Vacation Bible Studies - June 19th-July 17th For ages 5-12 years of age. Saturdays, June 19th through July 17th, from 9:30am-12pm. Dennis Ministries, 1919 Broadway NE, Mpls, MN 55413. For more details contact Gloria Dennis by phone 763-952-2288 or email dennisministries@yahoo.com

Realizing the American Dream – Ongoing Home Buyer Program. First Thurs. of every month, 6-8pm. $25.00 per Family Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls.

HYPERLINK “http://www.mul. org/”www.mul.org Contact Theresa (612) 827- 9268.

Energy Saving Workshops June & July Community Energy Services is a one stop, residential energy program available to only select Minneapolis neighborhoods designed to make saving energy and money easy. Upcoming CES workshops: University Alliance - Mon., June 14, 6:30 pm at Van Cleve Park Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Thur., June 17, 6:30 pm at Bryn Mawr Elementary School Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Tue., June 22, 6:30 pm at Bryn Mawr Elementary School Make-Up Workshop - Thur., June 24, 6:30 pm at McRae Park Hawthorne Neighborhood Tues., June 29, 6:30 pm at Farview Rec Center Lind-Bohanon, Shingle Creek Neighborhoods - Wed., June 30, 6:30 pm at Creekview Park Rec Center Seward Neighborhood - Thur., July 8, 6:30 pm at Matthews Park Rec Center Webber-Camden, McKinley, Folwell Neighborhoods - Tues., July 13, 6:30 pm at Folwell Park Rec Center Standish-Ericsson Neighborhoods - Thur., July 22, 6:30 pm at Sibley Park Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate at the Walker Art Center – June 8, June 22 The Arty Pants programs in May and June are presented from 11 am–1 pm Tuesdays, June 8 and 22. Activities are free with gallery admission; Walker members and children ages 12 and under always receive free admission.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Substitute Teacher DEPT: Early Learning Center SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities.

2.

Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy.

3. Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely managing developmental activities for the participants.

4. Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports.

5.

Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood development. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Minnesota Teachers’ License (preferred).

Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experience required.

Other Requirements: • Dealing with confidential information.

• Tight deadlines.

• Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager.

• Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines.

• Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

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

Kairos Dance Theater presents Dance & Jazz: Food for the Soul

Thursday, June 24th at 7:30 pm - Performance featured in: Music in the Parks 2010 - Lake Harriet Band Shell, 43rd St. W and E Lake Harriet Parkway. Free and Open to the Public.

Camden Music School! Students of all ages will perform for our spring recitals.

CMS in Camden - June 5, 1-4pm and June 12, 12:30pm at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 3751 Sheridan Avenue North.

CMS in NE - June 12, 4pm Northeast Community Lutheran Church, 724 Lowry Avenue NE. We Work Here: A Conversation on Art, Economics & Community - June 5-23 Minneapolis, MN-Intermedia Arts is proud to partner with Works Progress as part of the Catalyst Series to present We Work Here: A Conversation on Art, Economics & Community.

This participatory art installation will ask what ideas and projects the community values, and what resources it will take to realize them. Gallery Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 10am – 6pm Sat.: 12pm – 5pm. $3 suggested donation.

Workshop series on childhood trauma - June 26 Have you wondered about the effects of early trauma on your child - and wanted to know what you can do to help him or her form and maintain a sense of attachment that’s so vital to a healthy relationship? Trauma & Attachment II: 9am-12:30pm Sat., June 26 at HOPE Adoption, 5850 Omaha Ave. N, Oak Park Heights, MN. $20 per person per workshop. visit www.hopeadoptionservices.org or call HOPE at 651-439-2446 for registration.

candmovies.com.

Free Wall Introduction – June 14-30 & Jul 6-21 Are you interested in learning to work with spray paint as a tool to paint big, fast and precise?

Come and learn from some of the Twin Cities best. No experience necessary. Open to youth 14-21 years old. 9 am-noon, Mon, Tues, & Wed. June 14 - 30, 2010 (Session 1), July 6 - 21, 2010 (Session 2).

Status of Women & Girls in Minnesota - June 17 Please join us on Thursday, June 17 in the Atrium of the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute for the public release of our new research, Status of Women & Girls in Minnesota.

Thurs, June 17, 11-11:30am. located at 301 19th Ave. South on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota campus in Mpls.

Ancestry: Celebrating Diversity and Commonality in Community - June 17 Features works by Fawzia Khan and Lynn Fellman created in collaboration with six community organizations. The opening artists’ reception will be 5 - 8 p.m., Thur., June 17, with a short presentation by the artists at 6 p.m.

An evening with the community members who participated in the projects will be 5 - 8 p.m., Thurs., July 22, with a presentation at 6 p.m. UROC is located at 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Mpls.

6PM 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. Mpls, MN 55406 FREE! ($5 donation suggested) Video Games: Create Your Own – June 18, 23, & 26, July 14 Create your own video gameexplore character development, narrative and story structure.

Learn skills necessary to create your own game from concept to “play again”. Open to youth in grades 7 -12. FREE. Fri., June 18,1PM - 4PM at Ridgedale Library 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, Wed., June 23, 1PM - 4PM at Hopkins Library 22 11th Ave. N., Hopkins, Sat., June 26, 2PM - 5PM at Walker Library 2880 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls, Wed., July 14, 2PM - 5PM at Hosmer Library 347 E. 36th Street, Mpls.

Urban Warfare: The Peaceful Warriors, Youth Violence in America - June 19 Join the PEACE Foundation for an evening of celebration, entertainment and collaboration as we view a film produced locally that highlights the work of many peace makers on the Northside and throughout the city. You are invited to the Film Opening of Community Heroes Sat., June 19, 6:30PM: Party 7:30PM: Live Entertainment by HSRA 8PM: Film 9PM: City Proclamations to Honor THE HEROES. At Capri Theater 2027 W. Broadway Mpls. Opening Party & Show $20, Show Only $5 (7:30 pm)

IntermediaArts Summer Kickoff BBQ - June 19 Check out our fantastic new community spaces, see the latest art on our walls, meet our new staff members, and be the first to find out about the amazing new programs and events we have planned for you this year! Hands on activities for families include button-making and screen-printing, as well as the interactive gallery installation exhibit: We Work Here. Saturday, June 19, 2010 4-7PM For more information, call (612) 871-4444 or email Info@IntermediaArts.org African Dance with Whitney June 19 A thorough and invigorating workout which incorporates traditional West African dance movement with live drumming. This class offers a variety of dynamics and all levels are welcomed. Choreography is broken down to accommodate new dancers and the pace is heightened for those wanting more challenge. It is a friendly and inviting environment to experience a new dance form. Sat. 1-2:30pm at Jawaahir Studios 1940 Hennepin Ave. (Corner of Hennepin & Franklin) Mpls, MN 55403 $12.

New District Headquarters: Info Session - June 24 Minneapolis Public Schools and the Mortenson/Legacy team invite you to join us for an informational session on the new district headquarters to be built at 1250 West Broadway Ave. Thur.

June 24 6:30-8pm at Capri Theater 2027 W. Broadway Mpls.

The Minnesota Sinfonia - July 5 Family Pops Concert. Monday, July 5, 7 p.m. Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 N Lexington Pkwy, St. Paul. FREE. Children welcome. 612-871-1701. www. mnsinfonia.org The Minnesota Sinfonia - July 9 Family Pops Concert. Friday, July 9, 7:30pm. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Mpls. FREE. Children welcome.

612-871-1701. www.mnsinfonia. org Taking a Leap of Faith - July 10 Daughter of Zion Gospel Ministry presents a soul stirring musical. World wide outreach for Christ. At the Potter House of Jesus Christ. For ticket information please call Minister RobinMaria at 612-327-4890.

CLASSIFIEDS

POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher participates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities. Assists with ensuring that the classroom is appropriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for each child.

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

PHONE: FAX:

PHONE:

612.588.1313 FAX:

STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF HENNEPIN

DISTRICT COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: CONTRACT Court File No. ______________

Joseph F. Mikolic, v.

612.588.2031

Plaintiff,

Brian K. Ahern, Defendant.

THE STATE OF DEFENDANT(S)

TO

THE

Updated 1-2 Bedroom Apartments in Whittier Clean, quiet, secure, Parking available near bus WHITTIER COMMUNITY APARTMENTS 612-870-RENT(7368) “Equal Housing Opportunity”

ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball

SUMMONS

MINNESOTA

EMAIL: sales@insightnews.com

ABOVE

NAMED

You are hereby Summoned and Required to serve upon Plaintiff or his attorney an Answer to the Complaint which is hereby served upon you within 20 days after service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice provides for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) in most cases. Notice of ADR processes will be provided by the Court Administrator after this action is filed.

Dated: May 13, 2010 _________________________ Patrick M. McVary #0388083 Attorney for Plaintiff 200 Village Center Drive, Suite 800 North Oaks, MN 55127 651-255-9500 Fax 651-255-9504

The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team is announcing a program for college Internships for the fall and winter. The program will consist of five teams of 5 interns each in the following areas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3) Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Business administration.

Each team will have a leader and be given challenging assignments.

We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits.

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

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Insight News • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS What if LeBron James came to the Timberwolves?

Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com When LeBron James leaves, I mean, if LeBron James leaves the Cleveland Cavaliers, he will take with him $100 million worth of the value of the Cavaliers’ franchise.

Now everybody I know from Ohio “is real good people,” but considering the tough situation with most of their professional sports scene, and the fact that Cleveland is the type of city that comes to mind as the poster child for the recent recession, seeing

James and his brand value walk out the door might make Cleveland fans say, “Me too” and follow him up out of there.

So, since LeBron is looking to increase his worldwide brand, and all these nutcases across the country are hosting rallies to woo him to their city, I figured I’d rep for my midwestern home because my hometown Los Angeles Lakers ain’t got enough ball for “Pre-Game NBA Dance King” James. I could just imagine the look on Lakers coach Phil Jackson’s face if Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan started breaking out in dance routines during a timeout. Jackson isn’t one to display much anger, but the dancing thing might make his hand tremble and rise about ear high above the opposite

“Minnesota has all the Spam and flatscreen TV’s LeBron needs to make a billionaire brand” shoulder, to prepare for a downward backhand blow across the dancer’s cheek.

Now if dancing on the sidelines is James’ game, then the Minnesota Timberwolves fans would be more than happy to add that boogie to the entertainment line-up on First Avenue.

There aren’t too many Timberwolves fans that will pass away unfulfilled if the Timberwolves don’t

win a championship, so if James can win a bunch of games, and of course bring that $100 million value to our fair city, then I’m sure everyone would be fine if he set-up routines with the cheerleaders and everything.

The crowd would go crazy chanting, “Go LeBron! Go Lebron! It’s ya birthday!”

Minnesota is not only the land of 10,000 lakes, but it is also the preferred home for a whole lot of big, beautiful, million-billion kind of Fortune 500 companies.

Now if you take the promise of that whole NBA dancing spectacle, and combine it with the consumer technological leadership of Best Buy, I’m sure something like a 3-D holographic King Kong in James’ likeness would be projected scaling the IDS and moonwalking back and forth

LeBron James down Highway 94 in between the Twin Cities. Naturally, this would be followed by a monumental, 3-D, wrestling match between the Green Giant and “LeBron Kong.”

I’m sure that General Mills would be willing to plaster James’ smiling grill over every box of cereal. Not Wheaties, but every box of cereal. I mean Cargill, the World leader in “getting the food out,” could even name their products after James.

Who else can come in and offer LeBron the chance to be the Worldwide face of grain.

Grain! King Grain James they could call him. At first that may sound silly, but grain is a big deal in a lot of places where people like to eat and stuff. Only in Minnesota can LeBron achieve this type of

Keith Allison

worldwide branding, and only with the Timberwolves is the dancing theme going to take off to its highest heights.

The fact of the matter is that LeBron is sitting at home while Kobe is playing for a fistful of championships because Kobe is focused on the game, and being the greatest basketball player of all-time. James says that he wants to be a worldwide, billionaire brand –and that ain’t got nothing to do with winning basketball games.

But if it’s a billionaire brand LeBron wants, Minnesota has the tops in grain, canned cut green beans, post-it notes and flat-screen tvs, baby. …and no I don’t have anything to say about that internet rumor involving James’ momma! Some stuff gotta stay in the barbershop.

Page 12 • June 14 - June 20, 2010 • Insight News

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NEW TELEVISION DATES: Thursday, 6:30 PM on Regional Cable Channel 6 June 22