Insight News ::: 6.18.12

American Cancer Society Relay for Life concert features acclaimed Gospel singer Robert Robinson CONCERT TURN TO 13 Photo courtesy of the artist

INSIGHT NEWS June 18 - June 24, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 38 No. 25 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

This is how success looks Maynard Jackson International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

By Al McFarlane, Editor-in-Chief 6pm: We are sitting in the 2nd floor food court at the new international terminal at Atlanta’s airport. We are glad to be here because this is what Ambassador Andrew Young talked about when he addressed the Minneapolis Urban League annual gala on May 31st.

We just flew in from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Apparently most inbound international traffic is being routed in to this New Age looking terminal. We have a four-hour layover. When our departure time nears, we’ll take the elevator down two floors to get the train to Terminal C, where AirTran has a bunch of gates.

Both now and when we had a layover here on the way

to Montego Bay, the dominant image capturing our attention is/ was the number of Black people working in every conceivable field. We just ordered food from Pei Wei Asian Diner. Two Asian guys are cooking. They seem to be calling the shots. They seem to be chefs. But the cooking line includes a Black woman, a Latina, and a guy that could be Afro-Latino, if looks mean anything. The front line, the order takers and servers are Black.

The young woman who took my order is African or Haitian.

I didn’t converse long enough to catch the accent and I didn’t want to be rude and tie her up with my curiosity conversation.

She is working. I respect that.

SUCCESS TURN TO 12

Shirley Callendar, exhibit attendee and regular Sabathani participant; Anika Robbins, co-curator; Pam Russell-Young, project director, Sabathani; Beverly Propes, exhibit attendee.

Suluki Fardan

Legacy: Sabathani Community Center

By Abeni Hill, Insight Intern Sabathani Community Center has been impacting South Minneapolis by providing for the community since the 1950s and recently celebrated its

accomplishments and history.

The community center was originally Sabathani Baptist Church.

“The church had a vision to do more community outreach,” said development manager, Pamela Young. “Black Churches were the leaders in the community.”

According to Young, during the

1950s and early 1960s, AfricanAmerican families were predominant in South Minneapolis.

Currently, South Minneapolis has a more diverse population.

SABATHANI TURN TO 7

AfroDescendientes

Afrodescendientes reivindican la multiculturalidad de Panama

By Alberto S. Barrow N.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Undersecretary of Education, Martha Kanter (far right) discusses ways to better the quality of education in the Twin Cities. Also pictured are (from left to right) the Reverend Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Maxfield Elementary principal; Nancy Stachel, educator; Maren Gelle; Dr. Donald Easton-Brooks, associate dean at Hamline University and Greater Twin Cities United Way CEO, Sarah Caruso.

Undersecretary Martha Kanter touts Twin Cities as model for reform in education

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Though the area has one of the worst achievement gaps in education for students of color, U.S. Undersecretary of Education

Martha Kanter believes schools here are headed in the right direction.

The undersecretary was recently in town for a series of meetings on education, including a town hall forum held at North Community High School.

The No Bullying Movement Citizens walk to stop bullying

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The town hall – “Together for Tomorrow”, attended by nearly 100 citizens, was presented by the United Way, the U.S. Dept. of education and the Corp. for National & Community Service.

Though Kanter acknowledged some positive initiatives in

Education

Central Touring Theater closes it’s run of “Wake Up”

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education, she was quick to point out how much work needs to be done to better educate students throughout the nation.

“President Obama has made education a priority and said he

KANTER TURN TO 3

Mayo del 2012, ha marcado un hito en la historia nacional. Como nunca antes, toda la nación ha volcado su mirada para reconocer y resaltar los innumerables aportes materiales, culturales y la espiritualidad de los afrodescendientes en Panamá. Tanto instituciones públicas como privadas, organizaron eventos alusivos al Mes de la Etnia Negra Nacional, ofreciendo la posibilidad a propios y extraños de participar en foros, mesas redondas, cinedebates, talleres, festivales artístico- culturales, desfiles, celebraciones religiosas, pero sobre todo de la gran campaña hacia el “Día de las Trenzas, Panamá”, jornada que se cumplió el día 21 de mayo, y que en adelante queda instituido en el calendario de las efemérides nacionales para el tercer lunes del quinto mes de cada año. Sabido es a nivel nacional e internacional que el conjunto de la sociedad panameña, en esa fecha, se “trenzó” con la africanidad que en ella pervive. Fue una página de las más bellas que haya podido exhibir nuestra nación en lo que lleva de

Full Circle

Like father, like son

andadura el presente siglo.

No obstante lo anterior, que sin duda constituye un gran avance en términos de un mayor reconocimiento de la multiculturalidad del país, en tanto se materializó una extraordinaria visibilidad de los afropanameños, a las poblaciones afrodescendientes del país aún nos aguardan desafíos y metas por alcanzar entre ellas una de carácter estratégico: La creación, mediante ley, de la Secretaría Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Afro Panameños (SENADAP) como entidad pública, con asignación presupuestaria y la autoridad e independencia necesarias, para velar por el cumplimiento de la Política Gubernamental para la Inclusión Plena de la Etnia Negra Panameña, y coordinar todo lo relacionado con la implementación del Plan Nacional correspondiente (2007).

Con todo y la falta de voluntad política del Estado, para atender con seriedad los problemas estructurales que afectan de manera particular a la población afropanameña, ausencia que se pone de manifiesto con la desabrida respuesta formal

AFRO TURN TO 12

Banker warns churches Change the way you do business

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Page 2 • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Insight News

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Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.

Caprice McNeal, No Bullying Movement founder, Lisa Carter and KMOJ’s Lisa Moy lead walkers around Lake Calhoun. The walk was in efforts to raise awareness to the problem of childhood bullying.

Citizens walk to stop bullying

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Close to 30 residents took a stroll around Lake Calhoun in efforts to bring attention to the issue of bullying.

The No Bullying Movement hosted its second annual Walk Against Bullying this past weekend. The event was the brainchild of Lisa Carter, who said she had a dream of someone being bullied and woke up and said she had to do something to bring awareness to the issue.

“I started doing research and was seeing how many kids were being affected by

(bullying) and how so many were killing themselves, so I decided to design the t-shirts and wristbands (which most of the participants of the walk donned),” said Carter.

Carter, who has three sons, ages 21, 17 and nine said she talks to her children about bullying often.

“My youngest had an issue with being bullied by a neighbor,” said Carter. “I was able to talk to the child’s parent and resolve the issue.

I tell my sons they need to be aware of how they treat others.

You never know how your words can impact (others).”

Walker, Blayee Taye said he knows first-hand the impact

Members of the El-Amin Basketball Association participate in the Walk Against Bullying at Lake Calhoun.

of being bullied.

“When I first came to America I was bullied because of my accent,” said Taye, who as a child came to the United States from Liberia. “So when I saw this event was happening I wanted to participate. It’s a good cause.”

KMOJ radio personality and ambassador of the No Bullying Movement, Lisa Moy said the issue of bullying has been going on for years.

“We just used to call it ‘roasting’”, said Moy, who admits to being bullied as a child. “They (kids) laughed at my clothes and shoes, so I can relate.”

Moy feels the problems are

getting worse. “We have kids killing each other and kids committing suicide because of bullying,” said the co-host of the KMOJ morning show.

“Especially in the AfricanAmerican community, it’s something we need to bring attention to.”

Moy and Carter are working to partner with area schools to combat bullying problems.

Thirteen-year-old Ismael El-Amin said he cannot understand why people bully.

“People shouldn’t get bullied for any reason,” said El-Amin. “I don’t see a reason for it and we should stop it.”

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Insight News • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Page 3

Minnesota leads the way in $146 million nationwide settlement agreement A settlement agreement between the American International Group, Inc. (AIG) and its affiliates with all states and the District of Columbia has become fully effective, Commissioner Mike Rothman announced recently.

Minnesota was one of eight leading states to conduct a Multistate Market Conduct Examination that revealed AIG misrepresented its workers’ compensation insurance premiums to reduce their taxes and assessments, resulting in the $2.1 million settlement for the State of Minnesota.

“Gaming the system at the expense of Minnesota businesses and taxpayers is unacceptable,” said Commissioner Rothman. “Our

MN Department of Commerce

Commissioner Mike Rothman investigators helped lead the charge to secure this settlement

that resulted in millions of dollars returned to the states

and implemented corrective measures to ensure a fair marketplace.”

In December of 2010, Minnesota joined eight other states in entering into the AIG Multistate Market Conduct Examination.

The examination found AIG intentionally misreported $2.12 billion in workers’ compensation premiums over the past few years. AIG filed workers’ compensation insurance premiums into the general liability or commercial automobile liability categories, both of which required lower tax and assessment payments.

Additionally, the examination found noncompliance with rating, forms, and financial reporting laws.

Pursuant to the settlement agreement, AIG agreed to pay a national penalty of $100 million, and $46.5 million in additional premium taxes and assessments. AIG will correct previously filed financial reports and reallocate approximately $2.12 billion of premiums from other lines of insurance to workers compensation. The settlement also calls for the eight lead states, including Minnesota, to monitor AIG’s operations to ensure it meets its obligations under the Compliance Plan.

“As a lead state in this ongoing examination, we will continue to monitor AIG’s performance over the next 24 months to ensure corrective measures are implemented,”

said Commissioner Rothman.

“Our investigators will audit internal reviews, randomly sample accounts, meet with senior management on an on-going basis, and closely monitor the progress of the AIG Compliance Plan.”

The settlement agreement was subject to several conditions, all of which have now been resolved. The first condition was a $450 million residual market settlement that was approved by the U.S. District Court in February 2012.

The remaining open condition, a settlement with insurance guaranty associations, was satisfied on May 30, 2012 when a $25 million settlement agreement was signed.

General Mills Foundation awards $500,000 in grants The General Mills Foundation announced 50 grants of $10,000 each to nonprofit organizations across the Twin Cities with programs designed to improve the lives of people within the communities of color. The grant recipients were selected for the wide range of individuals they serve including children, youth and adults, and for the innovative services they provide including resources for immigrant families, food shelf support, community gardens, early childhood care and education, and programs for atrisk youth.

“Through our Celebrating Communities of Color grant program, the General Mills Foundation is proud to support innovative, community-based programs that are meeting critical needs and enriching the lives of many in the Minneapolis-St. Paul

area,” said Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills vice president and executive director of the General Mills Foundation.

Launched in 2004, the Celebrating Communities of Color grant program has provided a total of $4 million dollars in grants to Twin Cities nonprofits.

Sixty percent of the organizations selected this year are receiving a Celebrating Communities of Color grant for the first time.

Following is a sampling of the 2012 Communities of Color grant recipients. For a full list and summary of this year’s grant recipients, visit: http:// www.generalmills.com/Home/ Responsibility/community_ engagement/Grants/Twin%20 Cities_area/Communities_of_ color/grant_recipients_2012. aspx

Above the E.D.G.E. Sports and Leadership Education Program Minneapolis, MN The Sports and Leadership Education after-school program helps at-risk youth develop a healthy spirit of fun and sportsmanship. The program is focused on developing positive character, instilling principles to empower youth and engage them in pursuing their passion and purpose in life. A series of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workshops will expose a group of 30-35 youth to careers in science and technology and prepare them for pursuing college and post-secondary employment.

Each student will partner with a mentor in a STEM career that interests them. In addition, youth will learn about sports and

leadership through basketball games and enrichment programs to build character, strengthen health and life skills and personal responsibility.

CAPI USA - Centre for Asians and Pacific Islanders Healthy Gardens/Farmers’ Market Project Minneapolis, MN CAPI is working to empower immigrants and refugees, particularly women, as community leaders through gardening and small-scale farming, to create access to affordable healthy, fresh, and culturally suitable food.

This project will empower 60 low-income Southeast Asian and African immigrant families to create systemic change through gardening and small-scale farming. The project could impact 2,500 individuals, including

family members, farmers’ market customers, and CAPI Food Shelf clients who receive fresh produce donations by project participants.

By empowering immigrants and refugees to address hunger and nutrition in their own communities this initiative will create far-reaching long-term impacts.

Fresh Air, Inc. Youth Get Real: Rapid Response Resource System Minneapolis, MN This program, working with KFAI radio, engages lowincome, at-risk youth in actively addressing poverty and access to limited resources. Often there are resources that are available only for a finite amount of time: a homeless shelter with several empty beds for the night, or a food bank with excess produce

that will soon expire. Quickly connecting those in need to what’s available is imperative. KFAI, in collaboration with KMOJ radio, will work with at-risk youth interns to use social media, email, and text messaging to connect those in need with existing resources. KFAI will do outreach to organizations that provide resources to low-income people in the seven county Twin Cities area and encourage staff at these organizations to email an assigned KFAI staff person as resources become available that fit this ‘short shelf life’ model. Using social media, KFAI youth will spread the word about these items to low-income people in at least one to two messages per day and in turn, organizations that serve low-income people will promote the program to their clients.

Klobuchar touts bill to prevent medicine shortages, ban synthetic drugs The U.S. Senate recently passed a bill that proponents such as Senator Amy Klobuchar believe will promote healthy living and help save lives by preventing medication shortages and banning synthetic drugs.

“Patients who are dealing with serious illnesses should not have to worry about whether or not the medicine they depend on for treatment will be available tomorrow,” said Klobuchar.

“They should be able to simply focus on getting better. And the Senate’s passage of this legislation will make it easier for them to do so.”

Klobuchar said she has seen the shortages of the medication used to treat childhood cancer earlier this year.

Under the bill, manufacturers of these medications will notify the FDA if there is an event that could cause a low supply. When notified, the FDA can access the supply of other sources, so medical professionals do not have to worry about where to find these

Kanter From 1 wants our nation to be the best educated, most competitive work force on the globe,” said Kanter.

“The question is how can we take every child in 100,000 schools and help the child perform at grade level?”

Kanter said, alarmingly, onethird of our nation’s children begin their scholastic careers unprepared to perform at standard levels and 25 percent do not achieve a high school diploma.

The undersecretary said half the students seeking undergraduate degrees are unable to complete their studies within six years.

Kanter said the U.S. decline in education could have dire consequences.

“All you have to do is look around the world for countries in serious conflict and you will see they are severely undereducated,” said Kanter. “Caring for each and every student; that’s what this is about.”

Nancy Stachel, principal of Maxfield Elementary School in St. Paul is on the front line in the fight to better educate today’s children. In many ways Maxfield highlights some of the numerous problems facing today’s youth.

Stachel is the eighth principal in 10 years at Maxfield, which has 99 percent its students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, 97 percent are students of color with 85 percent being AfricanAmerican.

“When you have schools that are failing, that failure is across the board,” said Stachel.

of these synthetic drugs has escalated, our laws have not kept pace.”

Klobuchar proposed a bill

Senator Amy Klobuchar medications.

“At the same time as we’ve witnessed a dramatic increase in the shortage of drugs used to save lives, we’ve also seen an alarming rise in the use of synthetic drugs that are endangering lives, particularly young lives,” said Klobuchar. “But while the use

According to Stachel, a key to better educating students is parent involvement. The principal said within her two years at Maxfield, because of increased parent involvement, academic achievement and attendance are up while disciplinary problems have declined.

“Parents are the first educators in a child’s life,” said Stachel.

The Rev. Brenda GirtonMitchell said often times when this issue of education reform is discussed many involved in the discussion seem to be the same type individuals.

“You here the term, ‘preaching to the choir,’” said GirtonMitchell. “Well that’s important because the choir needs to stay motivated and on message.”

Bill English, co-chair of the Coalition of Black Churches was not in concert with the speakers’ message.

“You will not solve the achievement gap without involving the people and leaders of the (affected) community,” said English.

Undersecretary Kanter agreed cultural concerns need to be addressed when trying to better educate students of color.

“We have a need to hire culturally competent teachers in the classroom,” said Kanter. “We want to hire teachers who speak a second language. We want to hire teachers who reflect the ethnic makeup of the student body.”

According to the Greater Twin Cities United Way, the town hall was presented to celebrate and foster school/community partnerships that are helping to turn around the area’s lowestperforming schools.

that would ban 2C-E – the drug that killed a Minnesota youth, and vouched for two other bills that would ban other types of synthetic

drugs. These bills were included in the bill that recently passed.

Last year, poison control centers across the country had

records of over 13,000 calls reporting synthetic drug situations compared to the 3,200 in 2010.

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EDUCATION

L – R Darneesha Whitfield, Sari Olson, Shamarra Butler, Ka Vang, Madi Morgan-Sawyer, Naima Abdi, Olivia Baker

Photos: Simon Olson

Central Touring Theater closes its run of “Wake Up!” “Wake Up!, ” a 45-minute, high energy original work by St. Paul Central High School’s Central

Touring Theater, held its final performances Fri., May 18 at St. Paul Central High School.

Central Touring Theater (CTT) used social justice theater as part of a youth-

lead movement to overcome violence, bullying, and racial inequalities, and to inspire other students to become engaged in their education and their futures. In light of the national attention surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin, the local shooting of a biker delivering dinner to a neighbor, and ongoing suicides of youth from bullying, the collective student voice entered the conversation about facing such problems.

Under the direction of Jan Mandell, who founded the group over 30 years ago, and Kimberly Colbert, CTT, now in its 33rd season strives to bring difficult issues to the forefront of discussion. The group creates scenes and composes an entirely student-written show with spoken word, movement, poetry, dance and hip-hop.

Guest instructors included Ansa Akeya, Patricia Brown, and Marion McClinton, among others.

The show toured to more than 20 locations within the past couple of months. This spring CTT toured Washington Tech and Anwatin middle schools; Washburn, Highland, Creative Arts and Avalon high schools; Boys Totem Town correctional school and Carleton College.

The students of CTT have also performed for students and instructors at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College.

The final performances for the 2012 cast was held at Central High School. A preshow was conducted by the Wellstone Drumline and Linwood-Monroe Theater Group.

L – R Darneesha Whitfield, Madi Morgan-Sawyer, Chris Kirkwood, Curtis Gaines, Jr. “Mom may find another man, but I’ll never find another you.” —Darneesha Whitfield

L-R Breon Jones, Sari Olson,Shamara Butler, Aiden Morzenti, Lena Zenkl, Madi Morgan-Sawyer, Chris Kirkwood, Darneesha Whitfield, Adrian Wood, Naima Abdi, Ka Vang. In front on floor is Curtis Gaines, Jr.

Jan Mandell

The Cast. L - R Back row Adrian Wood, Lena Zinkl, Chris Kirkwood, Tyler Chapman, Darneesha Whitfield, Cooper Botkin. L- R Middle row: Sari Olson, Madi Morgan-Sawyer, Aiden Morzenti, Breon Jones, Shamara Butler. L – R Front rows: Curtis Gaines, Jr., Ka Vang, Naima Abdi, Denise Christian, Kayla Steward, Olivia Baker

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Insight News • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Archaeologists search for birthplace of humanity in sci-fi horror flick Film Review

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Dateline: Scotland, 2089.

While spelunking along the shores of the Isle of Skye, archaeologists Charlie Holloway (Logan MarshallGreen) and Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) discover an ancient painting etched into the ceiling of an abandoned cave. The uncanny researchers immediately discern that the primitive picture is an invitation from aliens to visit a moon located in a remote constellation

that might very well have been the birthplace of humanity.

Fast-forward a few years and we find the curious couple already en route to LV-233 on a daring expedition to find proof that people were created not by God but genetically engineered by sentient beings from another galaxy. It is unclear how unearthing such evidence will affect the faith of Dr. Shaw, a devout Christian who always wears a cross that was a gift from her late father (Patrick Shaw).

As the spaceship Prometheus approaches its destination, Captain Janek (Idris Elba) and his crew of sixteen are roused from a cryogenic state of hibernation by a doting, concrete blond android named David (Michael Fassbender). Upon landing, however, command

20th Century Fox, Kerry Brown

Michael Fassbender in Prometheus of the operation is assumed

by Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), a coldhearted, corporate executive employed

by Weyland Corporation whose late CEO (Guy Pearce) underwrote the trillion-dollar mission.

The trip is just a job to the jaded Vickers who is skeptical about what she refers to as “the scribbling of dirty little savages in caves.” In fact, she orders the disembarking explorers to refrain from making any direct contact with aliens.

Of course, contact with alien life forms is precisely the point of Prometheus, a high body-count, horror flick directed by three-time, Oscarnominee Ridley Scott (for Gladiator, Black Hawk Down and Thelma & Louise). At this juncture, the picture proceeds to divide its time between raising probing philosophical questions about the intersection of science, religion and ethics, and gratuitous graphic depictions of body invasion, mutation, and gruesome vivisection.

Although initially

conceived as a prequel to Alien (1979), also directed by Scott, the movie was ultimately released as a stand alone adventure. Regardless, this riveting, visually-captivating and thought-provoking scifi is well-enough executed to recommend for avid sci-fi fans, even if the heavy-handed, faithbased symbolism (“Where’s my cross?” and “After all this, you still believe!”) gets to be a bit much.

A thinly-veiled intro to the Alien franchise revising that classic’s tagline to suggest: In space, no one can hear you scream, except perhaps God. Very Good (3 Stars) Rated R for intense violence and brief profanity.

Running time: 123 minutes Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Danielle Colding: The “Design Star” interview to live there as a dancer. I was a first grade teacher for two years, taught dance in public schools, waited tables, was a Pilates instructor and, of course, rehearsed and performed. By the end of four years I was spent. I knew I needed some other way to make a living and my passion for dance wasn’t carrying me through. So, I literally went on a trip with a friend and reflected on all the things I was naturally good at and all the things that I would love to get up in the morning to do….

And interior design came from that. It is truly my passion, and I am lucky to have been on a path where I’ve been able to do what I love.

KW: What would you say characterizes your designing style?

DC: I do not have one design style. I like so much of so many different styles

By Kam Williams 36 year-old Danielle Colding is an interior designer with her own residential and commercial design firm in New York City. A former professional modern dancer, she also has a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Stanford University as well as an associate’s degree in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise on her resume.

As a self-described problem-solver, Danielle uses her open, friendly and quirky personality to connect with her clients. She characterizes her design style as global chic, classic modern and edited traditional. Here, she talks about participating as a contestant on the new season of Design Star, which airs Tuesdays at 9 PM (8 PM Central) on HGTV (House & Garden Network).

Kam Williams: Hi, Danielle, thanks for the interview.

Danielle Colding: Hi, Kam. It’s my pleasure.

KW: I noticed that you’re from Queens. What part? I’m from St. Albans.

DC: I am from Queens Village- Right off of Hillside Ave. Please tell me you know Gaby’s Pizza in Hollis!

KW: On Hillside Ave near 205th Street? I sure do!

I’m from 195th near Linden Boulevard. What interested you in appearing on Design Star?

DC: My friends convinced me to go, thinking I’d have a good chance. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t so sure.

I went to the open call just to see what happened, and it just snowballed from there.

The next step became the next step and I found myself on the show.

KW: How has the competition surprised you?

DC: The competition surprised me in that it was truly a supportive environment. I was skeptical about doing a completion show because I’m not into that kind of drama.

But this experience was the opposite, sure we had our moments but for the most part I made friends for life and we supported each other every step of the way. We felt like we were experiencing something very special together.

KW: Has your life changed since you’ve become a celebrity?

DC: A celebrity? I’m not there yet. My life has not changed tremendously other than I have a sense of confidence in my work that only this experience of making design decisions in minutes and living with them can give you.

KW: Do you ever want your anonymity back?

DC: That’s something I still wrestle with. I have just started being recognized on the streets of New York, and it’s a trip. So far, though, it’s been a lot of fun.

KW: You studied Anthropology at Stanford.

So, why did you become a professional dancer after graduating?

DC: I started dancing at the age of 6. So, it was something that was always there on the side. My mother

Danielle Colding pushed me to go an academic route but was cool about me studying something that I loved without the pressure of doing something that would land me a career. Cultural Anthropology and my minor in African and AfricanAmerican studies were simply areas of study I was drawn to.

Throughout college, I danced with a choreographer that I really loved and respected and who started a company using

HGTV

several dancers from Stanford.

I would spend weekends in San Francisco and Oakland, rehearsing and performing.

When I graduated he had a spot for me in his company, so I went for it. It was a dream come true and an incredible creative experience.

KW: How did you go from dancing to interior decorating?

DC: My years as a dancer in San Francisco were extremely taxing. I held several jobs

that I hate to claim one. My design is very intuitive and client-driven, but also there’s an eclectic approach. I like homes to feel like they reflect the people who inhabit them… that every item fits and could tell a story. That being said, I value a certain level of elegance and sophistication in all the spaces I design.

KW: Every reality series has to be edited. Do you think this one is portraying you fairly?

DC: I do. I think I am coming off the way I am in person. The tough part is that so little of what happened can be shown in a one-hour show.

That is frustrating. There are so many factors that shape our decision-making that the viewers don’t get to see. They see us making crazy decisions but don’t know the full story and the amount of pressure we are under.

KW: What’s the key to impressing the judges?

DC: Being versatile. Every week the judges define my design style based on that week’s work. I took that as a personal challenge and would try to change it up every time… Oh, you think I do cold modern? Here’s warm global.

It’s important to show you are capable of a varied body of work.

KW: Do you need to win the competition to consider your appearing on the show a success?

DC: Not at all. I consider my participation in the show a success because it has given me a level of confidence in my abilities as a designer. It also showed me that I truly enjoy the process of making a show. Being on set and the

COLDING TURN TO 7

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HEALTH Hungry for Happiness Mobile Tour visits Holy Rosary church The Arby’s Foundation’s Hungry for Happiness Mobile Tour visited Loaves and Fishes Summer Food Service dining Site at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (2424 18th Avenue South) in Minneapolis last Tuesday, June 12th. Over 200 kids came for free meals (a turkey sandwich, apple slices,

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Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Natalie Benz Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Maya Beecham Harry Colbert, Jr. Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Fred Easter S. Himie Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis 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.

yogurt, and milk), and they stayed to play the many games that were set up: hopscotch, tug of war, hoola hoops, jump rope, bean bag toss, Wii, etc.

The Arby’s Foundation gave out free sunglasses, frisbees, and water bottles, and a fun time was had by all. They also surprised Loaves and Fishes with a check for $5,000 to support the Summer Food Service Program!

According to Feeding America’s March 2011 Map the Meal Gap Study, 1 in 10 Minnesotans do not know where their next meal is coming from, and 40% of those affected are children. The Children’s Defense Fund’s recent report, “Minnesota Kids Count 2011: Economic Security and Child Well-Being,” found that the number of Minnesota children living in poverty increased by 53% from 2000 to 2009.

The Summer Food Service Program is a federal program designed to ensure that kids

Photos courtesy of Loaves and Fishes

Tug of war contest who receive free or reduced lunch through the school year also receive meals during the summer. The purpose of the program is to provide nutritious, well-balanced lunches, dinners, and snacks to children ages 18 and under. All meals follow USDA guidelines.

A nutritious diet is critical for healthy child development. A hungry child may have trouble concentrating in school and may have behavior problems.

A child with a diet high in fat and sugar is in danger of developing childhood obesity as well as behavior problems.

Providing nutritious, wellbalanced meals is a critical building block for helping vulnerable children succeed.

According to the Food Research and Action Center, six out of seven eligible kids do not obtain free summer meals. The same report shows that in the 2009-2010 school year, 245,960 Minnesotan children were enrolled in the

Liliana Velazquez plays tug of war free or reduced lunch program.

Yet only 35,485 Minnesotan children participated in a federal Summer Food Service program.

Loaves and Fishes operates ten dinner sites and three lunch sites that are part of the Summer Food Service Program. Two years ago, Loaves and Fishes learned that one of the biggest obstacles to providing Summer Food Service Programs to kids was that the program was not reimbursed for meals provided to parents accompanying their children. In order to remove barriers to participation, Loaves and Fishes also offers meals to parents accompanying their children to the Summer

Food Service Program at no cost. In 2011, this change resulted in a 40% increase in participation.

Loaves and Fishes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide nutritious meals to the hungry of the Twin Cities Metro area in an atmosphere of hospitality at site locations where the need is greatest and to develop joint ventures and partnerships with like-minded organizations to assist guests with additional basic needs key to becoming self-sufficient.

Each year, over 4,000

FOOD TURN TO 9

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Sabathani From 1 “Today we serve a multicultural population,” said Young. “We had to learn and be willing capable learners.”

According to the website, Sabathani’s mission is to provide people of all ages and cultures with essential resources that inspire them to improve their lives and build a thriving community.

As evidence of the increasing diversity, Sabathani now provides a prayer space for its Somali community on the second floor.

Clarissa Walker was highlighted as a community servant in Sabathani’s Spring newsletter in 2011. “She had a gift”, said Young. “She saw people’s needs.”

Young said with Walker’s help Sabathani began to provide basic needs such as food and clothing to members of the community. Walker, who passed away a year ago,

Colding From 5 fun of that experience was not something I was expecting.

KW: What the biggest lesson you’ve learned doing Design Star?

DC: The biggest lesson I learned was to trust my gut.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

DC: Not that I can think of.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?

DC: Not anymore. I have faced my biggest fears in life and lived to talk about it. When you get to the other side of that, fear goes out the window.

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

DC: I am happy, not in that overly-smiley way, but at a core level. It’s amazing how much pain it can take to reach happiness.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

Insight News • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Page 7 was instrumental in helping the community with tax filing. Young said Walker started a program for free tax preparation. According to Young, Walker attended to the communities needs for over 40 years.

Former Executive Director Jim Cook is another significant person in Sabathani’s history.

Young said he helped with the financial infrastructure at Sabathani. “(Cook) put Sabathani on the map,” said Young. “He also had a gift for reaching out to the supporting community.

He had a passion about Sabathani.”

Cook worked with the community center for 27 years.

Young said the Sabathani Community Center was born in the basement of the church.

The church housed a bowling alley in the basement.

To celebrate the center’s legacy, Sabathani recently

SABATHANI TURN TO 10 DC: Today. I surround myself with people who make me laugh, that deep-belly, throw your head back and get kicked out of the classroom laugh.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

DC: Shoes. I am such a cliché! But, I just can’t seem to stop myself from buying a great pair of heels.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

DC: “The Kitchen House.”

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to?

DC: “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

DC: Eggplant Parmesan KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you?

DC: Creativity, that spark of an idea.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?

DC: Do I have to pick just one? Alexander Wang, Christopher Bailey, Isabelle Marant. Sorry…. Too hard.

Anika Robbins and Judge LaJune T. Lange and I could go on and on.

KW: Dante Lee, author of “Black Business Secrets,” asks: What was the best business decision you ever made, and what was the worst?

DC: The best decision was to go into business for myself.

The worst decision was to try to handle the business of the business myself!

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

DC: My mother’s daughter.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

DC: To never have to worry about money again.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

DC: Being on the patio with my mother and brother and feeding my brother birdseed. I had everyone cracking up. That’s when the power of laughter first hit me.

KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

DC: A butterfly. Cheesy perhaps, but I’m in the metamorphosis stage and nothing sums it up better.

KW: The Pastor Alex Kendrick question: When do you feel the most content?

DC: I feel most content when surrounded by people I love… laughing, eating drinking, and being merry.

I’m constantly inspired by the people in my life.

KW: The Toure question: Who is the person who led you to become the person you are today?

DC: Unquestionably, my mother. She poured all of her hopes and dreams into me.

KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

DC: Resilience!

That ability to be knocked down but never out.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

DC: Figure out what you love to do and do that.

KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?

DC: I want to be remembered for my kindness and for being a positive force in the lives of people.

KW: Thanks again for the

time, Danielle, and best of luck on the show.

DC: Thank you! I really enjoyed this!

To see a trailer for Design

Suluki Fardan

Star, visit: h t t p : / / b l o g . h g t v. c o m / design-star/2012/06/08/sneakpeek-episode-3-3/

Page 8 • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Finding confidence and contacts at conferences and trade shows Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Anna writes, “I won a fellowship to attend a weeklong conference.

I am overwhelmed. My resume is pending critique from the career services department at school, I am waiting to find out which

companies will be at the conference so I can figure out how to woo them into hiring me, and I have finals right when I come back. I know this conference will be highly educational but I am most nervous about how to dress business casual.

I should be studying my wind power and electrical engineering knowledge, but I am more worried about finding shoes to go with the suit my sister sent me. The whole concept is foreign to me!”

Best answer, from one of my co-workers: “Dear Anna, it is normal to worry about appearances and I am happy to talk through

that dumb stuff with you, but remember that you are a beautiful and intelligent person. Allow

a couple phonies. When you do, you’ll say to yourself, Oh, that’s what she meant. “

“At a conference, people do not expect you to have all the answers.” your genuine self to shine through.

You will find great people at this conference and you will run into

At a conference, people do not expect you to have all the answers.

Go in planning to ask questions.

Get centered, get interested and if your confidence wavers, take a quick look at what other people are wearing because, I promise, they had the same quandary you had while packing.

When you meet people: wear your nametag but also state your name every time you meet someone new. Look at others’ nametags and use them. A sticky nametag goes on the right. Most right-handed people put it on their left shoulder, but not you because you know that when a person shakes your hand, his eye travels naturally up your right arm to your face. Make it easy for someone to call you by name. Simple, but it can set you apart from the crowd.

When you want to meet people: never sit alone at a meal or event. Even when empty seats

abound, you sidle right up next to someone, introduce yourself and ask them how they are enjoying the conference. This leads to pleasant conversations, good days, new contacts, and possibly new friends.

If you’re smart: don’t drink.

Even if a drink with friends is something you enjoy. After six o’clock at a weeklong conference, cold beers or cocktails will not improve your life. Attend, enjoy, but abstain. Try this the first night, and by ten o’clock or so you’ll be observing your new friends with either humor or horror and saying, Oh, that’s what she meant.

Julie Desmond is a Certified Staffing Professional.

Leave comments online or write to julie@ lakeregionstaffing.com.

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Insight News • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Page 9

LIFESTYLE

Ghana: Entrepreneurial frontier Gone to Ghana

By Cordie Aziz Columnist When I first moved to Accra last year, I must admit it was lonely.

After all, I had no friends and no family, and although English is the country’s official language, many prefer to

speak a local dialect, which left me lost in translation.

Slowly but surely though, I soon discovered the number of young entrepreneurs in Ghana was more than I ever expected.

Today, I am proud to say, that I can think of at least 20 young people (under 35 years of age) who have traded in their corporate American jobs, either willingly or unwillingly, for the tough terrain of Africa.

Why, one may ask? Because we all understand the potential returns. We also all understand that for young people in America, opportunities just

aren’t what they used to be.

According to some experts, many people between the ages of 25-35 will reach their career goals later in life. They may also never get an opportunity to buy a house and will definitely not start a family during the recommended years. It also means many people in this age group will be financially dependent on their parents for longer than they expected.

If not, the next 10 years may be pretty rough for them. That is, unless they decide to take control of their futures. Living in Ghana has truly convinced

me of the opportunities that exist in Africa for young entrepreneurs. With a booming telecommunications sector, a growing agriculture sector and a fashion market, that is breaking out globally, the opportunities for the young and creative are limitless.

If someone is able to capitalize on loans and grant funding for projects, the reward has the potential to be even higher. This does not mean it will be an easy ride though. The most successful entrepreneurs will be flexible, willing to continually adapt

Food From 6 volunteers serve over 350,000 meals to those in need in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

In 2012, Loaves and Fishes celebrates its 30th anniversary.

“Our intention should be to close our sites - lock the doors and walk way knowing that during a crunch, we stepped up to the plate and now we are no longer needed. But in all likelihood, that probably will not happen anytime soon.

So we will continue to heed the call of those in need with

Liliana Velazquez shows off her strength while her sisters look on a meal, affection, referrals to

outside organizations, and the other basic needs that we, as human beings together, are

able to share with one another.” said Barbara Mishler, Loaves and Fishes Site Coordinator.

their ideas, products and services. They will also be dedicated, willing to put in long hours and sacrifice many of the comforts they have grown used to in the Western world. But most importantly they will have to have great foresight.

They will have to understand how to adapt modern products and services to a still growing market. And, they will think outside of the box to develop solutions that not only have an impact on the market, but in the communities they serve as well.

However once all of these ingredients are successfully combined, the sky is the limit.

One year and one business in, I don’t regret one day of it.

Cordie Aziz is a former congressional staffer who relocated to Ghana in 2011 after losing her job. She is passionate about encouraging young entrepreneurs to do business in Africa and helping people actualize their dreams.

For tips and advice find her on twitter @GoneiiGhana.

Page 10 • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Insight News

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National Conference of Black Mayors challenges local leaders in US and the diaspora to become agents of change The National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) concluded its 38th Annual Convention on Sunday, June 3, wrapping up four days of dialogue and planning around policy and social issues of relevance to municipalities of color throughout the U.S. and the Diaspora. The convention served as a renewed call to action for participants, as mayors actively seek ways to advance their communities during this time of economic recovery.

Among those addressing the audience of black mayors, elected officials and corporate representatives during the Convention were two ambassadors, Hon. Ron Kirk, United States Trade Representative and Ambassador Andrew Young, Chairman of Goodworks International; Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Congressman John Lewis, and Congressman Hank Johnson; policy representatives Special Representative Reta Jo Lewis, US Department of State and Gwendolyn Keyes-Fleming Regional Administrator, EPA; civic leaders Patrick Gaspard, Executive Director, Democratic National Committee, Richard Attias, Founder, The New York Forum, John Hope Bryant, CEO/ Founder, OperationHOPE, and Karen Duckett, President, Duckett Design Group. NCBM executives announced critical partnerships with government and corporate organizations, and political leaders from all over the nation forged alliances.

The convention brought together mayoral officials from Colombia, Cote D’Ivoire,

Sabathani From 7 held an event called “We are Sabathani” which featured

Johnson addressed a room of black mayors hoping for collaboration on finding solutions within their communities.

Ambassador Andrew Young, Helen Butler and John Hope Bryant also addressed the issue, with all agreeing that, as agents of change, mayors need everyone’s assistance to solve this debilitating issue.

rollingout.com

Dr. Cornel West, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, television personality Tavis Smiley Haiti, Jamaica, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. NCBM President, Robert L. Bowser welcomed presidents of each of their corresponding mayoral organizations. .

Key figures delivered addresses and made appearances throughout the week. A number of celebrities, activists and entertainers made appearances, including Atlanta-based jazz artists Five Men on a Stool and Kathleen Bertrand, comedian Jonathan Slocumb, actress Jasmine Guy, television host Tavis Smiley, political activist Cornel West, gospel powerhouse Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, and author/ radio personality Twanda Black, to name a few.

Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta welcomed the 38th Annual Convention with a reception at Atlanta City Hall, at which Host City Mayor Kasim Reed and

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell presented NCBM Executive Director Vanessa Williams and NCBM President Bowser with a proclamation from the City of Atlanta.

“We are pleased to have received such an overwhelming response from our members, as well as other international mayoral associations, national and international political and business leaders during this Convention in the City of Atlanta,” said NCBM president Mayor Robert Bowser of East Orange, N.J. “The convention served as a resource hub for empowering our communities.

We came to this convention understanding the needs of our communities and looking for solutions to those needs. The dialogue undertaken at this convention brought the hope of promise to all involved. ” Ultimately, NCBM

convened a dynamic conference that brought together black mayors for the purpose of providing solutions for the issues that matter most in communities of color.

tours of Sabathani’s art collection. The exhibit was curated by the LaJune T. Lange International Institute and ANIKA & Friends.

The project was a

collaboration between the Council on Black Minnesotans and the Minnesota Humanities Center and was funded by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Sabathani has 40 tenants in the building. Half of the center is filled by a food shelf, Horizon Youth program and the James G. Cook’s First Access Clinic. The other half

Congressional Think Tank Congressional Leaders gathered for a Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting around the issue of “Jobs For All …

The Unemployment Crisis in America’s Cities.”

Three congressional leaders addressed the employment issue within communities of color. With unemployment nearly doubled within the African American community, collaboration between local officials and those on Capitol Hill is essential to the survival of the nations’ most vulnerable communities.

Congressman John Lewis, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. and Congressman Hank

Corporate Partnerships Convention working sessions both gave birth to and reinforced existing NCBM partnerships within the business, civic and national public sector community.

NCBM’s partnership with Comcast around our Mayors Organizing Readers for Equality (M.O.R.E.) Initiative focused on literacy in education.

Additional sessions addressed HIV/ AIDS, infrastructure sustainability, leveraging social media in city hall, the wireless spectrum crisis in underserved communities and federal roundtables with the Environmental Protection Agency, Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, Housing and Urban Development, and the Minority Business Development Agency.

A Focus on Communities of Color A number of workshops and meetings opened dialogue and discussion of solutions to many issues relevant to municipal government within African American communities, including the following:

is made up of tenant offices of non-profits and small businesses. Young said the building’s community is “a little village.”

Sabathani has been in its

• Education: NCBM unveiled a partnership with Comcast on literacy in education within African American communities.

Mayors learned about the importance of digital literacy as a gateway to future success.

• Infrastructure Sustainability: NCBM business council members John Deere and United Water joined forces to focus on the importance of building sustainable communities amidst shifting economies through the use of public and private partnerships.

Mayors learned more about resources that are available to them to provide infrastructure sustainability in their communities.

• Wireless Spectrum Crisis: Mayors learned about the wireless spectrum and its impact on job creation in local communities, as well as broadband adoption, both of which have significant implications for the economic growth of African American communities, particularly when Black unemployment is at 13% and the wealth gap between African Americans and White Americans is 20:1 (18:1 for Latinos).

2012 and Beyond The conference concluded with the 38th Annual Mayor’s Ball, where NCBM revealed both the location of its Annual World Summit of Mayors Leadership Conference in Cote D’Ivoire this year, and Atlanta as the Annual Convention host city for the next few years.

current location, 310 East 38th Street Minneapolis since 1979 when the Bryant Junior High school closed, but the center was incorporated in 1966.

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Insight News • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Page 11

FULL CIRCLE

Like father, like son Man Talk

By Timothy Houston This past Sunday, we celebrated “Fathers Day.” It is a special day of recognition for the fathers and father figures in our lives.

It also serves to highlight the importance that male influence has in the development of young men. As I think on this topic, the quote “like father, like son” comes to mind. This idiom has been around for hundreds of years and it is used when different generations of a family behave in the same way or have the same talents or defects. It is a reminder that fathers willingly or unwillingly shape the behavior of their son.

I was very fortunate to have my father in my life through out my formative years. He was a big burly man whose nickname was “Big Man.” He spoke softly, but carried a big stick.

He was street savvy and a jack of all trades. To me, he was not afraid of anybody or anything.

When he did speak, he said what he meant, and he meant what he said. The ironic thing growing up was that besides his rugged looks, I saw very little

PhotoXpress

of myself in him. He was quiet, and I talked all the time. I have very little street savvy, and I was not handy with my hands.

Although I wanted to be more like him, at that time, I lacked the confidence and the strength of character to do so.

Other men have a different

perspective on their fathers.

These men don’t want to be anything like them. They see their fathers (absent or present) as a liability. They may even go out of their way to reject any comparison to them or even limit their contact with them to as little as possible. If their

father was not a part of their life during the formative years, they often reject the offer from him to infuse himself back into their adulthood. As harsh as it may some sound, some men don’t want to be like their fathers.

Like father, like son, is not just a standard to measure our

fathers by, it is also a reminder that we must be a positive role model for our sons and the young men in our circle of influence. These men will then use this influence to model the right behavior for their sons.

To take our role as fathers and mentors seriously means to

give them our talents and not our defects. Like father, like son means to prepare the next generation to be better fathers then we were. It is no longer a question of wanting to be more like my father as it is to ensure that my son wants to be more like me.

My father passed away 13 years ago and there is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. Every day, I see more of him in me. I am now handy with my hands, and I now say what I mean and I mean what I say. I still have his rugged looks, and I am not afraid any more. I am a better man because of his example of hard work and dedication.

Because I now have a son and grandsons to model good behavior for, I pray daily that I can be the “big man” in their lives. Every one of us as men has this responsibility, and we should always strive to be a positive influence into the lives of young men. For that task, we have been empowered by our Heavenly Father with the strength of character to do so.

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

For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com or email at tim@ tlhouston.com.

Page 12 • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Insight News

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Success From 1 Along side her, a young brother and a young 20-something sister work packaging and handing orders to customers, they answer customers’ questions, and they make sure everybody gets what they ordered.

I’m going to go to Pei Wei in St. Louis Park when I get home.

I’ll take a census there.

To the right, vibrant voices chant, “What do you have? What do you have?” That’s how they greet customers at the Varsity, an old school hamburger shop.

Here, the ring leader, you could also call her the lead cashier, presides over a chorus of order takers, each with her own cash register. The four women call out their orders to tenor and basso responses from the fry cook chefs in back. Between the two lines…the order takers and the cooks, executioners keep everything flowing. Long lines shrink quickly as customers walk away with arms full of Varsity box dinners.

If perchance the lines dissipate completely, their quasi melodic refrain wafts airborne,

Afro From 1 dada por el Señor Presidente de la República, Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal (oct.

2010) a la solicitud elevada por la Coordinadora Nacional de Organizaciones Negras Panameñas para la creación de la instancia mencionada y antes descrita, reiteramos dicha solicitud y sostenemos los propósitos que en ella se expresan.

Y es que a pesar de que algunas instancias

Maynard Jackson International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

gepdmn.com

as if in search of the undecided hungry. Heads turn. A smile greets. “What do you have?

What do you have? This line, no waiting.”

At the Varsity, all the workers are Black.

Next door, el Taco’s workforce is as diverse as Pei Wei’s. One guy who looks to be chino-latino, is managing

colleagues who are Black. The operative idea here is: out of four workers, three are Black.

Similarly, the neighboring shop,

gubernamentales han mostrado mayor interés, este año, por resaltar la conmemoración del Mes de la Etnia Negra, lo cual alentamos a que se continúe haciendo, todavía falta mucho por hacer para cambiar las dramáticas condiciones en que vive parte importante de la población afrodescendiente del país. Una de ellas, cardinal por lo demás, es el destacado en el XI Censo de Población y VII de Vivienda (mayo 2010). Éste, aunque malogrado, arrojó que el 53.9% de la población afrodescendiente de 5 a 39 años de edad no asiste

a la escuela. Seguramente que en un ejercicio mucho más serio que aquel que llevó a cabo el Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censo (INEC) de la Contraloría General de la República “descubriríamos” que ese valor es mucho más alto.

African descendants in Panama. Both public and private institutions, organized National Black Ethnicity Month, offering the possibility to all and sundry to participate in forums, roundtable discussions, film discussions, workshops, artistic and cultural festivals, parades, religious celebrations. But the greatest of all the celebrations was for the “ Panama Day of the Braids,” observed this year on the 21st of May, and instituted from now on in the calendar of national days for the third Monday of the fifth month of each year.

Nationally and internationally that observation will reflect the Panamanian society is “braided” with Africanity that has survived it.

We were writing a most beautiful page exhibiting our leadership in the century of nation’s existence.

Undoubtedly a breakthrough in terms of increased recognition of multiculturalism in the country, materializing in the form of extraordinary visibility of Afro-Panamanians, Afrodescendants of the country challenges and strategic

African descendants define multiculturalism of Panama May 2012 marked a milestone in Panama’s national history.

As never before, the whole nation has turned its gaze to recognize and highlight the many contributions material, cultural and spiritual of

The Pecan Bistro, is presenting with a Black manager and cashier, and an Asian cook.

What’s the headline here?

Ambassador Young said “We put this $2 billion deal together guaranteeing the developer they would cover all construction and development costs and earn a guaranteed 10% profit.

They had to agree that 60% of the workforce, and 60% of subcontracts would go to Black owned-businesses.”

Ambassador Young said some of the corporate leaders balked at the idea of handing over 60% of the business and workforce to Blacks. But, he said, they came on board when they were reminded that 40% of $2 billion is still a whole lot of money.

And so what does it mean for Twin Cities? Black businesses, Black legacy institutions, and Black business and job developers must collaborate in a mission to grow the city and region with our businesses and capabilities as the driving force.

We must set a new direction for public policy and public spending that ensures contracts and jobs for our communities, as the gateway to the region’s development and fulfillment.

goals to be achieved between still await us: namely, the establishment, by law, of the National Secretariat for the Development of AfroPanamanians (SENADAP) as a public entity, with authority and budgetary independence necessary to ensure compliance with Government Policy for Full Inclusion of the Panama Black Ethnicity, and coordinate all matters relating to the implementation of relevant National Plan (2007).

With all the lack of

AFRO TURN TO 13

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Insight News • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Page 13

Banker warns churches: Change the way you do business

By Hazel Trice Edney WASHINGTON (TriceEdneyWire.com) - The head of a national Black bankers organization is warning that growing foreclosures upon churches across America indicate that houses of worship must quickly change the way they do business or possibly face a national crisis.

“A trend in church foreclosures is causing national leaders representing AfricanAmerican communities all over America to focus their attention on potential solutions to avert an impending crisis,” writes Michael Grant, president of the National Bankers Association in a three-page report, released exclusively to the Trice Edney News Wire. “With the advent of the mega-church as a phenomenon, church leaders are being forced to rethink their growth strategies.”

At least 138 church properties were sold by banks last year and about 270 around the nation since 2010, according to CoStar, a Washington, D.C.based real estate information company. Ninety percent of the sales reportedly result from foreclosure.

On March 6, Reuters reported, “Banks are foreclosing on America’s churches in record numbers as lenders increasingly lose patience with religious facilities that have defaulted on their mortgages, according to new data...The surge in church foreclosures represents a new wave of distressed property seizures triggered by the 2008 financial crash, analysts say, with many banks no longer willing to grant struggling religious organizations forbearance.”

According to Grant, whose organization has a membership

Concert From 1 The internationally acclaimed and Minnesota native gospel singer Robert Robinson will hold a special concert on behalf of the American Cancer Society, and all those fighting this disease. All proceeds will go directly to help the Society continue to provide programs and services in the community to help people to stay well, get

Afro From 12 political will of government to seriously address the structural problems that particularly affect the AfroPanamanian population, an absence that is evident with bland formal response given by the President of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal (Oct. 2010) to the request submitted by the National Black Panamanian Organizations to create the institution mentioned and described above, we reiterate that request and uphold the purposes therein expressed.

Although some in

Michael Grant, president, National Bankers Association of 37 banks, he sees no major disparity between the numbers of foreclosures upon Black and White congregations. However, he writes, “A preliminary analysis of many AfricanAmerican churches that pursued aggressive expansion strategies has yielded a few interesting and common patterns.”

He ticks off the patterns as follows: *Expansion efforts were not usually directed by financial plans constructed by individuals who had the expertise to give church leaders sound financial advice. *Many financial decisions by those who oversee aggressive expansion strategies were not rooted in frugal planning or monitored by systems of accountability. *Record-keeping is often not

well, find cures and fight back against cancer.

The concert will be held at the Brooklyn Center High School Auditorium, 6500 Humboldt Ave. N., in Brooklyn Center on June 28, 2012, 7pm – 8:15pm. The opening act will feature Mount Olivet Baptist Gospel Choir at 6:30pm. General admission tickets – $25.00, VIP meet and greet tickets w/ Robert Robinson following concert – $45.00. Refreshments will be served following the concert.

government this year have shown greater interest to highlight the commemoration of Black Ethnic Month, which encourages you to continue, there is still much to be done to change the dramatic conditions in which lives part of the population of African descent in the country. The Eleventh Census of Population and Housing VII (May 2010) highlight one of the conditions. This report found that 53.9% of the Black population of 5 to 39 years of age not attending school.

Research conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) of the Comptroller General of the Republic “discover” that this percentage is much higher.

dictated by accepted accounting practices. *Lending institutions are oftentimes not contacted early enough to avail the church of bank assistance in the forms of loan modifications or forbearance. *Many church leaders mistakenly believe that bank assistance is available after foreclosure procedures have begun. In reality, by the time the church is being foreclosed on, the bank has exhausted all of the remedies at its disposal.

Grant concludes that though many church decisions are made based on faith and visionary leadership, “The church must be thought of as a business.”

He states, “Just as the hospital exists to promote physical health and wellness, it is nonetheless a business. The church’s business

is to promote spiritual health and well-being. It is also a business. If sound business principles are not adhered to, the church jeopardizes its ability to provide a valuable benefit to its congregants.”

Church leaders across the nation are being impacted by the economic crisis, not only causing a shortage in the collection plate, but the decreased ability to help parishioners in financial trouble and difficulty paying its own bills, including staff salaries and mortgages. Though small and middle-sized congregations are seeing more foreclosures, even mega-churches have not been exempt from drastic measures.

Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of the 30,000-member Potter’s House in Dallas, said he was forced to make major cuts three years ago in order to avoid doom.

“Membership has gone up.

Income has gone down. We’ve laid off about 40 people from our staff. We’ve had to make some hard choices. We’ve had to curtail some of the services that we’ve normally had to provide to the community because our resources are hard hit. I’m getting calls from pastors all over the country who are downsizing, cutting back on services, cutting back on office hours because they are being adversely affected by this also,” he said in an interview with this reporter.

Currently, church organizational leaders are exploring new ways to operate financially as they await improvement in the economy.

The Rev. Dr. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC), says understanding more about banking, how it works and specifically how Black banks

can help abate financial crisis in churches is on his agenda. He agrees that the Black church, as an institution, does not fully understand how best to relate to banks.

“I don’t think we actually do. I also don’t think we take advantage of what our collective deposits could demand on Monday mornings after Sunday,” said Richardson after holding a session on economics and the Black community during a CNBC meeting late last month. “So, we’re looking at especially given the electronics today, if we were able to bring our Sunday morning deposits together electronically and leverage them in the market, how that could change or have impact on how we can get banking services in our communities. That’s what we’re talking about now.”

Bishop Eugene Ward, Pastor of Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio is also board member of CNBC, which comprises nine denominations and an estimated reach of over 10 million parishioners across the U. S. He says church officials are sometimes actually leery of Black banks.

“I really believe that in most cases we find ourselves being careful when it comes to Black institutions. And we migrate more to Caucasian institutions because of our ignorance and our lack of trust for those who are in Black banking,” Ward says. “The dry answer and a very good example for us is that many of us look to them to favor us and we abuse them rather than cooperate with them to do the same things that we would do with Caucasian institutions.”

Ward adds that church leaders have a skewed view of banks in general.

“We really only want banks for money, but a lot of us right now can’t really afford to pay back,” he said. “And because of banking practices, now Caucasian agencies have turned to where they are really not operating to lend money to Black churches any more, now we’re finding ourselves in really dire straits because we don’t have anyone to turn to.

Had we started to invest with the credit unions and the Black institutions, I feel that we would be in much better shape.”

Grant outlines 12 basic facts that church leaders need to know about banks. Among them are the following: *Churches that seek their bank’s help or assistance as soon as a problem with making payments arises stand a far greater chance of avoiding foreclosure. *Loans to churches are classified as commercial (or business) loans. *Proportionately and historically, African-American banks make and have made the largest percentage of all loans to Black churches. *Loans are the primary sources of revenue for banks. *Foreclosures could cause banks to diminish their loan loss reserves and negatively impact the community and real estate values.

Ultimately, Grant writes that churches must become more like businesses as they seek to survive in the current economic climate: “Identifying qualified financial counselors and utilizing certified accountants is no longer a luxury. If the church is to survive to continue its work, it must have an organization structure that resembles the modern corporation.”

Page 14 • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Insight News

insightnews.com

COMMUNITY West Broadway businesses owe it to the neighborhood to keep corridor litter-free

By Jeff Skrenes At Saturday’s Spring GreenUp event on West Broadway, I won the prize for the most metaphysical piece of litter picked up along the corridor.

(It was a prize I made up on the spot and arbitrarily awarded myself, but I earned it.) A broom was laying in the middle of the street along Broadway and Washington. So I used it to sweep up garbage AND knock down sign spam before putting it on a corner to be picked up later. Using litter to pick up litter and take down litter...my mind is collapsing in on itself!

Before that happens though, a few observations are in order. For instance, look at who sponsored the event: Out of the sponsors here,

Jeff Skrenes

Calendar • Classifieds Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, natalie@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Natalie Benz. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events Minneapolis Community Summer Events The City of Minneapolis invites and encourages participation by every resident to each program, service and event within the city. For more info and Mpls Events calendar, visit: http://www.minneapolismn. gov/ncr/calendar/index. htm. For American Indian Month Community Events Calendar visit: http://tinyurl. com/7vqme9p.

Wanting to build your summer paddling, mountain biking and trail running skills? May–June Join the City of Lakes TriClub!

Using Minneapolis’ chain of lakes and one-of-akind trail network in Theodore Wirth Park, participants will learn from expert instructors the many ways to have fun during a Minneapolis summer.

Stay active and expand your recreational horizons. Club meets Wed. 5/23-6/20, 6–8pm. http://www.loppet.org/adultprogramming/loppet-tri-club/ Bike Fest June 9–21 Get your bike tuned up for the summer. Venture North bike mechanics will be on hand to make minor repairs and adjustments. Learn how to fix a flat, enter to win a new bike, enjoy food and fun with neighbors young and old, and ride through the safety course (for kids ages 6-12). For more information, call 612.377.3029 It’s the BIG FIVE for Live on the Drive!

June 14, July 12, Aug 9 Celebrate by packing a picnic, bringing your family and inviting your friends to the fabulous fifth anniversary summer concerts on June 14, July 12 and Aug 9. The free concerts are held from 6 to 8pm on Victory Memorial Drive at 34th Avenue North

in Minneapolis. For further information, call 612588-1155 or see www. clevelandneighborhood.org West Broadway Farmers Market Announces Second Season June 15 –Oct. 19 Northside grown mushrooms, veggies, fruits, sweet bread, quality art, and more. Music, cooking demonstrations (with free samples), physical activities and classes, art activities, health services (i.e. blood pressure checks), and more will take place weekly. New location at the Hawthorne Crossings parking lot, 900 West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis, near the intersection of Bryant and West Broadway. Market hours are Fridays from 3pm to 7pm.

All who walk or bike to the market can enter to win a $25 voucher for market goods.

For updates and to sign up for the weekly email newsletter visit www.westbroadway.org or for any questions contact Alicia at 612.353.5178 or at marketmanager@ westbroadway.org Progressive Summer Youth Program 2012 June 18–Aug. 24 Youth, grades K–6 will experience pony rides, water parks, challenge their reading skills, learn about different cultures and learn the Word of God. Cost: $130/week; includes program t-shirt, breakfast and lunch and all activity fees. There is a $35.00 registration deposit. Childcare Assistance is accepted.

7:30am–5:30pm, June 18– Aug. 24. Contact Rev. Areda Stewart 651.774.5503. Space is limited and Registration closes June 15th.

Featured Storyteller, Dr. Chang’aa Mweti, at Eidem Homestead June 19 Dr. Mweti is an inspiring storyteller, originally from Kenya and currently an assistant professor of education at the University of Minnesota in Duluth.

Admission is free. June 19 10am at Eidem Homestead, a turn of the century potato farm located at 5600 85th Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, MN 55443. For more info call Farm Phone at 763.493.4604 or email susan. gower@brooklynpark.org

Provider Enrollment Analyst Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS) is a Madison, Wisconsin-based health insurance and benefit administration company serving federal, state, and commercial clients. With more than 65 years in business, we emphasize uncompromising business ethics and innovative solutions to today’s health care environment. A not-for-profit insurer, our mission is to provide service and value considered by our customers to be the very best.

We currently have openings in our Bloomington, MN office for Provider Enrollment Analysts who will properly interpret and apply CMS instructions for enrolling healthcare providers in the Medicare program. Manages workload consisting of healthcare provider enrollment applications and related correspondence and telephone calls.

Position Requires: • Ability to evaluate, validate, and make appropriate determinations on enrollment applications.

• Ability to identify, research, and resolve discrepancies in Medicare provider enrollment information.

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• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to compose letters.

• One year of claims processing or equivalent experience is preferred.

WPS offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, tuition reimbursement, and business casual dress everyday. Visit our website to apply on-line at www.wpsic.com.

Equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

only a handful participated: Hennepin County, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO), and Merwin’s, who hosted a barbeque. Most likely the food was donated by Cub as well. And while the food and fun part of the day was great - a clown, a caricature artist, and an inflatable play area for kids - the clean-up project was sparsely attended.

I went over to the freeway exits and picked up several bags of trash there. While I’m glad that Taco Bell and other fast food joints pitched in some money for Saturday’s event, most of the litter came from fried food shacks and liquor stores. Taco Bell and Wendy’s actually did a pretty good job keeping their area clean, even parts of the freeway exit that aren’t technically their

Phone: 612.588.1313

young adults in finding work in this tough economy.

Parents of teens, community organizations, and teens and young adults encouraged to attend. Tue., June 19, 6-7:30pm at Brooklyn Park City Hall 5200-85th Ave N Brooklyn Park, MN 55443.

For questions contact Kendra Kuhlmann KuhlmannK@ district279.org or Samantha Brown Samantha.brown@ brooklynpark.org Be Book Smart with Reading is Fundamental June 22 –July 11 largest annual fundraising campaign held at Macy’s stores nationwide. The funds raised will benefit your community’s local RIF programs and provide books and reading resources to the children who need them most. Macy’s customers may join the effort by giving $3 to help provide a book for a child and receive $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. Macy’s will donate 100% of your $3 to RIF to help reach our goal of giving 1 million books to kids this summer.

Guthrie’s Midsummer Mischief Dance Party June 23 The public (ages 18+) are invited to dress creatively and enjoy an evening of music and enchantment at this red carpet event Sat. June 23, 9pm –1am.

Tickets to the Midsummer Mischief Dance Party are $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and are on sale through the Guthrie Theater Box Office at 612.377.2224 or at www. guthrietheater.org/costumeball In addition to the dance party, there will be a cocktail party with live music, a silent auction and photo booth from 5-7p.m. and a choice of three unique dining options. Dinner tickets start at $250 and include the dance party. For more information on dinners call 612.225.6151.

Khalid Al-Amin Basketball Summer Camp 2012 June 25–29 Co-Ed grades 4 – 8 at North Community High School 1500 James Ave N. Mpls. Details and to register visit www.elaminbasketball.com

Dip Your Toes or Dive In to Music This Summer at Camden Music School June 25–July 19, 23–Aug. 16 Youth Employment July Forum June 19 Dip or dive in to Musikgarten Open forum to discuss classes for ages birth to 8, how the residents of individual, team and group and vocal Brooklyn Park can instrumental work with teens and lessons for ages 8 and up and a great variety Looking for Christian Roommates? of ensembles for ages 5 and up – North & South Minneapolis * $400/month + utilities urbanhomeworks.org/housing/urban-neighbors including our new 612-910-6054 / un@urbanhomeworks.org bluegrass class

property. The grassy area by the 4th Street Saloon was another story entirely. It was (ahem, and pun apologies in advance) LITTERALLY covered in garbage. That trash was unfortunately nondescript, without a way to identify which greasy take-out hole it came from. Given the proximity, I’d hazard a guess that much of the garbage emigrated from the nearby Wings N Things.

And this is what bothered me about the litter pickup aspect of the day. Litter on Broadway is kind of like the old saying about the weather, in that everybody talks about it but nobody does anything.

And really, if it’s a problem we all acknowledge then why isn’t somebody doing something about it? And by somebody, I mean somebody

Fax: 612.588.2031

and rock ‘n roll and movie music for strings. Registration is now. Summer scholarship applications are due by 5pm Monday, June 18.

Check out the CMS website for all your great options, www. camdenmusicschool.com, or call 612-618-0219.

Documentary Film ‘Music From The Big House’ Opens June 27 Blues concert documentary feature ‘Music From The Big House’ begins its run on Wed., June 27 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre with a live performance from Rita Chiarelli. Show time is 7pm.

St. Anthony Main Theatre S.E. 115 Main Street Minneapolis, MN 55414 www.mnfilmarts. org 612.331.4723 Regular/$12 Members/$8.50. Contact Jeff Hollingsworth 213.308.0200 jeff@rmhmedia.net for more info.

‘State of Sabathani’ Address to be Delivered at Upcoming Annual Meeting June 27 Executive Director Clyde Turner will present an overview of Sabathani programs and their impact on our community.

Public is invited to the annual meeting Wednesday, June 27, at Sabathani, 310 E. 38th St., Minneapolis. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:45pm and end at 7pm. The event is free with light refreshments.

Kicking off the meeting will be a viewing of Sabathani’s new Cultural Preservation History Exhibit We Are Sabathani beginning at 5:15pm. For more information about the annual meeting, call 612.821.2316.

Robert Robinson concert to benefit American Cancer Society Relay For Life June 28 Internationally acclaimed and Minnesota native gospel singer Robert Robinson will hold a special concert on behalf of the American Cancer Society, and all those fighting this disease. All proceeds will go directly to help the Society continue to provide programs and services in the community.

June 28, 7pm–8:15pm (Mount Olivet Baptist Gospel Choir as opening act at 6:30pm) at Brooklyn Center High School Auditorium. 6500 Humboldt Ave. N., Brooklyn Center.

Admission Tickets $25, VIP Meet and Greet tickets w/ Robert Robinson following concert $45.

Minnesota’s African American groundbreakers at Minnesota Humanities Center June 28 The Minnesota Humanities Center will hold the second in its “Lunch and Learn” series, on June 28. “Firsts: Minnesota’s African American

Greater Lake Country Food Bank ‘We Appreciate Our Customers!’ Customer Appreciation Day June 29 The Greater Lake Country Food Bank honors the late Hy Rosen by thanking the community.The food bank collaborates with communities and businesses to alleviate hunger in Minneapolis. Fri., June 29, 11am – 6pm Every customer who comes in to the Greater Lake Country Food Bank will receive One (1) FREE hot dog, bag of chips and a drink. Greater Lake Country Food Bank 554 8th Avenue North (Behind the MTC Bus Garage) Minneapolis, MN 55411 612.340.9694.

Singer/Songwriter Alex Cartwright announces CD release tour June 3 –July 9 Sat. June 30, Ginkgo Coffeehouse 7pm at 721 North Snelling Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104. Sunday July 8, The Fine Line Music Cafe 7pm at 318 North 1st Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55401. Mon. July 9, Station-4 8:30pm at 201 E. 4th St. St. Paul, MN 55101. The full schedule is available at www. alexcartwright.net/tour.html Mpls Urban League’s Family Day parade/festival application deadline July 2 Minneapolis Urban League is holding their annual Family Day Parade and Festival Sat., Aug. 25. Parade lineup at 10:30am and parade starts at noon. To participate in the parade call the parade committee 612.302.3117 or 612.859.6414.

Application deadline no later than Mon., July 2. Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls, MN 55411.

Jamm’n with Jesus with Evangelist, Nell Witherspoon July 7 Deacon “Cornbread” Harris, Deacon Duane Witherspoon, Hands for Christ-Kim & Jamie Riley, Rev. Harvey Witherspoon, Pianist Yolanda Williams. Sat., July 7, 6pm at Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 2544 Highway 100 South (West Frontage Road) St Louis Park MN 55416. Free will offering and n o n -

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

WEATHERIZATION MECHANICAL-RELATED SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

WEATHERIZATION/INSULATION SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404 will receive proposals on an established price process to contract for United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) and United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) Low Income Weatherization Electrical-Services, as funded by the DOE and the HHS for the purposes set forth in the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6861 to 6873, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 8621 to 8629, as administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and as delivered by Community Action of Minneapolis.

Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404 will receive proposals on a competitive bid process to contract for United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) and United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) Low Income Weatherization Mechanical-Services, as funded by the DOE and the HHS for the purposes set forth in the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6861 to 6873, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 8621 to 8629, as administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and as delivered by Community Action of Minneapolis.

Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404 will receive proposals on a competitive bid process to contract for United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) and United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) Low Income Weatherization/Insulation Services, as funded by the DOE and the HHS for the purposes set forth in the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6861 to 6873, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 8621 to 8629, as administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and as delivered by Community Action of Minneapolis.

Each applicant’s qualifications and all contracted services provided by or under the applicant must fully comply with all applicable federal and Minnesota weatherization assistance and financial assistance program requirements and regulations. Only applicants currently licensed by the Minnesota State Board of Electricity as an Electrical Contractor and who meet the other requirements set forth in the Request for Proposal dated May 29, 2012 (the “RFP”), as issued by Community Action of Minneapolis, may respond to the RFP.

Each applicant’s qualifications and all contracted services provided by or under the applicant must fully comply with all applicable federal and Minnesota weatherization assistance and financial assistance program requirements and regulations. Only applicants currently licensed by the City of Minneapolis (MN), Business Licenses and Consumer Services Division as a Mechanical/Heating Contractor and who meet the other requirements set forth in the Request for Proposal dated May 29, 2012 (the “RFP”), as issued by Community Action of Minneapolis, may respond to the RFP.

Each applicant’s qualifications and all contracted services provided by or under the applicant must fully comply with all applicable federal and Minnesota weatherization assistance and financial assistance program requirements and regulations. Only applicants currently licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as a Residential Building Contractor or Residential Remodeler, and who meet the other requirements set forth in the Request for Proposal dated May 29, 2012 (the “RFP”), as issued by Community Action of Minneapolis, may respond to the RFP.

The complete RFP, including background information, instructions, description and scope of services, minimum specifications, timeframe, competitive bid item listing, and evaluation criteria, is available beginning at 9:00 a.m. CDT on May 29, 2012 and continuing until 4:30 p.m.

CDT on Friday, June 29, 2012. A copy of the complete RFP may be obtained by contacting: Lyssa Westling, Fiscal Manager, Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, 612-348-8858 (main), 612-767-1703 (direct), 612-348-9384 (fax), or lwestling@campls.org (email). Proposals will be received until 4:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, and will be opened at 8:30 a.m. CDT on Monday, July 2, 2012. It is anticipated that a selection of the pool of successful RFP proposers will be made on or about July 31, 2012.

The complete RFP, including background information, instructions, description and scope of services, minimum specifications, timeframe, competitive bid item listing, and evaluation criteria, is available beginning at 9:00 a.m. CDT on May 29, 2012 and continuing until 4:30 p.m.

CDT on Friday, June 29, 2012. A copy of the complete RFP may be obtained by contacting: Lyssa Westling, Fiscal Manager, Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, 612-348-8858 (main), 612-767-1703 (direct), 612-348-9384 (fax), or lwestling@campls.org (email). Proposals will be received until 4:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, and will be opened at 8:30 a.m. CDT on Monday, July 2, 2012. It is anticipated that a selection of the pool of successful RFP proposers will be made on or about July 31, 2012.

The complete RFP, including background information, instructions, description and scope of services, minimum specifications, timeframe, established price item listing, and evaluation criteria, is available beginning at 9:00 a.m. CDT on May 29, 2012 and continuing until 4:30 p.m.

CDT on Friday, June 29, 2012. A copy of the complete RFP may be obtained by contacting: Lyssa Westling, Fiscal Manager, Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, 612-348-8858 (main), 612-767-1703 (direct), 612-348-9384 (fax), or lwestling@campls.org (email). Proposals will be received until 4:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Community Action of Minneapolis, 505 East Grant Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55404, and will be opened at 8:30 a.m. CDT on Monday, July 2, 2012. It is anticipated that a selection of the pool of successful RFP proposers will be made on or about July 31, 2012.

Email: natalie@insightnews.com

Groundbreakers” will feature former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sales Belton and award winning author Alexs Pate.

The “Lunch and Learn” event will be held at the Minnesota Humanities Center on June 28, 2012 and is open to the public. 987 Ivy Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106-2046 651.774.0105 www.mnhum. org Cost is $15 and includes lunch. Reservations can be made at www.mnhum.org/lal.

WEATHERIZATION ELECTRICAL-RELATED SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ELSE. Now I don’t mean to shirk responsibility here. What I do mean is that a lot of the garbage I picked up was from places like Taco Bell and McDonald’s. Those places, and others, profited when the garbage was generated.

They benefit from being on a commercial corridor that is the heart of our community, and they’ll benefit even more from a cleaner, prettier West Broadway. So why didn’t we see a crew of people in their work uniforms coming out to pick up trash? This should happen not just at the Metalitter found on Broadwaygrand shindigs, but on a regular basis. Just like concerned neighbors pick up garbage on their street, we should expect the same from our businesses.

perishable food items for STEP (St Louis Park Emergency Program). For more info contact: Rev. Eleanor Hunsberger 952.545.6581.

Freedom Schools for summer July 16– Aug. 24 Free 6 week Freedom Schools summer program for children currently in k-5th grades living in the Promise Neighborhood.

Registration packets available at the Rondo Community Education offices (red doors) or at listed locations. Classes Mon –Fri. 8am –3:00pm (with free extended care available until 5:00 p.m.) Free transportation for 8am start and 5pm end times from Promise Neighborhood locations. For more info contact zong.vang@ spps.org Camp Komoni\wannarock at Camden Music School July 23 – 26, July 30 – August 2 Students divided into rock ‘n roll bands and perform an entire music set on stage on the last day of camp. Campers learn how to establish a groove, how to solo, how to practice and play as a group, and more. grades 5 – 8, or by special arrangement at Marcy Open School, 415 4th Ave. SE, Minneapolis Tuition: $350. Scholarships available.

To register or for more information: 612-618-0219 or www.camdenmusicschool. com.

Change Your Pace and help the Joy Project fight eating disorders Oct. 6 Unique ( leisurely/at your own pace) 5k walk to help broaden and deepen the impact of the Joy Project and actively raising money to fight eating disorders. Dress as your own challenge to the breakneck pace and unrealistic standards set by the media and societal pressure or come as you are, costumes are entirely optional.

Registration closes Thur., Oct. 4 2012 at 11:59pm. Event takes place on Sat., Oct.6, 2012 at 10am, Lake Como 1330 N Lexington Parkway St. Paul. Visit joyproject. org for more info or for registration and event details visit: http://www.active.com/ fitness/st-paul-mn/changeyour-pace-5k-to-fight-eatingdisorders-2012.

PCLG Parent Support Group – Ongoing 2nd Mon. of each month Parent-led support group where parents can share the challenges of parenting a child with mental health concerns.

Open to any parent or caregiver of a child with mental health concerns residing in or receiving services in Hennepin County. 6:30pm–8pm, 2nd Monday of each month at Sabes Jewish Community Center 4330 South Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN. Contact 612.825.9615 hcpclg@ yahoo.com or visit website at www.hccmhc.com Free Classes for Adults – Ongoing The Minnesota Literacy Council, a non-profit organization, has free classes for adults at our Lake Street Learning Center at 2700 East Lake Street, 2nd floor, above

COMMUNITY 15 TURN TO

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Page 15

Suluki Fardan

Artist Cameron Gainer and Minne in the background

Minne statue surfaces in Wirth Lake residents and visitors. Children and grown-ups alike wonder in seeing her for the first time, and she continues to captivate even after many sightings,” said Mary deLaittre, President of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation.

“Public art is like the modern day campfire.

Community members naturally gather around intriguing, approachable pieces like Minne.”

This is the first time that Minne has cruised Wirth Lake, a popular swimming, fishing and canoeing destination at the heart of Theodore Wirth Park, which straddles Minneapolis and Golden Valley and draws visitors from throughout the region.

Gainer, who moved to the

By Ivan B. Phifer Staff Writer Minne, maybe the Twin Cities’ most lovable, seasonal work of public art has reappeared in Minneapolis.

Minne is a 13-foot fiberglass

Community From 14 Denny’s. For classes and more info, visit: http://www. mnliteracy.org/ Foster Care Programs – Ongoing Volunteers of AmericaMinnesota is looking for parents to provide care for youth in one of our two foster care programs.

We have kids of all ages in need of a stable home with dedicated parents who appreciate the

sculpture created by Minneapolis artist Cameron Gainer, who was inspired by the infamous 1934 “Surgeon’s Photo” of the Loch Ness Monster.

Minne first made a splash in 2009 when she mysteriously appeared in Lake Harriet. In subsequent summers, she visited a number of the city’s

lakes, including Powderhorn Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Hiawatha, and Brownie Lake.

Prior to her 2009 adoption and naming by the Parks Foundation, Minne also made appearances in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Tampa, Fla. “Minne has truly captured the imagination of Minneapolis

difficulties of childhood!

Volunteers of America provides foster parents with friendly training, 24 hour support and a monthly stipend. Stop by an information meeting and learn more about making a difference in the life of a child! Meetings are held Fridays from 10:0011:30 and the fourth Monday of every month from 6:00-7:30.

Sessions are held at the VOA office: 7625 Metro Blvd, Mpls, MN 55439 Contact Heather Thornton at 952-945-4064 for more information, or to RSVP. Also, visit us online at www. voafostercare.org

North High School Computer Labs Open to the Public - Tue.’s Adults and students may check email, search the internet, search job websites, compose documents on Microsoft Word or Excel and even contact their child’s teachers or access their student’s grades through the Parent Portal. No appointments are needed. The North High computer lab will be open Tue.’s from 6–8pm thru Apr. 17. 1500 James Ave. N. Mpls, MN.

area five years ago, said through his sculpture, he is able to bring people together.

“It (Minne) surprises people and encourages them to go to places they have never been,” he said. “The idea is moving around the lake system. In partnership with the Parks Foundation, (Minne) also helps celebrate the parks in Minneapolis.”

The piece is made of fiber glass, aluminum and is hand carved.

“The title when I first made (Minne) was underscore, left score, and bracket ( _[ ). These are key strokes on the keyboard; one is a low line hash mark, then the left square bracket. When you type them together, it makes the shape of the sculpture,” said

Gainer.

The sculpture also serves as a healing process for the area. According to deLaittre, the choice of Wirth Lake highlights the fact this area has gone through change and is on the rebound since last year’s tornado. The sculpture is situated directly in line with the path of the devastating tornado.

A first in 2012: Minne will moor in a single lake for the entire season. In previous years, Minne has visited two or more Minneapolis lakes (there are 16 total).

Minne will sail Wirth Lake exclusively through September – a first both in terms of location and duration of stay.

Many Faces. One Territory.

Twins Territory. A place where players, fans, vendors and even Mother Nature come together as one. A place to celebrate home runs.

To cheer for your home team. And a place to embrace all that makes us different. Join us each day as we celebrate our community and we celebrate diversity in Twins Territory.

Page 16 • June 18 - June 24, 2012 • Insight News

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