Insight News ::: 06.20.16

JUNE IS BLACK MUSIC MONTH Photo: Warners Brothers

Insight News June 20 - June 26, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 25 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Andrea Jenkins Honored at White House: Thinking about Orlando

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Like most of us Andrea Jenkins is still trying to wrap her mind around the events that transpired this past week in Orlando.

Unlike most of us, Jenkins is on the front lines confronting issues of access, acceptance and safety for LGBT individuals. It is that front line work that garnered Jenkins – an author, poet and oral historian – a trip earlier this month to the White House. It is also that work that has Jenkins keenly aware of the dangers of being an openly out transgender woman.

“This year there have been 13 trans women of color murdered in the U.S.,” said Jenkins. “And we don’t even know about (the number in) Orlando yet.”

The Orlando Jenkins is

referring to is the one that saw 49 people killed and 53 injured – many of them people of color – in a Sunday (June 12) morning massacre at a gay nightclub.

According to Jenkins, within the past year and a half members of the LGBT community have experienced tremendous backlash for their advancements.

The transgender community in particular has been the focus of media attention with the very public transformation of reality television personality and former Olympic hero, Caitlyn Jenner.

Jenkins completed her transformation nearly 22 years ago and within that time she said she has seen positive change in laws and attitudes towards LGBT individuals. At the same time the activist who has appeared on MSNBC and who has been featured in the Huffington Post

The official invitation Andrea Jenkins received from the White House inviting her to be a part of President Obama’s celebration of LGBT Pride Month.

PRIDE TURN TO 9

Cuba-bound WASHINGTON – Now boarding, Minneapolis/St. Paul to … Cuba.

As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to normalize relations with Cuba, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved six domestic airlines to begin scheduled flights to Cuba and Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) is one of five airports offering direct flights along with Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago and Philadelphia. Travel is expected to begin as early as this fall.

“Last year, President

Obama announced that it was time to ‘begin a new journey’ with the Cuban people,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Today, we are delivering on his promise by relaunching scheduled air service to Cuba after more than half a century.”

On Feb. 16, Secretary Foxx and Department of State Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin signed a non-legally-binding arrangement to re-establish scheduled air service between the two countries. At the time of

Photos courtesy of Andrea Jenkins

Transgender author, poet and oral historian Andrea Jenkins (right) and her partner, Mire Regulus at the White House during a reception to recognize LGBT Pride Month.

Sun County will connect Twin Cities, Cuba

the signing, the administration announced that scheduled service would begin later in 2016.

The carriers receiving the awards are Twin Cities based Sun Country Airlines, along with American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Silver Airways and Southwest Airlines.

The nine Cuban cities passengers can fly to are Camagüey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Holguín, Manzanillo, Matanzas, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.

Under the new arrangement,

each country has the opportunity to operate up to 10 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and each of Cuba’s nine international airports, other than Havana, for a total of 90 daily roundtrips. Longer term, the arrangement also provides for up to 20 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and Havana.

Collectively, U.S. carriers have requested nearly 60 flights per day to Havana, thus requiring DOT to select from among the proposals. A decision on the Havana routes will be announced later this summer.

Bianca Dawkins

Outrage follows as white stylist berates Black woman for her natural hair

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor All Bianca Dawkins wanted to do was feel beautiful; instead she said she was shamed and degraded by a stylist at Denny Kemp Salon and Spa in Northeast Minneapolis.

For Kemp’s part, he admitted serious mistakes were made and he said all he wants to do is make things right; not because of the negative attention, but for how a stylist at his salon made Dawkins feel.

SALON TURN TO 5

Forty-nine killed in Orlando nightclub shooting: One of the worst shootings in U.S. history

By Kevin Seraaj Orlando Advocate

Omar Mateen

Myspace

ORLANDO, Fla., June 13 – Forty-nine people have been killed by a lone gunman in one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

The assailant, now identified as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, is a U.S. citizen with Afghan origins. He walked into the Pulse nightclub sometime between late Saturday and early Sunday

morning with a handgun and an assault-style weapon and opened fire. In addition to the 49 dead, more than 50 others were injured by the gunman – many seriously.

Mateen’s father, an Afghan native, reportedly told journalists from Al-Jazeera that Mateen had recently seen two gay men kissing and become angered by it. The Pulse nightclub is a wellknown LGBT nightclub and bar.

According to Orlando Police Chief John Mina, the shooting started at about 2 a.m. A police

officer working at the nightclub responded when he heard the gunshots ring out, and he and Mateen exchanged fire. Mateen forced the officer outside the building, then returned inside, where more shots were fired and a hostage situation developed.

The nightclub was crowded with more than 300 people inside.

It’s not clear what caused Mateen to stop shooting. Police made the decision to enter the building around 5 a.m. to avoid any further loss of life.

“Multiple officers from various agencies responded,” said Mina. “SWAT team responded. At approximately 0500 hours this morning (Sunday), the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there.”

Original reports of the shooting indicated that as many as 20 people had been shot and killed, but as time went on, the actual extent of the horror

ORLANDO TURN TO 9

Commentary

Business

Lifestyle

Minnesotans react

The crucial need to expand the non-white teacher pipeline

The 2016 happiness calendar July - December

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Community fundraising success: $55 million new senior residence and center

Orlando Shootings

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Insight News • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Page 3

Minnesotans react to Orlando shooting Minnesotans are showing their support for those affected by the tragic mass shooting at an Orlando, Fla. nightclub that left 50 dead including the gunman and more than 50 injured – many critically.

According to authorities, the early Sunday morning (June 12) shooting inside of Pulse, a popular gay nightclub, was carried out

by Omar Mateen, a 29-yearold American who claimed allegiance to the terrorist group, Isis. Subsequent reports suggest Mateen was a patron of the club multiple times prior and also had profiles on social sites catering to gay men. Mateen was killed following a three-hour standoff with police. The attack is one of

INSIGHT NEWS

the worst mass shootings in U.S. History.

Here in Minnesota, the support for those affected by the tragedy came swiftly. A Sunday evening vigil the night of the shooting was attended by hundreds at Loring Park and government officials quickly weighed in, with one calling for tougher gun laws.

“No religion justifies such a senseless act of terror,” said Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), who is the first Muslim elected to the U.S. House. “All decent people must condemn this hateful act that claimed the lives of 50 people and injured 53 more. Sadly, Orlando has now joined Aurora (Col.), Charleston (S.C.), Newtown (Conn.), Oak Creek (Wisc.), and many other communities rocked

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

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Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Carmen Robles Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

Governor Mark Dayton

by gun violence. This is yet another reminder that Congress must pass meaningful, commonsense gun reforms that include a ban on assault weapons, which have no place in civilian hands.

Members of Congress must stand up to the NRA.”

Ellison, who has been an advocate for LGBT rights, sent condolences to the LGBT community.

“I am grieving with the LGBT community,” said Ellison in a statement. “This tragedy will not suppress the love and compassion

heinous assault,” said Dayton in a statement.

Outside of the Gay 90s, Minnesota’s most popular gay nightclub, flowers were placed to honor the victims of the Pulse shooting; one for each person killed. The Gay 90s released a statement calling on people to remain resilient in the face of hatred.

“Now is not the time for fear.

It’s a time to stand together,” read the statement. “This is gay pride month, our month to be proud of who we are. We will not let hatred rear its ugly head and push us back. The Gay 90s owners, staff and management are deeply saddened by this event. So please stand strong and show no fear. Only vigilance.”

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Representative Keith Ellison

that the LGBT community is centered on. Going forward, we must continue to stand against all hate crimes. No one deserves to be harmed because of their race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.”

Gov. Mark Dayton ordered flags in Minnesota be flown at half-staff following the tragedy.

He said that order also came from President Obama and remained in place until sunset Thursday (June 16). Dayton said the attack was not just an attack on the LGBT community, but an attack on us all.

“The horrific act of hatred and terror in Orlando was an unfathomable attack upon all of humanity. Our hearts go out to the innocent victims of that

Tom Streitz

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill that invests substantially in Twin Cities R!SE with hopes of reducing employment disparities in our State.

The bill provides Twin Cities R!SE with $1.2 million in funding for the 2017 fiscal year. This funding will come from the $35 million supplemental state budget to improve economic disparities in Minnesota.

Four hundred thousand dollars of this grant amount is directed to

renew a pilot program with Metro Transit. The partnership will build upon the current and first-of-itskind Metro Transit Technician program that trains individuals – primarily of color and from low income backgrounds – for careers as diesel mechanics.

The remaining $800,000 is designated for the continuation of the organization’s pay-forperformance grant with the State of Minnesota. In 1997 Twin Cities R!SE became the

first organization to be paid by the state based on the results and measurable outcomes.

This funding model requires participants to be placed into living-wage employment with an income increase of at least $10,000 annually prior to any state funds being dispersed. Twin Cities R!SE is eligible for an additional grant when program graduates remain in their jobs for at least one year.

In 2018 and beyond, the state

has committed up to $600,000 a year for the continuation of the grant. In signing the bill the Dayton said the bill will improve economic opportunities for Minnesotans of color and ensure our economy works for everyone.

“Unlike past efforts to address disparities, this legislative funding package is more focused and has the potential to make a significant impact,” said Tom Streitz, CEO of Twin Cities R!SE in an interview on the legislation.

Nonprofit capacity building fund creates infrastructure for ‘culturally specific organizations’ Commentary by Meghan Barp and Leslie Wright “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.” ~ Kofi Annan, Ghanaian diplomat and former secretary general, United Nations Those words are wise counsel from Ghanaian diplomat and former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in reminding us that we belong to “one human race.”

The Twin Cities region receives significant local and national media attention that presents a diametrical view: high rankings for quality of life, and for glaring economic and education disparities, particularly for those living in poverty, which is disproportionately comprised of persons of color.

Minnesota leads the nation with vast disparities in education, employment, and housing.

Not a badge of honor by any means. And the economically disenfranchised may feel as though parity has been checked at the door.

Recognizing our region needs an all-hands-on-deck, comprehensive approach requiring collaboration between nonprofit, private and public entities to address disparities of crisis proportion and in order to move the needle towards effective change, Greater Twin Cities United

The Kofi Project celebrates 25 years of excellence

1000 Petals

Rudy Rousseau

Rudy Rousseau and the Kofi Project celebrated 25 years of service.

Rousseau is the current director of school success programs and children and family services at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. In addition, for the past 23 years, he has led the development and implementation of Wilder’s Kofi Services, a culturally specific, school and home-based program developed to increase the positive functioning of African-American and Hmong youth.

Way believes it is crucial to foster an environment for a diverse and healthy nonprofit sector. We expanded our Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Fund that launched in late 2014; this fund helps strengthen the infrastructure of smaller organizations that are led and staffed by, and serve communities of color: culturally specific organizations (CSOs).

Our core communities are

becoming increasingly diverse.

State demographers estimate by 2035, 44 percent of Hennepin County and 48 percent of Ramsey County residents will be people of color, with the expectation that the non-white population in the suburbs will double.

National interest in capacity building of CSOs is gaining momentum and Greater Twin Cities United Way is a regional

leader. We are strategically challenging systems that limit humankind by expanding how we approach community investments. With more than 730,000 people living in poverty in the nine county region we serve, many strive to function daily in circumstances exacerbated by the long arm of the “Great Recession,” which is driving an increased need for services provided by

area nonprofits. Funding from corporations, foundations, and government have dropped.

Nonprofits have felt the squeeze, especially CSOs, and the added pressure isn’t expected to abate.

We established a solid foundation with our initial investment, announced in late 2014, that went to a portfolio

FUND TURN TO 9

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COMMENTARY The crucial need to expand the non-white teacher pipeline Child Watch

By Marian Wright Edelman “If not for the teachers that I had at PS 276 in Canarsie and Mark Twain Junior High School in Coney Island, N.Y., I would not be alive today. Maybe I’d be in jail today. But those teachers, they chose to invest in me and to see hope and possibility. Folks could have said, ‘Here’s a young African-American, Latino male student going to New York City Schools with a family in crisis.

What chance does he have?’

They could’ve given up on me, but they didn’t. They chose

to make school this place that was amazing and inspiring and engaging every day. This is what you can bring to students . . . That sense of possibility, that sense of hope, that opportunity to be a child, that opportunity to love and enjoy learning. That is the power that we have as educators, and I hope you will seize that moment.

That you will see potential in each of your children.”

-Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., speaking at the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools National Training The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) has recently completed a week of national training for nearly 2,000 college students and recent graduates preparing to teach in CDF Freedom Schools summer literacy programs across the country. Most come from the

Secretary King emphasized a more diverse workforce would be good not just for students of color but for all students.

communities they serve and are role models for the children they serve. It is hard to dream of college and what you can be in the future if you don’t see it and we are so proud of the young, energetic, hardworking and committed

servant leaders who spend very long hours preparing to serve more than 11,000 low–income children when they return home to 95 cities and communities in 27 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin

Islands. I hope many or most of them will become public school teachers who love, respect, and set high expectations for every child in their care. Since 1995 more than 17,000 college–aged students, public school teachers and juvenile detention personnel have come to CDF–Alex Haley Farm for training to teach in summer Freedom Schools. Many have gone on to become teachers, principals, administrators, college professors and more.

They are filling a great need.

Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. was among the extraordinary leaders who spoke to and inspired them this year.

As our first Puerto Rican-African American Secretary of Education he spoke movingly of losing his mother at 8 and his father at 12 and how caring teachers saved his life and put him on the path

to success. He graduated from Harvard University, Columbia University’s Teachers College, and Yale Law School. He stressed the crucial importance of building a strong multiracial and multicultural teacher pipeline to inspire and guide all of our children — especially those who are poor and non–white. Students of color constitute a majority in our schools but teachers of color constitute only 18 percent of their faculties. Unless we are able to encourage many more talented students and teachers of color to enter and stay in the profession, this “mismatch” will only get worse. In a Washington Post Op–Ed Secretary King noted, “We have strong evidence that students of color benefit from having teachers who are positive

TEACHERS TURN TO 7

Blackonomics: Muhammad Ali will inspire me until the day I die

By James Clingman NNPA News Wire Columnist “Where you been, boy?” When I heard those words in June 1966, I knew I was going to have rough time in the U.S. Navy. My immediate reply to that petty officer was, “Who are you calling a boy? I am a man!” I was 21 years old, already an angry, Black man who experienced separate bathrooms, water fountains, restaurants at Greyhound bus stops that had “Coloreds served round back” signs posted on their front doors, and having to sit in the balcony of the local theater in Winston-Salem, N.C. during my two years of high school there. I was already angry about Medgar Evers, Schwerner, Goodman, and Chaney, and Malcolm X. So I knew at that very moment

when I was called a “boy” by this southern white guy, I would be a marked man on that ship because of my belligerence and unwillingness to go along to get along.

Ten months later, when Muhammad Ali refused to step forward to be drafted, I took a step up, got on his shoulders and have been there ever since.

My view from that perch has given me the spirit, the drive, the commitment, and the dedication to do what I have done for decades now. His example gave me the audacity and temerity to stand before anyone, white, Black or otherwise, to state my case and stand my ground. A backbone is much stronger than a wishbone; Ali had backbone, and he passed it on to me without ever knowing it.

Ali and those few athletes who stood with him were giants in a land of cowering, timid,

“yessah” men. He was bold, brash, brave, and brutal in his inyour-face assessment of society’s ills. Ali was the personification of dreams, the realization of hopes, and the culmination of victory, with his fists as well as his voice, which could only be silenced by Parkinson’s disease.

His impact on my life has lasted for 50 years, and it will continue until I die. When they stripped him of his title and took away his right to earn a living, I became even angrier at the government for such a gross injustice. Years later, watching him fight the daily rounds of his real “Fight of the Century,” against such a relentless opponent as Parkinson’s, my commitment to help others grew even stronger.

Now that I am in the fight of my life, against my greatest opponent, ALS, which is similar to Parkinson’s in some ways, I think about Muhammad Ali

often. I think about his children, especially his “Little Girl” Laila, in the same vein I think about my daughter, Kiah. And I pray that I will be strong like he was until the end. Ali’s strength made me a better person. I have the courage of my convictions and the fearless sacrificial mindset of that man among men.

In today’s society of “make money without making waves,” prominent athletes should learn from Ali. It was not enough to wear hoodies when Trayvon Martin was killed, not enough to turn shirts inside out and throw them on the basketball court in response to a racist franchise owner, not enough to wear “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirts after Eric Garner was choked to death, not enough to stand in front of the Walmart where John Crawford was killed for checking out a BB gun, not enough just to voice outrage after Sandra Bland

died inside a jail cell despite not committing a crime, and not enough to say, “I haven’t really been on top of this issue,” when 12 year-old Tamir Rice was executed for carrying a toy gun in the “open carry” state of Ohio.

Empty gestures are temporary and cause no real changes.

It’s easier to speak highly of Muhammad Ali than it is to do what he did. I am proud to say that I did what he did, and will continue. I am reminded of the following quote from TaNehisi Coates’ 2003 article titled “Compa$$ionate Capitali$m”: “Forty years [after his death], it’s easy to quote Malcolm and put him on a postage stamp — now that we’ve killed him.

Martin Luther King Jr. was ultimately abandoned by the civil rights establishment for his stand against poverty and war. Today he has a national holiday, and even conservatives have to honor

him — now that he’s no longer here to shame them. Ditto for the Black Panthers. Everybody says their dad wore a black beret — now that J. Edgar Hoover isn’t alive to tap their phones.

Progressive vision almost always lacks mass appeal.

While possibly enjoying a bit of rebellious sheen, prophetic insight is decidedly uncool; it involves the sacrifice of family livelihoods, the sullying of reputations, and, at worst, death.

Only the afterglow is romantic.

Everybody says they would have fought with Nat Turner—now that none of us are slaves.”

James Clingman is a prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. His latest book, “Black Dollars Matter! Teach Your Dollars How to Make More Sense”, is available on his website, Blackonomics.com.

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Insight News • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Page 5

Delta Sigma Theta works to build relationships between the community and the police On a hot 90 degree sunny day, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held its annual EMBODI (Empowering Males to Building Opportunities for Independence) conference.

The conference was held May 6 at Boston Scientific in Maple Grove. Ninety-Four young men from various elementary, middle and high schools within the Twin Cities area attended this all-day event, which allowed the participants to get energized with an early morning motivational session with from keynote speaker Preston Johnson.

A series of breakouts took place throughout the day that included a hands-on science project, a community service project, a tour of Boston Scientific labs where the participants had a chance to see live 3D animations and printing and understand how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come together to save lives.

After lunch, a career fair took place allowing participants to speak directly to men who work within the community or who have their own businesses.

The men spoke about their professions and what is required to be successful in their fields.

There were also opportunities to speak with college admissions representatives from various universities.

The day culminated with an interactive session between the young men and Brooklyn Park police officers and a visiting officer from Winnebago County, Ill. on how to handle police encounters. A public defense attorney was also on hand to discuss the legal process and help participants understand their rights and how to respond.

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta offers a variety of programs for young men and women. To learn more about these and other programs and services, visit www.dstmsp.org.

Officers Anthony Buckley (center) and Matias Gomez (far right) from the Brooklyn Park Police Department and Winnebago County (Ill.) Deputy Juan Glover (far left) form a bond with participants of the Delta Sigma Theta EMBODI conference.

$50 million in commitments announced to support women and girls WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the first-ever United State of Women Summit, the Obama administration, private-sector companies, foundations and organizations announced $50 million in commitments, along with new policies, tools and partnerships that will continue to expand opportunity for

women and girls.

These announcements included a pledge by more than two dozen leading companies to take actions to continue to close the gender pay gap, new resources to empower community college students to negotiate their first salaries, new campaigns

to change how the country values caregiving and improve portrayals of women in media, and enhanced global efforts to promote gender quality worldwide. According to officials, each of these new efforts build on the work that President Obama and his administration have done

since the day he took office ensure that women and girls have equal rights, treatment and protections. The president has signed major pieces of legislation like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – the first major bill he signed into law in January of 2009 – and the Affordable Care Act.

On June 15 the president and vice president participated in the United State of Women Summit to highlight the progress that has been made over the course of this administration, and discuss public and private sector solutions to the challenges that still lie ahead. First

Lady Michelle Obama joined Oprah Winfrey for a conversation aimed to inspire the next generation of women, shedding light on the progress the first lady and Winfrey have seen women achieve and to encourage young women to take action.

Salon

and finally walked out.”

Within hours of leaving the salon Dawkins took to Facebook to vent her anguish and what ensued was a firestorm that put the stylist and the salon square in the middle. Kemp said the outrage is deserved and he wants to do whatever he can to satisfy Dawkins and a community of her supporters. He said his speaking out now was in an effort to correct several mistakes made in handling the situation.

“This is an awakening for

my salon,” said Kemp. “More than anything what matters is not what was said, or how it was said, but how it made Bianca feel; that’s what’s most important. I sincerely want to do what is going to make us better. This is good for me to see how careful we have to be … with all people.”

Kemp said Waltenberg was completely out of line with his comments and he let his ego get in the way. Kemp also said he has called Dawkins to personally offer her an apology.

“Justin is a talented and amazing artist, but he has an ego and I think he just didn’t want to admit he wasn’t equipped to work with natural hair,” said Kemp, who said he is contemplating whether or not to fire Waltenberg. “I asked Bianca outright if she wanted Justin fired and she said she didn’t want him fired and this should be something he can learn from.”

Kemp, who owns salons in Northeast Minneapolis and

Edina, said pressure to fire the stylist is coming from outside, and even some of his staff has requested Waltenberg be let go. In her interview with Insight News Dawkins did not say definitively when asked whether or not she wanted the stylist fired.

“Resolution for me is for Denny Kemp to apologize and step up to the plate over what went wrong and the feeling of humiliation I felt,” said Dawkins.

Since the controversy erupted Kemp said his salon has been targeted with a slew of negative comments and ratings on social media and in at least one instance, someone threatened violence. Kemp said he understands people’s anger.

“I think this generation wants more of the real level of acceptance; not just the talk, and that’s what has to happen,” said Kemp. “I agree fully with that.”

From 1 According to Dawkins, trouble began when she was in Kemp’s salon waiting to be seen by stylist Justin Waltenberg; a stylist who had twice previously cut and styled her when she had chemically relaxed hair. Dawkins has since moved away from chemical relaxers and wears her hair in its natural texture.

Dawkins’ choice to go natural seemed to present a problem for Waltenberg. Dawkins said while in the waiting room filled with mostly white customers Waltenberg came up to her and forcefully grabbed her hair and said, “That’s an animal that can’t be tamed.”

“I was very upset. There were other clients there who were white and it just attacked my identity,” said Dawkins. “It really hurt my feelings.”

Dawkins said the initial comments were hurtful, but what followed bordered on racist.

“I responded to Justin and asked him are you saying Black girls can’t come here, and he said, ‘Well this isn’t the 1950s or ‘60s where I can just put up a sign,’” claims Dawkins.

Following the comments Dawkins said Waltenberg invited others to look at her hair, making her feel further alienated.

“They were all just talking over my hair and then I said, ‘Wow, you guys are making me feel like I’m from a different planet,’” said Dawkins of her experience. “One said, ‘It takes a special person to do your hair.’ I just sat at the table with my head down for a bit

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Page 6 • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Dr. Timothy Gadson oversees Robbinsdale curriculum New school leaders and administrators are coming to the Robbinsdale Area Schools.

Dr. Timothy Gadson has been offered and accepted the position of executive director of curriculum for the district. He currently serves as an associate superintendent with Atlanta Public Schools.

Cheri Kulland has accepted the position of principal at Plymouth Middle School.

Kulland is beginning her 17th year as an administrator, with 13 years of service as a middle school principal. She has experience as a

Dr. Timothy Gadson principal in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, and has worked as an administrator at Racine Unified School District in Racine, Wis. “I am excited to join the

Cheri Kulland

Bridget Hall

Frederico Rowe

Plymouth Middle School community and staff, and enjoy working with middle school students, staff and parents,” said Kulland. “I look forward to

guiding students into their future.”

Bridget Hall will be the new principal at Lakeview Elementary School. Hall has 23 years of experience as an

administrator and teacher, and she currently serves as principal of Jefferson Community School in Minneapolis. Prior to this role, she was assistant principal of

Andersen United Community School, also in Minneapolis.

Frederico Rowe comes on as principal of Northport Elementary School for the district. Rowe began his teaching career in the DeKalb County School System as a 4th grade teacher. Most of his 15year education career has been in public education, where he has served as classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal. He currently serves as principal of Continental Colony Elementary School in southwest Atlanta, Ga.

Plan supports confidence, learning and GPA increase Commentary

By James J. Hankins Teachers introduce students to some important points in a story during class time. Self-study/ homework allows the student to learn the rest of the story.

Parents are you proud of the progress your children made during the 2015-2016 school year? If yes, congratulations. If no, please have them spend most of this long hot summer working on some newfangled self-study summer school suggestions from a retired master teacher. You spend no money and they learn.

This is a research exercise I am sending to all my great nieces and nephews. I encourage all who read this to do the same for your family and friends. Average students who do not open a book or watch anything educational on television this summer will not be ready for the next grade. Any student who follows this plan will gain confidence, acquire relevant knowledge, discover that learning is inspirational, increase their GPA and be eligible for future trade, technical school and college scholarships.

Research Exercise One Look up the following words,

tell what they mean in their own words and give an example of how they are affecting or could affect family and community. The words are: “disclaimer,” “gentrification,” “gerrymandering,” “block voting,” “FICO score,” “foreclosure,” “tracking in school,” “voter suppression,” “the principle of diminishing returns,” “entrepreneur,” “interposition and nullification” and “deductive reasoning.”

Research Exercise Two Tell the steps of how a bill becomes a law in the United States Congress (draw a flow-chart).

Research Exercise Three Read and summarize the “Sermon on the Mountain,” “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; 1 Corinthians, 13; and the vocational education programs in the child’s school system and tell what lessons you and your family learned from them.

Research Exercise Four Read about successful Black people such as Reginald Lewis, Janice Bryant Howroyd, George Washington Carver, Malcolm X, Suzanne Shank, Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Tracy Reese and find at least five things they

all have in common.

Research Exercise Five Find the minimum age, qualifications, length of office and yearly salary for city council, county commissioners, school board, sheriff, district attorney, state representatives and United States Congress and Senate. Then ask “Will you run for elected office one day and be the person making the laws? Why? Why not?”

Parents you can make bonding or re-bonding with your children easier when you partner with them on this research project.

If you do not feel comfortable,

there is help in your community.

The educational department at most churches and some outreach centers have active, retired teachers and others who can help your children research, check their work and guide them in the right direction.

James J. Hankins spent three years in the United States Army stationed in Germany, is a North Carolina A&T State University alumna, retired vocational education teacher and past president of the New Hanover County NAACP. He is the author of “What We Blacks Need to Do.”

AchieveMpls names Danielle Grant as new president and CEO AchieveMpls, the strategic nonprofit partner of Minneapolis Public Schools, announced the selection of Danielle Grant as the organization’s new president and CEO. Grant will step into the position in July, following the retirement of Pam Costain, who has led the organization for six

years.

Grant has worked for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) for the past nine years.

She currently serves as executive director for MPS Educational and Cultural Services and Indian Education. Grant has also worked as director of Policy and Communications for the

Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, training manager for the Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis and membership development director for the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley. She serves on the boards of American Indian OIC and the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership and sits on the

Minnesota Historical Society Indian Advisory Committee.

Grant holds a Master of Public Affairs in public and nonprofit leadership and management from the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and English from Marquette University.

“Danielle Grant brings a strong commitment to the mission of AchieveMpls,” said AchieveMpls Board of Directors Chair Peter Lancaster. “She has spent her entire career focused on finding solutions to our city’s notorious opportunity gaps and engaging the widely diverse student, family and community populations in our schools and city. Her experience, energy and longstanding attention to the most challenged students in our community will help us further advance our goal of helping all Minneapolis students build a solid base for rewarding careers and post-secondary education.”

Danielle Grant “I am beyond excited to be named CEO of AchieveMpls,” said Grant. “I have known and respected the work of AchieveMpls for many years, so I am honored to be selected to lead this fantastic organization. I look

forward to working with the staff, the board of directors, and our school and community partners to ensure that all Minneapolis students are college and career ready.”

The Gig That Started It All.

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Insight News • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Page 7

BUSINESS Community fundraising success: $55 million new senior residence and center FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw Do not underestimate the vision, power and tenacity of grassroots community organizations. We have seen first-hand how a well-defined vision can transform a community and the lives of its residents.

This month Bayview Senior Services, located in one of San Francisco’s last African American communities, celebrates the grand opening of the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center and Residence. This beautiful new building provides first class housing for low-income seniors and access to services that support them as they age in their community with dignity, respect

Teachers From 4 role models, as well as from the changes in classroom dynamics that result. Teachers of color often have higher expectations for students of color, are more likely to use culturally relevant teaching practices, are more likely to confront racism in their lessons and, yes, also serve as advocates.”

On May 6 Secretary King and the U.S. Department of Education held a National Summit on Teacher Diversity where education leaders, researchers, policymakers, teachers, and students spoke about the value of a diverse teaching force.

Researchers noted that Black and Hispanic children in schools with

and honor.

It began as the vision of longterm executive director Dr. George W. Davis. An activist working for the good of the community, Davis took great care during his three decades of leadership to develop ongoing relationships with local, state and federal agencies; to forge profitable partnerships with private developers, leading corporations, and foundations. While Davis did not live to see this vision made manifest, the building is dedicated to his legacy.

After serving 25 years as director of the agency’s Adult Day Health Center, Cathy Davis, the widow of Davis, was selected by the board of directors to serve as executive director. She has taken advantage of all the resources available to her and made a community-based vision come true.

Cathy Davis had a game plan and she stayed with it, altering it when necessary, but always

high concentrations of Black and Hispanic teachers are less likely to be suspended, more likely to be recognized as better students and be placed in academically gifted classes, and more likely to graduate on time than those who attend schools with fewer diverse teachers.

Teachers and students shared personal examples of how having shared experiences could bolster child self-esteem and performance. Jahana Hayes, the National Teacher of the Year from Waterbury, Conn., grew up in poverty and became the first in her family to finish college and graduate school. She said her challenges ensured she will never give up on a student: “People often give up at the point students need them the most.”

Teachers of color are underrepresented compared

The Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center and Residence is a masterful example of what “community fund development” and partnership truly means.

coming back to it. She recently shared with us, “Imagine if we didn’t have a plan. We didn’t always follow it, but it has guided us.” Everyone on the team had distinct responsibilities, and she didn’t let anyone off the hook.

She was consistent, persistent and demonstrated tenacity

in the face of every possible adversity including the death of her husband. She did not let go, she did not accept no. She kept everyone looking forward, focused on the end-game. She fought the battle of ideas with just about everyone in order to ensure the original community

to students of color in every state and a report released at the Summit by the Department of Education showed how the supply of teachers of color decreases at multiple points in the educator pipeline including enrollment in and completion of education programs, initial hiring, and retention.

Seventy-eight percent of new teachers are white compared to 8 percent Black and 10 percent Hispanic. Only 2 percent of teachers are Black males. A strong case and call was made for getting students of color into the teacher pipeline, moving them through, and keeping them once they are in a school. The report noted that closing the completion rate between white and Black education majors could add another 300 Black bachelor’s degree completions for every 1,000 Black aspiring teachers.

Secretary King pointed out the “invisible tax” paid by teachers of color, especially males — often given extra tasks like planning cultural activities or mentoring or disciplining students of color.

Adding these roles on top of standard responsibilities without extra support can lead to teacher burnout. Recent research by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) found more teachers of color are being hired than in the past but they are leaving more quickly than white teachers.

Making the educator workforce much more diverse would help everyone.

Secretary King emphasized a more diverse workforce would be good not just for students of color but for all students: “It’s also

important for our white students to see teachers of color in leadership roles in their classrooms and communities. Breaking down negative stereotypes helps all students learn to live and work in a multiracial society. Ultimately, the work we can do together to create opportunity for all students will determine not only the kind of economy we have and the kind of people we will be, but also whether we will become the nation we ought to be.” I could not agree more.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.

concept – and the need the project fulfills – would be respected.

And she made sure that afrocentric design was included throughout the building. Today those who objected are amazed at the building’s beauty.

Cathy Davis did not put all her marbles in any one basket.

Everyone had a role to play, and everyone knew that all parties were interdependent. She made it very clear how important every person’s role was: everyone needed to do their part in order for the project to come to completion in a way that would benefit the community.

For example, the actions of the city impacted the work of the developers; foundation support determined capital improvements.

Cathy Davis managed all the details

and kept everyone at the table.

Most importantly, she always kept community need and the individual residents at the forefront. It has never been about her: it was always been about the seniors of the community.

The Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center and Residence is a masterful example of what “community fund development” and partnership truly means.

Copyright 2016 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success” available on Amazon.com. For help growing your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Because this is the year you’ll achieve your dream of homeownership.

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Page 8 • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

LIFESTYLE The 2016 happiness calendar July – December Man Talk

By Timothy Houston “Happiness runs in a circular motion, love is a little boat upon the sea, everybody is a part of everything anyway, you can be happy if you let yourself be.”

I learned the words to that song in kindergarten, but they still ring true today. You can be happy if you let yourself be. This happiness calendar, shared with permission from the author Henry S. Miller, author of “The Serious Pursuit of Happiness” provides practical steps each month to building your little boat to your sea of happiness. Be intentional in your pursuit.

Studies have proven that people who have spirituality in their lives are happier. I believe it is because of the combination of the fellowship of a caring group of like-thinking people and the spiritual beliefs themselves. This month, make a conscious effort to spend some moments each day – perhaps during lunch – praying at least one “prayer” or declaration of faith.

August: A month of health, fitness, skill Summer is a great time to focus on increasing your health and fitness; and on using your skills and abilities to their maximum.

This month, begin some daily fitness regimen (check with your doctor first if needed) – even if it’s only walking. In addition, make a list of your top skills, talents and abilities and assess if you are using them to their fullest.

If not, take one step per day to begin doing so.

September: A month of contribution

July: A month of spirituality

As you continue in your pursuit of happiness, keep in mind that happiness is an intentional creation.

Offering a meaningful contribution to make the planet a better place is one of the longestlasting, happiness-increasing strategies known. What are you contributing? This month is your chance to decide what difference you’d like to make in the world.

Spend a few minutes each day at lunchtime and write down ideas about how you can make a positive difference in the world.

At the end of the month, decide on a plan of action and begin.

The world needs you and your contribution.

October: A month of savoring Fall is a season to enjoy the changing foliage in many parts of the world. Consciously spend at least five minutes each day focusing your attention

exclusively on something of beauty outside – changing leaves, trees, clouds, sky … something.

Five minutes of complete attention to savor the beauty of life around you – each day, every day.

November: A month of forgiveness Forgiveness is a powerful, although a slightly more complicated, happiness strategy.

We forgive others to make us feel better. This month, examine your life and see if there are any lingering resentments you are holding on to that are holding you back from joy. If so, do two things.

First, write the apology letter you would have liked to have received from the person who has wronged you. Second, rise above your desire for revenge, and write your letter of forgiveness to them. No need to mail it, just recall the hurt or violation, write about your feelings. End the letter with your statement of forgiveness. Just this simple act of writing a forgiveness letter can often grant you freedom from your negative thoughts and

give you increased happiness.

December: A month of generosity The end of the year is a time for giving – a time to donate your time, your money if you can, your skills, your positive energy and your attention – to others to help make their life a little better.

Each day, find one opportunity to give something of yourself to help another, and notice your feelings.

As you continue in your pursuit of happiness, keep in mind that happiness is an intentional creation. Focus on the things that are in your circle of influence and control.

Save this article and cut out the activity for each month.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get a copy of his books, or for questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

The truth about hot peppers

By Melinda Myers Don’t be afraid to add a little spicy heat to your meals this season by growing a few hot peppers in the garden or containers. It’s easier than you think and many of the hot pepper myths floating around the garden are simply not true.

Don’t worry about your hot peppers heating up your sweet peppers. Peppers are normally self-pollinated. If an insect happens to move the pollen from a hot to sweet pepper, it will not affect the flavor or heat of this year’s harvest. If you

save the seeds from a crosspollinated pepper and plant them in next year’s garden, the plants they produce may have hot or sweet fruit (or a little of both), but only time will tell.

And don’t assume all green peppers are sweet or you will be in for a surprise. Jalapenos are typically harvested when green and others, like habanero, Anaheim and Poblano are hot, whether harvested when green or red. You’ll also find that hot peppers can be yellow, orange, brown and of course red.

You can turn down the heat when preparing your favorite recipes, too. Contrary to

popular belief, all the heat in hot peppers does not come from the seeds. While partially true, the majority of the capsaicin that gives hot peppers their heat is in the white membrane that houses the seeds. When the seeds are growing they may also be coated with extra capsaicin from the membrane.

So remove the white membrane and the seeds, just to be safe, if you want to turn down the heat.

The spicy heat of hot peppers is measured in Scoville heat units. The ratings are based on the amount of sugar water needed to neutralize the spicy heat in the extracted capsaicin

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Hot and Sweet Pepper harvest

Photos courtesy of Bonnie Plants

Golden cayenne peppers are hot with a Scoville heat level of 30,000 to 50,000.

that has been diluted in an alcohol-based extract. A panel of five taste testers decides when the spicy heat has been neutralized and then assigns the rating. Today many companies use a chemical process (liquid chromatography) but translate their results into the popular Scoville heat units.

The Scoville heat unit ratings vary from one type of hot pepper to another, with Poblano rating between 1000 to 2000, jalapenos 2500 to 6000, habaneros at 100,000 to 300,000 and one of the hottest, the ghost pepper, at 1,000,000 to 2,200,000 Scoville heat units.

Check online or the Homegrown with Bonnie Plants mobile app (for iOS and Android) for the Scoville ratings, growing tips and a Pepper Chooser to help you pick the best varieties to grow. Ratings may also vary from individual plants within a specific type based on individual plant differences and the growing conditions.

Whatever kind you grow, be sure to label hot peppers when planting, harvesting and storing to avoid any mix-ups. The sweet banana pepper, for example, can easily be confused with hot banana. This could make for an unwelcome surprise when preparing, serving and eating.

Also, consider wearing rubber gloves and avoid touching your face and eyes when working with hot peppers, as they can burn. Wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards when finished to avoid any future issues.

And don’t worry if you are having a bad day when planting your hot peppers. Contrary to some old adages, planting hot peppers when you’re angry won’t make the peppers hotter, but unknowingly taking a bite of a hot pepper may very well change your mood.

Melinda Myers has over 30 years of gardening experience has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments.

Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Bonnie Plants for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www. melindamyers.com.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Winfield Awards banquet celebrated academic and athletic excellence

By Carmen Robles The 40th Annual Winfield Awards Student Athlete Banquet recently recognized outstanding student athletes of color.

The event was held June 5 at the RiverFront Hotel in downtown St. Paul. Organizers of the event hailed the day as a success and said they were thankful to again honor a deserving group of young men and women.

Brieasha Hobbs of CretinDerham Hall was named top female scholar athlete. Hobbs, who will study pre-med with minors in Spanish and psychology, will be on the track and field team at the University of Minnesota.

In the male category, William “Billy” Olander, also of CretinDerham Hall, received male top honors. He will study business and Spanish and play football at Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. Baseball Hall of Famer David Winfield addressed the audience through video, unable to attend due to a schedule conflict.

“Thanks to those who

Photos: Gayle Anderson

Brieasha Hobbs

William Olander

have supported our efforts and volunteered over the years and praise goes out to all the award winners and honorees,” said Winfield. “Spanning the years they’ve achieved everything we expected and more. We all stand together, very proud, knowing that even with a small idea, just a few people and some time, great things can be achieved in anything you set your mind to.”

Ryan Harris, a member of the 2015 Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos and currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. A

St. Paul native and 2003 Winfield Award Winner, Harris came home to “pay it forward” delivering a powerful, emotion-filled address.

The Arline V. Winfield Award was created in memory of Steven Winfield and David Winfield’s mother who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1988. This year the award was presented to sisters Bernadette (Bernie) BrenneMinus and Elaine Benner-Minus for their work with foster children.

2016 Winfield Awards finalists were Andrayah Adams, ComoPark High School, Jamal Galato, Central High School, Kennedy

Gay, Central High School; Antonio Hollamon, Highland High School, Aye Be Ne Has, Humboldt Secondary School, Abel Taye, Washington Technology Secondary School, Mofekunolami Salu, Harding High School and Kenneth Udoibok II, CretinDerham Hall.

“Funny, we worry about all the problems in the schools thinking the future is bleak and at the end of the year we meet these 10 incredible kids who have overcome odds, who have really accomplished a lot and I know we’re going to be okay,” said Bev Wittgenstein, Winfield Awards director.

I didn’t know what to expect Observation by Slyvester (Sly) Garcia, age 15 I didn’t know what to expect at the Winfield Awards Banquet but I decided to go because it was something new and I was representing Jóvenes de Salud

Daniel Vega

L-R: Slyvester (Sly) Garcia, Steve Winfield, Rafael Alvarez

youth program.

I’ve never been to anything like this. It was so beautiful. The tables were set with lots of forks.

At first I didn’t know which one to use. But I just watched everyone else and followed their lead.

There were lots of tables filled with people of all ages including kids my age. The food was good – I had two deserts. Steve Winfield, one of the organizers, went to every table to say hello and to take pictures. I took a picture with

him and Rafael Alvarez from the Jóvenes de Salud team. That was exciting. I met lots of important people.

Family and friends stood up when each recipient was introduced. I liked that a lot. I would be embarrassed to be in front of all those people but I would be proud too. I would like to make my mom proud like the mothers who were there.

What caught my interest and made me glad I came was reading about the winner’s goals in their lives and reading about their GPAs. I didn’t even know about GPA scores but when I got home I Googled the meaning and now I am excited to begin 10th grade in the fall. I have a new attitude about my grades.

I was really impressed with what Ryan Harris said about hard work and staying focused.

He had to leave early because he was meeting with President Obama in the morning. Wow. He is meeting with the President of the United States and I got a chance to hear him speak.

The evening proved to be a wonderful event.

Timberwolves LaVine named to 2016 USA Men’s Select Team USA Basketball announced Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine was named to the 2016 USA Men’s Select Team.

The USA Men’s Select Team will train with the 2016 USA Basketball Men’s National Team from July 18 – July 21 during its

training camp in Las Vegas.

LaVine’s second year in Minnesota saw him play in all 82 games, averaging 14.0 points per game. He shot 45.2 percent from the floor and ranked 26th in the NBA in three-point accuracy at 38.9 percent. LaVine’s 123

3-pointers made equaled the fifth-highest single-season total in franchise history.

LaVine was chosen as MVP of the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge as part of All-Star Weekend after scoring 30 points. He also repeated as the

league slam dunk champion.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will oversee the Select Team and Spurs assistant coach Ime Udoka and Villanova University head coach Jay Wright will serve as assistant coaches.

Timberwolves to host draft party The Timberwolves will host a draft party for fans to watch the NBA draft coverage on Thursday, June 23.

In addition to watching the live draft coverage on the arena

scoreboard, the evening will include a scheduled appearance from Scott Layden, general manager of the Timberwolves, and a question and answer session with Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen.

Season ticket members will have access to a free throw shooting contest to support the Timberwolves Community Fund, with each successful free throw earning an entry to win an

autographed Karl-Anthony Towns jersey.

Members will have access to the arena floor with food and beverage provided. The general public will be in the lower

bowl where concessions will be available. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. in the box office lobby and draft coverage will begin at 6 p.m., with the first pick taking place around 6:30 p.m. This year

the Wolves have the fifth pick in the first round. The team does not have a scheduled second round pick. Tickets are free and fans can RSVP at www.timberwolves. com/draftparty.

Orlando

Mateen.

Police found Mateen dead when they entered, apparently shot by police.

Word has leaked out that Mateen pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in a 911 call made just before the attack.

Authorities say there is no reason, however, to believe any more attacks in Orlando are imminent.

Still, Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency, saying the incident was an act of terror.

“For somebody to go in there and be an active shooter, and take that number of lives … and injure that many people is clearly an act of terror,” said Scott.

Sen. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., whose district includes the

area of the massacre, told NBC News that “more likely than not” the shooting spree at the nightclub was ideologically motivated.

TMZ.com reported that it conducted a search of public records, and found that Mateen

lived in Port St. Lucie, Fla., had a firearm license and received a security officer license in both 2011 and 2013. He did not have a criminal record, however, he had been questioned multiple times by the FBI regarding possible ties to terrorists.

the things that has to shift after the shooting in Orlando.”

Orlando’s senseless killings are weighing heavily on the mind of Jenkins.

“When you talk about the (trip to the) White House, right after that I was at Arnellia’s for a drag show where they honored me … it was this past Saturday, the same time as the Orlando shooting. I was there with family, friends … some of my closest friends who knew me before my transition

… and we were there having a great time with all these beautiful Brown and Black queer people celebrating. I’m out in a nightclub celebrating when we heard the news and I thought ‘that could have been us.’ I’m concerned about this (threats of violence) every day. I was concerned long before this (Orlando shooting) happened.”

Though concerned, Jenkins said the shooting made her more resolute.

“It lets me know I can’t stop now,” said Jenkins. “This work must continue.”

The work Jenkins has done has earned her a Bush Foundation Award in 2011. She said she used the grant dollars to bring greater awareness to issues of Brown and Black transgender individuals.

Jenkins also serves on four national boards of directors for organizations advancing the fight for LGBT advancement.

Recognizing her ethnicity

before her gender identity, Jenkins has also been an outspoken advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement and the recent Justice for Jamar campaign – a movement to end police brutality in the Black community following the killing of unarmed 24-year-old Jamar Clark by Minneapolis police.

“I can’t separate being Black from being transgender.

At the end of the day I’m about humanity for all people,” said

the former Minneapolis City Hall employee. “And that’s why I’m upset that with this shooting that killed primarily Black and Brown people I didn’t hear anything (from Black civil rights organizations). I think it’s because it was gay people that were killed. We’re just as much a part of the Black community as anybody else. We’re on the front lines of sexism, racism and homophobia, but where are our people for us?”

effect July 1. We are committing additional Nonprofit Capacity Building Fund grants for which Request for Proposals (RFPs) are being accepted.

Organizations may apply for grants to support financial management, compliance,

Human Resources, technology, and fund development.

By building connections with underrepresented organizations and communities, using a deep understanding of cultural norms, and delivering services in culturally relevant

and responsive ways, CSOs are able to create lasting change more effectively and efficiently.

A strong infrastructure moves an organization from hope to action to results that benefits our current and future generations.

Learn more about the Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants Fund and whether your organization is eligible at gtcuw.org/our_impact/for_ nonprofits/funding/current_ funding_opportunities/.

Meghan Barp is senior vice president, Community Impact and Leslie Wright is director, Community Engagement at Greater Twin Cities United Way

From 1 became even more clear, as the body count rose to 40, then 50 persons dead – one being

Pride From 1 said much more needs to be done to protect LGBT individuals and their rights.

“Because of the laws on the books, now we (LGBT people) can get married on Friday and go to work and get fired on Monday (because of sexual orientation),” said Jenkins. “That’s just one of

Fund From 3 of five agency partners. Further multi-year CSO funding in the Safety Net goal area goes into

Classifieds ClearWay Minnesota Seeks Board Candidates ClearWay MinnesotaSM is an independent nonprofit organization that enhances life for all Minnesotans by reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. In 1998, we were entrusted by the Ramsey County District Court with administering, over a period of 25 years, $202 million of the settlement Minnesota received from tobacco companies.

At ClearWay Minnesota, we are working to change Minnesota in ways that have a lasting, tangible impact on the lives and health of Minnesotans by 2023, the end of our lifespan.

ClearWay MinnesotaSM is seeking candidates for our Board of Directors. ClearWay Minnesota is committed to expanding racial/ethnic and geographic diversity among its Board of Directors. Applicants from Minnesota’s diverse communities and/or from greater Minnesota are particularly welcome. The Board is also seeking candidates with previous Board experience and significant leadership experience. Board terms are three years. Board Members serve without compensation.

Qualified candidates must be clear of any conflicts of interest with ClearWay Minnesota vendors, grantees or contractors and must not have any affiliations with the tobacco industry or related trade associations within the last 10 years.

Please submit applications and resume to Amy Henderson at ClearWay Minnesota by July 15.

For an application visit our website www.clearwaymn.org/board-openings or email ahenderson@clearwaymn.org.

Phone: 612.588.1313

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

Mail Room Assistant

Help this large social service agency’s mail room operation by processing returned, incoming and out-going mail. Flexible daytime shifts available Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Contact Ramsey County—Volunteer Services at 651266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us.

Buyer 1

Volunteer Mentoring

Salary Range: $18.20-$26.33/per hour; $38,002-$54,977/annually

AchieveMpls Graduation Coach

The Management Materials Division seeks to fill three Buyer 1 positions to provide leadership and service to government entities in the acquisition of products and services in a social and environmentally responsible fashion.

The single most important factor in a young person’s success is a consistent relationship with a caring, supportive adult. But one in three young people grow up without a mentor. You can make a transformative difference in the life of a Minneapolis high school student by becoming an AchieveMpls Graduation Coach during the 2016-17 academic year. Through six hours of volunteer time per month, you can offer personalized support to help students stay on track, graduate on time and make a great plan for life after high school. We provide the curriculum, structure and training. You bring the wisdom, encouragement and support!

Apply by June 30 at www.achievempls.org/ GraduationCoaches. For more info contact Amy Shapiro at ashapiro@achievempls.org or 612-455-1550.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in purchasing, developing/evaluating specifications, and issuing purchase orders/contracts; or equivalent combination of education and experience. A sample of your purchasing work may be requested. Bachelor’s degree with an analytical, legal or communications focus preferred.

To Apply: go to http://www.mn.gov/careers and apply to the Job ID # 5952.

Closing Date: 6/30/2016 Contact: If you have questions about the position, contact Nella Austin at nella.austin@state.mn.us or 651.201.8005.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Page 10 • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com Black Milk

Mamadu

Sankophoenix

Jayso Creative

June 20 - 26

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking.

Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com

Monday, June 20

Black Violin

INFORMATION SESSION Summer on West Broadway West Broadway Business and Area Coalition 1011 W. Broadway Ave., Suite 202, Minneapolis 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Free West Broadway businesses are residents are excited for an action-packed summer of art and community on the Northside with so many happenings and opportunities to share talents and build with the community.

Get the inside scoop on what’s going on and learn how you can get involved by attending this informational session presented in part

by FLOW Northside Arts Crawl, Open Streets: West Broadway and West Broadway Farmers Market.

R&B Classical Hybrid Duo “Black Violin works hard, but makes it all look like play… ” - NY Times

Friday, July 1st 7 & 9 PM 1010 Nicollet icollet Mall, Mall Downtown Minneapolis Minne 612.332.5299 dakotacooks.com

icons and artists who broke boundaries, rebelled against gender constructs and blazed paths forward for LGBT rights features performances by Mayda Miller, Maria Isa, Quinn Villagomez, DJ Naughty Boyy and DJ DaddyRocks.

Wednesday, June 22 HIP-HOP Black Milk with Nat Turner 7th St. Entry 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m. $12-$15 Mally joins standout Detroit producer and MC, Black Milk, with his band Nat Turner at the Entry. Be prepared for dope rhymes and banging beats.

Tuesday, June 21

Thursday, June 23

PARTY

TV SHOW/CONCERT

Rebels with a Cause — Pride Kickoff Party Lush 990 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. $25-$45

“Candy Fresh” live taping and concert SPNN 550 Vandalia St., Suite 170, St. Paul 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Free admission

Rock out with OutFront Minnesota at the 2016 Pride Kickoff Party – Rebels with a Cause – at Lush Event Center. This Pride party centered on LGBT

In celebration of Black Music Month “Candy Fresh” will feature performances by an amazing line up of R&B, hip-hop, neosoul and jazz artists. “Candy

Fresh” is hosted by Miss Brit of Soul Tools Radio and Sanni Brown of KMOJ.

Friday, June 24 BOOK RELEASE/POETRY/ PERFORMANCE “Poetry behind the Walls” book release The Cedar Commons 2001 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Join in a night to honor the moving stories of incarcerated youth. Come celebrate the latest book release of “Poetry behind the Walls,” one of the only ongoing journals in the world dedicated to writings from youth who are incarcerated. The event features performances

by Joe Davis, Keno Evol, Lizea Harper, Bertrand Shoberg, DJ Francisco, Truth Maze and Toki Wright.

POETRY/JAZZ/COMEDY/ PERFORMANCE Feel Good Revolution: The Encore Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.

18-plus $8 (cash only) The Feel Good Revolution will be back one final time before going on hiatus.

The evening features

performances by Keno Evol, Crystal “LC” Brown, Sol Rebel Phoenix Ras Sankophoenix and more.

The event also features the VIP Sound Collective and is hosted by Shed G.

Saturday, June 25 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Nazeem and Spencer Joles with Bae Tigre, Malcolm Anthony, Ayvah and Wndrlnd Triple Rock Social Club 629 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 9 p.m.

18-plus $5 Nazeem and Spencer Joles have made a firm impact on the Minneapolis music scene with their intense crafting of a unique and accessible sound.

Sunday, June 26 HIP-HOP/R&B/CONCERT Summer Smash Concert The Pourhouse 10 5th St. S., Minneapolis 3:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. $20-$25 Check out a full day of Twin Cities talent including Jayso Creative, Kelz on Keys, Covenant, Moe Cash and many more.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Page 11

Three night Prince art and sound show at Gamut Gallery There have been countless tribute shows to honor Prince, maybe none quite like this.

With more than 60 artists participating, the walls of Gamut Gallery, 717 S 10th St., Minneapolis, will be lined with Prince inspired art of almost every kind for this upcoming Prince art and sound tribute. The three night event is curated by Louisa Greenstock and Erin Sayer.

The back yard at Gamut will also be activated with a mural by Slayivka (the painting team of Liseli

Polivka and Sayer), a viewing of “Purple Rain” and multiple DJs round out the entertainment for the showing that runs June 30 – July 2.

Thursday evening will kick off with DJ Michael Holtz, a Paisley Park regular, providing sounds. Admission for Thursday’s show is $10.

Friday, DJ Brandi Rassmussen will spin and Bobby Kahn will lead a special all Prince “So You Think You Kahn Dance” class. Cover is $5. Saturday features several Slam Academy artists.

Admission is $5. All events run from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Title: Purple Love Media: Watercolor Size: 11 x 14 inches

Mark Balma Graphite 24x20”

Life of Prince celebrated in new comic book After his untimely death, Prince left behind more than a legacy of memorable songs, but bequeathed an indelible imprint on popular culture as well.

Storm Entertainment hopes to capture this spirit in a new tribute comic book biography

released this past week.

“Tribute: Prince,” is available in both print and digital.

The book chronicles Prince’s meteoric rise to dominance in the pop/ funk music scene.

The 24-page comic book is written by Michael

Frizell, with art by Ernesto Lovera and Vincenzo Sansone. The book features three collectable covers.

“I first became aware of Prince’s music when I was in high school thanks to ‘1999,’ ‘Little Red Corvette’ and others,” said Frizell “I remember listening to his

stuff almost religiously when the soundtrack to ‘Purple Rain’ hit. His sound and lyrics defined the era for me in ways that Michael Jackson didn’t and, quite frankly, couldn’t. The subjects of his songs spoke to me in ways I didn’t understand until I was older, but the dark poetry

of them compelled me to keep listening. To this day, my iPod is full of his work, and I listen to it as I write.”

Storm Entertainment president Darren G. Davis added, “I hope readers come away with not simply a sense of the richness of his life, but how he

influenced practically every artist that came after; regardless of genre.”

Storm has published tribute biographies of other musicians including John Lennon, George Harrison, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, David Bowie and more.

Kanye West announces Oct. 10 St. Paul show at Xcel Prepare to arrive at work a little sleepy on Tuesday, Oct. 11 because the night before Kanye West is set to invade the Xcel Energy

Center in St. Paul.

Well, that is if this show actually takes place. In a concert just announced, West is scheduled to come

to St. Paul on Oct. 10 for a Monday evening show in support of his latest project, “The Life of Pablo.” West has a history of ditching

his Twin Cities shows, with cancelled dates in 2007, 2011 and 2013.

Dubbed the “Saint Pablo Tour,” tickets for

the Oct. 10 event went on sale Saturday (June 18).

Tickets range from $27 to $127 and are on sale on at www.ticketmaster.com.

“The Life of Pablo” is the seventh consecutive number one album by the 22-time Grammy winner.

Medical emergency forces Lil Wayne’s plane to make emergency landing As of June 15 Lil Wayne was reportedly recovering following a medical condition that forced two emergency landings of the rapper’s private jet.

The incidents occurred

June 13, according to TMZ. Wayne’s plane was forced to land in Omaha and he was taken to CHI Health Creighton Medical Center with what is being described as “mild

seizures.” Born Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., Wayne previously stated he has epilepsy when he was hospitalized years prior for seizures.

According to reports, Lil

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Wayne suffered a seizure midflight Monday afternoon, which forced the first emergency landing. Airport personnel say the mega artist initially refused treatment, and the

plane refueled and began approach for takeoff when the jet’s pilot reported a second medical emergency. It was the second incident that led to the rapper’s hospitalization.

Wayne’s publicist did not comment on the Young Money Entertainment founder’s condition, but thanked fans for their outpouring of support.

Page 12 • June 20 - June 26, 2016 • Insight News

THE PEOPLE OF SOUNDSET Photos by Mamadu Soundset, the mammoth one-day hiphop festival put on by Minnesota-based Rhymesayers Entertainment and Rose Presents brought out anybody and everybody.

The event was all about the celebration of the hip-hop culture and featured artists that ran the broad spectrum of the genre; from independent to mainstream, upand-coming to revered vets. With the music as the focal point, festival goers shopped wears from vendors, took in a car show, various exhibitions, and even skateboarding demos; thus showing the evolution and reach of hip-hop.

In its infancy Soundset took place in front of the since demolished Metrodome before relocating to Shakopee’s Canterbury Park. Though a better physical space, this move generated many more questions

about accessibility and inclusion with Canterbury being located in the far Southwest Metro and not being accessible by bus or rapid transit. This past Memorial Day Weekend Soundset – with its most diverse lineup yet – relocated to St. Paul at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

The day worth of music ranged from mainstream mainstays Future and ASAP Rocky to legends such as Pharoahe Monch and The Roots. Soundset introduced many to burgeoning talents such as Anderson .Paak and Afro and provided a stage to hometown heroes Lexii Alijai, Finding Novyon and others.

But in the end, Soundset wouldn’t be Soundset without the 30,000-plus attendees coming from all walks of life and interests.

Here are just a few of the people of Soundset.

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