Insight News ::: 6.22.09

2009 NNPA National Convention: June 24-28, Radisson Hotel Downtown Minneapolis

Barbara Lee (D-CA)

Donna Christensen (D-VI)

Keith Ellison (D-MN)

Elijah Cummings (D-MD)

June 22 - June 28, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 35 No. 25 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

TARRYING: Waiting for the Spirit

By Al McFarlane and B. P. Ford, The Editors Vocalist and musician extraordinaire Fred Steele will be celebrated at a Musical Appreciation Service, 4pm Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the Greater Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 1800 Dupont Avenue North, Minneapolis.

The service honors Steele for his service and leadership as Mount Vernon’s Minister of Music. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Fred Steele is a musical pioneer in Twin Cities. Along with his brothers and sisters, who form the intrepid Steele Family musical juggernaut, Steele has been a highlight on Twin Cities and world stages for 20 years. In a statement to the press, the Mount Vernon Church said, “We are pleased beyond measure to have him as part of our music ministry and church family.”

In addition to the Steeles, those attending the celebration can expect to see Gary Hines, founder of the Sounds of Blackness, the Progressive Baptist Church Men’s Chorus, and other Minnesota music legends.

In an interview on the “Conversations with Al McFarlane” broadcast earlier this

Fighting against ethnic disparities

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MPS offers Suluki Fardan

Wain McFarlane and Fred Steele month, Steele explored the source and strength of the music that reigns in his life. “I don’t know much about the Blues, though I can appreciate all genres of Black music,” he said. “But my life is informed by and infused with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This music is an expression of a deep and unending joy that dwells within.”

Steele described growing up in the nation’s largest Pentecostal denomination, the Church of God

In Christ. “We used to have what they called a ‘Tarry Service’. We would come to church early in the evening and go down on our knees before the alter. We would just give praise and thanks to the Lord.

The repetition of giving thanks with all of our hearts and with all of our minds would open the door for the Spirit of God. In giving praise and thanks, we became inundated, surrounded, embraced and lifted by the Holy

Spirit. That’s how I grew up and that experience guides me moment by moment every day of my life,” he said.

Invited by Wain McFarlane, who’s band Wain McFarlane & Jahz, performs live as part of the “Conversations with Al McFarlane” broadcast, Steele improvised on a theme of praise and thanks that singer/guitarist Wain McFarlane was creating as musical testimony expressing

gratitude for two successful organ transplant surgeries that renewed his lease on life.

Lifted by the moment and the music, Steele sang, “Somebody ought to take note, this morning, this hour. Tomorrow is not promised to you or me. We have to take advantage of the time that we spend together here on earth.”

“Hear my prayer, O Lord,” Steele sang. “Anoint my soul.”

The Spirit responded.

innovative summer school activities

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Maria Isa CD Release party

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The Steeles

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Black Press: Building coalitions for progress The Black Press of America convenes this week in Minneapolis for the National Newspaper Publishers Association Annual Convention June 24 through June 28 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

Publishers, editors and sales executives representing some 200 newspapers will meet to discuss public policy issues facing Black America, and, the economic and business climate’s impact on their newspaper publishing industry and on the Black community.

The Black Press will pay particular attention the Obama Administration’s efforts to fix the nation’s economic woes. Black

newspapers say they have a special duty to monitor and explain the President’s Stimulus spending initiatives, ensuring the revenue streams created by stimulus spending reach Black workers, Black businesses, and Black organizations that serve our communities.

The publishers’ convention also pays special attention the health disparities and healthcare reform. A host publishers’ reception Wednesday evening introduces leaders in cultural diversity in Minnesota healthcare, setting the stage for the public highlight of the

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NNPA TURN TO

Keeping school (L-R) Nghi Huynh, Al McFarlane, Nancy Pelosi, Jonah I. Ogiamien

Courtesy of AANEWS

Pelosi tours Indian jobs program US Rep.Keith Ellison (DMinneapolis), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and other elected officials and tribal leaders toured the American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center (AIOIC) on Sunday, June 7, to witness firsthand the economic recovery package at work. Pelosi met with students and employers of the American Indian OIC Summer and Year Round Youth Employment Program funded by the

economic recovery package passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President.

“I am honored to have Speaker Pelosi join me today to witness the effectiveness of recovery package funds at work.

These young people have an opportunity to gain invaluable career experience precisely because of the President’s stimulus package,” Ellison said.

The American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act provides a total of $1.2 Billion for Work Investment Act programs with Minnesota receiving $17.8 Million of these funds.

The American Indian OIC Summer and Year Round Youth Employment Program received $107,000 of recovery funds providing forty-three Minneapolis youth with summer employment in Minnesota businesses.

CBC presses White House for fairness in advertising

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) – US Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), is pressing the White House and the president’s cabinet on the apparent void in federal government advertising in Black-owned newspapers and radio.

CBC spokesman Jioni Palmer last week said the CBC anticipates more exchange on the issue in coming weeks as all White House cabinet secretaries have been sent copies of CBC letters on the issue.

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The dialog started April 23 when National Newspaper Publishers Association Chairman John B. Smith, Sr. sent a letter to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel; President Obama’s Special Advisor Valerie Jarrett, and Lee. Smith’s letter asked why the Black Press is not benefitting from economic stimulus dollars to help disseminate information to the Black community on how to apply for and use the $787 billion in economic stimulus money.

A story, partially prompted by the letter, was written by

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skills sharp in summer

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Ladies no more excuses - time to take care of ourselves

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A whole lot of golfin’ goin’ on

Chairman John B. Smith. Sr.

Valerie Jarrett

Rahm Emanuel

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Insight News • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Page 3

Fighting against ethnic disparities in subprime lending

By April Graves One of the most important milestones in anyone’s life is the purchase of their own home.

Throughout history, homeownership has served as the defining symbol of prosperity and accomplishment—yet it is a symbol that has not always been equally accessible for all those seeking it.

Primed to Fail One answer to the problem of home loan availability has been the deregulation and growth of subprime lending. The result has been that prospective homebuyers who wouldn’t normally qualify for mortgage loans have found an opportunity to make homeownership a reality. The problem is the opportunities they’re offered, once influenced by unfair and biased loan practices, end up more like traps.

The roots of the current subprime

lending boom can be traced to decisions made by Congress more than a decade ago. One inducement came with the potential profit to be made in sub-prime lending, which ballooned when Congress deregulated the home mortgage lending market. The deregulation effectively removed the limits on how much interest lenders could charge. “State usury caps don’t apply in first mortgage transactions,” says Alys Cohen, an attorney at the National Consumer Law Center in Washington, D.C. “Which means basically lenders can charge very, very high rates, and they’re not subject to state law.”

Placing the Blame African Americans have historically been underrepresented in both homeownership and the ability to secure home mortgage loans. The recent foreclosure and subprime lending crisis has amplified the disproportion in availability of fair and reasonable loans. The disparity

is particularly evident with African Americans, who make up the greatest percentage of those who have applied for and received subprime loans.

Why did they apply for these loans if they were so awful? Didn’t they read the fine print and understand what they were signing?

The answers to these questions continue to be debated, making it clear that the only thing that is for certain is that the truth isn’t always obvious. The answers lie in the grey area of our complicated history as a country, and the persistent perceptions of success and stereotyping that have systematically existed within our society.

Recent research seems to support what many people of color have long known from experience: when it comes to an equal opportunity at homeownership, a lot of the time what color your skin is makes more of a difference than the size of your wallet.

In a March, 2009 article published by The Associated Press, Austin Tighe, the co-lead counsel for the NAACP, was quoted as saying, “Black homebuyers have been 3 ½ times more likely to receive a subprime loan than white borrowers, and six times more likely to get a subprime rate when refinancing Blacks were disproportionately steered into subprime loans when their credit scores, income and down payment were equal to those of white homebuyers.”

So is the answer as simple as racist mortgage brokers and banks? The truth lies somewhere between the two extremes of racist banks or dumb and disserving Blacks. The truth isn’t clear until you start to explore the roots of our country’s housing market and the devices employed way before the current foreclosure crisis.

Red-lining or Black-lining?

In June of 1933, FDR signed into

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law an innovation of the new deal, the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC). Its creation was spurred by a rise in foreclosures, caused by the unworkable direct loan provisions of the Hoover’s Federal Home Loan Bank Act. Between July of 1933 and June of 1935, about 40% of

eligible Americans sought HOLC assistance and HOLC supplied more than $3 billion for over 1 million mortgages nationally. More importantly, however, was the system of appraisal HOLC established—and the fact that its

LENDING TURN TO 7

Ellison condemns hate crimes, home grown terrorism Minnesota 5th District Congressman Keith Ellison this week condemned the rise in hate crimes in the United States, including the Wednesday murder of Stephen T. John, a guard on duty at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the recent murder of physician Dr. George Tiller while he attend his Sunday church service.

“I join with millions of Americans to send my condolences to the loved ones of Stephen T. John, who was murdered on duty yesterday in the lobby of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. I commend the security officers for their quick response which undoubtedly saved more lives.

While the facts are still coming

in, I am appalled by reports that the gunman was motivated by racist views against Jews and African Americans,” Ellison said in a statement to the press.

“This is the third highprofile gun crime in the United States in recent weeks fueled by hatred and armed by lax gun laws. The assassination of Doctor George Tiller at his

church in Kansas shocked us all about the dangers of extremists who use violence and terror to advance their causes. Then there was the heartbreaking story of the military recruiter randomly murdered in Little Rock by a man who said that he was angry about the killing of Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Regardless of political views,

violent acts of hatred like these are never justifiable,” Ellison said.

Noting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s recently issued warning about new signs of home grown terrorism, Ellison said, “I encourage law enforcement to continue its effort to focus on reasonable

suspicion and not demographic factors like race, religion and other immutable considerations.

They should instead do what’s prudent and reasonable — within the law — to protect the public by preventing these horrific acts of hatred from happening again.”

CBC

comes to entities receiving money from the federal government…We request a meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss this matter in detail.”

A separate letter to Geithner, requests specific information on dollar amounts spent so far: “Please advise me as to the total amounts your department and financial institutions receiving TARP and TALF funds have spent on African American, Latino and Asian American owned newspapers and radio stations,” Lee wrote.

“Also, please advise me on the measures your department has taken to insure that the minorityowned media outlets participate equitably in your department’s advertising, marketing and outreach activities.”

TARP, which stands for Troubled Asset Relief Program; and TALF, which stands for Term AssetBacked Securities Loan Facility, are both financial relief programs for businesses and corporations needing help.

Palmer, CBC communications director, said the letter to Treasury Secretary Geithner was specifically a follow up to questions that Lee posed to him as he testified May 21 before the House Financial Services and General Government Operations Subcommittee of which she is a member.

“This is an issue that has great importance to the chairwoman of

the CBC and its members,” Palmer said in an interview on Monday. He says the conversations are ongoing as the CBC presses for results.

“We have received acknowledgements of our concerns,” he said. “While we have not settled on a specific course of action, a working conversation is ongoing.”

In the April 27 story on Smith’s letter, which was widely circulated

by NNPA Newspapers, NNPA Foundation Chairwoman Dorothy Leavell said it was ‘’unclear in the Black community where to go and what is available to help Black families and Black businesses, the very communities that we serve.”

She added, ‘The Black Press has participated in teleconferences and have sought information locally, yet there are no clear answers to these

two queries.’’

Leavell vowed that the quest for information would continue. ‘’We will continue to vigorously reach out to the Obama Administration to make sure that our community and our industry is a part of this stimulus and avoid what has been the norm - that we are outside looking in and devoid of stimuli,’’ she said.

Palmer credits Smith’s letter, the article and the conversations that followed with stirring up interest and movement on the issue.

“I think it’s fair to say that Mr. Smith’s letter, as well as the ongoing efforts of NNPA to bring attention to this economic justice, economic fairness, economic parity issue are very important and very helpful,” Palmer said. “We encourage this type of civic

engagement and participation. I think it’s clear in our letters that yes, these are commercial enterprises, but they also serve a very important civic function.”

Both of Lee’s letters, also signed by CBC officers Reps.

Maxine Waters (D-CA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), pointed out the dual purposes of the Black Press.

“African American owned newspapers and radio stations have historically captured and chronicled the hopes and history of the African American community when no one else cared. They remain uniquely positioned to communicate directly with segments of the population that the federal government must reach to achieve its mission,” they wrote Biden. “As implementation of the economic recovery package

continues, I strongly encourage you to include a review of African American-owned news outlets and their struggle to receive an equitable distribution of taxpayer funded advertising dollars.”

From 1 Wilmington Journal reporter Cash Michaels and syndicated by the NNPA News Service on April 27.

Lee then followed up with a May 13 letter to Vice President Joseph Biden, who oversees the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the formal name for the President’s stimulus activity. Lee followed up with another letter to Timothy Geithner, secretary of the U. S. Treasury. Both letters were released to the NNPA News Service last week.

“We write to bring to your attention the general concern among African American newspapers and radio station owners that they are not being given a fair opportunity to compete for federal advertising dollars,” Lee and CBC leaders wrote to Biden. “Specifically, we seek your commitment that Blackowned media outlets are receiving their fair share of advertising dollars in conjunction with the various activities associated with the disbursement of federal dollars.”

The letter further states, “We seek your additional commitment that Black-owned media are being utilized by the federal government as it distributes the $787 billion recovery package. Additionally, we seek the same assurance when it

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Elliot Stewart-Franzen Web Design & Content Associate Ben Williams Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Mehgaan Jones Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott 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.

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EDUCATION Gap between minority and white high school students must not be ignored

By Judge Greg Mathis Signed amid controversy in 2001, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law shook up the nation’s public education system. This legislation made schools accountable for student achievement; if students continually failed to meet minimum test scores, schools were placed on probation.

Classroom instruction methods were changed, too, with increased focus placed on ‘teaching to the test’, taking away from more indepth instruction. Several years have now gone by, giving analysts enough time to assess how the law, if at all, impacts student performance. According to the

Civil Rights Project, NCLB isn’t working. At least not for minority high school students.

The study looked at test scores for three groups of students. From 1999 to 2004, elementary schoolaged Black students made big gains in their standardized test scores. In 1999, the Black-white gap in math scores for nine year old students was 28 points. Black students in that age group closed the racial gap in math scores by nearly 50 percent just five years later while Black 13-year-olds increased their math score 11 points over the same five year period.

Black 17-year-olds, however, only increased their score two points.

While the improvements made

by younger students should be celebrated, the continued gap between minority and white high school students must not be ignored. Graduation rates in Black and Latino communities still lag behind those of whites and, in urban areas, the dropout rates for students of color are astoundingly high.

More important than meeting the standards of NCLB should be preparing these high schools students for life outside of the classroom. Individuals with a high school diploma will earn more money over their life time than someone without one and are less likely to live in poverty. The job market is increasingly competitive; high school dropouts

have few options for employment.

Instead of solely focusing on test scores, the nation’s education system needs to diversify the way it helps students learn. Programs that teach “outside of the box” must be developed. Dr. Dan Mote, the president of the University of Maryland, once commented that supplemental education – extracurricular programs that encourage students to read and solve problems – play a key role in high school student learning and achievement.

Currently, American schools produce test takers, not critical thinkers or life-long learners.

Supplemental programs are one way to help develop more wellrounded students.

Provisions designed to close the minority achievement gap in high schools should be added to the NCLB act. Additionally, it should be mandated that schools across the nation either introduce or increase supplemental education offerings. A revamped NCLB should also designate other ways to measure student success; solely focusing on test scores is not an accurate way to gauge whether or not a student has learned.

Part of our job as a nation is to ensure all of our children receive the best possible education we can provide. Since NCLB sets the standard by which all schools are measured, we must work to ensure it takes into account the learning

gap between minority and white high school and creates a plan for addressing it.

Judge Greg Mathis became the youngest judge in Michigan’s history and was elected a Superior Court Judge for Michigan’s 36th District. He has been called upon as a regular contributor to national television programs, including “Larry King Live,” “Politically Incorrect,” CNN’s “Talk Back Live,” “Showbiz Tonight” and “Extra” to discuss his opinions on complex issues of the day, such as national security, unique sentencing, affirmative action and celebrity scandals. He also offers his take on high-profile legal cases.

MPS offers innovative summer school activities MPS is striving to make summer school fun and educational for sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students.

The District’s curriculum will incorporate iPod touches, Moodle and VoiceThread technologies into math and reading coursework.

Each program features hands-on learning activities.

The programs available are: • Folwell Middle School: Students with outdoor and environmental interests have the opportunity to canoe the Mississippi River with Wilderness Inquiry. They will discover ways to improve and protect the environment through

a unique project.

• Nellie Stone Johnson Community School: Students will work with robotics, rockets, solar energy cars and wind turbines.

• Northeast Middle School: Students will be introduced to a new language – Chinese, French or Spanish. Students also will participate in a theater production, cooking meals from different cultures and physical fitness activities such as swimming.

• Ramsey International Fine Arts Center: Students will

participate in a theater production, innovative dance classes, and create pottery and poetry.

• Camp MPS begins July 7 and ends July 30. Campus days are from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Breakfast and lunch are included free of charge for all students and transportation is provided for students that qualify.

Now is the time to enroll.

Families may call 612-668-0440 for enrollment information or access the form online at: http://alc.MinneAPolis.k12.mn. us/.

Minneapolis Public Schools

is participating in the Summer Food Service program June 15 – August 13. The program, which provides meals to children at select school sites, is paid for with federal dollars available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Meals will be provided to all children ages 1-18 without charge.

Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

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For information about the Summer Food Service program, please visit the MPS Food

Service Department web site at http://foodservice.MinneAPolis. k12.mn.us/

PYC Arts & Technology High School changes policy for serving student meals PYC Arts&Technology High School change policy for serving student meals Plymouth Youth Center Arts and Technology High School announced an amendment to its

policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs for the ’09-’10 school year. All students will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge

at the following site: PYC 2210 Oliver Ave N. Minneapolis.

For additional information please contact: PYC Arts and Technology High School, Attention: Chrislee Jacobs,2210

Oliver Ave North, Minneapolis or via phone at (612) 522-6501 or via e-mail at cjacobs@pcycMinneAPolis.org In accordance with the federal law and U.S. Department

of Agriculture policy, PYC Arts and Technology High School is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of

discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 202509410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).

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Insight News • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Maria Isa establishes SotaRico brand Columnist

By Alaina L.. Lewis The recession has forced people to re-evaluate their spending habits; some have decided to take sizable steps back from the world of entertainment in pursuit of the more economically fetching Block Buster Night. Yet as rare as it is to find a four leaf clover, it was a night of good fortune for anyone lucky enough to partake in the unmatchable events that occurred in the Main Room of First Avenue on Friday, June 5.

For merely the cost of $6 and enough money left over to a pay a thirsty parking meter at the end the affair, you got a taste of some of Minnesota’s finest entertainers who came together under one roof to musically extend their love and their pride for the proprietor of SotaRico, Maria Isa. From the moment the hour struck 8, the stage at the Maria Isa CD Release Show for her current album Street Politics, was like a floor to ceiling threshold of nothing shy of good music. The talent that the songstress brought with her to celebrate her latest offering to her hometown crowd was a mixed bag of entertainers that covered the best in every genre of music that cultivates within the growing scale of the Minnesota Sound. From Hip Hop, to Ska, to a bit of Rock N’ Roll, the easily sold out crowd went crazy with support for every opening act that set foot on the stage.

The crowd trickled in slowly as the night began, but as Hip Hop favorites like St. Paul Slim and I Self Devine hit the stage, mixed in with the musical treats offered by Mayda, Kill the Vultures and the kings of “geek funk” Dance Band, it was clear to everyone who appreciates good music that this was a gem of an event that had a priceless lineup.

The MC of the evening was none other than Muja Messiah, who

just moments prior to the lady of the night emergence unto her much deserved spotlight, took a break from making the announcements to serve the eager crowd with his lick of Hip Hop heat.

As the evening went by effortlessly, the countdown to Maria Isa and her Bakers Dozen’s sought after performance began as a white screen came down from the ceiling with a narrative video of her journey to Street Politics. The five-minute film portrayed a message of pride and quite like her diverse opening acts, that phenomenal spirit transcended throughout the colorful crowd who bonded together under the arch of SotaRico to support Minneapolis’ princess of Latin Hip Hop and Soul.

As the screen lifted and the infectious sounds of her new song “Derechos” came drifting effortlessly from 22-year-old Maria Isa’s vocals, the night having begun several hours prior, had now finally arrived at its hour of heightened fascination.

The hour plus set was filled with a mix of everything: Latin, Hip Hop, and even a bit of Rock and Pop. The audience had the opportunity to get a raw taste of Isa’s new album. Throughout the night there was a constant delivery of foundation shaking rhythms. At one point in the show she was accompanied on stage by two of her featured artists on Street Politics, Muja Messiah and Killa Capone when they performed the sexy song Never Let Go and the title track Street Politics. As if she could top the already roof shattering evening, she then offered the crowd a reason to fear the dentist when she sweetened the musical deal by performing her first single off the new album, Caramelo.

Quite like the flowers adorned in her hair throughout her performance, Isa’s music was a lush garden of effortless melodies that interchanged in their sound, but never disrupted in its beauty. Her live band that resounded her unrivaled vocal instrument added that touch of authenticity that easily could make them America’s next Gwen Stefani and No Doubt.

Maria Isa As the evening drew to an end there was a silent hum of sadness that swept through the room as the crowd reluctantly filed towards the door wishing the show didn’t have to end. It is said that reliving a night of perfection is something permitted solely to the owner of fictitious time machines or make believe

Courtesy of the artist

time travelers, but nowadays there is a way to repeat that incomparable magic. If you’re as intelligent as I was after I heard the last melodic note fall from the First Avenue stage, you didn’t hesitate to cop Street Politics. At least in your disk player the rotation of good music never has to end.

Page 6 • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Ready, Set, Read! Keeping school skills sharp in summer Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey I have truly enjoyed my first couple of weeks of summer vacation —the sleeping in, the slower pace, and no homework. I feel like I did nearly as much homework as my children this past school year (although they probably wouldn’t agree). Our biggest challenge was math. My daughter struggled and my husband and I (mainly my husband) spent a lot of time helping her. I can’t really say if it was my daughter or the teacher. I have concluded that sometimes the learning and teaching styles don’t mesh well and the result is a major disconnect. Because we

don’t want one bumpy year in math to negatively impact her confidence or interest in arithmetic, we are setting up a few sessions with a math tutor. In fact, whether or not your child is struggling in school, a little summer brainwork is always beneficial. It helps to keep children confident in the skills they have learned throughout the year and it prevents “brain-rust.”

Here are a few simple suggestions on how to keep their brains “welllubed.”

Ready, Set, Read!

One of the best ways to help keep your child’s brain keen is by picking up a book. Whether you are reading to your child or your child is reading to you, it is a great way to use the imagination and expand the vocabulary. Make reading fun by visiting the library at least once weekly. Even take advantage of the various story times and the book clubs for all ages. Fun ways to help with reading, writing and

comprehension is by having the children write a book report or write letters to relatives (make sure you select the kin folk who will write your baby back!).

Summer Practice Packets At the end of the year, some schools and teachers distribute practice packets designed to reinforce the year’s learning. If your child received one make it a priority to have him work on it every day. If you did not get one, simply head out to the library for free resources or to a local bookstore or teacher resource store which has summer practice workbooks for every grade level and every subject. (I also snagged some great new workbooks at one of my favorite thrift stores, Arc’s Value Village www.arcsvaluevillage.org ) At our house we call this daily study Brainwork Time. Just like we want strong bodies, we want strong brains and they both must be exercised!

Find A Tutor As a high schooler, my very first job outside of babysitting my cousin was tutoring a middleschooler in math. It was a win-win because her grade improved and so did my confidence! If you and your child are overwhelmed by a certain school subject, get a tutor, even if you do it for a few sessions, it may be all your child needs to get on track. The math tutor we selected for our daughter is a retired teacher from the school she attends. My husband and I feel this is a worthwhile investment in her future. Still, our strategy is to get started with the former teacher and if we need further help, transition to a college student who we know that is majoring in math (and whose fee will be much less).

As parents our goal is to help our children to “get on the good foot” educationally speaking, that is. One of the ways we can assist them is by insisting that they keep exercising their brainpower-even when school is not in session-(use it or lose it). Encourage the love of

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learning by helping your child to see the relationship between the three r’s (reading, writing, and arithmetic) and everyday life. Go to the library and get a free science museum pass and explain to your daughter how science and math intersect. Who knows, you might have the next Einstein on

your hands. Enjoy!

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

Pilgrim Baptist Church celebrates 146 years A celebration to honor the oldest existing primarily African-American church in Minnesota is to be observed on June 27 and 28.

In1863, shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, a group of former slaves escaped from Boone County Missouri and traveled

north on a raft in search of work and a new way of life. Robert Thomas Hickman, who later became the first minister of Pilgrim Baptist Church, led this group.

There are several accounts of assistance received by the former slaves along the way. However, since they did not know where they were

going they called themselves pilgrims. It is thought that perhaps they landed at the present site of Harriet Island.

Pilgrim Baptist Church was formally organized on November 15, 1866, in St. Paul, MN. This act was celebrated by a baptismal service on the shores of the Mississippi River, climaxing years of frustration and hard work.

In addition to Pastor Hickman and Mrs. Robert Hickman, additional charter members were Fielding Combs, Henry Moffitt, John Trotter, Giles Crenshaw and members

of their families. This group petitioned trustees of First Baptist to intercede and purchase a lot for $200. The first Pilgrim facility was built on the lot at Sibley near Morris Street in St. Paul.

In 1928 work was completed on the current Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall during the administration of Dr. L. W. Harris. In 1949 during the administration of Pastor Floyd Massey, the educational unit was completed. Under the leadership of its many capable leaders, Pilgrim has been a dominant force in making

changes in the community.

Over the years, its varied ministries and outreach programs have touched the lives of both members and nonmembers alike. These outreach and community programs have included: NAACP; Urban League; Bailey Morris Plaza Housing Development; Senior Outreach; Alcoholic’s Anonymous; Foreign Missions; My Sister’s Keeper; Directions for Youth; Prison Ministry; Young Mothers; Social Services: Boy/Girl Scouts; Food/Clothing Shelf, housing assistance, and other referral services.

Educational Outreach efforts include: Summer Enrichment,. After School Tutoring, Benjamin Mays Elementary School, Early Childhood Education, Day Care

Program and Scholarship Programs.

The Rev. Charles L. Gill, Jr. Senior Pastor, invites the community to celebrate the church’s Founder’s Day of 146 years. A celebratory banquet will be held Sat., June 27, 2009 at the downtown St. Paul Crown Plaza Hotel at 5 pm. Tickets are required to attend this event.

For more information and to purchase a ticket, call the church at (651) 227-3220. The Sunday Service will be held at 9:45 am and the guest speaker for both events is the Rev. Dr. Cleophus J. LaRue, who currently serves on staff at Princeton University in the Department of Practical Theology.

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Insight News • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Page 7

BUSINESS Economic turnaround may be in sight: Prepare for your career comeback Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Already there are signs that the economy is turning around.

Lending From 3 continued implementation in successive programs like the Federal Housing Administration and the nation’s banking industry affects people’s lives to this day .

The system of appraisal consisted of a ranking of neighborhoods that determined whether or not to approve loans for individuals living in specific areas.

The First category—also known as A or Green neighborhoods—was described as “new, homogeneous and in demand as residential locations in good times and bad.”

Conversely Fourth, D or Red neighborhoods were defined as areas “characterized by poor maintenance, vandalism and the undesirable element.” Second and Third neighborhoods were considered a step down or up respectively from First or Forth neighborhoods. Invariably, Black neighborhoods were always rated as Fourth grade areas, making it almost impossible for blacks to attain loans for homes or refinancing.

Closing the Homeownership Gap With few other options for homeownership, Blacks and other people of color are often forced by circumstances to seek loans that are subprime. Once accepted for those loans, however, they are more likely than whites to have stricter guidelines and restrictions applied

Anyone who has settled for whatever work he can get, or has been looking for work without results is looking forward to some positive news. While there is no telling when it will happen, this financial crisis will end at some point. Make sure that when your career has a chance to rebound, you are ready to help make it happen. Working or not, improving your education, presentation and leadership skills will pay off when companies return to hiring and promoting

great people.

Education is about more than just going back to school.

Expanding your knowledge base can be as effective as adding a degree to your resume. Seek out opportunities to add to your skill set; attend workshops and seminars, read trade magazines.

Stay in touch with your field so your know-how will be current when you return to work.

If you do choose to go back to school, proposed increases in Federal financial aid dollars can

make that easier financially. Ask for financial aid information even if you think you don’t qualify. You might be surprised at what’s out there for you.

Improving your presentation skills is important because not working or working in a deadend job can rob you of the challenges that give you confidence.

Hone your presentation skills by reading aloud or volunteering to speak at church or at a networking event.

Candidate Bob was feeling

isolated while looking for work.

He tried introducing himself to one stranger every day. It forced him to come out of his shell and connect with people, and being comfortable talking to almost anyone has helped him in interviews.

Good leaders lead even when their titles say otherwise.

Missed out on a great promotion? Lead from where you are. Be an example of hard work, ingenuity and integrity to those around you.

Answer

questions, encourage others, make your company’s success your ultimate goal, and soon you will be seen as a leader.

When new opportunities for employment open up, be ready.

Earn the right qualifications, develop your presentation and leadership skills, and soon success will be yours.

to them. A study completed in 2006 by the Center for Responsible Lending found that “for most types of subprime home loans, African American and Latino borrowers are at greater risk of receiving higherrate loans than white borrowers…

For many types of loans, borrowers of color in our database were more than 30 percent more likely to receive a higher-rate loan than white borrowers, even after accounting for differences in risk.”

Being able to own a home is about more than just a place to live.

Homeownership has been directly linked to the level of educational achievement a child is able to accomplish, as well as the level of economic earnings they’re able to attain as adults. Children whose parents owned their homes are also more likely to achieve homeownership as adults than children whose parents only rented.

Homeownership is a huge economic advantage to obtain, not only for that specific family, but for generations of that family yet to come.

Ensuring that all families have an equal shot at homeownership is a noble and worthwhile cause, even if that means totally revamping our nation’s mortgage loan system to make sure that no one is intentionally or unintentionally being unjustly excluded. With all the economic hurtles American families already face in today’s economy, unequal access to the American Dream should not be one of them.

Sources • The City of Minneapolis, Minnesota Website. “Statistics and maps of mortgage foreclosures in Minneapolis Archives.” Department of Community Planning and

Economic Development <http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ cped/ • The Center for Responsible Lending. “Unfair Lending: The Effect of Race and Ethnicity on the

Price of Subprime Mortgages.”

6/31/2006 <http://www.responsiblelending.org • Jackson, Kenneth. “Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States New York: Oxford

University Press, 1985 • Washington, Jesse. “NAACP says bank giants steered blacks to bad loans.” The Associated Press.

13 March. 2009 <http://www.ap.org

Please send your career management questions to Julie@insightnews.com.

Page 8 • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Insight News

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HEALTH Ladies, no more excuses! Time to take care of ourselves Health & Wellness

By Brandi Patterson-Phillips I find it very disturbing how many African American women decide not to take care of themselves in an appropriate and healthy manner. It seems that the women in our community find it a chore to workout, even if it is just for 20 minutes three times a week, which literally adds up to an hour per week.

In my personal opinion, I see our women, on a daily and weekly basis, going to the club, getting their hair and nails done, shopping, and chasing men. This type of beautifying is good, but not necessarily good enough. We as a community of strong women need to take care of ourselves with weekly cardio and strength training exercises.

Try this- take a walk around one of Minnesota’s beautiful 10,000 lakes and see the population of white women who are walking, running, biking, rollerblading, walking their dog, playing volleyball and even swimming. A popular argument is these women want to be skinny

and cannot stand the thought of being “thick”.

I am the person to tell you this is not true. There are plenty of white women who date AfricanAmerican, Hispanic and other men who find “thick” women attractive. These women want the big butt, small waists and ample bosom, just like the rest of us, but they continue to work out everyday or at least every other day to get the bodies they want.

I also hear the dispute “I do not have enough time to workout”. I have to ask, what kind of excuse is that? If we as women do not take time to make ourselves happy and healthy, who is going to do it for us? If we do not take care of ourselves, we absolutely will not be able to take care of our families.

Being healthy should not be a chore, but rather a natural part of your lives. Exercising should be as much a part of our lives as breathing, eating, showering and brushing our teeth. Ladies we need to be physically healthy so that our children can grow up to be healthy adults.

We must teach our girls that there is a difference between being “thick and healthy” and being “fat and sloppy”. Yes I said it “fat and sloppy”. I think many of our girls who think they are “thick”, are actually very out of shape and sloppy.

I firmly believe, what our children do in the early stages of their lives, they will continue to do into their adult years. If they

do not continue to workout, they will at least have the desire.

This is my thought because as a youth my father would run 7 miles per day around Lake Calhoun, and let my brothers and I ride our bikes while he ran. To this day I continue to workout either dancing, yoga, Qi Gong (a form of Tai Chi), running, power walking and more. Although my brothers do not work out as consistently as I do, they continue to be avid bike riders.

I was raised in a family that took being physically healthy very seriously. I will admit that I do sometimes fall off the exercise horse, but when I do, I get back on and start over. My goal is not to be skinny, but healthy and wishfully on the “thicker” side.

Working out can be simple and enjoyable.

Instead of watching TV with or without a plate of food, take your family for a walk, a bike ride, swimming, dance with them at home, or do an exercise DVD in the comfort of your own home.

I would like to encourage all you beautiful women to try to workout more and to create families that value being physically healthy. I promise you this is something you will not regret.

By exercising, you will feel better, look better and thus be happier. When you are happier, your families will be happier. As the saying goes, “If mama isn’t happy (healthy), nobody is happy (healthy)”!

www.thirdpower-fitness.com

So to the new you ladies, I say “Salud”, which means “to your health” in Spanish.

Brandi Patterson Phillips is a freelance health and wellness reporter with an extensive background in mental and physical health training and

education. She is also a Life Skills Coach, fitness trainer and professional dancer.

She is currently studying for her M.B.A. at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis. Brandi currently teaches @ Creative Arts High School in St. Paul, MN, Summit Early Learning Center in

Minneapolis, and is president of the Minnesota Fit Club for Women. Please direct all health and wellness questions to bodybybrandiva@gmail.com.

Answers will be chosen to appear in subsequent Insight News editions.

Minneapolis Urban League observes National HIV Testing Day The Minneapolis Urban League will observe National HIV Testing Day Friday, June 26, 2009 by offering free, rapid, confidential HIV testing from 9 am until 2 pm at its North Minneapolis location, the Glover-Sudduth Center 2100 Plymouth Avenue North. Every ninth person tested will receive a

gift card and light refreshments will be served. There will also be a prize drawing at the end of the day.

According to recent statistics, the number of Minnesotans living with HIV is approximately 2,500.

However, the Minneapolis Urban League estimates that this number

is much higher, and is disproportionate among the African American and Africanborn communities in Minnesota.

According to Minnesota Department of Health there were 326 per 100,000 people in Minnesota living with HIV/AIDS. For African/African American

women this number was 105 per 100, 000 and for African/African American males it was 54 per 100,000.

African/African American women have the fastest rate of infection, more than any other population being infected by this disease (for more information on these statistics visit www.health.state.mn.us and click on HIV Statistics).

The Minneapolis Urban

League reports that those individuals who know their HIV status, are better able to protect themselves and any person that they are having sexual relations with. “If the individual is a pregnant woman, she can protect her unborn child,” says Kris Hammes, another HIV/AIDS case manager with the Minneapolis based non-profit.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (612) 302-3134. Walk-ins are encouraged.

For information about the Minneapolis Urban League and directions, please visit our web site at www.mul.org.

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Insight News • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Page 9

Mayors: Brace for deep cuts and significant property tax increases Minnesotans need to prepare for significant property tax increases and major cuts to public safety, libraries, parks, and other city services, mayors said in response to the announcement that Governor Tim Pawlenty will unallot $192 million of funding to Minnesota cities.

“Minnesota communities were critically hurt today by the governor’s action, and nearly every Minnesotan will personally

be affected. It could be in the form of no cop in their kid’s school, higher property taxes, or a local library that is no longer open,” said St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “Many Minnesotans will think in the coming year that this is not the state they knew, or the state they want it to be.”

Over the past six years, Minnesota cities have lost $750 million in local government aid, and as a result property taxes have

increased over 65% statewide.

This increase in property taxes, however, has fallen short of replacing the lost aid; so essential city services have also been cut back.

“The effects of cutting aid from Minnesota communities are as predictable as a Minnesota winter—every year we see higher property taxes and cuts to critical services,” said Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden, who is also

president of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

Responding to the governor’s constant calls for cities to do more with less, the mayors shot back citing evidence that cities have been more fiscally conservative than the state over the past six years. While funding for state programs has actually increased 3.2% since 2002, the revenues available for local spending have decreased 13.7%. Furthermore,

Wolden said. “The governor’s cuts are wrong, and it’s time for state leaders—both Republicans and Democrats—to put their residents first and prioritize funding for safe, affordable communities. They need to speak out against the governor’s cuts now.”

Doris Elizabeth White Johnson December 22. 1928 - June 10, 2009

NNPA From 1 convention, the Saturday morning Health Disparities and Healthcare Reform Town Hall Meeting.

Healthcare professionals, managers, and educators and people in the healthcare industry may attend the 7-9pm Wednesday reception at the Radisson by registering in advance at Insight News, 612-588-1313 or by sending a RSVP email to NNPA@insightnews.com.

The Saturday Town Hall Meeting features members of the Congressional Black Caucus, led by US Rep. Donna Christiansen, who heads the CBC Healthcare Braintrust.

Joining the Congresswoman are Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, CBC Chair, Barbara Lee, of California, and Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD). Register in advance at Insight News, 612-588-1313 or by sending a RSVP email to NNPA@insightnews.com.

The Convention formally opens Thursday morning with a Black Press Black Church Prayer Breakfast.

The Rev. Alfred Babington Johnson, the founder of the Stairstep Initiative will discuss strategies to build community at the intersection of the Black Church and the Neighborhood. The Rev.

cities shrunk their workforce by 6% between 2003 and 2008, while the state’s workforce ballooned by 10% in the same period.

“Minnesotans see right through this blame game and will hold state lawmakers responsible for the community cuts and property tax increases that emerge from the governor’s actions,”

Karen Love First Vice Chairwoman

Christopher B. Bennett Second Vice Chairman

Jerry McAfee will deliver the Black Press Black Church keynote address. The event is open to the public but requires a RSVP to nnpa@insightnews.com or by phone to 612-588-1313.

The Prayer breakfast features music

by The Steeles.

Following the Saturday Town

Lenora Carter Treasurer

Hall Meeting, the publishers bring business to the community by hosting Blues ‘n’ Jazz Afternoon Party at Favor Café, on Lake Street featuring Wain McFarlane & Jahz.

Leaders of Minnesota music and information institutions will interact with the nation’s Black Press leaders exploring how we protect and grow

Mollie Belt Secretary

the creative spirit, public policy and civic engagement, in ways that harness the economic power of our consumer purchasing power. The event is by invitation only. For information call Selene White at 612-588-1313 or email to nnpa@insightnews.com

Doris departed from our lives on June 10, 2009. Proceeded in death by; her grandmother, Molly Stone Powell, parents Vanderbilt White, Weller Stone White, brothers, Van White, Hardy White, sister, Dolores White Runnels, and son, Brian Johnson. Survived by her six children; Donjia “Dohnny”, Adeyemi (Marlene), Dorris “Jahina”, Ernest III, Krisann and Weller, sister Weller White Chase, grand children, greatgrand children, great-great grand children, a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Service was held last Friday, June 19 at St. James A.M.E. Church in St. Paul.

Page 10 • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Insight News

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Noted Master Storyteller, Nothando Zulu to perform in the Folklife Festival Twin Cities Northside resident and Master Storyteller, Nothando Zulu has been invited to perform her storytelling magic at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC June 24 through July 5. The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex and research organization composed of 19 museums, nine research centers, and the National Zoo. Zulu will tell stories during the 2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, “Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture.”

The program explores and celebrates the role that African American oral traditions have played in the shaping of American culture. This program is sponsored by the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Lonnie G.

Nothando Zulu

file photo

Bunch III, the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and

Culture said: “Words have the power to connect people, to convey ideas, to give comfort, to make us laugh and to call us to action”.

Our recent Presidential election is one of the best examples of the truth of this.

The Folklife Festival starts Wednesday, June 24, through Sunday, June 28, and Wednesday, July 1, through Sunday, July 5. All of the events are outdoors on the National Mall. Festival hours are from 11 am to 5:30 pm each day, with special evening events beginning at 6 pm Zulu proudly adds the Smithsonian to her list of storytelling sites that include Cape Town, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and throughout the continental United States. “I

am truly honored to be a part of this particular festival. I am truly excited to have the opportunity to work on the sets that include re-creations of a barbershop, a beauty shop, a porch stoop and a radio station – all in the African American spirit!” said Zulu.

She said she is happy to be in the company of legendary Master Storytellers like Baba Jamal Koram, Charlotte BlakeAlston, Valerie Tutson and Mitch Capel aka “Gran Daddy ‘JuneBug” - especially since Baba Jamal, Valerie and “Gran Daddy” have all been featured tellers for the Annual Black Master Storytellers Festival, “Signifyin’ & Testifyin’” that she co-produces in the Twin Cities.

Zulu is the President of Black Storytellers Alliance that

presents the Annual three-day festival “Signifyin’ &

Testifyin’” - now in the 18th year of production.

Assistant to the Department Head The University of Minnesota, Department of Horticultural Science, is currently accepting applications for their new Assistant to the Department Head position. For further information about this opportunity and to apply on please go to: employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFin d=80906 If you have any questions about this position or the application process, please contact Lori Loberg at theis020@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Longest Yard Lawn Care 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 3201 Humboldt Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55412 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name: Raymond Traylor, 3201 Humboldt Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55412 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Raymond Traylor Date Filed: 5/04/2009 Insight News 6/15/2009, 6/22/2009

Grants Manager University of Minnesota Extension/St. Paul Campus University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota.

Extension supports sponsored funding and research programs throughout its partnerships within U of M collegiate units as well as through its presence at 18 Regional Offices in the state of Minnesota. The primary responsibilities of the Grants Manager position are to develop, implement and give ongoing oversight to grants management operations at U of M Extension.

The Grants Manager will work closely across all programming areas as well as with all Extension faculty and personnel involved with grants in initiating and facilitating grant activities she/he will offer guidance and training on the writing and submission of proposals for external funding.

The grants manager will increase the number of grant proposals Extension submits, and will increase the number of grants ultimately received. The Grants Manager will provide leadership through the development of systems that make grantsmanship a stronger part of Extension.

Required Education: A Bachelor's degree in fields closely related to Extension, University Outreach, or scholarship areas within Extension (e.g., agriculture, community development, family development, natural resources or youth development) and three years of professional experience in performing administrative, budgetary, or grants duties.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2009; position will remain open until filled.

The full position description, application procedure and information about Extension are available on the Extension website at http://www.extension.umn.edu/units/director/hr/p ositions.html or call 612/624-3717.

The U of M is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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Insight News • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Page 11

SPORTS A whole lot of golfin’ goin’ on Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com The Tiger Woods Effect is in full swing. Everybody is playing golf. On top of the many local, older and younger, faces and events that are dominating the golf scene, we have a big punctuation to this year’s golf season when Tiger Woods comes to town for the final major championship of the professional

event of the year. If you have ever thought of going to one of those big golf events you see on television, then I wouldn’t miss this chance.

Considering that there is only one person in this world who has actually mastered golf, we will start off talking about him. Tiger Woods…Nevermind, I’ve written enough about Tiger Woods.

Look in the Archives at Insightnews.com (Lol). He’s great. He’s the bomb, and he is coming to a course near you.

I am a terrible fortuneteller in sports, but it seems to me that Tiger is about to be very Tigerish for the remainder of this golf season, and that is must see stuff.

I mean, the man was hurt for about a year and itching to come

I think Tiger Woods is going to lose his mind up in here (in a good way) golfing year.

The PGA Championship is that event, and it will be held at the acclaimed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota during the week of August 10-16 this year.

The PGA Championship is the fourth of four major championship tournaments of the professional golf year. The PGA Championship does not have quite the history and pageantry of the other three large events — The Masters in Augusta, GA (the only event that does not rotate venues) The U.S. Open, and the British Open. But to our benefit, the PGA Championship is the most fan-friendly major golf

back on the circuit and kick some butt on the course. When you find the sport that is really for you, as golf is for him and track is for me, you get pretty addicted to finding out how much you can really win and for how long.

Wouldn’t want to waste any butt kickings. Note: Kicking butt in sports is fun (tell a child today…if I see one more empty basketball court I’m gonna explode!). Anyway, watch Tiger Woods. I think he’s going to lose his mind up in here (in a good way).

Ok, so back to the youth.

Though I certainly need to do more in depth reporting on them,

the Fairway Foundation is obviously up to its usual great tricks. The fact that their tricks teach children the sport of golf and its application towards an overall successful life makes them just the magicians you want to have perform with your child.

They recently held their major Fairway Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser Tournament at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodberry. During the brief second I stopped by what I certainly saw was an extensive network and potent mixture of great people in the community.

Golf is an international sport, and has an aura of class about it like no other. That is obviously a great mix of elements to present to a child, and I would encourage looking at the website: fairwayfoundation.org Other than that, everybody is golfing. If you keep up with (or can keep up with) Q-Bear of KMOJ, then you’re quite aware of his golfing exploits. Other brothers and sisters who work in those stiff office environments have a natural magnet drawing them to the golf course as well.

There really is no greater medicine for the “Office Wall Prison Blues” than a cool stroll in the park (which is what a golf course basically is) with a little bit of exercise to boot. Most certainly the golf course is a sanctuary for trash talking, which is always fun if you ask me. And when it comes down to it, who doesn’t want to swing a metal club and whack the mess out of a little hard ball? Naturally one of the keys to the game is to not try and swing too hard. That’s a hard lesson to learn of testosterone

redriverautographs.wordpress.com

Tiger Woods comes to town for the final major championship of the professional golfing year. The PGA Championship is that event, and it will be held at the acclaimed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska laden men, so take that tip and I just saved you the purchase of a lot of extra balls and possible

NBA and NFL professionals making history in 2009 What a year 2009 has been so far for professional sports — especially among our talented black professionals. First, in February we had the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl to win their sixth title. History was made when Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin became the youngest African-American coach to win a Super Bowl and the third black coach ever to coach in the big game. Then his star wide receiver Santonio Holmes captured the gamewinning pass and was selected

as the Super Bowl MVP. A couple of months later, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by their star player Kobe Bryant, defeated the Orlando Magic to capture their 15th NBA championship ring. Bryant also won his first NBA finals MVP award and is the first player to receive the award since being renamed the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award back in February.

These professional athletes have shown that when talent is combined with determination, just about anything can be

achieved, both individually and collectively as a team. It is professionals like Santonio Holmes, Mike Tomlin and Kobe Bryant that motivate young black athletes to never give up on their dreams regardless of what obstacles may stand in the way.

With the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) season just beginning and NFL training camp a month away, there may be even more history-making moments among our black athletes.

www.nextgengop.com

Mike Tomlin

tossing of your golf club in the nearest lake. You can learn a lot from a dummy, and you and the

kids can get a lot out of golf.

Next rounds on you.

Page 12 • June 22 - June 28, 2009 • Insight News

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