Black Music Month Feature: Yohannes Tona MORE ON PAGE 5
June 24 - June 30, 2013
Vol. 40 No. 26 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Rep. Keith Ellison leans down to greet Fraser Head Start student, Hamsa as Tre’ Jour (braids) and Miles (yellow shirt) enjoy their lunches.
Ellison renews call to end sequester; says area’s most vulnerable hardest hit
By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Parents in Community Action (PICA) Head Start Executive Director Alyce Dillon said her
program’s resources are stretched to the max. If further federal cuts, known as sequester, are to occur, Dillon is forecasting a bleak future for those who could be dropped from Head Start, the federal preschool educational, health and nutritional
Harry Colbert, Jr.
program for disadvantaged children. The 43-year veteran of the program said Head Start in Hennepin County is already in a dire predicament.
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Successful businesses, communities, linked Like fashion and design, education should be accessible to everyone, Target executive Laysha Ward said. “Successful businesses and successful communities are inextricably linked,” Ward said. “Target democratized design; now we’re working to democratize education, because we know that our future success, and that of the global economy, depends on an educated workforce.” Ward’s remarks were made June 13, at the third annual gathering of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) America in Chicago. The event, hosted by former President Bill Clinton, founder of the organization, focuses on finding solutions that promote economic recovery in the United States. As part of a panel session about achieving economic and social mobility moderated by Clinton, Ward, Target’s president of Community Relations (pictured above, center), shared her thoughts on the importance of public/ private partnerships to drive social impact and create shared economic and societal value, centered around
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White House
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Right to left: Colleen DeCubellis, executive director of Hunger Solutions and SNAP recipients Evelyn Shelafeo, Erin Pavlica and Tyler Lindroth offer first-hand insights on the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a listening session at the state Capitol.
Pending cuts to food stamp program could mean additional hardship for those in need By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer For those with little or no income, government food assistance is the only way in which some are able eat. But come Nov. 1 that assistance may be greatly reduced. This past May the House Committee on
Minneapolis Mayor Candidates head for November ballot
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Agricultural passed the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (H.R. 1947), also known as the Farm Bill. The bill cuts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits – formerly know as the food stamp program – by $20.5 billion over the next 10 years. Fourth District Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) said these
cuts will result in virtually ending access to vital food assistance for nearly two million vulnerable children, families, seniors and persons with disabilities. McCollum said the “massive cut targeting hungry Americans” – in addition to a
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Jewel James, Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House
Inside the White House:
Jewel James By April Ryan AprilDRyan.com Jewel James is one of the political rising stars in Washington who in her early thirties has the ear of the President and Vice President. Her work experience includes working on Capitol Hill as support staff for the Congressional
Black Caucus for a few years when Congressman Elijah Cummings and Congressman Mel Watt headed the group of black federal lawmakers. Just like Maryland Congressman Cummings and North Carolina Congressman Watt who have ascended to higher rankings, her diligence and hard work
JAMES TURN TO 2
Education
Community
Health
Another North Minneapolis program kicked out of Cityview
West Broadway Farmers Market set to nourish North Minneapolis
Microbiome: Caring for the community inside of us
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Candidates head for November ballot
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Vying to be Minneapolis’ next mayor, candidates participated in a recent 1MPLS forum on race. Seated from left to right (background to foreground) are Tony Lane, Mark Andrew, Gary Schiff, Don Samuels, Jim Thomas, Doug Mann, Betsy Hodges and Jackie Cherryhomes.
By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Candidates seeking to be Minneapolis’ next mayor had to convince a packed auditorium inside Sabathani Community Center they were receptive to the needs of the city’s various minority communities. The recent 1MPLS forum on racial justice, organized by Henry Jimenez, Marjaan Sirdar, Jenny Lock, Ishmael Israel, Nimco Ahmed and Jeff Hnilicka brought out eight candidates vying for the city’s top job. Judging the mood in the room, the diverse audience – most of whom were young voters – thinks all the candidates have a lot of work to do if they are to gain the support of various ethnic voters. Jimenez said the candidates need to broaden their nets when seeking to be the city’s next mayor. The candidates will square off this November during the general election to fill the office being vacated by Mayor R.T. Rybak. It is widely expected that the field will change by then, as no candidate has received the coveted DFL party endorsement.
Sequester From 1 “Keep in mind, even prior to the sequester, we had 1,000 parents who were trying to get their children into the program (but could not access the program due to a lack of funding),” said Dillon. “Why this country should balance the budget on the backs of the poor and vulnerable children is beyond me. It’s shocking and appalling.” With Fraser Head Start as the setting, 5th District Democratic
Cuts From 1 previously scheduled reduction in benefits – is scheduled to start on Nov. 1. McCollum said though intended to assist farmers, the bill’s cuts to SNAP will adversely affect Minnesota’s poor, including those in the farming community. Her remarks came during a listening session at the Minnesota Capitol this past week. “Minnesota is an agricultural state. Farming is a vital element of our economy – both the
James From 1 continues to make an impact on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. At the White House, her current job title is Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. James works with the Presidential team that fosters relationships with state and local officials from: Governors and State Legislators to Mayors
During the recent endorsing convention, candidate Mark Andrew was able to get 50 percent of the caucus votes with Ward 13 City Councilwoman Betsy Hodges garnering 44 percent of the vote. Sixty percent was needed to gain the party’s official endorsement. Last, week, Ward 9 City Councilman Gary Schiff announced that he is withdrawing from the race and that he was supporting Hodges. “I want you (candidates) to see what Minneapolis really looks like,” said Jimenez pointing out to the hundreds of diverse faces in the auditorium of Sabathani, 310 E. 38th Street. “I’m tired of politicians coming to us (communities of color) two weeks before an election. There’s a problem to say this is one of the most progressive cities in the nation yet we have some of the biggest racial disparities in the nation. We’re really one of the most segregated cities in the nation. We can’t keep talking about north Minneapolis as if it’s another city.” The evening’s moderator, Nekima Levy-Pounds agreed. “I think of Minneapolis as a tale of two cities,” said Levy-Pounds. “It’s the best of times and it’s the
“I think of Minneapolis as a tale of two cities,” said Levy-Pounds. “It’s the best of times and it’s the worst of times. Unfortunately, for our communities of color it’s among the worst of times.”
comes to fairly representing the city’s communities of color. “I would not budge the day Target wanted to build a building and I told them they would not be building their building without an affirmative action program in place,” said Cherryhomes. Cherryhomes said the retail giant agreed to implement an affirmative action program and goals in minority hiring for the project were met. The only non-white in the race, 5th Ward City Councilman Don Samuels, said he specifically chose to live in the city’s Jordan neighborhood so he could be of greater service to communities of color. Samuels said enough with talking about bettering the conditions for various communities of color, saying now is a time for action. “It’s not enough to say we are all created equal,” said Samuels. “Are we truly equal when there’s such an outrageous employment and housing gap?” Samuels attempted to appeal to Latino-American voters and the so-called Dreamers – immigrants who came to the United States as children and currently have not been granted citizenship – by saying for a time in his life he was
in a similar situation. “I was a Dreamer of sorts, living in suspense. I know what it’s like to be working illegally and thinking every cop is going to come and get you,” said Samuels, who is from Jamaica and said his visa was expired for more than a year waiting to be granted permanent citizenship. The nearly three-hour forum was wide-ranging, touching on topics of education, housing, education, immigration, Somali affairs, police harassment and more. Unlike other forums, there was considerable back and forth between candidates, audience members and the moderator. Several questioners from the audience often demanded pointed and specific responses to their questions. When asked by Jimenez if the candidates were providing satisfactory answers, there was a noticeable lack of crowd approval. In all, eight candidates participated in the forum. Along with Andrew, Cherryhomes, Samuels and Schiff, Betsy Hodges, Tony Lane, Doug Mann and Jim Thomas fielded questions for the audience and moderator Levy-Pounds.
worst of times. Unfortunately, for our communities of color it’s among the worst of times.” So, do the candidates see race relations in the same vein as Jimenez and Levy-Pounds? “I want to welcome you to one of the most economically and racially segregated cities in the nation,” said former DFL chair and former Hennepin County Board chair, Andrew. “I’m running to change that.” Andrew said a major initiative as mayor would be to create great job opportunities for those in
communities of color. Schiff, who represents maybe the most diverse district in the city, said the notion that Minneapolis is a progressive city is a falsehood. “Minneapolis can’t be considered one of the most progressive cities if it is not progressive for everybody,” said Schiff, who said half of the residents he represents live below the poverty line. Northsider, former Minneapolis City Council Chair Jackie Cherryhomes, said her record speaks for itself when it
Rep. Keith Ellison called on his fellow members of Congress to end federal cuts that he said are impacting the most vulnerable such as small children and the elderly. Ellison toured the Fraser Head Start program, 700 Humboldt Ave. N., to highlight how federal budget cuts are hurting Head Start programs all over the country and other services for the poor. According to the Congressman, Dillon and Head Start Director Rico Alexander, as many as 90 Hennepin County pre-kindergarten children will be kicked out of the program and 14 to 15 staff will be let go without an end to the
sequester. Ellison, co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, said he too is appalled at the inaction of the Republican-controlled Congress to end the sequester. “A core function of government is to make sure that small children have a good education,” said Ellison. “But for some people in Congress the cuts in government spending mean they can cut taxes for the better off and well-to-do. They don’t think government has a responsibility to the poor. I’m here to put a human face to the consequences of sequester. Some of the kids in this facility
are coming from a shelter to begin with. That makes this facility even more important for these kids.” According to Ellison, Congress demonstrated its distain for the poor when it chose to furlough cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Though Ellison is not opposed to FAA funding cuts, he feels there are other crucial services that should also be spared the ax. “When the FAA was going to have layoffs, Congress said we fly, our donors fly and that Friday we voted to have furloughs for the FAA. Head Start is just as important as the FAA.”
For Alexander, cuts to Head Start means he will have the unenviable task of laying-off facility staff. “We’re talking teachers, social service staff, transportation staff – the staff that provides direct services to our kids,” said Alexander, who has been with Head Start for 21 years and a director for the past five. “It’s not just the children; we provide a lot to the parents.” Alexander said his staff teaches parents how to provide better nutrition for their kids, better methods of scholastic preparedness and other parenting skills.
“There are 90 children right here who won’t be given the best opportunity to be successful in school (if federal cuts are made to Head Start),” said Alexander. Ellison said other real consequences of sequester include the possible loss of 1,000 civilian jobs at the Minnesota National Guard 133rd Airlift Wing. If no action is taken, federal cuts to programs such as Head Start and job cuts at the 133rd will commence as early as October of this year. “We need to end the sequester. Our country can afford it,” said Ellison.
production and processing of agricultural commodities,” said McCollum. “But we are also a state with half a million children, working families, seniors and people with disabilities who are living in poverty and in need of nutrition assistance to prevent hunger.” McCollum said she is perplexed by the stance many of her Republican cohorts in Congress have taken in calling for continued cuts to the federal budget – cuts that she said are affecting the poor, and middle class. “The (Rep. Paul) Ryan Republican budget that passed
earlier this year cuts non-defense spending by $5 trillion over the next decade. Of those cuts, 60 percent come from programs and services that serve low income and moderate income Americans,” said McCollum. “Meanwhile, tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans are locked in place.” The Minnesota Congresswoman’s harshest critique was directed at Tea Party Republican, Rep. Stephen Fincher of Tennessee. “One of my Tea Party Republican colleagues who voted to cut SNAP used the Bible to make his point in committee saying, ‘The one who is unwilling
to work shall not eat.’ Obviously, my colleague doesn’t seem to understand the overwhelming majority of people on SNAP are children, seniors, and working families, said McCollum. “The irony and hypocrisy of my colleague’s statement is that he personally has received as much as $3.5 million in direct agriculture payments from the federal government, yet he wants to take food away from poor children and families.” All together, Fincher, along with his father and brother, have received $8.9 million in crop subsidies in the past 10 years, mostly from the cotton program,
according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data aggregated by the Washington-based think tank, The Environmental Working Group. One of those fearing any cuts to SNAP is Evelyn Sheafoe. Sheafoe, a diabetic, was forced into early retirement this past December when she suffered a permanent injury. Due to seven month a gap in Social Security Insurance coverage, Sheafoe, who lives in a senior living apartment, said she pays $646.84 every month for her medicine. “Without the help of SNAP I wouldn’t be able to buy fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables
that are needed to keep my diabetes in check,” said Sheafoe. “If they lower the availability of SNAP I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m as low as I can go.” Sheafoe broke into tears and apologized for weeping. “There’s nothing to apologize for; you are speaking for millions of Americans right now,” said State Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL 26A), who participated in the listening session. McCollum is calling on Minnesota citizens to reach out to various members of Congress to let them know they do not support cuts to SNAP.
and to Attorneys General. “One of my big responsibilities is just making sure that we are working as effectively and efficiently as possible between the Federal government and state government.” Her job is essentially to help advance the President’s agenda to locales. The major agenda items are “working with states” for “creating jobs.” Just recently, James coordinated a conference call with State Legislators from around the country on the Affordable Care Act. “Open
enrollment begins October 1 for the health insurance marketplaces.” James feels for the millions of Americans who currently benefit from the ACA and the millions of American families who will gain access to affordable health care, “our work with state and local governments is essential.” Because she works closely with states, she has more time with Vice President Biden. The Vice President enjoys continual conversations with the nation’s Governors on various topics.
James job demands her time. It is common for James to work 12-hour days and 7 days a week on pressing issues important to the President’s agenda including items that affect states, like gun control, and immigration. She learned perseverance and diligence at an early age as an orphan who put herself through school and then worked the hallowed corridors of Washington to rise through the ranks. “Being here [at the White House] every day is impactful” James reveals. Her road to the District was
neither easy or privileged. James recalls, “I moved to DC when I was 16 to go to Howard [University]. I moved here as an orphan.” She did not have the support of parents nor did she have a high school diploma or enough money for a four year ride to get her college degree. “I didn’t have my parents to lean on…[ I had] just enough money to get through my freshman year of college and I didn’t know what I was going to do after that.” James reflects on the other side of the struggle to where she stands
now. James says, “Besides faith, the reason why I made it this far was because people believed and invested in me. She feels fulfilled by working for and with a President who strives to level the playing field for kids by providing access to opportunity and investing in them. Overall James believes her experience is a tremendous honor especially since she credits her rise inside Washington to those people who believed and invested in her.
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Insight News • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Page 3
BUSINESS Computer issues? How to help your help desk Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com After a long morning on the phone with the Help Desk, it is surprising that people on sidewalks are not hit over the head more often by computers
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 Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Alysha Price Photography Suluki Fardan Michele Spaise 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.
(and phones) flying out of windows. I wanted to this morning. I really did. But that would be an expensive way to litter, a poor way to problem solve and a good way to find myself out on the same sidewalk looking for new work. Therefore, I did the next best thing… I looked for ways to become part of the solution. First, the outcome. I explained, calmly and briefly, what I wanted to be able to do: I am trying to search a certain database.
Then, the problem. The computer comes up with zero results. Then, why it should work. I do this search every day. Things changed when we switched over to a new server. Then, the appeal. Is this something you can help me with? Smile on your end of the phone when you speak to your help desk professional. They won’t see you do it, but they will hear you. When things get tense (they will), honesty helps:
“This is frustrating.” Levity helps: “This thing has a mind of its own, I guess.” Laughter helps a lot. If you can think of something that is both positive and funny to say in the moment, then you’re in great shape. What helps most, however, might be silence. Let your person work. He or she is focused on getting you back on your feet. They probably did not cause the problem. Their own livelihood depends on their ability to get you back
to your livelihood. Let them concentrate. Ask if it’s all right to put them on speaker phone and on mute so you can find other things to do at your desk. And if you feel the frustration welling up and you are about to say, think or feel something really inappropriate or unhelpful, your answer might be to get off the line altogether. Ask if they would like to call you back when they’re done. The person might need you on the
line, they might not. There will always be interruptions in business. When your computer problems are interrupting your ordinary day, you can either lose it or not. The choice is always yours. Your Help Desk is there to help you. Help them to do that. Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your career planning questions to jdesmond@georgekonik.com.
TRANSFORMATIONAL GIVING
Are you interested in your donors, or their money? FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Why does one nonprofit receive $1,000 from a donor when another receives $1 million? What is the difference between fundraising and the process of securing transformational gifts? To get some answers we talked with Barbara Pierce, founder of Transformative Giving. Pierce got right to the point: “Transformational gifts come out of a partnership with a donor, built
on a common goal that neither the donor nor the organization can accomplish on their own. Fundraising is about getting gifts to meet a budget; transformative giving is about achieving a vision. Without fundraising and the financial foundation it provides, you cannot engage in transformative giving.” She elaborated further, sharing what it means to be “donor focused.” “Usually, nonprofits are driven by their own budget on their own timeline, i.e. fiscal year, solicitation cycle, board meeting schedule,” she began. “To be donor focused is to focus on the donor’s timeline versus your own. Most transformative gifts take more than a year to transpire but too many organizations forfeit a larger, more meaningful gift for a
smaller, immediate one to fit their own calendar.” “When you are donor-centric, you don’t think in terms of ‘they should give us X; they are really rich,’ which is something I’ve heard many times. You also have an attitude of exploring common areas of interest versus believing you have to ‘educate’ donors on all aspects of your organization before they are qualified to play a meaningful role in your discussions.” “Institutionally, it is an approach that says, ‘we want to understand who our donors are, what drives their decisions and what type of involvement is important to them,’ Pierce continued. “Any successful forprofit company takes a deep interest in understanding who
their customers are and how they can be of service to them. I see this as a critical gap in nonprofits engaging with those donors most able to make a transformative gift.” Vision, leadership, capacity, stewardship. These are at the core of successful nonprofit fundraising. They are magnified and held to a higher standard when talking with individuals who can give at the highest levels. How donors are perceived and treated can impact if and when they make a meaningful investment. “I believe one of the biggest factors that impede groups from attracting such gifts is their lack of interest or ability to see donors as partners versus a source of funds, Pierce advised. “There are a lot of assumptions about ‘rich people’
among many nonprofit staff members, including the idea that a donor will have undue influence on the organization’s mission if they accept a large gift. People don’t make transformative gifts to organizations that aren’t already embracing a vision they both hold in common.” Next week: Part Three - Start by asking “why?” Visit Barbara Pierce at www. transformativegiving.com. Copyright 2013 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” They position nonprofits for fundraising success. Visit them at www. saadandshaw.com.
Strolling down the beauty aisles Dissecting Diversity By Cheryl Pearson-McNeil When it comes to looking good, staying on top of your game, and making sure your pursuit of beauty is on point, you know the African-American community has that covered. Nielsen’s latest insights highlight hair and skin beauty purchases and behavior, by the numbers among AfricanAmericans and other ethnic groups in the U.S. and Canada in a recent NielsenWire Post titled Looking Good: Appealing to Ethnic Consumers in the Beauty Aisle. Ladies, I’m talking to all of us here. Whether we wear our lovely tresses straight, in locks, curled or rock a natural, cute afro-puff – God-given or store-bought – we all want to make sure we look presentable and feel good about ourselves, and will spend our last dime to do so. And, no, even though we usually think of women when we talk about hair care and beauty, women don’t corner the market on giving attention to good looks. You’ve likely heard the word, metrosexual, coined about 10 years ago to describe men who pay attention to the way they look. It’s ok to ‘fess up, guys. And, I think most women appreciate a man who takes care of himself in this department, right ladies? As African-American consumers, we are 43 million strong, representing just under 14 percent of the population, and we spend over 900 percent more on ethnic hair and beauty products than any other ethnic group in the U.S. More and more companies are beginning to pay attention. Have you noticed the increase of non-ethnic brands that now offer a “natural” hair care line? We also pay close attention to our skin, according the post. African-American consumers purchase skin bleaching products at a rate of a whopping 434 percent more than the general population. And before you jump to conclusions, this isn’t necessarily about reinventing ourselves. This is primarily about erasing blemishes, lightening age spots or even out skin tones. We purchase more hand lotion, body lotion and all-purpose skin creams than the general population: 54 percent and 40 percent respectively. We are 58 percent less likely to purchase suntan preparations or sunscreens and sunblock products. Here’s an instance where there are opportunities for marketers in some of these categories because
Most of us now know (but still may ignore) that Blacks are not immune to sun damage – and that all skin can burn – this could be an opportunity for a wide-reaching education campaign for the companies that manufacture sunscreens and sunblocks. there is opportunity for market growth, particularly in the suntan preparations category. I have girlfriends who slather themselves with baby oil before baking in the sun – unprotected. Most of us now know (but still may ignore) that Blacks are not immune to sun damage – and that all skin can burn – this could be an opportunity for a wide-reaching education campaign for the companies that manufacture sunscreens
and sunblocks. (Even if you’re not afraid of sunburn or skin cancer, what about premature wrinkling or skin that could turn to a consistency that feels like leather from years of overexposure? I’m just saying). As a matter of fact, now I can get a tan right in my bathroom – without even being exposed to sunlight. I use gradual tanning lotions which have SPF already included. This way, I can protect my skin and have the luxurious
bronzing color highlights that I want. So, you see, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It is imperative that you choose companies who have your best interests, needs front and center. You’ve got to make sure you have nothing but the best with you on your pursuit of beauty. Please take this into
consideration the next time you stroll down those beauty aisles. This time, you’ll just be better equipped with additional knowledge in tow. Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www.nielsenwire.com
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EDUCATION Another North Minneapolis school program kicked out of Cityview By Alleen Brown, TC Daily Planet For the third year running, children attending school in North Minneapolis’s Cityview building are being uprooted. Minneapolis Public Schools plans to evict the two-year-old Minnesota School of Science charter school, leaving the future of at least 325 children uncertain. Two years ago, parents angrily protested a plan to close Cityview, the district school that occupied the building, and replace it with the charter school Minnesota School of Science. Last summer poor planning and coordination by both the district and the new charter school forced an abrupt end to an MPS autism program in the building and left the parents of 40 students only two months to choose a new school for their transition-sensitive children. This year the reasons are different, but the results are the same: parents frustrated, kids destabilized, learning disrupted, all in a North Minneapolis community that has become far too familiar with educational instability and initiatives abandoned. Minneapolis Public Schools’ reasons for the eviction are
Minnesota School of Science
Graduation day twofold: they contend that MSS broke their lease with the district by failing to pay rent after state aid fell through, and they say
concerns about the way the school is run prevent MPS from doing what it would take to free up the lease aid for the charter
school. Alleged cheating on state tests, poor delivery of special education, and failure to
properly account for finances are among the complaints that the district has documented against the charter in the two years
since it opened. Leaders from Minnesota School of Science say all valid complaints have been addressed. MSS board members contend that the lease does not require the school to pay the portion of rent that would have been covered by lease aid. For parents like Debbie Howell, the bureaucratic entanglements behind the eviction are immaterial. For the first time in a long time, Howell trusts her child’s school. She sees her third-grader challenged by teachers who show her they care. She says that’s a big improvement over what she saw when her son attended the old Cityview. She says she’s ready to picket, if that’s what it takes to keep MSS open. Parents interviewed described a school where their kids feel safe, where a sense of camaraderie among parents pervades, a school that sends children home with challenging homework. Students from the school have placed in regional science and math competitions. “I feel like it’s been so long since we had something good in this community,” says Charles Reese, who has three children who attend MSS. “Whenever we have something good, it’s taken away.”
CITYVIEW TURN TO 9
Sir Emeka Offor Foundation of Nigeria donates $600,000 to St. Paul-based Books for Africa; largest donation ever The Nigeria-based Sir Emeka Offor Foundation has donated $600,000 to Books For Africa (BFA), which will support the shipment of more than a million books to the children of Nigeria and across Africa. “This donation represents the largest single donation we have ever received at Books For Africa, so naturally we are quite excited,” said Patrick Plonski, executive director of BFA. “The generosity of Sir Emeka Offor in advancing education across the African continent is an outstanding example for others to follow.” Tom Warth, who founded BFA in 1988, said that the “benefits that will accrue to the young people of Africa through this generous donation are immeasurable. We at Books For Africa struggle every day to convince folks of the wisdom of education in the advancement
Books For Africa
of African nations. Over our 25 years many have agreed with us but to have your generous donation as an example in the future will make our task easier.” In a unique partnership with BFA that began in 2010, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation has agreed to sponsor major shipments of books to Nigeria and The Gambia. In 2010, the Foundation sponsored eight containers to students in Nigeria and in 2011, another 16 containers, a total of about 530,000 books. In 2012, the foundation sponsored the shipment 110,000 books for school children as part of Books For Africa’s “Million Books to The Gambia” campaign. The $600,000 donation will support the shipment of an additional one million books to the children of Africa. With
funding provided by this grant, planning is currently under way to distribute an additional 1.1 million books to Nigeria, the Gambia, Somalia, Liberia, Tanzania, Namibia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa, sierra Leone, Malawi and Egypt. The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation is a nongovernmental philanthropic organization whose founder, Sir Emeka C. Offor, began in the 1990s to positively render assistance to the needy in society in various ramifications irrespective of tribe, creed, religion and nation. Books For Africa is the world’s largest shipper of donated text and library books to the African continent. It has shipped over 28 million books to 49 African countries over the past 25 years.
Tour introduces girls to Black colleges In partnership with more than 100 schools and community sites in Minnesota, Girl Scouts ConnectZ has brought the Girl Scout leadership program to more than 4,000 girls in underserved communities. As part of the experience, girls in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to apply for the Beta Gamma Girl Scouts Historically Black College and University (HBCU) tour. The program is open to girls who are not currently Girl Scouts. Those interested in
the tour can contact Roxanne Peyton at (800) 845-0787 or email her at roxanne.peyton@ girlscoutsrv.org. Planning for next year’s tour begins this summer and the application process is open to all girls. Five of the 27 girls who went on the tour also served as interns and worked the Independent Film Project of MN to create a video of their experience. Ayele Agbobly, a high school senior in St. Paul, attended this year’s 13th tour. Here is Agbobly’s
Courtesy of the Girl Scouts
Beta Gamma Girl Scouts (BGGS) HBCU tour girls, staff and Park Ranger at National Mall in Washington D.C. experience in her own words. During spring break of 2013, girls from Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys went on the 13th annual Historically Black College and Universities tour to Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. We visited Hampton University, Norfolk State University, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Morgan State University and Howard University. It was my first time going on this tour and I had an amazing time. It was an opportunity I never had before and probably
won’t have again. It was great to see what colleges were outside of Minnesota and what they had to offer. I loved seeing these colleges so much that I will apply to Howard in the fall. The girls on the tour were from all over Minnesota – from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Rochester. Before the trip, we had monthly meetings throughout the school year so we could get to know each other and build a friendship ahead of time. That really helped on the long bus rides because we all got along and had a lot of fun and even made new memories.
The tour allowed us to see what opportunities we have and what other colleges have to offer. Going to college outside of state can be scary because you will be unfamiliar with the area and people, but that might be where you find the place you call home. For that reason, I tell everybody about the HBCU tour and I encourage them to go and see what is out there instead of settling for one college. While on the tour, we participated in a service project at The Samaritan Women in (Baltimore City) Maryland. It
is where women who have been victims of human trafficking go for help to restart their lives. Some of our girls worked in a greenhouse, while the rest of us loaded logs onto a truck. It was good giving back to the community, but it was also sad to see the reality of things. I will definitely go on the HBCU tour again. It was such a good experience and I got to see all the beautiful campuses and I fell in love with one – Howard. Girl scouts gave me a chance that I couldn’t of had on my own.
BLACK MUSIC MONTH FEATURE
Yohannes Tona By Harry Colbert Jr. Contributing Writer
J
ust thinking of Yohannes Tona’s dizzying schedule is exhausting. Tona, a native of Ethiopia, is known as the Twin Cities’ most sought-after bassist – and with good reason. His outstanding ear for music, combined with his formal training and his love of multiple styles and genres have made Tona one of the busiest (and most likely the busiest) musicians in the area. For Tona, slowing down isn’t even an option. “My friends gave me the nickname ‘Top Dollar’ but I tell them my bank account isn’t top dollar,” said Tona, while laughing. “I say I’m ‘Every Dollar.’ I play everywhere – as long as it’s good music.”
Everywhere is not much of an exaggeration. Consider the multiple bands Tona is a part of or with whom he’s associated. There’s Sounds of Blackness, Dr. Mambo’s Combo (every Sunday and Monday at Bunker’s), #MPLS (formerly BoomBox), gospel and R&B group, the Steeles, the Cuban jazz group, the Nachito Herrera Trio and he was the bassist for the now on hiatus, New Congress. Now add to that the many touring artists with whom Tona has backed. Tona has played with Eric Roberson, Anthony David, Noel Gourdin and countless, countless others. He also plays with Timotha Lanae (featured previously in Aesthetically Speaking) and produced or coproduced about half of her album, “RED,” which is high on the charts in the United Kingdom and all the
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• Wondemagegnehu joins VocalEssence
rage in Japan. What separates Tona from many other musicians is his work ethic and attention to detail. For the graduate of the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston – where he attended on a full scholarship – no one gig is more important than the other. “Some musicians will say, ‘I’m only getting $150 this, so I’m not going to spend that much time rehearsing or studying the music,’” said Tona, who was just finishing a recording session with one of the Steels and was readying himself for a show later in the evening. “To me a gig that pays $1,000 is the same as one that pays $150. It’s always my name associated with it. I always say, every gig either gets another gig or cancels a gig.” Tona began playing acoustic guitar, traveling Ethiopia with
his mother, who was a popular religious singer. Always his passion, Tona said he never considered a fulltime career in music until a neighbor of his mentioned being able to study music in the United States. “Before that, I didn’t know you could go to school for this and have a career at it. That was really the beginning of my dream to be a professional musician,” said Tona, who is married with two small sons. So, how did the Twin Cities get so lucky to have a Berklee graduate playing around town nightly? “I was contacted by an Ethiopian church, Ethiopian Evangelical Church (in St. Paul), to come and do a concert. After the concert they offered me the job of music director,” recalled Tona. “I didn’t mean to stay this
• Review: Sugar in the Blood: A Family’s Story of Slavery and Empire
long, but good things started happening, and so I’m here.” Good things are happening indeed.
TONA TURN TO 7
• Snapshots
Page 6 • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking
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Wondemagegnehu joins VocalEssence Minnesota-based choral organization, VocalEssence has a new first assistant artistic director. Tesfa Wondemagegnehu was hired after a global search to fill the position. Wondemagegnehu comes to VocalEssence from Orlando, Fla., where he was director of choral activities at Freedom High School (FHS). He will serve under VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle, and associate conductor and vocal coach Sigrid Johnson. In his new role, Wondemagegnehu will help the non-profit expand its artistic vision, provide programmatic growth opportunities and spread its reach nationally. Wondemagegnehu will officially join VocalEssence in late summer, in time for the start of the organization’s 45th season. During his five years at FHS, Wondemagegnehu was named Orange County Public School Teacher of the Year and received the Macy’s National Gift of Teaching Award. The new assistant artistic director holds a master of music degree in choral conducting and vocal performance from Florida State University and a bachelor of music in vocal performance from the University of Memphis. “We are fortunate and honored to have Tesfa on board with VocalEssence. From the moment I saw his audition video, I found him very inspiring,” said Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence artistic director and founder. “You can just tell how passionate he is about choral music. And our Ensemble Singers responded enthusiastically when he came to Minneapolis for his final audition earlier this year. I’m looking forward to working closely with him on all aspects
of artistic direction – from community engagement, to fundraising and marketing – and, of course, conducting.” “The assistant artistic director position offers me a chance to collaborate with some of the finest choral musicians in the country, while still able to connect with students in the VocalEssence ¡Cantaré! and WITNESS outreach programs,” said Wondemagegnehu. “This opportunity to learn from Philip Brunelle and Sigrid Johnson is once-in-a-lifetime. The position is the perfect marriage between educational outreach and choral artistic excellence, and to say that I am excited about becoming a part of the VocalEssence family would be a huge understatement.” Wondemagegnehu is said to be widely in demand as a guest conductor and lecturer, and has presented workshops and conducted honor choirs in Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, and Costa Rica. As a tenor soloist, he has performed both in the United States and internationally under the batons of such conducting luminaries as André Thomas, Anton Armstrong, Krzysztof Penderecki, Rodney Eichenberger, Judy Bowers, Kevin Fenton, and Pu-Qi Jiang. VocalEssence is comprised of the 100-voice VocalEssence Chorus, the 32-voice Ensemble Singers, as well as guest soloists and instrumentalists. Called “one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time” by Dana Gioia, past chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, VocalEssence was founded in 1969. Beyond performances and recordings, VocalEssence impacts thousands of students, singers, and composers each year through its initiative programs, contests, and support for innovative art.
Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
Technical elements add spectacular effects to Stages Theatre Company’s Production of “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” Stages Theatre Company (STC) closes its 29th season with the smash hit “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” opening June 28 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts located at 1111
Mainstreet in downtown Hopkins, MN. Audiences can expect to see their favorite characters -Princess Jasmine, Genie and Aladdin – as they embark on an
adventure filled with magic and mayhem. Cryo jets, fog, confetti cannons and a star maze are just some of the tricks that will surprise audiences. Cryo jets produce a plume of “smoke” (CO2 cloud) that reaches 20-30 feet. The plumes of smoke can be colored by either ambient stage lighting or lighting instrumentation directed on them, so they can range in colors limited only by the lighting designer’s imagination,” says Associate Technical Director Jim Hibbeler. Special events revolving around “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” include St. Jude’s second annual Theatre of Dreams, a family fundraising event celebrating theatre and the lifesaving mission of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Visit www.stjude. org for more information. The cast will appear at Mall of America on Tuesday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for Toddler Tuesday, and at the Minnesota Children’s Museum on Tuesday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Stages Theatre Company engages young artists with
themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 130,000 young people and their families.
insightnews.com/aesthetics R E V I E W
Aesthetically Speaking • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Page 7
Sugar in the Blood: A Family’s Story of Slavery and Empire
By Kam Williams “In the late 1630s, lured by the promise of the New World, Andrea Stuart’s earliest known maternal ancestor, George Ashby, set sail from England to settle in Barbados. He fell into the life of a plantation sugar owner by chance… The swiftly increasing demands for sugar worldwide would not only lift [him] from abject poverty… but it would also bind together ambitious white entrepreneurs and enslaved black workers in a strangling embrace. Stuart uses her own family story—from the 17th C. through the present—as the pivot for this epic tale of migration, settlement, survival, slavery and the making of the Americas.” -- Excerpted from the Book Jacket Although Andrea Stuart was born and raised in the Caribbean, she never knew much about her ethnic heritage growing up. As a curious adult, she started digging around in library archives and was able to trace part of her ancestry as far back as the 17th C. to a white plantation owner of a sugar plantation on Barbados. Being mixed, Stuart also tried to find her African roots, but that search proved far more
Tona From 5 Aside from working on virtually everyone else’s show or project, Tona has his own project set for release. Next month, Tona’s own group,
Andrea Stuart challenging, given how her earliest black Bajan ancestors had been brought to the island as slaves. That meant they’d been considered property, and there weren’t as many records to be found about chattel. Nevertheless, the bilingual (English and French) writer approached the project like an investigative journalist, eventually unearthing a cornucopia of fascinating factoids about her gnarly family tree. And the upshot of that
tireless effort is Sugar in the Blood, a book that is as much the intimate tale of one incestuous clan as it is a universal one shared by many folks from the region who have both European and African blood running through their veins. The gifted author evidences quite a way with words here, employing her vivid imagination to spin historical tidbits into a compelling page-turner guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, ala a best-
selling suspense novel. Yes, she takes poet license periodically, but merely to extrapolate and plausibly fill the penumbras lying betwixt and between solid kernels of truth. Over the course of this centuries-spanning opus, we’re treated to a host of colorful characters passing time in and around the author’s ancestral plantation, with whites generally enjoying easy sexual access to enslaved females as well as the fruits of black labor. Curiously,
the Yohannes Tona Band, will release his CD, “13” – a fusion of Afrobeat and contemporary jazz. “The project is called ‘13’ because for me, 13 just kept popping up,” said Tona. “It’s been 13 years since I came to the (United) States, and I
came from a place where we had 13 months (in a calendar year) full of sunshine; and it took me about 13 weeks to finish the recording. And it’s 2013, so there you go.” Not by small coincidence, the CD releases on July 13. Tona is having a release
performance that day at the Black Dog Café, 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul. The following week, Tona’s band will be the backing band for most of the acts performing during the Rondo Days Festival. With all that’s going on with Tona, one might ask,
Ms. Stuart treats both sides with an almost affectionate understanding, even addressing the enduring skin color issue which has left her homeland hopelessly stratified after generations of race mixing. A credible, cross-cultural examination chronicling the unresolved master-slave relationship still reflected in today’s Barbados where, as Faulkner sagely surmised about America’s Deep South, “The past is never dead. It isn’t even past.”
Sugar in the Blood : A Family’s Story of Slavery and Empire
when does he sleep? “That’s a good question. I don’t like to sleep too long. I usually get in around two (in the morning) and I don’t go right to sleep. I’m up working on things and my boys get me up pretty early in the morning,” said Tona. “They’re
my alarm clock.” And when his “alarm clock” rings, Tona’s at it again, composing, practicing, studying – performing. For Tona, it’s on to the next gig.
by Andrea Stuart Knopf Books Hardcover, $27.95 378 pages, Illustrated ISBN: 978-0-307-27283-6
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Page 8 • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking 1
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Snapshots
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“CLYBOURNE PARK IS A PLAY EVERYONE SHOULD SEE.”
4
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– MinnPost.com
6 by
BRUCE
NORRIS
directed by
LISA
PETERSON
1: Jazz legend Ramsey Lewis strokes the ivories at the Dakota Jazz Club during his Wednesday night performance. 2: Nicole Robins and Danielle Svobodny enjoying the night out during Fashion Wednesdays at Rouge at the Lounge.
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PHOTO (LEFT): KATHRYN MEISLE AND SHÁ CAGE; (RIGHT): ANSA AKYEA, EMILY GUNYOU HALAAS AND JIM LICHTSCHEIDL (MICHAEL BROSILOW)
3: The extravagant Dee Dee Bridgewater delighting the crowd this past Wednesday at the Dakota Jazz Club.
4: Umber Dickerson and Karina Houston, in town on business, took time out to catch the Ramsey Lewis and Dee Dee Bridgewater show at the Dakota Jazz Club. 5: Bouncer Jimmy Ethridge working Fashion Wednesdays, making sure things are secure at Rouge at the Lounge. 6: Elliot Nelson and Chalbi Fatma hanging out during Fashion Wednesdays at Rouge at the Lounge.
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Insight News • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Page 9
FULL CIRCLE
Relationship fundamentals Man Talk
By Timothy Houston Although I have previously written on the top of the pillars of a healthy relationship, I still get a lot of questions around the key ingredients needed to build a successful one. Successful relationships are built beyond the human eye. I believe that below the surface of every bond, the following key components must exist. These components are honesty, trust, intimacy, and communication. These 4 mainstays serve as the necessary
support for all the other components needed for success and are the fundamentals for all relationships. First, all successful relationships need honesty at its core. Honesty is the desire and ability to tell the truth without any intentions to deceive. This does not mean that a person has to tell everything that they know. Telling everything is a sign of immaturity. Children tattle tale, but mature adults only tell those things, good or bad, that are for the growth and development of the relationship. Honesty requires discretion. In all cases, words that come out of a person’s mouth must be the truth. The desire to be honest must run deep into the core of all those involved. Without honesty at its core, the relationship will
become unstable and eventually it will fall. Secondly, all successful relationship must have trust. Like honesty, trust is fundamental in nature. If honesty is what we say, then trust is what we do. The actions that a person takes will work for or against trust. This is a hard pill for some to swallow. No one should ever be encouraged to trust a person that is not trustworthy, and the one that has broken the trust has to be the one that takes the responsibility for rebuilding it. The way a person rebuilds trust is by doing what they say. Your actions must line up with your words. We all have in us the ability to be trustworthy, but we have to value the relationship enough to allow it to come forth.
Thirdly, all successful relationships must have intimacy. This is one of the most important of all the fundamentals. Intimacy goes beyond to physical act of sex and includes hand holding, hugging, cuddling, and kisses on the forehead or cheek. These types of interactions prevent any person in the relationship from feeling like an object and more like a respected member. Touch is the most powerful of all the senses. The human body has over 30 thousand touch sensors located from the head to toe. These sensors are connected to nerves that are sensitive to even the slightest touch. Understanding the right use of intimate touches is vital and fundamental to relationship development. Finally, the fourth and final
Cityview From 4 “Our main concern is to stay in that community,” MSS board member Gene Scapanski says. “They have been failed by Minneapolis Public Schools in North Minneapolis.” The district is moving forward with plans to place a new district K-5 program in the building. Minneapolis Office of New Schools director Sara Paul said, “We care very much about the students and the families, and we are committed to providing a quality program.”
Tasha Cobbs
Motown gospel recording artist Tasha Cobbs’ hit anthem “Break Every Chain” is #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs Chart Motown Gospel recording artist Tasha Cobbs continues to break every record at radio and retail. The hit praise and worship anthem, “Break Every Chain” is #1 on Billboard’s
Hot Gospel Songs chart with nearly four million in listening audience. “Break Every Chain” is also Motown Gospel’s first #1 radio song. In addition, to Cobbs upcoming television
appearances on the new season of BET’s “Sunday Best” and “Bobby Jones,” she will continue across the country with concert and promotional dates.
State aid falls through, rent goes unpaid It’s true that Minnesota School of Science did not pay approximately half a million dollars in rent. Lease aid is funding from the state that most charter schools depend on to pay for their space. When MSS signed its lease with Minnesota Public Schools, both the school and the district assumed the charter would pay for 90 percent of rent with that aid. Minneapolis Public Schools is not only MSS’s landlord, but it’s also the school’s authorizer, in charge of making sure MSS
fundamental of a successful relationship is meaningful communication. This is more than just talking to each other. Meaningful communication involves sharing dreams, goals and ambitions, hopes and aspirations, success, failures, and likes and dislikes. Meaningful communication can be oral or written, but it cannot be measured in the volume of words or by the length of the conversation. When meaningful communications exist, then the ability to resolve complex issues exist as well. When you talk about the issue, agree to keep communicating until you come up with a solution that you both can agree on. Meaningful communication exists when the words, thoughts, and ideas of both parties are respectfully received.
Like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are the fundamental components of math, honesty, trust, intimacy, and meaningful communication are the fundamental components of a successful relationship. Without a thorough understanding of these, you will not be able to support the needed complexity that is sure to follow. Go back to the basic and build the type of relationship success that will stand the test of time.
provides the services agreed upon in their charter contract. This year the Minnesota Department of Education decided that authorizers could not receive lease aid from the charters they oversee. Advocates for the rule say that when authorizers act as landlords, they have a financial stake in keeping their renter school open, which could prevent them from acting if that charter had problems. That means Minnesota School of Science did not get the funding they needed to pay rent.
MSS did get lease aid last year, but that was a mistake, said the department of education. MSS interprets its lease with MPS to say that they do not have to pay the portion of rent that would have been covered by the state. But Minneapolis Public Schools argues that the charter does have to pay, based on an amendment to the lease made last October. The legal interpretation of the lease
Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get copies of his books, for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
CITYVIEW TURN TO 11
Page 10 • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Insight News
insightnews.com
COMMUNITY West Broadway Farmers Market set to nourish North Minneapolis
program of the West Broadway Coalition (WBC). Thanks to a project led by Appetite for Change and funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield, the WBC was able to hire staff person Matthew
McGlory to run an aggregation table at the market. The aggregation table is a resource within the West Broadway Farmers Market where North Minneapolis growers can have
the opportunity to sell their goods and receive technical assistance at no cost to them. The aggregation table also serves as a licensed reseller of non-local fruits and vegetables,
so visitors can always buy foods like bananas, avocados and pineapples along with their Minnesota-grown tomatoes, apples and cucumbers. The aggregation table fits perfectly within the West Broadway Farmers Market’s mission to expand access and build a local healthy, sustainable food system in North Minneapolis while supporting economic development of Northside growers. McGlory is very enthusiastic about his new role at the market: “I’m looking forward to building on the success of last year’s aggregation table. I’m excited to get to know the growers and customers over the course of the season and to be a part of the market community.� Kelsey Durken and Jon Barrick of Native Roots farm are proof of the aggregation table model’s success. Full vendors for the 2013 season, these Northsiders got their start selling at the aggregation table in 2012. At the Native Roots farm, Durken and Barrick grow an array of vegetables, specializing in heirloom varieties of what are known as the Three Sistersvarious types of squash, corn and beans traditionally grown in many North American Native American communities. “We’re really happy to be back at the market this year as full vendors,� said Durken. Beyond hosting wonderful products for purchase, the West Broadway Farmers Market is a positive and vibrant community gathering space. Special
founder and CEO of Chobani, Inc.; and Eva Longoria, actress, advocate and founder of the The Eva Longoria Foundation. “We have to quit hiding behind rocks and get moving.� Clinton agreed. “As part of our legacy of giving, Target gives 5 percent of our profit, which totals more than $4 million, to communities every week,�
Laysha continued. “Those dollars go toward fighting hunger, aiding disaster preparedness and relief efforts, supporting the arts and putting more kids on the path to high school graduation.� Why the focus on education? “Every child can learn and should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential,� she said. “To
make sure we’re helping to provide the right tools and resources to help more kids succeed, we’ve set goals in the area of education, including a commitment to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.� Ward also spoke about the importance of common core standards as well as the need to embrace technology. “We
need to allow technology to be a game-changer,� she said. Target said it became a member of CGI in 2013, “because we strongly support its mission of taking action to drive change. As part of our membership, we’ll be announcing a specific commitment to action in September at the annual CGI meeting. Watch for
Shaina Brassard, West Broadway Coalition On Friday, June 21st the West Broadway Farmers Market returned for its third season, featuring more produce and specialty goods vendors than ever. Every Friday through October, from 3:00 to 7:00pm, in the Hawthorn Crossings parking lot at West Broadway and Emerson Ave N, all are invited to do their weekly shopping at the market, enjoy programming and connect with neighbors. The market hosts ten returning vendors and six new vendors, including the highly anticipated Pride of Louisiana, a shrimp and fish vendor. In addition to locally grown fruits and vegetables, marketgoers will find culinary mushrooms, sweet breads, cookies, pies, flowers and gifts, canned goods, art and non-local produce like tropical fruit. Market Manager Alicia Uzarek is especially proud of the strong presence of North Minneapolis-based vendors, who make up over 70 percent of market vendors. “It’s really amazing to see so many Northside food businesses grow. There’s a lot of excitement around the market and the healthy food and community found here.� Much of the excitement Uzarek speaks of is due to the tireless organizing that occurs during the offseason. The West Broadway Farmers Market is a
Ward From 1 critical areas like education, healthcare, and workforce development. She was joined on the panel by Sara Martinez Tucker, chief executive officer of the National Math + Science Initiative; Hamdi Ulukaya,
Classifieds Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com
West Falls Estates Rent based on 30% Of adjusted income Call Patricia Brown At 218-283-4967 TDD 800-627-3529
Shaina Brassard
This is the aggregation table at the 2012 Market.
Housing Attorney Housing Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details go to www.mylegalaid.org/employment.
NORTHSIDE ACHIEVEMENT ZONE Northside Achievement Zone has employment opportunities. Check our website at the-naz.org or come in to our office located at 2123 W. Broadway Ave. Ste. 100, Mpls, MN 55421
Office Administrator SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development in St. Paul seeks an outgoing and organized Office Administrator to handle Customer Service and Clerical duties. Full-time. Call 651-225-9265 or email ross@steppingstonetheatre.org for job description and requirements.
Minneapolis Urban League School Office Coordinator
Job summary: Under the supervision of the School Principal coordinate all school administrative activities, assisting with operational, academic, college access, career development and family engagement activities. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Demonstrate a strong knowledge of administrative support procedures and practices; knowledge of basic office machines and equipment. Strong technology skills, as well as verbal and written skills. Must be a team player with excellent customer service skills. Attention to detail, flexible and willing to cooperate with other team members. Ability to follow oral and written instructions, ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with school personnel, students, parents and guardians, and the general public. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from high school, some community college attendance preferred. Administrative Professional certification desired with proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly EXCEL and POWERPOINT. HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to vdavis@mul.org; fax to 612-521-1444 or mail to 2100 Plymouth Ave. No., Mpls, Mn 55411, Attn: HR - Preferred method is email. This position is open until filled.
events and programs occur each market day, including art activities, exercise, live music, a bike walk raffle and cooking demonstrations. Opening day highlights included Story Time with Sumner Library and community tables by the Animal Humane Society, Wirth Coop and Broadway Family Medicine (also a market sponsor). The Hawthorne Hula Hoopers were on site to lead marketgoers in some easygoing, fun exercise. Visitors can pay with cash, and the West Broadway Farmers Market gladly accepts EBT and will double EBT card holders’ first $5 spent each market day (funding is provided through the Market Buck Initiative of Blue CrossŽ and Blue ShieldŽ of Minnesota). The market has a beautiful new website with information on sponsorship, visiting and being involved; visit westbroadwaymarket.org today. The West Broadway Farmers Market increases healthy food access, promotes economic development among Northsiders, and cultivates a dynamic gathering space for community members, visitors, and businesses. The West Broadway Farmers Market is a project of the West Broadway Coalition.
more information in coming months,� the Minneapolis based retailer said in a press release. Visit CGIAmerica.org to learn more about the event, follow hashtag #CGIAmerica to see the buzz on Twitter and Instagram, and visit Education to learn more about the programs and partners Target supports.
West Broadway Farmers Market 900 West Broadway (at Emerson Ave N) Fridays, 3:00-7:00pm June 21st- October 11th Westbroadwaymarket.org
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Adult Basic Education Supervisor
Minneapolis Urban League Teachers
Science Teacher Math Teacher (2 positions) English Teacher Job Summary: Under general supervisor, serves as classroom teacher in the Minneapolis Urban League Academy High School to create a flexible instruction program and a class environment favorable to learning and personal growth in accordance with each student’s ability. Establishes effective rapport with students assigned to the classroom. Motivates students to develop attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for secondary grade education in accordance with each student’s ability, and instructs students in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth. Establish good relationships with other staff members.
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Experience and Qualification Requirements: The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavior standards as set by the Minneapolis Public School District (MPS) and the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL). In accordance with certification requirements and the performance expectations of the MPS and the MUL, all classroom teachers shall meet the following employment criteria. * Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, including all courses to meet credential (licensing) requirements. * Valid Minnesota teaching license authorizing service in grade levels and areas assigned. * Completed credential file that meets MPS standards. * Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience. * Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education. * Interview/file data will include evidence of sensitivity and respect for others and verification of the demonstrated ability to serve as a positive role model for youth. * Regular and predictable attendance is essential. * Training in behavior management. * Training in student assessment techniques. * Three to five years experience in dealing with at-risk youth. * Experience in developing individual student instructional programs. * Current First Aid Card with C.P.R. endorsement or the willingness to obtain one. * Competency in the use of computer software and hardware. * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. * Ability to plan and implement lessons based on curriculum and school objectives and the needs and abilities of student. *Ability to integrate and differentiate instruction in a variety of subjects to address the diverse student population. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community. HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to vdavis@mul.org; fax to 612-521-1444 or mail to 2100 Plymouth Ave. No., Mpls, Mn 55411, Attn: HR - Preferred method is email. The positions are open until filled.
Saint Paul Public Schools seeks an Adult Basic Education Supervisor. Candidate must have Master’s degree in education, community education or related field, hold valid teaching license from MN Department of Education in adult education or related subject, and five years professional experience, including program development, training and supervising other staff members and volunteers, and working cooperatively with administration, program staff, and representatives of agencies, business and labor. Must hold, or be eligible to hold, valid license in community education administration from MN Department of Education. For more details and to apply, visit hr.spps.org/Search_Jobs_and_Apply.htm. Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.
Minneapolis Urban League Business Teacher
Job Summary: The high school business teacher instructs students in business at a secondary school level that in turn leads some students to pursue a business or technology as a career or improves the student’s business knowledge and career skills. They teach business curriculum such as resume writing, business careers, account checking, computer keyboarding and computer courses, and financial literacy skills. Working with computers, the business technology teacher instructs and teaches students about spreadsheets, word processing, graphics and databases. They prepare the students business assignments and exams, grade the papers and evaluate the student’s progress. While teaching the instructor maintains classroom order, sets acceptable behavior from their students and enforces school rules. Experience and Qualification Requirements: A solid foundation in the use and application of computers, software and proper integration into the curriculum, information technology and business. Minnesota Teaching License with certification to teach Business Education. Must have a bachelor’s degree with a major in business education or equivalent. Experience working w/student placement in internships, and school-to-work certification. Classroom management skills a must. Ability to work cooperatively with parents and staff. Ability to work well with high school students in an alternative school setting. HOW TO APPLY: Email cover letter and resume to vdavis@mul.org; fax to 612-521-1444 or mail to 2100 Plymouth Ave. No., Mpls, Mn 55411, Attn: HR - Preferred method is email. This position is open until filled.
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Insight News • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Page 11
HEALTH Microbiome: Caring for the community inside of us Our Health
By Nicole Winbush MD You are not alone. I am not talking about your connections with your family and community or alien attacks. I am talking about in your own body. Within our own flesh we have a community of interdependent organisms that are working in concert to help maintain our health and functioning. The name given to this community is the microbiome (micro - small, biome - community of organisms) and it is increasingly becoming a source of interest in the scientific and popular media. This week I would like to talk about the microbiome. There is a lot of speculation about the potential importance of the microbiome in affecting everything from allergies and eczema to arthritis and weight loss. While these concepts are only beginning to be understood, it is clear that the microbiome and caring for it does have important implications for our health. Read on to find out what you can do to keep the community inside of you functioning its best. So what is the microbiome? (Do you mean I have bugs inside of me?) Do you know anyone who has ever gotten bitten (accidentally I hope) by a person or perhaps an animal? You may have heard people say, humans or cats have ‘dirty mouths’ -assuming they were not referring to their language, they were referring to the idea that our mouths are full of bacteria. These bites are usually treated with antibiotics to prevent infection. In addition to our mouths, we know that our intestines are also home to billions of bacteria and some fungal species. There are also many bacteria that live on our skin. You may have heard of MRSA, a type of bacteria that can be found on skin and that can potentially cause serious skin and other infections. So, yes we do have bacteria in many areas of our body. However, bacteria are not necessarily a bad thing. We are increasingly learning that there can be many potentially good aspects of certain bacteria. They can help us digest certain food components that we might not otherwise be able to digest. Some bacteria may help regulate our hormones and may influence our metabolism (the process of turning food into energy). Why should I care about the microbiome? Scientists are only beginning to understand the
Cityview From 9 remains an open question. Minneapolis College Prep, another district-sponsored charter that rents from MPS, will not have to pay for its missing state aid, since the school’s lease was not similarly amended. At the time MSS’s new lease was signed, the district was gearing up for a legislative fight over the education department’s
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Whole foods importance of the microbiome. They are doing this through a variety of experiments and observations in both animals and humans. Some of these interesting observations have included finding that gut bacteria can manufacture and secrete chemicals that can affect our appetite and digestion. It has been observed that mice who are completely lacking in gut bacteria will tend to gain more weight. Babies who are breast fed versus formula fed tend to have a different mix of gut bacteria. Some of these differences in gut bacteria continue even after infants are weaned and may play a role in the increased rates of allergy and asthma seen in formula-fed infants. Different people in different parts of the world tend to have very different types of bacteria in their gut. In general, western people tend to have a less diverse mix of bacteria. It is thought that this may be due to higher levels of exposures to antibiotics. Having a healthy gut bacterial community can be an important part of increasing our resistance to certain infections. Antibiotics are essential in some instances to treat infections. However, they do not discriminate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria and as a side effect of treatment they can cause a significant decrease in the number of ‘healthy’ gut bacteria. When our gut is populated with healthy bacteria it may be more difficult for bad infections to take hold. One infection that is sometimes seen after receiving antibiotics is called Clostridium Difficile (C. Diff for short). Individuals who get C. Diff can have diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain and fevers. This used to be an infection that was mostly seen
in sick hospitalized patients. Now we are seeing it more and more in the community. These C. Diff infections are also becoming more difficult treat, often requiring repeated courses of antibiotics. Which in turn can lead to more destruction of healthy gut bacteria and make individuals more likely to contract future infections. You may have heard in the news about fecal (stool) transplants. While this may seem surprising (and kind of gross), these transplants are being used in some places to treat these C. Diff infections. These fecal transplants work by providing the sick person with a dose of healthy gut bacteria. They are showing promise as a potential cure for treatment resistant C. Diff infections. How can having healthy gut affect my health? Our gut is important. If it is not in good shape we do not feel good. Our gut health is impacted by the food we eat (or do not eat), by the medications we take, by the way we spend our time and by the thoughts that occupy our mind. Digestive issues are increasingly plaguing people. Everyday in my office I see people (often young) with gut concerns - reflux, gastritis, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain. We have medications to treat reflux, to treat constipation etc. But, these just address the symptoms. They do not get at the root cause. The root cause often has many factors and the bacteria we are keeping in our gut may have an important role to play. How can I protect and strengthen my microbiome? So, while our understanding of the microbiome is limited, there are some things you can do to support a strong and healthy gut community:
conflict of interest rule. Last spring, Representative Jim Davnie introduced legislation that would have exempted school districts from the rule, allowing them to rent to the charters they authorize. That measure failed. With the rule unchanged, the only way for Minnesota School of Science to get lease aid would be if they dropped MPS as an authorizer. By January, MSS board members say they were already looking for a new authorizer. They began filling
out paperwork to switch to Pillsbury United Communities, which authorizes a number of Twin Cities charter schools. But the district eventually refused to let MSS go, citing a laundry list of problems with the school’s management.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics - Antibiotics are powerful medicines and have an important role to play in treating bacterial infections. However, they can do damage if they are prescribed unnecessarily. For instance, antibiotics are not effective against viruses like the common cold and older children do not necessarily need antibiotics for most ear infections (which are often caused by cold viruses and not bacteria). Antibiotics can damage our healthy gut bacteria. Discuss with your healthcare provider the necessity of antibiotic treatment when it is recommended. Consider taking a probiotic supplement as soon as antibiotics are prescribed. (Probiotics are tablets or powders that contain doses of healthy gut bacteria. There is good evidence that these decrease the likelihood of getting a C. Diff infection). Breastfeed your infant if you can (every bit helps) - There are a lot of benefits to breastfeeding. Breast milk helps
to establish a healthy mix of gut bacteria that may ‘set your child up for life’ and decrease the likelihood of developing childhood allergies and asthma and may make them less likely to be overweight or obese in later life. Maximum health benefits of breastfeeding have been seen with breastfeeding at least 6 months, but every bit that you can do is a potential benefit. If health or other issues prevent you from breastfeeding, you can still support the health of your children by making sure that they have a healthy and varied diet when they start solid food. Wash your hands (but take it easy with the antibacterial soap). Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers have not been shown to be any more effective than washing your hands well with regular soap and water. In addition, while the evidence is not consistent, some previous studies have shown that widespread use of antibacterial soaps may increase the potential
YOUR
for antibiotic resistance. MOST IMPORTANT eat a diet rich in whole foods. Yes, you knew it would have to be here somewhere. The best way to support our gut and the microbes is to feed them what they need. Whole, unprocessed foods, lots and lots of fresh vegetables, some fruits and natural grains (i.e. brown rice, barley, quinoa etc.) are essential. We have all heard that we need fiber. It is not just because it keeps you regular, it is also because the fiber supplies some very important nutrients to our gut bacteria that feed on the fibrous materials in these whole foods. These bacteria then benefit us by maintaining our gut health and making us more capable of defending ourselves against disease. So remember: We are never alone! We are part of a community inside and out. Let’s continue working to maintain and increase the health and function of our communities. Dr. Winbush is a family physician practicing at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. She has a strong interest in wellness and patient education to help individuals feel empowered to optimize their health and functioning. She wants to hear from you! To respond to this article, request topics for future articles and for additional resources email functionwellmedicine@ gmail.com, visit Function Well Medicine on Facebook or tweet @DrNicoleWinbush. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a healthcare provider if you suspect you are ill.
VOICE IS STILL BEING HEARD.
WE’VE
BEEN EXPECTING YOU.
Alleen Brown (alleenbrown@ tcdailyplanet.net or Twitter @ AlleenBrown) is a freelance writer from Minneapolis. Read the entire article at www.insightnews.com
At UCare, we know Boomers. So as you make your move to Medicare, consider the health plan that hits all the right notes. UCare for SeniorsSM lets you choose from plans that cover prescription drugs, travel, eyewear, dental, fitness programs like SilverSneakers® and more. There are no co-pays for primary care visits with most plans. And you’ll get to talk to a real person 24/7 when you call customer service. It’s just what you’d expect from health care that starts with you. Learn more about the benefits of UCare for Seniors in our new eGuide to Medicare at ucareplans.org/eguide. Or call (toll free) 1-877-523-1518 (TTY) 1-800-688-2534, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
UCare Minnesota and UCare Health, Inc. are health plans with Medicare contracts. ©2013, UCare H2459 H4270_101512 CMS Accepted (10202012)
Page 12 • June 24 - June 30, 2013 • Insight News
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