Insight News ::: 6.25.12

Jearlyn Steele performs July 2nd at Old Log Theater The crystal clear voice of Jearlyn Steele will be featured in a concert July 2 as part of the Old Log Theater’s Sounds for Summer music series.

Jearlyn Steele has titled her show “Songs I Love to Sing.” It is a collection of the many songs she has particularly enjoyed singing over the years. Great songs like “Summertime,” “Let the Good Times Roll,” and many others. She performs gospel, rock, pop and jazz with great skill and always inserts the Steele touch to make it her own. Accompanying her will be Billy Steele, on piano; Kenyari Jackson, drums; Daryl Boudreaux, percussion; and Yohannes Tona, bass.

Jearlyn Steele’s Sounds for Summer concert is Monday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $24, with a group rate of $19 for ten or more. For information and reservations, call the Old Log Theater at 952-474-5951 or visit www.oldlog.com.

INSIGHT NEWS June 25 - July 1, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 38 No. 26 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Nia Long joins Obama 2012 GOTV efforts

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer

Photos courtesy of Shanae Hill

Left to right: Volincia, Marina, Princess, Makayla, Ajanae, Aujunae, Ce’veonna, Amiah, Breonna, Siah,and Na’shea

With most national polls showing a tight race between Pres. Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, the Obama campaign wants to make sure there is heavy voter turnout within his base.

A strong part of Pres. Obama’s base is within the AfricanAmerican community. In 2008, 96 percent of African-Americans cast their votes for Pres. Obama in the historic election. In that election, voter turnout among African-Americans was up four

Can-do Girls Club gives the gift of joy

By Abeni Hill Insight Intern The Can-do Girls Club strives to empower and educate girls in the North Minneapolis.

Ten girls between the ages of five and 11 are currently enrolled in the program.

“I wished someone would have started it for me,” said the club’s leader Shanae Hill. “I just wanted to start something that teaches the importance positivity and self- worth.”

“I think it is important because it gives girls something to look forward to,” said Hill’s sister, Sophia Rayson. “They

Marina, Ce’veonna, Amiah, and Jalaya decorating treat bags. come to the house excited to learn and volunteer.”

Rayson and Hill, hold most of the club’s activities at their

house. “Shanae teaches the girls everything from self-esteem, self-empowerment, nutrition, exercise, anti-bullying, and

lifting others up, as well as many more topics,” said Rayson.

“One example of her lesson plan and corresponding activity is a lesson she did on bringing others around you up instead of bringing them down.”

Rayson said the girls in the program, though young, are already dealing with self-esteem issues.

“With long, sad faces the girls shared a few of the words that they were called which were stupid, ugly, dirty, and fat,” said Rayson. “When Shanae asked what words have they been called that made them feel

CLUB TURN TO 15

Memorial boulevard nears completion

Bill McCarthy

Rybak appoints ButtsWilliams, McCarthy to Sports Facilities Authority Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak appointed Dr. Barbara ButtsWilliams, a Capella University dean, and Bill McCarthy, president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, to the newly-formed Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.

The authority will

By Ivan B. Phifer Staff Writer

WHITE TURN TO 10

Nia Long

Barbara Butts-Williams

Honoring Van White Work has begun on a new stretch of Van White Memorial Boulevard that will complete an important connection to the Minneapolis North Side.

The boulevard is named in honor of the city’s first AfricanAmerican council member (referred to as alderman at the time). Van White represented the 5th Ward from 1980 to 1990.

He passed away in 1993 at the age of 68.

The first section of Van White Memorial Boulevard was completed in 2002. It serves as

Wikimedia Commons / Nia Long

OBAMA TURN TO 15

build, own and operate the new stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

By statute, Mayor Rybak appoints two members of the five-member authority.

APPOINTMENT 4 TURN TO

Swenson murder shocks, saddens neighbors, friends The murder of 76-year-old Lois Swenson has shocked and saddened friends and neighbors in North Minneapolis who knew her, and people who knew of her and her generosity, kindness, and passion for justice.

Police found Swenson dead in her bedroom around noon Wednesday June 13th, on the 2200 block of Vincent Avenue North in response to friends’ reporting that they hadn’t heard from her.

Photos: Suluki Fardan

Javanese White (center), widow of Van White. Left to right front row: U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN), Marya Parker, Brianna McKinney, Javanese White, Sandra Davis and Javoni White. Back row: Councilman Don Samuels, Randy McKinney, Brenda McKinney, Myra Ewing, Arthur Day and Danya Day.

Commentary Rodney King symbolized police brutality

PAGE 3

Aesthetics

Black feminist auto/ ethnography makes you want to cry

PAGE 5

SWENSON TURN TO 15

Lifestyle

Watching what your kids watch on TV

PAGE 9

Photo by Roberta Aitchison Olson

Full Circle

More love, less hate

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Page 2 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

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Minneapolis to host Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. International Grand Conclave Minneapolis will play host to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s International Grand Conclave.

The Grand Conclave, which begins Jul. 5 and runs through Jul. 12 features events including the fraternity’s step show competition, as well as career and health fairs that will all be free and open to the public.

“We are excited to bring the Grand Conclave to Minneapolis for the first time,” said Stuart Turner, Grand Marshal of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. “From the incredible step show performance, to great comedic acts, and week-long events, the Grand Conclave will be a can’t miss celebration. With this year’s destination being home to the Mall of America and the land of 10,000 lakes, attendees also will have a chance to explore the great things that the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has to offer.”

Throughout the week, there will be events dedicated to the fraternity’s health care initiative, which is to provide early detection of health problems and increase health awareness. The events include a free health fair sponsored by UnitedHealth Group and the American Cancer

Eight Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members at a recent meeting in preparation for the 78th International Grand Conclave in Minneapolis.

Pictured left to right, Brothers: Alex Frank, Duane Dutrieueille, Marcio Thompson, James Montague, Stuart Turner, Robert Toatley, Alex Tittle, Anthony Hines, and Jokondo A. Jokondo.

Society, as well as a 5K run/ walk that is being kicked-off

by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, which will raise funds to fight prostate and breast cancer.

The Grand Conclave also offers a chance for attendees to network and job search through its free career fair, which will have representatives from Fortune 500 companies including Target, UnitedHealth Group, Supervalu and General Mills. Additionally, fraternity members will donate suits to Ready for Success, which provides low-income men with gently used and new business clothing for job interviews and the workplace.

Founded in 1911, Omega Psi Phi was the first national African-American fraternity to be founded at a historically Black university; Howard University in Washington D.C. The Grand Conclave is a week-long biennial event that gathers thousands of fraternity and community members from around the nation to give back to the community, while celebrating diversity.

For more information on the conclave can be found on the Web at http:// mnomegaconclave2012.com.

Looking forward to what comes next Building Creative Capital

By Bernadeia H. Johnson MPS Superintendent Each spring, our preschool students visit kindergarten classrooms to get a sense of what they can expect from the coming year’s big transition.

They embrace their day-long challenge with a blend of trepidation and excitement, understanding on some intrinsic level that they are getting a

glimpse of their future, seeing that it is close enough to touch.

Although they may not have a full grasp of what is to come, they know that their lives are about to change.

Each spring, our graduating seniors prepare for their own big transition. With college and career on the horizon, they savor the last milestones of high school and proudly ready themselves to accept diplomas in front of family and friends. And as they look out across the crowd, they too know that their future draws nearer by the moment.

While our graduating seniors were once those young learners, they will soon become those graduates. This is their milestone, years in the making

through diligent work and the help of teachers, school staff, families, mentors and supportive adults. Graduation marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another – one that signals the promise and potential of our students’ futures.

This spring, a preschool student shared a realization we can all take to heart. As he departed from his kindergarten visit, he declared, “I think I’m going to be good at this!”

Optimism, confidence, belief in their abilities – these traits will help our graduates succeed as they continue learning throughout their lives. I encourage all of our students to continue pursuing their dreams with vigorous determination and

remember there is no limit to what they can achieve.

On behalf of the Minneapolis Public Schools, the Minneapolis Board of Education and the countless teachers, principals and staff members who have invested daily in our students’ success, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates.

I am confident that they will be good at all that comes next.

Summer is here We have all been very busy preparing to end this school year on a positive note. Our teachers, principals, secretaries, support staff, bus drivers, nurses and so many others are excited to acknowledge the gains that our students have made this school

year. I encourage our families and community partners to continue inspiring our students to work hard these last few weeks of school.

The more time students are in school, the more time we have to help them succeed and make academic strides. Summer is a great time to catch up – and even speed ahead! Programs are available over the summer months for eligible students.

Please call us at 612.668.000 or visit us at http://summerschool. mpls.k12.mn.us to register.

We all play a role in supporting student achievement.

MPS has connected with local community partners, including the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Police Department,

the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County Library and the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, to provide families with resources to help have a safe and strong summer. Watch your mailboxes for a “Summer Strong” resource guide, which provides information for families to equip their children with the resources they need to have a successful and safe summer season. More details are listed on the MPS website at http:// mpls.k12.mn.us/summerstrong.

Thank you for your dedication to your child’s education and your support for Minneapolis Public Schools.

We hope you all have a safe and strong summer season!

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Insight News • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Page 3

COMMENTARY Big money stealing away our rights Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter Nobody asked me, but when

she was stumping for the Democratic Presidential nomination, back in 2008; I remember Hillary Clinton saying, “We are facing a rightwing conspiracy to take over the country”.

Those words seemed a bit alarmist to me then. Now they do not.

First, a largely Republican appointed Supreme Court ruled that corporations are people.

The ruling opened the door for virtually unlimited political donations. As a result, these Corporations’ vast resources have more than quintupled the amount of money invested in political campaigns and candidates today. This means political office is much harder to win without corporate dollars, and without being in debt to big money interests. In 2008, Barack Obama raised much

more money than McCain.

But, he raised it in small contributions from a veritable horde of small contributors.

Now, a person can send our $25 to his or her favorite candidate; but every time we buy a tank of gas or a bag of groceries, we could be contributing, indirectly and unknowingly to their opponent. This is not a characteristic of a “government of the people”. It is not even a

characteristic of a democracy. It is characteristic of an oligarchy.

Oligarchy: A form of government in which power effectively rests with a small number of people, distinguished by royalty or great wealth.

The election of Barack Obama jolted the oligarchy into full court press mode. The racist backlash was palpable, both on Main Street and in the halls of Congress. Since the 2008

election, membership in hate groups has skyrocketed across the country. Congressmen and governors are shouting and wagging their fingers in the face of the “brother” President.

In 2011, shortly after the mid-term elections, Florida passed the “Stand Your Ground” statute which George

EASTER TURN TO 6

Rodney King symbolized police brutality Opinion

By George E. Curry Rodney King would be the first to tell you that he was no Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcolm X. His lifelong bout with alcohol and drugs – battles that he always seemed to lose – and frequent runins with police did not qualify him

for icon status. Yet, that’s what he achieved in 1991 at the age of 27 because of one video clip.

It was graphic footage filmed by a bystander showing at least four Los Angeles policemen savagely kicking and beating King with police batons, landing at least 50 blows as the unarmed King was sprawled on the ground or struggling to stand up.

In the video, the officers were seen teeing off on King as though they were holding baseball bats or golf clubs. Several other officers stood around, doing nothing to halt the repeated assault on the helpless King.

Rodney King

Wikimedia Commons / Justin Hoch

More than any other event, the brutal beating of Rodney King, an unemployed construction worker, forced America to see what many did not want to believe existed – police officers, hiding behind a badge and a gun, brutalizing citizens who pose no immediate threat to them or the public.

King was found dead early Sunday morning at the bottom of his swimming pool at his home in Rialto, Calif. No foul play was suspected.

His entry into the national spotlight has its roots in an incident that took place in 1989.

King robbed a grocery store in

Monterey Park, Calif. He took $200 and was sentenced to two years in prison. On the night of March 2, 1991, following hours of drinking with friends, King was spotted speeding in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. When cops tried to pull him over, he tried to elude them by driving even faster, up to 100 miles per hour, fearing that he would go back to jail for violating his parole.

After a high-speed chase joined by other officers, King was cornered and ordered out of

KING TURN TO 7

Detours on the road from slavery to freedom Child Watch

By Marian Wright Edelman On Saturday, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati hosted a Juneteenth celebration commemorating the jubilant day in 1865 when the last Black slaves got word they were free more than two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Labor, civil rights, education, and community leaders, child advocates, and citizens conducted a silent march Sunday in New York City to protest the New York Police Department’s “stop and frisk” policing tactics. These two events, at very different places and times, are connected as part of the slow, hard and unfinished journey towards freedom and racial justice in our nation.

Although we have come a very long way on the arduous road from slavery to freedom, we still have a long way to go.

The recent death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. and the brutal hateful murder of James Anderson by a gang of young White men in Jackson, Miss. attest to this continuing reality.

So does the persistent mass incarceration of Black and Latino sons, fathers, and potential leaders which is becoming the new American apartheid or the new Jim Crow as Michelle Alexander calls it in her important bestselling book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. That we have the world’s largest incarcerated population—our incarceration rate exceeds China, Russia, and India combined—is the end result of a national Cradle to Prison Pipeline® crisis which is lodged at the intersection of continuing poverty and racial disparities in American life.

A Black boy born in 2001 has a one in three chance of going to prison in his lifetime and a Latino boy a one in six chance of the same fate. Children of color, especially males, face an uphill battle in overcoming poverty (one in five Black children is poor) and continuing racial barriers and stereotyping.

An analysis of New York Police Department data by the New York Civil Liberties Union showed that more than 96 percent of the students arrested in the city school system in the first three months of 2012 were Black and Latino, and more than 73 percent were male.

Police were 12 times more likely to arrest a Black student than a White one. It’s time to get the police out of the schools; to stop the massive suspension and arrest of children for

nonviolent offenses; and to stop the criminalization of children at younger and younger ages.

It makes no sense for unarmed six, seven, and eight year olds to be handcuffed and arrested for nonviolent offenses. Sometimes I think many adults have lost our common and moral sense and forgotten the purpose of public education which is to educate and prepare children for the future not exclude or bar them in huge numbers every year. Some schools are initiating restorative justice practices which discipline children without excluding them from desperately needed education.

The June 17 march was a silent protest against the stop and frisk tactics that purport to stave off crime and get guns off New York City’s streets—a goal I certainly share. But in 99.9 percent of these searches guns were not found. In reality, stop and frisk may simply terrify and criminalize Black and Brown boys and young men and empower police to randomly stop, search, and demand account from Black and Latino boys and men ostensibly

born free. Black and Latino young men ages 14 to 24 are less than 5 percent of the city’s population but are 41.6 percent of the stops. The reality in New York City today shows we are still far from being a free and just land.

How far have we come on the road from slavery to freedom isn’t just a rhetorical question more than 150 years later. A people who don’t know their history are more likely to repeat it. The resurgence of hate crimes and emergence of mass incarceration of males of color remind us that freedom requires constant vigilance and justice needs a fire that burns in all of us.

I believe that we are in the second post-Reconstruction era—a view shared by distinguished historians David Levering Lewis, twotime Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of W.E.B. Du Bois, and Khalil Gibran Muhammad, director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and author of The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America. They and civil rights

icons including Myrlie EversWilliams, Andrew Young, James Lawson, Vincent Harding, Ruby Bridges and many others will join us at the Children’s Defense Fund’s national conference in Cincinnati July 22-25 to examine the racial signs of our times, affirming our great progress, but ensuring we continue to move forward—and not backwards— on the still incomplete road to freedom. Although some forms

of continuing racial intolerance are overt, some forms are subtle, covert, technical, political, and very polite. Wrapped up in new euphemisms, better etiquette, and clever political rhetoric, it’s still, as Frederick Douglass warned, the same old snake.

Let’s call it out systematically, oppose it nonviolently, and move forward on becoming a free and just nation.

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

Page 4 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Clarence Hightower elected Chair of the Board of Trustees for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Wednesday elected Clarence Hightower as Board Chair and Thomas Renier as Vice Chair. Their one-year terms begin July 1.

“I am honored by my colleagues’ confidence in me,” Hightower said. “I look forward to our continuing

Clarence Hightower

efforts to advance the board’s Strategic Framework and to improve Minnesota State Colleges and Universities’ contribution to Minnesota’s economic prosperity.”

Hightower, of Plymouth, is executive director of the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties, a member of a

nationwide partnership organization of more than 1,000 agencies, and the largest partnership agency serving Minnesota.

He previously served as president and chief executive officer of the Minneapolis Urban League.

Hightower was first appointed to the Board of Trustees by Gov. Jesse Ventura in 2002 and

was reappointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2008 for a six-year term expiring June 30, 2014.

Renier, of Duluth, is the president of the Northland Foundation, a nonprofit organization involved in grant making, business lending and a variety of other initiatives to assist the children, families, older adults, business and

communities of northeastern Minnesota. Prior to joining Northland in 1986, he served 11 years on the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. Renier was first appointed to the Board of Trustees by Gov. Pawlenty in 2004 and was reappointed in 2010 for a six-year term ending June 30, 2016.

NdCAD receives gift from unlikely donor Gevonee Ford, the executive director of the Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD) was recently surprised by a tall, lanky high school senior who said that he had a rare opportunity to give a gift to the Network.

The young man introduced himself as DaKarai Davison from St. Agnes High School.

He did not say he was the same DaKarai Davison who wears basketball jersey Number 33, averaging 16 points and nine rebounds per game as guard for the Aggies. No, the 6’3” Davison simply said he had researched NdCAD and was very impressed with all NdCAD has in place for youth of African descent and their families including tutoring, workshops, Saturday STEM (science, technology,

engineering and mathematics) School, free books and passion for children.

Davison explained how an anonymous couple wanted students to experience philanthropy as part of their St. Agnes learning and students were to select an organization and explain why it is value added for the community.

NdCAD was selected and Davison handed over a check for $1,000 made out to the Network for the Development of Children of African Descent from Project Joy. Director Ford acknowledged DaKarai’s gift by saying, “What a joy indeed. It is so important for our community to see what our young people can do.”

Davison said he is now interested in volunteering for the organization.

DaKarai Davison and Gevonee Ford (right)

Courtesy of NdCAD

National history day competition Research about the Civil Rights Movement, the political revolutions of 19th century Japan, and the development of anesthesia helped three Minnesota entries be selected as national champions at the 2012 National History Day competition. In addition, one student earned a full scholarship to Case Western Reserve University, one of only three scholarships available.

Awards were announced, Thursday, June 14, in a ceremony at the University of Maryland just outside Washington D.C. In all, 18 entries from Minnesota won national honors where 63 Minnesota students joined almost 2,800 other students from across the nation in the week long competition.

The students, representing grades six through 12, from schools around the state, presented exhibits, papers, documentaries, performances and websites that showed off months of research into topics based on the 2012 National History Day theme: “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History.”

The top three national finishers in each category earn monetary awards. First place receives $1,000, second place receives $500 and third

Appointment From 1 “We now have the opportunity to transform a key district of downtown Minneapolis and build a place that will bring people together for a generation, with the new authority charged with leading Minnesota through this process,” said Mayor Rybak.

“Barbara Butts-Williams and Bill McCarthy bring strong qualifications and important voices to the table, and will represent Minneapolis residents, taxpayers, workers and visitors very well.”

Since 2009, Butts-Williams has served as dean of the School of Education at Capella University, where she has worked since 2002. Rybak said Butts-Williams has more than 40 years of executive and management experience in the public, private and higher-education sectors.

Butts-Williams previously worked as an executive at The St. Paul Companies (now Travelers), Control Data (now

Courtesy of The Minnesota Historical Society

Medal winner Jennifer Lor, with teacher Susanne Hollingsworth, Open World Learning Community, St. Paul. Lor received medal for senior individual documentary, “The Highlander Folk School.”

This video explained how the school was an influential training ground for Civil Rights leaders like Rosa Parks. Lor’s entry also received one of four $5,000 HISTORY™ Awards. place receives $250. National History Day also recognizes one outstanding state entry in each division, junior and senior, with a medal.

In Minnesota, 30,000 students from more than 250 schools participate in the

program each year. For more information and a complete listing of all the competition winners see the National History Day in Minnesota page on the Minnesota Historical Society’s website at http://education. mnhs.org/historyday.

Ceridian) and Wilson Learning Corporation. She also founded Growth Partners Consulting, which provides strategic planning, talent assessment and organizational development to small and medium-sized organizations.

In higher education, her experience includes service at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Metropolitan State University, the University of Michigan’s Graduate School of Business Administration and Harvard University’s Media and Publishing Group.

In addition, Butts-Williams currently serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Economic Development Association, the Northside Economic Opportunity Network and the Northside Achievement Zone.

“We have an awesome opportunity to build a worldclass facility for the Vikings and the community at large, and to revitalize the east side of downtown Minneapolis,” said Dr. Butts-Williams.

“I am keenly interested in Minneapolis’ continued development as a global city

with amenities that delight fans, attract new businesses and bring good, new jobs to Minneapolis.”

Bill McCarthy Since 2002, McCarthy has served as the president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, which represents 75,000 workers from more than 100 affiliated unions, including construction workers, teachers, nurses, service workers and others.

For the past 10 years, McCarthy has also served on the Board of Directors of Greater Twin Cities United Way. Earlier this year, he won a national United Way award for labor leadership.

McCarthy is a Vietnam veteran and a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He previously served as president of UNITE HERE Local 17, which represents workers in the hospitality industry in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.

Butts-Williams will serve until Dec. 31, 2015.

McCarthy’s term runs until Dec. 31, 2016.

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Insight News • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Black Feminist auto/ethnography that makes you want to cry and I smell like cheap wine.

Listen to B.B. King, Miles, and the tempting Temptations

Artspeak

singin’ ALL the words off key.

Forget about everything else

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor When Ruth Behar wrote her seminal collection, The Vulnerable Observer: Anthropology that Breaks Your Heart (1996), she spoke about what it meant to write “vulnerable” scholarship— the kind that “breaks your heart” and makes you want to cry.

Tears were in strong evidence last month at the May 19, 2012 panel on “The Poetics, Politics and Praxis of Producing Black Feminist and Womanist Auto/ ethnography” at the International Congress for Qualitative Inquiry held at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

On the panel, I, along with Cynthia B. Dillard, Mary E. Weems, Aisha Durham, Maritza Quinones, and Robin Boylorn, gave testimony to the way in which the form “auto/ ethnography” has empowered us to write in our own voices and tell the story of Black women’s lives globally.

In my award-winning book, Black Feminist Anthropology: Theory, Politics, Praxis and Poetics (Rutgers, 2001), I defined auto/ethnography as a form that enables the writer “…to assemble a portrait that is a combination of personal memories (autobiographical) and general description (ethnography).” (p.66) And so in this panel presentation, using the events and memories of our own personal histories, each of the presenters was able to provide insight into what it means to be a Black woman, and see the world through our life lenses. For me, this means that “I listen to the voices; I listen to my own voice, I listen to the voices of the women I do research with….and I use

except about how GOOD it is to be Black.

Robin Bylorn

Left to right: Maritza Quinones, Cynthia B. Dillard, Irma McClaurin, Mary E. Weems, Aisha Durham and Robin Boylorn. that self, community, and writing as a way for people to understand the experiences of people of the African Diaspora.”

For another panelist, Robin Boylorn, auto/ethnography is a way of affirming and actually celebrating her identity by writing a different kind of representation of Black women for public consumption. She explains, “I came to auto/ethnography because I needed a space to call out my name. In all of the scholarship that I read as a graduate student, I didn’t see myself or representations of myself as a rural, country, southern, brownskinned beautiful girl. …So auto/ ethnography was an entry place for me to call out my name and tell my truth and tell my stories, and to kind of realize the ways that I could own and celebrate where I came from and who I was when

nobody else was doing it.”

There is a power in being able to write about oneself, one’s experience, and one’s community and have it validated as scholarship.

We admire white male memoirs and autobiographies, as well as those of white women, which are privileged in the reading lists of the American high schools and universities and around the world as “must read.” But schools (9-12 and colleges) rarely recommend that students read about and celebrate the lives of Black women as we have written about ourselves, with minor exceptions—Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, but who has read Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi?

To change this trajectory, we need to know more, write more, and hear more of the voices of those of us who usually sit on

the margins. For those of us seeking to challenge conventional canons, we need new forms of writing that push our knowledge beyond the traditional boundaries of autobiography and memoir, and their biases. For us, auto/ ethnography holds such a promise.

This is because our stories as Black women are not just about us. Our lives are experienced both individually and collectively.

Through her tears, Maritza Quinones, an Afro-Latina woman, claimed her auto/ethnographic space: I come from a region of race and racism denial; I come from Puerto Rico. The issues of race, of saying that we are not identified as Black is being overrated in so many places. One of the issues that I deal [with], and I wanted to step into mine fields, it was for me to interrogate my Blackness, and

for me to say ‘ok, I see clearly this nationalist view that I am Puerto Rican; but of course I am a BlackPuerto Rican, an Afro-Puerto Rican.’ And that was the most difficult thing I ever done writing that first auto/ethnography. …The issues…in academic, of course, of race, gender, and language, define me. … Auto/ethnography gave me the liberation of putting into words all those emotions and the issues that were affecting the Black women community in Puerto Rico.

Mary Weems kept us grounded with her spoken word commentaries and observations: Find somebody who remembers the signifying monkey Go dancing, sweatin’ until my feet hurt

However, not all panelists embraced the idea of auto/ ethnography equally. Cynthia B. Dillard was “troubled” by it, and gave the panelists a series of questions to ponder about the relationship between the individual and the community: …One of the things that is a challenge for me, you notice that I didn’t talk about auto/ethnography, because I don’t consider myself an auto/ ethnographer, and here’s why. It’s not that I have an issue with the notion of auto/ethnography, but if we look at the etymology, the words, “auto” means one. I never work by myself; Ever. Even if I am the only person in the room, I never work alone. So what I am curious about is how does the way that we are spiritually, how does community, live in the work? How is that we honor in the process the notion that we are not alone? And we don’t come out here doing this work alone? We stand with people All the time.

We stand with Spirit. We stand with traditions. We stand All the time socially. We exist because of other people. … I wonder, where does Spirit live in this auto/ ethnography?

As the panel grappled with these and other questions, exchanged emotionally-charged experiences, and engaged in dialogues with each other about their relationship to terms like “Black Feminism” and “auto/ ethnography,” all were united in thanking Aisha Durham who

ARTSPEAK TURN TO 15

Page 6 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

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HEALTH FDA approves new combination vaccine for children The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Menhibrix, a combination vaccine for infants and children ages 6 weeks through 18 months, for prevention of invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups C and

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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 Natalie Benz Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Maya Beecham Harry Colbert, Jr. Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Fred Easter S. Himie Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

Y and Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Diseases caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal disease) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib disease) can be lifethreatening. These bacteria can infect the bloodstream causing sepsis, and the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord causing meningitis.

In young children, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type b are important causes of bacterial meningitis.

Without vaccination,

children younger than two years are susceptible to these serious illnesses. Meningococcal and Hib diseases are particularly dangerous because both diseases often progress rapidly and can cause death or serious, longlasting health consequences such as blindness, mental retardation, or amputations. Early symptoms for both diseases often are difficult to distinguish from other common childhood illnesses.

“With the approval of Menhibrix, there is now a combination vaccine that can be used to prevent potentially

life-threatening Hib disease and two types of meningococcal disease in children. It is the first meningococcal vaccine that can be given starting as young as six weeks of age,” said Karen Midthun, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

The effectiveness of Menhibrix was based on immune responses in several hundred U.S. infants and toddlers vaccinated with Menhibrix.

For the Hib component of the vaccine, immune responses in infants and toddlers following

vaccination with Menhibrix were comparable to immune responses in infants and toddlers who received an FDA-approved vaccine against invasive Hib disease.

For the meningococcal component, study results showed that the vaccine produces antibodies in the blood at levels that are considered to be predictive of protection against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups C and Y. The safety of Menhibrix was evaluated in about 7,500 infants and toddlers in the U.S.,

Mexico and Australia. Common adverse reactions reported after administration of Menhibrix were pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, irritability and fever.

Menhibrix is given as a fourdose series at 2, 4, 6 and 12 through 15 months of age. The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age. The fourth dose may be given as late as 18 months of age.

Menhibrix is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, based in Rixensart, Belgium.

Heroin, opiate abuse maintains grip in Twin Cities The abuse of heroin and prescription opiates continues to rise in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul metropolitan area, according to a new report

on Twin Cities’ drug abuse trends released recently by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

One in five admissions to

addiction treatment programs in 2011 was for heroin or other opiates, second only to treatment admissions for alcohol. Heroin accounted for 10.7 percent of addiction treatment admissions in 2011, compared to 3.3 percent in 2000. Other opiates, mostly prescription painkillers, accounted for 9.5 percent of treatment admissions in 2011, compared to 1.4 percent in 2000. Opiates were detected in 7.7 percent of adult males arrested in Hennepin County in 2011, compared to 4.7 percent in 2007.

The use of synthetic chemical compounds for their hallucinogenic druglike effects also increased

in 2011. Hennepin Regional Poison Center saw a marked increase in reported incidents involving THC homologs, “fake pot” sold as herbal incense, phenylethylamines such as 2C-E, sold as “research chemicals,” and various chemical compounds sold as “bath salts.”

“That opiate treatment admissions are second only to alcohol admissions is unprecedented and should be of great concern,” said Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson.

“It is imperative that communities educate themselves, embrace prevention efforts and become part of the solution in reversing these trends.”

The number of bath salt exposures reported to the Hennepin Regional Poison Center grew from five in 2010 to 144 in 2011.

Carol Falkowski, DHS drug abuse strategy officer, has prepared the report on drug abuse trends twice annually since 1986. The report is done as part of a national epidemiological drug abuse monitoring network composed of drug abuse researchers in 20 U.S. cities and convened by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A copy of the report is available on the DHS website.

Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services

Easter

of state houses and governors mansions.

The template of that “Stand Your Ground” statute was devised by the National Rifle Association. Since those midterm elections, 25 Republican controlled states have either passed “Stand Your Ground” laws or have them in the pipeline. Even more ominous are the ongoing efforts to suppress the vote of populations that supported Obama in 2008.

The voter ID ballot measure here in Minnesota is but one example. Even more insidious are measures passed by newly Republican controlled state legislatures or unilaterally enacted by Republican governors that restrict the capacity of organizations like The League of Women Voters –a non-partisan organization – to register new voters. In some states, absentee and early voting has been severely restricted or wiped away.

This suppresses the voting power of college students and elderly churchgoers; two groups which supported Obama

overwhelmingly in 2008.

All these things add up to: A rogue, conservative court with a game changing decision.

Twenty-five newly red states moving toward “Stand Your Ground” laws and numerous voter suppression enactments.

Hundreds of millions of a few men’s dollars being deployed around the country in support of “far right” initiatives such as the support of Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin and Gov. Rick Scott in Florida.

A spate of anti-women, antiimmigrant initiatives focused on bringing back the 1950s.

It suggests to me an overall nationwide plan to reshape the country. They seem to me to view themselves as this planet’s super-elite with the entire rest of the world’s population as their underclass.

The freedoms for which young American men and women have so recently given life and limb are being deliberately and cynically eroded and erased. Hillary Clinton knew whereof she spoke.

From 3 Zimmerman used to defend himself in the murder of Treyvon Martin. The mid-term elections brought Republican control to the House of Representatives and a number

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Insight News • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Page 7

Postal hunger strike gains support Ten protesters are staging a hunger strike at postal headquarters and in the halls of Congress beginning June 25. The ten are denouncing massive job and service cuts threatened by the US Postal Service. Among the latest to join the protesters is Nannette Corley, president of the Montgomery County, Maryland area local of the American Postal Workers Union and the first Black female hunger striker. Corley joins a list of Black community leaders who are supporting the strike, including Mack Julion, president of the nation’s second largest letter carriers union local; and Bill Fletcher, former director of TransAfrica and regular columnist in the African American press. The Chicago area NAACP (Southside) and Coalition of Black Trade Unionists are also on board.

Al Sharpton’s National

Communities and Postal Workers United

National Action Network Youth, with Victoria Panell, protest at a post office in Harlem, N.Y. Action Network Youth Move has endorsed the hunger strike protest. “To Congress that are deciding on the postal issues, we are tracking your yays and nays. Come election day we will

remind the voters on whether you were instrumental in saving jobs or responsible for the loss of jobs,” warned Victoria Panell, youth leader of NAN. “Take away a parent’s job, take a away

Nannette Corley, president of the Montgomery County, Maryland area local of the American Postal Workers Union, will be one of the hunger strikers June 25-28

a child’s future.” Twenty-one percent of postal jobs are held by African Americans. The postal service is the largest employer of Black workers making over $55,000 annually.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe has announced that he will begin closure of half the mail sorting plants in the country, cut hours from 25 to 75 percent in half the nation’s post offices, downgrade delivery standards and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs. Hunger strikers claim that a 2006 Congressional mandate, which forces the US Postal Service to prefund retiree health benefits 75 years in advance, is responsible for the financial crisis facing the service. Without the mandate, postal revenues came close to matching expenses over the past six years. The USPS has also overpaid tens of billions into two pension funds.

Natural ways to keep your skin healthy this season (StatePoint) Our modern lifestyles can take a toll on our skin. Lack of sleep, pollutants, and stress are all contributing factors to signs of aging, dryness, irritation and blotchiness.

While makeup can reduce the appearance of such wear and tear, there are natural steps you can take to actually make skin healthier, rather than simply masking the problem.

“Time and the environment deplete necessary minerals from our skin and body,” says Dawn Diorio, Education Manager for AHAVA, a cosmetics company that creates skin care products made of mineral-based compounds from the Dead Sea. “Restoring this balance will soften and hydrate your skin, and give you that coveted radiant glow seen in magazines.”

Healthier skin can be attained naturally. Try incorporating these simple habits into your daily lifestyle: Protect: Warmer weather means bathing suits, tank tops and shorts. It also means more skin exposure to the elements, which can break down your protective outer layer of skin. This season, avoid burns and irritation caused by harmful UV rays and wind by applying sunscreen daily, and stylishly limiting direct sun exposure with hats, sunglasses, and beach cover-ups.

• Go natural: Sometimes nature provides the most effective skin care solutions. The Dead Sea for example, thrives with life-enhancing ingredients with

King From 3 his vehicle. The two passengers accompanying him, Bryant Allen and Freddie Helms, immediately complied with the order to exit the car and lie face down on the ground. King delayed his exit and when he emerged, he acted strangely, waving at police helicopters that had been part of the chase and giggling uncontrollably.

Sgt. Stacey Koon, the supervising officer, fired a Taser into King’s back, causing him to drop to his knees. Officer Laurence Powell hit King in the head, knocking him to ground, and continued striking King.

Other officers moved in as well, pummeling King with their night sticks. After being struck 56 times and kicked a half-dozen times, King was handcuffed and dragged to the side of the road on his stomach to await the arrival of an ambulance. King later reported that he had suffered 11 skull fractures, permanent brain damage, kidney damage and broken bones and teeth.

Four of the officers – Koon, Powell. Timothy Wind and Theodore Briseno – were charged with excessive use of force. The trial was switched from Los Angeles to Simi Valley, a largely White community in Ventura County. On April 29, 1992, a jury that contained no African Americans acquitted three of the officers and was unable to reach a verdict on a fourth.

Los Angeles exploded upon hearing the verdict. At the end of six days of unrest, there were 53 deaths, 2,383 injuries and property damage was nearly $1 billion.

In an effort to end the violence, Rodney King appeared in public to utter his now famous, “Can we all get along?”

After the Los Angeles prosecutor failed to win a conviction against the four officers, the federal government obtained indictments charging the

The Dead Sea is rich with minerals that keep skin healthy and beautiful regenerative properties, and has long been a mecca for wellnessseeking travelers. While a dip in these waters may not be possible for everybody, you can use moisturizers and cosmetics that contain Dead Sea minerals to achieve the same benefits.

For example, AHAVA offers a product line of moisturizers, cleansers, cosmetics and bath

salts that contain an extract of Dead Sea water and are rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium.

When applied to the skin, this mineral mix increases moisture levels, improves skin texture and elasticity, and reduces wrinkles.

Dead Sea salt also possesses natural antiseptic properties and is therapeutic in helping topical

officers with violating the civil rights of King. Koon and Stacey were found guilty and sentenced to 32 months in prison; Wind and Briseno were acquitted. The city of Los Angeles settled a civil suit brought by Rodney King for $3.8 million.

Later, it became clear that the Rodney King beating was not an aberration.

Feb. 4, 1999 – Amadou Diallo was killed by New York City police officers who claimed they thought he was reaching for a gun.

Four officers were indicted for second-degree murder, but were acquitted.

Sept. 2, 2005 – Following Hurricane Katrina, Henry Glover was shot to death while near a strip mall shopping for baby clothing.

Two cops were sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for shooting Glover, tossing his body into a car and setting it on fire.

Nov. 26, 2006 –Three unarmed Black men, including Sean Bell, were shot a total of 50 times by New York police officers.

Bell, who had been celebrating at his bachelor’s party, died in

the hail of bullets. Three officers charged with manslaughter were acquitted.

Jan. 1, 2009 – Oscar Grant was shot in the back by Officer Johannes Mehserle while on the ground at a train station in Oakland, Calif. The officer was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, but served only 11 months in prison.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of cases similar to the ones above. Thanks to Rodney King, the public is not as quick to believe police officers who abuse their power and violate public trust.

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and editorial director of Heart & Soul magazine. He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www. georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/ currygeorge.

Courtesy of StatePoint

infections.

• Eat right: It’s not only about what you put on your skin that makes a difference. What you eat can make a big impact as well.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish is not only great for overall health, it also will support glowing healthy skin. Be sure to stock up on Vitamin C, which can tighten skin and prevent wrinkles, and omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation and dryness. Avoid excessive use of caffeine and alcohol.

• Sleep well: The link between a good night’s sleep and healthy skin cannot be overstated.

A deep restful sleep is necessary for cell and tissue repair. By getting six to eight hours of shut-eye a night, you’ll not only avoid those dreaded bags under the eyes, you’ll reduce stress, improve your immune system and increase your skin’s ability to stay hydrated.

Healthy skin is not only beautiful, it also is your greatest protection from the environment.

So it’s vital that you take great care of it.

Page 8 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Interview TMI: Make a long story shorter Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Something everyone knows, but it’s nice to be reminded: People who interview people for jobs enjoy asking questions.

They do it naturally, and enjoy

it, actually. So, the next time you’re in the interview hot seat, refrain from telling lengthy, exquisitely detailed stories, and instead let the interviewer lead the conversation.

Example: Why are you looking for work? Option A is to give a twitter length, high level explanation. “I want to take on more responsibility, which isn’t available where I’m working now.” Option B is to open a blank, 500 page notebook, dip your quill pen

in the ink jar and begin to fill in the pages with an answer such as, “When the company was founded in 1932, the owner hired his daughter, who hired her son, who passed the company along to his brother, who just hired his completely inept nephew as my manager.

If I don’t marry into the family, I can’t advance, and I really love the spouse I have now…”

Eventually, the succession story will reveal itself. But

keeping the conversation more broad initially means the interviewer gets to lead and ask the additional questions that interest him or her; the interview stays on track. He or she might ask, “What types of responsibilities do you have now?” Suddenly, we’re discussing job skills and accomplishments, instead of whining about a promotion deal gone bad.

Practice pays off. If you are slightly tech saavy, you

can practice using a twitter window. It will automatically tell you when you’ve used too many characters, forcing you to rethink your statement. Use it to develop answers for these common interview questions: Why are you looking for work? Rehearse your answer in front of a mirror.

What do you do in your current position? State your title and brief summary of your duties.

What salary are you expecting? Say, “My W2 last year was __.” If you had zero earnings last year, just say so as an explanation as to why

you are open to any pay range right now.

Additional questions are sure to follow. The point of a short answer interview is not to withhold information.

Rather, it is meant to guarantee that the person who interviews you gets the information he or she needs in order to feel great about giving you a job offer.

Julie Desmond is a Certified Staffing Professional and Talent Manager for Express Employment Professionals.

Write to Julie@ lakeregionstaffing.com.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Page 9

LIFESTYLE Watching what your kids watch on TV Radio, TV, and Film Department at Howard University, agrees. “[White males] really have strong images,” she explained.

White males showcase physical skills and courage on action-adventure shows and their intelligence and analytical skills on the CSI and NCIS franchises, Merritt said.

“When they shoot, they shoot straight and they can find a fingernail on the floor and figure out whose finger it belongs to,” Merritt said. The Howard University professor lamented the scarcity of healthy role models for young women on a televised landscape overgrown with teenage moms, and trash-talking, bottle-throwing,

By Freddie Allen Washington Correspondent NNPA News Service WASHINGTON (NNPA) – When 6-year-old Simaya Hammonds ditched Dora the Explorer for tween-fare found on the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, her mom, Tahneezia Hammonds wasn’t surprised.

The precocious first grader enjoys “Shake It Up” on the Disney Channel and “Victorious,” a show about students at a performing arts high school on Nickelodeon, is one of her favorites. “A.N.T. Farm,” a show about a group of gifted middle schoolers (A.N.T. is an acronym for “Advanced Natural Talents) attending a local high school made it into her Disney rotation.

Hammonds said she watches the shows with her daughter and offers running commentary such as when one of the “ANT’s” gets bullied by one of the high school kids.

“We’ll be watching a show and I’ll say, ‘That girls not very nice,’ and she’ll say, ‘Yeah, I know,’” Hammonds recounted.

Simaya watches one to two hours of television a day and her mother wonders if it’s too much.

Simaya tunes in far less than her peers, according to a study by the Kaiser Family

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Foundation. Black children spend nearly six hours a day in front of the television, almost 50 percent more than white children (3.5 hours). The foundation study disclosed that 84 percent of Black youth ages 8-18 had televisions in their bedrooms and 78 percent said that the TV stays on during meals. Only 64 percent of white children reported having televisions in their bedrooms and only 58 percent watch while they eat.

“We can’t deny the fact that

media has an influence when [Black children] are spending most of their time – when they’re not in school – with the television,” said Nicole Martins, a telecommunications professor at Indiana University.

Martins and Kristen Harrison, a professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan, authored a study that looked at children’s television viewing habits and self-esteem.

The study, published in Communication Research, found that when children spend more time watching TV, they’re self-esteem plummets. That

was true for boys and girls of all races. The only group that seemed to benefit from more TV was young, white males.

When it comes to characters on TV, regardless of the show, if you’re a white male, things in life are pretty good for you, Martins said in a statement.

“You tend to be in positions of power, you have prestigious occupations, high education, glamorous houses, a beautiful wife, with very little portrayals of how hard you worked to get there,” she added.

Bishetta Merritt associate professor and interim chair of the

celebrity ex-wives.

While roles for women are often one-dimensional and focused on their looks, Black males are often criminalized or seen as buffoons. According to Martins, this tells young Black boys that there’s not a lot of good things to aspire to.

“If we think about those kinds of messages, that’s what’s responsible for the impact,” Martins said.

The negative portrayal of Black men on television often has far-reaching consequences.

Research by Clifford Nass and Byron Reeves at Stanford University suggests that people

TV TURN TO 10

Page 10 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

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White From 1 the main artery for the Heritage Park neighborhood, which is now home to around 620 families. When the extension of Van White Memorial Boulevard is complete at the end of 2013, the street will stretch from Interstate 394 and Dunwoody Boulevard in the south, north to Plymouth Avenue.

The mile of roadway being built will also connect the Harrison and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods to Interstate 394 and neighborhoods south of the freeway. It includes a 600foot bridge that will span the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail lines and the Cedar Lake Trail. A smaller bridge will cross Bassett Creek.

Thomas Streitz, Housing Director for the City of Minneapolis, said the addition to the roadway is a figurative and literal bridge between north and south Minneapolis.

“Before the freeway, we had more of an integrated city in forms of structure,” said Streitz.

“We are one city and this is one step closer to integrating north and south (Minneapolis).”

Streitz feels this investment is the one of efforts to correct sins of the past. “The freeways cut scars through our city in so many places,” said Streitz. “This is going to reconnect the north and the south, which is important in how the city and county will function. I think this is a fitting testimony to Van White’s work.

He was a bridge builder.”

Rep. Keith Ellison said once the addition is complete it will give Minneapolis residents a better sense of community.

TV From 9 often respond to others based on past cues they received from media because our interactions with computers, television, and new media have become more social and natural.

Thomas Ford, a former psychology professor, at Western Michigan University, found that whites are more likely to make negative judgments about Blacks

Javanese White and Francine Chakolis

U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN)

Thomas Streitz

“It is all of our duty and responsibility to build

a better community for our grandchildren, and their

grandchildren,” said Ellison.

“This bridge will be traveled on

by that generation. Even though it’s not built now, it will last.

they encounter in real life when they are exposed to negative stereotypes on television. Earlier research found that 50 percent of white children said that television is their primary source of information about Blacks.

So where are the positive Black role models on television?

Surprisingly, commercials.

Black youth are exposed to more advertising than whites even when the amount of television they watch is factored in. The ads targeting Black children are often populated

by Black athletes, musicians

and celebrities and offer more positive images than what they see in the news or on prime time television shows.

The Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity reported that Black children and teens were exposed to at least 80 percent more ads than white children, and twice as many advertisements in 2010 for the 5-hour energy drink, Vitamin Water and Sprite.

“Our children are being assaulted by these drinks that are high in sugar and low in nutrition,” said Kelly Brownell,

director of the Rudd Center at Yale. “The companies are marketing them in highly aggressive ways.”

This direct targeting has had a startling impact on the eating habits and health of Black children. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CD), 22.4 percent of Black children ages 6-17 were obese compared to 17.4 percent of white kids.

Recently, the Walt Disney Co. announced plans for stricter food advertising rules across all of its media platforms in an

effort to curb the amount of high fat, high sugar ads children see during shows on its channels and Web sites.

The new standards are slated for the company’s 2015 programming.

“This is a significant advance

by Disney,” Brownell said in an interview with USA Today.

“With their reach and credibility, the tight nutrition standards they have set for specially designated foods will touch millions of children.”

To combat the influence and the negative impact of poor TV

Photos: Suluki Fardan

They will remember a bridge that united north and south Minneapolis, people of different backgrounds, cultures, income levels and to help make us one city.”

City planners said the project was born out of the city’s efforts to de-concentrate family public housing in the city. The Heritage Park mixed income neighborhood has replaced old public housing buildings on the near North Side as part of those efforts.

The $22.3 million roadway project is funded in part from federal, county and city funds with $8 million of that in county funding.

viewing habits, Merritt suggests that more parents follow Hammonds’ example by limiting the number of hours kids spend in front of the TV screen and actively engage in discussing what they’re watching.

“The parents should pick the shows that [their children] watch and talk to them about what they’re watching,” Merritt said.

“You just can’t use [television] as the babysitter. Parents have to work hard, you have to channel all this energy that your children have into doing what you think is best for them.”

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Page 11

FULL CIRCLE

More love, less hate

love, protect, and preserve his wife, he is operating outside of God’s word. Whether physical, emotional, or verbal, abuse is not on love’s continuum.

Self-love is one of the most powerful forms of love. No one can really control another person’s action, but they can control their own. There may be times when the love of self compels a person to leave the abuser they love. (Providing anyone the space necessary to get the help they need is the highest form of self-love.)

Every person has in them the power to separate themselves from harmful situations. This could one day save that person’s life.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Love is one of the most powerful forces in the world today, and it is the opposite of hate. It destroys hate, therefore, more love equals less hate. Love brings about life. Love heals. It is patient and kind. Love is a prevailing force that endures all things without fail. Those who love are of God.

Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

(1 John 4:8) I recently heard the quote “There is a thin line between love and hate.” But I did not agree with it. I believe that there is more than a thin line between love and hate. To me, they are polar opposites and are as far apart as east and west. Think about this, if a person was in a plane traveling east, even if they continued in that direction for years, they would still be traveling east. They would never intersect with west in this direction.

So it is with love and hate.

Although both love and hate speak to the direction of a person’s heart, love is the positive direction and is the basis for a healthy relationship.

Hate is a negative direction that becomes the basis for abuse.

They are on opposite ends of the spectrum and will never overlap.

On life’s positive continuum, they cannot intersect. When we move in the direction of love, we move away from hate. More love equals less hate.

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Love is internal. It is an inward emotion that produces an outward positive response.

Because of this, no one can claim that they love a person who has become the object of their abuse. Unfortunately today

people set their own standards for relationship and think that if they live up to them, they have done what is required of them. Their personal standard may allow abusive behavior if the abuser believes he or she is

justified. But we are held to a higher standard than this. This standard cannot and will not justify abuse.

Love is the higher standard and it will always triumph over hate. Never accept or justify

any kind of abuse. Love covers a multitude of faults, and it the basis for demonstrating that we know God. Because God is love, he commands us to love one another. This is especially true for men. If a man does not

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

For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Page 12 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Summer 2012 at the North Community YMCA

A national model of youth development Commentary

By Erin Jerabek, Executive Director West Broadway Business Area Coalition Each time I visit the West Broadway YMCA, I am impressed by the studiousness and excitement of the youth, the cutting edge educational programming and I am delighted to spend time with the friendly and engaging staff.

Henry Crosby and the staff at the West Broadway YMCA are creating amazing opportunities for Twin Cities youth. This is not your everyday YMCA; the focus on youth development is unprecedented and might just be the national model moving forward.

The focus of the North Community YMCA is urban youth development. Its vision states, “All urban children and teens thrive and are prepared to succeed in their next stage of life. The Y (as it is frequently referred) is the hub in the urban community that connects assets and opportunities, creating hope and social change.”

Due to the unique and progressive programming, the North Community Y has members from across the Metro Area. Programming is not just swimming and basketball; they offer a variety of youth development and healthy living programs which include afterschool, childcare, aquatics

Suluki Fardan

Henry Crosby and summer programs, sports, day camping, intervention and educational enrichment through technology and the arts.

The North Community YMCA and its staff believe they have a social responsibility to the communities they serve.

They have been successful in building leaders within neighborhoods of highly concentrated poverty; working to reduce the economic and educational disparities that impact our children and teens.

The Y programming is based on the belief that all urban children and teens thrive and are prepared to succeed in their next stage of life. It is a hub in the urban community that connects assets and opportunities, creating hope and social change, nurturing the potential of every child and teen by partnering with urban communities to engage youth through transformational experiences and opportunities to learn.

The Y hires a diverse team

of staff that is reflective of the communities it serves. In addition, the Y prepares staff to be culturally competent through professional development and intentional reflection.

The Y is an environment that is welcomes diversity among youth and staff. It creates programs that promote physical, cognitive, and character/social development for young people, and provides opportunities for youth to practice the teamwork and leadership skills that will be critical for their success in

school, work, and life.

The Y intentionally creates progressive, longterm programs that are developmentally appropriate and offer pathways or “ladders” to leadership.

I encourage everyone to stop by or contact the YMCA staff directly for membership opportunities.

The Y was reconstructed and modernized in 2008. The building originally, built in 1974, was converted into a youth and teen enrichment

center offering opportunities for ages five to 25. Facility rental for meetings and special event is available upon request. The Y offers after school programming for youth and teens from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays.

North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center Address: 1711 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411 Phone: 612-588-9484 Website – www. ymcatwincities.org

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Page 13

The Royal Bride Conference The Women’s Vessel group recently presented The Royal Bride conference.

The conference centered on the purity and sanctity of marriage and women longing for marriage. Participants included Pastor Joyce Lester and Minister Maisha Barrett.

Several other presenters were present and shared topics ranging from women’s health issues to domestic violence.

Conference organizer Jennifer Watson stated that this event was not only a way for women to connect with one another, but a way for each woman to gain a better understanding in her relationship with Christ.

Minister Maisha Barrett (founder) and Jennifer Lewis-Watson (co-founder), Women’s Vessel’s Ministries

Photos: Suluki Fardan

Keisha Williams, decorator

Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba. In July, the caravan will travel in school buses, trucks and cars along 13 different routes, visiting nearly 130 US and Canadian cities.

Along the way, the caravan will educate people about the cruel blockade of Cuba while collecting constructions supplies and tools, medical supplies and equipment, educational and cultural supplies, to be donated to our brothers and sisters in Cuba. You can join the caravan when it passes through the Twin Cities or when it reaches the border in McAllen, Texas.

From Texas the caravan will travel to Cuba via Mexico without asking for or accepting a US government license, as a disciplined act of civil disobedience against the blockade and travel ban, and as ambassadors for a “people-to-people” foreign

policy based on mutual respect.

If you are interested in joining the caravan, please visit www. pastorsforpeace.org to obtain an application. You can also support the effort by coming to the send-off program 6:00 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012, Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue at Franklin.

The authentic Cuban dinner will be catered by Viviana Pintado, who is not only a wellknown Cuban musician, but is also a chef extraordinaire. The meal will include rice and beans, chicken, yucca and salad. Viviana will then shift modes and play the piano for your dining enjoyment!

Suggested donation for program and dinner is $10, but no one will be turned away from the program for lack of funds. If you are able to contribute a dessert, it would be much appreciated.

Royal Brides, Donnie Brown, Valeria Brown, Maisha Barrett, jettie Ndumbe and Carolyn Best

Page 14 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

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

Events Singer/Songwriter Alex Cartwright announces CD release tour June 3 –July 9 Sat. June 30, Ginkgo Coffeehouse 7pm at 721 North Snelling Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104. Sunday July 8, The Fine Line Music Cafe 7pm at 318 North 1st Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55401. Mon. July 9, Station-4 8:30pm at 201 E. 4th St. St. Paul, MN 55101. The full schedule is available at www. alexcartwright.net/tour.html It’s the BIG FIVE for Live on the Drive! June 14, July 12, Aug 9 Celebrate by packing a picnic, bringing your family and inviting your friends to the fabulous fifth anniversary summer concerts on June 14, July 12 and Aug 9. The free concerts are held from 6 to 8pm on Victory Memorial Drive at 34th Avenue North in Minneapolis.

For further information, call 612-588-1155 or see www. clevelandneighborhood.org West Broadway Farmers Market Announces Second Season June 15 –Oct. 19 Northside grown mushrooms, veggies, fruits, sweet bread, quality art, and more. Music, cooking demonstrations (with free samples), physical activities and classes, art activities, health services (i.e. blood pressure checks), and more will take place weekly. New location at the Hawthorne Crossings parking lot, 900 West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis, near the intersection of Bryant and West Broadway. Market hours are Fridays from 3pm to 7pm.

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

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

There is a $35.00 registration deposit. Childcare Assistance is accepted. 7:30am–5:30pm, June 18–Aug. 24. Contact Rev. Areda Stewart 651.774.5503. Space is limited and Registration closes June 15th.

Be Book Smart with Reading is Fundamental June 22 –July 11 largest annual fundraising campaign held at Macy’s stores nationwide. The funds raised will benefit your community’s local RIF programs and provide books and reading resources

to the children who need them most. Macy’s customers may join the effort by giving $3 to help provide a book for a child and receive $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. Macy’s will donate 100% of your $3 to RIF to help reach our goal of giving 1 million books to kids this summer.

Khalid Al-Amin Basketball Summer Camp 2012 June 25–29 Co-Ed grades 4 – 8 at North Community High School 1500 James Ave N. Mpls. Details and to register visit www.elaminbasketball.com Dip Your Toes or Dive In to Music This Summer at Camden Music School June 25–July 19, July 23–Aug. 16 Dip or dive in to Musikgarten classes for ages birth to 8, individual, team and group instrumental and vocal lessons for ages 8 and up and a great variety of ensembles for ages 5 and up – including our new bluegrass class and rock ‘n roll and movie music for strings.

Registration is now. Summer scholarship applications are due by 5pm Monday, June 18.

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

‘Peace of Hope’ Registration Meeting June 27 All are welcomed to registration meeting, Wed., June 27 at the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North, 4pm–6pm. Sign up for upcoming trips to visit our loved ones in various MN DOC facilities. For more info, contact Ms. Sharon Brooks 612.220 .4678.

Documentary Film ‘Music From The Big House’ Opens June 27 Blues concert documentary feature ‘Music From The Big House’ begins its run on Wed., June 27 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre with a live performance from Rita Chiarelli. Show time is 7pm. St. Anthony Main Theatre S.E. 115 Main Street Minneapolis, MN 55414 www. mnfilmarts.org 612.331.4723 Regular/$12 Members/$8.50.

Contact Jeff Hollingsworth 213.308.0200 jeff@rmhmedia. net for more info.

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

Public is invited to the annual meeting Wednesday, June 27, at Sabathani, 310 E. 38th St., Minneapolis. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:45pm and end at 7pm. The event is free with light refreshments. Kicking off the meeting will be a viewing of Sabathani’s new Cultural Preservation History Exhibit We Are Sabathani beginning at 5:15pm. For more information about the annual meeting, call 612.821.2316.

Robert Robinson concert to benefit American Cancer Society Relay For Life June 28 Internationally acclaimed and Minnesota native RENTALS gospel singer Robert Remodeled duplex units in East St. Paul.

Robinson will hold a Income Restricted, EHO. 651-430-1888 or www.applegateproperties.com special concert on behalf of the American Cancer Looking for Christian Roommates? Society, and all those North & South Minneapolis * $400/month + utilities fighting this disease. All urbanhomeworks.org/housing/urban-neighbors proceeds will go directly 612-910-6054 / un@urbanhomeworks.org to help the Society continue to provide programs and services Provider Enrollment Analyst in the community.

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS) June 28, 7pm–8:15pm is a Madison, Wisconsin-based health insurance and benefit (Mount Olivet Baptist administration company serving federal, state, and commercial Gospel Choir as opening clients. With more than 65 years in business, we emphasize uncompromising business ethics and innovative solutions to act at 6:30pm) at today’s health care environment. A not-for-profit insurer, our Brooklyn Center High mission is to provide service and value considered by our cusSchool Auditorium. tomers to be the very best.

6500 Humboldt Ave. We currently have openings in our Bloomington, MN office N., Brooklyn Center. for Provider Enrollment Analysts who will properly interpret Admission Tickets and apply CMS instructions for enrolling healthcare providers $25, VIP Meet and in the Medicare program. Manages workload consisting of healthcare provider enrollment applications and related correGreet tickets w/ Robert spondence and telephone calls.

Robinson following concert $45.

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

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

• Ability to accurately enter information into a variety of Medicare databases.

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

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

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

Equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

M i n n e s o t a ’ s African American groundbreakers at Minnesota Humanities Center June 28 The Minnesota Humanities Center will hold the second in its “Lunch and Learn” series, on June 28.

“Firsts: Minnesota’s African American Groundbreakers” will feature former

Phone: 612.588.1313

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

Greater Lake Country Food Bank ‘We Appreciate Our Customers!’ Customer Appreciation Day June 29 The Greater Lake Country Food Bank honors the late Hy Rosen by thanking the community.

The food bank collaborates with communities and businesses to alleviate hunger in Minneapolis.

Fri., June 29, 11am – 6pm Every customer who comes in to the Greater Lake Country Food Bank will receive One (1) FREE hot dog, bag of chips and a drink. Greater Lake Country Food Bank 554 8th Avenue North (Behind the MTC Bus Garage) Minneapolis, MN 55411 612.340.9694.

Until It Sounds Like Jazz June 30 J. Otis and his long time associate and friend multi-instrumentalist Tom Kanthak integrate music, stories, projections and poetry into constellations until they sound like jazz. Sat. June 30.

7:30pm at Pangea World Theater Studio, Calhoun Building 711 West Lake Street, Mpls., MN 55408. Tickets: $10-$25 sliding scale (all ticket sales go directly to the artist.) Call 612.203.1088 for reservations and more info or visit http://pangea. pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d= W H x B C A G h A A I A A A Z 1 A AY 6 i w American Diabetes Association Collaborates With Minneapolis/St. Paul Stairstep Foundation’s 9th Annual Church Olympics June 30 The American Diabetes Association, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization in the fight to Stop Diabetes®, will join forces with the Stairstep Foundation of Minneapolis/ St. Paul on Sat. June 30 to promote awareness for type 2 diabetes for children and their families in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul community. The event will also distribute materials for CheckUp America, working to help people lower their risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Contact: Lisa Gibson American Diabetes Association 703.549.1500 x4824 for more info and locations.

Mpls Urban League’s Family Day parade/festival application deadline July 2 Minneapolis Urban League is holding their annual Family Day Parade and Festival Sat., Aug. 25. Parade line-up at 10:30am and parade starts at noon. To participate in the parade call the parade committee 612.302.3117 or 612.859.6414. Application deadline no later than Mon., July 2. Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls, MN 55411.

Jamm’n with Jesus with Evangelist, Nell Witherspoon July 7 Deacon “Cornbread” Harris, Deacon Duane Witherspoon, Hands for Christ-Kim & Jamie Riley, Rev. Harvey Witherspoon, Pianist Yolanda Williams. Sat., July 7, 6pm at Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 2544 Highway 100 South (West Frontage Road) St Louis Park MN 55416. Free will offering and non-perishable food items for STEP (St Louis Park Emergency Program). For more info contact: Rev. Eleanor Hunsberger 952.545.6581.

5th annual Sister Cities Day celebration and ice cream social July 15 Free family event featuring entertainment, activities, ice cream and refreshments celebrating the International Sister City relationships shared with the city of Minneapolis.

Sun. July 15, 1–5pm at Nicollet Island Pavilion 40 Power Street, Mpls. For more info please visit www.minneapolis. org/sistercitiesday or call 612.767.8000.

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

Registration packets available

Fax: 612.588.2031

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

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

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

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

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

Foster Care Programs – Ongoing Volunteers of AmericaMinnesota is looking for parents to provide care for youth in one of our two foster care programs.

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

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

Sessions are held at the VOA office: 7625 Metro Blvd, Mpls, MN 55439 Contact Heather Thornton at 952-945-4064 for more information, or to RSVP. Also, visit us online at www. voafostercare.org PCLG Parent Support Group – Ongoing 2nd Mon. of each month Parent-led support group where parents can share the challenges of parenting a child with mental health concerns. Open to any parent or caregiver of a child with mental health concerns residing in or receiving services in Hennepin County. 6:30pm– 8pm, 2nd Monday of each month at Sabes Jewish Community Center 4330 South Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN. Contact 612.825.9615 hcpclg@ yahoo.com or visit website at www.hccmhc.com

Email: natalie@insightnews.com

Parent Portal. No appointments are needed. The North High computer lab will be open Tue.’s from 6–8pm thru Apr. 17. 1500 James Ave. N. Mpls, MN. FREE Fitness Classes Tue. Wed. Thurs.

Featuring: Cardiovascular work out by Annice, The Diva - Tue. 6-7pm.Muscle conditioning exercise in addition to cardiovascular - by Georgia, Ms Smooth - Wed. 6-7pm.

Pilates by Angela, No Mercer - Thur. 6-7pm. Located: 310 E. 38th Street, 2nd Floor gym, Minneapolis. Registration Fee: $25 for the entire season (Sept. thru May 31).

Community of Lights – Ongoing The community of lights is a Community Health Action Team that stems from the Cultural Wellness Center and Allina’s Back Yard Initiative.

The objective of this multi-year project is to improve the health of community members through promoting self-sufficiency and creativity. The communities of Light Co-operative members are community residents who have designed, assembled and are now selling community produced solar lanterns and portable solar generators.

These Solar lanterns and solar generators will be available for purchase and demonstration at the Midtown Global Market every Fri. and Sat. from 10am– 7pm at the Midtown Global Market starting on Jan. 6 & 7.

Free Lead Paint Testing If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible to receive new windows through a Hennepin County grant program: • Home built before 1978 • A child (5 or under) lives in or frequently visits your home • Live in Hennepin County • Meet certain income qualifications Sustainable Resources Center have partnered with the National Center for Healthy Housing to bring a national perspective to our efforts in Minnesota.

SRC will be working with public, private and nonprofit organizations throughout the State to develop the plan. This is a great opportunity to encourage and support the creation of healthy homes for all! Call Sustainable Resources Center at 612-872-3281 to schedule a free home visit! Communication available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. http://www.src-mn. org/ Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program (MFPP) MFPP provides free counseling for Minneapolis homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages (and referrals for clients outside of our service area). Located in the Minneapolis Urban League building at 2100 Plymouth Ave N, call 612-331-4090 and select option 3 to speak with a MFPP representative and set up an appointment.

A Special Job Search Program for Veterans - Wed’s Facilitators: Capt.

Dave Recker, USN (Ret) and Sp/5 Stan Brown, USA (Ret).

Christ Presbyterian Church, in the Parlor 6901 Normandale Road, Edina. Wed’s at 1pm.

For more information about this workshop, call 952-943-0718, or stan@stanbrown.us.

The Black Parent Group Mondays Free weekly support group for parents of any race raising African American children.

Mondays at 7-830PM located at: Washington Tech Middle School 1495 Rice St. Saint Paul. Please visit the website: www.theblackparentgroup. com or send an e-mail to info@ theblackparentgroup.com

Free Classes for Adults – Ongoing The Minnesota Literacy Council, a non-profit organization, has free classes for adults at our Lake Street Learning Center at 2700 East Lake Street, 2nd floor, above Denny’s. For classes and more info, visit: http://www. mnliteracy.org/

African Dance w/ Whitney Every Tuesday & Wednesday •Tue. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $12 Patricks Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. Mpls.

•Wed. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $13 Zenon School of Dance (4th Floor) Hennepin center for the Arts 528 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.

North High School Computer Labs Open to the Public - Tue.’s Adults and students may check email, search the internet, search job websites, compose documents on Microsoft Word or Excel and even contact their child’s teachers or access their student’s grades through the

Impact the life of a child: Become a literacy tutor with RSVP RSVP of the Greater Twin Cities is accepting applications from people 55 and over who are interested in tutoring youth, either in the classroom or in an after school program

format. RSVP places people in volunteer tutoring positions with organizations in their own neighborhoods. You can make a difference in a child’s life for as little as one hour a week. The RSVP program, sponsored locally by Volunteers of America of Minnesota, provides benefits and support to people 55 and over. For more information call Mary Jane Horton, RSVP Literacy Coordinator, at 952-945-4163 or mhorton@voamn.org Senior Companions Make a Difference – Ongoing Are you interested in visiting homebound or isolated elders in their homes and helping with transportation for appointments or errands? If so, the Senior Companion Program would like to match you with people in the community who need a little extra help to stay in their homes.

Senior Companion volunteers earn a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, training and liability insurance while serving. Volunteers must be 55 or older and serve 15 hours a week. For more information, contact Kate Neuhaus with the Senior Companion Program of Lutheran Social Service at 651310-9447 or at kate.neuhaus@ lssmn.org Free Internet Access – Ongoing Access internet, check email, look for housing, type up resumes, jobsearch, practice typing, learn Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. M-F 11am-2pm and 5pm-7pm. At Sabathani Community Center Room 324 310 E 38th St Mpls, MN 55409.

Youth Business Club Develops Entrepreneurial Skills – Ongoing Kids learn with support and guidance from community. The Selby Avenue Youth Business Club is open to youth ages 9-16 who are interested in starting their own or learning more about business. The group meets the first and third Saturday of ever month from 9:30 am to noon at Golden Thyme Cafe on Selby and Milton. For more information, interested parties can visit http://selbyareacdc. org/Saybcindex.html , e-mail at SAYBC10@gmail.com or contact at: 615-964-0710.

Wanted: Community-minded book lovers – Ongoing One in seven U.S. adults lack the literacy skills necessary to enjoy great books, help their children with homework, or understand medication labels. But you can change this by volunteering with the Minnesota Literacy Council.

With only two or three hours a week, your love of reading can create a stronger community.

Tutor an adult learner, assist in an adult classroom, or teach a basic English or GED class.

We have locations throughout the Twin Cities area, flexible scheduling and training to help you get started. Contact Allison at volunteer@themlc.org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219 or visit us on the web at www.themlc. org Hazelden Offers Free Educational Opportunity – Ongoing Concerned about someone’s alcohol or drug use? Addressing Concerns Together (ACT), Hazelden’s new outreach program, can help. Join us for a free event to learn more about addiction, intervention, assessment, and treatment.

Hazelden’s St. Paul campus, 680 Stewart Ave., St. Paul. 2nd and 4th Mon. of each month at 6pm. This is an open event and there is no need to register.

If you have questions, please contact Hazelden at 800-2577800

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer tutors are needed to teach Adult ESL & GED classes One day per week at Sumner Library- 611 Van White Memorial Blvd.

Morning Classes: 10am-Noon & Evening Classes: 6:30-8:30 Monday-Thursday. No previous experience necessary; full training provided. Must be able to commit to a 3 month period.

For more information, please call 612-377-5399 or aconley@ mnliteracy.org.

CALENDAR TURN TO 15

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Page 15

Ajanae, Amiah, Jalaya, Princess, Marina, Ce’veonna, Na’shea, Aniah, Macaya, Makayla, and Volincia.

Na’shea, Makayla, Shanae, Ce’veonna, Princess, Volincia, Marina, Ajanae, Amiah, and Jalaya.

Club From 1 happy, their faces lit up and they said words like smart, nice, pretty and loved.”

In an exercise to build selfconfidence, Hill bought two helium tanks and over 100 balloons. She and the girls blew up the balloons and wrote

Calendar From 14 Enthusiastic individuals needed to make a lasting difference in the life of an adult learner.

Help someone in your community learn English, prepare for the GED or increase their basic math, reading and computer skills. Ongoing training and support is provided through the Minnesota Literacy Council.

For more volunteer information, go to www.theMLC.org or contact Allison Runchey at 651645-2277 ext 219, arunchey@ theMLC.org Volunteer: Coach to Success Mentoring Program Volunteer to become a mentor with AAAC’s mentoring program. Make a positive impact on the life of a young student in the Osseo Area School District #279. For more information, contact the African American Action Council, 6001 78th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN. 763-503-0159.

Adult Literacy Tutors For opportunities throughout the Metro area or Greater Minnesota, contact Allison at the Minnesota Literacy Council arunchey@ theMLC.org or (651) 645-2277, Ext 219.

Jacobs Ladder Inc. & P.A.L. tutoring program Certified teachers needed to volunteer with the Jacobs Ladder Inc. & P.A.L tutoring program.

Contact Diashka B. Jackson, (763) 458-3440.

Swenson From 1 The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death was a homicide.

Her friend, Pat Jordan, told television reporters that Swenson’s murder was particularly hard.

“It’s very difficult, because she was such a giving, open person,” said Jordan. “She was just an advocate of assisting other people who needed help, and people loved her.”

“She made such an impression on so many others, and that is a legacy,” said Jordan.

A StarTribune report quoted

Obama From 1 percent from 2004 and the Obama campaign is working to insure the same enthusiasm for the president’s re-election bid.

In a conference call held to rally the African-American vote, actress Nia Long called on African-Americans to go to the polls in force this coming November.

“Promise me you’ll get out and vote and take five people with you,” urged Long via the national teleconference. “We cannot lose hope. Reach out to those who are uninspired, disenfranchised and feel like giving up.”

The well-known actress said

Artspeak From 5 organized the panel, and provided us the collective opportunity to meet other kindred souls, and tell our life stories.

In her own words, Aisha Durham answered one of Dillard’s questions in the following way: “…And I do think that

positive words and phrases on them.

“They wrote things like ‘You Are Special,’ ‘You Are Loved,’ ‘You Are Somebody,” ‘You Are Beautiful’ and ‘Dream Big,’” said Rayson.

The girls along with Hill and Rayson walked around the Northside to hand out the balloons and were told to find a person that they thought needed some cheering up and to give

them a balloon.

“One girl saw a young man in his late teens to early 20s scowling as he was walking down Lowry,” said Rayson.

“One of the club members approached the young man and introduced herself. She then presented the balloon to him and said she wanted to let (him) know that (he is) somebody and can do anything.”

Rayson said the young man

began to smile immediately and thanked the girl for the balloon.

“We continued passing balloons out to others and after about ten minutes we looked back at the young man,” said Rayson.

“He was standing on the corner waiting for the bus with headphones on but he was smiling and still holding tightly onto the balloon.”

“A few people shed tears,” said Hill. “A lot of people were

Volunteers Needed: American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Contact Mary Wiles at (651) 2558183 or mary.wiles@cancer.org for information or to volunteer.

Humanity Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program (MFPP) MFPP provides free counseling for Minneapolis homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages (and referrals for clients outside of our service area). Located in the Minneapolis Urban League building at 2100 Plymouth Ave N, call (612)331-4090 and select option 3 to speak with a MFPP representative and set up an appointment.

For more information or if you need services: (763) 591-0100.

Services are accessed voluntarily by families through the Crisis Hotline.

Guild Incorporated Guild Incorporated is a health and human services organization that exists to help people with mental illness lead quality lives.

The Volunteer Service Program at Guild Incorporated offers: flexible scheduling, expense reimbursement, training, ongoing support and recognition of your efforts. For more information about volunteering, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (651) 925-8465 or heck out www. guildincorporated.org. A variety of volunteer positions are available.

Become a Minneapolis Urban League volunteer or mentor To become a Minneapolis Urban League classroom volunteer or to mentor a student, contact the Marketing Department at (612) 302-3143.

Basic Reading Tutor Encouraging, enthusiastic volunteers needed to help adults learn to read! Spark a love of literature and partner with someone new by tutoring at one of the many convenient locations throughout the metro area.

Ongoing training and support is provided by the Minnesota Literacy Council.

Contact Allison for details: volunteer@ themlc.org, 651.645.2277 x219, or visit www.themlc.org

Need to read better?

Call us for free classes or tutoring near your home.

• Improve your reading or math • Get ready for your GED • Learn computer skills • Study English as a Second Language Minnesota Literacy Council’s Adult Literacy Hotline: 1-800-222-1990 www.theMLC.org/hotline An Individualized Internet Course for Senior Adults At last!

Individualized instruction to help you find health information on the Internet. Free, ongoing classes and workshops held at these locations: Eastside Neighborhood Services 1700 2nd St. NE, Mpls. 55413 (612)-7874020 or The Seniors’ Place 1801 Central Ave. NE, Mpls. 55418 (612)-788-9186.

for

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery Serves all of Hennepin County, offering a 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis counseling, up to 72hour overnight residential care, community referrals, parent education, parent support group, and a home visiting program.

her friend Joe Hesla.

“She was 24-hours a day peace and justice,” said Hesla.

“She didn’t spare anybody.

She would get in her friends’ faces about how they lived their life and she’d go up to total strangers and talk to them about issues and she just never stopped. She never stopped.”

Neighbors and friends commented on Swenson’s life and death in social media: This is so unbelievable to us. Lois was such a gentle soul.

Paul and I are stunned. We are in Korea right now and wish we could be with you all to grieve this great loss. Please know that we are with you in spirit. Peace – The Ormans.

Dear all, I too am at a loss for words over the loss we all

feel. We all know her as a true activist for human rights. She was not much for theory. She was always practical. She did what needed to be done. I also realized that she was a teacher and she taught by doing. I learnt much from her. Deep down I knew she will be gone someday. But I never expected it to be this way. Let us all keep in touch…. – Teferi.

Dear Friends of Lois, It is with much sadness that I write this journal entry. For those of you who have not yet been notified, Lois died this past week; her body was found in her home on Wed. Details of her death are not yet clear, but police are investigating it as a homicide. A service will be scheduled at a later time.

she supports the president because of his efforts in healthcare, education and women’s rights.

She also said it may seem like Obama’s first term was ineffective but in large part the president was working to repair damage done by the previous administration.

“The first (term) was cleaning up the mess (left by Pres. George W. Bush),” said Long. “President Obama needs another four years for us to reap the benefits of what he’s doing.”

Stephanie Brown, a campaign director dedicated to getting African-Americans to vote in November called on volunteers to be vigilant in registering voters.

“In 2008 turnout of AfricanAmericans made a huge difference (for Obama),” said Brown. “Our goal is to register

African-Americans wherever they may be; beauty salons, night clubs, wherever.”

Senior advisor to the Obama campaign, Broderick Johnson, said this election can have lasting implications for AfricanAmericans.

“We cannot let the president down,” said Johnson. “More importantly, we can’t let our children down. We need to return Barack Obama to the White House.”

The campaign is seeking volunteers to assist in its voter registration efforts. It is referring potential volunteers to its websites, www.africanamericans. barackobama.com and www. gottavote.org.

when we say ‘I,’ especially within an African Diaspora and African centered, … the ‘I’ is never this individualized; … it’s everybody who came before us, and everybody before ….

So in some ways if we want to think about a distinction in Black Feminist or Black Womanist auto/ ethnography, I think it is that the “auto” itself is a collective ‘I’ right, and so it/s not necessarily the ‘I’ in the way that others may

define auto/ethnography.”

‘Nuff said. ©2012 McClaurin Solutions Irma McClaurin, PhD is the Culture and Education Editor for Insight News of Minneapolis. She is a bio-cultural anthropologist and writer living in Raleigh, NC, the Principal of McClaurin Solutions (a consulting business), and a former university president. ( w w w. i r m a m c c l a u r i n . c o m ) (@mcclaurintweets)

Services Twin

Cities

Habitat

Pillsbury Crisis Nursery - A program of Pillsbury United Communities Serves all of Hennepin County, offering a 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis counseling, emergency day care, and limited 72-hour overnight home based care.

For more information or if you need services: (612) 302-3500.

Services are accessed voluntarily by families through the Crisis Hotline.

Get help paying energy bills at the Minneapolis Urban League If you are a Minneapolis resident living at or below 50% of the state median income, you are eligible for help paying home heating and electric bills. Pick up an application at the Community Action of Minneapolis, Energy Services Office Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm inside the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue N. Applications are available October 1- May 31. For more information, call Community Action of Minneapolis Energy Services at (612) 335-5837.

Back row: Na’shea, Makayla, Marina, Na’shea, Volincia. Middle: Princess. Front: Ajanae, Amiah, and Jalaya. interested in what we were doing.”

The Can-do Girls Club has been up and running for a month and a half.

“Just being with the girls is rewarding, said Hill. “Every morning there are four or five girls on my doorstep asking can they join the club.”

Hill wants to start a website for the club to bring more awareness to the community

and members. “Hopefully it’s something I can keep going.”

The club meetings are held Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. Meals are provided.

For more information on the Can-do Girls Club contact Shanae Hill at 612-618-5363 or Shanaehill411@yahoo.com.

City of St. Paul mortgage foreclosure prevention Contact for free counseling to help you learn about the steps necessary to keep your home. 25 W Fourth St., 12th floor, St. Paul.

(651) 266-6626.

ACTS Mime Connection A free Christian-based youth program is now available for the Twin Cities community for kids ages 6-18! We combine gospel mime, hip-hop, acting, and creative movement to gospel music. Join us for practice every Saturday from 11am-12:30pm at the Martin Luther King Rec. Center on 291 Mackubin Street in St. Paul. Call Jennifer Dodd 952567-4099 for more information.

Program offered by REACH Christian Connections.

NHS Refinance clinic Call (612) 521-3581 for details, to register for the refinance information session or to schedule an individual appointment with a mortgage counselor.

Free Legal Services from Legal Aid Society An attorney is available by appointment each Monday from 1:00–5:00 p.m. Call the Minneapolis Urban League at (612) 302-3100.

Free Drug Rehab Resource consultations Call today 1-866-649-1594 or find out more at www. drugrehabresource.net.

Don’t wait.

Programs

Homeless Intervention Services Are you a Minneapolis resident who needs help finding housing?

Call the Minneapolis Urban League’s In-take Line at (612) 827-9299. For more information about the services, contact the Minneapolis Urban League, Sharon Sayles Belton Community Services Center, 411 38th Avenue S., Minneapolis, (612) 827-5673.

Help someone in your community learn English Enthusiastic individuals needed to make a lasting difference in the life of an adult learner. Help someone in your community learn English, prepare for the GED or increase their basic math, reading and computer skills. Ongoing training and support is provided through the Minnesota Literacy Council.

For more volunteer information, go to www.theMLC.org or contact Allison Runchey at 651645-2277 ext 219, arunchey@ theMLC.org

I’m sure all will agree with me - we have lost one terrific friend and advocate for the underprivileged.

For me much of who I am, I owe to Lois. So much have I learned from her - never lecturing me... never uncomfortable arguments...but mostly though her fine example and obvious concern for the poor and disadvantaged. Lois - we’ll miss you much! Thank you, thank you, thank you. For who you were. For everything!

What a wonderful person she was! – Bill.

A pure and beautiful light, one that has guided me and so many others here and in the world, is now out. I am at a loss to say any more, so I am forwarding this message from a friend. – Roberta.

To others I know and don’t, it is very hard for me and many Oromo friends that she had made since 1979, to accept the reality that a fine human being is gone. She campaigned for justice, equality and peace. She taught us how to recycle and save but never got mad at anyone when we got

Brooklyn Center Support Group for Families The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMIMN) sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness.

Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. A family support group meets in Brooklyn Center at 7:00 p.m., on the first Tuesday of the month. For information, call Bob at (763) 533-1729.

Thinking About Welcoming an Exchange Student?

AFS-USA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been leading international high school student exchange for more than 60 years. Anyone interested in learning more about hosting or volunteering with AFS should visit www. afs.org/usa/hostfamily or call 1-800-AFS-INFO.

comfortable with using useand-throw-away things. I guess she never had room in her heart for words like, “greed” and “anger”, the cause of many conflicts in the world. It is very hard to imagine that someone is as cruel as that to take her life away.

May God give her the final rest and peace, for which she struggled for so many years.

Those of us that are still around really need a lot of strength to hang in there… – Daniel.

Page 16 • June 25 - July 1, 2012 • Insight News

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