Insight News ::: 06.29.15

Ordway-produced ‘Damn Yankees’ a home run MORE ON PAGE 10

aesthetically speaking

Insight News June 29 - July 5, 2015

THE

Vol. 42 No. 26 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

CHARLESTON NINE Charleston County Sheriff

Suspect Dylann Roof

The reaction in Minnesota

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Nine souls have been laid to rest as the nation still grapples with the many issues and questions surrounding the June 17 massacre inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in South Carolina.

The unconscionable mass shooting carried out by a lone assassin apparently driven by racist motives has heightened discussions on race and racism in America and led to renewed calls to rid the nation of a flag many consider a symbol of racial intolerance at best, and pure hate at worst.

While the alleged shooter, 21-year-old Dylann Roof,

A REQUIEM

By Irma McClaurin, PHD, Culture and Education Editor

E

ven as the flowers fade, the hurt and pain of the atrocities that occurred here in Charleston, SC on that bloody June Wednesday is very much alive. It is joined

Facebook / Getty Images

Nine victims of the Charleston church shooting. Top row: Cynthia Hurd, Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Middle row: Daniel Simmons, Rev. Depayne Middleton Doctor, Tywanza Sanders Bottom row: Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Susie Jackson

ground by the City of Charleston that now sends out its men in blue to protect it. How ironic. What would Denmark Vesey say?

So much has been said about the outrageousness of the act of a single man to wreak so much pain and havoc in a blessed space. But Dylann Roof is symptomatic of a deeper illness that plagues our ailing

with the mixed emotions of those visiting the Mother Emanuel AME Church, which has now become a living monument and shrine of flowers, prayers, the American flag, poems, inspirational sayings, peace signs, signature boards, teddy bears, and candles to name a few of the mementos left in front of this historic church. Historic because Mother Emanuel was once ordered burned to the

country. And like any addictive patient, we are in the ultimate denial. And daily we are enabled by systems of racism that persist, unchecked police brutality, unequal schools--still, higher unemployment and underemployment for brown and black bodies.

CHARLESTON TURN TO 7

A Black mother weeps for America

STOP KILLING OUR BLACK SONS! Justspeak

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor Editor’s note: McFarlane Media and Insight News salute Dr. Irma McClaurin, Insight’s Culture and Education Editor.

McClaurin’s column entitled “A Black mother weeps for America: Stop killing our Black sons!” won highest honors for insight News, 1st Place – Best in Nation for Column Writing – at last week’s Black Press of America annual convention in

Detroit. National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) celebrated its 75th Anniversary, and presented awards in 16 categories to member publications for stellar, exemplary work in newspaper journalism. More on other winners and the convention next week. Here we reprint McClaurin’s award winning column.

No Domestic Tranquility for our Black sons They are not insurgents. They are not enemy combatants. They are not hostile enemy forces.

They are not terrorists. They are our Black sons. And I beg you America to stop killing them in their own backyards, in the streets outside of nightclubs,

SONS TURN TO 3

Ervin D. Fowlkes Sr. in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, on May 3rd, 1963, being attacked by police dogs during a civil rights protest.

Bill Hudson

Reverent Nazim Fakir, pastor of St. Peter’s AME Church

REACTIONS TURN TO 1

Clear Channel’s R&B, Hip Hop offering may threaten sister station KDWB Commercial radio doesn’t talk about issues affecting Black community, KMOJ’s Kelvin Quarles says

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Is five years long enough to be feeling nostalgic?

It was just more than five years ago that the area’s only commercial radio station geared towards the urban/hiphop audience – B96 – left the market changing formats. Since then the station has changed formats two more times; now operating as Go 96.3, a station playing a hodgepodge of music and broadcasting the Minnesota Twins games. In the meantime, fans of hip-hop and commercial R&B have been both satisfied and frustrated with the station that predated B96 and continued on following the demise of B96 – KMOJ (89.9 FM).

RADIO TURN TO 9

Insight 2 Health

Performing Arts

Commentary

Lifestyle

Fitting in fitness

Steeles get Ordway education award

Left and right converge on criminal justice reform

The 2015 Happiness Calendar: July December

PAGE 2

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

PAGE 8

Page 2 • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Fitting in fitness Finding time for physical activity

By Mayo Clinic Staff Finding time for fitness can be tough. The key is making it convenient. Consider these practical suggestions.

You know fitness is important for your health and well-being. And you want to get more active, but your days are a blur of work, household chores, errands, and time with family and friends. Setting aside enough time to sleep — let alone exercise — can be tough.

So how can you find time for fitness? The key is to be flexible and make fitness a way of life.

And remember all physical activity — not just formal exercise programs — adds up to a healthier you.

Fitting in fitness at home Time spent at home doesn’t have to be couch potato time. To make fitness a priority at home: • Wake up early. Get up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do and use the extra time to walk on your treadmill or take a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

• Make chores count. Mop the floor, scrub the bathtub or do other housework at a pace fast enough to get your heart pumping. Outdoor work counts, too. Mowing the lawn with a

push mower is a great way to burn calories. Raking and hoeing strengthen your arms and back, and digging works your arms and legs.

• Be active while watching TV. Use hand weights, ride a stationary bike or do a stretching routine during your favorite shows. Get off the couch to change the channel or adjust the volume.

• Involve the whole family.

Take group walks before or after dinner. Play catch. Ride your bikes. It’s best to build up to about 30 minutes of continuous activity, but you can exercise in shorter bursts, too.

• Get your dog into the act.

Take daily walks with Fido or Fluffy. If you don’t have a dog, borrow one. An enthusiastic dog may give you the motivation you need to lace up your walking shoes.

Work out at work To fit in more physical activity while you’re on the job: • Make the most of your commute. Walk or bike to work.

If you ride the bus, get off a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way.

• Take the stairs whenever you can. If you have a meeting on another floor, get off the elevator a few floors early and use the stairs. Better yet, skip the

elevator entirely.

• Take fitness breaks. Rather than hanging out in the lounge with coffee or a snack, take a short walk. Or invite colleagues to join you for a walking meeting.

• Start a walking group. The regular routine and the support

of your co-workers may help you stick with the program.

• Put it on the calendar.

Schedule physical activity as you would any other appointment during the day. Don’t change your exercise plans for every interruption that comes along.

• Take it on the road. If you

travel for work, plan ahead.

Bring your jump-rope or choose a hotel that has fitness facilities.

If you’re stuck in an airport waiting for a plane, grab your bags and take a walk.

More tips for fitting in fitness Here are a few more ways you

can add more activity to your routine: • Get more out of errands.

When you go to the mall or grocery store, park toward the back of the lot and walk the extra distance. If you have a little extra time, walk inside for a lap or two before you start shopping.

Keep a pair of walking shoes in your car so that you’re ready when you find a few minutes for exercise.

• Get social. Make a date with a friend to hike in a local park, or take a family trip to the zoo.

Try a dance club, hiking group or golf league. Encouragement from others can help you stay with a new activity.

• Team up. Sign up for a softball, soccer or volleyball team through your local parks and recreation department.

Making a commitment to a team is a great motivator.

• Join the club. Sign up for a group exercise class at a nearby gym or fitness center. The cost may be an added incentive to stick with it.

There’s no single best way to fit physical activity into your day.

Your lifestyle, job and family responsibilities will point to the most convenient time and place for fitness. Do what works for you — and make daily physical activity a habit you keep.

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?

VISIT US FIRST. Buying your first home shouldn’t be overwhelming.

The experienced professionals at Associated Bank are dedicated to guiding you through the entire process from start to finish. Associated Bank lets you focus more on the excitement that comes with owning your first home.

Trent Bowman Minneapolis / St. Paul 651-523-6488 NMLS: 830027

TOP MORTGAGE PROVIDER IN THE MIDWEST

Loan products are offered by Associated Bank, N.A., Member FDIC and Associated Banc-Corp. Loans involve interest and other costs. Please ask about details. All mortgage programs are subject to credit approval and property evaluation. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, will be required on collateral. Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Left to right: LaTrisha Vetaw, Senior Community Health Worker at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center in Minneapolis; Carol McGruder, Co-Chair, African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council; Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-65A); Dr. Phil Gardiner, Co-Chair, African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council; Sen. Jeffrey Hayden (DFL-62); Dr. Valerie Yerger, Associate Professor of Health Policy at University of California, San Francisco and Molly Moilanen, Director of Public Affairs, ClearWay Minnesota.

Hayden, Moran author bills that fund efforts to reduce tobacco impact ClearWay MinnesotaSM, the Association for NonsmokersMinnesota (ANSR-MN) and North Point Health and Wellness Center honored state lawmakers who sponsored legislation that addresses the disproportionate rate of menthol tobacco use and harm in Minnesota’s African American community.

At a breakfast recently with national experts from the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, local and state elected officials and community health leaders, Sen. Jeffrey Hayden and Rep. Rena Moran were honored for their leadership.

Nationally, 88 percent of adult African American smokers choose mentholflavored cigarettes, compared to 26 percent of white adult smokers. Studies show that

menthol makes it easier to start smoking and harder to quit because the cool flavor masks the harshness of tobacco smoke. Company documents show that the tobacco industry has deliberately targeted marketing of menthol cigarettes to certain communities, including African Americans, for decades.

The African American community is among the hardest hit by tobacco use.

Black people are much more likely to experience tobaccorelated disease, and are 30 percent more likely to die of lung cancer than non-Latino whites.

“The damage done by menthol is huge, but the U.S. is on the frontier of policy work to address it,” said LaTrisha Vetaw, from North Point Health and Wellness Center. “That’s

why we are honoring Senator Hayden and Representative Moran for making Minnesota part of the vanguard in taking steps to help.”

Sen. Hayden, Rep. Moran and 14 co-authors authored the legislation, which provides funds through the Minnesota Department of Health to implement strategies and interventions to reduce disproportionately high tobacco use in general and menthol use in particular among African-Americans in Minnesota.

Research shows that tobacco companies specifically market menthol to other communities as well, including youth (44 percent of Minnesota teen smokers smoke menthols) and members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) communities.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Page 3

HEALTH Be The Match urges African-Americans to step up and become marrow donors (BlackNews.com) – Judah Wilks was 11 months old when he was adopted by a family in the United States and left the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the first time.

After having limited access to medical care, Wilks finally went for his newborn wellness checkup where his new parents received devastating news – Wilks had sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disorder.

The child, not even a year old, suffered a stroke before receiving an umbilical cord blood transplant in October 2013. A few months later, his body rejected the transplant, leaving his parents heartbroken once again. Now 3 years old, Wilks needs a bone marrow transplant to save his life. But first he must find a matching donor.

A bone marrow or cord blood transplant can be a cure for patients battling more than 70 diseases, including sickle cell anemia and blood cancers such as leukemia. Patients are most likely to match someone who shares their ancestry, but like many African-Americans

Sons From 1 on the phone talking to their girlfriend, and a few blocks from convenience stores from which they may or may not have stolen cigars. They do not deserve to die for such trivial incidents.

Stop it.

Stop killing our Black sons.

They are the babies whom we carried in our wombs for nine months and birthed them into a world we thought was filled with hopes and dreams, and promises of a better future, and a better life.

Stop killing our Black sons.

America, the young Black men you kill are our future and potential scientists and doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs; they are our future bus drivers, train conductors, teachers, garbage men, mechanics, cable TV guys, the clerk at the neighborhood grocery stores. Whatever their roles in the future, large or small, they do not deserve to die. We believed, when we birthed them into this America of promise that has now become our nightmare, that they could be anything that they or we, their mothers and grandmothers, their girlfriends and aunties, their teachers and friends might dream for them. All they really needed was access to the same quality education that America delivers to the doorsteps of most white young men in white communities, but seems to have a hard time delivering the same quality product with equal resources to Black communities.

Stop killing our Black sons.

It is true. Some of our young Black sons are misdirected and misguided, to be sure. But doesn’t every society have those disaffected youth who may follow the path to crime and violence? A few of them may deserve to be labelled thugs and hoodlums, but this is not every Black male child born, and our country says they are innocent until proven guilty. Even the “bad apples” don’t deserve to be gunned down and die like animals in the streets.

Stop killing our Black sons.

Do we condemn every white young disaffected 21 year old male because of Columbine; Aurora, Tucson, Fort Hood, and most recently Newtown? No. In their article, “White Men have much to discuss about mass shootings, Charlotte and Harriet Childress point out that white boys and men are often given a pass and attention turned to mental health issues, rather than the fact that disproportionately, white men have been involved in mass shooting sprees. Yet, they are not racially profiled.

The Militarization of American Police You would never know it from the images of Ferguson, but this is not Iraq. We are not living in Afghanistan. This is not the Gaza Strip. This is the United States of America and Ferguson, Missouri. So who gave ipso facto permission? In other words, what powers that be authorized today’s policemen, living in small town America in the heartland, to function like trained military and to treat our

in need of transplants, Wilks has yet to find a matching donor.

That’s why Be The Match, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on saving lives through bone marrow and cord blood transplantation, is raising awareness about the critical need for more African-

Americans to volunteer as potential bone marrow donors this July, which is AfricanAmerican Bone Marrow Awareness Month. Be The Match is headquartered here in Minneapolis.

African-American patients have the lowest odds of finding a matching bone marrow

donor compared to all other populations. They also have the most diverse tissue types, which makes the matching process even more challenging.

Throughout July, Be The Match will host donor registry drives across the country to add more African-Americans to the national Be The Match

young black sons as if they were terrorists and the enemy without justification or evidence? Why is the Pentagon providing domestic policemen military weapons, and without training? That’s like putting dynamite or a grenade in the hands of a child. They have no boundaries or understanding that such weapons kill far beyond their intent. As a nation, we lament those circumstances of war that allow our military weapons to fall into the wrong hands. Well, the Pentagon has placed the wrong weapons in the wrong hands right here at home, and should bear responsibility for arming domestic policeman as if they were patrolling in combat zones.

Scholars and activists Tamara K. Nopper and Mariame Kaba, in their article “Itemizing Atrocity,” point out that mainstream newspapers and magazines like the Economist and Business Insider have published on the that fact that “America’s police have become too militarized.” Their point is that focusing on these excesses of militarized police obscures the reality that policeman in urban areas violently police black people as a matter of course, and that such “policing” of black bodies is acceptable (whether you are in the ghetto or the suburbs), because it has come to be viewed as the norm that all Black people must be approached as if they were guilty (https://www.jacobinmag. com/2014/08/itemizingatrocity/). Only after the fact is there an investigation or any attempts made to determine if the resulting deaths of Black men actually fit a specific crime or the circumstances. Often, they do not. Stealing a cigar is not a heinous crime and does not warrant death by being executed.

Stop killing our Black sons.

Today’s policemen are under tremendous stress complicated by the individual backgrounds of those in uniform. The proliferation of racial profiling, the ongoing killing of young Black men point to an epidemic

of violence in which white police officers (and some troubled men of color) use their uniform and their role as police officers not to protect society and its citizens but to mete out discipline to those Black male bodies they have come to associate with violence. Who turned society’s peacekeepers into judge, jury and executioners that can shoot the unarmed in the back and use petty crimes to justify their horrendous actions?

Stop killing our Black sons.

for the same crimes as white men, ten times more likely to be stopped by the police for bogus reasons, stopped repeatedly and harassed for minor traffic violations, and now they are routine target practice for police who take out their own white supremacy rage, their racism and sense of vigilante justice under the guise of protecting the public. Stop killing our Black sons.

A Failed Justice for Black Men in America Black men in America have been targets of institutionalized racism from moment they set foot in the Americas as enslaved labor. Throughout our new world history, Black men have endured injustices yet still fought with valor and conviction in the military for the United States of America, a country that expected them to die fighting for a liberty they could not experience. Stop killing our Black sons.

America has failed Black men because it has not lived up to its promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. America has decided that Black men’s lives are disposable, and so it has built a prison industrial complex that privately profits from mass incarceration instead of spending that money on better public schools, on salaries for teachers who believe in their students, on job training and a youth service corps for unemployed urban and rural youth, and on inner city youth programs that encourage success and courage and instill pride, loyalty and respect.

Stop killing our Black sons.

Throughout our history Black men in America have been enslaved, lynched, used as strike breakers, incarcerated for petty crimes, discouraged from having big dreams, unemployed at three times the rate of white men, hired last and laid off first, paid lower wages for the same work as white men, incarcerated longer and receiving harsher sentences

In Search of Domestic Tranquility For the 60 something years I have lived, law enforcement or the police have never been viewed by the Black community as a source of protection. In truth, Black communities have

Registry, giving patients everywhere more hope for a cure. A special online promo code, “AABMAM,” can be used to join the registry online by visiting Join.BeTheMatch. org/AABMAM The cure for sickle cell anemia and other lifethreatening diseases is in the hands of ordinary people - people like 22-year-old Jasmine DeBerry. DeBerry answered the call to donate to a young child batting sickle cell anemia - just like Wilks.

DeBerry joined the registry as an 18-year-old, dedicating her registration to a friend who died from sickle cell anemia the previous year. So, when the busy college basketball star was called to donate in the midst of the season, she understood the importance of the donation and didn’t hesitate to move forward.

“We have the ability to help someone and it’s our responsibility to do so,” said DeBerry, who donated last August. “If you’re healthy, this is a very easy process and you should want to do it. Just

think about the result … you’re giving somebody another chance at life.”

Dr. Jeffrey W. Chell, chief executive officer of Be The Match, reminds potential donors that the first step to save a life only takes a few minutes.

“We are asking AfricanAmericans to take 15 minutes today and join the registry,” said Chell. “You can sign up online or from your smartphone. It’s a simple step, but it means everything to patients like Judah and their families. Please consider joining the registry today, and if you are called as a potential match for a patient, say ‘yes’ to donating. Say ‘yes’ to saving a life.”

Sickle cell disease affects millions of people throughout the world. In the United States alone, sickle cell disease occurs among one out of every 500 Black or African-American births. To get more facts about bone marrow donation and sign up as a committed registry member, visit www.

BeTheMatch.org.

felt the need to be protected from the very forces sworn to uphold justice. Police don’t respond to violence in Black communities with the same degree of commitment as they do to their own white communities.

Too often white policemen have historically terrorized Black men whom they considered “uppity” through lynching and other means of regulating Black male bodies.

Lest you forget, not too far in the past it was policemen who upheld and reinforced segregation and sanctioned lynching. Lest you forget, it was policemen who occupied the highest ranks of the Klu Klux Klan and it was policemen who turned fire hoses and unleashed

dogs on peaceful Black civil rights demonstrators. Why should Black America trust the police? Their hands are soiled throughout history.

Even recently with Black and Latino policemen among their ranks, there is no equal justice for our Black sons. Stepping into the police uniform renders these policemen of color senseless and they adopt the crowd mentality that all Black men are suspect, suspicious, thugs, druggies, anti-authoritarian hip hoppers, and in need of police control-translation: they need to be beat down like beasts. And so they kill our Black sons.

SONS TURN TO 9

You belong.

The health plan with you in mind.

At Medica, you’re not just part of a health plan.

You’re part of a community that believes in better health for all.

Learn more at medica.com

Page 4 • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

BUSINESS Who gives the most? Individuals!

FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw The numbers are in: Americans gave an estimated $358.38 billion to charity in 2014. That’s 7.1 percent over 2013, and the fifth year in a row that giving increased. Individuals – that’s you and me – continue to give an estimated 90% of all gifts. Here’s how it breaks out: individual gifts represented $258.51 billion

INSIGHT NEWS

(72% of the total). That’s you – your tithes and offerings at church, your online gifts, support for walkathons, the checks you write, stocks you transfer – every $25 gift and every $2.5 million gift. We also gave $28.13 billion through bequests – the money left to charities in your family members’ wills.

Finally, those with the ability to give to foundations gave another $41.62 billion.

Giving USA 2015: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2014 breaks down last year’s giving and the numbers are amazing. In 2014 the amount given to charity was the highest total in the 60 years that the report has been produced.

Researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the report is published by Giving USA Foundation.

Here are a few more details: Foundation giving totaled $53.97

Individuals – that’s you and me – continue to give an estimated 90% of all gifts

billion, (8.2 percent higher than 20130 and corporate giving was $17.77 billion (up 13.7 percent from 2013). There were some large gifts – individual gifts ranging from $200 million to one of almost $2 billion given by technology entrepreneurs.

Where did the money go?

Most went to religion ($114.90 billion), then education ($54.62 billion), human Services ($42.10 billion) , health ($30.37 billion), arts/culture/humanities ($17.23 billion), environment/animals ($10.50 billion), publicsociety benefit ($26.29 billion), foundations ($41.62 billion)

and international affairs($15.10 billion).

Giving to human services continued to increase as did giving to education. Individuals increased their support of giving to civic and civil rights organizations, and to community and economic development.

Those who read this column regularly know how much we stress the case for support. Here’s how W. Keith Curtis, chair of the Giving USA Foundation ties the case to increased giving: “The growth can be attributed, in part, to the ways charities have been working smarter during daunting times. Nonprofits increasingly are making sure they have strong cases for support, communicate frequently with donors and provide proof of the impact charitable gifts make.”

Related to this, the report notes that donors are “more and more” interested in knowing the strategies nonprofits use

and the impact their dollars make. Nonprofits are being asked “more and more” to be accountable for what they do with donations. The good news: many organizations are collecting more data and becoming more transparent.

Here’s what we know: your gift makes a difference. Together our gifts change lives and communities. The nonprofits we support require our support.

Let’s keep giving.

More information at http:// bit.ly/GivingUSA2015 Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

www.insightnews.com

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

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

1,600 City of Minneapolis STEP-UP interns start their first day of work at 230 local companies and nonprofits The Minneapolis youth employment program, STEP-UP, kicked off its 12th summer with 1,600 Minneapolis youth and young adults ages 14-21 starting their paid summer internships at 230 participating government agencies, nonprofits and corporations throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

“The city of Minneapolis gained a whole lot of genius,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “Each and every one of our new interns has unique talents they bring to the table; we are so excited to have them join our team. In turn I hope they gain valuable skills and insight that will set them up for success in their professional careers.”

Created in 2004, STEPUP serves Minneapolis youth and young adults who face some of the greatest barriers to employment, including youth from families of lower economic backgrounds, youth of color and youth with disabilities. Since the program was launched, it has provided nearly 20,000 internship opportunities. Before being placed into their internships, most STEPUP participants receive between seven to 14 hours of workreadiness training and complete a mock-interview that prepares them for their experience.

STEP-UP Achieve is directed

by AchieveMpls in partnership with the city of Minneapolis.

This year’s class of youth and young adult interns will complete their internships on August 14. Participants’ workdays and experiences vary site to site. On average, youth work from 20-32 hours per week.

“Going into our third year as a STEP-UP employer, I’m excited to have an opportunity to make an impact in our community and especially in somebody’s life,” said Tyler Olsen, CEO of the Twin Cities marketing agency SMCpros. “I just had dinner with our first STEP-UP intern, Abram,

STEP-UP Interns from 2014 program each pictured at job site locations.

Top: Wheel Fun Rentals, Middle: JAMF Software, Bottom: UnderConstruction. and I’m so proud of him and where he’s going in life. He recently won an AdFed 32 Under 32 award and he reached to me immediately afterwards thanking me for the opportunity to provide him with one of the best experiences he’s had in his personal and professional life. That moment … that realization of the impact we make as employers ... is priceless to me. I am going to try to have as many STEP-UP interns as I can effectively provide opportunities for, for as long as I can.”

At the close of the program, a graduation celebration will be held for all the interns, supervisors and other program supporters on August 14 at the Guthrie Theater.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Page 5

Steeles get Ordway education award Education Award – The Steeles The Steeles won the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Education Award in this year’s 23rd Annual Sally Ordway Irvine Awards.

Consisting of five siblings whose musical style is an integral part of the Minnesota sound the Steele’s mission is “to educate and inspire young people through gospel, jazz, blues, pop, R&B and the classics with the intent to encourage students to pursue a higher education or profession in the arts and entertainment industry.”

J.D., Fred, Jearlyn, Jevetta and Billy Steele have recorded and performed with Prince, Donald Fagen, Morgan Freeman, George Clinton, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Mavis Staples, Johnny Lang, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, the national radio broadcast “A Prairie Home Companion” and many others throughout their long and storied career.

The family has traveled around the world in the acclaimed musical “The Gospel at Colonus,” which appeared on Broadway at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre in 1988 and at the Ordway in 2010.

Their bold, heartfelt, melodic sounds have been shared in Paris, London, Barcelona, Italy, Moscow, Brazil and Scotland as well as throughout the U.S. The Steeles have also contributed to several film soundtracks such as the documentary “Hoop Dreams” and movies “Graffiti Bridge,” “Blank Man,” “Corrina” and “The Meantime.”

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced the recipients of the 23rd Annual Sally Ordway Irvine Awards.

The prestigious Sally Awards recognize and honor individuals and institutions that strengthen and enrich the state through their commitment to the arts and arts education.

In addition to The Steeles, the 23rd annual Sally Award winners are Edge Center for

Humanity of Minnesota. Gehrig currently serves on the boards of the Minnesota Humanities Center, Alliance for Artists’ Communities and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

Initiative Award – Theresa Sweetland Sweetland is the director of development and external relations at the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul. For 17 years, Sweetland served as executive/ artistic director of Intermedia Arts, a Minneapolis-based multidisciplinary arts organization. Her leadership successfully revived the organization from near death in 2009 to stability and national prominence. She is also the co-founding artistic director of B-Girl Be, the world’s first international women in hip-hop summit.

The Steeles (l-r): Fred, Jearlyn, J.D., Billy, and Jevetta Steele president and CEO. “This year’s award recipients are no exception. These leading advocates and organizations have each made a palpable difference by serving Minnesota through art. Their value to the community cannot be overstated.”

the Arts - Arts Access Award; Cynthia Gehrig- Commitment Award; Theresa Sweetland Initiative Award; and American Composers Forum - Vision Award.

The Sally Awards are tribute to Sally Ordway Irvine, who mobilized the community to support her dream of building a new performing arts center in downtown Saint Paul. The awards are presented annually to honor individuals and institutions that strengthen and enrich Minnesota with their commitment to the arts, arts education and arts access. Throughout the past two decades, the Ordway has honored more than 80 artists, administrators, volunteers and organizations through these awards.

“For more than 20 years, the Sally Award honorees have modeled excellence in our diverse artistic community,” said Patricia Mitchell, Ordway

Arts Access Award – Edge Center for the Arts The Edge Center for the Arts is nestled in the woods of far northern Minnesota in the town of Bigfork, population 400. Its motto, “Wildly Unexpected,” both resonates with the area’s wilderness location and describes the artwork one is likely to encounter in the center’s well-equipped 283seat theater or on its gallery walls. Sustained by more than 300 volunteers drawn from the surrounding countryside and supported with only a part-time paid office manager, the Center presents the latest contemporary

performing and visual art, hosts artists’ residencies, and partners with Native-American artists to showcase their work.

The Edge Center was the vision of former Grand Rapids School District superintendent Dan Kaler and the Blandin Foundation. The 501(c)(3) they helped to form in 1992 brought enhancements to the Edge area in education, recreation, and the fine arts. After decades of itinerant programming, the Edge Center opened its new $2.2 million building in 2005.

The district owns and maintains the building, while cultural programs are managed and financed by the non-profit Edge Center.

Commitment Award – Cynthia Gehrig Gehrig is president of the Jerome Foundation, a private foundation that provides arts grants throughout Minnesota and New York City . She joined

the Foundation 38 years ago as a program associate, and has served as its executive since 1978. Gehrig has served on the board of directors of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, serving as both vice-chair and chair. She was one of the founding board members of Grantmakers in the Arts, a national affiliation of grant makers interested in arts philanthropy.

Gehrig facilitated the first arts funding benchmark publication issued by the Foundation Center in cooperation with Grantmakers in the Arts. She is the president of the Camargo Foundation, an operating Foundation that supports scholarly and artistic work through subsidized fellowship residencies at a work-study center in Cassis, France. She served on the Board of ITVS (the Independent Television Service) and chaired the board of Habitat for

Vision Award – American Composers Forum Founded in 1975 by students at the University of Minnesota, the American Composers Forum has established itself over 40 years as one of the leading composer organizations in the country. Long standing residency programs, such as Faith Partners, have provided a bedrock of substantive support for decades. Creative new ventures, such as BandQuest, Composers Datebook, and the Innova Recordings label, have been recognized nationally for their unique approach to creating a wider appreciation for the composer as a living artist. Through all its work, the Forum builds awareness of the composer as a living artist and their work as a reflection of our culture.

The 23rd annual Sally Award recipients were selected by a committee consisting of Ordway representatives, the previous year’s Sally Award recipients, Minnesota State Arts Board, media representatives, and other leaders from the Minnesota arts and cultural community.

© 2014 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, JULY 10

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATRES AND SHOWTIMES

Page 6 • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

COMMENTARY Left and right converge on criminal justice reform Black Press of America

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, NNPA While social change for some may appear to be inevitable, it does not happen by osmosis, and it does not occur without a focused effort led by those who are not restrained by the fears of social transformation.

An effective reform of the system of laws, courts, policies and institutions defined as the criminal justice system in the United States of America requires more than a principled public debate.

What is needed today with a renewed sense of urgency, beyond the all-too-frequent expressions of justifiable outrage and protest in response to videotaped incidents of police brutality, is a committed, bipartisan, well-resourced nationwide criminal justice reform movement. Black lives do matter. In fact, all lives matter.

As President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the nation’s

oldest and largest trade association of African American-owned newspapers, we reach more than 20 million readers per week through 205 affiliated local and regional print and digital media companies.

The issues of mass incarceration, overcriminalization, prosecutorial and police misconduct, equal justice, alternative sentencing, recidivism and judicial dysfunction are all serious problems that are having a severe negative impact, in particular, on the quality of life of African Americans. What is required today, however, is a multiracial coalition to ensure that a successful reform movement is representative of the interests of all Americans.

I know something about the movement-building process, dating back to my early days in the 1960s as a youth coordinator in my home state of North Carolina for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. (SCLC). Dr. King said it best when he affirmed, “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Dr. King, Jr. was a master movement builder. I learned firsthand from witnessing how Dr. King fused together a diverse

What is required today, however, is a multiracial coalition to ensure that a successful reform movement is representative of the interests of all Americans. coalition of intergenerational leaders to bring about change at the local, state and federal levels toward equal justice for all. Fifty years later, we need to rebuild and expand the movement to reform criminal justice.

I also know what it is like to be unjustly sentenced and incarcerated in a prison system that dehumanizes both the imprisoned and those in charge of vastly deteriorating overcrowded penal institutions.

As a member of the Wilmington Ten civil rights activists who were unjustly imprisoned for a combined

sentenced of 282 years for standing up for the rights of equal education for African American students in Wilmington, N.C. in the 1970s, I have experienced the systematic degradation. Today, there are millions of people who not only want to see changes in the criminal justice system, but also are willing to join and support the emergence of a national “Criminal Justice Reform Movement” (CJRM).

My columns for the NNPA have always been about speaking truth to power in the vain of Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. DuBois, two pioneering editors

who knew the power of words. Yet today, we must also dare to speak the truth to ourselves. We must participate in helping to build this important reform movement. We cannot afford to be silent or stand idle on the sidelines while others in earnest strive to make changes to a system that will ultimately determine the quality of life in our communities for generations to come.

Thus, it is why without any hesitation that I am hereby publicly stating my endorsement of the coalition building efforts of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Charles Koch Institute and Koch Industries, Coalition for Public Safety, Center for American Progress, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and other national and regional organizations that have committed to support various criminal justice reform efforts.

I believe it is now a propitious time to work together to establish a national bipartisan reform movement.

I was very interested and encouraged to learn that the controversial Koch Industries has been involved in the issues of overcriminalization and criminal justice reform for years. Yet, many

of my colleagues in the Civil Rights Movement were unaware of this fact. Reforming the criminal justice system is not a concern to be constrained to the left or to the right on the political spectrum.

The respect for the moral dignity and wellbeing of every person, without the filter of race, class, religion or any other discriminating factor, is a paramount principle that has to be maintained in a society that strives to strengthen the inclusiveness of its democracy. The current social and political polarization over criminal justice reform is not healthy for our nation.

What is healthy is the budding bipartisan reform movement that is now emerging. Now is the right time. Now is the right moment to raise our voices and join forces together to build and sustain the criminal justice reform movement.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http:// drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/drbfc

Legacy greater than flag removal Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter Nobody asked me, but I find the flap over the Confederate flag disappointing on a number of

levels.

How is it that people who think of themselves as more American than me or President Obama can fly the flag of this nation’s last, large scale domestic terrorist enemy, and call it cultural pride. Muslims have pride in their culture. What would happen to a building flying a Muslim flag? Somewhere in southeast Wisconsin, we had the answer.

If the only result of this

unspeakable, and all too common tragedy is that flags cease to fly over southern capitols, nine more brothers and sisters will have died in vain. If Gov. Nikki Haley really cares about healing wounds, she should equalize education spending across the state. The children in the families of Mother AME’s fallen attend decrepit schools with peeling paint, out of date texts and “labs” in name only. Let the upgrading of the schools Black

Before phishing, there was fishing.

International Pop Walker Art Center

Roy Lichtenstein Look Mickey 1961 National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; Gift of Roy and Dorothy Lichtenstein in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1990

“Serious Fun.” – Wall Street Journal walkerart.org International Pop is organized by the Walker Art Center. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Major support for the exhibition is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation, the Prospect Creek Foundation, the Terra Foundation for American Art, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the Margaret and Angus Wurtele Family Foundation. Additional support is generously provided by Walker trustees and donors.

Lead sponsor of the Walker Art Center’s presentation

Supporting sponsor Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Media partner Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.

Media partner

Hotel partners

South Carolinians attend be these nine’s legacy. Let Sunday voter registration and early voting be their legacy. That flag is merely a symbol. A hated and hateful symbol, to be sure, but just a symbol. Every Black child college ready is not a symbol.

Full, Black employment is not a symbol. Quality healthcare is not a symbol.

If Black Lives Matter to us, let’s not clamor for cloth symbols to be lowered and packed away so that white

southerners can posture til the next news cycle starts and then go back to business as usual.

Indeed, if the children are well educated, their parents are well employed and the elders well cared for; I wouldn’t care if white southerners pledged allegiance to the Confederate flag. If they’d stop shooting us down in the street, they could sing their anthem … if there is one … at sporting events just like the Canadian anthem is sung, after ours, when Canadian

pro teams play here.

The Book says “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto these, the least of my children, ye have done it unto me.” So, let us mourn and pray. But, let’s be sure to demand meaningful change. That flag doesn’t make folk racist. Racists made the flag. Rallying around the lowering of a flag is like being the bull chasing the red cape at a bull fight.

Please, let’s make these Black Lives Matter.

Choosing a Black-owned business Community leaders challenge MCTC Open letter submitted

by Bill English, North Job Creation Team It has been more than one and a half years since we met with former Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) President Phil Davis and others, including Mike Christensen and the MCTC CFO at that time. The purpose of the meeting was to engage MCTC in an effort to add Cut Fruit Express a Minority (African Descent) owned firm, as a vendor to MCTC’s food service operations. President Davis and his staff decided this was a wonderful opportunity for the college to engage in a worthwhile endeavor that would benefit our community.

You should know that Cut Fruit Express is well qualified, and price competitive, as demonstrated by the fact that his customers include major grocery like Lund’s, Byerly’s, Cub, other major food distributors and Minneapolis Public Schools.

It hires almost 100% of its employees from urban communities, and more than 80% are people of color.

Moreover, it started more than 10 years ago in north Minneapolis, and is now actively seeking to relocate back in North Minneapolis.

This effort is being supported by the City of Minneapolis, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Greater MSP. To date, after at least two meetings and several e-mails with Gary Westerland, your head of Food Services, we are frustrated and disappointed.

The reasons for our frustrations and disappointment are that there have been no results from these discussions. Initially Mr. Westerlund attempted to introduce Cut Fruit to Sodexo, the firm that has the larger food service contract with MCTC. After submitting an application to provide goods to Sodexo, Cut Fruit was essentially told “we have our own diversity program and are not interested in adding other vendors at

this time.” Clearly from our conversation and exchanges with Mike Christensen and Mr. Westerlund, MCTC was disappointed in Sodexo’s attitude and response.

It should be added that during the early conversations, Mr. Westerlund also indicated that both the Caribou Coffee and convenience store operations on campus added additional opportunities for Cut Fruit. Again there has been no follow-up or results with these MCTC providers.

On March 23, 2015 I received the attached e-mail from Mr. Westerlund indicating that he had a new vendor that would be interested in setting up a meeting with Cut Fruit. He stated while this is not where we would like to be at this point, it is a good opportunity. I immediately followed up with Mr. Westerlund suggesting times that we would be available to meet. To date there has been no response or follow-up from him.

The only conclusion we can draw from the lack of follow through, is that the college has little interest in offering opportunities for minority owned businesses to provide goods and services to the college. It is no secret that students of color, including a substantial number who are of African Descent, are enrolled in MCTC. It is also well known that the college receives both Federal and State funding for these students. These funds are contributed to by all African American taxpayers in Minnesota, who contribute more than $500M annually in taxes.

It would seem to the undersigned that MCTC, as former President Davis stated, would be anxious to engage with minority and women owned businesses. Yet after all of these months there have been no results and little follow through on the part of the college.

Specifically, the college appears to have accepted Sodexo’s response, without challenge, because their contract does not expire until 2017. While we understand

contractual obligations, we also know that the college has considerable leverage with Sodexo when they want to amend or change outcomes that the college deems important to its mission and student body.

We ask the following question: “Do you feel that MCTC has an obligation and responsibility to spend some of its tax supported revenue with underutilized minority businesses? If not, why not? If not now, then when?

I will admit that after no response to my email to Mr. Westerlund y on May 11, 2015, I sent the following e-mail.

The email stated the facts and asked for an opportunity to move forward in a cooperative manner. We still believe that discussion and negotiation would be of mutual benefit to MCTC and our African American community.

I have always had a positive relationship with Vice President Mike Christensen as we have known and worked together over many years. I followed up with a phone call to Mr. Christenson and again received no response. The failure to respond, to engage with us, and the lack of any results brings us to this open and public letter to you as the leader of MCTC. The below e-mail was sent to Gary Westerlund on May 11, 2015: “Gary: we last heard from you on March 23, regarding a meeting with your new vendor.

I continue to be disappointed with MCTC’s follow through on this matter that is very important to our community.

It has been more than a year since we first met with former President Davis who essentially stated that it was in MCTC’s interest and mission to make an effort like this work. We know well the story how Sodexo dictated to MCTC their lack of interest in a supplier diversity effort. We understand they have a contract through 2017 and we know that you all were disappointed in their response.

It seems in this instance the

LETTER TURN TO 7

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Page 7

Charleston From 1 We may diverse today as a nation, accustomed to sitting next to each other on the bus, working together as colleagues, even being neighbors, but we not yet reached the heights of inclusiveness. Some Whites have not accepted the equality of Blacks and each small step of progress that we take is viewed as a racial affront to them, and a diminishing of their white privilege.

White privilege takes many forms--the horrific but also the ridiculous of a white woman exercising her privilege to pass for Black, not in order to share our pain and suffering but to pimp Blackness and take advantage of the few privileges we have struggled to attain. That she had the arrogance to believe that not only was her racial passing okay but she is unapologetic, and in the true tradition of pimping has garnered fame, and possibly a movie, even as her deceit unravels.

Such is the nature of power and privilege.

Mentioning these pop culture examples is not intended to trivialize the gravity of what occurred in Charleston. It is merely to point out the way in which white privilege operates.

They are both dangerous, though without question, violence of the order that Dylann Roof committed is the most dangerous of all.

Throughout American history, Blacks have been subjected to violence rooted in hatred and the belief of white supremacy.

Those who believe that we now live in a so-called “postracial society,” will have to think again. Those who want to advocate “colorblindness,” this is a deadly reminder that “color” and “race” and racism are alive and well in these un-United States of America. For those who believed that voting for a Black president would magically eradicate racism, look more closely at the ways in which Blacks remain politically, economically, socially and violently disenfranchised.

There have been many eloquent analysis of what happened on that deadly Wednesday, just three days before the arrival of historic Juneteenth (June 19th), intended

Letter From 6 “tail wags the dog.” But we tried to understand. In earlier discussions you mentioned the Caribou outlet in the school and the convenience store as potential places where Cut Fruit could plug in and provide their quality goods to MCTC staff and students. To date nothing has come from that discussion either.

Reactions From 1 supposedly left an online manifesto outlining his hatred for non-whites – Blacks in particular – it may never be fully understandable as to how a person could enter a church, allegedly sit and interact for an hour, then callously open fire and kill nine human beings – two pastors and one an 87-yearold woman.

In the wake of the act that many are calling domestic terrorism, the country is simultaneously mourning while trying to heal. For those on the

Photos: ©2015 McClaurin Solutions

pages/sc_history.htm http://charleston-sc.gov/index. aspx?NID=1330 http://www.juneteenth.com/ history.htm http://www.insightnews.com/ news/13713-support-grows-fortaking-down-confederate-flag

to celebrate the end of slavery in Texas, mind you two years after the Emancipation Proclamation: “Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863.” (http:// www.juneteenth.com/history.

htm). Was it accidental that the terrorist racial atrocity happened before this symbolic date? We may never know.

What I do know is that sometimes pictures can say more than words. What follows is a pictorial requiem for the nine people who died in Charleston for no other reason than that they were Black. That their families have spoken of forgiveness and not revenge should be a lesson to us all. But this generosity of spirit also should be our call to action: reinstating the Civil Rights Act, ensuring that the histories we teach in schools beginning

in pre-school are balanced and represent ALL Americans, respect

by Congress and Senate for our sitting Black President, stronger gun control….and I could go on, but I think my point is clear.

America is still a work in progress, and all of us are responsible for its development.

In truth, as Malcolm X once reminded us, “if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.” If this is truly our “…country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty,” then all of us have a responsibility to ensure that this beloved liberty is accessible to all of us. We are all citizens, all

Americans, all part of the human family.

While I will not question the integrity of intent of MCTC to spend some of its federal student loans with Minority and women owned businesses, it is only the results that count. However good MCTC’s intentions are without results there is no impact on the employment of our people by your vendors that are paid with our tax dollars and student spending. What can we depend on from MCTC given the time that has passed since we first brought this opportunity to the

college? I find it very difficult to refrain from harsh words or out of anger. I can however speak proudly about my frustration and disappointment to date.

We the NJCT and Cut Fruit our partner are still interested in the equal opportunity to provide goods to all of MCTC’s food service organizations. We prefer to negotiate something with you rather than public confrontation. Confrontation is not our preference but too much is at stake for us to

remain passive. How can we move a partnership for our mutual benefit and provide a real opportunity for both a business that hires from our community and one that is trying to relocate to our community. I would appreciate a reasoned response at your earliest convenience.”

With much respect,

It is to that end that we ask the following questions. We would hope that your response would be direct and we do not object to it being public. That is your choice. However, you can be sure any response to the undersigned will be acted on promptly.

Over the past five years how much has MCTC spent with Minority Owned businesses?

Does the college have an active program to reach out to underutilized businesses that have achieved meaningful or

substantial results?

Does the college have any interest in engaging with the leadership of the undersigned organizations to correct this injustice, lack of inclusion and diversity in your vendor purchasing programs?

We have offered to avoid public confrontation previously and we continue to offer our efforts to achieve results through discussions involving real opportunity for progress. Can we depend on your office for support?

front lines of the fight for full equality, they say the heinous act of murder has left them more resolute to end injustice and a culture of white supremacy. “(When I heard about the killings) there was a thought of pure devastation. I was saddened, hurt, outraged, but unfortunately not surprised,” said the Rev. Nazim Fakir, pastor of St. Peter’s AME Church, 401 E. 41st St., Minneapolis. “I wasn’t surprised because I’ve been paying attention to events in this nation, and while many mistakenly thought we were in a post-racial society with the election of Barack Obama, that’s just not the case.”

The president of the

Minneapolis branch of the NAACP, Nekima Levy-Pounds agreed that there has been a marked rise in racial animosity directed towards people of color. She said rise in animosity probably is a byproduct of the country electing its first Black president.

“There is a question of whether electing a Black president has played a role in the rise of racial enemies around the country,” said Levy-Pounds. “Some content there is a population that feels threatened by having a Black president. “It shows we still have a very, very long way to go to heal the racial divide.”

Levy-Pounds said the call

from South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to take down the Confederate flag that flies over the state’s capitol is a step in the right direction. Haley’s call is pretty significant because she is a Republican, and members of that party have been opposed to such an act in the past. Levy-Pounds said the flag itself is a symbol of hate and show’s some in America are not willing to deal with the elephant in the room.

“I don’t think we’ve been honest in the role slavery and Jim Crow have played

in this country’s history,” said Levy-Pounds. “We still live in a society that is not racially equal. We have a lot of unfinished business.”

Fakir said the act of shooting people in a place of worship and the particular place of worship was a calculated decision.

“It says a lot about how strong evil can be and how evil the racist agenda can be,” said Fakir. “I feel that particular church was chosen for a reason because of the history of the church and because the pastor was such

a leader in the community. To violate a church … a place of worship … is the worst kind of terror that could be brought upon a people.”

Fakir said in wake of the act of terror, he has had conversations with his church’s trustees and the men of the church to be vigilant regarding parishioner’s safety, but he said his church shall remain accessible to all.

“We are by no means going to let this act keep us from being an open and welcoming church,” said Fakir.

Bill English Consulting Project Director North Job Creation Team

A Non-Traditional, Cutting Edge Experience! Be Ready for Truth, Healing, Teaching and Transformation!

Circle of Healing Ministry The Only “Worship in Circle” Church Experience

Pastor Roslyn Harmon Sundays 2-4pm

1015 4th Avenue North|Minneapolis, MN 55405

Visit Us: Circleofhealingministry.org For More Info: 612.564.9962

For more information: http://abcnews.go.com/US/ charleston-shooting-leaves-deadame-church-gunman-remains/ story?id=31845305 http://emanuelamechurch.org/ http://www.usatoday.com/story/ news/nation-now/2015/06/18/ denmark-vesey/28915595/ http://blackamericaweb. com/2015/06/22/little-knownblack-history-fact-denmarkvesey-and-emmanuel-amechurch/ http://www.ame7.org/history/

©2015 McClaurin Solutions Irma McClaurin is the Culture and Education editor for Insight News.

She is an activist anthropologist, writer and proponent of diversity leadership. In June 2015, McClaurin’s She currently resides in Alexandria Va.

We Want to Help Your Family Have a Better Financial Future!!!

Let us show you how to:

x Start saving for retirement x Begin understanding education costs x Explore ways to reduce your life insurance costs x Lower your monthly cash outlay x Take advantage of immediate opportunities in sales marketing

Felicia Taylor 7211 Regency Square Blvd, STE 245 Houston, TX 77083 832Ͳ922Ͳ6293

Page 8 • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

LIFESTYLE The 2015 Happiness Calendar: July - December revenge, and write your letter of forgiveness to them. No need to mail it, just recall the hurt or violation, write about your feelings. End the letter with your statement of forgiveness.

Just this simple act of writing a forgiveness letter can often grant you freedom from your negative thoughts and give you increased happiness.

Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Earlier this year, I shared the first half of the happiness calendar and with permission from the author, I would like to share with you excerpt from the second 6 months of the happiness calendar written by Henry S. Miller, Author of The Serious Pursuit of Happiness..

As you continue in your pursuit of happiness, remember that happiness is an intentional creation. Every day things happen that work contrary to your joy and contentment. In 2015, you must be deliberate in your pursuit of happiness.

July: A Month of Spirituality Studies have proven that people who have spirituality in their lives –are happier. I believe it is because of the combination of the fellowship of a caring group of like-thinking people and the

spiritual beliefs themselves.

This month, make a conscious effort to spend some moments each day – perhaps during lunch – praying at least one “prayer” or declaration of faith.

August: A Month of Health, Fitness, Skill

Summer is a great time to focus on increasing your health and fitness – and on using your skills and abilities to their max.

This month, begin some daily fitness regimen (check with your doctor first if needed) – even if it’s only walking. In addition, make a list of your top skills, talents, and abilities and assess if you are using them to their fullest. If not, take one step per day to begin doing so.

September: A Month of Contribution Making a meaningful contribution to make the planet a better place is one of the longest-lasting, happinessincreasing strategies known.

What are you contributing?

This month is your chance to decide what difference you’d like to make in the world.

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

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

The world needs you and your contribution!

October: A Month of Savoring Fall is a season to enjoy the changing foliage in many parts of the world. Consciously spend at least five minutes each day focusing your attention exclusively on something of beauty outside – changing leaves, trees, clouds, sky –

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

November: A Month of Forgiveness Forgiveness is a powerful, although a slightly more complicated, happiness strategy. We forgive others to make us feel better. This month, examine your life and see if there are any lingering resentments you are holding on to that are holding you back from joy. If so, do two things: First, write the apology letter you would have liked to have received from the person who has wronged you. Second, rise above your desire for

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

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

The happiness calendar is a great tool to that will help you focus on the things that are in your circle of influence and control. Save this article and cut out the activity for each month. Attach them to your 2015 calendar and build action items around each month’s theme. Remember, happiness is an intentional creation, and 2015 can be a great year if you stay focused on the things that bring you happiness.

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

To get a copy of his books, or for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Practice what you preach Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson What do people see when they look at you? What do you want them to say about you after you walk away? I want people to always see me in a positive light. My hope is that I share a positive light with all who I am blessed to encounter.

Very often we forget that we should be sending out good

vibrations to those who look up to us. There are individuals who listen to our every word and who believe everything we say. We must be careful of our talk and always be mindful of this. I remember being a member of this group where it was based on uplifting other young women and being positive role models. I remember being in a book store and the founder of the group was in there using such terrible language to her own daughter.

She didn’t know I was behind her, but that made me think about this group in a whole different light.

I know you’ve heard the expression, “Practice what you

preach!” This means to walk the walk while you talk the talk.

It is important to be the person that you say you are. It is important to be someone that a younger person can look up to.

Like it or not, we are all here to be leaders and encourage others to do the same. Never under estimate the power of your words. They can help light the way for someone, or dim the light for someone else.

What I want most for people to know about me, is that the words I write are meant to uplift and motivate others.

I believe this is my calling and I will always do my best to be that person. Sure there are many days when I need to

be motivated too, and this is when I turn to those mentors and leaders in my life. And I am thankful for them and the strength that I get from hearing their words or reading something that they’ve wrote.

Remember to always be that person who someone is proud to say has changed their life or the way they look at the world!

And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and keep striving for greatness.

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.

Planning your summer event: Tips on finding reliable businesses Summer is finally here! When you’re planning your summer event, it’s always good to start nailing down details ahead

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP FORUM ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) will hold its First Annual Fundraising Dinner at the University of Minnesota, TCF Bank Stadium, at which it will welcome Dr. Fayneese Miller and recognize Ms. Kim Nelson.

Dr. Fayneese Miller, Keynote Speaker

Dr. Miller is the first African American president in the 135 year history of Hamline University, and arrives with a long and distinguished career at the University of Vermont and Brown University.

Ms. Nelson is Senior Vice President of External Affairs, for General Mills, Inc., headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota, and is one of the founding members and leaders of the African American Leadership Forum.

The mission of the African American Leadership Forum is to Create a Just and Healthy Society that Works Equally Well for Everyone.

Kim Nelson, Community AALF extends an invitation to the public to attend this Ms. Award Honoree historic event, to welcome Dr. Miller to our Twin Cities community, and to congratulate and recognize the works of Ms. Nelson.

Service

For information about AALF, and to register for the event, go online to: www.aalf.us; or, contact Jeffrey A. Hassan, Executive Director of AALF, at 612-532-3694, or jahassan@aalftc.org

of time. You don’t want to rush when it comes to your special occasion. Getting a jump on planning your event also gives you the time you need to research businesses and vendors, letting you find companies that best suit your needs – and avoid potential letdowns. Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) offers some practical tips to people getting ready to plan their event.

“Every event season, we hear from people who didn’t research businesses ahead of time,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota.

“Sometimes the result is simply a minor inconvenience, but in other cases it’s led to special days being tarnished unnecessarily.”

Problems can arise with even the best companies. To help you find reliable businesses and ensure your event is a success, here are some practical steps to follow: Research all facilities, suppliers and vendors at bbb. org. It’s fast and it’s free!

Watch out for estimates that are far lower than you can find elsewhere in the marketplace.

Some less than scrupulous operators will throw out low quotes just to get your business.

However, when it comes time to deliver, they may leave you in the lurch.

Get everything in writing.

A contract protects you and clearly outlines the obligations of the parties involved. If there are any changes to the agreement, make sure they are noted in the contract.

Gather as much information as possible. Make sure you have a physical address for all vendors and the best contact information if you need to reach them on an emergency basis – including a phone number and an email address. If a business or vendor refuses to provide any of this information, watch out!

Be leery of situations where you’re asked to pay the full amount for something upfront. Most event sites, clothiers and vendors will ask for a deposit, with the bulk of the contract to be paid later.

If you’re told a price is ‘only good’ for a very short period of time or something about an offer doesn’t feel right, it may be a good idea to go elsewhere.

Ask for references and speak to previous clients. Also, research online reviews to get a sense of previous customers’ experiences with businesses you’re considering.

Consider making purchases closer to the date of your event with a credit card. This will offer you protections if products or services aren’t delivered or if merchandise is received in damaged condition.

Always comparison shop and get multiple estimates.

This will give you an idea of the price ranges and help you make a budget.

If you experience problems, it’s always best to try to resolve them directly with the vendor first, but if that’s unsuccessful, file a complaint at bbb.org.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Page 9

COMMUNITY West Broadway organizations employ 400 North Minneapolis youth this summer North Minneapolis is home to the highest concentration of people under the age of 20 in all of Minneapolis.

Nonprofits based on West Broadway Avenue, the Northside’s primary business district, are working to employ teens for the summer that will hopefully lead to successful careers and lives year round.

“We offer jobs to youth who want to work but may not get the opportunity otherwise,” said Renisha Gray, youth programs manager at EMERGE. “Youth are our future and it’s so important for them to start exploring their careers now.

It is rewarding to know that

our summer programs help youth become productive and positive emerging leaders in the community,” Paid employment opportunities exists at several locations along West Broadway including Cookie Cart, 1119 West Broadway Ave., Juxtaposition Arts, 2007 Emerson Ave. N. and 1108 West Broadway Ave., EMERGE Community Development, 1101 West Broadway Ave., Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), 1011 West Broadway Ave., West Broadway Business and Area Coalition (WBC), 1011 West

Broadway Ave., Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), 2123 West Broadway Ave. and Capri Theater and Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), 2027 West Broadway Ave. This year, Cookie Cart will engage 200 teens in 30,000 paid hours of hands-on work and classroom training.

Juxtaposition employs 70 youth annually, and trains dozens more. Juxtaposition works with youth as young as eight years old all the way up to 21 years of age, teaching various visual arts including graphic design, textiles and screen printing, environmental

design and contemporary art. Through the JXTALab apprentice program, young creatives work with real clients to build their resumes, develop their artistic portfolios and are mentored to apply to college, start their own business or find work in a creative field.

EMERGE offers employment opportunities for 200 youth each year. This summer 10 youth, ages 16 -21, will have a chance to start their own businesses through a new EMERGE/ NEON youth entrepreneurship project.

Through the partnership, EMERGE and NEON aim to expose youth

to entrepreneurship as a viable career option and create opportunities for youth to increase problem solving and innovation development skills. Their Link Housing program for formerly homeless elementary-age youth will also be offering all day programming for 25 youth.

Through the West Broadway Farmers Market, the WBC employs two Northside Step Up interns and two North 4 interns to assist with market logistics and engage members of the market community.

Five hundred NAZ kids pre-K through 8th grade students will attend summer

academic programs at five partner sites throughout north Minneapolis. All 500 kids will show off their academic progress during a stage show at FLOW Northside Arts Crawl on Friday, July 24.

The Capri Theater and Plymouth Christian Youth Center PCYC have three summer programs for youth including a middle school arts camp for 25 students who have just completed grades 5 – 8, Theater from the Ground Up, where participants will produce a full scale stage production and finally, the PCYC Drop-in Summer Fun at Cleveland Park.

Police Conduct Oversight Commission seeks public input on body cameras The Minneapolis Police Conduct Oversight Commission is seeking public input on the use of police body cameras in Minneapolis prior to the rollout of the program in 2016. The Commission is hosting three listening sessions in the next two months that will guide research

and drafting of a written policy for body camera use.

Residents of Minneapolis are encouraged to attend. Topics that will be discussed include whether members of the public support police use of body cameras, when body cameras should be turned on and off, how

to protect the privacy of those recorded, and public access to body camera footage.

The first listening session was held on Saturday June 27th at University of Minnesota Urban Research and OutreachEngagement Center (UROC).

Two additional listening

Radio

Sons From 3 The American Dilemma: A Divided America—Still “…if ever freedom is lost in America, that will be due to the omnipotence of the majority driving the minorities to desperation and forcing them to appeal to physical force.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1840 (my emphasis) Almost one hundred and seventy four years after de Tocqueville published his observation on America, we still see the desperation of which he spoke. Black men are thrown in jail for carrying small amounts of recreational drugs while

Office of Police Conduct Review at pcoc@minneapolismn.gov or (612) 673-5500.

The Police Conduct Oversight Commission is a group of seven civilians, appointed by the City Council and the Mayor, who provide meaningful participatory

oversight of the Minneapolis Police Department’s policy and procedure by shaping police policy, auditing cases, engaging the community in discussions of police procedure, and facilitating cultural awareness trainings for the Minneapolis Police Department.

KDWB is iHeart’s pop music station in the region. “(Some) may turn away from KMOJ, but a lot will flip back and forth to both (Hot and KMOJ).”

Having competition isn’t anything new for KMOJ; The last time KMOJ fought for urban ears it was operating at about half the signal strength it has now. And the major complaint (one of the few complaints thus far) for Hot is its relatively weak signal – a complaint lodged by some of KMOJs listeners as well.

“We are limited by the FCC as to operating power,” confessed Swedberg. “The good thing is the signal touches 80 percent of the population with its signal. And we’re so lucky to be part of iHeartMedia because we have the best online platform for digital listening. Most car radios allow people to plug in their smart phone, and if you can do that, you have Hot 102.5 digitally, which is even better than FM.”

With no on air jocks to date, Hot 102.5 is missing a key component that has endeared KMOJ to many in the Twin Cities – its community connection.

“Commercial radio is more about entertaining,” said Quarles. “You’re not going to hear people on air there talking about the issues of the AfricanAmerican community. Nobody else in the state but us is going to give these issues the proper attention they deserve.”

According to Swedberg, shifting demographics and increased African-American ears certainly played a role in the decision to enter the urban radio market. He said the shift has been occurring for years now.

“Remembering that much of this music is 20-plus years old now, we’re really thinking about this market 20 years ago,” said the iHeart executive. “Can it support this kind of station?

We‘re betting it can.”

Fans of the new station are hoping that’s a winning bet as well.

it can happen anywhere (http:// i o w a p u b l i c r a d i o . o rg / p o s t / what-s-happening-fergusoncould-happen-anywhere).

Stop killing our Black sons.

As the mother of a Black son, I weep not only for the mother of Michael Brown, I also weep for Trayvon Martin’s mother, and the mothers of all those young Black men who unjustly have fallen at the hands of America’s police.

When will it stop? When will America regain its sanity as a society, and stop? Until there are answers, I will let my tears fall and mingle with those of the many Black mothers here and all over the world who have but one request: Stop killing our Black sons. Stop it. Now!

Read More: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ news/article-2357217/Timechange-Remarkable-blackwhite-pictures-1960s-bringlife-historical-events-intimatemoments-civil-rights-era.html http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2008/ 09/080926105029.htm http://www.newsweek. com/2014/08/29/whymilitarized-police-departmentsdont-work-265214.html

that segment, as well as others,” said Gregg Swedberg, senior vice president of iHeart Media – Minneapolis.

While it’s too early to know actual rating numbers, Swedberg pointed to the 4,500 likes on Facebook and 1,600 followers on Twitter as an indication of the station’s swift popularity. That’s not bad for a station that has been basically serving as a music playlist, as there has yet to be a live voice on the air at Hot 102.5.

According to Swedberg, plans

are still in flux as to if and when on air talent will debut under the new format.

“We don’t know yet how popular the station will be, so we have an internal plan about when we will staff it up, and how deep we end up hiring, said Swedberg.

“We sure want a full air staff, but we really need to see how well the station will be supported to make that decision.”

Although the station operated for most of the month without commercial interruption, a

spattering of commercials started running early last week. After all, Hot 102.5 is a commercial radio station.

Further down to the left of the dial in noncommercial land, the station that has been in the market for 40 years, KMOJ, continues to offer its serving of urban programming. And according to KMOJ’s general manager, Kelvin Quarles, surprisingly, he too is excited to see Hot 102.5 enter the arena.

“It’s (the emergence of Hot 102.5) a good thing for the Twin Cities and it’s a good thing for KMOJ,” said Quarles. “It gives people more options and it gives us the opportunity to step up.

Sometimes without competition you’re lackadaisical.”

And while some are predicting a large dent in listenership at KMOJ, Quarles said the station most affected may be one of Hot’s sister stations.

“The station that will get hurt most is iHeart’s own, KDWB (101.3 FM),” said Quarles.

white men in suburbia are sent to rehab. Police follow Black men around the streets without probable cause because they assume that all Black men are up to no good. Policemen even kill their own (a Black policeman) for firing a weapon when out of uniform because there is no such thing as a Black man with a legitimate reason for having a gun. Police routinely racially profile Black men as a group, yet have not developed a profile of the type of young white men most likely to commit mass murder at their schools.

Stop killing our Black sons.

Doing this kind of profiling might require that they look in the mirror and acknowledge that there are a lot of angry white men wearing badges who resent

the legislation and changes in the country that they believe have reduced their white privilege and sense of entitlement.

Many of these angry white men wear badges and may have been socialized from childhood to believe that the only good Black man is a dead one. No amount of Police Academy training can erase years of pent-up racism, white supremacy thinking, a sense of entitlement to white privilege and uncontrollable rage that it is a Black man who now holds the highest office in the country.

And while those white men who hide behind their Republican politics can refuse to speak to or respect this Black president, nothing can disguise

the fact that they are acting out of white self-righteousness and a fundamental belief in Black inferiority that dates back to slavery. They would prefer to bring this country to its knees politically and economically than acknowledge and respect our Black president.

Today is a day of mourning.

Unfortunately, Michael Brown is not the first, and he will not be the last Black son of America who dies. Michael Brown of Ferguson, Missouri has become an iconic symbol for the injustices that Black boys and men face, just as Emmett Till became almost sixty years ago. And Ferguson is not an anomaly as Dr. Kesho Scott, American Studies Professor at Grinnell College, reminds us;

From 1 Now there’s a new station in the market and it seems to be music to people’s ears.

At the start of June the station on the dial at 102.5 FM launched as Hot 102.5. The iHeart Media (formerly Clear Channel) station splashed onto the scene uninterruptedly playing throwback (mostly early 2000s) hip-hop and R&B. Although there’s a small sample size, the early buzz indicates the people of the Twin Cities are excited about the emergence of the new “oldies” station. The new station is targeting listeners 33-40.

“We are trying to create a platform where we feel we’re serving the largest group of listeners. While some of our (eight) stations served the urban/ hip-hop/R&B market in a small way, we decided we should have a station that appeals in

sessions have been scheduled: Saturday, July 11 (Sabathani Center) at 10 a.m. and Saturday, July 25 (location and time to be determined).

For more information or to share your input about the implementation of body cameras, please contact the

Kevin Quarles

Classifieds Administrative Assistant Brakins Consulting & Psychological Services Brakins Consulting& Psychological Services, LLC & the African American Child Wellness Institute seeks a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as an Administrative Assistant to work in a community-based private practice clinic that primarily serves African American children, adolescents and adult. We are seeking an energetic Administrative Assistant who can show initiative and leadership skills, has strong computer technical abilities, has their own transportation, has flexible hours and is willing to grow professionally with the company. The Administrative Assistant (AA) will be responsible for performing moderately complex to complex administrative tasks in support of the Executive/Clinic Director and the Mental Health Service Delivery Treatment team. Duties include extensive meeting scheduling, providing assistance to coordinate larger and complex meetings. Compiling information and preparing moderately complex documents, spreadsheets and reports using appropriate software; assisting, screening and/or selectively referring callers; handling complex and sensitive inquiries/calls from external/internal sources.

The AA is also responsible for confirming travel arrangements and managing payments for payroll and expense report reimbursement. The AA will also provide support within areas of reporting for business documentation and team/individual goals, personnel changes and department record keeping processes. The successful candidate proactively tracks procedures and deadlines. The candidate may work closely with both internal and external customers to meet service needs. The AA will also act as an onsite assistant for the Treatment team for miscellaneous duties such as equipment assistance, delivery support and supplies. Performing special projects as requested.

The successful candidate must have a minimum of 2 or 4 years of college plus 2 years experience as an administrative assistant; possess strong written and verbal communication skills and have experience with interacting with ethnically diverse mental health consumers. Versatility in web-based electronic health information software such as PROCENTIVE is a huge advantage for the successful candidate.

Interested candidates should send a resume, interest letter and at least 3 references to: BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., LP, Clinic Director Brakins Consulting& Psychological Services, LLC & The African American Child Wellness Institute 4050 Olson Memorial Hwy # 195 Golden Valley, MN 55422 (Phone) 763-522-0100 (Fax) 763-588-0100 Email: bravadaakinsanya@hotmail.com

Phone: 612.588.1313

(Waiting List) Now Accepting Housing Applications Birmingham Apartments is accepting housing applications for our waiting list for 2, 3, and 4 BR apartments with Section 8 rental assistance. The waiting list will open on 6/15/2015 and close on 7/15/2015. Income limits apply.

For a housing application, please call 952-876-9203. EHO.

Fax: 612.588.2031

Judicial Assistant The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Judicial Assistant in our Minneapolis location.

Salary range is $62,050 – $80,666. For more information, visit the court’s website www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

©2014 Irma McClaurin Irma McClaurin is the Culture and Education editor for Insight News. She is an activist anthropologist, writer and proponent of diversity leadership. She currently resides in Charlottesville, Va.

Email: info@insightnews.com

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280.

Must meet certain qualifications.

DUMP TRUCK DRIVER Wanted experienced dump truck driver. Only experienced need apply: Call Jesse Green (651) 815-7197 or email jessegreen625@yahoo.com

Accounting and Office Assistant

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is hiring an Accounting and Office Assistant for our administrative office in St. Paul. Visit www.beaconinterfaith.org/careers for details.

Operations Generalist MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Community Partnerships and Child Care Services Director St. Paul, MN $78,906 - $112,940 annually The purpose of the Community Partnerships & Child Care Services Division Director is to create the vision for, manage, and direct the use of resources needed to staff and operate the Community Partnerships & Child Care Services Division. The Division has 47 staff and consists of three program units each managed by a manager.

Bachelor’s degree in human services administration or public administration or related field AND at least three years of related advanced professional experience in a public agency or non-profit setting. Two years’ experience as a manager or supervisor working in public administration. Master’s degree in human services administration or public administration related field from accredited higher education institution preferred.

Full details at: www.mn.gov/careers posting 15DHS000507.

Deadline to apply is July 2, 2015.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, veteran friendly employer.

Part-time Adventure Guide serving African-American youth Opportunity for a creative individual to deliver a youth “Adventure” program in Minneapolis & St. Paul. Once a week programs are run in afternoons or eves, with occasional field trips on weekends. For details, see http://www.northernstarbsa.org/Employment/jobs.aspx

Notice of U.S. Magistrate Judge Vacancy The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of one full-time United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.

The current salary of the full-time position is $185,012 per year and the position will be located in Minneapolis or St. Paul. The term of office for a fulltime magistrate judge is eight years; incumbents may be reappointed to successive terms.

The full public notice, application instructions, and application form are available on the Court’s website at www.mnd.uscourts.gov. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Friday, July 31, 2015.

The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Operations Generalist in our Minneapolis location. Salary range is $41,009 – $66,701. For more information, visit the court’s website www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Page 10 • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Photos courtesy of Ordway Center for Performing Arts

The cast of Damn Yankees

Ordway-produced ‘Damn Yankees’ a home run

By Carmen Robles From the moment audience members walked into the Ordway production of “Damn Yankees” it was a game winning hit.

The Ordway transforms its luxurious main lobby hall to reflect the essence of the production. Baseball uniform clad doormen and greeters welcomed the eclectic audience. Ushers escorted ticket holders into the stage hall, which was transformed into the 1950s world of baseball – stadium and all.

An exclusively curated collection of Minnesota Twins and Washington Senators memorabilia in the main lobby showcased the unique and special relationship between the real life Minnesota Twins and the fictionalized Senators of “Damn Yankees.” The Senators played in the major leagues up until 1960 before moving to Twin Cities and becoming the beloved team now known as the Minnesota Twins.

The musical is set in the 1950s in Washington, D.C., during a time when the New York Yankees dominated

Major League Baseball. A fanatical baseball fan, Joe Boyd, agrees to sell his soul to the devil to save his favorite team, the Senators.

The classic baseball themed musical comedy used music and dance to tell the story of an adamant, diehard, aging, couch potato baseball fan hell bent on seeing his favorite team win the World Series. “Damn Yankees” won seven Tony Awards when it premiered in 1955.

The audience roared in laughter, whistled, shouted and applauded at the end of each song and scene.

The harmonic blending of pitches and rhythms in the vocals; and the mesmerizing tunes of a live orchestra, added to the lure of this classic baseball themed musical.

The curtain call “Heart” brought down the house as most of the audience jumped up to its feet and sang out “You Gotta Have Heart” with as much passion and enthusiasm as “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is sang in stadiums across America.

The Ordway production of “Damn Yankees” brought back those “good old days” of baseball.

Thay Floyd as Joe Hardy, Gary Briggle as the Commissioner, and Kersten Rodau as Gloria Thorpe “There isn’t a more appropriate time to celebrate America’s favorite pastime than right now in the heart of summer,” said Patricia Mitchell, president and CEO of the Ordway.

“Especially with the great partnership the Ordway has with the Minnesota Twins

organization and the recent opening of the beautiful new home for our own St. Paul Saints’ CHS Field, just down the road.”

Casting Note: During its 60-year production history, “Damn Yankees” has featured predominately white actors in the principal roles. The

Ordway’s production casted African-Americans in the lead roles of Joe Hardy (Lawrence Clayton) and Joe Boyd (Thay Floyd) and portrays the interracial marriage of Joe and Meg Hardy (Ann Morrison.)

The Ordway’s hope is that this contemporary staging

of “Damn Yankees” is both entertaining and provokes thoughtful reflection on historical and social norms over the past 60 years.

For show dates and times contact the Ordway at (651) 224-4222 or go to www.ordway.org for more information.

insightnews.com

Insight News • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Page 11

DJ Willie Shu

concert in south Minneapolis at the famed Harriet Island Bandshell.

10 p.m.

21-plus $10

partiers, with tunes mixed by the legend, DJ Dan Speak, and Mike 2600.

DOWNTEMPO/ CHILLSTEP/DJ NIGHT

DJ Huh What?, also known as Glo Pesci of The Abstract Pack, presents his monthly dance night in collaboration with The Grown & Classy Movement. The night is hosted by Tre “Chirp” Jackson and Lemar Cortez, with DJs Joe Smith, 6Fifty1 and DJ FundRai$eR of KMOJ.

Saturday, July 4

Chillax w/ DJ Willie Shu Ginger Hop 201 E. Hennepin 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

No cover DJ Willie Shu continues his monthly residency at Ginger Hop with a night of downtempo jams. There’s no cover and food and drink specials.

June 29 - July 5

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

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

playing as an individual.

Each golfer will be treated to a full afternoon of tee boxes, food and refreshments and a dinner reception. Golfers can register at www.birdeasepro. com/givensgolf.

Tuesday, June 30 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE

Monday, June 29 SPORTS/FUNDRAISER 9th Annual Givens Foundation Golf Classic Oak Ridge Country Club 700 Oakridge Rd., Hopkins 10:30am – 8 p.m.

The Givens Foundation for African American Literature presents the 9th Annual Golf Classic at Oak Ridge Country Club. All profits from this fundraiser go to support Givens Foundation mission and programs.

The classic has multiple opportunities for playing golf and offering support, including hosting a foursome, twosome or

Dr. ew Chillin Hard Honey 205 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis 21-plus 9:30 p.m. $5 Twin Cities based MC Monopole Joe and Dr. ew present a night of hip-hop in celebration of the release of the new single “Calm Bomb.”

Step down to Honey to hear some of MN’s emerging talent.

Wednesday, July 1 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Axel Foley – “MØØD” Release Party

Honey 205 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis 9 p.m. $5

Friday, July 3

Recently featured on Soul Tools Radio’s Mega Cipher, Axel Foley celebrates the release of the new project “MØØD” with performances

by Alibaster Jones & Big Dylan and Devon Reason plus DJ sets

by Mike the Martyr, Travis Gorman, DJ Peaches and Frank Castle. There will also be live video DJing by Baby Alan.

Lowertown Nights FACES Mears Park 373 Sibley St., St. Paul

HIP-HOP/R&B/DANCE/ PARTY

DANCE PARTY Remember the Time: A Michael Jackson Tribute Dance Party First Avenue 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 9 p.m. $5 The infamous MJ dance party returns to the First Avenue Mainroom. This may be the party of the year for non-

SOUL/ PERFORMANCE Booker T. Jones Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant 1010 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis 7 p.m. $42 Soul legend Booker T. Jones got his chops as an in house keyboardist for Stax Records in the 1960s. He’s played on numerous legendary tracks

by Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding and many more.

Hear the Grammy Award winner play the organ like no other at the Dakota.

MNHS.ORG

NEW EXHIBI T

Thursday, July 2 R&B/SOUL/ PERFORMANCE Audiyo Element Presents: The Epic Free Show Lake Harriet Bandshell 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

No cover 5 for ’15 R&B/Soul honorees, Audiyo Element, continue to garner praise and pack in events across the state.

This is possibly their largest venture yet with a free

NOW ON V IEW View 40 garments by worldrenowned fashion designers— and learn how a traveling fashion show became a vehicle for African American empowerment.

St. Paul

Plan a sober ride.

LIFE HAS NO REWIND

Page 12 • June 29 - July 5, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

The Minnesota Twins Celeb ate

DIVERSITY DAY July 7 | 7:10 pm Target Field presented by

vs FREE

First pitch by:

Twins backpack for the first 10,000 fans Performances by:

DJ Angel Tinta Wita Tokaja Native American dance group

Presented by

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Community School of Excellence Hmong Dancers Green Card Voices & more!

Join us for a parade on the field!

Purchase a ticket today and participate in the parade!

Tickets start at $13, check www.twinsbaseball.com/diversityday; for groups of 25+ contact Nick Corcoran at 612-659-4083