Insight News ::: 7.02.12

Threads dance project to “iDENTiFY” itself at Minnesota Fringe Festival THREADS TURN TO 2 Photo credit: William Cameron

Left photo: Dancers from L-R: Orlando Hunter, Jennifer Pennaz and Karen Gullikson Right photo: Choreographer Karen Charles

INSIGHT NEWS July 2 - July 8, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 38 No. 27 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Knowing the value of history

By Abeni Hill, Insight Intern Minnesota African American Museum (MAAM) and Cultural Center, 1700 Third Avenue S., Minneapolis, strives to educate the community about the accomplishments of African Americans in Minnesota and throughout the country.

“Our community is so without knowledge about the footprints that came

Photos: Bob Holder

before us,” said founder Roxanne Givens.

“In order to spring forward and move ahead we need to know the value of our history. If we don’t know it we continue to lag behind.”

MAAM held its inaugural legacy festival on Jun. 2. Outreach Coordinator Shvonne Johnson said the festival helped showcase the museum and celebrate the legacy of African-Americans.

Founder Roxanne Givens (left) and Elder Naima Richmond Below: 1700 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nizzel Anthony George

Courtesy of MADDADS

Gunshot kills Nizzel George, 5

MUSEUM TURN TO 13

By Ivan Phifer Staff Writer Police continue their investigation into the circumstance of the death of 5-year-old Nizzel Anthony George.

Homicide investigators, officers from the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and Fourth Precinct officers are working to find answers and to try and identify the responsible party.

George was killed Jun. 26 when a bullet struck him while he laid sleep on a living room couch. The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. that morning on the 4500 block of Bryant Ave N. in the Camden neighborhood.

According to investigators, about 10 shots were fired at the house. At least one bullet went through a wall and struck the boy, killing him.

The shooting was six months after 3-year-old Terrell Mayes was killed by a stray bullet that entered his home on 26th and Colfax on Dec. 26, 2011. His mother, Marsha Mayes, came to the scene of the most recent shooting to help console George’s family.

“It’s an outrage,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.

“Yeah, I’m pissed off. I’m plenty pissed off. But I’m not a parent of a child who’s dead.

GEORGE TURN TO 9

What more can we do?

Murder pierces hearts and souls

BLACK MUSIC MONTH PROFILE

Gateway to excellence

The Commodore family: A musical legacy

By Scott Gray

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer

MUL President/CEO

The clichés are endless.

Like father like son (like mother like daughter), the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, etc. But when it comes to the Commodore family – two generations of musical excellence, the question begs itself, is it nature or nurture?

The patriarch of the family, Bobby Commodore is the talented drummer who from 1974 until 1986 was the drummer of the legendary soul, jazz, gospel

COMMODORES 3 TURN TO

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Two generations of musical excellence, the Commodore family on stage recently at the Dakota Jazz Club. Ginger Commodore (far left), Bobby Commodore (Center), Ashley Commodore (right) and Brandon Commodore (seated behind the drums).

Outrage, dismay, sadness… As our community mourns the death of another young life gone too soon, I imagine we have each experienced some or all of these emotions. The murder of five year old Nizzel George, while he lay sleeping on the couch, pierces our hearts and souls much like the untimely death of little Terrell Mayes, Jr. six months ago. My heart and sympathy goes out to the families.

To myself and to the community at large; the leaders, the politicians, the educators, the preachers, the funders, the

organizers, the activists, the workers, and the watchers, we must ask... has anything changed?

How could this happen again?

Sadly, the reality is not much has changed. Many of us begin the year vowing not again, not in our community, but what power do we have to halt a retaliatory gunman? These questions have been heavy on my mind the last few days. As a leader of a full service non-profit based in North Minneapolis, I’m challenged to figure out what more can I do. What more can we do to strengthen our community. Our charge is vast and there is a call to do more.

A Brewing Crisis A recent Pew report revealed that the wealth gap between Blacks and whites had widened even further. What was once a

MURDER TURN TO 3

Bill Tompkins named president and CEO of NNPA

By George E. Curry Editor-in-Chief NNPA News Service WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Highly-respected media and entertainment executive William G. Tompkins, Jr. has been name president and chief executive officer of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a

William G. Tompkins, Jr., President and CEO of NNPA

Education

Bill Cosby supports charter school movement at national conference

PAGE 4

federation of more than 200 Black-owned publications.

NNPA Chairman Cloves Campbell, publisher of the Arizona Informant, said Tompkins was selected from an impressive field of candidates screened

by Carrington & Carrington, a Chicago-based executive search firm.

“Bill is an accomplished, nationally-known executive who

Natural Hair Symposium

African Americans buy 30% of all hair care products

PAGE 7

will be responsible for executing the vision of the NNPA Board of Directors,” Campbell said.

“Because the Board chair is elected every two years, having a president and CEO in place will provide the organization with smoother operations and greater continuity.”

Campbell described Tompkins as “a true visionary who will make an immediate impact on the

organization.”

Tompkins worked at the Washington Post for 19 years in a variety of top-level positions, including vice president of marketing, director of national advertising and manager of corporate and financial advertising sales. He left the newspaper to join Kodak as chief marketing officer of its entertainment imaging business unit. Tompkins was also vice

Business

Best practices: Decide, delete, decline

PAGE 8

president and general manager of the Motion Picture Film Group for the Eastman Kodak Company, managing a $700 million global distribution operation.

In addition, he was chief marketing officer of Next Gen media Group, the firm that launched the social media news site ReportN.

TOMPKINS TURN TO 13

Artspeak

The “despair” of college reunions

PAGE 12

Page 2 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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Zachary King said these injuries are a result of being brutalized by officers of the Minneapolis Police Department.

Courtesy of Zachary King

Hospitalized with concussion, Zachary King says he’s a victim of police brutality

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Zachary King’s evening began with a Travis Porter concert at Epic night club. It ended with a bloodied face, a large knot on his head and a concussion; all at the hands of Minneapolis police.

The incident, for which King was arrested, occurred on Jun. 18 in the early morning hours when many downtown clubs were letting out. King was walking on 4th St. next to Pizza Luce when, according to King, an officer noticed a bulge under his shirt. King said the officer asked what was under King’s shirt when, according to King, he raised

Threads From 1 Choreographer Karen Charles and her Threads Dance Project, will unveil its latest show, “iDENTiTY” at the Minnesota Fringe Festival.

A former arts high school principal, Charles left a secure job, followed her muse and developed the Threads Dance Project. The

his arms above his head and replied that he had a concealed weapon permit.

“Then (the officer) slammed me against a wall and screamed, ‘Gun, gun, gun,’” said King. “I wasn’t resisting or anything. About four or five other offices joined in and slammed me to the ground.

One punched me in my face about 10 times.”

King said during the incident he kept yelling that he has a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

“I’m no dummy,” said King.

“I took the conceal and carry class and I know the rules.”

According to King, once the officers stopped hitting him he was cuffed and the police

removed his wallet, which had his valid gun permit. He was also given a breathalyzer. King said the breathalyzer showed he had not been drinking. Had he been drinking, he would have been in violation of his conceal and carry permit.

Bloodied and stunned, King was placed under arrest. An ambulance was called to the scene and King requested to be taken to a hospital, but officers were insistent upon taking him to jail.

“They were going to take me straight to jail but the paramedic said, ‘No, he needs to go to the hospital,’” said King.

King was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center.

There he was diagnosed with a concussion.

Michael Padden, King’s attorney, said his client’s rights were clearly violated.

“If you see (King’s) face, it’s disturbing,” said Padden. “Because of a few incidents, police feel they have free reign. They have a hunker-down mentality; especially against African-Americans. It’s anything goes.”

Padden said King was charged with obstruction of legal process with force, a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Padden said he is requesting any footage of the incident from the city’s surveillance system.

Sgt. Steven McCarty, public information officer of the Minneapolis Police Department, said there is a chance the incident was captured via city surveillance.

“This incident occurred on a Sunday and we have extra mobile (surveillance) units out and increased patrols,” said McCarty.

“Sundays are problem nights for incidents in that area.”

McCarty said because King has filed a complaint with the civilian review board, McCarty was unable to discuss particulars of the incident.

King believes he was targeted by the Minneapolis police officers because months earlier he used his camera-phone to record another

alleged incident of police abuse.

In that incident, King was arrested and his phone was confiscated.

King was held in jail for two days, but according to Padden, King was never charged with a crime.

King’s phone was returned, and King thinks the only reason the video was not erased is because the phone was password protected.

Padden also represents the individual involved in the earlier incident.

King said his interactions with the Minneapolis police have him concerned for his safety.

“I’m scared. I’m afraid of the police,” said King.

result of her determination is a fresh, introspective, inspiring approach to dance.

“I’m so excited to be part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival,” said Charles. “It is such a unique opportunity to bring our company’s talent to a broader audience. My dances are designed to remind people of our collective, connected humanity; both good and bad. Our new show ‘iDENTiTY’ explores how we desperately seek to identify ourselves through relationships

and experiences. I can’t wait to share this work as part of the Fringe festivities.” “iDENTiTY” is an emotional dance journey featuring music by Nina Simone, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Samuel Barber and others.

Threads Dance Project was founded by Charles in 2010 when her father passed away, leaving her just enough money to realize a 10-year dream of becoming a choreographer and director of her own company. Since then Threads has enjoyed two successful

seasons of contemporary dance.

The mission of Threads Dance Project is to examine, expose and celebrate the threads that bind humans together through dance performance, education and outreach.

Charles has performed with dance companies around the country including Room to Move Dance Company (Atlanta, GA), Susan Warden Dance Company (Kansas City, MO), and the Pittsburgh Choreography Continuum.

Charles was awarded a fellowship to study at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.

She also served as founder and principal instructor of Discovering Dance (Atlanta), and was an instructor in the Atlanta Public School System for ten years.

Charles currently lives in Golden Valley. As an arts educator, she served as the director at Perpich Arts High School and she was the founding principal and executive director at Main Street School of Performing Arts

– a position she held for seven years.

New to the Minnesota Fringe Festival, Threads Dance Project has built a loyal following during its first two performance seasons in Minneapolis. “iDENTiTY” will be featured at Intermedia Arts located at 2822 S. Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis. The festival runs from Aug. 2 – Aug. 12.

Tickets for the Fringe Festival are available at www. fringefestival.org or by calling (866) 811-4111.

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Commodores From 1 ensemble, Sounds of Blackness.

His wife, Ginger Commodore, was one of the soulful voices of Sounds. She started with the group in 1972, departing shortly after her husband in the mid-1980s.

Following her stint with Sounds, Ginger Commodore, along with Yolande Bruce, Connie Evingson, Dennis Spears and music director Sanford Moore formed the jazz/ swing group Moore by Four. She is also the voice of the Ginger Commodore Quartet, with her husband Bobby Commodore on drums. Bobby Commodore also performs with Moore by Four.

Brandon Commodore followed in his father’s footsteps, drumming for Sounds. But Brandon is probably better known as the tour drummer for wildly popular R&B band, Mint Condition. His sister, Ashley Commodore – not one to be left behind – is a prominent member of the Sounds of Blackness.

Together, Brandon and Ashley Commodore have formed Boombox, a genre-crossing band that has gained a large following in the Twin Cities.

So, when it comes to the younger Commodores following

Murder From 1 10 times as much wealth gap is now 22 times as much. We can ride all around town and see the impact of the housing crisis, the education crisis, the safety crisis, the health crisis on the lives of everyday African Americans. For many of us we don’t even have to leave home to see how the gap works and to know that there is a true crisis in our community.

Minding the Gap The frequently referred to “Minding the Gap Report” published by the Itasca Project shares its findings on quality of life measures and future implications here in the Twin Cities. In this report, Brookings Institute researchers wrote “In spite of our overall economic strength, there are three stark and growing socioeconomic gaps in the Twin Cities – gaps tied to race, class, and place – which threaten to undermine our region’s future.

Closing these gaps now is not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do.”

Those of us involved in any aspect of human development work cringe when we hear the word gap, as we know all too well that those most in need are the ones tumbling through these cracks. At the Minneapolis Urban League, that is who we work with, “gap people” those individuals who are hovering over the gap, desperately trying not to fall in; people who deep within their souls still have hopes and dreams, still yearn for an opportunity, ponder when they allow themselves to consider possibility, what their lives could be if only given an equal chance. Some suffer in silence while others act out their pain and feelings of hopelessness by falling prey to desperate choices such as crime, violence and a variety of ills.

The Hope for the Cure There is hope. People of color are primarily people of faith. We must not lose sight of this. We must hold on. We must continue the good fight. We must continue to make a difference.

The leaders must continue to be innovative, energetic, resilient and inspiring. The politicians must continue to enact fair and equitable policies that strengthen families and our community.

The preachers must be the torchbearers of hope, save souls and bathe the community in a spirit of faith. The funders must fund with a level of generosity that sustains and propels. The educators must continue to equip our children with the lifesaving opportunity a good education provides.

The organizers, the activists, the workers, and the watchers cannot allow our youth to continue to fall in the gap so you must continue to march, to protest, to move, to bring attention, and to keep the hope for a cure for the sake of our children.

The great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that a man can’t ride you unless your back is bent. I believe that the death of young Nizzel George is a clear call to action for the leaders, the politicians, the educators, the preachers, the funders, the organizers, the activists, the workers, the watchers and the families to stand up – to straighten our backs for the good of our community and for the future of our children.

Insight News • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Page 3 their parents’ musical footsteps, is it nature or nurture?

“It was unavoidable,” said Brandon Commodore. “We were always around (our parents) with them at rehearsals and shows. My father taught me so many things.

I’m still picking up things from him.”

Bobby Commodore said he and his wife toured often with Moore by Four and their children usually were not far behind, even accompanying them on a European tour. But when it comes to his son’s drumming, he humbly declined to take sole credit for his

abilities.

“He says he learned from me, but he was able to work with Stokley (Williams, drummer and lead singer for Mint Condition) and Michael Bland (Prince’s former drummer),” said the elder drummer. “They both took him under their wings.”

Brandon Commodore also heavily credits Williams and Bland for his talents. And though Williams was a long-time mentor, when the opening came for a tour drummer for Mint, Brandon Commodore was not simply handed the job. “I had to audition

like everyone else,” said Brandon Commodore. “But I made it very known that I was willing to do whatever it took to be a part of the shows.”

Like her brother, Ashley Commodore’s inclusion in the latest version of Sounds of Blackness was not given.

“I wanted to be a part of Sounds of Blackness since I was little, so I followed my plan,” said Ashley Commodore, who has been with the group for the past three years. “It was like it was supposed to happen that way.”

And the same way mother

and father perform together, sister and brother do the same.

“I love performing with my brother,” said Ashley Commodore. “We just kind of know how each other works and we have good chemistry together.”

When it comes to Boombox, Brandon Commodore said, “It wouldn’t feel right without (Ashley) sharing the stage with me. She’s been my best friend since she was born.” He then joked, “That and she’d kill me if I didn’t include her in the group.”

Ginger Commodore, who

also performed for a short time with the Chiffons, is more than Brandon and Ashley Commodore’s mother, she’s a fan.

“The best part about (her children choosing careers in music) is they are talented and able to do it all on their own,” said Ginger Commodore.

Bobby and Ginger Commodore recently celebrated 35 years in marriage. As a part of the celebration the four Commodores took the stage (in varying forms) in a concert at the Dakota Jazz Club.

Page 4 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Bill Cosby supports charter school movement at national conference

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Educators from around the country descended upon Minneapolis this past week to celebrate 20 years of charter schools in the United States.

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) held its four-day conference in the city with aims on improving education and learning strategies for the nation’s children. The group chose Minneapolis to host its 20th anniversary, in part due to the fact that in 1991 Minnesota was the first state to pass public charter school legislation and a year later the nation’s first charter school, City Academy High School, was formed in St. Paul.

“We are excited to have this chance to reflect on the rapid growth and major success of the public charter school movement two decades after the first public charter opened its doors,” said

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Deborah Kenny, founder of Harlem Villages Academies talks with Dr. Bill Cosby about improving education through charter schools.

Nina Rees, president and CEO of the NAPCS. “Public charter schools are now entrusted with providing the education for over two million students, and we are looking to a future in which every family has access to quality public

school options for their children.”

Famed actor and activist, Dr. Bill Cosby said education funding is at a perilous low and the poorer communities are hurting most.

“When (children) see the building that says ‘education’

is boarded-up, but the building looks strong, it tells the children education is not important; and therefore they are not important,” said Cosby. “Nothing works better than people getting together to fight for something. Education is

no different.”

Cosby said a reason the charter school movement is successful is in large part due to the educators.

“Teachers do not become teachers because they want to work for 10 years and retire rich,” said Cosby. “They teach because they care. They are obsessed.”

Cosby pointed to educator Deborah Kenny as an example of someone obsessed with educating children. Kenny is the founder of Harlem Village Academies in New York. She was recently honored as New York’s top educator.

Kenny said the success of her charter school is because of the collaborative nature between administration and teachers.

“The way you get the most out of teachers is by giving them a stake; a sense of ownership,” said Kenny. “It is the people on the front line who know the issues best and are best equipped to solve these issues.”

Cosby cited an example of why many non-charter public schools are failing.

“(Kenny’s) school is on the fourth floor of a building that houses a regular public school on the first three floors,” said Cosby. “Now this woman has been honored by the state; CNN has profiled this woman and her students for all the good they are doing, and Deborah, how many teachers, how many administrators have come up to see what you are doing?”

“Zero,” replied Kenny.

“When will educators wake up,” asked Cosby.

During the conference, the NAPCS inducted area educator Eric Mahmoud, founder of Seed Academy, Best Academy, Sister Academy and Harvest Preparatory School. Best and Harvest have been recognized as being two of the top schools in the state in closing the achievement gap for African-American students.

According to the NAPCS, there are 5,600 charter schools operating in 41 states throughout the U.S., servicing nearly two million students.

STEP-UP program employs 1,850 youths this summer Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak visited six STEP-UP interns today who are gaining in-depth skills and experience at Agosto, an international high-tech firm based in the city.

One of the world’s fastestgrowing Google Apps and Cloud consulting firms, Agosto is one of 220 Twin Cities employers that are hiring and training 1,850 Minneapolis youth this summer, through the STEP-UP program.

Through STEP-UP, the City of Minneapolis, in partnership with AchieveMpls, recruits, trains and places talented low-income young people, ages 14-21, in meaningful summer jobs at top local companies, government agencies and nonprofits.

“STEP-UP has matured to the point that our employers offer young people not only

meaningful work experience, but in-depth skills building and career laddering that they can expand through the summer and build on later in school and in future internships,” said Rybak. “This is how we build the economy of the future; by giving the young people that are our future the tools and training they need to help our fastestgrowing sectors grow even faster.”

At Agosto, STEP-UP interns gain unique on-the-job experience in the information technology (IT) sector and add technical, project and change management skills to their portfolios. The interns work with local nonprofit organizations this summer to implement and provide support in Cloud technology and pro

Rat Race Studios

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak visits STEP-UP Achieve Minneapolis Interns at Agosto. Back row, left to right: Agosto CEO Aric Bandy, Intern Eros, Mayor Rybak, STEP UP Achieve Minneapolis Director Jeremiah Brown, Agosto SVP Sales and Co-Founder Rick Erickson, Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels. Front row, left to right: Intern Claire, Intern Erica, Intern Hafsa. bono Google Apps. The mayor said in a press release that the

hands-on work is designed to give interns greater sills and

confidence which will lead to greater opportunities for

placement and success in future employment.

“When I was starting my own career, I personally benefitted from internship opportunities and was also mentored by executives who were well established in their careers,” said Aric Bandy, CEO of Agosto. “Today, it’s much more difficult for graduating students to gain the experience they need to break into the IT sector especially considering the economic and diversity barriers some of these students face.”

Several of the Agosto interns participated in the first-ever Google for Youth Entrepreneurs Day training held in Minneapolis. The training

STEP-UP TURN TO 6

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Insight News • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Page 5

AESTHETICS

Fela! Unique and engaging

By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer Fela! breezed into the Twin Cities on June 12th making its Ordway Theater debut to a diverse and sold out crowd yearning for the cultural masterpiece. The production, which crushed the Broadway circuit to a bevy of Tony awards and praise for its unique, engaging and monstrous message was produced by Jay-Z along with help from Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith. The show reprises the journey of Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti.

The play runs like a history lesson of the life and times of Fela Kuti (played by Sahr Ngaujah), the inventor of the

Afrobeat style of music. Unlike other stage shows that chronicle an artist’s life, this play positions itself to be an interactive conversation between Fela and the audience. Audience members are encouraged to not just watch the exploration of dance, but rather participate in Fela’s dance lesson. We’re walked through the many evolving channels of how Fela found his musical style; how his sound was influenced by other musical styles like jazz, blue grass, Frank Sinatra and many others. We also see how he got his wings for activism.

In a sense, the show has two hemispheres— two polarizing tones that are the backdrop of the production. It is on Fela’s journey to the United States where the lighthearted and

Courtesy of Ordway Theater

fluffy production transitions into a something deeper and more intense; a piece that will move your emotions from anger

to tears. Fela’s links up with the Black Panthers where he is taught about Black Power through the language and

revelations offered in books like “Nigger” and “Black Boy.” Fela fall’s in love with the idea of Black Power and joins the chase for Black rights by bringing these sentiments back to his homeland.

Fela returns to Nigeria and joins his friends and family in a campaign to demand their rights and the level of respect that had been stripped from the Nigerian people by their government.

Fela utilizes his afrobeat style of music to teach his people about standing up for what they believe in, and going after “the man” for mistreatment and inequality. The people of Nigeria latch on to Fela’s words, and became walking musical notes illustrating his message and carrying a torch to fight injustice. However,

the government quickly labels Fela a troublemaker, and the end result is prison and death to his mother and many of his followers.

The production of Fela! will strike a cord in everyone and deliver you through a myriad of emotions as Fela both finds and loses himself in the music and through the foothills of inequality. The show promises to expose its audience to a world they may have never known about, and is definitely one they’ll never forget. The play was here for only a short week, but in that time frame it definitely made an impact.

To view the rest of the Ordway Theaters upcoming season: http://www.ordway.org/ performances/1112/

If you can’t go to Rome, go to Guthrie

By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer For those of you who can’t just hop a plane and rush to the beautiful city of Rome and experience the spirit, the music, and the ideal of falling in love in one of the most amazing places in the world, than Guthrie Theaters latest production of “Roman Holiday” is the play for you.

The story is a stage reprisal of the 1950’s feature film that stars Gregory Peck and Audrey

Hepburn. The productions charts the story of Princess Anne (Stephanie Rothenberg) and shows how the curiosity that gently calls from outside her window takes her on a whirlwind journey from being a pampered princess locked in the world of royalty, to an average tourist rushing through the streets of Rome on a motorcycle bumping into beauty, culture and friendships on every avenue.

During Princess Anne’s field trip away from responsibility, she is accompanied by Joe Bradley (Edward Watts), a reporter masquerading as a friend. His

desire is to get Princess Anne’s story— publicize her escape and illustrate to readers all the true in’s and out’s of the princess without having to censor himself. Unfortunately, as every waking hour ticks by, his desire to expose the Princess for a paycheck transitions into his wanting to protect her, love her, and spend every moment he has learning more about her. The production features the music of Cole Porter.

The show is definitely one for those who enjoy a bit of nostalgia and a whole lot of romance. One of the shows strengths is its

DeAngelo

The cast, top left to right: Javonte of Deja Vu, ‘Ms. Angela’, Edward Bell, Sharon Brooks, founder of Peace of Hope, Catrina ‘ Trina Gurl’ Tresvant, Anthony Tunstall, Monique ‘ Ms. Nique’ Crusoe, and Jerome Gilkey. 2nd Row:’Trilla’ and Mackey Moe. Bottom row: Constance Anderson, Rico Nevotion and Marrell. Not pictured: Saint Paul Slim, Berna Jackson and Derrell Mitchell.

Commentary: I’m a Deadbeat Who?

By Sharon Brooks Special to Insight News Father’s Day has always been special to me.

I guess that’s why I agreed to work as the director’s assistant for the play, I’m A Deadbeat Who? Actually, it was the title that grasped me.

Then, later as I begin to read the drafted script, I became more interested in the meaning of it all.

Director, Anthony Tunstall, actually captured the true meaning of fatherhood in this play. We got to know the lead character, Isaac (played by Rico Nevotion) and understood the depth of his concern for his children, although there were several strikes against him from the start. Isaac’s loyal and long-suffering girlfriend (played by Constance Anderson) gave new meaning

to the saying “stick by your man.”

Nevotion, a well-known R&B singer, also graced us with his popular tune, “Diamond in the Rough.”

Many of us women who saw the play despised “Felicia” (played by Catrina Tresvant), the baby-momma with drama.

We could not believe that any of us could ever be so treacherous.

However, the two self-written tunes she sang softened our hearts somewhat, and showed us that this character was deeper (and more talented) than we initially thought. Felicia’s quick-witted girlfriend “Nikki” (played

by Berna Jackson) was quite timely as well.

As I worked diligently during weekly practices for the past four months with this cast of upcoming stars I realized just how much our community could benefit from a play of this magnitude. Deadbeat’s

characters included an attorney, (played by singing artist Trilla), his eye catching secretary, “Angela,” who gave the guys in the waiting room (played by Derrell Mitchell, Jerome Gilkey – who co-wrote Deadbeat, and a hilarious cameo appearance from comedian Mackey Moe) a reason for pause. We all have family members like “Aunt Betty” (Ms. Nique) and “Uncle Eddie” (Edward Bell). They made every scene they were in feel more like home.

I’m a Deadbeat Who? is a play worth seeing again.

Thinking of my own father (Mr. Herman ‘Bud’ Wingfield) and how dedicated he remained to our family throughout his life, gave me inspiration to continue to put in the extra hours of work to help make this play a success. I encourage everybody to get out and see this play.

big musical numbers that are inclusive of large amounts of dancing from one of the slickest ensemble casts I’ve ever seen; these dancers really know how to boogie to a big band style medley.

Another one of the shows strengths is the stage sets. You can easily recreate the look of something in a stage production, but Roman Holiday does an

incredible job of creating the feeling as well; something authentic that thrusts you right in the middle of the action and takes you from a comfortable theater seat to the frontline of one of the most romantic stories ever told. Roman Holiday’s large sets not only resemble the Princesses castle, or an outdoor café, or even a quaint little Roman apartment trimmed in TLC, but

with the use of video and the “Ken Burns Effect” intermixed with photo backdrops, you also feel like you’re on the journey with them.

Roman Holiday is definitely a play after everyone’s heart.

See it while you can.

Roman Holiday runs now through August 19th. For more information please visit: http:// www.guthrietheater.org/

Page 6 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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HEALTH Black Caucus Chair, Representative Emanuel Cleaver, pleased Supreme Court upheld Affordable Care Act Washington, DC – On June 28, Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement on the Supreme Court Ruling on the Affordable Care Act: “I am pleased that the highest

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Natalie Benz Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Maya Beecham Harry Colbert, Jr. Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Fred Easter S. Himie Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

court in the land has ruled that the Affordable Care Act in its entirety is constitutional. I believe not only in the constitutionality of the law, but the right—not the privilege—of quality healthcare for all. For far too long, access to healthcare has been in the hands of those who value money over lives. I commend President Obama for leading the charge for this change.

“This past March we celebrated the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, just as the Supreme Court prepared to hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of this important and critical

law.

The Affordable Care Act provides access to all our nation’s communities and brings compassion back into the healthcare equation.

“As members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we endured hateful attacks and contentious meetings, but remained steadfast in our commitment and efforts to reform our healthcare system.

Before the Affordable Care Act, 1 in 5 African Americans lacked health insurance, one of the highest rates for any community.

Since March 2009, 2.4 million African Americans seniors with Medicare have received free

preventive services. Another 5.5 million African Americans with private health insurance now have expanded coverage for preventive services at no additional cost.

410,000 African American young adults who would otherwise be uninsured have gained coverage due to the Affordable Care Act. Nearly every aspect of the Affordable Care Act positively impacts minority communities-protecting those with preexisting conditions, ensuring dependent coverage, providing vital preventive services and care, making healthcare affordable for small businesses, bringing more doctors and nurses to chronically

underserved communities, and increasing Medicare benefit coverage. Nearly all of the 44 million Medicare beneficiaries are now eligible to receive preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies, as well as annual wellness visits with their physicians. Preventive services are essential for all Americans.

“From the very beginning, the Republican Leadership attacked the Affordable Care Act by focusing on repealing patients’ rights and keeping insurance companies in control.

As I have said before, they seek to defund, and we seek to defend.

Repealing the Affordable Care

Act would have a devastating impact on all Americans, especially those in our most vulnerable communities. The Supreme Court’s ruling upholds the provisions that protect and provide for Americans in need.

We will not stand by and allow our communities’ rights to be trampled. We remain committed to seeing the full implementation of healthcare reform all across this great nation. Our history has taught us that one setback cannot stop the fight for justice.

As Theodore Parker said, ‘the arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice.’ We’ve come too far to turn back now.”

U.S. Supreme Court ruling moves nation forward The Supreme Court ruling on June 28, 2012 moves our

nation forward by saving lives and promising every single

American a better future.

SEIU Minnesota believes the ruling is a resounding victory for working people and for the more than 100 million Americans of all political parties, ages, incomes and occupations who are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. The court rejected the cynical approach of corporations and Republican extremists who consistently have put profits and politics ahead of working people and whose cold and bitter vision for America is simply that “we are all on our own.”

“The fact is, the various lawsuits that resulted in this being taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court were politically motivated and brought by Republican Governors and corporate interests.

SEIU Healthcare Minnesota’s nurses, doctors, and caregivers know, firsthand, there’s no room for such extreme politics in the overall governance of our healthcare system,” says Julie Schnell, president of

SEIU Healthcare Minnesota (HCMN).

“The decision today is vitally important for working people trapped in the toughest economic crisis in a generation,” said Schnell. “Justices made a decision that now is not the time to slow down the benefits of the law that is making healthcare more affordable.”

“Our members worked tirelessly on behalf of all Minnesotans and played a critical role in the original passage of the Affordable Care Act. Their strong advocacy has, two years later, meant we’ve seen Americans of all ages and backgrounds now have greater access to affordable health coverage,” said Schnell.

Schnell says the ruling does not make the health care insurance crisis disappear in this country. She says the freedom to make choices over access to health insurance and healthcare should be a right in America, not a privilege.

“Americans will continue to be squeezed by higher premiums, more and more people will lose coverage due to high costs they won’t be able to afford and access to healthcare will be further limited as a result.”

Step-up From 4 provided basic skills in Google tools so that interns could begin their STEP-UP internships with a better understanding of how technology and the Internet can be of help to them, as well as spark these young people with an entrepreneurial drive that will serve them well later in life.

Since its creation in 2004, STEP-UP has employed nearly

2011 Minnesota Statistics Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/CDC: Number of Minnesotans with Medicare who saved money on prescription drugs thanks to health care reform: 57, 610. Savings: $33,963,871 Number of Minnesotans with Medicare that Received Preventative Services thanks to health care reform: 424,007 Number of Minnesotans who now no longer have a lifetime limit on their health care insurance due to reforms: 3,547,000 Number of Minnesota young adults (to age 26) have gained health care insurance under their parents’ plans: 32,189 How many Minnesotans gained coverage in 2011 under the pre-existing coverage protection under the new reform? 789

16,000 Minneapolis youth, helping them to explore career interests, gain invaluable work skills and make strong professional connections for the future. Of the youth placed through 2011, 86 percent have been youth of color, 93 percent have come from families living in poverty and 50 percent have come from immigrant families.

STEP-UP was recognized as an outstanding model for youth employment and public-private partnerships at a White House conference in early January.

insightnews.com

Insight News • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Page 7

Lynnea Doublette (front row, right) with Natural Hair Symposium attendees

Sarah Swanson - snappy apple photography

Natural Hair Symposium explores the business of hair

African Americans buy 30% of all hair care products

By Abeni Hill Insight Intern Well-groomed hair plays a significant role in AfricanAmerican culture.

“Blacks are 15% of the population,” said Target buyer Chakiera Harris. “AfricanAmericans buy 30% of all hair care products.”

Harris specializes in finding products for the ethnic hair care line at Target. She has recently seen triple digit growth in natural hair care sales at Target.

“I am happy to see people embrace their natural hair and going back to their roots,” said Harris.

Harris represented Target at a symposium on natural hair held Jun. 23 by Lynnea Doublette in St. Louis Park.

Last fall, Doublette started wearing her hair natural. She said because of her job as a

Zumba instructor she wanted to have a very manageable hair style.

Doublette said when she first started going natural she didn’t know how to take care of it. “I just went to Target and bought everything,” said Doublette.

She said she talked to a woman who gave her a different perspective on natural hair care.

“The way she cared for her hair was totally different than what me and my sister had heard,” said Doublette.

As Doublette became more interested in the topic of natural hair, she decided she wanted to start a conversation about it. “I wanted women to come together and share stories and share products,” said Doublette.

Hair products such as Kinky Curly, Soft N Free’s Nothing but Hair care, and Curls were hair products featured at the symposium. Harris also talked about some top-selling natural

hair care products sold at Target.

“Target is focusing on being at the forefront for natural hair care,” said Harris. She said the products are gentle, organic and vegan. Target also sells sulfatefree shampoos.

Doublette also presented a PowerPoint from Go Natural Hair Body about finding the right product. It said AfricanAmericans should avoid hair products that contain chemicals like sulfate, petroleum, and mineral oils.

Bessie Flemons represented her salon, Malobe Natural Hair Salon, 915 West Lake, Minneapolis, at the symposium.

Flemons offered some hair care pointers.

“Kinky hair doesn’t hold oil.”

She suggests hot oil treatments and deep conditioners for keeping moisture in. Flemons said she

gave one of her clients a deep conditioning treatment the other day. “My client loved the feel of her hair,” said Flemons.

Flemons said AfricanAmericans have tight and curly or kinky hair and she has taught her clients the benefits of this type of hair.

“You can do your hair in any kind of style,” said Flemons.

“And it will stay.”

“The most important thing it is that it is a continual process learning experience,” said Doublette when talking about managing her natural hair. “There is somewhat experimentation involved. I have learned that for myself I need to enact some patience.”

The next symposium is scheduled for October. For more information about the symposium contact Lynnea Doublette at lynnea.doublette@ tria.com.

Page 8 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Best practices: Decide, delete, decline Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Start every day with a list?

Yawn. Actually refer to the list throughout the day? Okay, sure.

Start every day by crossing off most of what is on that list? Now we’re talking!

People who manage time for a living say the best list is the one that frees us up to tackle the items that matter: what will have the most impact over the shortest period of time? In three quick steps, you can have more summer in your days, more vacation in your summer and more productive work hours when not working isn’t an option. Simply decide, delete and decline.

First, decide what matters most today, this week and long term. Look at your to-do list and make decisions about whether the items that appear there will impact any of the goals that matter most.

If a task doesn’t move something forward, put it on the back burner,

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the bottom of the list, a separate page. Somehow get it out of sight, so you’re not tripping over that item while on your way to something more critical.

Next, check your email with one finger on the delete button.

Is this message of any value? Is action required? If you cannot respond immediately, when will you? Flag messages with a date and action reminder, and move on.

If you have responded, delete the message. If you receive feeds and junk mail, look at them and then delete. Nothing drags us away

from what matters like the noise of things that don’t. Unsubscribe to junk mail, so you can spend more time deleting other things.

Finally, just say no. Meetings, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, links to interesting pins and fascinating articles…

Decline all invitations, at least emotionally, unless and until you have determined that accepting is imperative, either to yourself or to someone else. I know a guy who says no to everything. At least initially. This is not the best practice everyone should adopt.

However, the word NO is a useful tool. Keep it handy and use it often. NO tends to pay for itself the more you use it, the less often you need it. People you interact with regularly will learn to invite you when you are required, and will tend to explain why they need you, rather than expecting you to accept every invitation.

So what are you going to do today? Decide what matters, delete what you don’t need and decline what distracts you. Then go enjoy a powerful, productive workday.

Julie Desmond is a Certified Staffing Professional and employment recruiter. Write to Julie@lakeregionstaffing.com.

MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series launches 13th season CHICAGO – For the first time in 13 years, the MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneur Series (MUES) is giving consumers the chance to vote for their favorite urban entrepreneur.

The new Consumer’s Choice Award is a unique addition to the national business plan competition that has awarded nearly $2 million in grants since the program’s inception in 1999.

This new component will allow finalists the opportunity to engage

their social networks for a chance to win a business development grant of $10,000.

“At MillerCoors, we embrace the changing nature of business and social networking,” said Larry Waters, senior director of community commerce and partnerships at MillerCoors.

“The new Consumer’s Choice Award will serve as a way for entrepreneurs to exercise their social media marketing savvy, and provides an avenue for

consumers to participate in the MUES program by voting for their favorite entrepreneur.”

The MUES program was designed to help urban entrepreneurs grow their business and offers a set of unique resources for business owners to craft successful business plans and gain insights from experts. This year, MUES is bringing resources directly to the consumer, via a new online and mobile platform, allowing entrepreneurs to access videos and other business resources while on the go. In addition to the Consumer’s Choice award, MillerCoors will award up to $150,000 in business grants to

five promising entrepreneurs.

This year’s top winner will be awarded a $50,000 business grant.

Up to four other top finalists will each receive $25,000 grants, and one consumer-voted entrepreneur from the selected finalists will be awarded a $10,000 business development grant. Qualified competitors also have the opportunity to potentially become a MillerCoors supplier. The MUES competition is open to participants who are age 21 and older. All entries must be submitted to www.MillerCoorsMUES.com by Fri., Oct. 26, 2012, at 12:00 p.m.

(CST).

insightnews.com

Insight News • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Page 9

LIFESTYLE

Multiple streams of income Gone to Ghana

By Cordie Aziz Columnist Multiple streams of income have never been a way of American life. After all, before the economy collapsed, many people spent their years toiling away at one company waiting for the day

they could collect their retirement funds. But tough economic times have forced many people to create several streams of revenue just to stay afloat.

And although having multiple streams of income may be a foreign concept to Americans, I have noticed that in Ghana it is second nature to have several jobs. In fact, I don’t know any successful person here who has just one job. Why is that you ask?

I personally believe that people in developing countries understand market changes better than those of us in developed countries.

They know, very well, that what is hot in the market today may be a complete flop tomorrow. As a result, instead of resting on their laurels when times are good, they are always seeking something that could make life better. Also, the lack of social security and welfare systems ultimately make everyone responsible for not only themselves, but other family members as well. So in the end, having money coming in from multiple places is essential for not only the survival of a family, but the success of the family as well.

Now working several jobs does

George From 1 And I think every person in this community needs to feel that pain that a family member feels when their kid dies to be able to take the extreme action it takes.”

Seven bullet holes could be seen in the side of the house hours after the shooting. Inside, family members pointed out at least four holes where they said police had dug out bullets.

Ron Bailey, who lives across the street from where George was killed, said the soon-to-be first grader was a casualty in a senseless fight.

“He’s just a good little soldier,” Bailey said. “He didn’t do anything

Police investigate the crime scene to anybody.”

K.G. Wilson of Hope Ministries, who is also a mentor to the sons of Mayes, is all too familiar with this element.

“I used to be in the streets. I use to gangbang; there is nothing cool about it. The (people) responsible for this are cowards,” said Wilson.

Suluki Fardan

“It’s extremely tragic when you have these young, innocent kids who are killed as a result of poor choices that are made by older kids and adults that are around them,” said Minneapolis police inspector Mike Martin .

Rybak called it a “heinous act” and “despicable” and urged community members to channel their outrage into generating tips

mean longer hours and less free time, but it also means financial independence, something too few Americans really understand.

Most Americans would rather have two weeks’ worth of savings in their account, but have at least a month of programming stored on their DVR. But why not use that spare time to do something that you not only like to do, but can make you money as well?

Since living in Africa I have not only opened up ghanacellphonerentals.com, but I have continue to leverage my public relations and writing

that can lead to an arrest instead of resorting to more violence.

“Do not protect a person who is using a gun to kill a kid,” said the mayor.

George’s family has made funeral arrangements for the 5-year-old as follows: Tuesday, July 3, 2012, Wake 10:00am; Service 11:00am at Shiloh Temple International Ministries 1201 W. Broadway.

Police questioned various people and the results yielded some leads, however they still are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect. Police are asking for anyone with any information to call homicide investigators at 612673-2941. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call 612692-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers of Minnesota has posted a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

experience as well. And most recently, I even added social networking and media to my portfolio. I would tell you all of this was keeping me busy, but I am also exploring a few other opportunities. Too much you say? Both I and my bank account disagree with you.

Living in Ghana has truly shown me the importance of never depending on one stream of income. If you think about it, perhaps less people would have been affected by the recession if we had always held this concept, but unfortunately we don’t. However,

as a budding entrepreneur, who wishes there were more hours in the day, I firmly believe in the statement that the more you put into life, the more you get out- my time in Africa has taught me there is no doubt about that.

Cordie Aziz is a former congressional staffer who moved to Ghana after losing her job. She now owns ghanacellphonerentals. com. Follow her on twitter @ GoneiiGhana or read her blog, goneiighana.com

Page 10 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY The Supreme Court overreach nobody is talking about

By Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.)

One hundred years ago, the people of Montana raised their voices and voted to close the door on corporate money in politics. On Monday, without even hearing arguments, the Supreme Court kicked the door open, allowing corporate dollars to flood the Treasure State’s elections. Lost between the rulings on Arizona’s immigration law and the Affordable Care Act is the most dangerous threat to our democratic process since the Citizens United v. FEC case of 2010 – and few people seem to have noticed.

In throwing out Montana’s hundred-year-old state law forbidding corporate political contributions, the Court ignored the will of 75 percent of the American people and overturned an effective state precedent that protected Montana elections from the corruption of corporate money. This ruling compounds the damage to our democracy

already done by the Citizens United decision, which has allowed millions of untraceable dollars to overwhelm our federal, state, and local elections.

The Montana statute was written in 1912 to stop the

decision the state law banned direct contributions by corporations, making sure individuals had the ultimate say. The state law kept the cost of the average state Senate race in Montana at $17,000. As

as a precedent, this ruling was unnecessary. As Justice Steven Breyer wrote in his dissent, “[E]ven if I were to accept Citizens United, this Court’s legal conclusion should not bar the Montana Supreme Court’s

“With this ruling, on top of the millions of corporate dollars flooding federal elections, the Supreme Court opened the floodgates to corporate spending in state and local elections.” state’s wealthy copper mine owners from using their fortunes to buy elections. The people of Montana approved the measure through a statewide ballot initiative. This popular measure protected Montana elections for 100 years and, most importantly, it worked exactly as the state intended.

At a time when large corporations have increasing political influence nationwide, Montana was a shining exception. Before Monday’s

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer recently wrote in the New York Times, “These laws have nurtured a rare, pure form of democracy. There’s very little money in Montana politics.”

All of that changed this week.

With this ruling, on top of the millions of corporate dollars flooding federal elections, the Supreme Court opened the floodgates to corporate spending in state and local elections.

Even using Citizens United

finding … that independent expenditures by corporations did in fact lead to corruption or the appearance of corruption in Montana.”

In other words, the Montana law was about preventing corruption in state politics, and it was working. The conservative majority didn’t care. The Montana case provided the Court an opportunity to revisit the disastrous Citizens United decision. But the new status quo is exactly what the conservative

majority wants.

We’ve seen this story play out since 2010 and we know what happens next. Outside spending in elections nationwide is up 1,600% over 2008 figures.

If the pattern holds, corporations and special interests will gain unchecked influence over Montana’s political process.

This election cycle, outside groups called Super-PACs have raised more than $220 million and spent $124 million. We still have five months until the election.

The American people see how this system works against them, so they are raising their voices to take back our democracy.

Hundreds of state and local governments, from Los Angeles to Minneapolis to New York, have already passed resolutions calling for a Constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. Dozens more cities this month participated in Resolutions Week, an effort by state and local governments to get money of out of politics.

The message was simple: money

should not be able to drown out the voice of the people.

More than a dozen senators and representatives have introduced their own Constitutional amendments seeking to overturn the law, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus has officially endorsed the Declaration for Democracy, which calls for an amendment to reverse Citizens United. Earlier this year, President Obama took the bold step of publicly supporting a constitutional amendment to place reasonable limits on campaign spending.

What happens next in Montana will provide a powerful example of how our political conversation changes when corporations are allowed to sway campaigns.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus will continue to fight for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and put democracy back in the hands of the American people.

Grijalva and Ellison are cochairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Size and scope of failed Wisconsin recall unprecedented Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter Nobody asked me but most folk missed a key lesson in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s holding onto his job in the recall election held early in June.

Gov. Walker and other

Tea Party darlings may well be reveling (for now) in the strength that money wields at the polls. But, they are missing an ominous warning.

Gov. Walker was originally elected in the midterm elections in 2010. It is fairly common, in American politics, for midterm elections to swing in the opposite direction from those in a Presidential year. The Wisconsin Governor evidently saw his election as a howling mandate from the people; and, ignoring nearly a century of American labor history, set about trying to roll back public employees’

collective bargaining rights as a prelude to cutting their salaries and benefits. The “howling” came from union’s and their supporters everywhere.

Some Democratic state office holders went on the run, fleeing the state, to keep Wisconsin’s legislature from having a quorum. Nearly a million signatures for recall were collected. That recordbreaking effort forced a recall.

Less than two years after taking office, the Governor was in the fight of his political life.

Progressive foot soldiers poured into Wisconsin from

neighboring states and conservative dollars flooded in with every mail delivery.

Recall election efforts are very rare. If the recall effort had been successful, it could possibly have signaled a grass roots repudiation of Tea Party ideology. There was a lot at stake for conservatives. A loss of this magnitude so close to the presidential election would have been devastating. No amount of money was spared in supporting Gov. Walker.

If, as an elected public official, you work for the people, it is pretty hard to be unseated.

The size and scope of the recall effort was unprecedented in American political history; and it failed. Walker and his supporters were able to outspend the recall effort by an obscene margin. MSNBC, and other media, helped to focus the eyes of the nation on the fray. And it failed.

But here is the hidden lesson that I think is lost on the likes of Walker, Rep. John Boehner and Rep. Michelle Bachmann. The population makes a hopelessly ambivalent boss. But when the big money identifies a candidate that is smarter, dumber, cuter,

younger or less expensive to keep in office, a simple conference call will arrive at the decision to spend the current darlings back into private life and they will be old news before the phone lines cool down.

The body politic has been infected by a “financially transmitted disease.”

The moneyed interests will always lean to the political right, but losers will come from both parties. Both parties need to get huge money out of politics or “the bell will toll” for Democracy itself. No single issue is more important.

insightnews.com

Insight News • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Page 11

FULL CIRCLE The importance of grandparents Man Talk

By Timothy Houston It the next few days my 3rd granddaughter and 10th grandchild will be born. She will come to us as a gift from God, and her parents are anxiously awaiting her arrival. As I look forward to this grand and auspicious occasion, I cannot but help reflect on my role as the grandparent. I will have a very important part to play in her life as I do in the lives of her cousins. When it comes to the grandkids, I am determined to be a positive influence in their lives.

They know this as well, so all my grandchildren call me granddad because I am like a dad but only “grand” (bigger and better). Here are a few things that “grand” parents should do.

First, grandparents should reinforce parental authority.

Beyond giving the child a piece of forbidden candy, grandparents should support what the parents are teaching their kids. This helps the child to know that you are both on the same page.

If the parents feel that they are not being supported, they may seek to limit the time the child spends with the grandparents.

This is a lose-lose resolution.

When the grandparents reinforce what the parents are saying, the

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child cannot choose sides and the grandparents become a part of the parental support system.

Secondly, grandparents should correct bad behavior. All parents need help in developing good behavior, and grandparents can be a good source of help.

The parents should understand that the grandparents are not

undermining their authority and should willingly accept constructive advice. Because the grandparents are a second set of eyes, they will also be able to help the child develop good habits that the parents may not know they are lacking. Grandparents who ensure that the child makes his or her bed, take their plate off the

table or pick up after themselves are helping to develop behavior improvements that the parents will welcome and appreciate.

Thirdly, grandparents should provide relief for the pressures at home. There is nothing like a weekend or summer getaway for the child to the grandparents to provide parents the space to

reset. Parenting is 24/7 so breaks are necessary. When the child is at the grandparents, the parents get the opportunity to center themselves, and the child gets the opportunity to be the center of attention. These visits relieve pressure and provide a safe place for the child to spend time away from their parents and maintain

a healthy relationship with their grandparents.

Finally, grandparents should serve as secondary parents when needed. There are times for multiple reasons that the people are not able to parent their children, and the grandparent may need to step in. It is in this role that grandparents are most needed. I had a personal situation where I had to parent my grandson for 6 months. It was not easy, but it was a part of my role as a grandparent. Many successful members of our society were raised by their grandparents.

Although this should be the exception and not the norm, it is too important a responsibility not to mention. As I welcome my new granddaughter, I welcome the responsibly that comes with it.

Grandparents are an important part of the family structure, and they can help to ensure that children are respectful members of society. As I welcome my new granddaughter, I remind her parents that they have my support, and on behalf of grandparents everywhere, please know that we are like a second set of parents, but only “grand.”

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

For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com or email at tim@ tlhouston.com.

Page 12 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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The “despair” of college reunions Artspeak

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor Having recently returned from my 40th college reunion, I am reminded of Charles Dickens’ opening lines to A Tale of Two Cities —“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…;” A fair enough description of my college reunion.

Some of my classmates are no longer with us. The fragility of others was readily apparent. One woman I met was an interloper.

Her class would not meet for another few years. However, having developed brain cancer that had metastasized and spread throughout other parts of her body, and also part of an experimental drug therapy program, she was taking no chances, and had decided to return sooner rather than later. It didn’t matter that she knew few of the attendees.

She was happy to be there and reminiscence. Her cheerfulness was heartbreaking.

The bane of my return was getting lost. Half of the campus was unrecognizable to me because so much has changed since I was a student. Over the last decade, renovations have

occurred and new buildings have sprung up everywhere— the campus has blossomed. We used to be able to tell South campus from North campus because each had their own unique architecture. It used to feel like a small community.

Now all the buildings are glass, of similar designs, and spread all over the campus—and my internal GPS wasn’t working.

Reunions are supposed to be interludes of nostalgia— a chance to connect with the past…in a good way; sometimes an opportunity to remember the past differently, better, if possible. At least that was my assumption, especially since this year was also the third Black alumni reunion. In the end, it was disappointing in many respects. The Black Alumni events overlapped with Class events, and some of us found ourselves having to decide if we were part of our class or Black.

Some Black alumni chose not to attend one of the events, and others split their time between the two that conflicted—one hour here, one hour there. That scheduling blip highlighted one of what I have coined as the “dilemmas of diversity”—we are asked to segment ourselves in ways that those who are the normative white alumni never have to do.

I learned some hard lessons from this Reunion. Time has a way of softening memories of days past. But once you are back in that college space, the memories return, and encounters with certain individuals are strong reminders of why you had second thoughts about returning.

You realize as you go to the events that you really were friends with very few people, and most of them didn’t come.

Author circa 1972

Courtesy of Irma McClaurin

You also discover that you still don’t fit. As the nights lengthen and people have had a few beers, glasses of wine, or maybe just a coke, you realize that your ideas are vastly different than those of people who may look like you but think very differently.

What’s most jarring is the realization that your approach to how you think Black alumni should engage with the institution is on a very different page from those of other Black alumni in attendance. Why? First, there aren’t that many of us. The college I attended in the Heartland only enrolled Black students en masse beginning in 1969. Prior to that there had been one in late 1800s, two or three in the 1950s, four in the early 1960s, and then eighteen of us who entered in 1969. Since the sixties, we now total around 600 hundred (living and dead) Black alumni across the 150 year history of the institution.

So why are all Black alumni not on the same page?

Because, contrary to popular beliefs, Black people do not constitute a homogenous group; we do not all think the same or have consensus on how we should resolve problems. We experience life and oppression through our own life lenses that include differences of age, gender, socio-economic status, sexual preference, careers, political ideas, social expectations, and how we were socialized or learned to handle experiences of racism.

In the words of anthropologist Brackette Williams, we may be “skinfolk,” but we are not necessarily “kinfolk.” Reunions remind us that while we may have shared a common college experiences, the bond of skin color or attending the same

college does not automatically result in consensus on what we believe should be strategic approaches to confronting problems or issues.

There were some good moments of engagement at the reunion. But for the most part, it was a strong reminder that not much has changed within institutions of higher education and its commitment to diversity.

The rhetoric is correct, almost seductive in that everyone has mastered diversity etiquette. But there are some troubling facts: the number of U.S. Black faculty hasn’t grown significantly in 40 years (at my alma mater or nationally)—and some current or newly graduated Black students were still describing the same experiences of isolation and alienation as some of their Black alumni counterparts 40 years earlier.

There were also discoveries; one of which was that between the years 1969-1973, the Black student group on campus was under surveillance by the FBI. Wow. What a revelation. What were we doing?

We were demanding that the college enroll more Black students; we were demanding that the curriculum be more relevant, inclusive, and teach us about the contributions of Blacks and other non-whites; and we protested the fact that there were some professors who treated us with disrespect or did not grade our papers fairly, because they carried their own stereotypes into the classrooms.

The demands that came out of two Library take-overs in the Heartland in the early 1970s did have some positive outcomes; it

REUNION TURN TO 13

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Insight News • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Page 13

Representative Bobby Joe Champion, (58B); T. Mychael Rambo, Roxanne Givens, founder; Senator Jeff Hayden (61); Representative Karen Clark (61A); City council member Robert Lilligren (Ward 6); and U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN).

Museum From 1 “The museum is seeking to be the repository for the AfricanAmerican community,” said Johnson. “Although it is not limited to us, it is for us.”

Tompkins From 1 He also was president of William Tompkins Associates, a consulting firm specializing in providing advice on strategic planning and operations.

Tompkins is eager to draw on his wealth of experience on behalf of NNPA. “Having had corporate roles during the majority of my career,

Reunion From 12 was Black students who did the research and designed courses in Afro-American Studies that eventually led to a concentration program (which, unfortunately, has since been dismantled).

Our efforts laid the groundwork for the future formation of Ethnic Studies, Women’s Studies, and later GBLT Studies (that latter two which continue to thrive); the establishment of a Black Cultural Center (which still stands and whose future remains to be seen); and some small increases in the hiring of Black professors, and most recently the hiring of “people of color”—a term I still have difficulty comprehending.

Unfortunately, hiring does not translate into tenure and sustainability. So 40 years later, the number of non-white faculty, especially Black faculty, who are members of historically underrepresented groups in the U.S., has increased, but not by much.

The experience of Black students at predominantly white institutions is still an area ripe for research and analysis. Dr. Kesho Scott of Grinnell College is working on just such a book that chronicles and analyzes the experiences of Black men over five decades and how they coped with being sometimes the only one or two on campus, as well as the emotional journey they have taken to come to terms with their college years.

College reunions may be fun for some—a glorious walk down memory lane, a nostalgic romp

Negro Baseball League exhibit titled “Bring it Home”

The Sabathanites

Photos: Bob Holder

“The museum is the community and for the community,” said Givens. “It goes hand in hand.”

Givens said she felt the festival was a success because of the reaction of the people in the community. “Everybody knew this was their place,” said Givens.

“It was phenomenally uplifting.”

Johnson said Givens has

given a lot to the museum and commends her for her tireless efforts.

Johnson also praised the efforts of supporters Josie Johnson, Professor Mahmoud ElKati and founding board member Robin Hickman.

“Josie Johnson supports as a visionary,” said Johnson.

“Professor Mahmoud El-Kati goes

without saying. His contributions are educating us as a people about our history.”

Givens considers contributors to be a part of Team MAAM. “Everybody that is engaged at some point all over the country not just in Minnesota,” said Givens.

An exhibit showcasing a collection of the heritage of the Negro baseball league

called “Bringing it Home” was previewed at the festival. MAAM had to postpone the official opening of the exhibit due to construction delays.

Givens said the museum is not open yet because it is still being renovated.

Once the museum is open Givens plans to have interactive storybooks on the third floor. The

books will be six feet tall and will have cut-outs so children can climb through them.

MAAM is currently looking for applicants for executive director and part-time administrative positions. More information on the museum is available via its Website, www. maamcc.org.

I now have the opportunity to work with people who represent the heart and soul of what our country is all about, that being entrepreneurs are making a difference,” he said.

And he will make a huge difference for NNPA, a group of publishers who own and operate their own newspapers.

“I will be able to create a firm and more solid internal foundation for the Association to ensure that we consistently provide higher quality and more

useful services to our members,” Tompkins explained. “I will also be responsible for ensuring the long-term financial viability of the NNPA and for providing bigger revenue streams for our members.”

According to a job description NNPA provided to candidates for the position, “The President and CEO exercises overall authority and responsibility for the direction of the organization’s personnel, programs and services and drives the execution of the strategy

through its daily activities.”

The job description also said the president and CEO “is the lead spokesperson and advocate for the organization with the community and a diverse set of partners and stakeholders.”

Tompkins received his BA in economics magna cum laude from Tufts University and his MBA from the Harvard Business School. He is a former chairman of the National Kidney Foundation and has served on the board of the National Advertising

Council.

Although many major U.S. daily newspapers are experiencing financial problems as a result of dwindling circulation, community-based publications appear to be much more viable. So much so that a company owned by Warren Buffett, the second-richest person in the United States behind Bill Gates, recently purchased 63 daily and weekly newspapers from Media General, Inc. for $142 million.

“In spite of the transformational changes in the newspaper industry, Black media publications continue to play a critical role in our country, both in terms of their impact on society at large and especially in the role they play in local communities,” Tompkins said.

“My background is in media and entertainment so the opportunity to participate in the reinvigoration and transformation of this hidden jewel of newspaper assets will be both exciting and impactful.”

in the current moment with faded memories. For others, like me, they are filled with ambivalence, and somewhat overrated. It will be some time, if ever, before I travel to one again. Best I console myself with faded and nostalgic memories of days long past rather than confront the harsh reality that after 40 years, my college memories should probably be assigned to an era that is long gone, and left undisturbed.

TO A GONE ERA (My College Days—Class of ‘73) The eye of this storm is not quiet.

It sees brown frames inside the city cutting themselves on jagged loves.

Once we sought to change this world with matches.

Striking our visions against straw promises, we summoned fire gods and burnt jewish stores built upon our parents’ tragedies, dodged bullets and walked carefully among the ashes sifting for our childhood friends and looking for a place called Future.

edges; used wisdom of kings & malcolms to ignite bonfires, rising to taunt the overcast sky that divined our destruction.

strung themselves like pearls across the city’s neck haunt the bruised nights.

Their sorrow sings through cracked tenement walls. ©1988 Irma McClaurin, Pearl’s Song (Lotus Press)

©2012 McClaurin Solutions

in Raleigh, NC, the Principal of McClaurin Solutions (a consulting business), and a former university president. (www.irmamcclaurin.com) (@ mcclaurintweets)

We rode books and communed with the “others” in their land; we spoke their blunted language, hung our anger on coathooks in dusty ivy hallways becoming a new minstrel tradition: blacks in whiteface, shadows tapdancing in cornfields.

We collected barbed words, shot them through poems with poison

Now the voices that once

Irma McClaurin, PhD is the Culture and Education Editor for Insight News of Minneapolis.

She is a bio-cultural anthropologist and writer living

Page 14 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Calendar • Classifieds Swede Home, Nebraska: A governor, a performing arts center, and now, a fringe show

Courtesy of the artist

Carl Franzen

It’s where Minnesota Governor Harold LeVander was born.

Where Eugene, Oregon arts benefactor Nis Hult came from.

And where singer, songwriter and storyteller Carl Franzen grew up and got the inspiration for his 2012 Fringe show: Swede Home, Nebraska.

Franzen’s show at the Playwrights’ Center connects childhood stories to songs that reverberate in today’s world— fear, tragedy and the language of aging. He also pokes into immigration, competition, and the importance of food after funerals; all against the innocent backdrop and beauty of a tiny village in the middle of Nebraska.

Franzen blends edgy childhood experiences with seductive melodies to create music that is both thought provoking and relaxing. He is supported by gifted sidemen, pianist Rahjta Ren and trumpeter Jeff Carver, who provide an introspective groove throughout the performance.

Ren was awarded a Gold Record (500,000 sales) for Nagee’s Theme, a contemporary jazz album he produced in 1980s for the EMI/Capitol label. Carver is a highly respected player in the Twin Cities area, performing throughout the Midwest with High & Mighty. Franzen’s song, On the Road, was recorded in the 1970s by both John Denver and Michael Johnson.

The five shows of Swede Home, Nebraska are part of the 2012 Minnesota Fringe Festival and will be performed at the Playwrights’ Center, 2301 E. Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis on Thursday August 2 5:30 pm; Sunday August 5 2:30 pm; Tuesday August 7 8:30 pm; Saturday August 11 1:00 pm and Sunday August 12 2:30 pm.

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

Free or low cost events preferred.

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

The free concerts are held from 6 to 8pm on Victory Memorial Drive at 34th Avenue North in Minneapolis. For further information, call 612588-1155 or see www. clevelandneighborhood. org West Broadway Farmers Market Announces Second Season June 15– Oct. 19 Northside grown mushrooms, veggies, fruits, sweet bread, quality art, and more. Music, cooking demonstrations (with free samples), physical activities and classes, art activities, health services (i.e. blood pressure checks), and more will take place weekly. New location at the Hawthorne Crossings parking lot, 900 West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis, near the intersection of Bryant and West Broadway. Market hours are Fridays from 3pm to 7pm. All who walk or bike to the market can enter to win a $25 voucher for market goods.

For updates and to sign up for the weekly email newsletter visit www. westbroadway.org or for any questions contact Alicia at 612.353.5178 or at marketmanager@ westbroadway.org

Phone: 612.588.1313

Progressive Summer Youth Program 2012 June 18–Aug. 24 Youth, grades K–6 will experience pony rides, water parks, challenge their reading skills, learn about different cultures and learn the Word of God. Cost: $130/week; includes program t-shirt, breakfast and lunch and all activity fees. There is a $35.00 registration deposit.

Childcare Assistance is accepted.

7:30am–5:30pm, June 18–Aug. 24. Contact Rev. Areda Stewart 651.774.5503. Space is limited and Registration closes June 15th.

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

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

Dip Your Toes or Dive In to Music This Summer at Camden Music School June 25–July 19, July 23–Aug. 16 Dip or dive in to Musikgarten classes for ages birth to 8, individual, team and group instrumental and vocal lessons for ages 8 and up and a great variety of ensembles for ages 5 and up – including our new bluegrass class and rock ‘n roll and movie music for strings. Registration is now. Summer scholarship applications are due by 5pm Monday, June 18. Check out the CMS website for all your great options, www. camdenmusicschool.com, or call 612-618-0219.

Mpls Urban League’s Family Day parade/ festival application deadline July 2 Minneapolis Urban League is holding their annual Family Day Parade and Festival Sat., Aug. 25. Parade line-up at 10:30am and parade starts at noon. To participate in the parade call the parade committee 612.302.3117 or 612.859.6414.

Application deadline no later than Mon., July 2. Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls, MN 55411.

Jamm’n with Jesus with Evangelist, Nell Witherspoon July 7 Deacon “Cornbread” Harris, Deacon Duane Witherspoon, Hands for Christ-Kim & Jamie Riley, Rev. Harvey Witherspoon, Pianist Yolanda Williams.

Sat., July 7, 6pm at Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 2544 Highway 100 South (West Frontage Road) St Louis Park MN 55416.

Free will offering and non-perishable food items for STEP (St Louis Park Emergency Program).

For more info contact: Rev. Eleanor Hunsberger 952.545.6581.

The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band concert July 9 The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band is celebrating 45 years of bringing Dixieland music to audiences throughout the world.

Their celebration includes a concert at the Old Log Theater as part of the Sounds for Summer music series. Mon., July 9, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $24 with a group rate of $19 for ten or more. For info and reservations, call the Old Log Theater at 952474-5951 or go online at www.oldlog.com.

Loppet Run Club July 9–Sept.

17 Club meets bi-weekly for hill and over-distance workouts, practicing exclusively on the trails in Theodore Wirth Park. Learn trail running while improving your strength and ability. Many runners go on to compete in the Surly Trail Loppet half marathon in the fall. Mondays, 6pm and Saturdays, 8am. July 9 Sept 17. $50.

Your Vote Counts July 10 An introduction to voting and civics presented by Keystone Community Services and Office of the MN Secretary of State.

Questions about eligibility, rights, representation and more answered at the Rondo Library large meeting room Tue., July 10 at 5:30pm. 461 Dale St. North. Voter registration cards will be available.

Everyone is welcome. For more info contact 651797-7709 or ejayne@ keystoneservices.org 5th annual Sister Cities Day celebration and ice cream social July 15 Free family event featuring entertainment, activities, ice cream and refreshments celebrating the International Sister

Fax: 612.588.2031

City relationships shared with the city of Minneapolis. Sun. July 15, 1–5pm at Nicollet Island Pavilion 40 Power Street, Mpls. For more info please visit www.minneapolis.org/ sistercitiesday or call 612.767.8000.

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

Registration packets available at the Rondo Community Education offices (red doors) or at listed locations. Classes Mon –Fri. 8am –3:00pm (with free extended care available until 5:00 p.m.)

Free transportation for 8am start and 5pm end times from Promise Neighborhood locations.

For more info contact zong.vang@spps.org Camp Komoniwannarock at Camden Music School July 23–26, July 30– August 2 Students divided into rock ‘n roll bands and perform an entire music set on stage on the last day of camp.

Campers learn how to establish a groove, how to solo, how to practice and play as a group, and more. grades 5 – 8, or by special arrangement at Marcy Open School, 415 4th Ave. SE, Minneapolis Tuition: $350.

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

Email: natalie@insightnews.com

participation by every resident to each program, service and event within the city. For more info and Mpls Events calendar, visit: http:// w w w. m i n n e a p o l i s m n . gov/ncr/calendar/index. htm. For American Indian Month Community Events Calendar visit: http:// tinyurl.com/7vqme9p.

Foster Care Programs – Ongoing Volunteers of AmericaMinnesota is looking for parents to provide care for youth in one of our two foster care programs. We have kids of all ages in need of a stable home with dedicated parents who appreciate the difficulties of childhood! Volunteers of America provides foster parents with friendly training, 24 hour support and a monthly stipend.

Stop by an information meeting and learn more about making a difference in the life of a child!

Meetings are held Fridays from 10:00-11:30 and the fourth Monday of every month from 6:00-7:30.

Sessions are held at the VOA office: 7625 Metro Blvd, Mpls, MN 55439 Contact Heather Thornton at 952-945-4064 for more information, or to RSVP. Also, visit us online at www.voafostercare.org

Minnesota Literacy Council, a non-profit organization, has free classes for adults at our Lake Street Learning Center at 2700 East Lake Street, 2nd floor, above Denny’s. For classes and more info, visit: http:// www.mnliteracy.org/ North High School Computer Labs Open to the Public - Tue.’s Adults and students may check email, search the internet, search job websites, compose documents on Microsoft Word or Excel and even contact their child’s teachers or access their student’s grades through the Parent Portal. No appointments are needed.

The North High computer lab will be open Tue.’s from 6–8pm thru Apr. 17. 1500 James Ave. N. Mpls, MN. FREE Fitness Classes - Tue. Wed. Thurs.

F e a t u r i n g : Cardiovascular work out by Annice, The Diva - Tue. 6-7pm.

Muscle conditioning exercise in addition to cardiovascular by Georgia, Ms Smooth Wed. 6-7pm. Pilates by Angela, No Mercer Thur. 6-7pm. Located: 310 E. 38th Street, 2nd Floor gym, Minneapolis.

Registration Fee: $25 for the entire season (Sept. thru May 31).

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

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

PCLG Parent Support Group – Ongoing 2nd Mon. of each month Parent-led support group where parents can share the RENTALS challenges of parenting Remodeled duplex units in East St. Paul. a child with Income Restricted, EHO. 651-430-1888 or mental health www.applegateproperties.com concerns.

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Insight News • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Page 15

Anwatin and Nellie Stone Johnson Ski Teams hit summer training mode goals to focus our training on throughout the spring. They worked on their map reading (orienteering) skills and endurance in preparation for the race.”

The race began with a mountain bike ride nearly two miles to the high point of Wirth.

From there they ran and biked a 3 mile course that required them to complete seven stations including: fixing a flat tire on a bicycle, tossing a Frisbee into a bucket, maneuvering a tractor tire around cones, answering trivia about skiing and mountain biking on the trail, and ultimately balancing for five seconds as a team on

After having skied together all season, the Anwatin skiers show off their muscles

The crew poses on land after their twenty four mile journey “Cross-country skiing?

What do you guys do in the summer?”

That commonly asked question resonates with most Minneapolis fair weather folks who are eagerly anticipating upcoming days of beaches, barbeques and basking in the sun. While some prefer to burry their winter memories in the sand, the youth on the Anwatin and Nellie Stone Johnson Middle School Ski Teams are seeking out winter… on dryland.

“You only get to ski four

months a year,” said Anwatin Ski Team coach Allie Rykken.

“We want to show the kids that cross-country skiing is a lifestyle, one that involves active outdoor adventure all year round.” Diving into summer training mode, the athletes have continued to meet at Theodore Wirth Park for practices that involve mountain biking, roller skiing (simulates cross-country skiing on wheels), trail running and orienteering.

The Anwatin and Nellie Stone Johnson Ski Teams, run

Allie Rykken

Loppet Foundation

by the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation, recently united for an Adventure Race at Theodore Wirth Park. Coach Rykken spent time constructing a one of a kind obstacle course that involved wit, teamwork and skill - amidst getting dirty, and having fun. “We were looking to do something that the kids could train for,” said Rykken who meets with Anwatin skiers three times a week for summer practices.

“Adventure races have different components so we used those parts as mini

the skeeder todder (a glorified see saw) without it touching the ground.

Arenzo Jones, who skied for Nellie Stone Johnson, celebrated after his team won the event. “I love how much air you get when you hit the bumps!” he said describing his mountain bike ride. Jones learned how to ski in elementary school in the Foundation’s Minne-Loppet Program and continued to ski on the middle school team. He was happy he still gets to practice with his coaches in the summer. “I want to ski more when I get older, and encourage my sisters to ski too.”

The Loppet Foundation is a local nonprofit based in Theodore Wirth Park whose mission it is to provide lifelong recreational opportunities to the Minneapolis community, especially inner city youth.

Through winter and summer Adventure Camps, middle school ski teams and Adventure Outings, the Loppet Foundation runs programs that give kids the tools to pursue healthy, fun and active lives. If your child is interested in experiencing the thrills of the trails, please contact Youth Program Director Allie Rykken at rykken@ cityoflakesloppet.com.

612604-5333.

Page 16 • July 2 - July 8, 2012 • Insight News

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