Insight News ::: 07.04.16

Link between art and activism exposed during BET Awards

aesthetically speaking

MORE ON PAGE 10 Parkwood Pictures Entertainment, LLC; Creative Commons / Wikipedia (Applause2.0)

Insight News WINNER: 2016 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: COMMUNIT Y SERVICE, BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS

July 4 - July 10, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 27 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

I2H wins NNPA award for community service HOUSTON – Insight News won two awards at the 2016 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Merit Awards held June 24 in Houston.

Insight was awarded first place in the category of Community Service – the Carl Murphy Community Service Award – for its Insight2Health Challenge and third place in the category of Best Use of Photographs, Broadsheet – the W.A. Scott, II Award – for its photography and layout in the Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2015 edition. That photography was specific to the protests and Minneapolis Police Department Fourth Precinct occupation that occurred following the police killing of Jamar Clark, an unarmed African-American.

The Insight2Health Challenge is a broadbased initiative designed to promote healthy eating and exercise in the Black community.

The challenge, which along the way chronicled the weight loss journey of Insight founder and editor-in-chief, Al McFarlane, invites varying members of the community to commit to a healthy lifestyle, achieving individual milestones along the way. Participants range in age, ability and background. Thus far, 138 people have participated in the challenge and have lost nearly 600 pounds total.

The Insight2Health challenge is in partnership with personal trainer Tyrone Minor and his company The F.I.T. Lab, the Mayo Clinic, NorthPoint Health and Wellness, Open Cities Health Center and Southside Community Health Services, Inc. and was

Chinelo Njaka

World feels the impact of Britain’s decision to leave EU

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor The impact of the British decision to leave the European Union (EU) was felt globally and almost immediately, with the remaining questions being what prompted the decision and how long before global markets recover.

Markets collectively tumbled more than $3 trillion following the June 23 narrow vote by United Kingdom citizens to leave the EU. While the markets seek stability, most are seeking understanding.

And while this issue is filled with complexities, according to those most angered by the decision, the root cause behind the decision is Islamophobia.

Now it seems the entire globe must share in the pain caused by British hate.

For the majority outside the United Kingdom – and as it is coming to light, many within the U.K. – knew very little about the issue of Britain parting with the EU. Collectively, the EU is a 28 (soon to be 27) member political and economic union representing more than 508 million people. The union was founded just after World War I but Britain did not enter until 1973. Britain’s vote to defect was a campaign among conservatives to leave citing concerns of immigration – in particular, a desire to restrict Muslim immigrants. The EU operates under an open boarder system. Recently Britain, much like the U.S., received an influx of Syrian refugees that caused a bit of seemingly unfounded terror concerns and panic. It was those fears that fueled Britain’s vote to exit the EU, but ironically, it does not have any effect on the immigrants coming in from non-EU nations such as Syria.

Chinelo Njaka, a sociology researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Manchester now living in London and who is from the Twin Cities said the prevailing mood across the Atlantic is anger.

“A lot of people feel like they are being dragged from the EU,” said Njaka, who has lived

EU TURN TO 9

Above is a reprint of the March 30 - April 5, 2015 edition of Insight News capturing the I2H Challenge. Insight News and The F.I.T. Lab offered a series of 10 week fitness competitions.

sponsored by Target, UCare, Medica and Allina Health.

Awarded photographs for the Nov. 30 – Dec. 6 edition of Insight were taken by reporter and photographer Harry Colbert, Jr. – now managing editor – during a week-long period of protests and unrest in North Minneapolis following the killing of 24-year-old Clark, who was shot and killed just two blocks from the Fourth Precinct police station on Plymouth Avenue North. The photos featured overnight shots of protesters camped outside the police station, a group of marchers locked arm-inarm led by Black Lives Matter’s Mica Grimm and NAACP president, Nekima Levy-Pounds and that included Clark’s father and the street signs at the intersection of North 14th Avenue and North Morgan Avenue – the site where five protesters were shot by white agitators.

In addition to the photographs being honored, so too was the layout of Ben Williams, senior content and production coordinator and Patricia Weaver, director of content and production.

“We reach 100,000 people a week and our job as a community newspaper is to inform, but also to be a resource and advocate and I think being recognized by the NNPA says we are fulfilling our obligation to the community,” said Insight founder and editor-in-chief, Al McFarlane.

AWARDS TURN TO 9

Insight News founder and editor-in-chief, Al McFarlane (right) poses with one of his NNPA Merit awards alongside fellow winners Kenya Vaughn (left) of the St. Louis American and Jennifer Ffrench Parker of Crossroads News (Decatur, Ga.) during the awards ceremony held June 24 in Houston.

Brexit: African interests need new narrative

Somali women who chose “remain” in the EU referendum

Commentary

By Levi Kabwato, Africa News in Brief from Global Information Network

UNITED KINGDOM – European Union policies towards Africa and the rest of the Global South are unhelpful to the ordinary African. It is against this backdrop that we must see Britain’s referendum

on the EU and use what we have already seen the EU do to its poorer member countries to craft more critical and useful thoughts on how Africa can respond to developments such as Brexit.

A weakened South African

rand and prophesizing an apocalypse as “vital trade agreements” implode.

This is the same EU that, earlier in June 2016, signed an economic partnership agreement in Gaborone, Botswana that included a bilateral protocol between the EU and South Africa on the protection of geographical indications and on trade in wines and spirits.

What would this actually mean for a homeless person?

Or a struggling black farmer, marginalized and not empowered?

The absence of an alternative narrative regarding this main news story should worry Africans who have been made to believe that they are facing imminent problems should Britain leave the EU. Is a weak Britain necessarily bad for the continent because it threatens the “Empire?” Is it not an opportunity for Africa to negotiate future trade and cultural deals from a position of

BREXIT TURN TO 9

Anne McKeig

Anne McKeig named to High Court Fourth District Judge is first Native-American on State Supreme Court Gov. Mark Dayton announced his appointment of Anne McKeig as associate

MCKEIG TURN TO 2

Islam

Business

Commentary

Health

Ramadan comes to a close

Exemplary: ArtsMemphis

Saving community newspapers in the age of Facebook

Coach Pat Summitt remembered for fight against Alzheimer’s disease

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Page 2 • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Insight News

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Ramadan comes to a close and rebirth. And it’s an occasion to refocus on giving charity and kindness to those who need it most,” said Rep. Keith Ellison (DMN), who is Muslim. Ellison’s comments on the observance of the holiday were released in a statement on his House website.

Imam Makram El-Amin of Masjid An-Nur, 1729 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis said, yes, Ramadan is a time for prayer and self-reflectiveness, but it is also about community and sharing.

“Ramadan is a time to engage in charity; to reach out to our fellow man. It’s about the opportunity to reach out to our neighbors and share. We share our space, our time; our meals,” said El-Amin. “It’s a very festive time and we want to spread the love.”

El-Amin said many Muslims use Ramadan as a time to reach out to non-Muslims to share ideas and dialogue.

The holy month of Ramadan comes to an end Tuesday (July 5), concluding 30 days of sun up to sun down fasting to honor the Prophet Muhammad.

In Islam it is thought that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad around this time, which follows a lunar calendar.

During Ramadan, those of the Islamic faith abstain from eating and drinking until sundown.

The fast is required of all adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding or experiencing menstruation. The holiday of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is often observed with a celebratory feast, or iftar. Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan.

“This holiday is an opportunity to reflect on one’s life and faith. It’s a time for rejuvenation, renewal,

Suluki Fardan

Ramadan service at Masjid An-Nur

Minnesota Legislature gets ‘F’ for racial equity Voices for Racial Justice (formerly the Organizing Apprenticeship Project) released its 2015-2016 biennium Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity and the marks were not good.

The report card found more work is necessary to address racial disparities in Minnesota, which are among the worst in the nation. “It is time that the language of racial

equity present in Minnesota’s laws and statutes translates into concrete gains within the lives of Minnesota’s communities of color and American Indian communities,” said Brett Grant, Voices for Racial Justice’s director of research and policy.

Not all legislators received poor marks. The group recognized 35 legislators as champions for

racial equity, earning a grade of ‘B’ or above.

The 2015-2016 Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity follows the release of the 2016 Racial Equity Agenda and the 2015-2016 Racial Equity Bill Watch. The report card, which has the support of numerous organizations across the state working to build more

racially inclusive and equitable communities, serves as an accountability tool which grades legislators, individually and as a whole, on their efforts to advance racial equity. All documents can be accessed on the Voices for Racial Justice website at http:// voicesforracialjustice.org/toolsresource/legislative-report-card.

Brett Grant

McKeig

“Judge Anne McKeig has served the people of Minnesota admirably throughout her distinguished career, including as presiding judge of the Family Court in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District,” said Dayton.

Dayton said McKeig is a perfect replacement for outgoing Dietzen.

“Judge McKeig will be a tremendous addition to the Minnesota Supreme Court. I trust that her commitment to

From 1 justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

McKeig is the state’s first Native-American to serve on Minnesota’s top court. She will replace Associate Justice Christopher Dietzen, who will be retiring at the end of August.

The announcement came June 28.

justice, and her concern for the well-being of all Minnesotans will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the court,” said Dayton. “I am confident Judge McKeig will continue the same exemplary commitment to fairness and excellence that Justice Dietzen has displayed throughout his distinguished career.”

“I thank Gov. Dayton for the honor of continuing my service to the people of Minnesota as an associate justice on

the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said McKeig. “I am humbled by the opportunity to continue working to deliver justice for all Minnesotans in this important role.”

McKeig has served as a district court judge in the Fourth Judicial District since her appointment in 2008 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and is the current presiding judge in Family Court. Previously, she worked as an assistant Hennepin County attorney in

the Child Protection Division for more than 16 years, where she specialized in Indian Child Welfare cases.

McKeig is also currently an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. She earned her B.S. from St. Catherine University and her J.D. from Hamline University School of Law. Dayton thanked Justice Dietzen for his service to Minnesota, especially for his service on the Supreme

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Court, where he has served as associate justice since 2008.

“For eight years, Justice Christopher Dietzen has served the people of Minnesota on our state’s Supreme Court with honor and distinction,” said Dayton. “Justice Dietzen’s contributions to justice and jurisprudence will have a lasting impact on our state.

On behalf of all Minnesotans, I thank him for his dedicated service.”

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Insight News • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Page 3

Minneapolis employer honored by Chief of Navy Reserve NORFOLK – A Minneapolis native was one of 37 civilian employers from across the nation honored by the chief of navy reserve for their exceptional support of America’s Navy reserve sailors during a ceremony in Norfolk, Va., June 24.

Bryan Badzin, president and owner at SuperClean, received a Certificate of Appreciation during the chief of Navy Reserve Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) for his dedication and support of employees who serve in the Navy reserve.

“Employer support is absolutely critical to the Navy reserve’s mission,” said Vice Adm. Robin Braun, chief of Navy Reserve. “We currently have 2,100 reserve sailors deployed around the world.

Making sure those reserve sailors have a job when they come back from that year-

U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian McNeal/Released

Bryan Badzin, on behalf of International SuperClean in Minnesota, receives a Navy Employer Support Certificate of Appreciation from Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Robin Braun during a ceremony in Norfolk, Va., June 24. long mobilization is critical, and that’s why this event is wonderful. We’re recognizing employers who have given outstanding support to their

Navy reserve sailor. In fact, many of the employers here have sailors who are deployed right now overseas. So this is a great opportunity for us

to recognize them for the outstanding support they give.”

NERE is a Navy familiarization day sponsored by the chief of Navy reserve

to recognize employers who provide their reserve sailors.

Selected employers are chosen from nominations submitted by their reserve employees.

Throughout the one-day recognition event, Badzin and the other employers had the opportunity to get an upclose and personal look at the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, tour the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan at Naval Station Norfolk, view a static display of aircraft from Naval Air Force Reserve, and witness a demonstration by Reserve SEAL Team 18.

“Our hope is that the employers gain a better understanding of what their Navy reserve sailors are doing when they leave to support Navy missions around the world,” said Braun. “In many cases, their sailors are deploying and leaving their

company for a year at a time to mobilize, so today gives them a better picture of the capabilities the Navy brings to our nation, and also the type of support our reserve sailors provide to the Navy.”

Guests included CEOs, company owners and senior executives from small, medium and large companies.

“It’s important that we recognize these employers from across our nation who have given their Navy reserve sailors the time they need to fulfill their military duties,” said Braun. “These employers have gone above and beyond to support their sailors. In many cases, they’re also helping out families while their sailor is deployed. We appreciate the outstanding support that’s being provided; not only to individual sailors and families, but to the Navy and the nation.”

Advocate for minority car dealers pushes diversity

By Avis Thomas-Lester Urban News Service Damon Lester’s phone typically starts ringing at 7:30 a.m. And it keeps ringing until after 10:00 p.m.

Since taking the wheel of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) in 2006, Lester has become the face of the group that advocates for dealership owners of color.

By 9 a.m. on a recent morning, he had spoken to a National Highway Transportation

Damon Lester Safety Administration executive, a congressional staffer, a dealer and a prospective dealership buyer.

“Mine is definitely a 24-houra-day job,” said Lester. “Of the 18,000 new automobile dealerships in the United States, only 1,128 are owned by an ethnic minority. People of color buy 30 percent of the cars in this country, but own only about 6 percent of the car dealerships. So, there’s a lot to be done.”

Based in Largo, Md., the association was founded in 1980 to promote “diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the automotive industry,” according to its website. The organization lobbied then-President Jimmy

Carter to assist minority dealers in the wake of the 1979 government bailout of Chrysler.

“Damon is very passionate and dedicated about representing NAMAD and all of its dealer members, vendor and manufacturer partners,” said Jenell Ross, president of the Bob Ross Auto Group in Dayton, Ohio.

Lester, 43, wasn’t particularly interested in the auto trade before he joined the association’s staff in 2002.

Born and raised an only child in West Philadelphia, Lester

studied hard, played sports and sang in the First United Baptist Church’s children’s choir. He commuted by rail 90 minutes each way to Archbishop John Carroll High School, in the upscale suburb of Radnor, Pa., where he became familiar with wealth.

“I knew I wanted it for myself,” said Lester.

He worked part time at the Super Fresh grocery store in the enclave, where customers included members of the Philadelphia 76ers and singer Patti LaBelle.

Lester majored in accounting at Temple University.

His first accounting job was with Black-owned Milligan & Company, LLC, in Philadelphia.

Three years later, he moved to Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman in Bethesda, Md., which audited the minority dealers’ association.

Lester joined the association in 2002 as vice president of operations. He became president in 2006, just before dealers got stung by the 2007-08 economic slowdown.

DIVERSITY TURN TO 7

National and local experts unveil legal basis for $15 minimum wage in Minneapolis National and local experts unveiled a memo detailing the legal basis for a $15 minimum wage in Minneapolis on a press conference call this past Monday (June 27).

“Minneapolis has the opportunity to tackle years of declining wages by joining the

growing number of cities and states that have adopted a $15 minimum wage. Legal analysis shows that Minneapolis residents have a right to place a $15 minimum wage on November’s ballot and that, if challenged, the courts would uphold such a measure,” said

Laura Huizar, staff attorney with the National Employment Law Project.

The memo explains Minneapolis has the power to enact a local minimum wage, and residents of charter cities such as Minneapolis can add charter

amendments through petition as long as there are no state or local laws that preclude the amendment.

Indeed, the city is legally required to put a proposed charter amendment that meets signature requirements on the ballot as long as it does not conflict with state or

local law. Neither state nor local law limits charter amendments so as to preclude a charter amendment establishing a local minimum wage.

“The only time a city can veto a proposed charter amendment is when it blatantly violates

the constitution or state law.

Fifteen Now’s proposed charter amendment does neither, so the city (of Minneapolis) must place it on the next ballot,” said Karen

WAGES TURN TO 7

Raise your voice against another Xcel Energy rate increase.

Right now, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is considering a request from Xcel Energy that could raise your rates nearly 10%—that’s about $132 a year. If this request is approved, it will be the sixth year in a row that Xcel rates have increased.

AARP knows that when rates go up, it hurts Minnesota families, especially those on fixed incomes or struggling to make ends meet. That’s why we’re fighting to make sure you only pay what’s fair and reasonable for reliable utility service. And your voice can help make a difference in that fight.

Attend a public hearing on July 12 to make your voice heard.

1:00pm – Merriam Park Public Library Meeting Room 1831 Marshall Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104 7:00pm – Earle Brown Heritage Center Tack Room A—Door 1 Entrance 6155 Earle Brown Drive Minneapolis, MN 55430

Or visit action.aarp.org/MNutilities to send an email to the Public Utilities Commission.

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Page 4 • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Volunteers In Partnership program selected as Page Education Foundation ‘Community Partner of the Year’

Robbinsdale Area Schools’ Volunteers in Partnership coordinator Jill Kaufman accepts the Page Education Foundation’s Community Partner of the Year award during a ceremony at the University of St. Thomas’ Minneapolis campus.

Robbinsdale Area Schools’ Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) program has been selected as the Page Education Foundation’s Community Partner of the Year.

VIP Coordinator Jill Kaufman received the award June 24 during a ceremony at the University of St. Thomas’ Minneapolis campus.

“The partnership between the Page Education Foundation and VIP is truly a symbiotic relationship,” said Kaufman. “Through VIP’s connection with the Page Education Foundation (PEF), our district has the opportunity

to place bright, enthusiastic and energetic scholars who work with our young learners.

Robbinsdale Area Schools is a large, diverse district. We need and welcome volunteers whose backgrounds and experiences resemble our students because of the unique and special way you are able to relate to our students which is so valuable.”

VIP and the Page Education Foundation began working together in 2011. Diane Page founded the Page Education Foundation along with her husband, retired justice, Alan Page, in 1988. This is the first year the foundation has bestowed the Community Partner of the Year honor.

“Within the last few years, we’ve realized there are a lot of partners we work with who go above and beyond, and VIP was one of them,” said Amanda Moua, Page Education Foundation administrative director. “On top of connecting Page Scholars with volunteer opportunities, Jill also reaches out to help students apply for scholarships. The relationship we’ve had with VIP has made us look at our community partnerships in a different way.”

Kaufman said VIP jointly delivers presentations about

the two organizations to Armstrong High School, Cooper High School and Highview Alternative Program seniors about applying for scholarships and volunteering in the district. They also promote the Page Education Foundation to high school and college volunteers when they attend their VIP orientation.

“The hope is our own Robbinsdale Area Schools alumni who become Page Scholars will return to complete their PEF community service in our district,” said Kaufman. “Not only do Page Scholars help our students build their academic skills, they are wonderful, caring role models to all students, especially to our students who represent diverse communities.”

The Page Education Foundation has provided more than 6,500 grants totaling $13 million in financial support to college students. The foundation announced recently that it will be awarding 512 college scholarships, totaling $850,000, for the 20162017 academic year. Three of those scholarships will go to Armstrong High School students and six of these scholarships will go to Cooper High School students.

Access to Excellence scholarship campaign kicksoff with $50 Million goal Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has launched a second phase of the Access to Excellence scholarship campaign to raise $50 million for scholarships.

This goal represents the most ambitious scholarship drive in the history of MnSCU – more than double the goal of the previous scholarship drive.

“Everything we do, everything we believe in, is focused on providing an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities,” said Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of MnSCU. “To make good on our commitment to being a place of hope and opportunity, we must keep higher education affordable.

That is why scholarships are absolutely critical. They are a key

to access, they enable students to focus on their studies, and they are central to student success.

Scholarships change lives.”

The announcement of a $50 million goal for Access to Excellence follows a two-year campaign ended in June, 2015 that raised $39 million and funded 28,387 scholarships.

“As we begin this next Access to Excellence campaign, I have every confidence in our ability to achieve this new goal,” said Rosenstone. “We have demonstrated our ability to think and act differently, and to maximize our collective strengths, resources, and talents by working together for the benefit of our students. This work will make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of

SCHOLAR TURN TO 5

Getty Images/Michael Loccisano

Michelle Obama

First lady travels abroad to promote Let Girls Learn In a mission to promote access to education for young girls in Africa and certain countries in Europe, Michelle Obama traveled to various countries in the continent delivering her message.

“I see myself in these girls, I see my daughters in these girls, and I simply cannot walk away from them,” said Obama during a stop at R.S. Caulfield Senior High School in Unification Town, Liberia.

According to the White House more than 62 million girls – half of them adolescents – are not in school and millions more are fighting just to stay there.

That’s why, as part of the Let Girls Learn initiative, Obama traveled last week to Liberia, Morocco and Spain to meet with young women

and girls, and to talk about why getting an education is something that every girl deserves.

“Around the world, a girl can face complex physical, cultural, and financial barriers to education,” said Obama in a statement. “She may have a long, unsafe walk to school from a remote village.

Sometimes, even when a school is nearby, it may not have adequate bathroom facilities for girls – meaning that female students have to stay home when they have their period.

And, even after overcoming all of these obstacles, she may face school fees that her family is unwilling or cannot afford to pay.”

The first lady said access

OBAMA TURN TO 5

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Insight News • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Page 5

BUSINESS

Exemplary: ArtsMemphis FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw Bringing together artists, community leaders and neighborhood residents is a unique way to create change in under-served communities.

Linda Steele, the chief community engagement officer with ArtsMemphis, is a nationally recognized leader who focuses on bringing these three groups together and ensuring that the arts extends beyond the traditionally recognized and established museums and performing organizations to

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the nonprofit sector, communicate impact and engage partners who can contribute resources.

We had the good fortune to observe Steele’s leadership and how she continuously refines the program. What we appreciate about her leadership is that she stays focused on her vision of “Memphis as a national model where others can see and learn how the arts can play a major role in a community’s/neighborhood’s revitalization and address challenges such as blight, unemployment and youth engagement.” The fellows program is creating a corps of change agents, cultural warriors and innovators trained to lead their communities in this work.

Learn more about ArtsMemphis at www. artsmemphis,org. Learn more about Americans for the Arts at www.americansforthearts. org.

in disenfranchised Memphis neighborhoods.

Fellows learn to listen to the needs of residents and collaborate on artistic projects that spring from and uplift the neighborhoods. Steele draws on her experience as an arts administrator and consultant with educational and arts nonprofit institutions in

New York, Cleveland and Chicago. She teaches by example, sharing her experience in program and grant management, fundraising and audience and donor development. She believes that art can create change in under-resourced communities, and help improve the quality of life

for residents.

Now in its third year the six-month fellowship includes classes, fieldwork, and site visits in Memphis and around the country. Fellows explore concepts such as creative place-making, reimagining neighborhoods, community impact, sustainable fundraising and cross-sector partnerships.

Working together the fellows also produce arts-based project proposals designed to create lasting community development and build cultural equity.

We salute Steele for spearheading and launching this program. We salute ArtsMemphis for believing in its importance. Creating and sustaining the program requires vision, perseverance and willingness to adapt. The fellowship is a great example of extending the arts beyond the important and wellestablished arts institutions, and ensuring public support for community-based arts organizations and artists.

Most importantly it helps build infrastructure and capacity so that emerging organizations and artists understand how to navigate

Scholar

Rosenstone said availability of scholarships is a key factor that contributes to making the colleges and universities of the system the most affordable, accessible higher education option in the state. Other factors include a tuition decrease this

fall at the 30 state colleges, and a tuition freeze this fall at the seven state universities. After changes to the Minnesota State Grant Program take effect this year, all system students who benefit from the state grant will see a decrease in net tuition. After state and Pell

grants, the average tuition cost for full-time students (two terms at 15 credits per term) for the academic year 2017 will be as low as $402 at Minnesota State colleges and $775 at Minnesota State universities.

to education should be a fundamental right.

“We know that educating young girls has a tremendously positive impact on the world,” said Obama. “Girls who are

educated earn higher salaries, raise healthier families and can even boost their countries’ economies with their contributions to the workforce.”

The first lady chronicled her travels in an online diary, www.hellogiggles.com/dayone-im-traveling-liberiamorocco-spain-letgirlslearn.

embrace new audiences and positive social outcomes.

National recognition was recently bestowed upon Steele’s ArtsMemphis Community Engagement Fellows program. Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, awarded the Robert E. Gard Award to the fellowship program.

The award recognizes and celebrates exemplary work at the intersection of the arts and community life. Having worked with Steele, we know that this program certainly meets the criteria.

Under Steele’s direction the program engages artists, arts managers, neighborhood leaders and residents. They create projects that use the arts as a vehicle for social change and empowerment

Linda Steele

From 4 Minnesotans across the state. We can do this – provided we do it together.”

Obama From 4

Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success,” available on Amazon.com.

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Page 6 • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Saving community newspapers in the age of Facebook

By Denise Rolark-Barnes (Chairperson of the NNPA) and Benjamin F. Chavis (President and CEO of the NNPA) Hundreds of newspapers have disappeared in the last 15 years and readership is on the decline.

No newspaper is immune from the migration of readership to online platforms, dwindling ad revenues, fragmented audiences and even reduced attention spans.

Even national-recognized newspapers with celebrated histories like the New York Times and the Washington Post have retrenched in the face of these mounting economic pressures.

Many regional and community newspapers – including some members of the historic Black Press – are barely hanging on.

The ramifications of this can be profound. Local publications have long served as the glue that binds communities together. They have served as the microphone for voices that would otherwise be marginalized and the spotlight on the stories that seldom make it onto the front pages of major newspapers and magazines. For African-American communities, the publications that make up the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) have served

as that voice across the nation.

Yet, we are being told that the silver lining is that journalism isn’t disappearing – and won’t be any time soon. Rather, it has just moved to an electronic form.

Not only that, there are also more opportunities to tell more stories and express more opinions than ever before. Some have said that we should not mourn the loss of the local newspaper and that we should instead explore the myriad possibilities offered by the new media. Or so goes the mantra.

In reality, this upbeat vision obscures the threat that new media poses to community journalism. And that threat is coming from a most unlikely place – the popular social media platforms that so many of us love.

Chief among them is Facebook.

Like many other publishers that have recently written on Facebook’s growing power over the media and what Americans read, we too are alarmed with one company having such dominance in news aggregation. Online hubs like Facebook are able to engineer which stories catch on.

And they’re able to decide by algorithmic fiat, which bylines, viewpoints and subject matter is promoted to the masses.

This is a new kind of power.

It is unlike any power a media company has ever had before.

A study last year reported that Facebook drove 43 percent of all the traffic to the top 400 news sites. That’s almost half coming

from one powerful source.

What’s more, we don’t know how Facebook’s operations work. The tech company isn’t

transparent in its methods. So we don’t know whether the viewpoints of Black publishers are heard or if there is a bias against our views. Without knowing how Facebook’s “Trending Topics” or other algorithms are used in promoting stories, the owners of Black-owned newspapers, magazines and other media are left only to wonder why the stories our outlets produce are relegated to the margins – if they are acknowledged at all.

Our readers are at the mercy of powers unheard and unseen as never before.

With 63 percent of Americans and 74 percent of millennials going to Facebook as their source of news, Facebook’s power is only likely to grow in the coming years. And there is something ironic about that. The mainstream media was once derided as unimaginative and monolithic, largely because it had long been dominated by three television networks and a handful of newspapers in large cities. The Internet was supposed to change all that by bringing a diversity of viewpoints to the table. While this has indeed happened, the emergence of one or even a handful of powerful gatekeepers like Facebook raises profound questions about the nature of news in this country in the years to come.

With so much power in the hands of one company, we risk surrendering our own decisions about what is or isn’t newsworthy to a gatekeeper who may someday push only stories it deems worthy. And that’s a troubling possibility that should worry us all.

It is time regulators took a hard look at Facebook and its news aggregation and promotion practices in an effort to bring some much needed transparency to the new media king. The democratization of the media could be on a collision course with decidedly anti-democratic and arbitrary forces. Think of the proverbial tree that falls silently in the forest because no one is there to hear it. Will Facebook have the power to allow entire forests to fall without much notice?

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is a trade group that represents more than 200 Black-owned media companies in the United States. As the largest and most influential Black-owned media resource in America, the NNPA delivers news, information and commentary to more than 20 million people each week. To learn more about the NNPA, visit www.NNPA.org.

Congressman John Lewis is one of a kind Opinion

By Julianne Malveaux

I have always had enormous admiration for Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and that admiration increased exponentially when I watched him led dozens of his congressional colleagues to sitin on the floor of Congress to force a vote on gun control.

As the supercilious House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) called for “decorum” (where

is the decorum in a man walking into a nightclub with an automatic weapon and gunning 49 people down), determined Democrats disrupted proceedings in the House of Representatives. I say, “Right on!”

Congressman Lewis tweeted, “Sometimes you have to get in the way. You have to make

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some noise by speaking up and speaking out against injustice and inaction.”

He is frustrated, as are many voters, about the fact that Congress has failed to take a position on background checks and the availability of assault weapons.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is equally frustrated, saying, “Moments of silence aren’t substitute for the action needed on gun violence.”

Republicans have attempted to deflect, suggesting that the focus should be on ISIS and terrorism, not gun violence. But the Newtown, Conn., shooter was not a terrorist connected to ISIS. Indeed, troubled white men have perpetrated many of our recent mass shootings with access to guns, not ISIS loyal terrorists. No matter. Can’t Congress walk and chew gum at the same time? Can’t they focus both on ISIS and on our out-ofcontrol gun culture?

Nobody is talking

about repealing the Second Amendment (though that might not be a bad idea). Still, the “right to bear arms” does not mean the unfettered right to bear all kinds of arms. Nobody needs an automatic weapon. And anyone deemed dangerous or mentally ill should never be allowed to purchase a gun. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is an irresponsible organization that elevates the right for any random citizen to own and bear arms over the right of other citizens to survive. Members of Congress need to cut the cord from that organization. Voters need to back them up.

One might think the congressional sit-in has yielded few results. Ryan pulled the plug on C-SPAN coverage and dismissed the sit-in as a “stunt.”

Still, responding to the fact that 90 percent of Americans support background checks those who sat in showed enormous courage. Taking advantage of social media, they broadcast

their sit-in using social media, reminding Ryan that he might control C-SPAN, but he doesn’t control all broadcast.

Ryan was insulting and condescending in calling the sit-in a “stunt,” and he reminded me of the many reasons I so admire Lewis. Was the Atlanta congressman’s skull fractured in a “stunt” in 1965 on Bloody Sunday, when his civil rights activity caused rabid whites to attack him? Lewis pulled no stunt; he stood for what he believed in then. He is standing, firmly in his belief now, and using the time-honored tactic of protest to bring attention to the important cause of gun control.

Lewis and his colleagues were not successful in forcing votes on gun control. But they were successful in shutting the House down. Speaker Ryan was forced to adjourn Congress before he planned to, and Republicans sulked off like

LEWIS TURN TO 7

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Insight News • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Page 7

HEALTH Coach Pat Summitt remembered for fight against Alzheimer’s disease

By Susan Barber Lindquist, Mayo Clinic News Network ROCHESTER – After legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt was diagnosed with earlyonset Alzheimer’s disease at Mayo Clinic in 2011, the winningest coach in NCAA Division 1 history went public with her battle against the disease.

Mayo Clinic staff mourned the loss of Summitt, who passed June

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

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

28 at the age of 64.

“I was privileged to know Coach Summitt and be part of her caregiving team,” says Dr. Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic neurologist who cared for her and serves on the Pat Summitt Foundation’s advisory board.

“Coach Summitt put her no-quit spirit to work fighting for a cure, and providing education and caregiving services for patients and their families. Her foundation will continue her important work to advance research in the hope of finding a cure.”

Lewis From 6 thieves in the night. Democrats held the floor hours after the

Diversity From 3 His “whole focus was trying to save as many members as possible” from losing their dealerships, said Jose Pozos, a past chairman of the association and owner of car outlets in Texas and Louisiana.

As the industry stalled, manufacturers shuttered economically challenged retailers. Thirty percent of minority dealerships folded.

Wages From 3 Marty, a Minnesota lawyer, former city attorney and charter law expert.

Marty and Huizar noted that the majority of courts around the country that have considered whether a city can enact a local minimum wage have upheld those local laws unless they have been explicitly or impliedly preempted by state law. Minnesota law does not preclude a local minimum wage.

Workers who have been organizing for a $15 minimum wage applauded the release of the legal memo as another tool and step toward a living wage for all Minneapolis workers.

“Fast food workers have been organizing in the workplace and in

Pat Summitt

Diagnosed at 59, Summitt was a tireless advocate for raising awareness, especially regarding early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which strikes people younger than age 65.

Some people with early-onset Alzheimer’s have the common form of the disease, and experts don’t know why they get the disease at a younger age than others do.

For most, however, earlyonset Alzheimer’s runs in the family. They’re likely to have a parent or grandparent who

also developed Alzheimer’s at a younger age.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s that runs in families is linked to three genes that differ from the APOE gene that can increase risk of Alzheimer’s in general.

The genetic path of inheritance is much stronger in early-onset Alzheimer’s. People with a genetic mutation in one of those three genes — the APP, PSEN 1 or PSEN 2 — may develop Alzheimer’s before age 65.

Officials at Mayo suggest anyone who is concerned about

the risk of Alzheimer’s should first seek genetic counseling to examine the pros and cons. For carriers of early-onset genes, understanding test results may make it easier to cope with effects of the disease.

Mayo officials say an accurate diagnosis is critical and fundamental in helping family respond with understanding and compassion. In addition, a complete evaluation will rule out reversible forms of dementia that might improve with treatment.

Republicans scurried away like hungry rats. No vote was forced, but a point was made.

Congress goes back to work on July 5. People should urge their representatives to take an appropriate vote to reduce

access to guns, especially for those on a “no fly” list. People should also give Congressman John Lewis a “shout out” and appreciation for his leadership.

He has taken the tactics of the 1960s and taken them into the

21st century. He has reminded us that “stunts” have their purpose. His unassailable moral courage is admirable. Thank you, Congressman Lewis, for your activism in the 1960s and now. You are much appreciated.

Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. Her latest offering, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www. juliannemalveaux.com.

“They would give you a financial buyout and thought you should be happy,” said Pozos. “But the dealers weren’t into it for that. They were into it for the entrepreneurship, the family legacy and the American Dream.”

As the economy reeled in June 2009, Lester asked for his board to visit Valerie Jarrett, an advisor to President Obama, to discuss the financial fate of minority dealers. Obama attended.

The group asked Obama to order the Small Business

Administration to lend directly to minority dealers, as Carter did.

“The president listened to us, but in the end he didn’t give us what we were asking for,” said Lester. “But we were able to enter into a memorandum of understanding with General Motors” to address dealers’ financial concerns.

Todd Bullard, the association’s attorney, said the agreement included binding arbitration and wind-down payments of up to $1 million for dealers who lost their stores.

Dealers’ fortunes have

improved. About 17.5 million new cars were sold last year.

Dealers expect to match or exceed that in 2016, according to Lester.

He is trying to add members.

The number of minority-owned dealerships peaked at 1,805 in 2005, dropped to 1,156 in 2007 and bottomed out at 873 in 2011. On Dec. 31, America had 1,128 minority dealerships – 552 Hispanic-owned stores; 264 owned by Blacks; and 215 Asianowned dealerships, according to Lester’s organization.

Ford had 63 Black dealerships

out of 3,238; GM had 49 out of 4,245; Fiat Chrysler had 27 of 2,385; Nissan had 21 of 1,077 and Toyota had 14 of 1,245.

As he celebrates 10 years as president, Lester, the father of two sons, is proud of his association’s success in pushing diversity to the forefront of the auto industry’s agenda.

“It’s in their best interests to adopt diversity as a business imperative because they want to increase their market share,” said Lester. “It makes good business sense.”

the streets to gain support to raise the minimum wage,” said Steven Suffridge, a McDonald’s worker organizing with CTUL trade union.

“I haven’t been able to save money to go visit my family in almost a decade because making nine dollars an hour doesn’t allow me to save. It is barely enough to make ends meet. Raising the minimum wage would help us emotionally, physically, and mentally. We could be healthier and happier. We will continue to fight until we get $15 here in Minneapolis, and we are very close.”

Marcellina Reis, a restaurant server and member of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC), has been collecting petition signatures for a $15 minimum wage. Nearly 20,000 petition signatures have been collected to date, three times the number required to put the question on the ballot.

“I support a $15 minimum wage because it will directly affect many of the problems in equity Minneapolis has as well as create a more prosperous and positive community for everyone.

Currently, more and more people have to work ridiculous hours

at multiple jobs which in many cases leaves no guarantee they will even have enough to get by.

It also doesn’t allow them time to function like human beings,” said Marcellina. “Having little to no time to build family, community, and find happiness creates physical

and mental health damage and brings our society down, not only affecting those struggling to live but everyone in Minneapolis.

When we as a city are able to vote on this, we can pass a $15 minimum wage together, and keep shaping the path to equity for all.”

Courtesy of Mayo Clinic

Help for caregivers...

• Long-term care planning Financial checkup, support network and respite care

• Elder law Health care directive, power of attorney and education

• Senior housing Family meetings, group education, dementia and Alzheimer’s

• Support groups

•

Adult day services, counseling, resources and referrals Health and spiritual connections

This activity is made possible by a grant from the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI) of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Center for Health Equity, through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature.

Call us 952-945-4173 | 952-945-4175

Page 8 • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Your declaration of interdependence Man Talk

By Timothy Houston As we complete our celebration of this year’s Declaration of Independence, we should also take some time and reflect on our own declaration of interdependence.

Moving from dependence to interdependence takes time, growth and development. As we move through the maturity continuum, we all progress through several stages. The three major stages of maturity are dependence, independence and interdependence, with the highest stage being interdependence.

To being with, the

first stage on the maturity continuum is dependency.

Dependence is the state of being influenced, determined by, or subject to another. One of the characteristics of a dependent person is that they will use the “you” statement.

“You did not get it for me” or “It’s your fault that I am this way.” Dependency is the lowest level of maturity and requires others to provide physical, mental, emotional and financial support. Each of these dimensions reaches maturity at different points so a person that is physically independent may still be financially dependent on someone else. When growth and development is done properly, the individual will move from dependence to independence in all dimensions of their life.

Secondly, the next stage on the maturity continuum is independency. Independence

Two people working collectively will always achieve more than they ever could on their own.

means to be self-governed.

You are no longer dependent or subject to the control of others.

Unfortunately, some people never make this transition. They remain physically, emotionally or financially dependent on others. The person that is independent will use the “I”

statements. “I have may own car,” or “I can pay my own way,” or “I take responsibility for myself.” Moving from dependence to independence is a major milestone in life.

It defines the transition into complete adulthood where the person is emotionally and financially responsible

for self and has developed mentally where they can carry their own weight. This stage must be completed. Only an independent person can move to interdependence.

Finally, the last stage on the maturity continuum is interdependency.

Interdependence is a reciprocal relationship that involves two or more people.

It requires the greatest amount of maturity because getting along with others is more demanding than getting along with self. Interdependence can only be achieved between two independent people. If one person is dependent, the other will only serve as an enabler. The person that is interdependent uses the “we” statement. “We can do it,” or “we will work it out together.”

This is necessary to build families and communities. Two people working collectively will always achieve more than

they ever could on their own.

Each one of us must move on the maturity continuum from you, to I, to we. Each of us must move from dependence, to independence, to interdependence. As you mature in these stages, you mature in life and achieve the greatness you deserve.

Where are you on our maturity continuum? Have you made your personal declaration of interdependence? Getting to interdependence is a necessary part of human development.

We need each other. No one can ever accomplish true greatness working alone.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister and motivational speaker.

To get copies of his book, schedule a speaking engagement, or for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Maintaining healthy eating habits while away from home The Orange Moon

By Michelle Mitchum, MPH. HHP In this society, in order for any person to sustain their life, they must work, with many people working 40 or more hours per week.

Actually, statistics suggest that the average person will work about 2,500 weeks in their life and about 10,000 hours before retirement.

These statistics can be used to prove why eating healthy, or maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge.

Most companies and travel hubs (airports, train stations, bus depots), have snacking options for the people in their facility.

Oftentimes these snacks are offered in vending machines stuffed with pretzels,

potato chips, candy bars, and for those who want to eat healthy, granola or cereal bars may be included. Actually, some of the larger companies have full service dining facilities, and because promoting health and wellness is important to many people these days, most of the facilities actually have healthy eating options. But, eating healthy while away from home can become pretty expensive.

With planning, and a willingness to put in a little “physical” work, you can have tasty and delicious nutritious snack options. I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorite snacks that travel well, and are great for your calming the “munchie monster” while away from home.

Bananas boost your brain’s “happy” hormone, serotonin.

So, if by chance you have a bad day at work, and it seems that you cannot shake the blues.

The solution can be as simple as eating a banana.

Nuts, like almonds, are

Healthy travel snacks also beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight. The fiber, protein and fat content of

almonds means it only takes a handful to keep you feeling full and satisfied so you won’t have

the urge to overeat. Cashews are rich in iron, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and zinc.

They are also good sources of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and protein. People who eat nuts twice a week are much less likely to gain weight than those who rarely eat nuts.

Cashews are relatively high in “good fat.”

Pumpkin seeds with sea salt and lime (baked with olive oil) takes about 15 min to prepare.

The nutritive value of pumpkin seeds includes vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorus, protein, fatty acids, EFA, omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

Hummus is an awesome mix of chickpeas, tahini, garlic olive oil and lemon juice.

Tahini is a sauce derived from sesame seeds, and chickpeas.

Chickpeas are rich in protein, they do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats.

Mixed with cucumbers, which are mostly water and are low in calories, loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, and are an excellent source of hydration, make for a great snack.

Baked kale marinated in olive oil, lemon zest, sea salt, garlic and black pepper is another healthy option. Kale is the newest “superfood,” among health aficionados, and for good reason. Kale is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, K and phytonutrients.

Brazil nuts are very rich in protein and dietary fiber. Brazil nuts are a very rich source of omega-6 fatty acids that can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Add coconut, which is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and you have another great snack.

Yet another idea is raw honey and cinnamon baked oats, with cranberries and sunflower seeds. Oats are rich in essential dietary fiber, which can help improve your heart health. Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E, which plays a very important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Michelle Mitchum MPH, HHP, is a graduate of Morgan State University, (Baltimore, MD) and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, (New York). She has been featured on Fox Business News, Essence Magazine and is a contributing writer to Heart and Soul Magazine as well as other notable publications. In 2013 she founded the OrangeMoon Holistic Health and Wellness to empower people to make intelligent and informed decisions about their health and to introduce and educate clients on holistic lifestyle alternatives.

Because this is the year you’ll achieve your dream of homeownership.

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Insight News • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Page 9

COMMUNITY

My Titi (Aunt) Carmen

By Carmen Robles My paternal side of the family has always boasted their Spaniard roots downplaying any African connection.

My father’s sister, however, loved her Caribbean flair. She blended the African beat that permeates throughout the island of Puerto Rico with her fiery Latina temperament, bringing passion in all she did.

My “Titi” (Auntie) Carmen was the matriarch of our family and a very prominent figure in my young life. She successfully made the transition from the mountains of Puerto Rico to the cement world of New York. She was flashy and elegant, fashion minded, easily transitioning and adopting to the style of the era, the 1960s.

Mimi, as we affectionately called her, was a beautiful statuesque full figured woman.

I adored her and felt I was a mini her because I bore her name. I was fascinated by everything she did … but her transformation when she applied her makeup hypnotized me; a memory I carry to this day.

Growing up Pentecostal I was not exposed to the “outside” world, which included painted up women, but my Titi Carmen made sure I was aware of girly things and would often invite me to watch her put on her makeup.

She would start off by

shaving her eyebrows and drawing in new ones with exact precision arching them high like Lucille Ball on “I Love Lucy.” Carmen Robles Beginning (age 9) with a thick line above the bridge of her nose, narrowing as it approached the arch and then with a quick twist of her wrist she would trace a thin almost shadow like line that would become the tail.

Without missing a beat, she would repeat the same procedure on her other brow checking very carefully, making sure they were even, her eyes darting back and forth slightly tilting her head making sure they looked good from every angle. Satisfied she would continue her makeover process.

Next she would draw in a lunar (beauty mark) on the right hand or left hand corner of her upper or lower lip, depending on her mood; or she’d put the traveling lunar at the bottom corner of either eye. Wherever it went it gave her a different look, always more beautiful than the look before, I thought.

I especially loved watching her put on her lip stick.

“Una mujer siempre deviara tener su pinta liabo rojo.” A woman should have a red lipstick, my Titi Mimi

Titi Carmen (Mimi) would tell me as she uncapped a tube of lipstick; slowly turning the bottom part that pushed the waxy substance up and out, exposing a fire engine red moist coloring stick.

First she would pull her lips back over her teeth and starting in the middle top right, or top left again depending on her mood. She would then apply the red stain from the middle to the end and then start again in the middle going the other direction; back and forth again and again building a thick coat.

When satisfied she would bring her up her lower lip to meet her upper lip and pucker, smacking them together. The bottom lip drenched in the color transported from the upper one.

She would again bring out the tube and glide it across both the top and bottom lips, just barely going outside the natural lip line to give an illusion of bigger fuller lips, a very effective pre-Botox lip plumping injection; back and forth again and again building a thick coat.

She would then blot her lips on a tissue, napkin, piece

Ken (Antonio) Rivera, Illustrator of paper or sometimes on me; leaving a perfect set of red lip prints on my cheek.

A little Vaseline on her teeth to keep the red color from seeping into her lily white teeth completed the application …

tada.

My Titi Carmen was beautiful with or without her fake drawn in eyebrows, lunar and red lips.

A special “gracias” goes to

artist Ken (Antonio) Rivera who illustrated the painting that accompanies this piece.

He has a studio in Northeast Minneapolis and can be reached at kenneth.rivera@ mpls.k12.mn.us.

Brooklyn Center names Jeremy Hulke new fire chief Jeremy Hulke

Brooklyn Center has a new fire chief.

Jeremy Hulke will begin serving as the new chief of the Brooklyn Center Fire Department on July 18. He replaces retired Fire Chief Lee

Gatlin, Jr. and Interim Fire Chief Gary Hendrickson.

Hulke previously served as a Brooklyn Center Fire Fighter for more than 18 years including several years in leadership as fire captain and district fire chief. He

has an educational background in fire science, firefighting, emergency medical technician, emergency management and law enforcement.

The new chief will be leaving the Minneapolis

Police Department after working 14 years as a police officer. During his tenure as a police officer he worked in the areas of management support to information technology, the crisis intervention team and

emergency vehicle operations training.

As a police officer, Hulke earned the distinguished Medal of Valor for actions taken during the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.

EU

EU – also exists among many in the U.K. She said with the economic reaction to the vote, a new wave of fear has engulfed the U.K.; this time the fear of another deep recession.

“Britain went from the fifth largest to the sixth largest economy in just one day, so that’s scary to a lot of people,” said Njaka. “There’s a fear the economy will fall back to levels of 2008.”

Since the June 23 vote an overwhelming number of British citizens are calling for a second vote on the matter – something British Prime Minister David Cameron said is out of the question. The civil and economic

backlash of last week’s vote led Cameron to announce his resignation.

Here in the U.S. markets tumbled on the heels of the U.K. decision, dropping more than 900 points in three days.

Some of those losses were regained on Tuesday when the market closed up 269 points and Wednesday, up another 285 points. Isaiah Goodman, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual, said while the latest round of market

volatility was unexpected it is not unprecedented.

“You’ve seen this (market downturns) in 2001, 2008 and we’re seeing it now. It’s just another thing to ride out,” said Goodman.

Goodman said for those with short term needs, now could be a scary time to have money tied to the market, but he said he advises the vast majority of his clients to hold tight and ride out the volatility. “This is just a blip in the spectrum,” said Goodman.

One difference Goodman noted between downturns in 2001 and 2008 is how quickly the markets reacted to the latest global event.

“Today there’s this great availability to information. Even in 2001 with the terrorists attack, it took a while for the market to react. In 2008 it took a little bit, but now with Twitter and Facebook I think people were worried before they even knew what happened,” said Goodman.

From 1

Isaiah Goodman in England since 2006. “People are seeing now what they were

Brexit From 1 strength?

If Brexit must point Africans to anything, it is the pace at which democracy is being threatened in Europe, how poor countries like Greece are being further impoverished via their

Awards From 1 McFarlane takes extra pride in the award presented for the Insight2Health Challenge.

“The fitness challenge was personal for me,” said McFarlane. “Tyrone Minor and I got together and we talked about the need for Black people to live longer and live with an improved quality of life. This is about an ongoing shift; about all of us committing to lifestyle changes.”

McFarlane said he is excited to roll out the next phase of the Insight2Health Challenge this coming September.

Insight’s publisher said the awards are testament to great staff with a shared vision of community engagement.

“We have always been fortunate to have wonderful and talented people working on the Insight News/McFarlane Media team. Because of their hard work, we remain a trusted media

told were lies and that they were presented with skewed information.”

Njaka said those pushing an exit from the EU have been using what she called “Project Fear” to push their agenda. “So now people who voted to leave are saying they’ve been misled about what it really means to leave the European Union,” said Njaka. She said in addition to fear of Islamic immigration, a bias against those from Poland and Romania – Eastern European countries within the association with the EU and how the EU itself has become an anti-democratic institution, often meddling in domestic policies of member states. This means that the organic (local) hopes, dreams and aspirations of ordinary European citizens are routinely dismissed or ignored altogether.

Is this what Africans concerned about Brexit are

mourning? Or is it the myth of British exceptionalism, with its painful links to colonialism?

Perhaps it is the trade agreements – most of them kept in secret?

Maybe it is to stand in solidarity with the working class of Britain, which has borne the brunt of EU-imposed policies that have impacted negatively on their income and quality of life.

source. So, it’s a proud moment for all of us when, as a group and as individuals, we are recognized by our peers for producing stellar work,” said Insight publisher Batala McFarlane. “This further strengthens our resolve to best inform our community while creating meaningful partnerships that empower us all.”

Colbert said the award for his photography is extremely humbling.

“I always considered myself a writer first, but I have come to learn to use all tools at my disposal to present the best possible story,” said Colbert.

“I’ve come to appreciate what my lens captures … pieces to the story that the pen can’t adequately convey.”

Truly honored, Colbert said he wishes the circumstances surrounding his award-winning photography were different.

“Those pictures don’t happen if a young man didn’t lose his life … if another five weren’t shot; exercising their right to freely assemble,” said Colbert. “So I’m honored to

be recognized, but the biggest honor will come when issues such as this no longer dominate our landscape.”

The St. Louis American was the night’s big winner, walking away with eight awards, including Best Black Newspaper and Publisher of the Year, which went to its publisher, Dr. Donald Suggs. Other papers that received multiple honors were the Houston Forward Times, Houston Defender, Indianapolis Recorder, Philadelphia Tribune, Winston-Salem Chronicle, and The Final Call.

Founded 75 years ago, NNPA is the trade association of the more than 200 AfricanAmerican-owned community newspapers from around the United States. The Legacy Awards recognize media members affiliated with the papers for their works in news and community. The awards recognize the best in news, feature reporting, community engagement, entertainment reporting, sports reporting, photography and more.

Page 10 • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Insight News

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Parkwood Pictures Entertainment, LLC

Beyoncé

Link between art and activism illuminated at BET Awards

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor An interesting thing happened this past week during the BET Awards … the world was reminded that the B in BET stands for Black.

Sure we knew the network had Black programing and Black faces but let’s be real here, for a time what it was presenting was a caricature of Blackness and not a full depiction of the culture and condition of a people. Now some would – and rightfully so – argue that no singular network could fully present an accurate picture of a people so diverse. But for a few years – again, let’s be real – since the network was sold to Viacom and Debra Lee took over, BET has been a shell of its former self and a cultural joke, opting to focus on the E in BET – pure mindless entertainment.

Gone is all news programing.

Gone are the Ed Gordons, Tavis Smileys, Cousin Jeffs, Shelia Banks and so on. Twerking reigns.

For years the BET Awards (and BET HipHop Awards) have been three hour montages of buffoonery, plain and simple.

BET and its shows were heavy on entertainment and light on Black – to be more to the point, light on Blackness. BET was being made palatable to the masses. It was so palatable in fact that this year’s awards show was also broadcast on Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, VH-1, Logo and Spike. But following what happened this year, I’m not so sure Nickelodeon and the likes will be inviting the

neighbors over for dinner again any time soon.

For years, many in the Black community had quit checking for the BET Awards … and really for BET in general, but this year was different.

As hip-hop artist and activist Nick “Mastermind” Muhammad noted in a recent conversation, this year Black folks could hardly wait for the BET awards.

“With how (Billboard) did (the tribute to) Prince and being left out of the Grammys and ‘Oscars So White’ we were really ready to be able to honor our people in our space,” said Muhammad.

BET is our space, and in case anyone forgot that, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar reminded us from the very start of the program.

What struck me most about Beyoncé’s performance was the song choice. Beyoncé could have chosen to sing any song, but she chose “Freedom” – a soul-stirring anthem of Black struggle, Black pride and Black power. The megastar that has a legion of fans from all ethnicities opened with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words from his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, but Bey didn’t pull from the warm and fuzzy text.

She pulled from the part that most of us don’t know … the part some in white America would rather us never know.

She pulled from the “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes,

Black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of ‘Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.

Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’ … We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.”

Yeah, that text.

At any awards show in the past, that performance alone would have been the next day’s conversation. So too would have been the wonderfully done tributes to Prince – actually done by relevant artists who worked with or who were directly influenced and inspired by the icon. But the in the scheme of things they were just blips compared to what happened when Jesse Williams took the stage to accept his award for his humanitarian works in the wake of the proliferation of police killings of Black men, women and children.

I’m not sure if the powers at Viacom and white America as a whole … hell, Black America too … were ready for Williams to say what he said, but thank you Brother Williams for saying it. What he said was far more powerful than any line he could have ever delivered on “Grey’s

Jesse Williams Anatomy.” Someone must have been asleep at the switch when they allowed Williams’ mic to remain on.

“They would have cut his mic off and ushered him off the stage had he said it at the Oscars,” said Muhammad.

The “it” that he said is – and allow me to paraphrase – no longer will Blacks in entertainment be content with just entertaining. In 658 words he singlehandedly changed the E in BET from entertainment to enlightenment.

Now, more so than in the past few years, we’re seeing a blending of arts and activism. In the 1960s Harry Belafonte and Dick Gregory locked arms with Malcolm X. Similarly, today we have brothers and sisters such as Williams, Beyoncé and Lamar aligning with the brothers

and sisters in movements such as Black Lives Matter calling for … demanding … structural change.

Now the conversation has gone on and will continue of for quite some time, but it’s a worthy conversation to be had. Artists (and athletes) have a platform.

The question is how they use that platform. And more and more fans are demanding cultural accountability from the artists they support.

“Now with social media and the internet people can have direct contact with artists and they can ask: ‘why are you not talking about Freddie Gray (killed by Baltimore police), or Sandra Bland (dead after a police stop for failing to signal),” said hip-hop artist and cultural activist, Toki Wright.

Let’s be clear. The number

Creative Commons / Wikipedia (Applause2.0)

one job for an entertainer is to entertain. If an artist doesn’t entertain there is no platform … period. And not all artists should be required or obligated to speak on social issues. What Beyoncé, Kendrick and Williams did was out of choice, not obligation.

Entertaining is how the artist earns a living and speaking out can cost an artist dearly. And like Beyoncé’s husband once said, “I can’t help the poor if I’m one of them.” So when an artist does speak out and risks his or her standing among the Hollywood elite and major record labels, let’s make sure we are there to support that artist … even if he is “light skinned.”

But that’s a conversation to be had in a forthcoming commentary.

insightnews.com

Insight News • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Page 11

Movies return to the Capri

By Janet Zahn Movies are returning to the Capri Theater on a monthly basis.

The Capri, 2027 W. Broadway Ave., built in 1927, was one of 13 movie houses that once graced the neighborhoods of North Minneapolis.

Known first as the Paradise Theater, moviegoers were welcomed there for 60 years.

With such a rich history as a movie house, it’s fitting that regularly scheduled films are back at the Capri, thanks to a partnership with the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP Film).

“Our idea is to bring people

A vintage photo of Paradise Theater, now the Capri Theater. together and build a base of moviegoers who make it a point to come to the Capri on the first Thursday of every

Arguably the best spot in the cities to catch the fireworks, head over to St. Anthony Main on the 4th.

month,” said Craig Rice, MSP Film’s curator of the series.

Rice is a Northsider who sees this partnership not only from

his curator’s perspective but also as a neighbor. “We may screen something familiar or something that’s not –

but whatever we present, it’s going to be good and well worth your time.”

Susan Smoluchowski, executive director of MSP Film, agrees.

“We are thrilled to have an opportunity to bring films that you won’t find on other screens in the region, representing a variety of cultures and experiences that we believe will resonate with our audiences at the Capri,” said Smoluchowski. “First Thursday Films also gives us a chance to introduce new patrons from around the Twin Cities to the community treasure that is the Capri, and offers us an exciting new platform from which to exhibit our unique film series,

renowned teacher and author, David Mura. The event is free and open to the public.

Anthony Apollo

Saturday, July 9

Tuesday, July 5

HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE PLAY For the Love: A Community Celebration 2016 Bedlam Lowertown 213 4th St. E., St. Paul All ages Free

Disney’s “The Lion King” Orpheum Theatre 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.

(Runs through Aug. 7) $61-$234

July 4 - 10

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

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

Monday, July 4 FIREWORKS Red, White, and Boom St. Anthony Main 125 Main St. S.E., Minneapolis Dusk All ages Free

The award winning and record grossing Broadway adaptation of the Disney film returns to Minneapolis and runs through August.

Wednesday, July 6 SOUL/PERFORMANCE Adele Xcel Energy Center 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul $40-$150 Powerhouse singer Adele returns to the Xcel. ‘Nuff said.

Thursday, July 7

Fashion, Music, Art Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

21-plus Free before 10 p.m., $10 after Accomplished Minnesota born and Los Angeles based model, musician, painter and photographer, Anthony Apollo has worked with top companies such as Target, Best Buy and Ford Models.

He returns to the city for an all-star fashion show and concert with 12 musical acts including Buddah Tye, Sarah White, Loose Cannonz and Tufawon; with art by St. Paul Slim, David Kuntz and more.

FASHION SHOW/HIPHOP/CONCERT

Friday, July 8

Anthony Apollo’s

POETRY/READING

Loft Student Reading The Loft Literary Center 1011 Washington Ave. S., Ste. 200, Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

All ages Free This reading features students in The Loft Literary Center’s class for writers of color and Indigenous writers with

ACEntertainment presents this third annual event with performances by Lnjay, Mac Drakula, Khem Clan, Just Wulf, Mohs, Lifted Mindz, Ansaya YahYah, Sake Red, Pilot Johnny, Chantel SinGs, Tae Supreme and Finding Novyon.

Additional music supplied by Frank Castle and DJ Keezy.

Sunday, July 10 HIP-HOP/CONFERENCE/ PERFORMANCE

including “Black Cinema: Under the Skin,” showcasing films by Black filmmakers from around the world.”

First Thursday Films also feature “talk-backs” at the end of every movie.

“These conversations add insights and perspectives that set this film-going experience apart and make it even more worthwhile,” said James Scott, director of the Capri.

Movies coming to the Capri include “12 Years a Slave” (July 7), “Car Wash” (Aug. 4) “Middle of Nowhere,” (Sept. 1) and “Dear White People,” (Oct. 6), which was filmed in the Twin Cities.

The Village of Hip-Hop Gathering Generations Pillsbury House Theatre 3501 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m.

(Also July 9) Free U.M.A.H.H. and Truth Maze hosts this event filled with art displays, panel discussions, performances, film and more celebrating hip-hop.

ART SHOW/PARTY Juan Andre Reed Art Showing 995 University Ave. W., Ste. 217, St. Paul 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Juan Reed, winner of the “Project Purple,” an art contest representing Prince inspired art, will have his work on display along with others, including that of his twin sister, Yvette Michelle Reed, who will be displaying custom handmade jewelry and paintings by Brittany Moore.

Page 12 • July 4 - July 10, 2016 • Insight News

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