Insight News ::: 7.12.10

INSIGHT NEWS July 12 - July 18, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 31 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

2010 graduating class with the instructors and administrators from Local 49 and Summit Academy OIC.

Courtesy Local 49

Protest, planning, negotiation and hard work net workforce opportunity

Summit Academy graduates ready for Hiway Heavy jobs Summit Academy OIC in partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 last week graduated the first class of students to participate in their groundbreaking joint heavy equipment operator training program.

Workers graduated in ceremonies at the Local 49 Training Center at 40276 Fish Tail Road in Hinckley, MN. The milestone event is hailed as a payoff for two years of tough negotiating, protesting, planning and countless hours of hard work

by SAOIC, HIRE MN advocacy network, union and school administrators and students.

Students spent the first 15 weeks of the 20 week program in classroom instruction at Summit

File Photo

Louis King, CEO, Summit Academy OIC

Academy, Olson Highway Campus in North Minneapolis.

The last five weeks of the program were spent at the Local 49’s state of the art Training Center in Hinckley, operating

the equipment that apprentices typically operate when they first enter the industry.

“Becoming an operator requires a lot more than showing up on a job site willing to work,” said Gary Lindblad director of training for Local 49. “Operators must have proper training and certification to get in the seat of a dozer, backhoe or crane and work safely and effectively.”

“This training is like no other being offered locally, and it gives our students – many with difficult backgrounds and upbringings – the tools they need to succeed,” said Louis King, President of SAOIC. To join this heavy equipment operator program, interested students had to meet requirements

that the State of Minnesota has put in place to become a Local 49 registered apprentice, including a high school diploma or GED, and a passing score on the Ramsay Skills Test, which evaluates basic math proficiency.

“Our doors have always been open wide to women and minority community members, but we wanted to go the extra mile to ensure more people knew how to enter Local 49’s apprenticeship program,” said Glen Johnson, Local 49 business manager. “While many people talk about inclusion and a diverse workplace, we have gone beyond talking, and are taking real action to address this issue in

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Harkus replaces Williams as Hire MN lead organizer Community organizer Alessandra Williams leaves HIRE Minnesota at the end of July to pursue her doctorate Suluki Fardan at Alessandra studies U C L A .

Williams Northside resident and activist Marcus Harcus this month has been hired to carry on the work of coordinating the HIRE

Minnesota campaign.

Wi l l i a m s announced she will study Dance and African American History in the File Photo Culture and Marcus Performance Harkus PhD program at the University of California Los Angeles. “Although I will

ORGANIZER TURN 3

Sonny Anderson, 1948 - 2010: A pioneer for justice Funeral services for Fred Lewis “Sonny” Anderson, Jr., were June 24th at Greater Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in North Minneapolis with burial following at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and repast at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church .

Sonny Anderson’s passing occasioned a reading to the record in the U.S. House of Representatives. Minnesota Fifth District Congressman Keith Ellison paid tribute to Anderson saying, “Madam Speaker: It is with great sadness I rise today to mourn the passing of my friend and Minnesota criminal defense investigator, Fred Lewis “Sonny” Anderson Junior.

“Sonny was born and raised in Minneapolis and graduated from North High School in

1966. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where he majored in criminal justice. He served his country in the United States Army from 1968-1970, and later served his community for 25 years as a Criminal Defense Investigator with the Legal Rights Center in the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office. Sonny was an avid sportsman, and was a loving and loyal father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend,” Ellison said.

“Sonny was the Chief Investigator during my tenure as Executive Director at the Legal Rights Center in Minneapolis, MN. Through Sonny’s tireless and courageous work, many Minnesotans received high quality representation without regard to income or wealth.

File Photo

Sonny Anderson

Sonny’s pursuit of the truth was relentless. He stopped at nothing to find the elusive witness, document, or film footage for the sake of truth and justice.

Sonny always worked for the indigent criminal defendant, but he believed that the quality of justice his clients received was a barometer for the quality of justice to which everyone is entitled,” the Congressman said.

Independent workers:

Pharrell’s Philosophy

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Don’t lose steam this Summer

The “Desipicable Me” Interview

Ellison said Anderson “had a profound impact on his country, his community, his friends and family.”

Anderson, the oldest of six children, was born April 22, 1948, to Fred and Bernadette Anderson.

He attended Grant elementary school and Lincoln Junior High School, and graduated from North High School in 1966.

He was a member of the North High track team and participated in speed skating races at Lake Harriet. He attended the University of Minnesota where he studied criminal justice. He also completed legal coursework at Hamline University.

From May 1968 to May 1970, Sonny served in the United States Army. He was a Paratrooper in the First Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, NC. It was

during his time in the military that he seemed to develop a deep interest in legal rights. During his service he completed classes in military justice and the Geneva Convention.

Anderson worked on the Wisconsin Innocence project, and for the Hamline University Innocence Clinic.

He was a past member of the National Defense Investigator Association, a member of the America Legion, and a board member of the Circle of Discipline where he was known as “Brother Sulton”. He received certification from the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council in Uncovering Reasonable Doubt, Ethics and Critical Thinking, and Forensic Applications.

In 1985, he and his brother

Morial:

We need more civil rights warriors

PAGE 8

Eddie attended the Million Man March, an experience both called ‘‘life-changing.’’

Anderson worked for over 25 years with the Legal Rights Center and the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office as a Criminal Defense Investigator.

His easy rapport with people who were in trouble or seeking help for someone in trouble made him an effective investigator and earned him the respect of his colleagues in the criminal justice system.

In June 2004 he received the “Enriching the Workplace Award” in appreciation for his distinguished contribution in making Hennepin County a creative, caring, effective organization that makes life

MORIAL TURN ANDERSON TURN TO TO 33

Mr. T’s Sports Report

Africa already won with the FIFA World Cup

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Page 2 • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Insight News

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Letter to the editor: Transit for livable communities To the Editor: We are writing in response to your June 25 article about the launch of the Nice Ride bicycle sharing program. Bike Walk Twin Cities, a program of Transit for Livable Communities, administers the Minneapolis location of a federal nonmotorized transportation pilot program to increase bicycling and walking and decrease driving. One of our strategic funding goals is to address

cultural and economic gaps and improve access for underserved communities. We will continue to work with stakeholders and partners—including Nice Ride—to expand the network for bicycling, walking, and access to transit for a wide variety of users.

BWTC projects impact neighborhoods mentioned in your article. Here are a few highlights: • In Ward 5 in North Minneapolis, bike ways will extend along N. Fremont and

Emerson Avenues from North 44th Avenue to Plymouth Avenue, creating a new northsouth route for cyclists. Bicycle/ pedestrian projects also are under consideration along Glenwood Avenue and are in progress along 7th Street and 10th Avenue North as well as along Plymouth Avenue North and 8th Avenue NE. • In the Stevens Square, Loring, and Whittier neighborhoods, new bike ways are coming on 1st Avenue South

and Blaisdell Avenues.

• In Ward 8, the new Riverlake Greenway bike way will extend from I-35W east along East 40th and 42nd Streets to bike paths along the Mississippi River.

• The City of Minneapolis administers an extensive bicycle parking program, but the demand is still not met. An influx of $200,000 into the program from BWTC will provide additional bike racks throughout the City, including in Ward 5.

• The Bike Walk Ambassadors,

funded by BWTC, provide free classes and presentations about how to bike and walk more and drive less. They work closely with communities of color and immigrant communities, especially in five targeted geographic areas including N Penn/ Cedar Lake Trail/ Luce Line Trail corridor.

In addition to the work of Bike Walk Twin Cities, Transit for Livable Communities continues to advocate for expanded transportation choices for all Minnesotans. We are working along the Bottineau corridor as part of the Northside Residents Transportation Working Group and the Northside Transportation Network.

We encourage your readers to participate in transportation decision-making in their neighborhoods. We also invite them to call us (651767-0298) or visit our web sites (www.bikewalktwincities.org,

2.bp.blogspot.com

www.tlcminnesota.org) to find out more about Bike Walk Twin Cities projects and Transit for Livable Communities’ on-going work .

Barb Thoman Acting Executive Director Transit for Livable Communities Joan Pasiuk Program Director Bike Walk Twin Cities

Business loans available for returning veterans Returning military veterans who want to launch their own businesses in Minnesota may be eligible for new interest-free loans under an expanded and renamed program administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Department (DEED).

The Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program will make loans of up to $20,000 available to veterans recently separated from military service who are seeking financial help for starting small businesses.

“Veterans have successful track records as entrepreneurs, having developed leadership abilities and other skills in the military that are essential for running a business,” said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy.

“Veteran-owned businesses create jobs in Minnesota and contribute to the growth of our economy.”

Previously, the program was known as the Military Reservist Economic Injury Loan Program, which provides no-interest loans of up to $20,000 to businesses

that suffered financial hardships because of the temporary loss of essential employees (including business owners) to military service.

The economic injury loans will continue to be offered under the expanded measure, which was signed into law by Gov. Tim Pawlenty this spring.

Under the program, loans must be paid back in 54 months, with no repayment in the first 18 months, followed by equal monthly payments over the remaining 36 months.

Further details on the program, including eligibility requirements, are available on the DEED website at www.tinyurl. com/veteransloanprogram.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com.

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Insight News • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Page 3

BUSINESS Independent workers: Don’t lose steam this Summer Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com There’s the beach. And the kids underfoot.

Concerts, cabins, movies in the park.

Summer brings out the fun in all of us. But is it costing you professionally?

More than ever, people are moving out of traditional offices and into results-only work environments; some have gone the entrepreneurial route and have only themselves to report to. If summer finds you

slacking, read on. It’s time to rework your approach to work and make the most of your time both on and off the clock. By knowing your goals and taking a realistic approach to your capabilities, you can keep your career moving forward in spite of all the distractions.

Writing out goals is a good idea tactically. However, long term goals such as, “Buy a sports franchise,” are often so far out of reach that people simply put off the tasks required to get there. The best approach to summer goal setting is to get into the Just One Thing habit.

Getting intimate with short term goals allows you to accomplish tasks in small steps. Choose something you must do today in order to move toward bigger objectives. You will complete

Matueuz Stachowski

more than that one task, of course, but you will know that as busy as you’ve been, you have accomplished something important. Just name one thing, do it, and cross it off your list.

Then name something else.

Are certain times of day more energetic for you?

Capitalize on high energy times of the day or week and plan around them. Make and keep appointments during these hours, either with clients or with yourself and dedicate yourself to maximizing the time.

Get out there. A phone call is over the moment we hang

up. Meeting people in person requires planning ahead and making a time commitment, but the result is worth it. You might forget a text message or email, but you are more likely to recall a live conversation several days after it happens.

In-person meetings keep your mind focused and your professional skills sharp. Go out of your way to meet people during your peak performance times.

Overcommunicate.

Especially during the summer, with co-workers and customers taking disparate vacations, communication can collapse and cause a slowdown in accomplishments.

Develop a reputation for writing everything down. You will save precious time at work by referring back to your notes

when the person who assigned a task or placed an order is out of pocket.

Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously. Schedule time for work – and time for play.

Tickets to a game or show force you to leave your work behind for a finite time. You will come back to your desk refreshed, but not disconnected from your projects.

Don’t lose steam during the dog days of summer.

Good planning will keep you progressing all year round.

Julie Desmond has fifteen years’ experience in recruiting and staffing.

She currently leads Career Planning and Job Search workshops in Edina, MN. Write to Julie@ Insightnews.com.

Sam’s club offers business loans to minorities, women, veterans Existing small business owners and entrepreneurs with hopes of starting up continue to seek access to capital in the form of bank loans, yet are still struggling to land credit.

Only half of small businesses that tried to borrow last year got all or most of what they needed, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. In the mid-2000s, 90% of businesses said they got the loans they needed.

To help support small business and its business members, Sam’s Club has announced that it is testing an online program with Superior Financial Group, the Nation’s leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, which would make $5,000 to

$25,000 loans available to its members who qualify. In a November 2009 state of small business survey conducted by Sam’s Club, nearly 15 percent of its business members reported being denied a loan to run their operation, up from 12 percent in April 2009.

The Sam’s Club small business loan pilot will focus on serving Main Street minority, women and Veteran owned small business owners as well as micro-entrepreneurs under the SBA’s Premier Outreach Express products such as Community Express, Patriot Express and Export Express loans.

Sam’s Club members who apply for a small business loan online during the pilot will receive a $100 off the application

Organizer

my work with HIRE Minnesota will greatly inform my graduate studies,” Williams said.

She thanked coalition members and friends for the inspiration, support, and encouragement and challenged them to “continue to show leadership in our local communities, make systemic changes for our state, and be an example to our nation of a campaign helping to lift people out of poverty, reduce racial disparities, and contribute to healthier communities for all.”

Harkus was formally trained by the Organizing Apprenticeship Project in 2003, but he has been involved in grassroots community organizing since 1995 when he was a Patrick Henry High School student challenging structural inequities that perpetuated the racial academic achievement gap.

In 2007-2008 Harkus managed a community visioning project for Northeast Minneapolis. During the past year he has been organizing with the Northside Community Reinvestment Coalition, focusing on foreclosure prevention efforts, including door-to-door outreach, community-lender negotiations for mortgage loan modifications and legislative advocacy.

The HIRE Minnesota coalition organizer position will continue to be housed at the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability. Williams and Harcus will work together until Williams’ departure at the end of July.

From 1 miss working with all of you,” she said in announcing the career development decision, “I strongly believe that this is a time of celebration and gratitude for the things we have accomplished this year. The energy, compassion, and power of this coalition has changed my life. As I look back on the progress we have made towards ensuring green jobs and hiring equity for low-income people and people of color, I am simply amazed.”

“A community voice of hundreds united in last year’s town hall meetings at the Urban League, Lao Family, American Indian Center, and Sabathani.

This coalition was powerfully present at our April 20 Capitol Rally where we demanded that our legislators ensure green jobs be accessible to all communities.

We stood victorious when we secured $2.5 million in green jobs training and energy efficiency outreach in the Energy Programs Act. we protested, rallied, and marched to curb the tide of MnDOT’s 17 years of failure in meeting their minority hiring goals. Our state was investing $680 million in the bonding bill so we created legislation to demand hiring equity,” Williams said.

“I am so proud, fulfilled, and thankful for the privilege to be part of HIRE Minnesota’s successes. Without question,

Anderson

From 1 better for all its citizens and the community. A letter from the Legal Rights Center, written in appreciation of Sonny’s 14 years of serve, contained this quote from the Executive Director: “Fred, your up-beat personality, street knowledge, superb investigation skills, and great sense of humor will be sorely missed by us all.”

Prior to his criminal investigative work, he worked for the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, where he specialized in employment and housing discrimination investigations.

When illness forced him to take a leave of absence from work, he began planning a career as a private investigator and was within months of receiving the certification he needed to begin taking on clients and opening his own office he planned to call ‘Anderson Private Investigations.’

Fishing was a passion.

He was notorious for never wanting to leave the lake until a ‘‘sufficient’’ amount, size and species of fish were in the bucket. Time had no meaning when he was out on his boat fishing, so if you were out there with him, time had no meaning for you either –– like it or not.

Many a nephew or grandson were indoctrinated into a love for fishing by ‘‘Uncle Sonny.’’

He’d buy the first pole, bait, the first worm, and help with the first cast, but after that you were on your own, his family said.

The family eulogy described Anderson as a serious bowler, golfer and backgammon player, known to place a heavy bet on his chances of coming out a winner. He got particular pleasure out of beating fellow league bowler Jason McGee, and backgammon opponent John Jefferson, out of every dollar in their pockets. Because of their close friendships, no hard feelings ever survived the day.

Family members said Anderson will be remembered

ANDERSON TURN TO 7

fee, a 20 percent discount and a 7.5 APR, which is 25 basis point discount. The terms of the

loans will remain at 10 years, which is common to help keep monthly payments low. There is

no penalty for early repayment.

Business memberships cost $35 annually at Sam’s Club.

For more information or to apply, visit: www.samsclub. com/sams/pagedetails/content.

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EDUCATION New Minneapolis school superintendent hopeful, excited Superintendent Column

By Bernadeia Johnson As your new Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, I am extremely hopeful for the future and excited to lead our efforts to raise academic achievement for all students. I

believe more strongly than ever that our top priorities lie in narrowing the achievement gap and offering all of our students a high-quality education that prepares them for college and/ or a career.

During the summer, we are busy. We are working to find new ways to increase student achievement. Summer is a wonderful time to make learning fun and interesting for children. Summer school classes began June 28. Our summer school programs for

elementary and middle school students target the areas of reading and math through an exciting new curriculum: Seeds of Science, Roots of Reading.

The summer programs we offer also incorporate activities such as canoe trips and visits to local parks and museums. The courses accelerate learning, expand vocabulary and provide students with a hands-on approach in the classroom.

Families play a critical role in their child’s academic progress and learning does

not stop during the summer months. Parents can turn regular activities into learning opportunities each day. Ask your child questions and listen to his or her thoughts or explanations. Invite your child to read a recipe, measure laundry detergent or count change at the store. Read with your child every day. Visit a nearby library and find books that your child will enjoy.

Simple efforts can keep your child on track toward academic success.

The importance of the SATs and PSATs

By Julian Butler Many colleges and universities require a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT for admissions. The reason colleges and universities require these tests is to have a consistent way of measuring students who are applying to the school.

The Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT, is usually taken your junior and/or senior year. It is better to take it your junior year so that you can re-take it if you don’t like your score and want to improve it. This test, most of the time, is a major part of your overall college application. To help prepare for the SAT, students take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or PSAT. This test is

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offered every October, and can be taken your freshman, sophomore, and/or junior year. The SAT occurs from October to June (check http://www.collegeboard. com/ for specific dates).

The American College Test or ACT, like the SAT, is usually taken your junior and/or senior year. There are differences in the tests including the point structure.

The most commonly stated difference is that the ACT is a content-based test while the SAT tests critical thinking and problem solving. The ACT occurs from September to June (check www. actstudent.org for specific dates).

Most students focus on the SAT or ACT for college and don’t really think about the PSAT. As a matter of fact, many of you are probably thinking what is the use of doing well on a test like the PSAT when colleges don’t even look at it? Simply put: college funding. The test and program are cosponsored by College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. There are contests based off of the PSAT that reward many scholarships to students that do well on this test during their junior year. The National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Scholarship

Service, and Telluride Association all have their own awards for students who do well on these tests. The test can also give you a taste of where you are with other college bound students as well as give you an idea of what the SAT is like.

The SAT is obviously very rewarding because a good score can help you get in to the college of your choice. For example, this past year’s incoming freshman class at Carleton University in Northfield, MN, scored a 650-699 on the math SAT, 700-749 on the writing SAT, and a 750-800 on the verbal SAT. For the University of Minnesota, the average total SAT score was 1152-1354 based off of the math and reading scores. St. Thomas University in St. Paul has a total average score of 1070-1270 based off of the math and reading scores. This tells you what score you should strive to get if you are interested in these schools.

The ACT is just as important as the SAT. In some cases it is more important. You will want to check with your college of choice to know which test weighs more.

The test has four subjects: English, Math, Science, and Reading.

There is also a writing section that is optional. At Carleton

College, most of the students scored between 31 and 36. At the University of Minnesota, the ACT range was 25-30. At St. Thomas University, the score range was 22-28.

The ACT, SAT and PSAT are important tests that shouldn’t be taken lightly. They can give you great scholarships for the college of your choice and even back you up to get into the college of your choice. Preparation is needed for these tests and it is needed early.

You can prepare for these tests a number of ways, including ACT Online Prep (www.actstudent. org), SAT practice (http://sat. collegeboard.com/practice) , and Princeton Review (http://www. princetonreview.com/). Also talk to your school counselor about test preparation programs and which test may be best for you.

HIRE

Veterans Memorial Park in Richfield and marched to the Ames-led construction project on Highway 62.

A recent report released by the Economic Policy Institute revealed that Blacks in the Twin Cities are more than three times more likely to be unemployed than whites. Additional reports show the state of Minnesota has the second worst record on both Latino and African-American employment.

HIRE MN said the state aggravates the situation by awarding millions of taxpayer dollars to a contractor that not only fails to meet its minority hiring goals, but repeatedly fails to take the minimum steps required by law to recruit workers of color.

To see a list of organizations involved in HIRE Minnesota, visit http://www.hiremn.org.

From 1 a responsible manner that will benefit the union, the contractors, and members of the community.

“This type of program was long overdue; traditionally men and women raised on the family farm joined Local 49 for a more secure future with better health care and pension benefits. As our state’s landscape has changed, we have had to find new ways to recruit new workers interested in a career in our industry,” he said.

The graduation at Hinckley follows direct action protests earlier this month by HIRE Minnesota, an environmental and workforce justice advocacy

Production Intern Andrew Notsch Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Technology Reporter Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott 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.

Courtesy Local 49

Summit Academy trainees receiving in-class instruction network, founded and led by Louis King, which protested Ames Construction’s being awarded more contracts from the State of Minnesota even though it is breaking state laws by failing to comply with hiring statutes.

HIRE Minnesota, a coalition of more than 70 community organizations, promotes public investments that can jump-start the economy, provide access for all people to jobs, training and living wages, and that support healthy communities.

HIRE Minnesota protested Ames Construction’s unfair hiring practices, and charged the firm has been out of compliance with state law since 2006. HIRE MN said Ames Construction continues to receive major state contracts and is now a finalist to receive Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) contracts.

Ames Construction has received a number of major state contracts, including being the lead contractor on the $288 million reconstruction of Highway 62.

Every year since 2006, Ames has been cited for not completing the state’s minimum requirements for recruitment of workers of color.

HIRE Minnesota leaders staged the worksite protest at

Ames, which is one of the largest general contractors in the nation, has been under a corrective action plan with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for its hiring practices since 2006.

And despite year after year of failure, this contractor received one of the largest construction contracts in state history for the Highway 62 project, said HIRE MN. Ames is one of the top three finalists to receive a contract to build out the $1 billion Central Corridor LRT line.

“Is the state going to continue to reward Ames Construction for failure, or will the company finally be forced to follow the law?” HIRE MN leaders said in a press release announcing the protest action.

“Minnesotans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent. Ames Construction must be held to the same standards as other contractors if the firm wants to continue to profit from our public investments. No more contracts should be awarded to Ames Construction – or any other contractors -- until they demonstrate a commitment to allowing people of color access to a fair share of the jobs,” HIRE MN said.

Julian Butler is a soon to be sophomore at Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek, GA. He wants to be a journalist and recently attended the Journalism Rockstar Academy at the University of Georgia, where he was sponsored by CNN. He enjoys long distance running, playing jazz piano and playing video games.

We are also already preparing to welcome students back to school. The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is August 30 and the first day of school for our new kindergarten students is September 1. I am confident that 2010-11 will be an exceptional year. We are working hard to make every school a great school. Our focus is on “Connecting for Results.”

That means every classroom has an effective teacher, every school has a strong principal

and every staff member shares the same high expectations for all students. We will do whatever it takes to help your child be successful in school.

Next month, I will share information to help your family prepare for the new school year. Please call us at (612) 668-1840 if you still need to enroll. We are happy to help you find the right school for your children.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer. We look forward to seeing you in the fall.

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AESTHETICS Pharrell’s philosophy: The “Despicable Me” interview Film Review

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Pharrell was born on April 5, 1973 in Virginia Beach, VA, the eldest of three sons to bless the union of Carolyn and Pharoah Williams, a schoolteacher and handyman, respectively. At the age of just 12, the aspiring musician started playing with Chad Hugo, a kid he met over summer vacation at band camp.

They formed a group called The Neptunes which was discovered while still in high school by the legendary Teddy Riley who signed the pair soon after graduation.

Since then, Pharrell has embarked on an enviable career, both as a member of The Neptunes, Child Rebel

Soldier and NERD and as a solo artist. Furthermore, the triple Grammy-winner’s singing, performing and/or producing services have been sought for recordings by everyone from Beyonce’ to Jay-Z to Ludacris to Madonna to Mystikal to Lupe Fiasco to Snoop Dogg to Shakira to The Game to J-Lo to Britney Spears to Babyface to Usher to Busta Rhymes, to Gwen Stefani to Nelly to P. Diddy to NSYNC and to Fabolous.

As busy as he’s been kept by the entertainment industry, Pharrell still found time to launch the Billionaire Boys Club, a luxury fashion line of clothes and accessories. Here, the versatile talent talks about his latest venture, branching into cinema by scoring the soundtrack of Despicable Me, a 3-D animated adventure revolving around a diabolical villain determined to steal the moon.

Kam Williams: Hey, thanks for the time, Pharrell.

Pharrell: Thank you.

KW: Let me start off with a question from FSU grad Laz Lyles who would like to know what it was like creating the score for this animated feature?

P: I can’t remember the last time that I was doing something creatively that I hadn’t mastered yet, in the sense of familiarity. Mastering, meaning understanding the concept of how it worked. This was something that was brand new, that I’d never done before.

This was so new to me, it was like “Whoa!” It was like the next level.

KW: Laz wants to know what’s been the most unusual sonic inspiration or everyday sound that you’ve incorporated into your music?

P: That’s the thing, I like to use a lot of everyday sounds in my music.

KW: Nick Antoine asks, what struggles have you had to deal with in your career?

P: I don’t know that there were any struggles. I’m too

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Pharrell Williams

thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to complain about anything.

KW: Nick also asks, what are some of the tools that you would attribute to your success?

P: Education, first and foremost.

KW: You’re a person that a lot of people turn to for help producing their projects. Who is it you rely

on when you need support?

P: I look to my family for support.

KW: Are you interested in pursuing further film work?

P: Sure! I’ve learned a lot from it, and it’s made me happier as a person.

KW: Which fellow hip-hop producers are you really into right now?

P: Oh man, there are so many of them. I really love what Hi-Tek has been doing recently. There’s a lot of them.

I really love Diplo. I think he’s super talented.

KW: Larry Greenberg says, “I love that you are a Star Trek fan like me. Which character is your favorite?”

P: I’d say Spock, but now everybody’s on him, so, like, cool.

KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman says she saw you perform several years ago at the Costume Institute Ball and that you seemed almost at one with the audience. She’s curious about what’s going on with you

in terms of art and sculpture.

P: Obviously, I put out “The Simple Things” project with Takashi Murakami. That was a great success, and we’ve done two “Chair” series which have really been fun. And I have a couple of upcoming art projects that I’m working on at the moment.

KW: Yale grad Tommy Russell asks, “What do you think the chances are that BP will stop the oil leak?”

P: I think the BP oil leak is probably a consequence of Murphy’s Law and I see it as a warning from the universe telling us to pay attention because the Earth is our home.

We’ve got to figure it out. If we don’t, we’re going to be in very big trouble.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

P: No, I’m content.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the

WILLIAMS TURN TO 10

The Steeles honored with 2010 Music Legacy Award The producers of the 2010 Minnesota Black Music Awards announce the selection of recipients recognizing contributions to music, arts, communications, business, education and community service. Prince, the father of The Minneapolis Sound and whose contributions to music is second to none and Minnesota’s first families of music, The Steele Family of brothers and sisters J.D, Jearlyn, Jevetta, Fred and Billy Steele are slated to receive the first 2010 MBMA Life Time Achievement and Legacy award commemorating thirty years of music excellence.

Additional 2010 MBMA recipients include Ray Seville/ local events promoter, Dee Henry Williams/KFAI Blues Announcer, Walter “Q Bear” Banks/KMOJ Tim Wilson/ Proprietor Urban Lights Music, Lowell Pickett/ The Dakota, HSRA/High School Recording Arts, T.Mychael Rambo/Artist-Actor, Gary Hines/Music DirectorSounds of Blackness and Mint Condition/Band Paris Bennett, nationally known finalist on the fifth season of the American Idol, joins Mint Condition, The Sounds of Blackness, The Ladies of Jazz, Heiruspecs, The New Congress and host T. Mychael Rambo to celebrate the legacy and spotlight the Twin Cities music scene. The celebration begins with a music symposium featuring Producer Louis Andre Fischer and other music experts discussing artist management, finances, health, production and marketing. A special VIP red carpet event will open the evening 6 pm July 16th at Seven Ultra Lounge Sky bar.

Program founder and producer, Pete Rhodes, said, “The 2010 MBMA awardees exemplify outstanding contributions and dedication to the preservation of music,

arts and leadership in our communities.

The 2010 Minnesota Black Music Awards takes place Friday July 16th 8pm at the

The Steeles

File Photo

Historic Pantages Theatre. Visit the official MBMA website at www.mnblackmusicawards. com for ticket information and schedules.

insightnews.com

Insight News • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Page 7

HEALTH Breast conservation therapy viable for Black women with cancer Special to the NNPA from the Louisiana Weekly (NNPA) - Breast-conserving therapy is a viable treatment option for African American women, although they tend to have more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis, according to researchers from Beaumont Hospitals, Royal Oak, MI. The study is available online now and will be in the July 15 issue of the journal Cancer.

The study, which reviewed the data of 699 women treated with breast conserving therapy --which means a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy instead of removing the entire breast-- at Beaumont from 1980 to 2003, found that African American women were younger and had

larger, more aggressive tumors at the time of diagnosis. As a result, they more frequently required chemotherapy and lymph node irradiation as part of their treatment.

“Breast cancer in African American women demonstrates a very distinctive clinical behavior compared with breast cancer in Caucasian women,” says Frank Vicini, M.D., chief of Oncology Services, Beaumont Hospitals, and the study’s lead author.

“Although the overall incidence of breast cancer in African American women is lower than in Caucasian women, breast cancer mortality rates are generally higher.”

It’s unclear whether these differences are related to disparities in socioeconomic status, access or use of advanced

screening or treatment techniques, or biologic differences in the disease in African American women.

“However, despite having more advanced disease, our results confirm the safety and effectiveness of breast conserving therapy in African American women,” says Vicini. “Our results are important because data on most cancer therapies are not as complete in minority populations.

These results should reassure African American women that breast conservation works just as well for them as other women and should remain an equal option in appropriately selected women.”

Nearly half of the African American women in the study were younger than 50 at diagnosis, compared with 26 percent of the Caucasian women;

GABCC.org

only 36 percent were diagnosed with stage I disease, compared with 61 percent of Caucasian women. Thirty-six percent had positive lymph nodes, of whom 18 percent had more than four, compared with 26 percent and eight percent for Caucasian

women.

African American women (26 percent) required more lymph node irradiation and systemic chemotherapy than Caucasian women (13 percent). Nearly 60 percent had chemotherapy, compared with 19 percent of

Caucasian women.

Treatment-related toxicities also were more severe, with more African American women reporting breast pain, arm swelling, and a lower percentage of excellent or good cosmetic results.

Beaumont comprehensive cancer program combines the expertise of Beaumont Hospitals with the knowledge and experience of physicians in the Beaumont Oncology Network, the largest group of oncology specialists in the state, to offer cancer prevention counseling, diagnosis and treatment in hospital and community-based settings.

The Beaumont Cancer Institute is one of only 50 Community Clinical Oncology Programs in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute.

Farmers Market unveils EBT program It’s been a ten-month journey to last week’s roll-out of EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) at the Minneapolis Farmers Market, but Communications Director Sandy Hill is grateful to see the program underway.

“The addition of EBT accessibility is a positive way to welcome more community residents into the market,” said Hill. The Market’s North Loop neighborhood has been underserved by supermarkets, leaving residents without

limited access to nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables. “We’re pleased that the community can use EBT benefits for fresh produce,” added Hill, “These consumers will have greater access to local and affordable healthy food options, resulting in positive health impacts.”

Planning for the EBT program began in 2009 in discussions with Minneapolis’ Homegrown Initiative.

The City is continuing its support.

Beginning July 15, the City of Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Center for Prevention will provide a one-to-one match of up to $5 for the purchase of EBT-eligible items.

Of the 250 members of the Central Minnesota Vegetable Growers Association, which operate the Market, 93 have been trained. Hill expects this number to grow as the season progresses.

Anderson

but something people may not have known about Sonny is that he was a fanatic bargain hunter. His favorite haunts were Discount 70, Opitz, and Brand Name Deals,” the eulogy read.

Sonny accepted Christ as a young boy and was baptized at the Glendale Seventh Day Adventist Church in Minneapolis. A committed and loyal father, son, brother, uncle, grampa and friend who was loved by many, Anderson died Saturday, June 19, 2010.

Sonny Anderson is survived by his father, Fred Anderson Sr.; wife, Dianna Anderson; children: Alicia Anderson, Tara Starks, Brandon Washington;

and stepchildren: Denise Palmer, Lisa Palmer, Patricia Green, Maurice Green, Angela Palmer, Robin (Ben) Smith, and DeeDee Brown; brothers Edward Anderson and Andre (Katherine) Anderson; special brother, Anthony (Kristen) Torres; sisters Sylvia (Donald) Amos, Patricia Anderson, and Linda Anderson.

He also leaves to mourn three grandchildren: Thunder and Dante Anderson, T’Aire “T-T” Starks, 17 nieces and nephews; close friends Ronnie Majors, Demetrius Clemmons, and John Jefferson; and a host of other relatives and friends. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother, Bernadette Anderson.

From 3 for his sense of humor and ‘‘witticisms’’ as well as for his unique moves on the dance floor.

His impeccable sense of style, spanned Afro-Dashiki to Afro-bell-bottom pants and platform shoes to European-cut suits and kidskin leather shoes.

He could be counted on to help with any kind of trouble –– with kids, spouses, significant others, and anything else. “We all knew his raucous laughter, quirky smile and comedic personality,

Page 8 • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Morial: We need more civil rights warriors

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) - Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, says despite the strength of modernday civil rights organizations and the fact that the NUL will celebrate its 100th birthday, there are still not enough civil rights warriors to bring about the level of Black progress that is needed.

“People should never be confused that we are somehow competing with each other; that we are somehow rivals to one another or that somehow we are doing the exact same thing with one another in the duplication of services. I would say that there are not enough civil rights organizations. There are not enough soldiers in the battle,” said Morial in an interview with the NNPA News Service.

Morial is gearing up for the 100th birthday of the National Urban League, which was founded in 1910 at the beginning of legalized segregation. The NUL celebration, to be held July 28-31 in Washington, D.C., comes on the heels of the 100th birthday of the NAACP last year.

The two are giants among several key civil rights organizations in

Courtesy National Urban League

Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League

2010. But even with their solid forces, African Americans are still struggling.

“I am constantly asked what is the distinction between the Urban League and other civil rights organizations,” Morial said. “We all share a mission. That mission is social justice and economic equality. That’s the mission and objective. But, we’re each unique in the way we work toward that objective. We all bring different things to the table.”

Describing some of the leading civil rights organizations, he said the NUL brings direct services to people, including help with job searches and skills, after school and early childhood services as well as public policy

advocacy for social and economic issues.

“The NAACP is much more of a policy and grassroots community mobilization effort focused on discrimination of all types. The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund is a public interest law firm; the National Action Network and the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition are grassroots advocacy organizations,” he described.

There is enough work for them all, he said – and then some.

“This recession and certainly the subprime crisis have cost us more economically than perhaps any other time in history except maybe the great depression.

Our home ownership rate has gone down by 3 percent. Our unemployment rate has shot up - nearly doubled. It has cost us a great deal, no doubt about that,” he said. “It’s where it will end up, we don’t know because now that we’re in a recovery, the issue is whether we’re going to be left behind.”

Despite the struggles that are obviously still ahead, Morial was clear about one thing: “We’re far better than we were a hundred years ago, we are far better off than we were 50 years ago, even taking into account the recession and the depression and the economic downturn,” he said.

When the NUL was founded, it was in direct response to the era of sudden disenfranchisement and economic struggles resulting from the U. S. Supreme Court’s approval of segregation in the 1896 Plessey v. Ferguson decision, establishing a Jim Crow stronghold across the South. The work of the organization, first founded in New York City on Sept. 29, 1910, as the Committee on Urban Conditions, became pivotal for African-Americans as many fled, migrating northward in hope of better lives.

According to the NUL’s official history at www.nul.org, “Those newcomers to the North soon discovered they had not escaped racial discrimination.

Excluded from all but menial jobs in the larger society, victimized by poor housing and education, and inexperienced in the ways of urban living, many lived in terrible social and economic conditions.”

Mrs. Ruth Standish Baldwin and Dr. George Edmund Haynes, who would become the Committee’s first executive secretary, are credited as being central to the organization’s founding.

Fast forward a hundred years later, the NUL now has 100 affiliates in 36 states, plus Washington, D.C. It has the same mission of fighting for social and

economic equality as civil rights.

“Nothing was more difficult and sinister than the betrayal after reconstruction, where the country had fought a civil war, had changed the constitution, had moved toward a society of participation and equality by African Americans and then in the 1890s and the 20th century, was wiped out by what I call American apartheid,” Morial says. “It was a massive betrayal.”

The aftermath of that betrayal remains in communities throughout the nation. But, the NUL is prepared to fight for as long as it takes, says Morial.

“Sometimes we are cynical because we’ve faced so much, so many barriers. But, I think we are so very keen about the idea of economic advancement toward economic equality because we are looking to the future,” says Morial. “A lot of the inspiration of Black people is the idea that they want the next generation to be better off.”

With registration running at least five times ahead of normal, as many as 3,000 to 5,000 people are expected at the grand celebration. An overall focus will be “reconnecting all the people that the Urban League has touched” from the past to the here and now, Morial says. The celebration will include a major

outreach focus with an effort to grow the organization. There will be a social mobilization platform, inviting people to join the NUL’s online communities, including Face Book and Twitter. “We’re asking old-timers and newtimers,” Morial said.

The first day will be focused on the first 100 years of the NUL with special guests including civil rights legends such as Vernon Jordan, Andrew Young, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congressman John Lewis.

The second day will focus on a younger more contemporary group. On Friday, the third day, there will be a massive volunteer community service effort encouraging participants to take off their suits and go out into the community and work, Morial said.

President Barack Obama has been invited to attend, but has not yet confirmed, he said. With all eyes on the White House during the economic downturn – especially the disparate impact on Blacks – an absence by the President would be glaring, Morial agreed. Besides, when he was a presidential candidate, he promised that he would attend, Morial recalls.

“We’re hoping that he will be there. It’s important for him to be there.”

Michael Steele comments draw ire of conservatives nationwide

Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers WASHINGTON (NNPA) Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele is once again in hot water. This time it is over comments he made about the U.S.’s role in the ongoing war in Afghanistan, which he called, “a war of Obama’s choosing.”

“This is not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in,” Steele said during a July 1 speech in Connecticut. “It

was the President who was trying to be cute…flipping a script demonizing Iraq, while saying the battle really should be Afghanistan. Well, if he’s such a student of history, has he not understood that you know that’s the one thing you don’t do is engage in a land war in Afghanistan?”

Steele’s comments have already drawn the ire of conservatives nationwide, including the 162 members of his national committee because Republicans and conservatives clearly support the war in Afghanistan, which was started

by President Bush. Steele has

Michael Steele, RNC Chairman

NNPA

begun a new round of damage control as calls for his resignation have arisen once more.

“As we have learned throughout history, winning a

war in Afghanistan is a difficult task. We must also remember that after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, it is also a necessary one,” Steele said. “That is why I supported the decision to increase our troop force and, like the entire United States Senate, I support General Petraeus’ confirmation [to oversee the war]. The stakes are too high for us to accept anything but success in Afghanistan.”

That is not enough for some.

Many say he needs to show his face in public and face the music.

“It will take more than an e-mail to 162 people,” Karl Rove,

former advisor to President George W. Bush, told Fox News.

“He’s going to have to take the public stage and take his licking there and say he misspoke.”

Some have gone further, calling for Steele’s ouster.

William Kristol, editor of the conservative publication The Weekly Standard asked for Steele’s resignation in a July 2 column that noted. “Your tenure has of course been marked by gaffes and embarrassments.”

Kristol wrote to Steele in the column, “You are, I know, a patriot; so I ask you to consider, over this July 4 weekend, doing an act of service for the country

you love: Resign as chairman of the Republican party ... At a time when Gen. Petraeus has just taken over command, when Republicans in Congress are pushing for a clean war funding resolution, when Republicans around the country are doing their best to rally their fellow citizens behind the mission, your comment is more than an embarrassment,” he continued.

“It’s an affront, both to the honor of the Republican party and to the commitment of the soldiers fighting to accomplish the mission they’ve been asked to take on by our elected leaders.”

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Insight News • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Page 9

Simone McIntosh competes for Miss Jr. Teen Minneapolis/St. Paul

Simone McIntosh

Courtesy of Simone McIntosh

Simone McIntosh of Brooklyn Park was recently selected to participate in Nationals’ 2010 Miss Jr. Teen Minneapolis / Saint Paul pageant competition that will take place on July 18, 2010. Simone learned of her acceptance into this year’s competition as Nationals, Inc. announced their selections on Monday afternoon. Simone submitted an application and took part in an interview session that was conducted by this year’s Minneapolis / Saint Paul Pageant Coordinator.

Simone will be competing in the Miss Jr. Teen division, one of four divisions that will have young ladies between the ages of 7 and 19 competing in modeling routines which include casual wear and formal

wear. She will also compete for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants. Most importantly, Simone will display her personality and interviewing skills while interviewing with this year’s Minneapolis / Saint Paul judging panel.

Personality is the number one aspect that each contestant is judged on during all phases of competition.

If Simone were to win the title of Miss Jr. Teen Minneapolis / Saint Paul, she would represent Minneapolis / Saint Parul and the surrounding communities at the Cities Of America National Competition that will take place in Orlando, FL. Over $60,000.00 in prizes

Donna Dempewolf leads inclusive congregation

Donna Dempewolf The Rev. Donna Dempewolf joined Living Spirit United

Living Spirit UMC

Methodist Church on July 1, 2010 as the new Pastor. Living

Spirit UMC is committed to serving all of God’s children by breaking barriers of race, class, ethnicity, and fear. The congregation is a culturally and racially diverse, inclusive community.

It was formed by the joining together of the former Asbury UMC and Oakland UMC churches in 2009.

“I’m looking forward to meeting neighbors and friends in South Minneapolis. Our diversity is a gift from God, something we must simply celebrate,” said Dempewolf.

“My life has been enriched by the people I’ve met along the way, especially those whose backgrounds differ from my own.”

Dempewolf is originally from Southeastern Minnesota, near Rochester, and has lived in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Boston, and Paris. After working for 3M Company for several years, she entered the ministry in 2005 and was ordained a full-elder in 2008. Living Spirit UMC is her second pastoral appointment.

Her first was White Bear Lake UMC where she served for five years.

Living Spirit UMC is located at 4501 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407.

Sunday worship service is at 10:30 a.m. The church hosts a free community meal each

Wednesday evening from 5:45 pm until 6:30 pm. All are welcome.

and awards will be presented at the National Competition while each winner enjoys the expense paid trip of five nights and six days in Orlando, FL. There is no cost to Simone for participating in the pageant competition.

Community busninesses, organizations, and private individuals will assist Simone in participating in this year’s competition by becoming an official sponsor to her. Though sponsorship, each contestant receives all the

necessary training, rehearsals, and financial support which will allow Simone to become a very confident and wellprepared contestant in this year’s Minneapolis / Saint Paul Pageant.

Any business, organization or private individual who may be interested in becoming a sponsor to Simone may contact her Mineapolis/ Saint Paul pageant coordinator, at 1-800569-2487.

Page 10 • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Dakota Jazz Club: A good place to unwind it. Rather than just going out, we experienced a memorable evening with great friends, good food, and remarkable musicians; this was money well spent.

If it has been awhile since you have had an evening out and you are still questioning if there is really room in your budget, ask yourself this question first: “Have I been wound up too tightly lately?” If the answer is yes, then it is time for you to invest in yourself. You’ll be so glad you did and so will your family and friends. Please resist

Style on a Dime

By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com Do you know Bruce Henry? Well you should-in the musical, sense, that is. I was just introduced to his talent about six months ago. He is this wonderfully versatile jazz singer who my husband and I --along with good friends-- had the pleasure of seeing a few Saturdays past at the Dakota Club. I wish you could have been there, too! It felt less like a performance and more like a party, where one of your dear friends just happened to be a world-class vocalist.

There was so much excitement, anticipation, and love in the air as Henry had us singing, clapping and dancing in our seats right along with him. It was my idea of a perfect (and healthy) ending to a long and busy week; unwinding in the presence of soul-stirring live music, good food, and good friends.

Our night out at the Dakota was very special for a few

Williams From 6 last book you read?

P: The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne.

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you listening to on your iPod? P: The last thing I listened to was Janelle Monae’s album.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

P: I see appreciation.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

P: Oh man… I think the

Bruce Henry performance

Courtesy of Njia Lawrence-Porter

reasons.

First, we had an opportunity to share our table with two couples with whom we had wanted to get together.

In addition, other good friends were there, as well as old friends from church, and many familiar faces. We had fun visiting with each other, introducing friends,

and taking pictures before the show started. Even our meal was great. (If you go soon, you must get the strawberry rhubarb crisp-the best I have ever tasted.) Next, I was struck by how Henry related to everyone in a very personable way. His family was present and some

friends/fans bought him one of his favorites, pecan pie, and he seemed genuinely grateful as he acknowledged them all. In addition, he appeared so proud to highlight his band members’ individual talents.

Trust me when I tell you that the l-o-v-e was flowing freely and we all felt

greatest gift one could have is more time.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

P: Spending time with my great-grandfather when I was about three-years-old.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

P: Warming up Cherry Kellogg’s Pop Tarts.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

P: I have one every day.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?

P: No. KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

P: Very.

KW: Here’s a new question I just got from Tavis Smiley.

Are you introspective?

P: I couldn’t imagine not being introspective.

KW: Also from Tavis: What do you want your legacy to be, and where are you in relation to that legacy?

P: I’m afraid I’m only a half a paragraph deep into a thousand-page book.

KW: Which of your many talents is your favorite?

P: All of them, as they all are vessels of expression.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

P: Feed your curiosity, and

remain a kidult forever.

KW: The Boris Kodjoe question: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

P: Having a connection with the kids who are the future deciders of life as we know it.

KW: The Laz Alonso question: How can your fans help you?

P: By building the NERD Army KW: How do you want to be remembered?

P: I don’t know. I’m not psychic.

KW: Thanks again for the interview, Pharrell, I really appreciate.

P: Thank you, sir.

the urge to put it on a credit card.

Instead, start stashing a little cash in an envelope or jar. Call it your “I’m-going-out-tonightfund.” By adding around $5 to $20 dollars each pay period, you’ll be ready to party in no time. Wherever you choose to go, remember to invite your fun (drama-free) friends only; you’ll have the most fun that way. Finally, make sure you check out Bruce Henry online or the next time he rolls into town www.bruceahenry.com/rec for a party. Enjoy!

insightnews.com

Insight News • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS Africa already won with the FIFA World Cup Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com If I’m not mistaken, soccer/futbol has just gained a new generation of fans through the display put on at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Obviously, you can count me in this group of new fans because not only do I want to watch more soccer (especially international competition), but I’m salty about quite a few things post-World Cup – you’re only salty if you care, so like I said, count me in.

Perhaps the biggest factor that has provided such a grand opportunity to engage with the Worlds’ most popular sport, is the setting; if you didn’t know the beauty of South Africa (and the whole continent for that matter), then like Biggie said, “…now you know, (Brotha).”

History was made, with this being the first World Cup hosted on the African continent in the tournaments’ 80-year history.

I’m thinking something’s not right about that, but everything seemed right, good and bad, in Pretoria and the several other tournament venues of South Africa. The vastness that could be seen and felt in the African background, made the event feel like the definition of its name. The venues all seemed ideal (at least on the ole’ HDTV), and I don’t care what most folks felt about

it, I thought the vuvuzela noise added both fun and intensity to the experience. Plus, I like to try and put my foot in others’ shoes, because if I was in one of those stadiums, I bet my last dollar I’d be a horn blowin’fool. On top of all of that, I was a fan of the simple fact that teams were successful from all corners, and countries, of the World – I would make fun of North Korea, but I suppose that would contradict my Kumbaya feelings about the whole event.

As the recent ESPN documentary special (“30 for 30”) displayed in telling the story of the Colombian futbol team of the 1994 World Cup, where the circumstances for one player were a matter of life and death, soccer is serious business around the World. The World is inhabited by a bunch of kids, old and young, so it’s only fitting that a simple sport like soccer might rule, as well as reflect the growth of the many World nations.

That good feeling also leads me to my salty side of the whole World Cup 2010 epiphany. To be successful in the World Cup means so much to the morale of so many ascending nations, that I just really hated the whole handball thing in the Ghana game (and those around me are sick of me woofin’). Now I can say this because I wasn’t a huge soccer fan before – and thus deserve a moment of complaint prior to accepting the fact that they ain’t changing the rules just for me – but that was weeeak, as the kids say. To compare, I make the ridiculous argument: what if while Michael Jordan was making his classic shot against

Asamoa Gyan of Ghana put on a great show in South Africa. the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals, one of the Utah players ran up and put his hand over the rim so the shot wouldn’t go in? That would be weeeak. It would be even weaker if they didn’t just give Jordan the two points for the goaltending offense, but rather had him shoot two free throws to earn the points instead. Naw man, that’s cheatin’.

It’s hard enough as it is to score points in soccer, and the

Uruguayan player goes and swats the ball away with BOTH hands! You have to watch the swish when someone shoots the ball over your head in basketball; you have to watch the baseball sail over your head and into the upper deck when someone hits a homerun on you as a pitcher; so when the Ghanaian Blackstars boot a field goal in your grill during the tense closing moments of the greatest match of the

Midtown Lady Monarchs win first ever AAU National Championship On Friday July 2nd, the Minnesota Midtown Lady Monarchs beat the Lousiana Pochatoula Hurricanes (55-29) to win the 2010 11U AAU Division II Girls Basketball National Championship title in Franklin, Tennessee out of 64 teams. The National Champion Midtown Lady Monarchs are coached by Tim Randle and Michael Winston Jr. www.midtownladymonarchs.org. Photos: Top left: 2010 AAU 6th Grade Champions. Top right: Tamira McLemore driving to the basket. Bottom: Olivia and NBA’s Jason Terry.

tournament… But like I said before, there are a whole bunch of little Ghanaian boys and girls who are salty right there with me!! And they’re drinking milk you see!!

These types of arguments will always come out of sports, and it sure won’t stop me from keeping a closer eye on the world of soccer. Across the United States I think that perhaps a tipping point population of people were

ig.com.br

captivated, just as I was, by the show put on in South Africa.

There are quite a few “Ghanaian Blackstars” of sorts all over the United States, though their last name might be Scott or Jordan.

Soccer balls are cheap. And as far as the wave of kids that could get scholarships in the big world of soccer, we could once again say it all started in Africa. Congratulations to the Motherland.

Photos by Daryl House

Page 12 •July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Haile Gerima’s “Teza” explores African culture, identity Teza, Haile Gerima’s dramatic and thought provoking Ethiopian cultural portrait highlights St. Anthony Main theatre’s summer lineup July 16th through 29th.

Even the best of intentions can be met with resistance if stemming from an outside source. This has never been truer than for Ethiopian national, Anberber, a Germaneducated doctor who returns to his homeland with naive idealism, only to be labeled an outsider. Set during the regime of the Ethiopian dictator Haile Mariam Megistu, Teza explores ideas of national identity and ethnicity within a deeply stirring and thought provoking setting.

When Anberber’s intentions of applying the most beneficial teachings of Western culture to his homeland are met with malice, he retreats to his childhood home in the countryside.

However, he soon comes to realize that his home no longer offers shelter from the country’s political turmoil, nor his turmoil stemming from within. As an exploration of worldwide social values, humanity, and ethnic disillusionment, Teza is a masterpiece of independent cinema, once again reminding audiences of the power of the big screen.

An Ethiopian by birth, Haile Gerima received his master’s degree in film from the Goodman School of Drama in

Director Haile Gerima Los Angeles. His film Sankofa, a 1993 debut, quickly became a phenomenon among African moviegoers. After an extended hiatus from film to return to his professorship at Howard University in Washington D.C., Gerima has burst back into the spotlight with Teza. Recipient of numerous awards including

Franco Origlia/WireImage

Best Film at the Carthage Film Festival, Teza has reignited discussions of racial identity, and ensured itself a significant life in the annals of film history.

140 min – Ahmeric, German, and English Language w/ English Subtitles – Unrated

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Events Sabathani Farmers Market Ongoing Every Wednesday, 3:306:30pm. @ Sabathani Community Center 310 E. 38th St. Mpls, MN 55409 Tel: 612827-5981 New Saturday African dance class with Whitney - NowAugust African Dance with Whitney.

Sat. 1-2:30pm $12 Jawaahir Studios 1940 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.

Midtown begins Tuesday farmers market - Ongoing Starting on June 1, the Midtown Farmers Market will be open Tuesdays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 2225 East Lake, the very same location as our Saturday (8:00

to 1:00) market. Experience Midtown’s new mix of vendors and wares—you’ll find your week’s worth of seasonal produce, a selection of arts and crafts, and delicious dinner or late afternoon snacks (gelato, pizza, hotdogs, doughnuts)!

Classic Black films at VOA Park Elder Center – Ongoing First and third Mondays of each month, 11 am - 12:15 pm. These films are free of charge and the public is invited. Popcorn, hotdogs and drinks are provided for a suggested donation of $1.

VOA Park Elder Center, 1505 Park Ave. Mpls. 612-339-7581, parkcenter@voamn.org Research Events For Old highland Neighborhood July You may be wondering “How does my home contribute to the

Stills courtesy of Minnesota Film Arts

Teza, Haile Gerima’s Ethiopian cultural portrait highlights St. Anthony Main theatre’s summer lineup.

PHONE: FAX:

story of historic Old Highland?”

Join Old Highland Research assistant Tammy Lindberg in researching the history of your home and others in the neighborhood. The findings will be posted to placeography.org.

Research Events: •Tues. July 13 5-8pm Minnesota Historical Society Library - 345 Kellog Blvd. W. St. Paul, MN 55102 •Thur. July 15 6:30-8:30pm Workshop/research party to look at Old Highland abstracts/HPC files/building permits/SHPO Files/Etc - at Neighborhood Housing Service (Basement) •Sat. July 17 10am-1pm Minneapolis Central Library - Special Collections - 300 Nicollet Mall, 4th Floor, Mpls, MN 55401 •Thur. July 22 10am-3pm Northwest Architecture Archives - U of M (West Bank)

612.588.1313 612.588.2031

612.588.1313

FAX:

612.588.2031

Dog park proposal meeting

The Galactic Double Feature: July 14 Break dancing, bluegrass music, and Mars Attacks! at Suburban World Theater 3022 Hennepin Ave, Mpls. Wed., July 14 at 8:30pm (doors at 8:00) $5. More information at www.

GalacticCowboyOrchestra.com

The Minneapolis Park Board will host a community conversation on a proposal for a dog park on Thursday, July 22,, from 7:00pm8:30pm at the Martin Luther King Park Rec Center, 4055 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis.

The Park Board currently has installed dog parks in 4 of its 6 park districts. One area not served by a dog park is south central and southwest Minneapolis.

Neighbors from Kingfield and Bryant neighborhoods have organized to request support from the Park Board for a dog park location in MLK Park. Three potential locations have been proposed: 1) The NE corner of the park (behind the tennis bubble and next to the pedestrian bridge over I-35W); 2) The SW corner of the park (along the soundwall near 42nd Street); 3) The NW corner of the park (at the corner of Nicollet and 40th Street).

The Park Board is hosting this community meeting to hear from all stakeholders to the park about the dog park proposal and the locations discussed to date. The Park Board has not yet taken any action on the dog park proposal or discussed it in committee to consider the proposal and hold a public hearing.

If you cannot attend the meeting and would like to learn more, please call the Minneapolis Park Board and your Park Board Commissioners at (612)-230-6400.

MPS New District Headquarters Design Overview - July 15 Minneapolis Public Schools and the Mortenson/Legacy team invite you to join us for an overview of the design for the new district headquarters to be built at 1250 W. Broadway Ave. Thurs. July 15 6:30-8pm at the Capri Theater 2027 W. Broadway Ave. Mpls.

EMAIL: sales@insightnews.com

EMPLOYMENT/HOUSING Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Substitute Teacher DEPT: Early Learning Center SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher participates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities. Assists with ensuring that the classroom is appropriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for each child.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities.

2.

Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy.

3. Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely managing developmental activities for the participants.

4. Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports.

5.

Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood development. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Minnesota Teachers’ License (preferred).

Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experience required.

Other Requirements: • Dealing with confidential information.

• Tight deadlines.

• Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager.

• Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines.

• Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org

ben@insightnews.com www.insightnews.com

213 Andersen Library 222 21st Ave. S. Mpls, MN 55455

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE:

EMAIL: ONLINE:

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Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: MN Forward

YOUTH HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION One Full-Time Position The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual to plan, implement & evaluate community based youth health promotion activities. Minimum Qualifications: Degree in community or public health, or related field; two years experience planning/ implementing health promotion programs; two years experience working w/community coalitions; 6 mos. experience with environmental & population based health strategies; one year experience working with youth; ability to communicate; able to work flexible hours; ability to arrange own transportation; computer experience. Starting Salary Range: $51,560 - $56,000 annually, D.O.Q., plus excellent benefits. Apply at: Human Resources Dept., 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, or call (952)563-8710. Visit our web site at: www.ci.bloomington.mn.us. All applicants MUST complete a City of Bloomington application, addendum and Veteran’s Preference form to be considered. Application materials must be received in the Human Resources Dept. by 4:30 p.m. July 22, 2010. The City of Bloomington is an AA/EEO employer.

2. State the address of the principal place of business: 3530 IDS Center, 80 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: MN Forward, LLC, 3530 IDS Center, 80 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statutes section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Charlie Weaver Date Filed: 6/16/2010

West Broadway Business and Area Coalition Executive Director The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition is seeking to fill the Executive Director position. The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition (known as West Broadway Coalition) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 neighborhood organization serving North Minneapolis and focusing on the West Broadway community. The West Broadway Coalition seeks to improve the vitality, livability and economic climate for businesses and residents on and near the corridor. The West Broadway Coalition is governed by a fifteen to nineteen member Board of Directors (BOD) representing business, neighborhood and residential interests. The West Broadway Coalition seeks diverse representation and leadership with in the organization.

The Executive Director (ED) represents an organization that stands for positive change through coalition building, cooperation between disparate stakeholders, innovative initiatives, and effective marketing of the area to a broader base. The ED should be passionate about working within this community. The ED oversees and implements the overall management of the organization. Within the parameters established by the BOD, the ED hires/supervises staff, oversees fundraising and organizational development activities, builds productive connections within the community, and represents the West Broadway Coalition in the broader community; and completes other duties as assigned by the BOD. For a full Executive Director Job Description go to: http://www.westbroadway.org/images/ED_Job_Posting2010.pdf To Apply: Send cover Letter, salary requirements, and resumes to Diana Hawkins, Board Chair, Diana_hawkins@cable.comcast.com Interviews will begin July 19th. No phone calls, please.

Insight News 7/12/2010, 7/19/2010

Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Deuce City S.W.A.G. Magazine 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 5656 Brookdale Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: DeSeandra Sheppheard, 5656 Brookdale Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Uhuru Epperson-Nyangweso, 5656 Brookdale Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: DeSeandra Sheppheard Date Filed: 6/29/2010 Insight News 7/5/2010, 7/12/2010

Program Assistant The City of Minneapolis is now accepting applications for the Program Assistant position with the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department. Primary duties include performing a variety of technical, clerical and administrative tasks. Requirements: Post High School education; Three years of related work experience and responses to specific screening questions. Fluency in one or more languages spoken by the City’s immigrant and refugee populations (such as Hmong, Lao, Oromo, Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese) or American Sign Language is highly desired. For more info and to apply online visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/jobs Applications accepted through July 19, 2010. An AA / EOE.

ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team is announcing a program for college Internships for the fall and winter. The program will consist of five teams of 5 interns each in the following areas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3) Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Business administration.

Each team will have a leader and be given challenging assignments.

We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits.

Interested Parties please send resume to: The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program 10125 Crosstown Circle #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040 www.minnesotablizzards.com

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Insight News • July 12 - July 18, 2010 • Page 13

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