Insight News ::: 7.13.09

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MINNEAPOLIS MN PERMIT NO. 32468

Twin Cities Carifest brings the rich culture of the Caribbean to the Mississippi Riverfront from 12 Noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 25.

Festivities include diverse music, food and dance, a costumed carnival parade, lively market and children’s activities.

The free-admission festival is located on West River Parkway between Plymouth Ave. North and W. Broadway Ave. in Minneapolis.

July 13 - July 19, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 35 No. 28 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Weatherization RFP not acceptable, legislators say RFP omits legislative language ensuring inclusiveness

By Al McFarlane Insight Editor-In-Chief Minnesota’s Legislative Black Caucus members say they will encourage Twin Cities area Community Action Programs to reject initial bids for the metro area’s multi-million dollar weatherization initiative because the language in the requests for bids did not mirror language in the authorizing legislation.

The authorizing legislation provides Minnesota over $100 million for weatherization of homes and includes dollars for training people to do the weatherization work. The Bill specifically required contractors to demonstrate inclusivity, meaning sub-contracting with firms owned by women, Blacks, and other people of color. The legislation specified training dollars and outreach marketing targeting underserved and historically excluded populations.

But that language was conspicuously absent from the Request for Bids issued by a consortium of metro area Community Action Programs.

State Representative Jeffrey

Moving the Covenant forward

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Michael Jackson State Rep. Jeffrey Hayden, DFL-61B Hayden, DFL-61B, said Community Action of Minneapolis, which serves Hennepin County, and, Ramsey and Washington

County Community Action Partnership need to look at the disconnection between what lawmaker signed into law and what

the agencies are actually doing and reject actions that could continue discrimination against and disenfranchisement of people of

Suluki Fardan

‘All that’s left now is his music’

color and women. Hayden was joined by State Representative

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RFP TURN TO 9

Black Press must lead on health care

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Courtesy of Terry Austin

Single father Terry Austin with one of his two daughters

The faces of men A tribute to the men who stand up

By Anika Robbins In 2000, single-parent households numbered over 12 million. Today, 14 million children under 15 live with single mothers and three million live with single fathers. Despite what the numbers, the media and/or overall assumptions suggests, those figures are shifting as more and more fathers are standing up....and being counted.

This series of profiles is about the men among us —some you know, some you don’t know— who day in and day out do what many do without ceremony....they’re there.

These men do dishes, they wash clothes and they bake cookies. These men pick up children from daycare, drop them off for practice and sell

concessions at little league games. These men read bedtime stories, buy school clothes, treat to Valley Fair, work on science projects, they raise other people’s kids, stay vigilant on countless others, and they say, “bless you” when they’re babies sneeze.

These men mentor, they coach, they call, they discipline...they care.

We hear so much about what men don’t do, what they could do better, or “if only we could only change them.” But yet, so many men are doing the best they can with the information and resources they have. In my life, I have been blessed to know ‘a few good men’ This series is a tribute to the brothers, the men who show up and stand up: these are the faces of men.

FACES TURN TO

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6 ways to add curb appeal

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (NNPA) The sight was all too familiar.

The PowerPoint presentation once again unveiled the obvious.

In nearly every category of negative health statistic, African-Americans led in every category – including death rates.

Yet, Blacks are among the rock bottom of Americans who are uninsured.

That is why Congressional Black Caucus representatives Delegate Donna M. ChristianChristensen (D-V.I.) and U. S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) appealed to the Black Press of America to continue aggressive coverage of President Obama’s health care plan that could make quality health care available to all America. After a long wait

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NNPA

U. S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and General Mills’ Diversity and Inclusion Vice President Kenneth Allen Charles were among speakers at the NNPA Health Town Hall meeting in Minneapolis. since the Clinton administration first tried health care reform more than 15 years ago, they say the miracle is almost here.

“Health care reform in America in 1994 was something

only hoped for. The health care reform bill is not just something that we hope is going to happen.

This is literally going on now.

HEALTH TURN TO

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Obama: Admission Possible program making a difference WASHINGTON, DC — President Barack Obama praised the work of Admission Possible at a recent White House event which highlighted innovative programs making a difference in communities across the country. Obama discussed the importance of searching outside Washington, DC to find and expand successful community solutions, and challenged foundations and philanthropists to join in this effort.

Obama singled out Admission Possible at the

ADMISSION TURN TO

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Have a dream and work the dream

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The legend Pete Souza

Jim McCorkell (center), Admission Possible founder & CEO speaks with the President. L-R: Admission Possible co-founder Chris Greenhow and Steve Goldsmith, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

that is Steve McNair

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Page 2 • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Insight News

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Page 3

Thurgood Marshall College Fund remembers Justice Marshall on 101st anniversary of his birth Thurgood Marshall Sr.’s extraordinary contributions to American society are chronicled through photos, videos, speeches, and interviews available on the commemoration website at: http://www.thurgoodmarshalltribu te.org.

Launched a year ago, the site has become the premier location of biographical information on Marshall, who in 1967 became the first African American to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

On the way, he also made lasting contributions as a private practice lawyer, Chief Counsel for the

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Director-General for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, judge appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and U.S. Solicitor General.

The site also includes tributes from judges, lawyers, community leaders, executives and celebrities; and looks back at Justice Marshall’s educational experiences at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and Howard University School of Law. Visitors can also offer their own thoughts and reflections

about Justice Marshall’s life, legacy and impact on the educational system in America.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc., named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, was established in 1987 and represents 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and six law schools located in 22 states and the US Virgin Islands with a population of over 235,000 students. Over the last 21 years, TMCF has awarded more than $100 million in leadership development, programmatic and

capacity support, and scholarships enabling more than 12,000 students to attend public HBCUs. It is the only national organization of its type that provides merit-based scholarships and programmatic support to students attending the nation’s public HBCUs. TMCF also provides internship programs and joins corporate and foundation partners in providing leadership training and support to students preparing for undergraduate and professional schools. TMCF is a 501(c) (3), tax-exempt organization.

Health

added up the number of circulation in this room, we would get at least 75 million people. When you’re reaching that many people, there is literally nothing that you cannot do.”

President Obama has asked Congress to complete the 800page draft health care bill by August recess. But, there are mandates that must remain in order to maintain a bill that will

address the health disparities that are so prevalent, says Christian-Christensen, who is a medical doctor.

“These are our bottom lines,” she told the crowd, outlining the following: • We must have a low cost public insurance option; • The elimination of health disparities must be addressed throughout this process of health care reform;

• We must eliminate the waiting period for legal immigrants; • We must have a safety net for poor indigents, people who cannot pay for their health care so that it cannot be discontinued abruptly; and • It must extend to U. S. territories in the Virgin Islands.

Strategically, members of the CBC, with ChristianChristensen leading on this issue, have spent literally hours in committee meetings, marking up and negotiating the bill with their colleagues.

In addition, the Tri-Caucus, consisting of the CBC, the Hispanic Caucus and the AsianPacific Caucus, have held joint press conferences to make clear their stances and uncompromising positions. And the Tri-Caucus has joined with the House’s Progressive Caucus for even more clout, ChristianChristensen said.

“Together they are 120 votes. That’s a solid voting bloc,” she said. She also praised Obama for pushing through the campaign promise. “We have a wonderful opportunity now, the President who understands it, who gets it, who’s passionate about it and who says we must get health care reform done and we must get it now.”

But, she stressed repeatedly that simple health care is not enough if people of color are still 40 percent of the uninsured.

“There’s no if, ands, or buts about taking care of the health of Black people and people of

From 1 The pot is literally boiling,” Ellison told Black newspaper publishers during a Town Hall Meeting on Health Disparities during the summer conference of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the Black Press of America. “If we

HEALTH TURN TO

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www.thurgoodmarshalltribute.org

Tyrone Guzman brought vision, intelligence, spirit to flourishing community Tyrone Guzmán, Executive Director of Centro Cultural Chicano, passed away June 30, 2009. Guzmán, for 13 years, brought spirit, intelligence, vision, warmth and compassion in service to the organization.

He was admired and loved by the board, staff and volunteers of Centro. He cared deeply for his community and had a sincere desire to see it flourish.

One could see and feel this when they entered the doors of Centro. Under his leadership and guidance, the organization grew to serve more than 30,000 individuals every year. Centro thrived as he strengthened the agency’s capacity to promote the well being of Latino families in Minnesota within a nurturing cultural sanctuary.

Prior to his position as Executive Director of Centro, Guzman worked in the field of Latino arts, education, and the

Minnesota Department of Human Services. He was a founding member of CreArte, Aurora Charter School, and La Corvina. He served in Panamá, in the US military where he earned many commendations.

In addition, Guzmán served as a member of the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders.

He was a Santero, a Southwestern style religious folk artist. He was a self taught artist. His ancestors were from San Miguel de Allende, home to many Santero artists. His art was his passion and it was healing.

As a native of St. Paul, Guzmán held a B.A. from Macalester College, studied law at William Mitchell College, and graduated from Harvard’s Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program.

Page 4 • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Black graduation rates in Minnesota are the lowest in the country

By Titilayo Bediako & Brandie Hill African American children are at historic lows in their academic failures within the Minneapolis Public Schools. Black graduation rates in Minnesota are the lowest in the country at 38% while their white counterparts’ graduation rates soar to 83%, which is amongst the highest in the country. As a result of these contradictions, the African American Mobilization for Education (AAME), made up of community activists, organizations and educators, created a Covenant that was approved by the Minneapolis Public School board in June, 2008, to develop specific strategies that would assure academic excellence for all African American children in the Minneapolis Public Schools.

The Covenant Working Group has been meeting for one year to develop a pilot program based on tenants of the covenant. It is intended to start in September 2009. The pilot is called Ubuntu, which is an ethic focusing on people’s allegiances and relations with each other. The word has its origin in the Bantu languages of Southern Africa. Ubuntu expands the model of Rites of Passage as

practiced at Olson Middle School, in Minneapolis. It includes early childhood, middle and high school Rites of Passage.

The pilot includes reading, problem-solving, calculations, effective writing, as well as service learning, caring about others and being productive citizens. Mentoring as well as parent and community involvement is also part of the pilot. Psychologists, parent advocates, as well as individual histories of each student participating in the program will be included. Parents and community elders will be trained to work with students and monitor classrooms to assure that effective learning is happening for all students. Participants will be taught about their African history and culture, which includes African contributions to American society. Teacher training will assure that teachers who are working with African American students are culturally competent.

The benefits of the pilot stretch to include changing the culture of classroom dynamics between teachers and students to a more horizontal arrangement that is collaborative and cooperative. It also works at reducing the overrepresentation of African American students in negative behaviors, as indicated by

www.staffs.ac.uk

absences, suspensions and truancies. The power of the covenant and the pilot program is designed to rekindle the fire for education in the African American community.

An historic first has happened with the Covenant Pilot program by including several organizations that have a history

of creating successes with Black children. The organizations involved are: the African American Acceleration of Learning (AAAL), Gary Miller and Associates, Interlocking Realities, National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWCC), Pink Consulting,

Way to Grow, and WE WIN Institute, along with Minneapolis Public School staff, who will be responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the pilot covenant program.

The Covenant Working Group is applauded for their hard work in developing a pilot program that

M & I Bank supports children’s literacy initiative M&I Bank is collecting new and gently used children’s books in support of Read Indeed, a local children’s literacy initiative. The Read Indeed program began in 2007 when Maria Keller, a fourth

grader with a passion for reading, set a goal to collect and distribute one million books to needy children before she turns 18-years-old. New and gently used children’s books can be dropped off at any

of M&I Bank’s 27 Minnesota locations before July 31, 2009.

Donations will also be accepted at M&I Bank locations in Hudson and Prescott, Wisconsin.

“Read Indeed is an

inspirational program and M&I Bank is pleased to assist Maria with her goal of distributing books to children throughout the state who are in need,” said Brad Chapin, regional president, M&I Bank. “We

invite the public to drop off children’s books now through July 31 at their local M&I Bank location and join us as we support children’s literacy.”

Admission

Admission Possible, a group that helps promising young people from low-income families attend college.

Ninety-nine percent of the Admission Possible class of

2008 got into college – 99 percent. The vast majority of students stay in college and earn their degrees. Admission Possible operates in just two states now, so imagine if it

were ten or 20 or 50.”

McCorkell joined other social innovators invited by the White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation at the event held in the East Room of The White House. Obama said the programs featured at the event and other programs like them have the potential to make progress in education, training, health care, and other areas in more communities across the country.

McCorkell said after the event, “There are amazing results-oriented and innovative nonprofits working across the nation that – with the support needed – could grow to scale and create life-changing outcomes for individuals, communities and our nation.

Admission Possible is ready to take on this challenge and we applaud President Obama and this Congress in taking on this initiative.”

The President announced that he is asking Melody Barnes, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and her innovation team to search outside of Washington for the programs that can most effectively

transform communities and change lives The Office of Social Innovation will count among its resources the Social Innovation Fund, authorized at $50 million in its first year by the passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Through this fund, federal dollars will be invested in ideas from the social sector that are proven to improve outcomes in solving some of the nation’s most challenging domestic issues.

The President also called on foundations, philanthropists, and others in the private sector to partner with the government to find and invest in these innovative, high-impact solutions. Now more than ever, the President stressed the need to build cross-sector partnerships to transform our schools, improve the health of Americans, and employ more people in clean energy and other emerging industries. He pointed to community solutions as key to helping to build the new foundation for the economy and the nation.

From 1 event, saying, “We’ve got Jim McCorkell here from

will make a difference in the lives of African American students in Minneapolis. All members of the Black community and their supporters are called on to be of assistance and give of their time; to assure that the Ubuntu Project is a success.

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Elliot Stewart-Franzen Web Design & Content Associate Ben Williams Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Mehgaan Jones Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Brandi D. Phillips Ryan T. Scott 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.

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Page 5

‘All that’s left now is his music’

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Michael Jackson. The name itself is synonymous with music legend. That is why reports of his death from cardiac arrest June 25 continue to stun fans around the world.

As details of this surreal story continue to unfold, the one thing that remains clear is that the revolutionary music of this dazzling icon called the “King of Pop” will live forever.

“Michael kept climbing,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson in an interview with the NNPA News Service just hours after visiting with the Jackson family. He described how Michael Jackson, the super star, not only revolutionized the music industry world wide, but naturally contributed to the rise of Black people.

“It was his success. We ride with the success of those who do well. He expanded our legacy in music. He expanded Motown. …[His writing and production] of ‘We are the World’ - he helped in that way.

His African projects - he helped in that way. All that’s left now is his music.”

Jackson was found in a coma in his Bel-Air home by paramedics responding to a 911 call from a man describing someone as not breathing. He was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:26 pm, according to his brother Jermaine, who announced the shocking news at a brief news conference at the hospital.

As word made its way around the nation and world, the reaction has been literal shock; especially since the 50year-old icon was preparing for a tour of 50 concerts in London this summer, starting in July. The breaking story continues to dominate the airwaves this week, raising more questions. Rev. Jackson ticked them off, saying the grieving Jackson family wants answers: “There cannot be closure as long as there is glass in the wound. And the question becomes, ‘What happened and when? And in the end, how did he spend his last hours? 911 said he was not breathing; not conscience. How long had he been not breathing? How long had he been not conscious?

How long had the doctor been there? What did the doctor do earlier with him? ... We’re not sure.”

The physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, had reportedly lived with Jackson for two weeks, was helping him prepare for the string of concerts, and was with him when he stopped breathing, according to the Associated Press.

An ambulance crew reportedly worked on Jackson at his home for 42 minutes before rushing him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, AP reports.

Initial toxicology reports revealed prescription drugs in Jackson’s body, but it could be weeks before a conclusive cause of death is actually known.

Police say Dr. Murray is not a suspect of any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, he was preparing to be questioned by police and had hired an attorney, who issued a public statement saying Murray was cooperating fully with police.

“But, the doctor’s bizarre behavior adds to the mystery here,” said Rev. Jackson. “I mean the doctor didn’t sign the death certificate, he didn’t meet with the coroner, he didn’t meet with the family.

That’s why an inquiry has become an investigation. Why did he hide? These are questions that deserve to be answered for there to be reasonable closure.”

Meanwhile, reflections on Michael Jackson’s life ranged from those who knew him professionally to those who simply loved his music.

“Oh my God…He was a giant of an entertainer,” said Danny Bakewell, publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel, and new chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, a federation of more than 200 Black-owned newspapers. “Some will say he’s the greatest entertainer that has ever lived.”

A. Peter Bailey Collection

Jet 1970

A. Peter Bailey Collection

A. Peter Bailey Collection

Jet 1977

A. Peter Bailey Collection

A. Peter Bailey Collection

Entertainment Weekly 1993

A. Peter Bailey Collection

Ebony 1984

Life 1997

Vibe 2002

Many recall Jackson - not just for his music and the controversies that embroiled his recent years - but for his humanitarian heart.

Bakewell’s daughter received a personal call from Jackson before she died of leukemia at the age of 16 in 1992. “I said to him one time, ‘You were better than chemotherapy.’”

Public Relations mogul Ofield Dukes, whose client was Motown when the Jackson 5 signed a contract with the record company about 40 year ago, said Jackson’s music will outlive memories of controversies that plagued him, particularly over the past decade.

“His legacy will be as a pioneer in the epic album, Thriller,” said Dukes. The album sold as many as 109 million copies. “And the fact that, at an early age, when he was five, he entertained so many people throughout the world. And I think folks will always remember the best of Michael Jackson and not so much his life that was so fraught with controversy over the past several years.”

Jackson was acquitted of a string of child molestation and other charges in 1995, episodes that appeared to permanently scar his reputation. In recent years since the overwhelmingly negative publicity, he had largely become a recluse.

Recently, he had announced an exciting new venture – one last concert tour for his London fans. He had been in Los Angeles rehearsing for this sold-out series when he died.

Despite changes in his appearance due to plastic surgeries and the lightening of his skin due to what he described as the disease, vitiligo, millions simply remember Michael Jackson as that little brown boy with the huge afro who, along with his brothers, rocked the Ed Sullivan Show with the Jackson Five in the mid 60s.

Others, in younger generations, will remember him as the dazzling adult dancer and singer despite the stark changes in his appearance and the controversies.

“People will try to muddy that legacy with all of the things that he was accused of, but never proven, but accused of,” said Bakewell. ‘’But, we will have to focus on the fact that he was just a giant of an entertainer.”

Even as a towering entertainer who once owned a 3,000-acre ranch called Neverland Valley Ranch in Santa Barbara, CA, Jackson never stepped far from his humble beginnings.

“I think Michael Jackson did more than just contribute music to our community,” said Sonny Messiah-Jiles, publisher of the Houston Defender, among the hundreds of Black-owned mediums that contributed to Jackson’s stardom. “A lot of people remember the beat. But, what was more important was the significance of his words and the power of his words and

how they contributed to the diversity and the appreciation of diversity in our society today. From ‘The Man in the Mirror’ to some of the other songs, I think that he made a major contribution to civil rights although I don’t really think he was a civil rights advocate.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson predicts the Michael Jackson legacy will grow larger in death than it was in life.

“He struggled so hard to make a contribution, to be accepted, to be appreciated, but Michael kept climbing,” Jackson said.

As a string of memorials, tributes and even celebrations were underway or being

planned, Jackson said America should pray especially for his family. “I talked to his Mom and she was so hurt. She said, ‘My baby, he was such a good boy. He was such a good boy. I love my son,’” he recalled. “I think what brought them some joy, some redemption was the global response to Michael…People who spend all their time in the negative, they can just beat it. I think the thing now is that we’ve lost our joy. Michael has lost his pain. Now we have his legacy and his memory.”

NNPA National Correspondent Pharoh Martin contributed to this story.

Page 6 • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE 6 ways to add curb appeal to your home Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey My initial thought when I drove up to our house for the very first time was, “That’s ugly!” You see, I could barely see the front door, which faced the side of the house.

I had been accustomed to homes with front doors that faced the street, and this L-shaped home, with the side entry, was very odd.

Rewind one year.

After the economy began to go south, we found ourselves revisiting some of the homes we had looked at a year earlier. Still on the market was the ugly-duckling house that I had given two-thumbs-down. My husband, who had never seen it, decided to go in and take a look.

Convinced that he would find it as strange as I did, I went along with him. We were both surprised at discovering that there were many things we liked about the inside.

Most important, the price was

Faces From 1 Terry Austin Sales Executive Founder, Positive Image

right, compared to all our other options. So what did we do? We bought the house which lacked any curb appeal (at least in my opinion) and since then I have been putting my touch on it and making it more inviting. I have had some success, and although I am not completely finished with “project curb appeal,” I enjoy driving up to my home a lot more these days.

Most of these strategies don’t cost much-just the usual elbow grease and some creative forethought.

Paint Your Door a Crisp Color A Fresh coat of paint in an inviting color works wonders!

When selecting your colors, consider the overall color of your home and find a door color that will compliment it. If your home is white, your options are endless.

If you want me to come visit, paint your door either red or yellow-the two door colors that really make me feel welcomed!

When the paint is dry, add a beautiful wreath that fits with the season.

Hang Shutters If your home is looking rather bare and boring, consider adding interest with shutters. With so Organization Age: 35 “When I first found out I was going to be a father, I was excited and scared, but okay with having a child,” said Terry Austin. “As a young man (I was 24 at the time), you’re always wondering, ‘am I

many styles to choose from, you could select any option from traditional to contemporary.

Paint Your Vinyl Siding If you think that just because you have siding on your home that you are stuck with that color foreverthink again! Sherwin Williams makes a vinyl-safe paint in a range of colors that won’t make your siding buckle or warp.

Install Window Boxes This is the next project on my home improvement to-do list.

Window boxes add interest and charm to an otherwise ho-hum home. Fill your boxes with seasonal flowers and natural twigs or grasses and your home will scream style.

Fine Tune the Landscape A large pot of summer flowers on your front porch adds a wonderfully inviting vibe. Also, in front of your home, think about planting colorful perennials, which come back year after year.

If your plants and shrubs are overgrown, trim them back or pull them out and relocate them-they should not completely cover your windows. My latest garage sale find was an apparently overgrown ready to take on this responsibility?’ You quickly realize you’re not a child anymore, it’s not about me.”

Fresh out of college, Austin and his then wife were a newlymarried young couple overjoyed with the birth of their daughter.

“The early years were fun!” he recalled. “First walks, first talks, the first time she said, ‘daddy’ —I was just excited by her overall development,” he said.

Once he became a father, Austin quickly realized the

and unneeded clump of hostas, a hardy perennial. I separated the plant into six pieces, and was able to add interest to the whole side of my house for only $2!

Let Your Light Shine Outdoor lighting says, “We’re expecting you.”

Update your current porch-light fixture by spray painting it a new color or replacing completely if your budget allows.

In addition, landscape lighting and spotlighting an interesting tree adds a dramatic finishing touch.

I am reminded of a scripture that says “…man looks upon the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7 When I first looked at the outward appearance of our home, I did not see its beauty or potential, so I overlooked it. While I hope the six practical tips have been useful, here’s the important message for this week; if love and peace are at the heart of your home, then it is already beautiful. It’s that beauty which will be helpful in inspiring you toward creatively enhancing the outward beauty and appeal of your home. Enjoy! http://polkadotthoughts.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/red-front-door-copy.jpg

importance of surrounding himself with positive role models and other fathers. “You gotta see fatherhood to believe it,” he said.

“Seek out other fathers who are truly there for their kids....you gotta feed it.”

Growing up in a middle-class family, Austin had a well-rounded upbringing. His parents, married 45 years, instilled in him and his siblings strong family values that are ingrained in him despite the vices and trappings of drugs, gangs, etc that surrounded them.

“Our family circle was tight, we had a lot of discipline and structure. Our family and strong support system outweighed our environment,” he said.

Today, Austin is a single father of two beautiful daughters with whom he is actively involved and engaged. In addition to his day job as an account executive for a prestigious shipping firm, he is also actively involved in the community through his non-profit organization, Positive Image. The organization provides outreach and support by creating awareness about health disparities. They also encourage and develop leadership within the community.

Reflecting on his life as a father and how it’s affected him, Terry realized that the people

around him had to share the values and goals he has for himself and his daughters.

“My inner circle of people has to be inspiring and encourage me to be a better person, spiritually and otherwise,” he said.

“Fatherhood raise the stakes, I want my girls to look up to me.

You hope your children love you enough to admire you for being a good parent.”

Of course, every parent wants the best for their child. Austin said he hopes his daughters learn to value education, pursue happiness and surround themselves with people who inspire them to be better people, and an even better parent than he is.

FACES TURN TO

9

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Page 7

BUSINESS Look to grassroots enterprise to increase customer base Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com America’s economy depends on spending, driven by employment.

But jobs are not all that America is missing these days. Innovation

and invention is where we came from. “A decade of new jobs – all gone” read a recent headline, explaining that the U.S. has fewer jobs now than it had a decade ago, even though the available workforce has substantially increased. But my question continues to be: what are we going to do about it? Yes, you and I, as individuals.

If you are an employer, glad to have your products moving, it might be time to consider creating opportunities to expand and hire.

Creating: making something out

of nothing. If you have a viable product, you have a chance to make something out of something. Look for new needs occurring within your current customer base. If you are not sure what I mean, ask your customers.

Everyone has a list of “if onlys” that would improve their use of your product. For example, if you sell knitted sweaters, consider the obvious, selling hats and mittens.

But be open, too, to the idea of a “sweater of the month” club, or embroidering a name or message into the sweaters you sell.

If you are unemployed, you have time on your hands to daydream. What new products or services are you wishing for?

Sitting at a ballgame last week, a friend came up with two viable business ideas – improvements on existing products. Are you the kind of person who comes up with great ideas and never acts on them? I asked her. Yes, she replied. Adding, It’s tough to get a business loan.

Tougher than ever, it seems.

So getting started might require some ingenuity on your part.

Look into Small Business Association services, along with organizations that might have an interest in your product. If financing is impossible, consider the resources you already have.

Countless entrepreneurs make exceptional use of a kitchen table, a computer and a cell phone.

Healthcare, renewable energy and information technology industries are expected to grow over the next decade. Adapting your current products or creating new opportunities for yourself in these industries will help you get

ahead, and maybe earn some recognition for yourself, as well.

Black Enterprise Magazine at its annual conference honors the best African American run small business, innovator of the year and, with its B.E.Next award, the best young entrepreneur. Try something. New technology, products and services start somewhere. Why not with you?

Send career management questions to Julie@insightnews.com.

Lowe: Have a dream and work the dream

By Larry (T.C.) Lowe In 1988, while running as a candidate to become president of the United States, the Rev. Jesse Jackson stood before a rousing crowd at the Democratic Convention, and stated, “You see the house I’m running to (The White House), but you don’t see the house I’m running from. I was born in the ghetto, but the ghetto wasn’t born in me.”

I can relate with that. You see, the house I am running from is a prison cell.

For 13 years, I spent time behind bars for a felony possession of firearms charge. While in prison, I spent time thinking about what I was going to do when I got out. I knew it was going to be a hard road to get back home. It would be hard to get a job, hard to face family and friends and hard to survive, period. So many times, I would start to think negatively instead of positively.

But somehow, with the grace of God Almighty, I was able to turn my thinking around.

Since being released from prison in 2005, I have crawled over and under walls to get where I need to go.

Most importantly, I have gotten to where I need to go. With the help of people like Spike Moss and the people at Uhuru, Inc., I immediately

got a job when I got out of prison.

Uhuru helped me work in the community to guide young brothers to stay on a positive path after being released from prison.

After working at Uhuru, I was hired at the Minneapolis Urban League I always joke that, “I went in their door and I refused to leave until they hired me.” Truth be told, it’s really no joke.

In the years since 2005, I have had my parole sentence reduced by two years, purchased a home and started a business called Check Mate Bargain Clothing.

It is my hope that my brothers who are released from prison realize that they are worth walking in the doors of businesses and staying until they are hired. It is my dream that more people are blessed to receive the wonderful assistance that organizations like Uhuru and the Minneapolis Urban League provide.

It is my wish that my brothers find themselves worthy enough of starting their own businesses.

Most of all, it is my desire for everybody to know that there is life on the other side of adversity if you have a dream . . . and work the dream.

It is then, and only then . . . that folks will look at the house you’re running to instead of the house you’re running from.

Larry (T.C.) Lowe standing in front of his new house.

Page 8 • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Insight News

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HEALTH Water, carbohydrates, proteins and fat: Understanding the four essential nutrients Health & Wellness

By Brandi D. Phillips Being a person who is fascinated with health, I have always been curious as to why we need water, proteins, carbohydrates and fats; what are their benefits and how much do we need per day? Most if not all of us have heard of these terms at some point or another, but do not fully understand them? This article will give you more information that will hopefully answer the questions you have regarding water, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

According to James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, the authors of Prescription and Nutritional Healing- A Practical AZ Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Mineral, Herbs and Food Supplements, the body is made up of two-thirds water which is an essential nutrient involved in every function of the body. Water transports nutrients and waste in and out of the body, as well as aiding in digestion, absorption, and circulation.

Drinking the recommended 8-10

Health From 3 color. The time to eliminate health disparities is now,” Christian-Christensen said.

She pointed out some of the reasons for disparate health in the Black community.

“If it weren’t for poverty, poor housing, sub-standard education, the fact that 50 percent of hazardous waste sites

glasses of water per day also helps to maintain and adjust your body’s correct temperature and give you energy.

Carbohydrates (carbs) are another basic nutrient that supplies energy to the body. Most carbs are found in such foods as vegetables, fruits, beans, milk products and peas. The Fitness Trainers Manual, provided by the National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA), recommends 55-60% of your diet consist of carbohydrates.

As stated by Joyce L. Vedral, Ph.D., in her book Top Shape, if you deprive your body of carbohydrates, not only do you feel weak, you literally cannot think straight.

According to most nutritional labels in the United States, carbohydrates provide about four calories per gram.

There are two forms of carbohydrates. The first type of carbohydrate is simple carbohydrates, (simple sugars), which include fructose (fruit sugar), sucrose (table sugar), and lactose (milk sugar) as well as many other types of sugars. Balch and Balch state that fruits are one of the richest natural sources of simple carbohydrates.

The second group of carbohydrates is complex carbohydrates, which are sugar molecules that are strung together to make more complex carbohydrate chains. Fiber and starches such as beans, peas, vegetables, and whole grains are included in this group.

According to the authors of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Carbs are the main source of blood glucose (sugar) and is responsible for providing fuel to the body and is the only source or energy for the brain and red blood cells.

Complex carbohydrates provide gradually released energy, while simple, carbohydrates provide immediate energy.

Protein is another essential nutrient, providing 4 calories per gram, that is needed daily for optimum energy and health.

Proteins are the basic building blocks for growth and development, giving our bodies energy, as well as creating hormones, antibodies, enzymes and body tissues. Protein also helps maintain the proper acidalkali in the body.

Proteins come in two groups, complete proteins and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins are those that provide all of the essential amino acids (the elements that make up proteins). Complete proteins are particularly found in meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs and milk. Incomplete proteins, which are the second group, which contains only some of the essential amino acids, consist of foods such as grains, legumes, and leafy green vegetables.

Fats are the last essential nutrient to be discussed in this article. Fat is as a greasy waterinsoluble solid or semisolid chemical compound that is among

the chief nutritional components of food. 1 gram of food substance contains 9 fat calories.

For humans, until about two years of age, fat is necessary for normal brain development in the body. After two years of age, fat is only needed in small amounts, a number less than what is consumed in the average American diet. For the course of our lifetimes, fat is needed to provide energy and support growth.

Fatty acids make up the building blocks of fats. There are three groups of fatty acids, saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.

Saturated fatty acids are found in animal products such as cream, cheese, whole milk, beef, veal lamb, pork, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and vegetable shortening. This type of fatty acid can cause such health conditions as high cholesterol. It is recommended by some health professionals that your daily intake should be no more than 10% saturated fatty acids.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in corn, soybean, safflower and sunflower oils in large amounts.

In contrast to saturated fatty acids polyunsaturated fatty acids, help lower cholesterol, as cited in “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”. Consequently, this type of fatty acid can also lower good cholesterol levels -also called highdensity lipoproteins (HDLs)-, in the body.

The last group of fatty acids is

called monounsaturated, which are found in vegetables as well as olive, peanut, and canola oils. These fatty acids reduce the number of lowdensity lipoproteins (LDLs), bad proteins, without affecting the body’s HDLs. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that individuals intake of monounsaturated fats be limited to 10-15 percent of total intake of calories.

Getting the proper amount of nutrition in key to body development and function. It is important to establish healthy eating patterns to pass on to future generations. Water, Carbohydrates,

proteins and fats are the four basic nutrients that are needed for health.

With this information, you can possibly begin to adjust your diet to live a life of optimum health.

If you are considering changing your diet, please do the appropriate research as well as consult a trusted health or nutrition professional that can help you accomplish your goals.

are located near where we live, we wouldn’t have this disparity,” she said.

Yet, while billions of dollars are spent on war, it appears that health care and disparities have been put on the back burner in past years. “Just like you can spend money on Iraq and Afghanistan, isn’t our health just important or more important?” she quizzed.

The trust level that Black people have in Black

newspapers will help carry the plan to fruition, Ellison said.

“The people around the country, they know you, they trust you,” he said. “If you say the time is now to plug into health care, they will plug into it. Do not let this thing take off without your leadership being on board. Yes, I’m trying to infect you with a certain sense of urgency. The pot is boiling. The plan is there. We can pass this bill if you join in.”

Ellison is not the only one who knows the power of the Black Press. General Mills, Inc., represented by Vice President Kenneth Allen Charles at the town hall meeting, was a sponsor of the Saturday morning breakfast event.

“You are quite an invaluable servant to the African-American community,’’ Charles said. ‘’As an individual and as General Mills, we celebrate you and appreciate you ... And we look forward to partnering with you as we address the needs and health problems in our

community.’’

Among the greatest crisis in health and health care is that of rising numbers of HIV/AIDS infections in the Black community.

Phill Wilson, founding president and CEO of the California-based Black AIDS Institute, who called Congresswoman ChristianChristensen “a lioness on this issue” used HIV/AIDS statistics to illustrate the urgency of the health care bill and that it addresses health disparities.

“There are 1.2 million

Americans living with HIV/AIDS today. Nearly half of them or 600,000 of them are Black. Of them between a third and 50 percent are not in care or treatment. Half of them don’t know their HIV status,” he said.

Christian-Christensen concluded: “We have to see ourselves as a team in this work on health care reform. Who doesn’t know that Black people are sicker? Who is untouched by the health care crisis? We all are.”

EVERYBODY NEEDS CARE No matter who you are, everybody needs care at some point. That’s why UCare welcomes all members of our diverse community. While the needs of every body may be different, health is something we all have in common, so quality health care

H2456 H2407 071206_1 (071206) IA

is something we should all have in common too.

ucare.org

http://hairshirt.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/food-pyramid1.jpg

Brandi Patterson-Phillips works as a Life Skills Coach, Personal Trainer and Dance Professional.

Contact her at bodybybrandiva@gmail.com.

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Page 9

Faces From 6 Austin is a doting father and is proud to say he lavishes his daughters with time and affection; he understands the important role a father plays in shaping a daughter’s choices later in life.

“It’s so important, especially with girls, (because) their minds, their vision of how they see men, how they should love and be loved, comes from their father. I take that seriously,” said Austin. “I tell my daughters I love them, I let them know they can do whatever they want, that is what I instill in them.

Always have an ‘I can’ attitude, never give up on what you believe in,” he said.

Though not always prepared for fatherhood, he admits he loves being a parent.

“It’s exciting to watch my children grow and see their spirit, their drive towards their goals, their willingness to experiment and try things....even the bossiness, which my youngest gets from her mother!” he laughs.

“It’s important to make your kids feel loved...and as a parent you want to feel did you a good job and that they’ll admire you one day,” said Austin.

Stay tuned for more FACES OF MEN

RFP From 1 Bobby Champion in challenging the reasoning that may have been the basis for omitting the inclusionary language in the Request for Bids.

In a broadcast interview Tuesday on KFAI’s Conversations with Al McFarlane Public Policy Program, the lawmakers said the CAP’s may have been motivated by a sense of expediency, the need the get stimulus dollars into the economy as soon as possible.

“But I maintain we can do both,” Hayden said. “We can expedite getting that money into the community, as Stimulus Initiative is seeking to do, and, we can expedite being inclusive, assuring that the intent of our legislation is top of mind and omnipresent in the execution of the legislation.”

Champion and Hayden said they are negotiating with the CAP’s and the State Office of Energy Resources, which funnels federal dollars to state agencies. They said fixing the problem could mean rejecting bids received thus far and start the bidding process over again.

“This is my first legislative session,” Hayden said, reviewing highlights of his freshman session in the Legislature. “It was tough because of the structural deficit problems. We knew in November it would be $4.8 billion. When we got in session the deficit was estimated to be closer to $6.4 billion, the largest in state history.

Hayden said he supports President Obama’s Stimulus Initiative because “it puts people to work. I like the idea of using government spending to help people. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) puts money in infrastructure and that means putting people to work.

Then they can support their families, pay their mortgages and stave off foreclosure, pay their taxes and help revitalize the economy.”

Hayden said In Minnesota alone, weatherization spending will

Courtesy of Terry Austin

jump from $10 million to $123 million. “Ten times more houses will become energy efficient. That helps save the environment,” he said.

“It reminds me of the Hoover Dam as one of the projects the federal government used to reset a national economy that was mired in the Great Depression. But this is not just one ‘Hoover Dam’ project, but many. In home weatherizations and in retrofitting public buildings across the nation, we are kickstarting a new energy economy that in five to 10 years, will save money and save the environment. That is exciting to me because now we are thinking about the environment. People of color are at the forefront. Traditionally, we have not been perceived as being involved in environmental stewardship, and now we are on the frontlines of the Green Economy.

We are talking about jobs, Green Jobs. And as Louis King, HIRE MN has said, the best social service program is a job,” Hayden said.

“Champion and I were in the lead making sure that by statute, by language in the law, the weatherization spending would seek out people of color, women, and people who traditionally have not benefited from public spending contracts. We intended to make sure contractors, sub contractors, and labors should include people of color and women. Historically, they have been left out. They have not

had the same opportunity. We know for a fact that Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) for example, has not met minority hiring goals since its inception. We have to be intentional about putting the language in the statue and specific in making sure it gets enforced so that the funds, contracts, jobs, and benefits get all the way down to people in our

community,” Hayden said.

“The language we passed did not make it into rfp. My job is to create law and oversight. They put together rfp that did not have inclusionary language. We are in negotiation now to see what that means. This is stimulus money and it needs to get out quickly. We don’t want to get caught out there where the money gets out and people get

to work, but we bypass our community and leave out our people. We are talking about this issue with all the stakeholders to

figure out how we get it all done. I think the rfp is not acceptable,” he said.

Page 10 • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Insight News

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Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

By Matthea Little Smith In May 2008 the US House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Albert Wynn [D-MD] and cosponsored by a large bipartisan group, was passed in recognition that: • Improved access to mental health treatment and services and public awareness of mental illness are of paramount importance; • There is an important need for improved access to care, treatment, and services for those diagnosed with severe and persistent mental health disorders and improved public awareness of mental illness; and • An appropriate month should be recognized as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness and mental illness

among minorities.

This proclamation has been a critical first step in legitimizing the need to raise the awareness of mental health issues in communites of color.

As the African American Outreach Director and the staff person responsible for NAMI Minnesota’s African American Faith Initiative, I have worked to begin to end the external and internal myths and stigmas attached to mental illness in our community. It is critical that we have an awareness of our own personal mental health and the resources we need to address the mental illnesses that affect our lives and the lives of our families and friends.

In celebration of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI Minnesota’s Twin Cities African American Outreach programming will host three educational workshops at our offices, 800 Transfer Road in, St. Paul. Minnesota. We will also partner with ProjectVoice to host an African American Mental Health and Information Night at Hallie Q. Brown

Community Center in St. Paul.

NAMI Minnesota’s African American Outreach programming offers information and support on current research and works to provide information forto people living with a mental illness, their families, and professionals.

Our programming is designed to meet the specific needs of the African American community. unique in that these education workshops are designed to reflect the informational needs of each individual organization we work with. We also will help organizations initiate peer support groups for parents and families members of a person living with a mental illness and people living with a mental illness.

This column is the first of Insight News monthly columns on mental health issues in the African American community.

This column will strives to provide our community with the much needed information on mental health and to also answer any questions you may have on resources available in

your area. Next month, our discussion will be on depression in the African American community.

To obtain get more information on any of the Minority Mental Health Awareness Month activities or to schedule an education workshop at your organization please call me, Matthea Little Smith, at 651645-2948 x 108 or e-mail me at msmith1@nami.org.

Resource Fair: Wednesday, July 29th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hallie Q Brown Community Center. The fair will have is evening will not only provide information on culturally specific mental health resources and will feature a panel of mental health providers to answer some of your questions related to mental illness.

Children’s Challenging Behaviors – Saturday, July 18th – 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

800 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN Learn the five essential tasks to build confidence in your

parenting skills, improve the relationship with your child and help create balance in your life.

This six-6 hour workshop is for parents and caregivers of school- age children. Class is es limited to 20 participants.

Hope for Recovery Saturday, July 25th – 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 800 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN Spend a Saturday with a trained family member who will obtaining offer information, hope and practical strategies for dealing with the complexities of mental illness. Participants learn information about: mental illnesses, treatments and recovery, coping strategies, about the mental health system, and local resources. Classes limited to 20 participants.

Myths and Stigmas Monday, July 13th – 6:3 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 800 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN This workshop addresses the mental health myths, stigmas and disparities and provides opportunities for family members and professionals to

learn more about the programs and additional resources offered

by NAMI Minnesota. Classes limited to 20 participants.

When Crisis Occurs (Family) Monday, July 20th - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 800 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN Preparing for an emergency or a crisis is an individualized process and differs for every family. There are, however, some elements that are common. This workshop will focus on those commonalities and help families plan and prepare for a mental health crisis. Classes limited to 20 participants.

Preparing for an emergency or mental health crisis is important to ensure a good outcome. While each crisis plan is different, there are common elements. This workshop will explain the options, common elements and help families plan and prepare for a crisis.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612588-2031, by phone: (612) 5881313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events Community Meetings: Proposed change in the way the city pays for street lights- July 14, 16 Tuesday, July 14 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Farview Park, 621 29th Ave. N Thursday, July 16 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S Lutheran Church of the Redeemer presents “Songs of Hope 2009” – July 15

Legacy Townhomes CAMBRIDGE Now Leasing! 2 & 3 BR townhomes • Near city park & walking trail • Attached garage • In-unit washer/dryer • 1 1/2 bathrooms Call for a showing today!

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Wednesday, 6pm-Free Food, 7pmConcert, 285 N. Dale, St. Paul.

“Songs of Hope” is a group of performing youth from around the world.

M&I Bank Shred to help protect identities and the environment – July 18 9 a.m. - noon, Saturday, at M&I Bank, 3500 129th Avenue Northwest, Coon Rapids, MN. Mandela Day – July 18 Open Arms, a local non-profit organization located in Minneapolis, invites you to celebrate on July 18th at their location: 1414 East Franklin Avenue. A volunteer orientation to Open Arms from 11:00am12:00pm. African Festivities from 12:30-2:30pm will include a plethora of African food and music.

For more information about the “Come Celebrate Mandela Event”

or Mandela day please contact kevin@openarmsmn.org or visit www.openarmsmn.org.

East Harriet Rose Fest – July 18 Saturday, July 18, 2009, Noon-8pm at Lyndale Farmstead Park, 3900 Bryant Ave. south, Mpls. This festive day offers fun for all ages.

Live music, Rides, Food, and Face painting.

Sri Lanka Event: Remembering A Forgotten Conflict – July 22 Minnesotans are coming together on Wednesday, July, 22 at 7 pm for Sri Lanka: Civil War and a Search for Peace, a free event at the University of Minnesota Law School, room 25 in Mondale Hall, 229 19th Avenue S, Mpls. The event will feature a compelling documentary film, followed by a discussion.

Jamie Foxx’s “Intuition Tour,” – July 23 The “Intuition Tour” will come to the US Bank Theatre at Target Center, Thursday at 8 PM. Tickets are available through Tickemaster and the Box Office. Charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. FFI: 612673-0900.

City of Saint Paul Host Free “Making Economic Cent$ Workshop” Series 7pm. Wednesday, July 15 at James J. Hill Reference Library, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul 7pm. Wednesday, July 22 at James J. Hill Reference Library, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul 7pm. Wednesday, July 29 at Rondo Community Outreach Library, 461 North Dale St.., St. Paul 7pm. Wednesday, August 5 at Rondo Community Outreach Library, 461 North Dale St.., St. Paul

Clerical Assistance Spring Lake Park School District, located just off 694/Central Ave., is seeking FT Clerical Assistance.

Apply online at www.springlakeparks chools.org / call 763785-5506 for info.

EOE.

Water Resource Technician The Capitol Region Watershed District is seeking a full time Water Resource Technician.

Major work emphasis will be placed on coordinating the overall monitoring program as well as daily field operation and managing the water monitoring program in the watershed.

Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in Water Resources or related field is required.

Experience with storm water/stream hydrology and water quality monitoring and chemistry are essential as well as experience with automated storm water sampling devices. The salary range is $34,400 - $51,600. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume (no faxes or emails) by July 31, 2009 to: Mark Doneux, Administrator, Capitol Region Watershed District, 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4, St. Paul, MN 55108, 651.644.8888. For a full position description visit our website at www.capitolregionwd.org.

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2009 • Page 11

SPORTS McNair almost always played through the pain

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Steve “Air” McNair was the first Black quarterback to make African American football players exhale with regard to a certain plateau in equality having been achieved. Before McNair there were the highprofile names of Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham, and Warren Moon, amongst a few others from waaaay back, who stood tall as the giants that laid the yellow brick road for McNair and those that followed him in success. Yet McNair was the first to see the Wizard of Oz. It is unfortunate that it took his death for people (including me) to recognize his brilliance and importance.

Though a handful of Black quarterbacks came before him, Williams laid many of the most important bricks down on the metaphorical yellow brick road I speak of.

Williams was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft out of Grambling State University in 1978.

Williams provided the finishing layers of dirty work that was necessary for subsequent Black quarterbacks to be truly recognized.

To many (including me), Williams’ MVP performance in Superbowl XXII (1987), was the first they heard about Doug Williams, though he had proven to be a solidly accomplished starting quarterback in the past for other teams. I can recall that the way the situation in that Superbowl was covered by the media suggested that Williams was basically a back-up quarterback

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Steve McNair equate with luck. The fact of the matter was that there was still reluctance towards putting a Black quarterback on a pedestal. Williams bore that cross, but History bares his name.

Enter Randall Cunningham, who was drafted by the

McNair projected the aura of John Henry who got lucky in the Superbowl.

But something about the fact that Williams threw four touchdowns in that Superbowl never seemed to

Philadelphia Eagles in 1985.

Cunningham pounced on the momentum created by Williams, and by 1988 was the first Black quarterback to be viewed as an elite player in the

NFL. While Williams just seemed to have the savvy necessary for football playing success, Cunningham was an undeniably great athlete with a decent amount of savvy himself. Cunningham along with Warren Moon of the Houston Oilers seemed to be the ones who fully turned the page of NFL executives and analysts, to the point where it had become obvious that Black quarterbacks could be masterful at what many consider to be the most difficult position in all of sports.

And so the yellow brick road was now laid for a Black quarterback to be celebrated as a major college prospect for the

pro’s, and could be projected as a centerpiece that an NFL team could respectably build the rest of their team around (respect being the operative root word).

Enter Steve McNair, who even earned a saleable nickname (Air McNair) from the media before he even left college at Alcorn State. McNair put up prodigious numbers at the small Black college, and projected to be a muted, but successful, combination of Doug Williams’ toughness and savvy, and Cunningham’s incredible athletic prowess. To the delight of the Houston Oilers (who would subsequently be sold, moved, and renamed the Tennessee Titans), McNair became exactly what they hoped he would be and more. McNair became a strong, silent, pillar in the NFL and would become the first Black quarterback to be named Co-MVP of the entire league in 2003. McNair’s play simply made you proud. The best way to put it is that he carried a lot of the legendary feel and aura of someone like the mythical Black character John Henry.

Coming up one yard short of a potential championship in Superbowl XXXIV certainly only added to that legend.

Though often hurt, McNair almost always played through the pain; limping and bleeding all over the field, but still getting the job done in masterful fashion.

All the while, McNair never gave the scandalous media the fresh blood of imperfection that they so thirst for.

How ironic that in death, McNair served-up a fat, scandalous, pumpkin for the bloodthirsty media to hoist in the air like a severed head from the guillotine: Infidelity. Alas, a reminder that in the end Dorothy was not perfect either.

But what a miraculous and legendary trip down the yellow brick road.

My wish for McNair (and his family) is that the glorifying of his imperfections is short, and the

legend of the complete road he traveled to be told as the humble and inspiring fairytale that it is (The forerunners who laid the road deserve that

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