Insight News ::: 07.13.15

DIY: Blueprint’s 60 city tour stops in Minneapolis Thursday at Icehouse MORE ON PAGE 10

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Insight News July 13 - July 19, 2015

Vol. 42 No. 28 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Young Timberwolves showoff in exhibition

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Over the past few years there hasn’t been that much excitement surrounding the Timberwolves, but it seems that’s all about to change.

Need proof? Well for starters, this past Wednesday (July 8) 15,200 fans filled the Target Center to watch the team practice. Keep in mind, there were actual league games that drew fewer fans this past year … these past several years.

Also keep in mind the tickets to the scrimmage were free.

The question now is can the team compete in the Western Conference and make people

want to pay to see them play.

Bolstered by the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Karl-Anthony Towns, and trading for another first rounder, hometown hero, Tyus Jones, the T-Wolves are the talk of the town some four months before the start of the coming season. Add to that the reigning Rookie of the Year, Andrew Wiggins, the reigning Slam Dunk Champion, Zach Levine and a fiery future Hall of Famer, beloved Kevin Garnett, and it’s easy to see why the howl could be restored to the Wolves.

At least one fan on hand for the scrimmage – who has

TIMBERWOLVES 4 TURN TO

Fans got their first look at homegrown hoops star, Tyus Jones (1) in a Timberwolves jersey.

Number one pick, Karl-Anthony Towns (32) boxes out Kyle Barone during a recent scrimmage game at the Target Center.

Minnesota moves to enhance state’s diversity and inclusion

Prayer vigil at Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC

Creative Commons / Nomader

Lessons from Charleston attack Steven L. Belton, Interim President and CEO, Minneapolis Urban League Days ago, a 21 year old man walked into a 124 year old church in Charleston, South Carolina on a mission of destruction.

Consumed with hatred, he was welcomed with love. Puffed up with prejudice, he was patiently pastored. Grounded in violence, he was greeted in peace. Angry, deceitful and desperate, the young man witnessed joy, transparency and hope among the small group who welcomed him into their Bible study.

Insight 2 Health Whole foods vs. supplements

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The record is the young man, Dylann Roof, sat with his hosts for about an hour and then, hesitated briefly before erupting in a violent and racist outburst that left six women and three men dead.

Inevitably, the 1963 bombing of a Birmingham church that killed four girls comes to mind.

But, such comparisons are, in my opinion, misleading. True, both tragedies were acts of terror in the U.S. south and both were racially motivated and came at a time of heightened national scrutiny of injustice and violence against African Americans.

LESSONS TURN TO 9

A report issued last week by the Governor’s Diversity and Inclusion Council spells out the Council’s work to improve diversity in the state’s workforce and business supplier chain, and more equitably engage diverse people, communities, and businesses in the work of state government.

The report describes the Council’s plans to enhance diversity in the workplace, improve access to state government contracts for minority-owned businesses, and actively engage diverse communities in developing state policies.

“A government that serves all the people of Minnesota should reflect all of Minnesota,” said Governor Dayton. “We must ensure that all of our citizens have equal opportunities to work for their state government, to do business with the state, and to participate fully in our democracy. This report, and the continuing work of the Council, will help us achieve those vitally important goals.”

The Dayton Administration has hired a full-time Statewide Recruiter who is charged with identifying candidates from diverse communities to fill

Governor Mark Dayton senior leadership roles and other key positions throughout state government.

That work is essential to achieving a more diverse state workforce. The work of the Governor’s Diversity and Inclusion Council is charged with analyzing and improving the way state government engages, employs, and does business with diverse individuals and communities.

Chaired by Governor, the Council, began its work in January this year creating three committees to enable a closer examination of diversity and inclusion challenges and opportunities.

DIVERSITY TURN TO 5

Commentary

Education

Lifestyle

Thurgood Marshall’s legacy: Equal justice matters

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis is making the grade

2015 Toyota Sienna

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Whole foods generally a better source of vitamins than supplements DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have read that the antioxidant vitamin E provides a lot of health benefits. Is taking a daily vitamin E supplement a good idea? Can it be harmful?

ANSWER: The proposed benefits of vitamin E rest on its powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances believed to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are produced by your body. Exposure to certain environmental substances, such as sunlight, tobacco smoke or radiation, also can create free radicals.

Normally, free radicals perform a number of useful tasks. But too many free radicals cause what’s known as oxidative stress. They overwhelm and damage cells, resulting in tissue breakdown and damage to DNA. Oxidative stress has been tied to a number of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, and carotenoids, are found in foods, especially plant-based foods. In laboratory experiments, antioxidant molecules have been found to stabilize free radicals and counteract oxidative stress.

And many observational studies indicate that a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help reduce risk of disease, including heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Preliminary studies suggested

that antioxidants might have big health benefits. To make antioxidants such as vitamin E easier to study, researchers used them in a supplement form.

But despite well-designed trials in large numbers of people, vitamin E supplements generally haven’t proved helpful in preventing disease.

In addition, high doses of vitamin E supplementation have been associated with an increased risk of bleeding, especially when taken in combination with blood thinners, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin.

The benefits of vitamin E were somehow lost in the switch from food to supplement. Part of the problem

may lie in the complex nature of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a family of eight slightly different chemical versions: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol.

The best known version is alphatocopherol. It’s the form the body absorbs and transports most efficiently. It’s also the version used in almost all research studies.

But newer evidence suggests that other forms of vitamin E, such as gamma-tocopherol, may have greater antioxidant effects than does alphatocopherol. Taking supplements of alpha-tocopherol also reduces the level of gammatocopherol in the body, reducing

its benefits and perhaps explaining the harmful effects of high doses of alpha-tocopherol supplements.

In addition, food sources contain varying amounts of all eight versions of vitamin E. Some of these versions may have more beneficial properties than others, and a variety may work better in combination than as a single ingredient. Food sources of vitamins and minerals also contain various other antioxidants and as yet unrecognized beneficial compounds that might work independently or in concert with each other to promote good health.

Finally, it’s possible that the health benefits observed in people who eat a diet rich in fruits and

vegetables are caused by other lifestyle factors that might typically accompany such a diet. For example, people accustomed to eating fruits and vegetables may also choose to exercise regularly or not smoke, factors that may minimize the risk of disease. Dosing issues, health characteristics of study volunteers, and the exact role of free radicals in damaging or promoting health also may affect the way vitamin E supplements work.

Whole foods are generally a better source of vitamins than are supplements. You’ll find vitamin E in foods such as almonds, sunflower seeds and vegetable oils.

Vegetables, including tomatoes, broccoli and red bell peppers; green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale; and fruits such as raspberries, kiwi and mango are also good sources. Wheat germ is a natural source of vitamin E and in a pinch, a fortified cereal can provide your daily dose.

Because vitamin E is destroyed by heat, vegetable and nut oils — canola and corn, sunflower, safflower, and hazelnut oils — as well as wheat germ oil, are best used in salad dressings or drizzled over finished dishes, such as pasta or grilled vegetables. (adapted from Mayo Clinic Health Letter) — Brent Bauer, M.D., General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Page 3

HEALTH ALEX’S LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION

Applebee’s supports youth in cancer awareness efforts Fundraising efforts, which vary by restaurant, include donating a portion of each lemonade and Summer Squeeze sales to ALSF. Applebee’s guests may also have an opportunity to donate to ALSF through the purchase of a paper lemon in support of childhood cancer research.

“The Apple American Group and Applebee’s partnerships with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation are extremely important to our organization and our neighborhood communities,” said Diann Banaszek, marketing partner of Apple American Group, a participating Applebee’s

Alexandra “Alex” Scott

franchise organization. “Since we first began supporting Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Applebee’s participation has grown significantly. With the outpouring of support from our guests and fellow franchise groups, we’re expecting this year’s fundraiser to be the most successful yet.”

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation focuses on encouraging and empowering others, especially children, to raise money and awareness of childhood cancer research for treatments and cures.

Courtesy of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Fifteen years ago, the beginnings of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) grew from the front yard lemonade stand of four-year-old cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott.

Today, the Foundation bearing her name has become one of the nation’s leading philanthropic organizations in support of pediatric cancer research. Though Scott passed away in 2004, her foundation lives on.

A month-long campaign kicked off on June 29 marks the 11th consecutive year that franchisees of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar have supported Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Coming off a record of more than $1 million fundraising proceeds generated in 2014, and nearly $5 million

raised since 2005, more than 870 Applebee’s restaurants nationwide are working toward topping the $6 million mark in 2015.

“As a longtime supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, it is great to see Applebee’s support this amazing organization,” said Jeff Warden, CEO of The Rose Group. “Year after year we see the overwhelming generosity of our guests and associates as we band together to fight childhood cancer. We are humbled by what Applebee’s was able to achieve last year and look forward to another incredible fundraising campaign this year.”

As part of the brand’s broader Applebee’s Serves program, participating restaurants will raise funds in support of ALSF.

You belong.

The health plan with you in mind.

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

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

Learn more at medica.com

Page 4 • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Insight News

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BUSINESS

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Toki Wright

More renters competing for lower-cost apartments Low rental vacancy rates and rising rents have led to competition for lower-priced units, finds a new Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) report.Minnesotans with low incomes are at greatest risk in this tight rental market.

MHP’s latest 2x4 Report found that at least for the Twin Cities rental market, where reliable data is available, there was a vacancy rate of only 2% for units renting for $1,000 or under in the first quarter of

2015. For all units, the vacancy rate was 2.7%.* With rising demand for rental units nationwide and in Minnesota, housing construction in the state is beginning to rebound, particularly for multifamily units. Through May of this year, 7,000 units were permitted statewide, the highest since 2006. Of these units, a record 39% were multi-family units, the report found.

While new construction could help ease rental vacancy

rates over the long term, thousands of Minnesotans facing homelessness may not benefit from much of the new construction. Financing lowercost apartments is a challenge for developers.

“Even when developers want to build rental housing that lower-income people can afford, land, labor, and other costs make breaking even impossible without additional public investment,” said Chip Halbach, Executive Director

of MHP. “Minnesota is a leader in using state resources wisely for affordable housing, but available public funding assists only a small fraction of Minnesotans living on the edge,” he added.

Homelessness continues to be a serious problem in the state, the 2x4 Report also found.

Through March of this school year, about 8,000 children were identified across four major school districts as being homeless at some point.

MHP’s 2x4 Report graphically depicts 2 sets of indicators for each of 4 key housing areas: the home ownership market, the rental market, homelessness, and the housing industry. The semiannual report provides a concise overview of housing challenges facing Minnesota. *Rental vacancy data (courtesy of Marquette Advisors) surveys market rate units in buildings with 10+ units.

Hear ye! Hear ye!: Sharing the vision FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw How does your nonprofit report on its work? How do you share your vision, work and impact?

Do you send an email? Create an annual report? What about an annual meeting that brings together your stakeholders? Are you up to it? Can you make the time? Our perspective: how can you not afford the time?

The work of your nonprofit is at the core of all you do.

Ideally, your work is driven

Timberwolves From 1

by your vision. And, ideally your board takes the time – periodically – to reflect on your vision. Does it need to be adjusted? Do programs need to be eliminated, modified, or introduced so you can best live into your vision in a changing environment? Do you need to modify your strategies, partnerships, or the very way you are organized?

These are a few of the important questions for a board to grapple with. The process is important, and so is the process of reporting out to your constituents. Who exactly are these “constituents?”

They’re the people you serve, your donors, funders, vendors, staff, fellow board members, faith leaders, elected officials, government workers,

community leaders, teachers, neighbors, and leaders of local businesses and major corporations. They are as diverse as the community you live in.

With a continuous focus on the people we serve and advocate for, it is understandable that taking the time to create community “report outs” and listening forums may not always be a number one priority. But its critical.

You have to share your vision, direction, impact and thinking with those who support you and those who work alongside you in an effort to create a better world, or a least a healthier community. Some organizations will create an annual report – print, electronic or both. Others share updates

regularly via email, Facebook, or their website.

Here’s our suggestion: consider hosting an annual meeting. We recently attended the annual meeting of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) and were impressed. The board of directors took the time to craft a concise agenda that shared their vision and current work with their stakeholders. What was so refreshing was that board members made the majority of presentations. They opened the meeting, the clearly and concisely communicated their vision for the next five years.

They named it Vision 2020 and they shared their history, vision and process of collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders.

These were live people talking to live people, sharing their collaborations in a clear, concise and compelling way: WFGM seeks to reduce poverty in a specific zipcode by 1% a year for the next five years.

Board members spoke to an audience of neighbors and community stakeholders about a major undertaking and invited their support. Take the time to share your vision – you’re worth it.

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw

a pretty good knowledge of basketball and a penchant for winning – thinks the Wolves will be exciting to watch this coming

season.

“You’ve got the number one pick, a hometown hero in Jones and returning guys like Wiggins so I expect the best from this team,” said Minnesota Lynx superstar Seimone Augustus.

Augustus had some words of advice for the young Wolves.

“The rookie season is the toughest; getting adjusted to the league and a new city,” said Augustus. “If they stay focused on the game then things will be alright.” She then joked that her other advice would be to learn to stay warm come winter.

The scrimmage wasn’t the prettiest display of ball, but the young players showed off just enough to leave fans with something they haven’t had much of lately – hope.

Towns, who drew thunderous applause during his introduction, showed why he was deserving of the first overall selection. He wasn’t flashy and he didn’t “light up the scoreboard” (actually, no one took official stats for the

game) but he showed impressive footwork on the inside and even dropped a long-range three pointer. Also importantly, he was almost automatic on the free throw line.

Wiggins (who received the loudest applause during the introductions) played just enough to remind everyone why he earned Rookie of the Year accolades; but it was Levine who stole the show.

Levine played as if he was in a playoff game and not just a fan showcase. The high-flying guard threw down a couple of dazzling dunks, rained a couple of threes and multiple times took Jones, who was guarding him, off the dribble and blew past the rookie, showing that Jones will need to improve on the defensive end.

Offensively, Jones showed that he can be a quite capable point guard in the league, dishing out several nice assists, including a couple to Towns. Off on his first few shot attempts, Jones settled in and knocked

down a succession of buckets, showing he’s not just a pass-only point guard.

For Jones, who starred at Apple Valley and this past season led Duke to a national title, playing for the hometown team makes his journey to the NBA that much more special.

For his grandmother, Sally Deutsch, seeing her grandson for the first time as a Timberwolf was like something out of a movie script.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Deutsch. “It’s just a fairytale story. He worked so hard for this. His family means so much to him, so to come here and play, it’s just how it should be.”

The Timberwolves’ front office is hoping many fans are like Deutsch, who said she didn’t watch much of the team before her grandson joined the roster.

“Now I’m a Timberwolf, true and true,” said Deutsch.

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Photography David Bradley Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Page 5

Arab Americans are Blacks now

By Ahmed Tharwat, Host Arab American TV show BelAhdan On the job application that I filled out 30 years ago, Arabs and people of Middle-Eastern descent were included in the box under “white.”

Lots of Arabs didn’t mind that and enjoyed the ride of white privilege at least on paper. In the good old days, that is before the 9/11 tragedy, which changed the Americans’ psyche toward Arabs and Muslims forever, Arabs thought of themselves as invisible, and racism and racial profiling were just Black issues, not theirs.

The issue of Arabs and African identity is still a sad reality even though lots of Arabs

with darker skin live all over the Arab world, such as Egypt, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, and the Sudanese are all Black. But this could be considered more geographic bigotry than racism. In the U.S., 9/11 has changed everything – changed the complexity of skin color and racism in the Arab American community; racial profiling and discrimination have risen substantially as have the assaults on Arabs and Muslims.

According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim American advocacy group, studies from the American Civil Liberties Union, and the U.S. Department of Justice, among others, have shown that there has been a sharp increase in anti-Muslim sentiment from politicians, an increase of anti-

With protests against police brutality erupting all over major cities, Arab-Americans feel for the first time that this is their fight too

Muslim activities, an increase of opposition to mosques, and an increase in the activity and number of anti-Muslim hate groups since 9/11.

Arabs/Muslim post 9/11 are

now suffering what AfricansAmericans have been suffering for long time. This reality has forced new federal policing rules that will expand protections against racial and ethnic

profiling to include gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.

With the latest events in Ferguson, Mo., New York City, Baltimore and other major American cities, the frequent killing of unarmed Black men by white police officers with few indictments or charges, now Arab-Americans feel the same pain, the same injustice and frustration. In general, ArabAmericans trust the police but they have begun to doubt and question the job of the police to protect and serve. As a Black activist said of police brutality to Black men, “You can’t protect people you hate.”

With protests against police brutality erupting all over major cities, Arab-Americans feel for the first time that this is their fight too, and that they aren’t

white anymore. Now Arab and Muslim-Americans can be seen in every protest taking part in the demand for justice. I went to cover a recent protest here in south Minneapolis, which shut down I-35W for a short time, capturing national and international news. People warned me and asked me to be careful, but for an EgyptianAmerican who attended three one-million-man marches in Tahrir Square in 2011, and has been observing police brutality in Egypt for the last three-and-a half years, nothing can deter me or surprise me about police behavior anymore.

Ahmed Tharwat is Host Arab American TV show BelAhdan which Airs on tpt, Mondays at 10:30pm. Blogs at www. ahmediaTV.com

An open letter to Comcast concerning upcoming King “Tut” movie Op Ed by Les Lester Dear Comcast: I have filed a complaint with the FCC about the blatant racism of the upcoming threepart mini-series “Tut,” set to air on Sunday, July 19-21, 2015, on Spike TV a Comcast channel.

The FCC’s follow-up directive is that I contact you, Comcast, the cable provider about my grievance.

The FCC’s provision is that they can issue penalties to a broadcaster for knowingly airing false information on the nation’s airwaves. King Tut was black, but the movie depicts him and his court as Caucasian looking.

So Comcast, innumerable

thousands of Americans have visited Egypt and entered the King Tut tomb, including myself, and know without question that King Tut and the Ancient Egyptians were black men, prior to the advent of the Greek and Roman incursions. The Arab community, meanwhile, didn’t arrive in Egypt until 639-640 A.D. Comcast, I have also contacted Minnesota Sen. Al Franken’s office as well as Rep. Betty McCollum’s office about this grievous infraction.

While records indicate you have purportedly contributed finances to their campaigns, that does not mean the congresspersons will overlook such a blatant form of institutional racism.

In the complaint, I pointed

out that as far back as the late 1700s, Constantin Volney, a French author, wrote the book “The Ruins” of nations, dealing with black Egypt, which became a best seller in France and Britain. But Volney was compelled to pull the book from the American public because the U.S. translators left-out pertinent information concerning the black pharaohs.

Since the 1960s, and before, black activists and writers have vociferously lashed out about the cover up of ancient black Egypt, and now a plethora of books are available for the uninitiated on the subject.

Comcast, you hold an enormous fiduciary responsibility to the nation’s viewers — for the airwaves

belong to the people —and for untruth to enter our homes unencumbered is a flagrant misuse of that trust.

Little black boys and little black girls should expect their histories to be depicted fairly and accurately, as they are innocent recipients of what you allow to be broadcast on your cable system. The talk shows are rife with discussions about the socalled achievement gap between black kids and white kids. So please keep in mind that you can help to inform our youth and the community-a-large, which would be an enormous boost to their esteem and knowledge base. This current movie does just the opposite and confuses our youth.

To be frank, I pointed

out to the FCC that “Spike” TV, the cable channel, is the specific station that is airing the show. And I am aware that “Muse Entertainment,” the production company, is the culprit that oversaw the casting and production. Your company has the final say, though, on the airing, and the FCC has pointed the finger at you.

Since the FCC has informed me they cannot stop the airing of the film because it is set to air within their 30-day window to make such a decision, we, the black community, would like a clear annotation at the beginning and end of the film each of the three days it airs, vividly stating that you, Comcast, are aware that King Tut was a black man, as well as his people. Secondly,

we would like equal air time to present the true racial make-up of Ancient Egypt before it was overrun by invaders from the North. We would like to select a black production company to do made-for-TV movies depicting black classical cultures based on the true history of the civilizations, from primary source information, not the figment of people’s imaginations as was apparently done on the current “Tut” movie.

I will be awaiting your response to me and the FCC concerning this grievous matter.

Les Lester is an educator and author of the novel “The Awakening of Khufu.” He can be reached at leslester@usfamily. net.

Lawyers ask court to drop Mall of America protest charges Lead attorneys Jordan Kushner and Bruce Nestor for the legal team representing 10 of 11 individuals identified as alleged “ringleaders” of the #BlackLivesMatter peaceful demonstration at the Mall of America in December filed

motions on July 1 to dismiss all charges. Motions to dismiss charges for another 25 individuals charged as a result of the peaceful demonstration were also filed.

“The charges against the activists that the City of

Bloomington has singled out for persecution are replete with violations of their constitutional rights to free speech and are unsupported by evidence,” said attorney Jordan Kushner. “The dismissal motions are supported by extensive legal authority

from previous court decisions which we hope will convince the judge to dismiss the charges without the inconvenience of trial and further waste of taxpayer funds.

In a statement released recently, the American Civil

Liberties Union of Minnesota representing Kandace Montgomery, one of the 11 alleged leaders filed a motion to dismiss the charges brought against their client. Focusing on the First Amendment right to protest, highlighting vague

interpretations of disorderly conduct as well as unlawful assembly and inappropriate collaboration between public law enforcement and a private corporation the ACLU seeks to have all charges dismissed.

Scam phone calls: IRS Identifies ways to spot suspicious calls The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert providing taxpayers with additional tips to protect themselves from telephone scam artists calling and pretending to be with the IRS. These callers may demand money or may say you have a refund due and try to trick you into sharing private information. These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They may know a lot about you, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling.

Diversity From 1 Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans led a committee looking and employment practices; Administration Commissioner Matt Massman chaired a committee looking at contracting practices, and Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey chair the committee evaluating civic engagement practices.

The Council’s Employment Practices Committee findings included: Inadequate systems to collect and analyze data that track diversity in the workforce Lack of training, leadership, and strategic plans to prioritize and understand workforce diversity Inadequate external outreach and communication with diverse communities Poor retention and workplace inclusion of new employees The Committee created January 1, 2016 deadline to achieve the following: Update the strategic plans of each state agency to ensure the State of Minnesota meets the goal of increasing state government employment for

They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. If you don’t answer, they often leave an “urgent” callback request.

“If someone unexpectedly calls claiming to be from the IRS and threatens police arrest, deportation, lawsuit or license revocation if you don’t pay immediately, that is a sign that it really isn’t the IRS calling,” said Karen Connelly, IRS spokeswoman. “The first IRS contact with taxpayers on a tax issue will occur via mail. Don’t get involved in a tax scam or be

bullied by a con artist.”

The IRS reminds people how to spot an “IRS” caller as a fake. Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. The IRS will never: 1. Call you about taxes you owe without first mailing you an official notice.

2. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.

3. Require you to use a specific payment method for

your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.

4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

5. Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s what you should do: If you know you owe taxes or think you might owe, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. IRS employees can help you with a payment method or plan.

If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to believe that you do, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1.800.366.4484 or at www. tigta.gov.

If you’ve been targeted by this scam, also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments of your complaint.

Remember, too, the IRS

does not use email, text messages or any social media to discuss your personal tax issue. For more information on reporting tax scams, go to www. irs.gov and type “scam” in the search box.

Additional information about tax scams are available on IRS social media sites, including YouTube http://youtu.be/UHlx TX4rTRU?list=PL2A3E7A9B D8A8D41D. and Tumblr http:// internalrevenueservice.tumblr. com where people can search “scam” to find all the scamrelated posts.

people with disabilities to 7 percent by 2018 Plan for diversity training and development across state government to ensure managers and all employees are engaged in making the workplace more inclusive Assess the impact of redesigning the state’s website for state employee job applicants to improve access, and better collect and retain data on the diversity of the state’s workforce The Contracting Practices Committee findings included: Information about state contract opportunities are difficult to find and understand State agencies are not routinely engaged with diverse communities and provide only limited outreach and education to vendors Process expectations require greater upfront investment by small vendors and some minority-owned firms to compete with large companies State requirements for bidding on contracts are too rigid and result in denial of opportunity The Committee set January 1, 2016 deadline to: Effectively implement legislation passed during the 2015 Legislative Session that will help veteran-owned businesses secure contracts,

create a web-based portal to make it easier to apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Targeted Group Business status, and expand outreach to small businesses Make it easier for businesses to access state procurement data, use the data to provide greater transparency on state contracting, and analyze that data to identify strategies that will help diverse businesses better-access state contracts The Civic Engagement Committee findings included: Communicating with some ethnic and racial communities is difficult because of distrust among some within those communities about the motives of government Lack of uniform training and education among staff charged with the responsibility for implementing civic engagement Transforming civic engagement from a process that is primarily a transactionalbased interaction process to an interactive process that is primarily focused on creating a long-term institutional relationship The Committee set a January 1, 2016 target to: Refine a list of civic engagement best practices for state agencies Create steering committee

to guide the work of educating and assisting agencies in civic engagement Convene meeting of state agencies to discuss best practices in civic engagement Meet with and develop relationships with individuals

and organizations throughout the state of Minnesota who are interested in fostering and developing civic engagement A full copy of the Council’s report is available online. The Council will issue its next report to Governor Dayton

and Minnesota Legislature on January 1, 2016. It will then issue annual reports each year, beginning in 2017, to continue the work of improving diversity and inclusion in state government.

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1015 4th Avenue North|Minneapolis, MN 55405

Visit Us: Circleofhealingministry.org For More Info: 612.564.9962

Page 6 • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Thurgood Marshall’s legacy: Equal justice matters Black Press of America

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, NNPA This month marks what would have been the 107th birthday of the late United States Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Given our long struggle for equal justice in America and the need to continue to press forward to ensure freedom, justice and equality for all, it is important to reflect on the key principles upon which Thurgood Marshall achieved his monumental success.

The mounting cries for justice from Black Americans, Latino Americans and from others denied equality and freedom deserves not only to be heard, but to be acted on by those that have the power to change America for the better. One of the enduring legacies of Thurgood Marshall was to challenge and change laws that would make our democracy more fair and equal.

After all the flag waving and boisterous patriotic proclamations that accompanied the recent

Independence Day celebrations, the undisputable truth is racism and racial injustice prevail in every region of the nation.

“Black Lives Matters” is more than simply a protest slogan or popular social media hashtag. It is an affirmation that all the lives of Black Americans, as well as the lives of all people, are not to be diminished or extinguished by the ignorance and acts of racial hatred and bigotry.

Thurgood Marshall said, “Racism separates, but it never liberates. Hatred generates fear, and fear once given a foothold; binds, consumes and imprisons.

Nothing is gained from prejudice.

No one benefits from racism.”

Marshall was right. The ideology and practice of White supremacy continues to be a deadly contradiction of an America’s professed ideals and affront to all humanity.

Racially motivated police brutality, racial terrorism against Black Americans, resurgence of the mindset that rationalizes the Confederacy, voter suppression, mass incarceration, miseducation, and the growing economic inequalities all point to the urgency for a sustained long-term equal justice movement. Consequently, equal justice also matters.

One of Marshall’s most profound public addresses was in

Thurgood Marshall 1987 to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial. He stated, “What is striking is the role legal principles have played throughout America’s history in determining the condition of Negroes. They were enslaved by law, emancipated by law, disenfranchised and segregated by law; and, finally, they have begun to win equality by law. Along the way, new constitutional principles have emerged to meet the challenges of a changing society. The progress has been dramatic, and it will continue.”

Again, Marshall was on target.

Today, Congress needs to restore Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act that requires political subdivisions with a proven history of racial discrimination to pre-clear any proposed election law change with the U.S. Attorney General or a district federal judge in Washington, D.C. to avoid injury to voters of color. The Supreme Court invalidated that provision two years ago by a vote of 5-4 and activists have been pressing Congress to undo that damage.

All citizens of the United States

Yoichi Robert

should have the equal right to vote in every state without racial discrimination and without the voter suppression measures that many states are now engaging.

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of having a discussion with Cecilia Suyat Marshall, the devoted widow of Justice Marshall, at the Thurgood Marshall Center in Washington, D.C., where my employer, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), maintains its national office. We briefly reflected on Justice Marshall’s

worldwide contributions to advance the cause of equality and freedom. Equally important, we discussed the continuing struggle to define, extend and maintain constitutionally-protected civil and human rights to all people in the United States.

What became clear in our conversation was that each generation of African Americans, as well as others, has a responsibility to continue the quest for equal justice. It is a matter of principle. It is also a matter of faith and belief in the oneness of God and in the oneness of humanity.

I am encouraged by the youth of today who are marching anew and are raising their fists to boldly insist that “Black Lives Matter.”

There can be no justice for anyone without equal justice for all. This is the legacy of Justice Marshall: “Equal Justice Matters.”

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

Hailing a cab while Black? It’s still a problem Opinion

By Ben Jealous

If you had to guess the single strongest factor in determining who escapes poverty, what do you think it would be? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is transportation.

We may not think about it every day, but access to buses, trains and metros is a crucial link to opportunity and economic mobility. In fact, a recent Harvard study found the single strongest factor in determining economic

mobility was commuting time.

A lack of transportation options can keep a struggling community treading water. It is bad enough when a neighborhood lacks access to fresh produce; it is even worse when the closest grocery is only accessible by a bus that only shows up occasionally, or not at all.

If there is a personal equivalent to this public policy problem, it would have to be

the struggle of catching a cab as a person of color, especially as a Black man. Nearly every person of color I know has a first- or second-hand story about a time that a taxi refused to pick them up or even drive to their neighborhood. Even President Obama has recalled experiencing discrimination when he was a young man.

A new research study provides some statistical meat to those anecdotal stories, and hints that the solution to this age old problem may lie in new technology. A study, conducted

by Brilliant Corners and sponsored by Uber, surveyed more than 800 Black and white residents of Chicago. It found the following: * The number of respondents who report personally experiencing being ignored by taxi drivers when hailing taxis on the street is significantly higher for black respondents than for whites (Blacks 48 percent to whites 23 percent). * 55 percent of Blacks who have called for a cab at some point have experienced a refusal by the service to send a cab to their community. * A solid majority of Blacks and nearly half of whites agree that taxis drivers deliberately

discriminate against Black passengers.

Fifty years after the Civil Rights Act, one of the most basic activities in daily life is still tarred by racism and discrimination. This new data proves the concerns that many people of color hold about finding a ride when it matters most: when the destination is a job interview, a doctor’s visit, or just a lunch with an old friend.

The vexing experience of trying to hail a taxi is a powerful incentive for many people of color to seek alternative methods of transportation.

The most exciting alternative is ridesharing. Ridesharing companies, like Uber and Lyft, manage to be both more efficient than traditional taxi services and also more color-blind. When a driver selects a customer for pickup, he or she is completely blind to what that customer looks like, or where that customer is going. Using an app, anyone can get a reliable ride, whenever and wherever they are.

The added bonus of ridesharing services is that they serve as a form of economic empowerment themselves. As these services ramp up across the country, they are providing tens of thousands of flexible

and easily accessible jobs.

Three out of four Uber drivers use the service as a steady source of income, and eight percent of drivers were formerly unemployed. Uber has partnered with the NAACP in Boston and Maryland to recruit drivers from heavily diverse neighborhoods where jobs are often sorely needed.

In fact, these new services create a virtuous cycle of employment and economic empowerment.

Ridesharing companies serve new people and communities that traditional taxis have for years passed over.

When these drivers come from the communities they serve, it essentially creates a new market for transportation services.

Everybody wins, from the passengers to the drivers to the local economy.

We often think about how technology and smartphones make our lives more convenient and easier; it’s important to remember that technology has the power to protect our dignity and make our society fairer as well.

Ben Jealous is former President and CEO of the NAACP and a partner at Kapor Capital, an early investor in Uber.

America -- What do we do after Charleston?

Child Watch

By Marian Wright Edelman “For in a warm climate, no man will labour for himself who can make another labour for him. This is so true, that of the proprietors of slaves a very small proportion indeed are ever seen to labor. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his

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wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever . . .” – Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII “The Negro race in America, stolen, ravished and degraded, struggling up through difficulties and oppression, needs sympathy and receives criticism, needs help and is given hindrance, needs protection and is given mobviolence, needs justice and is given charity, needs leadership and is given cowardice and apology, needs bread and is given a stone. This nation will never stand justified before God until these things are changed.” –“Declaration of Principles” of the Niagara

Movement, a forerunner of the NAACP’s founding I am a native South Carolinian. Charleston is my maternal ancestral home.

My great grandmother was born during slavery. My great grandfather I have been told was a plantation overseer.

Never have I been more proud and more ashamed of my dueling ancestral heritages than in the aftermath of the terroristic murders of nine Black Christians engaged in Bible study at Charleston’s historic Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church by a young White man infected by what Dr. King called, after President Kennedy’s assassination, “a morally inclement climate.”

The young White visitor to the weekly Bible study came with a troubled spirit and racial rage inflamed by a White supremacist website. He was enabled to become a mass killer by readily accessible and largely unregulated guns – over 310 million in citizen hands and only 4 million in America’s law enforcement and military hands. But his dastardly deeds were bathed in an amazing spirit of forgiveness among the

CHARLESTON TURN TO 7

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Page 7

EDUCATION Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis is making the grade very hard at their real jobs in the corporate world and gain valuable experience for their future. The students’ wages also cover nearly half of the cost of their education.

The fifth class of seniors from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis graduated this spring with every single senior receiving an acceptance letter to a 2- or 4-year college. In total, the seniors applied to 98 colleges in 27 states and 2 foreign countries for a total of 229 acceptances.

The school’s seniors were also awarded $1.37 million dollars in scholarships for their first year of college.

A unique learning model Cristo Rey Jesuit students come from diverse ethnicities and economically challenged backgrounds. Some live in the poorest, most crime-ridden, gang threatened neighborhoods in our state. Yet through a oneof-a-kind model, Cristo Rey Jesuit has transformed several of our area’s most at-risk youth into college-bound learners who make a lasting mark in the classroom and in the community.

The curriculum at Cristo Rey Jesuit is one-of-kind in Minnesota because students learn both in the classroom in the real world through the school’s one-of-a-kind Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). In a nutshell, students pay for their education by working at a Twin Cities’ company, corporation or non-profit. The list of prestigious CWSP participants includes General Mills, Medtronic Inc., U.S. Bank, Delta and many

Charleston From 6 victims’ families.

I hope this latest chapter in America’s pervasive history of domestic terrors against millions of Black citizens victimized by slavery and Jim Crow terrorism, denied full citizen rights throughout our history, relegated to subhuman three-fifths status in our Constitution and treated like beasts of burden to fuel our unjust economic system can be squarely confronted. Until the United States sees and cures its profoundly evil birth defects of slavery, Native American genocide, and the exclusion of all women and non-propertied men of all colors from our electoral process, these birth defects will continue to flare up in multiple guises to threaten our Black community’s and

Major milestone!

Cristo Rey Jesuit is also celebrating a milestone this spring: the graduation of the school’s very first class from college.

It’s been 8 years since Cristo Rey Jesuit opened its doors here in the Twin Cities and this spring students from its very first class graduated from colleges and universities all over the country.

This is a big deal for a school founded with a lofty mission of creating college-bound students from teenagers who might otherwise never have considered college. It is the ultimate test of their perseverance and the effectiveness of the Cristo Rey Jesuit model.

Nick Wosika

Graduates Rolanda Blay and Alexandra Bell more.

The money students earn working one day a week is then funneled back into the school’s

budget. This equation allows some of the most underserved students in our community the chance at a private school

education. CWSP eases the burden of the cost of education and exposes the student to a real-life work environment that

broadens his or her horizons and encourages the student to set high goals. Put plainly, Cristo Rey Jesuit students work

everyone’s safety, our nation’s future, and render hollow our professed but still inadequate commitment to ensuring equality for all.

Slavery was followed by thousands of lynchings and racially instigated terrorism through hate groups like the KKK during the Jim Crow era.

And it continues to be reflected in the unjust racial profiling and killings of Black boys and men by law enforcement agents and a mass incarceration system. Millions of Black and Latino children and people of color are trapped in a cradle to prison pipeline lodged at the intersection of race and poverty.

That Black children are the poorest, most miseducated, most incarcerated, most unemployed, and most demonized of any group of children in America is a continuing legacy of slavery and Jim Crow that must end now. Let’s seize this latest

tragic racial terrorist act to confront our history and how we teach our history. And we must all act together to reject our present day racism in all its structural, cultural and hidden manifestations with urgency and persistence. We must pass on to our children and grandchildren a more honest and just nation and a future free of the violence of racism, poverty and guns.

I believe we are called in the aftermath of the Charleston massacre, the latest in a long and egregious history of unjust Black deaths, to confront the realities of our true history so that a new generation of White youths does not carry forth the poison of racial supremacy and White privilege. We also must act so that millions of Black, Native American and Latino children, soon to be the majority of our country’s children in a majority nonwhite world, do not have to continue to struggle against overt

and covert culturally ingrained racism. We must firmly reject all symbols glorifying slavery and hatred that divide us. We must reject all efforts to subvert fair and democratic election processes including the precious right to vote. We must end mass incarceration and ensure equal justice under the law for all. We must confront massive inequality of wealth and income and end poverty, beginning with child

poverty now.

It is time to commit America to become America and to close the gap between creed and deed.

On this 4th of July let’s send a ray of hope throughout our nation and world that we are committed to honoring our dream of equality for all. What an amazing grace moment we have been given to help our nation move forward together.

Record freshman class expected in August For the first time in school history, Cristo Rey Jesuit has stopped accepting applications for 9th grade for the coming school year. This fall the school will welcome its largest freshmen class of more than 140 new students.

To learn more about Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, go to: www.cristoreytc.org

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.

Before phishing, there was fishing.

International Pop Walker Art Center

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

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

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

Lead sponsor of the Walker Art Center’s presentation

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

Media partner

Hotel partners

Page 8 • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE

2015 Toyota Sienna

By Frank S. Washington NNPA Columnist DETROIT – If ever there was a scourge of the auto industry, it is a minivan. Most people don’t want to be caught dead in one.

They are thought to convey a boring lifestyle, subservience to kids and the driver is viewed as an all-around gofer for the family.

But even though sales have fallen, more than 1 million people a year purchase a minivan, most of them after they’ve had a second child.

And the Toyota Sienna ranks among the best of the family haulers.

We had the 2015 Toyota Sienna SE. It had a 3.5-liter V6 engine that made 266 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission the Sienna had plenty of power to maneuver on the expressways here as well as on the surface streets. It had an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined.

You should know that we weren’t carrying passengers, so our test vehicle was rather spry on the pavement. But if you’re hauling kids around, a reasonable argument is that you have no business whizzing in and out of traffic anyway.

We had captain’s chairs in the second row. That meant that our Sienna could carry seven passengers in a 2+2+3 configuration.

A second row bench seat increases its capacity to eight passengers.

We had the front-wheel-drive model, but there is an allwheel-drive version. Toyota said the Sienna is the only minivan available with allwheel-drive.

As we were preparing this review, we got notification that the Toyota Sienna had received the Best in Class

2015 Toyota Sienna SE Minivan Award in the fifth annual New England Motor Press Association Technology Conference. Indeed, with 150 cu. ft. of storage space, with the second and third row seats taken out, the Sienna can haul a bunch of stuff. But its main purpose is to haul kids, their friends and all their stuff.

The Sienna is equipped with a speaker that will project the driver’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers.

It uses the same microphone

as the voice controls. Used with the Sienna’s standard conversation mirror in the overhead console, a driver can get up close and personal with the people in the back of the van, especially the munchkins in the third row who think they are beyond reach.

Toyota’s Entune App system was standard equipment on the Sienna. Of course, there was a rear seat entertainment system. And our Sienna had a backup camera with cross

traffic alert and it was equipped with blind side alert.

The SE is, more or less, the sport model. It was lower, featured a sport tuned suspension and it had 19-inch wheels. The side skirts and at lower profile headlights with LED daytime running lamps gave it and even more muscular look.

The interior had what Toyota called exclusive instrumentation. Instruments had black numerals on white

dials. The black interior featured white French stitching. The navigation/ information screen was atop the center stack, climate controls were beneath it and the audio controls were beneath that. We had a CD player, a feature that is bordering on being obsolete, and a slot for an SD card. There was also a 110-volt outlet with easy second row access.

Our tester had climate controls for the rear and there was also a power off button for

the sliding doors. We thought that was a nice touch to keep young explorers inside the Sienna.The vehicle had a smart key, a sunroof and the fit and finish was what you’d expect of a Toyota vehicle. It was flawless to the naked eye.

For $41,108, our 2015 Toyota Sienna SE wasn’t a bad deal.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

The three stages or maturity Man Talk

By Timothy Houston We are all born into this world with a dependency on others.

As new born babes, we need someone to feed and nurture us. Without this care, we could only live for a few days at most.

Moving from dependence to interdependence takes time, growth, and development. As we move through the maturity

continuum, we all progress through several stages. The three major stages of maturity are dependence, independence, and interdependence, with the highest stage being interdependence.

The first stage on the maturity continuum is dependency.

Dependence is the state of being influenced, determined by, or subject to another. One of the characteristics of a dependent person is that they will use the “you” statement. “You did not get it for me” or “It’s your fault that I am this way”. Dependency is the lowest level of maturity and requires others to provide physical, mental, emotional, and financial support. Each of these

dimensions reaches maturity at different points so a person that is physically independent may still be financially dependent on someone else. When growth and development is done properly, the individual will move from dependence to independence in all dimensions of their life.

The second stage on the maturity continuum is independency. Independence means to be self-governed.

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

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

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

It defines the transition into complete adulthood where the person is emotionally and financially responsible for self and has developed mentally where they can carry their own weight. This stage must be completed. Only an independent person can move to interdependence.

The final stage on the maturity continuum is interdependency.

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

greatest amount of maturity because getting along with others is more demanding than getting along with self.

Interdependence can only be achieved between two independent people. If one person is dependent, the other will only serve as an enabler. The person that is interdependent uses the “we” statement. “We can do it,” or “we will work it out together.”

This is necessary to build families and communities. Two people working collectively will always achieve more than they ever could on their own.

Getting to interdependence is a necessary part of human development. No one can ever

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

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get copies of his book, schedule a speaking engagement, or for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Have confidence: Achieving your goal no matter what Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson Have you ever had those days when you felt your confidence leaving you?

It could’ve been a time when you thought everything was going to work out in your favor, but then the opposite happened. You started to lose confidence in yourself and confidence in your goals.

Don’t feel too bad about this, because it happens to the best of us.

There are many times in my life when I have had to rebuild my confidence level. It happened for me once when I thought that I would be starting a new chapter in my life. I had everything lined up and I was ready to move into my new direction.

But suddenly out of nowhere, my plans where changed and I

couldn’t do anything about it. It seemed like nothing was going as I planned. This made me feel down and doubting myself. I later had very little confidence in anything I planned and I knew it would take some time to get it back together.

Having confidence in your decisions and what you are doing, can be difficult for many people. Having doubt can be dangerous! The key to this is to always believe in yourself and have faith in what you are doing.

When you really believe that you are doing the right things to make a better life for yourself and your loved ones, then never let anything stop you from doing what’s best. Staying confident in your positive choices is the start.

Picture this, if you walk around not believing in yourself and not having confidence, then you won’t get anything done.

Stand up for yourself and do things that you know are going to help your situation get better.

No matter what it may look like, have the confidence to weather the storms if they appear and

let nothing stand in your way.

Have the confidence to say, “I will achieve this goal no matter what happens!”

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

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www.

Inviting All Active Adults, 40+ Come down to the Y at Heritage Park, Monday - Friday from 6:00am-8:00pm for a tour and Free Group Exercise class.

Featuring: Yoga, Pilates, Ta’ Chi, Zumba and more.

Contact Kimieshia Paul at 612-821-2195 for additional information.

YMCA AT HERITAGE PARK 1015 4th Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55405 (P) 612 821 2193

thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject. com.

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Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Hennepin County Attorney’s Office out in force for National Night Out Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, are available to answer resident’s questions about the justice system and provide crime prevention information regarding how people can protect their family and their property.

“National Night Out is an important event for our office,” said Freeman. “It’s a great way to build and strengthen

Staff from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office -prosecutors, victim advocates and others --will participate in National Night Out (NNO) events throughout the county on Tuesday, August 4.

Each year, the County Attorney’s Office visits more than 100 NNO block parties and community gatherings.

Representatives, including

our relationships in the community.”

Nationally, over 38 million people from 16,000 communities around the country attend NNO events, which promote communitypolice partnerships; and encourage neighbors to get to know each other as a way to prevent crime. It’s a great opportunity to increase public

safety and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by family and friends.

If your organization or block is hosting an event or party and would like someone from the County Attorney’s Office to visit, please fill out the request form at www.hennepinattorney. org/NNO. Questions? Contact jean.heyer@hennepin.us.

The African American Leadership Forum to host inaugural fundraising dinner

Dr. Fayneese Miller

The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) will honor Kim Nelson of General Mills and Dr. Fayneese Miller, president of Hamline University, at its inaugural fundraising dinner.

The event takes place Friday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Minnesota, TCF Bank Stadium.

Miller is the first AfricanAmerican president in the 135 year history of Hamline University. Nelson is senior

Kim Nelson

vice president of External Affairs for General Mills and is one of the founding members of the African American Leadership Forum.

The mission of the African American Leadership Forum is to create a just and healthy society that works equally for everyone. For more information on AALF or the event go to www.aalf. us or contact Jeffrey Hassan, executive director of AALF, at (612) 532-3694.

Minneapolis gets boost to address rise in behavioral problems in young children Minneapolis was selected by the National League of Cities (NLC) to participate in the City Leadership for Building an Early Learning Nation technical assistance initiative.

Mayor Betsy Hodges’ Cradle to K initiative will use the assistance to combat what she says is a rise in behavioral problems occurring in

preschools and kindergartens throughout the city. With help from national experts provided by NLC, the Cradle to K Cabinet plans to develop a strategy to reduce behavioral problems by focusing on emotional and social development and mitigating exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

Lessons

and especially in Charleston: Black, White, Latino, Asian, Native American, Christians of every denomination and people of all faiths.

• Hope in the overdue removal of confederate flags from southern state capitols and the renewed criticism of the historic offense of that symbol.

• And, there is hope in the unmasking of yet another violent vein of racial hatred that belies the selfcongratulatory claim of a postracial America.

Still, I can’t help wonder how differently things might have been if the neighborly love and hospitality Dylann Roof received from the pastors and people of Emmanuel AME Church on that fatal night had been a recurring and consistent part of his life?

I’m not blaming the victims, I’m making the observation that one hour of love caused a hate-filled man to pause for a moment. A lifetime of love and he might never have conceived his murderous mission.

For every friend, relative, website, blog, video and symbol that espoused hatred and violence,

From 1 But what happened in Charleston was different from Birmingham in key respects.

The Birmingham bomber didn’t know who would fall victim to his plot. Dylann Roof apparently wanted to look his victims in the eyes and witness their suffering.

The Birmingham bombing was anonymous and impersonal. The Charleston killings were intimate; the killer reportedly spared one victim specifically so she could tell the world what he had done.

As a nation, we are left to wonder when, if ever, we shall overcome? And yet, even as we mourn the victims of this tragedy who still are being laid to rest, and grieve the violation of a sacred space and the erosion of our collective sense of security, there is hope.

• Hope in the forgiveness extended to Dylann Roof by the families of the victims.

• Hope in the outpouring of love and support from people across the country

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

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

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

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

One of the Cabinet’s main goals will be to engage fathers and male caregivers at children’s earliest stages of learning. Research has shown that this engagement can have a profound effect on a child’s development.

“The repercussions of adverse childhood experiences are greatest between the ages

of zero to three,” said Hodges.

“Therefore the best way to really bring about change and ensure that children are ready and able to learn throughout their lifetime is to tackle these problems as early as we can. That is exactly what this initiative will help Cradle to K achieve.”

Studies suggest exposure to

ACEs – violence, verbal abuse, physical, emotional and mental abuse, neglect, mental illness and economic instability – during children’s first years of life can impair their socialemotional development, ability to self-regulate and succeed in school.

According to a 2014 report by the U.S. Department of

16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama there ought to have been a contrary voice of love, reconciliation, peace and acceptance. Rather than turning to bullets, Roof himself might have been “killed” by kindness.

Sadly, we can’t change what happened in Charleston. But we

can change what happens next and what happens here.

This is a watershed moment, a defining point when we must engage, all of us, in the ongoing work of racial justice, equity and reconciliation. We must pledge to ourselves and each other to shed

Phone: 612.588.1313

S.A.G. Drill & Dance Team S.A.G. Drill & Dance Team Empowering youth & adults through drill & dance. Practice is weekly @ 2507 Fremont Ave N. 55411. Contact: Gwendolyn Johnson gmj.klt@gmail.com

Part-time Administrative/Outreach Coordinator Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is seeking to fill a part-time Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is seeking to fill a part-time Administrative/Outreach Coordinator position. (25 hours a week) We are looking for a detailed, organized, flexible, motivated pro-active individual with a passion for community engagement in the non-profit world. This position will provide support in the Hawthorne neighborhood.

Experience: Skills/Attributes: Knowledge of program management, nonprofit management and marketing strategies. High attention to detail, exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, self-motivated. This candidate will also possess great communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and written. Have the ability to build and maintain good relations with partners, funders, and community stakeholders. Maintain a high level of professionalism with a positive attitude. Well organized selfstarter and works professionally with volunteers. Intellectual curiosity to learn about the organizations’ activities and neighborhood is a plus. Knowledge of web design, Facebook, Microsoft Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint and Word is a must.

Education: The successful candidate will have a bachelor degree in, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or Public relations or some post-secondary education in one of these fields of study as well as work or volunteer experience in the non-profit world.

How to apply: Send a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to dhawkins@hawthorneneighborhoodcouncil.org. Please type your full name and position title into the subject field of the email.

Application materials will be reviewed by the search committee starting July 20, 2015. The position will be open until filled.

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water on the arid, dry, parched people we encounter that espouse hatred and violence.

Let’s take personal responsibility for speaking truth in our circles of influence.

Whether in your country club or community center, on the polo

Fax: 612.588.2031

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

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

Available Fieldcrest in Moorhead, MN Rent based on 30% of income

2 & 3 bdroms open MetroPlains Management

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ground or playground, in the board room or the back room— speak enlightenment in the face of ignorance, tout inclusion to counter intolerance, and sabotage stereotypes with facts and personal anecdotes.

Racism, prejudice and hatred cannot go unchecked if we make it our personal responsibility to stand up for the higher good and what is just and right.

We must be cross-culturally proactive, all of us, rather than waiting for racism to rear its ugly head. Volunteer, serve, engage and find a place and way to get personally involved with people from a culture and context that is different from your own.

Dylann Roof destroyed African American lives, as he intended. It appears he proceeded alone, but his actions nonetheless are part of this country’s sordid serial history of white violence against blacks.

We must commit ourselves to building and enriching African American lives, not because black lives matter, although they surely do. But because all lives have equal value and we should all matter to each other.

Email: info@insightnews.com

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

Must meet certain qualifications.

(Waiting List) Now Accepting Housing Applications

Townhomes

Education, mental health and behavioral issues are the number one reason children get suspended from school. Almost 30 percent of the students in kindergarten through fourth grade in Minneapolis were being disciplined with out-ofschool suspensions.

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

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

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

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

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

Case Manager

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is hiring a Case Manager for our Families Moving Forward program center in Minneapolis. Help us end homelessness! Visit: www.beaconinterfaith.org/careers for details.

Accounting and Office Assistant

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

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Page 10 • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

DiY

Blueprint’s 60 city tour stops in Minneapolis Thursday at Icehouse

By Toki Wright

AS: Do you believe that story is missing?

D.I.Y., the idea that you can “do it yourself,” has been at the core of MC, producer, instrumentalist and author Blueprint’s work model.

The Columbus, Ohio native has released 19 projects, some independently on his Weightless Records label, as well as collaborative efforts with Minneapolis-based Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Recently returning from Alaska, I spoke to Blueprint about the importance of intellectual hip-hop and being a boss rather than an employee.

BP: Yes. That story isn’t getting told so there is a perception that it died with the Golden Era and there aren’t any artists who are carrying the torch that people in their 30s and 40s can listen to and grow with. I think that we’re out here it’s just that we’re not in the limelight of the media. We’re still here and we’re still doing it at a high level.

AS: What does that high level look like to you?

AS: Is there an aspect of hip-hop that the majority of listeners may miss?

BP: From the quality of the music making that every record is fresh every time and doesn’t sound the same. That it’s responsible socially … that the live show progresses every time people see us and that they feel good about what they are investing into. Music video visuals. In every aspect we try to execute to where people can feel good about what they’re supporting.

BP: There is hip-hop out there that speaks to an intelligent, mature Black audience.

AS: What’s most important to you in how an artist presents their work?

AS: When somebody picks up a Blueprint album what are they going to hear?

BP: Honesty. Growth.

Entertainment. Musicality.

BP: The ability to present what you want to present in your voice … not having to compromise what you want to release. To me, if you are independent there are certain thing you shouldn’t have to worry about such as having to change or modify your vision.

I understand that you have to change it because records do need sales, but at the same time I don’t think independent artists should be too worried about politics of certain situations.

I think they should just be worried about expression and execution.

AS: Do you think the playing field is more level now between an artist such as yourself and an artist that targets more mainstream audiences?

BP: I think the playing field is more even now because the means of distribution is more even. We’re not necessarily competing for the same retail space (as we were) 10 years ago, competing for end caps. It’s not the same. We’re creating a lane and driving people to that lane.

The challenge now is not the

means of online distribution, it’s making sure you can find your audience and give them enough opportunities to find you.

AS: How much has being from Columbus, Ohio shaped your experience as an MC and what you present to audiences?

a while now with Weightless Records.

BP: We’ve had Weightless since 1999. We’ve released records off and on. Around 2012 is the first time I released a real solo album and poured into it more.

BP: Probably 90 to 100 percent of it, being in the middle of everything. Being close to the East Coast but a couple states away from the South; still close enough to the East where we consider East Coast music our music.

And just the way people in the Midwest communicate. I think it’s a little more direct than some of the other places.

AS: How has that experience been for you versus having it released by a label?

AS: What is your label status?

AS: What is your opinion on the state of affairs for Black people in this world and what is your response as a man and artistically?

BP: I consider myself an independent artist. I own and control my platform. If there are other opportunities out there I’ve pursued those in accordance with the records.

Right now, I’m focused on building my own independent platform.

AS: You’ve been doing that for

BP: There’s a lot more control.

I don’t have to wait on things.

When I have music I feel should come out I can set the date myself. It’s a smaller more nimble operation so it gives me a little more freedom to move.

BP: We are in the position we are in now because we own and control almost nothing. I consider myself a student of Dr. Claud Anderson’s teachings and the

Powernomics model. He said if you don’t own or control any of your own businesses then you really have no control over your community’s politics and economic situation. We’ve spent a lot of time being employees and very little time owning. Unless you own and control, you set yourself up to be disrespected and at the bottom of society. I think the solution is ownership.

The solution is rebuilding the institutions again --the institutions that were abandoned with integration.

We need to take pride in building those institutions again and not have all of our work determined by our status as employees.

Blueprint will be live in concert for the “King No Crown” tour with Freez, DJ Rare Groove, Supastition, Greg Grease and a B-Boy Exhibition this Friday, July 17 at Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Presale tickets are available at www.soultoolsblue printkingnocrowntour.bpt.me/.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

insightnews.com

Insight News • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Page 11

The Guthrie brings ‘Music Man’ to life

By Carmen Robles The spectacular, intimate feel of the Guthrie Theater’s Wurtele Thrust Stage captured the true experience of a Broadway show with the production of “Music Man.” The “Music Man” is a 1958 Tony Award winning musical set in the early nineteen hundreds. It is the story of a so called professor of musicology.

In reality the “professor” is a scam artist, fast talking salesman of instruments and marching uniforms who is only out to make a sale. First he had to create the buzz, build the need and spark the desire within the town’s people to want to buy those instruments – a difficult task indeed especially since no one had any musical inclination or money. The professor, however, is enthralled with the local spinster, librarian who can see right through him and who teaches him the true meaning of life … love.

The “Music Man’s” songs are comparable to some tonguetwisting rap in that they are fast, fast, fast. The actors bring to life the characters of the small town and the chaos caused by the seasoned money-making schemer in his quest to unload the instruments and uniforms.

The 44-member cast danced acrobatically, manipulating props to provide a flawless, brilliant and beautifully executed musical extravaganza.

No match for neighboring luxurious stages, where one can sit back and take in the panoramic view of the show,

T. Charles Erickson.

Stacie Bono (Marian Paroo), Danny Binstock (Harold Hill) and cast in the Guthrie Theater’s production ofThe Music Man. Book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, directed by John Miller-Stephany. Set design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Mathew J. LeFebvre and lighting design by David Lander. June 20 - August 23, 2015, on the on the Wurtele Thrust Stage at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis. at the Guthrie’s Wurtele Thrust Stage audience members become part of the show, drawn in through the hypnotic action of an intimate space. Seats are no more than 15 rows from the stage. The 1,100 seats surrounding three sides create a sociable atmosphere where

the audience feels one with the actors.

The orchestra is seated behind the stage (stage left) and they can see Andrew Cooke, the conductor on video, who sits halfway in a hole on the stage floor. Thirteen orchestra musicians and 16 local high

school marching band members added to the exhilaration of the production.

The stage floor opened up with different props rising from the floor and standing props rotated.

Additional props dropped from the ceiling. Screens rolled down

as backdrops suddenly transforming the stage into one of the 26 scenes creating a mesmerizing and alluring experience for the audience.

Costumes were exquisite, one of a kind works of art.

Even those of the less than grand citizens of the small Iowa

Friday, July 17

J. Otis Powell

DJ Rare Groove

town clothes’ mirrored a time when etiquette, good grooming and coming together as a community was in fashion.

All scenery, props and costumes were designed specifically for Guthrie production and were built in the theater’s shop.

HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Blueprint, Supastition, Greg Grease, Freez, DJ Rare Groove Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 11 p.m.

21-plus See this week’s Aesthetically Speaking feature, Blueprint, perform his impressive stage show with an all-star lineup including Freez, Greg Grease, Supastition, and DJ Rare Groove.

July 13 – 19

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

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

Monday, July 13

Saturday, July 18 CABARET Showtune Showdown Pepito’s Parkway Theater 4814 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis 6:30 p.m. $20-$40 The Singers, One Voice Mixed Chorus, and Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus battle it out in this “Glee”/”American” Idol style competition.

Tuesday, July 14 ORGANIZING/FORUM Community forum on changing city processes, building collective wealth and fighting gentrification in north Minneapolis Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

The Firehouse Collective convenes a community organizing forum discussing changing city processes, building collective wealth and fighting gentrification and engages with Minneapolis officials regarding the sale of city-owned property.

Wednesday, July 15 BENEFIT

Benefit Show for J. Otis Powell 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis Intermedia Arts 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

J. Otis Powell, Twin Cities poet, spoken word artist, philosopher, producer, curator, editor, and community pillar, is still healing from the wounds of a recent health crisis.

Members from the community are coming together to produce a benefit show in his honor through word, music, movement, song and poetry.

Purchase of a tickets helps Powell cover medical expenses, and assist in the necessary transition to his new living arrangement.

The evening’s lineup features Alexs Pate, Toki Wright, Kevin Washington, Mankwe Ndosi, Arleta Little, Douglas Ewart, Molly Van Avery, Lynette Reini-Grandell, Bill Cottman, R. Vincent Moniz, Jr., Sha Cage, Kate Pehrson and more.

Thursday, July 16 REGGAE/PARTY The Bungalow The Record Room/First Avenue Nightclub 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 10 p.m.

DJ Verb X leads the weekly dance night specializing in reggae, dancehall and hip-hop.

FESTIVAL/PARADE Rondo Days Celebration and Parade Rondo Education Center 560 Concordia Ave., St. Paul 10 a.m.

The annual St. Paul festival celebrates the once thriving African-American Rondo neighborhood that was split in half with the construction of Interstate 94. The event features live music, food and plenty of people watching.

Sunday, July 19 WORLD/PERFORMANCE Sister Cities Day Nicollet Island Pavilion 40 Power St., Minneapolis 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Free This family-friendly community event showcases Minneapolis’ 12 sister city relationships through multicultural entertainment, exhibits and children’s activities.

Free ice cream and refreshments are provided. Cities represented are Santiago, Chile; Kuopio, Finland; Winnipeg, Canada; Ibaraki City, Japan; Novosibirsk, Russia; Tours, France; Harbin, China; Uppsala, Sweden; Eldoret, Kenya; Cuernavaca, Mexico; Najaf, Iraq and Bosaso, Somalia.

Page 12 • July 13 - July 19, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Misty Copeland becomes ABT’s first African-American principal ballerina

By Zita Allen Special to the NNPA from the New York Amsterdam News When American Ballet Theatre announced the promotion of Misty Copeland to principal ballerina Tuesday, the highest rank in the company and the highest ever achieved by an African-American dancer with one of this country’s elite ballet companies, she told reporters at a press conference, “I’m just so extremely honored to be a principal dancer, to be an African-American and to be in this position.”

Occasionally fighting back tears, she spoke softly with humility and grace at what was clearly an emotionally charged moment. Her promotion had just been announced that morning at a company meeting with Artistic Director Kevin MacKenzie, who said simply, “Misty, take a bow,” as her fellow company members applauded.

Copeland explained that starting to dance at age 13, at the Boys and Girls Club in California, where she grew up, was not your typical path into that corner of the dance world where few who looked like her.

“The first person who looked like me that I saw dance Odette/ Odile [the lead role in ‘Swan Lake’] was Lauren Anderson of the Houston Ballet,” she said.

Later, she would meet others, such as Raven Wilkinson, the only Black ballerina with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo back in the 1950s, whose experiences included harrowing confrontations with the Ku Klux Klan during company tours down South.

Copeland continued, “I think I would have had a completely different path had there been more like me. I’ve had moments of doubting myself and wanting to quit

GENE SCHIAVONE AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

Misty Copeland because I didn’t know. I didn’t think there could be a future for me as an African-American woman to make it to this level.

At the same time, it made me hungry to push through and make way for the next generation. This is not about just me. I’m constantly saying that it’s about everyone who came before me that got me to

this position, and all the little girls that can see themselves through me, it’s given them a brighter future.

“I think it makes their dreams seem more tangible. ... Now, for them, I think it’s going to push them to keep striving. So many young dancers of color stop dancing at an early age because they

don’t think there could be a career path for them.”

Her voice cracked as she added, “For me, I just have to remember why I’m getting the attention that I’m getting.

It’s because of my dancing.

It’s because I’m a ballerina and no other reason so that has to remain my focus. And in spite of everything that’s

happening, I go to ballet class every morning. I work my butt off eight hours a day because I know I have to deliver when I get on stage. I have to go out there and perform live every night and prove myself maybe more so than other dancers because people might be thinking, ‘Why is she getting all this attention? Is it really

based on her dancing?’ All of these things have come into play, especially this season, so it’s a lot on my shoulders … to have people judging and reviewing me when it’s your first time. But I’m just taking it one day at a time, one role at a time, one performance at a time, and I’m just trying to stay as focused as I can be and hopefully represent ABT in the best way that I can.”

It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Copeland’s sold-out performances have attracted a newer, more diverse audience to American Ballet Theatre performances. And the energetic enthusiasm of the crush of young fans who wait at the stage door for autographs has been remarkable. The same goes for the social media explosion that greeted the news of her promotion.

Tuesday, Copeland shared with her 500,000 Instagram followers a short video of when she got news of the promotion. Facebook, Twitter (@mistyonpointe and #weloveyou) and Instagram exploded with congratulatory messages from fellow dancers and others, including Prince, Katie Couric, Star Jones and Hillary Clinton. Ballerina Julie Kent’s post got 32,000 likes and 2,471 comments in a matter of minutes. Eighty-yearsyoung ballerina Wilkinson was ecstatic when she got the news very early, saying that even though she doesn’t have any of those newfangled devices, her phone was ringing off the hook.

While she doesn’t yet know which leading roles she will be dancing, audiences eager to see Copeland perform in her new exalted position as principal ballerina will be able to do so during the American Ballet Theatre’s upcoming fall season at the company’s home in Lincoln Center.

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