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Insight News July 3 - July 9, 2017
Vol. 44 No. 27• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Paying homage
Artists honor Legacy of John Biggers TURN TO PAGE 2
Jordan Hamilton
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Leading with art: John Hamilton, area artists, celebrate legendary John Biggers By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor The spirit of John Biggers is alive and well. Though the legendary artist who was a part of the famed Harlem Renaissance passed in 2001, he continues to inspire and influence many of today’s artists … artists like Jordan Hamilton. Hamilton is a part of a collective of AfricanAmerican artists working on the John Biggers Seed Project. The project is a city of Minneapolis commissioned mural to be erected along Olson Memorial Highway in North Minneapolis. The site is near where the Biggers-led “Celebration of Life” mural once lived before being torn down in 2001 to make way for apartments. The art that adorns this week’s cover is Hamilton’s tribute to Biggers. “After looking at a lot of John Biggers works and the ways he used symbolism, I incorporated a lot of that
Artist Jordan Hamilton
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An untitled work by Seed Project artist, Jordan Hamilton.
in a way to pay homage to his legacy,” said Hamilton. “Biggers used the African pick or comb in his ‘Celebration of Life’ so with my piece the comb is toppled over to symbolize the tearing down of ‘Celebration of Life.’” Hamilton, who celebrates his 28th birthday on July 14, is one of 13 emerging artists being tutored by renowned artists Ta-coumba Aiken and Seitu Jones as a part of the Seed Project. He said other elements in his untitled work incorporate styles of his fellow Seed artists. The work of Hamilton is full of astute symbolism. The turtles in the stream are Adinkra symbols and represent careful navigation of life’s obstacles. The eye represents the all-seeing universe. The heart monitor-like image at the top represents the continual rhythm of life … and the continued heartbeat of John Biggers, who lives on through the works of Hamilton and others. The coming mural is expected to be completed in 2019.
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Insight News • July 3 - July 9, 2017 • Page 3
aesthetically speaking
Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities
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W I N N E R : 2 017 N N PA M E R I T AW A R D S : 2 N D P L A C E B E S T S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
Insight News July 3 - July 9, 2017
Vol. 44 No. 27• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
NORTHSIDE VOTES: Candidates spar at mayoral forum By Nadvia Davis Five candidates for Minneapolis mayor faced off at the Tuesday night (June 27) Northside Votes Mayoral Forum held at the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. The forum was presented by North Minneapolis neighborhood and community organizations including Harrison Neighborhood Association, Heritage Park Neighborhood Association, Northside Neighborhood Council, Lao Assistance Center, Neighbors Organizing for Change (NOC), West Market
District, Minneapolis Urban League and Insight News. Candidates answered questions from the community and elaborated on their visions for the city. More than 60 people listened attentively to the candidates as they outlined why they want to be the next mayor of Minneapolis. “I’m running to build collaboration,” said candidate Al Flowers who emphasized that he already has experience creating partnerships with people and agencies in the community. He referenced his work with Sen. Bobby Joe Champion and Twin Cities legacy institutions to build the United Black Legislative Agenda over the last two sessions
of the Minnesota Legislature. In addition to community builder Flowers, the four candidates on the debate panel were civil rights attorney and former Minneapolis NAACP president, Nekima LevyPounds, incumbent Mayor Betsy Hodges, Ward 3 Councilmember Jacob Frey and business owner and filmmaker Aswar Rahman. Tom Hoch, former head of the Hennepin Theater Trust was absent, along with State Rep. Raymond Dehn. Dehn submitted written responses to the questions, which moderator Al McFarlane read during the forum. Levy-Pounds said the Northside forum was too important not to attend.
Aswar Rahman
Jacob Frey
Mayor Betsy Hodges
Nekima Levy-Pounds
Al Flowers “The mayor should be present. I’m not giving a pass to two of my opponents who are not here today. Today is my birthday. I’m a Northside resident. I care about the Northside
FORUM 6
Will oversee $5 million to $7 million annual giving
Chanda Smith Baker headed to Minneapolis Foundation By David McCoy Insight News Intern
Harry Colbert Jr.
Newly-elect NNPA board chair, Dorothy Leavell (third from left) with board members (left of Leavell) Jackie Hampton, Karen Carter Richards, (right of Leavell) Janis Ware, Bernal Smith and Fran Farrer.
Chicago Crusader publisher Dorothy Leavell elected new chairman of the NNPA By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Shortly, before the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) annual Legacy Awards Gala, NNPA members elected veteran Chicago Crusader publisher
Dorothy Leavell to serve as chairman of the group for the next two years (2017-2019). Leavell succeeds Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, who served in the role for the past two years. Leavell praised Rolark Barnes for her work over the past two years, noting that the campaign for the chairman’s seat was never personal.
“I like Denise and I think she’s done a heck of a job,” said Leavell. “But, I’m ready to get down in the mud for this organization.” Leavell’s experience should bode well for the NNPA going forward, said Houston Forward Times publisher Karen Carter Richards. “Dorothy has a lot of experience in the organization
and I think she will continue to move it forward,” said Richards, who was re-elected as first vice chair of the organization. Bernal Smith, publisher of the New Tri-State Defender, was elected second vice chair of the NNPA and Shannon Williams, the president of the
LEAVELL 5
Jackie Hampton Wins Publisher of the Year
Insight News honored for special Prince edition at 2017 NNPA Merit Awards By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor For the second year in a row Insight News was honored by National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) with a Merit Award. Insight took home a secondplace prize for Best Special Edition for its June 6, 2016 – June 12, 2016 edition dedicated to the life of music and cultural icon, Prince. The edition was fully dedicated to Prince and featured news articles about the singer and humanitarian and stories from several people who knew the artist. The Mississippi Link’s
Jackie Hampton won Publisher of the Year and the St. Louis American earned 10 awards, including the coveted John B. Russwurm and Robert A. Sengstacke trophy for general excellence, at the NNPA Foundation’s 2017 Merit Awards. “I’m at a loss for words,” said the affable Hampton, who admitted to being caught off guard by the honor. “I’ve learned so much from you,” she said to her fellow NNPA publishers in attendance. “I don’t look so much as to what I can get out of this organization. What I really enjoy is what I can give to this organization.” The Philadelphia Tribune, Washington Informer and Los Angeles Sentinel also enjoyed a
Business
CFPB sues Ocwen Financial over unfair mortgage practices
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Devonda ScoƩ
Insight News Editor-in-Chief Al McFarlane (right), and Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. pose in front of a display that features the cover of the April 25, 2016 edition of the paper. Insight was awarded second place by the NNPA for Best Special Edition for its June 6, 2016 edition dedicated to Prince. good night inside a packed and festive hotel ballroom. The Tribune picked up six awards while the Informer and
Sentinel each walked away with
NNPA 5
“The way I do community work is changing.” After 17 years of dedicated work, Pillsbury United Communities’ president and CEO, Chanda Smith Baker, will be transitioning to her new role of senior vice president of community impact at the Minneapolis Foundation. She takes on her new role Sept. 5. “It is common to hear (North Minneapolis) is a ‘community of problems.’ I don’t see it that way,” said Smith Baker “And hearing that is what drives me and I ask, ‘how do you bring out the rich narratives that exist
within communities?’” Raised in North Minneapolis, niece to the first African-American superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, Dr. Richard Green, Smith Baker said her mission of service to others was embedded in her at an early age. “Build where you are,” Smith Baker’s mother would say with the Northside in mind. “If you see positive, energy will go that way.” Not just a Northside organization, Smith Baker was quick to point out Pillsbury United served all of Minneapolis, thus equipping her for her coming role.
BAKER 7
Rep. Ellison says Supreme Court’s decision on Muslim ban is ‘backwards’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – The nation’s first elected Muslim to serve in Congress said Monday’s (June 26) Supreme Court decision to uphold portions of President Trump’s Muslim travel ban is reminiscent of other dark chapters in America’s history. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) said Trump’s Muslim travel ban is both xenophobic and racist. “Donald Trump called for a Muslim ban in December 2015 for one reason … to sow fear in Americans so he could win an election,” said Ellison in a statement. “With the addition (Justice) Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court has greenlighted portions of Donald Trump’s Muslim ban to temporarily go into effect. Unfortunately, this Supreme Court has set the cause of ‹liberty and justice for all› backwards. The Trump Court is reminiscent of the Supreme
Community
I2H
Chanda Smith Baker
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) Courts which delivered the Korematsu decision, which upheld Japanese internment, the Plessy v. Ferguson Court, which upheld the doctrine of Separate but Equal, and Dred Scott v. Sanford, which declared Blacks have ‘no rights which whites are
ELLISON 6
News
Ask Dr. Kevin: Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
Minneapolis Police announce new 4th Precinct inspector
HBCU investment is critical
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Business
Action affects all 50 states on unpaid balances of $209 billion
CFPB sues Ocwen Financial over unfair mortgage practices By Charlene Crowell NNPA Newswire Columnist Families who have assembled the necessary financial resources to apply, qualify, and then purchase a home, understandably value that key investment and its accompanying opportunity to build wealth; but buying the home is just the first step of securing the American Dream of homeownership. What many homeowners soon discover is that faithfully paying a monthly mortgage is
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in some cases, just not enough. Although homebuyers choose their lender, they do not choose who services their loan – the company that accepts and processes their monthly payments. The reality is, very few lenders also service loans made. Instead, a third party receives payments, maintains account records and serves as the first point of contact should questions arise. Borrowers can also be caught in errors created by servicers whose records may not have been complete, incorrectly posted to accounts and more. Over the life of a loan, multiple servicers from different firms may manage a single mortgage loan. If a borrower discovers that something is amiss on their loan records, they can soon find themselves in a financial maze trying to decipher who did what and when with their faithful payments. Moreover, while these consumers seek to find out what exactly happened, both fines and fees can be assessed, or
Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips
even foreclosures filed. Imagine that scenario affecting 1.4 million mortgage loans in all 50 states, with a combined unpaid principal balance of $209 billion. Even worse, imagine this disheartening scenario happening with a firm that specializes in servicing delinquent and subprime loans in years
have no say over who services their mortgage, so the Bureau will remain vigilant to ensure they get fair treatment.” The lengthy and new allegations against Ocwen include failure to credit multiple borrowers’ payments, or to correct billing and payment errors, mishandled hazard insurance that led to the lapse of 10,000 borrowers’ homeowners’ insurance, illegally foreclosing on at least 1,000 people – even though borrowers had been given 30 days to submit information to servicers, servicers instead initiated foreclosure proceedings and sales and deceptive enrollment and charges to borrowers for addon products. Several of the foreclosures that affected Black and Latino neighborhoods during the housing crisis were high-cost, unsustainable adjustable-ratemortgage loans. As mortgage brokers were paid financial kickbacks called ‘yield spread
premiums’ for selling these loans, borrowers were often steered into these higher-cost loans, not knowing that the broker had an additional financial incentive. In recent weeks, members of Congress and President Trump have publicly called for regulatory rollbacks in general and for CFPB in particular. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), chair of the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on newly-filed legislation, the Financial CHOICE Act. Dubbed the Wrong Choice Act by consumer advocates, the bill would reverse much of what the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act authorized, including CFPB’s independent governance and funding. Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.
Civil rights groups demand affordable housing goals and fair access to mortgage credit By Charlene Crowell NNPA Newswire Columnist
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.
Charlene Crowell said that borrowers can get caught in errors created by servicers whose records may not have been complete, incorrectly posted to accounts and more.
following the enactment of strong federal legislation designed to ensure protections from financial misbehaviors. In late April, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), along with the Florida Attorney General and the state’s Office of Financial Regulation, filed lawsuits alleging Ocwen Financial Corporation with a litany of ills affecting virtually every phase of mortgage servicing. The Florida lawsuit alone, affects more than 125,000 Ocwen borrowers. “Enough is enough,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Florida’s distressed Ocwen borrowers should no longer have to endure costly servicing errors and unfair practices.” “Ocwen has repeatedly made mistakes and taken shortcuts at every stage of the mortgage servicing process, costing some consumers money and others their homes,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Borrowers
As the Senate Banking Committee turns its attention to reforming the nation’s secondary mortgage market, civil rights leaders recently spoke in a strong and united voice. For these national organizations, the housing finance system must embrace – not abandon – its obligation to provide broad access and affordability in mortgage lending. In a June 6 letter to Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), were advised that any emerging legislation for the secondary housing finance market must set in place guidelines to protect against unlawful discrimination. A second and equally important requirement is for all credit-worthy borrowers have access to the mortgage credit they deserve. Signing the letter was a broad coalition of activists including the Leadership Conference
on Civil and Human Rights, NAACP, National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Community Reinvestment Coalition and the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). Together they wrote, “Any reform of the secondary mortgage market must ensure access and affordability to mortgage credit for all creditworthy potential homebuyers in all regions of the nation … Diminishing the role and importance that the secondary housing finance systems plays in achieving this goal will continue to deepen the racial wealth gap that already exists in America today.” The current public policy debate on the secondary mortgage market has its roots in the foreclosure crisis that began in 2007. Lax federal regulation and excessive risk-taking by Wall Street firms led to a housing boom where investors chased profits on unsustainable mortgage loans. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-sponsored enterprises also known as GSEs, followed
that market trend, hoping to capture profits for their investors. This led to them facing losses that resulted in their being placed into conservatorship by the federal government. Like many other private firms, the GSEs received a financial bailout from the U.S. Treasury Department to avoid a complete market meltdown. Eventually and as authorized by Congress in the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, a $187 billion taxpayer investment saved the GSEs out of the total of $698 billion in rescue funds. Even today, the GSEs remain under conservatorship. But with the housing market stabilized, multiple calls have urged legislative reform of Fannie and Freddie, despite some reforms already enacted. For communities of color, the next decade is projected to demographically change to majority minority. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, seven out of every 10 new households formed will be families of color. In addition, the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is tied to several statutory mandates that include requirements for the GSEs
to share responsibility in reaching affordable housing goals, as well as access to credit that is free from discrimination. In a broad sense, today’s public policy housing debate is also an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the past and craft new policies that will avoid their recurrence. “The nation’s housing finance system has never worked for people of color,” noted Lisa Rice, executive vice president of the National Fair Housing Alliance. “The system was originally and purposefully designed to exclude these consumers. That construct infused barriers to equal access into the system and those barriers have never been unwound. As a result, people of color face grave difficulties when trying to access credit. This means that the Affordable Housing Goals must be strengthened and the resources and resolve to achieve them must be set in place.” “Because the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a special relationship with the federal government, they also have special responsibilities to the public as well,” said Vanita
Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Most importantly, part of their business has to be based in low-income communities that have historically been underserved. If Congress decides to overhaul the housing finance system, any entities that take the place of Fannie and Freddie and enjoy the same protections must also meet the same responsibilities.” As the housing market continues to grapple with historical discrimination that resulted in persistent and growing racial wealth gaps, it must also adapt to new 21st century challenges as well. Many millennials are shunning or delaying homeownership due to heavy student debt. Future policies must find a way to serve a diverse marketplace and protect taxpayers from more financial bailouts. Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.
Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Gloria Freeman Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Rebecca Rabb 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 3 - July 9, 2017 • Page 5
A beautiful lie clashes with an ugly truth Commentary By Corey Yeager As I sat watching the coverage of the Philando Castile verdict coming down (the trial against officer Jeronimo Yanez, who shot and killed Castile), I along with so many others from our community felt the numbness that accompanies yet another fatal injustice was being imposed on us. I felt, once again, that the “system” had failed us … a system that has time and again shown us that it does not represent us. As I listened to Philando’s mother, full of disappointment, rage and sadness, she voiced the words that we, as a collective community, have felt time and time again. The words of a distraught community in search of fleeting answers. “The system continues to fail Black people.” The question I present here is, does the system truly fail us as Black people or is it doing exactly the task it was developed to carry out? From the inception of this so-called democratic and free
NNPA From 3 four. The New Tri-State Defender won first place awards for Best Youth Writer and Best Column Writing. For the St. Louis American, however, the NNPA has repeatedly – and deservedly – paid homage to the awardwinning newspaper, which continues to set standards not just for the Black Press, but for all publications around the globe. “It was a whole team of
Leavell From 3 Indianapolis Recorder, will continue in her role as secretary. Leavell has not only been a great soldier for the NNPA, but she’s also a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, said NNPA president and CEO, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. “I see her as someone to lead the fight fiercely for freedom, justice and equality,” said Chavis. During her prior twoyear stint as president of the organization, Leavell helped increase the visibility and international stature of the Black Press. She was elected chairman
society, the very fabric of this society was founded on a system of white supremacy. From the three fifths compromise of 1757, stating that the African born slaves of the United States would be counted only as 3/5 of a human, to the 1857 Dred Scott decision in which the Supreme Court ruled that “a negro whose ancestors were imported into the U.S. and sold as slaves could not be American citizens;” the stolen African has been told a beautiful lie. A hideous lie that carries with it a very ugly and dangerous truth … a truth we must move from the hidden shadows into the bright light of a harsh reality. If we consider the multiple systemic and oppressive ways in which these beautiful lies have manifest themselves in our communities, we may discover that these systems are not failing but rather have become quite efficient. From the overwhelming deficits we suffer in the educational and healthcare systems, to crippling unemployment (oftentimes double that of the rest of the country) and a justice system that time and again murders us and sets free the very
people who worked so hard and we had excellent competition, so it really is an honor to be recognized by our peers in this way,” said Kenya Vaughn, the website editor for the St. Louis American. “I’m very proud and humbled that (the NNPA) recognized us and recognized that we are informing and shaping the minds of our communities through what we publish and print and we do not take that lightly.” Irv Randolph, the managing editor of the Philadelphia Tribune, said he was thrilled with the honors his paper received. “It’s always good to compete with some of the best Black papers in the country and to help raise awareness about the
of the NNPA Foundation and, as a member of the NNPA for more than half a century, Leavell has served in various roles and she’s often been honored for her philanthropic and civic contributions. She was honored as Publisher of the Year in 1989 and earned the Winnie Mandela Endurance with Dignity Award. “My father used to bring me to the NNPA. When he passed, the person who invited me here after that was Dorothy Leavell,” said Rolark Barnes. “So, it’s up to all of us to make the NNPA great and we can’t sit back and watch her do the work, we have to help.” Ever outspoken and never one to mince words, Leavell said she would immediately go after companies like General Motors and Ford to bring in advertising dollars to member newspapers.
From the inception of this so-called democratic and free society, the very fabric of this society was founded on a system of white supremacy.
officers that have inflicted their homicidal power on our people. Consider the welfare system that was created on the foundation of assuring that the Black woman would be without the Black man in the home; giving way to the current fracture of the Black family, finding that 70 percent of all African-American children born today will be raised in a single parent household. Additionally, the system of mass incarceration which holds more than 900,000 Black men and women in its grasp, proves its
efficient evilness. A system that can accurately predict that Black males without a high school diploma will have a 59 percent chance of being imprisoned before his 35th birthday is one that is working as designed. Given these horrible realities, we must, at the very least, consider that these systems have stacked the deck against us. With the election of our first Black president, America began to push forward its next beautiful lie. The untruth that would have us believe that we are now living in a post-racial
African-American press,” said Randolph. Among the honors earned by the Tribune were first place awards for Best News Story, Best Church Section, the Don King Best Sports Section and Best Entertainment Section. D. Kevin McNeir, the managing editor of the Washington Informer, whose awards included first place for Digital Excellence, said it’s nice to be honored, but the real treat
is providing a service to AfricanAmerican readers. “We don’t do it for awards, but it’s always good when we are acknowledged for the many hours of hard work that we do on behalf of our community,” said McNeir, who earned second place in the Best Feature Story category for his riveting piece titled, “The hurt is real, but we heal – Sybrina Fulton.” Others first place winners include the Amsterdam News
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society … a society that seeks to convince us that the long and painful history of racialized oppression, suffered by stolen Africans, could be swept away with the election of a Black president. The past and current offenses imposed upon us by a system of white supremacy continues to ask us to forget the vast and deep context of a history full of ill intent … a history wrought with evil-doing and beautiful lies. We suffer from a history chalk-full of an everevolving racism, systematically moving us from the ships of the middle passage, through the nightmares of chattel slavery and onto a legalized version of that very slavery and reinvented into Jim Crow. Now we are faced with mass incarceration that has ripped the Black family apart and pitted brothers against one another and leaving mothers to weep at yet another senseless killing at the hands of those professed to “protect and serve.” So, the age-old question remains. Is the system really failing us? The Black scholar, civil rights activist and sociologist, W.E.B. DuBois, wrote of this
conflicting battle facing us today. He simply and eloquently stated, “A system cannot fail those it was never built to protect.” Let us move forward taking this statement by DuBois as the ugly truth. This truth has found a comfortable home in the Black experience, an experience rooted in a tumultuous journey within the confines of this wilderness we call America. If we are to realize that there are more stolen Africans incarcerated in America today than were enslaved in 1850, then we must realize that these systems of oppression are more efficient in carrying out their beautiful lies, than any other time in our history. It is my belief that for us to have a chance to mend the psychological and emotional scars that have been inflicted on us as a people, we must recognize the beautiful lies that have been told to us and uncover the ugly truths we live with every day of our existence in America. May the Almighty comfort our community and the Castile family as we once again suffer through the chaos that is being Black in America.
for Best Editorial; Houston Defender for the Carl Murphy Community Service Award; Cincinnati Herald for Best Feature Story; The Skanner (Portland, Ore.) for Best Layout
and DesignBroadsheet; Houston Forward Times for Best Special Edition; and the Michigan Chronicle for Best Business Section.
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Insight 2 Health Ask Dr. Kevin: Understanding sickle cell disease Ask Dr. Kevin is a new feature brought to you by Pfizer Rare Disease in collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to increase understanding of sickle cell disease. In this article, Dr. Kevin answers common questions about sickle cell disease and its impact on the African-American community and provides tips for living with and supporting someone with the disease. What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited genetic disease that affects hemoglobin, the oxygencarrying protein within red blood cells (RBC). While normal RBCs are flexible and ovalshaped, individuals with SCD have sharp, crescent-shaped RBCs that have trouble passing through the body’s blood vessels, irritating the vessels’ lining. This irritation leads to the production of “sticky” proteins that cause RBCs to clump together, along with other cells in the blood, and creates blockages in blood flow. The reduced blood flow leads to
“sickle pain crisis” or “vasoocclusive crisis” (as it is due to blood vessel blockage). Pain can occur anywhere blood flows, but common sites are lower back, arms, chest, stomach, and legs. Certain triggers are known to cause a pain crisis, such as dehydration, extremely hot or cold temperatures, and stress.
severe pain and organ damage, like the heart, brain, eyes, liver, lungs, and spleen (causing the inability to fight certain infections). How does someone get sickle cell disease? SCD is passed from parent to child. Everyone has two hemoglobin genes, one from each parent, and both parents must carry and pass the sickle cell gene to their child. With each pregnancy, the child has a 25 percent chance of having SCD if both parents have the trait. Are African-Americans more likely to have sickle cell disease? SCD is more common in certain ethnic groups, especially those of African descent. It is estimated that nearly one in 14 African-American individuals carries the sickle trait and SCD occurs in one out of every 500. What is the most common symptom for people with sickle cell disease?
Dr. Kevin Williams says that sickle cell disease is a serious, lifelong condition that a person has from birth, you don’t “lose” or “outgrow” it over time. Pain is the most common and difficult symptom of SCD, as it can be sudden and so severe that people need to go to the emergency room (ER) or be admitted to the hospital. This type of pain is referred to as a
How can patients with sickle cell disease prevent pain? Although you may not prevent every pain episode, avoiding triggers may reduce the occurrence and/or severity of pain crises. It’s important to stay hydrated exercise regularly, avoid very hot or cold temperatures, manage stress to your body and mind and get plenty of rest. It’s also important to go for regular health checkups and talk to your doctor about managing pain episodes. Is it possible to die from sickle cell disease? SCD can cause a lifetime of health issues and complications that may lead to early death.
In developed countries, like the United States, people with SCD often live between 40 and 60 years of age. However, in developing countries, like some countries in Africa, 90 percent of babies born with SCD will die before age 5. What is the impact of sickle cell disease on the AfricanAmerican community? Severe pain crises lead to frequent ER visits and hospitalizations, which stress the patient and family, as well as the health care system. Also, those living with SCD often face disease misperceptions. For example, people with SCD are frequently believed to be drug abusers, because they have a high tolerance for pain killers. Missed days at school and work interfere with productivity and may lead to the perception that people with SCD are lazy. Studies have also shown that school-age children have a lower IQ due to effects of SCD on their developing brains. Are there support groups for
sickle cell disease? Yes. National support groups and advocacy organizations are a great way to connect with others living with the disease. There may also be local groups in your area. What can someone with a friend or family member who has sickle cell disease do to help? It is important to understand and support those individuals living with SCD. As a friend, be considerate and help direct their focus away from the pain. As a family member, encourage regular checkups and help them communicate their feelings and avoid triggers that lead to a pain crisis. A knowledgeable, compassionate community can help reduce the stigma related to SCD. Dr. Kevin Williams is currently the chief medical officer for Rare Disease at Pfizer. He pursued medicine after being inspired by his father’s work as a general practitioner in his hometown of Baton Rouge.
State gets $12 million grant for children’s mental health programs
Minnesota children get a boost for mental health A new federal grant will help make mental health services for Minnesota children more coordinated, community-focused and collaborative. The four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Human Services (DHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports an approach called
Forum From 3 and I made the sacrifice to be here,” said Levy-Pounds. With two-minute time limits, candidates answered five questions submitted by community members prior to the forum. The first question posed to the candidates was, “What can the upcoming mayor do to assure North Minneapolis will not be forced to endure displacement from their homes or a gentrifying neighborhood?” “I think we need to be retaining naturally occurring affordable housing. I think the city is able to step in even more to bridge that gap between whatever constitutes the market rate and the affordable rate,” said Frey. Hodges said investments in North Minneapolis could help decrease displaced residents
“systems of care,” which relies on linking and expanding community-based services to keep kids at home and in school. “Minnesota is taking the next step so children and their families can get the help they need,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “Coordinating systems will have a deep, sustainable impact. It would be
hard to overestimate the benefits.” Minnesota is one of eight states to receive the grant. Systems of care focuses on coordination between agencies that serve children and expansion of proven, innovative services. According to Piper, Minnesota’s grant will help mental health services better serve children and their families,
offering community-based services to support their success. She said services tailored to each child will be better connected across agencies. The grant also includes training and workforce development and new services, such as piloting a new model to keep kids in school and out of the juvenile justice system. DHS will launch the grant in
collaboration with the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Minnesota), the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, Wilder Research and the University of Minnesota. DHS worked with multiple partners to develop the systems of care effort, including the state departments of Corrections, Education, and
Health. Thirty-six counties, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the University of Minnesota, child-serving collaboratives and community and advocacy organizations will pilot systems of care across the state. The grant begins on Sept. 30 and runs until 2021.
by pouring money into the neighborhood to keep costs low. “THOR Construction is bringing its headquarters here. My husband is bringing his organization MEDA (Metropolitan Economic Development Association) here. There is investment happening across North Minneapolis. As we invest in the community, we can benefit and stay,” said Hodges. Saying the next mayor has to have a bulldog mentality, Rahman mentioned that more must be done when it comes to recognizing how gentrification is impacting the Northside. “I don’t think listening is enough to prevent gentrification. We present listening as if it’s this great virtue. That is step one. We need to take actual action,” said Rahman. One of the most critical issues facing North Minneapolis that will continue to be a topic of discussion is crime. Rahman showed a “shots fired” map of all the recent shootings in
Minneapolis and talked about his plan to combat crime. “If you give people opportunities, crime will go down,” said Rahman.
In questions and comments from the audience, Michael Barnes announced that his 14-year-old stepdaughter recently hanged herself and died after returning
home from police questioning in the recent death of a 17-year-old. He asked what the candidates and elected officials can and should do to prevent children being question
by police without the presence of parent or legal representation. Each of the candidates expressed grief at the loss of life of a 14-year-old.
Three charged in death of 17-year-old, suicided suspected in death of 14-year-old Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman released a statement on June 28 regarding the June 13 shooting death of Austin Young, 17, and the arrest of suspects in the case. At the June 27 Northside Votes Mayoral Forum, Michael Barnes said his stepdaughter, a 14-year-old, was questioned at a police station but not charged in relation to the incident, and returned home. Later she was found hanged. Barnes asked candidates what could be done about juveniles being questioned without a parent or lawyer present. Hennepin County Attorney MikeFreeman’sreleaseinitsentirety: An Eden Prairie woman became the third person charged with murder in an attempted robbery that killed a teenager in Minneapolis,
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Wednesday. Sequoia Bulson-Bratton, 18, was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Austin Young. She turned herself in to Minneapolis police Tuesday night and is expected to make her first court appearance Thursday. According to the criminal complaint, police were called to 26th and Knox Avenues North about 10:25 p.m. on June 13. They found the 17-year-old Young in the driver’s seat of a crashed gray sports utility vehicle. He had been shot once behind the left ear. Police were talking to people in the area when a man arrived and told police he had been in the SUV with Young and
two women, one of whom was Bulson-Bratton. They were in the neighborhood because one of the women wanted to buy marijuana. The two women left the vehicle and returned a short time later with three men, the complaint states. The two women climbed back into the SUV and one of the men, Armajea Warren, got into the rear passenger seat. Warren pulled out a handgun, pointed it at Young and said, “Give me everything.” The witness, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, pushed Warren’s arm so that the gun no longer pointed at Young, according to the complaint. At that point, another of the three men, Terry Gibson pulled out a gun and fired a shot at Young before fleeing. The front seat passenger,
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with one hand on the wheel and one hand on the accelerator, drove the SUV away from the danger until he crashed. Investigators also learned that both handguns came from Gibson’s home, the complaint states. Investigators retrieved messages from Bulson-Bratton’s phone between her and Gibson, including one that said they were at the planned location. Warren told police they targeted Young because the second young woman had seen Young carrying a significant amount of money, the complaint states. Warren was charged with second-degree murder in the case earlier this month. Gibson, 18, was arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder.
Ellison From 3 bound to respect.’” Ellison said the court’s decision to uphold portions of the ban that was twice struck down in lower courts goes against the morals of for which America is supposed to stand. “The United States has long stood as the place where people can better their lives – especially those fleeing horrific conditions. Students, workers, or people with relatives in the United States may not be denied entry,” said Ellison, who is co-chair of the Democratic National Committee. “But what of the family in the rubble of Raqqa or the children who’ve lost their parents to the cruelty of war? And the people waiting months and years to find a better life for themselves in our ‘Land of the Free?’” The nation’s highest court will take up the full travel ban this coming October.
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Insight News • July 3 - July 9, 2017 • Page 7
Community Aaron Biard takes over Aug. 20
Minneapolis Police announce new 4th Precinct inspector Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau has appointed Aaron Biard as the new 4th Precinct inspector. Biard will assume the role beginning Aug. 20 when Inspector Mike Kjos assumes his new position as the deputy chief of the MPD’s Operations Bureau. Biard is currently the “Daywatch” lieutenant in the 4th Precinct. “Aaron Biard has earned the respect of both the officers
of the 4th Precinct and the countless neighborhood leaders who live and work in North Minneapolis,” said Harteau. “He is a proven leader, community builder and problem-solver and I have no doubt he will continue to carry on the successful neighborhood engagement and law enforcement initiatives that have reduced violent crime in the Precinct.” Biard has been with the Minneapolis Police Department
since September of 1995 and has served the 1st, 3rd and 4th Precincts. Recently he’s led the department’s In-Service Training Unit and he has also been in charge of asset management and training for SWAT officers. Biard holds a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University and has also completed two tours of active duty with the Minnesota National Guard.
Courtesy Minneapolis Police Department
Lt. Aaron Biard
Every food co-op in Minneapolis is now unionized
Seward Community Co-op workers join union An overwhelming majority of workers representing all of Seward Community Co-op’s locations voted to join UFCW Local 653. The June 22 vote comes on the heels of employees at Eastside Food Co-op and Linden Hills Co-op also voting to join UFCW Local 653. “We are happy to be moving forward together, workers and
Baker From 3 “Pillsbury United serves the diversity of the community,” said Smith Baker. “Across the City at each of Pillsbury United’s locations … I have had the opportunity to the pressing challenges facing our diverse communities, specifically the travel ban in our Muslim communities, or the (Dakota Access) pipeline (affecting Native-Americans), the wall (at the southern U.S. boarder
management, because we’re committed to making the co-op a better place for both customers and the dedicated people who work at Seward,” said Amber Young, who works at the Seward Franklin Avenue store. “Workers have come together to say yes to UFCW 653, yes to fair wages, yes to bargaining for better benefits, and yes to respect and dignity
in the workplace,” said Max Storey, who works at the Seward Friendship store. State Rep. Ilhan Omar (DFL-60B) visited with workers on June 19 at Seward’s Franklin store to show her support. “It is an essential gift of our American democracy, and our right, to organize and work collectively to improve our own lives and the lives of
our neighbors through efforts to unionize,” said Omar. “The efforts to create cooperatives and unions have similar origins – a desire to work together to improve people’s lives. We know that union workers earn more and have better benefits in the workplace than nonunion workers. All Minnesota workers should feel confident in their right to bargain with
their employer. The efforts of co-op employees petitioning for union recognition is an effort that I strongly support.” “We welcome everyone who works at Seward Co-op to the UFCW Local 653 union family. We’re looking forward to helping them negotiate a better life for themselves and their families. Co-op values are union values, so we feel this new partnership
will only make Seward Coop and our local community stronger,” said Matt Utecht, president of UFCW Local 653. UFCW Local 653 is a private sector union with more than 10,000 Minnesotans working in the grocery, food processing, retail and other industries.
proposed by President Trump, affecting those of Mexican origin) … police violence (affecting African-Americans and many people of color).” Smith Baker sees a soonto-open grocery story in North Minneapolis as a crowning jewel of her tenure as president and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities. Smith Baker wrote the framework and led the planning for the building to be constructed at 4414 Humboldt Ave. N. The area had been considered a “food desert.” “The accomplishment I’m most proud of (is) leading and writing Pillsbury’s strategic
framework. The strategy calls for the organization to be disruptive to its own practices. This laid the foundation for North Market to emerge,” said Smith Baker about the Pillsbury United Communities’ North Market and Clinic, estimated to be completed in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. “North Market incorporated the voice of the community in a way that we had not done. We have something historic.” As head of Pillsbury United Smith Baker oversaw 180 staff, a training and development center, five neighborhood centers, five impact areas, eight business
ventures and 11 authorized charter schools. As vice president of Community Impact for Minneapolis Foundation she will be in charge of $5 million to $7 million dollars annually; money to go towards helping Minneapolis communities. Smith Baker said it was a tough decision to leave Pillsbury United. “The biggest hurdle was getting over the disappointment of leaving my staff. (Accepting the invitation) was the most difficult decision,” said Smith Baker. “I remember thinking that if I missed this opportunity
(to join the Minneapolis Foundation), would I regret it?’ I would have regretted it.” On June 27 Pillsbury United announced Adair Mosley as interim CEO. Mosley has been with the organization for the past six years, serving as its chief innovation officer. Looking forward, Smith Baker said she is excited to be connecting with donors and connecting them to worthy people and projects throughout Minneapolis. As vice president of community impact, Smith Baker will be, “creating proximity for those not proximate” helping donors
and potential donors understand the day-to-day struggles facing many in Minneapolis. “The Minneapolis Foundations’ impact is beyond financial. It raises awareness and brings people together for the good of the community,” said Smith Baker. Founded in 1915, the Minneapolis Foundation has become an internationallyknown nonprofit of philanthropists and donors looking to improve the lives of others.
fresh • local • organic Your neighborhood source for local and organic foods and wellness products
2823 E. Franklin Ave. | Minneapolis & 317 E. 38th St. | Minneapolis w w w.seward.coop
Page 8 • July 3 - July 9, 2017 • Insight News
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Insight News • July 3 - July 9, 2017 • Page 9
HBCU investment is critical By Rushern Baker County Executive, Prince George’s County, Md.
UNCF’s iconic, “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste,” advertising campaign remains the gold-standard for shining light on the urgency of investing in Black colleges and universities. No nation, the stories in the campaign reminded us, can be great if it leaves behind a large portion of its residents. More than 40 years later, the need for sustained investment in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) remains as great as ever. With the change in presidential administrations, HBCUs have once again returned to the national conversation, with some openly questioning the need for such institutions, particularly in the face of advances over the past several decades. The conversation is not new and the answer has not changed. We need HBCUs to continue to exist and they need all of us helping to support their coffers and make the case to decisionmakers about the continued value
Rushern Baker, the county executive in Prince George’s County, Md., says that the need for sustained investment in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) remains as great as ever. they provide. HBCUs represent only three percent of all two- and four-year U.S. colleges and
universities, but they enroll 10 percent of all African-American undergraduates. They produce 17 percent of all African-American college graduates and generate 24 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields earned by AfricanAmericans annually, according to UNCF’s Patterson Research Institute. Part of the reason is that Black graduates of HBCUs are significantly more likely to have felt supported while in college, according to 2015 data from an ongoing Gallup-Purdue University study. But statistics are only part of the story. HBCUs have produced influential Americans including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker, filmmaker Spike Lee, Oprah Winfrey and many other business, civic leaders and entrepreneurs. On campuses around the nation, parents beamed the last couple of months as newly minted graduates of HBCUs set out to make names for themselves and to fulfill their dreams. At Howard University, my alma mater, I witnessed Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) remind graduates that the world will not always be welcoming and that they have a duty to serve. “That is your duty – the duty
of your degree,” said Harris. “That is the charge of a Howard graduate. So whatever you plan to do next – whether you want to design the latest app or cure cancer or run a business; whether you’re going to be a dentist, a lawyer, a teacher, or an accountant – let your guiding principle be truth and service. At a time when there are Americans – disproportionately Black and Brown men – trapped in a broken
system of mass incarceration, peak truth and serve.” It is advice to which we should all aspire. And one truth is surely that the nation’s HBCUs are as relevant and necessary now as when some of them were founded more than 150 years ago. These institutions were an antidote to the racist policies that, in some cases, banned educating Black students. At a time where college costs
are going up and attacks on Black students on predominantly white campuses are on the rise, the need for Black colleges is greater than ever. As a government, we must continue to ensure that funding is there to keep this pipeline going. And as private citizens, we must open our wallets to ensure the long-term viability of the institutions that are working for us and our communities.
To everything, there is a season… Man Talk
By Timothy Houston “To everything there is a season, a time to very purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1.) The summer season is upon us, and we are all ready to embrace its long, hot, touch. Relationships have their seasons as well, and it is similar to what you would expect to see in nature. When it comes to relationships, the sooner you are able to determine the season you are in, the easier it is to make the right type of adjustment. Here are a few seasonal tips to live by. First, learn to enjoy your summers. It is the season of strength. This is the most powerful time of the relationship season. Every relationship should have its summer. The sun is shining. Laughter, love, affection, favor, and fellowship are shared in abundance. Both the individuals are better together. Like the days of summer, visibility is clear, and love is long and strong. Because of transparency, communication is at its best. Summer is fun. The best advice for this season is to bask in it. Enjoy every day as if it were
your last. Prepare for your fall. It is the season for change. In this relationship season, things may have cooled off, but there are clear signs that winter is coming. This is the period in the relationship where the signs of trouble are obvious. The first sign is the falling away, followed by slow decaying of those things that were once so beautiful. Both people in the relationship find themselves covering up, but the chill in the air is still apparent. The best advice for this season is to practice selflove and let go of those people, places, and things that have already fallen away. Embrace your winter. It is the season of rest. Relationships in this season are self-sustaining at this point, but the winter of the relationship will test the resolve of the people involved. There are no new harvests, and no new discoveries. Growth and development has ceased, and rigidness has settled in. The things that have been stored deep in the heart of the individuals are the substance the relationship will live on. They will be forced to embrace each other or emotionally freeze to death. The best advice for this season is to rekindle the fire of love and cuddle as much as possible. Finally, leap into your spring. It is the season of growth. This relationship season is the most fruitful, but it also requires the
most amount of work. The heart of both individuals must be tilled, removing all the residue of the previous season. Planting good emotions, watering them with gifts of affections and pruning away the unproductive behaviours are all key activities. Once the relationship begins to grow, it must be supported by new experiences that are built on the previous day’s growth. These experiences become roots that are the foundation of a strong relationship. The best advice for this season is to dig deep, establish meaningful communication, and enjoy new discoveries. Determine your relationship season. This will help you to best determine your course of actions. Winter, spring, summer and fall all have one constant, you. All relationship seasons should begin with self-love. It is in your selfevaluation that you are able to make self-improvements. For those of you, who have put the work into your relationship, enjoy your summer. For those of you who have not, the winds of fall will bring about change, and new relationship opportunities will blow your way. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For copies of his books, questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
Classifieds
Phone: 612.588.1313
Westonka Estates 2461 Commerce Boulevard Mound, MN 55364 952-472-4952 What Drives You? At MnDOT, we are driven to ¿nd talented employees for MNs nationally recognized transportation system. Some career areas to consider include: Accounting/Finance Electricians Real Estate Surveying
Construction/Engineer Planning/Research Program/Project Mgmt. Road/Highway Maintenance
You can set your sights high and use your strengths to grow within the organization. MnDOT offers superior health bene¿ts as well as a solid commitment to work-life balance, which provides you the tools to thrive both at work and outside of work. Email us at: jobs.dot@state.mn.us
Red Rock Manor 1421 10th Avenue South Newport, MN 55055 651-459-2786 NOTICE: OPENING 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST HUD Section 202/8 (Adults 62 and older or non-elderly and disabled as de¿ned by HUD) Rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org beginning at 9AM June 19, 2017 until 12PM August 18, 2017. OR picked up in person at the Management Of¿ce during of¿ce hours. Completed applications must be received by mail or hand delivered on or before September 1, 2017. All quali¿ed Applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the order they are received. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity
NOTICE: OPENINING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Project-Based Section8/202; rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants. Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org from 9am May 15, 2017 until 4pm July 14, 2017. Completed applications must be received by mail, on or before July 27, 2017. All quali¿ed Applicant will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity
Boulevard Gardens 11333 FairĮeld Road Minnetonka, MN 55305 952-542-9338 NOTICE: OPENING 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Section 202 PRAC (62+) Rent based on income for qualified applicants Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org or picked up at Boulevard Gardens during office hours beginning at 9AM May 1, 2017 until 12PM July 31, 2017. Completed applications may be mailed or dropped off to Boulevard Gardens on or before August 14, 2017. All qualified Applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the order they are received. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity
Maple Terrace 1560 Howard Avenue Maple Plain, MN 55369 763-479-1131 NOTICE: OPENING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Persons 62 years of age or older or with veri¿able disability, rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants. Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org from 9am May 8, 2017 until 4pm July 7, 2017. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before July 28, 2017. All quali¿ed Applicants will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity
BasseƩ Creek Commons 10505 Eight Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55441 763-416-0369 NOTICE: OPENING 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Section 202 PRAC (62+) Rent based on income for quali¿ed applicants Applications may be downloaded at www.commonbond.org or picked up at Bassett Creek Commons during of¿ce hours beginning at 9AM May 1, 2017 until 12PM July 31, 2017. Completed applications may be mailed or dropped off to Bassett Creek Commons on or before August 14, 2016. All quali¿ed Applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the order they are received. CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity
Fax: 612.588.2031
Email: info@insightnews.com
Organizer
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition 40 hours, full benefits h t t p : / / w w w. m n c h u r c h e s . o r g / a b o u t / employment.html Due 7/12/17
Chief Advancement Of¿cer
Ballinger | Leafblad is proud to lead a search for a Chief Advancement Officer on behalf of our client, The Northside Achievement Zone. View the complete profile at: http://bit.ly/chief-advancement-officer
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Financial Administrator in Minneapolis, MN. Salary range is $61,569 $76,331. For more information visit the court’s website, www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer
ClearWay Minnesota Seeks Board Candidates ClearWay MinnesotaSM is an independent nonprofit organization that enhances life for all Minnesotans by reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. In 1998, we were entrusted by the Ramsey County District Court with administering, over a period of 25 years, $202 million of the settlement Minnesota received from tobacco companies. At ClearWay Minnesota, we are working to change Minnesota in ways that have a lasting, tangible impact on the lives and health of Minnesotans by 2023, the end of our lifespan. ClearWay MinnesotaSM is seeking candidates for our Board of Directors. ClearWay Minnesota is committed to expanding racial/ethnic and geographic diversity among its Board of Directors. Applicants from Minnesota’s diverse communities and/or from greater Minnesota are particularly welcome. The Board is also seeking candidates with previous Board experience and significant leadership experience. Board terms are three years. Board Members serve without compensation. Qualified candidates must be clear of any conflicts of interest with ClearWay Minnesota vendors, grantees or contractors and must not have any affiliations with the tobacco industry or related trade associations within the last 10 years. Please submit applications and resume to Amy Henderson at ClearWay Minnesota by August 11.
For an application visit our website www.clearwaymn.org/board-openings or email ahenderson@clearwaymn.org.
Seeking Truck Drivers Requirements are: Class A or B CDL Must be familiar with the Metropolitan Area Can Drive Manual Truck Good Work Ethics Please call 612.331.4381
LIL’S ANGELS MEMORY LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Northeast Minneapolis: Monroe Village, 1900 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis; Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7:30 p.m. South Minneapolis: Lunds & Byerly’s Grocery,1450 West Lake St., Minneapolis; Meets the 2nd Friday of each month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Brooklyn Center: Jehovah Jireh Church, 6120 Xerxes Ave. N., Brooklyn Center; Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To RSVP, or for questions, please call Dorothea Harris at 952-945-4175 Volunteers of America MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN
Page 10 • July 3 - July 9, 2017 • Insight News
insightnews.com DJ Miss Brit Photo by Mamadu
Ashley Dubose
SOUL/JAZZ
2411 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Steeles at the Dakota Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. $30-$35
Rhymesayer’s long standing open mic night takes place at Fifth Element record store. Arrive early to secure time on the mic.
Monday, July 3
One of the pillars of Minnesota’s music scene is the sibling group, The Steeles. With performances with Prince, George Clinton and more under the group’s belt, you know they are top notch.
Tuesday, July 4 FOOD/FIREWORKS
July 3 July 16, 2017
July 4th Lobster Boil and Fireworks Sea Change 806 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. $125 Sea Change celebrates the Fourth with a three-course meal lobster broil, fireworks and more.
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
Wednesday, July 5 FILM
Friday, July 7 DJ NIGHT The KlituationOne Year Anniversary Party First Avenue 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m.
Benton continues to make noise in the music industry. See him at the Pourhouse for this all ages show.
Monday, July 10 FILM 2nd Monday Movie – “I Am Not Your Negro” Women Against Military Madness
$10
PARADE/FESTIVAL
Award-winning poet Bao Phi releases a new volume of work at The Loft in downtown Minneapolis.
Rondo Days
Thursday, July 13
DJ Keezy’s popular dance night celebrates its first anniversary at First Ave with Sophia Eris, DJ Miss Brit, Maria Isa, Lady Midnight, K.Raydio, Manchita, Desdamona, Ashley DuBose, Dua, Alissa Paris and The Fly Girls.
Kamaiyah, Air Credits & Sophia Eris
Saturday, July 8
Tuesday, July 11
18-plus
ELECTRONIC
HIP-HOP
$5 with RSVP, $15 without
Galactic Smash Up Galactic Pizza 2917 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sweetz P
XXL 2017 Freshman (and the lone woman to make the list), Kamiyah, plays Icehouse as a part of Red Bull Sound Selects along with Air Credits and Go95 DJ, Sophia Eris.
First Avenue/7th Street Entry 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 9
$10 advance, $12 door
The opening night of Reshaping Our World: Cinema without Borders presents local stories and artistic vision from our Somali-American community in Minneapolis.
HIP-HOP
Fifth Element Open Mic Fifth Element
Saturday, July 15
7 p.m. As a part of its monthly movie series, WAMM (Women Against Military Madness) presents the critically acclaimed documentary of author and activist James Baldwin.
Jarren Benton The Pourhouse 10 5th St. S., Minneapolis 5:30 p.m. All ages $20 advance From producing with Big Boi’s (Outkast) Stankonia Records in the duo The Flush to performing alongside Hopsin and Dizzy Wright in Funk Volume, Jarren
18-plus
Fresh off of features with Freddie Gibbs and 2Chainz, Sweetz P presents her new “Xander Pill” release tonight in the 7th Street.
Boheme offers a special performance at the VFW in Uptown with Lydia Liza and Kalliah and the Black Water.
7 p.m.
HIP-HOP
Symone Smash It heads up a night of electronic music performance in Uptown.
OPEN MIC
1011 Washington Ave. S., Suite 200, Minneapolis
4200 Cedar Ave., Suite 3, Minneapolis
Reshaping Our World Film Series: “A Stray” Walker Art Center 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. $10
Thursday, July 6
The Loft Literary Center
Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m.
St. Peter Claver School 1060 Central Ave. W., St. Paul 10 a.m. Join the festivities for the annual Rondo Days, celebrating the Black residential and business district that was decimated by the construction of Interstate 94. The annual event features live performances, a step show, parade, food and more.
Sunday, July 16 DAY PARTY Sun in the City featuring DJ Charlie Chan Soprano of Run DMC Darby’s Pub & Grill 315 5th Ave. N, Minneapolis
Friday, July 14
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
R&B
21-plus
She Rocks. She Gets Funky.
$10 advance, $15 door
Uptown VFW
Current DJ of the legendary group Run DMC, Charlie Chan Soprano comes to town to perform for Thee Urbane Life at Darby’s. Chan Soprano will be joined on the turntables by DJ A-Quil.
2916 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
Wednesday, July 12
8 p.m.
BOOK RELEASE
$10 advance, $12 door
Bao Phi: “Thousand Star Hotel”
Multidisciplinary artist Vie
21-plus
The Guthrie Theater presents
Celebrating the work of 10 emerging Black artists in the Twin Cities through performances and free community classes. BLACKOUT • VIE BOHEME • ARTHUR “L.A.” BUCKNER • ANTONIO DUKE KENO EVOL • APRIL GIBSON • DAME-JASMINE HUGHES • SHAINA McCOY MISS COCO NOSTAL’JAH • ISAAC SUNDBERG
Tickets to each performance are $9; attend three or more and save. Artist-taught classes are free, reservations encouraged.
July 6–16 / Dowling Studio 612.377.2224 / guthrietheater.org
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Insight News • July 3 - July 9, 2017 • Page 11
Festival celebrates the work of 10 emerging Black artists from the Twin Cities
Artists announced for the 2017 New Griots Festival The Guthrie Theater will present the 2017 New Griots Festival, an event that aims to celebrate, advocate and advance the careers of emerging Black artists in the Twin Cities. In addition to performances by 10 emerging artists, running July 6 – July 16 in the Dowling Studio, the festival offers free artist-taught classes for the community. “We are extremely excited to share these voices with the Twin Cities community,” said New Griots Festival co-founder and lead producer, Jamil Jude. “As a producer, it is an honor to work with such adroit and clear artists,” added associate producer and artist, AsaleSol. “As we continue to seek opportunities to present the aesthetic diversity of Black
Alice Gebura
Arthur LA Buckner Boundary Photography
Miss Coco Nostal’jah artists in the area, we are thankful to provide space for these artists to take their rightful spot as the next generation of storytellers,
as the names know, and the community. It’s The New
you need to voices of their their turn now.” Griots Festival
has expanded significantly since its debut in 2015, increasing from three to 10 days, doubling the amount of performances and community classes, and adding a live “Watch me Work” component. This year’s
festival will also include networking events and panel conversations that help provide context around the importance of the work of Black artists working locally and nationally. The 2017 New Griots
Festival lineup features a performance by dancer and vocalist Vie Boehme, improv by Blackout, music by Arthur “L.A.” Buckner, work by playwright Antonio Duke, poetry by Keno Evol, poetry by April Gibson, work by writer Dame Jasmine Hughes, work by painter Shaina McCoy, a performance by aerialist Miss Coco Nostal’jah and photography by Isaac Sundberg. Individual performance tickets are $9 and are on sale now through the Guthrie Box Office at (612) 377-2224 or by visiting www.guthrietheater.org. Free class registration is also available by phone through the box office. A full schedule is also available on the Guthrie website.
T-Wolves pay steep price for Jimmy Butler By Fred Easter Even a diehard fan muses about other sports and teams. For instance, l am not a diehard fan of the Wolves draftday trade. No question Jimmy Butler is a bona fide NBA star with the capacity to make the Timberpups realize their enormous potential much sooner. Still, the price was steep. Zack Levine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen for Butler and Justin Patton, (a 20-year-old, 7’0” center project from Creighton), seems uneven to me. I might feel differently if l were being paid to prove l could win before ownership lost its patience. I do hope young Mr. Levine regains his explosive health. I would not be surprised if, in five years, young Mr. Dunn has obscured Chicagoans memories of Mr. Butler. Markkanen, the Finnishborn player out of the University of Arizona, is projected to
make an impact before the young brother from Creighton. Markkanen is billed as a deadly shooter who, at 7’0” has the capacity to stretch the floor. This stretching of the floor brings me to another of my musings. Why doesn’t the league stretch the floor a couple of feet in each direction itself? Today’s pros are much larger than the men for whom the floor’s dimensions were originally designed. Not only does the floor’s size cramp the game, it makes it difficult to officiate. Three normal sized humans, on the ground, have an almost impossible task of seeing around large people hurrying about. The game is actually easier to see from the television cameras’ lofty perspective. In point of fact, the challenges of officiating sports is only appreciated by its practitioners. Consider baseball’s home plate umpire. Thousands of fans at every game, and both benches think they can do the job better. Yet,
nba.com
New Timberwolf, Jimmy Butler the strike zone is an imaginary three dimensional space. It exists at the plate, where few, if any, batters ever stand. The height of the knees and chest change with each batter. A strike is not required to proceed through the zone front to back. It can nick a corner or an edge on its way out of the zone. So,
we have a spheroid traveling at an average of 90 mph for a few nanoseconds. The umpire is charged with determining if it passed through a small space across the plate above a moving knee that isn’t, never was or will be exactly there. And, in real time. I seem to read, each week,
of some pro athlete who’s been suspended for use of some recreational substance. The theory seems to be that professional athletes need to be impeccable role models for our impressionable youth. I’d be okay with the suspensions if the members of Congress were tested as well. Much of what Congress does and doesn’t do can only be attributed to overuse of recreational substances. Sadly, members of Congress are not required to be role models for anyone. They are too busy being minions to billionaires. Lastly, why is it Dick Bremer, chief Twins marketing voice, hypes the accomplishments of the team’s white players and downplays the achievements of the players of color? Recently, while Jose Berrios was shutting out the Indians, Bremer was complaining about the number of three ball counts and how Berrios was pitching under stress, and repeatedly wiggling out of tough spots. When your
opponent is shutting you out, you’re batting under stress. Getting him in tough situations only counts when you make him pay. Eduardo Escobar is the 2017 Twins MVP to this point. He’ hitting a ton, has great at bats, has played three infield positions, is the emergency catcher and has pitched (though not yet this year). Kudos to Twins Manager Paul Molitor for finding so many ways to get Escobar in the lineup. Don’t expect to hear any of this from the “deep voice” of the Twins. We are getting close to the season’s half way point, and the Twins have been fighting for first place in the division without a pitching staff. Imagine what they could do with another dependable starter or two and a well rested bullpen. Here’s hoping the second half is as much fun as the first and we just don’t wear down and fizzle out.
MNHS.ORG
LET’S
UNITE AND CELEBRATE TOGETHER Minnesota Twins
MNHS: HISTORY FOR ALL Want a unique family adventure? Spend a day at one of 26 great historic sites and museums around Minnesota. Discover stories of the voyageurs at the North West Company Fur Post. Learn about Ojibwe life and culture at Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Explore shipwrecks and dramatic Lake Superior views at Split Rock Lighthouse. Or visit 23 more MNHS sites open for discovery all summer long. Looking to stay closer to the Twin Cities? Check out one of our free and family-friendly concerts at 9 Nights of Music, every Tuesday in July and August at the Minnesota History Center. This free program begins with dance lessons at 6:30 pm, followed at live music at 7 pm
where you can try out your new moves. The musical lineup for this summer takes you around the world, with music influenced by Latin America, CentralEast Africa, the Balkans, and Ireland, then right back to the U.S. with Motown and Louisiana Zydeco. Come early to enjoy free admission to the museum and don’t forget a lawn chair. For a complete lineup, please check out our online calendar at mnhs.org/ calendar. MELANIE ADAMS Melanie Adams, PhD, is the senior director of Guest Experience and Educational Services at the Minnesota Historical Society. In this role she oversees MNHS programs, exhibits, and historic sites located throughout the state, which serve one million people per year.
DIVERSITY +Day +
August 3 • 7:10pm
Texas Rangers
The first 5,000 fans will receive a Twins drink tumbler with a unique design For tickets: twinsbaseball.com/diversityday
The
areyourteam
Page 12 • July 3 - July 9, 2017 • Insight News
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Like Drake famously said it’s “goin’ up on a Tuesday.” A staple of Twin Cities nightlife is karaoke at Sushi Tango in Uptown. Attracting a rich cultural mix, “American Idol” wannabes grab the mic to see if they are more Jennifer Hudson or William Hung. Unlike “Idol” there are no Simon Cowells in the audience … just a bunch of people who share a love for good company, drinks and sushi. Assembled are a few shots from a recent visit to the Tuesday night hangout.
Photos Harry Colbert, Jr.
Cameron Cook (left) and Nick Hooks hanging out.
Dynamic husband and wife duo (left and center), Corey Collins and Ieesha Collins along with star realtor, Justin Shepard.
FRIDAYS 3PM-7PM FREEDOM SQUARE 2034 WEST BROADWAY AVE WEST BROADWAY & LOGAN
JUNE 9TH—OCTOBER 6TH Celebrating her birthday and showing off her baby bump, Minneapolis mayoral candidate Nekima Levy-Pounds (center) with hubby, Marques Armstrong (right), and Mint Condition’s Ricky Kinchen.
RAYMOND LUKE JR. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS. ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY ANDREW ECCLES.
Rachel Daniels (left) and Savanah LeFlore enjoying the Tuesday night vibe at Sushi Tango.
IN PERSON: State Theatre Box Office (no service fees) BY PHONE: 800.982.2787 GROUPS 10+ SAVE! 612.373.5665
ORPHEUM THEATRE MOTOWN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC ®
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