The Spinners Motown and Soul Legends perform at Dakota Jazz Club August 21st and 22nd August 21, 2012 7:00 pm. August 22, 2012 9:00 pm at Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis. More information: 612-332-1010, dakotacooks.com
INSIGHT NEWS August 6 - August 12, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 39 No. 32 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com
Quality housing and management
Gateway Lofts By Ivan B. Phifer, Staff Writer Another apartment development has opened in North Minneapolis. Gateway Lofts, located at 2623 West Broadway, consists of affordable studios as well as one and two bedroom lofts. The development is 3.5 miles west of downtown Minneapolis and is considered the “gateway” between North Minneapolis and Robbinsdale. The Lofts also are in close proximity of the Lowry/Penn and Broadway shopping networks, as well as North Memorial Medical Center.
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Suluki Fardan
Gateway Lofts
African trade By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Fifth District Congressman Keith Ellison convened stakeholders at the American Refugee Committee offices to discuss African health, conflict, and human rights issues
International policymakers seek solutions for Africa By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Close to 30 participants representing more than 15 organizations packed into a Minneapolis conference room to discuss African health and human rights initiatives. The discussion, held inside the offices of the American Refugee Committee, focused on everything from war, conflict and human trafficking to AIDS prevention and treatment, and nutrition and clean water needs. US Rep. Keith Ellison chaired the discussion with California Congresswoman Karen Bass, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights. Lilian Greenwood, a member of the United Kingdom Parliament,
We’re at this amazing time when we’re almost able to end AIDS, yet 20,000 people are dying a day from preventable diseases also participated. Greenwood is part of a six-member U.K. delegation shadowing various U.S. representatives. Greenwood said even though nations may be experiencing tough
Business Splash mob: Etiquette for umbrellas
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economic times, they cannot abandon commitments to troubled nations, many of which are in Africa.
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Health
Vacationing at respite facilities
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Several Minnesota businesses are seeking to explore business opportunities far beyond the state’s borders. A group of area businesspeople recently met with 5th Dist. Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and members of the U.S. Commercial Service to discuss possible trade opportunities between Minnesota businesses and various African nations. The group also discussed potential hurdles facing those trying to do business on the continent. “The U.S. is so far behind when it comes to business development in Africa,” said Bass, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs committee and is the ranking member of the Africa, Global Health and Human Rights subcommittee. “We
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Rep. Keith Ellison (center) talks with area businesspersons about conducting business in various countries in Africa. Also pictured are Rep. Karen Bass (right) and Hussein Samatar, Executive Director of the African Development Center of Minnesota. are lagging behind nations such as China and Brazil [when it comes to business development in Africa].” Bass said President Barack Obama has set a goal to double U.S. exports to Africa by 2015.
Hussein Samatar, founder and Executive Director of the African Development Center of Minnesota, said this a unique time for those seeking to export goods and services
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Obama: Education a top priority Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American During his remarks at the National Urban League conference in New Orleans, LA, President Obama announced he would sign an Executive Order to improve outcomes and advance educational opportunities for African Americans. The President has made providing a complete and competitive education for all Americans – from cradle to career – a top priority. The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans will work across Federal agencies and
Courtesy of the St. Louis American
President Barack Obama
with partners and communities nationwide to produce a more effective continuum of education programs for African American students. The Initiative aims to ensure that all African American students receive an education that fully prepares them for
Insight News Primary Voters Guide 2012 PAGE 7
high school graduation, college completion, and productive careers. In the less than 60 years since the Brown v. Board of Education decision put America on a path toward equal educational opportunity, America’s educational system has undergone a remarkable transformation. Many African American children who attended substandard, segregated schools in the 1950s have grown up to see their children attend integrated and effective elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Nonetheless, substantial
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Interview
WNBA president on her life, the league, and Olympics
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Harry Colbert, Jr.
Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn) and United Kingdom member of Parliament, Lilian Greenwood listen intently to discussion on how to better assist African nations in need of foreign aid.
Roundtable From 1 “When we are seeing economic suffering at home, it’s important to see that we do not slow-up on our commitments across the globe for those in need,” said Greenwood, who noted that England is seeing great poverty among it’s African refugee population. Ellison noted that one of the bigger issues with respect to providing aid to African nations
Gateway From 1 Two-hundred skilled and
is a lack of organizational cooperation. “We can do more if we work together,” said Ellison. “We all need to work together as global citizens if we are going to change the world. Several groups are doing a lot on AIDS, but malaria is killing more people than AIDS.” Nicole Melancon of Advocates for Human Rights echoed Ellison’s sentiments. “We’re at this amazing time when we’re almost able to end AIDS, yet 20,000 people are dying a day from preventable diseases,” said Melancon.
Bass said one of the biggest hurdles to providing relief to nations in need is changing people’s attitudes here at home. Bass noted that several recently elected representatives affiliated with the Tea Party, a conservative wing of the Republican Party, have a very limited world view. “A lot of the folks in Congress don’t even have passports,” said Bass. “People far overestimate how much of the U.S. budget is spent on foreign aid.” According to Bass and Ellison only about one percent of the United States budget is
allocated for foreign aid. “I’ll hear people say we’re [U.S. government] spending way too much on foreign aid and I’ll ask how much should we be spending. People will say things like three percent [of the U.S. Budget],” said Ellison. “I say great, I’ll take that. That’s three times what we’re currently doing.” Matt Oquist of Kids Against Hunger said providing assistance abroad goes a long way towards improving the U.S. standing in hostile regions. Oquist said prior to the tsunami that hit Taiwan,
Taiwanese had a poor view of Americans. “But once the U.S. Navy began providing aid in food and water, (the Taiwanese) had a 70 percent favorable view of America,” said Oquist. Jaylani Hussein of the American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa concurred with Oquist. “In Africa Americans are known for bringing the tanks, but we’re not known for bringing the shovels to build and rebuild in war-torn areas,” said Hussein. “We need to change that mindset.”
Eric Williams, aide to Bass said he was impressed with the level of compassion for others coming from Minnesota. “It is so awesome to see so many groups in Minnesota dedicated to global (human rights) initiatives,” said Williams. Ellison and Bass said they will plan a trip to Somalia to see what can be done to assist that war-ravaged nation. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali-American population in the nation.
unskilled union workers built Gateway Lofts. “It’s a work between Alliance Housing and the community; trying to find housing for people in the area,”
said Kathy Stulc, Regional Property Manager for HayesGibson Management Company. Herb Frey, Executive Director of Alliance Housing, Inc. said the project got started
shortly before January of 2008. “The site was previously a boarded up and dilapidated Petro Stop gas station,” said Frey. “We are very proud of this building.”
Currently, Gateway Lofts has 46 spaces available; 22 efficiencies at $418 a month, nine, one-bedroom units priced at $440 a month, four at $640 a month, five priced at $800 a
month and six two-bedroom units priced at $840 a month. The property is managed by Hayes Gibson International.
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BUSINESS Splash mob: Etiquette for umbrellas Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com What better time than in the middle of a nationwide drought to talk about the one thing we all need: rain? When the heavens finally open, those of us with just the right kind of luck will be caught outdoors, on our way to important meetings, job interviews or ball games. An umbrella is a good thing to have, if you know how to use it. How to open an umbrella: it’s cats and dogs out there, and you want to stay as dry as possible. Point your umbrella down and to your right, and look around you before you make another move. Umbrellas expand your personal space, so opening yours slowly will keep it from crashing into the guy making a mad dash across the parking lot because he forgot his. How to carry an umbrella: if you are the only person
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around, carry that umbrella any way you need to to keep the rain off your neck. But if you are on a crowded sidewalk, keep your umbrella close and keep
an eye on the traffic. If you are very tall, and someone comes toward you with a competing umbrella, raise yours up higher, so theirs can pass under yours.
If you are a shorter person, lower yours and pass under the other umbrella that way. Paying attention should keep you from taking someone’s eye
out unexpectedly. If it stops raining: carry your closed umbrella like a walking stick, point down. Never point your umbrella at anyone else;
it’s threatening and you could hurt somebody. Indoors, look for a place just inside the entry to leave your umbrella. If there is no umbrella stand, close yours up and put it in its bag or leave it just inside the door. Never leave it on a rug or on furniture unless you can afford to replace whatever gets ruined by the inevitable dripping water. In an office building, you can ask the receptionist where to leave it, or just set it out of the way near the main entrance. Most people will not steal an umbrella even if they need one, so yours should be safe until you need it again. Just in case, it’s a good idea to tape your name and number or a business card inside your umbrella, high up on the handle so it doesn’t get washed out. Umbrellas can look a lot alike, and you will want to get yours back when you take someone else’s home by mistake. Most importantly, never, never open an umbrella inside your house – it’s bad luck! Julie Desmond is a Certified Staffing Professional and talent manager. Write to julie@ lakeregionstaffing.com.
City wants green Northside homes A new housing program, called Green Homes North, will build sustainable homes to green standards using local minority and women contractors, workers, and locally-sourced green products. The program will target areas of North Minneapolis where, according to program
official, neighborhood stabilization is most needed. Proposals are due by Aug. 15. The city is seeking proposals from developers to construct 100 “green” homes on city-owned vacant lots in North Minneapolis in the next five years. “A green home is an
economical home which means more money in your pocket each month, making home ownership sustainable,” said Barbara A. Johnson, 4th Ward Council President. “The initiative is yet another great partnership with the development community that is bringing new energy and investment in North Minneapolis.”
Officials say proposals that minimize the use of the subsidy and provide the highest standards of quality design, energy efficiency and overall sustainability will be prioritized in the selection process. Proposals will be reviewed by a
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LIFESTYLE
Vacationing at respite facilities By Dwayne J. Clark We all want, and even need, a chance to get away from it all and recharge our energies. A summer vacation is a rite of modern life, but for the nearly 10 million Americans who are currently caring for both children and an elderly parent-the so-called Sandwich Generation-the idea of going on vacation offers up little more than a stressful dilemma: How can the family possibly take a trip when an aging parent is not up for travelling or for staying home alone? The short answer is that the large majority of these families
simply don’t leave. Instead, they opt to survive another year of stress and the daily grind without taking a vacation. And they take their chances on burning out and becoming ill-equipped to properly care for their aging parents and even their own children. Some caregivers might have the luxury of calling on a sibling or another family member to step in and care for their elderly parent. Or the family might split up during the summertime, with one parent (or step parent) taking the kids on a trip while the other stays home with Grandma or Grandpa. Others will look into hiring outside help
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to provide round-the-clock, inhome care, but this option can be so expensive (and sometimes difficult to find, especially if the senior has dementia or mobility issues) that some families may
only have enough funds left over to enable a short, local getaway. Many, however, will simply stay put, denying themselves a much-needed emotional breather and foregoing the important parent/child bonding opportunities that a lengthy, quality vacation can provide. Fortunately, there is a solution available for these families: respite care. A relatively new but increasingly popular program offered by some assisted living communities, respite care allows families to book their loved one for a stay of a few days or even several weeks at a residential care facility. Of course, not all respite care programs are created equal. Some are better than others, but in the ideal situation, this is what you can expect. Respite care acts as the perfect blend of luxury hotel and home-health care, providing just the right mix of amenities and services for the aging, sometimes ailing, senior. Consider the following benefits that top-notch respite
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Respite
Insight News • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Page 5
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.
stroke or Parkinson’s disease, and they are capable of providing the understanding, compassion, and medical know-how that is required for proper care. 2) Luxury. Respite guests stay in elegant, well-appointed apartments with comfortable beds, sitting areas, television, phone, reading materials, and Internet access. Amenities are similar to what’s found in nice hotels. For example, guests may have an on-staff concierge available to answer questions and cater to resident needs, massage therapists to soothe aching muscles, a salon to help the resident feel beautiful, and senior-friendly exercise rooms. Some communities are even pet-friendly, allowing seniors to bring their dogs and take them on walks in sunny courtyards and manicured gardens. 3) Great food. Families don’t have to be concerned that their loved one might be eating a TV dinner or hot dogs and beans for the fourth time in two days. Respite guests-like fulltime residents-eat fresh-fromthe-kitchen, nutritious meals (and snacks) prepared by an onsite chef and served in a wellappointed dining area (or in their room, if preferred).
Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane
Homes
From 4 care offers: 1) Guests get personal care. On-staff nurses and/or care personnel at assisted living communities are available 24/7 to monitor the health and well-being of respite care guests, dispense medication on schedule, help with bathing and other hygiene matters, and ensure that they stay on target with all required exercises and therapies. These staff members are fully acquainted with the unique concerns that some seniors contend with, including memory issues and the physical changes that can arise from a
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CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Natalie Benz Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Insight Intern Abeni Hill Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.
From 3 design committee and by the neighborhood where the property is located. “Green Homes North is the next step in the city’s aggressive, ongoing efforts to rebuild neighborhoods impacted by foreclosures,” said Tom Streitz, City of Minneapolis Director of Housing Policy and Development. “We are seeing great progress in restoring our housing market in the city of
Africa From 1 to nations of Africa. “For the first time ever, the middle class is gaining in the continent of Africa,” said Samatar. “Companies in Minnesota, both big and small, are looking to export to countries throughout Africa,” said Ellison. Nat Jackson of Headwinds Soultions said a big obstacle to doing business in African nations such as Nigeria is a perception of corruption. “The elephant in the room is the reputation of instability,” said Jackson. “We hear about money making schemes with African governments and companies, or ‘Watch those guys, they’ll rip you off.’ That’s not an environment for business.” Ellison said it’s up to the foreign nations to improve their reputations.
4) It’s engaging. Unlike with a home-health care arrangement, a respite guest can interact with other seniors and make new friends, and he or she can participate in any number of social, cultural and recreational activities that are offered, among them arts and crafts classes; cooking with the chef; gardening; outings to a local museum or park; low-impact exercise classes; onsite, in-theater movies; and live music performances. Or they can simply enjoy themselves in a sunroom or parlor, playing cards and games with other residents, sitting down to the piano or picking up some other musical instrument they once played or raising their voice in a sing-along. 5) It’s affordable. Despite all these amenities, respite care is almost always less expensive than round-the-clock, homehealth care, and it’s typically priced at an all-inclusive daily rate, with no extras charged for meals, activities and personal care. Think of it as a luxury cruise without having to get aboard a ship. Keep in mind that setting up a short-term stay for your loved one is not quite as easy as calling up a hotel a week ahead of time and reserving a room. Prior to a
stay, a respite guest must provide a physician’s report, take a TB test (in some states), and undergo a nurse assessment to ensure that the community fully understandsand is prepared for-the guest’s care needs. The family also needs to prepare themselves and their aging loved one for the shortterm stay. The family should take time to do their research on the communities in their area based on such criteria as reputation, number of staff, quality of care and activities, and experience with residents who have similar health concerns, and then take a tour. No matter how nice the community, though, some seniors will balk at the idea of respite care, a fact that can lead to anxiety for them and guilt for the rest of the family. Administrators at senior living communities suggest the adult caretaker bring their parent in for lunch, a tour and a prearranged chance to get to know some friendly residents with similar backgrounds and interests. That type of preparation can dispel any preconceived notions and apprehension. For the senior, a short-term stay offers a unique brand of vacation. They, too, take on the stress that comes from being
part of a busy household with overworked caregivers, so this break provides them a chance to relax and have time to themselves in new surroundings, enjoy a bit of pampering, make friends, take up a new activity, or explore a hobby that they used to enjoy long ago. In most cases, family members report back that their elderly parent is much happier and content after a respite stay, and many are pleasantly surprised to find that their loved one actually sees real improvements in their health. One reason for this is that many seniors stay connected with friends made during their stay or continue with activities or hobbies picked up while away from home, activities they couldn’t or refused to do before their stay. Adult caregivers, meanwhile, get to enjoy and reconnect with their spouse and children away from the pressures of the job, bills, and daily living without worry over whether or not their aging parent is being adequately cared for while the family is away. And the children get from their parents high-quality time and attention. Many adult children entrust their elderly family members to an assisted living community
while they go on a second honeymoon or take a couples cruise, treat the kids to a week at Disneyland or a winter ski trip, and attend family reunions and weddings. In fact, many Sandwich Generation members rely on respite care on a regular basis. They recognize that, as they try to be all things to all family members, a vacation is not an indulgence but a must-a revitalizing break that provides the emotional and physical rest they need to cope long-term with the stress of ongoing caregiving. When they get back to their regular life, they’ll be able to go on being effective, patient and loving in their relationships with their aging parents-and their children. And they’ll see their aging loved ones thrive because they’ve had a luxury vacation, too.
Minneapolis as evidenced by the recent increases in home sale prices in the city and this will help build on that trend.” Funding from the city, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and the Family Housing Fund, will provide $1 million in grants and up to $2 million in loans to private and non-profit developers with demonstrated new-home construction knowledge and experience. “We have built green homes with our partners in North Minneapolis, and they have been a huge success, so now we’re taking that
experiment to scale,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “Green Homes North will provide another boost of confidence for the housing market, the building trades and the neighborhood.” Program funds will assist developers with development gap financing, a grant to cover the difference between the fair market value sales price and the total development cost. Interim construction financing will come in the form of a loan to the developer. Terms will be based on the funding provided to the project. Homes will be built in
targeted areas of development where there is existing city and partners’ investment or blocks with several vacant lots to be developed. Existing incentive programs will assist in bringing new homebuyers to this market. Buyer income restrictions will apply. Officials say the city encourages local workforce hiring and the use of local, minority and women contractors and businesses to participate in the construction
of these homes. Minneapolis Employment and Training Program (METP) will provide free training and job placement services through its RENEW Minneapolis- Green Homes North program that focuses on green construction skills. To learn more about Green Homes North and the City’s foreclosure recovery plan, visit w w w. m i n n e a p o l i s m n . g o v / foreclosure/foreclosure_citys_ foreclosure_recovery_plan.
“Nigerians have to fix Nigeria,” said Ellison. To combat the negative talk about doing business in Africa, the congressman echoed Samatar’s earlier sentiments about economic opportunities in Africa. “Rwanda is on the rise and Ghana is on the verge of becoming a middle class country,” said Ellison. “It’s important to not paint with too broad of a brush when we talk of Africa.” Mathew Woodle of the U.S. Commercial Service said his office works with businesses seeking to do business abroad and will help in identifying trustworthy partners in foreign nations. He said the office also assists with issues of shipping and customs. Ellison said when looking to do business in countries in Africa, there may be certain grant opportunities. “Sectors matter,” said Ellison. “You might be able to get more help if you have a
product that will improve the infrastructure of a country. That will be favorably looked upon. Waste disposal could possibly be big business.” The meeting was hosted by the African Development Center of Minnesota.
Dwayne J. Clark is the founder and CEO of Aegis Living, a community of 28 living facilities in Washington, California, and Nevada, and the author of My Mother, My Son: A true story of love, determination, and memories…lost (2012, www. mymothermyson.com).
Tell us Your Ideas! WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP THE TWIN CITIES THRIVE?
ThriveMSP.org A Metropolitan Council initiative
Page 6 • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Insight News
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COMMENTARY Beware of cultural chauvinism Nobody Asked Me
By Fred Easter I saw a piece on these pages about a bill in Congress, H.R. 6087, aimed at “stemming the devastating effect of child marriage … in developing countries”.
Before I go further, let me say that I have not myself had an inclination to marry a child since my ninth birthday; and Zelda was a ravishing beauty. Also, I have two wonderful daughters of my own and I would have forbidden them to marry until after their college graduation. Of course, we live in a country that cannot be called underdeveloped, except maybe morally. The question that occurs to me is who are we to think we should make laws about practices in other countries
that predate our own Founding Fathers? Back in the mid 1990s, I traveled to a youth conference in Nairobi, Kenya. There, it is not only common for girls to marry but to be “circumcised” as well. Clitoridectomy is a practice I consider barbaric and repugnant. Happily, it is not practiced in my culture. I bring this up because I attended a workshop, at the conference, where the current appropriateness of this practice was the sole agenda item. The women at the workshop – all
Kenyan – ranged from high school age to grandparents. I was amazed at the number and breadth of cogent arguments offered, generally by the adult women, for the continuation and usefulness of the practice. I, myself, was not swayed. But, I kept quiet since this was a “family” discussion. However, many young women offered well-constructed arguments for “choice.” I do not want to resurrect that discussion. I just want to marvel, for a moment, at how casually Americans assume that superimposing our (their) own cultural values and mores on “developing countries” is an important part of the “development” process. Other
countries would develop a lot faster if we let them mine and market their own precious metals and minerals; but I digress. The Masai, renowned for killing lions with spears as a rite of passage, have been observing its own culture for millennia. They live in relative harmony with their environment. Any adult used to walking about alone where lions travel in groups must be in harmony with his or her environment. I found them to be a warm and generous people. Alert, too. I wonder if there are laws on the books in other countries about which of our cultural practices should be abandoned. Our love affair with the hand gun leaps to mind. In 1833 when
the British abolished slavery throughout the Empire, it did not occur to them to try to abolish it in this newly sovereign nation. Pretty soon, our overbearing sense of self will have us sharing the superior dietary advantages of pork with the many Muslim countries around the world. I think Congresswoman Betty McCollum and Congressman Aaron Schock ought to concentrate on what is terribly wrong right here at home rather than wasting legislative energy attacking mores around the world because they do not square with their and my sensibilities. Of course, it is not like the Congress was all that busy these last few years, anyway.
Title IX isn’t just about sports To Be Equal
By Marc H. Morial
2012
Minnesota
Weekends: Aug. 18 - Sept 30 Plus Labor Day & Festival Friday Sept. 28 9am to 7pm | Rain or Shine | www.renaissancefest.com | (952) 445 - 7361 Discount tickets available online & at participating locations:
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No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” – Title IX 40th Anniversary of Equal Academic and Athletic Access Two weeks ago, the nation celebrated the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark Education Amendments of 1972, which mandated that girls and women receive equal access to academic and athletic opportunities in our nation’s schools and colleges.
A White House press release notes that, “At a time when many universities barred the admission of women and when female sports teams were scarce, Title IX marked a momentous shift for women’s equality in classrooms, on playing fields, and in communities throughout our nation.” While best known for its emphasis on gender equality in sports, the law has been instrumental in advancing women’s rights in many other areas. President Obama, who coaches his daughter Sasha’s basketball team, commented that “Title IX isn’t just about sports. From addressing inequality in math and science education to preventing sexual assault on campus to fairly funding athletic programs, Title IX ensures equality for our young people in every aspect of their education. It’s a springboard for success.” The Associated Press reports that “Before Title IX, fewer than 300,000 high school girls – 1 in
27 – played sports. Now, more than 3 million high school girls – 1 in 2 – play sports. More than 191,000 females played NCAA sports in 2010-11.” Title IX is also responsible for the increasing numbers of women in the nation’s law and medical schools. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is right when he says that “Title IX is one of the great civil rights success stories in education.” But it is also true that girls and women are still underrepresented in many areas of education and there remain gaps in Title IX enforcement that must be closed. A report by the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), notes that “In the last three fiscal years, OCR received nearly 3,000 Title IX-related complaints – more than ever before in a similar period – and launched more than 35 investigations.” The
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Insight News • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Page 7
INSIGHT NEWS
2012 Primary
oters Guide
T
uesday, August 14, is the Minnesota primary. The primary election is important because it allows voters to choose the candidate that they think is the best choice to be in the general election on Tuesday, November 6. Below are statements submitted by candidates who are running in some of the races where the primary will have a heavy impact on how the ballot will look in November.
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS Joy Marsh Stephens Candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner District 1 Joyfordistrictone.com “For the last 20 years, the economic and social disparities that impact the poor and communities of color in Hennepin County have only grown worse. The incumbent has ignored his role in spearheading solutions to these challenges at the expense of those residents who struggle in poverty as well as the property tax payers who bear the burden of a shrinking tax base. The demographics have changed, but the vision and policy have not changed with it. After three years of community organizing and over seventeen years of professional experience, I will bring this visionary, responsive voice to Hennepin County.
Chris Rains Candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner District 1 Voteforchrisrains.com Hennepin County must prioritize and focus on the core services of public safety, transportation, and providing a social safety net to those most vulnerable and in need. We are struggling through a recession, yet the county has not acted to lessen the burden on taxpayers. This especially hurts the workingclass and seniors on fixed-incomes. I will work to lower your property taxes. This can happen by prioritizing spending, evaluating county programs against specified criterion of success and reducing the bureaucracy of government. Accountability must return to all public offices again. Remember, they work for you, not the other way around.
Jim Koepke Candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner District 5 www.JimforHennepin.com I am a fiscal conservative who promises to cut wasteful, needless spending in order to lower property taxes. As a longtime Hennepin County employee who has worked in the areas of social services and mental health, I am committed to maintaining those services care as well as all basic services. My experience includes extensive budget and financial work. I have been recognized for my work with numerous awards.
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DISTRICT 59B
Job creation key issue for legislature candidates By Abeni Hill Insight Intern
Terra Cole (DFL)
Raymond Dehn (DFL)
Unemployment and racial disparity were focal points of a recent candidate forum held at the Urban League of Minneapolis. Three candidates for State Representative in District 59B race participated in the forum hosted by Conversations with Al McFarlane. Those who participated were DFLers Terra Cole and Raymond Dehn and Republican Bill McGaughey,
who recently announced he was dropping out of the race due to personal issues. The 59B House Seat is being vacated by Bobby Joe Champion, who is running for the State Senate. Forum Host Al McFarlane, president and editor-in-chief of Insight News had the Rev. Randolph Staten act as a cohost. Rev. Staten served as a State Representative for 58B. He focused the conversation on unemployment and racial disparity.
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Photos: Suluki Fardan
Bill McGaughey (GOP)
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2
Hennepin County has failed to address poverty, candidates say By Abeni Hill Insight Intern Poverty was the topic for a recent forum held at the Urban League of Minneapolis. The forum served as a screening for Hennepin County Dist. 2 County Commissioner candidates. Participating candidates were Leslie Davis, Rolf Erickson, Linda Higgins, Tonia Johnson Kathleen Murdock, Paula Pentel and Roger Smithrud. Many of the candidates
linked poverty to unemployment and lack of education. “There is one common denominator throughout this district,” said Murdock. “That is that families are struggling throughout this district.” Murdock said many factors go into poverty such as unemployment and job training. Murdock also said Hennepin County has not done much to solve the issue of poverty. “I was there (in county government) a long time through the prosperous years and then the
very lean years,” said Murdock. “I have not seen (the county) cut spending to a big degree in a lot of areas that I think are not the business of the county.” Murdock wants the county to focus on social services for residents highlighting an interfaith outreach and community partners program in Plymouth that helps the community with food shelves and affordable housing. “There is a great, great need that is being served there,” said Murdock.
Pentel said varying factors can contribute to poverty and unemployment. “I think we need to start with the families and start with the children,” said Pentel. “Families are no longer able to afford that daycare that allows them to have a job.” Pentel thinks the county should focus on social services for families. Davis said his proposals will help the economy. “The water plan that I proposed will bring in $80 million and fresh money to head the county,” said
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Hennepin County highlighted Davis . “We use that for energy conversion.” Davis thinks the county should
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Page 8 • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Insight News
Statements
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Sue Jeffers
From 7
Jan Callison Candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner District 6 www.jancallison.org I currently serve as the Hennepin County Commissioner for the Sixth District. As commissioner, I have focused on advocating for the residents and communities of my district, promoting public outreach, implementing reforms and efficiencies so that Hennepin County can reduce its level of spending while meeting increased needs, and championing projects that will assure Hennepin County’s economic vitality. My commitment is to consider the issues that may come before me thoughtfully on a nonpartisan basis.
Dave Wahlstedt Candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner District 6 www.daveforcommissioner.org I believe that home ownership is sacred and that property taxes that drive people out of their homes are one of the most harmful forms of taxation, yet for decades they have been going up faster than any other tax. Current leadership has expanded Hennepin County government to fill their huge headquarters and in 2012 bought another new building so they can continue to expand - paying $26 million for a building assessed at $11 million. Elect me and I will go into office with a commitment to Prioritize, Economize and Downsize county government and begin to roll back property taxes.
Candidate for Ramsey County Commissioner District 2 suejeffers2012@gmail.com www.suejeffers2012.com No other candidate brings my unique background in small business, government and politics. I am committed to reasonable taxes and spending, low debt service and efficient, effective delivery of core services while maximizing resources, maintaining county assets and building a flourishing community. Voters tell me the decline of home values and increasing property taxes is their biggest concern. Voters know that meeting the needs of the county is not easy but they are demanding commissioners be responsible stewards of our precious tax dollars. A vibrant, prosperous business sector will expand the tax base and is essential for financial stability and economic growth.
Mary Burg Candidate for Ramsey County Commissioner District 2 maryburg2012@gmail.com I am a qualified candidate because I have comprehensive perspective including 3rd term City Council 35years business ownership, management of municipal enterprises, and currently an Employment Specialist in which I link clients who live with mental illness to potential employers. This gives me daily exposure to local business. I have an outstanding track record in operational improvement; identifying and managing risk; and creating a profitable bottom-line through a commitment to excellence in quality and performance. I have a reputation for identifying and solving complex problems; being a diplomatically assertive and a goal-oriented leader able to make hard decisions; proven record of being highly sensitive community needs.
Sara Wyatt
Victoria Reinhardt
Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 1 www.wyattforparks.com
Candidate for Ramsey County Commissioner District 7 commissionerreinhardt@gmail.com
Providing great parks for you and your children WHILE keeping taxes low is my priority. The following are a few of the projects completed in my two terms: Dakota Rail, Luce Line, Medicine Lake & Lake Independence Trails; Eastman Nature Center; 36th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge; Eagle Lake Mini-golf; Elm Creek Mountain-Bike Course; and Fish Lake Dog-park. For the past three years I’ve proposed a 0% increase in the tax levy, yet we have used available resources and partnering to make sure our parks keep improving. My Commissioner experience successfully guiding Three Rivers through tough times makes me the best candidate to represent you.
Janice Meyer Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 1 www.jan4parks.com Having never held an elected office, I may not have the same credentials as my opponents. However, I do have a strong passion and interest in serving and helping to preserve our fabulous Three Rivers Park System. Each of the parks holds unique opportunities for all walks of life and I believe that to be one their most valuable assets. My differences from the other candidates may just be that I’m fresh, new, and passionate.
Bob Fletcher Candidate for Ramsey County Commissioner District 1 Bob.fletcher@ fletcherforcommissioner.com “Maintaining and improving our quality of life in Ramsey County is my reason for seeking office. My priorities include, public safety, quality county services, economic development, youth education and fiscal restraint. As a 35 year law enforcement professional and former Public Housing Commissioner, I am keenly aware of the challenges facing our community. Helping our youth succeed educationally will continue to be a primary focus of my service. Early literacy assistance, after-school programing and drug addiction prevention & treatment strategies are essential in our fight to reduce crime. I would be honored to have your support.”
I am honored to serve as Ramsey County Commissioner, District 7. I understand the complex issues facing Ramsey County and work hard to get great results. I have worked to maintain our triple A bond rating, bring private, public and non-profit sector partners together, and faced historic budget challenges with a true desire to find cost-effective solutions. If re-elected, I will continue to use my experience, education, and problem-solving skills to keep Ramsey County a great place to live, work, and enjoy life. Age: 59. Married; Two sons, one grandson. Education: Doctorate in Public Administration; Masters in Business Administration.
Jennifer DeJournett Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 2 www.jendejournett.com As a mom of 4 young kids, I want a fiscally secure, responsible park system that can maintain our community assets. My work experience as a civil engineer and my perspective as an active volunteer and member of the community could be of service if elected to the board. I have lived throughout our district, and can connect with our communities and leaders for the benefit the District. I will communicate Park Board activities to our community. I will bring a fresh perspective to make the most of our resources for the benefit of the district while respecting the taxpayer’s pocketbook.
Marilynn Corcoran Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 2 corcdayton@yahoo.com My tenure with Three Rivers Park District has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. As economic challenges continue, every level of government must explore ways to provide needed and wanted services within financial constraints. Water quality is a priority for the Park District, as is invasive species. With so many water bodies, streams and rivers within, nearby and flowing thru Park District resources we are committed to making a difference thru initiating Best Management Practices and good public education. In addition, I have extensive community and local government experience, and have been a proven asset when it comes to collaborations.
Daniel J. Freeman Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 3 DFreeman@dsb-cpa.com As a father, sportsman, conservationist and active outdoorsman, I am running for the Three Rivers Park District Board to help protect and conserve our great parks for future generations. Our parks are a true asset to our community. We need to ensure that we are operating them efficiently and effectively, acting as good stewards of our resources. I’ll work to minimize additional impact on our property tax levy, while maximizing additional funding from sources like state legacy funds. I look forward to this opportunity to serve my community, and I ask for your vote on November 6th.
Matthew Laue Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 3 mattlaue@usinternet.com Along with my beautiful wife I am the proud parent of two young boys. I am a past Olympian who grew up using numerous Three Rivers Parks’ and park programs to train and enhance my sporting ability. I want to be the Park Commissioner for the 3rd District because it is very important to me that the park district continues to grow and evolve thru its current and future vision plan offering rewarding programs to residents within our district and throughout the park system. I want my children and future generations to have even better opportunities to experience the Three Rivers Park District.
John Gunyou Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 4 www.johngunyou.com My dad taught me long-ago that we don’t plant trees for ourselves; we plant them for our grandchildren. I take those words to heart, and have worked hard for 40 years to permanently preserve acres of open space, forests, lakes and wetlands, and to enhance the parks and trails that make our communities special. If elected to serve as Three Rivers Park Commissioner, I pledge to continue that commitment. Through careful, responsible stewardship, we can and must sustain our quality parks and trails for future generations. Please check out my track record on my Facebook page and website at: www.johngunyou.com
Leigh Harrod Candidate for Hennepin County Park Commissioner District 4 www.harrod4parks.com I am a registered professional geologist with over 30 years work experience in the environmental field. I have always enjoyed work and study in natural sciences. I have a strong interest in the large regional parklands managed by the Three Rivers Park District. My education, history, and work experience as environmental manager of natural resources is a great fit to serve as a County Park Commissioner. These park lands, scattered throughout the metro area, are very important to the quality of all of our lives. I promise to protect and manage them sensibly for all of us.
Joe Mullery Candidate for State Representative District 59A joemullery@gmail.com Joe Mullery, State Representative (incumbent). Endorsements: Congressman Ellison, Governor Dayton, DFL, Minnesota AFL-CIO, Outfront, many more. Background: lifelong Northsider; Board Member, Council on Black Minnesotans and Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans; Attorney; DFL District Chair and State Central Committee. I am the legislative leader on many issues facing the Northside: foreclosure prevention; education, job training and opportunities for jobs, especially minorities and disabled; youth development and juvenile justice reform; and public safety. For over a decade I’ve let the fight to get state government to hire, and contract with, minorities. I pledge to lead the fight to revitalize the Northside.
Marcus Harcus Candidate for State Representative District 59A marcus@marcusharcus.org “I am a Northside native son, a writer, activist and social entrepreneur running for State Representative in House District 59A. I’ve studied public policy, community development and practiced legislative advocacy. I’ve worked as a community relations manager, coalition organizer, community organizer and youth program coordinator. I’m running to demonstrate the kind of political leadership Minnesota deserves, more equitable, engaging and effective representation. I’m running to advocate for a fair economy, housing justice, education equity, affordable healthcare and criminal justice reform. We’re at risk of not having a single Black man in the House if I don’t win the Primary Election.”
Doug Mann Green Party endorsed candidate for the citywide school board seat Dougmann99@cs.com Education is a right, not a privilege! A quality, public education should be available to all on an equal basis. However, most students of color get an education of inferior quality due to factors like being placed in watered-down curriculum tracks and overexposure to inexperienced teachers. Teachers are arbitrarily fired and replaced during their 3 year probationary period. Inexperienced teachers hired through Teach for America are on 2 year contracts. Demand low teacher turnover rates in all schools. Eliminate watereddown curriculum tracks. Let’s fix the public schools instead of herding students into charter schools. Green Party endorsed.
Janice Mae Harmon Candidate for Minneapolis School Board Member at Large(SSD #1) Dragonv02@msn.com I have the goal to educate ALL of our children. We must be #1 to give our children the best possible chance at a good future, with that level of teaching, in MATH, SCIENCE, and all other educational goals, will our children lead the way into the 21st century. We cannot allow even one child to drop out as that could be the child that finds the way to world peace.
Josh Reimnitz Candidate for School Board Member District 4 (SSD #1) josh.reimnitz@gmail.com As a 4th grade teacher Josh’s students
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Insight News • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Page 9
Minnesota online polling location finder
PhotoXpress
Leslie Davis
Rolf Erickson
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie encourages Minnesota voters to use the Office of the Secretary of State’s free online service to locate their polling location for the August 14 state primary election. Voters can find their voting location, a map to that location, information about their voting district, and candidates appearing on their ballot simply by entering their address into Polling Place Finder application at www.mnvotes.org. “Redistricting changed the boundaries of the congressional, legislative and many municipal districts and may have changed voter’s polling places,” explained Secretary of State Ritchie. “The Poll Finder application tells voters which district they reside in, where to go to vote and who will be on their ballot in that district.” A state primary election serves a different purpose than a general election. For partisan races a primary election narrows the field of candidates for the three major political parties: Republican, Independence, and Democratic-Farmer-Labor to those who will be on the general election ballot. Primary voters also narrow the field of nonpartisan candidates in contests for judicial, county and
local offices. Voters will elect those who will represent them in public office during the general election held on November 6. Minnesota has an “open primary,” which means that voters are not required to register with a political party. However, primary voters cannot vote for candidates in more than one political party. “Primary elections are very important, because primary voters determine which candidates will be on the November 6 general election ballot,” said Secretary of State Ritchie. “Ultimately, the policy decisions that affect all Minnesotans will be decided from the slate of candidates nominated on August 14.” Most polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 14. Minnesota has Election Day registration, which allows voters to register at the polls. For more information about voter registration and candidates appearing on your ballot, visit the Office’s voter information webpage at www. mnvotes.org. Unofficial primary election results will be posted on election night after the polls close at 8 p.m. on the Office’s website at www.sos.state.mn.us.
Tonia Johnson
Linda Higgins
Commissioners From 7 stop using coal plants for energy and said the money should go to the energy conservation equipment and into business and residential homes, which will lead to jobs. “We will put thousands of people to work,” said Davis . Smithrud said job preparedness is key. “We need to have more jobs available to people,” said Smithrud. “We also need have the training so that they are capable of getting jobs and employers that are willing to provide jobs.” Erickson said he would value employees input for cost-cutting jobs. “Employees would suggest costcutting measures to make the government more efficient,” said Erickson. Higgins said the county should work with other levels of government to collaborate on job training and education programs. “Not everyone starts at the same place when looking for a job to provide for their families,” said Higgins. “I think the county has a big role to play in helping the folks who need job training and education.” Johnson called for greater minority inclusion in job hiring.
Kathleen Murdock “I would like to see Hennepin County take the leads and actually hire more people of color from their communities,” said Johnson, who said there is double digit unemployment in Minneapolis . “I worked at Hennepin County and I know for a fact that Hennepin County does not hire minorities to the number that they could.” Johnson also called for Hennepin County to assist high schools in emphasizing college opportunities.
Statements From 8 made significant gains in the classroom through fun and interactive lessons, especially in reading and science. Josh currently serves as Executive Director of the national youth leadership nonprofit Students Today Leaders Forever, founded in Minneapolis, serving nearly 4,000 students annually. As an Executive Director of a multistate, multi-million dollar organization, Josh understands systems administration, policy governance, budgetary and strategic planning,
59B From 7 “Today everyone is talking about the question of the economy,” said Staten. Staten said he recently read the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on unemployment. “The unemployment rate of AfricanAmericans is 3.4 times that of whites.” Staten asked the panel how they plan on handling unemployment when they are in office. “We must support strongly and wholeheartedly our businesses on the Northside,” said Cole. “We have to look at our workforce centers which are good tools and that are state funded. We need innovative ideas with a tool we already have.” Dehn said just paying less in taxes may not spur job growth
within the district. “(We need) all of us on the Northside (to) start spending our money in our community,” said Dehn. “Lowering taxes doesn’t create jobs. People spending money creates jobs. I propose we begin (to) align our local, county, state and federal dollars when it comes to job programs and investments in companies to expand their workforces.” Deborah Brown, who was in the audience, asked the panel a question about workplace discrimination. She said she was recently fired from her job and is currently unemployed. Brown believes she was discriminated against. “I was told I was not a good fit for the position,” said Brown. “When we are being let in we are discriminated against, we are scrutinized; we are watched.” “Incidences of workplace discrimination have gone up on both the state level and federal
Roger Smithrud
Paula Pentel The forum was presented by the radio program Conversations with Al McFarlane and moderated by Al McFarlane, president, editor-in-chief, Insight News and co-chair of the Coalition of Black Churches and African American leadership Summit , the Rev. Randolph Staten. Staten said he was looking for candidates who have solutions to poverty. “There is one issue that seems to be from a national perspective and a local
perspective and it has become something we don’t talk about anymore and that is poverty,” said Staten. “And yet poverty is gripping our nation, gripping our county, and gripping our state.” Staten went on to say, “ Hennepin County itself is in violation of the law and even in terms of its hiring practices,” said Staten. “The Department of Labor came out and said (the) Metropolitan area and Minneapolis had the highest
and relationship building. STLF fosters leadership through service, relationships, and action by helping students become effective leaders and active community partners; giving Josh an intimate knowledge of what it takes to both train and inspire future leaders of our community.
William Lange Candidate for School Board Member District 4 (SSD #1) William.lange88@gmail.com
level within hiring as well as in firing,” said Cole. “It’s not just ‘I am not educated enough’ or ‘I am not qualified enough.’ It is something we have to look into and we must investigate and we must correct.” Dehn responded by saying employers need to take the hiring process seriously. “There is much to be said about what affirmative action is meant to be, and that was that if your work force did not reflect the community larger region you need to affirmatively act to do that,” said Dehn. “And that doesn’t mean you give someone a huge advantage just because they are a person of color. You need to take a personal investment as an employer and say, ‘I am going to have my workforce reflect this community region in which I live.’” Cole said she identified with Brown. “What we must do as women
and as Black people (is) we must speak out”, said Cole. “When we don’t talk to HR and we don’t call the state and the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) they don’t know. There is a serious problem of discrimination in Minnesota with when it comes to young
unemployment rate among Blacks in the entire United States of America .” Staten said lack of education is not a factor in all cases and even with a college degree, Blacks still earn less than their white counterparts. “In fact a Black person with a college education makes less than a white person with a high school education,” said Staten. Jill Davis, Steve Dehler and Blong Yang, who are also running for the seat declined to participate in the forum.
Excellence in education requires an improvement in test scores and graduation rates, but also requires that we pay attention to the retention of students in the Minneapolis Public Schools. I will work to improve communication between the district and parents on school readiness. discipline policies,transportation and grades. As a life long resident of the Twin Cities I know high performing schools are the key to the future of our community. As an African American male I am personally aware of the need to create positive expectations for academic achievement for all students. Together we can transform our schools.
women, young Black women young highly educated Black women,” said Cole. “But there is measurable discrimination around a particular gender. Affirmative action has been highly effective for white women but not as effective as for women of color.”
Candidates Ian Alexander, Anthony Hilton and Gary Mazzotta were invited to participate in the discussion, but declined. Primary elections take place Tues., Aug. 14.
Page 10 • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Insight News
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Luchelle Stevens named campaign manager in statewide coalition effort to defeat photo elections amendment Luchelle Stevens has been named Campaign Manager of the statewide coalition effort to defeat the photo ID elections amendment, announced the Our Vote Our Future campaign. Stevens, a Minnesota native, served as the Political Director and then Executive Director for the SEIU Minnesota State Council before joining the Service Employees International
luchellestevens.com
Luchelle Stevens
Union in D.C. “This amendment is extreme, highly misleading and would cost millions to our state and to local governments. The Minnesota Constitution protects the fundamental right of eligible voters to have their voices heard. It defies common sense to weaken those rights. I will work tirelessly to defeat this misleading and deceitful amendment,” Stevens said.
Stevens has played key roles in presidential, gubernatorial, congressional and legislative campaigns throughout her career with SEIU, developing legislative and electoral strategies including the effective integration of targeting, voter contact, polling and research. A veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Stevens served as an Air Traffic Controller
with the U.S. Navy. Amy McDonough, Associate State Director of AARP Minnesota and a Board member of the Our Vote Our Future campaign, lauded the selection of Stevens. “Luchelle is a tremendous asset to the campaign and we’re lucky to have found someone of her caliber to provide the leadership and direction we need to defeat the
photo ID amendment.” Our Vote Our Future is the statewide ballot initiative campaign to defeat the photo ID amendment which will appear on Minnesota’s November 6, 2012 general election ballot. For more information, please visit www. OurVoteOurFuture.org or follow @OurVoteMN.
Board of Education to bring August school board meetings to South and North high schools With the 2012-13 school year just around the corner, the Minneapolis Board of Education will conduct their business meetings on the road, holding the next two school board meetings at South and North high schools. Minneapolis Public Schools will hold the September 11 Board of Education meeting at the new John B. Davis Education and Service Center, located at 1250 West Broadway Avenue. *The City of Minneapolis will hold its Primary Election on Tuesday, August 14, 2012. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 204C.03, this meeting will end promptly at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2012*
Meeting Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Public Comment 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Meeting
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Meeting
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Public Comment 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Meeting
Meeting Location: South High School Auditorium 3131 19th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55407 North High School Auditorium 1500 James Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 John B. Davis Education and Service Center – Assembly Room 1250 W. Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411
Did you hear what was said at the NAACP? By William Reed Mitt Romney’s effort to win the support of the NAACP is an important strategy and speech that should not go unnoticed. Amid all the reports and punditry that Gov. Romney received a hostile reception at the civil rights group’s Houston conference, the standing ovation he received at the end of his speech has been largely overlooked by mainstream media. Since the Republicans’ presumptive nominee made his appearance and speech to the NAACP, most likely you’ve heard that Romney was booed. But, what you may not have heard is that Romney left the stage to a standing ovation.
The mainstream media always seeks to set the tone of the discussion – suppose you owned a newspaper or were a news program host, which headline would you prefer: “NAACP Boos Romney during Speech about Obamacare” or “NAACP Convention Gives Romney Standing Ovation”? It’s time to give Romney credit for going to the NAACP. He stood his ground and told the truth, something Obama has yet to do with Blacks. It’s true he was booed at the mention of “Obamacare” and his intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act as a program he deems “too costly.” It’s likely that Romney knows the vast majority of Blacks support the nation’s first African-American
president and are favorably inclined toward his signature health care act. Romney has always said he would “repeal Obamacare.” What needs to be discussed in public forums is the fact that Romney showed up and said: “If you want a president who will make things better in the African-American community, you are looking at him.” He made the point that the economy is “worse for African Americans in almost every way. ... In June, while the overall unemployment rate remained stuck at 8.2 percent, the unemployment rate for African Americans actually went up to 14.4 percent.” Romney said, “By any standard, African Americans …
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do not appear to have advanced much toward steady jobs … a serious argument could be made that they are falling behind. Equally disconcerting are the number of births to single African-American women, the incarceration rate for African-American men, the number of failing public schools that sustain the cycle of poverty and crime in disadvantaged communities and …a dependence on taxpayer dollars.” Romney spoke to the NAACP of an economy that creates jobs, and of creating stronger families and more opportunities for all Americans. And, he endorsed school choice. But, it was NAACP President Ben Jealous who gave the media the negative spin, saying of Romney’s speech: “He really wasn’t trying to talk to them [the audience]. He was trying to talk to somebody else.” He’s right. Probably Romney was speaking to African Americans seeking jobs and better lives. President Barack Obama did not make the NAACP convention, citing a scheduling conflict. If he had shown up, he might have had to face questions about his failure to deliver on his 2008 campaign promises. Instead, Vice President Joe Biden attended and imagined what a Romney
Justice Department would look like. While the NAACP convention was an Obama/ Biden “love fest”, the nation’s Black newspaper publishers were expressing anger and frustration at President Obama’s failure to reach out
Obama campaign to get his message out to Blacks. Sonny Messiah Jiles, publisher of the Houston Defender, comments apply equally to Obama or Romney: “We’re trying to give you feedback … and educate you on how to shape your
What needs to be discussed in public forums is the fact that Romney showed up and said: ‘If you want a president who will make things better in the AfricanAmerican community, you are looking at him.’ to them or recognize their publications’ audiences in productive ways. “We don’t think the president has ever spoken to us. He’s spoken to the Latino community and he’s been specific,” said Robert W. Bogle, publisher of the Philadelphia Tribune and a former [NNPA] president. It’s time for more balanced dialogue. Gov. Romney may want to use the rife between Black publishers and the
message to our readers and their communities.” While Obama thinks that he’s got the Black electorate “in his pocket” Romney may want to give a shout out to Ms. Jiles and the nation’s 200 Black newspapers. William Reed is available for speaking/seminar projects via the Bailey Group.org
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Insight News • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Page 11
FULL CIRCLE Knowledge has its own reward Man Talk
By Timothy Houston There is an old story about two people named Truth and Lie. One hot day, Truth decided to take a swim. Having nothing to swim in, he removed his clothing and jumped in the water in his birthday suit. Lie came along and seeing Truth’s clothing on the
Obama From 1 obstacles to equal educational opportunity still remain in America’s educational system. African American students lack equal access to highly effective teachers and principals, safe schools, and challenging collegepreparatory classes, and they disproportionately experience school discipline and referrals to special education. Significantly improving the educational outcomes of African Americans will provide substantial benefits for our country by advancing important outcomes, like increasing college completion rates, employment rates, and the number of African American teachers. Enhanced
bank decided to put them on and head into town. When Truth got out the water and realized what had happened, he followed Lie, stark naked. When the people in town saw them coming, they cried out, “Look at Lie all dressed up like the Truth, and look at Truth coming in behind him naked as can be.” The moral of the story is that no matter how you dress up a lie, it is still a lie, and no matter how naked the truth is, it is still the truth. In our quest for knowledge, we must also seek out truth. Truth and knowledge are connected. No relationship can stand without honest, open
dialogue. Another saying that I have heard said is that a lie has wings but no feet so it can fly all over town but can not land. And the truth has feet but no wings, so it takes longer to get there, but when it does, it can sand on its own. Without truth, knowledge is reduced to the sharing of useless information. Knowledge is gained by sharing truth, not information. Men that lack emotional maturity will become skilled at using words, but not necessarily at sharing truth. These men primarily use words to obtain information or to gain the advantage that comes with
knowing more about the woman than she does about him. This results in coded “man-talk,” which includes answering questions truthfully without really saying anything. Even if you are successful at getting any information, this coded talk will make that process as painful as pulling teeth. Once the conversation is finally over, the woman will most likely have given out more revealing information then she knowledge gained. Knowledge must be shared by both parties. A woman is emotionally naked when she has no knowledge of a man’s
intentions. These men will use words to acquire knowledge to gain advantage over women. Every piece of information they receive makes her more vulnerable to his deception, leaving her a little more exposed and at a disadvantage to his true intentions. A man’s emotions must be shared for true knowledge to be gain. His anger, laughter, ability to love, and the capacity to hate are all tied up in his emotions. Knowledge empowers a woman. This goes beyond surface knowledge of who he is and gets the truth about how he thinks and where those thoughts
come from. When a woman knows a man’s intentions, she becomes powerful. Knowledge is its own reward because it leads to the truth about the person and reveals the debt of their emotions. If his emotional reservoir is deep, then his capacity to love will be deep as well.
educational outcomes for African Americans will lead to more productive careers, improved economic mobility and security, and greater social well-being for all Americans. *Advancing Educational Achievement of African American Students* The President has set the goal for America to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. To reach this ambitious goal, and to ensure equality of access and opportunity in education for all Americans, the Obama Administration is dedicating new resources, through rigorous and well-rounded academic and support services, to enable African American students to improve their educational achievement and prepare for college and career.
The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, housed within the Department of Education, will work with the Executive Office of the President and Cabinet agencies to identify evidence-based best practices to improve African American student achievement in school and college, and to develop a national network of individuals, organizations, and communities that will share and implement these practices. It will also help ensure that Federal programs and initiatives administered by the Department of Education and other Federal agencies maintain a focus on serving and meeting the educational needs of African Americans. The Initiative will complement the existing White House Initiative that strengthens the nation’s Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by working with Federal agencies and partners nationwide to provide all African American students with a more effective continuum of education programs. To deliver a complete and competitive education for all African Americans, the Initiative will promote, encourage, and undertake efforts designed to meet several objectives, including: • Increasing the percentage of African American children who enter kindergarten ready for success by improving access to high-quality early learning and development programs • Ensuring that all African American students have access to high-level, rigorous course work and support services that will prepare them for college, a
career, and civic participation • Providing African American students with equitable access to effective teachers and principals in pursuit of a high-quality education, and supporting efforts to improve the recruitment, preparation, development, and retention of successful African American teachers and principals • Promoting a positive school climate that does not rely on methods that result in disparate use of disciplinary tools, and decreasing the disproportionate number of referrals to special education by addressing root causes of the referrals • Reducing the dropout rate of African American students and increasing the proportion of African American students who graduate from high school prepared for college and career • Increasing college access,
college persistence, and college attainment for African American students • Strengthening the capacity of institutions of higher education that serve large numbers of African American students, including community colleges, HBCUs, Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and other institutions • Improving the quality of, and expanding access to, adult education, literacy, and career and technical education The Executive Order also creates the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans, to aid and advise the work of the Initiative. The Commission will
Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
OBAMA TURN TO 14
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HEALTH
Five weight loss myths: Part I first of a two-part series.
Our Health By Nicole Winbush MD MS NorthPoint Health and Wellness With over two-thirds of the population of US overweight or obese many people are wanting to lose weight. It is important to remember that the best motivation for losing weight should be improving health and not losing a “magic” number of pounds. Here I provide facts to dispel some common myths that stand in the way of people achieving healthful and longterm weight loss. This is the
Myth 1 - Skipping breakfast is a great way to lose weight Fact, people who lose weight and keep it off eat breakfast regularly. Our metabolism (the process of breaking down our food into energy) is like a car engine. This engine will operate most efficiently if it is provided with a steady supply of high quality fuel. Start your digestive engine working optimally early in the day with breakfast so that you will have fuel for your day when you need it and you will burn calories more efficiently throughout the day, Myth 2 - Drinking diet or sugar free sodas, teas or fruit drinks are a good alternative Fact, artificial sweeteners come
eating a whole pint of fat-free ice cream is a sure way to pile on calories and pounds.
with their own costs. They may contain no calories, but our body is not so easily fooled and there is mounting evidence that these artificially sweetened beverages are associated with increased weight gain over time and increased risk of diabetes. The use of artificial sweeteners also alters your taste buds to expect these unnaturally sweet tastes, making you crave sweeter and higher calorie foods over other more healthy alternatives.
Myth 4 - You have to feel hungry a lot, that is how you know you are losing weight Fact, feeling hungry - that gnawing pit in your stomach, feeling low energy or irritable because you need to eat something is a sign that your blood sugar is low. Eating a diet that is high in processed carbohydrates (white flour, sugar, snack foods, white rice) can cause your blood sugar to go up and down rather quickly (even if you are not diabetic). However, finding ways to eat meals and snacks that will provide your body with a more constant source of high quality energy (moderate amounts of protein, some healthy fats and non-starchy carbohydrates at each meal) will prevent you from feeling hungry as often
Myth 3 - If it is low fat or fat-free it has got to be good for me and will help me lose weight Fact, just because something is fat free does not make it healthy. These fat-free alternatives usually have a long list of additives that are replacing the fat. These fat-free alternatives will generally leave you feeling unsatisfied and you end up eating more. Remember also, fat free does not mean calorie free, there are plenty of calories in these foods and
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MYTHS TURN TO 14
Genetically engineered…mosquitoes? By EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I couldn’t believe my ears: “genetically engineered mosquitoes?” Why on Earth would they be created? And I understand there are plans to release them into the wild? - Marissa Abingdon, Sumter, SC Yes it’s true, genetically engineered mosquitoes, which were bred in the lab to transmit a gene during the reproductive process that kills
their offspring, have already been used on an experimental basis in three countries—the Cayman Islands, Malaysia and Brazil—to counteract the quickly spreading mosquitoborne viral infection dengue fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many as 100 million cases of humans infected with dengue fever—which causes a severe flu-like illness and can in certain instances be fatal— occur annually in more than 100 tropical and sub-tropical countries. The British company behind the project, Oxitec, is focusing initially on dengue fever, given that the particular virus which causes it is only carried by one sub-species of mosquito. This makes the illness easier to target than malaria, for instance, which is carried by many different types of mosquitoes. Oxitec first released some of the genetically modified mosquitoes in the Cayman Island in the Caribbean in 2009, much to the surprise of the international community and environmental advocates, many of whom are opposed to genetic engineering in any of its forms due to the unknown and unintended side effects that unleashing transgenic organisms into the world could cause.
USDA
In a very controversial experiment, genetically engineered mosquitoes, which were bred to transmit a gene during the reproductive process that kills their offspring, have been used in three countries—the Cayman Islands, Malaysia and Brazil—to counteract the quickly spreading mosquito-borne viral infection dengue fever. In Brazil, where the largest experiments have been carried out to date, the government is backing a new facility designed to breed millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes to help keep dengue fever at bay. Dengue fever isn’t considered to be a big problem in the U.S. as yet. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention reports that most of the dengue fever cases showing up in the continental U.S. are among those who have travelled to sub-tropical and tropical areas of the world. Still, WHO reports that the incidence of dengue fever in the U.S. has increased some thirty-fold over the last half century. A proposal by Oxitec to test its transgenic mosquitoes in the Florida Keys has some locals upset. In April 2012, the town of Key West passed an ordinance prohibiting the release of the mosquitoes pending further testing on possible implications for the environment. In the meantime, Oxitec has applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a patent on their mosquito and permission to release them in the U.S. Some 80,000 people have signed onto a campaign on the Change.org website calling on the FDA to deny Oxitec’s application. Mila de Mier, the Key West mother who launched the campaign, is concerned about the potential consequences of releasing an experimental organism on a delicate ecosystem. “Oxitec’s business goal is to sell genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States,” said de Mier. “… we’ve already said we don’t want these mosquitoes in our backyards, but Oxitec isn’t listening.” More definitive scientific study is needed, she says, that looks at the potential long-term impacts. CONTACTS: Oxitec, www.oxitec.com; Change.org, www.change.org. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine ( www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@ emagazine.com. Subscribe: w w w. e m a g a z i n e . c o m / subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.
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Insight News • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Page 13
AESTHETICS
Night Moves
Oliver Mtukudzi
Rogue Valley
Courtesy of Dom Minor
The summer music & movies series at Loring Park Dom’s Music Beat Dom Minor Insight News Music Critic More than halfway through the summer, wallets are unsurprisingly losing weight. So it is with great relief that Music Mondays have arrived. The summer music and movies series at Loring Park presented by Walker Art Center kicked off Monday, July 30, and will run weekly until Monday, Aug. 20. This is the perfect opportunity to discover new music, and to check out a couple of local acts. The happening boasts a wide range of music styles including electro-country/ soul, hypnogogic experimental rock and even the earthly sounds of Zimbabwean Tuku music. The longstanding event has been running for 30 years and it would more than likely take the physical removal
Gateway From 2 “As housing director for the city, we set out a vision five years ago to bring quality housing to all of our neighbors,” said Thomas Streitz, City Director of Housing and Development. “North Minneapolis was not going to be treated any differently. It was going to have the same quality housing, management and look like anything we build in Southwest or South Minneapolis.” Streitz shares thoughts on how various corridors were in need of affordable housing. “North Minneapolis has lost 30,000 residents over the last 20 years. You cannot have a neighborhood or community without people,” said Streitz. Streitz said some neighbors he spoke with were against rental housing due to nonmanagement and inconsiderate tenants. “In five to 10 years, you will drive down a West Broadway that will be transformed with new vitality, new life and new people coming in the neighborhood. We will demand quality and partnership,” said Streitz. Fifth Ward city council member Don Samuels said he understood neighborhood apprehension to a new apartment development, providing an example of a house on Hillside that was broken down into eight units. He said the tenants that lived in the eight house unit were prostitutes, drug dealers and gun arsenals were discovered by police. “That’s what low-income or affordable housing in North Minneapolis has represented to many of us and our psyches,” said Samuels. The residents of the new complex however, have a more positive experience. “As a Northsider, I was given the opportunity to move to Gateway Lofts. It’s a great area with a spacious park; peaceful and close to shopping,” said Sheryl Box, a Gateway Lofts resident and neighborhood volunteer. Box is also an artist and believes the Gateway experience sparks her creativity in the arts and keeps her smiling. “I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart, Gateway Lofts is a lovely place to live.” The loft-style apartments includes heated underground parking, air conditioning, cable
Brute Heart of our state to prevent the annual event from continuing. Thank goodness for that. If the awesome variance of music was not enough, each act is followed by a classic movie shown on a giant projector screen. This year’s theme, In Dreams, corresponds to the Walker Art Center’s Midnight Party exhibition. The free exhibition run August 13 to August 20 between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The
festival opened on Monday, July 30, with electro-country group Night Moves, which grooved the crowd before the showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s mystery thriller Spellbound. Monday, August 6, the Zimbabwean veteran Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi will energize the crowd before the viewing of musical comedy, Artists And Models, which features the dynamic pairing of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. The Monday following,
television hookups, laundry rooms, washing and dryer hook ups for two bedroom units and a community room. “We need more buildings like this,” said Ervin Locke,
resident of Gateway Lofts who recently retired. “It doesn’t get better than this; the scale, the parking, landscaping, management of units and engagement with the
the grassy sounds of Rogue Valley will pave the way for international film The City Of Lost Children. As a special treat, the final Monday, August 20, will combine the music and film as one affair. At dusk female trio Brute Heart, with added help, will perform an original composition to the film The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari. The finale will take place at the Walker Art Center’s open field, rather than at Loring Park. Each band performance, with the exception of the August 20 date, will start at 7 p.m., with the movie counterpart set to show at approximately 8:45 p.m. The August 20 performance and movie start approximately at 8:45 p.m. A (very) brief look at the bands: Night Moves: An electrocountry/soul four-piece sure to stoke your groove bone while simultaneously relaxing your spine, allowing you to wiggle like jelly until you come to a rest in your lawn chair. Fresh from opening for Jeremy Messersmith at First Avenue, Night Moves is on a hot streak
of funky sets. Who would have thought throwing a synthesizer into a country lineup would rock so well? Did we mention these guys are local? Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits: With more than 50 albums under his belt, this cultural icon has been putting out music since the late 1970s, and hasn’t lost an ounce of spirit. Mtukudzi delivers a cool sub-Sahara African vibe. Get ready for international instruments and music with elements from all over the globe. Whether it is adding some jazz guitar or singing in the Zimbabwean language Shona, the performance is sure to mix it up. Mtukudzi has won numerous awards as well as a lifetime achievement award in Africa. His country loves him, and Minnesotans are sure to love him as well. Make sure you bring the family for this one. Rogue Valley: Chris Koza leads the Oregon-based countryside breezy, Rogue Valley. With combinations of self-described “meandering moody pop music” and indie folk/Americana rock, its relatively new formation works not as a crutch, but
rather brings a refreshing breathe to the indie scene. Brute Heart: The female trio is a colorful and imaginative collective whose widely varied use of sounds and instruments allow for communication without words. Described by writer Warren Wills as a “hypnotic experience that lacks any trace of rock bombast or overindulgence,” Brute Heart pushes through the frothy foam layer of instrumental expression to further explore the language of sound, drawing in the audience with abstract art rock. With such a diverse line up of music and film, there will be something for everyone at the park. It is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the warm Minnesota weather. After dancing and singing along for an hour, you will be able to lay down a blanket and watch a timeless film with loved ones. Or maybe you have the blanket down the entire time, that’s up to you. Regardless, with classic films and awesome music, Minnesotans will have more reasons besides a cherry and a spoon to stop by the Walker Art Center.
community are a wonderful combination of revolved
sensibilities in housing and community,” said Samuels.
“This is how multi-unit housing is supposed to be.”
Page 14 • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Insight News
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COMMUNITY Garden Gleaning Project: Extra garden produce serves Hennepin County food shelves
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contributing factors to poor health and obesity. Working with just two food shelves last year—Little Kitchen Food Shelf in Northeast Minneapolis and Waite House in South Minneapolis—the project helped facilitate the collection of 7,334 pounds of produce. This year, the project is expanding their efforts to three new areas in Hennepin County—Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) in Brooklyn Park/ Brooklyn Center, St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP), and CAPI (a non-geographically based non-profit that serves Southeast Asian community members.) Are you a successful backyard gardener who has such an impeccable green thumb that you find yourself giving away excess produce to friends and neighbors? If that’s the case, the Minneapolis Gleaning Project would like to hear from you. To donate produce to a Hennepin County food shelf, visit www.gardengleaning.org or contact Jared Walhowe at gardengleaning@gmail - 651789-3321.
The Garden Gleaning Project, which was launched in March of 2012, works to facilitate the harvesting and distribution of fresh produce from gardens in the community to local food shelves. Their goal is to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables within Hennepin County. “The Twin Cities is home to some of the most prolific home gardeners in the United
States. Garden Gleaning Project coordinator Jared Walhowe said that if there is a large enough quantity of garden produce, volunteers with the project will actually pick up the food and deliver it to a food shelf. For smaller amounts of produce, they will connect the gardener directly with a food shelf. “There is really no such thing as a donation too small,” noted Walhowe. “A grocery
sack of tomatoes and cucumbers can go a long way in helping a couple of households out with nutritious fresh food.” According to a September 2011 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 10.3% of Minnesotans live in households that sometimes struggle to get enough food. Hunger and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Minnesota are major
Myths
social affair done with our family and friends. Enlisting the support and participation of your network can increase your chances of achieving and sustaining healthy eating habits. It increases your support and accountability. Group-based weight loss programs are associated with more weight loss than individual-based programs. Use the power of the group even if it just one other
person. Work together to make positive changes in your diet and life and you all will reap the rewards. Consider starting a group in your community or at your church (see my website for resources). In the end, you may have some people in your life who do not always support your food choices. There are ways to deal with these “food pushers”. (See my website for links to helpful hints).
In my next article I will present five more weight loss myths.
of athletes. And of the 10,000 schools in the study that offer single-sex athletics, 57 percent offered fewer athletic teams for girls than for boys. In addition, while women outnumber men in the population and in college graduation, they remain woefully underrepresented in
the STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] fields — the growth industries of the future. According to OCR, “ In 2008-09, women earned fewer than 18 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in computer and information sciences, and women from underrepresented minorities
the educational attainment of the African American community, including the development, implementation, and coordination of resources aimed at improving educational opportunities and outcomes for African Americans of all ages. The Commission will
also engage the philanthropic, business, nonprofit, and education communities in a national dialogue on African American student achievement, and work with the Initiative to establish partnerships with stakeholders from these sectors
From 12 and let you to make healthier eating choices more often. Myth 5 - I do everything by myself, losing weight is no different Fact, human beings are social creatures. Eating is often a
Title IX From 6 study also found that while girls make up 49 percent of high school enrollment, they still only comprise 42 percent
Obama From 11 advise President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on matters pertaining to
Calendar • Classifieds
The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should
Events Congressman Keith Ellison invites the public to Job, Career, and Resource Fair Aug 7 Congressman Ellison invites
Cookie Cart youth test their skills at the National Guard rock climbing wall. It was all part of the 7th Annual Cookie Cart Summer Festival, in partnership with FLOW. In addition, Smack Shack Food Truck, live entertainment, kids games and of course cookies were a part of the day’s festivities.
it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a healthcare provider if you suspect you are ill. Dr. Winbush is a family physician practicing at a community health center in North Minneapolis. She has a strong interest in wellness
and patient education to help individuals feel empowered to optimize their health and functioning. For more information and additional resources as mentioned in the article visit www. functionwellmedicine.com.
earned less than 7 percent of bachelor’s degrees in those fields.” Less than 4 percent of degrees in engineering were awarded to women from underrepresented minorities.” Clearly, the promise of Title IX has not yet been fully realized. We applaud the Obama administration
for taking steps to improve enforcement and further close gender gaps. And we will intensify our own efforts in support of quality education for all, including greater access to community-based STEM learning for African American boys and girls. Title IX has served the nation well for the
past 40 years. We must uphold the spirit and the letter of the law for the next 40 years and beyond.
to achieve the objectives of this Executive Order. The Executive Order also establishes a Federal Interagency Working Group on Educational Excellence for African Americans. The Working Group will be
chaired by the Initiative’s Executive Director, and will convene senior officials from the Executive Office of the President and several Cabinet and sub-Cabinet agencies to coordinate the Federal investment in education
programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing outcomes for African Americans in early childhood education; elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education; career and technical education; and adult education.
Phone: 612.588.1313
Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, natalie@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Natalie Benz. Free or low cost events preferred.
Cookie cart
Fax: 612.588.2031
employers, nonprofits, government agencies, and staffing services to host a table at this fair(at no charge to employers or job seekers). Tue. Aug 7, 10am–2pm at Seed Academy/Harvest Prep. School.1300 Olson Memorial Highway Minneapolis, MN 55411. Contact Aya Johnson at aya.johnson@mail.house.gov or Kathya Dawe kathya.cibelle@ mail.house.gov at 612.522.1212. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) camp
Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
Email: natalie@insightnews.com
Aug 7–9 An opportunity to learn about career possibilities, talk to health care professionals, and tour North Point Health and Wellness Center. Free to North Mpls. residents ages 14-16 who are interested in learning about health care careers. Located at University of Minnesota Urban Research and OutreachEngagement Center • 2001 Plymouth Ave. North. Takes place Tue. Aug. 7: noon – 3:30pm (lunch served), Wed. Aug. 8: noon – 3:30pm (lunch served), and Thur. Aug. 9: 2–5pm, with a student/family celebration
dinner from 5–5:45pm. Space is limited. To receive application or for more info contact Kate Trigger at kate.trigger@state. mn.us or 651.520.3559
Green Homes North Business and Resource Expo Aug 8 The Green Homes North Program will place an emphasis on sourcing locally manufactured green building products and materials with the goal of boosting business for local cleantech manufacturers and service providers, and creating jobs for green industry workers. Wed. Aug 8 from 1pm– 3:30pm at the UROC – Urban Research and OutreachLooking for Christian Roommates? Engagement Center 2001 Plymouth Ave North, Room North & South Minneapolis * $400/month + utilities 105, Mpls, MN 55411. urbanhomeworks.org/housing/urban-neighbors 612-910-6054 / un@urbanhomeworks.org
ATTORNEY SMRLS - St. Paul - Family Law. Salary DOE, v. g. bens. Deadline: Aug. 10, 2012. Resumes & cover ltr. to: georgia.sherman@smrls.org, Georgia Sherman, SMRLS, 55 E. 5th Street, Ste. 400, St. Paul, MN 55101. EOE/AA
Healing Justice Program Director The American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker peace and justice organization, is seeking a highly qualified person to fill the position of Healing Justice Program Director in the Twin Cities. Using her/his skills to convene, this person will support collaboration among restorative justice workers and volunteers to rebuild the movement for healing justice and advocate for systems and communities in Minnesota that respond to harm primarily with healing practices, and not punitive practices. This person will also facilitate training and shared learning about healing justice. Respondents should submit their resume along with cover letter to https://jobs-afsc.icims.com/jobs/1249/job. All responses must be received by midnight, CDT, August 13, 2012.
Saint Paul Public Schools Saint Paul Public Schools seeks a supervisor for the Discovery Club school-age child care program with Saint Paul Public Schools. Candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in education, community education or a related field and five years of professional level experience in school-age child care which must include three years of supervisory experience and experience managing a large budget. For a detailed job description and/or to apply, visit: hr.spps.org/Search_Jobs_and_ Apply.htm and attach a resume and cover letter to your online application. Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.
Amen Corner One Year Anniversary Celebration Aug 9 Ventura Village Neighborhood invites the public to celebrate. Microphones, food and drink, hear what people think about our neighborhood and document voices, visions and concerns back to our neighborhood Thur. Aug 9, 4–8pm & Fri. Aug 10, 4–8pm at Thrones Plaza Peavey Park, Chicago/ Franklin intersection. UCare hosts metro-area wellness expo for people with disabilities Aug. 9 National speakers, resource expo geared to people with disabilities and their families, friends, and caregivers. Thur. Aug. 9, from 10am–4pm at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center. For more info contact UCare at www.ucare.org
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Insight News • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Page 15
WNBA president on her life, the league, and the Olympics Interview
By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Laurel J. Richie has more than three decades of experience in consumer marketing, corporate branding, public relations, and corporate management, with a long track record of developing award-winning campaigns that transform brands and drive business results. As President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), she oversees all of the league’s day-to-day business and league operations. Prior to joining the WNBA in 2011, Richie was senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Girl Scouts of the USA, where she was responsible for the Girl Scouts’ brand, communications, publishing, marketing, and web-based initiatives. She also spent time at the advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, where she worked on a series of campaigns for prominent clients, including American Express, Pepperidge Farm, Pond’s, Huggies, and Kotex. She sat on Ogilvy New York’s Operating Board and was a founding member of the agency’s Employee Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion. Richie’s pro-bono clients have included the Museum for African Art, the Hospital for Special Surgery, and the New York City Commission on Human Rights. In addition, she has mentored young women and girls as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program, Xavier University’s Youth Motivation Task Force, and the Advertising Educational Foundation. A recipient of the YMCA’s Black Achiever’s Award and one of Ebony Magazine’s Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications, Richie was named one of the 25 Influential
Black Women in Business in 2011 by The Network Journal. A graduate of Dartmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in policy studies, Richie lives in New York City. Kam Williams: Hi, Laurel, thanks for the time. Laurel J. Richie: Thanks, Kam. KW: What interested you in going from the Girl Scouts to the WNBA? LJR: Early on in my career, when I was working at an advertising agency, I went to a very senior-level meeting and I distinctly remember the inside of the boardroom: every single seat was occupied by a man. In that moment, I made a private promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to bring more diversity to these rooms where leaders gathered and decisions were made. As my career unfolded and I worked on a wide range of clients and gained experience across lots of different industries, the businesses I enjoyed the most where those that focused on women. This passion really came to the forefront when I made the move from advertising to the Girl Scouts and then, very clearly, when I made the decision to join the WNBA. As the longest-running women’s professional sports league in the country, the WNBA is a great product comprising 132 of the best female athletes in the world. And when you look beyond the players to owners, coaches, trainers, accountants, and chief operating officers -- it’s a wonderful example of what women can achieve in sports and in business. KW: How do you hope to generate greater interest in the league and its superstars like Maya Moore and Candace Parker? LJR: The summer of 2012 is turning out to be very special. We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Title IX and the Olympics are taking place in London, and we have seen increased interest in and exposure of our players. The WNBA is very proud of the
Laurel J. Richie fact that all 12 members of the U.S. Women’s Senior National Team are WNBA players. For them to represent our country on an international stage is terrific. Millions around the world will see them and have the opportunity to get to know them not only as great athletes, but as interesting and inspiring women. KW: Why is there seemingly a stigma on women’s athletics which is reflected in a lag in the WNBA’s ratings in comparison to the NBA’s? LJR: We are a young league – now in our 16th season – and we have seen our attendance and viewership increase for each of the past five years. Our growth is a direct result of the fact that our game is exciting and highly competitive, and our in-arena experience is a ton of fun. Once people come to a game, they are hooked. In many ways, I
WNBA
think the WNBA is changing the way America views women and is having a positive impact on the way America views professional athletes. We’re showing the world what women can be as athletes and what athletes can be as citizens. KW: To what do you credit you’re not only climbing the corporate ladder but breaking the glass ceiling and reaching the pinnacle of success in the business world, a rarity for African-American females? LJR: My parents. As far back as I can remember, their commitment to making a positive impact on the communities in which they lived and worked was equal only to their commitment to helping my sisters, brother, and me achieve our dreams. KW: Tell me a little about what mentoring young Black girls
means to you? LJR: Throughout my career, I have benefitted from the experience and counsel of a wide range of people who took a very personal interest in me. As a result, I am always happy to share lessons learned from my journey with others. I am particularly passionate about mentoring young Black girls. While we are a very diverse group, there is a special bond that connects us to each other. When I work with them, I see them in me and I believe they see me in them. By coming together, we are able to show the world the power and the promise of Black girls.
Olympics. Over the next two weeks – and beyond -- I would like the world to get to know them as athletes, citizens of the world and fabulous women.
KW: Will part of your mission involve also encouraging your WNBA players to see themselves as role models and to devote more of their free time to mentoring? LJR: I don’t have to encourage our players to be positive role models, as that is something that has always been important to them and something that they very willingly embrace. Whether it’s through the WNBA Cares program or through their own initiatives, WNBA players give as much off the court as they do on the court. They are committed to making a positive impact on the communities in which they live and work, and they do it in very different ways: Tamika Catchings and Swin Cash mentor young girls on self-esteem through their foundations; Tina Charles helped build a school in Africa with her personal donation; Ruth Riley travels the world to bring attention to global diseases. The list goes on. I am very proud of all our players as they truly are inspiring role models for young girls – and young boys.
KW: What do you hope will be your WNBA legacy? LJR: I don’t spend much time thinking about my legacy; my focus is on the legacy of the league and of the athletes who give their all on and off the court. We are, and will continue to be, the destination for the best women’s basketball players in the world. Every day we strive to provide our fans with an exciting and entertaining experience.
KW: How would you like the world to perceive the WNBA players participating in the Olympic Games this year? LJR: On a professional level, these athletes are quite simply 12 of the best female basketball players in the world. On a personal level, each one has an interesting and unique story to tell about her journey to the
KW: What other changes do you envision implementing during your tenure? LJR: We will continue to focus on attendance and income, as those are our key measures of bringing more and more people to the game and growing our fan base. We are actively doing outreach to organizations that appreciate and value the WNBA in order to build an even more robust group of sponsors and partners.
KW: Do you think there is a need to expand the participation of African-American females in the field of sports media? LJR: I would love to see more African-American females engaged in all aspects of sports. All of the research tells us that participation in sports has a very positive impact in both the short and long term. Girls who participate in sports have a higher self-esteem and are more likely to graduate from college, and 80 percent of female executives played team sports growing up. KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps? LJR: Dream big and stay true to yourself as you pursue your dreams. KW: Thanks again for the interview, and best of luck with the WNBA and the Olympics. LJR: Thanks.
Page 16 • August 6 - August 12, 2012 • Insight News
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