Insight News ::: 08.24.15

Walker West Music Academy presents jazz legend Ron Carter to kick off their new 8 O’Clock Jump Jazz Series this fall MORE ON PAGE 10 aesthetically speaking

Insight News August 24 - August 30, 2015

Vol. 42 No. 34 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

The legacy of Julian Bond Black Press of America

McFarlane elected NNPA Foundation Board Chair Washington, DC (August 2015) -- The National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation (NNPAF), the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that manages charitable, educational and literary activities that promote high standards in ethnic media, recently elected four new officers to its board of directors Executive Committee.

At the organization’s recent strategic planning retreat in Miami, FL, newly elected board chair, Al McFarlane, of McFarlane Media Interests, Inc., and Insight News (Minneapolis, MN) expressed his commitment to making the foundation a formidable force in its industry by executing what he calls ‘seven big ideas’: 1.

A capital campaign for NNPA/NNPAF Headquarters Building in Washington, D.C. making it a center for media integration and digital technology, and a global Black Press communications hub.

2.

Mobilizing Black newspapers in the US, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Europe around a common vision.

3.

Creating strategic alliances with Latino, Asian, indigenous and progressive media around shared values.

4.

Creating value for NNPA member newspapers and the communities we serve.

5.

Demonstrating stewardship for the future of the Black Press by supporting education and training for young journalists, and by identifying and creating in-service training

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, NNPA There is an old African proverb that says “The spirit of a freedom warrior will never die in the enduring life of the village, yet that valued spirit will be passed on to future generations.” Julian Bond was a freedom fighter. He was a gallant leader-warrior for freedom, justice and equality.

And his spirit will never die.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) family pauses to mourn the passing of civil rights leader Julian Bond. But we also know that it is important to highlight those lasting lessons from Bond’s legacy that apply to today’s struggle for freedom.

Brother Bond was a personal friend and colleague in the Civil Rights Movement during the past 50 or more years. He was not only a skillful and articulate orator, Bond was also a great writer not unlike W.E. B DuBois and James Baldwin. Julian was a penetrating columnist for the NNPA as he use his pen to stir the consciousness of millions of people about the plight of Black America and others who cried out for equal justice.

Bond was one of the early leaders and cofounders of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and worked tirelessly to lead young African American student leaders across the nation to the forefront of the civil rights movement. He was a Morehouse College student activist who helped ignite the Atlanta Student Movement.

SNCC successfully shaped how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) saw the value of African American college students in the vanguard of the

NNPA TURN TO 3

Al McFarlane

Cloves C. Campbell, Jr.

Rosetta Miller Perry

UCARE CEO JIM EPPELL SAYS

DHS decision will force 475,000 to change their health insurance

BOND TURN TO 7

Julian Bond

Eduardo Montes-Bradley

Judge Natalie E. Hudson named Associate Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court

Judge Natalie Hudson

Insight 2 Health Businesses that focus on wellness

PAGE 2

Gov. Mark Dayton announced his appointment of the Honorable Natalie Hudson as associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Hudson will replace Associate Justice Alan Page, who will be retiring at the end of August.

Dayton thanked Page for his dedicated service to Minnesota, especially for his service on the Supreme Court, where he has served as associate justice since 1993.

“Judge Natalie Hudson has served our state admirably as a member of the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and as assistant attorney general,” said Dayton. “During her

distinguished 13-year tenure on the Court of Appeals, Judge Hudson has authored more than 1,100 written opinions, demonstrating clearly her unique aptitude for ruling on some of the most challenging legal issues facing our state today.”

Dayton said Hudson was the perfect person to replace Page on the bench.

“Judge Hudson will be an outstanding new member of the Minnesota Supreme Court. I have great confidence that she will bring a valuable perspective to the court, and continue the high standards

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Ucare, Minnesota’s fourthlargest health plan, filed suit in Ramsey County District Court asking for a temporary injunction to stop Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) from moving ahead with its plans to force 370,000 Minnesotans to switch from UCare to other health plans in 2016.

The suit is in response to DHS’ decision to leave UCare out of all Minnesota counties as it contracts with health plans to serve Minnesotans eligible for Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP) and MinnesotaCare beginning in 2016.

The Department of Human Services has excluded UCare from its managed care organization contracts for Prepaid Medical Assistance Program and MinnesotaCare.

According to UCare CEO Jim Eppel, that decision will result in nearly 475,000

Jim Eppell Minnesotans being forced to change their health insurance – the largest disruption in health insurance coverage in the state’s history. Eppel testified this past week at the Capitol regarding Minnesota’s procurement process for managed care contracts.

“There will certainly be

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Business

Education

Lifestyle

Exotic handbag line turns heads in collective cultural designs

Yusuf Abdullah named Principal at Henry High School

Keys to a successful school year

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Page 2 • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Entrepreneurs address community health concerns with businesses that focus on wellness

By Curtis Bunn, Urban News Service Bad knees forced fitness enthusiast Kendra Blackett-Dibinga to quit her passion of running and training. But those same knee troubles ultimately lead her to a business that has not only relieved her pain, but also provided her Washington, D.C.area African-American community a haven for improved health.

An elder woman who had arthritic knees suggested she try hot yoga to alleviate pain. She did.

“And I fell in love,” BlackettDibinga said.

Reports by medical professionals indicate health and health care for Black Americans lead to a shorter life span, and that AfricanAmericans are pre-disposed to myriad crippling diseases.

But Black entrepreneurs, like Blackett-Dibinga, are forming businesses across the country that focus on wellness that can combat inherit heath concerns.

Hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, is a 90-minute program that consists of a series of 26 postures in a studio heated to 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity. The postures require lengthy, forceful and wellcontrolled contractions of all major muscle groups. The demanding nature of the poses and the heat are designed to raise heart rate and

FITNESS TURN TO 3

Plan a sober ride.

LIFE HAS NO REWIND

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Insight News • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Page 3

UCare’s Dan Abdul named a ‘Titan of Technology’ by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Dan Abdul, UCare CIO

NNPA From 1 for Black Press professionals.

6.

Promoting health and fitness as a messaging platform to promote improved quality of life, and 7.

Promoting wealth creation, entrepreneurship and job creation.

The Foundation Board also

Hudson From 1 of excellence, hard work, and fair-mindedness that Justice Page has embodied these last two decades,” said Dayton.

“I am honored and humbled that the Governor has selected me to serve as

Fitness From 2 tire muscles—and have healing properties.

For Blackett-Bibinga, it worked. And realizing this option of wellness was nonexistent for residents in Prince George’s County, Maryland, outside of Washington, D.C., hot yoga filled the void. After completing a nine-week certification class on hot yoga in California, she became an instructor and eventually opened Bikram Yoga Riverdale Park 18 months ago, with plans to open a D.C. location soon.

And the rewards have been many.

“I’ve always believed that women were the gateway to good health for the family, community and the nation,” Blackett-Dibinga said. “Women set the tone for what the family ate. At the same time, Black people have been plagued with some of the most debilitating chronic diseases. The thing is, those issues can be controlled with changes in in your life.

“So, it’s been an interesting process watching these Black women come in and eventually become in tune with their bodies.

Their health concerns are being addressed and they are feeling better physically and about themselves. It’s powerful.”

But Black men, who historically have been hesitant to consistently visit the doctor, increasingly are participating at Blackett-Dibinga’s studio.

“Mothers are bringing their spouses or their sons,” she said. “And they don’t come to see what it’s about. They come because they have health issues they want to address.”

Blackett-Dibinga recalled a worker on her house shared his issues with diabetes. She said she purchased a week-long introduction to her hot yoga studio.

“He called and said he loved it,” Blackett-Dibinga said. “After three months, his diabetes was under control. He said, ‘You gave me life.’ That makes it rewarding. . . And the more stories like this we can tell about people in our community hopefully will inspire more of us to make that commitment to healing ourselves.”

Maurissa Stone of Baltimore, founded The Living Well as a “center for social and economic vibrancy.”

Her studio hosts yoga classes, various dance lessons and almost any activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

“Baltimore is not unique with communities that experience generational poverty and health disparities,” Stone said. “There are neighborhoods with (only) a 30-year life expectancy. In addition, mental health is a huge issue in our community. We are very concerned with how to reach people who may not have the resources to engage in wellness activities. We are located in a neighborhood that is a desert for yoga and tai chi not to

Dan Abdul, vice president and chief information officer, UCare, has been named a 2015 Titan of Technology in the second annual edition of the awards from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

The Titans of Technology awards recognize excellence among top technology professionals and advocates working in nonprofits, and private and public companies in the Twin Cities.

Abdul is one of 19 technology executives being honored by the business publication for their work to advance Minnesota’s technology industry. Abdul is one of three executives selected in the CIO/CTO (Chief Information Officer/Chief Technology Officer) category, one of seven total categories.

“Dan’s extensive knowledge and experience have contributed significantly to UCare’s technology strategy and vision.

We are very pleased that he has been recognized with this well-deserved honor,” said Hilary Marden-Resnik, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, UCare.

All honorees will be recognized at a special luncheon on Sept. 24 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis.

Abdul joined UCare in January 2014 in his present position. He oversees the development of companywide

technology programs, infrastructure and staff who administer the health plan’s technology activities.

Abdul’s prior experience in the information technology field includes roles as chief information officer at the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs and director of technology program management at Kroll. Abdul earned his bachelor of science degree at the University of

Minnesota and his master of science from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. He completed his MBA at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He also served in the United States Army and Minnesota National Guard.

UCare serves more people from diverse cultures and more people with disabilities enrolled in Medical Assistance than any other health plan in Minnesota.

elected: Dr. Larry Kaagwa, Ph.D as Vice Chair. Dr. Kaggwa is the publisher of District Chronicles (Washington, DC) and professor of the School of Communications at Howard University (retired).

Cloves C. Campbell, Jr. as Secretary. Campbell is publisher of the Arizona Informant and former NNPA Chair.

Rosetta Perry, as the Treasurer. Perry is publisher

of the Tennessee Tribune and author of “Getting the Word Out: African-American Women Publishers.”

Also serving on the Foundation Board of Directors are: Mollie Finch Belt, publisher of the Dallas Examiner, Denise Rolark Barnes, NNPA Chair and publisher of the Washington Informer, Karen Carter Richards, NNPA 1st Vice Chair and publisher of the Houston Forward Times, Francis Page,

Jr., NNPA 2nd Vice Chair and publisher of Houston Style Magazine, Shannon Williams, NNPA Secretary, and publisher of the Indianapolis Recorder, and Janis L. Ware, NNPA Treasurer, and publisher of the Atlanta Voice.

For more than 20 years, the NNPA Foundation has provided Black journalists and Black newspapers with professional development and training opportunities, has recognized

and celebrated excellence in journalism and provided access to resources. Additionally, the Foundation manages a scholarship program, an internship program, an awards recognition event and other projects and initiatives.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is the trade association for the more than 200 African

American-owned community newspapers across the United States, delivering news, information and commentary to more than 20 million people each week. Since its founding 75 years ago, NNPA has consistently been the voice of the Black community by reporting news that makes history and impacts our country.

the next Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said Hudson. “I am excited about the opportunity, and it is indeed a privilege to continue to serve the people of Minnesota in this capacity.”

Hudson has served as an atlarge judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals since her appointment by Gov. Jesse Ventura in 2002. Prior to her

appointment to the Court of Appeals, Hudson served as an assistant attorney general for Minnesota in the Criminal Appeals and Health Licensing divisions.

Hudson earned her B.A. from Arizona State University and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she also served as the editor-in-chief for the

school’s newspaper.

After completing law school, Hudson was an attorney for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. and Robins, Zelle, Larson & Kaplan. She then spent three years as the assistant dean of Student Affairs at Hamline University School of Law, and was later appointed as the city attorney for St. Paul.

mention music education. Many African Americans have never been exposed to healing arts so we provide the introduction and support to keep folks involved.”

Operating the business can be challenging, but Stone, like Blackett-Dibinga, has found it gratifying to see community members embrace working on their health.

“It’s an amazing experience to see my people not only engage in physical health, but emotional and financial wellness,” Stone said. “We understand that generational poverty and economic strife is a major contributor for African Americans experiencing high blood pressure and diabetes.

Ninety percent of our events offer vegetarian options. We have created healing circles that provide our community with exposure to wellness. Mental health is another aspect that is traditionally under resourced in our community. We are working to make sure people have a safe place to share and heal.”

Stone said her business has taken on more significance in the community with the April and May uprisings following the controversial death of Freddie Gray who sustained fatal injuries while in police custody. “Much of the work we have been doing before, during and after this historic but familiar outcry

for justice is about creating alternative options for people to ‘get ahead’,” she said. “My work is really about incubating dreams. . . There is major stress and trauma in the city. The #Uprising was an outcry of the people who experience hell on a daily basis. The Living Well is working on transforming and healing the city.”

Many health concerns start with obesity, a rampant problem in Black communities.

Daphne Grissom’s SkinnyU and InShapeMD outside of Atlanta specializes in developing custom wellness programs for clients that help them lose weight and, in the process overcome other health issues like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes.

Since 2009, Grissom and her staff physician have provided appetite suppressants, supplements, bio identical hormone replacement therapy, vitamin, fat-burner injections and suggested meal plans for clients “to get them to optimal health fast,” Grissom said.

“There is no better business than helping people,” she added. “I get excited when I see more and more African Americans taking their health more seriously. Many of us are now focused on prevention. We are not waiting until we have a heart attack or stroke or even

given a life sentence filled with prescription pills to treat our illness. I literally get chills just thinking of some of the stories through the years. Many people that come to me want to lose 10-to-30 pounds in less than a month. Doing so makes them feel good about themselves and about me for being the catalyst, but I also have clients that need to lose 50, 70, or 100 pounds. It is a life-changing experience for them and for those around them who witness it. (And) their joy is contagious.”

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Page 4 • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Exotic handbag line turns heads in collective cultural designs

By Chida Warren-Darby With exotic colors, intricate embroidery work and various styles, Fricaine has hit the fashion scene with head-turning handbags that are becoming the rage.

Designed by native Nigerian, Stephen Kayode, Fricaine is an exotic luxury brand that celebrates humanity using special fabrics that are essential parts of identities worldwide.

“Our portfolio of products is nurtured by expansive global

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

travel in Europe, Africa, Asia and throughout the U.S. The line is also inspired by the beautiful traditional and eclectic expressions of identifiable native fashions from these areas.” explained Kayode.

An accomplished technology and management professional, with extensive experience in the private and public sector, Kayode seems to be the least likely individual to venture into creating a luxury brand of exotic handbags. In an effort to expose the rest of the world to the beautiful colors and sophisticated designs of his native home, Kayode was awakened from a nap one afternoon, questioning the best way to share the beauty of the designs outside of his country’s customary African attire.

“A lot of the designs are only found in traditional African garments and are usually custom-made,” said Kayode.

Fricaine, the creatively apt brand name, is derived from the French word, Africaine, which means African.

“We spent 18 months conducting extensive research and development that involved interviewing our target customers across a broad spectrum, conducting focus group sessions, seeking the opinions of people in the fashion industry and traveling internationally to validate the

Designer Stephen Kayode core concept of our business.

All of this was done before our first acceptable sample was ever made,” said Kayode.

“We gained invaluable knowledge and exposure from this endeavor that is bound to remain relevant and very useful to the evolution of Fricaine and

our portfolio of products in the coming years.”

Wanting to get the patterns into general circulation by way of something more traditional, Kayode thought handbags would best capture the beauty of local peculiar fabrics in timeless staple pieces. Though

the idea started with displaying embroidered and patterned designs familiar to Africa and Asia, Kayode, from his extensive travels, added other designs to the collections.

The Fricaine line consists of jacquard material, wax fabric material, and embroidered

purses. Regarding attention to detail, for example, the See Fancy Embroidered Handbag, is a multi-colored embroidered bag that features pieces native to the protected Miao tribe of China’s remote Guizhou region. All hardware is forged with real gold-plated material with anti-soul treatment and has no chance of corrosion.

Fricaine’s other bags come in styles such as the Fricaine Queen’s Hand Satchel, the Sugar Buxx Shoulder Bag, the Eleganza Shoulder Bag, Alice Crossbody Bag and the Exquisite Rattan Handle Shopper Bag. Fricaine’s portfolio of exotic luxury products has rapidly expanded to include wallets, clutches and backpacks.

On the future of the brand, Kayode said, “Fricaine is envisioned to be a distinguished, standalone value brand that continues to confer class, elegance and grace on our discerning customers. We will continue to breathe freshness into the fashion industry, and intrinsically, Fricaine will become a vehicle for practical and effective corporate social citizenship by embracing worthy social causes that improve the quality of life and opportunities for the disadvantaged.”

For more information on the Fricaine brand, visit www. fricaine.com.

Black Philanthropy Month FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw It’s August – that means its Black Philanthropy Month.

Too often philanthropy is still viewed as a word that belongs to someone else – a word associated primarily with a small percentage of white people with wealth who give large transformative gifts. Yet the word philanthropy means love of humankind – a love expressed in a great diversity of ways by a great diversity of people. And that is the value of Black Philanthropy Month. To remind us that we are philanthropists and that we can – and do – make an impact in our local communities and globally. It encourages black donors to declare, “I’m a black philanthropist” and to get busy on social media with #IamABP. We must view our giving as philanthropy. We have to see ourselves as philanthropists, and encourage each other to step-up our giving especially to those causes where we are disproportionately and

Insurance From 1 a disruption of care coordination and access issues for members with nearly half a million members changing plans and losing important benefits,” said Eppel. “We know the significant burden that counties have shouldered with Medicare enrollments as MNSure’s technical difficulties have continued. The action by DHS will further exacerbate this problem.”

In his letter to Govenor Mark Dayton, Eppel said he is perplexed by the DHS decision to exclude UCare statewide.

“A vast majority of boards of counties currently served by UCare overwhelmingly endorsed the inclusion of UCare,” said Eppel in his letter to Dayton. “Given the type of feedback provided to DHS, we cannot understand the total exclusion of UCare.

It remains unclear why Minnesota is seeking a substantial disruption in health insureance coverage for nearly a half a million Minnesotans.”

UCare’s CEO called for a reversal of the DHS de-

severely impacted. Sometimes it feels as if we as a culture have forgotten what got us to where we are today: sharing resources with each other, supporting our churches, colleges and universities. For much of our history black churches were the seat of philanthropy.

In communities across the country that’s still true. At the same time philanthropy has become more sophisticated, and advanced beyond passing the basket.

When we speak of philanthropy as “sophisticated” we are referring to the process of defining philanthropic priorities, figuring how to “sell” our priorities, having a multi-year plan, being involved, creating awareness, recruiting donors and influencers, securing short and long term commitments, and assuming visible leadership.

We have to demonstrate our commitment with our giving, involvement and leadership.

For example, if we believe initiatives such as education (K-12 and higher education), eliminating poverty, decreasing incarceration, and increasing health are priorities then that’s where we need to visibly invest our time, money and talent. We can’t wait for someone else to lead our causes.

With the African American consumer market exceeding a trillion dollars, we know we can change conditions in our communities and take a seat at the philanthropic table as equal partners. We can give individually and most importantly we can combine our gifts with others to increase our collective impact.

We also need to use our positions as executives within corporations, foundations and major nonprofits to advance initiatives that benefit the African American community as well as causes in Africa and across the diaspora.

Corporate America values our contributions as consumers.

Now we need to be appreciated for our philanthropy. We are more than the recipients of philanthropy: we are donors and influencers.

Black Philanthropy Month was created in August 2011 by Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network as an annual, global celebration of African-descent giving.

Let’s use Black Philanthropy Month as a time to recommit to growing a culture of giving.

Resources: www. blackgivesback.com and http:// www.blackphilanthropymonth. com and #BPM2015.

cision.

signal a willingness to listen to communities and organizations that have worked closely with UCare to build programs that meet their special needs.”

UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health coverage and services to more than 500,000 members in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Editor’s note: UCare is an advertiser in Insight News and underwrites some MMI public policy and health and fitness projects.

“To be clear, our goal is not to overturn the selection of the other plans to serve Medicaid and MinnesotaCare members, but rather we seek to allow UCare to remain in the market to provide more choice to enrollees in the counties that requested UCare as a local health plan partner,” urged Eppel. “We believe this will provide Medicaid and MinnesotaCare members stability and more choice in the marketplace. It will also

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and

universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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Insight News • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Page 5

Fifty years after riots, Watts struggles, cautions Ferguson and Baltimore

By Curtis Bunn Fifty years ago Aug. 11, Watts was ablaze.

The citizens of this all-Black Los Angeles neighborhood had grown exasperated with that era’s racial inequities, and some lashed out with matches and gasoline.

A half-century later, the oncethriving district exhibits little of the revitalization that had been promised and expected.

The people and leaders of Ferguson, Mo. and Baltimore – cities that burned after the policeinvolved deaths of Black men – should take note. They also must rebuild after the incendiary reactions to Michael Brown’s and Freddie Gray’s controversial fatalities.

Can Ferguson and Baltimore learn from Watts’ disheartening legacy? The 1965 episode commonly called the “Watts Riots” is, instead, dubbed an “uprising” or “rebellion” – anything but a “riot” – by those closely associated redevelopment efforts.

Violence ignited in Watts that Aug. 11, after police officers tangled with a crowd that had gathered around a Black motorist named Marquette Frye, suspected

of drunk driving. The ensuing six-day conflagration was fueled largely by the community’s insufferable pain over the bigotry that plagued America, including that two-mile-wide sector of south Los Angeles.

“Watts was the cultural center of L.A.,” Minister Mac Shorty, a seasoned community leader told Urban News Service. “There were more than 30 or 40 Black-owned businesses in Watts. Now, you can count the Black-owned businesses here on one hand. It’s shameful.”

Since 1965, multiple commissions have pledged reconstruction funds, including $1.3 billion for housing redevelopment. Watts still waits.

And Shorty, among others, is irate.

“After 50 years, has Watts recovered? No,” Shorty said.

“People have been perpetuating a fraud for years, and it’s hurting the community. There’s very little to show in the way of development.

There should be more than the Watts Towers and the 103rd Street Park. There’s no major trauma center. Schools continue to suffer… This is something Ferguson and Baltimore and other cities have to look at.”

Chris Jordan, executive director of Grant Housing and Economic

Watts Development, moved to Watts in 1965, at age two. His grandmother was the first Black woman to own multiple properties in Watts – a house and an apartment building.

“Watts is home for me, and I can tell you people here are resilient,” said Jordan. “There are areas that have seen progress, and areas that have not … people are ready for change.”

Jordan insists that the improvements that Ferguson, Baltimore, and other cities hope to

achieve with police already have happened in Watts. “Relations with the LAPD are much better, which is totally opposite what it was like in the (19)60s. Then, police agitated things. Now, it’s a much more amicable relationship,” said Jordan.

But not much else in Watts has appreciated in 50 years. Most businesses that were torched never were replaced. Jobs went up in smoke, literally. Today, public housing projects dominate.

it a place to live and work,” said Jordan. “But it’s not magic. It will take some time. We have to show Watts is a good place for business and that it’s not rampant with crime.”

Homicides in Los Angeles have dropped from more than 1,000 in 1992 to less than 300 in the past two years. Gang intervention programs such as Chapter T.W.O. have reduced gang activity, but not eliminated it. Many residents fear leaving home because gangs persist.

LAPD officer Mark Durell told the Los Angeles Times, “We can’t do it all. Everybody thinks, ‘Ah, the cops got to fix.’ (But) it’s the community. It’s everybody.”

Shorty of the Watts Neighborhood Council said a significant local fix, even after 50 years, “would take another 50 years. I won’t see the kind of change this place deserves. I hope my kids see it.”

Jordan disagreed. “I’m very encouraged,” he said. “In six-toeight months, you’ll see more progress and programs. A lot of plans sat on shelves. We’ve taken the plans and studied them to execute actionable change. It’s not easy. But we’re determined.”

Businesses seem uninterested in moving in.

Jordan co-chairs the Watts Reimagined Organization, which attracts resources to Watts.

“When you get away from the real emotions of it all, you allow an opportunity to view hope for Watts,” said Jordan. He points to a coalition of people with a vested interest in Watts’s growth. They are working to secure tangible change.

Jordan cited Grant Housing’s purchase of a blighted, empty building and the creation of the Watts Reimagined Pop Up. This youth facility offers a photo booth, wall-climbing, a Watts-history exhibit, an entertainment stage, and more.

“This is something that everyone can see every day as evidence that change is happening in Watts,” said Jordan.

“We’re seeing bricks and mortar happening, and that’s encouraging for everyone.”

He said the coalition’s primary goal is to create businesses near the 103rd Street/Watts Towers train station, which is ideally located near the freeways of Harbor and Century.

“Because of Watts’ positioning, we can do a lot of job-building and economic development and make

Uganda’s Nancy Kacungira wins BBC news prize (GIN) – Prime time news anchor Nancy Kacungira is this year’s winner of the Komla Dumor award – a new BBC prize to an African journalist with exceptional talent, passion for their work and poise.

Kacungira, selected from

a field of 200, impressed the judges with her knowledge of the complex issues facing Africa and her awareness of the challenges involved in covering the continent.

A BBC release explained: “Her passion for telling

She will be joining the BBC News teams in London for a three-month placement starting in September. The placement provides an opportunity to gain skills and experience working with teams at BBC News on TV, radio and online reaching

Africa’s diverse stories and challenging preconceived stereotypes recall the work of Komla Dumor.” A popular Ghanaian journalist, Dumor’s death last January 2014 at an early age left a major void at the British media house.

the BBC’s audience of 308 million across the world.

Kacungira joined the TV station KTN in Kenya in 2013 as a news anchor and has reported from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. “I have always believed deeply and

resolutely in the immense power and potential of Africa and Africans, and Komla Dumor was for me, one of the best examples of that; not just in his body of work, but in his personality too,” said Kacungira.

Prospects for peace in South Sudan fading fast (GIN) – Dismissing efforts, including those of President Obama, to sign off on a peace agreement and end the 20-month long civil war in the world’s newest nation, South Sudanese President

Salva Kiir declined to sign, saying he needed more time for consultations.

President Kiir’s team reportedly had “reservations” over the deal and wanted an additional 15 days before

dispute were the structure of the government, the powers of the president, and the vice president, power-sharing percentages, security issues, and the demilitarization of Juba and other places.

returning to sign, Seyoum Mesfin, mediator for IGAD, a regional group, told the media.

Rebel leader and former Vice-President Riek Machar did sign the agreement.

Among the issues in

Then, in a move that would add fuel to the fire, President Kiir on Monday removed four elected state governors and arrested one of them.

The actions by the South Sudanese leader threw the U.S.

strategy into a tailspin. A State Department release expressed “deep regret” for the failure to sign a peace proposal by Monday’s deadline.

SUDAN TURN TO 6

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Page 6 • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for protecting youth from the harms of tobacco

By Ni Ora Hokes, CHW, (CD(DONA), M.Ed. The Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed an ordinance designed to protect our youth from the harms of flavored tobacco. This ordinance removes cheap, flavored tobacco such as cigars and cigarillos from convenience

stores and increases the price of these products to $2.60 each.

Previously, these products were available for as little as two for a mere 88 cents. Cheap and attractive to our youth!

So, as a community Elder, I’d like to thank the council for its focus on a healthier community and protecting youth; especially in north Minneapolis. Did you know

that Minneapolis was the fifth city in Minnesota to raise the price of these cheap cigars but the first to limit youth exposure to the addicting products by

removing them from stores in our neighborhoods? These products will only be allowed in licensed 18-over tobacco stores beginning on January 1, 2016 – “Happy New Year!”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited flavors in cigarettes back in 2009 but did not include other products, opening a door for the tobacco industry to

target youth with these cigars, cigarillos, and smokeless tobacco products. This is a big step which closes the door on that loophole.

Again, kudos to the city council for taking this first step! There is more to be done.

Menthol-flavored tobacco products were not included in the ordinance. Of those in the African American community

who smoke, 88 percent smoke menthol-flavored cigarettes. The African American community is disproportionately harmed by tobacco use. Now, let’s look to restricting the sale of mentholflavored cigarettes. You help is needed – STOP smoking!

Let’s take control of our own health and save the lives of our precious children.

Where are the caring adults?

Child Watch

By Marian Wright Edelman What’s on the minds of many high school students these days—the start of a new school year, getting a driver’s license, worrying whether they’ll make the team, perhaps daydreaming about college and sweating over SAT exams? But that’s not what three Black male high school students told a Children’s Defense Fund audience this summer they’re thinking and worrying about.

Aijalon “AJ” Morris is beginning his senior year at PearlCohn Entertainment Magnet High School in Nashville, Tenn., said: “I have no friends that I grew up with. I have lost five this year and I have lost three to prison . . . I was in fifth grade and I lost my [first] friend. He got killed. Seventh grade, my friend killed somebody, and he’s in jail for life . . . From my freshman year to now, I have been to 12 to 13 funerals. And I grew up with everybody that I went to those funerals with, and now they’re gone. It’s hard to cope with it.

It’s hard to – sometimes I cry all night, you know, and I ask God why.”

In middle school, AJ was a star athlete. By eighth grade he was already receiving offers to

L to R: E’Darrius Smith, Jermaine Simmons and Aijalon “AJ” Morris play football in college but after he was sidelined by injuries his sophomore year, everything changed. “I lost hope. I stopped going to school. And during those times I was going through a lot

with my family. I was homeless.

I didn’t have anything to wear, didn’t have anything to wear to school, you know, nothing like that. I didn’t even know where I was going to get my next meal.

And everything was gone.” No one seemed to care. “I remember a whole month – a whole month we ate bread. We ate toast for a whole month.”

E’Darrius Smith, a budding and talented artist, is also a rising senior at Pearl-Cohn. “I had a good friend that I grew up with . . . He ended up dying because he was robbed and he tried to fight back and they ended up shooting him in the chest. So they ended up killing him. And when I found this out, you know, I almost cried, but at the same time [you’ve] seen so many classmates and so many people …you just sort of say, ‘Man, I sort of knew that was going to happen.’”

Jermaine Simmons, a junior at Pearl-Cohn: “We live in the worst conditions where nobody

helps you. And we live in a condition where you’ve got to watch your back every 30 seconds. You know, you don’t know when you’re going to get robbed, you don’t know [when] you’re going to get shot, you don’t know [when] you’re going to get stabbed . . . For some of us that is our reality.”

These three teens are very lucky that they have a mentor in Rev. Damien Durr, a gifted teacher-preacher, they can rely on. Damien is a member of the Children’s Defense Fund’s Nashville organizing team but also is a social and emotional counselor at Pearl-Cohn High with a special focus on helping Black male students stay out of

EDELMAN TURN TO 9

Julian Bond: A dedicated life of service Black Press of America

By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief Horace Julian Bond was born Jan. 14, 1940 in Nashville, Tenn. into a family of privilege. His father, Horace Mann Bond, was a noted educator who served as president of Fort Valley State University in Georgia, where such notables as W.E.B. DuBois and Paul Robeson were frequent guests.

During their formative years, most Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(HBCUs), established during the Reconstruction Era to provide higher education for formerly enslaved African Americans, were headed by Whites. Bond’s father was the first Black president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, his alma mater. His mother, Julia, was a librarian.

Young Julian was sent off to George School, a private Quaker boarding school near Philadelphia, and later enrolled in Morehouse College. At Morehouse, Bond chose a life of activism that would become the hallmark of his life.

This is significant because many Blacks born into a life of privilege distanced themselves from the nascent Civil Rights Movement.

I remember how incensed I became when Condoleezza

Rice boasted in a Washington Post interview that “My parents were very strategic. I was going to be so well prepared, and I was going to do all of these things that were revered in white society so well, that I would be armored somehow from racism…”

And it got worse, as I noted in a column on Rice.

Referring to Rev. John W. Rice, Jr., she said, “My father was not a march-in-the-street preacher.

He saw no reason to put children at risk. He would never put his own child at risk.”

Julian Bond’s father, who had more blue blood credentials than Rev. Rice, obviously instilled a different set of values in him.

Bond dropped out of Morehouse College to join the Civil Rights Movement, first as

co-founder of the Atlanta Student Movement that organized local sitins on the heels of the 1960 lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro, N.C. He was also a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

It was in his capacity as communications director of SNCC that I first met Julian Bond during the summer of 1966, after I had completed my freshman year of college. I spent that summer as a volunteer in the Atlanta headquarters, watching him interact with the media and carefully polishing SNCC’s national image.

Julian also wrote poetry. I don’t remember many of his poems, but I still recall part of one we recited all summer:

Look at that girl shake that thing, We can’t all be Martin Luther King.

Don’t ask me why I remember that nearly 50 years later.

In SNCC, Julian was not a key organizer, as some stories have suggested. The organization had legions of field organizers who became legends in the movement, including Bob Moses, Cleveland Sellers and Courtland Cox. Julian’s role was to communicate SNCC’s message to the media – and he did that well.

The incident that catapulted Bond to international fame was his opposition to the Vietnam War. Dr. King did not publicly turn against the Vietnam War until his speech at Riverside Church in New York on April 4, 1967, exactly a year before his assassination. In 1965, Julian

was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. Shortly before he was scheduled to take office, he endorsed a statement by SNCC opposing the Vietnam War. The Georgia House accused Bond of treason and refused to seat him. A federal appeals court upheld the decision. But on Dec. 5, 1966, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld his right to free speech or ordered Georgia to seat him. Bond spent two decades in the state House and Senate.

Perhaps his lowest point came when Bond and former SNCC chairman John Lewis competed for the same Congressional seat in Georgia. Bond’s estranged wife charged – and later recanted – that Julian was a habitual user of

CURRY TURN TO 9

Sudan From 5 “The United States deeply regrets that the government of South Sudan chose not to sign ... We call on the government to sign the agreement within the 15-day period it requested for consultations,” State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily briefing.

Meanwhile, a film that shows that cost of war and colonial exploitation in South Sudan, opened in New York on Monday. The film, “We Come As Friends” is a work

by Austrian-born filmmaker Hubert Sauper who previously made the film “Darwin’s Nightmare,” a film about Uganda.

That film, nominated for the Academy Award, “sifted through the wreckage of globalization by way of the fishing export industry in Lake Victoria, the impact on local Tanzanians, and a fast-andloose subculture of Russian cargo-plane pilots.

“We Come as Friends” is firmly rooted in reality, wrote The New York Times in a review. “The ‘land grab’ confirmed in the nighttime scene with the tribal leader has occurred frequently, in Sudan and elsewhere, said Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the think tank Oakland Institute, which has studied such issues.

“It’s not one of a kind — it’s not a small trend; it’s widespread,” Mittal said of the kind of “resource theft” that Sauper depicts.

A trailer of the movie can be seen on the website www. wecomeasfriends.com

insightnews.com

Insight News • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Page 7

EDUCATION Yusuf Abdullah named Principal at Henry High School Yusuf Abdullah has been named the principal at Minneapolis’ Patrick Henry High School.

He began his assignment on Aug. 3. Abdullah replaces Latanya Daniels, who accepted the principal position at Richfield High School in June.

“My dream has come true,” said Abdullah. “I’m coming home to family at Henry” Abdullah said his next dream will be to bring staff, students and their families, and the larger community together to ensure

Yusuf Abdullah

Minneapolis Public Schools

that students at Henry excel in service and scholarship at Henry.

Abdullah returns to Henry after a four year tenure as an assistant principal at nearby Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary, a feeder school for Henry. Prior to that, Abdullah began his educational career at Henry, managing the school’s Career and College Center from August 2006 - November 2009. Abdullah was a student dean at Henry from November, 2009 until his promotion to

assistant principal at Nellie Stone Elementary in July, 2011.

During his previous assignment at Henry, Abdullah also was an assistant coach on the men’s varsity basketball team and developed a popular tumbling team, the High Flyers.

Abdullah received his Bachelor of Applied Sciences from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1999 and his Masters of Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2007.

Veteran finance and administration executive Robert Doty to join the Harvest Network of Schools as COO/CFO Robert Doty, veteran finance and administration executive, will join the Harvest Network of Schools as chief operating officer/chief financial officer effective Sept. 14.

Doty has served as the chief operations/finance officer at Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) since December 2011.

At MPS, Doty directed the finance and operations for Minneapolis Public Schools’ $845 million school district.

In this role he oversaw the areas of transportation, facilities, plant operations, athletics, safety and security

and nutrition services, among others.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Harvest Network of Schools at such a critical time in its development as it is prepared to implement an ambitious growth plan.

I’m especially honored to work for Eric Mahmoud, founder and president of the Harvest Network. Eric Mahmoud’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the children and families of north Minneapolis inspires me and complements my own desire to do all we can to educate our

children,” said Doty.

Prior to joining MPS, Mr. Doty worked at RAD Consulting where he specialized in accounting, tax preparation and business consulting. Prior to that he spent 13 years at Dunwoody College of Technology as a senior vice president and chief financial officer. He had previously served as a senior auditor at St. Paul Travelers Insurance, Burlington Northern Railroad and Ernst and Young, LLC. Doty holds both a bachelor of science and a master of

business administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

“I am thrilled to have an executive of Robert Doty’s caliber join the Harvest Network of Schools team,” said Mahmoud. “As we grow to serve 3,800 students in north Minneapolis over the next decade, Robert’s experience in finance, operations and administration will be a great value to us as the size and complexity of our organization increases.”

Robert Doty

Charvez Russell to lead Friendship Academy of the Arts

Charvez Russell

Bond From 1 freedom movement.

“I tell young people to prepare themselves as best they can for a world that grows more challenging every day – get the best education they can and couple that education with real-life experience in social justice work,” said Bond, the son of a famous educator, Horace Mann Bond.

The question for today’s generation of African American youth is: What can be learned from Julian Bond’s living legacy and applied to the Black Lives Matter movement?

The importance of having structure, stated principles, and organization were central to Bond’s sense of youth leadership development.

SNCC was militant and outspoken, but SNCC was

well-structured. It was not a spontaneous loosely organized student run organization.

One of the reasons why Bond and SNCC were effective in the 1960s is because of their internal discipline and national organizational structure.

Of course, today with the Internet and social media being the preferred means of communication among young leaders today in the Black Lives Matter movement, one challenge is how to build a sustainable student and youth led movement for justice with an effective structure and infrastructure. I am confident and admire the progress that the Black Lives Matters movement has already achieved. Learning from the past helps to avoid difficulties of the past.

On Bond’s passing, President Barack Obama stated, “Justice and equality was the mission that spanned his life – from his leadership of the Student Nonviolent

Friendship Academy of the Arts announced Charvez Russell as its new executive director.

Russell is a native of Columbia, Miss. and has been in the Twin Cities since 2001. Upon graduating from Mississippi College he began at an alternative program teaching math in the Canton Public Schools.

He then moved to Minneapolis and

continued teaching at City View Community School from 2002-2006. During that time he received his MBA from the University of Phoenix specializing in Administration.

Russell is currently seeking his doctorate in organizational leadership; also with the University of Phoenix.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next leader of such a great school.

I have four children who have attended and have witnessed the passion, care, and drive for student achievement,” said Russell. “It is my goal to continue the legacy as I stand on the shoulders of the vision of Dr. James Porter, the team that worked hard for years to start the school. I look forward to continue the work towards excellence and confident that our passion will provide our

scholars with more than what they need to be prepared for the next level in their educational careers.”

Wendy Hines, chair of the board of directors, welcomed Russell to his new role.

«We are excited to have someone of Mr. Russell›s proven business acumen, love for learning and passion for children in this important leadership post.»

Coordinating Committee, to his founding role with the Southern Poverty Law Center, to his pioneering service in the Georgia legislature and his steady hand at the helm of the N.A.A.C.P. …… Julian Bond helped change this country for the better. And what better way to be remembered than that.”

Denise Rolark Barnes, Chairperson of the NNPA and publisher of The Washington Informer, observed that Bond’s “lifelong dedication and commitment to political and economic empowerment, journalistic diversity and integrity, and educational equality served as a beacon for others to follow. His presence and voice will be sorely missed, but his words remain true for the NNPA: ‘Good things don’t come to those who wait. They come to those who agitate!’”

We will all strive to keep the living spirit of Julian Bond’s legacy alive in our current and continuing struggle for justice,

equality and empowerment.

May his valued and respected spirit be passed on to future generations of freedom fighters.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales

and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http:// drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/ drbfca

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Page 8 • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Keys to a successful school year Man Talk

By Timothy Houston A new school year is upon us, and parents will be scrambling to get all the remaining needed items to make their children’s school year a success. Beyond the clothes, books, paper, pencils, and other learning tools, there are some behavior traits that are needed as well. To help you along the way, here are New Frontiers in Learning’s Five Keys to a Successful School Year: 1. Start off (and stay) organized Having a system for keeping track of all notes, papers, grades, homework, and assignment descriptions is an important start to any school year. Some students find it helpful to have separate notebooks and folders for each class. In this case, all books and folders can be color coded and labeled for easy identification.

Another method of organization is to use a single binder with

separate sections for each class.

Each section should be labeled and should contain loose-leaf paper for note taking. All papers and handouts for the class should also be added to the section on a daily basis. Whichever method is chosen, be sure to figure out which one works specifically for the student early on and encourage them to follow it consistently throughout the year. Organizing all papers and notes daily allows students to be able to find class materials more easily.

2. Budget and schedule time We all face difficulties managing our time, but students can set themselves up for success by using and maintaining a daily schedule. This schedule should include all class names, locations, and times, plus any other outside responsibilities that the student may have, such as work hours, sports practice, and family obligations. By maintaining a weekly schedule, the student can keep track of not only unchanged repeated responsibilities (e.g., class), but also any one-time obligations for each week (e.g., concerts, special afterschool group study sessions, etc.). Furthermore, following a daily and weekly schedule makes it much easier to see where the student can

up any questions that may arise.

The school year is a great time for learning and social interactions. To make it a success in both areas, the student must adhere to the keys to success. build in time for homework and studying, as well as study breaks.

Once a schedule is made, students should be encouraged to stick to it. Having a planner that has both weekly and monthly sections allows the student to clearly see and review short- and long-term expectations.

3. Ask for help Many times, students have a difficult time recognizing when they need help, as well as identifying whom and/or where to turn to receive help. Students need to review the help-seeking process in the beginning of each school year: If something is confusing, if they don’t know how to start or

structure a project or assignment, or if they have any other questions about class requirements, students should be reminded to ask for help. And they need to understand that asking for help will not make them look bad; rather, it will actually show their teachers that they care about the class and want to be successful. Students should review the protocol in asking clarifying questions. Some teachers reserve the beginning or end of the school day for students’ questions, while others encourage students to email them.

Once students know what their individual teachers prefer, they should be encouraged to follow such systems as a resource to clear

4. Write it all down Have you ever told yourself that you didn’t need to write something down because you would remember it, only to struggle to remember what that very thing was just minutes later? You’re not alone—it happens to everyone, especially students taking multiple classes with various responsibilities.

To prevent students from forgetting key information in class, they should be encouraged to write everything down—even the things that they think they will remember later. Of course, writing everything down can be difficult for some students, so an alternative could be to record their classes or to use some form of assistive technology, such as a Smart Pen. 5. Set reminders Having a system in place to help remind students of important dates is essential. Sometimes teachers announce due dates infrequently during a course, or due dates for assignments and exams may be outlined far in advance and then not discussed again. In such cases, students may panic on the day an assignment is due or an exam is given because they aren’t prepared. To avoid such

situations, students need to learn to set reminders in their daily planner or on their smart phones, which they can use to set timers that will go off several times as the assignment deadlines and exam dates approach. These reminders can also help students remember when to start studying or when to begin an assignment, preventing the anxiety associated with cramming or unpreparedness.

The school year is a great time for learning and social interactions.

To make it a success in both areas, the student must adhere to the keys to success. Print out this article and review it with your student. You may also want to post it in a prominent place for future reference. A new school year is a wonderful time of the year, and I pray God’s blessing on all of the students and may this year be one of great success!

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.

Where do I go from here?

Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson I work with so many individuals who have accomplished such great and amazing things in their

lives and are now wondering what to do next. Some of them have stated that they feel like they are missing something and are wondering, “Where do I go from here?”

After you’ve completed that goal that you’ve been working on for so long and now you are patting yourself on the back, it’s either time to work on that next goal or sit back and enjoy all of your hard work. For me, I like to start new goals as soon as one

is completed. Sometimes I’m working on more than one goal at a time and I don’t have any time to sit back and relax. I never get a chance to ask myself that question. I always know my next move because I have my life in order like that. This works for me, but may not work for you.

You have to work on your goals at a pace that is comfortable for you. Remember your journey belongs to you and no one else!

Along your journey there

will be many times when you find yourself wondering if this is even the right road for you. We all second guest our decisions at times and pause to rethink things through, but this doesn’t mean that you are on the wrong path.

It means that you are human and just wanting to do your best. I always say, trust your instincts and let them guide you.

If you get to this point and you don’t know if you can go on, just stop for a moment. How

would you feel if you gave up right now and never worked on that goal again? You would probably go through life always wondering “what-if.”

Why live a life of wonder when you can go after your dreams and become anything you set your mind to? Why go through life with fear being the main reason you stop working on your goals?

Completing goals are what most people do to enhance their lives.

After they complete these goals,

they don’t stop, they keep moving and never have to ask themselves that question: “Where do I go from here?”

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

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.

Grammy Award winning gospel artist awarded at NNPA’s Torch Awards

By Samanda Robinson Tennessee Tribune Intern/ Correspondent WASHINTONGrammy Award winning Gospel Artist, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, received the 2015 Torch Award for Religion earlier this year from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), at the Torch Awards Ceremony. Bishop Walker was one of six Honorees and was honored for his musical and spiritual accomplishments.

“The Torch Awards are given to those who provide a light to the people, while preserving a legacy,” remarked the Master of Ceremonies, Marcus Washington, of WJZ Eyewitness News/Baltimore.

Bishop Walker embodies

those attributes through his dedication to providing inspirational faith based music with his choir the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church Choir. He also serves as Senior Pastor of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Churches, located in Brooklyn, NY and Bensalem, PA. One of the other Honorees made NNPA history in being the first to be awarded the Junior Newsmaker of the Year.

Master Willie Myrick made headlines when he had escaped an abduction attempt at the age of 9. He was grabbed outside his Atlanta home and sang Bishop Walker’s song, “Every Praise,” as the man driving, after three hours, threw him out the car.

“Just to save a young boy’s life, that really meant a lot to me. I’ve had many great things

Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Samanda Robinson happen to me, but I think by far that is the most best thing that had ever happened to me throughout my career; to be able to save a young boy’s life through my praise that went up

in that car,” revealed Walker in his acceptance speech.

Bishop Hezekiah Walker has been a light to many in darkness, whether they overcome drug use, abuse, illness, or those just struggling with their faith. His work has spanned over three decades,

with the release of his first solo album, “Focus on Glory”, in 1992. Growing up in the tumultuous Fort Greene housing projects in Brooklyn, NY, he arose from humble beginnings. Today, he has two radio shows, the “Hezekiah Walker Show - Afternoon Praise, “which is aired on 1190 WLIB, New York’s only twenty four hour gospel station, and “Sunday Morning Celebration,” which airs on 107.5 WBLS. The mission of the Hezekiah Walker Ministries is for the,” Advancement of the People,” this mission is fitting for the NNPA’s goal of being the voice of the people through media, while leaving a legacy.

Hezekiah Walker Ministries strives to engage the youth to become active participants in the Body of Christ.

Upon receiving this honor by the NNPA Bishop Walker concluded, “Out of all the

awards that I have gotten, out of all the awards I have received, down through the years of my career, I think by far, tonight’s award is the best award I could have ever received in my life.”

The other Torch Award Honorees include: Benjamin L. Crump, Esquire (Newsmaker of the Year), Master Willie Myrick (Junior Newsmaker of the Year), former Lieutenant Governor of Florida, Jennifer S. Carroll (Torch Award for Politics), Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc. (Torch Award for Entertainment), and President and CEO of Industrial Bank, B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr. (Torch Award for Business).

Bishop Hezekiah Walker was more than grateful for this recognition, as he concluded with stating, “It’s one thing when other people recognize you, but it’s another thing when your own people can recognize you.”

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Insight News • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Kendrick brothers’ ‘War Room’ to spotlight power of prayer

By Michael Foust, Christian News Service Don’t tell brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick that a movie about prayer isn’t Hollywood material. After all, they rarely follow traditional movie-making protocol, and fans just keep flocking to theaters.

The makers of “Facing the Giants,� “Fireproof� and “Courageous� have completed their next film, “War Room,� which spotlights prayer, its power and purpose. Specifically, the movie tells the story of a prayer warrior grandmother (played by Karen Abercrombie) who mentors a young mom (Priscilla Shirer) facing a troubled relationship with her husband (T.C. Stallings).

It will release in theaters Aug. 28.

The impetus for the movie goes back to 2012, when Alex Kendrick said he and his brother felt led by God to “make a movie where we call the body of believers to pray� and to “fight in prayer.� “When I talk to other believers, almost all of them have something of a strategy for their finances, for their health, for their children’s education,

for their retirement,� he said. “But if you ask them ‘What’s your strategy for prayer?’ they look at you funny. What’s your strategy for praying for your spouse, for your children, for your children’s future spouse, for your church, for the leaders of our country? The Lord, in Scripture, tells us to pray for these things.�

It’s the fifth film for the brother tandem, who have released a string of box office hits that began with the 2006 film “Facing the Giants.� Their last two movies opened in the Top 5, with their most recent

one (“Courageous�) No. 1 on the first weekend in per-theater average. All of their films had low budgets by Hollywood standards. Alex is director and plays a character in the film, while Stephen is producer. The film also features Beth Moore and Michael Jr. in supporting roles.

Modern-day prayers, Alex Kendrick said, tend to focus only on things such as healing and travel safety. “Those are elementary prayers,� Kendrick said. “How do we get to the deeper things?�

The movie was filmed in

Jazz legend Doris Hines dies at 91 Internationally renowned singer Doris Hines died Friday (Aug. 14) at age 91.

Hines performed all over the world and throughout the Twin Cities with artists such as Nat King Cole, Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Della Reese, Dinah Washington, Maya Angelou and Duke Ellington. Hines won the “Arthur Godfrey Talent Show,� which was the considered the “American Idol� of its day. Hines also recorded with the Grammy Awardwinning Sounds of Blackness and was a favorite singer of former vice president, Hubert Humphrey.

Hines’ funeral was held Thursday, Aug. 20 at Progressive Baptist Church, 1505 Burns Ave., St Paul.

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

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

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

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

Edelman From 6 the cradle-to-prison pipeline.

AJ now dreams of becoming a kinesiologist, Jermaine — a social studies teacher, and E’Darrius — a freelance artist, one of whose fine paintings I look at every day when I step out of CDF’s national headquarters elevator.

Where are the other neighborhood, community, school, and faith congregation mentors and role models? And where are those calling for common sense gun laws so that walking down the streets or to school is not like a showdown at the OK Corral? Where are the outreach workers from community agencies to knock on doors from time to time and see who’s there and what children’s

Curry From 6 cocaine. Lewis challenged him to a urine test. Julian replied he would agree on one condition – that Lewis hold the cup. There was no drug test and John Lewis went on to defeat Bond and remains in office today.

In one of at least four tweets Lewis sent after Bond’s death, he said, “We went through a difficult period during our campaign for Congress in 1986, but many years ago we emerged even closer.�

Though he never ran for public

Doris Hines

Classifieds

and around Charlotte, N.C., and about 85 churches of different denominations partnered to pray for and assist with the film in any ways needed - from cleaning up the set to giving rides around town. Just like every other Kendrick movie, each day on the set began with a morning devotional, with cast and crew huddled all around. “My hope for this movie is that people walk way being called to their knees,� said coproducer Gary Wheeler, who is working on his first Kendrick film. “I hope they leave this saying, ‘We have to fight our

Phone: 612.588.1313

Executive Director Northside Residents Redevelopment Council has an opening for Executive Director. For more information at: www.nrrc.org and click on the Jobs Link or email cover letter and resume to: bpropes@nrrc.org . No Phone calls please.

battles first in prayer. We have to be strategic in the way that we pray - in the way that we attack these struggles in our lives.’�

The movie features a number of firsts for the Kendricks. It’s the first one they’ve filmed outside of their home base of Georgia, and it’s the first one they’ve made since they formed their own company, Kendrick Brothers Productions.

The new company gives them the platform to mentor young Christian filmmakers, who help out behind the scenes.

The cast itself also features a first. Although their films have included minorities in positive lead roles, this movie goes a step further, with an AfricanAmerican family being the film’s primary focus. Stallings, who is Black, said it’s a big deal, specifically because so many mainstream films cast AfricanAmericans in a negative light. “I am excited that there is a film that will show the other side,� said Stallings, who played a supporting role in the most recent Kendrick film. “Not every African-American man is not with his family. There are those out there who pray, who love the Lord, who are successful. For this movie to do that, it is encouraging. And I like the fact that it shows us winning

against sin and problems. We’re victorious, we’re victorious through Christ. Maybe some families will say, ‘We can do that, too. We can come out of this if we pray.’�

Shirer and Stallings were the first choices for the lead roles, Kendrick said. She honed her skills with an acting coach. Alex said she was “fantastic.� “She’s just poured herself into this role,� Alex said.

Stallings said he enjoyed being part of a film that seeks to make an impact on people. “I like that when you’re done watching the film, it makes you want to go and do something,� he said. “For instance, I went and saw a couple of movies the other day, and they were awesome. But when they were done, I’m done. I can’t put on a cape and fly.�

Kendrick Brother Films, he said, seek to make “your life better and other people’s lives better.� “This one hopefully will encourage people to pray and connect with God,� Stallings said.

For more information, visit WarRoomTheMovie.com. It is rated PG for thematic elements.

Michael Foust is a freelance editor and writer. Visit his blog at MichaelFoust.com.

needs might be??

The violence, poverty, and trauma these young people face would be unthinkable for anybody – and yet we leave countless children to cope with death and fear daily and often all alone. What are our responsibilities to our children and youths to offer them respect and hope and education and jobs and open up rather than close doors to a positive future?

E’Darrius said Damien Durr has been an invaluable mentor because he taught him he can’t wallow in self-pity about the circumstances he comes from— he must rise up.

But countless other youths need but lack a Damien in their lives to help them overcome the overwhelming odds threatening to drag them down. They need parents and grandparents.

They need caring teachers and principals and social workers and

health care workers. They need faith communities whose doors are open to compete with the drug and gun dealers. They need positive alternatives to the streets and the gangs and sadly too often to the police and law enforcement agencies entrusted to protect them. They need positive role models who have experienced many of their struggles and show them that they can overcome them with perseverance.

office again, Julian Bond found other paths to public service, serving as board chairman of the NAACP for 11 years, being co-founder and a trustee of the Southern Poverty Law Center, hosting “America’s Black Forum� television program, teaching, and in demand on the lecture circuit.

Several years ago, Jesse Jackson, who is not prone to giving out compliments, said to me unprompted: “Julian is always right on public policy. I can’t think of one time I have disagreed with a position he has taken.�

For that, we all can all be grateful. And we can be grateful that instead of retreating to a life of

privilege, Julian’s entire adult life was dedicated to fighting injustice.

Fax: 612.588.2031

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

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and BlackPressUSA.com. He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter. com/currygeorgeand George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook. See previous columns at http://www. georgecurry.com/columns.

Email: info@insightnews.com

VACANCIES DUMP TRUCK DRIVER

Cokato Apts, Cokato, MN (a seniors complex 62 or over or handicapped) has vacancies on 2nd Floor for one BR apts. Waiting list open. Contact Don at 320-286-2758. E-Mail cokapts@embarqmail.com

Wanted experienced dump truck driver.

Only experienced need apply: Call Jesse Green (651) 815-7197 or email jessegreen625@ yahoo.com

North Memorial Needs Volunteers to Help Victims of Domestic Abuse

West Falls Estates Int'l Falls, MN ‡ (OGHUO\ GLVDEOHG EHGURRP DSWV ‡ 7RZQKRXVHV ZLWK RU EHGURRPV ‡ ,PPHGLDWH RSHQLQJV IRU EHGURRP WRZQ KRXVH EHGURRP HOGHUO\ GLVDEOHG DSDUWPHQW ‡ 5HQW EDVHG RQ RI DGMXVWHG LQFRPH &DOO 3DWULFLD %URZQ DW 7''

SafeJourney, a program serving North Memorial Medical Center and Maple Grove Hospital, helps patients and individuals in the community who are experiencing domestic abuse. Volunteer advocates are needed to provide a listening ear, support, safety planning, information and referral. You do not have to have previous knowledge or experience, but rather looking for people who are sensitive to the issue, caring, and non-judgmental. Advocates sign up for 2 on-call shifts per month. Flexible scheduling - daytime, overnights, and weekends. Training is provided.

Deadline to apply and schedule a short interview is January 26. Please call Suzy at 763-581-3942.

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280. Must meet certain qualifications.

Townhomes

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

Volunteer Greeters Hennepin County is seeking volunteer greeters for its North Minneapolis human service center at 1001 Plymouth Avenue North to welcome and guide visitors, answer questions and assist with special projects. Reliable adults who enjoy working with people and who are available for a few hours twice a week are encouraged to apply.

Ideal candidates will be able to volunteer for a minimum of three months. Volunteers are integral to Hennepin County’s mission of enhancing the health, safety and quality of life of its residents and communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way. Get involved by visiting http://www.hennepin.us/humanservicevolunteer and submitting a volunteer application.

2 & 3 bdroms open MetroPlains Management

701-232-1887 www.metroplainsmanagement.com

Page 10 • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Insight News

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©BETINIEMEYER

Ron Carter

Walker West Music Academy presents jazz legend Ron Carter to kick off their new 8 O’Clock Jump Jazz Series this fall Walker West is kicking off its new 13-show, 8 O’Clock Jump Jazz Series in a big way.

Jazz legend Ron Carter, renowned for his work with Miles Davis in the 1960s, will perform a concert with his trio at Walker West’s music center on Friday, Sept. 11.

Carter’s appearance will be the official kickoff to a year’s worth of jazz concerts at Walker West’s new music center on Selby Avenue.

Other artists appearing this fall include flutist Nicole Mitchell, Afoutayi Dance, vocalist Yolande Bruce, Eric

Gravatt & Source Code and pianist Anthony Walker.

Show dates for the second half of the series will be announced in October, and includes appearances from the Bryan Nichols Trio, Atlantis Quartet, the Hanson/ Roessler Collective and New

York based alto saxophonist David Binney.

“The 8 O’Clock Jump series presents an incredible opportunity for Walker West to host jazz artists in an accessible, intimate venue in the heart of the SummitUniversity community in

St. Paul,” said Peter Leggett, executive director of Walker West Music Academy.

The 8 O’Clock Jump Series is a reference to the jazz standard “One O’Clock Jump” written by big band legend Count Basie. The series is so named because

the performances will be held at 8 p.m. Walker West will engage local, Twin Cities based jazz groups and engage several national artists for performances for people of all ages. Tickets are on sale now at www.WalkerWest.org.

More programming and artists announced for 2015-2016 Guthrie season

Colman Domingo in “A Boy and His Soul”

Mark Douet

Aaron Davidman in “Wrestling Jerusalem”

Ken Friedman

The Guthrie Theater announced additional programming and artists as part of the 2015-2016 season including “A Boy and His Soul.”

“A Boy and His Soul” (Aug. 9, 2016 – Aug. 28, 2016), written and performed by Tony-nominated, OBIE, and Lucille Lortel Award winning actor, playwright and director Colman Domingo. The story of an African-American man’s coming of age in 1970s and 1980s Philadelphia, “A Boy and His Soul” brings classic soul, smooth R&B, and disco music in an unforgettable era to life.

The play’s celebration of city life and the music that underscores it opened to rave reviews when it premiered at New York’s Vineyard Theatre. “A Boy and His Soul” plays at the Dowling Studio.

“I wanted to design a series of shows – curating a band of programming with great artists and thinkers – that can engage

our community in dialogue around themes and ideas,” said Joseph Haj, artistic director of the Guthrie. “I’m so excited to create a place for our audience to have robust, intelligent conversation about the work they see on our stages and how they respond to it.”

The first production in the Guthrie’s four-show series will be “Wrestling Jerusalem,” written and performed by Aaron Davidman and directed by Michael John Garcés (Oct. 16 – Nov. 1) in the Dowling Studio. Set in America, Israel and Palestine, Wrestling Jerusalem follows one man’s journey to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Davidman’s solo performance is a personal story that grapples with the complexities of identity, history and social justice. Giving voice to 17 different characters, the play sheds light on one of the most entrenched conflicts of our

GUTHRIE TURN TO 11

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Insight News • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Page 11

A sister on “Sistas The Musical,” Off Broadway the homes of white women, the silence of sexual abuse, marital abandonment, the naïveté of white women always seeing the world only through their lens of privilege, cautions of being willing to do anything for love, and ultimately redemption, reconciliation, concessions and above all hope and love for sistas and family.

If you are a music aficionado, old school music lovers, connoisseurs of Beyoncé, Indie Arie, Jill Scott, Erika Badu, Diana Ross, Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige and some whom I’ve forgotten-apologies-- this is the show for you.

Read More: www. sistasthemusical.com; http:// stlukestheatre.com/

Artspeak

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor Sistahtime--hanging out with my girrrrlfriends--is always quality time. But when I get to hang out with my real sister, it’s the bomb—in the words of MasterCard, “priceless.”

From the opening song of “Wade in the Water” to the closing with the Sister Sledge classic “We are Family,” “Sistasthe Musical” takes us through an arc of love, conflict, faith, loss of faith, sexual abuse, recovery, being single, interracial relations, coming of age, coming full circle to family (sistas) love and support and the legacy of hope and resilience we have to or hope to pass on.

Through a medley of songs that draw upon gospel, the blues, R&B, hip hop, and all of our African American musical traditions, we are given insight into the trials and tribulations of four Black women (three sisters and one daughter/niece) who grapple with the messy course of their lives as they prepare for a memorial to their grandmother and great grandmother. There is tension manifested in dialog and song as this journey down memory lane through mementos tucked in attic allows them to tell their own stories of past and present. There are silences and secrets revealed of experiences of Jim Crow segregation, Black women working as domestics in

Irma McClaurin is an award winning columnist, who is now syndicated. She recently earned the 2015 Best in the Nation, Emory O. Jackson Column Writing for the Black Press of America, presented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) at the 75th Anniversary of its annual convention. The award is named after Emory O. Jackson, a Civil Rights activist and editor of the Birmingham News from 1941-1975. She is the Culture and Education Editor for Insight News, an activist anthropologist, writer, motivational speaker and proponent of diversity and inclusiveness leadership. Contact: imcclaurin@gmail.com. Find her at: www.irmamcclaurin.com, @ mcclaurintweets

Author with her sister, Reece Bell (Mpls) at Sistas

Copywright McClaurin Solutions

©2015 McClaurin Solutions, All Rights Reserved. Do not reprint without permission.

Opening this week: August 28th BIG BUDGET FILMS “No Escape” (R for profanity, graphic violence and rape) Political potboiler about an American family’s frantic search for a safe haven in a Southeast Asian nation where foreigners are being shot on the spot in the wake of a violent coup d’etat. Costarring Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan and Spencer Garrett.

“War Room” (PG for mature themes) Faith-based morality play about a Christian couple (Priscilla Shirer and T.C. Stallings) whose marriage is tested by the husband’s emotional abuse, infidelity and crooked financial dealings.

Support cast includes Karen Abercrombie, Beth Moore and Jadin Harris.

Guthrie From 10 time.

The second Guthrie production in the Dowling Studio will be “The Amish Project” (Feb. 2 – Feb. 14), written and performed by Jessica Dickey, and originally directed by Sarah Cameron Sunde. Inspired by the 2006 school shootings in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Penn.

The series moves to the Wurtele Thrust Stage for Taylor Mac’s “24-Decade History of Popular Music: The 20th Century Abridged”, written and performed by Taylor Mac (March 18 and March 19). The show is a subjective history of the past 240 years of American history told through music. “The 20th Century Abridged” will feature selections from music of the 20th century, an introduction to what will eventually be a 24hour long performance work.

“We Are Your Friends” (R for nudity, sexuality, drug use and pervasive profanity) Romance drama revolving around the tensions which surface when an aspiring DJ (Zac Efron) secretly starts courting his mentor’s (Wes Bentley) young girlfriend (Emily Ratajkowski). With Jonny Weston, Jon Bernthal, Shiloh Fernandez and Alicia Coppola.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “I Touched All Your Stuff ” (Unrated) Cross-cultural documentary chronicling how Christopher Kirk, a nerdy American, ended up falling head-over-heels for a mysterious woman after moving to Colombia to study

hippos. (In English Spanish with subtitles)

and

“My Voice, My Life” (Unrated) Oscar-winner Ruby Yang (for The Blood of Yingzhou District) directed this overcoming-the-odds documentary following a group of underprivileged, middle school students for six months as they prepare to stage a musical production in Hong Kong. (In Cantonese with subtitles) “Queen of Earth” (Unrated) Psychological thriller about childhood BFFs (Elisabeth Moss and Katherine Waterston) who discover that they’ve drifted apart while spending time together during a reunion spent at a lake house in the country. Featuring Kate Lyn Sheil, Patrick Fugit and Kentucker Audley.

“The Second Mother” (R for profanity and brief drug use)

Dysfunctional family drama, set in Sao Paulo, about a nanny (Regina Case) whose life is turned upside-down when her estranged daughter (Camila Mardila) shows up unexpectedly and starts challenging the upper-class/ lower-class dynamic. With Helena Albergaria, Michael Joelsas and Luis Miranda. (In Portuguese with subtitles) “Unsullied” (R for violence, rape, profanity and brief drug use) Fact-based tale of survival, directed by ex-NFL star Simeon Rice, recounting

the ordeal of a young woman (Murray Gray) kidnapped by a couple of sociopaths (Rusty Joiner and James Gaudioso) after her car broke down on a deserted road in backwoods Florida.

Supporting cast includes Erin Boyes, Cindy Karr and Nicole Paris Williams.

“Z for Zachariah” (Z for sexuality, partial nudity and brief profanity) Postapocalyptic, sci-fi thriller revolving around the love triangle which develops among the only three survivors

(Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Pine and Margot Robbie) of an extinction level event.

“Zipper” (R for nudity, profanity, graphic sexuality and brief drug use) Shades of Eliot Spitzer in this drama about a self-destructive prosecutor (Patrick Wilson) who ruins his marriage and promising political career by cheating with a string of high-priced call girls. With Lena Headey, Ray Winstone, Richard Dreyfuss and John Cho.

Page 12 • August 24 - August 30, 2015 • Insight News

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