Insight News ::: 09.05.16

aesthetically speaking

Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities

MORE ON PAGE 10

WINNER: 2016 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: 1ST PLACE COMMUNIT Y SERVICE, 3RD PLACE BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Insight News September 5 - September 11, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 36• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Open Streets comes to West Broadway West Broadway Avenue, the economic heart of North Minneapolis, will host its first ever Open Streets on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Seventeen blocks of the corridor will go “car free” from Lyndale Avenue to Penn Avenue North for the free festival event.

The only Open Streets event in North Minneapolis for 2016, the activities will showcase and celebrate the vast culture of the Northside businesses and community, music makers,

artists, entrepreneurs and more.

“The neighborhood is typically neglected when it comes to things like this, so to be in the heart of the North Minneapolis economic community is amazing,” said Farrington Llewellyn, co-coordinator of the West Broadway Open Streets event.

“Most Open Streets are about biking, but this one will focus on Northside pride.”

STREETS TURN TO 5

Farrington Llewellyn, co-coordinator of the West Broadway Open Streets, won’t be the only pedestrian in the street come Sept. 10 when Open Streets comes to North Minneapolis.

Farrington Llewellyn

Rev Run preaches diabetes screening, prevention The campaign urges Americans to learn about their risks of diabetes.

According to statistics, more than one in three American adults are at risk of diabetes and many don’t even know it. The risks factors are greatest in the AfricanAmerican and Native-American communities. While Run himself does not suffer from the disease that kills more annually than breast cancer and AIDS combined, he does have factors that place him at risk. In educating people about the risks of diabetes, Rev Run said he’s on a mission.

“I tell people all the time that

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

Rev Run and Al McFarlane

David Bradley

Hip-hop is all grown up and in being grown up, some hip-hop artists are talking less about money, cars and jewelry and more about investing, political action and maintaining good health.

Although one of hip-hops pioneers, Rev Run of Run DMC, still raps about his Adidas, now he is also talking about his bloodsugar level. Run (Joseph Simmons) has teamed up with Novo Nordisk for the “Am I at Risk?” campaign.

health is the first wealth,” said Run during a sit-down inside the offices of Insight News. “I believe God sent me here for this mission (to discuss diabetes risks) and this is what I should be talking about.”

The hip-hop community was hit hard earlier this year when Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest died from complications from his type 2 diabetes. Run said there is a lesson to be learned in Phife’s passing.

“When you looked at Phife, he wasn’t an overweight guy and he looked like a normal guy,”

RUN TURN TO 2

Minnesota Supreme Court strikes $15 minimum wage from ballot In what proponents of a $15 per hour minimum wage ballot measure call a victory for big business groups, the Minnesota Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision ordering a $15 minimum wage charter amendment on the Minneapolis ballot.

Those opposed to the Aug. 31 ruling say the fight to win a $15 hourly wage for Minneapolis is far from over citing public opinion polls in Minneapolis showing 68

percent of voters would support the charter amendment. The ruling comes hours after low wage workers and advocates packed Minneapolis City Hall in support of a $15 minimum wage, chanting “Promises don’t pay the bills, drop the appeal.”

“Our plan to build one of the biggest grassroots campaigns Minneapolis has ever seen to raise the minimum wage to $15 remains the same,”

WAGE TURN TO 2

Minneapolis Mayor’s Office.

Minneapolis City Council Chambers at the Aug. 31 rally.

Adja Gildersleve

Why we can’t ‘get over it,’ have a Kumbaya moment Commentary

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor This commentary is part four of a four part series on racism and the over-policing of African-Americans and other people of color.

America is not ready for a Kumbaya moment.

And Black and Brown people who are experiencing racism can’t “get over it.” Racism is real. White privilege is real. And these ideologies and practices and structures that have shaped American culture for centuries – and continue today to do so – impact our lives as Black and Brown people in large and small ways.

MCCLAURIN 6 TURN TO

Election 2016

Commentary

Sports

Community

New Clinton ad answers Trump’s offensive question to African-Americans

I stand by Kaepernick’s decision to sit

Don’t write off the Vikes just yet

Cinema of Urgency brings provocative documentaries to the Walker

PAGE 2

PAGE 3

PAGE 7

PAGE 9

Page 2 • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

New Clinton ad answers Trump’s offensive question to African-Americans Hillary for America released a new ad calling out Donald Trump for being out of touch with the African-American community.

Trump – addressing an overwhelmingly white audience – asked African-Americans “what do you have to lose?” by voting for him. According to Hillary Clinton, The answer is: Everything.”

The blistering “Everything” ad uses Trump’s words and footage from his rallies to paint the Republican presidential nominee as out of touch with African-Americans … at best.

Stopping short of calling Trump racist, the ad splices footage

Screen capture of Clinton’s anti-Trump ad

YouTube

of African-Americans being assaulted and forcibly removed from Trump events to the words of the candidate shouting such things as, “you’re living poverty, your schools are no good; you have no jobs” to “look at my African-American” and “I have a great relationship with the Blacks” – all which have drawn the ire of many AfricanAmericans.

Clinton says Trump continues to belittle AfricanAmericans, painting the entire community as poor, homeless and in poverty.

“Donald Trump misses so much. He doesn’t see the success

of Black leaders in every field, the vibrancy of the Black-owned businesses, or the strength of the Black church,” said Clinton in a statement. “He doesn’t see the excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities or the pride of Black parents watching their children thrive. He apparently didn’t see (Dallas) Police Chief (David) Brown on television after the murder of five of his officers conducting himself with such dignity.”

The ad will run on cable and in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Placed on YouTube Aug. 26, the spot has nearly half-a-million views.

African-American company hopes to make a splash in luxury watch arena Atlanta (BlackNews.com) – Atlanta-based upstart watch brand, Michoud & Irish announced the release of its

first offering, the Avionic-IR. Michoud & Irish Watch Company is a micro-brand in the luxury timepiece market

that focuses on designing and releasing limited edition luxury men’s watches. Made in Martigny Switzerland,

Michoud & Irish’s first release is the Avionic-IR (Immersion Ready).

The Avionic-IR incorporates its styling with

a classic rotating bezel, and illuminated numbers and dials.

Delivered with an Italian-made silicone band complete with a stainless steel double clasp buckle or a two tone band, the Avionic-IR has a retail price of $799.

Michoud & Irish is an African-American owned brand. Co-owner Sean Williams is the creator and president of El Primer Mundo Cigars, which is an internationally marketed boutique cigar brand in its 10th year of business.

Will Bolling, the other coowner, recently retired from the United States Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, is also a partner in El Primer Mundo Cigars with Williams. The two are life-long friends originally from New Orleans and the name Michoud & Irish makes reference to the neighborhoods

Wage From 1 said Mike Griffin, field director of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC). “This was never about a charter amendment versus an ordinance. This is about people’s lives in a city with the worst racial disparities in the country. If we can’t raise wages through a charter amendment, we’ll raise them through an ordinance.”

Despite a lower court decision ordering the question to the ballot the Supreme Court sided with the city of Minneapolis and reversed the lower court decision, striking the question from the upcoming Nov. 8 ballot.

“We are disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling,” said Laura Huizar, staff attorney with the National Employment Law Project, a national research and advocacy organization that helped lead the legal fight. “We believe that it goes against decades of precedent and practice in the State of Minnesota and deprives Minneapolis residents of their constitutional right to vote on whether to approve a $15 minimum wage and protect that wage in the city’s charter.”

“This has been an issue for many years,” said Steven Suffridge, a member of CTUL and fast food worker. “We’re asking for a $15 minimum wage so that we can afford to live in this city, because the cost of living continues to go up while our quality of life continues to go down. City leaders are acting like we are not worth $15. They say welcome to Minneapolis, the

Run From 1 said Run. “There’s no specific look (for the disease).”

He said because diabetes doesn’t have a “look” it’s even more important to have a diabetes screening.

“Many people go to the doctor and never get a screening for diabetes,” said the hip-hop and reality television icon. “People say they go to the doctor and they get ‘the works,’ but they don’t know that often doesn’t include a screening for diabetes.”

Diabetes educator Jeannette Jordan, who joined Rev Run on his outreach tour said when talking about diabetes, lifestyle choices can increase or decrease one’s risks.

“Seventy percent of risks factors are lifestyle related,” said Jordan. “Something as simple as switching what you drink can reduce your risks. Reducing your portion sizes can lower your risks.

Our body was not designed to process that much sugar and that many carbohydrates at one time.

It’s not necessarily what you eat, but how much you consume.”

in which they grew up.

For more information on the company’s first release, visit www.michoud-irish.com or call (877) 277-8455.

land of milk and honey, but we’re not getting milk and honey, we’re barely getting water and bread with the current minimum wage.”

The city’s current minimum wage is $9.50 for large companies and $7.75 for small businesses.

“Low-wage workers garnered overwhelming support for $15 per hour in Minneapolis. Our grassroots campaign now has a clear mandate to pass a $15 minimum wage in Minneapolis,” said Ginger Jentzen, Executive Director of 15 Now Minnesota.

“City Council can no longer hide behind procedural arguments to defend big business.”

“Representative democracy isn’t always the best tool to address the concerns of under-resourced communities and communities of color,” said Anthony Newby, executive director of NOC. “To ensure the greater good we need to develop and leverage more creative tools of government – like this ballot campaign – that can elevate the voices of our most marginalized communities.

“Many council members have said repeatedly they would prefer to address this issue via an ordinance instead of a charter amendment. We plan to hold them to their word. As we work with the council and mayor on a strong ordinance for a $15 minimum wage that can pass this year, we will continue to find and create ways to make our democracy work for everyone, not just a privileged few.”

15 Now Minnesota, Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (CTUL), and NOC plan to hold a rally on Monday, Sept. 12, to launch the next phase of their campaign to raise the minimum wage.

The hip-hop reverend said in addition to screenings, he encourages healthy eating and daily exercise to combat diabetes.

He also said with the evolution of hip-hop he would not be shocked if others begin to use their platform to bring positive messages to the people.

“I believe if Tupac had kept going he would have been Rev. Tupac,” said Rev Run. “Each person has their time. I wouldn’t have been good for this campaign 20 years ago.”

Ruv Run said even his date of birth lets him know he is supposed to be spreading the message of diabetes screening and care. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist’s birthday is Nov. 14, which is also World Diabetes Day. Some symptoms of diabetes include increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and extreme fatigue. Risks factors include family history, poor diet, poor exercise, being overweight and elevated bloodsugar levels.

As part of his work with Novo Nordisk, Rev Run is promoting a nationwide traveling exhibit outlining diabetes risk factors.

The exhibit came to the Mall of America this past week.

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Page 3

I stand by Kaepernick’s decision to sit

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor “We’re so tired of these uppity Negroes.”

That’s the collective voice of the now termed “alt-right” when news spread that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a stand by sitting … sitting during the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner” before the Niners preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick sat and the alt-right had a hissy fit. Truth be told, it wasn’t just the far right that was outraged.

Some white folks (and even Black folks) who consider themselves moderate expressed dismay distain. I’m not one of them.

This isn’t the first time an athlete has protested the “implied consent decree” that

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

all Americans must stand, hand on heart, facing the Stars and Stripes, humming along with a tear rolling down one cheek.

In 1996 Mahmoud AbdulRauf was the recipient of death threats … yeah, people threatened to kill the man … after he refused to stand for the national anthem. That didn’t go over too well for the star point guard. It’s not going over too well for Kaepernick either.

Funny thing is, not many people paid attention to Kaepernick’s silent protest as it was happening. In fact during his immediate postgame interview not one question was asked about Kaepernick’s decision to sit. Most of the sitting questions were about Coach Chip Kelly’s decision to sit Kaepernick in favor of Blane Gabbert. The reporters at the game certainly didn’t notice.

And there’s probably a pretty

Colin Kaepernick good reason they didn’t notice; because chances are, they too weren’t paying much attention to the “Star Spangled Banner.”

It should be noted that during that interview session Kaepernick showed up sporting a hat with a large X on it and a t-shirt with images of Malcolm X and the caption, “Like minds think alike” – a bit of a tell as to the quarterback’s views on

Mike Morbeck

social justice issues.

But back to the decision not to stand for the national anthem … and the so-called outrage.

This whole national anthem “outrage” recently reemerged not with Kaepernick, but with Gabrielle Douglas during the medal ceremony following the U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s win at the Summer Olympics. Douglas had the

“audacity” to not place her hand over her heart during the sacred song. Twitter fingers couldn’t type fast enough. And now with Kaepernick, the altright … and let’s call it for what it is, the racist right … is again feigning outrage. But funny thing is, I’ve been to hundreds of sporting events … hundreds.

And when the “Star Spangled Banner” is playing I could have documented hundreds upon hundreds of instances where white fans are doing almost any and everything during the song.

Concession stand workers are still fielding orders from hungry fans, buddies are high fiving one another in anticipation of what they hope is a victory for their side. Hats are on, arms are folded; half the crowd is on the phone texting, taking selfies or posting on social media. So where’s the outrage there?

As a Black man (regardless

of what that idiot Rodney Harrison thinks), Kaepernick knows that the “Star Spangled Banner” was not written for us. In fact, as exposed in many places including in a July commentary on The Root, author Francis Scott Key penned multiple verses to the song (though only the first verse is sung during events) and in the third verse, Key makes it crystal clear how he feels about Blacks … former slaves … fighting to gain their freedom; their independency … their humanity. His words are as follows.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a country should leave us no more?

Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

As a Black man … descendent of slaves … not exactly something that makes me want to stand either.

And back to the real and most important issue; why Colin Kaepernick is refusing to stand during the national anthem. By not standing, he’s in fact standing tallest. He’s not standing because of 12-year-old Tamir Rice. He’s not standing

KAEPERNICK 5 TURN TO

Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe 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. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Gloria Freeman Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Rebecca Rabb Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

Tyrize Cox

Tyrize Cox named assistant superintendent for Minneapolis Parks’ Recreation Division The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced the new leader for its Recreation Division.

Tyrize Cox joins the park board following a national candidate search.

“I’m excited for Tyrize to join the Park Board team,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “Her commitment to public service and the communities of Minneapolis will serve the organization and community well. Tyrize will help further our work in making our outstanding park system accessible and in service to all residents of Minneapolis.”

MPRB’s Recreation Division oversees recreation facility operations, including recreation centers, golf courses, aquatic facilities and beaches, ice arenas, cross-country skiing venues, the Wirth Winter Recreation Area, education and interpretive programming, use and event permitting and athletic fields and complexes.

Miller said Cox, a life-long resident of Minneapolis, brings leadership and community and relationship building experience to the MPRB. Since 2011, Cox worked in the Office of Family Engagement and Community Partnerships at St. Paul Public Schools, most recently as director. Cox also worked with Minneapolis Public Schools, Robbinsdale Area Schools and the Minneapolis YMCA. Cox is currently vice chair of the Minnesota Educational Equity Partnership and sits of the board of directors of Resource, Inc., a nonprofit which assists people with employment, recovery from chemical dependency and mental illness.

“I’m thrilled to join such a team of experienced and passionate people,” said Cox. “I’m honored to be a part of the greatest parks and recreation system in the country and proud to serve the community I live in.”

Page 4 • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

EDUCATION ‘Changing America’ tells story of liberty and people’s movements Metropolitan State University will be Minnesota’s sole host to the prestigious Smithsonian exhibit, “Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and The March on Washington, 1963.”

The exhibit examines two profound people’s movements in American history. In addition to its exclusive stop at Metropolitan State, the exhibit will be shown at 49 other venues across the nation.

The traveling exhibition is brought to Metropolitan State by the Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship (ICES) and is presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office.

Based upon an original interactive exhibition developed

by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, this traveling version examines the impact of two great people’s movements that resulted in the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and The March on Washington in 1963.

One hundred years separate the movements, yet they are linked in a larger story of liberty and the American experience – one that has had a profound impact on the generations that

followed. The exhibition tells the story of how these two pivotal events came into being and how they helped put the nation on a course to fulfill its commitment to “liberty and justice for all.”

“We are thrilled and honored to host this important exhibit.

The university is committed to building an anti-racist society and to graduating students who will make lasting change in their own communities,” said Greg Mellas, director of the Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship. “This exhibit shows that organizing and taking action to demand justice has, at key points in our nation’s history, made our democracy more just and equitable. We know that work remains unfinished, but this exhibit reminds us of the

progress that has been achieved through the power of collective action by those who came before us.”

The “Changing America” display is free and open to the public from Sept. 21 to Nov. 4 in the Todd and Martha Nicholson

Information Commons on the first floor of Metropolitan State University’s Library and Learning Center, 645 East Seventh Street, St. Paul. For information, contact community. engagement@metrostate.edu or call (651) 793-1285.

Generation Next names Michelle Walker executive director Generation Next, a nonprofit coalition of civic, business and education leaders focused on closing the Twin Cities’ achievement gap, has named Michelle Walker as its new executive director.

Previously, Walker served for three years as chief executive officer for the St. Paul Public Schools, where she held leadership positions for nine years.

“Michelle has a track record of success in effective cross-sector collaboration, and deep knowledge of education data and best practices,” said Eric Kaler, president of the

St. Paul Public Schools

Michelle Walker

University of Minnesota and co-chair of Generation Next.

“She is the right leader to accelerate the ambitious efforts of Generation Next – closing the unacceptable achievement

and opportunity gaps in Minneapolis and St. Paul.”

Walker, who assumes her new role on Oct. 18, has been a member of the Generation Next Leadership Council for the past three years.

As CEO in the St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS), Walker serves as the lead superintendent designee and primary staff liaison to the St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education.

Prior to joining the SPPS executive team, Walker served as chief of Strategic

WALKER TURN TO 5

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Page 5

Photos courtesy of A. Phillip Randolph Institute

Actor Danny Glover

From left to right, Hilary Shelton, vice president for Advocacy, NAACP Washington Bureau, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Norm Hill, former APRI president, Rep. Donna dwards (D-MD) and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) at the A. Philip Randolph Institute conference.

Political and economic empowerment; social justice focus of A. Philip Randolph Institute conference Washington, D.C. – Seeking solutions to end to what it calls a “parasitic divisiveness” that is having a devastating social and economic impact on working families, the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) last week brought together labor union members, community leaders, politicians, business executives and celebrities for its annual Education Conference in Detroit.

“The Power of Unity … All Workers Matter” was the theme of the conference held Aug. 24 – Aug. 28 in Detroit. More than 500 labor and civil rights activists from across the U.S.

took part in a broad range of activities and discussions.

“This conference was to inform and train delegates on important issues directly impacting the Black community,” said APRI president Clayola Brown. “We plan to explore the current 2016 elections and its potential impact on communities as well as to address health, economic and social justice issues.”

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) led a discussion that included several other members of Congress including Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Rep. Donna Edwards (D-

MD). Other speakers included civil rights activist Barbara Arnwine, Sirius XM radio host Joe Madison, American Urban Radio Networks White House correspondent, April Ryan and actress Erika Alexander (“Living Single”).

Several prominent labor leaders including Clayola Brown, APRI president and Dr. Lorretta Johnson, secretarytreasurer of the American Federation of Teachers, United Mineworkers president, Cecil Roberts and American Federation of Government Employees president, J. David Cox addressed the conferees.

Kaepernick

not standing because of Eric Garner. He’s not standing because of John Crawford, III. He’s not standing because of Freddie Gray. He’s not standing because of Sandra Bland.

He’s not standing because of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

He’s not standing because of Jamar Clark. He’s not standing

because of Alton Sterling.

He’s not standing because of Philando Castile.

He’s not standing because of the continued killing of Black people … many just kids … at the hands of law enforcement and wanna-be law enforcement.

He’s not standing for it any more. Neither am I.

barbecue competition between Minneapolis police and fire departments. In addition, the event features food from all West Broadway restaurants plus dozens of food trucks including Big Brother Almighty BBQ, Soul 2 Go, Xstream Cuisine, MADD Mom’s Catering and more.

Festival goers will be able to create animation with the Sloppy Films portable studio and watch aerial performances from Uncaged. There will

be a beer garden courtesy of Broadway Liquor Outlet.

Other activities within the sectioned-off corridor include chair massages, yoga and free exercise classes.

Open Streets West Broadway is organized by the West Broadway Area and Business Coalition in coordination with The Bike Coalition who coordinates Open Streets citywide.

From 3 because of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. He’s not standing because of 18-year-old Michael Brown. He’s not standing because of Oscar Grant. He’s

Streets From 1 Several areas will be blocked off in the corridor and will feature live music and arts activities including music from MPLS, Antonio “Jazz” Jackson, and art from Juxtaposition Arts.

This Northside celebration is in tandem with the Third Annual Battle of the Badges

Walker From 4 Planning and Policy for the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), overseeing policy research and analysis, planning initiatives, community partnerships and intergovernmental relations for the then 50,000 student district.

At DCPS, Walker managed the development of the district’s Master Education Plan, a

comprehensive strategic plan to reform the system’s academic and business operations.

“As a first-generation African-American of Caribbean descent, I was raised to believe that education has the power to transform lives,” said Walker. “This has proven true for my family and me, and I am thrilled to lead an organization whose mission is to help all children – regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status – to achieve their highest potential.”

Does your child have the WRIGHT teacher?

Transforming Community...

One student at a time

“It’s important for students to believe in themselves and know they have the ability to be successful!”

-Mr. Abdul Wright, Language Arts Teacher, Best Academy 2016 Minnesota Teacher of the year

Mr. Wright represents our commitment to academic achievement with the support of great teachers and a nurturing environment where students can thrive!

Enroll your child today!

612.876.4191 612.239.4827 1300 Olson Memorial Highway, Minneapolis, MN 55411

Page 6 • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Four secrets to nonprofit growth: An interview with Kim Moss FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw Part one of a two-part series We recently had the opportunity to work with nonprofit consultant Kim Moss – she is a wealth of knowledge with 34 years experience in nonprofit administration.

He knows about taking care of business. Yes, nonprofits are all about vision and mission.

But, if business practices are not in place, it can be challenging to make an impact. We asked Moss to share his observations related to the challenges that nonprofits

face when they go through a period of growth.

Moss began with the positives associated with growth.

“A growing nonprofit organization can be exciting for the staff, board of directors and the people it serves. New and/or expanded programming can also convey a message to the agency’s supporters that ‘everything is on track,’” said Moss. “However, healthy growth must be strategic and planned for it to be a longstanding asset to the organization. In contrast, growth that is poorly planned can be detrimental to the overall health of the agency.”

Moss suggests nonprofits ask themselves four questions when growth is in their future.

First, is the growth missionbased or is it about chasing dollars?

When funds are available,

Every agency should have an overall comprehensive plan that it follows closely. This plan will help the agency remain focused and help ensure that the growth is based on much prior consideration from the board and staff. an agency can find itself easily lured by the thought of expanding current services or adding new services. But it must determine if the funds will help meet its mission or will they draw the organization into areas of service for which the agency

has less expertise and is outside its mission.

Is the growth based on a plan?

Every agency should have an overall comprehensive plan that it follows closely. This plan will help the agency remain

focused and help ensure that the growth is based on much prior consideration from the board and staff.

Is the growth financially sustainable?

An agency must consider what the actual cost of the growth will be by developing a budget that outlines all revenue and costs associated with the expected growth. If the growth is grant-funded, it is important to remember that grants only pay a portion of the actual cost of a project. Usually, a maximum of 10 percent (often less) of the project cost is allowed by a grant funding entity to be allocated to administrative costs. The agency must consider its administrative cost (usually between 18 – 25 percent) and take into account that the difference in what is being funded and the actual cost of the project will be the responsibility of the

organization.

Can the agency’s infrastructure manage the growth?

It is important to keep in mind how the growth will affect the staff. Does the executive director have the skills necessary to manage this growth? Will current staff be required to supervise the new staff? How will the growth affect the workload of the business office staff? How will the growth affect the amount of space available in the building where services are provided?

Part two of this series shares Moss’ perspective on how to prepare for a successful board meeting.

Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of the new book “FUNdraising Good Times Classics Vol. 1” now available on Amazon.com.

Grants available for supportive housing services Applications are being accepted for new grants to help find and keep permanent housing for people living with serious mental illnesses, and who are homeless or at risk for homelessness.

According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), people experiencing homelessness are also more likely to be living with a serious mental illness such as

depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

People of color – particularly African-Americans, NativeAmericans, and Latinos – are disproportionately affected by homelessness. A 2015 study found that statewide, 39 percent of adults experiencing homelessness are AfricanAmerican, while 8 percent are Native-American and 7 percent

are Hispanic.

The DHS is especially interested in hearing from organizations who serve people of color and other underserved communities. It is asking for organizations from ethnic and cultural communities – or those who work regularly with people from these communities – to apply for these grants that will help people to live independently in their own

homes.

Minnesota tribes, counties and mental health service providers can apply for the grants. Also eligible are other social service agencies and community-based organizations with expertise serving people with serious mental illnesses who are also experiencing homelessness, including serving people across cultures and underserved communities.

DHS is offering up to

$500,000 in grants for January 2017 through June 2018.

Services include helping someone find an apartment, working with property owners to take tenants they might not otherwise accept, and teaching tenants conflict resolution and the responsibilities of a lease. The grants will also help connect people with the mental health services they need. The “Request for Proposals (RFP)

for a Qualified Grantee to Provide Housing with Supports for Adults with Serious Mental Illness” can be found online at www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/ groups/business_partners/ documents/pub/dhs-288705~1. pdf.

Responses are due Sept. 30.

For more information, contact Jen McNertney at Jennifer. mcnertney@state.mn.us or (651) 431-2334.

McClaurin

In no way does this allegation of police violence justify criminal behavior or retaliation against police.

What it does call for is a serious review of how police come to their jobs everyday with their own unconscious bias against Black and Brown people, and how even Black and Brown police come adopt this view of all Black and Brown people as potentially criminal and dangerous. Necks have been broken, spines have been broken; people have suffocated and the number of people have been shot

because of a police officer’s own unconscious bias that caused him/her (white, Black or Brown) to see danger where none existed.

Thus, the shooting of a young man playing with a toy gun is justified because “he looked big” or “he appeared dangerous.” If police cannot tell a child from an adult male, shame on them.

Such a death is beyond tragic; it is irresponsible because police equate size with danger. Is that the real reason? No. Police equate Black size with danger and pay no attention to the young face on the large body, nor stop to ask the

child to lay down the gun so they can determine if it is real or not.

Instead, they shoot first and then cry later over a “tragic mistake.”

America needs a healing.

America needs a healing, to reclaim our humanity.

They become complicit in the perpetuation of institutionalized racism and white privilege; they become, themselves, racists by proxy, as they adopt the same worldview in which their own people are considered de facto dangerous.

Some Black and Brown police join the force precisely because they understand that different perspectives are needed, because they know the system of justice may need them present for it to truly become more impartial and fair. But sometimes these Black and Brown police officers find themselves recipients of racism in the workspace, treated as if they don’t belong. The presence of Black police officer organizations are proof of this reality. The fact that Black and Brown police officers have been killed when working undercover is proof of this reality. Without a uniform to protect them, Brown and Black police officers are just as vulnerable as the rest of us. These examples should be sufficient proof to them that something needs to change … now.

when they treat Black and Brown people unfairly. And, police systems must be assessed to see if they are maintaining inequitable systems of law enforcement, and be held accountable for change.

All of America needs a healing; a serious healing. And we must devote the money and time to practice unlearning racism and unlearning prejudices and dismantling racists systems that punish people simply because they are Black or Brown.

We must remove the implicit bias that causes a police officer to shoot a Black man who has a license to carry a concealed weapon because the police officer’s implicit bias kicks in and he can’t fathom the idea that a Black man would have a license to carry a gun, so he sees a threat where none existed and kills an innocent man.

If America does not heal; if America does not confront our own racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, religious intolerance, we will be a nation more divided and we will not thrive.

America needs a healing.

America needs a healing, to reclaim our (much needed) humanity because right now, today, it is lost to us, and we will continue to suffer from its absence.

From 1 Right now in this country, among Black and Brown people there is a very strong sentiment (with justification) that structural racism in the form of grand juries or police internal affairs appear to affirm police action for what we (as the recipient of police violence and use of excessive force) perceive to be public executions of Black and Brown people.

The power of unconscious bias among America’s police officers We must accept the reality that white police officers have been raised to believe Blacks as a group are violent, threatening and inferior. This implicit bias is a conditioning that can only be changed if it is recognized, acknowledged and deliberately worked on to change attitudes that inform responses and behavior.

Putting on a police uniform does not inoculate white policemen from the social virus of racism.

The deaths of so many Black men, the incomprehensible arrests and incarceration of so many Black and Latino people (especially men) can only be explained by a system of racism that interprets events differently if the person involved is Black or Brown.

Only when white policemen can acknowledge that they harbor unconscious bias can the work happen to eliminate or change this belief.

Black and Brown police officers must ask themselves what it means to put on a uniform that historically has had different treatment under the law for Black and Brown people. If they do not acknowledge the reality of racism and how it has shaped the behavior of police officers and informed our arrest, judicial and penitentiary systems, then they are morally remiss.

If Black and Brown police officers do not question the racialized system of disparities under which we all live or challenge the differential treatment of Black and Brown people then they become co-conspirators.

America needs a serious healing America needs a serious healing.

It needs this healing desperately.

America must heal itself of racism, if we are to survive as a country united. But first we must be honest about our century-old and new-found biases and prejudices.

We must be honest that racism is real and it kills Brown and Black people, and excludes us from (collective) wealth and quality education and fair employment and equal wages. We must be honest that the current xenophobia (of Muslims and transgendered people) is a contemporary form of racism.

A start is this. Police must begin training on unconscious bias. Police must carry body cameras and be held accountable

NEW FOR 2016!

• Wi z a rd ’s S c h o o l Z i p L i n e • K i n g ’s K a r p o o l C o m p e t i t i o n • Renaissance Bingo • S h e r w o o d Fo r e s t • Dancing with the Royals

Irma McClaurin is an award winning columnist, who 2015 received the Black Press of America’s Emory O. Jackson Column Writing Award from the NNPA. She is the Culture and Education Editor for Insight News, a consultant, an activist anthropologist, writer, motivational speaker and founder of the Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive at University of Massachusetts Amherst. More about the author can be found at www. irmamcclaurin.com.

• 250 Artisan Booths for Endless Shopping • O ve r 5 0 F R E E Fa m i l y A c t iv i t i e s • 16 Stages of Entertainment • Fo o d F i t f o r a K i n g • L ive A r m o re d Jo u s t i n g • M e r m a i d s, Fa i r i e s & m o re

O p e n We e k e n d s A u g u s t 2 0 - O c t o b e r 2 n d , 2 0 1 6 P l u s L a b o r D a y & F e s t i v a l F r i d a y, S e p t . 3 0 t h 9am to 7pm • Rain or Shine • (952) 445-7361

FREE Parking! RenaissanceFest.com © 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Discount Tickets Available Online & At Participating

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Page 7

Don’t write off the Vikes just yet

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Viking nation is devastated.

News of third-year Viking quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s gruesome ACL injury has cast a looming cloud over the newly-built U.S. Bank Stadium. Good thing the stadium is enclosed because this cloud has all the makings of an epic storm.

Gigantic like the stadium, so too were the hopes of Vikings fans in anticipation of a purple and gold Super Bowl run. The team was coming off a winning season that landed them in the playoffs – a feat few thought possible following last season’s opening 20-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. This year all the pieces were in place. Adrian Peterson was back after leading the NFL in rushing. The defense was solid under head coach Mike Zimmerman’s defense first philosophy. And Bridgewater was seeing continued growth as the team’s signal caller.

Then, less than two weeks

Teddy Bridgewater before the 2016 opener, down goes Bridgewater, down goes Bridgewater (In my Howard Cosell voice).

There goes the season, right?

To quote ESPN “College Gameday’s” Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend.”

While Bridgewater is the face of the future for the Vikings and I (along with most of Vikings Nation) wish him a full and speedy recovery, the season isn’t lost for the rest of

Jeffrey Beall

the team. Like I said before, future Hall of Famer, Peterson is back. That right there is enough to help win games.

Coupled with a stingy defense and a weakened NFC North and the purple and gold still have a legit shot at the playoffs.

And don’t write off Shaun Hill.

Not the marquee name, Hill is certainly a serviceable QB; and in a ball-control offense, he won’t be called on to carry the team. Bridgewater wasn’t

going to be called on to do that either. Hill can find the open man enough to keep the chains moving. I know, because I’ve watched him play.

As a St. Louis native and (former) Rams fan, I watched every game the team played as the St. Louis Rams. During the 2014 season Hill stepped in, splitting time with Austin Davis in for the oft-injured Sam Bradford. While not dazzling, Hill was consistent and performed well given the fact the team had a shoddy offensive line and a team that featured Kenny Britt – a guy who never had more than 775 receiving yards in a season – as its number one wideout.

Being a (former) Rams fan, I remember the start of the 1999 campaign. The city was all abuzz because hometown hero, quarterback Trent Green, was picked up in free agency and he, along with newly acquired running back Marshal Faulk, were going to lead the Rams to glory. The Rams were led to glory, but it wasn’t Green behind center.

Westminster town hall forum on racism Sept. 13 Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, will host a forum on racism Sept. 13.

The noon forum, “Racism and the Soul of America” featuring author and educator Eddie Glaude, Jr. is free and open to the public.

Glaude Jr. is the William S.

Tod professor of Religion and African American Studies at Princeton University and chair of the Department of African American Studies. He is the author of the award-winning book “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America” and co-editor with Cornel West of “African

American Religious Thought: An Anthology.” His latest book is “Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the Soul of America.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Morehouse College, a master’s degree in African American studies from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in religion from

4309 Irving Ave. N.

Smart Start for Sm+RT Homes in North Minneapolis Sm+RT Homes has opened its first model home in Minneapolis, a 1,700-squarefoot bungalow located at 4309 Irving Ave. N., and plans to start four more homes on now-vacant lots on the city’s Northside over the next three weeks.

Construction starts next week on a second model home, at 3550 Fremont Ave. N. That home will include a new design feature to allow homeowners to more easily convert a section of the house into a separate, rentable dwelling unit if desired. Plans call for the Fremont Avenue house to be completed by late October.

“We’re off to a great start with Sm+RT Homes,” said Gary Findell, managing partner for

Fridley-based Sm+RT Homes.

“More than ever, we believe that the Sm+RT Homes concept can work in North Minneapolis – and other parts of the city – to deliver much-needed, affordably priced single family homes for working families, first-time homebuyers and existing homeowners who want to downsize but continue to live in a house that they own.”

Sm+RT Homes employs non-traditional, modular construction techniques to build homes. All major house components are pre-built, then trucked to the home site for installation. According to Findell, the modular approach reduces the overall cost of a new home by as much as 30 percent over more conventional, on-site

building methods. He said it also speeds up the construction process – 45-60 days, where it might take 90-120 days or more to build using conventional methods.

The modular approach cuts the cost of construction by as much as 20-30 percent, according to Findell. Pricing for the Sm+RT Homes fourbedroom, 2 ½-bath bungalow showcased on Irving Avenue is $224,900. This price includes a home theater system and security cameras on the front and back of the house and on the garage. The price also includes lighting, thermostats, garage door openers, front door locks and other elements of the house that can be controlled from the owners’ smart phone.

Help for caregivers...

• Long-term care planning Financial checkup, support network and respite care

• Elder law Health care directive, power of attorney and education

• Senior housing Family meetings, group education, dementia and Alzheimer’s

• Support groups

•

Adult day services, counseling, resources and referrals Health and spiritual connections

This activity is made possible by a grant from the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI) of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Center for Health Equity, through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature.

Call us 952-945-4173 | 952-945-4175

Princeton University.

His perspectives on racism were shaped by his years growing up in the coastal town of Moss Point, Miss.

For more information contact Susan McKenna at (612) 3323421 or go online to www. westminsterforum.org/forum/ racism-and-the-soul-of-america.

Just as Bridgewater was injured in preseason, so too was Green, hurt when he was cheapshotted by Rodney Harrison (who’s now throwing verbal cheap shots). And the backup that year … Kurt Warner; an unheard of, unheralded, undrafted guy who was bagging groceries and slinging balls in the Arena League in Iowa before he somehow landed with the Rams. Warner, Faulk

and the rest of the Greatest Show on Turf went on to a 14-2 regular season, stormed through the playoffs (including a rout of the Vikings) and with a goal-line tackle, walked away Super Bowl champions.

Now I’m not saying Hill will be to the Vikings what Warner was to the Rams, but they both don the lucky number 13 jersey, so there’s still hope.

I’m just sayin’.

Page 8 • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

LIFESTYLE

Vote 2016: Black votes matter Man Talk

By Timothy Houston This year’s election will be one like no other.

As citizens of the most powerful country in the world, our election will have worldwide effects. Our individual vote is even more powerful than ever.

The closer the election, the more powerful the individual choice becomes. With the negative political climate, some may be discouraged to participate.

Despite what you may feel about

We must never forget that our right to vote has not come easy.

It came about by the highest cost ever, the lives of those who believed in its cause.

the current elections, Black votes matter.

First, Black votes matter because it was not always this way. We should never forget

the sacrifices that were made to give us our right to vote.

Because the power that our vote represented then and now, extreme measures were taken

to keep us from the polls. In 1964, numerous demonstrations were held, and the considerable violence that erupted brought renewed attention to the issue of voting rights. Those who were taking those measures knew that once Blacks in America took to the polls, the landscape of this country’s leadership would be forever changed.

Next, Black votes matter because we have never let anything turn us around. Previous attempts to keep us from the polls have only strengthened our resolve. From the murder of voting-rights activists in Mississippi to the attack by state troopers on peaceful marchers in Selma, Ala., enough national attention was gained to persuade President Lyndon Johnson and Congress to initiate

Who’s talking to our young Black men?

Child Focus

By Gloria Freeman As a mother, it was heartbreaking to hear my adult daughter’s account of random gunfire ripping through her home on the Humboldt Greenway as she and her two children, ages 5 and 8, lay asleep in their separate bedrooms on a hot summer night.

According to my daughter, and like the story-telling accounts of so many others, there were loud noises that first sounded like fireworks.

After realizing the sounds were gunshots, not fireworks,

my daughter crawled on the floor, went to grab each of her children, and dragged them into a back bedroom where together, they called the police as they lay on the floor until help arrived.

The next morning, my daughter found gunshot holes outside her home, gun piercings inside her house, and an actual bullet in her bed. While she and her children were not physically harmed, the mental and emotional damage had been done.

At a time of year when parents should be filled with excitement about sending their children back to school, too many guardians are filled with fear and anguish about becoming victims of random gunfire, whether it be at the corner store, in the car, at a transit stop, or in their children’s beds. According

to the Department of Bureau of Statistics, Americans, males and ages 18-24, had the

Justice, African persons highest

rates of homicide by firearm from 1993-2010. Anecdotally

FREEMAN TURN TO 9

meaningful and effective national voting rights legislation. The combination of public disgust moved Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act on Aug. 5, 1965.

The legislation, which President Johnson signed into law the next day, outlawed literacy tests and provided for the appointment of federal examiners. Its language followed the language of the 15th Amendment, applied a

nationwide prohibition of the denial or abridgment of the right to vote on account of race or color.

Finally, Black votes matter because our vote has the power to determine the next president.

The law had an immediate impact. By the end of 1965, a quarter of a million new Black

VOTE TURN TO 9

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Cinema of Urgency brings provocative documentaries to the Walker As part of a dynamic series posing critical questions about today’s most pressing issues, this month’s Cinema of Urgency at the Walker Art Center showcases a selection of contemporary works by Minnesota filmmakers.

The Sept. 15 event includes excerpts of documentaries that tell the stories of the rise of progressive political star Ilhan Omar (who recently won a historic primary election) and Winona LaDuke’s environmental activism and defense of the White Earth Reservation.

Featured works also address the topics of police violence, forgiving the unforgivable and more. The program includes

works by Remy Auberjonois, E.G. Bailey, D.A. Bullock, Karl Jacob, Dawn Mikkelson, Keri Picket and Norah Shapiro.

“Time for Ilhan” (working title), directed by Shapiro follows Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee and mother of three, as she challenges a longstanding, successful incumbent for the Minnesota State Legislature, vying to be the first Muslim African-born woman elected to state office in the United States.

“Killing Mookie,” directed

by Bullock is the story of Terrence Franklin, a Black man killed by Minneapolis police before the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. The

film is a portrait of a failure of justice with little response and no systemic change.

Additional works to be screened include “New Neighbors,” “First Daughter, Black Snake,” “Blood Stripe” and “Risking Light.”

A panel discussion with the filmmakers will be held after the 7 p.m. screening. The Walker is located at 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.

Cinema of Urgency is programmed in partnership with Full Frame Documentary Festival. The event is at no charge. Free tickets are available at the Hennepin box office at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Vote

first Black elected governor. In 2008, Barack Obama was the Africa- American elected to the office of president of the United States. All of this was accomplish through the power of the Black vote.

I strongly encourage ever person of color to register and get out and vote. We must never forget that our right to vote has not come easy. It came about by the highest cost ever, the lives of those who believed in its cause.

Herbert Lee, Medgar Evers, Jimmie Lee Jackson, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many others gave their lives so we can freely exercise our right to vote

and live as citizens with all of our God-given rights and privileges.

We have a responsibility to exercise this right at every election, lest we forget the price that was paid to secure it. For this next election, and every subsequent one after, Black votes matter.

direction of then president and CEO Clarence Hightower, had a program called, “Mending the Nest,” an initiative aimed at bringing down that year’s abysmal homicide rate. As a part of “Mending the Nest”, the Urban League gathered hundreds of neighbors on an evening to talk to actual Stillwater Prison inmates who had been convicted of murder.

At this event, residents who packed the room were able to talk directly with some of the young men who had been doing the shootings in our community via a live satellite hookup. The audience sat mesmerized as young men gave accounts of what led them to the rage that prompted the picking up of a gun, and eventually pulling the trigger to kill a person.

This innovative strategy was utilized by the Urban League to actually talk to the people who were doing the shootings and killings in the neighborhoods.

However, what we really need to be doing is talking to our young Black males before the prospects of prison, not after.

Simple questions such as, how are you doing? What’s on your mind? What are your hopes and dreams? How can I help you achieve your goals?

Most of us hear about the homicide rate in each city.

What we need to remember is that there are hundreds more gun discharges that either miss their targets, or injure victims, which don’t show up on more prominent homicide rates because somebody got pegged in the stomach, leg, arm or head, but somehow survived the gunshots.

None of us should fear walking down the street, lying in our bed, or going to the store, scared we might be the victims of random gunfire.

I am keenly aware that men and women of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds resort to picking up a gun and pulling the trigger when they are angry. However, today I am talking about our young men … our community … our dads, sons, nephews, brothers and friends.

We can double the size of our police force, put a cop on every corner; but until we begin to talk to, engage, educate and interact with our young Black men, my daughter and her children, and the rest of us will not be able to sleep at night as comfortably as we should.

And, the sadder part is, I’m not sure we even deserve the rest until we do a better job drawing our young Black men into the mainstream of society by providing equal opportunity, along with liberty and justice for a population of individuals that are all too often, dealt with at an arm’s length. Our young Black men are beautiful pools of talent, sometimes tapped, other times not. We must work to bring out the genius, creativity, ability, talents and gifts of the young Black men in our midst, sooner rather than later; more rather than less.

From 8 voters had been registered, onethird by federal examiners. By the end of 1966, only four out of the 13 southern states had fewer than 50 percent of AfricanAmericans registered to vote. In 1966, the first post-reconstruction African-American was elected to the U. S. Senate, and one year, later Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the United States Supreme Court. In 1975 we saw our first Black elected mayor (of a major city), and in 1990 our

Freeman From 8 and obviously, these same profile trends continue today.

Unfortunately, it is young Black males who are most often doing the shootings in our inner-cities. It doesn’t matter if it is Minneapolis, St. Paul or Chicago. When we hear about shootings in our neighborhoods, many of us conjure up images of young Black men riding around in their cars doing the shootings.

I find it curious that whenever gun violence is discussed on television news, it is often professional commentators with little to no understanding of inner city dynamics. Whether it is here locally in the Twin Cities or in the national media, we always see somebody older, established, or a professional, speaking about the issue.

Why don’t we ever here directly from the age group and racial cohort who, from what we know from statistics, are most prone to pick up a gun and use it? Why don’t we seek to interact with young AfricanAmerican males, ages 18-24, to engage them in conversation, learn more about their lifestyles, see how we can be helpful and learn what sets them off?

So many of us deal with African-American males ages 18-24 from a distance.

Unfortunately, this can apply to the parents of our young African-American men as well.

In 2006, the Minneapolis Urban League, under the

Classifieds RENTAL PROPERTIES

Anoka – Bridge Square, 763-421-6772 Big Lake – Autumn Winds, 320-258-6000 Brainerd – Mississippi Terrace, 218-829-0274 Cold Spring – Cottage Court, 320-685-3888 Coon Rapids- Coon Creek, 763-767-7755 Eden Valley – Hillside, 320-453-5968 Fergus Falls – Kaddatz, 218-205-0644 Glenwood – Glenview, 320-634-3188 Hawley – Northside Terrace, 218-483-4524 Hutchinson – Clinton House, 320-587-5458 Isle – Isle View, 320-676-8624 Isle – Mille Lacs Manor, 320-676-8624 Mankato – Dublin Road, 507-345-3351 Minneapolis - Holmes Park, 612-378-8817 Morris – Crystal Lake, 320-589-3662 Onamia – Oakwood, 320-532-4321 Onamia – Onamia Shores, 320-532-4321 Pierz – Kamnic Lane, 320-468-2581 Rice – Benton Place, 320-630-1201 St Michael -Countryside Cottages, 763-497-4901 St Paul – Parkway Gardens, 651-771-0267 Virginia – Alice Nettell, 218-741-3650

Grammy Winner and Eleven-Time Nominee

Kirk Whalum Anthony Walker

Review The Men of New Hope Jazz Heritage Showcase Brio Brass Walker West’s Urban Legends of Jazz Selby Avenue Brass Band Sat, September 10th 1 AM to 8 PM Selby at Milton - FREE www.selbyavejazzfest.com Health & Wellness Village Sponsor

Main Stage Sponsor

NEWS

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

Minnesota Council of Churches ACCOUNTING CLERK, 20 hours/week. General accounting, AP, AR, financial reporting. Open until filled. Appl at http://www.mnchurches.org/about/employment.html.

Shields Plaza Apartments, North Branch is now accepting applications for wait list. Senior 62+, subsidized must meet income requirements. Call for appointment 651-674-7497.

JOB OPENINGS The public-private partnership between the Loppet Foundation and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is being solidified with agreements to further the MPRB’s Master Plan for Theodore Wirth Regional Park by establishing a new Adventure and Welcome Center in the park.

The Loppet Foundation is hiring for the following job openings: • • • • •

Family Fun Zone Sponsor

INSIGHT

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WAIT LIST

Residents must meet income guidelines.

Rent based on income at some locations.

Our Fifteenth Anniversary Featuring

Phone: 612.588.1313

INH Properties manages Section 8, Section 42 and Rural Development projects in the following MN cities:

INH Properties is an equal opportunity housing company

Golden Thyme Coffee Café Presents...

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 or email tim@ tlhouston.com.

Gloria Freeman is President and CEO of Olu’s Center, an intergenerational childcare and senior day program, and can be reached at gfreeman@ olushome.com.

Photo courtesy artist

Norah Shapiro’s “Time for Ilhan” (working title) 2016

Adventure Center Director Adventure Center Maintenance Foreperson Marketing & Communications Manager Sponsorship Sales Manager Middle School Team Coaches

For the full job postings go to: www.loppet.org/jobs

Volunteer Opportunities Harvest Network of Schools Community service is calling, no need for stalling! The Harvest Network of Schools, a group of high-performing charter schools in north Minneapolis that includes Harvest Preparatory (K-4, coed), Best Academy (K8, single gender), and Mastery School (K-4, single gender), is currently recruiting volunteers to work with our 3rd and 4th grade students. We have three opportunities available; Breakfast Buddies, Academic Intervention, and Classroom Support.

Breakfast Buddies help with homework and reading to scholars.

This option is available Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. -8:15 a.m. Academic Intervention volunteers help with students needing additional support in math and reading, available Monday through Thursday from 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Classroom Support volunteers help teachers as needed, tasks will vary. This opportunity is needed any time throughout the day 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. We are requesting volunteers commit to 1-2 hours a week for a minimum of six weeks. HNS will provide training, onsite support from volunteer manager, and recognition at the end of the year. Applicants must complete an application and criminal background check. If interested please contact Marquita Butler at mbutler@seed-harvest.org or 612876-4033.

Page 10 • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com Red Baraat

The Era Footwork Crew

Ifrah Mansour of “Somalia’s Balloon”

Monday, Sept. 5 PLAY/PERFORMANCE ART “Somalia’s Balloon” Minnesota State Fairgrounds 1265 Snelling Ave., St. Paul $11-$13

Sept. 5 - 11

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

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

Written and performed by Ifrah Mansour, “Somalia’s Balloon” is a short educational play where a young girl retells the colonial history of Somalia using balloons and movement. The play explores Somali history from the perspective of children in hopes of gaining more understanding about the Somalis in Minnesota.

Tuesday, Sept. 6 FUNK/BHANGRA Red Baraat

Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. $35 Brooklyn Bhangra/funk crew slides into Minneapolis for a good ol’ Tuesday night party. If you are looking for a party different from the norm, this is your show.

Wednesday, Sept. 7 DANCE/JUKE MUSIC/ FOOTWORK DJ Manny, The Era Footwork Crew and Juke Nukem Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

18-plus $15 advance, $20 door Chicago Footwork producer DJ Manny and The Era Footwork

Crew join Juke Nukem at Honey for a unique night of footwork.

Friday, Sept. 9

Thursday, Sept. 8

ONE WOMAN SHOW

PLAY “Bars and Measures” Jungle Theater 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. $35-$48 Chicago poet, playwright and professor, Idris Goodwin presents a new play about a pair of musician brothers whose playing style is opposite their personalities. While one brother, a jailed Muslim, is committed to improvisational rhythms, the other is focused on the mastery of tightly structured formats. “Bars and Measures” runs through Oct 9.

“How Education Saved My Life” Best Academy 2131 12th Ave. N., Minneapolis 6 p.m.

“PHD to Ph.D.: How Education Saved My Life” is a powerful one woman show depicting the real life survival of human trafficking and sexual exploitation only to emerge transformed and triumphant.”

All ages Free For the first year on West Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis residents will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy their neighborhood streets without the presence of motorized traffic at Open Streets Broadway.

Sunday, Sept. 11 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Supa Bwe, Kembe X and Lucien Parker Amsterdam Bar & Hall 6 W. 6th St., St. Paul 6:30 p.m.

18-plus $15

Saturday, Sept. 10 FESTIVAL Open Streets Minneapolis: West Broadway West Broadway in North Minneapolis 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Chicago producer/MC on the rise, Supa Bwe joins Kembe X and Lucien Parker at the Amsterdam.

Ginger Commodore and friends perform at the Capri in tribute to Natalie Cole Ginger Commodore and an all-star cast of Twin Cities artists celebrate the life and music of Natalie Cole in “Sophisticated Lady: A Tribute to Natalie Cole.”

The tribute shows take place Saturday, Sept. 10 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, Sept. 11 (3 p.m.) at the Capri Theater, 2027 W. Broadway in North Minneapolis.

As the daughter of Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole rose to musical success as an R&B artist in the mid-1970s. Natalie Cole earned nine Grammy Awards, sold millions of records, and logged some 300 television appearances over her five-decade career. Commodore gravitated to Cole’s music early on and used it as a springboard for her singing and performing career.

“If Natalie recorded it, I learned it,”

said Commodore,.

Concertgoers will hear Natalie Cole’s hits, “This Will Be,” “Inseparable” and “Our Love” along with some jazz songs that she shared with her father including “Unforgettable.” The audience will also be treated to the musical stylings of Javier Santiago (piano), Tony Axtell (bass), Commodore’s son Brandon Commodore (drums), Deevo Dee (guitar) and Daryl Boudreaux (percussion). Sounds of Blackness alums, Ashley Commodore (Ginger Commodore’s daughter) and Chreese Jones will be on hand to provide additional vocals.

Tickets are $25 ($20 each for groups of 10 or more) and are available at www. thecapritheater.org or by calling (612) 343-3390.

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Page 11

CBCF to honor Cicely Tyson, Richard Roundtree and Dionne Warwick with Lifetime Achievement Awards WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legendary actors Cicely Tyson, Richard Roundtree and music icon Dionne Warwick will accept awards for their lifetime achievements in the arts during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.’s (CBCF) 20th Annual Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts.

The awards ceremony, which will take place Sept. 14, is organized in cooperation with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses Visual and Performance Arts Scholarship program. This event will mark the start of the CBCF’s 46th Annual Legislative Conference, one of the nation’s leading public policy conferences. “With a lifetime of entertaining and educating us, this year’s honorees have also distinguished themselves as remarkable leaders and passionate advocates for the arts

of Leadership in the Fine Arts has raised funds to support the CBC Spouses Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship Fund. Twenty scholarships are awarded annually to students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the arts, based on their creative talent, academic excellence, financial need and community service. Two of this year’s scholarship recipients, vocalist Lindsey Reynolds and Justin Syas, a pianist, will perform during the event. “We have supported arts

David Shankbone

Cicely Tyson

Richard Roundtree

Dionne Warwick

and arts education,� said CBCF president and CEO, A. Shuanise Washington. “Their outstanding contributions and continuing commitment to the arts make

them ideal to help elevate the visibility of the CBC Spouses Visual and Performance Arts Scholarship Program. The awards are conferred on artists

whose legacy includes not only extraordinary works but a commitment to cultivating future generations of artists.�

Since 1996, the Celebration

education for 20 years through the Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts, during a time when arts education has decreased in many schools,� said Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, chair of the Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts. “We will continue to highlight the contributions of great artists while raising money to support aspiring scholarship recipients as it reinforces the importance of art and its impact in our communities.�

SNAPSHOTS Uncle Charlie and Fantasia rock the fair There is a fountain of youth out there and clearly, Charlie Wilson has found it.

The singer who has been entertaining us since the 1970s when he was the lead singer of the Gap Band headlined at the Minnesota State Fair opening weekend. To the delight of thousands, “Uncle Charlie� gave a performance of a lifetime. Rivaling a Broadway or Vegas-styled show, complete with multiple wardrobe changes for Wilson, the band and his dancers (who themselves put on quite the show), this show delivered in every way.

Wilson’s voice is as tuned as it has ever been and he hasn’t lost a step in the dance department

either. Charlie’s show was a testament to the human spirit, coming back better than ever after battling drug addiction and homelessness. And he is 63 years old. Bottom line, the man put on a show.

Good thing Uncle Charlie brought it, because he might have been booed off the stage if he didn’t because Fantasia, who opened, put in work herself.

The former “American Idol� winner sounded as good as she looked (in her black spandex bodysuit). Looking at Fantasia it’s easy to see the influences of Tina Turner and James Brown (both who she covered during the performance) on a still young Fantasia. Back to that bottom line again, Charlie and Fantasia killed it.

(Polo) fresh is the word Cloudy skies didn’t stop the people from shining as style icon Raynardo Williams celebrated his birthday Aug. 27 at Seven Sushi and Ultralounge.

Slated to take place on the rooftop, the Polo Classic themed day party moved inside, but the bright, colorful outfits of those out to wish “Nardo� happy birthday provided the warmth and DJ Willie Shu provided the heat. Well-wishers included Nick Hooks, Rex Smith, Corey and Ieesha Collins, Stephanie Lewis, Melanie Lewis, Bree Turner, Stacey Clark, Desralynn Cole and even some of Nardo’s Kappa brothers from Rochester made the trip up to celebrate with the style star.

David Bradley

PHOTOS ON PAGE 12

Charlie Wilson

B ES BE STTOOF22001111 F

Lyndale Ave N

Aldrich Ave N

Bryant Ave N

Dupont Ave N

Emerson Ave N

Fremont Ave N

Girard Ave N

Penn Ave N

West Broadway

N Irving Ave

James Ave N

C

West Broadway

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

11am – 5pm

N Morgan Ave

N Newton Ave

Dance. Play. Explore!

KMOJ stage at Broadway and Penn Minneapolis Public Schools Stage at the Davis Center (Broadway and Girard)

West Broadway between Lyndale & Penn Ave N (parking at Cub Foods and the Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center)

KBEM Radio at the West Broadway Farmers Market (Broadway and Aldrich)

Join us in North Minneapolis!

Kid Zone from Knox to Newton featuring New Horizon Academy, the West Broadway YMCA, Flag Ship Recreation

westbroadway.org/open-streets openstreets@westbroadway.org

Wellness Zone from Emerson to Aldrich featuring Broadway Family Medicine, NorthPoint Clinic, Nura Holistic Massage & Bodywork

Food by Soul 2 Go, Gastrotruck, Xstream Cuisine, Breaking Bread Cafe, Sammy’s Avenue Eatery and many more Check out the annual Battle of the Badges: Minneapolis Fire and Police Department BBQ JVVR VɈ H[ 5VY[O *VTTVUZ 7HYR [OL Ă„YZ[ HUU\HS :OYPTW *YHI HUK *YH^Ă„ZO )VPS H[ [O :[YLL[ :HSVVU HUK [OL Ă„YZ[ ever Boom Island Beer Garden Stage sponsored by Broadway Liquor Outlet at the new Freedom Square (across from the Capri Theater) 12-9.

Page 12 • September 5 - September 11, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Photos above: David Bradley. Below: Harry Colbert, Jr.

Above: Charlie Wilson and Fantasia. Below (l-r): 1. Showing the love, it’s Taylor Fuentez (left) and Nick Hooks (right) planting kisses on Liliana Sikakane; daughter to Fuentez and goddaughter to Hooks. 2. Devonda Scott, Ieesha Collins and Akilah Mahon show us there are levels to this as they pose for a layered photo. 3. Dadri Mcleod and Jahvaughn Mcleod rocking the black and white fits. 4. In the mix with DJ Willie Shu.

FALL2016-17

BROADWAY SONGBOOK

MARTHA REDBONE

SHAPING SOUND

TICKETS ON SALE

NOW

STOMP

BROADWAY SONGBOOK®: REBELS ON BROADWAY*

STEP AFRIKA! +

HITS FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON, HAMILTON, FUN HOME, AND MORE

OCT 29

SEPT 23-25 & 29-30

THE SCHUBERT CLUB, THE SAINT PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, AND ORDWAY present

THE MIGRATION: REFLECTIONS ON JACOB LAWRENCE

SPHINX VIRTUOSI

MARTHA REDBONE +

WITH CATALYST QUARTET OCT 30

BONE HILL: THE CONCERT OCT 8

THE SCHUBERT CLUB AND ORDWAY present

TRAVIS WALL’S SHAPING SOUND: DANCE REIMAGINED

NPR’S FROM THE TOP WITH HOST CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY

OCT 14

NOV 13

STOMP THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

OCT 18-23

NOV 22 & 23

GROUPS 10+ SAVE BIG 651.224.4222 TTY651.282.3100

ORDWAY.ORG * MUSICAL THEATER SERIES SPONSORED BY + WORLD MUSIC & DANCE SERIES SPONSORED BY

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.