Insight News ::: 09.11.17

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Insight News September 11 - September 17, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 37• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Black to the future TURN TO PAGE 2

New mural goes up at Juxtaposition Arts. Juxtaposition

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Leading with art:

Black to the future: Aspects of Black Liberation By Abeni Hill Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA) has new mural on Emerson Avenue North titled “Aspects of Black Liberation” and it chosen as this week’s cover for Insight News. It was created by JXTA young artist apprentices ranging from ages 15 to 21.

The artists were part of the Contemporary and Public Arts Labs. This work of art combines the concepts of Afrofuturism and the work of Harlem Renaissance painter, Aaron Douglas. “We chose Aaron Douglas for his bold style and aesthetic, Afrocentric imagery and themes he explores in his works, which include issues of race and

segregation,” said JXTA instructor, Jordan Hamilton. Hamilton also mentioned the mural project fell in alignment with Black August, a month where JXTA staff and artist apprentices as well as people in the AfricanAmerican community take time to learn about Black history. “In the spirit of observing Black August as a time to

learn and study Black history, we learned about Douglas’ work and payed homage to him through drawing inspiration from his work for our mural,” said Hamilton. “During the Harlem Renaissance Douglas’s work was at the forefront of an art movement that was in some ways a precursor to Afrofuturist movements of today.”

Hamilton explained the concept of Afrofuturism in art. “Afrofuturism combines history and speculative fiction through the lens of Black culture and history,” said Hamilton. “We reference Afrofuturist works because of their capability to impact change in culture, technology, etc. as an art form.”

The instructor and artist said Afrofuturist work helps the community of the Black diaspora progress through acknowledging the past and present realities it faces. “Through (re)imagining futures (and) centering ourselves, we can add agency in our lives and how we move forward as a community,” said Hamilton.

TIME recognizes State Rep. Ilhan Omar Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (DFL60B) international star continues to rise. Omar will grace select covers of the Sept. 18 issue of TIME Magazine as a part of its “First” cover series, featuring 46 influential women who broke the glass ceiling in a profession, vocation or other arena. Omar made news this past November when she became the first Somali-American in the nation to become a state legislator. Omar replaced Phyliss Kahn, who she defeated in August of 2016, and who had served as 60B’s representative since 1973 – nine years longer than Omar has been alive. Omar, 35, was born in Somalia and moved to the U.S. as a refugee in 1995 when war broke out in her native country. A graduate of Minneapolis’ Edison High School, Omar holds a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and is a fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Since emerging as a political leader, Omar has been featured on several

national shows, including MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” and as a guest on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” “My family called me the ‘why kid’ growing up. I always needed to know why something is happening, why I had to do something, why whatever. I still am that way. I constantly question myself, I question those around me, I question policy and reasoning behind everything,” Omar told TIME. The Minneapolis representative is in esteemed company. Others featured in the series include Oprah Winfrey, former attorney general, Loretta Lynch, television mogul, Shonda Rhimes, gymnast, Gabby Douglas, Hillary Clinton, former secretary of state, Madeleine Albright and Little League sensation, Mo’ne Davis. Omar’s full interview is available online at www. time.com/collection/ firsts/4898550/ilhan-omarfirsts.

Rep. Ilhan Omar on the cover of a Sept. 18 edition of TIME Magazine.

Confederate statues fall, but economic racism lingers NNPA Newswire Columnist By Julianne Malveaux

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Cheers to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, one of the first mayors to take Confederate statues down and to make the strong point that these statues represent nothing but oppression. More cheers to Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh who had statues removed in the dead of night to avoid Charlottesvilletype confrontations between racist white supremacists (also known as “good people” according to “45”) and those who oppose them. And though he does little that I agree with, in the interest of equal praise, I must lift up Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who had the statue of Roger Taney removed from the Maryland House. Taney was an especially vile racist who authored the Dred Scott decision in 1857. He wrote that Black people had no rights that whites were bound to respect, and provided justification for enslavement, even as many in the rest of the nation were clamoring against the unjust institution. As the statues are falling, economic racism is not fading. African-Americans still earn just 60 percent of what whites earn. We have just 7 percent of the wealth that whites have. The unemployment rate for Black workers is double the unemployment rate of white workers. Even with equal incomes, Blacks find it more challenging to get mortgages or other access to capital and our economic rights are being challenged every day. It is important to note that these statues were not erected immediately after the Civil War. Of course, Southern Confederates were too broke to build statues. They were still trying to recover from the

devastation of the Civil War. How did they plan to recover? They needed a captive labor force to work their fields, just as enslaved people had before the war. So they ensured quasicaptivity through intimidation. That need was partially responsible for the emergence of the KKK. They inspired fear, suppressed resistance, and, through Black Codes and Jim Crow, engineered the near-reenslavement of Black people. Black people who wanted to leave the South after the end of Reconstruction had to do it in the dead of night. Black people, who had land, were often forced to concede it or be killed. The Emergency Land Fund, a now-defunct organization that documented the Black loss of land, indicated that Black folks lost as much as 90 percent of their accumulated land by 1970, at least partially due to trickery and intimidation. The origins of the wealth gap lie in this loss of land, and in the intimidation that kept African-American people in near-slave status in the South. Confederate statues, flags and Klan activity appeared wherever there was resistance – during and after the reconstructions, in the 1920s, after the Red Summer of 1919 and the return of Black men from World War I. Again, we saw the rise of this activity, these statues and these flags, in the 1950s as the Civil Rights Movement pushed hard for equality. When people talk about taking “their” streets back, what they really mean is they want Black people (and other people of color) in their place; in their economic place and that place, for them, is subordinate. So while Confederate statues are falling (not quickly enough – there are more than 700 of these odious symbols still standing), and Confederate flags are waving less frequently, the economic racism the Confederacy established is alive and well. Just ask the young Black couple redlined away from a banking opportunity, or the innocent arrested person who can’t pay bail. Ask the Black

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Last month the statue of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy, was removed from the campus at the University of Texas. student whose loan burden is nearly twice that of her white counterpart, or the Black woman who pays more, and at a higher interest rate, for a car loan. Sure, we have come a long way since those ugly days of enslavement or stark segregation, but some power comes from the Benjamins. And, according to some estimates, it will take more than 200 years to close the wealth gap. The statues may be falling, but economic racism is alive and well. While I commend Republicans Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott, John McCain and so many others for condemning their president for his abject and ugly racism, I wonder if any of them would be so forceful in condemning economic racism, or in advocating for reparations. Absent their willingness to do that, they can earn style points for their remarks, but they do not seem prepared to change the harsh realities of Black life in our country today. I challenge those who would tear down the statues and take down the flags to show equal zeal in tearing down the walls of economic racism. Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her podcast, “It’s Personal with Dr. J” is available on iTunes. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available to order at www.juliannemalveaux.com at Amazon.com.

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Insight News September 11 - September 17, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 37• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Condemnation ensues as Trump Administration ends DACA By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor @HarryColbertJr While much of the U.S. population was focused on the devastation during and following Hurricane Harvey and keeping an eye on the approaching Hurricane Irma, the nation’s president was looking for ways to further peel away the legacy of President Barack Obama. That is how it seemed to many when on Sept. 5 President Donald Trump’s attorney general, Jeff Sessions, announced the administration would rescind Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood TIME

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Attorney General Jess Sessions announcing the end to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Part six in a series on the new Thor Headquarters at Penn and Plymouth Avenues North

Transformation: Project coordination By Randall Bradley Architect As Thor Constructions’ new building rises out of the hole at the southeast corner of Plymouth and Penn Avenues North, people will begin to notice the progress of construction. The workers are diligently and methodically building, erecting and constructing this building. The work may appear to be moving slowly, but this is the nature of construction. Measure twice and cut once . . . and hurry up and wait. Construction moves by a time schedule, measured in calendar weeks, and written out before the first shovel of dirt was turned. This week is construction week number 24. The work will continue for many more weeks until the building is finished and weather-tight. The work will be done carefully, precisely,

methodically and smoothly until completion. The desire for this work to appear to be smoothly undertaken has involved lots of people. The best explanation is in two parts. First, visualize a three-legged stool. The seat of the stool is the project, or in this case the building itself. It is supported by the three legs. One leg represents the owner. The second leg represents the architectural/engineering team and their consultants. The third leg represents the general contractor or builder and all of the sub-contractors. What we see is the “third leg” constructing the “seat” of the building. Typically, neither the owner nor the architects/engineers will make daily visits to the site. In the second part of the operation the field superintendent or project manager, or job captain as this position is named, coordinates all on-site actions and activities. He or she directs

the sub-contractors, vendors, suppliers; orders building materials and coordinates the calendar schedule with the installation, completion and erection dates. Some items ordered at the beginning of the project and require fabrication by an off-site manufacturer can be labeled as “long-lead” items due to the length of time before their arrival at the site. While the second explanation is based on the reality of the first explanation – no work can be undertaken without the contract documents (drawings and specifications) as produced by the architects, engineers and other necessary consultants.

This stool represents the relationship dynamic between the project, owner and the architectural/engineering team and their consultants and the general contractor when erecting a structure.

The Commission The projects the architect undertakes are referred to as “commissions.” This is because the design professionals have been commissioned by the owner to provide professional design, engineering and other

consultant services to complete the project. Professional design services are provided by architects, professional engineers (civil, structural, mechanical and electrical), land surveyor’s, landscape architects, geologists, soil scientists, and certified interior designers. All of these professionals require an undergraduate or graduate degree, an apprenticeship or internship period and the successful passing of their respective registration exam. Then they are all licensed through the state. All of these titles are protected words and can only be used by those legally designated to perform these services. For this project, LSE Architects assembled a team consisting of a land surveyor, landscape architect, civil engineer, structural engineer,

TRANSFORMATION 7

Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. facilitates training Oct. 10 and Oct. 11

Ujamaa Place brings Nonviolence365 to Minnesota Ujamaa Place is seeking to address the violence in Minnesota. On Oct. and Oct. 11 group of nearly 130 men will take part in a training facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s youngest daughter, Bernice King, along with a team representing The King Center (The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change). Nonviolence365 Education and Training encourages people embrace and actualize nonviolence as a lifestyle. The goal of the training is to empower participants to have a posture of nonviolence in their thinking, speaking and acting. It teaches changing the way individuals approach problems,

conflict, tension, violence and differences by providing a holistic means for responding in a nonviolent manner. Ujamaa Place serves men who have been involved in the criminal justice system. Most have grown up in systemic poverty and have lived a life of survival in families that often don’t have what most would describe as basic needs. “It is time to take sustainable action and avoid fingerpointing and the blame game,” said Otis Zanders, executive director of Ujamaa Place. “The herculean problem requires an innovative and collaborative solution. The solution requires a sustainable strategy based on empowering people most

Bernice King

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Airbnb offers Despite Unequal Treatment, Black opportunities for Women Will Rise communities of color

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Don’t complain, Millennials mean activate future growth

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War on opioids hurts Zimbabwean sickle wins cell disease nurse HIV patients award for research groundbreaking work

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affected by the problem.” «My parents believed, as do I, that nonviolence is the answer to the crucial moral and political questions of our time,” said King. “By leading the organizing of the upcoming Nonviolence365 Education and Training, Ujamaa Place is helping to provide the answer and the path for young men to reengage community with great purpose. Further, the deep disparities in education and economics that exist in communities of color in Minnesota cannot be ignored and will not correct themselves. Strong community partnerships are required

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The Chronicles of and Minnesota senator Miss Freedom Fighter, congresswoman voice Esquire: Ending mass support for PPGJLI incarceration celebration

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Danny Glover partnered with Airbnb to engage communities of color

Airbnb offers economic opportunities for communities of color By Danny Glover NNPA Newswire Guest Columnist The history of housing in America is a history of discrimination. Even as people of color have made strides in countless other areas of American life, home ownership – and the intergenerational wealth that comes along with it – remains out of reach for far too many. Even Frederick Douglass, when buying his first home in 1892, noted the importance of home ownership in building community wealth for African-Americans. While being committed to economic justice we must also rethink how we cultivate strong dynamic communities of inclusion and belonging. That is why I have started working with Airbnb and will be serving as an adviser for their efforts to engage communities of color, ensuring members of these communities are taking advantage

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of the economic opportunity of hosting on the Airbnb platform. I know Airbnb has had its own share of challenges in this arena – but working with them, I’ve seen first-hand how committed they are to getting it right. And I have been incredibly heartened to see the resources, desire and drive they are directing towards ensuring that their service is used fairly and inclusively. Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity of meeting numerous AfricanAmerican and Latinx Airbnb hosts, each of whom has impacted me deeply. There are more stories than I could share, but I do want you to know about a couple of the hosts I met. In Brooklyn, I met Michelle – who has seen the cost of living in the rapidly gentrifying BedfordStuyvesant neighborhood increase tremendously since she moved there 20 years ago. Ordinarily, Michelle would have had to move to another neighborhood. But by renting out her garden apartment on Airbnb, she could not only

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Danny Glover says Airbnb represents a host of possibilities for marginalized communities, particularly those of color. afford to stay in the neighborhood, but could also help pay her daughter’s way through college. Cia, a host I met in San Francisco, raised her children as a single mother – and is now raising a granddaughter as well. Today, Airbnb helps her make ends meet for her whole family, and in the years ahead, Cia says Home sharing will make it possible for her to retire.

These are just a few of the many stories I have heard with people from all different backgrounds using Airbnb as a bridge to financial stability and even homeownership. These stories are not the exception either. In the U.S., the typical Airbnb U.S. host earns $6,100 every year they share their home. In many cases, Airbnb can even be the difference between hosts having to give up their homes and earning income from them. An estimated 62 percent of United States hosts report home sharing has helped them afford to stay in their home, while 12 percent of North American hosts say that it actually saved them from eviction or foreclosure. Home sharing also allows communities traditionally underserved by the tourism industry to reap the financial rewards of travel, with the share of Airbnb bookings in communities of color in some major cities exceeding the share of local hotel rooms that can be found in them. African American, Latinx,

By Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.) As I write this, I am preparing to travel with my colleagues to

Nigeria, where I will have the honor of meeting some of the Chibok girls who were released after two waves of negotiations between Boko Haram and Nigerian government officials. It is my fourth trip to Nigeria since April 14, 2014, when the terrorist group shocked the world by abducting nearly 300 schoolgirls from their dormitory rooms. More than three years later, 113 of the original 276 Chibok girls are still being held captive. Many of the girls who escaped their kidnappers on that fateful

night or have since been released have remarkably not allowed this hugely traumatic ordeal to diminish their determination to pursue an education. It is my mission to help ensure that they, and indeed every girl in Nigeria, have the opportunity to go as far as their desire to learn will take them. Before Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn into office, the president-elect wrote in a New York Times oped about the urgent necessity to educate girls so that “they will grow up to be empowered through

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Agenda, which established the goal of doubling the size of its U.S. host community in urban majority-minority districts and underserved areas within the next two years. This will be achieved through partnerships with national and local organizations and onthe-ground events and trainings to help more people understand the economic opportunity that home sharing can provide. Airbnb and the NAACP have also established a partnership to increase the participation of hosts of color and increase tourism to neighborhoods of color, to diversify Airbnb’s workforce, and to commit a share of Airbnb’s revenue to supporting civil rights initiatives. The fight for fairer housing won’t be easy – and it won’t be over anytime soon. But you can be part of making a difference right now. Danny Glover is an actor, director, producer and humanitarian. You can follow Danny Glover on Twitter @ MrDannyGlover.

When you educate a girl, you educate a nation

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Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Gloria Freeman Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Artika Tyner Toki Wright

and other communities of color are some of home sharing’s fastest growing host communities in the U.S, which is a step in the right direction. But the underlying housing market is still fundamentally unfair – and, disappointingly, even as we have made progress in other areas, the Airbnb community can sometimes reflect the broader discriminatory realities of present-day American society. Working with the Airbnb community first-hand – which includes its executive leaders, employees, and hosts – has allowed me to witness just how committed they are to addressing these issues proactively. They issued a report on building inclusion and engaged with civil rights leaders across the country. I see this as a continuation of the work I have done throughout my life, fighting for fairness and equality for working people, including hotel workers and supporting union workers, which both of my parents were. In March, Airbnb unveiled its Economic Empowerment

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Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) says that a lack of education has been a key factor in Boko Haram’s ongoing ability to successfully recruit young men and boys. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) (left) speaks during a candlelight vigil for the missing Chibok school girls in front of the State Department in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2016. learning to play their full part suggests will greatly benefit both as citizens of Nigeria and pull their families and ultimately themselves up and out of poverty.” the nation by equipping it with He rightly surmised that the a workforce that is prepared to country owed at least that much to help undo the extensive damage the Chibok schoolgirls, whose fate that has occurred during Boko at that time was gravely uncertain. Haram’s reign of terror. I look forward to working with the A lack of education has been nation’s activists and government a key factor in Boko Haram’s leaders to examine ways to help ongoing ability to successfully Buhari keep that pledge. recruit young men and boys There is an African proverb and continue to replenish losses that says, “If we educate a boy, we incurred in battle with the educate one person. If we educate Multinational Joint Task Force. a girl, we educate a family – and While the insurgents teach a whole nation.” Fifty percent of boys, that “Western education Nigeria’s population is female, is sinful,” educated mothers are so it borders on the absurd to not living examples of the critical role push for them to receive the “best education plays in determining possible education” that Buhari one’s future success. Those boys promised in his opinion piece. grow up viewing a world full of They will in turn ensure that their possibility and opportunities and children – boys and girls – are are therefore extremely unlikely educated, which as the proverb to see the appeal of becoming a terrorist. Girls can change the world and there is no better example of that than the young Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who was famously shot in the head at age 16 for daring to question the Taliban’s efforts to deny her right to an education. In addition to becoming the first recipient of her country’s peace prize, being named one of Time magazine’s most influential people, and receiving the United Nations Human Rights Award, she is the world’s youngest Nobel laureate. Malala has earned global acclaim for championing education for girls around the world, including Nigeria, and after completing her studies at Oxford University will return to her native Pakistan to continue those efforts. It is my hope that the Chibok girls, some of whom met with Yousafzai this summer, will be inspired to follow her path, one on which tragedy is turned into triumph. Rep. Frederica Wilson represents Florida’s 24th Congressional District, including parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

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For NAACP

Millennials mean future growth By Lauren Poteat NNPA Newswire Contributor As Derrick Johnson assumes the role of interim president of the NAACP, leaders of the nation’s oldest Black civil rights organization say that young people must come first. Youth-led civil rights groups like Color of Change, Black Youth Project 100 and Dream Defenders have effectively used technology and social media to advance their causes online and around the world, while critics of the NAACP question the group’s relevancy, as it struggles to connect to a younger generation that doesn’t always relate to the battles of Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. During a press conference

held on July 21, kicking off the group’s national convention in Baltimore, many NAACP officials and affiliates gathered to address a critical need to keep millennials active and engaged within the organization. “We have a responsibility to lift up the least of us, but most importantly to put our hands on the young people,” said Baltimore’s mayor, Catherine Pugh. “We can change the trajectory of our lives. Let’s have some real conversations around guns in the community killing our children, because we need (our children) to grow up and be a part of the future of our nation.” In order to ensure that such goals come into fruition, NAACP Washington, D.C. branch president, Akosua Ali, announced the launch of a national Next Generation Young Professional Leadership Program to train

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NAACP D.C. branch President Akosua Ali gives remarks during a press conference during the group’s 108th national convention in Baltimore, Md. eligible millennials for leadership roles in the NAACP. The initiative is in line with

the NAACP’s National Youth and College Division that cultivates young civil rights leaders.

Messages promoting the division were prominently displayed during the convention. “This national convention will be critical in transforming the association,” said Ali. “The Youth and College Division continues to train and cultivate young leaders that are activists within their own community and, because of that, the NAACP will launch a Next Generation Young Professional Leadership Program geared toward training young adults between the ages of 21 and 35 (for positions in the NAACP). These positions include, but are not limited to, political action chairs, health chairs, environmental justice chairs and branch leaders. We have been very fortunate to have the support of national and youth board members, who have all given input into what is needed for young people to remain active to remain engaged and to be strong

leaders within this organization and we are immensely excited about the future of the NAACP through this program.” Eager to see the organization grow and move forward, Hiruy Hadgu, a NAACP member from Howard County, Md., shared his views on the organization’s plan to ramp up efforts to actively engage and recruit younger members. “I joined the NAACP after the 2016 election and was responsible for helping my chapter revamp membership efforts, which proved difficult, as we had a hard time keeping up with who was a member or not. A lot of the processes seemed old and outdated and overall didn’t really seem to engage people,” said Hadgu. “I’m only 31, but with these challenging times, I think it’s very important to really re-engage with the community...especially our youth.”

Radical thoughts about nonprofit boards FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw “How many of your current board members are actually worth paying?” “If you had to pay your members what board positions would you fund?” These questions caught our eye as we read a promotional piece for a book about philanthropy. The author, Jimmy LaRose, poses provocative ideas in “ReImagining Philanthropy.” He promotes the idea that boards are not about governance, visioning, policy-making, volunteerism or management. He believes these roles should be filled by a strong CEO. He advocates for a board of six experts who cover the areas of law, communications and marketing, entrepreneurship and accounting. They should be joined by an individual with expertise in

your area of programming and a nonprofit expert. That’s it. Their role – in LaRose’s opinion – is to fulfill obligations related to IRS compliance. The remaining roles attributed to board members, he believes, can be filled be advisors. Reading the promotion piece triggered a major question for us. How would an executive director and staff prepare for a board meeting knowing that board members were being paid $1,000 per day plus travel expenses (LaRose’s idea)? How would the board chair and the board members prepare? Would the level of preparation required by all parties increase? What items would be on the agenda? How would the time be used during the meeting, and what type of follow up would occur? Would you pay your board members to attend a board meeting? Would you pay them to participate in a teleconference? What would you expect in return? Are your expectations tied to compensating board members for their time? Are you uncomfortable asking board members to bring their expertise to the table without pay? If yes, why do you feel that way? If you are a board

member, do you treat your board responsibilities differently from your professional obligations? Do you bring your “A game” to board meetings? Here are a few other questions. Do you believe the board should determine the vision, or should that be decided by the executive? In general terms, do you operate with a strong executive or a strong board? Who is setting direction for your organization? Does it make a difference? Finally, we know many small colleges and emerging nonprofits struggle with who is actually responsible for ensuring sustainability, responsiveness and innovation. Is it the board? The executive? What are your thoughts? What is the way forward? Disclaimer, we haven’t read “Re-Imagining Philanthropy” in its entirety and are not endorsing it. Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon. com. For more information visit saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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Insight 2 Health

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Zimbabwean nurse wins HIV research award for groundbreaking work (GIN) – As an epidemiologist, Chenai Mathabire is a hardworking researcher, conducting TB screening tests and observing the effects of longterm use on the emergence of non-communicable diseases in HIV patients. But sometimes there is a chance to do more, as when a woman came into the clinic who was very, very sick. After testing the patient, Mathabire started her on HIV medications. “Once she started the treatment, she was better and better,” recalled Mathabire. “Right now, she comes to the clinic by herself and she said ‘I don’t know what I would have done had my relatives not brought me here.’ If you had seen her when she first came in and now when she came in on her own to pick up her meds … for me it was something very nice.” Last month, Mathabire, working with Doctors without Borders (MSF), was awarded the HIV/TB Research Prize at this year’s International AIDS Society Conference in Paris. Mathabire, working in Malawi and Mozambique, produced scientific evidence that an easy-to-use TB test can be rolled out as a diagnostic tool in community healthcare clinics. «In Malawi, some HIV patients with suspected TB were

DACA From 3 Arrivals (DACA). Under DACA individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children – some 800,000; most who only know the United States to be their home – are afforded protections from deportation and allowed to legally attend public schools and maintain employment. With Sessions’ announcement, those protections will go away unless

COURTESY OF DOCTORS WITHOUT BOARDERS

Chenai Mathabire

Congress acts within the next six months. Condemnation of the act by the Trump Administration was swift and crossed party lines. “We’re putting kids, young people in jeopardy, this is not the America that we all love, this is a melting pot,” said Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R). “If the dreamers want to go somewhere and live, come to Ohio, we want all the immigrants to come to Ohio, we know how much immigrants contribute. We don’t want to take young people and ship them out of our country. They are great contributors.”

Kasich, who sought the Republican nomination for president, called Trump’s actions immoral. Here in Minnesota the reaction was much the same. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-5th Dist.), who is the DNC co-chair, was pointed in his rebuke of Trump’s decision on DACA, calling it racist. “Despite overwhelming bipartisan support for DACA youth, the president is catering to people who are extremist and prejudiced. President Trump cannot separate his decision to coddle the neo-Nazis and the

KKK in Charlottesville from his cruel decision to slam the door in the face of Dreamers,” said Ellison in a statement. “It’s what he means when he says ‘Make America Great Again.’ Taken as a whole, his presidency represents a step backwards to the bad old days before ‘liberty and justice for all’ was a commonly accepted idea.” Ellison said Trump has turned his back on nearly 800,000 people who call themselves Americans. “President Trump’s decision to terminate the DACA program is a devastating betrayal of the hundreds of thousands of youth who placed their trust in our government,” said Ellison. “For the past five years, DACA has provided a pathway to hope and prosperity for nearly 800,000 young people across our nation, including almost 6,300 youth in Minnesota. DACA recipients make up the very fabric of our communities – as parents, students, veterans, law clerks, teachers, and more – and have lived almost their entire lives as Americans. The President’s

decision will damage their futures and tear families apart. It is cruel and un-American.” Minnesota’s DFL chair agrees. “The Trump Administration’s heartless, cruel, and divisive action to end DACA goes against our morals and the very premise of the United States of America,” said DFL Chairman Ken Martin in a statement. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman (D) called the president’s actions an attack on true American values. “President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is not only an attack on our immigrant youth, it is an attack on our values,” said Coleman in a statement. “DACA has provided hundreds of thousands of immigrant youth the opportunity to live, work and get an education without fear of deportation. Today DACA recipients are our friends, our neighbors, our students; tomorrow they’re our nurses, our engineers and our small-

waiting months for laboratory or X-ray results to come back,” said the nurse. “Our test doesn›t replace existing tests, but adding this test helps us identify more TB cases and can improve the patients› chances of survival.» Mathabire begin working with MSF in 2011 in her home country, Zimbabwe, as a nutrition coordinator and counselor working with survivors of gender-based violence. She then progressed to being an MSF clinic manager in Harare. Her first international assignment with MSF was to Uzbekistan, where she developed and implemented a patient support system for HIV-positive patients. Soon afterwards, she headed to Bo in Sierra Leone, to implement and improve an ambulance system, to help save the lives of children and pregnant women facing emergencies. This intervention, which included training nurses to manage patients inside ambulances, substantially reduced maternal mortality rates. Mathabire spent her next two MSF assignments in South Sudan. First, she treated people wounded in heavy conflict and then she was involved in training and managing nurses in a primary healthcare center inside a refugee camp.

business owners. Ending DACA goes against the principles this country was built upon and the values for which it stands.” Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Ed Graff sent an email to staff, students and parents in support of DACA. “We are gravely concerned and stand with the leaders of many large urban school districts around the nation in speaking out against (the) White House announcement that the DACA program will be ended — whether now or in six months,” said Graff. “I know that many MPS employees, students and families are experiencing fear, uncertainty, anger and disappointment. Please know you continue to have the support of MPS as the implications of (this) announcement unfold. Please know you can come to work or school tomorrow and receive the same support and educational services that you did before this decision was announced. We continue to believe the words of our Board of Education, which stated in January that the role of a school district is not to ask about the citizenship or immigration status of any of its students or families. Our role is to educate students and we can only do that if our students and employees feel safe.” Not all were against Trump’s actions. Minnesota’s GOP chair, Jennifer Carnahan applauded the president for ending DACA and called his decision, “humane.” “The President’s actions on DACA are reasonable, humane and ensure we are a nation of laws, not merely executive actions,” said Carnahan in a press release. “The U.S. Constitution is clear on the subject. In Article 1, Section 8, Congress – not the president or judicial branch – is given the power to ‘establish a uniform rule of naturalization.’ President Obama’s implementation of DACA was unconstitutional, and instead of putting an immediate end to the program, President Trump rightly provided Congress the time to fashion a legislative solution to the issue. Unlike President Obama, President Trump is following the rule of law.”

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Insight News •September 11 - September 17, 2017 • Page 7

Minnesota senator and congresswoman voice support for PPGJLI celebration Minnesota’s Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Betty McCollum sent letters of support and recognition for the highly successful Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute’s (PPGJLI) Inaugural Community Celebration. “With the support of local businesses, we were able to raise over $2,000 and donate 200 books to children at our community celebration,” said Dr. Artika Tyner, CEO of PPGJLI. “Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute measures success one leader at a time. Every time we provide a young person with the tools to be a better leader in the future, then we are accomplishing our goals.” St. Paul Councilmember, Dai Thao, provided opening remarks to kick off the event that was held on July 15, a day that was declared Planting People Growing Justice Day by the City of St. Paul. The PPGJLI honored the accomplishments of three educators, Johnny Allen, Jr., Dorothy Barnes-Griswold, and Bishop Dr. Dorothy Blaylark-Hill. The celebration was the culmination of support and sponsorship by numerous entities, including Highland

Park Senior High School that hosted the festivities. The Science Museum of Minnesota served as a sponsor for the gala and hosted a science lab. White Castle manager, Marvin Wright, donated food for the celebration and the restaurant hosted a reading station. Michael Carter, Jr. provided the day’s music and Half Price books donated all the books that were distributed. Members of the Thrivent action team provided volunteers. PPGJLI conducts an extensive array of projects, programs and initiatives highlighting education, engagement and training to foster youth leadership on a global stage, particularly for girls and women. The organization mentors small business owners and was named by SCORE as an American Small Business Champion. The organization’s newest project will be the release of a children’s book in the fall, “Making a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire.” It features powerful female leaders that have made a major impact within multiple arenas.

Transformation

drawings and the specifications form the legal documents describing in detail all of the materials, components, systems, dimensions, locations, surfaces, finishes and coatings required for this entire project. The “three-legged stool” shows that the owner (leg one), has a direct legal contract with the architectural/engineering team (leg two), to produce the design, drawings and specification of the project, (the seat). These are legal documents and are part of the contract

that the builder (leg three), agrees to follow in their work to complete the construction of this project. There is no direct contract between the architectural/engineering team and the builder. But the team administers the contract on behalf of the owner. The means and the methods of construction are the territory of the general contractor and sub-contractors. No part of this project or any of these documents can be changed without written (or drawn) approval by the authorized

signatories to the contract. All changes, adjustments or modifications to the original documents must become legal before proceeding with any new work. There has been a lot of effort over a long period of time to eliminate any actions or sentences that begin with the words, “I thought …” All of the design professionals working on buildings of all types, road, bridges, airports, governmental facilities and for both public and private sector clients, do

so by their own initiative. This most often occurs in response to a request for proposal (RFP). The architect and their team submit a proposal in response to the requirements of the RFP. Proposals are typically in competition with other proposers. This can be as few as one other proposal, to as many as fifty. Competition can be fierce. The selection process is then completely in the hands of the owner/client. Selection can take weeks, even months. Eventually the selection

is made and the winning team is awarded the commission. It enters into negotiations to finalize the services to be provided, the schedule of document production, the critical dates, and the compensation. The project at Penn and Plymouth has more than 200 drawings, a 600-page specification, and a 12-month construction period, with a final completion date scheduled for Feb. 23.

to bring about change. My father’s nonviolent philosophy and methodology will provide strength, spirit and strategy for

these community partnerships. As The King Center and the world prepare to commemorate the 50th anniversary of my

father’s assassination on (April 4, 2018) we are honored to continue his legacy by educating 130 men in St. Paul on how to

create a more just, humane, peaceful world, beginning in their communities.” More information is on this

training is available at www. ujamaaplace.org/nonviolence365trade.

From 3 mechanical engineer, and an electrical engineer. There are 222, separate 30” x 42” sheets of drawings prepared for this project. Accompanying the drawings are the written specifications bound on 8-1/2” x 11” paper at more than 600 pages. The

Ujamaa From 3

Dr. Artika Tyner

Page 8 •September 11 - September 17, 2017 • Insight News

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Insight News •September 11 - September 17, 2017 • Page 9

Jamison Tyrone Floyd remembered It is with great sadness that the family of Jamison Tyrone Floyd, announces his passing on Aug. 18 at the age of 48 years. Jamison Tyrone Floyd, was born on Sept. 6, 1968, in Oklahoma City, the son of Luther Austin Edmondson (deceased) and Linda Merle Floyd (deceased). Floyd and his wife Rebekah Dye Floyd shared a loving relationship for many years and were blessed to be married on May 18. As a young boy, Floyd relocated from Oklahoma to St. Paul with his mother and brother, Christopher Floyd. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1986 and received an honorable discharge. He later went on to attend the University of Minnesota. Floyd became a proud father to Tayler Floyd, who seized his heart at first sight. He loved and nurtured her and helped her to blossom into an amazing young woman. One of the first things one would notice about Floyd was his unforgettable smile and his passion for living life to the fullest. His charisma was palpable, his joyfulness infectious. Floyd displayed tenacity in everything he put his mind to. He worked as an electrician by trade and was afforded the opportunity at what would become his dream job as an electrical

instructor at Summit Academy IOC. Not only did he love to teach and guide his students, he created and implemented the current curriculum that has allowed the success of those he has taught. Floyd a.k.a. “Lil Toy,� (a moniker he earned by the daredevil antics he displayed on his motorcycle), was president of Redline M.C. He was passionate about his club and the duties he carried out as the leader. He enjoyed the brotherhood and camaraderie they shared as well as the excitement and energy of the many social and charitable biker events. Floyd is survived by his wife Rebekah Floyd, daughter, Tayler Floyd, step-children Dominique Dye, Angelo Dye, step- grandchildren, Summer Harris, Sean Sanders, Sevan Sanders, grandmother, Violet Boone, brothers, Christopher Floyd, D’ Angelo Edmondson, Lamar Ross, sisters, De Shane Stephens, Angela Sparks, Shalonda Edmondson and a host of family and friends. Funeral services for Floyd were held on Sept. 9 at The Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis. A Celebration of his life followed at the Elks Club, 1614 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis.

Jamison Tyrone Floyd

ECMC Group supports North Child Development Center Northside Child Development Center (NCDC) celebrated the new school year by

hosting a back-to-school carnival for students and their families. Employees of

neighboring business, ECMC Group, volunteered at the carnival and also provided 62 backpacks

filled with supplies for the children as well as several boxes of additional school supplies for NCDC.

ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to help students succeed through programs

promoting financial literacy, college access and college completion.

Please Join

Estes Funeral Chapel &Cremation Services

Groundbreaking CEREMONY

Thursday, September 14th, 2017 @ 2 PM Employees of ECMC donated more than 60 backpacks to students of the Northside Child Development Center.

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(Across the street from our current location)

Phone: 612.588.1313

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

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St. Stephen’s Human Services has multiple career opportunities available in our emergency shelters for single adults. Our mission is Ending Homelessness. To join our team, visit ststephensmpls.org/join for details.

2210 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 612-521-6744

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Page 10 •September 11 - September 17, 2017 • Insight News

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Morgan Heritage

Thundercat

Monday, Sept. 11 JAZZ Charmin Michelle with Sam Miltich The Dunsmore Room at Crooners 6161 Highway 65 N.E., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. 21-plus $10 Hear the music of Billie Holiday with singer Charmin Michelle and Sam Miltich.

Tuesday, Sept. 12 Sept. 11 Sept. 24, 2017

HIP-HOP Neon Blaque Residency 331 Club 331 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis 8:30 p.m. 21-plus No cover

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

Every Tuesday in September hip-hop group, Neon Blaque, hosts a night of performers at 331 Club in Northeast Minneapolis.

Paul Slim, plays the Turf Club with Lizea Harper, Captive Agents and DJ Nasp.

Thursday, Sept. 14

FUNK/R&B

REGGAE

Thundercat First Avenue 701 1st Ave N, Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. 18-plus $20 advance, $25 door

Morgan Heritage with Dred I Dread Skyway Theatre 711 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 8 p.m. $20 advance Out on their “Avrakedabra” tour, reggae legends Morgan Heritage return to Minneapolis with hometown openers Dred I Dread.

Friday, Sept. 15

From his work with producer, Flying Lotus, to backing rock icons Suicidal Tendencies, to his own solo efforts, Thundercat is one the top tier of popular musicians.

Monday, Sept. 18

Ananya Dance Theatre: Shyamali-Sprouting Roots O’Shaughnessy Auditorium 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul 7:30 p.m. $20

Gorillaz Roy Wilkins Auditorium 175 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul 7:30 p.m. The animated band made up of 1990s rock stars and 2000-era hip-hop producers known for their collaborations with De La Soul, Kaytranada and Del the Funky Homosapien, plays a rare show in downtown St. Paul.

BOOK READING

Saturday, Sept. 16

Tuesday, Sept. 19

HIP-HOP

POETRY/SPOKEN WORD

KARAOKE

St. Paul Slim Turf Club 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul 7:30 p.m. 21-plus $8 advance, $10 door

Black Poet›s: On Building a Spaceship to get the … Barbette 1600 W. Lake St., Minneapolis 4 p.m. No cover

Karaoke at Sushi Tango Sushi Tango Uptown 3001 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis 9 p.m. 21-plus No cover

Baseball is a funny game. Last week the Kansas City Royals came to town for a three-game set. In the three games, the Twins outscored the Royals by 15 runs and lost two out of three. Really good pitching can challenge our guys, but, we have the components of a solid defense. The core of our lineup will mature. Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, and Jorge Polanco will soon develop into consistent, mature, destructive hitters. Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier are already mature hitters. Muguel Sano is a feared slugger. He will close the holes in his swing and get smarter at the plate. Kenny Vargas, like Sano

ROCK

Come Build Neighborhood Power North Regional Library 1315 Lowry Ave. N., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Los Angeles Sparks throwing down at Williams Arena; affectionally known as “The Barn.” This should be another doozie. Let’s hope we don’t have to see Magic Johnson’s (co-owner of the Sparks) 24-karat smile this year. I will be surprised, happily surprised, but mostly surprised if the Twins make the playoffs. They don’t have a playoff pitching staff and they are not yet a mature team. But, it’s great they are getting the experience of playing meaningful, late season games. This is the time to jump on their bandwagon. Within two years, they will be a legitimate threat to win it all if they can add as few as two solid pieces to their rotation.

Wednesday, Sept. 20

Thursday, Sept. 21

Powerhouse dance collective Ananya Dance Theatre presents a new work in St. Paul.

The Lit Crawl series will feature new poetry from Keno Evol and

Sushi Tango. Urban hipsters come for the karaoke and stay for the late night happy hour.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

DANCE PERFORMANCE

Exciting time for Minnesota sports fans This diehard fan had the opportunity to attend the Lynx’s last regular season game from Row 4, at “The X” (Xcel Energy Center). My takeaway is there is nothing dainty or ladylike about WNBA basketball. They ask no quarter and grant none. Elbows and hips seem to have sharp edges. Picks and screens are set with malice of forethought. Seems a lot like pass blocking in football. I fully expect the 2017 playoff and finals to be reprise of the 2016 edition. Our Lynx and the

Sunday, Sept. 17

Join in for a session on neighborhood and community organizing in North Minneapolis.

Hometown hip-hop great, St.

By Fred Easter Sports Editor

Fatima Camara.

Every Tuesday its karaoke at

Green Card Youth Voices: St. Paul SubText: A Bookstore 6 5th St. W., St. Paul 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Under the guidance of educator, Dr. Amy Hewett-Olatunde, and in collaboration with Hamline University graduate students, 30 immigrant student authors who come from 13 different countries, created individual online video narratives and written personal essays that can be found in the book to be read during the session.

Friday, Sept. 22 HIP-HOP Yo Gotti

Privé Minneapolis 315 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis Following up his signing to Roc Nation and the smash success of the single, “Rake It Up,” with Nicki Minaj, Memphis standout Yo Gotti hits Privé.

Saturday, Sept. 23 FILM “RoboCop” 35mm Screening and Costume Contest The Parkway Theater 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m. The Twin Cities Psychotronic Film Society presents a screening of the 1987 classic, “RoboCop, on 35mm film. Paired with a costume contest it’s sure to be weird fun.

Sunday, Sept. 24 THEATER Huge Theater POC Only Jam #10 Huge Theater 3037 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Coming off of some negative press about Clubhouse Jager’s owner supporting David Duke, Huge Theater mistakenly got wrapped up in the mess. A tenant of Julius De Roma (owner of Jager), Huge Theater was quick to stand up for inclusivity. This is a continuation of those efforts.

USA Today

Maya Moore (center), Rebekkah Brunson (left) and Seimone Augustus are ready to bring the WNBA crown back to Minnesota. has to get smarter at the plate and resist the temptation to go for the fences. He is already a serviceable backup at first. Sadly, the team has veterans, but, lacks veteran leadership across its two cultures and languages. Back in the day, teams had clubhouse “kangaroo courts” run by their senior veterans. The court assured the game was played the right way. With a court, Rosario would be fined for regularly overthrowing the cutoff man in an effort to show off his killer arm. Dozier would be “encouraged” to hit away from the pull shifts he faces, in those instances when a single would be as welcome as a homer.

I’m not yet convinced Mitch Garver is the long-range answer to our search for the number one catcher, Wilson Ramos, we traded away for Matt Capps. He’ll have to mature as a hitter and receiver, but, he shows promise in those areas, and, he can throw. In their current state of development, the Twins remind me of what old folks, back in New York used to say about the Brooklyn Dodgers, in the days when they couldn’t seem to win a World Series. “They’re hell when they’re well, but, they’re sick a lot.” Why do l have the sense that Viking coach Mike Zimmer’s job is on the line this year?

He has clearly been given the opportunity to remake the team to his specifications. He was/is touted as a defensive guru. It looks like the defense is going to have to score for the season to be a success. A lot of familiar names seem to have slipped out of town quietly. I hope our “rejects” don’t bite us in the hind parts. And, l hope Rick Spielman doesn’t learn Zimmer was best left in charge of a defense. A good head coach has to successfully balance the needs of the three parts of a team. Sam Bradford needs to have a threatening running game if he’s to be successful throwing the ball. What would Colin Kaepernick cost to sign?

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Insight News •September 11 - September 17, 2017 • Page 11

Priest: 10-year-old is hip-hop’s next up By Toki Wright www.Facebook.com/TokiWright Twitter:

Who’s going to be next to represent Twin Cities hip-hop? Several artists from across the metro clamor for the same spot. Some send sneak disses and complain about their amount of support. Others find their own way. That’s where 10-year-old Priest comes into the conversation. With support from his parents, Tryenese Jones and Stacey “StaGibbs� Jones of the group LUVJonZ, Priest is writing his own music and creating his own lane. TW: Who is Priest? Priest: I’m a Christian artist, and I do events around the neighborhood and all across the Northside (of Minneapolis). I perform at other places. Some of my very first [performances] were at certain events my parents did. The first event that I did was for Philando Castile; how he got killed by the police officer. My first events were volunteer. I also did one for the NAACP, New Cathedral, that’s where I kind of started. TW: What got you interested in making music? Priest: Definitely my

parents. My mom was a singer, my dad was a rapper. They really inspired me to make music. TW: What do you talk about in your music? Priest: Mainly God, justice, civil rights and blessed people. TW: Why do people need blessings today? Priest: In the world there is sin and injustice. People need to fight for rights, justice and culture. TW: Who are some of your biggest influences? Priest: My dad, Stacey Jones. TW: What’s it like growing up in the house full of musicians? Priest: Very fun. It’s not like we’re ever going to be silent. My Mom plays music in the mornings always. Sometimes we relax, but most of the time were making music and funny videos; and workouts in the house, too. TW: So, you put a project out not too long ago. What was it like putting together “My Lifestyle?� Priest: It came out July 15. It took a lot of hard work. Sometimes I would have to write and it would take the whole rest of my day. I would want to rush to play video games, but would have to finish. TW: What are some of

10-year-old hip-hop artist, Priest. your favorite songs on the project? Priest: My favorite of all is “Get M.A.D.� not necessary getting “mad� but making a difference. TW: What kind of difference do you mean? Priest: Don’t just sit there when see injustice going on. TW: What are some examples of injustice you see? Priest: Sometimes people just shoot Black men for no reason. Some Black men kill

other Black men. It’s just crazy. TW: What about your song “Black Boy?� Priest: You need to be proud of who you are. Because of the color of your skin, the world says you’re bad. You need to be proud of who you are. Black boys need to be proud. They are fearfully and wonderfully made. That’s why I made the song. Stacey Jones (StaGibbs): My wife and I decided to yank him from school (and homeschool) to give him a solid

foundation that the institution couldn’t teach him. With that we incorporate arts, faith, culture. Just to make sure he’s well equipped. Tryenese: Homeschool and the CD were both a spiritual call and a social call because even outside of homeschooling, God is directing us to see the gifts he has. He’s a drummer and definitely a comedian. I created a project-based curriculum for the last half year of our homeschool, which includes

creative arts, a music business plan, songwriting, teaching about royalties, things learned at McNally Smith (College of Music). He’s learning everything that goes into being an artist and making a CD and promoting it. TW: What are some of your goals as an artist? Priest: Really to bless people to make their hearts feel warm. I want to (honor) God because I want to make sure He’s proud (of me) to do what he called me to. If God gives you a purpose he’s going to let you fulfil that purpose. And I’m doing it for the fun. TW: What’s it like performing your own original music? Priest: The moment I get on stage I have about 999 butterflies in my stomach but when I start to rap I feel a lot better. TW: What’s it like raising a rapper? StaGibbs: I’d say it’s enriching. I remember when he was only a few months old he was trying to rap before he could talk, it was as if it were second nature. “My Lifestyle� is available at www.markmusicartists. bandcamp.com/track/mylifestyle.

Sept. 21 at Orchestra Hall

Cantus performs with Sweet Honey in the Rock Minnesota’s men’s vocal ensemble, Cantus, has long been inspired by the allfemale African-American performance ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock. Cantus welcomes Sweet Honey in the Rock to Minneapolis for an evening of music on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall,1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. The collaboration will feature separate sets by Cantus and Sweet Honey before the groups come together for a finale. One of the men’s favorite songs, “Wanting Memories,� was composed by former Sweet Honey ensemble member Ysaye Barnwell and is a Sweet Honey classic as well. The Cantus-Sweet Honey connection goes beyond “Wanting Memories.� Over the years, Cantus programming has included such Sweet Honey in the Rock standards as “Would You Harbor Me?� (also the title of Cantus’ Spring 2016 program), “I Remember, I Believe� and another commission by Barnwell,

“Tango With God,� which premiered in September 2015. “In addition to their musical achievements, we’ve admired Sweet Honey’s strong commitment to their artistic values and social justice mission. There is also symmetry and synergy with the Cantus mission to give voice to human experience. We could not be more excited or honored to be hosting the incredibly talented women of Sweet Honey in the Rock,� said Paul Scholtz, Cantus tenor. Sweet Honey in The Rock is a performance ensemble rooted in African American history and culture. Since 1973, the allfemale ensemble has educated, entertained and empowered its audiences and communities through the vehicles of a cappella singing and American Sign Language interpretation for the deaf and hearing impaired. Cantus-Sweet Honey in the Rock Concert tickets ($30$100) are available at www. minnesotaorchestra.org or at (612) 371-5656.

Sun Sailor photo by Curtis Johnson

Cantus

Photo from The Standard

Sweet Honey in the Rock

Band led by Wynton Marsalis plays Orchestra Hall Sept. 24

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra comes to town The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis returns to the Twin Cities. The concert takes place Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. inside Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis. Tickets are $43.50-$93.50. Marsalis has won nine Grammy Awards and in 1983 he earned the distinction of being the only artist ever to win Grammys for both jazz and classical records – an accomplishment he repeated in 1984 – and he is the only artist ever to have won Grammys in five consecutive years (1983-1987). Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra was founded in 1988 as part of the Lincoln Center’s summer concert series, “Classical Jazz.� Comprised of 15 of today’s finest jazz soloists and ensemble players, the band has been the Jazz at Lincoln Center resident orchestra since 1988. Tickets are available online at www. minnesotaorchestra.org.

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Page 12 •September 11 - September 17, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com

A lot’s been going on here in the Twin Cities … and that’s a good thing. Between day parties, Mayweather/ McGregor fight parties, recurring happy hours … oh, and that “quaint” yearly gathering over in St. Paul (or better known as the massive

Anika Robbins (left) and Juneau Robbins being examples of Black excellence and Black love.

deluge of humanity and caloric indulgence that is the Minnesota State Fair) … the Twin Cities has proven to have a revitalized and robust social scene. Out and about, Insight News captured a sampling of the happenings of the past couple of weeks.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Stephanie Webster (left) with her love, Kevin Jackson at a Floyd Mayweather/Conor McGregor fight party hosted by Juneau Robbins and Anika Robbins.

Eliel Gebru hanging out at the Robbins home.

It’s all laughs when comedian Vanessa Graddick (left) and Dana Joubert Hayes get together.

Attorney, Francis Green, hanging out at the Robbins house for fight night.

(Left to right) Renee Williams, Da’Shelle Lowe, Asia Mann, Shayla Mann and Roxanne McDavid at the Minnesota State Fair for Usher/Lil Jon.

Anna Orr (left) and MPLS’ Ashley Commodore checking out the Usher/Lil Jon show at the State Fair.

Usher (left) and Lil Jon during a highly entertaining show at the Minnesota State Fair.

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For more than two hour the Father of Funk, George Clinton, entertained during one of his two free shows at the Minnesota State Fair.

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