Insight News ::: 09.25.17

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Insight News September 25 - October 1, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 39• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Insight News and the NNPA pay tribute to the legendary Dick Gregory TURN TO PAGE 2

Cover of Gregory’s new book, “Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies” which was released September 19. Gregory died Aug. 19 at the age of 84.

HarperCollins Publishers ISBN: 9780062448699 ISBN 10: 0062448692 Imprint: Amistad

Page 2 •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Insight News

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Leading with art:

Black Press of America celebrates Dick Gregory Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA President

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) pauses to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dick Gregory, and to express forthrightly on the public record our profound and enduring love, respect, and salute to the living legacy of Dick Gregory.

At no time in our 400-year travail and struggle for freedom, justice and equality have we been more blessed, as people, to have in our midst a freedomfighting leader and visionary like our brother and comrade, Dick Gregory.

Brother Gregory’s avantgarde leadership in civil rights, entertainment, journalism and entrepreneurial development will always be remembered and cherished by generations to come.

African-Americans, in fact all people of African descent, as well as all people who have felt the cold, damp hands and wretchedness of racism and oppression will be forever inspired by the example of courage embodied by the commitment and activism of Gregory.

During the past six decades, Gregory, would periodically write columns, essays and editorials for the Black-owned newspapers of NNPA members across the nation.

His pen and his voice were always on the side of the oppressed, who dared to speak up and stand up for freedom. Today, in his memory, we all are obligated to do no less. Every breath that we take, we should gain more and more strength to speak truth to power and to stand against all injustice.

Gregory made us smile, while simultaneously stimulating the irrepressible desire to fight for freedom without compromising the values of integrity, honesty and self-determination. In my own personal life-commitment to the freedom movement, Gregory would always remind me not to permit the contradictions of society to break our spirit of unity and purpose.

Therefore, on behalf of Dorothy R. Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA, and all the 211-member publishers of the NNPA, we acknowledge that we will miss Dick Gregory, but we will not forget him. We will not forget his tenacity. We will not relent in using the audacity and clarity of his devoted life to the uplift of all humanity. Long live the spirit of Dick Gregory.

Dick Gregory: Celebrating The Life of A Legend Notes and images by photojournalist Roy Lewis Celebrations started Friday, September 15, 2017, with the viewing of the body on the fourth floor of the Louis Stokes Medical Library at Howard University, Washington, D.C. Dick Gregory looks good. He looks like he is asleep. A long line of family members, fans, and friends greet each other as if at a Family Reunion.

Saturday afternoon service is held at City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, MD. People begin to arrive and by 4pm the line has grown.

The crowd is a rainbow of colors, different people all from over America. The funeral program reads like the funeral for a Head of State.

Sunday morning, family members start the celebration parade by introducing Dick Gregory's brother, Ron Gregory and his family to the crowd in front of the Howard Theatre. The Jazz Marching Band strikes up and parades to U Street, assembling at Ben`s Chili Bowl under the gaze of the new mural featuring Dick Gregory, President Barack Obama and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

The hearse bearing the body departs from the parade at the Dick Gregory portion of the mural.

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Insight News •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Page 3

aesthetically speaking

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

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Insight News September 25 - October 1, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 39• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Rising star: Damaris Hollingsworth Thor architect hailed as change agent Minneapolis architect Damaris Hollingsworth has been named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017 list of rising stars in the nation’s architectural, engineering and construction industries by Building Design and Construction magazine.

The magazine hails Hollingsworth as a “change agent,” in recognition of her passion for using architectural design as a tool for social and economic change – and for her rise to prominence as vice president of Thor Design Plus, the architectural design, sustainability and innovation division of Minneapolis-based Thor Companies.

“I am thrilled to be chosen as one of the younger leaders of my generation in the real estate design, development and construction industries by such an influential voice in the

Budding entrepreneur Justin Davis with Uncle Al on Conversations with Al McFarlane broadcast.

Listen to the interview: www.kfai.org/

4TheCity envisions business, culture as conduits to positivity

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor @HarryColbertJr

Damaris Hollingsworth

HOLLINGSWORTH 5

Fashion is a $1.2 trillion global industry and a group of young area entrepreneurs are getting in on the business and hoping to take the Twin Cities worldwide.

Barely out of high school, Justin Davis, along with his partners, Victor Flagg and Jarrod Beard, have launched

4THECITY 7

St. Kates guard shoots self, blames Black man Commentary by Toki Wright @mrwrighttc This past week, Minnesota’s news cycle was flooded with reports of a shooting that left a St. Catherine University security guard wounded.

As a result, a massive manhunt ensued including more than 50 St. Paul police officers, helicopters and K-9 units. Students at the school were directed to stay indoors as police combed the area looking for a “Black male with a navyblue sweatshirt and jeans with a short afro; believed to be a student” according to the police scanner. But there was one big problem with the story. First, it was all a lie.

SHOOTING 5

Former St. Kate’s security guard Brent Patrick Ahlers shot himself, but blamed it on a random Black man.

Zsamé Morgan launches Babycake’s Book Stack Bookmobile

Banker promotes literacy to go

By Abeni Hill Zsamé Morgan founded Babycake’s Book Stack Bookmobile to empower communities through family literacy.

“My goal is to provide resources and a safe space for family literacy, not only for the African-African community, but also for immigrant, refugee and indigenous communities,” said Morgan.

Morgan said one of the factors that inspires her to own a bookstore is her friend, who learned English by reading to her daughter and listening to audiobooks.

“I think that is a phenomenal

Zsamé Morgan hopes her mobile bookstore will promote reading in the area’s underserved communities.

Business

Comcast names sixDespite Unequal time Olympic Medalist Treatment, Black Jackie JoynerWomen Will Rise Kersee as National Spokesperson

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News

Don’t complain, Rebuilding the Gulf activate Coast, preparing for the next Harvey

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way to take the stigma out of reading and out of reading to your child,” said Morgan. “Your children aren’t going to know if you mispronounce something because they are learning how to pronounce it themselves.”

Through her business, which is still in the funding stage, Morgan stresses the importance of parents reading to their children.

“If you have safe space that you are able to sit down and work your way through the book, it takes the challenge out of it,” said Morgan.

Morgan said she and her daughter indulge in literature and reading daily.

“My partner and I read to her while she was in the womb,” said Morgan. “Even to this day

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War 60-60 on opioids hurts The rule for sicklelistening cell disease safer patients

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that is very sacred time between my daughter and me. We make a habit and a ritual of going to the library and the bookstore every week. I grew up reading. I believe in that magic of melting into a book” While a passion for literacy and reading helped her start a business, Morgan, who currently works as a banker, is also inspired by her 4-year-old daughter.

“I really wanted to spend more time with my daughter,” said Morgan. “I really wanted to be more available (to her) and not spend eight to 10 hours stuck behind a desk.”

The name for the bookstore

MORGAN 5

Commentary News

TheAminta Chronicles of Dr. Hawkins Miss Freedom Fighter, Breaux makes history Esquire: mass as Bowie Ending State’s first incarceration female president

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Business

Comcast names six-time Olympic Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee as National Spokesperson

Four million low-income Americans have crossed the digital divide through Comcast’s Internet Essentials program Comcast announced its Internet Essentials program has now connected more than four million low-income Americans, in one million households, to high-speed Internet service at home.

The company also announced three key program enhancements. For the fourth time in six years, Comcast will increase the program’s Internet service speeds to up to 15/2 Mbps.

Internet Essentials customers now also receive 40 hours of free outof-home WiFi access per month to the company’s growing network of 18 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots.

And Comcast is expanding its pilot program for low-income senior citizens from five cities and metropolitan areas to 12.

David Cohen, senior executive vice president and chief diversity officer of Comcast, made the announcements in Miami with six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who will serve for the second year as Internet Essentials’ national spokesperson.

Cohen also introduced Adamari López, host of Telemundo’s “Un Nuevo Día,” who will become the program’s first ever national Hispanic spokesperson. The three kicked off a multi-city tour, which will run through October.

“When we started this program six years ago, we never imagined four million low-income Americans would benefit from it,” said Cohen. “We also never would have reached this milestone

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

without our many dedicated nonprofit partners, elected officials, educators, employees, and advocates who were all united by the belief that the Internet is essential, not only to compete in the 21st century economy, but also to be connected to loved ones and the world. While this milestone is a wonderful moment to celebrate, it also inspires all of us to keep going to connect even more families to all that the Internet has to offer for education, jobs, healthcare, news, information, and entertainment.”

“Growing up in an underserved area, I recognize the value of having access to the Internet, and today, even entrylevel jobs require you have tech

skills. Without access to the Internet a whole generation could be left behind,” said JoynerKersee. “I remain so honored that Comcast asked me to serve as the national spokesperson for Internet Essentials. In my postOlympic career, I’ve tried to inspire students and athletes to reach their dreams. They can’t do that, however, if they don’t work hard or have the tools they need to succeed. The Internet Essentials program gives every child access to a level playing field so we don’t leave an entire generation behind.”

Internet Essentials has an integrated, wrap-around design meant to address each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption – digital literacy, access

to computer equipment, and affordable Internet service. The program is also structured as a partnership between Comcast and thousands of school districts, libraries, elected officials, and nonprofit community partners​.

Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and high-speed Internet adoption program for lowincome Americans. It provides low-cost high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax, the option to purchase an Internetready computer for under $15 and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online and in person.

Equifax data breach leaves at least 143 million consumers at risk

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Abeni Hill Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin

What to know about the Equifax data breach

By Charlene Crowell Communications Director, Center for Responsible Lending Record-breaking, back-to-back hurricanes in Houston and Florida brought unprecedented winds and rains affecting millions of Americans, yet another storm just as brutal, but financial in nature, is raging and affects at least 143 million Americans.

On July 29, Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting corporations, discovered that unauthorized data access had occurred. Yet it was not until Sept.

7 when the multi-national data breach was announced publicly.

This massive cybersecurity breach includes federal income tax records, as well as employee records for government employees and those of Fortune 500 firms. Even recipients of major government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are affected.

For consumers, the personal information exposed to fraud and identity theft could mean a lifetime of closely monitoring and defending personal data to fight theft, fines and more. For businesses, questions will emerge

as to whether millions of credit accounts were fraudulently opened and additionally whether they will be held partially responsible for its perpetuation.

As many as 50 class action suits have been filed in at least 14 states and the District of Columbia.

The FBI is reportedly examining what went wrong from a criminal perspective. On the civil side of the law, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is beginning its own independent investigation.

Now a growing number of bipartisan inquiries from Capitol Hill are demanding to know why these breaches of personally identifiable information (PII) came about, what actions Equifax took, and what the global firm intends to do on behalf of consumers whose names, birth dates, addresses, Social Security numbers and drivers’ licenses are all in jeopardy. Equifax also knew that an estimated 209,000 credit card holders and some 182,000 consumers in the U.S. who have a dispute on file with a creditor also had comprised PII. “This hack into sensitive information compiled and maintained by Equifax is one of the largest data breaches in our nation’s history and someone has to be held accountable,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.),

This hack into sensitive information compiled and maintained by Equifax is one of the largest data breaches in our nation’s history and someone has to be held accountable. the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee in an article for Business Insider.

“Given the important role credit scores play in the lives and financial futures of hardworking Americans, Congress must diligently examine the way our credit reporting agencies are operating and impose additional statutory and regulatory reforms to protect the integrity of the country’s credit reporting system.”

In a Sept. 11 letter to Richard F. Smith, Equifax’s chairman and CEO, the chair and a ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee went further to pose a series of questions to be answered by Sept. 26. Issues raised in the letter include binding arbitration clauses that deny affected consumers the right of class action lawsuits, the firm’s security systems and controls,

how consumers can expect to be officially notified, and what, if any, protections Equifax will offer to affected consumers.

“The scope and scale of this breach appears to make it one of the largest on record, and the sensitivity of the information compromised may make it the most costly to taxpayers and consumers,” wrote Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Senate Finance chair and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the committee’s ranking member.

Another letter to Equifax included questions on what data changes to Equifax’s security plans and procedures were made as this breach now becomes its third one in only two years; the letter was signed by 24 members of Congress, who serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and represent 15 states. Three are also members of

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the Congressional Black Caucus –Reps G.K. Butterfield (D) of North Carolina, Brooklyn’s Yvette Clarke (D) and Bobby Rush (D) of Chicago.

“Your company profits from collecting highly sensitive personal information from American consumers – it should take seriously its responsibility to keep data safe and to inform consumers when its protections fail,” wrote the representatives.

“The massive Equifax data breach is one of the largest in our country’s history, affecting half of the United States population and nearly three-quarters of consumers with credit reports,” said Chi Chi Wu of the National Consumer Law Center. “A security freeze is the most effective measure against “new account” identity theft, because it stops thieves from using the consumer’s stolen information.”

To follow Wu’s advice, consumers will need to contact all three of the major credit reporting bureaus and request that no new accounts be opened in their names.

Once requested, consumers will not be able to easily apply for new credit accounts or apply for a loan.

An additional layer of precaution would be to contact every creditor and request that respective accounts be flagged for unusual or new credit activity. Detailed information on how consumers caught in the Equifax breach can take these and other steps to protect their credit is available on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also has another consumer-friendly rule that Congress is currently fighting: preserving the right for consumers to file lawsuits when financial disputes could not be resolved otherwise. Announced on July 10, Richard Cordray, CFPB director explained why the rule is important.

“Arbitration clauses in contracts for products like bank accounts and credit cards make it nearly impossible for people to take companies to court when things go wrong,” said Cordray.

“These clauses allow companies to avoid accountability by blocking group lawsuits and forcing people to go it alone or give up. Our new rule will stop companies from sidestepping the courts and ensure that people who are harmed together can take action together.”

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Insight News •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Page 5

Rebuilding the Gulf Coast, preparing for the next Harvey

By Bill Fletcher, Jr. and Candice S. Cason NNPA Newswire Columnists It has been nothing short of horrifying to watch the pictures of Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Texas and Louisiana. We can only imagine what it has been like for those, who have been the direct victims of this storm.

There is much that can and needs to be said about Harvey and its aftermath. The first is, of course, that extreme weather will become an increasing pattern in our lives unless something drastic isn’t done quickly to address climate change.

The second point is that the natural disaster that has hit the Texas/Louisiana area is compounded by the politics and economics of the region. Specifically, the toxic combination of neo-Confederate politics and ideology along with neo-liberal economics has resulted in a situation where “development at all costs” was the law of the land. This meant that simple things like zoning ordinances were treated as hindrances to development.

It also helps us to explain the complete disdain that Texas Republicans have had towards the federal government, at least until they need government

Hollingsworth From 3 industry as Building Design and Construction magazine,” said Hollingsworth.

A native of Brazil, Hollingsworth dreamed of

Shooting From 3

Morgan From 3 is also inspired by Morgan’s daughter as well as her life partner.

“The name Babycake’s is my daughter’s nickname,” said Morgan. She said her mate and her daughter’s father, who died in February 2015, gave her the nickname.

Morgan said she wanted to name of her business to be cute “but also meaningful and significant to what I was trying to do.”

Morgan mentioned representation as another important factor to promote family literacy among communities of color.

“People need a place where they can go and find their story on the shelf written by people

assistance.

There will be a fight over the reconstruction of Texas.

There will be those who will argue that Texas should rebuild according to old standards or, worse, go into a deeper rabbit hole of fewer regulations and protections for the public, all in the supposed interest of economic gain. We believe that

such a course will lead, at best, to the cleansing of the region of working class people and a set up for the next so-called natural disaster.

Texas needs a 2.0 strategy; a reset, for lack of a better term. This means addressing the immediate crisis, something that should be a “national” priority. There should be no

embarrassment about the federal government playing the leading role. That is one of the central purposes of government.

Yet, more is needed. Any rebuilding plan needs to consider the existing environment and consider the possibility of future environmental disasters.

How can a metropolitan area constructed on the least

permeable clay-based soil ignore the need for efficient rainwater removal systems?

How can multiple oil, gas and chemical plants be constructed with so few safeguards? How can so little consideration of public transportation systems be given to the fourth largest city and metropolitan area in the U.S.? What does this mean for

pursuing a career in architecture as a youth – and let no obstacles stand in her way of doing so.

Growing up in inner-city Sao Paulo, her family lacked the funds to send her to an elite private school so she could prepare for college. Undaunted, she cajoled a scholarship from one of the country’s most expensive private college preparatory schools, which

qualified her to be accepted as a student at the University of Sao Paulo. While earning her degree in architecture, she won a scholarship to study for a semester at the College of Design at Arizona State University. It was then that she decided to become an architect in the U.S., and in 2006, degree in hand, she returned to the U.S. determined to find work as an architect.

She landed a job as project designer with RSP, a national architectural firm, with a strong emphasis on design solutions for colleges and universities.

From 2015 to January 2017, she worked as an architect at two different Minneapolis architectural firms. She joined Thor Cos. in February 2017, to head up its newly launched design and sustainability unit.

She is a registered architect in Minnesota, Nevada and Arizona, as well as Brazil.

A ​ strong believer in community work, Hollingsworth co-founded the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and as MSP NOMA president, she is providing leadership for the development of a Design

Outreach Program for minority youth and at-risk youth, to launch in the spring of 2018 with support from the University of Minnesota, the AIA-MN chapter and Minneapolis Step Up Achieve. She is also a cochair of the AIA MN Women in Architecture Committee and has served the AIA in various roles.

shooting in Washington state and a week after an officer was killed by a motorist in the St. Paul suburb of Wayzata, the idea of an on-campus shooter was not far-fetched. The College of St. Catherine (otherwise known as St. Kates) is a 112-year-old private woman’s liberal arts college with graduate programs for men as well. The claim that Black male on campus may have shot Alhers put both men and women in danger. As a writer with Insight noted, “on a day when I would be coming from the gym with baggy clothes at night I could have been singled out as the suspect.”

The allegation made every young Black person in the city suspects of attempted murder.

According to some student responses online, St. Kates has yet to address the issue of race in this instance. In addition, any number of students, faculty, staff or neighborhood residents could have been stopped, frisked, detained or killed as a result of not following a police command fast enough.

But this all gets to a deeper issue, an issue that is heavily ingrained into American society.

The idea of the random Black “boogeyman” out looking for trouble. In times of slavery there are countless reports of enslaved people “committing” (unproven) crimes and being beaten, mutilated and often killed. This includes in the Mt. Vernon home of our nation’ first president, and slave owner since the age of 11, George Washington. In 1955, 14-year old Emmitt Till was accused of whistling at a white woman – an offense

punishable by death at the time in Mississippi. Punishable not in the courts, but in the streets. He was later found mutilated in the Tallahatchie River. This is not a new occurrence. This is a vicious cycle of suspicion, oppression and suppression.

So here are a few questions I have to ask of anyone reading

this. How far along have we our institutions accountable for come as a society? Why do not addressing and rectifying large portions of our society still their issues with race? If we not want to admit that racism know that Black people are is a problem in our country? targeted for their skin color, What types of psychological and accept this, what does it say evaluations do those in positions about the moral quality of this of enforcement have to go country? through before they are allowed I can’t hide inside because T:7.125” to enforce law? How do we hold I “look like a suspect.” I know

that walking through this country those with the same skin tone and hair texture as I have the target on our flesh. Whether with pride or self-doubt, guilty of the sin of skin.

who resemble them and sold by people who resemble them,” said Morgan.

But being of one community doesn’t mean there is just one story to tell.

“We are diverse. We have different interests. We have different likes and desires. I want to carry all of those things,” said Morgan. “Our kids deserve to see that. They deserve to see a little Brown or Black child be the heroine or hero in the stories they read.”

Morgan plans on getting the book mobile up and running by the end of the year. She is still raising money to buy the vehicle and hopes to have it purchased and rebranded by November or December of this year.

For updates about Morgan and her business, go to her funding page at www.gofundme. com/Babycakes-book-stack.

T:10”

As it turns out, security guard Brent Ahlers made it all up. According to Ahlers, he was in the woods on the St. Kate campus playing with a gun he brought from home (the school bans guns on the premises) when it went off, striking him in the shoulder. A day after the shooting … and intensive manhunt for the “Black man,” Ahlers admitted guilt and was subsequently booked and charged with one count of falsely reporting a crime. Calling Ahlers honesty into question we don’t truly know if the shooting was an accident or done intentionally.

As local media retracted the original report, nearly all failed to mention the race of the suspect. “Black male, short afro.” In a city with nearly 40,000 Black residents that put a great deal of people in harm’s way. St. Paul borders the city of Falcon Heights where a little over a year ago Philando Castile was killed by officer Jeronimo Yanez in a traffic stop while driving with his girlfriend and child. Castile was suspected of a crime due to his “wide set nose.”

This highly publicized killing brought international attention to issues of police conduct and overstep. So, in this climate a rational person would think it’s not best to place blame on any random member of the Black community.

Coming a day after a school

Rebecca Rabb

Although the wind and water have subsided, the devastation remains for many in Houston affected by Hurricane Harvey.

the population in the immediate area? What about the impact on the land? These are all questions that must be factored into the rebuilding of the eastern part of the state.

Texas is also suffering from tremendous wealth polarization.

The pictures that we are all seeing are mainly those of poor and other working people trying to recover what they can and reconstitute their lives. But this means that full recovery involves moving Texan working people away from instability and towards jobs with living wages.

Finally, there needs to be serious consideration of and attention to very basic infrastructure. How is it possible that the fourth largest city in the United States has such limited physical infrastructure? The answer lies, at least in large part, in thought processes that suggest that government and the public sector are the problem, i.e., that their existence and the safeguards they might establish could inhibit growth and wealth.

The results of such thinking seem to be draining into the Gulf of Mexico.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a talk show host, writer and activist.

Follow him on Twitter @ BillFletcherJr, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com. Candice Cason is a psychologist and specialist in substance abuse treatment.

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Chasity Hale, Sanya Richards-Ross, Margaret “Marty” Gillis, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Tichina Arnold © 2017 McDonald’s

Page 6 •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Insight News

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Insight 2 Health The 60-60 rule for safer listening

By Mayo Clinic Staff The World Health Organization estimates 1 billion young people worldwide could be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

Nearly half of people ages 12 to 35 in middle- and highincome countries are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from personal audio devices.

The 60-60 rule for safer listening could help protect a child’s hearing.

“One of the major issues we’re seeing right now are children who have listened to MP3 players or iPods very loudly,” said Dr. Kelly Conroy, a Mayo Clinic audiologist.

Conroy says the small audio devices can produce big sound, and a parent shouldn’t assume a child’s volume is set at a safe level.

“The best thing that parents can do is actually limit the volume,” said Conroy.

A person may have to dig into the settings to find it, but an iPhone allows one to set a maximum volume for music. Other devices offer similar features.

As for where to set the volume, there may not be an app for that, but there’s a rule for it.

“One of the rules is called the 60/60 rule,” said Dr. Conroy.

The first 60 is for 60 percent of the maximum volume.

“You have them listen to the iPod at 60 or that range and, also, only for 60 minutes,” said Dr. Conroy.

And she suggests children listen with headphones – not the smaller earbuds.

“The earbuds go directly into the ear canal,” said Dr. Conroy. “Both can be damaging, but the headphones are better than the earbuds.”

Shutterstock

Professionals with the Mayo Clinic warn against prolonged headphone usage.

Exploring research directions in hope of a widely available cure for sickle cell disease September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month – a month selected to call attention to a life-long illness affecting around 100,000 Americans, the majority of whom are AfricanAmerican or Hispanic.

Sickle cell disease is accompanied by severe pain

attacks and poor oxygen delivery throughout the body that can cause critical damage to organs. Currently, the only cure is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) – a costly procedure in which stem cells are taken from the bone marrow or blood of a healthy

donor, and then injected into the recipient to generate red blood cells that do not sickle as do the cells in those with sickle cell disease – the characteristic that gives the disease its name.

Unfortunately, many people with sickle cell disease in the United States don’t have a relative who

Laurel Mendelsohn, Emilia Barbu, NHLBI

Mixture of normal and sickle-shaped red blood cells taken from a blood sample of a person with sickle cell, as viewed through a fluorescent microscope.

Menthol’s Impact

ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, smokingrelated illnesses kill more Black Americans than AIDS, car crashes, murders, drug and alcohol abuse combined.

AIDS

CAR CRASHES

MURDERS

DRUG & ALCOHOL

is a full genetic match and able to be a donor.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a leader of federally funded research efforts on sickle cell disease, is actively exploring several safe and effective treatment options, and leading several initiatives designed to find a widely available cure for sickle cell disease. The institute supports many research efforts that yield new therapies, optimize current treatments, enhance pain management, and improve bone marrow transplant procedures to increase the body’s acceptance of donor stem

cells.

One promising strategy that is being studied in a clinical trial – a study that tests how well a new medical approach works in people – is half-match bone marrow transplants. Bone marrow transplants can eliminate sickle cell disease, ridding them of painful and debilitating symptoms, and the need for a lifetime of pain medications and blood transfusions. This half-match approach could make bone marrow transplants accessible to more people living with sickle cell disease.

The NHLBI also completed the Transcranial Doppler with

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When: Oct. 3rd, 4th, 5th

Tuesday Oct. 3rd English Speakers Wednesday Oct 4th Spanish Speakers Thursday Oct. 5th Hmong Speakers Registration Check-in: 8:00 AM Screening: 8:00 AM–2:30 PM Health Education: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Where: 1313 Penn Ave. North To register call 612-543-2500 or

Our Partners

Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH) trial.

Based on earlier research that was funded by NHLBI, regular blood transfusions have become the standard of care for reducing the risk of stroke in children with sickle cell disease. The TWiTCH study found daily treatment with hydroxyurea— an oral medicine to help reduce or prevent several complications of sickle cell disease – is as effective as blood transfusions at reducing blood flow velocities in the brain, a key risk factor for stroke. NHLBI is committed to additional studies that can prevent strokes and other sickle cell-related complications.

Another area of promise for sickle cell disease treatment is gene editing, which involves changing the DNA. An NHLBI research group recently showed that correcting the sickle mutation in hematopoietic stem cells from patients with sickle cell disease, and then transplanting them in mice, resulted in enough normal hemoglobin to have a potential benefit. Another recent study in a patient showed that replacing the sickle mutation by gene insertion (gene therapy) resulted in complete clinical remission of sickle cell disease.

However, longer follow-up in more patients is required to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of gene therapy for sickle cell disease.

NHLBI is also conducting early research using small molecule drugs.

In one recent NHLBI-funded study, researchers found a small molecule that binds to hemoglobin and increases its ability to bind to oxygen; this could reduce sickling of red blood cells. Since small molecules can be easily administered, the hope is that this approach could become a cost-effective, widely available treatment for sickle cell disease both in developed and developing countries. However, this approach has not been tested in humans yet.

insightnews.com

Insight News •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Page 7

Dr. Aminta Hawkins Breaux makes history as Bowie State’s first female president

By Lauren Poteat NNPA Newswire Contributor In her historic role as Bowie State University’s (BSU) first female president, Dr. Aminta Hawkins Breaux said that she’s ready to lead the top 25 HBCU into the school’s next phase of growth and development.

Following the celebrated legacy of Dr. Mickey Burnim, the former BSU (Maryland) president who served the institution for nearly 11 years, Breaux said that she is thrilled and honored to accept the leadership role.

“When I look at issues that African-American women have faced in this country, it makes me realize how very proud I am to get to this point,” said Breaux about serving as BSU’s first female president. “I have received so much positive feedback from faculty, students and staff and recognize that this is a huge responsibility that is very exciting and I wholeheartedly serve in leadership role with great distinction.”

Though Breaux has only officially been in office since July 1, the former vice president for advancement at Millersville University in Pennsylvania has already started to outline new initiatives.

Heavily involved with community building, Breaux noted that she wanted to enrich the neighborhoods surrounding the university while preparing students for the ever-changing workforce.

“Partnerships are going to be extremely important.

We want to reach out to our business leaders and the rest of our community and help them see the value that our students and faculty bring to this area,” said Breaux. “This campus is filled with rich opportunity and initiatives and strong academic programs, but we are also a part of a larger scheme. Initially, I want people to know that we are a part of this community; we want to begin looking at our business community, business leaders and partnering with businesses in the area to make sure that we are preparing our students for the workforce, not just for today, but for tomorrow.”

Though the university is fully-equipped with state-ofthe-art facilities including a Fine and Performing Arts Center that opened in 2012 and an elaborate Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing that opened this year, Breaux said that this only just the beginning of a long-term focus on K-12 institutions and community colleges, as well.

“I envision our students mentoring and bringing different K-12 and community college students to our campus,” said Breaux. “With state-of-the-art facilities, it is always good to let students see other role models at higher levels doing great things. You know, you have to give students that goal and let them see that they can get to that point. I am looking forward to partnering with Prince George’s Community College, in particular, and reaching back to K-12 institutions in order to ensure that these students are prepared to come into our university and succeed.”

In addition to her work at

Bowie State University

Dr. Aminta Hawkins Breaux is the first female president of Bowie State University.

Millersville University, Breaux was also dean of students at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia from 2000 to 2008 and assistant provost of Drexel University (Philadelphia) from 1998 to 2000.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University (Philadelphia), a master’s degree in psychological services in education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate in counseling psychology from Temple University. She is also a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Executive Management and the American Association for State Colleges and Universities Millennium Leadership Institute.

In his last days before his departure Burnim, Bowie’s ninth president also shared his vision for the university and wishes for the upcoming president.

“I have expressed to Dr. Breaux that she is becoming president of one of the finest public comprehensive universities in America,” said Burnim. “Bowie State University is poised for further growth and progress. There are many people and organizations that want to see that progress and are willing to work with her to achieve it.”

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University, located in Prince George’s County, serves more than 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 41 bachelor and master degree programs, two doctoral programs and 14 graduate and advanced study certificates. Areas of focus at the school include computer science, information technology, nursing, natural sciences and education.

Governor Dayton hosts water quality town hall at Minneapolis Urban League Town hall meetings on water quality continue Wednesday Sept. 27) at Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. The meeting is an opportunity to discuss the water quality challenges facing Minnesota communities and learn from experts, and engage

with policymakers. The town hall is a part of Gov. Mark Dayton’s efforts to protect and preserve Minnesota waters under his “25 by 25” water quality proposal announced earlier this year.

“All Minnesotans have a stake in water that’s safe for drinking, swimming, and

fishing,” said Dayton. “These town hall meetings will further the important conversations already happening across Minnesota around water quality.

Together we can develop strategies and solutions that work for all of our communities.”

Earlier this year, Dayton

announced a new goal to improve Minnesota’s water quality 25 percent by 2025.

The governor said without additional action, the quality of Minnesota’s waters is expected to improve only 6 to 8 percent by 2034. He said achieving a 25 percent improvement in

4TheCity From 3 4TheCity – a line of t-shirts, shorts and hoodies. The line is an ode to the Twin Cities, but Davis said he plans to turn the regional line global. But first, he wants to salute the hometown.

“We’re doing this to highlight all that’s positive going on here,” said Davis, a student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. “We’re really pushing a positive way of life; it’s not just about the clothes, it’s about doing good for the community.”

An example of 4TheCity’s commitment to community could be seen with a recent flash sale during Ramadan.

Following the sale, the company donated $300 as a Zakat alFitr – an act of charity towards those less fortunate.

“We always want to give back to the community that we love so much,” said Davis.

As head of clothing for 4TheCity, Davis said an inspiration for his company is another local company gaining national acclaim, Houston White’s Black Excellence. And like Black Excellence, 4TheCity has employed a strategy of releasing limited, special edition lines. One such line is a line of hoodies paying tribute to Trayvon Martin, infamously gunned down by George Zimmerman in Florida. Martin was profiled by Zimmerman for wearing a hoodie. The Martin hoodies will debut in February, the month of Martin’s birthday and homicide.

4TheCity has landed retail distribution inside Uptown’s b. Resale and is employing a unique online sales strategy.

“We will launch our clothing for a specific time on our website (www.4thecity. co) and then we’ll take the site down and then have additional re-launches for each line,” said Davis, who said once the complete collection is available its site will remain up indefinitely.

Though Twin Cities focuses, Davis said he’s seen sales from Iowa, Colorado and Arizona.

“Eventually, we want to start 4TheWorld,” said Davis.

Young entrepreneurs (l-r) Justin Davis, Victor Flagg and Jarrod Beard.

2017

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water quality statewide would require Minnesota to take aggressive, yet achievable action. He said his proposal would also help Minnesota meet existing commitments to reduce phosphorus 12 percent by 2025 and nitrogen 45 percent by 2040 in the Mississippi River.

In total, 10 town halls have been scheduled in communities across Minnesota.

Next Wednesday’s town hall will run from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Page 8 •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Insight News

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SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY The partners in the Unity Opportunity Collaborative have a long history of commitment to the community, as well as significant experience delivering programs that help people succeed.

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Insight News •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Page 9

Columnist Violet Brown, Esq. muses on Purple Life

By Violet Brown I am Violet Brown, an attorney and advocate and want to take a moment to introduce myself and provide a little background.

Two things sustain me in this thing called life – music, and helping others. Centuries of studies suggests music affects mood, brain development and some even believe the body.

By way of example, the ancient Egyptians chant therapy, or incantations for healing are on historical record.

Consider films for a moment. In addition to an actor’s skill and ability in drawing you into the moment, the right soundtrack can move you to various emotions.

Whether we really give it much thought or not, music changes things and people.

I live through music, and love every kind of music … except bluegrass, simply cannot do it. Sorry, not sorry.

Although I am a licensed legal professional, I play music

(bass/piano) for fun and have jammed with some really cool folks in some pretty cool places throughout the country.

I have come to love the great city of Minneapolis, and more recently St. Paul (still getting to know y’all) through my many visits inspired by the amazing musicians born and cultivated there. Prince is my all-time favorite, stand-alone musician and Mint Condition is my alltime favorite band. As an aside, can I just take a moment to state you all in the Twin Cities have just an overabundance of the exceptionally talented growing there? Must be “something in the water.”

I was raised in a family of musicians on one side, scientists, attorneys, and other professionals on the other. I hold a degree in business and a real estate license as well as a juris doctor degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, my beloved HBCU in Houston. I grew up listening to everything, but because my father had the unique experience of being a Black

Violet Brown, Esq. scientist, who was born in the 1950s in the United States, and grew up through everything that his existence in those circumstances entailed, we knew every artist of color and had pretty much every album as soon as it was available.

I personally developed an affinity for hair metal bands, much to my father’s dismay,

but that’s neither here nor there. Needless to say, with an 1980s/1990s upbringing in an African-American home, we listened to Prince, regularly.

My parents allowed a lot and explained it all, openly.

Maybe because my family plays we got the significance of what he was able to do musically. I don’t have

to break down who Prince was or what he accomplished for you all. That’s one of the things I love about being there and hanging with you. You know you get it. You might be surprised to learn how little people in other places truly know about him, and how much is simply made up.

In my own “purple life,” I was blessed to see Prince and what I call the funky-smoothjazz version of the NPG, live in Dallas during the Musicology Tour of 2004. This version of the NPG included Rhonda Smith on bass, Renato Neto on keys, as well as Chance Howard, John Blackwell, Jr., (rest in power) on funky drummer, and a variety of NPG horns and brass, such as Greg Boyer, who rocked with Parliament-Funkadelic back in the day, Candy Dulfer, Eric Leeds, and the magnificent Maceo Parker, who of course played with James Brown. The Musicology Tour, was so many things to me personally; and to the world at large. For instance, it affected the way record sales are counted. Sound Scan and

Billboard changed their policy in 2004 in reaction to Prince’s super-successful experiment of selling the “Musicology” CD with the concert tickets. He had that kind of affect often, didn’t he?

His novel ideas still cause ripple effects throughout the industry even in his passing.

Most recently, in January, Billboard announced its change in tracking music to include Internet streaming, and we all know how he sold, and how we acquired a large portion of his music in the later years.

The tour also really brought to the forefront the Real Music by Real Musicians movement. The talent he brought along for the ride was hard to ignore. I still have my CD. It’s cracked, but it still plays, and I will keep it forever.

Where I find myself now that the Purple One is no longer with us is in a place of “what now?” I travel and talk to people – family, people who worked

BROWN 11

New columnist writing from Mankato State University

Latisha Townsend mobilizes Black Motivated Women on campus

By Latisha Townsend My mother has had the greatest impact on who I am today. Every morning from grade school to junior high, my mother would drop me off at school and the last thing she would say to me was, “Be a leader”. By the time I got to high school and could drive myself, I would silently give myself the same words of encouragement. That statement has become the motto of my life.

I am Latisha Townsend, a senior at Mankato State University, majoring in

Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology. I was born and raised in Brooklyn Park, MN. I have been a resident of Mankato for the past three years.

I am president of Black Motivated Women (BMW), a student organization at Mankato State. While we do not exclude anyone from joining, BMW is the only organization on campus that focuses solely on AfricanAmerican women.

As a youth, I always loved Blackness. Black people are so versatile. There is something special about being a part of a culture that has so

many layers. I always knew that I was ambitious and that I wanted to live a life where I wasn’t waking up every day on autopilot. I wanted to live a life where I felt I was contributing to something significant for my culture.

The first college that I attended was in a small town in Wisconsin. I could probably count the number of AfricanAmerican students on the campus on all ten of my fingers and maybe a couple of my toes. I know this because the majority, if not all, of us were in the Black Student Union. I struggled heavily with identity issues.

I was in a new environment,

away from the friends I had been with every day for the past 13 years. I started my own show every Tuesday at the campus radio station. I talked about Black related issues and Black entertainment. Despite this opportunity, the small town life just didn’t fit the way I had envisioned my college experience. I knew that in order to be the woman I wanted to be, it wasn’t enough to make vision boards or brainstorm ideas while living in an environment that would not promote my growth.

I had to be proactive.

Latisha Townsend

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Page 10 •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Insight News

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Ayo & Teo

Black Uhuru

Sept. 25 Oct. 8, 2017

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

Monday, Sept. 25

JAZZ/SOUL

Jearlyn and Jevetta Steele Crooners Lounge & Supper Club 6161 Highway 65 N.E.,

Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.

21-plus $10

The Steele sisters play a rare performance at Crooners Lounge.

Tuesday, Sept. 26 HIP-HOP

Blade at Geek Date Night Byte 319 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Geek Date Night continues Tuesdays at Byte, featuring trivia, prizes, movies, games and a late night happy hour.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

SPOKEN WORD

Donte Collins Release Party Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

No cover St. Paul’s first Youth Poet Laureate releases his first book, “Autopsy.”

Thursday, Sept. 28

REGGAE

Black Uhuru, Onesty and The Skruffians The Cedar Cultural Center 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

All ages $25 advance, $30 door

One of Kingston Jamaica most accomplished acts plays The Cedar. Expect to hear classics like “Sponji Reggae” and more.

Friday, Sept. 29

THEATER

“Aladdin” Orpheum Theatre 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m. $71-$458

The Disney adaptation of the classic story plays at the Orpheum in downtown Minneapolis.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Sabathani Community Center 310 E 38th St., Minneapolis, MN 55409

HIP-HOP

Ayo N Teo The Pourhouse 10 South 5th St., Minneapolis 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

All ages New generation rapper/ dancers are riding high off of their platinum single, “Rolex.” Check them out at The Pourhouse.

Sunday, Oct. 1

HAUNTED HOUSE

The Haunted Basement No. 11 The Haunted Basement 2010 E. Hennepin Ave. Building No. 9, Minneapolis 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The Haunted Basement returns for its 11th year of traumatizing the masses, while bringing an all-new layer of dread to their performances. The terror run through Oct. 31 at its new home in Northeast Minneapolis.

Monday, Oct. 2

VIDEO GAMES

Smash WiiU Tourney Level Up Games 1004 Diffley Rd., Eagan 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fans of the Nintendo game, “Super Smash Bros.” can join in this tournament at Level Up Games in the southeast suburb of Eagan.

Tuesday, Oct. 3 HIP-HOP

Curren$y - Pilot Talk Trilogy Tour The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 9 p.m.

18-plus $25 advance, $30 door The former Cash Money protégé, Curren$y, became one of independent hip-hop’s biggest stars and a template for creating his own lifestyle brand. Spitta returns as well.

Wednesday, Oct. 4

TAP/JAZZ

Savion Glover and Marcus Gilmore Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $35-$60

Variety Magazine named Savion Glover “the greatest tap virtuoso of our time, perhaps of all time.” For two nights, he joins master drummer Marcus Gilmore for a special set at The Dakota.

Thursday, Oct. 5

HIP-HOP

Dej Loaf Fine Line Music Café 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 7 p.m.

18-plus $24.95 advance, $30 door The “Try Me” singer/rapper returns with Jessie Reyez, Raven Felix and Lexii Alijai for GO 95.3’s Go Show 9.

Friday, Oct. 6

DANCE PARTY

Soul Friday !Baila!

Nomad World Pub 501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The Soul Friday dance party returns to a new location after taking a summer off.

Soul Friday is a semimonthly dance party created for queer women of color and friends. Guest DJ, Chicago’s CaliXta, spins.

Saturday, Oct. 7

SOUL/ROCK

Boz Scaggs State Theater 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m. $56-$66 The legendary “blue eyed” soul star brings the show on the road and hits downtown Minneapolis at the State Theatre.

Sunday, Oct. 8

GOSPEL

Lifegiver’s Dinner 2017 Minneapolis Marriott City Center 30 S. 7th St., Minneapolis 5 p.m.

The ICCM Life Center Choir performs and witnesses give testimony at the City Center.

insightnews.com

Insight News •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Page 11

Gary Hines facilitates African-American Gospel Music Workshop

By Nadvia Davis The Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir will present a public workshop on AfricanAmerican music, concentrating on gospel music, facilitated by musician/producer Gary Hines.

Participants will learn gospel music selections within the context of learning about the history of AfricanAmerican music as well as vocal fundamentals. The Sept. 30 workshop at Valley Community Presbyterian Church, 3100 Lilac Dr. N., Golden Valley, will culminate in a miniconcert for family and friends.

The workshop, developed

by David Hurst, is open to anyone interested in

participating, although children must be accompanied by an adult. African-American gospel music is taught in the oral/aural tradition – meaning there is no written music and the songs are learned by rote. This eliminates the need to be able to read music, and at the same time creates an interesting challenge for vocalists who are not used to learning in this manner.

Hines is perhaps best known as the producer and music director of the three-time Grammy Award-winning, and Minneapolis-based, Sounds of Blackness. Hines has conducted workshops, seminars and lecture demonstrations on AfricanAmerican music history and culture at colleges, universities and community centers worldwide, including at the

Smithsonian Institute. He has recorded, toured, written for, and appeared with Quincy Jones, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Santana, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Patti Labelle, Sting, Bob Dylan, Usher and others.

He has written and performed for film soundtracks, including “Batman,” “Demolition Man” and The Apostle.”

Those interested may register online at www.tccgospel. org or at the door starting at noon. Registration is $15 or $10 per person for groups of 10 or more. For more information email info@tccgospel.org or call (612) 306-1262.

Gary Hines

Nov. 3 – Nov. 4 at Cowles Center

‘Uncertain Reality’ combines passions for mathematics and dance The Karen Charles Threads Dance Project’s performance, “Uncertain Reality,” draws upon Charles’ background as a mathematician and computer analyst to explore Chaos Theory through movement and technological imagery.

Charles, who holds both a bachelor of fine arts in ballet and a bachelor of science in computer science from Texas Christian University, does not typically combine her passions for dance and mathematics.

“Uncertain Reality,” which runs Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, is her first attempt to do so, using movement to illuminate the principles behind Chaos Theory – an apparent lack of order in a system that nevertheless obeys particular laws or rules.

Pairing her choreography with projections by Minneapolis-based projection artist Miko Simmons, Charles hopes to demonstrate that chaos is a natural part of existence.

“Right now, people feel

Brown From 9 directly with him for years, the hardest of the hardcore fans, who traveled continent to continent, show after show, following him, to the “that ‘Purple Rain’ song is lovely, has he done anything else” crew. I find that most people feel the same way. We were blessed to be on earth and experience the magic he provided while he was here. I do not believe there will be another even close to who he was in this lifetime.

Serious question, what now? When he was here, he talked about things like Real Musicians by Real Music, ownership of one’s creations/ ideas, and giving to those in need. Each of these items continue to exist in his absence.

Townsend From 9 After my freshman year of college, I transferred to Mankato State University in pursuit of diversity and better opportunities. During my first year at Mankato State, I received an email to join a group called Black Motivated Women. I will always pay homage to the young ladies who originally came up with the idea. Unfortunately, the organization was not given much of a foundation to work on since it was created so late in the school year and the creators were seniors.

After going to a couple of the meetings I realized how important this group was to the Black community on campus.

The following year things felt very lonely for me. My friends had transferred out of school and I was completely alone.

It seemed like I was invisible and that I did not fit with any of the people that looked like me. There were many times

“Uncertain Reality,” the work of Threads Dance Project, comes to the Cowles Center Nov. 3 and Nov. 4. that they live in a time of chaos,” said Charles. “Chaos Theory tells us there are cycles

to chaos, and these periods of high chaos can push us forward and sometimes even to a better

place.”

While Charles does not view chaos as a prescription

for the world’s problems, she hopes audiences will leave with a renewed sense of hope.

So many amazing entertainers, engineers, photographers, cinematographers, glam squad forces, designers, and the like remain. New and emerging artists still need to be properly informed so their rights, careers and products are properly protected and managed. The less fortunate are still with us.

Those of us who can, should be willing to pick up where he left off and do the work.

We should be supporting each other, taking care of one another. I truly believe this. I always have, and always will, but feel an especially strong desire to be of service at this point in my life.

I have several mottos, mantras, etc.; one being, “Will Travel for Live Music.”

I buy tickets to concerts all around the world for myself and to give to others. I purchase works of art created in various mediums by people who have

amazing experiences to share, and encourage others to do so.

I advise and protect the legal rights of those I represent. I do volunteer work with abused women and children. I love to see nice people dancing to good music and gladly and often join.

That’s who I am.

What you can expect from me as your most recent addition to the Insight News family is credible information and sound advice on myriad

subjects ranging from the every day to the industryspecific that emerging artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can use to jumpstart or further their careers. You can expect information on important people and connections to exciting opportunities for great music and fun. You should also anticipate weekly, positive affirmations, as positivity is the only way. I will also bring to our weekly meeting my legal

expertise in areas including family law, which is my specialty, and other areas that often extend from the practice of family law, i.e., wills, trusts and probate law. Additionally, I have several years’ business, real estate, and tort law experience to share, which covers areas such as contracts and intellectual property rights.

My ultimate goal in writing will be to share any and all information and experiences

that I considered transferring again. One morning I woke up with the same epiphany that I had as a freshman. I needed to be proactive if I wanted to see any change in my environment.

I went to a good friend and mentioned the idea of us rebirthing Black Motivated Women for the Fall of 2017.

She was completely on board and became my Vice President.

Within two months we had an entire plan, 25 members signed up, and were approved by the University. We have had three meetings so far and have had a consistent number of 35-45 students attending. We work closely with the Black Student Union and also a men’s group called Black Intelligent Gentlemen. Our biggest goal is to strengthen the bonds between women of color as well as bridging the achievement gap.

My hope is that women on campus will never feel as disconnected from their people as I did during my first two years. I want my peers to feel that no matter where they go, they always have a family.

“Chaos is hopeful,” explained Charles. “There are times of struggle when – if we stopped trying to control every little thing – we might be able to transition more smoothly.”

As part of the concert, Threads will also work with the 2017 McKnight International Choreographer, Salia Sanou, of Burkina Faso/France to present an all-new work developed specifically for the company.

“Working with Salia is truly exciting,” said Charles. “The process is fascinating because we’re not just translating his ideas and putting them on stage, we’re actually translating and working through language barriers in the rehearsal space.”

Sanou, a French-speaker, will utilize a translator for his residency in Minneapolis, which runs from Oct. 8 through Nov. 4.

Tickets for “Uncertain Reality” are $24-$29 and available at www. thecowlescenter.org or by calling (612) 206-3600.

that have blessed my life, and through doing so, help point others on a positive path.

Thank you for welcoming me into your city and allowing me into your community.

Violet Brown is an attorney, real estate agent and diehard music fan. You can connect with her on Twitter at @violetesq.

RAMSEY LEWIS GRAMMY WINNING JAZZ LEGEND

OCT 26-27 7 & 9PM

DAKOTACOOKS.COM | 612.332.5299

Page 12 •September 25 - October 1, 2017 • Insight News

There’s something wonderful about doing good and having fun. That was the case a couple of Sundays ago at Theodore Wirth Golf Course when more than 75 golfers showed up for the inaugural Wirth Grocery Co-op fundraising tournament.

The co-op, which opened at 1835 Penn Ave. N., is North Minneapolis’ only co-op and only one of two grocery stores in North Minneapolis. The tournament raised more than $5,000 for the Wirth Bucks

Lasha Raddatz (right) and Kenyatta McCarty had as much fun driving the cart as they did golfing.

Bowtie Billionaire, Kenneth Scales, stopped by the 19th Hole Day Party.

Donise White smiles for her close-up.

insightnews.com

program, that offers purchasing assistance to low-income shoppers seeking healthy and organic foods. Houston White, founder of Black Excellence, coordinated the tournament with Wirth Co-op board member Kimberly Caprini and Bianca Lewis. Following the golfing, DJ Willie Shu provided the tunes for the 19th Hole Day Party at the clubhouse of Theo Wirth Golf Course. The day party was presented by Thee Urbane Life.

Soul singer Liz Lassiter (left) and Black Women on the Course member, Ramona Johnson McCree following their round of golf.

(Left to right) Elissa Wallace, Shanene Herbert and Sonya Smith at the 19th Hole.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Alan Stovall ready to set out on the course.

For anyone who got injured, they were in good hands with chiropractors Dr. Juneau Robbins (left) and Dr. Carson Benjamin. Robbins, founder of BlackNutrition. com, was an event sponsor.

Katherine Morgan (left) Kristina Urvina enjoying the clubhouse deck at Theodore Wirth Golf Course.

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