Insight News ::: 10.04.10

Ed Welburn One of world’s top PAGE auto designers

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

INSIGHT NEWS October 4 - October 10, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 40 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Shane

Miguel Ramos, Alejandra Cabrera and Louis Adams III

Opportunity with the Twins through Emerging Markets leadership Miguel Ramos is the Emerging Markets Manager hired to usher in a greater day for diversity within the Twins organization and their outreach to Twins territory. Ramos, a warmnatured Puerto Rican American, has the strong, proud, immigrant story and background to provide a key lens to the sentiments and needs of the developing local melting pot.

Alongside Ramos in the Emerging

By Ryan T. Scott Contributing Writer Nothing succeeds like success. While the Twins baseball team is bringing hope to baseball fans through their success on the field, the Twins team in the Emerging Markets department is successfully bringing hope and opportunity to the community at large.

Markets department is a bright, energetic, and diverse group of young professionals who all seem to understand the larger importance of their job. Ramos’ right hand man, amongst a team of roughly 15 staff, is intern Louis Adams, III. Though Adams is a 2006 graduate of North High School, he originally hails from Prescott, WI. “I learned a lot making that transition from a small town in

Wisconsin to here. But I’m a better person for it, and it gives me good perspective to help make a difference in what I’m doing [with the Twins].

It’s all been a blessing” Adams, along with Ramos’ first intern Alejandra Cabrera, represent one of the strongest elements of the overall plan to provide opportunity to all communities through the Twins brand: paid internships.

From Twins President Dave St.

Peter, to Vice President, Marketing, David Klinger, the Twins show that not only does their player system build from the grassroots level, but their executive inner workings also employ the same strategy. St. Peter and Klinger both started from similar internship level positions and have risen to their current leadership positions.

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Moving our agenda forward Going all the way

By Al McFarlane and B.P. Ford, The Editors

Suluki Fardan

Natonia Johnson, one of the young leaders on Impact MN’s get out the vote initiative

Black people can and must organize, demand and exercise power at the table of decision.

Without fear or apology, we must say, “This is the way we see the world. These are our interests. If our interests compete or conflict with yours, let’s negotiate.”

That day is at hand, right now, according to driven young political organizers like Corey Day, Executive Director of the

embryonic, Impact Minnesota.

“Impact Minnesota may bring life to our community’s ability to define its future,” said Day last week in a broadcast interview with us recently on “Conversations with Al McFarlane,” on KFAI FM 90.3 Impact Minnesota seeks to enable Black Minnesota to lay claim to its share of the hundreds of commissions and jobs in state government that direct Minnesota’s multi billion dollar state budget. It’s a response to the oft stated refrain that

IMPACT TURN TO 11

By Al McFarlane and B.P. Ford, The Editors

Dayton says schools need more money

By Lydia Schwartz Contributing Writer On Thursday, Sept.

23, Minnesota Meeting invited the major parties’ gubernatorial candidates to share and debate their visions and policy ideas on Minnesota’s Preschool-12th Grade education system. The event was co-sponsored by the Itasca Project and the Robins, Kaplan, Miller and Ciresi Foundation for Children.

Minnesota Meeting is a program of The Minneapolis Foundation. It draws together engaging and provocative national speakers, panelists of local experts, a geographically, economically, and racially diverse audience, and userfriendly materials to provide data, exchange perspectives, and stimulate dialogue on critical issues facing our community.

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Aesthetics

Making the Choir TV show holds life auditions

PAGE 5

Bruce Silcox

Left to right: Gubernatorial candidates Tom Horner (Independence), Tom Emmer (Republican), Mark Dayton (Democrat), and moderator Cathy Wurzer of Twin Cities public radio and MPR.

Health

American Cancer Society’s health summit a UROC

PAGE 6

Gary Hines & Sounds of Blackness

This is the first in a series of artist biographies aimed at illuminating the depth of talent, creative and productivity Minnesota artists bring to their craft and to our community and culture in the broadest sense.

We begin focusing on the stellar, Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness and its leader and founder, Gary Dennis Hines.

Since January of 1971, the Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness have consistently performed and proclaimed the music, culture and history of African Americans to audiences all over the world.

From Jazz and Blues, to Rock & Roll, R&B, Gospel,

Technology

Broadband training teaches job search skills

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Photo courtesy the Artist

Gary Hines

Spirituals, Hip-Hop, Reggae and Soul, the group colors each and every “sound of blackness” with uplifting messages of hope, unity, love and peace for all humankind - and then works passionately to achieve it. These are the milestones marking 35 years of tireless endeavor, creative genius, and business excellence: 1. Performing on five continents before homeless persons, prison inmates, and orphans, kings, queens, presidents and heads of state.

Sounds of Blackness headlined at “The Denver Summit of Eight”, The World Music Awards, at various Embassy events and over

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Lifestyle

Coming clean: Clutter cures

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Page 2 • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Insight News

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Welburn: One of world’s top auto designers

By Catherine Kelly Publisher of the Michigan Citizen; Special Contributing Editor to the NNPA Innovative design, understanding, and the importance of diversity are guiding philosophies for General Motors Vice President of Global Design, Ed Welburn. “Exposure, reading, and travel, whenever possible… and don’t be afraid to take risks,” says Welburn about the preparation for living and working in an increasingly global world.

Since 2003, Welburn, 59, is only the sixth design leader in General Motors’ history and heads what may be the largest design organization in the world.

He leads 10 design centers in eight countries and manages 1,500 creative personalities.

It’s not uncommon to find Welburn at a 6 a.m. design review

or on a late night conference call -- he is, after all, accommodating the world’s time zones. Design is around the clock work at a global company.

After the well-publicized news of General Motors’ financial woes, subsequent bailout and new stock offering, the company is maintaining its commitment to design. And, Welburn is leading the effort.

Welburn, one of the highestranking Black automobile executives in the world, says much of his inspiration comes from his background. Welburn has loved automobiles since he was a child when his father, a car enthusiast, took him to an auto show in Philadelphia.

Welburn received his art training from Howard University in Washington, D.C. He attended the historically Black college in the early 1970s and said the “interdisciplinary” aspect of the experience prepared him for his current role that an art school could not have

Ed Welburn provided.

“Life began to open up quite a bit for me when I went to Howard University . The School of Fine Arts was a fascinating place [to be.] Art, music and drama…with students like Debbie Allen, Roberta Flack, Phylicia Rashad and Donny Hathaway,” said Welburn in an interview with the Black Press.

Photo courtesy NNPA

He recalls hearing Flack play the piano when he was on his way to class and believes his time at Howard contributed to his creative development.

Welburn said studying sculpture at Howard made his drawings much “looser” and him a better designer. “Some of my favorite courses were the life drawing classes. Some of my first drawings were stiff

Bio From 1 the years the group has made five White House appearances.

2.

Worldwide benefit concerts and recordings that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for such causes as, The United Nations Telefood Concert (Jamaica), The United Nations 50th Anniversary “People/Children of the World”, The United Negro College Fund, Scholarship America, The NAACP, The Children’s Heart Fund, he Lupus Foundation, The Opportunities Industrialization

and mechanical but by the time I left, my work had more emotion, passion…good car design has passion.”

Along with his everyday work, Welburn is still involved in the arts. General Motors hosts art shows at its design center and the auto executive has been known to paint in his private time. Welburn believes that creativity offers value and opportunity. While many parents may encourage their children to stay on more traditional career paths, he believes there is opportunity in creative fields such as design. Welburn said, “Parents tend to direct [children] to fields they know they will be accepted… We have a building full of sculptors, artists who are working in the industry.”

Welburn, who regularly travels to Brazil, Columbia, Argentina and China, says cultural fluency and diversity are important. Although, it’s sometimes hard to try new things, adventure and being

open-minded are important aspects of his work, and has helped him in his current position. “I took an assignment in Germany and I wondered if I would be accepted. I didn’t have a place to get my hair cut so that was something to deal with but I love the cultural diversity… the challenges,” said Welburn.

Today, Welburn says he has friends around the world. “And, I connect with them as strongly as I do with my old friends from Howard.”

Welburn says the future of General Motors is in global collaboration.

“It is the future,” says Welburn.

“The development of the new Buick Lacrosse is a very good example of a collaboration of disciplines.” The car, sold in the United States and China, is the result of collaboration between German engineers, and U.S. and Chinese design teams. “It is far better than either team would have done separately…,” said Welburn.

Centers, AmeriCorps, ‘Border Babies’, The National Urban League, Hale House, “HBO Comic Relief V (For The Homeless)”, participation in Grammy in The Schools, and countless others.

3. Theatrical productions, seminars, master classes, workshops and lecturedemonstrations on African American Music, culture and history at every level from pre-school to post-graduate including at The Smithsonian Institute and at The Kennedy Center. They educate while entertaining at schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, men’s and women’s prisons, youth

correctional facilities, halfway houses, battered women’s shelters, synagogues, mosques, temples, churches, community centers, and for corporations such as, General Motors, General Mills, Northwest Airlines, Target Corp, 3M, IBM, A&M, American Family Insurance, The NBA, The NFL, CBS, Polygram, Disney, and NARAS. 4. Pioneering the worldwide presence and proliferation of Inspirational Soul Music at radio, dance clubs, television, and theater and on film - which has in turn substantially changed and continues to change the very face of each of those entities forever. Soundtracks from, Batman and, Demolition Man, to Panther, House Party II, The Posse, Down in the Delta, Moses in Egypt, John Henry, The First Kid, Mo’ Money, Justice and, The Apostle.

5. Appearing/recording with or for Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Sting, Santana, Eric Clapton, Usher, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, LA & Babyface, Elton John, Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber, Luther Vandross, Aretha

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Insight News • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Page 3

BUSINESS

Creating solutions that unlock possibilities Gateway to excellence

By Scott Gray MUL President/CEO Since 1926, the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL) has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for the Twin-Cities.

With a spirit of excellence, the MUL strives to execute human development programming that provides solutions for African Americans and other people of color. Community leaders who converged in 1926 to form the MUL did so in response to both the societal challenges and emerging opportunities that existed at the time. Some 84 years later, the legacy of MUL is without question noteworthy, and truly reflects this community’s commitment to uplifting its citizenry; expanding the quality of life for all, while remaining intently focused on actionable solutions that reflect the mission of the Urban League nationwide.

Solutions The Gateway is comprised of four intersections: College Preparedness/Career Development, Workforce Solutions, Health and Wellness, and Wealth Accumulation. Each Gateway intersection has been designed to be a solution to some of the most pressing disparities facing African Americans in

the Twin Cities; therefore each is critical to the quality of life for youth and adults. Critical to the solutions are community members, corporations, foundations, and other champions.

Several components of the Gateway to Opportunity strategic plan are now in effect, so as we begin our work towards meeting our goals and objectives, we’d like to present glimpses of the challenge before us. Over the next few weeks we will further explain the strategies that each of our intersections will employ to change lives in the Twin Cities.

Gateway Glimpses The College Preparedness/ Career Development Intersection Without intervention, the TwinCities will indeed become the tale of two cities, with stark differences between the inner city and the suburbs, and glaring disparities between ethnic and income groups. For example, in the report, Minding the Gap: Reducing Disparities to Improve Regional Competitiveness in the Twin Cities, it is noted that 33% of residents have a Bachelors degree or higher, while only 19% of African Americans hold degrees.

The gap between educational attainment and income further indicates that amongst all individuals who earned $17,500 or less, only 26% had a college degree. In contrast, 53% of adults with salaries ranging from $35,000 to $79,999 have a college degree.

The pipeline to postsecondary

education is slow, as revealed

by The Minnesota Department of Education’s 2008 Graduation Indicators, which indicates that just 43.41% of African American students graduate in four years; increasing to 49.14% in five years, and 50.73% in six years.

Secondary and some level of postsecondary education are critical if one is to fully participate in today’s world of work. This evident brain-drain and wasted potential must be transformed into a purposeful brain gain.

The College Preparedness/

labor force. The US Department of Labor reports that 75% of all jobs require some level of postsecondary education, whether a certificate or diploma program.

Workforce development, education and training must be better aligned to fulfill employer and marketplace demands.

In the enGauge 21st Century Skills report, four skill clusters are identified as vital to being successful in today’s workplace.

They are: Digital-age Literacy, the technology competencies expected in a 21st century

“The Gateway to Opportunity provides viable solutions and unlocks the promise of possibilities for this community” Career Development Intersection, through the development of an MUL Career Development Curriculum, will prepare students academically and socially for creating career pathways that offer desired personal and professional success.

The Workforce Solutions Intersection According to Minnesota Compass’ “proportion of adults working” data, a measure of labor force participation, including those who are not looking for work, roughly 59% of African Americans are working, suggesting that some 41% are not active in the state’s

workplace; Inventive Thinking, the ability to think beyond the box; Effective Communication, the ability to clearly communicate with varied audiences; and High Productivity, a growing requirement that workers be selfmotivated - contributing to the overall success and mission of the 21st Century workplace.

To respond to these paradigm shifts, the MUL, through its BIG STEP employment and training programs, is devising employerdriven training programs that will prepare individuals to meet the specific needs of employers just-in-time. Through MUL partnerships with business and

trade unions, participants of MUL customized training initiatives will be poised to fill positions in highway construction, the burgeoning green sector, and other emerging occupational sectors based upon demand.

The Workforce Solutions Intersection, based upon labor market trends and sectoral demand, will provide job seekers, whether entry-level or re-careering, with industryrecognized training that meets employer needs.

The Health and Wellness Intersection It goes without saying, in the absence of good health and personal wellness, one’s ability to achieve personal and career goals is compromised. Life expectancy for African Americans is lower than the general population, and the risk for lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and coronary related illnesses is higher according to the Centers for Disease Control. The MUL Health and Wellness Intersection will offer the community an array of nutrition, fitness, preventive and health screenings in support of healthy youth and adults.

The Wealth Accumulation Intersection Learning to create generational wealth can eradicate poverty in families and communities.

Enhancing one’s understanding of basic finances, budgeting, home ownership, debt reduction, and savings can lift an individual, and ultimately a family out of poverty. Currently, net assets for

African Americans in Minnesota average $5,000, 17 times less than that of whites; and while 77% of Minnesotans own their homes, only 32% of African Americans own a home. The MUL Wealth Accumulation Intersection will provide myriad informational programs designed to equip the communities it serves with strategies to create personalized goals and pathways to greater financial stability.

The MUL is elated as it embarks on this journey to significantly expand the impact of its programs, strategically offering programmatic initiatives that proactively address root causes that lead to unrealized potential for youth and adults across the Twin-Cities. Honoring a historical legacy - and in that same tradition which served as a catalyst for the initial formation of MUL - the Gateway to Opportunity provides viable solutions and unlocks the promise of possibilities for this community.

Join us on the MUL Gateway to Opportunity. We believe in this plan for uplifting our citizenry, but we know it only works with your support. Without the community, strategic partners, foundation support, and corporate support, this plan might as well sit on the shelf. Bill Gates said “I believe that if you show people the problems and you show them the solutions they will be moved to act.” There are many ways to get involved. Contact us at info@ mul.org to find out how. Embrace this new strategic direction.

Embrace your power to drive change and take action today.

Preparing for the compatibility interview question Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com The recession is over. The National Bureau of Economic Research says so. Therefore, it follows that many people who were looking for work over the past year will now be

interviewing for new jobs. For many of these people, the word interview is synonymous with phrases like nervous stomach and cold sweats.

Bringing your best self to the table is paramount, and never easy, but being prepared for the most obvious questions will help.

One of these has nothing to do with job skills.

Considering that most people spend more time with their colleagues than their own children, interviewers have to assess whether candidates are compatible with the

people already on board. They wonder, Do I want to work with you? Why would I want to work with you? Does anyone else like working with you?

Interviewers rarely come right out and ask these questions. It is a candidate’s responsibility to recognize the spirit of the question and be ready with a satisfactory response.

Before the interview, do the agonizing homework of determining why these people, at this company, in this department, at this time, would appreciate working

alongside you.

Reach into your past and develop answers for questions such as: • Describe your personality.

• What would former coworkers say about you?

• After we work together for six months, what will annoy me most about you?

• Do you prefer working with a team or alone?

Create responses that describe specific events or situations which somehow relate back to this company or this position.

Minneapolis Foundation President Sandra Vargas introduced Moderator Cathy Wurzer.

Debate From 1 Sandra Vargas, President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation, welcomed everyone to the debate and stressed the importance of P-12 education.

“A quality education system is the key to Minnesota’s future,” she said.

The Minneapolis Foundation believes that the well-being of each citizen is connected to every other and that the vitality of any community is determined by the quality of those relationships.

They are committed to being an effective resource developer and a responsible steward of those resources, an active grantmaker and convener addressing crucial community needs, and an advocate and constructive catalyst for changing systems to better serve people.

DFL gubernatorial candidate, former US Sen. Mark Dayton, discussed the challenges that cutbacks and layoffs create in the classroom, which make it impossible to reach an overcrowded diverse student population on an individual level. If elected governor, Dayton says he will hire

education commissioners who believe in the mission of the MN Dept. of Education. “We have to learn how to teach and reach and invigorate students,” he said.

Dayton stressed the importance of education funding at the state-level, which is based on income, because property taxes at the municipal-level are unequal. “My priorities are education and protecting middleand lower-income earners from an unfair property tax,” he said.

Dayton believes the achievement gap can be narrowed before a child reaches kindergarten by investing in early childhood education, evaluating schools, and getting rid of bad teachers and principals. He believes in a partnership between the public and private sectors to “invest in the entire lifespan of young people today...and give them the skills they need to achieve the American dream for the rest of their lives.”

Republican candidate State Rep. Tom Emmer (19B) supports a smaller, more efficient education system to empower teachers and utilize the resources that will make the next generation ready to drive the economic engine. He stressed the importance ensuring that businesses have the prepared workforce they need for the

future because of the rising cost of remedial education at higher education levels.

Emmer supports grading our schools to ensure that all children receive the education they deserve. “For Minnesota to have an achievement gap this large is inexcusable. We must demand excellence from our schools,” he said. However, he argues that plenty of money is currently being used to close the achievement gap “but we just aren’t getting there.” Emmer also believes in utilizing early childhood education to empower parents.

Emmer says he does not believe in making school compulsory until the age of 18 because “students must feel like they want to be there.” One of his education policy ideas is to instate a five-year teacher licensure renewal process and allow for alternative programs for obtaining a teaching license.

Emmer is a supporter of more student-testing to make sure that we get the value for our tax dollars. He argues that government needs to live within its means and cannot grow beyond our revenue from job growth in the private sector. If elected, he hopes to allocate resources more appropriately.

“We need to empower local

Bruce Silcox

educators to make sure that our money goes where it needs to go…Families are struggling just to put food on the table,” he said.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner stated that students are often the forgotten part of the equation and that we have to think of what is in their best interest. He supports an education system that “maintains the talent pool that not only creates productive workers but good citizens as well and prepares people to live successful lives…We need to ask [ourselves] what we need to achieve civic success.” Horner says that an educated workforce and population are imperative for civic engagement. He discussed how the status quo is not working and the need for innovation.

Horner also discussed the growing need in Minnesota for people with a post-high school education and says he will promote an education system of lifelong learning. “We need to be bold and grab onto the future,” he said.

If elected, Horner says that early childhood education and ensuring that children are reading at grade-level by the third grade will be his priority.

He believes that “when children enter kindergarten not ready to learn, it leads to low high

Regarding teams, for example, do you know whether this is a team-based role or a more independent situation? Your preference for flying solo or not does not change, but the stories you tell will convey your ability to function one way or another. Substitute Willing for Prefer and you will be closer to answering the question the interviewer meant to ask.

Anxious candidates should remember that by the time you get to the interview, the company is hoping they can

hire you. They sincerely want yours to be their last interview.

Prepare and believe that these people will appreciate you once they know you. Then you can interview with confidence, spending more time selling your skills and less time convincing hiring managers that you’re fun at a party.

school graduation rates.” One of Horner’s policy ideas is to rework the No Child Left Behind program to promote innovative programs that get parents involved.

Horner supports teacher autonomy in the classroom and argues that we should have a system that favors innovative teachers over ones with the most seniority. “We need flexibility to keep the best teachers and work with unions to make ineffective teachers better,” he said. Horner says he would leave the decision for a year-round school year up to local school boards to balance more time in the classroom and the Minnesota tourism industry.

Cathy Wurzer moderated

the debate. She is currently the host of “Morning Edition” on Minnesota Public Radio and co-host of “Almanac,” a weekly public affairs program produced by Twin Cities Public Television. Wurzer is the author, executive producer, and host of the regional bestseller and public television documentary “Tales of the Road: Highway 61.” The book won an award from the Midwest Independent Publisher’s Association and the documentary won two Emmy Awards and a national Golden Eagle CINE award.

To view the debate in its entirety, visit www.

MinnesotaMeeting.com or check local listings.

Julie Desmond leads job search and career planning workshops in Minneapolis, MN. Please send your questions or comments to julie@insightnews.com.

Page 4 • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Our history: We must fight for ethnic studies

By Professor Rose Brewer University of Minnesota, African American Studies The right wing educational attack in Arizona expressed in the May 11 passage of HB 2281 banning the teaching of Ethnic Studies in all levels of education, k-12 through Higher Education, and new social standards by the Texas State Board of Education, confronts directly the historic struggles of people of color. These are attacks on our ability to tell our stories, to speak

our truths, and to transform the curriculum regarding the history of the United States. These transformations in US education came from hard-fought struggles.

From the 1968 Third World Strike at San Francisco State College resulting in the establishment of a Third World College, to the 1969 Morrill Hall Take Over by Black students at Minnesota and the struggles for American Indian and Chicano Studies on that campus, these fields emerged out of struggle.

Indeed, the Third World Strike

at San Francisco State College might be called the borning struggle of contemporary Ethnic Studies in the academy. “On strike! Shut it down!” resonated on the campus from November 1968 to March 1969. This fivemonth strike, according to Helene Whitson, archivist of the San Francisco State College Strike Collection, was “longer than any other academic student strike in American higher education history.” http://www.library.sfsu. edu/about/collections/strike/essay. html It led to the creation of Third World College, which spawned hundreds of other Black, Chicano, Native and Asian Studies programs in the late 1960s.

The current period demands that the struggle continues since present political realities have everything to do with whether African American, Chicano/a, Native American and Asian Studies will survive. Let us not forget either that the buying and selling of Black bodies, African men, women and children, the seizing of Native, Latino/a and Asian lands and labor have been constants in the crafting of the

Twins From 1 The Twins boast a robust internship program, which currently is extending over 20 positions to community applicants. Opportunities are spread throughout the many departments of the organization including everything from field maintenance, to marketing, to accounting, and much more. The community is encouraged to investigate these opportunities. The Emerging Markets department plays a special role by making sure that greater inclusion and awareness is injected into the process. “We want to make sure that all communities know

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United States as a nation. HB 2281 reconnects to this history of exploitation with its passage by attempting to erase the history of people of color in the US. Not surprisingly, it has emerged during a period of intensified racism, xenophobia and antiimmigrant hostilities and practices.

While attention has been rightfully focused on the draconian antiimmigration policies in Arizona, this attack on Ethnic Studies is another key feature in our struggle for educational and social justice in the US and globally.

In short, these are chilling times for peoples of color. The Ethnic studies programs, departments, centers in this country cannot / must not rest easily. The Ethnic Studies project has been named in

conservative public discourse as the site of political divisiveness.

Our status is fragile within the white academy that dominates higher education and K-12 , as institutional decisions too often embrace this logic. While those of us in Ethnic Studies have chastised and railed against conservatives, in fact, we face a neo-liberal reality where liberal and conservative sensibilities merge. The attacks on the conceptual playing fields of Ethnic Studies are matched by the politics of retreat and efforts to dismantle the fields altogether.

The perennial question for Ethnic Studies programs is why are we here? How must we connect to our students and wider constituencies? The Ethnic Studies

about [these] opportunities at the same time,” said Ramos.

Thus far the department feels successful in the growth of their outreach. “Before we would have invitations and nobody would show up, but there is a lot more energy now because of good partners,” added Ramos.

The implementation of the Emerging Markets newsletter has been a successful addition to the groups’ efforts of pounding the pavement and phone lines, and they are looking to add as many community centric recipients to their list daily. The recent record-breaking participation in the Twins annual Diversity Week, and the Diversity Day baseball game, is taken as a sign that the Emerging Markets outreach is informing the right influencers.

It was Twins Vice-President David Klinger who first identified the organization’s need to strive for greater inclusion in the stands, as well as within the business organization.

“Obviously Minnesota’s cultural landscape is not the Scandinavian place it once was. We want to develop all backgrounds of people in Twins Territory into Twins Fans. Dave St. Peter and I agreed that the effort must start from within, and that it needs to be authentic. So our goal is not to be fancy, but to really get into the community,” said Klinger.

The Emerging Markets department is the first of its kind in Major League Baseball possessing its own specific budget. Ramos accepted the department’s management

paradigm is rooted in critique of Eurocentrism. The key actors who founded Ethnic Studies were young men and women of color who refused to accept their educational erasure. The Ethnic Studies task today remains the decolonization of knowledge, educating and creating the institutional basis for sustaining these fields. Most importantly, our task is refusing to be brought into the circle of domination that keeps injustice alive. No doubt, the attack on Ethnic Studies is one expression of an especially difficult set of inequalities in the US: the dismantling of living wages, intensified poverty, the destruction of welfare state supports which reach the poorest women and children in this country, and the mass incarceration of hundreds of thousands Black and Brown men and women. This is happening in the context of global economic exploitation. These retreats from social justice are part and parcel of the same logic that led to HB 2281.

Our struggle continues.

For a full list of events, read this article online at www. insightnews.com

position only after establishing a genuine understanding from St. Peter and Klinger that he would not only have the tools and support resources necessary to succeed, but also that they would remain open when Ramos challenged them for specific improvements.

Klinger pointed to a “small, but important example” where Ramos corrected a concessions issue with the Senor Smokes operation.

Senor Smokes celebrates former Twin Juan Berenguer with an assortment of Mexican style selections.

The only problem was that Berenguer is Panamanian. The problem was quickly tended to through Ramos’ leadership, and the menu now includes

TWINS TURN TO 11

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Insight News • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Makin’ The Choir TV show holds live auditions Makin’ The Choir Reality TV Show, created and hosted by Bishop James Gaines, formerly of the group Devoted, (Savoy/ Maleco Records), auditions Minnesota this month on the way to its creation of America’s Gospel Choir.

“For those of you who have had the opportunity to marvel in the joyous sounds of a powerful gospel choir ensemble, you know exactly what I’m talking about,” said Bishop Gaines last week in a “Conversations with Al McFarlane” broadcast interview on KFAI FM 90.3.

“Regardless if you have or have not, I guarantee you do not want

to miss this event,” he said.

The event is a live audition for solo singers, solo musicians and choir directors, who are ages 18+.

The Makin’ the Choir Reality Show Auditions will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Paul, MN on October 16th.

To become a contestant, go to www.makinthechoir.org to download an application.

Rules require auditioners to be onsite at 7am with an 8×10 headshot and $10 entry fee.

If you are not a likely contestant, but enjoy the excitement of Gospel music and television production,

Photo courtesy Makin’ The Choir National

Bishop James Gaines, host

you can be part of the live audience beginning at 8am.

There is a $10 admission fee payable at the door.

The day’s work concludes with a concert at Crown Plaza Hotel hosted by the celebrated Dr. Ben Chavis President and CEO of Hip Hop Summit, (www.drbenjaminchavis. com) and special performances

by Jovonta Patton & DFY and Shiloh Temple International Mass Choir, James Grear and Company, Weston Reindl and more.

For the concert, doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 pm. Admission is $25

at the door $20 in advance.

Tickets can be purchased at Electric Fetus, 2000 4th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404, (612) 870-9300 AND Urban Lights, 1449 University Ave. W., St. Paul,MN 55104, 651647-9650. For more info.: Contact Lutunji or Alafia at makinthechoirmn@yahoo. com or 612-382-2021.

Out of town contestants and fans can book special discounted hotel rooms by calling The Crown Hotel and reference “Makin’ The Choir”.

Call (651) 292-1900.

Legends series at Capri Theatre highlights jazz favorites The torch songs are passed to a new generation as the Capri Theater’s “Legends” series begins its fourth season with “Blue: Songs on the Indigo Side” set for 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 9, and 3 pm, Sunday, Oct. 10. Three young Minnesota natives – Katie Gearty, Nancy Harms and Rachel Holder – will perform an evening of jazz standards, plus some pop favorites in jazz-shaded arrangements.

Single tickets are $25 ($20 for groups of 10 or more) and can be ordered online at thecapritheater. org, or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111. In addition, season tickets for the threeconcert “Legends” series, under the artistic direction of Dennis Spears, are still available for $60

and include “Nancy Wilson & Peggy Lee: The Sultry Divas of Jazz,” with Ginger Commodore and Connie Evingson 7 pm, Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, and 3 pm, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, and Greta Oglesby in a solo concert, “I Sing Because…” 7 pm, Saturday, April 9, 2011, and 3 pm, Sunday, April 10, 2011.

The planning For “Blue: Songs on the Indigo Side” began 18 months ago, when Gearty and Harms approached Twin Cities jazz great Arne Fogel about helping them put together a show for the “Jazz from J to Z” concert series produced by the Twin Cities Jazz Society.

“Right from the beginning, they had thought that Rachel Holder

Sounds of Blackness

Bio From 2 Franklin, Anita Baker, Ashanti, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Lyle Lovette, Bob Dylan, John Cougar, Patti LaBelle, Earth, Wind & Fire, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Kenny ‘G’, President Bill Clinton, Jay Leno, Lena Horne, Isaac Hayes, Little Richard, BB King, The Minnesota Orchestra, Johnny Mathis, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Duvall, Maya Angelou and many others.

6. On at least four occasions performing for over one billion people; The 1992 Grammy Awards, “The 1994 World

Photo courtesy the Artist

Cup, the 1996 Olympics and, the 1998 World Figure Skating Championships.

7. Winning its first Grammy Award (1992), Soul Train Award, International Time for Peace Award, five Stellar Awards, The International Dance Music Award, and being nominated for an Emmy, NAACP Image Awards and others. Most importantly the message, motivation and music of Sounds of Blackness touches, saves, enriches and inspires the lives of millions worldwide.

8. Creating and launching the “Kings & Queens Movement” in June, 2007 to help stop the violence in the streets, to increase dignity and self-respect in our youth and, to end the disrespect and denigration of women in music.

Keyboardist/songwriter/ director/producer/arranger/

would be a great third person for the show,” Fogel said. “After the first meeting, we had the theme down and had chosen a number of songs, and that’s how it came about.”

The show enables the three versatile vocalists to “cover a lot of ground,” Fogel said. The song list includes the title song from Harms’ debut CD from 2009, In the Indigo, which was a hit with both critics and fans and made several “Top 10” lists.

“Nancy also does the lead vocal on Blueberry Hill, that wonderful old rock ‘n roll song, and Katie and Rachel do backup vocals,” said Fogel. “They do Blue Moon as a rock ‘n roll oldie. Rachel sings the standard

Rogers and Hart’s Blue Room.

Katie does Blue Prelude from the early 1930s in a very bluesy, wonderful way. Nancy performs a song called Blue Monk that she wrote the lyrics for. There’s a lot of variety.”

“When I saw the show, I knew it was perfect for the ‘Legends’ Series,” says Capri Theater Director Karl Reichert.

“The music is the right jazz/pop blend, and the quality is what our audiences expect from the ‘Legends’ series.”

“I’m honored that Karl asked us to do the show as part of the ‘Legends’ series,” Fogel said.

“The Capri just looks so cool.

There’s a retro feel to it that I love. You walk in and you’re

charmed.”

The Capri Theater is owned and operated by Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), a non-profit human services organization that serves north Minneapolis children and families through education, community programs and community development. For more information, visit www. pcyc-mpls.org

playwright, Dr. Gary D. Hines, a native of Yonkers New York, began his musical training with drum and bugle corps at five, and expanded in junior high school to include orchestral percussion, jazz, stage and R&B band and choral music.

In 1974, he graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN with honors in Sociology.

Since 1975, he has been a clinician with the National Black Gospel College Choir Workshop.

Leading Sounds of Blackness, Hines has performed in every major city in the United States, and abroad in Africa, England, Holland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Bermuda, Jamaica, Martinique and The Bahamas.

Hines has earned three Grammy Awards: The Evolution of Gospel, by The Sounds of Blackness, Handel’s Messiah - A Soulful Celebration and The Apostle Soundtrack. His arrangement of Santa’s Comin’ to Town was nominated for a Grammy (’93).

Hines and The Sounds of Blackness performed on the Tonight Show, The Today Show, The Arsenio Hall Show, The ‘92 & ’93 Grammy Awards, Entertainment Tonight, The 1994 World Cup, The Stellar Awards, The Soul Train Awards and the 1995 World Music Awards.

In 1997, Gary received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from his alma mater, Macalester College and the Sounds of Blackness received

two Gold records for Evolution of Gospel and Africa to America:

The Journey of the Drum.

Hines gives God the highest

Capri Theater 2010-2011 “Legends” Series BLUE: Songs on the Indigo Side (featuring Katie Gearty, Nancy Harms and Rachel Holder) 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010

3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010 Nancy Wilson & Peggy Lee: The Sultry Divas of Jazz (featuring Ginger Commodore and Connie Evingson) 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 I Sing Because…

(Greta Oglesby in a solo concert!)

7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2011 Season tickets (all three shows for either Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon) are $60.

Single tickets are $25 ($20 for groups of 10 or more) and can be ordered online at thecapritheater. org, or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111. praise and thanks for all things.

Page 6 • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Insight News

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HEALTH American Cancer Society’s Health Summit at UROC

By Christina Garner

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the American Cancer Society held its 2nd Annual Twin Cities Health Summit at UROC, promoting healthy lifestyles and cancer awareness in the African American Community.

This year they recruited the help of NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center as well as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. drawing a larger crowd of community members.

Keith Allen, American Cancer Society project coordinator, said people can reduce their chances of developing many cancers if they simply take care of themselves.

He believes one of the ways the fight against cancer can be won in the African American community is through open dialog about health, and that is exactly what he received.

To ensure his point and the

Mike Benham

Event Coordinators and Volunteers Kimberly Purifoy, Roshan Paudel, Dr. Daheia J. Barr-Anderson, Rodney Anderson, and Keith Allen. points of ACS were brought across; he enlisted the help of community health professionals Dr. Daheia J. Barr-Anderson, Assistant professor of

Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Kevin Billups, an urologist specializing in Men’s Health and Sexual Medicine, and nurse practitioner, Pam White,

founder and president of Health Empowerment Resource Center.

The community gathering provided information on nutrition and fitness as well as

cancers, breast and colon which disproportionally affect the African American community.

“Our environment doesn’t make it easy to make healthy food choices,” said Barr-Anderson, noting that many African American communities are full of more fast food places than grocery stores.

She assured attendees that they could meet their health needs while on a budget. Anderson noted that families can buy frozen fruits and vegetables if they cannot afford fresh and can continue to buy can fruits and vegetables as long as they rinse off access sugar and salt. She believes many African Americans can improve their eating habits by eliminating mystery calories, reading labels, and eating in moderation.

Many community members attending the summit were also unaware of the fresh foods available in their neighborhood.

State Sen. Linda Higgins, who represents North Minneapolis

in the State Senate, informed attendees that there are half a dozen farmers’ markets in the North Minneapolis area alone and that another key to healthy living is knowing what is at your fingertips.

Along with healthful tips on how to improve nutrition and reduce risks of certain cancers, attendees were informed of easy ways to incorporate physical activity in daily routines; one recommendation offered was to simply use household pantry items for light lifting. Anderson notified community members that a healthy diet doesn’t lead to a healthier life alone. It is the mixture of a healthy diet and exercise that ensures a healthier state of being and reduces health risks she said.

According to the experts presenting at the summit, cancer, diabetes and heart disease are illnesses that can be prevented through healthy eating and exercise.

See, Test, and Treat program removes early diagnosis barriers

A free “See, Test and Treat” breast and cervical cancer screening program sponsored by the NorthPoint Heath and Wellness Center, the College of American Pathologists, and the Minnesota Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, will be held at the NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center in Minneapolis, MN on October 5, 6, and 7. Appointments are being scheduled from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm each day by area community health representatives and other staff members.

Language interpreters will be onsite to help patients on Wednesday, October 7 (Spanish) and on Thursday, October 8 (Hmong.)

To register, call 612-767-9197 (English,) 612-767-9162 (Spanish,) and 612-767-9161 (Hmong.) Walk-ins are also

welcome.

“Cancer survival rates are directly related to the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, so it’s important to remove all barriers to early diagnosis and treatment for all women,” said Bradley M. Linzie, MD, FCAP, a pathologist at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

“This ‘See, Test and Treat’ program will provide immediate breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and follow-up treatment, as needed, for local women who are uninsured or underinsured.”

This is the fifth See, Test and Treat event at the North Point Health and Wellness Center. The first was held in McLaughlin, S.D., in October 2001.

During the visit, women will

be given a pelvic exam, along with a Pap test to detect any potential early signs of cervical cancer, and a mammogram for early detection of breast cancer. They will then receive their results in a private setting that same day, and appropriate information or treatment during the same visit.

Traditional screening procedures would have women visit health care professionals twice – once to get examined and once for follow-up care.

Factors such as poor access to transportation, lack of child care, inability to take time off from a job, and other issues present barriers to women in getting the care they need.

“By removing these barriers and using a one-stop, See, Test and Treat model of cancer screening, we hope to reduce the rate of cervical and

breast cancer in women in this area,” Linzie said.

Pathologists recommend that any woman who is older than 21 or who is sexually active should have regular Pap tests. The Pap test is a quick and simple procedure that could change a woman’s life.

In addition, the CAP agrees with the recommendations of the American Cancer Society that all women 40 years and older should have annual mammograms, based on their physician’s recommendation.

The College of American Pathologists supports efforts to expand cervical cancer screening programs to include currently underserved populations of women in the United States.

The College also recognizes that the lack of access to health care for low income adults and children is a significant societal problem, especially as it relates to important diagnostic and

screening tests and tests related to disease treatment. As an organization of physicians acutely interested in the wellbeing of patients, the CAP supports efforts, such as the See, Test and Treat events, to find balanced, realistic and achievable means to expand health care coverage to uninsured Americans.

See, Test and Treat is sponsored by the College of American Pathologists, the North Point Health & Wellness Center, the Minnesota Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, and a coalition of pathologists, cytotechnologists, obstetricians/gynecologists, health care providers and other medical professionals in the Minneapolis area. The goals of the program are to encourage healthy behavior, and to have both testing and follow-up

done in a single visit.

The “See, Test and Treat Single Visit Cervical and Breast Cancer Prevention Program” is funded by the College of American Pathologists, North Point Health and Wellness Center, and the Minnesota Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Hologic is donating a Thin Prep machine and supplies.

Local businesses will provide small gifts for all women who participate in the program.

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center is a comprehensive health and human services agency located in North Minneapolis. NorthPoint seeks to reduce health disparities, improve health outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of life for all residents of North Minneapolis by providing high quality medical, dental and mental health care.

insightnews.com

Insight News • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Page 7

TECHNOLOGY Broadband training teaches job search skills interview preparation, resume development, and how to write a cover letter.

Participants learn that on-line job-search programs will give them leads based on location, position, and employment type; they also learn how to explore jobs in government, non-profit organization, and businesses.

Nghi Huynh, President of the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium and Editor of Asian American Press, which hosts ACTC.

By Ivan B. Phifer Technology Reporter The Asian Community Technology Center (ACTC), located in the Asian Press building at 417 University Ave. W. St. Paul, is one of 11 public computer centers that are part of the University of Minnesota’s innovative Broadband Access Project (BAP).

The Broadband Access

Project is a $3.6 million initiative funded through the US Department of Commerce by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. An extension of the University’s Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC), the goal of the BAP is to improve high-speed Internet access, awareness and use in four federally designated poverty zones in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

In addition, the BAP is focused on increasing

Suluki Fardan

Broadband access by underserved populations, including African and African Americans, Latino, Asian/ Pacific Islander immigrants, and American Indians.

Every Wednesday from 4-7 pm, ACTC holds a training session on Broadband-based job-search skills. The training includes how to browse online for jobs and explores a wide variety of websites.

The ACTC training integrates job search training with

BAP Apprentice Angelina Huynh explained that the key to effective computer-based job searching is to start with knowing your strengths, as well as what you enjoy doing.

This usually gives you a good idea on what jobs to look for and helps you narrows down the search.

Job search is step one in interview preparation, which is part of marketing yourself.

“When you go in for an interview, you want to be well informed and have accurate background on the position you want to receive,” said

ACTC TURN TO 9

Page 8 • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Insight News

insightnews.com

LIFESTYLE

Coming clean: Clutter cures for household messes

marcia@insightnews.com

ultimately go towards helping those battling the disease.

Also, I have less clutter in my rooms, cupboards, and closets, helping to create a greater sense of order and peace in our home. So together let’s wage a war on clutter, set ourselves free, and lose some muchneeded weight!

Can you tell that I have lost weight?

Although I can’t be sure, I think it had to be about two-hundred pounds or so.

See I just placed another big load of clothes, coats, shoes, household items, unwanted (although appreciated) Christmas gifts, and other miscellaneous stuff on my front porch. The charity pickup truck from the Lupus Foundation, www. lupuspickup.org, then came and carried it all away. I feel great about it for two main reasons: The donated items will

Breaking up is hard to do! It is amazing just how attached we can become to our stuff.

In addition, in our minds we can always rationalize why we should keep it, which is why it can be hard to let go.

Sentimental memories of a particular time, special events, and favorite people can greatly influence our decision to hold on to things we may not even like. Clutter Rx: Instead of holding on to that huge, dusty collection of stuffed animals that your auntie gave you, take a picture of the animals and

Style on a Dime

By Marcia Humphrey

tape it to your mirror or put it in a cute frame and set it on your dresser. You can still get to enjoy the good memories of your favorite aunt every time you look at the picture.

Seeing Double In going through your kitchen, do you have two can openers, three identical spatulas, and an overload of ugly serving dishes that you don’t use?

They’re the ones that are oddly-shaped, hard to store, and cumbersome to clean, but are still in good shape. Don’t feel guilty, just toss them in the donation box and allow someone else to enjoy them.

The same principle applies to duplicate clothes, shoes, purses, etc. you are not using.

Clutter Rx: Adopt the motto “All duplicates must go.”

Keep your best can opener and set the other one free!

School Daze Are you trying to save every certificate, drawing assignment that your child has ever done? Is your fridge plastered with school projects?

Maybe you are saving old letters from loved ones. If so, consider using a scanner to scan the important ones into your computer. That way you’ll keep the memories safe forever. Clutter Rx: If

Tracy Syperski

you don’t have an all-in-one printer to scan items onto your computer, visit the library, or your local office supply or copy store. For a small fee, get those special items scanned and saved, and then toss those loads of paper in the recycle bin!

If you are one who opens closet doors or cupboards, only to have something fall out and hit you on the head or toe, it’s time to come clean!

Try some of these simple and free/low-cost solutions. You’ll

not only be free of the weight of excess stuff, you will feel as though a weight of stress has lifted from your mind. This is a weight-loss plan guaranteed to work. Call to schedule a pickup today. Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

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INSIGHT NEWS

Insight News • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Page 9

Let’s hear it for the seniors... “Seniors” who graduate Patricia Anita Young, born and raised in South Minneapolis, celebrated her 59th birthday on September 8, 2010. On May 18, 2010 she received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Young is also a poet. She is a life-long learner who believes it is never too late to learn in order to give back to our children.

www.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane

To Dream the Afro American Dream

By Patricia Anita Young

CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Andrew Notsch Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Technology Reporters Shanice Brown Ivan B. Phifer Christopher Toliver Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond S. Himie Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

Patricia Anita Young

Phtoto courtesy of the Artist

It’s time to move up, the time is now to move on, The time is now, to be all that I am.

MUL Young Professionals hosts Politics with a Purpose The Minneapolis Urban League Young Professionals (MULYP) will host “Politics with a Purpose: How the 2010 gubernatorial election affects communities of color” on October 6. It will be hosted at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, Cowles Auditorium and Atrium starting at 5:30 pm.

The event will consist of a diverse panel of politicians and community leaders discussing the importance of the upcoming gubernatorial race and how young professionals of color can actively engage the political process. The panel discussion, moderated by Robyne Robinson former FOX News anchor and former candidate for Lt. Governor, include: Dr. John M. Bryson,

ACTC From 7 Huynh. “This demonstrates to the employer that you have a drive for the position you want to acquire. It is also a part of marketing yourself. Any previous experience in a field, and knowledge of the job or profession, will help.”

Trainees learn other aspects of how to prepare for job interviews, such as why it is important to dress appropriately and be punctual.

“First impressions are everything and if you show up even remotely on time, that is considered late,” she said. “An employer wants to know you are dependable.

Tardiness is a sign of not being dependable.” An extra step is to send a brief thank-you letter after the interview, and reiterate your key assets.

Huynh said filling out a job application is a key part of marketing one’s self. The application asks you to provide an address and other contact information, and hours you will be available to work.

A resume and cover letter give the employer additional information about people they are considering for employment.

“It is important to highlight your attributes and accomplishments. This makes the employer aware of what you can bring to the team, which

McKnight Presidential Professor of Planning & Public Affairs, Humphrey Institute; Judge Regina M. Chu, Hennepin County; Carlos Mariani Rosa, Minnesota State Representative, District 65B; Mee Moua, Minnesota State Senator, District 67; Don Samuels, Minneapolis City Council Member; and Elona Street–Stewart, Chair, Board of Education, St. Paul Public Schools.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions and mingle with panelists and other guests, which include candidates of color running for office, political, nonmay also give you a higher salary,” she said. “The resume should be a page long, and consist of half-inch margins on the left and right sides.”

Huynh said she tells trainees the purpose of the cover letter and how it should complement the resume, providing other facts that you were unable to put in the resume.

“A cover letter should be tailored to the position that you are applying for, just like the resume.

Unless specifically instructed by employer not to provide one, the cover letter should be the first piece of information employers read.

The cover letter should state explicitly why you feel you are appropriate for the position.

This is the chance you have to express how your skills, talents and experience relate to the position,” Huynh said.

Although the cover letter is a chance to highlight strengths and experience, the letter should not be too lengthy. “The employer reads hundreds of applications a day. So make sure you give details, but get straight to the point in those details,” she said.

Trainees learn that the cover letter has three components.

First, the introduction should state the goal of the cover letter.

The second section should tell why you feel you are appropriate for the position. The final section should include a “thank you” to the prospective

profit, education and community service leaders. The DemocraticFarmer-Labor, Republican, and Independence endorsed gubernatorial candidates have been invited to participate in the event. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by West Indies Soul.

For more information and to purchase tickets, log on to http:// pwap.eventbrite.com.

The Minneapolis Urban League Young Professionals is a volunteer auxiliary of the Minneapolis Urban League, which seeks to engage young adults in the Urban League movement to achieve social and economic equality for African Americans and other people of color. For more information or how to get involved visit www. mulyp.com. employer.

The ACTC workshop is open for anyone who needs assistance with job skills, resume critiques and help finding a job. “The doors are open. All you have to do is walk in,” Huynh said.

Contact the Asian Community Technology Center at (651) 224-6570, or Dan Huynh at huyn0112@umn.edu.

It’s time to plant trees and build lofty towers, I choose to refuse to fantasize, instead to dream with my eyes open wide.

It’s time to let go of sorrows, and prepare out children for bright tomorrows.

The mentees await our arrival, mentors are essential to their survival.

I am dreaming the Afro American dream My passion will show me the way.

The dreams dreamed by our four - father’s, Booker T., W.E.B.D., (Dubois), Frederick D., and the Junior Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King.

First and foremost is our education, standing firm on our Saviors foundation, Focusing on repetition and memorization, leading to selfactualization.

“Fitting in” with the leaders means learning to be a reader, Reading “The Greats,” it’s never too late, by whatever energy it takes, while planting seeds of goals Refusing to “Just Pass,” reading my way to the head of the class.

To live the Afro American Dream.

Written 08/08/08 9/11/10

Revised

Page 10 •October 4, 2010 - October 10, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY

Photos courtesy of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church celebrates contributions On November 15, 1866, Pilgrim Baptist Church was formally organized.

The African American congregation, granted mission status by the First Baptist Church of St. Paul, met in various residences for a number of years before constructing a church at Thirteenth and Cedar Streets in St. Paul. Robert Hickman would be ordained eleven years later and would become the congregation’s official pastor. The history of Pilgrim Baptist Church (Pilgrim) is rich and intertwined into the historical happenings of the State of Minnesota. For all of its contributions, Pilgrim has been designated a Historical Site. The following excerpts provide a glimpse into the story of Pilgrim.

Setting Sail When the boat traveling up the Mississippi carrying the cargo of horses and ex-slaves arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota, a local newspaper reported that local residents who were standing on the banks of the

Mississippi River yelled out “Keep the horses but send the Niggers back.” The ex-slaves were dispersed to St. Paul, Minneapolis, Hastings and Duluth so as not to allow too many to live in one area.

Laying the Foundation Reverend Robert Hickman, along with the group that traveled with him from Missouri was among the group that stayed in St. Paul. In Missouri, Reverend Hickman lived on a plantation and began to preach to groups of slaves. After gaining their freedom, many of these exslaves followed Reverend Hickman up the Mississippi in search of a better life.

These courageous men and women worshipped wherever they could until they joined St. Paul’s First Baptist under ‘watch care’. After Reverend Hickman completed his coursework and training to become a minister, he received his commission and was licensed. After establishing his ministry at Pilgrim, he went on to establish ministries

Events Calendar

Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, andrew@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Andrew Notsch. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events

Nuruddin Farah Reading - Oct 8 — Born in 1945 in Baidoa, Somalia, Farah is one of Africa’s foremost writers and winner of the Neustadt International Prize for Literature. He is the author of 10 novels, one nonfiction book, and numerous plays.

Farah’s earlier works centered on dictatorship and exile; he has

Tackling Community Issues When Reverend Hickman and other ex-slaves arrived, the schools in St. Paul were segregated. Black children went to school in a dilapidated building with broken windows.

It was a poor learning environment as it was cold and lacking in resources.

As a result, Reverend Hickman and members of Pilgrim, advocated for the rights of Blacks to attend public school in St. Paul.

Subsequently, this right was granted. Likewise, Pilgrim advocated for the passage of

PHONE: 612.588.1313

constructed his current trilogy (Links, Knots, and a forthcoming novel) to imagine possibilities for return to Somalia. Presented by the CLA Winton Chair Endowment and the Department of English at the University of Minnesota. 7pm Fri. Oct. 8 @ Cowles Auditorium, Hubert H. Humphrey Center.

religious life. Women ages 18-45 are invited to join the Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, MN for one of their Come and See Weekends, Oct. 8, 2010 at 6:00pm - Oct. 9, 2010 at 7:00pm or Nov. 5, at 6pm - Nov. 6, at 7pm at 1527 Fremont Ave. N., Mpls. For further information contact: mullinkf@aol.com

Come and See Weekend Oct. 8-9, Nov. 6-7 — Explore life at an urban monastery with the Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, MN. Spend time in prayer, relax with the Sisters, meet members of the North Minneapolis neighborhood in which the Sisters provide ministry, learn more about Salesian values, and talk about the discernment process with other women considering

An Autumn Sunset - Oct 8-9 — African Violet Society of Minnesota Fall Display and Sale.

Northtown Shopping Center 398 Northtown Drive N.E. Blaine, MN 55434. 763-786-9704. Fri. Oct. 8 10am-7pm, Sat. Oct. 9 10am-5pm.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Substitute Teacher DEPT: Early Learning Center SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher participates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities. Assists with ensuring that the classroom is appropriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for each child.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities.

2.

Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy.

3. Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely managing developmental activities for the participants.

4. Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports.

5.

Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood development. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Minnesota Teachers’ License (preferred).

Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experience required.

Other Requirements: • Dealing with confidential information.

• Tight deadlines.

• Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager.

• Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines.

• Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org

in Minneapolis, Hastings and Duluth.

In addition, other churches grew out of Pilgrim, including Mt. Olivet and Progressive Baptist in Saint Paul. The creation of these churches and others throughout Minnesota served as anchors in the Black community.

These churches became the cultural cornerstone for Black people, and, they served as the source of cultural diversity for their respective communities.

Refugee Nation - Oct 8-10 — Refugee Nation is about a young generation struggling to understand their history and the silence of an elder generation still healing from the traumas war.

Friday-Sunday, October 8-10, 2010; 7:30PM at Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. $10 adv. $12 door. intermediaarts.org PACER offers housing resource and information fair - Oct 9 — A free housing resource and information fair for families of young adults with disabilities age 14 and older. It is on Sat., Oct. 9, 2010,

ordinances directed at making St. Paul an equal community.

For example, members lobbied for the right to serve on juries and to have a say in taxation.

Pilgrim gave free access to a number of Black national leaders, including but not limited to, W. E. B. Dubois, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., Sr., and III, Frederick McGhee, Roy Wilkins, Jesse Jackson and Hank Aaron.

Pilgrim Baptist Church Homecoming Reunion Concert - Oct 8 — Members of current and past choirs at Pilgrim will come together for an evening of music and fellowship on Friday, October 8th at 7:30PM. Past directors including, Gary Hines, The Sounds of Blackness; Jeanine Nesbit, Disney@ Orlando, Florida; Melvin Carter III, Saint Paul City Council; and Margaret LaFleur, Twin City Music Teachers Association, Rev.-Devon Miller and Pilgrim Baptist Church

FAX: 612.588.2031

Run for a Smile - Oct. 9 — Run For A Smile was formed to help raise money for uninsured individuals in critical need of dental reconstructive surgery.

Our first annual 5K to take place on October 9th, 9:00 AM, at the French Regional Park in Plymouth, MN. Registration is $36, visit runforasmile.org for more info.

44th Annual Fall Festival of Arts - Oct 9&10 — Held on the Streets of Bush and Third in downtown Red Wing, Saturday, October 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 10th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

8th Annual Candlelight Vigil - Oct 12 — An evening to remember those whose lives have been lost. Each year at this time, we pause to remember the lives of thousands of women and girls who die each year at the hands of pimps and abusers.

Tue., Oct. 12th at 5:30pm. Meet at 770 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104.

Minnesota Urban Area Health Education Center The Minnesota Urban Area Health Education Center (AHEC) was established in fall 2009 to strengthen the connections between the health professions programs at the University of Minnesota and underserved urban communities in the Twin Cities. The AHEC works along a continuum to increase the number of health professionals providing primary care in the community. This includes supporting youth with an interest in health careers and creating opportunities for current health professionals to work in underserved areas throughout the Twin Cities.

As a full-time Administrative Coordinator I within our Minnesota Urban Area Health Education Center (AHEC), you will be primarily responsible for providing administrative support to the center executive director. You will manage calendars, schedule meetings, greet visitors as well as handle administrative duties such as filing, copying, faxing, data entry, and typing documents.

Additionally, you will create a positive and friendly environment for visitors over the phone and in-person as well as engage in various community outreach events. This position will be located in North Minneapolis.

In order to qualify for this role, you must possess: a high school diploma or G.E.D; 2 years of administrative or clerical experience in an office environment; proficiency with MS applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and superior interpersonal, time management, organizational and customer service skills As an UMPhysicians employee, we will provide you with a competitive salary and excellent benefits. You will have the opportunity to enhance your career in the exciting field of healthcare through rewarding and challenging assignments and opportunities for advancement.

Mississippi Boat Ride Oct 9 — A boat ride up the Mississippi on the Anson to Fort Snelling on Saturday, October 9th. Passengers will arrive at 12:30PM and the boat will depart at 1:00PM. The boat will return at 2:30PM. This ride will follow the route of the barge that brought exslaves to Minnesota in 1863.

Transportation is available from the church to the boat

and back. Lunch will be served on board the Anson.

Passengers will be protected from all weather. Seating will be on the inside of the boat.

After the boat ride, please join us at Block E (Game Works) downtown Minneapolis from 5:00PM to 9:00PM.

Worship Service - Oct 10 — Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller, former Pastor of Pilgrim from 1977 to 1992 will be the guest preacher for the 9:45AM Homecoming Service on Sunday, October 10th.

EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com

from 9am to noon, at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN. Advance registration is requested. (952838-9000)

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR I

Minister of Music, Delores Zeno, will conduct the choir.

A light buffet will be served following the concert.

Strategies and Solutions to Prepare Black Male Students for Success - Oct 12 — Dr. Roy I. Jones, executive director of Clemson University’s Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models)) will keynote the St. Catherine University Diversity Council’s 2010 Social Justice Symposium. Jones’s keynote address is 7pm, Tue. Oct. 12, in Jeanne d’Arc auditorium inside Whitby Hall on the University’s St. Paul campus, 2004 Randolph Avenue. Free and open to the public.

The Kitchen Table - Oct 12 — As the nation’s poverty rate hits a 16-year high of 14.3%, Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties is leading local conversations about how to reduce poverty. Community Action’s first Kitchen Table forum will be held in Saint Paul on Tue. Oct. 12. from 5:307:30pm at Community Action at 450 Syndicate St. N. Saint Paul. Registration will begin at 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited. There is no charge to attend. Please RSVP to Kim Ellison at 651-603-5951 or kellison@caprw.org.

Energy Resource Action Day at Sabathani Community Center - Oct 13 — Energy Resource Action Day is a special outreach event for low income community members who may have questions about Energy Assistance or they may need help navigating the Energy Assistance process. Wed., Oct.

ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team is announcing a program for college Internships for the fall and winter. The program will consist of five teams of 5 interns each in the following areas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3) Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Business administration.

Each team will have a leader and be given challenging assignments.

We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits.

Interested Parties please send resume to: The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program 10125 Crosstown Circle #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040 www.minnesotablizzards.com

Courtesy of Sylvia Amos

Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Black Descendants Gathering — Saturday, October 9, 5-9 p.m. at the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. No. Presentation by the Fergus Falls Historical SocietyAbout the History of African Americans settling in Fergus Falls in 1890’s. Pot Luck Affair Contact Sylvia Amos at 612-302-3102.

13, 10am-2pm @ Sabathani Community Center 310 East 38th St. Mpls, MN. made in congressional districts 3 Community Health Fair - Oct 15 — Students from Summit Academy OIC are hosting a Community Health Fair to educate low-income community residents and minorities about a variety of health issues including diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight prevention, STD’s and obesity. Fri. Oct. 15, 1-3pm 953 Olson Memorial Highway, Mpls. FREE. NRRC Board of Directors Elections - Nov 16 — Nov. 16 8am-9pm at UROC - 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. Nominations are open until Nov. 9. If interested or for more info, contact: aramadan@nrrc.org or call 612-335-5924.

Arise! Bookstore Hosts Festive Holiday Sale - Dec 19&20 — Holiday sale and fundraiser for Arise! Bookstore. Sat., Dec. 19 and Sun., Dec. 20, 11am–9pm; baked goods go on sale at 11am and music starts at 5pm on the 19th @ 2441 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

Intermedia Arts’ FREE fall after school programs! - Fall — Intermedia Arts’ youth programs empower young people with the skills and tools they need to become positive catalysts for change within their communities. Our after school programs occur throughout the school year, and transportation is provided for some of the programs. For details: www. intermediaarts.org

insightnews.com

Twins From 4 Panamanian selections.

Ramos himself pointed to the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day as a moment where he felt especially grateful for being able to improve operations.

Recognizing that Major League Baseball’s basic requirements for each team was not sufficient for honoring Robinson, Ramos pooled resources to help make for a much more fitting event. The results of his effort included: uniting the event with the Landmark Center’s display celebrating historic Black baseball players in Minnesota, assisting in the uniting of former great Black baseball players at the event, and successfully inviting three local schools (Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, Lakes International Language Academy, and North

Impact From 1 we pay our fair share into the state treasury, in individual and business taxes, but we don’t get a commensurate return because we are locked out of state jobs and state contracts.

So we asked Day how do we ensure that the people in power pay attention and become responsive to our needs and our contributions to the state.

The answer, he said, was that we should become the people in power then decide things differently.

“We need to quantify what it means to do our work. We need to quantify what our vote means and demonstrate the value of our work to get voters to turn out.

“After November 2, we want to say to our new governor, “Here are the voters we got to the polls in our communities.

Here are the margins. This is what we did,’” Day said.

“So we are working in support of the Mark Dayton candidacy for Governor, with the idea of showing that we are more engaged early on rather than late in the game. We believe that argues for a much better seat at the table of power,”

Insight News • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Page 11 End Elementary University Academies for Boys & Girls) for a learning field trip, in which they were able to interact with Twins greats and participate in pertinent trivia sessions for memorabilia.

It is Ramos’ story of Miguel, a local elementary student of his namesake, that shows the direct impact the department is making in the most crucial of ways. In short, Ramos showed great interest in young Miguel, even allowing him to join Ramos as a quasi assistant during a school visit in conjunction with Minneapolis Public Schools’ 100 Strong Who Care program. Though Ramos made a conditional promise of a special signature baseball for young Miguel, the bright young boy was completely satisfied to call Ramos several weeks thereafter to report the he had indeed accomplished the educational goals Ramos had quietly challenged him with in exchange for the ball. “I was

amazed when he [said] ‘I only called to let you know I did it’,” Ramos recalled. It was simply Ramos belief and attention in Miguel that inspired the boy to success in school. Young Miguel didn’t seem to care much about the ball.

“We have a great opportunity here, in Minnesota. People are willing to work with you. If everyone tries, we can succeed together. But you have to give time. We cannot be satisfied, because there is always a way to grow and improve,” Ramos said. Ramos shows a unique ability to genuinely convey his message to diverse audiences, even through a thick, yet pleasant Puerto Rican accent.

Klinger immediately bonded with Ramos years ago through consulting work Ramos did with a local Spanish radio station. After a little convincing from Klinger, Ramos himself realized the power of what could be done through the Twins brand. “I

started off cleaning stores at Mall of America when I first came to Minnesota. It was very hard not speaking the language, but me and my daughter were determined to get better every day,” said Ramos.

Ramos’ most resonating personal story is that of his daughter’s rise from being picked on in grade school to the point of crying – because she was just learning English – to her current heights of finishing a law degree at the University of Minnesota. “I have a strong [focus] on the children because of that. I want to see all the kids, of all races, see that kind of success,” Ramos emoted meaningfully.

Recent developmental meetings with local partners in Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools come on the heels of an already successful year of activity with both. “We do a lot with the schools. We have very good partners there. Hamilton Bell in St. Paul. Superintendent

Johnson and James [Burroughs] in [Minneapolis Public Schools]. These people share the same vision. I enjoy seeing their passion with the kids,” said Ramos. Ramos went on to mention several others in the community, but also made special mention of the players and their wives being very helpful in the department’s initiatives.

Ramos continued, “I saw so many divisions in the immigrant community when I first [came to the United States]. But I know the human race is more powerful than these divisions. I may speak with an accent, but I do not think with an accent. No matter what, we are one people.

One family. Family has to be way beyond tolerance.” Ramos ended, “We are here to make sure everyone feel welcome with the Twins – so we can share this opportunity together, and the success.”

Twins President Dave St. Peter offered, in a

recent diversity banquet event involving several key partners, that, “We have a general commitment to family and accessibility. We want everyone to find comfort in what we offer. And we also realize the special platform we have to better the community.

We realize that Twins baseball can bring people together.”

Recognizing the expanding local market buying power, and human resources available for growth, the Twins are positioning to grow through greater attention to diversity.

Through corporate and community partnerships the executives suggest they see an opportunity to establish a national model of developing interest and opportunity with Major League Baseball.

Internship opportunities can be investigated at w w w. t w i n s b a s e b a l l . c o m / jobopportunities

he said.

A point Day made again and again in the course of the broadcast interview was that the more Black people elected to public office, be it the in Legislature, on County Boards or City Councils, the more our issues and our agenda go to the forefront.

Presently, Day said, Minnesota’s Black communities have tremendous and effective leadership in US Rep. Keith Ellison, D-MN5, State Reps.

Bobby Joe Champion, D-58B, and Jeff Hayden, D-61B, and in Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter and St. Paul Council Member, Melvin Carter III. At the Legislature, that leadership team soon will experience a 100% growth, as Rena Moran will likely succeed Cy Thao in St. Paul’s 65A seat in the House of Representatives, and, as former St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington, who likely will succeed Senator Mee Moua, prepares to become the second African American to ever serve in Minnesota’s Senate.

The two effectively double the size of Minnesota’s Black Legislative Caucus.

But the immediate work of Impact Minnesota, said Day, is to focus on the top of the ticket to ensure a Mark Dayton victory

at the polls next month.

“We had a hotly contested primary election with a lot of money spent on TV advertising.

But the African American community was not reached out to the way it should have been,” Day said.

What’s at stake, he said, is the voting power of the young people and ordinary people who turned out for Obama two years ago, but who are a little discouraged right now.

“They showed up for Obama energized. We have to reignite that energy.”

“We saw unprecedented energy throughout the county.

We have to find a way to light that fire with events that cater to the ‘08 voter who came out the first time and who is now discouraged. We have to make it fun again,” he said.

Impact Minnesota is staffed with new faces, Day said. “New people with new energy and a fresh perspective about how to get people engaged.”

The Impact Minnesota work includes putting some 20 organizers and canvassers into neighborhoods, going door to door asking people to sign a pledge that they will vote on November 2.

“We had a canvasser go to a home in the neighborhood

and he was greeted by another young person who asked what the canvassing was all about.

The next day, the young resident was at our office, asking to work as a volunteer, excited to be able to make a difference in our community and our state.”

“That is what we call success,” Day said.

“A lot of 19-year-olds, and even a lot of 40-year-olds may find politics boring. The one thing that gets them excited and gets them engaged is when you connect the dots. When they understand how ‘a’ affects ‘b’, they then discover how their own interests are in play,” he said.

“That being said, it’s getting and electing more African American candidates that matters. When you have more African Americans elected, you have serial change, a new approach, and a difference in the way things are talked about,” he said.

Impact Minnesota opened offices at 1501 West Broadway in North Minneapolis and daily dispatches its staff of 20 to neighborhood barbershops, beauty shops, retail and community service facilities, as well as door to door, inviting people to pledge to go to the polls November 2.

“We ask voters to sign the pledge. Then we will call back

to make sure they get out and vote on Election Day.”

Page 12 • October 4 - October 10, 2010 • Insight News

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