Insight News ::: 10.05.15

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Insight News October 5 - October 11, 2015

Vol. 42 No. 40 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Mixed Blood opens its 40th season with ‘An Octoroon’ “An Octoroon” opens the 40th season of the Mixed Blood Theatre Company.

The play is a take on “The Octoroon,” a 19th-century melodrama about illicit interracial love. From playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, has been characterized as a funny, disturbing, whirlwind about the antebellum South as well as present-day America. The play delves into the complexity of American identities and their unresolvable connection to America’s legacy of slavery and genocide.

Nataki Garrett, director of Mixed Blood’s 2015 world premiere of “P**** Valley,” as well as the 2011 production

of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Neighbors,” leads a cast that includes Jamila Anderson, Megan Burns, Jane Froiland, Jon Hegge, Chaz Hodges, William Hodgson, Jasmine Hughes, Eric Mayson, and Ricardo Vazquez.

In addition, Mixed Blood’s 40th season reveals a newly refurbished facility that includes a greatly expanded lobby, more public restrooms and an elevator, ‘“An Octoroon’ is a MeloDramatic romance complete with villains, slapstick, vaudeville, with both masked and exposed characters, set on the back-drop of Boucicault’s 19th century play, and it is as much about

THEATRE TURN TO 4

Pictured left to right: Megan Burns and Jamila Anderson

Rich Ryan

CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS

Leerssen, Stevens lead equity, inclusion initiatives

Julianne Leerssen

The city of Minneapolis has hired two new equity and inclusion managers in hopes of addressing the city’s disparities when it comes to its residents of color and contracting with more minority-owned businesses.

Julianne Leerssen and Joy Marsh Stephens were hired to work in the city coordinator’s office as the city’s new equity and inclusion managers.

Leerssen will primarily address Promise Zone initiatives.

Minneapolis has one of 20 federal Promise Zones nationwide. The goal of the Promise Zone in Minneapolis is to revitalize high-poverty communities by reducing racial inequities in public services and institutions, reducing serious and violent crime and reducing the racial achievement gap.

Stephens’ main role will be

Joy Marsh Stephens

Census Data: Black women, children struggle with poverty

By Freddie Allen Senior NNPA Washington Correspondent

POVERTY TURN TO 9

The problems that Black women face in the labor market have a ripple effect in the Black community.

MANAGERS TURN TO 4

Deep racial disparities in the labor market

By Clark Biegler Minnesota Budget Project While productivity has risen in the United States, wages continue to lag. Six years into the economic recovery from the Great Recession, too many Minnesotans lack the quality jobs that would allow them to support themselves and their families. This brief digs deeper into data on wage growth, income inequality and Minnesota’s deep racial disparities in the labor market.

The brief also describes policy choices that would ensure that hard work pays off and builds a strong economic future for all.

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Despite relative improvement in job growth from 2013 to 2014, Black women continue to struggle in the economy, according to the latest statistics from the United States Census Bureau.

Valerie Wilson, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and the director of the Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy, said that earnings for Black women have declined every year since 2011.

Wilson added that declining earnings for Black women also affects the poverty rates for Black

with equity initiatives within the city as a workplace, working on a variety of initiatives including supporting the work outlined in the Racial Equity Action Plan.

She will help support equity and inclusion efforts in hiring, recruiting, supplier diversity and contracting.

“North Minneapolis is Ground Zero, for the disparities in Minneapolis,” said Leerssen regarding her work with Promise Zones. “The ultimate goal is to improve the neighborhood. If we can improve north Minneapolis, we can improve the city and the state.”

According to Leerssen, of all the designated Promise Zones in the nation, Minneapolis’ zone is the only one to place racial equity as its top priority. The

While Minnesota is recovering from the Great Recession, many working Minnesotans still struggle to reach economic security.

Even though unemployment is back to prerecession levels, workers have

not seen substantial wage growth. Wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, and many families can’t meet their basic needs for child care, transportation, housing and health care.

Even six years into the economic recovery, too many Minnesotans still lack the quality jobs that would allow them to support themselves and their families: • Wages are lower than in 2000, when adjusted for the impact of inflation.

• Many Minnesota workers, including over half of Minnesota workers without a college degree, earn less than what it takes to support a family.

• Minnesota’s economic success is not reaching all communities; people of color are more likely than other Minnesotans to be

WORK TURN TO 3

Business

Commentary

Education

Community

Minnesota Hispanic, woman-owned business makes history

Black and latinos working together

AfricanAncestry.com launches The Ultimate Selfie student program

Everyone is welcome at Good Grocer, a new kind of food marketplace

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Work From 1 underemployed or unemployed.

State policy choices play a role in building a future where all Minnesota workers benefit from the economic growth they help create. Policymakers can ensure that Minnesotans’ hard work pays off and build a strong economic future for us all by improving job quality standards, ensuring Minnesotans can get good jobs, and supporting lowwage workers as they climb into the middle class. Specific steps in this direction include expanding access to earned sick time, making child care affordable for more families, boosting family incomes through an increased Working Family Credit, and ensuring access to driver’s licenses, regardless of immigration status.

The Economic Recovery is Not Yet Bringing Strong Wage Growth Minnesotans want to work and succeed. However, the benefits of Minnesota’s economic growth are not reaching all those who contribute to the state’s economic success.

The recession took its toll on wages, and the recovery is not yet resulting in substantial wage growth in Minnesota.

Low-wage workers’ wages haven’t gotten back to 2007 levels, the year before the Great Recession hit. And wages for all wage groups are still hovering around 2000 levels, the year before the previous recession hit. In fact, in 2014 low-wage workers were still making less than they did in 1998 when inflation is taken into account, and median-wage workers’ wages were around the same as in 1999. High-wage workers are making about the same as they did in 2000.

This lack of wage growth has occurred despite rising U.S. productivity, which has increased by 6.6 percent since the recession, and by 21.6 percent since 2000.

Over a longer time span, high-wage workers have seen the fastest wage growth.

Their wages grew by 21.3 percent from 1979 to 2014, while median-wage workers’ wages grew by 13.0 percent and low-wage workers’ wages only increased by 5.4 percent, after adjusting for inflation.

Again, wage growth has lagged substantially behind national productivity growth, which rose by 62.7 percent since 1979.

The fact that high-wage workers have seen much stronger wage growth has contributed to worsening wage

People of Color Are More Likely to Lack Full-Time Work (2014) Share of parttime workers who Unemployment want full-time Rate work All Minnesota Workers 14.4 percent 4.0 percent African-American Workers 27.5 percent 11.7 percent Hispanic Workers 21.7 percent 7.0 percent Asian Workers data unavailable data unavailable inequality in Minnesota. In 1979, the median wage of highwage workers was 2.4 times higher than the median wage of low-wage workers. That gap has increased, and in 2014, high-wage workers’ wages were 2.8 times higher than low-wage workers’. Hard work should pay off, but the benefits of economic growth haven’t been broadly shared.

Many Workers Can’t Afford the Basics Stagnant wages mean that too many Minnesota families

are unable to afford a basic standard of living. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development calculates that both parents in a family of three need to earn $16.34 per hour to afford their basic needs.

However, there are not enough jobs that pay these wages, especially for workers with less education. In 2014, more than half of all Minnesotans without a college degree made less than this wage.

This living wage only covers a basic needs budget that includes necessary expenses

Under-employment Rate 8.7 percent 21.4 percent 14.7 percent 12.3 percent

that Minnesota families face, such as the cost of food, child care, housing and health care.

It does not include money for savings, entertainment, eating out or vacations. The living wage standard varies across the state, from $11.59 in Stevens County to $19.05 in Isanti County.

Low-wage workers are important to the state’s economy. They work at grocery stores and take care of Minnesota’s children, and they spend their paychecks at local businesses. These workers are integral to our state’s economy,

yet today too many of them don’t earn enough to support a family.

People of Color Earn Lower Incomes, Are More Likely to be Unemployed or Underemployed Minnesota is an above-average state in many ways. We have a high share of residents participating in the labor force, a higher median income than many other states and a lower unemployment rate. However, this disguises the fact that people of color in Minnesota lack the same opportunities that

white Minnesotans enjoy.

In Minnesota, people of color are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed than white Minnesotans. In 2014, while Minnesota’s overall unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, the unemployment rate was 11.7 percent for AfricanAmericans and 7.0 percent for Hispanic Minnesotans.

Full-time work is an important path to economic security. About 1 in 7 part-time workers in Minnesota would prefer to work full-time, and this problem is much more prevalent among people of color. More than 1 in 4 AfricanAmerican part-time workers and more than 1 in 5 Hispanic part-time workers want fulltime work.

Workers of color are also more likely to be underemployed, a more comprehensive measure than unemployment that also includes other workers who are not able to find the work they need.

While overall 1 in 11 Minnesota workers are underemployed, 1 in 7 Hispanic workers, 1 in 5 African-American workers and 1 in 8 Asian workers are underemployed.

The finding that people of color are more likely to lack full-time work that meets their skills is reflected in the fact that people of color generally have lower incomes than white Minnesotans. While the median income for Minnesota households was $61,500 in 2014, the median income for Hispanic or Latino Minnesotan households was only two-thirds of that, and black Minnesotan households had earnings less than half the state’s median income.

People of color are making up an ever larger share of our workforce, but our economy is not making full use of their skills and abilities. With a tightening labor market and a labor shortage on the horizon, it’s crucial for the state’s economic future that all Minnesotans have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in the labor market.

Read full report at www. mnbudgetproject.org

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Page 4 • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Insight News

Theatre From 1 privilege as it is about race,” said Garrett, the play’s director. “It is universal in its investigation of the desire to understand who you are and who you belong to. It is provocative in that it is a complete reflection of American racial history. It is brilliant because it turns the conversation about race in America upside down, both theatrically and actually, revealing deeper truths in the process, as only the best theatre does.”

“We are dubbing this, our 40th season, as WD40,” said artistic director Jack Reuler. “For me it reflects that Mixed Blood has reduced friction for 40 years, that we’ve produced works of distinction for four decades or, like the product, been a solvent

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of societal conundrums. The first show that we produced as we introduced ‘Radical Hospitality’ to the world was by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. And so it is fitting that his amazing ‘An Octoroon’ – a 21st Century comedy merging contemporary racial politics with 19th Century mores while shocking, entertaining, and enlightening – is the embodiment of Mixed Blood’s mission, vision, and aesthetic as we reveal a 21st Century renovation of our 19th Century firehouse theater.”

“An Octoroon” runs at the Mixed Blood Theatre Oct. 16 – Nov. 15. Tickets are free and on a first come basis. Patrons can reserve seats for $20. To reserve seats call (612) 338-6131 or email boxoffice@mixedblood.com.

All performances take place in the Alan Page Auditorium in Mixed Blood’s theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis.

Rich Ryan

Pictured left to right: Megan Burns and Jamila Anderson

Managers From 1 Obama Administration, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), designated several high poverty communities as Promise Zones.

Along with Minneapolis, Promise Zones have been designated in cities such as Camden, N.J., Hartford, Conn., Indianapolis and St. Louis.

Stephens, who recently ran a spirited campaign for mayor of Brooklyn Park, said Leerssen’s and her hires indicate leadership in Minneapolis is taking serious its commitment to combating ethnic disparities, especially disparities regarding AfricanAmericans, who statistically are not progressing nearly as well as other ethnicities.

“The fact we’re (Stephens and Leerssen) here helps affirm the work that’s already been going on. This says the city is

serious about addressing the disparities that exist – especially when it comes to AfricanAmericans,” said Stephens.

Leerssen has 15 years experience working in north Minneapolis and is the founding director of the Neighborhood Hub. She has a degree in speech communication from Augsburg College and a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. Stephens most recently worked at UnitedHealth Group.

With undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota, Stephens has more than 20 years of experience in a variety of sectors including public schools, health care and financial services. She has served leadership roles in numerous nonprofit boards, schools and other community groups with a focus on driving equitable outcomes for people of color across the Twin Cities metro area.

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Insight News • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Page 5

BUSINESS Minnesota Hispanic, woman-owned business makes history Elise Hernandez is the new technology power woman.

The first in her family to get her MBA, she took her school business plan and created one of the fastest growing woman-owned IT companies in the country.

Now, she’s made history as the only Minnesota-based, Hispanic, woman-owned business to be among 65 companies awarded a $20 billion government contract.

Minnesota Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and Gov. Mark Dayton were among those in attendance as Hernandez shared details about the 10-year “Everything IT” governmentwide contract. The National Institute of Health Informational Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center awarded the contract in May to 65 companies, ranging from large to small. Ideal System Solutions, Hernandez’

company, benefited from the federal government’s objective to award 50 percent of the overall contract to small businesses. Ideal will provide federal agencies with IT commodity products and commodity-enabling solutions, on-site or in the cloud.

“I am elated that Ideal has been awarded this contract,” said Hernandez, founder and CEO of Ideal. “We have spent the past 18 years developing strategic partnerships with innovative technology manufacturers and service partners to provide clients with ‘best-in-class’ technology products, services and support.

These skills allow Ideal to offer government agencies a highly capable, one-stop IT service and solution provider.”

“Small businesses like Ideal System Solutions are the engines of economic growth in

Elise Hernandez

our state and our nation, creating tens of thousands of jobs every year in Minnesota alone,” said Klobuchar. “Meda contributes to Minnesota’s strong business community by working to create jobs, keep the economy moving, and support women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color, like Elise Hernandez.

Elise is breaking barriers, and we need more leaders like her.”

“This is a great milestone for Ideal System Solutions and Minnesota’s small business community,” said Franken.

“Elise Hernandez’s success is a reminder how vital it is to encourage entrepreneurs and create opportunities so small businesses can realize their potential.”

Hernandez established her IT company18 years ago in the Brainerd Lakes area and

Minneapolis. Ideal also has offices in New Mexico, Iowa and Virginia. For the past six years, Hernandez has been working with the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) and its Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) offices in Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. to grow her business. Hernandez was recently awarded the MBDA Minority Business Enterprise of the Year.

“MEDA exists to help minority entrepreneurs succeed,” said Gary Cunningham, president and CEO of MEDA. “We believe that creating successful minority businesses is the key to addressing the racial wealth gap in our country. This historic award to Ideal demonstrates that minority businesses can compete and win.”

Interview with Lisa Hoffman, fundraising guru FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw Part one of a three-part series If you are lucky, you are fortunate to know people who are “the real deal.” That is Lisa Hoffman. She is an experienced and talented fundraiser and coach. A woman who is both gentle and firm in her guidance, her goal is to help you reach your fundraising goals.

We recently reached out to Lisa and asked her to share some of what she has learned during her 30 years in fundraising. We began by asking about what exactly leads to fundraising success.

“Board leadership really is essential,” Hoffman began.

“The Board Chair needs to give generously and raise money, as well as understand their role in modeling, guiding and supporting the rest of the board to do the same. The Board Chair has tremendous influence on creating a culture of philanthropy, generosity and giving. And if there are issues with board members, it is usually the chair who needs to step up and address them.

And, the executive director or CEO needs to be one of the organization’s lead fundraisers and partner with the Board Chair on keeping fund development high on the board’s agenda and radar. Another critical part of the executive’s role is to create a culture of generosity and appreciation of the individuals and groups that support the organization. Every staff member can be a leader in raising money, recruiting volunteers and garnering in-kind contributions.

The executive sets the tone and process for this kind of

Lisa Hoffman engagement.

Passion is critical to successful fund development.

Most people don’t like fundraising, and passion for their organization’s mission is the best

motivator I know of to provide the drive and fearlessness needed to raise game-changing amounts of money over the long haul.

A Plan. Our colleague Jude Kaye says that, ‘A vision without a plan is hallucination.’ I agree with her perspective – fund development, without a plan that includes mission, vision, goals and a roadmap for success, flounders.”

Related to leadership, we asked Hoffman to share what she has identified as the qualities to look for in a board chair.

“Clarity about the chair role and what leadership means: to support and drive the board in stewarding the organization’s mission and vision. That means making sure every board member understands and fulfills their role in ensuring that every aspect of the organization – how people are treated, strategic direction, finances, fundraising – reflect

sound values and respect the time and resources given to the organization,” she shared.

Hoffman added, “[and] Courage to deal with issues that typically range from financial challenges to founder executive director succession to troublesome board members with integrity and skill.”

Finally, “A good sense of humor – which I think is selfexplanatory!”

You can reach Lisa at www. lisahoffman.net Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Free financial advice at Wilder On Saturday, October 17, 2015, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Minnesota’s top financial professionals will give free financial advice to Twin Cities residents at Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul, Minnesota.

The sixth annual Twin Cities Financial Planning Day is an opportunity for community members who need advice about a wide range of topics, including budgeting, getting out of debt, taxes, mortgages, paying for college, estate planning, and insurance.

This event will feature a series of workshops about personal finance topics, as well as a keynote speech from Ross Levin, President of Accredited Investors in Edina and Chris Farrell, an economics author and commentator for Minnesota Public Radio at 10 a.m.

This is a free event.

To register, or for more information, visit www.

FinancialPlanningDays.org/ TwinCities or call 877-8617826.

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Page 6 • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Black and latinos working together Black Press of America

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, NNPA If there was ever a propitious time for African Americans and Latino Americans to unite to advance the cause of freedom, justice, equality and economic empowerment, it is

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now. Today, more than ever, the rapidly changing national demographics and the potential political and economic power as a direct result of Latino and Black unity in America cannot be overstated.

We are now in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, across the United States.

It is important to note that during this year’s observance of Hispanic heritage, Latino leaders are also articulating the strategic value and need for more unity between Blacks and Latinos.

In a recent column to the New York Amsterdam News, Bronx Borough President Rueben Diaz Jr. stated, “As we face heated, dangerous rhetoric on the issues that concern us the most, the Hispanic community must not only stand together but to also unite with our allies of different backgrounds, such as the African-American community, to fight for the betterment of our communities.”

I know Borough President Diaz and I believe that one day he may become the first Latino mayor of New York City.

Fighting to improve the quality of life in our communities is

exactly what our long mutual struggles for justice and empowerment continues to be about. The two largest people of color groups in America are Latinos and Blacks. And if Blacks and Latinos unite in New York and elsewhere, it will achieve more effective political and economic results.

President Barack H. Obama issued a proclamation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month stating, “America’s Hispanic community has woven unique threads into the diverse fabric of our country and played an important role in shaping our national character as a people of limitless possibility.”

We are witnessing a political challenge to the nation’s diversity with the exponential increase in residents of people of color in every region of the country. Some studies show that the racial-disparity divide in America is becoming more and more pronounced in housing, education, business, immigration, and mass incarceration.

Going forward will require a serious effort to ensure a massive voter turnout of Latinos and Blacks in the 2016 elections. Neither the Black nor Latino vote can be taken for granted. The political future of the U.S. will swing in the

Barnes emphasized, “This task force also marks a historic partnership between the NNPA and NAHP, the nation’s most influential publishing organizations that are currently led by women. Martha and I have a shared vision and commitment to empower our communities by strengthening the voices of the media we serve.”

The potential force of African Americans and Latinos working together in business, politics, education, housing, family and community development are enormous.

The challenge will be to achieve and maintain this unity not just for one year or two, but for a lifetime of solidarity and action to represent and defend the interests of our communities respectively.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached for national advertisement sales and partnership proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa.org; and for lectures and other professional consultations at: http:// drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix.com/ drbfc

Jeb Bush is wrong about Blacks wanting ‘free stuff’

Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles

Black Press of America

Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips

By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin

Going forward will require a serious effort to ensure a massive voter turnout of Latinos and Blacks in the 2016 elections.

balance and scale of how GetOut-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts will be financed, advertised, staffed and mobilized.

Neither elected officials nor Corporate America can effectively reach the Black and Brown communities by ignoring their media outlets.

And a promising sign of increased unity between the two powerhouse groups is that the National Association of Hispanic Publishers (NAHP) and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) have announced the establishment of a NNPANAHP National Advertising Task Force. The purpose of the coalition is to educate marketers on the benefits and importance of the African American and Hispanic newspaper markets.

“With close to 97 million African Americans and Hispanics in the U.S. today, representing 33 percent of the total population, this consumer segment demands attention,” said Martha Montoya, VP of the NAHP. “The buying power of the African American and Hispanic communities, currently at over $2.3 trillion combined, continues to outpace the national average.”

NNPA Chair Denise Rolark

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush thinks he can become

president of the United States if Republicans can double their share of the Black vote in several key states. But he, like his GOP comrades, is demonstrating how not to accomplish that goal.

Bush’s latest failure came last week when he continued a longtime Republican tradition of trying to portray African Americans as addicted to welfare and government handouts. He was speaking at the East Cooper

Republican Women’s Club annual Shrimp Dinner in Mount Pleasant, S.C. According to the Washington Post, this is what happened: “Look around this room,” a man told Bush, who spoke to a mostly white crowd. “How many black faces do you see?

How are you going to include them and get them to vote for you?” asked the man, who was white.

Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

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“Bush pointed to his record on school choice and said that if Republicans could double their share of the black vote, they would win the swing states of Ohio and Virginia.”

Then Bush uttered this clunker: “Our message is one of hope and aspiration. It isn’t one of division and get in line and we’ll take care of you with free stuff. Our message is one that is uplifting – that says you can achieve earned success.”

To paraphrase GOP icon Ronald Reagan, “There you Republicans go again.”

In the 2012 presidential election, Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee, made an eerily similar remark at a Montana fundraiser. He said, “I want people to know what I stand for and if I don’t stand for what they want, go vote for someone else, that’s just fine.

But I hope people understand this, your friends who like Obamacare, you remind them of this, if they want more stuff from government tell them to go vote for the other guy – more free stuff.”

Ronald Reagan framed the “free stuff” in the form of welfare. He frequently lamented “welfare queens,” which was a way to indirectly exploit racial anxieties. Yet his son, Michael Reagan, had the temerity to argue two years into the Obama administration “…The past two years have made one thing clear: Ronald Reagan was a far better friend to black Americans than Barack Obama has been.”

In fact, as I wrote earlier in this space, Reagan was one of the nation’s worst presidents on civil rights. Among other things, he moved to invalidate voluntary affirmative action programs

and school desegregation plans, vetoed the Civil Rights Restoration Act and tried to undermine the independence of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights by firing three of its members.

Another Republican, Richard M. Nixon, railed against Blacks and Jews in a 1973 taped conversation with his secretary, Rose Mary Woods.

Nixon said, “Bill Rogers has got — to his credit it’s a decent feeling — but somewhat sort of a blind spot on the black thing because he’s been in New York,” Nixon said. “He says well, ‘They are coming along, and that after all they are going to strengthen our country in the end because they are strong physically and some of them are smart.’ So forth and so on.

“My own view is I think he’s right if you’re talking in terms of 500 years,” he said. “I think it’s wrong if you’re talking in terms of 50 years. What has to happen is they have to be, frankly, inbred. And, you just, that’s the only thing that’s going to do it, Rose.”

In a May 13, 1971 conversation with top aides John D. Ehrlichman and H. R. Haldeman, Nixon said: “We’re going to [put] more of these little Negro bastards on the welfare rolls at $2,400 a family--let people like [New York Sen.] Pat Moynihan ... believe in all that crap. But I don’t believe in it. Work, work-throw ‘em off the rolls. That’s the key ... I have the greatest affection for [blacks], but I know they’re not going to make it for 500 years. They aren’t. You know it, too. The Mexicans are a

CURRY TURN TO 8

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Insight News • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Page 7

EDUCATION AfricanAncestry.com launches The Ultimate Selfie student program to help educators connect Black identity to excellence and achievement WASHINGTON, D.C. –Selfies can be manufactured, selfimpressions of how we want the world to see us.

But what do they really say about who we are? African Ancestry, Inc., the Black-owned technology company that pioneered genetics ancestry tracing for people of African descent, has created a student program to help educators get to the root of that question. The Ultimate Selfie … Connecting Identities to Excellence & Achievement (TUS), the customizable program is designed for grades 6 – 12 and college students.

“Studies have shown that young people with healthier identities are more likely to be successful in school and life and less likely to bully or be violent, among other things,” said African Ancestry co-founder Gina Paige.

“The Ultimate Selfie was created to enlighten on identity, educate on the importance of knowing who you are and inspire respect and pride among participants.”

Broward County School

Gina Paige delivering AfricanAncestry.com’s The Ultimate Selfie program to middle school students System, Florida Memorial College, Rutgers University and University of Maryland, Baltimore are a sampling of the schools that have already taken part in TUS. While AfricanAncestry.

com has worked with youth since its inception in 2003, The Ultimate Selfie is an updated student initiative developed in conjunction with educators and psychologists to make for a formalized, impactful program

offering. The Ultimate Selfie is also available for any organization with a focus on young people.

For more information on African Ancestry’s programs, contact Nichole Taylor at ntaylor@africanancestry.com.

Governor Dayton wants high school students to GEAR UP In recognition of the urgent need to help low-income and underrepresented students prepare for a postsecondary education Gov. Mark Dayton kicked off a week of GEAR UP proclaiming Sept. 21st25th Minnesota GEAR Up Week.

Minnesota receives federal grants through the U. S. Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP). In conjunction with matching state funds, Minnesota’s GEAR UP program, Get Ready, works with thousands of low-income students across the state every year, helping them prepare both

academically and aspirational for continuing their education.

“The Get Ready program helps thousands of Minnesota students believe that college can be in their future,” said Larry Pogemiller, commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. “Many of these students will be the first in their family to continue their education beyond high school, and often lack the tools and the help needed to make college possible.”

This year, an event was held at the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) to kick off GEAR UP. Tony Simmons, executive director for the school, said

Gear Up Rally, held at High School for Recording Arts, Wednesday, September 23, featuring Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner, Larry Pogemiller.

HSRA was chosen to host the kickoff event because of its track

record on preparing students for the next step in their academic lives.

“Not only is our mission to make sure young people get high school diplomas, we are very intentional that we make sure they have a post-secondary plan,” said Simmons. “We want all our students to be college ready and be able to best provide for their families in the future.”

Simmons said he takes great pride in the fact HSRA was selected to kickoff GEAR UP. “It’s an incredible honor and an affirmation of the work we’re doing,” said Simmons.

In the 2013-2014 school year, more than 5,400 elementary, middle and high school students in the Twin Cities received college awareness and

preparation services from Get Ready staff. In addition, Get Ready outreach staff worked with more than 6,700 lowincome students in school districts statewide.

Minnesota GEAR UP week kicked off with Get Ready schools reading the governor’s proclamation. Students in the participating schools launched a letter-writing campaign to their state and federal elected officials, encouraging continued support for GEAR UP funding. These letters will be hand delivered by some of the students to local congressional offices, as well as the offices of state senators and representatives.

Page 8 • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE A family of greats: 6 generations in 87 years Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Addie Mae Ferguson is a phenomenon. You could even say she’s great. But that would be understating the case. She’s great-great-great, as in greatgreat-great grandmother - the oldest in a family where six generations are all alive at once. It’s a rare to have six generations of the same family living at the same time. Most of us will never come across this in our lifetime. The last reported 6 generation family was in 2013. “If you have someone who has six living generations, they must have had

their children at a very young age and it’s just a really unusual thing,” said Lorine McGinnis Schulze, a genealogist who in 2013 told CBC News she has not come across another sixgeneration family during her career. This year, Addie Mae has been blessed to experience this phenomenon first hand.

Addie Mae Ferguson was born in Aberdeen Mississippi to Mary Estella Turnipseed and Andy B. Turnipseed on November 27, 1928. Addie is the seventh of nine children.

While in Aberdeen Mississippi she married Tommy Lee Ferguson in 1944 at the age of 18. When they moved to Minneapolis Minnesota in the early sixties, they had eight of their ten children, Jimmy Lee, Bettie Ann, Emma, Helen, Tommy Lee, Elaine, Danny, Otis, Sandra, and Diane. When Larry Ferguson III was born, he made Addie Mae a great-great-

Standing-Larry Wright II. Seated (l-r), Kisha Ferguson, Bresha Ferguson, Addie Mae Ferguson holding Larry Wright III, Mary Ferguson, and Helen Ferguson. Larry Wright III was born February 12th, 2015. great grandmother. Besides her 10 children, Addie also has 42 grandchildren, 108 greatgrandchildren, 50 great-greatgrandchildren, and 1 greatgreat-great grandchild (Larry III).

There is a reason why Addie is considered the matriarch in

a family of greats. “Grandma,” as she is affectingly called has been a guiding light to her family and community. She is known to friends and family as a warm person that always see the good in others. The doors to her home have always been open for all, and her open

arms extend beyond the 6 generations to extended family members and friends. “In our hardships, we have been always been able to come to Grandma, and she was continually able to get a word of help from the Lord,” states grandson David Newell. He further adds that the family will always endeavor to live a life that brings honor to her great legacy.

Addie was not just raising children. She worked in Minneapolis at the Radisson Hotel for many years to support her family. Although there is six generations alive and well, the family has had its share of struggles and hardships.

She have love one’s who are gone away, but she and the family have kept their strength through their foundation in the church and their faith in Jesus Christ. It is that foundation that continues to strengthen them and allows them to remain

a strong family with strong morals and values. The family honors Addie as a great woman of God. They thank her for her strength and her endurance that she has passed on to them, and they are committed to cherish and uphold her legacy.

Addie’s grandson David and I have this in common; we both are men who are extremely blessed to be a part of a family of greats. My mother, Levater Houston has lived to see 5 generations which is truly amazing, but to be a part of a family of 6 generations is one in a million, and it is extremely news worthy. Addie Mae Ferguson is most likely the only one in the country to experience this this year, and may be the only one for years to come. I wish her and her family continued blessing, and in years to come, I pray that they are able to make the world record of 7 generations.

Are you happy?: Here are five ways to tell Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson What does happiness look like to you? Do you wake up every morning thinking about how happy your life is? Truth is, not many of us do. Most people go through life looking for ways

and situations that will make them happy. The definition of happiness means many different things to different people. To me happiness is spending time with family over meals and good times. We laugh, eat, play games and talk about old times.

But for some people happiness is something that they seek. Happy days and happy times consist of going away from the everyday stress of a busy life. Happiness for them is something that is found or an adventure.

Here are my five ways that I use in my practice for clients to identify if they are happy or not. It is not the only tool that I use to measure one’s happiness, but the results are sometimes astonishing.

1. Are you following your dreams Many people find their happiest days when they are doing things that make them feel good about themselves. When a person spends time reaching for goals and doing things to better their situation, these individuals tend to be more often quit happy.

2. Do you have quiet time This may come as a surprise, but spending quiet time is essential for one’s happiness. During this time most people are able to block out negative thoughts and listen to what their hearts are saying. Also during this

time, you can reflect on what it is that will make you happy in your life right now. Quiet time can be resting, reading, bathing, or doing nothing at all.

3. Is there too much stress in your life Ok, everybody knows how too much stress is never good for you. But did you know that people who deal with lots of stress in their lives are generally not happy people?

Stress brings on many different things. Including unhappiness in your life. Try your best to get rid of stress in your life and watch how happiness will soon follow.

4. Do you hang around happy people or people who are always unhappy Ever find yourself hanging around someone who is always talking about how miserable

their life is? These are the people who always seem to have something negative to say about everything around them.

If you ask them how their day is going, they’re sure to tell you about all the bad things that seem to be bringing them down around them. Be careful and remember to “Watch the company you keep!” Negativity is like a virus, if you’re around it too much, YOU WILL CATCH IT!

mood change affect is amazing.

If you don’t believe it, try it for yourself!

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

5. Are you getting enough sun I usually need proof that something works. But after reading the effects that sunshine has on people and experiencing this first hand, I truly know this is real. I find myself really happy when the sun is shining bright and I am out enjoying it! The sun does many things for people but the

Curry

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

From 6 different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they’re dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don’t live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.”

It’s not just the anti-Black sentiments expressed in words that are troubling about Republicans – it’s their actions as well.

According to the NAACP legislative report card, no Republican in the House or Senate earned a grade above an “F” when voting on issues deemed important to African Americans. That’s far more damaging than the ignorant words that have been spouted for years. We’ll take positive action over “free stuff” any day of the week.

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and BlackPressUSA. com. He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach.

Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry. com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge, George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook, and Periscope. See previous columns at http://www. georgecurry.com/columns.

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Insight News • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Everyone is welcome at Good Grocer, a new kind of food marketplace

By Stephanie Fox, Twin Cities Daily Planet The small chartreuse and white building on the corner of East Lake Street and Stevens Avenue might be easy to miss, but what goes on inside might well become a model for solving the problem of fresh produce and healthier foods in lower income neighborhoods. The Good Grocer, a new kind of neighborhood co-op that opened June 15, is already getting healthy and affordable food to people in the area.

Once, people living nearby in the Lyndale and Whittier neighborhoods had easy access to good and affordable food. But, after Sullivan’s SuperValu, a large grocery store with a 28-year history of serving the community closed two years ago, residents found themselves with few options.

In an area where many don’t have much money to spend or reliable transportation to travel miles to buy groceries, the neighborhood had no access to a quality grocery store. That’s when Kurt Vickman stepped in, looking for a solution.

Vickman, who for 14 years served as head pastor at The Upper Room, a local activist church, resigned his preaching position to devote full time to addressing food insecurity and, along with members of his church, opened a food shelf.

But, he found problems. “People who go to food shelves get 10 to 20 percent of their food from the shelves, but for the rest of their groceries, they have to pay full price. For a long time I was hearing about families who, at the end of the month, didn’t have enough food to eat,� he said.

He began to notice that many who came to food shelves would try to offer small amounts of money in exchange for the free food. “It was as if they were saying to us, ‘No, we’re not helpless.’�

But, there were rules at food shelves that Vickman couldn’t break. “We used to get food from a food bank. But, we had to sign a contract that we couldn’t have people work or have paying members, and that you had to give away the food for free.�

Vickman thought there might be a better way. “We had to redefine how to distribute food. We decided to create

Poverty From 1 children. “For most groups of children, poverty rates were down or unchanged, however for African American children, we saw an increase of about 3.4 percentage points,� said Wilson, three times the poverty rate of White children.

Wilson continued: “When we look at what’s happening with African American women

Classifieds

Member Service Co-ordinator Janeth Sanchez organizes members in addition to working check out at Good Grocer

earnings and the fact they’ve been down over the last three years and we continue to see increases in African American child poverty that tells a big part of the story given that large number of AA children live in single parent households headed by women.�

African Americans had the highest poverty rate at 26.2 percent while Whites had the lowest poverty rate at roughly 10 percent.

Wage growth stalled in 2014 and from 2013 to 2014 median household incomes were

essentially unchanged for all households. “Given the fact that these incomes have not changed over the last year that leaves racial income gaps largely unchanged as well,� said Wilson.

Black households have just 59 cents for every dollar of White median household income, Wilson said.

Comparing the 2014 full-time, full-year earnings to the 2009 earnings numbers, Wilson found that while the earnings for nonHispanic White men are down,

earnings for Black men have improved slightly. Despite the improvements, large disparities still exist, however, Wilson said and Black men’s earnings are still 70 cents on the dollar compared to White men.

Elise Gould, a senior economist for the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), said that real median hourly wages fell between 2013 and 2014 and there was no improvement in median earnings of working-age households or any reductions in poverty.

Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com

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a space that was somewhere between a food shelf and a fullpriced retail grocer,� he said.

Vickman converted the charity food shelf into a nonprofit full service food store, calling it the Good Grocer and offering customers a chance to buy groceries at a discount in exchange for volunteer work. “We used business practices not to make a profit,� Vickman said, “but to give access to people who might otherwise not have access to healthy and affordable food.�

While you don’t have to be a member to shop there, (the general public is encouraged to come inside), members get a considerable discount on everything in the store. “We have more than 300 active members already,� said Services Coordinator Janeth Sanchez. “It’s a five-minute application and members need to do two and a half hours of volunteer work a month. For that, they get a 25 percent discount over the regular prices. Each item has two prices, one for members and one for everyone else.�

For Vickman, it’s about dignity as much as it is affordable food. “When people are poor, others don’t look at them as being able to contribute. But, everyone has something to contribute. Here they can feel proud instead of walking into a place [a charity food shelf] with their heads down.�

He recruited corporate supporters, including Ultra Creative, a local design firm that took the dingy building and provided what Vickman says was probably $50,000 of design work, including a logo. “I was in Jerry’s Foods in Edina and thought that lower income people should be able to shop in a clean, brightly lit and well-stocked place, too.�

Many members spend their volunteer their hours stocking shelves or doing inventory.

Others have needed expertise – a refrigeration expert if a cooler breaks down, a window washer and professional cleaners. Corporate sponsors have donated amounts from $15,000 to $200,000.

SuperValu and The Fish Guys, who usually service higher-end customers, agreed to distribute to the Good Grocer. “That was the critical piece,� Vickman said.

The store has long shelves

of brightly colored, fresh vegetables. “We take a lot of pride in having fresh and healthy produce,� said Sanchez. The store carries regular and organic eggs ($3.52 for members, $4.69 for non-members) and a choice of organic pastas. You can pick up tofu or fancy ice cream. “We have a very diverse membership – people from Mexico, Central and South America and we have a growing Somali base,� she said, “so we have Mexican and Middle Eastern sections.� The coolers are filled with fresh and smoked meats and the frozen food sections carry healthier frozen dinners and breakfasts as well as frozen pizzas. “We are really trying to bring sustainable good foods to people who shop here. We’ll be increasing the organic food choices as people get familiar with it. And, we’re always looking for feedback from customers as to what they want us to carry,� she said.

There’s also a community element. Professional cake bakers make personalized birthday cakes for kids under 18-years at a cost of only $3, with a party room available for birthday parties. And on Saturdays, a member runs the Kid’s Club in the party room, so parents can drop off their kids while they work, shop or volunteer.

Vickman said that his heart is connected to the project. He has plans for the marketplace’s future, which includes building a community cafĂŠ area. The word ‘good’ in Good Grocer is good prices, a good assortment of good food but especially a good group of people, said Vickman. He hopes that Good Grocer will become a motivating force as well. “We want a gathering place where people can come in and get on line, with coffee for ten cents a cup. We want a place, not just for members, but for walk-in customers from the neighborhood and elsewhere – not just lower income people, but all people. We want to provide dignity where people are contributors. We want to offer, not a hand out but a hand up.â€?

The Good Grocer is located at 122 E. Lake St. in Minneapolis. It is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

“If anybody was ever wondering why the people of this country are feeling so ornery and expressing that in their political choices you should look no further than this report,� said Lawrence Mishel, the president of EPI. Mishel also noted that the income of non-elderly households, those most dependent on the labor market, fell by 12.3 percent or $8,500 dollars since 2000. Most of that decline occurred between 2007-2014 from the start of the Great Recession up through the current recovery.

“There’s nothing normal about this economy for the typical American household or even for most households as reflected in these income poverty and earnings numbers,� said Mishel.

Gould agreed. “The economy is simply not working for the vast majority of Americans, said Gould. “Unfortunately, what we know about the labor market so far this year doesn’t provide an optimistic picture of what things will look like next year at this time.�

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Page 10 • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Insight News

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Reggie Henderson

Reggie Henderson debuts “Bahamian Son” movie at Lagoon By: Toki Wright Twitter @mrwrightc Though it isn’t our only story, it is a story far too many of us find familiar.

Single Black mother raises her child in less than ideal circumstances. A father out of the picture. A son that growing with a mind full of wonder and abandonment.

But, this story has a twist.

Imagine that boy finds his wealthy father 30 years later living between the Bahamas and the U.S. raising a prosperous family. The son is brought into a world rich in culture and history and finally gets his questions answered.

Reggie “Reg” Henderson has been an integral part of the Twin Cities arts and culture scene for two decades.

His works include acting, event programming, radio hosting and music production with everyone from Calvin Richardson to Brother Ali. But his true passion has always been filmmaking. Finding his father

after so many years pushed Henderson into full production mode on the critically acclaimed full-length feature film “Bahamian Son.” Famed film critic Jeffery Lyons said the movie is, “a poignant, touching story with some of the best, no-frills acting you’re likely to see. It’s warm, honest, and heart-felt.”

Presented by Soul Tools and One Light Collective, LLC, and shot on location between the Bahamas and the Twin Cities, the film makes it’s official red carpet debut (with a premiere party) this Thursday (Oct. 8) at the Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Ave., in Uptown Minneapolis.

Aesthetically Speaking: What is the story behind “Bahamian Son?” Reg Henderson: It’s based on true events meeting my father for the first time, who I haven’t seen in 30-plus years. Viewers see the juxtaposition of him being a wealthy businessman between the Bahamas and New

Jersey, and me and my mother living in the projects in poverty.

It looks at several points in my upbringing that shaped me into the person I today.

AS: This was the premiere film at the Bahamas Film Festival, how was it received?

RH: The Bahamian community gave it the thumbs up. It was really well received. The Ministry of Tourism could identify with it because it dealt with the “outside child” epidemic or what we know in the U.S. as having children outside of your main relationship. It was shown on three islands in Eluthera, Nassau and Exuma.

The moral of the story is, take care of your kids because you never know, they may make a film about you. (laughs)” AS: I hear Danny Glover got involved on the film’s viewing. What’s the scoop?

RH: The film was also a special addition to the Pan

African Film Festival via Danny Glover. He saw the movie in the Bahamas as he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. We had a personal lunch the next day.

He mentioned how much he liked the movie. As a result he said, “Let me make a phone call” and the next thing I know it, we’re in Los Angeles.

We are also talking about working on a future project collaboratively.

AS: Can you give our readers some background on your involvement in the arts?

RH: I’ve been a part of several music projects. Initially I was given the privilege to hang out at Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ Flyte Tyme. I experienced how the business works with people like Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. I see myself as a person who produces results in many mediums. Just out of high school I worked on stage plays. Several projects have been music videos. I attended the Film in the Cities

film school in St. Paul and have written scripts including “Bahamian Son.” If I have to put on a directors hat I will, an acting role, I will … as I did for this film, though it wasn’t the initial ide. Above all I’m here to produce quality work.

AS: You also produced the soundtrack. What can we expect there?

RH: The soundtrack is different than doing an album for one person. Myself, along with composer Kevin Washington had to create songs that fit the mood of the movie. There’s a lot of jazz, hip-hop, funk, rock and some snippets of the Bahamas own Shell Saxsons Superstars.

AS: What’s it like being a producer/director of color in the industry?

RH: To me it’s a gift and a curse depending on the lens.

We have the most unique stories and narratives that are important. We have stories

that need to be put out in the forefront ourselves. The curse is that Hollywood is still Hollywood. There is a different response if you don’t have a major name behind your work. Most of the time those people writing and directing about us are not people of African descent.

They tend to water it down to fit a wider range and more diverse audience rather than tell the story that should be told. We need to promote and support Black folks. We could have easily done a standard bootleg movie, but instead we put forth effort to make this more official with a minimum budget, great partners and a Legacy Grant.

“Bahamian Son” Thursday, Oct. 8 7:30 p.m.

Lagoon Cinema 1320 Lagoon Ave., Minneapolis.

Premiere party 10 p.m.

Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis

insightnews.com

Insight News • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Page 11 Black Violin

Kevin Washington

Oct. 5 - Oct. 11

The Internet

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, Oct. 5

Sankara Mick Jenkins

HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Mick Jenkins 7th Street Entry 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m. $15 Chicago’s Mick Jenkins has been on the radar of many in the industry and the underground over the past year. The bounce heavy music combined with trippy lyrics will have the crowd moving guaranteed with additional performances

by STWO, the Mind, and JStock.

Xaba. The party is hosted

by Miss Brit and Ras Bongo Jerie.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Friday, Oct. 9

SOUL/R&B/HIP-HOP

Sixth Annual Giant Steps Conference Minneapolis Convention Center 1301 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis

The Internet Fine Line Music Café 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 7 p.m. $16 Back again by popular demand Syd tha Kyd and Matt Martians of Odd Future’s, The Internet return to bring the Twin Cities some new soul.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

CONFERENCE

Giant Steps is an interactive conference for creative entrepreneurs. Hear inspiring and honest stories, connect with potential collaborators and learn about practical topics relevant to your success.

Saturday, Oct. 10

FILM SCREENING HIP-HOP/CLASSICAL “In My Father’s House” Trylon Microcinema 3258 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. $12 Starring Che “Rhymefest” Smith, “In My Father’s House” is the story of the Grammy winning MC and organizer reconnecting with his father on the embattled South Side of Chicago.

The story looks into issues of homelessness and community violence.

Black Violin Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. $40

The talented violinists who seamlessly blend classical and hip-hop, Black Violin, have collaborated with everyone from Aretha Franklin to 50 Cent. This show is a return of their sold out shows at the Dakota of earlier this year. Carnage the Executioner opens.

The Common Table 2001 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.

Take part in a conversation on Somali studies, and the role of Somali academic.

This event will continue the discussion that began

ON STAGE

SOUL/R&B/FUNK

AT THE GUTHRIE

Sankara – “About a Girl” Listening Party Dunn Brothers 2828 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.

Free

NOW – OCTOBER 25

Singer/songwriter and community activist, Sankara debuts his album, “About a Girl” at Dunn Brothers in Uptown. Here classical soul blended with upbeat funk. For more information go to www.facebook.com/ sankarafrazier.

FREE PANEL DISCUSSION JUST ADDED! The Meaning in Mockingbird: Putting a Classic in the Continuum of Civil Rights, Race Relations and Social Justice

Sunday, Oct. 11 DISCUSSION #CadaanStudies – A Conversation w/Safia Aidi

Monday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

CHRISTOPHER SERGEL based upon the novel by HARPER LEE directed by JOHN MILLER-STEPHANY adapted by

Sponsored by

The Guthrie WorldStage Series presents Actors Touring Company

SEPTEMBER 30 – NOVEMBER 1

production of

Thursday, Oct. 8

A powerful exploration of community and healing

FILM SCREENING/PARTY “Bahamian Son” Movie Premiere Party Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis $5, or free with movie ticket

on social media in an explorative conversation with Safia Aidid.

directed by

RAMIN

GRAY written by

Head over to the Icehouse for a night of live music from the album soundtrack and DJ Sound of Fujun spinning dancehall/ reggae. The show includes performances by Kevin Washington, Eric Mayson, Lawrence Miles and Don

DAVID

GREIG music by

JOHN

BROWNE

612.377.2224 GUTHRIETHEATER.ORG

Page 12 • October 5 - October 11, 2015 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Powerful portrait of Nobel Prize-winning teen illustrates indomitability of the human spirit

By Kam Williams Malala Yousafzai was named after a girl who spoke out and was killed for speaking out.

That folk hero was a flagbearing teenager who perished in 1880 while rallying fellow Pashtun resistance fighters to an unlikely victory over British invaders in a pivotal battle of the Second Anglo-Afghan War. After settling on the very meaningful moniker, Malala’s father inscribed it into his genealogy because no females were mentioned in his family tree stretching back several centuries. Furthermore, Ziauddin Yousafzai resolved to raise his daughter to see herself as the equal of any boy.

While such an approach might be unremarkable in the West, it was downright heretical in the Swat District of Pakistan, a hotbed of Islamic fundamentalism in the late 20th Century. For, over the course of Malala’s formative years, much of the country was being terrorized by the Taliban which had taken to blowing up any schools which had the temerity to admit girls.

In defiance of their militant mullah’s absolute mandate against any female education, Mr. Yousafzai not only allowed his daughter to matriculate, but even spurred her to speak out online as an equal rights advocate blogger. This only served to infuriate Mullah Fazlullah who issued a fatwa against her over the radio, which led to an assassination attempt on a school bus by one of his followers.

Malala, who was just 15 at the time, was lucky to survive the bullet to the brain. While she languished in the hospital

© 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved

unresponsive and attached to tubes, her worried folks had no idea whether their daughter would ever even be able to walk or talk again.

She did eventually emerge from the coma, though deaf in one ear and in need of months and months of rehabilitation just to master simple bodily functions most people take for granted. Initially, she blamed her dad for her plight, since he was the one who’d

cultivated her activist streak.

“I am a child,” she said, “You are my father. You should have stopped me. What happened to me is because of you.”

But eventually her health was substantially restored, and she became a stoic and serene symbol of resistance to radical Islam. With continued death threats hanging over their heads, the Yousafzai family (including Malalal’s mom and two younger brothers) was

THE PEDRITO MARTINEZ GROUP OCT 18 2015

forced to resettle in England where she would become a champion of oppressed females all over the planet.

Directed by Oscar-winner Davis Guggenheim.(for An Inconvenient Truth), “He Named Me Malala” is an emotionally-engaging biopic chronicling the close fatherdaughter relationship which enabled Malala to flourish in the midst of sheer intolerance.

Their tender interplay is

intermittently enhanced by animated interludes which further intensifies the sincere sentiment displayed on screen.

The picture makes an inexorable march to Malala’s emergence as an international icon, culminating in her becoming the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Pack the Kleenex for this powerful portrait ably illustrating the indomitability of the human spirit.

Easily, the best film of 2015 thus far!

Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG-13 for death threats, mature themes and disturbing images Running time: 87 minutes Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures

LULA WASHINGTON

DANCE THEATRE OCT 30 2015 Daring choreography rooted in culture

“hip and irresistible.”

Photo by Michael Weintrob

– Wall Street Journal

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