FLOW 2012 PHOTO CONTEST
Photographers capture the spirit of FLOW MORE ON PAGE 8
Emma Fiala
Winner: Emma Fiala. Photo of two women in blue shirts looking at a photo.
INSIGHT NEWS October 8 - October 14, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 39 No. 41 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com
Voter ID opposition gathering steam By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Suluki Fardan
L-R: Geoffrey Canada, Harlem Children’s Zone president and CEO; Sondra Samuels, Northside Achievement Zone president and CEO; and Senator Al Franken (D-MN)
Franken hosts revolutionary educator: Geoffrey Canada in Northside tour U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) last week hosted nationallyrenowned children’s education advocate Geoffrey Canada on a visit to the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) in North Minneapolis. The Northside Achievement Zone seeks to replicate Canada’s revolutionary Harlem Children’s Zone in creating a community-wide approach to ensure that young children stay on track through high school,
college and into the job market. Canada is president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ), an organization he founded in the 1990’s. His groundbreaking work to overcome seeminglyintractable problems to increase children’s academic achievement has been profiled on the TV show 60 Minutes and in the documentary “Waiting for Superman.” In December, Northside
Achievement Zone was selected as one of only five sites in the country to receive federal Promise Neighborhood funding - $28 million over five years - to improve children’s educational outcomes in North Minneapolis. The money will be used to partner with schools, organizations, and families to significantly improve educational opportunities by supporting children from prebirth to college.
Sen. Franken supported efforts in Congress to bring the funding to Northside Achievement Zone. Two Stops in Minneapolis’ Northside Achievement Zone Franken, Canada, and Northside Achievement Zone President and CEO Sondra Samuels visited the Family Partnership, 1501 Xerxes Ave. N.,
NAZ TURN TO 14
Obama rewind needed
With little more than a month to go before the Nov. 6 general election, the movement to defeat a proposed voter ID amendment is picking up steam. But opponents of the measure warn that polls still show the ballot initiative would pass if the election were held today. According to Congressman Keith Ellison, at one point during the summer, 83 percent of voters supported the voter ID amendment but a recent poll shows that number is just 52 percent, but still a winning margin. If the measure passes, Minnesota voters would be required to present a valid state identification card when attempting to cast a ballot. Ellison
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN)
said that seems benign enough, but the measure could prevent everyone from active military personnel to women who have
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Black Press endorses President Barack Obama By Cloves C. Campbell A few years ago NNPA was holding its annual board meetings in March in Washington, D. C., then, Senator Barack Obama walked in the room in the room to welcome the Publishers to Washington. He also indicated he wanted to share some news with us. The news was that he was planning on seeking the office of the President of the United States of America.
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Courtesy of NNPA
Cloves C. Campbell
Justspeak
By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor I’m not sure who is coaching President Obama, but I hope they just got fired. As someone who has worked in media, given hundreds of speeches, taught university courses, and given many poetry readings, one thing I’ve learned is that people like a performance! And that’s what was missing from President Obama’s presentation in the first debate. I think the Obama media people are young and old white men who have experience doing political campaigns. But as Bob Dylan says “the times they are achangin’.” We are a country of people who thrive on reality TV like “The Biggest Losers,” “Jersey Shores,” “The Housewives of Atlanta,” and “Survivors.” Why are viewers interested in reality TV? Because television is a diversion away from the harsh and often unhappy reality
Courtesy of Lucy Buckner
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton with Delegate Lucy Buckner
DNC delegate reflects President Barack Obama of their own lives. Viewers live vicariously through the trial, tribulations, and triumphs of others. Sometimes they get inspired to make similar changes, like those who watch “The Biggest Losers.” Sometimes they smirk and watch Snookie of “Jersey Shores” make a fool of herself over several seasons and then get her life together, and realize that perhaps they
Community
Cleveland Neighborhood Association hosts community cooks
PAGE 2
Moving forward
Governor Mitt Romney
can change their own lives after years of messing up. As for “The Housewives of Atlanta,” well if you like watching Black women live in diva-mode and slap each other, perhaps there is a lesson embedded. I haven’t figured it out yet, but maybe it’s better them than me. Back to the Presidential Debate on October 3, 2012. Obama needs to rewind and
Aesthetics
Master storyteller Oba William King reigns supreme
PAGE 7
play forward again. This time his coaches need to recognize that the liberal model, which drives me crazy, of affirming the attributes of your opponent first, then pointing out their flaws, isn’t working for them. Indeed, what many of us thought was missing from Obama’s delivery last night was passion.
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By Lucy Buckner Minnesota delegate I’ve attended Democratic National Conventions since 1976. Those were the days of President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale. But the 2012 DNC in Charlotte was the
Health
Donate marrow, save a life
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most energizing, exciting, emotional, encouraging and inclusive event I’ve ever attended. Starting from day one, a day of faith (which included a service for all cultures and nationalities) to the grand finale – the acceptance speech by President Barack Obama
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DIVA dolls
Dr. Lisa Williams shows girls they are positively perfect with a doll line
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Page 2 • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Insight News
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Cleveland Neighborhood Association hosts community cooks By Ivan B. Phifer Staff Writer A Cleveland Connects, Community Cooks, workshop and dinner was recently hosted by the Cleveland Neighborhood Association (CNA). Cleveland Connects, led by Appetite for Change was held at Christ English Lutheran Church, 3210 Oliver Ave. N. Appetite for Change is a community based organization in North Minneapolis that engages communities to eat healthier while building community connections. “It’s called Cleveland Connects because the idea is to connect neighbors with one another,” said Ariah Fine, head of the Cleveland Neighborhood Association. And the connection is all about healthy eating. “We do this by bringing families together to cook,
eat and talk,” said Michelle Horovitz executive director for Appetite for Change. “We have a lot of families here cooking fresh, homemade, healthy recipes.” Dishes prepared at the event were corn-meal crusted baked chicken, braised greens with a mix of collard, mustard and kale, cornbread, skin-on garlic herb mashed potatoes, mixed green salad with lemon dressing, homemade ranch dressing and apple crisp. “All the recipes are comfort food recipes, but cooked a little differently. We do not use as much cream, (we use) low-fat milk, whole wheat flower, less butter, (we don’t) deep fry, (and we incorporate) more fruits and vegetables, and baking,” said Horovitz. An example of making food healthier was the ranch dipping sauce, which included three cups of yogurt and skim milk instead of mayonnaise and regular milk.
Taijah Powell and Jesse McDaniel
Ariah Fine, head of the Cleveland Neighborhood Association The salad contained tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, olive oil and lemon juice. Appetite for Change has partnered with the Jordan Area Community Council for a community garden on
Photos: Suluki Fardan
Michelle Horovitz, executive director of Appetite for Change
26 Avenue at Knox Avenue and is working on a project called The Healthy Corner Store Initiative, a project coordinated to assist corner stores in offering fresh fruits and vegetables and promoting consumption in the community Community Cooks 2.0 is also in the works at Appetite for Change. “Instead of bringing large groups of families together, we will bring small groups of families together more often,” said Horovitz. “We (will) just cook a whole bunch of food
(together), enough that you and your family can take home meals to last for the week, or freeze for later.” As the evening progressed, groups were created to discuss healthy eating options and what choices in the community would help drive this issue. One group stated healthy alternatives in North Minneapolis are few and that mostly everything is fried – an example being the multiple fried chicken establishments on West Broadway. According to the group, another factor
was that healthier or organic foods cost more. Cleveland Connects received a small grant to encourage healthy eating. This was the first participatory cooking event hosted by CNA. The concept was encouraged by the neighbors and block club leaders to formulate an event for people in the community to get to know one another. “The outcome for Appetite
Endorse
he would be happy to share his thoughts. I remember many of the Publishers being very excited. Francis Page and I were especially interested in talking with Senator Obama. (During our Black Press Week events that week, then NNPA Foundation President, Brian Townsend was honoring the Senator as well.) As we listened,
we too saw what many people already knew and millions more would eventually learn about this very charismatic man. There was something special about him. Something that would change the history of Black Folks in politics forever. It was then that I and the other members of NNPA voiced our support first for the 44th President of the United States of America. The Black Press was there FIRST. Fast forward, to August 2012. It was then that I asked the question about the President’s campaign spending. It was then, when several members of the campaign questioned my article. As I stated then and I will state again, THE NNPA, THE BLACK PRESS of AMERICA has always supported President Obama. We have encouraged Black Folks to get registered to vote. We encouraged Blacks to go to the polls and exercise their right to vote. We have published hundreds of articles about President Obama, his administration and his programs. We have also on numerous occasions championed his issues on our front pages. There is no doubt, that when other media outlets brought unnecessary criticism on the President, it was the BLACK PRESS that was there to support him. As we prepare to go to the polls in November, I am here to say that the National News Paper Publishers Association endorses President Barack Obama once again. It is our belief that the United States of America can be best served with President Obama being re-elected. We at the NNPA look forward to working with the Presidents’ administration in the formulation of strategies for the next four years. It is our hope that those plans include more opportunities for Blacks to procure Business with the Federal Government, greater employment opportunities for Blacks in America and enhanced opportunities for all students seeking higher education. We encourage our readers to register to vote, go out and vote and be sure to take the proper identification with them to the polls on election day, vote to re-elect President Barack Obama November 6th!
th
From 1 There were some young and many older Publishers in the meeting. He said if any of us would like to talk with him in the lobby,
CLEVELAND 3 TURN TO
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Insight News • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Page 3
U awarded grants to train teachers of children with disabilities The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the award of $9 million for 38 grants to institutions of higher education to train educators to improve the services and results
for children with disabilities. In Minnesota, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, was awarded $224,425 to train personnel to serve school age children with low incidence
disabilities. Projects awarded in 21 states and the District of Columbia, address specific personnel needs identified by states. “Our success in building a
better America is measured in terms of helping all children reach their full potential,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “These grants will support training for
early learning providers and educators to make sure that infants, toddlers, children and young people with disabilities are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to
succeed and transition to living independent and fulfilling lives.” The grants are funded by the Office of Special Education Programs.
Cleveland
conversation with neighbors on the block. There are a lot of positive things happening and it really happens by neighbors
encouraging one another and being supported by the neighborhood organization to get to know each other and
their communities,” Fine said. For more information on the Cleveland Neighborhood Organization, call 612
588-1155 or visit http:// clevelandneighborhood.org/. For information on Appetite for Change call 612 655-6791,
email info@afcmn.org or go to http://www.afcmn.org.
From 2 for Change is they get to encourage people to continue healthy practices in eating, and let people become aware of the work they do,” said Fine. “The outcome for CNA is more residents will go home having shared a meal and
INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Insight Intern Abeni Hill Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz 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.
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TECHNOLOGY Technology training a way to stimulate our economy By Britta Anderson Can you imagine not knowing how to turn on a computer? For many low-income individuals throughout the Twin Cities metro area this is a harsh reality. In today’s technology infiltrated world there is an increasing divide between those who have access to and are able to use computers and those who are not. This separation leads to a multitude of inequalities and creates a sizeable disadvantage in the job market. The University of Minnesota’s Broadband Access Project (BAP) aims to close this gap through the development and enhancement
of 12 public computer centers in four federally designated poverty zones in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Run by the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center the goal of this project is clear: to lessen the digital divide by increasing broadband access, awareness, and use. Each of the computer labs is outfitted with various numbers of up-to-date units with high-speed Internet capabilities as well as Microsoft office. The project is funded through a federal grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program as well as matching gifts from the University of MN. In its final year of a three-year timeline,
the project is looking to find funding in order to continue its services. Because leaders of the project understand that computer adeptness has become a key job skill, the development of computer literacy through education is an important aspect of the BAP. Group classes targeting all levels of proficiency are offered at the larger BAP computer labs. These classes cover topics regarding Microsoft Office, financial support, social media for business use, and even Internet programming and design. What also sets the BAP apart from other public computer centers is the presence of a trained apprentice at each
Phyllis Wheatley Community Center computer lab location. This apprentice is employed by the university and is able to help users with any variety of questions they might have. At the lab in the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center
a young, energetic man named Xavier Nash is the apprentice. He explains the various ways he will help those who enter the lab by creating an email account, working with Microsoft office tools, and even
BAP
walking them through the most basic computer skills among many other things. The help he is able to give people and seeing the satisfaction they experience
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Sabathani broadband lab teaches technology as job finding tool By Britta Anderson Computers are taking over the world. In recent years technology use has been growing exponentially in almost all areas of life. It infiltrates our jobs, our homes, our schools and even our personal relationships. While much of this increasing use of technology is extremely beneficial, there is a major downfall: a large group of citizens are being left behind. Even though technology is becoming so commonplace, it
is still very expensive. Because of this, many Americans are unable to access computers and more specifically the Internet. This develops a sort of digital divide between those who have access to this resource and those who do not. With the intention to lessen this divide in the Twin Cities by increasing Internet access, awareness, and use, the University of Minnesota developed what they call the Broadband Access Project. This program is run through the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach/
Engagement Center and is funded with the aid of a federal grant as well as matching support from the University. It finances 12 new or enhanced community based public computer centers in four federally designated poverty zones in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Unlike computers in public libraries, there is no time limit on the use of BAP computers, and a trained apprentice is on hand at all times to provide personal, oneon one-help to users. Because leaders of the project understand
SABATHANI TURN TO 9
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Insight News • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Page 5
2010 Census shows multiple-race population grew faster than single-race population The 2010 Census showed that people who reported multiple races grew by a larger percentage than those reporting a single race. According to the 2010 Census brief The Two or More Races Population: 2010, the population reporting multiple races (9.0 million) grew by 32.0 percent from 2000 to 2010, compared with those who reported a single race, which grew by 9.2 percent. Overall, the total U.S. population increased by 9.7 percent since 2000, however, many multiple-race groups increased by 50 percent or more.
significant changes — the white and black population, which grew more than 1 million and increased by 134 percent; and the white and Asian population, which grew by about 750,000 and increased by 87 percent. Multiple-Race Populations by State --There were 16 states where the people who reported more than one race exceeded 200,000 or more. The top three states (California, Texas and New York) each had a multiple-race population of half a million people or more.
only one race. For example, people who marked only the “white” category on the census questionnaire constituted the white alone population. This population can be viewed as the minimum number of people reporting white.
The “two or more races” population refers to people who reported more than one of the six race categories, and this term is used in Census Bureau statistics as well as the tables and figures in the report. In the text of the report, we also refer to the “two
or more races” population as the group that reported more than one race, or the multiplerace population. For example, people who reported they were both white and black or reported they were both black and Asian would be included in the
multiple-race population. There are 57 possible multiple-race combinations involving the five race categories and the category “some other race.” The report presents statistics for each of the 57 multiple-race combinations. - U.S. Census Bureau -
"NRRC informs, engages and facilitates the residents of the Near North and Willard Hay neighborhoods in Minneapolis to be primary agents for improving the social, economic and livability conditions in their community." Northside Residents Redevelopment Council (NRRC) is comprised of 13 districts that represent the residents of Willard-Hay and Near North Neighborhoods. Consider joining the NRRC Board and be a part of this amazing neighbor-driven community organization. This year’s elections will be for odd numbered districts and all open seats in the even district. 2 representatives for each district will be elected in the odd districts. (see map) .The NRRC Board elections will be held October 23, 2012, 8:30 am to 7:45pm at UROC: 2001 Plymouth Avenue
North Minneapolis, MN 55411. NRRC Board positions are volunteer positions and require a minimum time commitment of 4-6 hours per month. Nominations are open until October
The first time in U.S. history that people were presented with the option to selfidentify with more than one race came on the 2000 Census questionnaire. The first time in U.S. history that people were presented with the option to self-identify with more than one race came on the 2000 Census questionnaire. Therefore, the examination of data from the 2000 and 2010 censuses provides the first comparisons on multiple-race combinations in the United States. An effective way to compare the multiple-race data is to examine changes in specific combinations, such as white and black, white and Asian, or black and Asian. “These comparisons show substantial growth in the multiple-race population, providing detailed insights to how this population has grown and diversified over the past decade,” said Nicholas Jones, chief of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Racial Statistics Branch. Changes in Race Combinations --Four groups were the largest multiple-race combinations, each exceeding 1 million people in size, white and black (1.8 million), white and “some other race” (1.7 million), white and Asian (1.6 million) and white and American Indian and Alaska Native (1.4 million). --Since 2000, two multiplerace groups exhibited the most
Debate From 1 On the campaign trail, he gets it. He takes off his coat, rolls up his sleeves, smiles often, and delivers his message with passion and dry humor. He’s good at zingers too. We need to see that on the televised debates. Also, trying to be “Mr. Nice Guy” is not a recipe for success. Let’s face it— to debate is “to engage in a formal discussion or argument.” It is not a lecture. It is not a polite conversation with someone who has an opposing viewpoint. Anyone who knows beans about debating knows that you go for the jugular— nicely. You want to disarm your opponents, and you need specifics, rather than sweeping generalizations. Obama was off his game last night. He needs some new coaching. He needs someone other than traditional political speech writers and media people who continue to see the world in a very specific way and have difficulty thinking outside the box. He needs those who truly understand Einstein’s definition of insanity: “keep doing the same thing and expecting different outcomes.” If President Obama, the incumbent, continues down this current debate road, he will lose. Remember the criticism about the roll-out of Obamacare? The President was critiqued for not being on the road to build support for his healthcare legislation. The same people who coached him for that failure were the ones who set him up for this. “…I said I was not a perfect man and I would not be a perfect President….” Say what? This is not the way you close a debate. You concede nothing to your opponent and in your closing remarks you rise to the occasion to inspire not to admit your weaknesses. You want to leave the audience with the idea that you are the right man for the job. Obama gets a B- from me for his debating technique. He needs to go back and take some
18th.If you are interested you may nominate by filling out an application online at www.nrrc.org or by picking up an application at the NRRC office, located at 1315 Penn Ave N. Minneapolis, MN. Applications are also available at UROC.
--The percentage change in the multiple-race population was 70 percent or greater in nine states — South Carolina, North Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Mississippi and South Dakota. Each state, with the exception of South Dakota, was a southern state. The multiplerace population grew by 50 percent or more in 22 additional states. Multiple-Race Populations by Place --Among places with populations of 100,000 or more, Urban Honolulu CDP, Hawaii (a census designated place) was the place with the highest proportion of multiple-race whites, multiple-race Asians, and multiple-race Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders. Lansing, Mich., was the place with the highest proportion of multiple-race blacks, and Anchorage, Alaska, was the place with the highest proportion of multiple-race American Indians and Alaska Natives. Race Definitions People who responded to the question on race by indicating only one race are referred to as the race-alone population, or the group who reported lessons from Muhammad Ali, who was the king of taking on his opponents—in the ring and outside. And, I have to concede that Romney gets an A-, whether he was truthful or not, he convinced people that he knows what he’s talking about. President Obama, it’s time for a serious rewind. Lose the white boys (no offense) who come with their own biases about what an “angry Black man” sounds like. Get some diversity on your side. Maybe some (Black ) women who are on the front line of your strategic communications and not behind the scenes. Anyway, operating from the position of trying not to offend anyone in a debate is a losing strategy. There are those who will always see President Obama as unfit for the position of President simply because he is Black. They don’t matter. What matters is that those of us who support President Obama want him to be on his “A” game. Talk about the contradictions in Romney’s presentation. Talk about his rudeness—he kept putting Jim Lehrer in his place. Challenge him on the comments he has made about the 47%. Get some animation going in your hand gestures and body language (some motion in the ocean) like you do when you are on the campaign trail—like you did speaking in Denver postdebate. Your hands were moving, your voice had emotion, and your humor was in clear evidence. Get your passion-jones back. A serious rewind of debating strategy is needed NOW. We can’t afford a repeat. P.S. Mr. President, I’m available for consulting on strategic communications. ©2012 McClaurin Solutions Irma McClaurin, PhD is the Culture and Education Editor for Insight News of Minneapolis. She is a bio-cultural anthropologist and writer living in Raleigh, NC, the Principal of McClaurin Solutions (a consulting business), and a former university president. (www.irmamcclaurin.com) (@ mcclaurintweets).
Only homes on the side of the street contained within the red district boundary line are included in that district .For more information please contact: Nardal Stroud nstroud@nrrc.org or Craig Pier cpier@nrrc.org or call the NRRC hotline: 612-335-5924
PLEASE NOTE: NRRC's office and meeting spaces are ADA-accessible. We invite and encourage participation by every resident to each NRRC program, service and event. Should you require an accommodation in order for you to fully participate, or if you require this document in a different format, please let us know by contacting us at # 612-335-5924 or info@nrrc.org at least five days before our event.
Page 6 • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Insight News
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COMMENTARY
Polls don’t decide elections Opinion
By Julianne Malveaux In late September, the “nonpartisan” Web site Real Clear Politics reported that President Obama leads Republican nominee Mitt Romney in several battleground states. According to the polls, President Obama leads by 5.2 percent in Ohio, 4.5 percent in Virginia, 4.2 percent in Nevada, 4 percent in Iowa, and 3 percent in Florida. Do we believe the polls? I’m not so sure. But I surely don’t believe these polls should alter an aggressive effort to re-elect this Democratic
president. There are lots of ways to do voter suppression. One is to deny people ballots, or to change the rules on voting. Mandatory state-issued ID, new and more distant polling places, and all of the shenanigans documented by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law are methods of voter suppression. In some cities and states, police cars have been parked outside polling places, intimidating those who may have minor infractions of law, including unpaid parking tickets. Another ways to suppress the vote is to attempt to influence voter attitudes. For example, in the 2008 election, a Republican operative did robo-calls to the Black community telling people they didn’t need to vote because Democratic candidates President Obama and Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland had
already won. He was convicted of four counts of fraud last year and faces jail time. Other communities have experienced similar pranks, including one that crudely told people that the election was on a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday, and another that said polls were open until 10 p.m., although they closed at 8p.m.. Well-informed voters repel these shenanigans, but some voters fall for them. If such tawdry tactics affect only a few voters in a few precincts, they can have an impact on an electoral outcome. That’s why it is so effective to go door to door on Election Day, to provide rides for those who need them, and to do anything and everything to ensure that every voter gets out. That’s why it also makes sense to encourage early voting, especially for the elderly and others who may have challenges getting to
the polls. I am wondering if these polls showing President Obama in the lead in key swing states represent another form of subtle voter suppression. If we think the president is leading, then some will pull back on their efforts. And that’s exactly what some Republicans are counting on. Jay Cost, who writes for the conservative Weekly Standard, told radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt that “Democratic enthusiasm is going to recede.” Another analyst said that the current polls are assuming a “record Democratic turnout.” Still another said that while 90 percent of registered Republicans will vote for Romney and 90 percent of Democrats will vote for President Obama, the race will be decided by independents, many of whom are not polled. My grandmother used to
say, “Don’t feed me fat meat and tell me it ain’t greasy.” Or, “Don’t spit on me and tell me it’s raining.” In other words, don’t believe the hype. To be sure, President Obama may be leading the polls in some states, but polls are like putting your finger in the air to see which way the wind blows. They are like calling the basketball game based on who is leading after the first half. They are like handicapping the horse race based on who is first out of the gate. They tell a story about a point in time, but not about the outcome. Thus, polling results are both good news and provisional news. The good news – the polls tell us that an Obama win is not only possible but likely. The provisional news – President Obama won’t win unless we work for it. Imagine that the basketball team started chilling in the second
half because they led in the first, or that the horse first out of the gate decided to slow up because, after all, the win was decided. We’ve all heard about the flash in the pan, the tortoise and the hare, and the importance of persistence. These polls ought to be a motivator for those who support President Obama. The goal ought to be to make these poll results a reality by ensuring that Democratic enthusiasm increases, not recedes, and that Democratic turnout does hit record numbers. It ain’t over til it’s over, and the outcome of this election will depend on the work that is done in the next several weeks. Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.
Families struggle: Child poverty remains epidemically high Child Watch
By Marian Wright Edelman The U.S. Census Bureau’s new poverty data for the states show millions of families struggling mightily to keep their heads above water in the wake of the Great Recession. Fourteen states saw statistically significant increases in their child poverty rates, 26 states saw small increases, and nine states and the District of Columbia saw small declines in child poverty rates last year. But the morally scandalous bottom line is clear: 16.1 million children
are poor in our rich nation with more than seven million living in extreme poverty, too often scared, hungry, and homeless. New Data Show Black and Hispanic Children Suffer Most Although there are more poor White than Black or Hispanic children, Black and Hispanic children suffer most. In 25 states and the District of Columbia, at least 40 percent of Black children were poor; in four states, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, and Ohio, 50 percent or more of Black children were poor. Thirty-three percent or more of Hispanic children were poor in 32 states. Children are the Poorest Age Group in America In 2011, more than one in five children were poor in over half the states and the District of
Columbia. In half of these states more than one in four children were poor. Children are the poorest age group in America, and the younger they are the poorer they are. More than one in four children under six were poor in 21 states and the District of Columbia during their years of greatest brain development. In 30 states and the District of Columbia, 10 percent or more of infants, toddlers, and kindergarteners lived in extreme poverty which means an annual family income of less than $11,511 for a family of four. The 13 states and the nation’s capital with child poverty rates 25 percent or higher are: Mississippi 31.8% New Mexico 30.7 District of Columbia 30.3 Louisiana 28.8 Arkansas 28.1 South Carolina 27.8
Alabama 27.6 Kentucky 27.4 Arizona 27.2 Texas 26.6 Georgia 26.3 Tennessee 26.3 West Virginia 25.8 North Carolina 25.6 These shameful child poverty levels call for urgent and persistent action. Citizens must demand that every political leader state what they will do now to invest in and protect vulnerable children from hunger, homelessness, and poor education and to prepare them to be competent future workers. It’s way past time to eliminate epidemic child poverty and the child suffering, stress, homelessness, and miseducation it spawns. A number of leading economists and researchers agree
that investing in children today is the best way to prepare and create a strong America tomorrow. As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told participants at the Children’s Defense Fund’s national conference in July: “Economically speaking, early childhood programs are a good investment with inflation-adjusted annual rates of return on the funds dedicated to these programs estimated to reach 10 percent or higher. Very few alternative investments can promise that kind of return. Notably, a portion of these economic returns accrues to the children themselves and their families, but studies show that the rest of society enjoys the majority of the benefits, reflecting the many contributions that skills and productive workers make to the economy.” Do most Americans really
want our children to get poorer while the rich get richer and to allow our budget to be balanced on the backs of poor babies while millionaires and billionaires receive hundreds of billions in more huge tax cuts they do not need? If you do not, speak up and vote for a more just America for every child. Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.
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Insight News • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Page 7
AESTHETICS Master Storyteller Oba William King reigns supreme By Sharon Brooks Imagine this. A man who wins a fight with a monkey and then make shoes out of him, a crippled woman who escapes her punctual PCA worker so that she can drink “the magic juice” she bought from a psychic for a whopping $30, and picture if you can a man who is not really a nature lover but drives around with a bear on the roof of his car that he pushes off when he has had enough. These were the tales of Master Storyteller Oba William King (1st place), Sharon Brooks (2nd place) and Lorin Nieml (3rd place); winners of this year’s 21st Annual Storytelling Contest (Liars Contest), adult division. Held, at the end of September at the Elks Lodge, 1614
Photo by Queen Nur of Willingboro, NJr
Winners (holding trophies): Adult category - 1st place Master Storyteller Oba William King, 2nd place Ms. Sharon Brooks, 3rd place Mr. Lorin Nieml Children’s category - 2nd place Curtis Adams, 3rd place Autumn, 1st place Seakh Meeheer. Far left: Host Master Storyteller Gran’Daddy Junebug. Far right: Master of Ceremony Vusumuzi Zulu.
Beware the coultergeist! Interview
By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com
Born in New York City on December 9, 1961, archconservative Ann Coulter is the author of eight New York Times bestsellers and of a nationallysyndicated column for Universal Press Syndicate. She also serves as the legal correspondent for Human Events and is a frequent guest on such TV shows as The
Today Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Sean Hannity, The O’Reilly Factor, The Glen Beck Show and HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. The ever-controversial, flamethrowing firebrand has been on the cover of Time Magazine and profiled in publications like TV Guide, the Guardian, the New York Observer, National Journal, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle Magazine, too. In 2001, she was named one of the top 100 Public Intellectuals by federal judge Richard Posner. A Connecticut native, Coulter graduated with honors from Cornell University and received her J.D. from University of Michigan Law School, where she was an editor of The Michigan Law Review. Here, she talks about her ninth book, Mugged: Racial Demagoguery from the Seventies to Obama. Kam Williams: Hi Ann, thanks for the interview. Ann Coulter: Thank you, Kam. KW: I’m a fellow Cornellian, but I went there a decade ahead of you. AC: Wow! It was such a beautiful campus. But were you there during all the turmoil? KW: No, I arrived the year after the famous, black student takeover with guns that made national news. But while I was there, we did have plenty of strikes, takeovers and demonstrations about everything from Apartheid to the War in Vietnam. There was so much chaos on campus it seemed like finals were cancelled every spring semester. AC: Didn’t you people ever learn anything? [Laughs] KW: Rather than reminisce, let me get right to the questions, since my readers sent in more than I could ever get to. Troy Johnson was upset by a quote from your book where you counter Michael Moore’s Stupid White Men by asking: “Shall we compare SAT scores, cultural contributions and inventions?” Troy wonders whether you’re aware of all the cultural contributions that can be traced back to Africa,
including Christianity? And are you aware that blacks tend to outperform whites from similar socioeconomic backgrounds on standardized tests? AC: Yes, in fact, in an early chapter of Mugged, I rely heavily on Thomas Sowell’s magnificent book, Black Rednecks, White Liberals. He points out that blacks in the North perform better, academically, than whites in the South where they did not have much of an emphasis on learning. But please note that I’m not the one making that argument in that section about Michael Moore. And by the way, I’m not a man. White men have done a lot. It’s silly to write a book titled, Stupid White Men. KW: Filmmaker Kevin Williams, director of Fear of a Black Republican asks: Why
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Plymouth Ave. N, the judges, Master Storyteller Queen Nur, KMOJ radio personality Kimuel Haley, Dr. Yvette Pye, Edwin Clarke and Asada Brown also had their hands full with stories from the children too. First place winner, Seakh Meerheer, had the audience on edge listening to his version of his mother’s bread being eaten while he pretended to be a cat. The 1st & 2nd place winners in the children division, Curtis Adams and Miss Autumn, held our attention as well as they told colorful stories of makebelieve. The peaceful evening was made even more magical with the extremely timely (and funny) stories from the host Master Storyteller Mitch Capel, better
known as Gran’Daddy June Bug, who kept us all laughing and half believing his tales all night. The event was emceed by master of ceremony, Vusumuzi Zulu, along with his wife, director of the Black Storytellers Alliance, Nothando Zulu. The 21st Annual BlackMaster Story Tellers Festival, a threeday event, was sponsored by the Urban Research and OutreachEngagement CenterUROC, MacAlester Community Action and several others Sharon Brooks is a freelance writer and 2nd place winner, Annual Black Master Storytellers Festival, 2009, 2012.
Page 8 • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Insight News
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FLOW 2012 PHOTO CONTEST
Photographers capture the spirit of FLOW Erin Jerabek Heelan Congratulations to FLOW 2012 photo contest winner, Emma Fiala, Northside resident and Owner of Frost on Flower Photography. Fiala is a natural light photographer who shoots formal portraits as well as photojournalistic candid shots. Fiala is also experienced in wedding and portrait photography. “FLOW this year was my first time showcasing any of my work publicly,” said Fiala. “It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. I brought my camera along with me to document my day, the new friends I met, the other events I saw and the details of my first, of what I hope is many, art shows.” Fiala lives with her husband
Scott Streble, Ariah Fine
First Runner up: Scott Streble. Soul train dancer with wig (above), Second Runner up: Ariah Fine. Beauty Shop Scene (right) and daughter in the Willard Hay neighborhood and works with McKinley CSA in the McKinley neighborhood during the spring and summer months. Fiala’s work can be seen at www.
frostonflower.com. First runner up was awarded to internationally acclaimed photographer, Scott Streble, who is known for his unique juxtaposition of documentary and
fine art approach to photography. More works by Streble can be seen at www.scottstreble.com. Second runner up was awarded to Northside Resident, Ariah Fine, co-creator of Northside365, a daily online photo exhibit of North Minneapolis. Fine is a proud father and community organizer in North Minneapolis. He currently serves as the executive director of the Cleveland Neighborhood Association. “It’s so fun to capture moments at an event that is full of joy and excitement. From the Soul Train line to the pedal stage, FLOW was a joyful and exciting day for everyone,” said Fine. Additional works by Fine can be seen at www.northside365.com. More than 20 photographers participated in the contest and
more than a hundred photos were submitted. FLOW Northside Arts Crawl is produced by the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition with support from partner organizations. Since 2006, FLOW Northside Arts Crawl has become the premier art event in North Minneapolis. Highlighting the uniqueness of the Northside community, this free, family event is a unique collaboration between the business and arts communities that showcases artists of all ages from the Northside. FLOW is a self-guided art tour featuring visual and performing artists at businesses, studios and organizations along West Broadway in North Minneapolis. Visit www.flownorthside.org to see all the finalists.
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Insight News • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Page 9
BUSINESS Volunteer to save your own life Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com That could be me. This was only one of the many realities teenager Mo struggled with when her friend and teammate, super healthy Emily, was diagnosed with Leukemia two years ago. Another was, I’m a kid; what can I possibly do to help? Mo’s desire to help outwrestled her sadness, confusion and birth-age and what she did next
helped not only Emily, but many others, and probably Mo herself. She volunteered. In his book, Thrive, Dan Buettner says, “Volunteering is one of the best ways to boost your happiness because it takes your focus off your own problems and increases your sense of pride in your community or social network. Volunteers tend to weigh less, to feel better, and to have less chance of suffering a heart attack.” Weigh less AND live longer? If only it were so easy! Oh, wait. It is. Newspapers, websites and the people around you are excellent resources to find out who volunteers and how anyone can get involved. With the holidays coming, many, many organizations welcome a
Volunteering is one of the best ways to boost your happiness hand. No special skills required. Every day, volunteers sort shelves,
Sabathani Community Center computer lab
Sabathani From 4 that computer adeptness has become a key job skill, the development of computer literacy through education is an important aspect of the BAP. Group classes targeting all levels of proficiency are offered at the larger BAP computer labs. These classes
cover topics regarding Microsoft Office, financial support, social media for business use, and even Internet programming and design. Since 2009 the BAP has opened doors for community members to develop the technological skills needed to succeed in today’s times. Even in this short lifespan, success for the BAP is clear. Each of the centers has stories to tell of motivated users who will come
in day after day to job search and finally achieve employment. Robin Lewis, a user at the Sabathani Community Center lab, is impressed by the quality of the computers to help her with her current job search. “It’s been very helpful as far as being functional enough for me to find and look for work effectively,” she says. Not only are the computers a resource to find employment, but also computer skills and knowledge makes a person much more employable. Although employment is a large focus in many of the centers, this is not the only benefit of computer access. The Internet provides the key
unload boxes, deliver meals, coach kids’ teams, read to their
BAP
to a wealth of information that would be unavailable without a computer. Charlie Stembreche, another user at Sabathani explains the importance of the Internet to him, “It helps me be aware of information that would otherwise be hard for me to get. In a practical sense, I’m trying to think, like if my bike broke down, where’s the local close by bike shop?” Also, Shauna Miller, the BAP apprentice at Sabathani, talked about how she once helped a woman at the center to find affordable housing, “So she and her kids didn’t need to live in a shelter anymore!” Because of email and social networking sites such as Facebook, computer users
grandfolks, rescue small animals and wash clothes for the homeless. A group who calls themselves the Time Well Spent Gang makes breakfast once or twice a month in a shelter in Minneapolis. What hot food does for residents pales in comparison to what the Gang gains in return. Mo signed up for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk, which funds lifesaving research and support for people with cancer. Individuals and teams reach out to friends and family, raise awareness about cancer and seek financial donations of any size. The effort culminates in a moving and memorable evening walk under the glow of lighted balloons representing
those affected by Leukemia and Lymphoma. It’s okay to start small. Mo did. In her first year raising funds on behalf of the Leukemia Foundation, Mo raised $1100. This is far less than what some of the top fundraisers brought in. And far more than it seems, considering it goes toward finding a treatment that might one day save a life like Emily’s. Or Mo’s. Did you know, employees who volunteer outside of work are more productive on the job? Send your comments and career planning questions to jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.
are more able to stay in contact with loved ones and associates as well. A key aspect of the BAP labs is the individual attention and support users are able to receive when they visit, as well as access to free printing and faxing. Because of its relatively small size (there are thirteen computers at the Sabathani lab), Miller is able to help users one-on-one. She has even created worksheets for people to become familiar with Microsoft Office tools. Public libraries often have time limits on computer use, and charge for printing. “It’s just free and they like that, they like that we’re able to let them use the printer for free and faxing capabilities as well. We give them access to a
lot more time, as we don’t have a time limit here. So they really like that and they really like the oneon-one help that we give,” Miller explains. The people who come to use these centers understand the importance of having technological skills in order to be successful in today’s world. With the help of the BAP, one-by-one they are closing the digital gap in the Twin Cities. With increased funding the Broadband Access Project is looking forward to continuing to build the program. As Lewis says, “Computers are the way of the world!” For more information or to find a lab near you visit www.bap. umn.edu.
Page 10 • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Insight News
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HEALTH
Donate marrow, save a life More African-Americans needed to donate bone marrow Am I my brother’s keeper? Though the question is Biblical, it is also topical. What responsibility does one have in relation to his or her fellow human? If one has the ability to save a life, should not that person take the steps to do so – especially if the first step is to simply supply a harmless and painless cheek swab? These questions are raised when asking why so few AfricanAmericans are registered with Be the Match, a program operated by the National Marrow Donor Program. The National Marrow Donor Program is headquartered in Minneapolis. The plight of finding matches for those in need of lifesaving bone marrow transplants was recently highlighted when popular journalist Robin Roberts, co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America” recently chronicled her search for a match. Roberts was diagnosed with MDS, a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disorder. Roberts was able to receive a transplant courtesy of her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts
Wheatley From 4 are things that he loves about his job. “The joy I get out of this job is really seeing people’s facial expressions when they figure out that they can actually do things… they’re really, really excited,” he glowingly remarks. Even as a technologically savvy young man who can’t imagine not being able to turn on a computer, he is exceedingly
Fenderson was found to be a candidate for a bone marrow transplant because her form of sickle cell anemia is curable with a successful transplant. But to date, Fenderson has not been able to find a qualified match. So why is there such a shortage of donors? “I think there tends to be a lot of fear and misconception about bone marrow donation,” said Kristine Reed, a donor recruiter with Be the Match. “People see movies like ‘Seven Pounds’ and (marrow donation) is depicted as a painful process where the person is awake for the procedure.” According to Reed, that is a Hollywood fallacy. “Generally a donor donates marrow through the hip and they are asleep for the process,” said Reed. And to register with Be the Match, the process simply involves filling out a confidential form and submitting to a cheek swab. “For someone to be a match the probability is it’s a once in a lifetime chance – if ever, (that a donor will match a recipient),” said Reed. But that one match could save a life. Reed said Be the Match
is seeking donors of varying ages and ethnicities, but donors between the ages of 18-44 are most critical. “Doctors have told us that patients benefit most from younger donors,” said Reed. Also, Be the Match is looking for women to donate umbilical cords and placenta, both which could be used in certain type transplants. Marrow transplants, though, have been shown to provide better rates of success, said Reed. Be the Match has set up a special webpage for readers of Insight News who are interested in becoming a donor. That address is join.marrow. org/insightnews. The site will not load if the traditional www is typed into the address box. To contact Reed directly with questions about bone marrow donation, call (612) 616-6534 or email kreed2@nmdp.org. Wright has established the Valaria Fenderson Foundation for her daughter and others like her daughter seeking bone marrow transplants. The foundation’s website is http://www. valariafendersonfoundation.org. “In spite of it all, we’re still going to press through,” said Wright.
and is currently in hospital isolation attempting to recover from the illness. Thankfully for Roberts, she had an immediate match willing to donate the potentially life-saving marrow. But thousands more are still searching, hoping they too will
find matches to save their lives. Many searching for matches are disadvantaged in the process because they are AfricanAmerican. While a donor need not be of the same ethnicity as a recipient, the chances are far greater that a match will
be found within people of the same ethnicity. According to Be the Match, African-Americans make up just seven percent of registered donors. The list of those waiting for a transplant includes 12-year-old Valaria Fenderson. Fenderson suffers from sickle cell anemia, a serious, life-threatening disorder in which the body makes sickleshaped red blood cells. Sickle cell anemia is almost exclusive to African-Americans. “Valaria’s story can be anybody’s story,” said Fenderson’s mother, Cameca Wright. Wright said at just six years of age, Fenderson’s right lung collapsed and she required a whole body blood transfusion. Fenderson has also had to have her gallbladder removed and suffers from chronic pain. Up until this year, according to Wright, her daughter was on 13 different medications. “Just this past January the doctors told me they couldn’t give (Valaria) any more narcotics because she would be in danger of liver and other organ failure,” said Wright, who lives in Atlanta, and is a native of St. Louis. “It’s a difficult situation.”
patient with people of all levels of knowledge who will come in and need his help. “I believe it’s important to the community around me because we have one-on-one lessons, like if somebody comes in and really doesn’t know anything we can sit there, and if it takes us all day it’s just gonna take us all day,” Nash remarks. Unlike public computers at the libraries, there is no time limit for use at BAP centers. Their smaller size (there are twelve computers at the Phyllis Wheatley center) and emphasis
on personal attention makes them a rich place for learning. As Nash says, “Instead of going to a library where the lady sits being the desk and there’s a lot of people it’s a closed space so they feel comfortable and we give them more attention that these people may be afraid to ask for at any other computer lab.” Access to these computers has vastly increased quality of life for many of their users. They aid with job search and resumes, finding information from the IRS, helping children
with schoolwork and a multitude of other things. Even beyond these specific things, the computers allow users to feel a sense of empowerment and fuel a curiosity about the world. Marshall Flippen, a middle aged man that visits a BAP center most days of the week is impressed by the amount of information that is available to those who have access to computers. “It’s at my fingertips, the world is out there,” he says, “I can do everything in the world at one of these offices here.” Nash
also tells a story of a man who was inspired to share his stories after learning how to type, “The other day a guy came in and he didn’t know anything about Microsoft so we got him typing and next thing you know he can’t stop typing! He’s been in here every day just ‘I’ve got to write another story, I’ve got to write another story.’” Lillie Harris, a mother who often uses the computers to find information about her son’s school, was intimidated by computers but with the help she has received at this center now
realizes how great of a resource they can be. “I’m a person that don’t like technology as much, but I’m seeing it’s getting to be very important because it helped me with a matter I needed help with. I see now that technology is quite useful.” One person at a time the Broadband Access Project is closing the technological gap in the Twin Cities and it hopes to continue to do so. For more information or to find a lab near you visit www.bap.umn.edu.
DNC
to the convention such as unexpected appearances of mayors, governors, legislators and even the First Lady at the many meetings and caucuses. The evening sessions included entertainers such as Mary J. Blige and James Taylor, a speech by Michelle Obama that blew the top off, a fireworks speech by former President Bill Clinton, an uplifting speech by Vice President Joe Biden and the most inspiring acceptance speech by our
own President Obama. The only issue I wish had been addressed and acted upon more was the restrictive Voter ID laws which is near and dear to my heart because I actively participated in the Civil Rights and Right-to-Vote Marches in the 1960s. I sincerely pray that the momentum generated at the convention will be continued not only through Election Day – Nov. 6, but throughout the upcoming four years of victory. We’re moving Forward.
had their marriage students the state
do not currently possess a state ID. Ellison said the latter group is heavily made up of AfricanAmericans. “This proposed amendment is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist,” said Ellison. “There is no voter fraud in Minnesota.” Many believe the state ballot question is part of a concerted national effort to suppress voter turnout among groups that traditionally vote Democratic. In 2008 African-Americans overwhelming supported candidate Barack Obama in his historic bid for the White House. Recent polls show the President polling as high as 95 percent among African-Americans and 65 percent among HispanicAmericans. Many consider Minnesota to be a liberal, fair-minded, state and are shocked that such an amendment to the state constitution would be proposed. “I expect this in Florida. I expect this in Texas – in Ohio, but I never thought Minnesota would be the place to have the worst, most restrictive voting in the nation,” said Barbara Arnwine of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “That’s what would happen if this thing passes. Minnesota would have the fewest exemptions (to voter ID). Only Mississippi would be as restrictive. Being in the company of Mississippi is no honor.” According to Arnwine, if the amendment passes, 700,000 state voters would be disenfranchised. Nationally, Arnwine said various voter ID laws, all either put in place or proposed by Republican officials, would affect millions. In Florida for example, Arnwine said most third-party groups such as the League of Women Voters and the Boy Scouts of America quit registering voters for fear of
By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Valaria Fenderson
Valaria Fenderson Foundation
From 1 – this year’s convention was action packed with wonderful speakers, factual and relevant caucuses, as well as many opportunities to personally meet candidates and national leaders, including President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. There were many highlights
Voter ID From 1
names changed due to or divorce to college attending school in to those who simply
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Coulter From 7 do you think the Republican Party doesn’t reach out more to African-Americans on its own terms today? Have you seen the documentary? AC: No, but I’ve heard of it. KW: It’s excellent. You figure prominently in it. So does Michael Steele. Kevin says he’d like to get you a copy. AC: Oh, I would love that, and I love Michael Steele. KW: Kevin’s basic thesis is that the Republican Party is hurting itself by failing to court the black vote. AC: Oh, I don’t believe that’s true at all. Republicans have reached out so much to black Republicans because it’s part of our tradition. Blacks have been in this nation longer than most other Americans with the possible exception of WASPs. The first blacks in Congress and the first black Governor were all Republicans. It was Republicans who fought the Civil War over slavery and who introduced the Civil Rights legislation over the next hundred years. So, suggestions to the contrary drive Republicans like me crazy. KW: Marcia Evans says she agrees with your recent comment that the U.S. is only indebted to African-Americans. What prompted that statement? AC: I was being a little cross with a right-wing black friend for throwing in the Hispanics and the Asians into a Jesse Jacksontype Rainbow Coalition. No! No! Blacks have a special history, since they were enslaved and were here as early as the first Americans. I hate to sound like a liberal but these are facts. That makes blacks a special group and I really don’t appreciate all these hangers on coming along. Yes, of course, black Americans are a special group, and I’m disappointed that they’re not Republicans, given our traditions. We’re not getting much love in return, despite our efforts. KW: Why do you think that’s the case? AC: Part of the reason is that it’s really hard to be a black Republican. I see what they go through. It’s a good little trick the entire mainstream media has pulled by describing Republicans as “Racist! Racist! Racist!” and then turning around and laughing at us for not having more blacks in our party. That’s why I hope a lot of black people will read my book because I think it will change minds. KW: One discussion I found interesting in Mugged was where you point out that Strom Thurmond was the only segregationist U.S. Senator to change his affiliation from Democratic to Republican. I would’ve guessed that there had been a wholesale flight of Southern conservatives to the Republican Party. AC: Thurmond’s the only segregationist anyone can name. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party had former Klansmen, members of a terrorist group that was lynching and murdering black people. That was an outgrowth of the Democratic Party. FDR put a Klansman [Hugo Black] on the Supreme Court, and Democrat in good standing Bob Byrd [U.S. Senator Robert Byrd] was a recruiter for the Klan. KW: Nonetheless, I still have the sense that most of the Southerners who would’ve been segregationists in the Fifties and Sixties are now in the Republican camp. AC: No, that’s only because liberals say this over and over and over again to hide the actual history, which is why I go through the specifics on the big segregationists in the United States Senate, the ones who signed the Southern Manifesto and the ones who voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. There’s a panoply of issues to consider. These were aggressively-liberal Democrats who loooooooved big government when it came to The New Deal and Great Society programs. The first time they objected to the Federal government doing something was when it came to civil rights legislation. This is in stark contrast to the very few Republicans who voted against the ’64 Civil Rights Act. KW: Harriet Pakula Teweles asks: What do you hope will be people’s reaction to being “Mugged” by you? AC: [LOL] I like that! Two reactions. The main point is: don’t make the mistake, America, of voting for Barack Obama who, by the way, does not come out of the American black experience and everything white Americans
Insight News • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Page 11 feel guilty about. He’s a Hawaiian born in 1961. Weirdly enough, the best thing that ever happened to black people in the last twenty or thirty years was the O.J. verdict because it shut down the white guilt bank. And white guilt has never led to anything good. It’s brought us spiraling crime rates, mostly with black victims, and a permanent underclass living in public housing projects. For years, liberals cried that “law and order” and “welfare reform” were racist code words. Yet, when Republicans were finally able to
push through tough policies on crime and welfare which they’d supported for decades, they were magnificent successes for the entire country, but especially for black people. Release us, and great things will happen! KW: Yale grad Tommy Russell asks: Are you familiar with Dr. Nina Jablonski and her important work that helps debunk the myth of race? Do you feel it’s important to get past the notion of race as something that separates us, and use our understanding of its at
times painful history to move forward as a country, civilization and world? AC: I have not heard of her work, and I have not thought about the issue in those terms, but I would say “Yes!” based on the way it was phrased in the question. KW: Tommy also asks: As a former smoker, do you feel a special kinship with President Obama? AC: [LOL] Yes, though I think he’s a little more uptight than most smokers. We’re usually pretty
relaxed.
whites didn’t have any.
KW: Why do you make the point in the book that he might have slave trader ancestors? AC: Because of all our presidents, Obama is the one most likely to be descended from a slave trader, since Kenya had a major slavetrading port, and the Muslims were heavily involved in the slave trade. Right before The Civil War, only 8% of white people owned slaves. Some plantations would have hundreds and hundreds of slaves, but the vast majority of
KW: Larry Greenberg says: When Alan Ball launched the HBO-series True Blood with his pilot “Strange Love” episode, he mentioned right in the script that he wanted the conservative commentator on the show to be as much like Ann Coulter as possible. How did you feel about that and about how you are portrayed, vis-a-vis vampires
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FULL CIRCLE
Vote 2012: Lest we forget Man Talk
By Timothy Houston This year is a presidential election year for us here in the United States. As citizens of the most powerful country in the world, our election will have world wide effect. Our individual vote is even more powerful then ever. This year in north Minneapolis, we saw an election decided by less than 20 votes. The closer the election, the more powerful the individual choice becomes. Despite what you may have heard, your vote matters. We should never forget the sacrifices that were made to give us our right to vote. Because the power that our vote represented then and now, extreme measures were taken to keep us from the polls. In 1964, numerous demonstrations were held, and the considerable violence that erupted
Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. [Leaders marching from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial] brought renewed attention to the issue of voting rights. Those who were taking those measures knew that once blacks in America took to the polls, the landscape of this country’s leadership would be
forever changed. Their attempts to keep us from the polls only strengthen our resolve. From the murder of voting-rights activists in Mississippi to the attack by state
USIA
troopers on peaceful marchers in Selma, AL, enough national attention was gained to persuade President Johnson and Congress to initiate meaningful and effective national voting rights legislation.
The combination of public disgust moved Congress to pass the voting rights bill on August 5, 1965. The legislation, which President Johnson signed into law the next day, outlawed literacy tests and provided for the appointment of Federal examiners. Its language followed the language of the 15th amendment, applied a nationwide prohibition of the denial or abridgment of the right to vote on account of race or color. The law had an immediate impact. By the end of 1965, a quarter of a million new black voters had been registered, onethird by Federal examiners. By the end of 1966, only 4 out of the 13 southern states had fewer than 50 percent of African Americans registered to vote. In 1966, the first post-reconstruction African American was elected to the U. S. Senate, and one year, later Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the United States Supreme Court. In 1975 we saw our first black elected mayor, and in 1990 our first black elected governor. In 2008, Barack Obama was the African American elected to the office of president of the United States. All of this was accomplish
through the power of the black vote. Because of our current political climate, some may be considering not participating in this upcoming presidential election, but I strongly encourage getting out and vote. We must never forget that our right to vote has not come easy. It came about by the highest cost ever, the lives of those who believed in its cause. Emmitt Till, Herbert Lee, Medgar Evers, Jimmie Lee Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many others gave their lives so we can freely exercise our right to vote, and live as citizens with all of our God given and rights and privileges. We have a responsibility to exercise this right at every election, lest we forget the price that was paid to secure it. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com or email at tim@tlhouston.com.
Reports from Christian Community Development Association Conference
Sticky racial issues require courage, honesty By Matt Kelley Let’s be honest – when it comes to racial issues in this country, we’re only left with the stickiest and most complex problems. Long ago the no-brainers, the true injustices, were addressed and largely corrected. On one hand, it’s great that racial and ethical equality is recognized by our government – something not everyone on this planet can say. The remaining racial discussions, though, are sticky and require a certain amount of courage to discuss honestly and openly.
That’s where Christian Community Development Association has picked up the slack, focusing on reconciliation at their annual national conference this year, held in Minneapolis last week. The CCDA set out to address the “us and them” mentality both in church communities and in society in general. Thursday’s plenary session, featuring Raymond Rivera and Sami Awad, looked to address those issues in the downtown Hilton’s Minneapolis Ballroom. The room’s 25,000 square feet were nearly filled by attendees of the main session, which attempted to
debunk popular myths and redefine reconciliation. Rivera, founder of the Latino Pastoral Action Center in New York, warned against a “Kumbaya” view of reconciliation, saying that it is not enough to “dress up in each other’s costumes and take turns eating each other’s food.” Instead Rivera encouraged his listeners during his address – full of passion, energy and a little perspiration – to courageously point out injustices in a variety of ways. One such method is nonviolent confrontation, a tactic for which Rivera used Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an example.
He also said that we should collaborate with and engage the cultural norms that require reconciliation, not isolate ourselves from them. Rivera also warned against reconciliation by assimilation, asking the question, “Whom are we reconciling to?” He encouraged his listeners to maintain their cultural identity while breaking down judgment. Awad, a Palestinian Christian who founded the Holy Land Trust, addressed paternalistic reconciliation early in his address. Awad said that many Christians ask him who converted him to Christianity. “By this they
really mean, ‘Which white American church converted you?’” he explained. His answer drew a roomful of chuckles, explaining that a distant ancestor converted at “a time called Pentecost.” Awad explained his long ancestry of Palestinian Christians and told of how his grandfather was killed by Israeli soldiers. From an early age Awad was told not to violently retaliate but was also encouraged not to be quiet and passive by his grandmother. The biblical directive to “Love your enemy” was of particular interest to Awad – he even joked about hugging
armed Israeli soldiers. Instead, as he explained, Awad realized that the real enemies of reconciliation are fear and distrust, a notion that drew a standing ovation. With the aid of organizations like the CCDA, fear and distrust can be slowly dissolved as reconciliation becomes more and more tangible. As difficult as it may be to establish peace in the Holy Land, Awad said that there are already positive signs, with Jews, Christians and Muslims living side-byside. “The media will not talk about his,” he said, “but there is already a movement toward real reconciliation.”
Reconcile conference examines equitable actions for Christians By Emma Nichols The “family reunion” continued Saturday night at the Hilton Minneapolis with one of the family speaking on the challenge to reconcile, which was met with many ‘mmhmm’s and ‘amen’s from the crowd. Lisa Sharon Harper spoke at the Christian Community Development Association’s “Reconcile” Conference in Minneapolis Sept. 29th at the closing plenary session. The conference has been referred to as a “big family reunion” by many who have attended in
the past. Harper is currently director of mobilization at Sojourners and author of several published books and articles on racial injustice. Harper spoke along side Eric Iverson, director of abutment at Real Resources, and several others who read poetry and led worship at the evening session. The Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) is described as a community of Christians committed to seeing people and communities be restored. This year Minneapolis was chosen to host the 24th annual conference.
“How has your worldview shifted?” was the question Harper posed, one she was once asked. Her response? “My understanding of what it means to be a Christian has changed.” Many people think that being a Christian is about being good and doing good, a view she once held. But, said Harper, “There was something missing about my understanding of what discipleship is, and that made the crux of my faith about me.” Quoting Genesis, she explained that people were “made in God’s image to be forcefully good,” and “an icon;
a marker of where God rules.” This is where the missing piece is in so many Christians lives, she said. Harper states that she continuously does word studies of the Bible, so that the original translations can be understood fully. For example, she examined a literal translation of Matthew 35 in light of the original meanings of the words to reach the conclusion that Jesus did not say to love the oppressed because He loves them, but because he is the oppressed. This is one “missing piece” among many for contemporary
Christians, she said. Harper outlined the difference financially between white and black Americans in recent years. In 2010, the median equity for White Americans, not including home equity, was $100,000, while the median for African Americans was $5,000. In addition, in 2007, middle-income white households in America had an average of $74,000 in financial assets, while high-income African American households held $18,000 in assets. “The equitable would find a way to level the playing field,” Harper said. “They would do anything they could to change the
rules to favor everybody.” To be a Christian is to be one of equitable actions and character, said Harper. She explained that this is what she was missing when she was asked about her worldview, and this is what shifted her thinking from herself to God. “God has made man ‘forcefully good,’ and sin is anything that breaks apart the relationships that God has made,” she said. Harper closed with a challenge to her audience to be people who live equitable lives, reconciling what is broken. “Injustice is the surest and quickest way to crush God’s dominion on earth,” she said.
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Insight News • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Page 13
Church of All Nations explores reconciliation By Jon Westmark CCDA Conference Friday, Sept. 9 Morning Plenary Session Pastor Jin Kim faced a problem. It was a normal Sunday service for his Columbia Heights church until an African immigrant strolled in and took a seat. Didn’t the man see the sign in front of the church that clearly labeled it as a Korean church? Kim became uncomfortable. He knew the service wouldn’t connect with the man. It was a wake-up call for Kim, who faced what he
called “a crisis of integrity,” but slowly, he began to change things. He stopped practicing what he called “tribal religion.” His philosophy was simple: acknowledge other human beings as human beings. Kim’s church for Korean immigrants is now the Church of All Nations and is one of a small group of churches nationwide without an ethnic majority. On Friday, Sept. 9, Kim took part in a reconciliation panel at the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) national conference in Minneapolis. He and four others made up what panel facilitator
Barbara Skinner called an “allstar group” of reconcilers. Seated in front of a near capacity crowd in the Hilton’s Minneapolis Ballroom, they discussed what it meant for each of them to be reconcilers. The panel was composed of three males and two females, each of a different ethnicity. Their anecdotes were as varied as their backgrounds. Pastor Alexia Salvatierra spoke of her experience reconciling two megachurches in southern Los Angeles that were two miles apart but would not interact because of race. Professor of Reconciliation Studies at Bethel University Curtiss DeYoung
Coulter From 11 coming out of the coffin? AC: I had no idea. I’m not familiar with show. As soon as the subject moves to TV shows and movies, I’m a total failure. And I‘d been paying for all those premium channels for years, but recently cancelled them, since I never watched any of those networks. Now, I may have to get them back. As far as True Blood, I haven’t seen my portrayals, but I could guess that I probably wouldn’t like ‘em. KW: Richie the intern asks: What did you think of how the cartoon The Boondocks depicted you? AC: I’ve at least heard of The Boondocks. But again, I have no idea how that was done. I wouldn’t know all that I do about history, if I spent my time watching cartoons and other TV shows. [Chuckles] KW: Richie was also wondering what Christian denomination you are affiliated with. AC: I don’t really talk about it much, but I’m a Presbyterian. KW: Ilene Proctor says: Beware the Coultergeist! She asks: Why did you recently say that civil rights should only be limited to African-Americans? AC: Because, historically, that’s what civil rights were. The Democrats pretended to care about black people for about five minutes to help their electoral process, and then civil rights suddenly became abortion on demand, gay marriage, rights for the homeless, etcetera. Frankly, I’d be a little ticked off if I were black that, after the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow, everybody else wants to get to the head of the parade. Well, no! Listen, I like white women. I am a white woman. But we didn’t go through slavery and Jim Crow. Knock it off with this stuff! KW: What inspired you to write this book? AC: I was morose that the Era of Obama has returned us to a period where everything is racist, everyone is walking on eggshells, and you get the moral preening from white liberals who don’t actually even know any black people. But, oh, do they love to get on their high horses and accuse Republicans of being racist for opposing very liberal government policies and a very liberal Democratic president. It’s an extension of the
Ann Coulter civil rights label being slapped on gay marriage and abortion. Allow me to be bi-partisan for a moment, and love this moment because it won’t last long. In my last chapter, among the public officials I mention who I think are spectacular and unaided by white guilt is the Democratic Mayor Cory Booker of Newark. He was Mau-Maued for not being black enough. He’s been like Giuliani in Newark. He’s got to become a Republican. KW: Kate Newell asks: Would you consider debating Stephen Colbert ala the upcoming faceoff between John Stewart and Bill O’Reilly? What do you think of the use of satire in getting your views across? AC: Obviously, I’m a fan of satire. I’d debate anyone, but it would have to be the actual person. That would be my only hesitation about debating Colbert. If he were playing a character, it wouldn’t really work. But I’d pretty much debate anybody. I prefer to debate smart liberals. I’m not saying this about Stephen Colbert but, unfortunately, the most famous liberals generally aren’t the smartest ones. I have a list of the smarter liberals I recommend. KW: Fellow attorney, fellow Cornellian and, in his opinion, fellow fiction writer Peter Brav says: Where do I start? I worked really hard to come up with a question for you, telling myself that your act is just an act, that you might actually help my wheelchair-bound mother across the street and not push her into traffic to help reduce the Medicare deficit, because I don’t want to risk Kam’s not making it onto
your website’s short list of seven “Interviewers Who Are Allowed to Interview Ann Again.” But I just couldn’t. AC: [LOL] Read the book, Peter! You’ll come up with a lot of questions. I don’t know why liberals find it comforting to say this is an act. If you like saying that, okay. But it’s an act that apparently you can’t respond to, and an act that is intellectual and well thought out enough that you don’t have a response to, otherwise you would. KW: Peter’s wife, Professor Janet Brav says: Since things are not going as well as you might have hoped for Mitt Romney, with the benefit of hindsight, whom would you have preferred to head the Republican ticket this year? AC: No, it’s still Romney. And I don’t think things are going that badly. I believe the media’s lying. I think it’s part of their attempted suppression of the Republican vote to discourage them by announcing that the campaign is over. KW: Marcia Evans also asks: What has been your personal relationship with blacks that qualifies you to write this book about blacks? AC: Well, Marcia, this is why you should read the book. It is not about black people. It is about white liberals using race and lying about race to wreck the country. By the way, there are many black heroes in this book that you’ve never heard of before, and it drives me crazy that there aren’t any movies made about them. KW: Marcia asks: How do you feel about reparations?
spoke about his work in postapartheid South Africa. Mark Charles, coordinator of the Global Discipleship Network project spoke specifically about the difference in mindset between Americans at large and Native Americans. The panel also spoke on class and gender reconciliation. Executive Director of the Oasis Christian Community Development Corporation Gina Lewis spoke about her experience reconciling the suburban black community with the inner-city black community in Indianapolis. The panel agreed reconciliation takes more time
than a four day conference. “Reconciliation is not project,” Lewis said. “It’s an opportunity for a relationship.” They stressed humility. People can’t learn from those of another background until they have been mentored by someone from that community, according to DeYoung. The CCDA’s philosophy echoes the panel’s conclusion. According to the CCDA’s website, the process takes three “R’s”: Relocation, Reconciliation and Redistribution. In other words, live with the marginalized, build relationships and bring justice to underserved communities.
The conference gave attendees chances to take part in reconciliation at various ministries around the city. The process can be frustrating at times, according to DeYoung. “When it gets uncomfortable as a white male, I can’t stand up and walk away from the table,” he said. “I must stay.” Despite the work being done, DeYoung sees significant work ahead. “We are not postrace,” he said. “We will be in a post-racial society when we have dismantled the social institutions that are separating one from another based on race.”
AC: I’m against reparations. At this point, blacks should just be handing money to themselves. But I am an enthusiastic supporter of Professor Henry Louis Gates‘ project to get black people admitted to the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which I am a member. He’s done some amazing things with DNA testing and tracing ancestry.
campaign to promote reading.
the New Testament, and there He is. There was nothing insulting about it. And who really cares? It was just Donny Deutsch who wanted press for his TV show. He screamed anti-Semitism, and I was going on vacation and didn’t really feel the need to respond to point out how the English language works. And boy they say Jews are smart.
KW: Marcia asks: How do you feel about Bob Dylan’s recent statement that “America was founded on the backs of slaves” and that the country would be much further along if slavery had been ended peacefully. AC: That’s an interesting point. I was unaware that he’d said that. I’m not sure I disagree with his statement but, unfortunately, it wasn’t going to end peacefully. It wasn’t going to happen. You could not get Democrats to stop holding slaves, and America had waited long enough. It was right there in The Declaration of Independence that the slaves would be freed. My favorite Founding Fathers, Christians like John Adams, were absolutely appalled by slavery, and did not own slaves. I think we’re going to have to call on God’s grace not only for slavery, but for what we’re doing now with abortions. KW: You dedicated your book to “the freest black man in America.” AC: Yes! KW: Who is it? AC: It’s a Cracker Jack surprise to trick everybody into reading my book. KW: Let me guess. Is it comedian Jimmy “.J’J.” Walker? Many of my readers mentioned rumors about the two of you being romantically linked. AC: [LOL] Jimmy started that rumor. The little sneak. KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? AC: Probably, although we got to a lot of good ones on this book. KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid? AC: I’m a little afraid right now, but I think I’ll be calm by November 7th. KW: Can you give me a good question I could call the Ann Coulter question when I interview other celebrities? AC: Oh, that’s a good question. The only question I’d be interested in is what books they’ve read recently, which is part of my
KW: It’s already the bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? AC: Mugged. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? AC: If I’ve just had my makeup done for Fox, I see the hottest chick. [LOL] KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? AC: Mitt Romney as president, or for lots of people to read my book. One of the two. KW: What is it like to be such a controversial figure? There are so many things you’ve said that have touched a nerve, like when you said Jews needed to be corrected. AC: “Perfected.” You, as a fellow Cornell grad and a fellow Christian, which is another part of your tradition, should know that “perfected” means “completed.” The Old Testament calls for a Messiah. You turn the page to
KW: But that’s not the only statement that’s landed you in hot water. AC: Usually, they’re my greatest hits and they make me happy. I give a lot of college speeches, and usually the Young Spartacus League or the Democrats will put up posters on campus with all the quotes they consider outrageous. But I think they’re my best quotes. [LOL] KW: Well, thanks for the time, Ann. I hope I get added to that short list of reporters you’ll interview with again. AC: Yes, I think you will, Kam. This has been a fun interview.
Page 14 • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Insight News
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COMMUNITY Calendar • Classifieds Looking for Christian Roommates? North & South Minneapolis * $400/month + utilities urbanhomeworks.org/housing/urban-neighbors 612-910-6054 / un@urbanhomeworks.org
RENTALS Remodeled duplex units in East St. Paul. Income Restricted, EHO. 651-430-1888 or www.applegateproperties.com
Project Manager Wirth Cooperative Grocery is seeking a temporary Project Manager position, starting part-time, expanding to full-time. The purpose is to plan and manage the development of a new food store. Responsibilities include project and budget development, lease negotiations, hiring and managing contractors. The project manager reports to the Board of Directors. We are looking for a candidate who has an excellent communication skills and demonstrative project management experience. Experience with cooperatives and natural food industry preferred. Compensation is negotiable dependent on qualifications to manage the project. Please visit www.wirthcoop.com for more info about Wirth Co-op and a full job description. Deadline for resumes is Oct. 25th.
Community Outreach Coordinator Metro Transit, a division of Metropolitan Council, is the largest provider of public transit service in the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county metropolitan area. We are seeking Community Outreach Coordinators to coordinate Metropolitan Council (Council) outreach efforts related to the Southwest Corridor Light Rail Transit (Green Line Extension) or other significant projects that involve outreach efforts to citizen groups, businesses and the general public. To view the full job announcement and apply for this position online, go to www.metrocouncil.org and click on “Careers at the Council” link. Application deadline:10/12/2012. The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Send Community Calendar information to us by email: info@ insightnews.com, by fax: 612.588.2031, by phone: 612.588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free or low cost events preferred.
EVENTS JAZZ, JAM & JUSTICE! – Oct. 9 Ray Covington, Thomasina Petrus,and Bridget Dawkins will perform live at JAZZ, JAM & JUSTICE! Tuesday October 9th 6pm-9pm at The Women’s Club of Minneapolis 410 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis MN 55403. Join The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and other Community Collective Cohosts! for A non Partisan engaging evening of music, arts, refreshments. Designed for you to hear and learn some very important info about the Voter ID amendment =Voter Suppression! It’s time to Unify, Engage, Educate, Be Informed, Mobilize, Register and VOTE!
Phone: 612.588.1313
Free event. DONATIONS will benefit students attending the HBCU college tour https://www.facebook.com/ events/464148613619063 Are you an urban or suburban professional? Educator? A member of an African American Fraternity or Sorority, a leader or member of a Professional organization? We need you! Contact Emmett Till Legacy Foundation (ETLF) at: info@ emmetttilllegacyfoundation.com 888-509-9614 ext 82 Examining the Holocaust through the Arts Oct. 10 World Without Genocide, a human rights organization headquartered at William Mitchell College of Law, will host a film event on the Holocaust as part of their new ‘Exploring Human Rights through the Arts’ series. The film, From Swastika to Jim Crow: Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges, explores the effects of World War II on America in little-known ways. The documentary will be screened on Wednesday, October 10 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at William Mitchell College of Law in room 245. This film is being shown in collaboration with the Guthrie Theatre’s production of Appomattox (September 29 – November 11) about race in America from the Civil War to the
civil rights movement a hundred years later. The screening and discussion are open to the public and no reservations are necessary. The events are free to students and seniors and $10 to the general public. Visit www. worldwithoutgenocide.org for more information. American Indian College Fund Gala Oct. 11 The American Indian College Fund (AICF) will celebrate its 17th Annual Flame of Hope Gala at The Depot in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, October 11 at 5:30 p.m. to raise funds for scholarships to benefit needy Native students. The event will feature Native entertainment, a silent auction of Native arts and the AICF will honor the late Stanley R. Crooks, former Tribal Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The Depot is located at 225 South 3rd Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55401.
“Dance Rhapsody” Oct. 12- Oct. 14 Threads Dance Project presents “Dance Rhapsody”, a collection of dances that allows the audiences to explore and experience beauty, loss, love and more. The show includes the premiere of “Humanity & Elysian Fields Avenue” - a haunting work about Hurricane Katrina and PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE her impact on the people The Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation of New Orleans. Fri (GMHC) is seeking qualified applicants for the posiOct 12 8p, Sat Oct 13 tion of Program Representative at our south Minneapolis HousingResource Center™. Major responsi2p, Sat Oct 13 8p (Postbilities: Manage the front desk and respond to walk-in Show Discussion), and clients and phone inquiries. Provide housing informaSun Oct 14 2p (Posttion and referrals to individuals and families to assist them in accessing housing services. Handle client inShow Discussion). The take and file management. Process loan applications, Southern Theater 1420 including collection of third party documents, income Washington Ave. S. verification and calculation, credit analysis, and title searches. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Mpls., MN. For tickets: degree in housing, community development, planning www.ticketworks.com or or a related field. Knowledge of community developcall 612-343-3390. For ment /community lending programs. Two or more years mortgage processing experience. Proficient in more info on Threads the use of Microsoft Office products. Excellent written Dance Project and and oral communication skills. “Dance Rhapsody” visit Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Resume@ www.threadsdance.org gmhchousing.org by Monday, October 15, 2012. No phone calls please. Equal opportunity employer.
Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: AT Productions 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 6457 Zane Avenue North 301, Brooklyn Park, MN 55429 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: Anthony Tunstall, 6457 Zane Avenue North 301, Brooklyn Park, MN 55429 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Signed by: Anthony Tunstall Date Filed: 09/19/2012 Insight News 10/1/2012,
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Hennepin County vehicle auction Oct. 13 Hennepin County vehicle auction scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Manheim Minneapolis location at 8001 Jefferson Highway in Maple Grove. Registration for bidders is from 8 to 10 a.m. Specifics about the auction are available at w w w. m a n h e i m . c o m . For more information about all Hennepin auctions, go to www. hennepin.us/auctions or contact Hennepin County Purchasing at 612-3483181.
Macy’s Charter Club Event October 13th – 1 to 4PM – 10/8/2012 Macy’s Southdale, 1st Floor, Charter Club Department Join us in celebrating the Charter Club re-launch with an afternoon of fashion, music and fun! Watch
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our models work the store in the latest fashions, starting at 1PM, as we show you how to build your fall Charter Club wardrobe with so many great essential pieces! Our style experts will have you looking fabulous for all of fall! While you are here, enjoy sounds by our great DJ and delicious mocktails! Macy’s Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month October 13th – 2PM – Macy’s Rosedale, Lower Level, Housewares Department Viva la cultural! Be part of the excitement this weekend as we salute Latino culture. It all starts with delightful performances from some of the Twin Cities best Hispanic performers. Afterwards, visit with the host of Radio Rey 630AM for fun prizes, cool music, and more! Hungry for more? You won’t want to miss Macy’s very own Executive Chef’s Jose Cabera and Joe Studenberg. Enjoy tasty bites from their Latin inspired menu and learn their tricks of the trade. Before you leave make sure to visit the shoe department for your gift with any $50 Carlos by Carlos Santana purchase. So what are you waiting for? This is one fiesta you won’t want to miss! West Broadway Farmers Market Announces Second Season Now–Oct 19 Northside grown mushrooms, veggies, fruits, sweet bread, quality art, and more. Music, cooking demonstrations (with free samples), physical activities and classes, art activities, health services (i.e. blood pressure checks), and more will take place weekly. New location at the Hawthorne Crossings parking lot, 900 West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis, near the intersection of Bryant and West Broadway. Market hours are Fridays from 3pm to 7pm. All who walk or bike to the market can enter to win a $25 voucher for market goods. For updates and to sign up for the weekly email newsletter visit www.westbroadway.org or for any questions contact Alicia at 612.353.5178 or at marketmanager@westbroadway. org Pan-African Women’s Film Forum Oct 20 The Minnesota Committee of the African Women’s Development Fund USA (AWDF USA) is convening a Pan-African Women’s Film Forum with St. Catherine University in St. Paul on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 1-9 PM. The Forum is designed to raise awareness and support for African women’s organizations doing exemplary work but struggling to recover from the global economic downturn. The Forum includes award-winning films that feature Nobel Peace Prize winners, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Dr. Wangari Maathai of Kenya as well as the stories of veteran African-American civil rights meeting with the pre-schoolers and parents taking part in early-childhood education programs. The Family
champions, Daisy Bates and Shirley Chisholm. The forum will be held at Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium Whitby Hall, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN. For more information, contact AWDF at (408)634-4837, visit www.usawdf.org Macy’s Active Event Oct. 25 & Oct. 27 Get active at Macy’s and shape up! Swing by Macy’s to learn more about how to lead a healthy lifestyle! Chris and Stacie Clark, certified athletic trainers from the Tiger Fit Studio, will lead their signature CORE360 workout, a no-impact, low-cardio session perfect for everyone of all ages and fitness levels. Afterwards, Chris and Stacie will discuss and share fitness tips. We’ll also have refreshments, music, and treats from local restaurants on hand to replenish you. Space is limited, so call today to reserve your spot at 1.800.329.8667! The first 50 people to RSVP and attend the workout, will receive a complimentary yoga mat. October 25th – 6PM – Macy’s Southdale, 1st Floor, Women’s Active Department. October 27th – 10:30AM – Macy’s Mall of America, 2nd Floor, Women’s Active Department. MN-NAME’s annual equity and education conference Oct 27 Focus on action and sustainability for educational equity. Sat. Oct 27, 8:30–3pm at Robbinsdale Cooper High School. As low as $35 per person, depending on the type of registration. Contact Jennifer Heimlich at 952. 988.4637. NorthPoint Health & Wellness ART GALLERY Presents The Photography of Donald Sparks Now – Nov 2 Covering multiple sports and other artistic and historical subjects, these rarely seen images include some of the great names in sports and the arts such as Jackie Robinson, Wilma Rudolph, Hank Aaron and Duke Ellington. NorthPoint Health & Wellness 1313 Penn Ave N. Mpls MN 55411. Mon. & Fri. 8:30am–5pm, Tues.– Thur. 8:30am–7pm, Sat. 8am– 12pm. Contact Helene Woods at 612.543.2549 for more info. Enrollment opens for 2012 / 2013 Saint Paul Citizen’s Police Academy Dec 19–Feb 27 Classes begin Dec. 19 and continue through Feb. 27on Wed. evenings 6:30–9:30pm. 25 community members will participate in training modeled after the Police Academy program that police officers complete. No cost to CPA participants. The CPA is not intended to serve as accredited law enforcement courses but merely to provide insight to the internal workings of the police department. Applications due by Oct. 15 are available by calling CPA Coordinator Don Luna at 651. 266.5583. Partnership early-childhood initiative includes a parentingskills program for the parents of pre-school children. It is based on a similar successful program called Baby College in the Harlem Children’s Zone. Franken read to pre-school children, and Canada and Samuels joined him in singing with children for music therapy session in another classroom. Canada’s tour of Northside Achievement Zone concluded with a visit to Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), to interact with mentors and students in an after-school tutoring program for 4th and 5th grade students. Canada briefly address an assembly of Northside Achievement Zone partners, including, leaders of Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, Minneapolis Public Housing Agency, the United Way, and others are collaborating to make the Northside Achievement Zone a seamless network embracing and supporting children and their families. Canada encouraged the Northside partners to stay strong and stay focused on the children. Fifteen years into the Harlem Children’s Zone, he said, the program now has over 900 youth attending college. “You can do that here as well,” he said.
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Insight News • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Page 15
Dr. Lisa Williams shows girls they are positively perfect with doll line By Chida R. WarrenDarby, Special to the NNPA from The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper Dr. Lisa Williams is a petite, beautiful brown skinned woman, with a broad endearing smile. She’s genuine, compassionate, soulful, and is the creator of Positively Perfect Dolls. No this isn’t a story about a woman who all her life desired to make dolls and sell them to little girls, and this isn’t a story about a woman seeking fortune and fame. This is a story about a woman who had the greater desire to fill a need. “I don’t create dolls. I show the beauty in our children. I see myself as healing generations,” says Williams. A visionary leader, award winning speaker and author, Dr. Lisa (as she is affectionately known) is the CEO of the World Of Entertainment, Publishing and Inspiration (World of EPI), LLC. The World of EPI was formed with the mission to be an expression of joy. Williams is also known for her ability to motivate executives,
Courtesy of NNPA
Dr. Lisa Williams with the DIVA Doll Collection
future leaders and audiences of all sizes. In addition to winning numerous teaching awards from major universities such as Penn State, Ohio State and the University of Arkansas, Williams is the first female to hold a multimillion dollar endowed chair in her field, the first African American female to graduate from the Ohio State University’s Marketing and Logistics Department, and the second woman in her discipline to become a full professor. Williams has dedicated her life to educating and developing future and current leaders. Major corporations and President Clinton’s Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection have sought her advice. Williams’ research has practical and global implications and as such she has spoken to audiences in the United States, Belgium, Austria, Canada, London and Australia. With numerous accolades under her wings, Williams has triumphantly created a flight path to success. But while on her journey of enlightening people through education, she realized that God yet required more of her. After publishing her book
“Leading Beyond Excellence,” Williams developed a partnership with Walmart, in which her books sold extremely well. It was something in her book that showed Walmart, she could offer something to their customers that they had been longing to do, which was to sell children’s books that reflected multiculturalism. Williams believed she could tackle the job and was successful at helping to produce “Brandon’s Really Bad, Really Good Day,” and “Amelia Asks Why?,” both books depicting African American children in a manner that young children of color could relate to. In a review of “Amelia Asks Why?,” one parent wrote “This book is perfect for my African-American daughter named Amelia. However not only does it work for her because of her name, she enjoys the story. She is learning about her surroundings and this book has encouraged her curiosity. In addition it gets her to clean her room.” Another parent wrote “The topic is appreciated and timely. My 2 year old daughter loves this book. We have read it often over the last year and at this point, we are using tape to keep it intact. I
personally love the illustrations.” After great sales, and tremendous feedback at this level, Walmart decided to throw Williams another challenge, and that was to create dolls! “Walmart understands and is sensitive to the needs in our community,” she said. When beginning the process to create the dolls, Williams said that she wanted to find value in the project for our community. “I wanted to do something that was respectful to our community and our race. [Walmart] was saying ‘We think you understand the community, and we want you to do a line of multicultural dolls’.” Williams believes that this venture was an avenue to promote a ministry of positive self esteem. From concept to production, Positively Perfect Dolls took approximately a year to complete. While the process was extraordinary, Williams shared that by no means was it effortless: “When I tell the story it sounds like it was easy. It wasn’t easy.” Williams didn’t have distribution, and she didn’t have experience. “I had to create a learning curve
DIVA TURN TO 16
Book review: Billionaires and Bandits By Kam Williams “When I was a boy traveling in Latin America, I saw colonial societies that were essentially medieval police states ruled by outsiders in cahoots with a few wealthy local families... Maintaining such power required these cohorts to build propaganda machines to deceive the public, control the press, fix elections, break unions, and maintain a strong and often brutal police state in the name of ‘national security.’ America today is looking more and more like a colonial economy, with a system increasingly tilted toward enriching the wealthy 1 percent and serving the mercantile needs of multinational corporations with little allegiance to our country… American democracy
is under assault… Our campaign system has become legalized bribery… Voter suppression is real… and it is happening to YOU! Remember, this is YOUR democracy… If your vote isn’t counted, you’re going to lose the presidency—and our democracy.” - Excerpted from the Introduction by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (pgs. 9-14) There’s no reason for Democrats to feel giddy about the upcoming election just because President Obama appears to be pulling away from Romney in recent polls. They might be advised to temper any irrational exuberance in light of the late Joseph Stalin’s chilling warning that, “Those who cast the votes decide nothing; those who count the votes decide
Zach D. Roberts
Author Greg Palast with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. everything.” Unfortunately, the Communist dictator’s words might be as relevant in the U.S. today as they were when he ruled Russia with an iron fist. After all, it can be argued that Bush only
prevailed in 2000 and 2004 with the help of shady shenanigans like the illegal removal of thousands upon thousands of registered blacks from the voter rolls. That is the contention of
investigative reporter Greg Palast, author of Billionaires & Ballot Bandits: How to Steal an Election in 9 Easy Steps. In this very timely tome, he delineates each of the methods employed to steal a contest, namely, purging, caging, spoiling, ejecting, blocking, rejecting, prestidigitizing, tossing and stuffing. He further explains that African-Americans have a particular cause for concern, since over 50% of the voters prevented from voting are black. And this was the case before the passage of voter suppression laws in so many states with majority Republican legislatures. In a chapter entitled “Why Obama Is Likely to Lose in 2012” Palast indicates that conservative strategist Karl Rove is well on his way to achieving his goal
of eliminating the six million black votes needed to insure a Romney win. There is still hope for the democracy, however, that involves an eternal vigilance and a community commitment to fight to leave no vote behind. A practical primer on how to exercise your right to vote on Election Day in the face of a calculated Republican multipronged plan to prevent you from casting a ballot by any means necessary. Billionaires & Ballot Bandits: How to Steal an Election in 9 Easy Steps by Greg Palast Introduction by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. with Comics by Ted Pall Seven Stories Press Paperback, $14.95 304 pages, Illustrated ISBN: 978-1-60980-478-7
Page 16 • October 8 - October 14, 2012 • Insight News
insightnews.com
Statewide Impact of Voter ID Laws
Estimate # of Registered Voters Who Lack Current, Valid Photo ID
>2000 1500 - 2000 1000 - 1500
01A
700 - 1000 03A 01B 02B
06A 05A
04A
02A
05B
09A Moorhead
Duluth07A 06B07B
03B
04B 10B 10A
09B
08A
12A
47B
51B
32B 46A 46B
12B
11B
50A
08B
16A
45A
45B
11A 14A 13A
18B
18A
20B
21A
23A
48A 48B49A 52A 32A 51A53A 52B 47B 53B 19B 43A 56A 33A 33B 39A39B 34A 34B42B 57A57B 35A 37B 35B 36A 36B 25A
41A 42A
22B 27A
60B
66B
67A
65A
61A 61B 62A 62B
55A 66A
64A
65B
67B
64B
63A
39A
57A
63B 42B
39B
41B 40B
40A
38A
38B
28B
26B
24B 24A
44A
60A
59B
54A
28A
25B
26A 22A
43B
19A
Mankato 23B
21B
44B
17B
54B
59A 58B
17A
53B
58A
43A
St. Cloud 15B 14B 15A 16B
13B
20A
53A 50B
29A
29B 30A 30B Rochester
27B
31A
31B
The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Date: February, 2012 Prepared by: Jeff Narabrook, 651-757-3062 Sources: OSS Estimates of Registered Voters Lacking Valid or Current ID
Voter ID From 10 criminal prosecution. That law was struck down, but many say the damage was done with new voter registration falling from nearly 300,000 new voters in 2008 to about 18,000 to date this
year. “In Ohio they purged onepoint-three-million registered voters from the voting rolls,” said Arnwine, whose group is fighting voter suppression in several states including Florida, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and others. Arnwine said in addition to fighting voter suppression, the group is monitoring voter
intimidation in several states. She said a Tea Party back group, True the Vote, is involved in a campaign to intimidate voters of color. True the Vote is recruiting one million “poll watchers” nationwide to police against possible voter fraud in the upcoming election. Arnwine said during the 2008 general election her group had to get a court injunction against True the Vote to stop its watchers from
harassing voters. Arnwine is encouraging voters to vote early where early voting is permitted. “That way if there is any question to your eligibility to vote you can find out before it’s too late and your right to vote can still be preserved,” said Arnwine. “Even someone like me, ‘Ms. Vote’ can have problems so it can happen to anybody.”
DIVA From 15 overnight. There was no other company I could go to, to get help,” she said. Williams had to negotiate with suppliers which proved difficult because she didn’t have a reputation or any years in the business. She also learned that Walmart doesn’t do business with every supplier, so qualifying a supplier also proved arduous. While maintaining her residency in San Diego, Williams set out to develop a relationship with manufacturers in China. “I don’t speak the language, and I got no support from banks,” she said, even though she could prove she had Walmart’s support. “I had to use all of my personal resources,” but finance are not her driving force. Through it all, Williams said it was a labor of love. While birthing this product, Williams shared that the biggest change she has encountered was having to grow more spiritually. “I have all these degrees and education, and for along time I leaned on that. When God brought this to me, it required education, but it also required other traits that I had to develop. It required me to have a meditation and prayer life.” Williams said that she had to tap into God’s infinite knowledge and well of wisdom to see what He’d have her to do. She said she’s also learned to walk by faith and not by sight. “When I started we weren’t making any money. I was doing the books because I believed in literacy in our community. When I did this people thought I was crazy saying ‘you have a doctorate, why are you doing this?’,” she said. “But I viewed it as a higher calling, in which I could do more and give more.” In a time when many are looking to change careers, start businesses and do what they love best, Williams understands that you have to do what God is telling you. “You don’t always do what makes sense, but what’s in your heart,” she said. “When I would take a step, things and information would appear.. info I needed would appear.” Williams shared that as a youth, there weren’t any African American dolls. All you saw were Barbies. “You go through life thinking that Caucasian girls were the model of beauty,” she said, “and that [African Americans] were somewhere down at the
bottom of the totem pole. Our skin is gorgeous, coming in so many deep hues.” Williams believes if she would’ve had a doll like this as a child, it would have taught her greater confidence. At many points on this journey, Williams said she wanted to give up, at times thinking it all was too hard, or that she didn’t have enough help. But at every point when she wanted to call it quits, she was reminded of why she needed to press on. “I saw that Anderson Cooper special, and cried,” she said, referring to “Black and White: Kids on Race.” Reflecting on the one particular episode, Williams recalled seeing a little girl who thought her skin was ugly and ashy. “She pointed to the white doll and said ‘she’s pretty,’ that was a sign to me.” Since hitting the shelves, Positively Perfect Dolls have sold out. Consumers thought the dolls were very positive, cute and fun, and enjoyed their joyful expressions. Positive affirmations were printed on the dolls’ clothing, and people loved that. Williams’ next line of dolls are scheduled to release in August. The line has expanded from infant dolls, to include a few more, totaling 9 dolls. New to the family are Angela and her sister Brianna. “I wanted to have older girls and preteen dolls, which is the DIVA Collection.” DIVA stands for Dignified, Intelligent, Vivacious and Attractive. “That’s how I see these girls. These dolls aren’t sexy. You’ll never see them in a sexy outfit,” asserted Williams. “Our little girls are growing up too.” Williams hopes that when she leaves this earth, she’s left something positive, and left a child feeling beautiful. This thought is what drives her to get up every morning, and hope that if one little girl looks in the mirror happy at who she is, because she played with a Positively Perfect Doll, she’s done her work. Williams is a strong believer that “play” helps to strengthen little girls in regards to dealing with life’s issues. If they can find positive reinforcement in a toy, then hopefully those good thoughts will segway into their day to day thinking when it comes to their self-esteems, thoughts toward themselves, and even others. For more information on the Positively Perfect Doll Collection visit www. positivelyperfectdolls.com and or visit your local Walmart store.