Choreographer Karen L. Charles brings powerful personal stories to the stage MORE ON PAGE 5
October 14 - October 20, 2013
Vol. 40 No. 42 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Grant supports MUL Financial Opportunity Center
Wells Fargo, one of America’s leading community banks and the nation’s largest home mortgage lender, recently announced that it is making a $80,000 donation to the Minneapolis Urban League. With the grant, the Minneapolis Urban League will operate a Financial Opportunity Center offering clients a set of focused services in three overlapping areas: • Employment – including assistance with job readiness, job placement, occupational skills training, education and career advancement. • Benefits and work supports – helping clients gain access to public benefits, tax credits, financial aid and other benefits to improve their financial security. • Financial services – workshops, classes, one-onone counseling and access to well-priced financial products and services to help clients improve their household finances and build assets. The grant is funded through the Wells Fargo’s N e i g h b o r h o o d L I F T SM program that was launched in 2012. For the Twin Cities, Wells Fargo is providing $575,000 in grants to promote financial and neighborhood stability, and affordable housing, in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The program is an innovative effort created to help stabilize neighborhoods and help people buy homes by making properties more affordable with down payment assistance available for eligible
MayKao Fredericks, Vice President Community Affairs, Minnesota Region and Scott Gray, President and CEO, Minneapolis Urban League
FARGO TURN TO 11
Biking for transportation and exercise By Debra Stone, TC Daily Planet On a rainy Saturday morning two women are at bike work stations receiving hands-on learning about the ins and outs of bicycle mechanics. These two women are not white or Lycra clad, nor would you confuse them with the “creative class” that is associated with the biking community. They are learning bike maintenance skills at SPOKES Bike-Walk Connections (1915 E. 22nd Street) in the Seward Minneapolis neighborhood. According to their bulletin, this organization is an innovative community bike and walking center with a goal of getting more people biking and walking for transportation and exercise. On their wall is a picture of bicycle parts written in Amharic, Eritrean, Ojibwa, and Oromo translations. Fatima Omer, a thirtysomething Somali woman, is one of the two women working on a donated but still in good condition bike. She never rode a bike as a child. “I learned to ride a bike in July 2013 in the Learn-
BIKES TURN TO 12
Debra Stone
Fatima Omer’s first time riding a bike was in July 2013 with the Learn-to-Ride Program.
Health
Man Talk
Breast cancer disparities
Lessons from my pastor
PAGE 3
PAGE 10
Photos courtesy of Tamiko Edwards and Pamela Weems
Telling their stories, top: Tamiko Edwards, bottom: Pamela Weems
Edwards, Weems survive breast cancer; happy to be alive By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Pamela Weems is a wellknown trendsetter in the Twin Cities and she is hoping to start a new trend of talking openly about breast cancer awareness, screenings and early detection. Weems, who has been an icon in the Twin Cities nightclub and promotions scene for many years is using her local celebrity to promote awareness following her two bouts with the deadly disease. And she is not standing alone. Several women are joining the cause and are telling their stories to hopefully prevent future deaths by promoting regular screenings in efforts of early detection. “When you hear that word (cancer), it’s just darkness,” said Weems, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. “My first thought was death. I stopped breathing. I literally stopped breathing.” After getting over the initial shock of the diagnosis, Weems said she found her reason to fight on. “I started looking at my children and I said, ‘hey, you got to shake this’ and my whole attitude just flipped and I turned myself into a fighter,” said Weems. “I wasn’t going down without a fight.” According to the effervescent Weems, known for pushing fashion’s limits,
Plan Your Career Is this bothering anybody?
PAGE 11
she took every negative of her cancer and turned it into a positive. That in turn, transformed her life. “I made everything a positive – even my bald head. I would go out with my bald head and people thought I was just being fashion forward,” said the two-time survivor, who got a second diagnosis in 2010. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African American women are more likely than all other women to die from breast cancer. The reasons are their tumors often are found at a later, more advanced stage, so, there are fewer treatment options. The department’s Office on Women’s Health said other reasons for this might include not being able to get health care or not following-up after getting abnormal test results. Also, research has shown that African-American women are more likely to get a form of breast cancer that spreads more quickly. Thankfully, Tamiko Edwards did not become a death statistic. But putting off seeing her doctor nearly cost her life. “I found a lump in January of 2009 and I was like it’s a lump, but it will probably go away,” said Edwards. “On the first of April it got huge
CANCER TURN TO 12
Voting Minnesota rolls out online voter registration
PAGE 12
Page 2 • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Insight News
insightnews.com
Five teams, each lead by professional fitness trainers competing for success in losing weight and getting fit!
IN IT TO WIN IT The Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is a fun, yet challenging, fitness and lifestyle initiative designed to promote measurable and long-lasting health and fitness outcomes in program participants. The objective is to introduce lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Teams meet once per week with their assigned personal trainer and are required to workout
Jamie Minor Jamie has been a registered yoga teacher since 2006 when she earned her RYT 200 certification from the Yoga Alliance. Jamie is also very active in the gym and enjoys weight lifting, circuit training and training with her husband, Tyrone Minor, certified trainer, founder and owner of Chizel, Inc. and The F.I.T. Lab, Co. She creatively combines her background in yoga and weightlifting to enhance her client’s physical fitness level and mind/body connection.
with their teammates. Participants also receive one-on-one consultation with a registered dietician and coaching on food, weight gain/loss with a mental health professional. Join challenge participants on their 10week journey by checking these pages and following Insight News and The F.I.T. Lab, Co., on Facebook.
Photo: Corey Collins/Moda Photography
Healthy Recipes
Presented by NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center staff
Canned salmon is delicious, affordable and a rich source of healthy omega-3 fats. Don’t forget to add your herbs and spices for extra flavor. This is a quick weeknight meal that the whole family can enjoy. I make it often. My son enjoys eating them too provided there is some ketchup! - Nicole Winbush
BAKED SALMON CAKES Recipe by Nicole Winbush Makes 4 servings
My mother and I enjoyed making this recipe in the summer when we would get together on the weekends. It’s refreshing, slightly spicy and flavorful. Hope you enjoy it as we enjoyed it so. - Karina Santana
FRESH TUNA SALAD Recipe by Karina Santana Makes 8 to 10 servings
• 4 cans (5 ounces each) tuna packed in water • 3 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped • ½ cup chopped onion • 2 ripe avocados, pitted, scooped and cut into 1-inch cubes • 1 Serrano pepper, seeded and chopped • 1/4 cup lime juice (2 limes) • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano leaves Drain tuna; place in medium to large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Serve with lettuce leaves and crackers, if desired. Cover and refrigerate any remaining salad.
Canned salmon is rich in omega 3 fats. Onions, herbs and spices add flavor and are a rich source of antioxidants. Grain adds additional fiber and B vitamins and stretches the meat portion so that it can serve more people. Be creative and use what you have on hand. The essentials are that you have canned salmon and an egg to bind it all together. Adding additional items will make it more exciting. • 1 can (15 ounces) salmon, drained and bones removed • 1/3 cup instant or old fashioned oatmeal • 1 egg • ½ cup finely chopped
onion • ¼ cup finely chopped parsley or cilantro • ½ teaspoon curry powder • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients in medium bowl. Stir with spoon until ingredients are combined. Shape into 4 patties. Place patties on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes; turn patties over, bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown.
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Insight News • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Page 3
HEALTH
Breast cancer disparities Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates of all racial and ethnic groups and are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Breast cancer deaths are going down fastest among white women. Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer than other women.
Many factors contribute to this difference— • Black women often have cancers that grow faster and are harder to treat. • Black women often have fewer social and economic resources than other women. • Black women are less likely to get prompt follow-up care when their mammogram shows something that is not normal. • Black women are less likely to get high-quality treatment if they have cancer.
INSIGHT NEWS
Differences in Screening, FollowUp, and Treatment Screening. Screening means looking for cancer before symptoms appear. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Black and white women get mammograms at about the same rate. But more black women have breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast compared with white women when the cancer is found. Follow-up. When a mammogram shows something is not normal, follow-up tests are needed to see if it is cancer. Compared with white women, more black women take longer to complete these tests after finding out they have a mammogram that is not normal. Waiting longer for follow-up care may lead to cancers that are larger and harder to treat. Treatment. After cancer is found, treatment should start as soon as possible. Fewer black women start treatment in a timely way compared with white women.
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 Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Alysha Price Photography Suluki Fardan Michele Spaise 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.
Ways to Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer
How Health Care Providers Can Help Their Patients Get Breast Cancer Screening and Care
Remind patients of their appointments. Have the office staff remind your patients of their upcoming appointments. Track the progress of patients who need follow-up tests or treatment to make sure they get the care they need. If possible, assign a patient navigator. Talk with each patient about her risk of breast cancer, the benefits and risks of mammograms, and the right age to start getting mammograms. Tell her where she can get a mammogram done. Don’t forget some women may not be able to afford a mammogram. If the mammogram shows something that is not normal, explain the next set of tests. Answer all of her questions. Get test results quickly and call your patients right away. If needed, refer them to the next test or doctor right away. Source: Centers for Control and Prevention
Disease
Fitness: Create a program that’s right for you By Mayo Clinic staff
www.insightnews.com
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.
CDC
Also, fewer black women get the surgery, radiation, and hormone treatments they need compared with white women.
Get mammograms regularly. If you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40–49 years old, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have a screening mammogram. Are you worried about the cost? Find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Know your family history of breast cancer. If you have a parent, sibling, or child with breast cancer, ask your doctor how you can lower your risk. Learn about hormone replacement therapy. Some women use hormone replacement therapy to treat the symptoms of menopause. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits and find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
Fitness programs abound, from yoga and Pilates to step aerobics and strength training — either at home or in a gym. So which type of fitness program is right for you? Ask yourself these questions to figure it out. What is your current fitness level? You probably have some idea of how fit you are. But assessing and recording baseline fitness scores can help you set your fitness goals and measure your progress. To assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition, consider recording: • Your pulse rate before and immediately after walking 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) • How long it takes to walk 1 mile • How many pushups you can do at a time • How far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs in front of you • Your waist circumference at the level of your hipbones • Your body mass index Do you have any health issues? If you are age 50 or older, haven’t exercised for some time, or have chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, it’s a good idea to to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program. It’s also good to keep in mind that as you age, impaired balance, decreased elasticity of tendons and other factors can limit your exercise capacity. Injuries also are more frequent,
and recovery takes longer. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise or that you won’t benefit from it. Just be sure to seek input from your doctor or an exercise therapist about how to create a program that’s appropriate for you. What are your goals? Keeping your fitness level in mind, think about why you want to start a fitness program. Perhaps your doctor has suggested that you start a fitness program to lose weight. If you’re already active, perhaps you want to rev up your fitness program to prepare for a 5K race or get ready for a favorite sport. Having clear goals can help you stay motivated. What activities do you enjoy? Next, think about the types of physical activities you enjoy most. After all, a fitness program doesn’t need to be drudgery. You’re more likely to keep up with a fitness program you enjoy. If you love riding your bicycle, consider a cycling class. If you have a blast on the dance floor, an aerobics class that includes dance moves would be a good bet. If you’re a social person, a gym or health club membership may be the ticket. If you prefer to exercise alone or you find health clubs intimidating, exercises you can do at home may be best. How can you add variety to your workout? Aerobic activities should be the biggest chunk of your workout, but you also want to include muscle-strengthening activities such as working with weights or resistance bands.
Cross-training, which is doing a variety of different exercises or activities, is a good way to keep exercise boredom at bay. Cross-training also reduces the risk of injuring or overusing one specific muscle or joint. When you plan your fitness program, consider alternating among activities that emphasize different parts of your body — walking, swimming and strength training, for example. What can you afford? Make sure your fitness choices are in line with your budget. If a gym membership or home exercise equipment is too pricey, consider cheaper options for getting in shape. You can base a fitness program around brisk daily walks and inexpensive handheld weights or resistance bands. Many recreation departments offer discounted fitness classes to local residents, and many schools open their pools to the public for inexpensive lap swimming. You might also consider buying used exercise equipment — or sharing the cost with a friend. Ready, set, go You’ve thought through your likes and dislikes and the pros and cons of various types of fitness programs. Now it’s time to get physical. Start slowly and build up intensity gradually. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends: Aerobic activity. Get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. You also can do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The
Influenza: What you need to know Your child has been home from school for three days with a cough, runny nose, and fever. You’ve had to miss work to take care of him and are worried that you’ll have to miss a couple more days. This is a common situation that families experience during influenza (flu) season because influenza can make people feel miserable for several days or weeks. Influenza is an illness that affects people of all ages worldwide. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and it is a major health issue around the world. Both children and adults can help fight the spread of influenza each year by getting vaccinated. Vaccination is also one of the best ways to reduce your chance of getting ill.
become very sick with influenza. Those at highest risk include: young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people who are already sick with diseases like pneumonia, asthma, chronic lung disease, HIV, heart disease and diabetes.
What is influenza? Influenza is an illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people get the flu during the colder months, beginning in October and lasting through the spring. Influenza can be spread in the air when people with the virus cough or sneeze, or a person can become infected by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or eyes.
How is influenza treated? Most of the time, influenza can be treated at home. It is important to rest and to drink plenty of water. Stay home while you are sick and for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone so you do not spread the flu to others. Sometimes influenza can be severe. If a person is having trouble breathing, feeling dizzy or confused or having chest or abdominal pain they should go to the hospital. In some cases doctors may also give medications to help your body fight the virus.
Who gets influenza? Anybody can get influenza! But, some people are more likely to
What are the signs and symptoms of influenza? Influenza symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, and cough. People with influenza also feel very tired and may have a fever, chills, and body aches. Children who have influenza may have different symptoms than adults, like diarrhea and vomiting in addition to the other symptoms. Influenza symptoms usually come on very suddenly.
How can I prevent influenza? The most important way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated! Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the influenza vaccine every year. The influenza vaccine reduces the chances of getting sick. The vaccine may be given as a shot in the arm or as a spray in the nose. Talk with your doctor if you have an egg allergy or if you have had a reaction to the vaccine in the past. As the influenza season is approaching, it is important to get vaccinated now! Other ways to avoid getting sick are: • Clean your hands often with soap and water, or an alcoholbased hand cleaner. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible. You can search for a location to get influenza vaccine at www.mdhflu.com and click on “Vaccine Clinic Look-Up.” This site also includes information on clinics in Minnesota that offer free or low-cost vaccines for children and adults who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover immunizations. Source: Minnesota Department of Health
guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week. Strength training. Do strength training exercises at least twice a week. No specific amount of time for each strength training session is included in the guidelines. Remember, each workout
puts you one step closer to reaching your fitness goals. If you get bored or lose interest in your fitness program, don’t be afraid to try something new. Reassess your fitness level and set new fitness goals. The result? A future of improved fitness and better health.
A network of care, all around you. If you live in Hennepin County, chances are good there’s an HCMC clinic nearby. These multi-specialty clinics accept most health plans, allow you to manage your care with 24-hour online access to MyChart and are ready to provide expert health care for you and your family.
Find out more, and a clinic near you at hcmc.org/clinics. Downtown Primary and Specialty Care Clinics Brooklyn Center Clinic • Brooklyn Park Clinic • East Lake Clinic Richfield Clinic • Whittier Clinic • St. Anthony Village Clinic
Page 4 • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Insight News
insightnews.com
Choose well New choices in health care are here. Introducing UCare ChoicesSM, affordable new health plans from a leader in Minnesota health care, with coverage for young adults, families, empty nesters and everyone in between. Find out more at UCareChoices.org, and look for us on the MNsure health insurance marketplace. Choose well. Choose UCare Choices.
Baring our soles By Chris Garner
Shoes from the Sister Shoe Project that will be on display at the exhibit located at Pillsbury House starting this month.
“Nobody knows my story and nobody’s walked in my shoes,” are the words that came to Verlene Green’s mind when a friend asked her to attend the Sister Stories Shoe Project a few weeks ago at the Minnesota African American History Museum. “I didn’t know what to expect,” said the 57-year-old Minneapolis Public Schools assistant principal. But Green was intrigued when her friend told her that they would be sharing their shoe stories. Sister Stories Shoe Project is a four-part art series workshop sponsored by Obsidian Art. The project gives women the opportunity to bare their souls through art,
Ester Osayande (middle) looks on as women work and describe their shoes. Photos by Chris Garner.
SHOES TURN TO 8
Karen Charles brings powerful personal stories to the stage
A
rtistic director Karen Charles will present her Threads Dance Project in its fourth season show at the Lab Theater on Oct. 25, 26 and 27. The performance, entitled “Only Human,” features works that delve into many aspects of what makes a person human.
According to producers, the show opens with a light-hearted look at women’s obsessions and objectification of their physical forms, and the joy and exhilaration felt when they imagine no limits. The company will also premiere “Malignant” – a work that unearths the stories of 10 people who experienced
MORE
• The Trials of Muhammad Ali at Lagoon
cancer in their lives, and uses their stories to remind the audience that everyone is in fact “only human.” Charles was awarded an American Composer’s Forum Live Music for Dance grant as well as a Metropolitan Regional Arts Council grant to create “Malignant.”
“Malignant is an important work for me. It gives me the opportunity to honor my father and three other family members I lost to the disease, as well as raise people’s awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection,” said Charles. “Thanks to the grants from the American Composer’s Forum
• Black storytellers celebrate art of spoken word
and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, I also was able to collaborate with other artists in a way I never have before.” In addition, visual artist Bill Jeter is creating a three dimensional work of art that represents the ideas and thoughts
HUMAN TURN TO 8
• Giving Ja a holla!
Page 6 • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking
insightnews.com/aesthetics
The Trials of Muhammad Ali at Lagoon No conventional sports documentary, “The Trials of Muhammad Ali” investigates its extraordinary and often complex subject’s life outside the boxing ring. From joining the controversial Nation of Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War in the name of protesting racial inequality, to his global humanitarian work, Muhammad Ali remains an inspiring and controversial figure. Outspoken and passionate in his beliefs, Ali found himself in the center of America’s controversies over
beyond the ring. This is an intimate film weaving artful and unseen archival footage, with contemporary interviews from firsthand sources, resulting in an intense, focused narrative with hard-hitting relevance. ‘The Trials of Muhammad Ali’ uses percussive sounds of the speed bag and heavy bag to drive and punctuate the story. It has tensions involving faith, race, duty, and identity. And when you personalize those tensions through the humanity of Muhammad Ali, it gives them depth and definition in ways that resonate now.
race, religion, and war. Academy Awardnominated director Bill Siegel examines how one of the most celebrated sports champions of the 20th century risked his fame and fortune to follow his faith and conscience. The film was an official selection at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, AFI Docs and Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival, among others. “Why another film on Muhammad Ali,” asked Siegel. “Because no Ali film has deeply explored his exile years, his spiritual transformation and his impact on the world
Ultimately, it is a story that has at least as much to say about our society and how Ali’s principles continue to challenge us as it does about his own transformation. In many ways, he stayed true to his beliefs and identity while the country changed around him.” “The Trials of Muhammad Ali” debuts in the Twin Cities on Friday, Oct. 18 at the Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Ave., Minneapolis. For a show schedule call (612) 823-3020 or go online at www.landmarktheatres. com/market/minneapolis/ lagooncinema.
Black storytellers celebrate art of spoken word The Black Storytellers Alliance held its 22nd Annual Black Master Storytellers Festival in various locations throughout the Twin Cities on the last weekend in September. Storytellers hailing from all over the United States came together to celebrate the art of
spoken word and its relevance in the African-American community. The title of this year’s festival was “Signifyin’ & Testifyin’” and all of the events were free and open to the public. The opening ceremony was held at the Capri Theatre on West Broadway Ave in north
Minneapolis on Sept. 26 with the grand finale on Sept. 28. Some of the featured storytellers included Janice “The Griot” Greene from Baltimore, Oba William King from Chicago and Nothando Zulu of Minneapolis. For more information about the festival and Black
Storytellers Alliance visit www. blackstorytellers.com.
Photos L-R: – Master Storyteller Nothando Zulu and 3 youth from the audience participating
Master Storyteller Gran’Daddy Junebug – of Fayetteville, NC Master Storyteller Mother Minter – Charlotte, NC
Master Storytellers Oba William King, Toni Simmons and audience participants Photos courtesy of Nicole Stewart of Brooklyn Park, MN.
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Aesthetically Speaking • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Page 7
Giving Ja a holla! JR: The best decision I ever made, period, was to get into the music business.
By Kam Williams Born in Hollis, Queens on February 29, 1976, Jeffrey “Ja Rule” Atkins began rapping professionally while still in his teens, although he really made a big splash in 1999 with the release of “Venni Vetti Vecci.” That solo album went platinum on the strength of the single “Holla Holla,” thereby kickstarting an enviable musical career which has produced a half-dozen more studio lps while netting the popular hip-hop artist four Grammy nominations and counting. He also collaborated on hit songs with everybody from J-Lo (“I’m Real”) to Christina Milian (“Between Me and You”) to Ashanti (“Always on Time”) to R. Kelly (“Wonderful”). Meanwhile, he expanded his repertoire to include acting, appearing in such films as “The Fast and the Furious,” “Scary Movie 3,” “Assault on Precinct 13” and “Shall we Dance,” to name a few. No stranger to controversy, Ja also became embroiled in some famous feuds, most notably, with rival rapper 50 Cent. He was recently released from prison after spending a couple of years behind bars for tax evasion and gun possession. Here, Ja talks about his new film, “I’m in Love with a Church Girl,” a faith-based tale of redemption chronicling the reallife reformation of drug dealerturned-pastor Galley Molina. Kam Williams: Hey Ja, thanks for the interview. Ja Rule: What’s happening, killer? KW: I appreciate the opportunity. JR: Me too, Kam. Thanks for having me. KW: I’m originally from your neck of the woods, St. Albans. JR: [Laughs] No doubt, no doubt! Queens in the building! KW: I told my readers I’d be interviewing you, and they sent in a lot of questions. Reverend Florine Thompson, who is also from Queens, asks: What interested you in I’m in “Love with a Church Girl?” JR: First of all, I just enjoyed reading the script. Second, I also liked a lot of the parallels between me and the character Miles Montego. Those similarities convinced me that I would like to be a part of the project. KW: Florine would also like to know whether making this film has influenced your spiritual relationship with your Higher Power? JR: Absolutely! I’ve always been a spiritual person who believed in a Higher Power. So, I’ve always had my 1-on-1 with God, even if I wasn’t much of a religious person. But I would definitely have to say that this movie brought me even a little closer to God. KW: Lester Chisholm asks: Has the experience of working with Pastor Molina on this production enhanced your life? JR: Definitely! The movie is Galley’s life story. Galley Molina’s a great inspiration and role model for a lot of young kids out there. KW: Documentary director Kevin Williams asks: How did you prepare for the role? JR: One of the things I did was I went to church with Galley to study him, because I thought I’d be doing more preaching in the film. KW: Was it weird playing him with him right there on the set? JR: No, that’s part of the beauty of doing a true story, having the person that the picture’s about there. I felt fortunate to be able to get his advice about how to approach the character and his input about how this or that
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? JR: It’d be a toss-up between world peace and ending poverty. KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live,
how would you spend the time? JR: With my family. KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be? JR: A lion. KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood
RULE TURN TO 8
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Ja Rule: “The best decision I ever made, period, was to get into the music business.” scene should play out. So, it was great to have Galley there. KW: What was it like working with this cast, Adrienne Bailon, Stephen Baldwin, Vincent Pastore, etcetera? JR: Adrienne and I have known each other for a long time. Me and Stephen, too! And Vincent and I worked on two films together prior to this one. So, it was great just being around everybody again and spending time together on the set! KW: What message do you think people will take away from the film? JR: This is really an inspirational film which is all about connecting with people who aren’t that much into church, although it’s for church people, too. That’s the beauty of the film. KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: Do you think if gangsta rappers really fell in love with ‘Church Girls’ they might stop saying horrible and abusive things about females in their songs? JR: [LOL] Maybe… maybe… She may be onto something. [Laughs some more] KW: Larry Greenberg asks: Do you thing that reggae is at the root of what is happening today in EDM [Electronic Dance Music] and trip-hop? JR: Trip-hop? I don’t know if I ever heard of trip-hop. [Asks his friends if they know what it is.] I’m in a room of hip-hop heads, and nobody ever heard of it. But EDM, absolutely! KW: Marsha Evans says she’s a resident of Kew Gardens, and a friend of Reverend Run. She
says congrats on your daughter’s starting at Hampton. JR: Aw, thank you! KW: She says she’s run into Alan Hevesi [former NYS Comptroller] a few times at the local foreign film theater and that he smiled when she mentioned your name. She’d like to know whether you’ve applied any of the financial advice you received from him while in prison? JR: [Chuckles] Heavy D, that’s my boy. Alan Hevesi and I forged a great relationship while in prison. I’m glad he’s home now. He’s an older man, so he belongs home, not behind bars. But I definitely benefitted from his knowledge. I used to pick his brain a lot while we watched the New York Knicks on TV. KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? JR: No, I think I’ve been asked everything under the sun. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? JR: My reflection. [LOL] No, that’s a tough question. I see a man that’s in the process of growth, going from one end to another. KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh? JR: A minute ago. I have one everyday, Kam.
I’m kinda nice on the burner, but I enjoy making breakfast. I do it all… Scrambled eggs… French toast… Pancakes… Breakfast is my thing. KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? JR: Hellbound on His Trail by Hampton Sides. KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to? JR: Oh man, we were just playing something in there, but I can’t recall what it was. KW: What’s up for you next, musically? JR: Actually, I just dropped two new records called “Fresh Out da Pen” and “Everything.” They’re available on iTunes. KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer? JR: That’s a difficult question. It’s tough to say, because I like a lot of them. KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you? JR: I’m an adrenaline guy. I like to do stuff that gets my blood pumping, like roller coasters or jumping out of planes. I’m into all that crazy stuff. KW: The Mike Pittman question: What was your best career decision?
KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure? JR: Chocolate lava cake. KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? JR: I’m a breakfast type of guy. Don’t get me wrong. I can cook,
The Embassy Suites Minneapolis North would love to help you plan your perfect day! We are here to cater to your needs and can customize menus for your event. The Embassy Suites is a great location for: Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Fundraisers Family Celebrations Call : 763.560.2700 for availability or to schedule a tour
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Page 8 • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking
Shoes From 5 which happens to take on the form of a shoe. “We’re trying to acknowledge the weight that women have to carry as they walk the world,” said Roderic Southall who works with both Obsidian Art and the Minnesota African American History Museum. “Going with the theme of
migration,” said the 45-year-old “we thought we’d take shoes, have women in conversation about stories of their lives and transition and create an art exhibition from it.” Led by visual artist and Minnesota native Ester Osayande, women shared their stories and created distinct shoes that visually shared their past, present and future. The heel of the shoe represents the past, life lessons learned to shape the present are the body of the shoe
and the future is the toe. “I don’t care who you are you’ve got a story,” said Osayande, who has learned not to pressure workshop attendees to tap into their creative side. “I convince them that they can just do this through conversation and before you know it they’re like ‘look at what I did, this is so cool.’” Osayande didn’t have to strike up much conversation to get Jazzalette Wandrick excited about decorating her shoe. The
insightnews.com/aesthetics young woman said her creative nature made it easy for her to uncover her artistic direction. “I haven’t been through too much of a life journey, but I can say I’ve had a pretty adventurous life for a 23-yearold,” said Wandrick, whose shoe described her premature birth, artistic childhood, love for education and motherhood. Visual artist, Bernadette Roberts said workshops and events like this one give generations of African-
American women both young and old the opportunity share their wisdom. “Part of my reason for being here I know is to do art,” said the self proclaimed woman of wisdom, “but its to tell the story and pass the legacy to the on-lookers and the young generation that they are totally clueless about.” These thoughts stem from Roberts’ own experience growing up in the Twin Cities and the women she has came
across through work. “I think today’s young group, young women especially up here are out of touch with their divine spirit,” said Roberts. “We as older women need to figure out a way to connect with our young women and instill in them their values and their worth.” Roberts is not alone in her sentiments. Osayande too sees the importance of praising Black women and showcasing them in a positive light, which the shoe project intends to do by sharing their stories. The project has one more workshop sessions coming up, one on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Pillsbury Community Center, 3501 Chicago Avenue S., Minneapolis, where pieces from the workshops will be on display until December. Though Green was hesitant about sharing her story, she found joy in the opportunity. She chose to use vibrant colors to represent her faith, love and happiness. Green even shared her positive views on the color black. “Black for me is a fun neutral color,” Green said, “you can put it with anything.”
Human From 5 about cancer that evolved from research and conversations between he and Charles. New York-based composer Nioka Workman has created a musical score through her collaboration with Charles. Performances are Oct. 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m. at The Lab Theater, 700 N 1st St., Minneapolis. For ticket information, go to www. thelabtheater.org or call (612) 333-7977.
Rule From 7 memory? JR: Hmm… Playing with this very noisy popper toy when I was about 4. It looked like a lawnmower, was round at the bottom, and had little balls in it that would go “Pow! Pow! Pow!” We lived in a tiny apartment, so as you can imagine, there was no escaping the popper. [LOL] My mother had to hide it from me. KW: The Anthony Anderson question: If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose? JR: Invincibility. KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? JR: Selfishness. To be the best at what you do in any field, and to accomplish the goals you set for yourself, you have to be somewhat selfish. KW: The Gabby Douglas question: If you had to choose another profession, what would that be? JR: I’d probably be an athlete, either basketball, football or boxing. I was good at those sports.
“You cannot find this education anywhere else.” We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2O14 Workshop at Macy’s! If you are a woman or person of color and own your own business, we invite you to apply for the Workshop at Macy’s! You’ll gain insight from seasoned Macy’s pros and Macy’s partners, and get the tools you need to succeed and sustain growth in the retail industry. Apply today at macysinc.com/workshop
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: What is your favorite charity? JR: My own, the L.I.F.E. Foundation. KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps? JR: Walk carefully! Tread light! KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered? JR: As an artist who was really passionate about his work. And as an inspiration. I do what I do to inspire people.
PICTURED: Amber Lee-Forrester, Kane & Couture. Past participant of The Workshop at Macy’s.
KW: Can you give me a Ja Rule question, I can ask other people I interview? JR: Yeah, here’s a good one: If you had to spend all of your money in a month, how would do it? [Chuckles] KW: That’s a great one. Thanks, Ja, and best of luck with the film. JR: Sure, Kam, thanks a lot.
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Insight News • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Page 9
COMMUNITY Community Calendar • Classifieds
Book signing and speaking event - OCT. 18 Hon. Raila A. Odinga Book Signing & Speaking Event Friday Oct. 18, 2013 2pm – 6pm at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota in the
$15 and $25 until October 12th and can be easily purchased online at www.aabcas23. eventbrite.com or orders mailed to AABCA, Inc Celebration 23, PO Box 8981, Minneapolis, MN 55408. For more information contact Reona Berry, AABCA cofounder/ executive director: info@ aabcainc.org or call (612) 462-6813.
Cowles Auditorium. This is a must read book. To reserve a copy, email robert. nyagudi@gmail.com. Admission: Free. Parking & direction: http://hhh.umn.edu/ contact/parking.html
Curls and Couture - OCT. 25
Fro, Loc’d and Faded Featuring Models Alvena, Emmanuel and Whitney, Photo by: Bianca Rhodes of LeMae Photography, MakeupTameka Jones of Nevaeh Monet 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 Quakers ‘Get Acquainted’ Sessions Oct. 15, 22 and 29 Minneapolis Friends Meeting (that’s what they’re called, not churches) will hold two three-session gatherings to acquaint the public with Quakerism. The first set of sessions will be Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 15, 22 and 29.
Join the Naturalistas of Minnesota for an evening of sophistication, fashion and natural hair artistry. Curly Girls Around The World has teamed up with the best of the Twin The second set, with the same content, will be Sundays, 3 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, 10 and 17. There will be a half hour of open conversation and refreshments before and after each session. Child care will be provided. Each of the three sessions will have a focus ─ on Quakers and the divine, Quakers and equality and justice, and on Quakers and integrity. A different trio of speakers from the meeting will share their perspectives on each topic, followed by small group discussions, question time and a brief period of worship as an experience for attendees. More information is available on the
Executive Position
The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Council on Crime and Justice seeks an experienced professional to serve as President for the organization. The Council is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization that has been a leader in the field of social and criminal justice in Minnesota since 1957, and has been at the forefront of developing new concepts and programs in alternative sanctions, offender services, victims’ rights and services, restorative justice and systems change. For the full job posting for this position go to www.crimeandjustice.org The Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
Harris Companies and Build 23 (Gephart/Parsons JV)
Community Participation Information Session Learn about the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium Project DATE: October 16, 2013 TIME: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM LOCATION: University of Minnesota, TCF Bank Stadium, DQ Club Room Topics include: • Mechanical and Electrical scopes of work • Project timeline • Procurement opportunities and goals If you are a minority, targeted, or women owned business owner working in the mechanical or electrical supply, labor, or equipment area and have a desire to be part of the stadium project, you should attend this event.
Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Urban Touch Salon LLC 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 1401 E. 38th St. Minneapolis, MN 55407 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: Urban Touch Barbers LLC, 1401 E. 38th St. Minneapolis, MN 55407 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: Billy Hill, Owner Date Filed: 09/09/2013 Insight News 10/07/2013, 10/14/2013
Phone: 612.588.1313
Cities to provide an exquisite fashion experience on Friday, October 25, 2013 at. FACES Mears Park. Featuring the amazing designs of Twin Cities renowned designer Lauren meeting’s website, minneapolisfriends.org, by e-mailing office@ minneapolisfriends. org or by phoning 612926-6159 (not staffed full-time; leave a message). The meeting is in the Linden Hills neighborhood at 4401 York Ave. So., at the corner of 44th St. Celebrating Life In Style! - Oct. 19 The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) will host its twenty-third annual Cancer Survivors Celebration on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel Minneapolis, 1500 Park Place Blvd, St Louis Park, from 4
Peyton and elaborate natural hair design by Sense of Style Salon. Tickets are available at https:// curlsandcouturetc. e v e n t b r i t e . com/?ref=estw $10 in advance/$15 day of show. For more information contact sales at curlscouturetc@ gmail or connect with us via Facebook & Meetup at http:// www.facebook.com/ pages/Curly-GirlsAround-The-World http://www.meetup. com/Curly-GirlsAround-The-World/
PM to 8 PM, includes dinner, guest speakers, fashion show and After Party from 8 PM to 1:00 AM. This special event is for cancer patients, survivors, their families, friends and supporters to come together and celebrate survivorship. Because of the high rates of cancer in the black community, African American cancer survivors of any type of cancer diagnosis are invited men and women, newly diagnosed or survivors of many years to step out and celebrate their lives despite cancer. Tickets are $10 for Cancer Survivors, $20 for General Guests through October 5th, afterwards
Legal Assistant Legal Assistant, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details go to http://www.mylegalaid.org/employment.
RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280. Must meet certain qualifications.
REDUCE GYM MEMBERSHIP FEES Save money, get in shape, and help your neighbor! Develop strong muscles by shoveling the snow off a grateful senior citizen’s walkways and driveway. Adopt a yard until the weather warms. Resident will provide the thankful smile. Perfect opportunity for apartment/condo dweller that yearns to be outside. Work with a partner and you can take turns shoveling. Family teams and small groups welcome; youth must be age 7 or older and supervised by an adult. Exact location TBD in Minneapolis, depends upon where the senior citizen resides. We offer unpaid volunteer opportunities year-round. Please contact Jeanne the NIP Seniors Program, Volunteer Coordinator at srvolunteer@neighborhoodinvolve.org or call 612-746-8549 for more information. Our website is www.neighborhoodinvolve.org
Holistic Moms Network Twin Cities Chapter Kickoff Meeting - October 16 The Twin Cities Chapter of Holistic Moms Network will host a free Kickoff meeting at Fuller Park Recreation Center, 4800 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, on Wed, Oct. 16, 7-9pm. Come learn more about the Holistic Moms Network, meet other like-minded parents, enjoy healthy food, and enter to win holistic prizes. Holistic Moms Network is a nonprofit organization connecting parents who are passionate about holistic health and green living. The Twin Cities Chapter meets the third Wed of each month, 7-9pm, at Fuller Park Rec Center. Children are welcome. Please join us, no matter where you are on your parenting or holistic journey! For more information: http://twincitiesmn. holisticmoms.org
Fax: 612.588.2031
a strategic partner of the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute, part of Allina Health. Anniversary Celebration – Oct. 17 M i n n e a p o l i s MADDADS 15 Year Anniversary Celebration will be held Thursday, October 17, 2013 at Heritage Park Senior Center. Come join in the celebration for: Nonalcoholic Cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:00pm; Dinner and program at 6:00pm; Entertainment throughout the evening; Live and Silent Auction and Special Guest Speakers. Minneapolis MADDADS has been dedicated to addressing the problems of drugs, gangs and violence, restoring our communities and deterring youth and families from a life of violence and destruction since
1998. MADDADS programming succeeds by providing realistic, tangible hope through effective programming. For ticket information and to register please call Patricia Banks at (612) 232-1598. Trail of Terror - Oct. 17-20, 27-27 Trail of Terror, from the producers of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, is celebrating the twentieth year of terror beginning Friday, Oct. 11, 2013. Dates for the 2013 season are October 11-13, 1720, 27-27, 2013 open Thursdays through Sundays from 7pm to 11pm. Come to the Trail of Terror the weekend before Halloween, October 26-29, dressed in your best costume and participate in the Costume Contest. Winners will receive Trail prizes sure to start
Email: info@insightnews.com
your night off right! For a full listing of days and times and to purchase tickets please visit the website, trailofterrorfest. com . Price of admission is $19.95; discount tickets available online and at Walgreens. For more information, visit trailofterrorfest.com or call 952-445-7361. The 2013 Annual Conference: Insisting on Equity – Oct. 26 The 2013 Annual Conference: Insisting on Equity: What’s Really Happening in Our Schools (and What We Can Do About It) will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305. The Keynote Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, President and Founder of the Washington Consulting Group.
Registration will cover breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is due on October 19, 2013; all other registrations will only be accepted the day of the conference. Rates increase by $30 for each category. Please note that as space is limited, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Questions about the conference may be directed to MN-NAME board member Rachel Endo (rendo@mnname.org). You may also visit this FAQ page: http://www.mn-name. org/2013_conference. html. HCMC Exhibit – Now -Oct. 30 A new exhibit featured in the Hennepin Government Center, The World Within Our Walls: The history of departments inside HCMC, which highlights the vast
array of skills, abilities, and concerns that are necessary to fulfill our patient care mission opens Sept. 3 and runs through Oct. 30, 2013. This exhibit contains historic and current documents, objects and photographs that tell the story of each hospital department’s contribution to our health care mission. For more information, visit our website at www.hennepinmedical history.org, or stop into the History Center on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10am-2pm located inside HCMC in BL 226 and 227, 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, or call (612) 873-6090. The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center, A Level, 300. S. Sixth St., Minneapolis.
What’s Your Story? Oct. 17 Amy McNally, MD, of Minnesota Oncology will lead a discussion about a woman’s risk for gynecologic cancers and how family history plays a role Thursday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Crave 3520 W. 70th Street, Edina MN. The event is free but reserve a spot by calling Galleria Guest Services at 952-925-4321. “Be Healthy! A Smart Series for Women” luncheon and presentation is sponsored by Galleria and Allina Health. Minnesota Oncology is
APARTMENT OPENINGS Delton Manor is accepting applications for future 1, 2, & 3 Bedrm apartment openings. Delton Manor has 3 twobedrm handicapped accessible units located in the building. Delton Manor promotes equal housing opportunities for all perspective residents regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual preference, religion, handicap, marital status, familial status, national origin or source of income. For applications and qualifications, contact NANCY at 218759-2523. AN EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
THIS IS MY GREEN JOB. Every day, I help turn Hennepin County’s postrecycled garbage into enough clean, renewable energy to power 25,000 Minneapolis homes. In addition to serving the community with sustainable waste disposal and clean, renewable energy, the Hennepin Energy Resource Center (HERC) provides well-paying, green jobs for area residents. For more information on HERC and its operations, visit covantaenergy.com or hennepin.us/herc.
Page 10 • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Insight News
insightnews.com
Lessons from my pastor Man Talk
By Timothy Houston This month my pastor, Vernell Thomas and First Lady Loretta Thomas will celebrate 47 years of leadership at Greater Saint Paul Church of God in Christ. This noteworthy distinction puts them in a class by themselves. During my 10 years at this south Minneapolis church, I have come to know them as a loving couple that is a model for marriages everywhere. They have imparted in my life in ways that cannot be expressed in words. Here are 4 valuable lessons that I have learned from
watching and listening to them. Give God your best. Every day in your work and personal life, you are required to give your best effort. Without God as your standard, you will never give beyond your comfort zone. I see in my Pastor and First Lady the example that your best effort is your only option. If the church is likened to a field, then they leave it all on the field. They also epitomize the spirit of excellence. Commitment matter. Whether in church or in marriage, you must be committed. The completion of a college degree, purchase of a home, or the raising of a family, all require commitment. My pastor and his wife have demonstrated this in over 55 years of marriage. From 5 AM prayer, to Tuesdays and Thursday night services, they
have displayed unwavering dedication. They have demonstrated a standard of
Relationship matters. Young couples today are making the mistake of seeking their best
Love helps, heals, and forgives. commitment before me that I am now able to share with others.
friend outside of their marriage. They may be forsaking oneness for the pursuit of friendship.
Each husband should make sure he makes his wife his best friend or else when everyone else goes home, he will go home with a woman he hardly knows. In the case of Pastor and First Lady Thomas, they are truly one. When you see one of them, you see the others. I have observed their closeness and have I seen how they enjoy each other’s company. They are truly each other’s best friend. Love covers a multitude of faults. Even when the people in our lives are not perfect, loves makes up the difference. Love covers the shortcomings of others. Love helps, heals, and forgives. It is the standard that a marriage must be built on and a community must live by. When we love our neighbors as ourselves, we can wish them no ill or do them no harm. Greater Saint Paul is a loving church
that is committed to sharing this love with others. These are only a few of the many great life lessons I have learned from my Pastor and First Lady. They are two of the greatest church and community leaders that I have ever met. They have imparted greatness in my life. I am a better man, father, friend, and community leader because of the positive impact they have had in my life. As they celebrate their 47th anniversary, I celebrate with them. 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.
Letting go of terrible past, moving on Motivational Moments
By Penny JonesRichardson Let go of old things that won’t allow you to move forward! Stop thinking about what you did in your past, or what someone did to you in the past and move
on! I know sometimes it can be hard to do, but for your own well being and to be able to reach your goals, this is something that you should work on daily. I know of a person who had such a terrible past, that it prevented her from thinking that she would be anything different than what she was told about herself as a child. As a child, she was told that she would never amount to much. She was told that she would never have love in her life and that no one cared
about her. If you hear this kind of message enough in your life you will soon believe this about yourself. But a miracle happened to her! She decided to love herself and not believe the terrible things she heard from her family. One day she decided that in order to achieve her goals in life, she had to tell herself positive things about herself. So when they said she was dumb, she would think of the good grades that she got in school that week. When they
said she was ugly, she would tell herself how beautiful she looked every day. When they said that she would never be loved, she remembered how she heard a Pastor at church say once, that God loves everyone no matter what their circumstances are. She like so many of us out here, live with the words of someone from our past that said or did something to change our perception of ourselves. Negative words can sometimes crush us and our dreams. The
key to handling negativity is to fight it with positive words. Every time you hear someone say something negative about you, turn it around and think of all of the positive things about you. If I would have listened to all of the negative things that someone said about me in my past, I would not be here writing these positive words and uplifting people for a living! I am exactly who I believe I am! I am exactly what I believe I
am! No one can change that about my beliefs and I hope that you can one day say that about yourself too! And as always remember, stay focused, stay determined and keep striving for greatness. Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject. com.
Metropolitan State University President Sue Hammersmith announces retirement Sue Hammersmith, president of Metropolitan State University, has announced that she will retire at the end of her current contract on June 30, 2014. She has been president of Metropolitan State since 2008. “It has been a great joy and privilege to serve as the president of Metropolitan State University and to witness the extraordinary education that transpires between our students and our faculty and staff,” said Hammersmith. “Although I continue to be
Sue Hammersmith
inspired by our mission, our vision, and our students, I look forward to retirement and the opportunity to pursue additional interests after 38 years in higher education and six wonderful years at Metropolitan State.” “I would like to thank President Hammersmith for her years of service and many contributions to the university and its success,” said Steven Rosenstone, Chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. “The metropolitan
area has benefitted from her collaborative work with the university’s faculty and staff. Under President Hammersmith’s leadership, the university made significant progress in serving the community, advancing excellence in its programs, and providing students with an outstanding education.” During Hammersmith’s presidency, Metropolitan State’s enrollment has grown by 20 percent, enrollment of students of color has increased by 35 percent,
the number of degrees conferred has grown by 38 percent, and several new programs have been added, including applied doctoral programs in business management and nursing practice. An interim president will be appointed to serve during the 2014-2015 academic year. A national search for a permanent president will be initiated during the summer of 2014. Chancellor Rosenstone will visit the university campus to consult
with students, faculty, staff, and the community on the desired qualities of the next president. Metropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is America’s premier university for lifelong learning, providing unsurpassed, competitive academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels while maintaining affordability.
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Insight News • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Page 11
BUSINESS
Is this bothering anybody? Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Is it okay to hang a photo of a naked person in a cubicle at work? What if the naked person is holding a computer in a strategically effective way? What if the photo is an advertisement? What if it is obviously a vintage advertisement, with no relevance to today’s people or culture? What if it’s in a cubicle that clients never walk by or see? Then is it okay?
Maybe. A picture hanging in an office space (including a cubicle) is potentially visible to co-workers, if not clients or customers. If the picture offends someone who has to walk past it regularly, for any reason, and if that person finds it offensive, then it could become a harassment issue. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s website: It is unlawful to harass a person because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and
It does not take a rocket scientist or an HR Manager to recognize offensive behavior. can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general. Both the victim and the
harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex. The Commission explains that general teasing, offhand comments and isolated incidents
are not considered harassment; the law is meant to protect against ongoing, offensive activities that create a hostile or uncomfortable work environment. How am I supposed to know if I’m offending somebody? Uh, duh? Legally, a person who is bothered is required to tell the offender or work through the company’s formal complaint system. And anyone in their path is required to respond and accommodate the person who is being made to feel uncomfortable. But it does not take a rocket scientist or an HR Manager to recognize offensive behavior. Pay attention to the people around you. When they say, “That picture creeps me out,” or “I wish you wouldn’t call me that nickname anymore,” they are, without hitting you
over the head, telling you they are bothered. The same rules apply to all kinds of harassment: race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. So does that vintage advertisement constitute harassment? Only if it bothers someone, and only if they say so. But use common sense: if you post, state, remark, or even think of something and wonder if that was okay, chances are, it wasn’t. Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Write to Julie at jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.
The time has come! FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Act is here! Knowing that nonprofits play a key role in connecting people to services we asked a few questions of Dr. Clarence Davis, Medical Director, Government Business with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. We first wanted to know what the Affordable Care Act –
or Obamacare– means to people who already have insurance and those who currently don’t. Clarence shared with us, “For those that already have insurance through an employer, nothing should change for you. When the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, it carried with it a promise of expanding access to quality, affordable health coverage for millions of American families and small businesses. Some individuals have already begun to experience the benefits of the Affordable Care Act with coverage that includes preventive care like mammograms, physicals, screening for diabetes and
more at no out-of-pocket cost. Additionally, children who may have been without health insurance can now stay on their parents plans until age 26. For people without health insurance, including those with pre-existing conditions, the Marketplace may allow for more affordable access to care with the help of federal cost savings. We also wanted to know about the importance of October 1st. “On October 1, a new health insurance marketplace opened in every state, giving individuals a new way to shop for health insurance. All plans are required to cover a set of benefits that includes hospital
stays, prescriptions, maternity and newborn care, preventive and wellness services, and other benefits that have been deemed essential. We wanted to know if purchasing insurance would be different in states that are implementing exchanges, and states that are not. Dr. Davis set us straight, sharing, “All states will have exchanges whether run by their state government or the federal government. And the requirement for people to have coverage applies equally in all states, no matter which kind of marketplace they have. If individuals are currently uninsured or have a limited benefit plan, the marketplace
will allow them to review various coverage options and make comparisons of plans before they make a decision. Financial assistance may be available for individuals depending upon their income and household size. They can go to www.healthcare.gov to see if they qualify. Finally we wanted to know what role nonprofits can play in getting out information to people they serve. Dr. Davis’ words of wisdom: “Nonprofits can definitely assist with providing information and education to their client base. If interested, they can sign up to be Certified Application Counselors or Champions of
Coverage for the Affordable Care Act. Applications for Certified Application Counselors are available at http://marketplace.cms.gov/ help-us/cac-apply.html. And finally, the one place to learn more about the Affordable Care Act is www.healthcare. gov. Copyright 2013 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” They position nonprofits for fundraising success. Visit them at www.saadandshaw.com.
Linked 4 Leadership: An African American leadership experience The Minneapolis St. Paul Chapter of the Links, Incorporated begins its recruiting efforts for the second year of the leadership program ‘Linked4Leadership.’ Links, Incorporated is now soliciting candidates who will link to success in this program and whatever endeavors they wish to pursue. The purpose of Linked4Leadership (“L4L”) is to provide innovative and engaging leadership development and college preparation curriculum, mentoring and exposure to young African American women who are high-performing high school juniors and seniors. The L4L curriculum has been designed to meet the unique needs and goals of African American young ladies who are priming themselves for success. The curriculum balances hot topics and critical
leadership traits to form a wellrounded selection of courses and experiences. The program will kick-off in November and will consist of monthly workshops and field trips until the culminating event in May. From November to May, participants will engage in sessions related to the following areas: • Professional Etiquette • Communications & Personal Branding • Personal Finance • Tools for College Success • Healthy Relationships • Social Responsibility & Volunteerism • African American Culture • Strengths-Based Leadership Go to http://www.mplss t p a u l l i n k s . o rg / p r o g r a m s / linked4leadership/ to apply. Application deadline is October 18, 2013.
Fargo
Fargo Foundation, the non-profit organization NeighborWorks America and its local affiliate, Minneapolis Neighborhood Housing Services, to implement the program. The NeighborhoodLIFT program is collaboration between Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the Wells Fargo Foundation, NeighborWorks America, an independent nonprofit organization, and local non-profit organizations. The NeighborhoodLIFT program is designed to provide sustainable homeownership initiatives in cities deeply affected by the housing crisis. A video about the NeighborhoodLIFT program is posted at www.youtube.com/ wellsfargo.
From 1 prospective buyers. In addition to local grants, the NeighborhoodLIFT program is helping further the nation’s housing recovery by providing down payment assistance to help more local families achieve successful, sustainable homeownership. In the Twin Cities, Wells Fargo made a $9 million investment as part of a program that included $15,000 down payment assistance grants, homebuyer support programs and local initiatives to help consumers achieve successful, sustainable home ownership. Wells Fargo collaborates with the Wells
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Page 12 • October 14 - October 20, 2013 • Insight News
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Minnesota rolls out online voter registration By Michele St. Martin, TC Daily Planet When my husband moved to Minnesota from Maine 17 years ago, he was met at the curb by our friend Tim, who handed him a voter registration card. As most Minnesotans know, voters have had the choice of filling out a registration card in advance or taking advantage of same-day registration at the polls. But late last week, it became even easier to register to vote, said Deputy Secretary of State Beth Fraser, when Minnesota became the 15th state to allow online voter registration, launching an online tool at mnvotes.org. The tool also allows absentee ballot requests from Minnesotans who are living outside the U.S. or in the military. It’s available at mnvotes.org. “We have been watching
other states, hearing rave reviews from both political parties,” Fraser said. She noted that the first online voter registration system was implemented in Arizona, under the leadership of then-Secretary of State Jan Brewer, a Republican. Arizona has had online registration since 2002; Washington State followed in 2006. Voter registration has long been a contentious subject in Minnesota; just last year, Republican state legislators, led by House member and former Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer, placed on the ballot a constitutional amendment that would have stripped Minnesotans of same-day registration. The amendment failed. There appears to be no opposition to online registration, Fraser said. While some states require that online registrations include a state driver’s license
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number, Minnesota allows voters to enter the last four digits of their social security number as an alternative to either the driver license or state identification number. While the chief lure for voters is the ease of online registration, local government officials may also be motivated by the almighty
dollar — if voters choose online registration, counties will save substantial sums, said Fraser. “In Maricopa [County, Ariz.], the cost to register a voter has gone from 86 cents for traditional registration to six cents for online,” Fraser said. She believes that errors will decrease, as voters who know the correct spelling
of their names will make fewer typos than officials who have to rely on handwritten information that is then entered into databases. Fraser believes that many voters will take advantage of online registration after a move within Minnesota or from another state. New voters will also register for the first time. Local
officials will verify identification from government records. If the information doesn’t match, the voter will be contacted for clarification, she said. Rolling out the tool during an “off” election year gives the Secretary of State’s office a chance to evaluate how it’s working before next year’s real test — statewide and national elections, which drive voter registration numbers. “Several hundred” people have already registered since the tool’s rollout on September 26, said Fraser. This fall Minnesotans will go to the polls in 35 municipalities and 113 school districts. She said she expects tens of thousands of voters to take advantage of online registration for the 2014 elections. What do you think of online voter registration? If you want to see what it’s all about, go to mnvotes.org.
North whallops Edison By Nolan Cramer The rain held off respectfully at Edison High School’s Pete Guzy Field on Friday evening (Oct. 11) for the football game between the visiting North Community High and Edison Tommies, but a long history of rivalry reigned over the turf at game time. The Tommies marched down the field after receiving the opening kickoff with the anticipation lighting up the scoreboard, but the Polars, with a fresh spirit of zest and team effort compared to last season, put a stop to the Edison plan, with a fumble recovery on the North 20 yard line. North reversed the direction of the football action ending its drive with a Tyler Johnson carry into the end zone for the first of four touchdowns. Ironically, the Tommies quarterback, De Shaon Felix-Twiet, who also play defense, could not match the speed of Johnson. Also scoring for North was Keyon Thomas. For the fourth time now this season the Poplars ended up in the win column, and in the Edison game came away with a 26-0 victory.
Bikes From 1 to-Ride Program and I liked it so much I wanted to have my own bicycle. I joined the Earn-a-Bike Program,” she said. The Earna-Bike Program participants are given a bike to keep in return for four weeks of mechanical training on how to maintain their bicycles. Fatima has a goal to eventually commute to work, but for now is learning the Twin City bike trails. By riding her bicycle to work,
Cancer From 1
North High Quarterback Tyler Johnson strides into the endzone with Edison Tommies Quarterback De Shaon Felix-Twiet not too far behind.
Nolan Cramer
she can reduce her automobile gas expense as well as, she said, be more conscious of helping the environment. “This is also helping me lose weight and biking is something you can do when you’re older, like me,” she said with a chuckle. “In my community I encourage other women to ride a bike. It’s good for your health and you can save money.” For religious and cultural reasons, she covers herself. Fatima says she wears a long skirt but has on pants under her skirt for modesty and under her helmet a head scarf covers the hair. “I feel safe, I know
how to fix a flat tire and have lots of fun riding my bicycle. I’m even going to try to ride my bike this winter! As long as it’s not too cold,” and with a smile she went back to working on her bicycle. Hayat Ahmed, a thirtyish Ethiopian woman in the Earn-aBike Program, learned to ride a bike as a child. Earlier, she signed up for the Nice Ride bike loan program, supported by the City of Minneapolis and corporate sponsors, but wanted to own a bike. So, like Fatima, Hayat was diligently working on her bike learning how to check her brakes. “I really like riding the Nice Ride
bike on the Midtown Greenway and around the lakes so I decided to check out the Learn-to-Ride Program to be a better bike rider. Then I wanted to learn how to fix a bike,” she said. “I ride a bike for cardio and endurance and maybe sometimes to school but my work is too far away.” Hayat’s family supports her efforts to ride and maintain a bike and besides she said, “I have fun plus I get my exercise!” Hayat was modestly dressed in head scarf and long pants. Women of color are beginning to see the health, economic and transportation benefits of bike
riding. A recent survey by Twin City Greenways showed that people of color are interested in having safe places and connections for easier bike transportation as long as they have a say in the development process and are not pushed out of their neighborhoods. According to an NPR Code Switch broadcast, a recent report by the League of American Bicyclists cites people of color as the fastest-growing segment of the cycling population. Bicycle commuting rates and cycling groups are sprouting all over the country. There’s the National
Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Cyclists, We Bike NYC in New York and Ciudad de Luces/City of Lights in Los Angeles and Major Taylor Bicycle Club of the Twin Cities to name a few. With the growing number of black, Latino and Asian cyclists in the Twin Cities women of color will be able to see themselves as part of the cycling movement as they pedal around town.
overnight – about the size of a golf ball.” Edwards, 36-years-old at the time, said she got the call
on April 9, 2009 that she had stage-three breast cancer. “They called me at work and I just started crying and I thought I’m going to die,” said Edwards. “And I was so upset with myself because I should have had it checked out earlier, but I didn’t and I thought I was going to die.” Understandably, depression
set in for Edwards, but she too found her will to fight. “I spent a day just praying and I said I’m going to fight this and if I was going to die, I don’t want my daughter (who was 5-years-old at the time) to remember me depressed,” said Edwards. “I made a decision to fight.” Tamiko Edwards’ husband,
Adrian Edwards, gets a lot of credit for helping Tamiko fight on. “He was amazing,” said Tamiko Edwards. “I don’t think I could have made it through this without him. He was at every surgery, took three months off from work, made me feel beautiful when I felt I looked like a boy – he
was just amazing.” Both Weems and Edwards had double mastectomies – with Weems having hers after each diagnosis and Edwards opting to have both breasts removed following her initial diagnosis. “It was a hard decision,” said Edwards. “It was hard, but I decided it was better for me. The risk to me was too high.” And though Weems found her second lump early enough to avoid needing chemotherapy, she chose to have her second breast removed. “I was on it (regularly doing self breast exams), so when I noticed a lump it was the size of a pimple,” said Weems. “But it was the type of cancer that could spread and I just didn’t want that fear so I decided to have the mastectomy.” The two survivors said they are speaking out to encourage women to get examined regularly and to let women know breast cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Weems is hosting “Think Pink” on Nov. 10 at The Venue, 315 1st Ave. N, downtown Minneapolis – an event to celebrate survivors and those who have passed due to all forms of cancer. The event is free, but donations are being accepted with donations going to her Love Promotions Foundation, which will use the funds to help children of mothers with breast cancer. Weems said several female promoters and tastemakers are co-producing the event.
Debra Stone is a bicyclist and a member of the Major Taylor Bicycle Club of the Twin Cities.