Insight News ::: 10.28.13

Page 1

2013

oters Guide BEGINS ON PAGE 9

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October 28 - November 3, 2013

Vol. 40 No. 44 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

THE GAME CHANGERS Insight endorses Cherryhomes, Buckner, Warsame, Nix

Twin Cities excitingly finds itself at the crest of convergent streams of energies and ideas, histories and interests, and, visions and cultures all finding voice in next week’s general elections. The November 5th election emerges in the public mind of our communities like a precarious

precipice challenging those who would lead us, and the citizenry as a whole, to fiercely leap forward into a world and community that we must simultaneously envision and actualize. Insight endorses candidates that we feel are uniquely equipped for the challenges. They

are game changers. They are proven leaders in their professions and communities. They are progressive visionaries who welcome the daunting problems of creating livable communities. These are women and men who witness and celebrate the power of civic engagement. They

Profiles in excellence: Mahmoud El-Kati By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer I knew well before I sat down with Mahmoud El-Kati that this interview and the subsequent piece to come from it would be like no other I had written before. Normally, in a standard reporter’s notebook, an interview or press conference takes up just a few pages. For me, I can have notes from up to five or six stories in one notebook. With El-Kati – professor emeritus at St. Paul’s Macalester College – I needed the entire notebook, and we both agreed that this was just part one

Professor Mahmoud El-Kati

studiotobechi

Inside the White House The best summer of my life was working at the White House as an intern. I landed in Washington, D.C. in early June, excited but nervous about my first day of work. I was placed in the Office of Presidential Correspondence as a participant of the White House Internship Program (WHIP). WHIP is a highly selective opportunity, and typically receives several thousand applications every year from highly-qualified young servant leaders from all across

the nation. I was blessed to be chosen as one of 147 interns the White House invited onboard this summer. As an intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence (OPC), I was among a large and friendly cohort of interns and staffers. The mission of the OPC is to listen and respond to the stories of the American people, and supply President Obama with a pulse of what is on the public’s mind. Each day, our office sends 10 letters to the Oval Office that were written by everyday citizens.

WHITE HOUSE 12 TURN TO

Insight2Health Physical activity for a healthy weight

PAGE 2

Brandon Richardson Hill in front of the White House as a participant of the White House Internship Program.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has served the city for 12 years and whether you believe for better or worse, his successor faces some daunting issues ahead. With the election looming, and over 35 choices on the ballot, some of the candidates gathered in south Minneapolis to discuss a wide array of the city’s toughest issues. After a dysfunctional city convention in June, the Minneapolis DFL was unable to decide on an official endorsement for the mayoral race, so candidate alignments were self-identified. Simplify Government candidate Mark Anderson believes in cutting social services down to the bare basics. He argued that one of the best ways to fight gentrification trends in Minneapolis is to cut occupational and business licensing costs in order to make it easier for poor people to become entrepreneurs. Candidates where asked about the large amount of police misconduct settlements paid out by the city, and whether officers should be required to carry individual professional liability coverage, similar to malpractice insurance.

Aesthetically Speaking

Plan Your Career

Soul superstar Dwele comes to the Dakota

Coaching: The job interview tune-up

PAGE 5

a new element in the process, Insight News ranks former Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Andrew as a second-choice for voters.

ENDORSEMENTS 12 TURN TO

Minneapolis mayoral candidates debate tough issues By Lydia Schwartz

EL-KATI TURN TO 12

By Brandon Hill

commit themselves to bringing all of us to the table of decision, acknowledging, defending, engaging and growing the power of the people. Insight News endorses former City Council President, Jackie Cherryhomes for Minneapolis Mayor. With ranked-choice voting

PAGE 11

Anderson responded that the idea requires more study. “I have doubts whether it could differentiate enough between good cops and bad cops,” said Anderson. The Civilian Review Authority oversees misconduct allegations and Anderson argued that it needs to be rethought and done right. “We need to add a level of professionalism to the police department,” said Anderson. He said having police officers wear on-body cameras would both protect the police from false allegations and hold them accountable. Anderson is also in favor of changing city ordinances to decrease the penalties for cannabis possession and its priority for law enforcement. DFL candidate Bob Fine has served as a Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner-AtLarge since 1998 and argued against the idea of police carrying liability insurance. “The City of Minneapolis is self-insured so they taxpayers would essentially be covering the cost. The problem is much deeper. It all has to do with police training. The Civilian Review Authority doesn’t have the teeth it needs to reprimand bad behavior,” said Fine.

MAYOR TURN TO 11

Education A unified district vision guides our new strategic planning process

PAGE 12

Page 2 • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Insight News

insightnews.com

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY for a HEALTHY WEIGHT

Why is physical activity important? Regular physical activity is important for good health, and it’s especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or to maintain a healthy weight. When losing weight, more physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses for energy or “burns off.” The burning of calories through physical activity, combined with reducing the number of calories you eat, creates a “calorie deficit” that results in weight loss. Most weight loss occurs because of decreased caloric intake. However, evidence shows the only way to maintain weight loss is to be engaged in regular physical activity. Most importantly, physical activity reduces risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes beyond that produced by weight reduction alone. Physical activity also helps to– • Maintain weight. • Reduce high blood pressure. • Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer. • Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability. • Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls. • Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. How much physical activity do I need? When it comes to weight management, people vary greatly in how much physical activity they need. Here are some guidelines to follow: To maintain your weight: Work your way up to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent mix of the two each week. Strong scientific evidence shows that physical activity can help you maintain your weight over time. However, the exact amount of physical activity needed to do this is not clear since it varies greatly from person to person. It’s possible

Photos: Corey Collins for Moda-Photo.com

that you may need to do more than the equivalent of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to maintain your weight. To lose weight and keep it off: You will need a high amount of physical activity unless you also adjust your diet and reduce the amount of calories you’re eating and drinking. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight requires both regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan. What do moderate- and vigorous-intensity mean? Moderate: While performing the physical activity, if your breathing and heart rate is noticeably faster but you can still carry on a conversation — it’s probably moderately intense. Examples include— • Walking briskly (a 15-minute mile).

• Light yard work (raking/ bagging leaves or using a lawn mower). • Light snow shoveling. • Actively playing with children. • Biking at a casual pace. Vigorous: Your heart rate is increased substantially and you are breathing too hard and fast to have a conversation, it’s probably vigorously intense. Examples include— • Jogging/running. • Swimming laps. • Rollerblading/inline skating at a brisk pace. • Cross-country skiing. • Most competitive sports (football, basketball, or soccer). • Jumping rope.

How many calories are used in typical activities?

(Source: Center of Disease Control and Prevention)

Calories used per hour in common physical activities Moderate Physical Activity

Approximate Calories/30 Minutes for a 154 lb Person1

Approximate Calories/Hr for a 154 lb Person1

Hiking

185

370

Light gardening/yard work

165

330

Dancing

165

330

Golf (walking and carrying clubs)

165

330

Bicycling (<10 mph)

145

290

Walking (3.5 mph)

140

280

Weight lifting (general light workout)

110

220

Stretching

90

180

Vigorous Physical Activity

Approximate Calories/30 Minutes for a 154 lb Person1

Approximate Calories/Hr for a 154 lb Person1

Running/jogging (5 mph)

295

590

Bicycling (>10 mph)

295

590

Swimming (slow freestyle laps)

255

510

Aerobics

240

480

Walking (4.5 mph)

230

460

Heavy yard work (chopping wood)

220

440

Weight lifting (vigorous effort)

220

440

Basketball (vigorous)

220

440

Calories burned per hour will be higher for persons who weigh more than 154 lbs (70 kg) and lower for persons who weigh less. Source: Adapted from Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, page 16, Table 4 1

insightnews.com

Insight News • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Page 3

ONE NORTHSIDE. ONE MINNEAPOLIS.

1

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CHOICE. VOTE

I’m a lifelong o thsider with Nor n a vision and pla for everyone’s b tter future. be

Me, at North’s on 1990 graduati

Our Plan for the Northside

FOR BRETT AS YOUR 1st CHOICE

Tuesday, Nov. 5th

IN FOUR YEARS, WE ENVISION‌

STABILIZE.

Photo: Larry Marcus

YOUR VOTE

is a critical ďŹ rst step to a better Northside.

– Increase living wage job opportunities and cut unemployment

– Zip Code and Income Hiring Ordinance for all municipal contract jobs

– Work to increase academic test scores and graduation rates to state levels

– Current Northsiders remain in home after 4 years – Reduction of violent and property crime each year

– Work to reduce recidivism

North Minneapolis is ground zero for our metropolitan region’s battle with “gaps.�

CONNECT.

To achieve equity, equality and justice within our region, we have designed a policy and program agenda to eliminate “gaps� that divide our communities. Our plan is designed to create a Stable, Connected and Growing community for all 30,000+ residents who live, learn, work and play in North Minneapolis. We will work with community, city, county, state and federal elected allies and stakeholders to achieve key goals and objectives for our Northside community.

– Become one of the 100 Best Communities for Youth according to America’s Promise standards

– Development of a Northside Center (Community Market, Retail & Professional Center)

– Create 100 Urban Scholar sites

– Support expanded day and year-round academic enrichment programs

– All homes with internet access

GROW.

– Sustainable nodes and corridors

of 12,900 registered voters and less than 10% of our Northside community. I’m counting on YOUR VOTE to bring EQUITY to Minneapolis. Join me and thousands of Northsiders in the voting booth on Tuesday, November 5th and show Minneapolis that we’re engaged and ready to fight for our future.

YOUR VOTE

– Establish a Business Impact Zone for new development

NO VOTE = NO VOICE.

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l. As ith thousa ed a com n is persona ssion,, I’ve spoken w gether. We ne to d. di d, ar ce rw on This campaig the great rece fo ey d de th re si du as th en or st y N ju el e me, g th llectiv ago which is about movin us would be proud to call ho in. We have co ado two years rn pa r to a ou en en ev ev d d re who came befo our dreams, our concerns an ings, high unemployment an go forward. s, pe ild and ho hool clos r ou t abou siders, we rebu evelopment, sc th rd , or de N l un ca g, pi in ty eritage Park ars. As predatory lend lard Hay to H il home of 43 ye er W tt ’s , e be ily a rn m o fa ow y th m w I kn destroyed 21st century! arrison to Ha dents from H build our community for the y. We can si rit re pe + 0 os 0 pr ,0 d 0 curity an ready to nch of 3 se u r re b fo e’ h w te g , u vo er to th to d a r 5th . Toge rat an former We’re day, Novembe Old Highland lifelong Democ , fight for equal es d a n Tu a As n on s. a er st rd th re Jo te in es from come toge working famili ic and private ead if we can e interests of rship with publ th ne t rt en day is right ah pa es in pr er re tt to munity be am committed make our com olis NAACP, I ap ne in s. M e an ic th community l Amer president of dividual and well-being in te justice for al g ea n cr ti d a e an cr es y b nce opportuniti Minneapolis l needs, adva side and One portunity to satisfy essentia when every individual h rt o N e n O can create rves equal op be advanced Together, we ERYONE dese which can only EV . te fa ty h our plan: ri ed e ar sp sh ro a p d justice throug an unity has m ity m un security and co rt po ur O op l. l ll potentia for equity, equa and achieve fu (Transit and ntinue the fight co to e is ect NorthsideAg nn om pr Co I . 7. rs enda): Create te at ity m ent Policy ta d Commun an em s sit ov es M in us B equi ble trande 4. Northside t: Provide our residents rs to stainable and ec : si su th da or en N en l Ag m al to ty t op ui es el Dev olis Eq ons to conn ty and the world; s and servic ed by ti od op go y ar 1. One Minneapployment and fiscal equity ss ce ci with ne their lives serv each other, the Promote em of Minneapolis’ hiring stain and enrich ted su or pp ty s (current ci su e yth it n un hi wit sure all residedntsafe homes, t, comm s; En an es : br oc ng vi pr si a g ou in H ct 8. ra an ct; and cont ve stable business distri stock to and future) hayi ty & Public fe ng our housinge levels; Sa l ic if al bl rs t ve Pu or di ve pp le Su hi , : w m fe ns co sa ar in Le ild l 2. Aggressi al s for enda: Bu 5. Everyone students’ academic and provide option Health Policy Ag thside tivities; t communities or ac an N d br an vi s d e revolving ed an y ne t th heal pport: End thou effort; enrichmen Su d al te ry ci na nt so sources di -e or Re co 9. a e our through at drains r re ot th ce om ti Pr ac !: pr de y. or si it e do ar North s our commun ployment!: Prep 6. Destinationy as a cultural heartbeat for and destabilize r the fo 3. Operation Em s it nt un de m si m re ); co r ic mus UR VOTE to and employ ouity and build our ty (food, art and ght. I need YO , sexual ci fi e e th th e un u rt n po ti n y; de best op help me co r the 21st centur of race, zip co e a better ty and equity— that ANYONE, regardless infrastructure fo li id a ov u q pr e d r an fo g ensure fightin their lives r to e er r tt re be be ca em y to m m l es t unci ed in our rtuniti I’ve spen ITY will be shar Tuesday, unity as your co possesses the same oppo U m m EQ co of r ge ou t sa status represen ted, our mes opsperity on socioeconomic thsiders. If elec is a vote for security and pr or N of ns orientation or tio e future genera ? A vote for m future for the ll. Will you help ha ty ci at d 20 community an ll 612-356-25 on. a . c th r 5 o r m be o c em r. ov e N brettbuckn polling locati

vote?r sVaismite-day registration at your o t d e r e t is g e Not r ut what you need bring fo by F F En nddoorrss ed by to find o t You! rvice to e S d e u n ti n o C In

– Approve lots for Urban Gardens and Farms and establish a network for gardeners

om c . r e n k c u b t t www.bre inneapolis

MATTERS.

Buckner Northside For 16 27 58 x PO Bo MN 55458 Minneapolis,

– Community Recreational HUB with a Health, Fitness and Wellness Center, Stadium and Fieldhouse

Did you know that only 2,200 Northsiders participated in the 2009 election? That’s less than 20%

– Establish Destination, Northside! An Arts, Culture and Food Experience on the Northside

Let’s come ome o om m me e together tto og o g ge ettth e the he her h err at e at tthe th he h e polls pol po p olllllls oll o so on n Tuesday, Tue Tu T ue esd es sd s da d a ay y,, N y November ove ov o ve emb em m mb be b e err 5th 5 5tth to to vote vo vo ottte e for ffo orr o ya an and nd n d prosperity prrro pro p ros o os s sp per pe p erriiit er ity tty y and an nd d move mov mo m o ov ve o ve ou urr community u co c o ommu om mm mm muni mu mun un u nit n iittty y FORWARD, FO F FORW OR O RW R WARD, WA W AR AR RD D, TO T OG O G GE ET E TH TH HE ER E ER. R R.. security our TOGETHER.

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Page 4 • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Insight News

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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.

Soul superstar Dwele comes to the Dakota Five years since his last performance in the Twin Cities, soul/neo-soul music superstar Dwele returns, this time at the Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Ave., downtown Minneapolis. Dwele’s Monday, Nov. 11 performance at the Dakota marks the first return since the release of his two most recent albums, “W.ants W.orld W.omen” and “Greater Than One.” The Detroit native known for his hits “Find A Way,” “I’m Cheatin’” and “Hold On,” and his contributions to hits by Common (“The People”), Kanye West (“Flashing Lights”) and Slum Village (“Tainted”) is currently working on his next project due to be release early next year. Born Andwele Gardner, Grammy nominated Dwele released his debut

“Subject” in 2003. Dwele is not just a singer as the soul start wrote the majority of his songs and played keyboard, horns and drums on most of his recordings. A favorite in the neosoul genre, Dwele has collaborated with Eric Roberson, Boney James, Drake, Lalah Hathaway and others. “My songs wake me up. I’ll have a song in my head but in my dream, I hear it on the radio,” said Dwele in a statement. “Then I wake up and realize there’s no radio playing, so I hurry to my studio and lay the song down.” Though Dwele is known as a smooth crooner, he said his public image isn’t the only side to the multitalented artist. “If you only knew me through my

music, you’d think that I was a quiet guy that wears sandals and linen,” said Dwele. “That’s not me. I’m from Detroit, I’ve got a crazy side.” Joining Dwele on stage for the Nov. 11 show are Russ King (keyboard, New Congress) and Arthur “L.A.” Buckner (drummer, Ashley DuBose). The Dwele show is a part of Thee Urbane Life’s N.E.o. (New Era of) Soul music series. Dwele live at the Dakota Jazz Club Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis Monday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Admission: $40 612.332.5299 www.dakotacooks.com/event/dwele/

Photo courtesy of the artist

MORE

• Keke Palmer interview

• The little nonprofit arts organization that could

• Snapshots

Page 6 • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking

insightnews.com/aesthetics

Keke Palmer interview By Kam Williams Born in Harvey, Illinois on August 26, 1993, Lauren Keyana Palmer has been wowing audiences since the tender age of 9. Keke first received great acclaim when she starred as the title character in the sleeper hit “Akeelah and the Bee,” opposite actor Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett. Keke followed that powerful performance with lead roles in “The Longshots,” “Shrink” and “Joyful Noise.” She’s also made memorable appearances in such films as “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” “Cleaner” and “Madea’s Family Reunion,” as well as voiceover work in animated features like “Ice Age: Continental Drift,” “Winx Club: The Secret of the Lost Kingdom” and “Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare.” Keke will next be starring in the horror thriller “Animal,” directed by Brett Simmons, which is set to release in the spring of 2014. On TV, Keke played the title character on the hit Nickelodeon series “True Jackson VP,” and received four NAACP Awards for “Best Actress in Children’s Television.” Her other television credits include “90210,” “Cold Case,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and “ER,” to name a few. In 2012, she produced and starred in her first made for TV movie entitled “Rags,” which aired on Nickelodeon. Earlier this year, she handled another title role in the Lifetime made-for-TV movie, “The Carlina White Story.” Keke is currently starring in the DirectTV miniseries “Full Circle,” written by Neil LaBute. And musically, she is in the studio recording her second album with the award-winning producer Bangladesh. When she isn’t acting or singing, Keke believes in giving back. She is very involved with the Boys

& Girls Club of America, Saving Our Daughters, the YWCA, the Embrace Girls Foundation, and she is an ambassador for Robi Reid’s AIDS awareness and prevention organization, the Reid for Hope Foundation. Here she talks about her latest outing as Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in “Crazy Sexy Cool: The TLC Story,” a VH1 original movie.

KP: Probably reality-TV.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? KP: Heaven is For Real. h t t p : / / w w w. a m a z o n . com/exec/obidos/ ASIN/0849946158/ ref=nosim/thslfofire-20 KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? KP: Pancakes! [LOL]

Kam Williams: Hi Keke, thanks for another interview. Keke Palmer: No problem, Kam. Glad to be here!

KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you? KP: Passionate people.

KW: What interested you in “Crazy Sexy Cool?” Were you a fan of TLC as a kid? KP: Being a fan is exactly what made me want to do this film. I wanted to be a part of telling the story of a favorite group of mine. KW: How did you prepare for the role? Is it hard to play a real-life person than a fictional character? KP: I just watched a lot of old footage. I also spent a lot of time with Chilli and just observed her. KW: Was Chilli present on the set making suggestions? KP: Yes! She definitely let me do my thing, but she was always there for questions. KW: How would you describe TLC’s legacy in one word? KP: I don’t think there’s a word to describe it, really. They really inspired a generation of women to be confident go-getters. KW: What message do you think people will take away from “Crazy Sexy Cool?” KP: You can do anything as long as you don’t stop believing. When it is meant to be, it will be. You just have to follow your heart. KW: Tell me a little about your new TV series, “Full Circle.” KP: It’s a mini-series written by Neil LaBute about a bunch of different people who connect in some way in the last episode.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer? KP: Don’t have just one. KW: The Mike Pittman question: What was your best career decision? KP: To pick projects that affect me.

Courtesy of the artist

Keke Palmer

You can do anything as long as you don’t stop believing. When it is meant to be, it will be. You just have to follow your heart.

KW: What’s your character Chan’Dra like? KP: She’s a strong, young high school student who will stop at nothing to get what she feels is deserved for her brother.

will say that we break some stereotypes.

KW: You’ve been shooting a horror film set to be released next spring called “Animal.” The picture sounds great, but please don’t tell me you die first, like many a black character in scary movies? KP: [LOL] If I told you that answer, wrong or right, it would spoil the movie! I

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh? KP: Every day since I’ve been filming my new movie, one of my cast members always has me in stitches.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? KP: No, actually. [Laughs]

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? KP: Me. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? KP: For everyone in the world to love each other. KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the time? KP: With my family. KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be? KP: Cheetah. KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory? KP: Running through the beads that used to hang from the doorway, separating the room. KW: The Anthony Mackie question: Is there anything that you promised yourself you’d do if you became famous, that you still haven’t done yet? KP: Nope!

Perry question: How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person? KP: I’m not sure I can articulate that. KW: The Viola Davis question: What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet? KP: I may be slightly more patient on the carpet. KW: The Anthony Anderson question: If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose? KP: Teleportation. KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? KP: No real fear of limitations. KW: The Gabby Douglas question: If you had to choose another profession, what would that be? KP: Hairstyling. KW: The Michael Ealy question: If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be? KP: Dr. Martin Luther King. KW: The Harriet PakulaTeweles question: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in? KP: The Wiz! KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: What is your favorite charity? KP: Embrace Girls. KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps? KP: Follow your heart’s truth with no need for personal gain other than the feeling produced when doing what you truly love. KW: Thanks again for the time, Keke, and best of luck with all your endeavors. KP: Thank you, Kam.

KW: The Melissa Harris-

Actress Desreta Jackson making a comeback in upcoming classic film Actress Desreta Jackson, best known for her role as Young Celie in the 1985 Award-Winning film “The Color Purple” which featured celebrities Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover, has recently been cast as lead actress in the upcoming

film “Along the Dirt Road.” “Along the Dirt Road” tells the story of a family that is torn apart by betrayal and abandonment and infidelity living in a small Louisiana town during the 1960s. The film, which is based on the bestselling novel Sweet

Lavender by author Terry a O’Neal, has been described as an “influential classic story”—a cross between August Wilson’s “Fences” and Langston Hughes’ “Not Without Laughter.” Jackson was thrilled to land one of the lead roles alongside 15-year-old Camryn Levert, the youngest daughter of the late R&B Grammy Award Winning singer Gerald Levert, who will be playing her daughter in the film.

Desreta Jackson

Rodney Ray

The story is set in Louisiana, where filming is expected to begin in March 2014. Jackson says that she is thrilled to be given the opportunity to star in this “time” piece and breathe life into her character. For more information visit: www.AlongTheDirtRoadFilm. com w w w. i m d b. c om / n am e / nm0413448/

insightnews.com/aesthetics

Aesthetically Speaking • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Page 7

The little non-profit arts organization that could The Northside Arts Collective (NAC) has a great story to tell right now. Ever since the 2011 tornado in North Minneapolis, NAC has been a homeless organization struggling with capacity and has been trying to find ways to help its members, many who are visual artists, show and sell their work. In 2012, a new facility was built in Minneapolis called Heritage Park Senior Services Center, and most of the walls inside the facility were bare. This building complex houses a senior center, memory care facility, YMCA for seniors, a Courage Center facility and a health clinic. So NAC started inquiring about hanging artwork in the halls of Heritage Park Senior Services Center, essentially decorating the bare walls with some vibrant artwork. In July staff at Heritage Park moved forward and invited NAC to hang an exhibit in their beautiful new space. The main floor of Heritage Park Center has an eighth of a mile walking track around the perimeter. “The walking track

Photo courtesy of NAC

Former Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton viewed the artwork when it was first on display at a conference in late August.

is a perfect place for hanging artwork and Heritage Park staff asked us to specifically hang an art exhibit there. It has a lot of natural light and vast wall-space with high ceilings.” says Pat Carney, NAC President. NAC also has several pieces of artwork hanging in the great room and other corridors on the main floor. There are 114 pieces total in four mediums including drawing, painting, mixed media and photography from 22 artists. The artwork is created by local artists, many from the North Minneapolis community. NAC and Heritage Park Senior Services Center hosted an art exhibition last Wednesday, October 23 at Heritage Park Senior Services Center. The artist reception displayed artwork created by Twin Cities visual artists. Visitors toured the facility and the artwork on display. Most of the artwork was available for purchase and a percentage of sales went to support the non-profit arts organization NAC. This exhibit runs until November 20.

Juxtaposition Arts artist talk and reception November 7 Artist talk and reception with nationally acclaimed photographer Jamel Shabazz @ JXTA 5-7 p.m., Thursday, November 7, Juxtaposition Arts, 2007 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis. 5:30 p.m. artist talk. Jamel Shabazz will speak about his work, influences

and his residency with Minneapolis youth & community members. RSVP to oneread@ minneapolismn.gov or call (612) 673-2509. This exhibit will include works on loan from the Gordon Parks Foundation and work created by Jamel Shabazz and JXTA youth.

PACIFIC RIM Robots defend planet from subterranean sea monsters in apocalyptic adventure DVD review by Kam Williams When an undersea earthquake ripped a massive fissure along a fault line beneath the Pacific Ocean, it left a crevice wide enough for a race of subterranean sea monsters to escape and rise to the surface. Dubbed Kaiju, these Godzillalooking creatures quickly launched a series of assaults on cities all across the planet. With millions of lives lost and many major metropolitan areas devastated, we find civilization teetering on the brink of oblivion as the world’s decimated nations decide to pool their dwindling military resources. That desperate collaboration leads to the creation of giant robots known as Jaegers. Each of these high-powered weapons is simultaneously operated by two pilots whose minds are connected by a neural bond enabling them to share their every thought and emotion. The only problem with these state-of-the-art killing machines is that they’re soon being lost in battle faster than more replacements can be built. The challenge of figuring a way to turn the tide in the war falls to Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), Commanding Officer of the Pan Pacific Defense Corps. “We’re not an army anymore,” he laments, looking at the depleted, ragtag team of soldiers and scientists representing the last hope of humanity. “We’re a resistance.” Foremost among his intrepid crew members are Raleigh

Becket (Charlie Hunnam), a grizzled, American vet recently coaxed back into the cockpit. He’d retired after his co-pilot brother (Diego Klattenhoff ) perished at the hands of a bloodthirsty Kaiju. At the other extreme, we have Mako Mori (Rinko Kinkuchi), an inexperienced trainee who has proven herself on a fight simulator but is yet to see any real combat. However, as the sole survivor of a Kaiju ambush that leveled her hometown and claimed the lives of her entire family, the revengeminded rookie is more then ready to confront the enemy. And so forth. After establishing the motivations of each of the simplistically-drawn characters, “Pacific Rim” morphs dramatically into a spectacular, special f/x showdown. Written and directed by Oscar-nominee Guillermo del Toro (for Pan’s Labyrinth), the visuallycaptivating sci-fi is most likely to be compared, and favorably, to the Transformers franchise for, here, it proves far easier to keep the good guys (robots) and bad guys (monsters) straight. A mesmerizing, if mindless, apocalyptic adventure that doesn’t ask anything more of you than to enjoy the action and root heartily for the heroes.

Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG-13 for pervasive violence and brief profanity In English and Japanese with subtitles Running time: 131 minutes

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Page 8 • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking

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Snapshots

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1) Fiona Laney and Sholonda Flynn at Famous Dave’s in Uptown for Back in the Day Karaoke.

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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2) Spoken word artist Queen Drea and Michelle Wilson on the scene for Back in the Day Karaoke at Famous Dave’s in Uptown 3) City House Records CEO and rapper Smokey accompanies soulful signer Janey Neal on stage at Honey. 4) Rhymer Glo Pesci spitting bars recently at Honey. 5) Teneka Graves and Denise Williams are all smiles at Famous Dave’s for Back in the Day Karaoke.

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Insight News

2013

Insight News • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Page 9

oters Guide By Abeni Hill, Editorial Intern

H

ere is the Insight News 2013 Voters’ Guide, information to help readers make informed decisions on Election Day, November 5th. This year, voters will use rank-choice voting when they go to the polls. Rank Choice voting is a system that permits voters to list the candidates by preference instead of picking one candidate. Each voter can rank the order of preference for 3 candidates and it is recommended that the voter rank the three top choices. Information on Rank Choice voting can be found on the next page.

Insight invited all candidates to submit 100-word statements outlining why they are running for office. Not all responded. We are publishing the statements of those who did respond. We are encouraged by the number of people who launched campaigns for office this year. In Minneapolis, 35 people are vying to represent the city as Mayor. In the Minneapolis City Council race, there is a chance that six of the council seats could go to people of color and in Wards 9 and 10, there’s a chance to elect someone under the age of 35. Additionally, pending election outcomes, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board may have its first East African and Somali board member. We hope this guide encourages you to get out and exercise your right to vote.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS CANDIDATES FOR MINNEAPOLIS MAYOR Mark Andrew Campaign Phone: (612) 399-MARK (6275) Website: www.markforminneapolis.com Email: info@markforminneapolis.com markforminneapolis.com Campaign Message: I want to make our great city great for everyone by closing the achievement gaps in our schools so every student thrives, providing excellent city services, creating living wage jobs in every neighborhood, and making Minneapolis the greenest city in North America. I was born in Minneapolis to a working class family. I went to public school here. My wife Connie and I raised our children here. We’ve done well. I’m running for mayor because I know those opportunities don’t reach everyone in Minneapolis. I spent 16 years on the Hennepin County board. I’m a proven progressive leader.

Jackie Cherryhomes Campaign Phone: (612) 822-2046 Website: http://jackiecherryhomesformayor. com/ Email: Jackie@CherryhomesForMayor.com Campaign Message: I am running for Mayor to make Minneapolis a city that works for everyone; to bridge the gaps in our city and insure that our city is one where all our children have a bright future, is safe, where everyone has a place to live and a job to do. I have lived on the Northside for 35 years working as a community organizer and representing the 5th Ward on the City Council. I have served as Council President. I have run my own business. I have more experience than any candidate in this race. I look at the world through the lens of justice, equality and opportunity. I have built a big tent, and will govern with that big tent – involving everyone, representing everyone. Together we can build a city where everyone has an opportunity to prosper.

Dan Cohen Campaign Phone: (612) 655-3465 Website: dancohenformayor.com Email: cohendan1@msn.com Campaign Message: I oppose the current Vikings Stadium deal. We should have had the vote and we should not do business with a judicially adjudicated “civil racketeer.” I support a downtown casino in Minneapolis. We have one in Duluth, a tax paying, not a tax grabbing job year round job engine and tourist attraction. I want to end racism in the Minneapolis Police Department. We must save the Minnesota Orchestra, a world class cultural asset and a major tool for recruiting talented people to Minnesota. I support Plain Language Charter Reform. I want to end conflicts of interest on the Planning Commission.

Bob Fine Campaign Phone: (612) 922-6992 Website: www.fineformayor.com Email: fineformayor@gmail.com Campaign Message: I’m running for mayor because Minneapolis deserves better; our government must operate more effectively and efficiently, we need more business to locate in Minneapolis and offer quality jobs for our residents, and Minneapolis needs to be an affordable place to live. A life-long resident of Minneapolis, I’ve been on the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Park and Recreation Board for the last 16 years, served on the Commission on Civil Rights for 18 years, worked in business/real estate development and management and practiced real estate law, and have spent the last 39 consecutive years coaching youth sports.

Cam Winton

Diane Hofstede

Campaign Phone: (612) 520-1617 Website: www.wintonformayor.org Email: cam@wintonformayor.org Campaign Message: I’m fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and offering fresh eyes in City Hall. I’m coming from a background in small business, not government. My wife & I have two young children. My co-workers and I have built a wind-turbine maintenance company providing services nationwide. As mayor, I’ll draw on that background to lead City Hall to provide basic services more effectively (restoring balance between taxes and services received), cut red tape to enable private-sector job growth, and lead all stakeholders to put kids first in our public schools so that they’re a world-class engine of opportunity for all children.

Campaign Phone: (612) 280-1077 Website: www.dianehofstede.com Email: diane@dianehofstede.com Campaign Message: “Our Third Ward has the most exciting growth in the city, with miles of biking paths, over 2,000 new residents, strong business development, a diverse population and lower crime rates, stable taxes and a fabulous riverfront. My vision shows I am leading the way for human rights, more jobs and sustainable housing, while keeping a close eye on our city budget of $1.2 billion dollars. Our plan is in place and it is working; I am running this year to continue to drive success in the Third Ward.”

CANDIDATES FOR ST. PAUL MAYOR

Campaign Phone: (612) 250-3910 Email: katch4council@gmail.com Campaign Message: I am running for the City Council because I am anxious to protect my neighbors from the effects of government run amok. City government has the greatest potential for resident abuse of any arm of government, and can hit us all at home, where it counts. Property taxes in Minneapolis have quadrupled in the last 10 years, and the city council needs to understand what a regressive tax property taxes represent. It is reprehensible that our most vulnerable should be forced to choose between keeping their home or eating and buying medicines. I believe in constitutional rights and the City Charter.

Mayor Chris Coleman Campaign Phone: (651) 243-2220 Website: www.chriscoleman.org Email: chriscolemancampaign@gmail.com Campaign Message: With Light Rail soon to open, an exploding housing market across the city, new redevelopment opportunities, and a continued commitment to public safety, our city is poised to accomplish great things over the next several years. This is because of the strength of the partnerships I have led, and will continue to lead. We are stronger when we act together and it is important that we continue to fight for Saint Paul; to make sure investments in transit are balanced, that education policy is practical and addresses the achievement gap, and that Saint Paul is vibrant, safe and strong.

Michael Katch

CANDIDATE FOR MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL - WARD 4

Tim Holden

Kris Brogan

Campaign Phone: (651) 387-8076 Facebook: Tim Holden for Mayor of Saint Paul Email: holdenformayor@gmail.com Campaign Message: I am running for Mayor because the citizens of St. Paul have been short changed for too long. The current Mayor subsidizes projects at public expense and leaves St. Paul and it’s people with streets uncared for, declining educational results, small businesses fleeing the city and no one’s voice heard except those of big business and interests outside the city. St. Paul deserves a Mayor who puts the best interests of ALL the city first. Pot holes, parking, recreation centers, schools, snow plowing, safer streets -these will be my priorities. People matter. St. Paul and it’s citizens matter to me.

Campaign Phone: (612) 801-4942 Website: www.krisbrogan.com Email: kris@krisbrogan.com Campaign Message: I believe that my work experience and dedication to my community will serve to re-build and strengthen the 4th Ward. I served as Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton’s Policy Aide on Housing and Economic Development. I have worked with several developers in the creation of over 200 units of new affordable housing and the redevelopment of nearly 50 renovated rental units. I have made my career working for the people of Minneapolis. As a neighborhood activist I have provided expert knowledge in zoning and planning issues; working on environmental issues; transportation issues; and economic development issues.

CANDIDATE FOR MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL - WARD 3

CANDIDATES FOR MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL - WARD 5

Kristina Gronquist

Ian Alexander

Campaign Phone: (612) 619-8656 Website: Gronquistforcitycouncil.nationbuilder. com Email: kgward3@gmail.com Campaign Message: I am running to bring transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment to City Hall. I believe that the Green Party’s principled leadership and future focus can best guide our city. I envision a city where all residents have equal access to economic opportunities, housing, green space, quality education and safe, healthy neighborhoods. I will put the needs of working people ahead of corporate welfare and I will aggressively address police misconduct, in order to avoid any more tragedies at the hands of the MPD, for example, the unnecessary deaths of Terrance Franklin and Ivan Romero on May 10th of this year.

Campaign Phone: (612) 529-0000 Website: www.voteforian.com Email: Ian@VoteForIan.com (or) nikkicarlson@gmail.com Campaign Message: Why am I running? It’s simple. I want to help North Minneapolis realize its full potential, and economic development is my number one priority. Together, we will create a New North Minneapolis that is vibrant, prosperous and safe. We will attract employers that provide careers – not just jobs – by creating an environment where small and large businesses will thrive, with more and better shopping and housing options. Residents will think of North Minneapolis with pride, and non-residents will think of North Minneapolis as a place they want to be.

STATEMENTS TURN TO 10

Page 10 • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Insight News

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Ranked choice voting primer By FairVote MN Jeanne Massey On Nov. 5, both St. Paul and Minneapolis will use Ranked Choice Voting to elect city council members in multicandidate races. Minneapolis will also use RCV to elect Park Board members, members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation – and most notably, a brand new mayor. Although Minneapolis rolled out RCV in 2009 and St. Paul first used Ranked Voting in 2011 (after voters in both cities approved the switch by referendum), this is a truly historic election year in the Twin Cities: Ranked Choice Voting is about to get its first big, highprofile test. RCV works just like two elections – a primary and a general election – but it’s done

in a single trip to the polls. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s broadened citizen engagement by eliminating the low-turnout August primary, when historically a tiny, unrepresentative group of voters culled the field to just two choices for everyone else. Ranked Choice Voting fosters greater political inclusion, enabling hardworking candidates from historically underrepresented communities – people of color, new Americans, women,up-and-comers without powerful establishment connections – to run for office and win. In San Francisco, where it’s been used for a decade plus, it’s helped elect the most diverse Board of Supervisors in the city’s history: Since RCV’s adoption, the number of people of color elected to the Board of Supervisors has doubled; 8 out of 11 supervisors today are people

Statements From 9

Brett Buckner Campaign Phone: (612) 229-1508 Website: http://www.brettbuckner.com/ welcome/ Email: Brett@BrettBuckner.com Campaign Message: As a lifelong Northsider whose family has been here since 1919, our campaign is about moving all Northsiders Forward. We’ve endured a lot - the great recession, predatory lending, underdevelopment, school closings, high unemployment and even a tornado two years ago which destroyed my family’s home of 43 years. With your support, we’re ready to build a community that my grandmother, my mother, and those who came before us would be proud to call home, again. Together, we’ll improve our financial condition, education, safety, housing, infrastructure and our relationships with each other. Now is our time to move Forward, Together!

Kale R. Severson Campaign Phone: (612) 741-5664 Website: www.gp.org/index.php/kale-severson. html Email: kaleforcitycouncil@gmail.com Campaign Message: I am an organic “Northsider�. I was born, raised, and am a product of North Minneapolis. I am a community member that holds police accountable; I am a community member who led the fight to keep North High School open. I am a community member that supports our youth. I believe that housing is a human right, I’ll fight for affordable housing! I am a community member that has North Minneapolis’ best interest at heart. If elected I will be a leader that stays true to the people that elected me, and the community that raised me. I am Kale Severson, your 1st choice for Minneapolis 5th Ward City Council.

Blong Yang Campaign Phone: (612) 460-0133 Website: blongyang.org Email: YangForWard5@Gmail.com Campaign Message: I come from a poor family. Through hard work, I became a lawyer with a specialty in family law and civil rights. I understand struggle and will bring that perspective to my public service. With adequate funding, the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department can monitor how the city is truly performing in terms of minority contracting and hiring. We need to cut red tape to attract diverse businesses to North Minneapolis. I’ll also fight for accountable, community policing; sensible and affordable housing; programs that support educational attainment; comprehensive transportation options; and more investment in North Minneapolis.

CANDIDATE FOR MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL - WARD 6 Robert Lilligren Campaign Phone: (612) 825-2237 Website: www.VoteRobert.com Email: info@voterobert.com Campaign Message: My history in office demonstrates a commitment to civil rights, economic equity, increased access to transit, a cleaner environment, and social justice. Under my leadership we’ve increased women and minority hiring on city projects, improved quality of life in core-city neighborhoods, and brought community voices to decision-making tables. I have been a champion for new arrival and immigrant communities. I am committed to creating more affordable housing, jobs and small business support, especially in communities of color. I look forward to working with all 6th Ward communities to make Minneapolis a welcoming and fair place for all people.

Ranked Choice Voting fosters greater political inclusion, enabling hardworking candidates from historically underrepresented communities to run for office and win. of color. And it rewards a more inclusive – and issue-based – campaigning style, too. Since candidates may need secondand third-choice votes from their opponents’ supporters to win, it forces them to reach out

to voters they might otherwise have ignored. Under RCV, a smart candidate emphasizes grassroots coalition-building and finding common ground on issues that matter to voters. In an RCV election, identify backup choices in case their #1

Campaign Message: I am running because I care about my neighbors and their families. I want to make sure that our community is a safe place for both families and investor to flourish. I want to eliminate and fight against community violence, poverty, racism, crimes, discrimination, classism and homelessness that are existing and also growing in our community. I abhor seeing a family lose their loved one, due to community violence. My goal is to stand with the poor, lower income and middle class families who cannot afford to lose a job. Small businesses are moving out due to safety issues in our community.

Charles Curtis Campaign Phone: (763) 301-3806 Website: curtisforcitycouncil.com Email: curtisforcitycouncil@gmail.com Campaign Message: Charles Curtis is an independent Democrat who grew up in a union home in Ward 9. He is an attorney with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Charles helps run a small family business. He has worked for local and federal government agencies. Currently, he practices employment law, representing works against corporations who are treating them unfairly. Charles is running to address our community’s needs with integrity. Charles is committed to restoring essential services that benefit everyone, preserving our environment, and growing our local economy. Charles has the education and experience we need to bring our neighborhoods forward.

candidate doesn’t gather enough support to make it past the early rounds of counting. That means choosing a top favorite, plus additional acceptable candidates – and marking them in order of preference on the ballot. Each ballot will have multiple columns (3 in Minneapolis multicandidate races, 6 in the St. Paul Ward 1 race). Voters simply mark the ballot left to right, indicating their first choice in the first column, their second choice in the next column, their third choice in the column after that (and so on, if applicable). Specifying backup choices isn’t mandatory, but it’s smart. Ranking the ballot 1-2-3 gives voters more choice and more power. Remember, your first choice counts until that candidate is defeated. If you marked a second choice, your ballot will continue to count. And if you marked a third

choice, your ballot will continue to count if your second choice is defeated. The finish line when electing just one candidate is 50 percent plus 1 (a majority of continuing ballots) – the first candidate to get there wins. If no candidate receives a majority of first choices, there will be additional rounds of counting, in which candidates with too few votes to move on will be defeated and their ballots transferred to remaining candidates... until one of them reaches the threshold. To learn more about how RCV works in Minneapolis, visit vote.minneapolismn.gov and http://rankyourvotempls. org/ To learn more about how Ranked Voting works in St. Paul, visit http://votestpaul.org/ Download your sample ballot at http://myballotmn. sos.state.mn.us/

neighborhoods. After owning three small businesses and having a strong commitment to my community, I have gained experience as a voice on the city council. I am the candidate with proven results and great constituent service. And over the next four years, I will bring stability and inclusive leadership to the most exciting of wards, the Tenth Ward.

CANDIDATES FOR MINNEAPOLIS PARK BOARD COMMISSIONER – AT LARGE Tom Nordyke Campaign Phone: (612) 802-3046 Website: Email: nordykeforminneapolisparks@gmail. com Campaign Message: The main issue I have promoted while campaigning and while I was on the Board is the need to address the continued infrastructure crisis and deferred maintenance facing so many of our neighborhood parks. This includes restoring our Parkways and trails, replanting our trees and upgrading our neighborhood Community Centers. My second priority is a continued push toward equity in the funding and use of our parks across the City.

Hashim Yonas

Patrick Fleetham Campaign Phone: (612) 516-9001 Website: pfleetham4mplscitycouncil.com Email: pfleetham@yahoo.com Campaign Message: I am the most qualified and experienced proven leader. I have a solid business background and a long history of committed/active community service. I have consistently addressed the issues facing our ward: • Closing the Racial Gap • Providing for the safety of our residents • Reducing property taxes which have skyrocketed • Address aging housing stock, foreclosures and homelessness • Employment paying a living wage • Empowering citizens in Police Review Our Mayor and DFL City Council has mortgaged our future. We need to pioneer in developing a city for its residents, not its large corporate entities.

CANDIDATE FOR MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL - WARD 10 Meg Tuthill Campaign Phone: (612) 377-3123 Website: www.megtuthill.com Email: megfor10thward@gmail.com Campaign Message: I am running because the Tenth Ward is my home. I am a community person who just happened to be elected four years ago to the Minneapolis City Council. I am running for re-election because I love representing such great

Campaign Phone: (612) 986-0024 Website: Email: yonishashim2@gmail.com Campaign Message: I am a product of Minneapolis. My passion is social justice, which guides my goal to serve all communities, especially those who are in need. After moving here from Somalia as a 10-year-old, the Parks were a crucial component of my upbringing. I served the Parks as a Youth Coordinator for Luxton, Matthews, Van Cleve and Brian Coyle Center. I am running to ensure our diverse communities have the same opportunity to access their recreational dreams through our park system, and that communities of color – particularly the African-American community – are prioritized when programming decisions are being made.

Annie Young Campaign Phone: (612) 236-5985 Website: www.annieyoung.net Email: anniey@visi.com Campaign Message: I am passionate about this Park system. The job of protecting, preserving and maintaining our 6500 park acres that include almost everything a person wants to do. The parks, lakes and trees are the woven fabric and natural resources of our City. It is important that we maintain what we have by providing basic services and fix things in the system that need fixing. This job is all about connecting human beings to the natural beauty of our City. It is imperative that we go north and northeast up both sides of the River to the City limits. We must be visionary and transformative about our Park system for future generations.

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CANDIDATES FOR MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL - WARD 9 Abdi Abdulle Campaign Phone: (612) 200-9466 Website: www.vote4abdulle.com Email: Abdi@vote4abdulle.com

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Insight News • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Page 11

Coaching: The job interview tune-up INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@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 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.

Some call it coaching. Some call it criticism. Whatever. Like vaccinations and weekday morning workouts, if it’s supposed to be helpful, it’s probably going to hurt... just a little. But it’s worth it. Last week, Bella came into my office with excellent qualifications. And a typo-filled resume. And a letter of recommendation dated 1993. When the bleeding is coming from every orifice, where to start to stop it? Coaching has to start from the

positive. There is something right going on here. What is it? In Bella’s case, it was a skill set that nobody else in Minneapolis has. Specific knowledge and experience in a niche industry. “Bella,” I said,

“you’ve got all the right skills for the job you applied for.” But... “We need to pull your story together. You know you’re good. I know you’re good. How are we going to convince the

that company back then. But something that occurred 20+ years ago is only relevant insofar as it got you to where you are now. I was a pretty good athlete in 1993, but no one has offered to draft me for anything more than a slow pitch softball team in a long time. So what have you done lately, Bella? Let’s look at getting letters about how great you are now. Coaching. Criticizing. Tomayto. Tomaato. Focus on the results you want by keeping your buddy focused on those results. It isn’t personal. It’s critical. Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Please send your career planning and job search questions and comments to jdesmond@georgekonik.com.

What are “career pathways systems” and how will they improve the region’s economy? By 2018, 70 percent of jobs in Minnesota will require training beyond a high school diploma. But today, only 40 percent of Minnesota workers have such training. This is the skills gap. These startling statistics are the foundation of the November 7th Strengthening Your Career Pathways Systems: Tools, Tips and Tactics at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St. Paul. The forum is hosted by Greater Twin Cities United Way and sponsored by Washington D.C. based CLASP (Center for Law and Social Policy). It will feature local, state and national leaders committed to supporting career pathways, which help individuals obtain family-sustaining employment and aid employers and local communities in building a strong workforce. The day-long event is from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. In addition to reviewing key elements of “career pathways

Mayor From 1 One of Fine’s ideas is to utilize land trusts because it would allow more people to afford a home and that housing developers have an obligation to create decent, affordable housing. Pirate Party candidate Kurtis W. Hanna based his platform on changing marijuana laws and saving the city money. He said AfricanAmericans are more likely to be arrested than Caucasians under current drug possession laws and making it the lowest priority for police officers has worked well in other cities. “Existing city ordinances reflect Minnesota’s large beer community and marijuana use should be treated the same,” said Hanna. Hanna said he is not sure whether having police officers carry individual professional liability insurance would save the city money. He agreed that Minneapolis needs a stronger Civilian Review Authority with subpoena power, a system of checks and balances on the police department, and the ability to take disciplinary action against misconduct. “I agree that just because an individual has a large amount of allegations against them, it doesn’t mean they are a bad police officer. It requires independent review of the circumstances and public transparency of the findings,” said Hanna.

NOTICE OF CLASS ACTION AND PROPOSED SETTLEMENT TO: Students attending Broadway High School in Minneapolis who received credits or portions of credits for courses in which they were instructed by unlicensed teachers in classes required to be taught by licensed teachers, or who were instructed by teachers whose licensure was for an area different from the class in which they were teaching, during the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011 academic years. You are hereby notified of: The conditional certification of a settlement class consisting of certain persons who were students at Broadway High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota between September 2, 2008, and June 8, 2011, as described above; The Preliminary approval of a class action settlement under which the District: 1. will create a compensatory education fund for qualified settlement Class Members to be used for certain future educational expenses; 2. will pay a monetary sum to qualified subclass members whose credits were reallocated from core credits to elective credits during the 2010-2011 school year; 3. will provide educational counseling to settlement Class Members. Your rights as a settlement Class Member to comment on or object to, participate in, or exclude yourself from settlement shall be affected if you delay. All interested affected persons should immediately request a copy of the Notice of Class Action and Proposed Settlement and Settlement Agreement from the following attorney and law firm, who serve as class counsel: Joshua R. Williams Law Office of Joshua R. Williams, PLLC 3249 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 216 Minneapolis, MN 55408 Jwilliams@jrwilliamslaw.com 612-486-5540

Focus on the results you want by keeping your buddy focused on those results. It isn’t personal. It’s critical.

manager that you know more than anyone about this job?” By framing the question in a positive light, Bella understands that we’re on the same side and we are going to work together to bring the manager on board. In coaching, how you ask the question matters more than why you ask it. Now, set some expectations. “This position requires strong attention to detail. It’s going to be extremely important to demonstrate that throughout your application. Let’s run a spell check on your resume and see what we need to do to perfect it.” There. The typos are on the table. Let’s let the computer call out the errors, keeping our own relationship neutral. Finally, about that letter of recommendation. Bella was so proud to have worked for

systems,” panel discussions will also delve into topics such as securing state government support and exploring state policies that reinforce strong outcomes for low-income adults and communities. What does it take to boost individual economic mobility, while at the same time strengthening a region’s economy? Why is this forum significant to the Twin Cities region? Organizers say the region reflects what is occurring across the nation. “The first step is to define ‘career pathways

systems’ which then leads to the questions of what it’s going to take to build up the region’s future workforce. How do we operate across sectors, at the federal, state and local levels and institutions within our communities? It’s important to have the areas of economic, education and workforce development aligned,” says Frank Forsberg, United Way senior vice president for Systems Change and Innovation. Forsberg continues, “By providing individuals with needed skills to be hired and

DFL candidate Gregg Iverson is a retired public servant who believes that the city should do more to work with older citizens to help them stay in their homes longer. Iverson said the city should pay for professional liability insurance for individual police officers but also feels that it all comes down to better training. “Over the last seven years, the City of Minneapolis has paid out over $20 million in settlements related to police misconduct,” said Iverson. “Something needs to change.” Green Party candidate and New Progressive Alliance endorsed, Doug Mann, argued in favor of eminent domain to reduce speculative pressure on housing prices, enforcing fair housing and labor laws, and passing a living wage ordinance that he said will help lessen gentrification trends. Mann argued that the socalled War on Drugs only serves to marginalize and disenfranchise people of color. “It’s an unjust war that we should change and do everything we can to undermine its application in (Minneapolis),” said Mann. “Unfortunately, this is an issue of conflict with existing state laws, but I am in favor of the city seeking alternatives to prosecution.” Lauraist Communist candidate John Charles Wilson advocated for the city to take over vacant lots to build affordable housing. He is also an advocate for a municipal bank that could provide loans for housing renovations.

Wilson said abusive marijuana use may cause problems for some people, but the current laws against it only create more. “It should be the dead last priority for city police,” said Wilson. Independent Responsible Inclusive candidate Cam Winton has been endorsed by Minneapolis Republicans, but is running independently. He disagrees with the idea of using eminent domain to take over properties simply because the city has no money to create its own housing. “We have to rely on forprofit developers and do what we can to make it easier for them to build housing,” said Winton. Winton is a strong advocate for police officers having on-body cameras to reduce allegations of misconduct and creating a stronger community to root out bad behavior through peer pressure. Winton admits a fear for any elected official setting a precedent in telling law enforcement which laws to enforce but will use the “mayoral megaphone” to try and influence state legislators. “I will be watching how (the new marijuana laws in) Colorado and Washington play out over the next year or so because I agree that we need to focus our time and energy on crimes that truly impact people,” said Winton.

earn more than minimum wage – that not only benefits individuals – it translates into improving the region’s economy because it keeps jobs here in Minnesota.” “Career pathways provide adults—who often must balance work, family, and school— with manageable segments of education and training tailored to adult learner needs, closely tied to regional industry and employer needs, infused with supportive services and career navigation assistance, and resulting in marketable credentials that can be stacked throughout one’s career,” says Vickie Choitz, director, Alliance for Quality Career Pathways with CLASP. Forum speakers are from the

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regional and the federal levels including Minnesota’s Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development for the Department of Employment and Economic Development Cynthia Bauerly; U.S. Department of Labor’s Eric Seleznow; National Skills Coalition Executive Director Andy Van Kleunen and National Governors Association Senior Policy Analyst Garrett Groves to name a few. St. Paul College president Rassoul Dastmozd and Minnesota Public Radio Editor for New Resources Toni Randolph are two featured panel moderators. For complete program agenda go to http://unitedfrontmn. org/unitedwayforums/careerpathway-systems/.

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Page 12 • October 28 - November 3, 2013 • Insight News

insightnews.com

A unified district vision guides our new strategic planning process By Dr. Aldo Sicoli, Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools Robbinsdale Area Schools is currently updating our strategic plan for achieving our mission to inspire and educate all learners to discover their potential and positively contribute to their community. Over the past few months, we have assembled an outstanding team of community members, parents, students and staff to participate in a community planning initiative to build a plan that delivers our vision of every student graduating career and college ready. After working diligently with our current plan and seeing great progress and growth, it

Robbinsdale Area Schools

Dr. Aldo Sicoli

was important for our staff to maintain continuity and develop a unified vision to describe our long term, unchanging commitments as a district. We call this framework the “Unified District Vision.” The Unified District Vision

is focused on High Intellectual Performance through Equity for all, in which every student graduates career and college ready. We do this by demanding high expectations for all students and staff and looking at everything through an equity lens. According to Glenn Singleton, co-author of “Courageous Conversations About Race,” creating true equity is “raising the achievement level of ALL students while narrowing the gap between the highest and lowest achieving student populations, and eliminating the racial predictability and disproportion of which student populations occupy the highest and lowest achievement categories.” Robbinsdale Area Schools

is more diverse than ever with 54 percent students of color, 50 percent of students receiving free or reduced priced meals, and more than 68 languages spoken at home. An equity lens ensures we are increasing educational opportunities for all students and are laser-focused on reducing achievement gaps with traditionally underserved communities. Our Unified District Vision contains four key focus areas to guide our planning process: Culturally Relevant Teaching and Educational Practices, Open Pathways to Success for All Students, Empower Family and Community Members as Partners, and Empower Students Through Engaging Learning that Encourages Student Voice. Through our community planning process, the core team

will refine, debate and enhance these goals and focus areas. We know schools play a major role in the success of students and the transformation of communities but we also know we can’t do this work alone. Collaboration with families, faith communities, service organizations, businesses, foundations, and policy makers strengthens our work. Over the next two months, each of our core team participants will be meeting with 10-12 community members to gather a broad range of feedback to guide this process. We have important work to do and I am convinced we are on the right track by getting valuable input from our community stakeholders. Education is in the midst of great change. Technology has changed the way our

teachers engage students in the curriculum and share knowledge and information. We are excited about the future of education. We know we are preparing our students for a future that isn’t predictable, for jobs that haven’t been invented, and for a society that grows more diverse and more connected each year. Building a strategic plan based on a Unified District Vision ensures that high intellectual performance through an equity lens is central in preparing our students to selfactualize. When we are able to eradicate racial and income achievement gaps and ensure that every student graduates career and college ready, there will be immeasurable benefits for our community, our state and our country.

Way to Grow and Urban Ventures announce partnership

Parent-child program for preschool-aged children and their families starts this January explained Carrie Johnson, director of early education for Way to Grow. Way to Grow is unique because its instructors meet families and children in their own homes and works to move them forward, providing outcomebased holistic, year-round, multiyear, language-to-language, culture-to-culture programming. Way to Grow staff is collectively fluent in seven languages and culturally reflects the children and families it serves. By teaching parents and children in their home environment, with the help of classroom teachers, the program is able to tailor services and educational materials to the needs of each child and family. Children and families can participate in Way to Grow home visits from prenatal through age 8. To learn more about the program, visit www.mplswtg.org.

In January 2014, Way to Grow will open a parent-child program for preschool-aged children and their families, called PALS (Parent-Child Activities Lead to School Readiness), on the campus of Urban Ventures, 2924 4th Ave S, Minneapolis. Because Urban Ventures does not currently offer early childhood education, this partnership will close a gap in Urban Ventures’ programming and allow Way to Grow to extend a continuum of services to children ages 3 to 18 and their parents. Way to Grow aims to provide high quality preschool programming for preschool age children and their parents who have little or no preschool experience and who live in the underserved neighborhoods of south Minneapolis. This parentchild program pairs home visits with both preschool classroom experiences and family learning

classes. The goal is to break the isolation that these families experience and improve both child and parent outcomes by allowing both to learn about school expectations and the kind of parent involvement required in the K-12 school system. “By serving children during these critical early years, Way to Grow and Urban Ventures will lay the groundwork for success in school and life – ultimately helping to break the cycle of generational poverty in the city and create an educated work force,” said Tim Clark, CEO of Urban Ventures. “The Urban Ventures PALS program aims to support parent-child interactions and their teaching, learning and engagement skills by building on our home visiting curriculum and introducing families and children to groups and preschool classes in a community-based setting,”

White House

Obama daily. Everyday, I was responsible for this mail analysis, but also managing teams of volunteers, and coordinating the efforts to archive and digitize correspondence. I also conceptualized and launched development of a new dynamic web application—with a group of friends—for WhiteHouse. gov that provides immediate and individually tailored information to people before they submit an online query to the President. The day-to-day work was very exciting, however, I think

the most memorable experience occurred outside the cubicle. The opportunity of befriending the President’s speechwriter, hugging the first lady, asking the vice president about super powers, hearing personal remarks from the President. I was afforded the rare opportunity to meet with the President’s counselor in the West Wing and to even play a pick up game of hoops on the South Lawn Court. Like I said, this summer was nothing short of a blessing and was an unforgettable season of

my life. Beyond the grind and glamour of the White House, I have taken away many great life lessons. Reading the heartfelt reflections of the American people everyday has honed my understanding of key issues and has placed a uniquely human quality to the discipline I study at Stanford. These stories, moreover, have given me rich space for introspection – to learn about what drives my passion for public service and where I can grow as a leader. I have

gained a window into how the executive branch operates and how politics function inside the White House – the epicenter of our democracy. I think where I was nervous in the beginning; I have been polished by the rigor of the fast-paced, highoctane environment. As a result of working in the President’s inbox, I have significantly improved my communication, writing and interpersonal skills. The exposure of building a team around an innovative idea, to delivering a presentation in front

of a conference room full of staffers and a special assistant to the President, to building enduring relationships with the interns and supervisors I served alongside furthered my growth tremendously. Lastly, I think this experience reinforced my personal aspirations of government and public policy, as well as provided me with new skills and renewed energy to succeed in my sophomore year at Stanford University as a student and as Sophomore Class President.

sheets also dealt with Karamu, which El-Kati explained to me was a Swahili word that meant place of enjoyment and center of community activity. “Now of course, you can’t literally translate it, but that’s pretty much the translation,” explained the beyond-wise professor. El-Kati went on to tell from where he “borrowed” the word Karamu. “When I lived in Cleveland, there was a Karamu House, which was founded in 1923 by Rowena Woodham – a white woman. Karamu was the first Swahili word I learned – I’ve learned several since, but that was the first, and I learned it from a white woman,” said El-Kati. “You see there’s really no such thing as race – now a lot of white people want to believe that race exist, but it really doesn’t.” El-Kati said the separate classifications of Americans help to promote a cast system that affords many whites a sense of superiority and entitlement. “Race is not personal, it’s political, it’s social,” said El-Kati, who has served as a reporter and commentator for a multitude of publications, including this one.

To echo his point, El-Kati told a story of his childhood in Savannah, Ga. “OK, here’s the scene,” said El-Kati as he leaned back in his chair. “So there’s this man, Mr. Frazier who’d come to visit my grandmother and occasionally he’d bring a buddy or two along for dinner. We were poor people. Mr. Frazier was what people today would call a redneck. But he and my grandmother had a genuine friendship. You could tell they genuinely liked each other – and I can imagine this happening all over the segregated South, yet these people were able to form these relationships.” Ever the intellectual, El-Kati then directed me to a book by former president Jimmy Carter, “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood.” El-Kati told of how Carter was best friends with a boy, A.D., who was African-American and how the two would play together and ride the train to the theater, but when they got to the train, Carter would sit up front with the whites and A.D., in the back in the “Negro Car” and once off the train, their friendship would resume only to be interrupted once at the theater where Carter would sit downstairs

and A.D. would have to go around back and upstairs to the “Colored Section.” “That reveals racism as a public evil that reveals private pain,” said El-Kati. “See, so this is how I got into deconstructing race very early on.” And El-Kati has been deconstructing race ever since. From his time in Harlem, to his time in Cleveland and through his life in the Twin Cities – primarily St. Paul, El-Kati has been offering insightful commentaries on race and class in America. El-Kati, who has either been faculty or a guest lecturer at such places as the University of Minnesota, Macalester, the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and some 15 other institutions of higher learning, seems most comfortable talking about the subject at places such as Golden Thyme and other community gathering spots. As he said, he is a community activist

who was brought into academia. For much of the Civil Rights Movement El-Kati had a front row seat. During our nearly three-hour sit-down El-Kati told me stories of his interaction with Malcolm X and his friendship with Carl Stokes prior to Stokes historically becoming the first AfricanAmerican mayor of Cleveland – the first African-American mayor of a major United States city. El-Kati and Stokes met while attending meetings and events at Cleveland’s Karamu House. Almost from the beginning of our interaction El-Kati talked about two institutions that shaped his life – his college, Wilberforce University and the Black Press. “When I first encountered (the Hon.) Elijah Muhammad it was through the Black Press,” said El-Kati, who has an Islamic name but is not Muslim. “I read them (African-American newspapers) all – the Pittsburgh Courier,

Chicago Defender, Baltimore African American. I remember when Al (McFarlane) started Insight (News) and it was a sheet the size of this paper here (pointing to a piece of paper on the table). I was immersed in these papers. At Wilberforce I’d go to the library and read all of these papers – and more.” Again, our discussion was interrupted with another person drawn in by the mere presence of the professor emeritus. El-Kati had a few more stops to make so he told me he would have to venture on. But he promised me we would pick up the discussion, which is a good thing because I never got to ask him about his years here in Minnesota, his name change or how his genus translates into art through the works of his son, Stokley Williams, lead singer and drummer for Mint Condition. I look forward to our next sit down.

businessman, and housing advocate for Minneapolis City Council Ward 6. Abdi Warsame, a masterful strategist and tactician, is delivering the power of the ballot box to both Phillips community Somali immigrants and to voters whose roots in the ward are multi-generational. His campaign ignited excitement and cultural activism which illuminates the prospect of shared gain and benefit through business, education, housing, and health for the community that is home to the Vikings Stadium, the largest development deal in Minneapolis history. Though she runs unopposed, we endorse incumbent Elizabeth Glidden for Ward 8, as a nod to her effective leadership and support of Black community interests in South Minneapolis and in the city.

In St. Paul Ward 1 City Council election, we endorse Noel Nix, who received support of the DFL African American Caucus because of his commitment to ensure the authority of the St. Paul Human Rights department, and for his work to eliminate the education achievement gap and to address transportation disparities. Insight News endorses Mohamud Noor for the Minneapolis School Board seat held by the late political and business pioneer, Hussein Samatar. Insight News endorses Ismael Israel for Minneapolis Park Board. We endorse Ruthie Dallas for the City of Brooklyn Center School Board.

From 1 The OPC is just one of over a dozen offices that make up the White House organization. Within the Presidential Correspondence department, I was specifically designated to the email division. This office team is tasked with reading through, analyzing, and replying to the thousands of online messages written to President

El-Kati From 1 of the interview. We barely got through the college years of the 78-year-young scholar, activist and iconic figure. The professor and I met at the place of his choosing, Golden Thyme Coffee & Café, 921 Selby Ave., St. Paul. As I arrived, the professor escorted me to a back conference room so we could have our talk with as little distraction as possible, however, the interview was interrupted several times by various individuals so excited to talk with El-Kati that I wondered for a moment if my one-time wish for invisibility had been granted. “You know this is the room where I show movies every Friday night,” said El-Kati as he slid several papers across the table in my direction. The papers were wideranging, yet focused. They were a microcosm of the man. The first sheet was a schedule of events titled Karamu House Forum Series. The next in the series is Monday, Nov. 11 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 375 Oxford St., St. Paul. Some of the other

Endorsements From 1 Insight News endorses incumbent Chris Coleman for Mayor of St. Paul. Insight News endorses Brett Buckner for the Minneapolis City Council Ward 5 seat. Buckner has deep North Minneapolis roots and a lifelong history of advocacy on behalf of his Northside neighbors. He represents his generation and the youth of our community while remembering and building on the legacy of human rights and civil rights leadership North Minneapolis has consistently produced. Insight News endorses Abdi Warsame, the powerhouse community organizer,

Urban Ventures Learning Lab participant

Joe Dickie

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