Insight News ::: 10.09.17

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Insight News October 9 - October 15, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 41• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Why we Kneel TURN TO PAGE 2

Page 2 •October 9 -October 15, 2017 • Insight News

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Leading with art:

Why we kneel: What else do flag, anthem say

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor To quote the title of the movie and Netflix series, “Dear White People …”

We see it on social media, we hear it in the stands of sporting events, we hear it while taking to the streets. “What are ‘you people’ so upset about?” Well, quite frankly, “us people” are upset about a lot. But let’s be 100 percent crystal clear … the reason athletes are talking a knee (which, ironically is taking a stand) during the playing of the national anthem is not to dishonor the men and women of military, but to express sadness and outrage at the continued unchecked brutality and killing of people of color at the hands of U.S. law enforcement officers. That is the foremost

issue that dropped blacklisted quarterback … former Super Bowl quarterback … Colin Kaepernick to his knee.

Most recently it was Patrick Harmon whose killing went unpunished. Harmon, was stopped Aug. 13 in Salt Lake City for a bicycling infraction, when he was killed. Yes, you read right, a bicycling infraction. Admittedly, Harmon attempted to run away on foot from officers, but many are questioning why he was shot three times … in the back. The official narrative is the officer “feared for his safety” (where have we heard that before) and Harmon turned toward the officers with a knife, but the body camera footage does not back up that claim. Still, the officer involved will not face criminal charges, as announced on Oct. 5 by the Salt Lake City district attorney.

Harmon should have gone to

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jail that night, not the morgue.

So again, that’s why many are refusing to stand for a song that doesn’t stand for them. And let’s make it plain, the “Star Spangled Banner” was written by a racist slave owner and a verse written (but not recited) revels in the death of Blacks who fought against their former captors in the War of 1812. Frances Scott Key, author of the national anthem, said of Blacks they were, “a distinct and inferior race of people, which all experience proves to be the greatest evil that afflicts a community.”

So, yeah, I’m not too keen of that whole “Star Spangled Banner” thing. Give me “Lift Every Voice and Sing” any day.

But beyond the brutality; beyond the killings, let’s explore the other reasons we kneel, as illustrated by artist Don Walker on this week’s cover.

The U.S. unemployment

rate for whites is 3.7 percent, yet the Black unemployment rate is 7.3 percent (Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2017). The U.S. graduation rate for whites is 87.3 percent compared to 72.5 percent for Blacks (“The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education”).

The U.S. home ownership rate is 71.9 percent for whites but just 41.3 percent for Blacks (Trulia, third-quarter 2016 national data).

According to U.S. Census Bureau, 22 percent of Black people live in poverty, compared to 8.8 percent of whites. A gaping disparity, the median income for whites is $62,950 to just $36,898 for Blacks (U.S. Census Bureau). Overall Blacks are incarcerated five times more than whites. In some states, it is 10 times more frequent; this according to the Prison Policy Initiative. The Black infant mortality rate is two times higher than the white rate (National Vital

Statistics).

Blacks are 2.5 times as likely as whites to be shot and killed by police (Washington Post). Blacks are 2.5 times as likely as whites to be shot and killed by police.

So again, what was the question? Oh yeah, you were wondering why we are taking to our knees. Well there you have it in black and white … and in red, white and blue.

Postal Service to dedicate Forever Stamps honoring diversity in children’s books BROOKLYN, N.Y. The U.S. Postal Service now showcases the work of Ezra Jack Keats’ most beloved story, “The Snowy Day,” on Forever stamps.

Written and illustrated by the celebrated children’s author, it was one of the first prominent 20th-century picture books devoted to an African-American child.

Each of the four new stamps in this 20-stamp booklet features a different illustration of main character, Peter, exploring and playing in his neighborhood while wearing his iconic red snowsuit. The images include Peter forming a snowball, Peter sliding down a mountain of snow, Peter making a snow angel and Peter leaving footprints in the snow.

Since the publication of this treasured tale five decades ago, young readers have enjoyed joining Peter on his winter adventure.

Unlike most popular children’s authors at the time, Keats made a point to feature ethnically diverse characters in his work. Inspired by a series of 1940 Life magazine photographs of a young AfricanAmerican boy, Keats began writing “The Snowy Day.” Using paper collage, fabric, stamps and India

ink, he crafted the unique look of the story’s wintry urban landscape.

Edited by Annis Duff and published in 1962, “The Snowy Day” has become a classic. Since its release, it has sold millions of copies.

As Peter starred in six more Keats stories, readers watched him grow older in print. Before the author’s death in 1983, he wrote and illustrated 22 children’s books and provided artwork for dozens more. Countless readers identified with his characters and stories, which brought added diversity to mainstream children’s literature.

“I am honored to represent the Postal Service as we dedicate four stamps that feature an iconic image that has had a positive impact on children for more than 50 years,” said U.S. Postal Service Government Relations and Public Policy Acting Executive Director Roderick Sallay.

“In 1962, a groundbreaking book hit the library shelves.

Before this book, children of color – African-American children, in particular – saw very little representation of themselves in picture books,” added Sallay. “And then came Peter; a young boy who awoke to find the world outside his window blanketed in snow, and who

couldn’t wait to get outside and play.

Through Peter, children of color found a positive representation of themselves, which instilled a sense of pride and self-acceptance. One that said, I both fit and I belong.”

“Ezra Jack Keats understood that every child can experience the wide-open joy of a playtime adventure. That’s what his books have done for me as a reader – they’ve let me discover over and over again the beauty of boundlessness,” said author, Andrea Davis Pinkney. “‘The Snowy Day’ stamps are a wonderful way to send Keats greetings. I have my envelopes addressed and waiting, ready to carry messages of unbridled hope.”

“Ezra wanted all children to be able to see themselves in picture books,” said Ezra Jack Keats Foundation executive director, Deborah Pope. “He transformed the landscape of children’s literature with the diversity of his characters, and his work was embraced across ethnic and social boundaries. It is an honor to Ezra and to the children of this country that the Postal Service is issuing these beautiful ‘Snowy Day’ stamps. Keats opened the door to diversity in American children’s literature and helped

U.S. Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service has issued four new stamps dedicated to the children’s book, “The Snowy Day.” generations of Americans grow up with greater tolerance and a broader sense of community.”

“The Snowy Day” stamps are being issued as Forever stamps which are always equal in value to the current FirstClass Mail one-ounce price.

Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at United States Post Office locations, at the Postal Store, www. usps.com/shop or by calling (800) 782-6724.

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Insight News •October 9 - October 15, 2017 • Page 3

aesthetically speaking

Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities

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Insight News October 9 - October 15, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 41• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Launch Oct. 25 in St. Paul

Fearless Commerce celebrates Black women entrepreneurs

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

TRANSFORMATION:

Skeleton rising

By Randall Bradley Architect

Twitter @HarryColbertJr A new magazine is hitting Minnesota with a mission to celebrate those far too often unheralded – Black women entrepreneurs.

Fearless Commerce Magazine will debut Oct. 25 at Twin Cities Public Television, 172 4th St. E., St. Paul, during a 6 p.m. launch party. Showing there is no shortage of Black women business owners in the Twin Cities, the inaugural issue will feature 24 women who run businesses ranging from medical to entertainment.

The concept for Fearless Commerce was born out of need and frustration, said Camille Thomas, one of the magazines

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Camille Thomas

COMMERCE 5

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Shawntera Hardy

The Thor Construction project has reached ground level at the intersection of Plymouth and Penn Avenues North in Minneapolis.

The construction of this project is now out of “the hole.”

All aspects of its construction now become more visible. The posts and beams and concrete slabs that are the structure of the building are going to continue to evolve until its completion.

At this writing, the single most notable effort is the concrete slab at the southeast corner of Plymouth and Penn Avenues North. This corner is the main entrance to the building and is also the arcade walk to the retail shops and stores along Plymouth Avenue. There will be several shops, although the number, size, and specificity of offerings are undetermined at this time.

Entry to these stores shall be by an exterior walk that parallels Plymouth Avenue. This exterior walk shall be approximately 16 feet high and will be covered by the canopy/overhang of the second floor. The interior heights of these shops are also approximately 16 feet. In the nomenclature of architecture and construction, this is referred to as a “two-story space.” This height allows for shelving, displays, ceiling fans, specialty lighting fixtures, signage, and other tenant improvements.

These shops shall represent the first retail sales since the 1996 relocation of the former fastfood restaurant, McDonalds, from this site to its current West Broadway Avenue location.

The main entry into the building will take visitors to the elevator lobby. This will allow access to all parking levels and also to the tenant spaces

TRANSFORMATION 9

Thor Companies

An artist drawing of the concrete pour sequence for the Thor Companies headquarters, under construction at the corners of Penn and Plymouth Avenues in North Minneapolis.

KMOJ launches new hip-hop station

By Abeni Hill KMOJ has launched a station dedicated to hip-hop, KMOJ HD2, The Ice. KMOJ general manager and morning show host, Freddie Bell, said the station’s newest format helps “to further solidify our (KMOJ) position in terms of getting young broadcasters ready for the media.” As with the operation of the 89.9 digital signal, much of the talent and off-air personnel will be previously non-trained members of the community.

With urban hip-hop, Bell hopes to create a space for the younger generation to express themselves.

“You think about all the different views that people have … younger people have different views that are just as relevant,” said Bell.

The radio host said The

Ice’s targeted demographic is young people in the ages 12 to 24. In a press release for the new radio station, Bell said he wanted the radio station’s audience “to grow up with The Ice as it has with KMOJ-FM.” The Ice will follow the same formatting as KMOJ’s first station with Public Affairs programming. The HD2 channel will have radio shows addressing different themes such as finance, fitness, and health and wellness.

While listening is the primary way to get involved and support the station, Bell also encourages the community to stop by the station and fill out a volunteer application. He said the station is also looking to provide more opportunities for female radio hosts.

The new channel can be accessed either via the HD channel in the car or on-line streaming via www.kmojfm. com.

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KMOJ

Freddie Bell

Residents in the Caribbean still need help

Area residents and organizations assisting in hurricane relief Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are still reeling.

Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Maria tore through the community of islands off the Atlantic coast of the U.S., residents of the various locales are still trying to recover. In the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, nearly 95 percent of the island is without power. And despite President Donald Trump’s caviler statements and optics during an Oct. 3 breeze-through, the situation is dire for many of the 3.4 million U.S. citizens who inhabit the island. Trump enraged many – including the mayor of San Juan – when he compared the devastation of Maria to that of 2005 New

Miguel Ramos

Maria Isa

Business

Nielsen reveals Despitestudy Unequal growing spending Treatment, Black power, influence of Women Will Rise Black women

PAGE 4

Orleans, post Hurricane Katrina; minimizing the plight of Puerto Rico, saying Katrina was a “real tragedy” and bringing up Puerto Rico’s debt issues. He further enflamed tensions when he decided it distribute paper towels to residents in need by shooting rolls at them as if they were prizes given during the timeout of a basketball game.

While Trump hogged much of the media’s television and print coverage, many are asking for the coverage to be shifted back to the residents of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Dominica and other territories in the Caribbean devastated by a rash of Hurricanes, including Irma and Maria.

News

Don’t let ‘45’ take Don’t complain, credit for President activate Obama’s economy

PAGE 5

I2H

Mammograms arehurts key to War on opioids early of breast sickledetection cell disease cancer patients

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Locally, several benefits are taking place to assist in relief efforts.

On Oct. 19 Black Dog Café, 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul, will be the spot for an Afro-Latinx jam session with proceeds being donated to Caribbean relief. The event takes place from 7 p.m.

– 11 p.m. with Maria Isa and others performing.

Members of the Minnesota Twins team and organization have pledged to assist in relief efforts, with Miguel Ramos, the team’s director of diversity and inclusion, donating to El Fondo Boricua, a local organization

PUERTO RICO 5

Commentary News

McKnight helps kickThe Chronicles of start in Missinvestment Freedom Fighter, Minneapolis public Esquire: Ending mass housing incarceration

PAGE 7

Page 4 •October 9 -October 15, 2017 • Insight News

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Business

Nielsen study reveals growing spending power, influence of Black women

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor A new report detailing the record-setting spending power of African-American women has further buoyed the confidence of Black female entrepreneurs, who said the information proves their undeniable value to the United States and the global economy.

The report titled, “African American Women: Our Science, Her Magic,” was released by Nielsen during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual legislative conference. It revealed that African-American women’s consumer preferences and brand affinities are resonating across the mainstream culture, driving total Black spending power toward a record $1.5 trillion by 2021.

The report also noted that

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Black women comprise 14 percent of all females in the U.S. (24.3 million) and 52 percent of all African-Americans.

With an average age of 35.1 years (versus 42.8 for nonHispanic white women and 39.4 for all women), Black women have enjoyed steady growth in population, incomes and educational attainment.

Sixty-four percent of Black women currently enroll in college right out of high school and 23 percent over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree or higher, up from 18 percent in 2005.

Further, the report noted the number of businesses majorityowned by Black women grew 67 percent between 2007 and 2012, more than all women combined.

The latest U.S. Census figures show African-American women have majority ownership in more than 1.5 million businesses with over $42 billion in sales.

“This report is helpful to show banks and brands that Black women are highly qualified to be recipients of fair lending and to be fairly represented in advertising campaigns,” said Samantha Gregory, the founder of the

Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Abeni Hill Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips

website www.richsinglemomma. com, a platform developed to help single mothers earn extra cash.

“As a Black woman in technology and personal finance, who is also a business owner, those statistics

Columnist

By Violet Brown If you find yourself feeling very uncomfortable when the topic of race comes up, I need to ask you, how you remained a Prince fan?

I ask because he definitely spoke on it and sang about it regularly. No, not just in the “love

for one another,” everyone is included way, but the. “keep an eye on them devils,” way. That’s the focus of this week’s column – dispelling the myth that pride in one’s own racial background and love for people of all races are mutually exclusive. Simply put, they are not. It is totally and completely possible to care about what’s happening to your own ethnic group and still care about others.

For some reason, any mention of Prince’s pro-Blackness is met with, “he included everyone.”

True, he did include everyone, and he was pro-Black. Black people being inclusive of people of other races is not a new thing. Black

people having pride in their own race and that equaling racism is a weak attempt at distraction. It’s nonsense. Period. Misinformation, misinterpretation and misunderstanding are root causes of communication breakdown. In order to have a rational discussion on this issue, we must first define terms.

Racism is defined as a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

Entire systems of government are then formed based on the erroneous belief and with the purpose of maintaining a society

Fredrikson & Byron’s International Group is hosting

a Doing Business in South Africa seminar with various

local and national dignitaries.

The seminar takes place

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49 enjoying the highest income within the Black female cohort.

According to the report, Black women “over-index by 29 percent for spending three to four hours each day on social networking sites and by 86 percent for spending five or more hours each day on social networking sites.” Especially adept at using technology and social media to trade opinions and offer recommendations, Black women 18 and older, more than any other demographic group, have taken social media and adopted it for higher purposes, the report found.

“The trend of Black women becoming increasingly educated and driving the buying power of Black households, means that they are making purchase decisions that historically they didn’t make,” said Bianca Blake, a marketing specialist. “Couple that with trends of the millennial generation marrying and starting families later, the Black woman becomes an independent decision maker for much more of her journey through life, as opposed to abiding by decisions made by her parents, husband or heavily influenced by her children.”

where the “superior” race is always in power.

One could take a look at government systems in all of the civilized world and see a pattern, but we will stick with the United States of America for this writing.

Was there a time in U.S. history when the Black Panther Party owned other humans as property, legally or illegally, or had flags flying outside government-run buildings, or held public hangings of any people of any kind, or accounted for 90 percent of the police force or, … do I really need to continue? Can we answer the same when substituting the Ku Klux Klan in for The Black Panther Party?

True racism is not a laughing matter. Some of the wateringdown of the definition is meant to unburden guilty parties. Prejudice is not racism. Prejudice is defined as the preconceived judgment or opinion, or an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge, or an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics. Judging people of other races based on stereotypes and literally owning them, keeping them from having

RACISM 6

Fredrikson & Byron hosts seminar on doing business in South Africa

Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin

Photography David Bradley Rebecca Rabb

television and music, the report’s authors said.

“Black women have strong life-affirming values that spill over into everything they do. The celebration of their power and beauty is reflected in what they buy, watch and listen to, and people outside their communities find it inspiring,” said Cheryl Grace, the senior vice president of U.S. Community Strategic Alliances and Consumer Engagement for Nielsen. “Understanding how Black women’s values affect their buying decisions has long been a marketing necessity. Now, marketers must also recognize the intercultural influence of Black women on the general market, as an increasingly vital part of how all women see themselves, their families and the rest of the world.”

The report noted that 64 percent of Black women agree their goal is to make it to the top of their profession; 58 percent agree that they don’t mind giving up their personal time for work – 20 percent higher than non-Hispanic white women.

Further, 14 percent of Black women have annual incomes of $50,000 or higher with ages 35–

Prince’s artistic and business success protested, challenged injustice, racism

Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford

Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA

Cheryl Grace, the senior vice president of U.S. Community Strategic Alliances and Consumer Engagement for Nielsen, says that marketers must recognize the intercultural influence of Black women on the general market. In this photo, Grace speaks during the 2017 NNPA Mid-Winter Conference in Fort Lauderdale.

are useful, when I am making a case for working with brands for my blog and business. “However, if the powers that be are not educated about these statistics, it is still challenging to get a seat at the table, where all the prime contracts are being handed out.”

Briana Santirosa, the founder and CEO of online retailer, Casa de Reinas, said that after working in retail for four years, she made the decision to start her own business.

Santirosa said that fashion and beauty industries often chose to ignore the purchasing power of Black women.

“I do see the market beginning to recognize Black women more and cater to our spending preferences,” offered Santirosa.

In Nielsen’s new Diverse Intelligence Series report, the global researcher paints a portrait of Black women as trendsetters, brand loyalists and early adopters, who care about projecting a positive self-image. Black women play an increasingly vital role in how all women see themselves and influencing mainstream culture across a number of areas, including fashion, beauty,

Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the offices of Fredrikson &

Byron , 200 S. 6th St., suite 4000, Minneapolis. Richard Weiner, Fredrikson & Byron’s international group chair, will present on the legal aspects of doing business in South Africa and will cover how to establish companies, hire employees, appoint third parties to distribute your goods and services, and protect intellectual property.

Other speakers include Ambassador Mninwa Mahlangu, South African ambassador to the United States, Vuyiswa Tulelo, consul general to the Consulate of South Africa, Mudunwazi Baloyi, USA head of Brand South Africa and Judge LaJune Lange, honorary consul to the Honorary Consulate of South Africa in Minnesota.

To register, email Renee Senger at rsenger@fredlaw. com with name, title and company affiliation.

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Insight News •October 9 - October 15, 2017 • Page 5

Don’t let ‘45’ take credit for President Obama’s economy NNPA Newswire Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux The income, poverty and health insurance data released by the Census Bureau on Sept.

13 confirms what many of us already knew … President Obama’s last year was one of economic improvement for many individuals.

The median income rose from $57,230 in 2015 to $59,039 in 2016, an increase of 3.2 percent.

Black income rose 5.4 percent, from $37, 364 in 2015 to $39,400 in 2016, while white income rose from $63, 745 to $65,041, an increase of two percent. The income gap narrowed very slightly, with African’-Americans making 58 percent of white earnings in 2015 and 60 percent of white earnings in 2016. This income ratio typically hovers around 60 percent, and this situation has not improved, since 1967. Despite an absolute improvement in incomes, the racial income disparity remains.

Fewer than one in 10 whites earned less than $15,000 per year, compared to 20 percent of

Commerce From 3 co-publishers.

“In January, I was thumbing through a well-known Twin Cities magazine and the issue was celebrating women in business and I was excited to see who was being featured, but as I looked through the magazine there was just one Black women in the edition – a Somali woman

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African-Americans at that low earning level. While 18 percent of whites earned less than $25,000 a year, fully one-third of AfricanAmericans earned so little. At the same time, while 7.4 percent of whites earned more than $200,000 a year, only 2.8 percent of African-Americans had similarly high earnings. At the top, there was significant improvement for African-Americans – we didn’t cross the 1 percent line on high earning until 1997, and now our percentage has more than doubled.

Still, it would take hundreds of years, at the rate we are going, to close the gap with whites.

With incomes as low as they are, it is unsurprising to find African-Americans more heavily represented among the poor than whites are, but again, President Obama’s last year in office saw a real drop in the poverty level. The poverty rate dropped from 13.5 percent in 2015 to 12.7 percent in 2016, and the Black poverty rate dropped from 24.1 percent to 22.0 percent. There were 800,000 fewer African-Americans in poverty in 2016 than in 2015. That’s good news. Child poverty was also overwhelming. With 15.1 percent of white children living in poverty there were nearly twice as many Black children living in poverty at 29.5 percent. Among elders, 8 percent of white seniors were poor, compared to 18.5 percent of African-American seniors.

And when Black women headed

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President Donald Trump

Former President Barack Obama

of life. To be sure, while the unemployment rate is way down, there are also people sitting on the sidelines of the labor force. Raises seem to be coming, but quite slowly, and a 3.2 percent increase in income, after several years of declining income, seems not to be enough. Additionally, there are millions of millennials who came of age during the recession, having spent years marginally employed, and are shouldering the burden of high student loans.

Small increases in income don’t make these folks feel flush. Many still feel that they are just getting by.

Knowing “45,” he will crow about these numbers, though he truly cannot take any responsibility for them. This data is 2016 data, and the improvement here can be solely attributed to President Obama. The proof of 45’s pudding will come next year, when 2017 data are reported. Will incomes rise or fall under 45’s leadership?

What will happen with poverty in an administration that has already taken actions to keep wages low?

Will the Obama momentum come to a skidding halt because of 45’s policies? We’ll have to wait and see, but it is clear that 45 has already taken too many steps in the wrong direction.

Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via amazon.com.

households, 34.2 percent of those households lived in poverty.

While these numbers make a clear case that President Obama improved the situation for all Americans, it is also clear that his unwillingness or inability to target programs toward the AfricanAmerican poor maintained the size of the income gap, and maintained the fact that African-Americans experience twice as much poverty as whites, earning only 60 percent of the incomes that whites do.

This gap will not be closed unless there is some intervention, some form of reparations, or

some special program that will empower African-Americans. If that didn’t happen in the Obama administration, it is unlikely to happen in during the current one.

President Obama’s singular success, of course, was health care.

More than 93 percent of whites, 92 percent of Asia- Americans, 89.5 percent of African-Americans and 84 percent of Hispanics had health care in 2016, continuing an upward trend that began in 2011 with the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Of course, Republicans have

promised to “repeal and replace” Obamacare. They have been unsuccessful, because so many Americans like the program and use it, even though it has flaws.

The program should be tweaked, but not replaced, but we’ll see what happens in coming months.

Despite improvements in income data, too many Americans aren’t feeling the improvements.

That’s how “45” was able to manipulate people into believing that they were worse off than they had ever been, and that he was going to improve their quality

they put on the cover – but that was it,” said Thomas. “I was happy for my Somali sister, but there were no others. And when I got to the end of the article it said a thank you to a local women’s organization for providing the magazine with the names of women to feature. All these women were featured and they were almost exclusively white.

At the time, I was a paying member of the organization, so I knew they had to know of at least one other Black women business owner for sure. To be honest, I felt hurt.”

Thomas said the next day she had a previously scheduled lunch meeting with friend, business owner and Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) commissioner, Shawntera Hardy. Thomas talked to Hardy about the magazine and together the two decided to take action, beginning the planning for what would become Fearless Commerce.

Thomas said it was not hard to find Black women business owners in the Twin Cities.

“Many women I know have

been in business longer than I’ve been alive,” said Thomas, who is 33 years old. “And yet they have never been celebrated.

These women own their own businesses … many of them own the buildings that house their businesses. Why is it they are not getting their shine?”

That question will soon become one of the past if Fearless Commerce has anything to do with it.

Issues of the magazine will be available in print and digital form, with print copies of the bi-annual retailing for $25 and

digital subscriptions for $10. The magazine will be available online at www.fearlesscommerce.com following the launch.

The premiere issue will feature the stories of Shauen Pearce, Tish Watson, Jasmine Brett Stringer, Junita Flowers, Kimberly Bedell Rhodes, Melissa Taylor, Emilia Ndely, Dr. Grace Warren, Alicia Belton, Miquel Purvis McMoore, Dr. Artika Tyner, Char Dobbs, Dr. Ayanna Quamina, Alex Merritt, Dr. Joi Lewis, Meredith Moore Crosby, Faatemah, Brittany Lynch, Bianca Lewis, Jasmine

Russell, Faith Folayan, Robin Hickman, Bunny Robinson and Andrea Ellen Reed.

The group also sat for a photoshoot, which will be featured in the issue. Thomas said even the photoshoot was orchestrated by Black women, with the photographer, makeup artists and stylists all being Black women.

“With Fearless Commerce we want to motivate and inspire future Black businesswomen,” said Thomas.

that has raised nearly $60,000 to aid the residents of Puerto Rico.

Isa’s SotaRico, LLC has pledged to match donations made in the amount of $250 by Oct. 19 to

the organization. Those wishing to donate can do so online at www.saintpaulfoundation.org/ el-fondo-boricua.

Twin Cities Carifest

has organized the Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund-MN and set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of $5,000. To date more than $1,600 has been pledged.

The link to the GoFundMe is www.gofundme.com/36b3xecaribbean-hurricane-relief.

Beyond relief, The St. Paul Police Department is

dispatching 10 Spanish speaking officers to Puerto Rico to assist in security efforts and members of the Minnesota National Guard are serving in the region as well.

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Page 6 •October 9 -October 15, 2017 • Insight News

Racism From 4 legal rights, etc., are different matters all together. People are very concerned with being called racist and being able to call others racist based on poor understanding of terminology. It’s a strange phenomenon. Feigning ignorance will not erase the wrong. I am reminded of this profound statement. Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Because I speak with so many different kinds of people from so many different places on the topics of music and Prince, I have run into a troubling situation on this issue. I am meeting “fans” who completely ignore the fact that Prince was a Black man who cared about his own community in addition to showing love for all people. I struggled with the ability of some to hold onto attitudes that are harmful to him and people like him, and that are direct contrast to his thoughts on things that he spoke on specifically. I was befuddled until I stumbled upon an old Spike Lee film, “Do the Right Thing,” wherein Pino, one of the Italian characters in the film, whose favorite entertainers are all Black, explains things. You see, according to Pino, people like Prince, are not Black. They are more than Black. They’re different. Now, Pino was not able to explain how they are different, other than stating that he deems them okay. Who gave him that power? Does it matter to him how they see themselves?

This film was released in 1989, yet the train of thought espoused by Pino seems to be pretty well ingrained in quite a few people who claim to love Prince.

This group of people tends to either reduce him to a fetish or benefit from all that he accomplished

despite major struggle, while completely ignoring what he went through. Either way, they are not treating him as a complex human being but as this thing they have created in their own mind, limiting him.

None of what’s stated here is meant to divide, but to educate. But again, if you are uncomfortable, maybe you need to ask yourself some questions. People of color often find themselves in situations where they are reminded of who they are in the eyes of others. Many of us were taught from a young age to behave in certain ways and be careful “out there,” a tradition passed on from generation to generation in an effort to save our children, originating from a time where the action thing got you killed with no repercussions. As I write that sentence it occurs to me that we are back in that time, with slight differences.

All of what’s stated prior makes what Prince did even more magnificent. Here’s this man, this Black man, doing exactly what he thinks, feels, to get where he needs to go and succeeding. Not being controlled not being owned. Being free, that’s the thing a person who spends an inordinate amount of time counting and centering their thoughts on success around charts misses – being free to create as you will is more important that being number whatever on a man-made chart. Certainly, having industry success is important. Still, once one reaches a certain level, their way of thinking changes. After a major fight with a label and winning, your way of thinking has to change. You must elevate. A Black man, outwitting “the man” and taking ownership and building and helping others to build, and not be dependent on “the man” is a thing. But again, not having a certain background, some just cannot or will not ever see it.

I often cringe that the statement, “I don’t see color.” I feel it’s disingenuous and unnecessary.

A better understanding the term may clarify my position. The definition of colorblindness is

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Violet Brown poses in front of several pieces of Prince artwork at a recent benefit in honor of Prince’s legacy of philanthropic giving. the state of being free from racial prejudice. The word need not be taken in the literal sense. It is okay to see (read, recognize) that someone comes from a different ethnic background than you do. What’s not okay is judging them unworthy or treating them negatively because of it. In order to celebrate, learn and understand the beauty of someone who is different from you, you must take note of the differences. That’s why it’s important not to try and sweep the conversation under the rug or pretend we don’t see color. I think pretending not to see what’s there is one of the reasons the conversations are so uncomfortable for some. It’s

difficult to have meaningful dialogue while being less-thanforthcoming.

To those who insist on ignoring world affairs and hiding in Prince’s music, good luck. He spoke on just about every topic affecting the world today and he did not just say what everyone wanted to hear. He spoke openly in an interview with Tavis Smiley about his support for Dick Gregory, and Gregory’s speech during the State of the Black Union inspiring the song, “Dreamer.” Gregory was an activist and known and respected as one of the first non-minstrel Black comedians, who engaged in political satire.

“Dreamer” begins with the lyrics,

“I was born and raised on the same plantation, United States of Red, White and Blue. Never knew that I was different ‘til Dr. King was on the battlefield, lying in a bloody pool.” In this same piece he sings further, “have you ever clutched the steering wheel of your car too tight, praying that the police sirens pass you by that night.”

Let us remember, Prince held a rally for peace in Baltimore where he sang, “Does anybody hear us pray, for Michael Brown or Freddie Gray?” He wasn’t quiet about the issues affecting his people. He did not ignore or pretend that he was not affected or that he did not have family who were affected. And yes, he did

sing of love for everyone and yes, he did encourage inclusion. He said himself he could write a song about anything, and he kind of did, didn’t’ he? He wrote thousands of songs … no really, thousands.

He chose his own subject matter.

He could have chosen any topic.

He chose to write about injustice because it’s important. It needed to be said. It needs to be heard.

It needs to be acted upon. Hiding won’t get us where we need to be.

The point in bringing it up isn’t to make anyone feel bad but to spur people to action. We cannot right a wrong by pretending the wrong did not occur. We cannot fix problems by pretending they don’t exist. We must not deflect, demean or distract, but, rather, we must deal with the issue as is. We must do away with the idea that a Black person ceases to be Black and becomes something different, something better, by succeeding.

That person is a Black person who is successful. That person is likely still have family affected by the day-to-day “Black life.”

We must stop expecting athletes and entertainers to transform into supernatural beings without thoughts, feelings, or connections to the people and places that helped shape their success. We must no longer act as if our desire to be entertained supersedes any other human being’s legal rights.

There are those who said to Prince on the topic of politics or religion, “Don’t talk, just sing.”

Similarly, in the case of Colin Kaepernick and his quest to see people of color treated more fairly in this nation, “We don’t care about you standing up for others, or exercising your rights in this democracy, we just want to see the game” or something similar is the refrain.

With all the technology connecting us to people and information at our fingertips, we should be more advanced in our ways of thinking. We can be. It’s completely possible. So what are we waiting for?

Insight 2 Health Mammograms are key to early detection of breast cancer

By North Memorial Health October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This should remind us to get our routine mammogram, but sometimes, we need an even greater nudge to work up the courage to go in. Well, here’s your nudge – routine mammograms and breast exams are the best screening tools to identify cancers early, when they’re small and still confined to the breast. In fact, regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 30 percent, especially if a person is over 50. The chances that breast cancer can be treated successfully improve greatly when detected early with more treatment options, and ultimately, better outcomes.

One in eight American women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

Many women with breast cancer have no symptoms, reinforcing why a regular breast cancer screening is important.

An annual breast exam is included in a woman’s routine health assessment. Women over the age of 40 should talk with their primary care providers to determine when they should begin regular mammogram screenings and the frequency that is right for them based on their individual risk factors.

Also, a woman should be aware of her breasts look normally and feel and report any breast change promptly to her provider.

Getting a mammogram takes just about 20 minutes and discomfort is minimal for most women. It’s best to schedule a mammogram about a week following a menstrual period, when breasts are less tender or swollen.

The procedure can be uncomfortable, but the attire doesn’t have to be. It is suggested to wear slacks or a skirt so one can easily remove her top and bra for the mammogram.

Doctors suggest to not wear deodorant or antiperspirant as

some of these substances may show on the x-ray. Describe any breast changes or problems to the technologist and tell them if breastfeeding or may be pregnant.

During the exam, the breasts will be compressed to spread out the breast tissue for the mammogram to capture an x-ray image that a radiologist will examine. Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt. If something abnormal is found during a mammogram, a patient will undergo additional tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to determine the underlying cause.

There are three types of mammograms; conventional mammograms that produce twodimensional images on film, digital mammograms, which produce images electronically that provide diagnostic advantages because they allow radiologists to enhance, magnify and manipulate the image for thorough evaluation and three-dimensional (3D) mammograms, which use very low dose x-rays, but the radiation dose is slightly higher than that of standard mammography. In addition, the accuracy of 3D mammography has not been compared with that of twodimensional mammography so the jury is still out on whether 3D images are better at early detection of breast cancer.

When selecting a facility to perform a mammogram, look for a center that specializes in mammograms and is both accredited and certified by the Food and Drug Administration.

North Memorial Health is accredited and certified.

Most insurance plans fully cover mammograms and no referral is needed for screening mammograms. In addition, for women who are uninsured or low-income, North Memorial Health partners with the Sage Program to offer free mammograms to eligible women.

Mammograms can save lives. Learn more at you at northmemorial.com

shutterstock

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and women are encouraged to get annual breast exams.

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Insight News •October 9 - October 15, 2017 • Page 7

McKnight helps kick-start investment in Minneapolis public housing The Minneapolis-based McKnight Foundation has awarded $1 million to the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) to preserve and repair the city’s aging public housing.

Together with a $1 million investment from MPHA’s own reserves, the grant will create a $2 million Working Capital Fund.

“This initiative by a major foundation to support federallyfunded housing is a rare event,” said MPHA executive director and CEO, Greg Russ. “We give McKnight great credit for recognizing the dramatic funding shortfalls that threaten these homes, and the essential role that

MPHA’s very-low-income housing plays in the city’s housing system.”

Russ said Most residents of public housing make less than 30 percent of the area median income, and pay 30 percent of their income toward rent.

MPHA faces around $130 million in major repair needs across its properties, which in 20 years will grow to $500 million under current trends.

Congressional funding for public housing repairs and improvements has fallen precipitously since the 1970s. MPHA currently receives around $10 million a year for these needs via the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority executive director and CEO, Greg Russ

According the MPHA, the Working Capital Fund will support in-depth structural and financial analysis of MPHA’s current needs across its 42 high-rises, 199 townhouses and 730 free-standing homes across Minneapolis.

“The funding from McKnight also includes a specific investment in community engagement,” said Russ. “At the heart of every building – at the heart of our mission – are people … seniors, the disabled, hard-working families, and the immigrant communities that MPHA is proud to serve.

These funds will drive our efforts to learn from and respond to those most affected by these decisions.”

In May, MPHA’s board of commissioners passed a set of “Guiding Principles” hoping to guarantee public housing residents stable rent, no loss of housing benefits and a first right-to-return following any work on their building.

The McKnight Foundation’s grant to MPHA falls under its Region & Communities program, which includes an emphasis on “Homes for All” … affordable housing strategies and systems that increase family stability and link families to opportunities.

T. Mychael Rambo is master of ceremonies; parent LaToya Surratt will share her personal story

Economist Art Rolnick to keynote Way to Grow’s Shine Celebration Art Rolnick, economist and leader in early childhood education, will keynote this year’s Way to Grow, Shine Celebration.

The semi-formal gala with a masquerade theme “Blessings in Disguise” will be held Oct. 27, at The Depot/ Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel in Minneapolis, 225 South 3rd Ave., Minneapolis.

Rolnick, a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, is an early education leader who asserts “investment in early childhood education offers

Art Rolnick

extraordinary outcomes for vulnerable children and our society.”

Way to Grow CEO Carolyn Smallwood said she is excited to have Rolnick keynote the event.

“We are pleased to have Art Rolnick speak at this year’s Shine Celebration.

He’s a nationally known early childhood education advocate who has continued to promote the importance of early education and the need for public funding,” said Smallwood.

T. Mychael Rambo, an Emmy award-winning actor

and vocalist, will serve as master of ceremonies and Salsa del Soul will provide the entertainment. The evening will also include a live and silent auction, and a personal testimony by LaToya Surratt, a parent who has benefited from Way to Grow’s services. Way to Grow board member Julie Baker and her husband Doug Baker, president and CEO of Ecolab, will be the evening’s honorary chairpersons.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $175. To purchase tickets, visit Way to Grow’s website at www.waytogrow.org/events.

Absentee voting for 2017 election has begun All eligible voters in Hennepin County can vote absentee – either in-person or by mail.

In-person absentee voting will be available through Nov. 6 at city halls and school district offices across Hennepin County and at the Early Vote Center in downtown Minneapolis at 217 S. 3rd St. Each city location can accommodate voters who live in that particular city. Only Minneapolis residents can

vote at the Early Vote Center.

To check if there is an election in their area or to find the appropriate polling place, voters can view a sample ballot from the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.state.mn.us.

Voters who live anywhere in Hennepin County can pick up an absentee ballot application or a voter registration form at the Hennepin County Government Center – 300 S.

Early voting has begun in Hennepin County.

6th St., Minneapolis – skyway level. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To vote early by mail voters must fill out a paper application to receive a ballot. Paper applications are available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Khmer and Amharic.

Voters do not need to be registered to vote to apply to

vote absentee. To make the process easier, voters may want to register or ensure you are registered before applying for an absentee ballot.

Ballots will be mailed to voters within one to two days of receiving the application.

Completed ballots must be received on or before Election Day, Nov. 7. Voters can return ballots by mail or in person.

Page 8 •October 9 -October 15, 2017 • Insight News

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Insight News •October 9 - October 15, 2017 • Page 9

Is the pen still mightier than the sword? an uninterrupted expression of his or her will and desire.

With that in mind, care and caution should be used when putting pen to paper. Here are a few things to consider.

Man Talk

By Timothy Houston “The pen is mightier than the sword� was coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in for his play, “Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy,� in 1839.

It is an adage indicating that communication, or power or advocacy of an independent press, is a more eective tool than direct violence. Pen to paper can cause people to change their opinions on a large scale whereas a sword can only change a person’s opinion by force.

Putting pen to paper is powerful. When used correctly, the written word can transform the situation for the better. A written statement often serves as a living testament of the intent of the writer and is

Words written supersede words spoken Whether you are in cyberspace or in your own space, you must be careful of the things you put into writing. The spoken word often disappears into thin air while the written word lives on. In contracts, the things written will override the things that were spoken so you must pay attention to the ďŹ ne print. In all cases, take care when using the power of the pen because the things you write will override the things you say.

The things you write down will deďŹ ne you The more you read the words of others, the more you get a glimpse of the thoughts and intents of their hearts. When you use social media as a negative

outlet, others (employers included) take notice. Your words, small or great, typed

can be improved upon Once a thought or idea is put on paper, others can

personal and professional development. If possible, never allow your draft

Whether you are in cyberspace or in your own space, you must be careful of the things you put into writing. The spoken word often disappears into thin air while the written word lives on.

or written, grammatically correct or incorrect, will deďŹ ne you. Make sure that the expression of your pen reects the character of your heart.

The things you write down

make improvements to it.

Books are edited, business plans are expanded upon, and letters are improved, all through the help of others.

Allowing others to use their power of the pen to improve your words is necessary for

statement to become your ďŹ nal statement.

The things written will outlive you This is one of the greatest powers of the pen. Whether it is your book, last will and

testament, personal memoir or diary, these documents will have a lifespan of their own. It is foolish to write without regard. The wise writer understands this and uses the power of the pen for good. When you put pen to paper or ďŹ ngers to the keyboard, do so knowing the words may outlive you.

The pen is still more powerful than the sword, and when conveying thoughts, it can be more powerful than the words spoken. Also, it allows others to make improvements to your thoughts and ideas.

When writing, whether casually or professionally, ensure the words written reect the correct image of the expressions of your heart.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities.

For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

The portrayal of Black women in media Columnist

By Latisha Townsend It is no secret that AfricanAmerican women get stereotyped on a daily basis.

In all aspects, Black women are seen as “too much.� We are too loud, too opinionated, our bodies are too developed, our lips are too big and of course our hair is too kinky. In the media, Black women are depicted as the baby mama, the drink thrower, and the bodacious, overly-sexual friend. If we think about all of the videos on the internet of Black women that have gone viral,

Transformation From 3 on oors three and four. These oors will have to be constructed

what comes to mind? The loud women yelling about not being able to go to her favorite nightclub, Bella Noche? The woman who said, “Ain’t nobody got time for that� on the news?

What about the two Black women who were ďŹ ghting in Walmart?

These are all of the images that popped into my head within about 25 seconds. Why? Because when I log onto Facebook I only see people sharing videos of African-American women that are “comical.�

We are not a joke. We are just sadly misrepresented.

Very rarely are Black women portrayed as being the victims of stalking, kidnapping or rape. I don’t think I have ever seen a Lifetime movie centered around a Black woman that’s not a celebrity. I see it as a

way of subtly saying that Black women are simply undesirable.

Some exceptions to the stereotypes in media of Black women being “ghetto� or uneducated are ABC’s “Scandal� and “How to Get Away With Murder� as well as BET’s “Being Mary Jane.�

All three feature strong Black women who, no matter what, get the job done. They’re all well respected women who have broken the glass ceiling.

These women are “she-roesâ€? in the African-American community. Olivia Pope from “Scandalâ€? is a personal inspiration to me. But my biggest complaint is that all three lead characters are made out to be that desperate single Black female who, after some series of events, ďŹ nds herself to be a “side chickâ€? by choice.

I have an issue with

it being impossible for a Black woman to be strong without a man being her kryptonite. Why are we not allowed to have healthy and monogamous relationships?

Also, every time these ďŹ ctional women even show a pinch emotion, they ďŹ ght back the tears and put on a straight face in order to get the job done. Why do Black women have to be mad and tough all of the time?

Why can’t we be shown as strong-willed women who simultaneously reserve the right to be feminine and an emotional being? Yes, Black women are complex, but we have seen and experienced things that other people may not understand.

Another way the media, especially social media, negatively portrays Black women is by downtalking many of the styles

and characteristics of Black women. For being who we are, we get called “ghetto� and “ratchet.� But when other races do it, it is fashionable, trendsetting and exotic. I worry about social media and the way that it makes being darker skinned seem like a curse, but praises other women who tan their bodies to get darker in the winter time. This is strictly my opinion, but the best example of this problem is the way that big lips have always been made fun of and called ugly on Black people.

However, the Kardashians have publicly admitted to getting their lips, among other things, enhanced with injections and they still have faithfully been many Instagram users’ “Woman Crush Wednesday� every week.

There is a problem when

one culture gets judged for what they are naturally born with, but other cultures can make it seem desirable.

Black women are constantly compared to other women who we should be “more like.� which is why learning to love ourselves in spite of outside pressure is important.

The media plays a big role in the way that AfricanAmericans are portrayed and treated in society. Not only in ďŹ lm, but also social media.

It is time the Black women get recognized for what we are. We are strong, tenacious, complex and beautifully ďŹ erce. Black girls rock.

Latisha Townsend is a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in communications.

She is the president of the student organization, Black Motivated Women.

before roof construction takes place. The exterior wall construction will follow the roof construction so that the building can achieve enclosure. The roof and the exterior materials will then represent the “skin� of this building. The enclosure of these “bones,� this skeleton structure,

shall allow for other necessary systems to be installed and create an interior weather-proof environment. More information on these systems shall be forthcoming.

As people walk east on Plymouth Avenue from Penn to Oliver Avenue they will

experience a drop in grade.

Oliver Avenue is nine feet lower than Penn Avenue. Vehicles will enter the parking garage from Oliver Avenue. Pedestrians will enter the building from Penn Avenue into the main entry vestibule into the elevator lobby.

All levels and oors shall be

served by three elevators.

It is expected that there will be much client and employee activity in this new building. For the ďŹ rst time in 21 years, people will occupy this site instead of grass and trees. This new building will soon give way to long awaited positive economic

developmental human activities in our community.

Architect Randall Bradley is writing a multi-part series on the construction of the new Thor property at the corners of Penn Avenue North and Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis.

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ClassiÀeds East Shore Place 805 Wildwood Road Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (651) 770-7964 NOTICE: OPENING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Seniors 62 years and older, rent EDVHG RQ LQFRPH IRU TXDOL¿HG DSSOLFDQWV $SSOLFDWLRQV PD\ EH GRZQORDGHG DW www.commonbond.org from 9am 6HSWHPEHU XQWLO SP 1RYHPEHU 2U SLFNHG XS LQ WKH 0DQDJHPHQW 2I¿FH Completed applications must be received by mail only, on or before November 28, 2017. All quali¿HG $SSOLFDQWV ZLOO EH SODFHG RQ WKH Waiting List in the order they are received.

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Page 10 •October 9 -October 15, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com Chick Corea

Alaine

Monday, Oct. 9 DANCE CLASS Workshop Series – Hip-Hop Dance The Crescent Studio 2948 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis $60 for four weeks (hardships taken into consideration) Through Oct. 20 you can take part in a hip-hop dance class at Crescent Studio with instructor with Sarah Michelle Schweitzer.

Oct. 9 Oct. 22, 2017

Tuesday, Oct. 10 JAZZ

FILM “Akounak Tedalat Taha Tazoughai” Trylon Cinema 2820 E 33rd St., Minneapolis 7 p.m. $10

21-plus $5

Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Toronto’s Drake is one year older today and Minneapolis is celebrating. Join DJ Bvckwoods and DJ Izzie P at the Nomad for the celebration.

Thursday, Oct. 12

Sunday, Oct. 15

DANCE NIGHT

GOSPEL

Wednesday, Oct. 18

“The subjects in my work are Black. They’re as dark as everything I’ve been taught to hate about my physical self,” said artist Bobby Rogers. “My work is about black radical traditions, hip-hop, and the history of the diaspora. Rogers’ work is on display at Public Functionary.

Borrowed Interest Pod-Dance Party Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.

21-plus

Robert Robinson›s Fall Gospel Choir Workshop Community Concert First Covenant Church 810 S. 7th St., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 13 REGGAE

As one of the world’s most accomplished musicians, Chick Corea’s return to the Twin Cities is no small matter. The former Miles Davis collaborator will hit the stage Tuesday and Wednesday for a total of four shows with Steve Gadd Band.

Wednesday, Oct. 11

Afoutayi is an annual festival that brings together people, food, sports, dance and more celebrating the people of Haiti.

The festival starts Sunday, Oct. 8. For more information and tickets follow the Eventbrite link at bit.ly/2wW8l14.

DJs Talia Knight, Keezy and Mica Mary Jane introduce with a dance party a new podcast about the intersection of Brown, female and in advertising.

Chick Corea and Steve Gadd Band Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $65 - $100

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status.

If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com

Prince goes Sahel in this colorful homage to “Purple Rain.” Set among the subSaharan Tuareg people, and reputedly the first feature film in their Tamashek language (which, by the way, has no word for purple).

Alaine Azul Nightclub 400 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Reggae singer-songwriter, Alaine, travels to Minneapolis to perform downtown at Azul.

Saturday, October 14 FESTIVAL Afoutayi 8th Annual Haitian Dance, Music and Arts Festival North Garden Theater 929 7th St. W., St. Paul 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. $18-$20

612.377.2224 guthrietheater.org

Join Robert Robinson for a workshop and performance at First Covenant.

Monday, Oct. 16 THEATER Introduction to Improv Huge Theater 3037 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. $75 for the series For six Mondays starting Oct. 16 take part in improv games, activities and some theater basics. The series is for nonprofessionals and aspiring actors.

Tuesday, October 17 DANCE NIGHT

Now – Oct 28

Sponsored by

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE directed by JOSEPH HAJ

Watch on the Rhine Now – Nov 5

by LILLIAN HELLMAN directed by LISA PETERSON

Wu-Tang Wednesday featuring DJ Just Nine Muddy Waters 2933 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 10 p.m.

21-plus No cover ZULUZULUU’s DJ, Just Nine, brings a night of ‘90s hiphop classics in a new home at Muddy Waters in Uptown.

Thursday, Oct. 19 JAZZ Wenso Ashby Driftwood Char Bar 4415 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m.

21-plus No cover Pianist and composer Wenso Ashby brings a night of jazz to the Driftwood Char Bar in South Minneapolis.

Friday, Oct. 20 ART EXHIBITION

Drake Birthday Party Nomad World Pub 501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 9 p.m.

“The Blacker the Berry” Public Functionary 1400 12th Ave. N.E.,

Heart and fire drive Lynx win over Sparks in Game 5 of WNBA Finals

By Nadvia Davis

Romeo and Juliet

DJ NIGHT

A spectacular fan based showed up and sold out the “Barn” for Game 5 of the WNBA playoffs and they didn’t leave disappointed.

Minnesota Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve’s described the game at Williams Arena best saying, the Lynx bated the Los Angeles Sparks and ripped the 85-76 win right from under them as the Lynx became the 2017 WNBA Champions – a fourth championship in seven years.

Heading into Game 5, the Lynx knew it would have to be an all-out team effort with, “Great players making great plays all over the floor,” as Seimone Augustus said during the final practice.

Speaking of plays, Rebekah Brunson made her way into the paint to score the Lynx first basket to jumpstart the first quarter. And while the game was a nail-biter, the Lynx trailed not once in the deciding contest.

As the second quarter began, the physical play was evident. Players from both teams swung elbows and had strong defensive close outs on shots. Sparks guard Sims didn’t give Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen an inch on defense. By now the game was really starting to get live.

Outside the arch, Augustus hit a three-point basket to stretch the Lynx lead. Down low, league MVP Syliva Fowles worked for every basket despite getting banged

Saturday, Oct. 21 THEATER/COMEDY “Who Killed Ariel?: A Princess Murder Mystery” Phoenix Theater 2605 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. $15 Smartmouth Comedy Co. presents a tale of Rapunzel’s bachelorette party where Cinderella, Mulan, Tiana, and Belle are accused of stabbing Ariel to death. “Who Killed Ariel?: A Princess Murder Mystery” runs through Nov. 9.

Sunday, October 22 WRESTLING WWE: TLC – Tables, Ladders and Chairs Target Center 600 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 6:30 p.m. $54 and up A fan favorite, TLC does not stand for “tender loving care.”

Tables, Ladders and Chairs is all about high-flying wrestling action and destruction.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

The Minnesota Lynx hoisted the WNBA championship trophy for the fourth time in seven years with an 85-76 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

up and doubled teamed throughout the game. Fowles showed tremendous strength getting to rim. She scored eight points and snatched down countless rebounds in the second quarter. For the game, she ended with 17 points and a careerhigh 20 rebounds in route to earning the Finals MVP. As the level of aggression increased, so too did the fouls. A technical foul was called on Candice Parker with less than eight minutes to play in the second quarter. The Lynx capitalized on the Sparks fouls and went into halftime leading 41-35.

Augustus got the barn jumping with a threepoint basket to start the third quarter. With each possession, both teams took advantage of open looks at the basket. The Lynx Jia Perkins hit a key basket forcing the Sparks to take a timeout with 3:32 remaining in the third quarter.

The Sparks tried to shake things up with frequent player rotations. L.A. center Jantel Lavender came off the bench hot hitting four points late in the third. One thing was for sure, the Sparks were not backing down.

Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen showed major hustle as she hit the deck hard going after loose balls. Tough plays like this helped Minnesota keep offensive possessions with more chances to score. And they take advantage. The Lynx racked up 19 second chance points compared to the Sparks four. Sparks guard

Chelsea Gray hit a two-point bunny shot with 2.3 seconds remaining in the third quarter reminding the Sparks that they were still in this game.

The score was 60-56; Lynx up as the third quarter ended.

The moment of truth had finally arrived in a tense fourth quarter. Fans got live after Brunson knocked down a key basket and free throw early in the fourth. By now the Lynx were controlling the momentum of the game, but the Sparks were creeping back. Sparks came within three points making the score of 79-76. Lynx fans remained standing in anticipation with 4:26 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter. To take some edge off, Fowles kept things live as she plowed her way to the basket for a key late bucket. When Fowles was asked what allowed her to make such a big impact in the playoff series, she attributed her legendary play to her team.

“My teammates and my coaches gave me confidence,” said Fowles.

A highlight of the game made the crowd go wild as Maya Moore shot and made a beautiful floater with 26 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, stretching the Minnesota lead.

The Sparks went down swinging, with Parker hitting a three-point basket late in the fourth. But even Parker’s shot wasn’t enough to keep the Lynx from earning the title as the 2017 WNBA champions.

insightnews.com

Insight News •October 9 - October 15, 2017 • Page 11

Minnesota Movement Ent. launch party Oct. 19

Jamecia Bennett launches new label cities.

Now with a new label, Bennett said the Minnesota Movement Ent., “teaches (artists) how to invest in themselves” and is about “pushing for greatness.”

The Oct. 19 launch party features performances the label’s

By Abeni Hill Jamecia Bennett has set out to create a movement … the Minnesota Movement.

Bennett launched Minnesota Movement Ent. with hopes to empower the next generation of artist with her artists development label.

A three-time Grammy winner and lead singer with Sounds of Blackness, Bennett has more than 25 years industry experience. She said the Minnesota Movement plans to shine a white-hot light on artists in the Twin Cities.

“We want to rebrand Minneapolis as being the city for music again,” said Bennett, who is set to officially launch her label Oct. 19 at El Nuevo Rodeo, 2709 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.

Bennett said it was during her early work at the age of 17 with famed producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis that she found inspiration for Minnesota Movement.

“I worked with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and (back then) it was really about Motown (style) artist development and getting artist prepared for greatness with branding and marketing,” said Bennett. Motown was known for running an assembly line type environment with quality control checks throughout the recording process.

A talented singer and actress, Bennett said she has noticed a void in promoting young area artists and wanted to find a way to support talent in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The singer and actress began nurturing artists back in 2006 by hosting open mics.

“Instead of doing plain open mic, I would critique them and connect them with other artists,” said Bennett. After coordinating this type of event for a while, Bennett grouped 12 of the artists from the open mics and took them on tour to five

artist, AG4ME, Kiyanna MA and Sounds of Blackness and is hosted by KMOJ’s Kimberly Holifield and William Baker. DJ Enferno will be spinning tunes.

The event kicks off with an invite only VIP cocktail hour at 8 p.m. Performances start at 10 p.m.

RAMSEY LEWIS GRAMMY WINNING JAZZ LEGEND

Jamecia Bennett’s new label, Minnesota Movement Ent., will celebrate its launch Oct. 19 at El Nuevo Rodeo, 2709 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.

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Page 12 •October 9 -October 15, 2017 • Insight News

What took the men of Kappa Alpha Psi so long to put together their Konopoly, Black and White Ball?

This is the event the Twin Cities was waiting on, but didn’t know it until it hit. And wow, did it hit.

The event, put on by the St.

Paul-Minneapolis Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, brought out more than 300 revelers, almost all clad in black and white (of course

insightnews.com

there was that one who was like the skit from “Sesame Street” … one of these kids was doing his own thing).

With a live band and DJ Chuck Chizzle, the party roared on until the a.m. Kudos goes to Kappa, Shed G, for coordinating the event.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Nupes, Shed G (left) and St. Paul-Minneapolis Alumni polemarch, Keith Lewis.

Normally bringing the news, reporters Ashley McCray (left) and Adrienne Broaddus were the news, turning heads all night.

Soul Tools Entertainment power couple, Toki Wright (left) and Brittany Lynch.

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Shanee Bailey, looking stunning in black and white.