Wain McFarlane & The Dreadlock Cowboys @ Terminal Bar Dec. 17 409 E. Hennepin Ave. Mpls. Also, the long awaited return of Hurcil Woodruff & the Cool Water Cowboys “Stand In Line” CD release party. Music starts @ 8PM
INSIGHT NEWS November 15 - November 21, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 46 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com
Kenneth Caldwell
Photos courtesy of the artist
Kenneth Caldwell
“The Naked Truth” merges music and art By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer The fusion of art and music is as short a journey as a brush stroke of paint when artist Kenneth Caldwell is at the helm of creativity. Finding his comfort within the canvas at
the age of six helped urge his inner love affair with musical genres such as Blues, Jazz, and Hip Hop, into a career of painting his reflection of the world inside of scales and melodies. In the beginning, Kenneth followed in the footsteps of his father Charles Caldwell,
the mixed-media artist who’s been creating celebrated works for the past 25 years. Being inspired by his father was not only an encouragement, but also an incentive to eventually find his own voice within the paint.
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Minneapolis Urban League receives $300K Technology Grant from Microsoft Closing the Digital Divide: Minneapolis Urban League receives $300K Technology Grant from Microsoft The times aren’t just changing, they’re moving forward at blinding speed. The past 15 years have seen enormous changes in every field. The age of the Internet is here and those who aren’t comfortable with the new advances may find themselves going the way of the blacksmith. There are numerous nonprofit organizations, religious and educational institutions and
government agencies that have been doing great work and making strides to help close the education, health and employment gaps for people of color. One disparity that often gets overlooked, however, is the technology gap or digital divide. According to a 2003-2006 study conducted by the US Dept. of Education Institute of Educational Sciences: Household income, parent education and whether the home has two parents all correlate with
Obama reflects on new Congress By Tony Best Special to the NNPA from The New Carib News A reflective U.S. President Barack Obama, chastened by the Democratic loss of their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, but buoyed by his party’s ability to hold the Senate, has put job creation and accelerating the pace of economic growth at the top of his agenda for the next two years. Accepting blame not only for the loss of the House and his party’s reduced strength in the Senate, but also for the defeat of
at least nine governors across the country, Obama acknowledged that he hadn’t done enough to change the culture and ways of doing business in Washington. However, he defended his Administration’s emphasis on health care reform, stimulating the economy and other signature measures, which he insisted were vital to stop the economic free-for-all he had inherited. Speaking during an hourlong news conference at the White House the day after the mid-term elections, the President said that he felt bad about the loss of so many prominent and
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Health
Rashana PriceIsuk: Giving back her share
PAGE 6
higher computer and Internet use. The racial divide in computer usage is tied to broader problems, including poverty in Black and Latino communities and even
GRANT TURN TO 2 M.M. Monahan
Scott Gray, President/CEOMinneapolis Urban League, David Porter, VP of Retail Stores-Microsoft, Taylor Cisco, Social Engagement ManagerMinneapolis Urban League
Leading artistic and professional lives
Daryl Boudreaux This is the fourth in a series of artist biographies aimed at illuminating the depth of talent, creative and productivity Minnesota artist bring to their craft and to our community and culture in the broadest sense. We continue and focus on two more incredibly talented members of Grammy Awardwinning Sounds of Blackness. Daryl Boudreaux, a highly skilled percussionist and studio
Lifestyle
Making a good (Thanksgiving) impression
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Photos courtesy of the artists
Jennifer L. J. Whitlock
Juan Navarro
musician, song writer , member of ASCAP and of The Grammy Award-Winning Sounds of Blackness. Boudreaux is also a veteran performer nationally and internationally. He has stellar voice over talent for records and commercials. Jennifer L. J. Whitlock, Alto/Contralto, wife, mother and grandmother, is celebrating 33 years as an ensemble member of the Sounds of Blackness.
In addition to singing, she has also serviced in the capacity of Road Manager and Officer, coordinating and overseeing the logistics of the group as they traveled nationally and internationally. Providing vocal support on multiple recordings with the Sounds of Blackness, she has also performed in and directed multiple productions of the Night before Christmas a Musical Fantasy. Whitlock
Technology
Broadband Access Project: Sabathani Community Center
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has been a company member of Penumbra Theatre since 1984, and had has performed in a number of musical productions, such Black Nativity, Ain’t Misbehavin, ‘Bubblin’ Brown Sugar, Selma, Tambourines To Glory, A Soldiers Play and Purlie. By day, Whitlock is a Senior Manager of Inventory Materials Management and Customer Service for MoneyGram International. Juan Navarro has been a member of the Grammy Award Winning Sounds of Blackness for 14 years and performed with them all over the world. He has played the trombone professionally for 30 years. Born and raised in New York City, he has performed with many groups from many
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Sports
Without struggle there is no progress for the Vikings
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Page 2 • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Insight News
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BUSINESS How tomorrow’s workspace is working today Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Success is elastic: ask ten people to explain it and you will hear ten definitions. Words like progress, accomplishment, dollars, and impact all play a part in describing success, along with creativity, innovation and sweat equity. But in business, the bottom line is results. The challenge to companies today is to achieve those results in highly competitive arenas where even
the environmental impact of an initiative is publicly scrutinized. Lately, a few local companies have met that challenge with remarkable agility and fabulous results. Imagine having the freedom at work to choose for yourself when, where and how you achieve results. At global medical device manufacturer American Medical Systems (AMS), the vision was to facilitate success by altering the working landscape both physically and emotionally. AMS looked at ways employees utilized both their personal workspace and the wide range of communication tools available today and developed “Lifeworks,” a transformation
that will likely be a model for corporate workspaces going forward. Physically, the new AMS environment is a dynamic, community-oriented space. Employees keep personal belongings in professionalstyle lockers and choose from available desks or meeting areas, rather than being assigned their own personal real estate. Do people fight for certain desks or meeting rooms? “There isn’t a bad seat in the house,” says Dave McGinty, AMS Global Real Estate & Facilities Manager. And he’s right. Just entering the Lifeworks space evokes a sense of calm productivity. Rather than long lines of cubes with narrow
walkways, the Lifeworks space has a feel of openness, with creative use of glass walls and multi-level partitions which also can serve as white boards and projection surfaces. The design scheme is decidedly 21st century, but the feel is one of comfortable camaraderie. Picture a variety of tables, desks, and cozy seating areas as well as meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology. It’s kind of Caribou Coffee meets Buzz Lightyear, and so far it seems to be working. Employees appreciate the flexibility to determine their own schedules and workspaces. Responsibilities don’t change; full time work is full time work, but the ability
to do that work according to what works for you means less stress and, ultimately, improved productivity. Managers will now gauge performance more directly on goals and results rather than on whether someone took a long lunch or had one too many dentist appointments. Employers like AMS and General Mills, another local leader in this initiative, find that offering a streamlined, flexible environment helps attract and keep top talent, enhancing business continuity and innovation while actually reducing overhead by eliminating the need for excess workspace and resources. Can it get any better than this? Only if the environment
benefits, as well. Reducing the physical space a company demands means reducing energy usage, air pollution and more. “Flexible work is here to stay,” says the team at AMS. It might take some getting used to, but so did recycling, email and indoor plumbing. And like all of those, this could turn out to be a positive change all the way around. Julie Desmond has fifteen years recruiting and career planning experience. She currently leads job search and career planning seminars for Help Wanted! Workshops in Minneapolis, St Paul and Edina, MN. Write to Julie@InsightNews.com.
Youth business club develops entrepreneurial skills Recent studies show that nearly seven million jobs that employed young people were erased during the current economic meltdown. In fact, 52.2% of youth do not have a job, the highest percentage since World War II. However, a group of hardworking and dedicated youth from St. Paul’s Selby Avenue neighborhood are paving the way for their own entrepreneurial and economic
future. The Selby Ave Youth Business Club began in November 2009 as a collaborative between Mychael Wright, owner of Golden Thyme Café; Janet Williams with The Family Partnership; Dave Bonko and Sara Reller with Selby Area Community Development Corporation; and the University of St Thomas SIFE team to build a program to promote the next generation
entrepreneur and successful workforce. The Selby Ave Youth Business Club, SAYBC, is a program that provides free entrepreneurial training, technical assistance and mentoring to neighborhood youth ages 9-16 thus empowering their economic future. The collaborative nature of the team nurtures creativity, curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“There is no better time than the present to start teaching our kids the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur,” said Wright. “It’s time to begin empowering the youth of our community to take control of their own economic futures by giving them the tools and support they’ll need.” Since last fall, SAYBC students have participated in business training sessions covering finance, marketing,
operations and research. Students have started their own enterprise that sells holiday ornaments in order to grasp a hands-on understanding of the concepts of business. The purchasing of these ornaments support kids, growth, local business, and the community. SAYBC classes are provided free of charge. SAYBC is funded in part by the Otto Bremer Foundation. The Selby Avenue Youth
Business Club is open to youth ages 9-16 who are interested in starting their own or learning more about business. The group meets the first and third Saturday of every month from 9:30 am to noon at Golden Thyme Cafe on Selby and Milton. For more information, interested parties can visit http:// selbyareacdc.org/Saybcindex. html , e-mail at SAYBC10@ gmail.com or contact at: 615964-0710.
Grant
explore college scholarships or just get comfortable going online. The unemployment rate is disproportionately higher for minorities across the nation and Minneapolis has the second highest disparity in the country. Many of the unemployed don’t have the necessary skills for entry-level positions that would enable them to secure the kind of employment that could lead to significantly higher income. Even though prerequisites for employment don’t always include post-secondary education, numerous positions require at
least fundamental proficiency on standard MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. On Saturday, November 6th, the Minneapolis Urban League was presented with a $300K Technology Grant from Microsoft. The Minneapolis Urban League was one of three organizations that received a grants to coincide with the opening of the new Microsoft Store at the Mall of America. The Minneapolis Urban League applied for eligibility back in September, and worked on generating interest
in the Technology Grant among its employees, partners and constituents. The amount of the grant was determined by active participation in the Microsoft Giving Campaign, a Facebookbased system that allowed visitors to “vote” for one of the three contestants. Each vote was worth $20. Voters paid nothing, all they had to do was click and the organization received $20. If a voter shared the link to vote with their own Facebook friends, an additional $20 was awarded. The Minneapolis Urban League will use the funds
to update the Gateway to Opportunity Resource Center, open to the public, located at the Glover-Sudduth Center in North Minneapolis. The funds will also be used to overhaul the technology infrastructure of the Urban League’s two contract alternative schools as well as other Gateway to Opportunity programs. Microsoft will be working closely with the Minneapolis Urban League to develop a comprehensive strategy for using the grant dollars in the most effective and beneficial ways. Along with reading, writing
and arithmetic, computer literacy is a prime component for our success. Failure to close the digital divide will result in an expansion of the unemployment disparity placing an already at-risk community at a severe disadvantage as competition in shrunken job markets grows fiercer. The Minneapolis Urban League’s $300K Technology Grant is the first of many steps in closing the digital divide so that every member of the community can unlock his or her own gateway to opportunity.
From 1 a cultural reluctance to use the Internet Two of every three white students (67%) use the Internet, but less than half of blacks and Hispanics do. 54% of white students use the Internet at home, compared with 26% of Hispanic and 27% of Black youngsters. Limited access at home can erode a student’s ability to research assignments,
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Insight News • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Page 3
Akobaye Drexall Stafford, 38, “Gone too soon” Church on 1505 Burns Avenue in St. Paul. Michael Jackson’s song, “Gone Too Soon” (1991) expresses the feeling we have regarding our lost. We have learned a lot in the days that followed Ako’s death about his passions, curiosity, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand. The clarity came not because of something Ako said or did, but through the outpouring
Courtesy of the family
Akobaye Drexall Stafford
By Julian Stafford, Ed. D. & Jan Stafford Akobaye Drexall Stafford, age 38, died on Saturday, October 31, 2010 in Corvallis, OR. In his short life, Ako was a husband, father, poet, an outstanding athlete, soldier, college-athlete academic adviser and specialeducation foster-care provider. On Friday, November 19th at 10 am, a military interment will be held for Ako at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul. A memoriam will follow at 11:30 am at Progressive Baptist
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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 Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Andrew Notsch Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Technology Reporters Shanice Brown Ivan B. Phifer Christopher Toliver Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond S. Himie Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.
of love and support we all received from so many friends. It became clear that the friends he made and the depth of those friendships revealed Ako’s beautiful spirit. He never said, “This is how you treat people.” Instead he modeled it. We never saw him treat anyone badly nor speak poorly about anyone. He was warm-hearted and nonjudgmental of people. Most importantly, he taught us to be
more giving. He demonstrated how to give people love, treat them with kindness, respect and let people know that they matter, no matter their station in life. That might seem small or even ordinary to some, but it is the true measure of the man and gave us a glimpse into the depth of his soul. Losing one’s nephew is never easy. Letting go is a painful challenge as we
remember the beautiful baby in the crib, the proud boy in his Boys-Scout uniform, the handsome strong teenager in the American Legion Baseball and football jerseys and the brave young man in the soldier uniform. To so many who are helping us with his lost, with dignity, grace and glory, we thank you, humbly and kindly. Gone too soon - the words speak of his passing, we pause
and reflect: “Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight Here one day - Gone one night …” Ako was born September 29, 1972, to Pompey and Florence Stafford in Saint Paul. He attended both elementary and middle school
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Page 4 • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Insight News
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EDUCATION Florida Memorial University board of trustees selects new president
Dr. Henry Lewis III The Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees
has selected Henry Lewis III, Pharm.D. to serve as Florida Memorial University’s new president. The announcement was made during an afternoon meeting attended by nearly 300 faculty, staff and students anticipating an introduction of the new president-elect by Charles W. George, chairman of the Board of Trustees. After being introduced to the campus family, Lewis expressed his appreciation to the Board for their confidence in his leadership and stewardship, and his enthusiasm to instill
confidence and competence in each prospective Florida Memorial graduate. “I see a diamond in the rough in Florida Memorial University, and I am confident that the institution can be the greatest institution it can be,” he stated. Lewis has served as dean and professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at
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Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, FL for the past 15 years. As a former interim president of FAMU, he also served as dean of the Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for four years. Dr. Lewis is the past president of the Minority Health Professions Foundation (MHPF) and the Association of Minority Health Professions
Schools (AMHPS). Under his leadership, the two organizations secured over $100 million in support of programs improving the quality of education and availability of health care to underserved communities. Lewis is also the former chairman of the board of the Florida Education Fund, the nation’s largest producer of African-American Ph.D.’s.
After graduating from FAMU with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from the program where he now serves as dean, he earned a doctor of pharmacy degree from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia and completed his post-doctoral studies at Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management.
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Insight News • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Page 5
AESTHETICS Review: Soledad O’Brien’s The Next Big Story success in each of their chosen professions. In The Next Big Story, Soledad revisits her challenging formative years in order to illustrate how overcoming childhood adversity perhaps served to shape not only her personality, but her compassionate approach to her career as a television journalist at CNN. Whether it was being asked “Are you Black?” by a portrait photographer at the age of 11, being teased “If you’re a [N-word] why don’t you have
Book Review By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com “I began life as the child of a mixed-race marriage growing up in a white suburb, treated sometimes as a creature of bad circumstance… Bad things happen until good people get in the way. I learned this life lesson growing up in Smithtown, Long Island, and I see it almost everywhere I go in pursuit of the next big story… My immigrant parents made sure I had the potential to capture my American dream anyway. I was handed a life of possibilities. That experience left me with the urge to chart how those around us get their chance at life and whether they go on to share their good fortune with others when the time comes.” -- Excerpted from the Introduction (pg. 4) Soledad O‘Brien is the daughter of immigrants, one from Australia, the other from Cuba, who met in this country while pursuing the proverbial American Dream. However because one was white, and the other was Black, they had to flee the South after falling in love, since interracial marriage was still against the law down there.
big lips?” by an 8th grader in the hallway at school, or having to hear “Why do I have to sit next to the Black girl?” coming from the sister of a friend, Soledad suffered a host of indignities on the path to the peak of her profession. Fortunately, once in a position to make a difference covering disasters like the Great Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina or the Haitian Earthquake, this intrepid reporter has kept the pedal to the medal in an indefatigable quest to shed light
on the plight of the least of her brethren. As for her private life, we learn that this frecklefaced, doting mother of four was an ugly duckling who never dated in high school before blossoming in Boston where she met her husband, Brad. A moving memoir which does justice to the effervescent spirit and unbridled intellectual curiosity of a truly empathetic soul my faithful readers already know just might be the brightest person I’ve had the privilege of interviewing.
THREE-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNING
Photos courtesy of Soledad O’Brien
Soledad O’Brien’s photos So, the couple moved to New York where they integrated a lily-white community on the North Shore of Long Island. There, they settled down to raise pigs, geese, and a halfdozen kids in a town marked
by bigotry and intolerance. Nonetheless, the tight-knit O‘Brien siblings managed to flourish academically, and all eventually attended Harvard University before going on to meet with phenomenal
www.SoundsOfBlackness.com
A Musical Fantasy! This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus, & Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance, as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B & Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues & Gospel, featuring Sounds of Blackness singers & band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs & scenes. This is a must see performance for the whole family!
MONDAY · 7:30 PM
December 13
GUTHRIE THEATER Wurtele Thrust Stage
$
32.50 Adults / $16.50 Kids 10 & under
Tickets available at the Guthrie Theater Box Office, charge by phone 612.377.2224, and online at GuthrieTheater.org www.suemclean.com
Page 6 • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Insight News
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HEALTH Rahshana Price-Isuk: Giving back her share By Chris Garner Contributing Writer Things have come full circle for North Minneapolis native Rahshana Price-Isuk, M.D., who has recently returned to the neighborhood to stake her spot as the first African American female medical director at Neighborhood HealthSource (NHS), formerly Fremont Community Clinics. “This wonderful opportunity will allow me to serve the community I grew up in, fulfilling a goal I have always had giving back to those who gave to me,” said Price-Isuk. The graduate of Northeast Junior High School and North Community High School credits her own family doctor
Stafford
From 3 and participated on numerous athletic teams in Shoreview, MN before matriculating at Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, MN. He graduated from Saint Thomas in June 1990. Ako was not only an excellent student at Saint Thomas Academy, but he was also an outstanding athlete. He was a member of the track team and played both varsity basketball and football. In the latter, he made All-Metro and All-State his senior year and “sacked” a future Heisman Trophy winner several times in due course. For his football prowess Ako earned a fouryear football scholarship to the University of Maine (1990-95) in Bangor, ME. At the university, he was an AllConference linebacker as a leading tackler on the team. His coaches and teammates loved him. Ako was also invited to try out with several
Rahshana Price-Isuk
Chris Garner
as an important fixture to her becoming a doctor. It was extremely motivating to her to know that her doctorial dreams
could be within her reach as long has she worked hard and knew that being a doctor was what she wanted to do.
professional football teams. Educational obtainment was a priority for Ako. He sought a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Maine. With a bachelor’s, he envisioned a productive career in public school secondary education. Many people who Ako encountered spoke about his character, kindness, sense of fairness, determination and humility. They espoused that such qualities would make him an excellent educator, as well as an enduring role model for students. This speaks to his ability to write beautiful, introspective poetry. While in college Ako responded to a more immediate calling. He volunteered for the United States Army. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC. While in the service he made more than fifty parachute jumps. Upon being honorably discharged, he re-enrolled at his alma-mater to complete the necessary course work for his bachelor’s degree in secondary
education. While there he met and married Tamara Ellis, his beloved wife of twelve exciting years. After receiving his master’s degree in College-Student Service Administration from the University of Oregon in Corvallis Oregon, Ako provided academic and social support to studentathletes at several stellar institutions. His first stop was at the University of Oregon; second at the Louisiana State University in Baton Rogue, LA; after which he returned to his beloved University of Oregon. Then again, he was most passionate about being a special-needs foster parent provider and caretaker for the State of Oregon, working with children with severe learning and physical disabilities. This was done with compassionate temerity. The vast expressions of sympathy are a testament to the way Ako lived his life and how deeply he touched others. I’m not sure how we would, or could, respond individually to
Price-Isuk went on to get her under graduate degree from Hampton University in Virginia in 1998 before completing Medical School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2002. She then returned home to start her family and to for residency at University of Minnesota Broadway Clinic and North Memorial Hospital. After completing training in 2005, Price-Isuk accepted a position teaching at Broadway Clinic where she supervised saw patients and taught residents. While serving as a teacher, PriceIsuk did community outreach at Fremont Clinic once a week before being recruited by former NHS medical director Dr. Ron Jankowski for his position. Her hope by taking the hundreds and hundreds of people who sent condolences through messages on Facebook, e-mail, text and Twitter. So many people have sent well wishes in cards, flowers, through letters of sympathy and telephone calls. And many more have posted on Ako’s online obituary. We are so grateful for your support during our period of enormous emotional grief and sorrow. Survivors include his parents, Pompey and Florence Stafford of Shoreview, MN; wife, Tamara Ellis-Stafford of Corvallis; two daughters, Kiaya and Jadyn; a brother, Abebi Stafford of Alexandria, VA; a sister, Beulah (“Peaches”) Brawer-Shaw of Charlotte, NC; a niece; three nephews, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, friends and acquiescents throughout the United States. To depart in the prime of life in modernity is: “Like a comet, Blazing ‘cross the evening sky Gone too soon Like a sunset, dying with the rising of the moon Gone too soon - Gone too soon.”
the position was to be able to do more in the community than just see patients. “I’ve always been interested in inner city medicine, diversity and the social economic status, and the ability to serve the underserved,” said PriceIsuk. As medical director she overseas Fremont Clinic, Central Clinic and Sheridan Clinic supplying service to various ethnicities with various incomes, all while still seeing patients four days a week. Her passion is in teen care and prenatal care, though she sees patients with problems ranging from scrapes and cuts to diabetes. “It’s all about education. I feel I have to educate my patients on their disease processes,” she said. She said it is essential that all of her patients not only know
how to treat their problems but how to maintain their health. When this busy doctor isn’t working she loves spending time with her husband and two sons. Price-Isuk also enjoys volunteering at her church, Mighty Fortress and participating in the national organization, American Family Physicians. Price-Isuk took over her medical director duties from Jankowski on September 23rd of this year. Since appointed, she has worked to better quality improvement and health management. Price-Isuk knows that in order to guarantee she gives her patients the best health care she can provide she must first prioritize and understand that she is doing something for a greater power.
Rep. Frank Hornstein
Courtesy of NAMI
National Alliance on Mental Illness honors Rep. Frank Hornstein The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota presented State Rep. Frank Hornstein-DFL60B with a Legislator of the Year Award at its Annual Conference, held in St. Paul on November 6. “This past legislative session the House health and human services finance bill contained over $50 million in cuts to the mental health system, cutting respite care, supportive
housing, school-based mental health services, and crisis team funding,” said NAMI’s executive director Sue Abderholden. “Rep. Hornstein knew the devastation that this would cause, and thanks to his efforts on the floor of the House, all the funding was restored. His actions were applauded by families and individuals across the state affected by mental illness.
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Insight News • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Page 7
COMMENTARY Stop the bullying problem in our schools Child Watch By Marian Wright Edelman NNPA Columnist The problem of bullying in our nation’s schools has been in the headlines again, in large part because of a heartbreaking series of recent tragedies: children and youths who took their lives after they were bullied or harassed because their peers believed they were gay. We need to immediately send a clear message to all our children that bullying and harassment for this or any other reason is simply not acceptable. At the same time, we need to make sure that every child knows she or he is a gift from God and feels loved and accepted and valued the way they are. President Obama was one of the thousands of people who recently chose to record a video statement for the “It Gets Better” Project, started in September by journalist Dan Savage who is collecting and posting messages of hope and encouragement to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths who might be experiencing harassment or bullying or feeling isolated and desperate right now. The
President said, “We’ve got to dispel the myth that bullying is just a normal rite of passage that it’s some inevitable part of growing up. It’s not. We have an obligation to ensure that our schools are safe for all of our kids. And to every young person out there, you need to know that if you’re in trouble, there are caring adults who can help... You are not alone. You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t do anything to deserve being bullied. And there is a whole world waiting for you, filled with possibilities. There are people out there who love you and care about you just the way you are... The other thing you need to know is, things will get better.” It will get better—and adults need to do everything possible to be sure that for these youths and all other children and teens who are being bullied or harassed today, it gets better right now. Earlier this year, the first—ever Federal National Bullying Summit was held in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Steering Committee, a collaboration between the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Interior, and Justice. In his opening remarks Secretary of Education Arne Duncan noted that in 2007 nearly one out of three students in middle school and high school said they had been bullied at school during the school year, and one out of
Bios
Obama
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different styles of music including salsa legend Oscar D’Leon. Jazz legends Lionel Hampton and Betty Carter with the McDonalds High School Jazz Band. The NY Philharmonic with the New York All City High School Orchestra at Lincoln Center.
dedicated public servants who were defeated in House, Senate, and gubernatorial races. But, he vowed to put more Americans back to work and to improve their earning and spending power. Job creation is an important question for Republicans and Democrats, he told reporters.
Obama’s “It Gets Better” Project video statement
whitehouse.gov
nine secondary school students, or 2.8 million students, said they had been pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on during the last school year. Secretary Duncan made clear that the government is committed to enforcing laws against harassment wherever they apply and doing all else possible to keep schools and students safe. The Administration has already planned several next steps for the coming months, including a White House conference on bullying early next
year and a series of workshops the Department of Education will hold for educators across the country. The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights recently reminded school districts that harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, or disability violates federal civil rights laws, so in every instance where a school “knows or reasonably should have known” about this kind of harassment,
it has the responsibility under federal law to end the harassment, eliminate any hostile environment and its effects, and prevent the harassment from recurring. Schools have this responsibility even if the misconduct is already covered under the school’s discipline policy, and regardless of whether a student has complained, asked the school to take action, or identified the harassment as discriminatory. Adults must simply take charge—as Assistant
The President seemingly took solace in the Democrats’ ability to retain the Senate by the narrowest of margins, especially the victory by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Nevada, a feat which public opinion polls in the two weeks before Tuesday election had put in doubt. Obama vowed to work with both Republicans and Democrats to accelerate the pace of growth. But the somber atmosphere at the crowded news conference
at the White House didn’t extend to Albany, New York as Andrew Cuomo sailed to an overwhelming victory in the race for Governor to succeed David Paterson. The sweet taste of victory enjoyed by Cuomo, who defeated Conservative Republican candidate Carl Paladino by close to a two-toone margin wasn’t the only joyous note for Democrats in the Empire State. Eric Schneiderman handily thumped Dan Donovan, Staten Island
District Attorney, to become State Attorney General and Thomas DiNapoli overcame a strong challenge from Republican Harry Wilson to remain State Comptroller. While the Democrats cruised to an easy victory once again in the Assembly, they may have to wait several days to know if they are going to retain the majority in the State Senate. With the 59 seats declared so far evenly being divided, about three remain to be decided and that
Secretary of Education for Civil Rights Russlyn Ali put it, it is the school’s responsibility to “stop it, fix it, and prevent it.” But bullying can take many forms, for many reasons—and bullying that does not violate these specific federal guidelines is still serious, dangerous, and wrong. The Department of Education outlined a list of negative effects of bullying and harassment: lowered academic achievement and aspirations; increased anxiety; loss of self-esteem and confidence; depression and post-traumatic stress; general deterioration in physical health; self-harm and suicidal thinking; feelings of alienation in the school environment, such as fear of other children; and absenteeism from school. In an age where technology is making cyberbullying and other new kinds of harassment an even more widespread threat, it is more important than ever that all adults—starting with every single parent—be sure our children understand that any kind of bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Studies show many youths who bully others have been mistreated themselves but even this can never be an excuse. It must simply add to the urgency we all feel about stopping the cycle right now. Find out what you can do to end bullying in your community by visiting the Stop Bullying Now campaign website.
could make a difference between sweeping the Republicans or sharing power with them for the next two years. In Massachusetts, Duval Patrick won a second term as Governor. Once again, New Yorkers voted to restrict members of the City Council, the Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate and Borough Presidents to two terms. In a referendum, most City voters said two terms was enough.
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LIFESTYLE Making a good Thanksgiving impression Style on a Dime By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com My girlfriend, who’s more of a sister, recently called from Atlanta in a frenzy. I could hear it in her voice. “Missy, what you doing?” she asked. She went on to tell me that she was just leaving
the furniture store, where she’d been shopping for the perfect new family-room sectional that would comfortably seat all the out-of-town in-laws expected for Thanksgiving. She wanted to get a second opinion about her choice, so I went online to the store’s website. While the sectional was nice, it really seemed too big for her space, so I gave her my honest opinion. Over the next couple of days, I provided my long distance decorating consultation, and then my sister had a sudden epiphany; all the stress about the seating was self-imposed and unnecessary.
The sofa she already owned, although well used by her family of six, was still in good shape; it just needed cleaning. It even had removable, washable covers on the cushions. In addition, she concluded that instead of making a rash decision under pressure, it would be much wiser to work with what she already had. She decided to take her time, save up, and buy the sofa she really wanted. Are you stressing over the imperfections of your home as you prepare for Thanksgiving visitors? Here are just two words of advice; quit trippin! Consider the following free ways to impress your guests and give them that warm, fuzzy feeling when they walk in the door. Clean Up. Okay, I know this sounds pretty basic, but sometimes the obvious must be stated. Don’t worry about making it immaculate. Grab a laundry basket for power cleaning and take it from room to room gathering up things that don’t belong and putting them in their proper spot. Do however, make sure those
Wikimedia Commons (Alcinoe)
bathrooms are well cleaned and have a new can of disinfectant/ deodorizing spray on hand. If the food is especially good, this room is sure to get a lot of action! Light a scented candle an hour in advance of dinnertime and you’ll be all set. Freshen Up. This is perhaps
the most important rule of all. Get some rest before your holiday guests arrive (I’m talking to myself right now)! There is nothing worse than a cranky, moody host. Avoid the temptation to stay up too late several nights in a row. You will enjoy your guests so much more. In addition, a wellrested host will not go bananas when the inevitable happens; little Jr. spills his drink on the carpet. (Serve only the clear stuff to the kids and leave the Tahitian Treat Fruit Punch for the grown folks.) Eat Up. Since everyone will partake in the eating, don’t be afraid to ask for help with the cooking. Consider asking your local guests if they would bring their favorite side dish to sharethey’ll feel good about being asked. Even your out-of-town guests will probably be glad to
join you in the kitchen and assist by chopping onions and bell peppers, and chatting. While we all want our homes to look nice when holiday visitors arrive, it’s not where the true value lies. Our family and true friends are always most impressed with the warmth and sincerity of our hospitality. In fact, they will be so busy eating, laughing, and fellowshipping they won’t even notice any of the insignificant projects and purchases that kept you stressing. Be Thankful and Enjoy! Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.
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Insight News • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Page 9
TECHNOLOGY Broadband Access Project: Sabathani Community Center Larry Fitzgerald, Jr, himself a graduate of Sabathani’s Horizon Youth Program, a program serving community youth for over 24 years. BAP funding meant an upgrade and makeover, including new computers, computer desks and chairs. Computers being retired by the newly-purchased equipment were given to children in the program who do not have computers at home. At the upgraded lab, adult participants receive help with resume building.
By Ivan B. Phifer MMMC Technology Reporter The Sabathani Community Center serves South Minneapolis youth, children and families with programs intended to strengthen and build the capacity in the community. Sabathani’s Broadband Access Project Public Computer Center addresses the issue of the digital divide, inviting at-risk youth and community members that have limited access to internet technology to explore and use high-speed internet training and services. Sabathani, 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, is one of the 11 partner sites in the University of Minnesota’s innovative Broadband Access Project (BAP). The Broadband Access Project is a $3.6 million initiative of the University’s Urban Research and Outreach/ Engagement Center (UROC) designed to improve highspeed internet access, awareness and use in four federally-designated poverty zones in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The initiative is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, at the US Department of Commerce. The Broadband Access Project supports development and enhancement of the 11 community-based public computer centers for underserved populations, including African and African Americans, Latino, Asian/ Pacific Islander immigrants, and American Indians. As a result of the BAP grant, Sabathani upgraded its computer lab and employed additional technology support. Sabathani’s original computer lab was funded by
Bobby Lay
Suluki Fardan
The computer lab also provides assistance with business plans, where to find information on starting a small business, including business procedures, and financial systems. There is also a computer training program for senior citizens. Classes accommodate 20 people each. On completion of a class, individuals receive
SABATHANI TURN TO 11
Page 10 •November 15, 2010 - November 21, 2010 • Insight News
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The MacPhail Community Youth Choir – Youth join in song and cultures J.D. Steele (of the Steele family singers) and MacPhail Center for Music have brought together youth in grades 7-12, from all corners of the Twin Cities, all walks of life, to join hands and voices in a new youth choir which was created last spring. The MacPhail Community Youth Choir (MCYC), is led under the direction of Steele. The MCYC Winter Concert is December 1, 7 pm in Antonello Hall, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 South Second St., Minneapolis. They will be in performance with the MacPhail Suzuki String Teens with music selections written by members of the MCYC. “The MCYC allows the kids to experience something different in fellowship as well as music,” Steele said. “It raises their self-esteem when they have
to perform professionally. It’s amazing to see how they change and develop. When kids have the opportunity to shine, they reflect it back bright and shiny!” The youth are from all areas of the Twin Cities: Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Plymouth, Columbia Heights, Brooklyn Center, Edina and Golden Valley and attend schools across the Twin Cities including: South High, Minnehaha Academy, St. Therese’s, Patrick Henry, and Wayzata High. The MCYC is free and open to students of all skill levels and abilities. They rehearse every Saturday at the historic Capri Theater in north Minneapolis. Steele said this is a great opportunity for the students to learn music techniques they won’t get anywhere else, covering all genres of music,
Calendar Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, andrew@insightnews.com, by fax: 612588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Andrew Notsch. Free or low cost events preferred.
Events NRRC Board of Directors Elections - Nov 16 — Nov. 16 8am-9pm at UROC - 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. NRRC is comprised of 13 districts that represent the residents of Willard-Hay and Near North Neighborhoods. This year’s elections will be for odd numbered districts - 2 representatives for each district. NRRC board positions are volunteer and require a minimum time commitment of 4-6 hours per month. Nominations are open until Nov. 9. If interested or for more info, contact: aramadan@ nrrc.org or call 612-335-5924. Give to the Max Day - Nov 16 — If you donate to MCTC on Give to the Max Day on Nov. 16, your contribution will be matched by the MCTC Foundation. Give through GiveMN.org and maximize your money towards scholarships to help our students in need. Visit our Give to the Max Day page at http://givemn.razoo.com/story/ The-Minneapolis-Community-And-TechnicalCollege-Foundation. MCTC 1501 Hennepin Ave. Mpls, MN 55403.
including jazz, gospel, pop and East African. This past June, the MCYC had the opportunity to perform for the first time with the Shangilia Youth Choir of Kenya, at the Flint Hill International Children’s Festival. Steele created music in English and Swahili that he taught both choirs for their performance. Before the Kenya choir came to the United State, a virtual Skype exchange occurred between Steele and Shangilia in Nairobi and MCYC members at MacPhail to meet one another and sing together for the first time. A once in life time experience for both choirs. Steele hopes that this mix of kids will learn to respect and understand each other’s cultures. This concert is free. For more information, call (612) 321-0100.
PHONE: 612.588.1313
Bottineau Boulevard Open House - Nov 16 — There has been a lot of activity along Bottineau Boulevard (County Road 81) in recent months. An open house is being scheduled to provide residents, businesses, and area employees an opportunity to learn about progress made to date as well as gather your thoughts for future improvements. Tues., Nov. 16, 5:30pm-7:30pm @ Prairie Seeds Academy — 6200 West Broadway, Brooklyn Park - Accessible by Metro Transit Route 716 Stories of Celebration - Nov 17 — Storytelling event highlighting diversity and acceptance with nationally recognized storyteller Danielle Daniel. Childcare centers and families with pre-school children are encouraged to attend. The event will be free and open to the public at 10:30 a.m. on Wed., Nov. 17 at SFCS, 4500 Clinton Ave. Mpls. In the Tradition - National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference Nov 17 — Minneapolis/ St. Paul will be the center of the Black Storytelling world! On November 17 - 21, 2010, The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. (NABS) will present the 28th “In the Tradition…” Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference” at The Minneapolis Marriott City Center and throughout the Twin Cities community. With this year’s theme, in honor of their Ancestors and traditions, they will proclaim “Our Stories Are The Breath of Life!” For more information go to: WWW.NABSINC.ORG
OFFICE SUPPORT ASSISTANT – FRONT DESK The Dakota County CDA is seeking a full-time Office Support Assistant for its Administration Department. Responsibilities include agency-wide reception duties: answering phones and inquires, greeting the public, providing information, assisting clients with completion of program applications, processing mail, data entry and general office support. The position requires reliable attendance, strong customer service and organizational skills, and knowledge/experience with Microsoft Word and Excel. One year related education/experience required. Starting pay $13.65 to $14.52/hr. To apply online visit the CDA’s website at www.dakotacda. org. Paper applications are also available to download from the CDA’s website or request one in person at the CDA’s office located at 1228 Town Centre Drive in Eagan or call 651-675-4441. Deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. on November 19, 2010. Equal Opportunity Employer.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (WCHRA) is accepting applications for the full time position of Rental Assistance Program Administrator. Minimum requirements are a Bachelor’s Degree in Housing, Public Administration, or similar field, and four years experience with administering rental assistance programs, including the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Position responsible for managing $4 million department budget, ensuring program compliance, and establishing effective community relationships. Excellent benefits, salary commensurate with experience beginning at $57,406. To request an application packet, email smeza@wchra.com or call 651-458-0936. Deadline for application materials is 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2010. THE WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, RELIGION, AGE AND DISABILITY STATUS IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
CM/ECF Analyst The Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota is seeking a CM/ECF Analyst to be located in the Clerk’s Office in Minneapolis. The incumbent is the project manager of the court’s electronic case management system (CM/ECF) team and is responsible for ensuring the efficient use and effective integration of CM/ECF within all court operations. CM/ECF is an Informix database web application providing access to case information and documents. Qualifications: Applicants should have a combination of excellent technical skills/experience, as well as skill in managing projects. Technical skills include: experience with web applications and relational databases; ability to create, analyze, and maintain database tables and records; thorough knowledge of statistical/analytical methods; experience in providing support and communicating with end-users on complex operations and technical issues; ability to develop and deliver professional presentations and make recommendations to court management. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Court operations experience preferred. Future regular and promotional vacancies may be filled by internal or temporary employees. Starting salary $48,663 to $60,827. Position range to $79,073. For a complete job description please visit our web site at: www.mnd.uscourts.gov. Submit cover letter and resume by 5 PM on Monday, November 22nd, to HR Manager, U.S. District Court, 202 U.S. Courthouse, 300 S. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415. E-mail: hr-usdc@mnd.uscourts.gov. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident seeking U.S. citizenship. Noncitizens must execute an affidavit indicating their intent to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so. All employees are subject to a background check. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Programmer Analyst The U.S. District Court of Minnesota is seeking a Criminal Duty and The Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota is seeking a Programmer Analyst to be located in the Clerk’s Office in Minneapolis. The incumbent is responsible for professional work related to designing, modifying and adapting existing software, including the court’s electronic case management system (CM/ECF). CM/ECF is an Informix database web application providing access to case information and documents. Qualifications: Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience developing applications with a relational database back-end and an excellent understanding of relational database architecture and database design, Perl, SQL, Oracle, and Linux. Hands-on skill troubleshooting and repairing personal computers and ability to support related software including Windows XP, Microsoft Office, and similar applications. Preference will be given to applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related field and have prior experience and knowledge of PHP, Java, HTML, ColdFusion, Dreamweaver, Informix, and Domino programming languages. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Court operations experience preferred. Future regular and promotional vacancies may be filled by internal or temporary employees. Starting salary - $48,663 to $60,827. Position range to $79,073. For a complete job description please visit our web site at: www.mnd.uscourts.gov. Submit cover letter and resume by 5 PM on Monday, November 22nd, to HR Manager, U.S. District Court, 202 U.S. Courthouse, 300 S. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415. E-mail: hr-usdc@mnd.uscourts.gov. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident seeking U.S. citizenship. Noncitizens must execute an affidavit indicating their intent to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so. All employees are subject to a background check. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Defining Education Policy & Practice - Nov. 18 — The conference includes an opening and closing plenary and 22 dynamic breakout sessions on issues of pressing interest to P-20 educators and administrators, community advocates, elected officials and policy makers. Highlighting the conference is keynote speaker Tim King of the Urban Prep Academies. Thur. Nov. 18, from 9am5pm at the Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. Co-op Movie Night - William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe Nov 18 — Attorney William Kunstler was a hero to many who embraced progressive and radical politics in the United States. In this honest and emotionally complex documentary, Sarah and Emily Kunstler - daughters of the late defense attorney, attempt to separate the legend from the father they knew. Thur., Nov. 18 7-9pm at Eastside Food Co-op, FREE + Popcorn and Beverages 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast Award Nominations Due Nov. 19 — Each year during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast, the committee honors three people who are actively involved in their communities, demonstrating Dr. King’s dedication to nonviolent social change. The Local Legend award honors
Photo courtesy of MCYC
The MacPhail Community Youth Choir directed by J.D. Steele.
FAX: 612.588.2031
EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com
those with a legacy of service. The Emerging Legend award honors youth who are serving with distinction in their communities. Both nomination forms – due Nov. 19 – are available online at www. mlkbreakfast.com/LocalLegends/Default.aspx. Bid Whist Competition - Nov 20 — 2 FREE Raffle Tickets for early RSVPs. Limited tables must RSVP by 11/15 to play. Call 651-224-4601 or email bkortus@hallieqbrown.org to REGISTER! Tournament begins at 5pm on Sat. Nov. 20. Hallie Q. Brown Community Center 270 N. Kent St. St Paul
inner voice of the soul. November’s theme is “Pilgrimage,” and we will explore the inner and outer aspects of pilgrimage as well as the new navigational skills that we often discover. The Awakened Heart: Open Page Writing Series - Nov 23 — In this monthly series of guided writing sessions, participants will engage in writing as a spiritual practice, awakening and listening to the inner voice of the soul. 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul Nov. 23, 6:30-9pm. $30, scholarships available. Issues That Families Face - Nov 23 — Father’s & Sons speak out into the Community about issues that Families face . Merrick Community Center, 715 Edgerton, St. Paul, MN 55130. Time 6:00 to 8:00pm. Light Refreshments will be served. I can be reached at 651-771-9339.
Food and Clothing Distribution - Nov 23 — Food and clothing items collected during the drive will be distributed to students in need. Resources and referral services will be available to students in need by Community Action, Hennepin County, Freeport West, YouthLink, Streetworks, Healthcare for the Homeless, St. Stephen’s and Nettie & Friends Annual Show & Sale - Dec 10 Dress for Success. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., MCTC Gym Opening reception: Sat. Dec. 4 4-8pm. Egg and I 1501 Hennepin Ave. Mpls, MN 55403. East Restaurant, 2550 University Ave. St. Paul. OPEN FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH Metropolitan State hosts free concert Dec. 3 — Metropolitan State University presents “Holiday Favorites,” the first of four free concerts of the NE Holiday Boutique Crawl. Nov 20 — Shop Minnesota Sinfonia conducted by Jay Fishman, local for the holidays with carolers, special deals on Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. in the university’s and giveaways. I Love NE Minneapolis. http:// Auditorium, 700 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul. The concert is free and open to the public.Concert www.ilovenempls.com/ seating is first come, first served. For special Cover the City Blanket Drive - Nov 20 — 3Way accommodations call Disability Services at Entertainment, LLP will be hosting their 2nd 651-793-1549 (voice) or 651-772-7687 (TTY). Annual Cover the City Blanket Drive at the Midway Stadium from 9a.m. -2p.m. and North Community It’s Snowing Books - Free Book Giveaway for YMCA from 12 noon - 9 a.m. Sunday morning. Children - Dec 4 — The Reading is Fundamental To Support this effort, donate NEW blankets, (RIF) event will take place on Sat., Dec. 4 at 1:30 pm towels, hand warmer, and foot warmers. Items will at the Hope Community Children’s Village Center be donated to The Women of Nations Shelter and (CVC), 611 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls. RIF is a federally Dorothy Day Center. For more information, call funded family literacy program designed to encourage 651-278-8457 or email 3wayentmn@gmail.com. and engage students and parents in motivational reading activities. Bring your children for an afternoon Imani Winds - Nov 21 — The Imani “... the of stories, activities, and fun. Call Colnese Hendon at nation’s leading wind ensemble ...” (New Yorker 612-871-0662 to RSVP your attendance. Magazine)will perform modern and traditional works arranged for woodwinds. Sunday November 21, 2010 at 4pm with a Pre-concert Discussion @ 3pm. At St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Ave. (at Chelmsford) in St. Paul. The Awakened Heart: Open Page Writing Series - Nov 23 — 1890 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul November 23rd, 6:30-9pm $30 per session, scholarships available In this monthly series of guided writing sessions, participants will engage in writing as a spiritual practice, awakening and listening to the
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Insight News • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Page 11
SPORTS Without struggle there is no progress for the Vikings think that is? Answer: because “playas play”. All through the NFL video archives are famous plays that show athletes rising above the simple Xs and Os, by doing something that the projector and marker in the film room couldn’t fathom. Nobody ever thought about telling Miles Davis to stick to the musical notes on the paper, and you don’t go off on Brett Favre when he goes off script – and no I’m not calling Favre the Miles Davis of football. He’s
Mr. T’s Sports Report By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com During the 2009-2010 NFL season, the Vikings had everything going their way. The last second passes were successful by the tip of a toe in the end zone; coaches and players were getting along (most of the time); there were no stories of text messages that everyone wishes they hadn’t heard about; and Randy Moss was happy in New England, and thus nobody was in the Vikings locker room trippin’ about the catered food. The magic of the 2009 season was my reasoning for thinking that Brett Favre should have stayed saddled up on his tractor. The only thing that could stop the Vikings last year was a deep manifestation of that ole’ “Creole mojo,” that the Saints had cooking down in the Superdome. The Saints won the Super Bowl, so it seems that the mojo could not be defeated, and thus the Vikings technically did as well as they possibly could last year. And usually a year like that is not followed up by a year of the same type of performance or better. But to see Brett Favre throw for a career high in passing yardage in the recent game versus the Cardinals, suggests that I was wrong about Favre, and that maybe he can play until his Social Security kicks in. Now for point of balance, it must be recognized that the Vikings only beat the Cardinals, who had a three wins, four losses record. Considering the flux of the week leading to the game against the Cardinals, it made sense that the team might muddle through the early parts of the game. But with the talent of the Vikings
Brett Favre personnel, they likely should have trounced the struggling Cardinals in their sleep – even though the Vikings record was 2-5 coming in. So while the Vikings did find a spark in that game, they’ll have to back up that magical comeback with some kerosene to get through the good teams that lie ahead. Unfortunately a team is what their record says they are until they prove otherwise; and that doesn’t usually change until the teams’ record crosses the plateau of a .500 winning percentage. “Onward and upward,” I was told once before, and the Vikings should heed the same advice, because a 3-6 record will bring back that dark cloud that the Pink Panther runs away from in the cartoons. The Vikings are a veteran ball club, which makes the potential that they turn this
season around much more possible. Wide receiver Sidney Rice will return from his hip injury soon. It certainly would have been interesting to see the Rice, Moss, and Percy Harvin trio had everyone gotten along a little better. But even without that dreamy combination, veterans like Greg Camarillo have the ability to turn in results that make for a dangerous combination as well. The use of Adrian Peterson and rookie Toby Gerhart in the passing game has also crept out of the playbook. Those musings bring me to my real point, which centers around Vikings head coach Brad Childress. I actually think that Childress is a 80% great coach. The final 20% of a great coach that Childress doesn’t have, is what I call the Zen Factor. When the World Champion Los Angeles
Sabathani Community Center Computer Lab
Sabathani
From 9 certificates. The BAP Computer Lab programs officially started in August. Bobby Lay, who manages Sabathani’s Horizon Youth Program, one of Sabathani’s original programs, met with parents of Horizon students to let them know about new and improved computer lab. He introduced parents to BAP staff. Lay said, “The kids are the future, but we have to prepare them to lead. If we do not prepare them, we don’t get the type of leadership we need to get a Barack Obama, or somebody better that may be a person of color.” Horizon is also committed to working with adults who are not computer savvy. In the summer, the morning times are scheduled for children, while the evenings and weekends are reserved for adults. During the school year, Horizon provides after-school academic help for ages K through junior high, with equal girl-to-boy ratio. The program emphasis is on educational support through a core curriculum in reading, writing, math, and computer skills.
Further support is provided for social skills development, mentoring and positive role modeling. Horizon operates through the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) for at-risk kids. They offer fall, winter, spring and summer sessions and operate during school-release periods. Beyond the academics, enrichment activities like video games, basketball, and bowling—anything to keep the energy going—are provided. They also take bi-weekly field trips. Horizon typically enrolls 150 students and many of the students return after their first year. Most students stay throughout high school and often end up putting their own children in the program. Most children get referred through Minneapolis Pubic Schools, community service projects, or Hennepin County. Usually parents register their children. This enables the Sabathani Community Center to establish a parentcommunity relationship. This is important, as Lay stresses, since the program success depends on “The Triangle” the combination of community, school, and parents’ participation. He points out that during the summer, when school is out, and parents are working, the program assumes additional significance. It gives
Suluki Fardan
the children a safe space for constructive activities. Over the years the community around Sabathani has changed demographically. The numbers of Hispanics and Somali and other East Africans have been increasing. Sabathani services have always been available to any inner city resident, irrespective of ethnicity. The multicultural focus of the Broadband Awareness Project is another reflection of Sabathani’s efforts to serve all in the community and specially to engage children to prepare for the future. Sabathani’s Business Partner Program matches Horizon youth with General Mills employees. Students get information on the world of work and learn about job responsibilities in the workplace. General Mills volunteers also visit with the students at Sabathani. At the end of the summer, mentors and students have an offground field trip for further exploration of employment opportunities. Sabathani’s Broadband Access lab is open to the public Monday – Friday, 10:30 AM – 2:00 P.M., and 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 PM. For further information call Sabathani at 612-827-5981 .
Shane
Lakers (you must have known I was going to weave them in somehow) are playing, their coach Phil Jackson is sitting… chillin’. Phil Jackson knows he has a kick butt system of basketball. Phil Jackson knows that he has properly imparted that system upon the talented players on the team, and when it comes game time, it’s just time to “let a playa play.” Coach Childress can often be found referring to his “system”. Yes, it is fundamental to have a thoughtful system of execution in athletic competition. Yet even more fundamental than the system, are the athletes. You often hear coaches suggest that they took the “best athlete available” in the NFL Draft. Why do you
just undeniably great at what he does, like brother Miles. But the recent schisms in the Vikings’ locker room may help Childress progress as a coach. So while a system steadies that Viking boat sitting outside of the teams’ headquarters in Eden Prairie, I think that Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson “doin’ what they do” is far and away more valuable than any system. Great teams are great because of great players: So let a player play.
Page 12 • November 15 - November 21, 2010 • Insight News
Caldwell From 1 “I actually started out in high school doing black and whites, and portraits. As I got older, I wanted to do a
separation between my work and my father’s, so I started venturing off and playing in water color,” Kenneth recalled. “The technique came natural to me because of the skills I had acquired from doing pencil. A lot of people thought it was hard, but it was
like breathing to me. It came as second nature.” Kenneth’s body of work has been featured in various venues across the Twin Cities such as The Northeast Minneapolis Art Crawl, Bean Scene Coffee Shop, Hopkins Center for the Arts, as well as
insightnews.com worldwide during his various art tours. “Mic Fiend,” “New Jazz,” “32 Black,” and “Brown Skin Lady,” are only a few of the pieces created by Caldwell, but all of his works draw the same wake as a beautiful song. His contemporary art styling not only suggests his noted love and apprecaition for sound, but also his homage to artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh, and historical backdrops such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement. As an art teacher at Emily Grey Charter School, Caldwell is not only constantly immersed in his first love everyday, but he’s also able to inspire others to find their way within creativity. “There’s a lot of talent here, so I’m trying to use the arts as a tool to get [my students] to recognize different things, and create leaders within the arts,” Kenneth said. Currently, Kenneth is preparing for his fifth solo art show. The show will touch on a different side of Caldwell’s work and delivers a candid look inside the mind and heart of a genius. “Throughout my years, I’ve been trying to find myself as an artist,” Kenneth said. “It’s one thing to be able to look at a photograph, and copy that photograph or create the image I see. But it’s another to be able to pull
from within oneself and try and project what it is that I’m feeling that is personal to me and put that on canvas. My new works embody that ideal.”
To acquaint yourself with this exceptional talent and to learn more about his forthcoming art show, visit: www. soundsofcaldwell.com
Paintings from Caldwell’s solo art show “The Naked Truth”
Courtesy the artist