Insight News ::: 11.17.14

“Robert Robinson - Welcome Back!”

Glorious Gospel Vocals MORE ON PAGE 10

Insight News November 17 - November 23, 2014

Vol. 41 No. 48 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Flowers: Mobilize, engage citizens

By Al McFarlane Editor-in-chief

Al Flowers

Al Flowers is the founder of Community Standards Initiative (CSI), whose mission is to mobilize and engage citizens in problem solving.

One of its components is a program designed to mobilize people in the community to support better outcomes in education for Minneapolis school children.

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) terminated a contract with CSI alleging the program did not meet performance goals. Reporting in the local white press, citing unnamed

DFLers Hayden and Champion with the Senate Ethic Committee. Hann said, based on the unnamed source who alleged, in the Star Tribune news report that Champion and Hayden “strong-armed” MPS and its board of education, forcing the district to enter into a contract with CSI. To date, the Minneapolis daily newspaper has refused to honor Dr. Hayden’s request for a retraction of patently false statements and refused to print Dr. Hayden’s letter refuting the false allegations and innuendos.

The call for an Ethics Committee investigation of the allegations was rejected by

sources, attempted to impugn the integrity of the political leadership of our community, and devalue the right of community driven solutions to participate in efforts to fix the seriously defective education enterprise.

The news reports falsely charged that Sens. Bobby Champion and Jeff Hayden in effect, forced Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) to contract with CSI, and that Senator Hayden’s father, Dr. Peter Hayden, would be a direct beneficiary of the MPS’ contract with CSI. Republican Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie presented charges against Minneapolis

the Committee in a vote week before last.

Flowers, in a recent interview with Insight News, said CSI had met all the performance goals, despite the school district’s failure to deliver on its commitments to the initiative, as outlined in its contract with CSI. The daily newspaper’s reporting had the earmarks of a classic public lynching, giving the impression that the district had handed over $300,000 to an organization that it alleged had no office, no phone number, no website and no management or accountability.

FLOWERS TURN TO 6

Hayden, Champion prevail in Senate Ethics Committee CSI hearing

By Al McFarlane Editor-in-chief Minneapolis DFL Senators Jeff Hayden and Bobby Champion last week prevailed in the Senate Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct review of complaints regarding Community Standards Initiative (CSI) filed against them by Republican Senator

David Hann (Eden Prairie). The complaint accused the senators of strong-arming Minneapolis Public Schools to approve the CSI contracts.

In an ethics complaint, the burden is on the accuser to prove the allegations being presented.

Hann’s presentation failed to win the majority of votes needed to move the complaint forward.

The Subcommittee adjourned

Jeff Hayden

and concluded its review of the CSI matter indefinitely, in effect, rejecting the complaint.

What made the challenge unique, among other things, what seemed to some as a double standard that had to do with race as much as with political affiliation.

It is troubling, said Sen. Champion, that the Republicans in this case were insisting that

Bobby Joe Champion

POINTERGATE

KSTP should be ashamed for racist reporting Commentary by Harry Colbert, Jr. So a week or so back I woke up to my Facebook timeline full of a story shared from the website the Daily Kos with the headline, “#pointergate may be the most racist news story of 2014.”

I opened the link and read a story that at first I knew had to be a joke. While I have always trusted the Daily Kos as a site for legitimate news, I was sure this time it got duped. I knew this was a fabricated story akin to something that would have been written and published by The Onion. #pointergate (the social media hashtag that was given to the story that has spawned both outrage and comedy) had to be a joke.

I recognized a few people in the accompanying photo, so if this was a hoax, it was a pretty elaborate one. In the photo was someone I had met and communicated with a couple of times, Wintana Melekin.

Also in the photo was the chief of police for the Minneapolis Police Department, Janee Harteau. I recognized her, from covering a few stories, but I’ve never met her.

The final two people in the Daily Kos photo were Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges (I’ll admit, I didn’t recognize her even though

Mayor Betsy Hodges and Navell Gordon I’ve interviewed her on multiple occasions) and some guy I’d never seen before.

That’s the photo the Daily Kos ran. It wasn’t the photo from the original “news” story that ran. The photo KSTP-TV (channel 5) chose to run was a

Insight 2 Health Natasha Block

PAGE 3

playful picture of Hodges and the young man who KSTP-TV blurred out and only identified “a two-time convicted felon.” The picture showed Hodges and the man pointing at one another and smiling – and supposedly that was the problem … that was the story.

I quote – “Mpls. Mayor Flashes Gang Sign with Convicted Felon; Law Enforcement Outraged.”

Really … I mean really?

Are you freaking kidding me?

Pointing at someone is a gang sign

See even though in “reporter” (and I use that term very loosely), Jay Kolls said the young man was not in a gang, his report implied … no, it specifically said the two were throwing a known gang sign. Hell, the headline that can still be found on the KSTP-TV site reads – and

HODGES TURN TO 9

the he and Sen. Hayden prove their innocence, because there was nothing of substance in their complaint. Sen. Hann admitted in two hearings that he was motivated to bring the complaints against the only two African Americans in the Senate, because of a statement by an unnamed source in a StarTribune

CSI TURN TO 9

UCare sends a message; pulls advertising from KSTP U C a r e We d n e s d a y (Nov. 12) ordered its advertising a g e n c y to pull current and contracted Dan Ness advertising from KSTP-TV in protest of a KSTP news feature about a photograph that the station said showed Minneapolis’ Mayor Betsy Hodges swapping gang signs with a young Black man.

UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health coverage and services to more than 450,000 members in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

UCare marketing director, Dan Ness said the KSTP news story showed bad judgment by the station’s news department and even worse, “was racist.”

Ness said UCare leaders viewed the report as inaccurate, harmful and damaging to UCare customers, employees and to the community at large.

“We don’t want our brand associated with activity that

UCARE TURN TO 5

Lifestyle

Sports

Community

Families: Take time to give thanks

Inaugural season for college football playoff working well

YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities helps youth at risk to overcome barriers

PAGE 7

PAGE 9

PAGE 5

Page 2 • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Insight News

insightnews.com

HEALTH The important message of Movember… and all those mustaches Dr. Erik Haugland, North Memorial Health Care, Brooklyn Center Clinic The Movember campaign and resulting mustaches popping up all over the metro are a great sign in terms of men’s health awareness. Movember is an annual event involving the growing of mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male health concerns, and associated charities.

This awareness is important and needed because when it comes to going to the doctor for annual check-ups, many men simply don’t “man up”. In fact, at least 40 percent of men in their 40’s have never had a cholesterol test and one-third refuse to go to the doctor for a check-up according to the International Society of Men’s Health.

But even men who feel fine need to see a health care provider regularly to avoid surprises and stay ahead of hereditary concerns.

Most people who have high blood pressure don’t know

Erik Haugland it according to the National Institutes of Health. It’s the same with high blood sugar and high cholesterol -- the conditions often don’t have any symptoms until the disease becomes advanced. The only way to know is to get checked.

Men over age 34 should be checked for high cholesterol and heart disease every 5 years. A preventive health visit should be every 2 years until age 50 and then once a year.

It’s a fact; men die at higher rates than women for all of the top 10 causes of death.

That’s why it’s time to see your doctor and take control of your health. Many of these causes of death are preventable and can be treated if found early. Top among those health concerns are the following:

• High cholesterol • Heart disease • Smoking, including secondhand smoke • Physical inactivity • Obesity • Alcohol and substance abuse

Heart Disease: Along with ge tting your cholesterol checked beginning at age 34 and every five years, keep in mind the following tips for preventing heart disease: • Control your blood pressure and cholesterol, if they’re high.

• If you smoke, stop.

• Increase your physical activity to 30 minutes per day, most days of the week.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables and less saturated or trans fats.

Depression and Suicide: Experts previously thought depression affected far more women than men. But that may just be men’s tendency to hide depressed feelings, or express them in ways different than women do. Things to consider include: • Men are less likely to seek help for depression.

• Instead of showing sadness or crying, men get angry or aggressive. They cope in other ways, like drinking too much.

• Therapy and/or medication can make a big difference for sufferers.

Stroke: African American men have a greater risk than many other groups for stroke and until the age of 75, men are at a higher risk than women for stroke. Risk factors to think about include: • Increasing age • Personal history of stroke or a transient ischemic attack or ministroke • Diabetes

Lung Cancer: In men, there are expected to be about 213,380 new cases of lung cancer and some 160,390 lung cancer deaths this year. These are alarming numbers but the key to preventing lung cancer is simple: stop smoking. You can talk to your health care team

UCare to hold UCare Choices benefit and enrollment overview meetings UCare is hosting benefit and enrollment overview meetings about UCare’s UCare Choices and Fairview UCare Choices health plans available on MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace.

The meetings will help individuals learn about: • The two new health plans from UCare, and UCare and Fairview Health System • The metal levels of the plans and different benefits available in each

• Important dates and penalties associated with health care reform

UCare Choices and Fairview UCare Choices information meetings:

• 5:30 p.m., Atwood Memorial Center, 720 Fourth Avenue South, St. Cloud 56301

Guests who choose to enroll on MNsure will be able to start the enrollment process at any of the meetings.

Monday, Nov. 17 • 9 a.m., UCare, 500 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis 55413 • 1 p.m., UCare, 500 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis 55413 • 4:30 p.m., UCare, 500 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis 55413

Thursday, Nov. 20 • 5:30 p.m., Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy., Eagan 55121

To register for a meeting or to obtain more information, contact UCare at 612-676-6606 or choices@ucare.org. RSVPs are appreciated. Walk-ins also are welcome.

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Stay Warm. Stay Safe.

Stay Connected.

Get Help with Your Heat & Energy Bills!

Community AcƟon Partnership’s Energy Assistance Program helps thousands of families in Hennepin County, including the City of Minneapolis, pay energy costs and maintain aīordable, conƟnuous and safe home energy.

To apply, or for more informaƟon, call (952) 930Ͳ3541 EͲmail eap@capsh.org visit us online at www.capsh.org or text HEAT to 50101 Apply early, funds may not last.

We encourage you to request an applicaƟon if either of the following is true: x You do not have enough money to meet your basic needs. x You are currently in danger of being disconnected by your heat or electric company.

8800 Highway 7, Suite 403 ʕ St. Louis Park ʕ MN 55426 Phone: 952Ͳ930Ͳ3541 ʕ Fax: 952Ͳ697Ͳ1313 ʕ www.capsh.org A program of Community AcƟon Partnership of Suburban Hennepin sponsored by: The Minnesota Department of Commerce The United States Department of Health and Human Services

Monday, Nov. 24 • 9 a.m., UCare, 500 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis 55413 • 1 p.m., UCare, 500 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis 55413 • 4:30 p.m., UCare, 500 Stinson Blvd. NE, Minneapolis 55413

about ways to quit smoking.

Prostate Cancer: According to the American Cancer Society, African-American men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and significantly more likely to die from the disease. See your doctor and talk about your overall risk. Based on your family history and other key considerations, it is best to decide together if a digital rectal exam and blood test are necessary.

Finding diseases early when they are easier to treat can make all the difference. That’s why I encourage men to be proactive about recommended screenings, such as blood

cholesterol, blood pressure, colorectal cancer, diabetes and prostate cancer tests. Ask your doctor about which tests you should have based on your age and other health factors. Your numbers provide a picture of your health status and your risk for certain diseases and conditions, so keep track of them.

It’s simple, while addressing one’s health is scary, avoiding it altogether can be deadly. Schedule your annual exam today. We offer many convenient locations all over the metro. Learn more here: www.northmemorial. com/clinics or call 763.581.

CARE (763.581.2273).

insightnews.com

Insight News • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Page 3

INSIGHT 2 HEALTH, LEADERSHIP EXAMPLE:

NATASHA BLOCK

By Ryan T. Scott “Fear of taking the next step.”

That was the problem for Target Corporation specialist, Natasha Block (and many people) when it came to taking important steps for growth and change in life. In challenging those fears, Block has come to greater appreciate the collateral impact of health unconsciousness, which touches all corners of a person’s life, positively, as well as destructively.

“I’ve become more aware of how life connects,” resolved Block. “The need to improve my health has become more real as I get older. I wasn’t thinking about my habits. You have to be thoughtful about what goes in and out of your body, because it becomes you.”

Habits indeed shape our daily life, and our trajectory in life. The habit of taking initiative in moments of life transfers to other areas in our journey. Similarly does the habit of procrastination and avoidance.

“I’ve thought of moving (out of state) for a few years. Once I started the (Insight 2 Health) Challenge, it

stimulated more action in my life overall. Whereas I may have waited and then one year becomes 10 years, I’m now working with my employer to finally make that move,” said Block.

“Even in relationships, I’ve been better with follow through. I call people back more promptly.”

Often an important measure of a recommitment to health involves a measure of accountability. The Insight 2 Health Challenge provides a certified personal trainer, registered dietician, and even mental health professional.

“My trainers hold me accountable,” said Block. “And it’s great because they seem to have an equal investment in all the lives involved.”

Reflecting on the conditions in her life that led to poor health, Block revealed, “I had asthma growing up.

So it was always a little bit scary during gym class. On top of that, both of my parents are diabetic.”

Like many in the Insight News audience, Block’s family is gifted in the art of southern fried cooking.

The family was forced to adjust their collective diet awareness once both of Block’s parents were diagnosed with diabetes. Yet, though most of her

family has not adjusted as much as Block’s immediate family, the seeds of transformation can be seen in their holiday dinner preparations.

“It takes mental prep for holiday habits,” said Block. “We do menus before the event. Sometimes we’ll email, or use Google Docs so we can all see who’s bringing what. We’ve been introducing more grains. It feels good to introduce more options to the family. The program helps you make the changes into a way of life. You learn to be conscientious. I enjoy the conversations we have.”

Specifically Block has learned several subtle habits to control her dietary health. Eating salad before leaving to holiday dinner events cuts down on the ravenous binge eating.

“I can enjoy just tasting everything, rather than going overboard stuffing myself,” said Block.

Additional habits for daily success include simply preparing meals the night before, and cooking with the notion of having a portion set aside for lunch the next day.

“I’ve added a lot of green vegetables to my diet. I used to just get iceberg lettuce, but now I get different kinds. I

like cucumbers a lot too,” said Block.

“What’s also interesting is making sure I have protein with every meal – chicken, eggs … you want to have a colorful plate. It can be hard eating so frequently, but the focus is on making sure you have the energy to exercise and get through your day.”

The symptoms Block recognized in evaluating her life are familiar to many.

“I was tired and didn’t feel good about myself. I was confident about myself, but I had to get more excited about getting things done if I was going to grow. It’s been a blessing making the change,” said Block. “It’s tough looking in the mirror like that, and I can tell people it will be difficult (making the change), but I am much more excited about my life.”

In only a few weeks, Block has come a long way in changing her lifestyle, and has already accomplished her core personal goals through simple action.

“My grandmother said, ‘If you want something you have to claim it, have faith, and believe,’” said Block in closing.

Page 4 • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Insight News

insightnews.com

BUSINESS Africa.com CEO Teresa Clarke appointed to President Obama’s new advisory council on doing business in Africa U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced Africa.com CEO Teresa Clarke is among the 15 private sector leaders who have been appointed to the newly established President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PACDBIA).

PAC-DBIA members –

Teresa Clarke

representing the private sector from a variety of industry sectors – were hand-picked to advise the president and the secretary of commerce on strengthening commercial engagement between the United States and Africa.

“I am grateful to be able to serve the president and the secretary of commerce on a

topic about which I have so much passion,” said Clarke.

“Africa.com has opened the eyes of American business to opportunity in Africa for years through multi-media including our film, “Africa Straight Up,” and our weekly business newsletters.”

White House officials said Clarke was appointed to the

board based on her 20 years of experience doing business in Africa, her vast business career, which includes being the first African-American woman managing director in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs, and her founding of Africa. com, which was the only Africa-focused media company

selected to be a part of the White House Traveling Press Corps on President Obama’s historic trip to Africa in 2013.

“Economic growth on the continent will continue to drive demand for U.S. exports, which will ultimately help create jobs

AFRICA TURN TO 7

Does anyone write thank you notes anymore?

Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Does anyone write thank you notes anymore? Yes, they do.

They don’t often lick a stamp or seal the envelope with wax, but

most people do still take the time to say “Thank you” to those who do something nice for them.

Recently, Job Seeker “Stubs” shared the Thank You note he wrote to a manager who interviewed him over the phone.

It was brief, polite, friendly and memorable: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you about your open position. I do believe that I have the skills that are defined in the job description

and I know I have the soft skills needed for this position.

Leading teams that drive toward measurable results is what I’ve successfully done in many of my previous functions. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

That’s it. The formula is so simple, anyone can do it, and it works for birthday gifts and dinner party thank you’s, as well. A good Thank You like the one Stubs wrote has four

parts: introduction, emotion, memorable comment, warm close. Just plug in words that describe how you really feel, and your Thank You note is good to go.

Part I “Thank you for…” The person may or may not remember what he or she did for him, so Stubs named it.

Part II “How I feel about that is...” One sentence describing how you were impacted by what the person did. As a job seeker,

Stubs let the manager know why he is interested in the job.

Part III “Something memorable is…” This line should make the reader smile, laugh, or at least nod knowingly. Job seekers use this line to underscore a quality they want the interviewer to remember.

Part IV “Let’s keep in touch.”

Stubs politely let the reader know he would appreciate receiving the same gift, thought or favor – another interview - again soon.

Will Stubs get the job? We’ll see. A thank you note won’t guarantee anyone a job offer; but I’ve never heard of a manager turning down a candidate because they sent one.

Julie Desmond is IT & Software Engineering Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your best thank you note – the one you sent or received – to Julie at jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.

How to solicit a gift for a nonprofit your fear of asking (read, fear of rejection), but what exactly do you say and do?

FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw As the year comes to a close nonprofits look to board members, volunteers and donors to ask their friends, family members and colleagues to consider making a meaningful gift. You may have the internal fortitude to overcome

Make your own gift first. As a volunteer fundraiser you need to make your own gift before you can ask someone else to give. If you’re not willing to give, why should anyone respond to your ask? Consider sharing how much you gave and why. If you made a stretch in your giving, talk about what motivated you to do so.

Be prepared. As a solicitor you will need to “make the case” for why others should join you

in giving. This means knowing the nonprofit’s history, mission, successes, challenge areas and projected growth. Brush up on your facts (check out the website!). You’ll want to be able to talk numbers and emotions.

Depending on who you are talking with you may be asked to explain allocation of current funds, costs associated with growth, and revenue streams. At the same time you have to talk passionately from a feeling place about what the organization means to you and those served.

Don’t

hide

behind

email.

If you’re asked to solicit a meaningful gift, do it in person.

Make an appointment, and make the reason for your meeting clear.

For example, “Jane, can you join me for coffee on Friday? It will be my treat. I want to talk with you about the food bank.”

This allows your friend to begin thinking about how to respond.

When its time for the meeting, get dressed up. This is a big deal.

The money you raise makes a difference to the organization you represent. Mentally rehearse your conversation. Remember to arrive early and, after initial conversation, make the ask. Do

not let too much time lapse before you bring up the subject of giving.

Prepare for objections. Your passion isn’t an excuse for not knowing your facts. Make sure you are prepared to answer specific questions your colleagues may have. Put yourself in their shoes: what do you want to know before deciding whether or not to make a donation?

Ask for a specific amount. It’s okay to ask. In fact, that’s what fundraising is all about. Make sure you ask for a specific amount and then pause. Be quiet. Wait for the

response. Don’t rush to fill the silence. Your answer will come.

If you want more details, download our free one page guide to soliciting gifts. http://bit.ly/ SolicitGift or read our book The Fundraiser’s Guide to Soliciting Gifts.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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VALID 11/18 ’TIL 2PM OR 11/19/14 ’TIL 2PM. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. ALSO EXCLUDES: Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, electrics/electronics, cosmetics/fragrances, athletic apparel, shoes & accessories, Dallas Cowboys merchandise, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, New Era, Nike on Field, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services, macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. This coupon has no cash value & may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $50 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

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OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

insightnews.com

Insight News • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Page 5

LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 7

What will you find during Medicare Open Enrollment?

Your health needs change from year to year. And, your health plan may change the benefits and costs each year too. That’s why it’s important to review your Medicare choices each fall. Compare your current plan to new options and see if you can lower some costs or to find a plan that better suit your needs. Open Enrollment is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare

has to offer and make changes to their coverage.

Whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now: • Certain preventive benefits – including cancer screenings – are available at no cost to you when provided by qualified and participating health professionals.

The annual wellness visit lets you

sit down with your doctor and discuss your health care needs and the best ways to stay healthy.

• Medicare will notify you about plan performance and use its online Plan Finder to encourage enrollment in quality plans.

• In 2015, if you reach the “donut hole” in Medicare’s prescription drug benefit, you’ll get a 55% discount on covered brand name drugs

and see increased savings on generic drugs.

It’s worth it to take the time to review and compare, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Medicare is available to help.

• Visit Medicare.gov/find-aplan to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change.

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours

a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

• Review the Medicare & You 2015 handbook. It’s mailed to people with Medicare in September.

• If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get Extra Help paying your prescription drug coverage costs. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov/i1020

or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.

• Get one-on-one help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Visit Medicare.gov/contacts or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get the phone number.

This message is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Families: Take time to give thanks Man Talk

By Timothy Houston All around the country, families will be coming together to give thanks. The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel days of the year.

People will be traveling near and far to be with friends and loved ones. During Thanksgiving, I will be in Michigan with my mom enjoying family and friends.

Family is the basic building blocks for communities, and it is a big part of the American culture. As you and your family give thanks, take some time to reflect on what it really means to be family.

First, family is an intentional creation. Whether blended, multicultural, or from a single homogenous unit, family is more than an accidental act, or a political or religious concept.

Rather, it originates from the mind of God. As recorded in the book of Genesis, family is a deliberate creation of the creator, and it is directly blessed by God. No sooner after God creates man and woman that he blessed them and told them to create a family:

PhotoXpress

“God blessed them,” states Genesis 1:28, continuing, “He said to them, ‘Have children and increase your numbers.” Thus, family is an intentional creation that is always spiritually correct despite a politically incorrect world.

Next, family is universal

biblical teaching that transcends time and space and should be never seen as old-fashioned or outdated. So our concept of family is more than an Old Testament biblical teaching.

Even deep into the New Testament, the concept of family is valued as a foundation that was especially designed by God.

The New Testament reminds us that you will find families in heaven and earth. Because heaven is eternal, you will find families today, tomorrow, and forever. Thus, the concept of family is always relevant and in style.

Finally, family is a basic building block for a community.

It is more than a household unit. In the Bible, every family represented a microcosm of the community within which it lived. Therefore, when families failed, the community itself failed. In times of crisis, families were relied upon to support and strengthen the community. For example, Moses was charged

to offer the following order to his followers: “Make sure there isn’t a man or woman among your families or tribes who turns away from the Lord our God (Deuteronomy 29:18).” The family served as a keeper of the core values of the community in which it lived. Families are the fundamental building blocks of a community. You cannot build a community with without building families; therefore, growing families grows communities.

What is a family? It is a communal, spiritually correct, relevant, intentional creation by God. It is more than a domestic unit that is only defined by the number of parents and children. Family connects us to others outside of our households. Although your family unit is defined by you, it is measured by your community.

Your culture, religion, and language are also important ingredients and they will bind you with others of like conviction. Family is natural and spiritual. Forged in the mind of God, it is and will forever be divinely created, and for that, we give thanks!

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For copies of his book, questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

Simple things can make all the difference Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson Last week I was blessed to spend time with two of my dear friends. It had been a while

UCare From 1 denigrates an entire community which includes our members

since we were all together, but it was like we had never missed a beat as friends. It reminded me of how important spending time with friends really is. This is something that we as adults sometime take for granted.

My closest friends live miles away and it’s hard for us to all be in the same place at the same time. Most of our conversations are done on the phone or by text. But no matter how we communicate, I appreciate every

single conversation. It reminds me of how a simple moment can impact the rest of your day.

When I get a chance to talk to my dear friends and share about my day it seems like all will be fine and well. It may not sound like much to you, but a simple conversation can make all the difference in the world.

The simple things are those things that we take for granted.

Like having dinner with family on Sundays or spending

quality time with children and grandchildren. Those are some of the simple things that I love so much about my life.

I appreciate time and precious moments that I am allowed to spend with my loved ones.

Sometimes we as individuals can get so busy and forget to take the time to smell the roses along our live journey. Being busy is how most of us spend the majority of our time. We are busy with work, family

and everything else that takes up most of our days. But I am incredibly grateful that throughout my journey I can take time to focus on the simple things that make my life worth living.

I, like so many of you, have lots of things that fill up my day. I have so many things that I need to do before the end of the day. But the most important thing that I do is concentrate on my loved ones and if I have

and employees,” said Ness.

UCare serves more people from diverse cultures and more people with disabilities enrolled in Medical Assistance than any other health plan in Minnesota.

In partnership with health care providers and community organizations, UCare works with consumers who are seeking health coverage through MNsure, the new insurance marketplace, with Medicare-eligible individuals,

with individuals and families enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance, and with adults with disabilities.

Students at Augsburg College in Minneapolis

Thursday, protested an appearance by Stanley Hubbard, chairman of Hubbard Broadcasting, which owns KSTP. Student organizations including the campus’ Minnesota Public Interest Research Group chapter, the Pan-Afrikan Student Union Student Union and Students for Racial Justice held a rally during Hubbard’s appearance seeking to prompt an apology from KSTP, said Ryan Kennedy, executive director of

showed them how much I love them. Because sometimes it’s not about your needs, but the needs of those you love.

And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and keep striving for greatness.

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach.

She can be reached via her website at www.thequeensproject. com or email at penny@ thequeensproject.com.

the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group.

“If he wanted an apology to be issued, it’s pretty clear that an apology would be issued,” Kennedy told MPR. “So this is an attempt to tell KSTP and Hubbard Broadcasting that this isn’t going away.”

Insight News called Hubbard Broadcasting to get comment on the UCare decision and was told someone from the sales department would respond to our inquiry.

Page 6 • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Educators want students to thrive and learn

By Monique Wiley Recently teachers at Bethune Community School took another hit from the Star Tribune. I am responding to this in the Insight for three reasons, one, a colleague beautifully put a response to the paper’s allegations in written form and was eloquent in her response, two, I believe Insight News is a greater reflection of our community as a whole and provides a diverse set of opinions and beliefs that reach all parts of our community and three, I am also a parent of a former student in our schools and have a different spin on the situation.

Yes, I am a part of Bethune Elementary Schools. I know many have followed the articles written

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Toki Wright Photography Michele Spaise David Bradley 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.

be writing a report on Sitting Bull as we speak. When parents come to me and point out these facts I am sad for the lack of foresight and sad for the students who are missing out on a great opportunity to see a positive reflection of what greatness in our community looks like.

I also have to say that parents are the backbone of any school. Without the buy-in of these key stakeholders it makes every job harder. Parents need to step up to the plate. When the phone rings and it’s your child’s school, pick up the phone and listen … really listen … to what the person on the other end is saying. Most times they are trying to convey to you that your child is having a problem dealing with a challenging situation. The fact that some parents will avoid these calls infuriates me as a fellow parent. I have heard everything from apathy to rage for us actually calling us to speak with you about your student.

Successful students make a successful society. We need to worry about the future when parents do not want to hold themselves accountable for the acts of their child. This signals the lack of community and foresight that can halt any culture from progressing. Parents also need to listen to the underlying tone and ideas that are being expressed about the child. The school to prison pipeline is strengthened by the lack of clarity in communication between educator and parent. When a teacher says, “Johnny is not speaking

appropriately to staff or to other students” what they are saying is your student has probably swore at four to five staff members and about seven of his peers. When they say, “Your student has caused physical damage to someone,” they mean the student has kicked, punched or bit a staff member or a student.

Let me explain what happens if the behaviors continue … the stuff educators are not allowed to say in direct context with a student.

This information follows your student and when so many of these incidents happen over the years the student will continue to get small punishments however when your student reaches middle school the outcomes change to bigger punishments and by high school the pattern has been set. Early intervention is the key. Parent involvement is crucial to stop the behaviors before the police become involved.

I see the work of the educators every day. They want your student to thrive and learn. I also see the children that you are raising and how warm and kind they can be to each other at the most difficult of times. They hug each other in welcome when I walk into Kindergarten every day. They express beautiful thoughts in pictures and in the older grades in words. They provide adult insights even when most of the adults are acting like children. They are the future and they need all of us to take the reins and lead the way.

Flowers

a broader work. How do you describe it?

From 1

Al Flowers We are working with everybody.

It’s collaboration. It is bigger than just one piece, but if you don’t get the education you can’t get the economics. You can’t get the job. If you get no education you get no job. You get nothing. So that is why it is important that we continue to focus on education no matter what we’re going through now.

We must continue to focus on young people, on education, or Black people born in America will be extinct.

And to our Somali brothers, we love all our people, but they don’t have to wait on us.

The Latino community doesn’t have to wait on us and they are not.

We have been working on CSI since 2011 and the superintendent of schools

stood right there with us as we were moving CSI forward. The superintendent was there, the Park Board chair was there, as well as Sens. Champion, Hayden and Congressman Keith Ellison. We were all there together standing as one to come and deal with some of the issues of our kids. That was in 2011 and those same people had been involved all the way through. Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson was there.

She has been with us. She was there with us. This is not new to her. And that is how we formed CSI as part of a bigger strategy that would work on housing, health, education and employment. That’s why CSI was important and is still important. It is important because we have to take care of our families, our communities and our issues without fear and without apology.

in the Star Tribune and have asked me here to give my perspective on the truth as it stands and here is my opinion. Please remember that this is not the idea of the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) office or the staff. This is strictly what I see on a day to day basis.

I have a unique set of ideas that I have formulated over the years as both a parent and an educator. Schools are like unique families … sometimes we fight amongst each other but in reality the love and care for each student is truly an awesome sight.

Let me first start by saying my child is a product of MPS – she was a student from first until eighth grade she had some of the most wonderful educators who cared for her as a whole person. Every classroom teacher gave my daughter all that they had in order for her to work with her disability and achieve goals that I am positive she could have not achieved anywhere else.

Working inside the schools has given me a dynamic opportunity to give back to those who have given so much to my child.

Let’s throw out some misconceptions first.

The staff at the schools are not in any shape or form trying to “get your student.” They often are trying to help but lack the knowledge of your unique family situation or cultural background to pick up key clues to help you and your student achieve the goals that you have in your mind. Everyone in our culture has heard the old saying a “closed mouth doesn’t

Insight News commentary suggested that the denigrating picture painted by the Star Tribune, was inaccurate and intentional, in lock step with a national assault on Black community interests and Black civic engagement, born of the same ideology that stands against the idea that our community should have a voice in problem solving of challenges facing our community.

The truth, which was buried in the reporting, was that the contract was a “pay for performance” contract, meaning, the program could only bill for documented performance and accomplishment.

But the program never go a chance to fully pursue its service and program objects, despite the fact that the district admits that with what it has been doing it has continued to fail Black learners, as reflected in statistics revealing that fewer than 50 percent of Black student graduate from the Minneapolis Public Schools District.

Following are excerpts from a wide-ranging interview with Al Flowers, whose side in this story has been ignored by the daily news businesses.

Al McFarlane Describe the Community Standards Initiative.

Al Flowers The Community Standards Initiative started on Aug. 11, 2011, right after the tornado hit in north Minneapolis. We were involved with trying to get people assistance. I worked in my family’s child care business. Young kids were coming in cursing. They could say all the curse words, but they couldn’t say their ABCs. So I said I have had some experience in doing things politically and advocating for our civil and human rights. I looked at those young kids, those babies that weren’t even in kindergarten, yet they knew all these curse words and I said let me regroup, starting with the way I act and how I respond to things and try to change things so we can begin to help our children.

Al McFarlane What is your background now?

Where are you from?

Al Flowers I am from Chicago. I grew up in the Robert Taylor Projects in Chicago. I have been a Minneapolis resident for over 30 years. I came here when my

get fed.” Well that’s the truth in a school. Parents tend not to visit and express what their goals are for the student. My favorite example of this is when I was helping a child tie his shoe and the parent said to me, “could you possibly help me I am trying to teach her how to tie could you show her how and maybe if we do it at home and at school maybe they can learn faster.” Since that day I have worked with that student to build that skill. Working together instead of at cross purposes provides the reinforcement that students need. With my own child I would send a quick note every year of three small things we were working on at home and ask could these be incorporated into her daily routine. Those goals usually were the first ones to be met.

Do the staff members make mistakes? Absolutely.

Mostly what I see is a great deal of cultural unawareness. I had a professor say to me in a multicultural education class that, “unless you have been nurtured in a socio-economic or racial community you will be blind to the unwritten rituals of that unique group.” That is why a more diverse staff would be helpful, unfortunately as I have been told over and over again by office personal, you almost have to know someone in order to get hired as a teacher. Teachers of color are few and far between because of the lack of predecessors we have in the field. There is also the lack of pay in the field especially to work in schools like Bethune. We are the

perfect example of that lacking.

We have more than 80 percent of our students of color yet we have three teachers who would qualify as teachers of color. Officially we only have one who is AfricanAmerican. Most of the 12 people of color we have working in our school are in the form of Education Support Professionals (ESP) and have very little say so in the actual plans that the schools produce.

Add with that the fact that the amount of parent involvement is so low, and you see the great divide widen. The district has seen fit this year to equip us with a principal of color, but she has the hard task of changing years of an overall disconnect from the families base ideas with a staff that still does not reflect the student body. This became glaringly apparent last school year during the months of January and February.

For the day of service at Bethune nothing was even said while down the road student were geared up to perform acts of charity for their neighborhood. We did nothing. In February I was looking to see a large celebration yet that month was Dr. Seuss’ birthday and we skipped over Black History Month as a whole. For a school named after an iconic leader in the community to not even celebrate this important part of the year was an oddity to me. I was from a small town where we as students as fourth and fifth graders made collages and wrote reports on famous people. The same would happen for this month if I was still a student I would probably

The daily newspaper’s reporting had the earmarks of a classic public lynching

dad was living. My father’s side of the family was living here and I came up here to be with my dad. I got here in March 1978 and my dad died two months later, in May. I had a chance to spend those couple of months with him. He was 42 years old. I was the only boy, the only man in the house with five sisters and my mom, raising us as a single head of household family.

My mom opened a childcare business in Sabathani Community Center. I ran that for as long as she was running the childcare business. The family has been in childcare business over the last 14 years.

Al McFarlane Tell me about growing up in Robert Taylor Homes?

Al Flowers I was the only boy who lived on the 16th floor in our building. Like most families, my mom had to go to the food shelf to make ends meet. She was a single mother, working – taking care of all of us and never separated us.

You know I got into trouble as a young kid, but I made it through. I gave my mother the biggest headache, though I didn’t know it at the time. And now that I know that, I told her that she was my hero. I was just thinking of her when I was giving a talk this year during African-American History Month back in February. She had a program at our church.

She is a pastor now. I told her that she was my hero because she didn’t let go of me. I mean I did so many things as a young kid, yet she never let go of me.

So now I look at how she was able to bring us through difficult circumstances and I look at what is happening with our young people now. And I say “wow” remembering what I did to my mom. I think about the fact that she never got rid of me, even when I caused all that trouble.

So growing-up in Robert Taylor was the finest time because we knew everybody and everybody socialized on the porch. There were 10

apartments on the 16th floor and we knew everyone on that floor.

Neighbors were neighbors.

That is what made us stick together. We were stronger. So that was a great part of my life.

Al McFarlane CSI has a broader vision, and

insightnews.com

Insight News • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Page 7

SPORTS Inaugural season for college football playoff working well Moments in Sports

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Early in his first term, President Obama suggested that he might be able to throw his weight around to organize a standard playoff system for college football.

Look and low and behold, the first College Football Playoff (CFP) is to be played on Jan. 12, 2015 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. – also known as “Jerryworld”, after Dallas Cowboys and building owner Jerry Jones.

The previous college football championship systems before this inaugural season of the playoff revolved around the lucrative, yet indecisive organization of several sponsored bowl games.

Though questions about the CFP selection process are increasing as the season nears end, different from seasons before, we’re clear that there is going to be a tournament leading to a championship game like all other major sports. Nice job Mr. President.

Africa From 4 at home and provide valuable investment opportunities for U.S. businesses,” said Pritzker.

“With Africa being home to six of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world, the President’s Advisory Council will provide expert counsel on strengthening our partnerships with African countries to

The teams at the top of the CFP ranking have included schools not typical to recent championship history, which is also refreshing. At this time, an undefeated Mississippi State University team is ranked No. 1, while also undefeated Florida State University is ranked third. The competitive solution of having a four team tournament lessens the impact of this lack of sensible reasoning – I mean they’re both undefeated.

In previous years, a third ranked team was somewhat unlikely to end up as national champion, due to the fact that bowl agreements and politics seemed to keep that team from playing a fourth ranked team.

One loss teams Oregon and TCU (Texas Christian University) round out the current top four, at two and four respectively.

Prior to a serious, nationally attractive, match-up against one loss Ohio State, the Minnesota Golden Gophers has worked its way into the 2014 Top 25 rankings (25), and have looked like it seriously belong there. When TCU beat the Gophers in September, little did many know that TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin was dominating the Gophers simply because he might be the best athlete in all of college

football this year, and his team has good shot at a national championship.

The playoff presentation has included a highlight on the fifth and sixth ranked teams as the first teams out of tournament contention. This is brilliant strategy to tackle the controversial element, because not only are people talking about lower ranked teams to

be excluded, but the many weeks of ranking observation gives ample time to hash out explanations of why the fourth ranked team was chosen over others. Certainly there will still be controversy come seasons end.

The season ending schedules in the power conferences – this year SEC, PAC 12, and BIG 12 – will help

to weed out the current group of teams with undefeated or one loss records.

Though the previous Bowl Championship Series system produced a fairly clear champion in most of its 15 years of use, the high ranking teams still were forced to play a jumble of final bowl games against good teams that likely didn’t belong in the top five

leverage opportunities for U.S. companies committed for the long term.”

The appointments were announced at Discover Global Markets, a commerce-led business development forum held in Atlanta that focused on export opportunities in subSaharan Africa, including Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Mozambique, among others.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce and

Bloomberg Philanthropies co-hosted the first-ever U.S./ Africa Business Forum. As part of his commitment to deepen engagement between the United States and Africa, President Obama signed an executive order at the forum to promote broad-based economic growth in the United States and Africa by encouraging U.S. companies to trade with and invest in Africa.

The order directed the secretary of commerce to

establish the PAC-DBIA. The group’s work will focus on advancing the president’s DBIA campaign. The PAC will provide information, analysis, and recommendations on U.S./ Africa trade and investment priorities, including U.S. and Africa job creation, developing and strengthening commercial partnerships to increase U.S. public and private sector financing in Africa, and analyzing the effect of policies in the United States and Africa

on U.S. trade and investment interests in Africa.

U.S. merchandise exports to sub-Saharan Africa increased 58 percent from 2009 to 2013, reaching $24 billion last year.

The annual growth rate of U.S. goods exports to sub-Saharan Africa has outpaced the rate of growth to the world during this same period. Total U.S. exports of goods and services to the continent of Africa reached $50.2 billion in 2013, representing total growth of

or so. The best year for the BCS was 2005, which was capped by one of the greatest college football games of alltime, when the Vince Young led Texas Longhorns defeated the USC Trojans in a tense and action packed thriller.

The new Playoff system provides a clear organization of competition for teams at the top. Many argue that the final tournament should include more than four teams, which somehow, ultimately, the economics of another weekend of games may win out. Yet more games equal more injuries, from more tired bodies, at which then it would be hard to argue against college football players getting a grocery and winter coat allowance (or something besides “illegal monies”) for putting their limbs on the line for dynamic, collegiate capital gain. I digress, but it sure is good to see college football have a tournament.

Perhaps like the NCAA Basketball Tournament, dark horses could rise up in the final weeks to play for the national championship. At the moment, that would mean the Gophers still have a lottery ticket type chance. Gotta sell hope where you can these days.

39 percent since 2009, or a 9 percent annual growth rate.

“My hopes for the President’s Advisory Council include helping both U.S. and African small businesses increase inter-continental trade, and in particular, leveraging internet technology to do so.

The untapped potential of the internet in Africa presents a huge opportunity to take what has been great growth on the continent to exponential growth,” said Ms. Clarke.

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Take control of your own health by scheduling your annual physical exam today.

North Memorial has primary care providers who specialize in Men’s Health and 13 clinic locations throughout the Twin Cities—so finding the best care couldn’t be easier. Now it’s up to you to take the first step to living a healthier life.

Schedule your annual physical today. Call 763-581-CARE. To find the clinic location near you, go to northmemorial.com/movember.

Page 8 • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Insight News

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Gary Cunningham recognized as Metropolitan State Alumnus of the Year In recognition of his strong commitment to serving the Twin Cities community both as a professional and as a volunteer, Metropolitan State University recognized Gary Cunningham as its 2014 Alumnus of the Year at the 2014 Celebrating Service to the Community Scholarship Luncheon on Oct. 16 at Travelers in Saint Paul.

Cunningham has built a distinguished career strengthening communities of color and working toward

Gary Cunningham

economic justice. He is the president and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA). Prior to coming to MEDA, he was the vice president and chief program officer for the Northwest Area Foundation, where he was responsible for carrying out the foundation’s mission to support efforts to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable prosperity in the foundation’s eight state region.

Previous to his work at the

foundation, Cunningham served in many leadership positions with various public and nonprofit organizations. He has also held leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, and the City of Minneapolis. He has served on many community boards and has received many honors and awards in recognition of his professional and volunteer work. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Metropolitan State

in 1991 and earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government in 1992.

Metropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is America’s premier university for lifelong learning, providing unsurpassed, competitive academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels while maintaining affordability.

Retail janitor strike planned for Black Friday With the busy holiday season’s kickoff just weeks away, janitors who work for contracted companies cleaning Home Depot, Best Buy, Kohl’s, Sears and other stores announced a Black Friday strike deadline.

More than 100 workers and community allies braved the first snow of the season for the announcement. Janitors are members of the Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (CTUL), a low-wage worker-led organization that has been organizing with retail janitors for the past four years.

CTUL released a video with the announcement including dozens of retail janitors committing to strike if the deadline passes.

In June, after a series of meetings with CTUL and workers, Target Corporation created a Responsible Contractor Policy that ensures that companies contracted to clean Target stores will open dialogue with workers to improve working standards in the industry. Janitors have been bringing a series of concerns about working conditions in retail cleaning, including subpoverty wages, wage theft, unsafe working conditions and more. Since the announcement, the two companies that clean

Target stores and a third company that cleans other stores in the Twin Cities have all opened dialogue, yet they have not seemed to take workers’ concerns seriously.

Other cleaning companies have refused to talk at all said union officials.

“It is time for all of

the cleaning contractors to partner with workers to raise standards across the industry,” said Maricela Flores, retail janitor and CTUL member.

“While we are hopeful about ongoing dialogue with some cleaning companies, we want to be clear that words alone don’t put food on our plates.

We will no longer sit back quietly as cleaning companies steal years off of our lives and the lives of our families by paying poverty wages. On Black Friday, we will ‘Strike for Our Lives’ against all of the cleaning companies that refuse to respect our right to organize without fear of retaliation.”

Andrea Jenkins

Jae Bates

Jake Ross

Nathalie Crowley

In announcing the strike deadline, workers pointed to the Minnesota Department of Health’s “White Paper on Income and Health” published in March. According to the report, “Minnesotans who live in Twin Cities zip codes with the highest median household income live an average of eight years longer than those who live in zip codes with the lowest median household income.”

Janitors led a presentation about how wages and working conditions in retail cleaning impact workers and their families at the Healthy Heartlands Summit, a collaboration of public health and community organizers working for health equity across the Midwest.

Organizations released a report at the Summit titled “NO SALE, the Retail Industry’s Failure to Address Health Equity” documenting the role that big box retail stores play as employers in determining the health and well-being of workers and their families.

Following the Summit, retail janitors and health advocates from the Healthy Heartlands Summit announced the Black Friday strike deadline.

“Public health research

overwhelmingly demonstrates exposure to hazardous conditions, hazardous agents or work products, and stress, lack of job security, absence of health benefits, lack of dignity at work, and limited workplace participation all damage health. We have a role as public health professionals address these issues,” said Richard Hofricter, senior director, National Association of City and Country Health Officials.

“Target has committed to be a leader in ensuring the health of janitors who clean its stores, but Target’s contractors are still not taking us seriously. While we are still in dialogue with the cleaning companies, we worry that they are not ready to come to an agreement,” said Antonio Villarreal, retail janitor and CTUL member. “Our lives and our families’ lives depend on whether these companies come to an agreement with us so we can have wages and working conditions that allow us to live long and healthy lives. We can’t keep waiting forever, until they decide that our lives are important enough.

If by Thanksgiving they don’t come to an agreement, we will ‘Strike for Our Lives’ on Black Friday.”

Zeam Porter

OutFront Minnesota announces LGBTQ award winners OutFront Minnesota will honor five award winners who are champions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) equity.

The awards will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 22, at International Market Square during the stage program at OutFront’s Annual Gala, Fueling A State of Change. The Legacy Award, Innovator Award and Visionary Award recognize the accomplishments of outstanding individuals who are advancing the movement for LGBTQ equity in Minnesota. This year, for the first

time, OutFront is also honoring two young leaders with the Courage Award.

Andrea Jenkins is a Legacy Award Winner for long-term commitment to equity for LGBTQ Minnesotans. Jenkins worked for 10 years in various capacities at the University of Minnesota All Gender Health Seminars. She has also served as a board member for District 202, P-Fund and OutFront Minnesota.

This year, Jenkins created The City of Minneapolis Transgender Work Group, which looks at issues facing the trans community and

makes policy recommendations to city government that will impact the lives of trans residents. The group, under her leadership, worked with the Minneapolis City Council to pass a resolution that encourages restaurants and bars to provide single user restrooms in a gender-neutral manner.

Jenkins is currently board chair of Intermedia Arts and works as a senior policy aide for Minneapolis City Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden.

Nathalie Crowley will be honored as an Innovator Award Winner for using new

and innovative strategies to organize and engage community members to advance equity for LGBTQ Minnesotans. Crowley is facilitator and co-founder of the Lake Superior Transgender Groups. She provides training and education to medical and mental health providers and other organizations concerning trans and LGBTQ issues, with a focus on providing accessible wellness care to trans individuals.

Currently employed at the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault in Duluth as the sexual assault nurse examiner

program coordinator. Crowley educates members of the LGBTQ community about sexual violence, and in addition, she has worked with organizations to provide information on transgender health, equality, sexual assault, homelessness, discrimination, access to education and basic human rights.

Jae Bates gets OutFront’s Visionary Award. Bates is a student leader who began working with OutFront Minnesota last year. He led a workshop at the Youth Summit, which was held in March and attended by 400

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Minnesota students. Bates also advocated for passage of the Safe & Supportive Minnesota Schools Act, including testifying before a senate committee about being bullied. For Bates, racial slurs in middle school turned into antiLGBTQ slurs in high school. As a result, he suffered from depression and self-harm until his family and school recognized how much the harassment was hurting him and the administration took action to change its bullying policies.

AWARDS TURN TO 9

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Insight News • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Page 9

COMMUNITY

Photos: Courtesy of the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities

The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities helps over 2,000 youth who are facing obstacles each year by helping them overcome barriers, achieve self-sufficiency and thrive.

The Y’s Youth Intervention Services team focuses on youth in transition or who are experiencing homelessness as well as those who have faced challenges due to foster care, involvement with the juvenile justice system and much more. They are innovatively creating connections with caring adults and community resources; building skills for success; and instilling hope for the future.

YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities helps youth at risk to overcome barriers, achieve self-sufficiency and thrive • Forty-six percent of the homeless people in the state of Minnesota are age 21 and younger.

• Youth homelessness has jumped 63 percent in Minnesota since 2009.

• On any night in Minnesota, 4,000 youth are homeless, with less than 100 youth shelter beds available.* The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities (YGTC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, helps over 2,000 youth who are facing obstacles each year by helping them overcome barriers, achieve self-sufficiency and thrive.

The Y’s Youth Intervention Services team focuses on youth in

Awards From 8 Currently a freshman in college in Washington, he has received national and international acclaim for sharing his story.

Hodges From 1 … since when?

How many times have you taken an innocent photo playfully pointing at someone? Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you’d be accused of being a gangbanger?

I’m sure the mayor of Minneapolis didn’t think that either. Neither did Navell Gordon, the young man in the photo. But the fact that Gordon had a felonious past was enough to get him labeled and a gang

CSI From 1 newspaper article.

In a statement to the press, Sens. Hayden and Champion said, “The outcome of today’s hearing is consistent with what

transition or who are experiencing homelessness as well as those who have faced challenges due to foster care, involvement with the juvenile justice system and much more. They are innovatively creating connections with caring adults and community resources; building skills for success; and instilling hope for the future.

“Whether helping a youth receive academic help, find a safe home, secure employment or eat healthier, the Y provides the necessary services tailored to reach these youth,” said Matt Kjorstad, executive director at the Y. “Our programs use a strengthbased approach designed to build upon each youth’s innate assets and instill self-sufficiency through personalized plans and renewed connection to community and resources.”

Kjorstad added how the Y provides the caring and understanding these youth need to become stronger and healthier; helps them feel better about themselves and the communities they live in; and ensures they have an enriching life and reach their potential.

The YMCAYouth Intervention Services team provides programs through core strategies that are tailored to meet the needs of communities and young people: • Life Coaching – individual, peer to peer and group mentoring; community-based case management • Community Outreach – school and street-based outreach, training, resource fairs and advocacy • Immediate Needs – youth resource line, food shelves, clothing, housing support and

obtaining vital documents • Education and Employment – group-based education, academic support, post-secondary access, independent living skills, job readiness and internships • Enrichment – YMCA memberships and programs, YMCA day and overnight camps, pro-social activities, wilderness and outdoor engagement, and traditional and extreme sports As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, financial assistance is available to those in need to ensure youth can thrive. To learn more about the YGTC’s Youth Intervention Services, please visit ymcatwincities.org.

Zeam Porter will receive the group’s Courage Award.

In September, Porter was the only student who spoke at the Minnesota State High School League meeting about the policy to support trans student athletes. Porter, who identifies as transgender queer spoke out

in a room with many of whom are anti-LGBTQ. Porter’s speech was covered in local and national press.

Jake Ross is OutFront’s Courage Award Winner. In second grade, Ross was the target of repeated bullying. Two years ago, at the age of 10, he turned that

pain into activism. He became one the strongest advocates for the Safe & Supportive Minnesota Schools Act and testified in front of legislative committees in both the Minnesota House and Senate. Ross and his family held a fundraiser to support OutFront’s work for the bill,

organized a community gathering with keynote speaker Sen. Scott Dibble at their church and collected more than 500 petition signatures in support of the bill.

On April 9, when Gov. Mark Dayton signed the Safe School bill into law, Ross shared his story with more than 1,000 supporters

on the steps of the Capitol.

This year’s OutFront Gala will celebrate the passage of the Safe & Supportive Minnesota Schools Act (anti-bullying legislation) and other gains made in the past year in the movement for LGBTQ equity.

member. Never mind the fact that Gordon has been working hard to rehabilitate his life and the photo op came about because Gordon was out knocking on doors registering people to vote and the mayor and police chief joined in the efforts. Oh, let us not forget that the supposed news story aired on KSTP-TV failed to mention that the chief was right there too.

It would have gone against its narrative of “police outraged.”

Hell, here’s the city’s top cop right there. She didn’t seem too outraged.

Here’s the real outrage. It’s outrageous that an ABC news affiliate would air such a one-sided

hatchet job against the mayor and try to race bait in the process using the narrative of the scary Black man. It’s outrageous that KSTP-TV would basically invent a news story for what agenda I still can’t grasp. Certainly the station and Kolls aren’t in some sort of cahoots with the police federation (which is highly upset with the mayor for wanting to root out bad cops and pushed for officers to wear body cameras), right? And is the station so tone deaf to think this piece of trash would fly following the airing of the station’s most popular show, “Scandal,” which plays to a very large African-American audience?

By the way, Mayor Hodges has taken several photos (which have surfaced since #pointergate) where she does the same playful point with other white people, yet not until now was she accused of throwing “gang signs.”

Whereas a photo of Capt.

Ronald Johnson of the Missouri Highway Patrol ended up on CNN with the question of if he was throwing a gang sign because he posed using a hand sign associated with his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, this is far worse. With Johnson, an AfricanAmerican who is charged with the police efforts in the aftermath of the Michael Brown

murder in Ferguson, Mo., the confusion came from a sad lack of knowledge and understanding of African-American culture.

With Hodges and Gordon, Kolls’ story was pure fabrication … a deliberate attempt to discredit the mayor and further demonize the Black male.

Kolls and KSTP-TV should be ashamed.

Certainly the issue can’t be Gordon’s past run-ins with the law. That shouldn’t be held against him if he’s showing earnest efforts to turn his life and his community around. No one’s past should be held against him or her. If so, we’d be focusing on

Kolls past 2007 run in with law enforcement.

Bottom line, KSTP-TV owes the mayor an apology, it owes Gordon an apology, Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC) – the organization that Gordon was out canvassing for – is owed an apology and the people of Minnesota are owed an apology … and a retraction.

And for goodness sake, at least change the headline that lives online, which continues to tell an all out lie that has been proven to be pure garbage.

Come on KSTP-TV, you’re better than that … aren’t you?

we have said from the beginning: contrary to claims credited to an unnamed source in the Star Tribune, we never made any threat to withhold state aid in advocating for a partnership between Community Standards Initiative and Minneapolis Public Schools.”

The senators said sworn

statements from Minneapolis Public Schools officials, including from Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D., Minneapolis Superintendent of Schools, Richard Mammen, Board of Education Chair, and District Lobbyist Jim Grathwol, “all confirm our conduct was completely ethical and

entirely within the norms of issue advocacy at the State Legislature.”

Mammen said he nor anyone on the school board was threatened and noted that the contract was negotiated over the period of a year. He said the board voted 8-0 to support it.

With that information on

the table, there clearly was no substance to the allegations, Champion said, and therefore the committee did not feel there was probable cause and voted to close the matter indefinitely. For all practical purposes, he said, it is closed.

“While we are deeply disappointed that this matter

was brought before the Subcommittee, we are pleased that a complete review of the facts has failed to demonstrate any misconduct on our part.

Rather, these complaints have been shown to be based on inaccurate information and hearsay,” Hayden and Champion said.

Classifieds Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Berry Tipsy 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 2221 Albert St. N. Roseville MN 55113 USA

Phone: 612.588.1313

YOUTH ORGANIZER

One year+ part-time position in St. Paul as youth organizer at District 1 Community Council. For detailed job posting visit district1council.blogspot.com. Nov 21 application deadline.

Courtroom Deputy

3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: Dominique Wells, 2221 Albert St. N. Roseville MN 55113 USA

The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Courtroom Deputy. This position will be located in St. Paul.

Salary range is $44,713 - $79,899. For complete job description, visit the court’s website www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Operations Generalist / Criminal Duty Clerk

Signed by: Dominique Wells Date Filed: 10/03/2014 Insight News 11/17/2014, 11/24/2014

*Statistics from Foundation Research

Vacancies Cokato Apts, Cokato, MN (a seniors complex 62 or over or handicapped) has vacancies on 2nd Floor for one BR apts. Waiting list open. Contact Don at 320-286-2758. E-Mail cokapts@embarqmail.com

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE

Operations Generalist

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280.

Must meet certain qualifications.

The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Operations Generalist in our St. Paul location.

Salary range is $40,617 - $66,019. For complete job description, visit the court’s website www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Townhomes Available

STAFF ATTORNEYS

The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Operations Generalist/Criminal Duty Clerk in our St. Paul location. Salary range is $40,617 - $66,019.

For complete job description, visit the court’s website www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Wilder

Matt Kjorstad, executive director at the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, explains how Y Youth Intervention Services programs use a strength-based approach designed to build upon each youth’s innate assets and instill self-sufficiency through personalized plans and renewed connection to community and resources.

Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks full-time attorney for its Minneapolis office. Fam. Law including representation of non-custodial parents; some work in other poverty law. Licensed in MN pref’d.

Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus.

Salary $45,000+D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to Lynelle Wells, CMLS, 430 First Ave. No., #359, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Appl. deadline: 11/21/14 or until filled. EOE.

Fieldcrest in Moorhead, MN Rent based on 30% of income 2 & 3 bdroms open MetroPlains Management

701-232-1887 www.metroplainsmanagement.com

West Falls Estates

International Falls, MN. 56649 Rent based on 30% Of adjusted income Call Patricia Brown At 218-283-4967 TDD 800-627-3529

Page 10 • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Insight News

“ROBERT ROBINSON – WELCOME BACK!”

Glorious Gospel Vocals It was just last fall that Robert Robinson suffered a stroke after performing at the Fargodome.

Having made a full recovery and continuing to maintain a healthy life and pursuing his gift of voice, Robinson has been sounding better than ever.

“I’m sure there are a lot of people like me who wish they had the ability to embrace every hurting person in the world and assure them that their lives will get better. I can share that embrace and assurance in my songs,” said Robinson.

Robinson is reason to believe that the greatest music reaches every name and crosses every boundary, from audiences in the Pontiac Silverdome to troops in South Korea.

Robinson possesses the ability to sing any song and yet remain true to his vision.

There exists a deep sense of goodness about Robinson. His father was a pastor and his mother, a church soloist, led the musical ministry on the Northside of Minneapolis.

At the tender age of six, Robinson (known as Eddie so as not to confuse the young vocalist with his father of the same name) began singing with his family as part of the Robinson Children, and by 15, “Eddie” was directing the church choir.

It was not until around the age of 24 years that Robinson began to experiment with his prodigious musical gifts outside of the cocoon of church community. At the prodding of friends, family and outsiders, Robinson took the modest steps of singing at weddings and small corporate functions, eventually starting a gospel choir at Minneapolis Community College in 1990. Soon, he quit his job as a data processing expert to lead the 100 Strong Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir, today

heralded by Minnesota Monthly Magazine as “the state’s most decorated group.” A year later in 1991, Robinson earned a featured role in “Nightingale” at the world-renowned Theatre de la Jeune Lune. In 1992, Robinson took part for the first time in Lorie Line’s Christmas tour and remained for 15 years with subsequent appearances on PBS and in Target stores nationwide.

Robinson points to gospel greats Mahalia Jackson, Tramaine Hawkins and Vanessa Bell Armstrong (with whom he has performed) as inspirations. Told his vocal stylings were “too big for radio,” Robinson set out on tour.

He became producer, creative director and promoter of his own tour. His show was named one of the “Ten Best Holiday Shows”

by Metro Magazine in 2007.

In January 2010, Robinson launched his newest “Signature” CD and kicked off his latest tour. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described the singer as “a volcanic talent.”

His performance was depicted as “glorious” by the Salt Lake City Deseret News, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune proclaimed him to be “a soaring presence.” Perhaps more importantly, Insight News distinguished Robert as “a beloved institution,” a nod to both his service to the community and his sterling life’s work.

Robert Robinson – Welcome Back!

Sunday, Nov. 30 Dakota Jazz Club – 1010 Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis 7 p.m. $30 (612) 332-5299 www.robertrobinsonmusic.com www.dakotacooks.com

insightnews.com

insightnews.com

Insight News • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Page 11

Tuesday, Nov. 18

18-plus $18

Joe Budden

Mr. Boombastic himself, Shaggy has been relatively quiet since his multiplatinum hits of the 2000s. Catch him back in Minneapolis at the Fine Line.

HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Some Love Lost Tour with Joe Budden and Emilio Rojas The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave S., Minneapolis 9 p.m.

18-plus $15 advance, $20 door

Saturday, Nov. 22 FUNK/PERFORMANCE

Nov. 17 - 23

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

Whether it’s releasing new music, starring in reality television, or sending a ridiculous amount of Tweets out daily, Joe Budden has found a way to stay relevant since his 2003 hit “Pump It Up.” Now a part of Eminem’s Slaughterhouse, Budden recently competed in the Total Slaughter emcee battle against Hollow Da Don. Expect to hear a lot of bars as Emilio Rojas, Big Jess & Big Wiz, Selph and more open.

R&B/PERFORMANCE Usher Xcel Energy Center 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul 7:30 p.m. $35 plus fees – $150 plus fees

Monday, Nov.17 SOUL/DANCE NIGHT Loring Pasta Bar 327 14th Ave. SE, Minneapolis 9 p.m.

21-plus Free until 10 p.m., $3 after.

Monday nights the Loring Pasta Bar Minneapolis joins “Motown on Mondays” the nationwide DJ night. Expect to hear originals, remixes and close relatives of your favorite Motown songs. Resident DJs are King Otto and Mike 2600 with special guest, DJ Dan Speak of KMOJ radio.

For more info about go to www.MOMFAM.com.

Before discovering Justin Beiber, Atlanta’s Usher Raymond was the reigning king of crossover R&B. Usher continues to churn out hits and returns to play one of the biggest venues in the state Tuesday.

Wednesday, Nov.19 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE/ AWARENESS Stay Awake: Building Power Post Election Concert Icehouse MPLS 2528 Nicollet Ave. S.,

Funk on First: VOL II First Avenue and 7th Street Entry 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.

18-plus $10

Minneapolis 8 p.m.

No Cover Stay Awake: Building Power Post Election Concert organizers state, “the goal of the night is to celebrate all of the hard work from hundreds of volunteers, organizers and everyday leaders to build power for racial and economic justice in Minnesota while talking about how we stay awake, aware and engaged for the long haul.” The Wellstone Organizing Fellows Program, Minnesota Voices, and We Vote MN, have been working for racial equity and this event is an example of where music and civic engagement intersect with performances by Maria Isa, Greg Grease, Lioness and Muja Messiah. The show is hosted by Master Mind and Tish Jones with DJs Todda and King Otto.

Thursday, Nov. 20

TWO HITS FOR THE HOLIDAYS NOW – DECEMBER 28

Children’s tickets start at $17

CHARLES DICKENS CRISPIN WHITTELL directed by JOE CHVALA

by

adapted by

NOVEMBER 22 – JANUARY 4

An entertaining family reunion on the rocks.

Sponsored by

by A.R.

GURNEY directed by MARIA AITKEN

612.377.2224 GUTHRIETHEATER.ORG

in October to rave reviews.

ROCK/PERFORMANCE Better Than Ezra Varsity Theater 1308 4th St. S.E., Minneapolis 7 p.m.

18-plus $26 – $131 Louisiana’s alternative rock trio Better Than Ezra returns to Minneapolis on at Varsity Theater. The platinum selling group reached No. 1 with its single “Good” in 1995.

HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Run the Jewels Fine Line Music Café 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

SOLD OUT El-P of Company Flow and Killer Mike of the Dungeon Family prove to have nine lives as they reinvent themselves on the second Run the Jewels project. Recently signing to Nas’ Mass Appeal imprint, the duo released its newest album

Friday, Nov. 21 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Slick Rick with Mixed Blood Majority Amsterdam Bar and Hall 6 6th St. (at Wabasha Street North), Saint Paul $20 advance, $25 door The city of St. Paul has been giving Minneapolis some serious competition with their its lately. How do you top having a wide range of acts from DJ Qbert to Usher in a 30 day span? You bring in “The Ruler” himself Slick Rick.

One of the greatest storytellers in African-American artistry Rick has penned some of the most classic songs in hip-hop.

REGGAE/PERFORMANCE Shaggy Fine Line Music Café 318 1st Ave N, Minneapolis 9 p.m.

Funk on First is part of a series of funk music events presented at First Avenue. Several bands will be performing a “friends and family” set with special guests. Acts include New Sound Underground with Toki Wright (Soul Tools) and Reed Grimm (“American Idol”), PHO with Ashley Dubose (“The Voice”) and Jellybean Johnson (The Time), Hustle Rose with singer K.Raydio, and McNasty Brass Band.

Sunday, Nov. 23 BENEFIT/PERFORMANCE Steve Faison Benefit Wilebski’s Blues Saloon 1638 Rice St., Saint Paul 2 p.m. $10 suggested donation Multi-instrumentalist, Steve Faison has touched the lives of many through his music and teaching. This benefit will be to cover medical bills due to his stroke June and ongoing medical expenses. The Event will include music from Elizabeth Anne Faison, Dee Miller Band, Who Nu and an open jam session.

Page 12 • November 17 - November 23, 2014 • Insight News

insightnews.com

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