Monday, December 13th, 7:30 pm, at Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage Tickets and information at guthrietheater.org, 612.377.2224, soundsofblackness.com
INSIGHT NEWS November 22 - November 28, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 47 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com
US Senator Al Franken, Shantae Holmes, and Grover Jones
Senator Franken visits Northside business Says owner of new North Minneapolis laundromat is example for others Shantae Holmes (center), owner of the All Washed Up Laundromat, which opened recently in North Minneapolis, describes the challenges she had to overcome to get financing for the new business with U.S. Senator Al Franken. Franken is working in Congress to ensure entrepreneurs like Holmes have the access to funding they need to start new businesses and create jobs.
Holmes worked with non-profit lenders such as the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) to get the credit she needed to start the business. Grover Jones (right), Executive Director of NEON, joined Franken during the visit and helped discuss how his organization helped Holmes get the capital she needed to start the Laundromat.
Elders applaud new North High vision Courtesy of Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
Rich Stanek and VJ Smith
Sheriff awards citizens for heroic rescues and community work Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek presented 12 awards to citizens who performed lifesavings acts or who volunteer to help their community. The award ceremony took place at Elsie’s restaurant, 729 Marshall Street Northeast, Minneapolis. The Sheriff presented the Award of Merit awards to several people for their community work. Among the recipients was V.J. Smith of MAD DADs in Minneapolis. Smith mentors inmates in the jail and encourages them to follow his example by breaking free from a life of crime and taking responsibility for their lives. “Inmates can relate to V.J. because he has walked in their shoes,” said Stanek. “V.J. has a big heart and he’s determined to reach out to people and help them return to the community as productive citizens.” Don Machacek of Inver Grove Heights received the Citizen’s Medal of Valor, the highest citizen award available from the Sheriff’s
Office. It is given to those who risk personal harm with the intention of providing assistance to law enforcement or another person. Other citizens who received awards at the event include: Citizen Commendation Award Four citizens, employed at the YMCA in Minneapolis, rescued a man who nearly drowned in March. A swimmer noticed the man on the bottom of the pool. The lifeguard and his co-workers pulled the man from the water, administered CPR, and saved the man’s life. Those honored for the rescue: Lifeguard Tyler Conway of Richfield, Blanca Garcia of White Bear Lake, Nicole Daeger of St. Paul, and Adara Bryan of Minneapolis. Citizen Commendation Award In September, a wooden boat sank on Lake Minnetonka and six people wound up in the water --- many of them were injured. Citizens on two other
AWARDS TURN TO 11
Business
LinkedIn: Job search gold mine or junkyard?
PAGE 2
We unequivocally support Superintendent Johnson’s initial decision to close North Community High School (“North”), and we applaud her current efforts to work with the north side community in establishing a “New North.” North has faced a steady decline in the number of students enrolled, from 1300 students in 2002 to its current number of 265 students. In just the past three years alone, North has experienced a 46% decline in enrollment. The once strong and proud North that many of us knew no longer exists.
Commentary by Jeffrey A. Hassan, Co-Chair, AfricanAmerican Leadership Forum/Education Work Group; William English and Rev. R. Staten, Co-Chairs, Coalition of Black Churches/African-Leadership Summit; and Rev. Jerry McAfee, President Minnesota State Baptist Convention In 2010, Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (“MCA”) scores at North are almost 60% lower than the average of other high schools in the State of Minnesota. In 2010, less than 30% of the African American students are proficient in reading and less than 10%
are proficient in Math. Most startling is the fact that not one African American male student at North is proficient in Math. As the song goes, we need to “Wake up Everybody ‘cause it’s time to teach a new way.” It was never Superintendent Johnson’s intention to close
North and leave nothing in its place. One of her major initiatives is to bring in a new high academic performing charter school called Minneapolis College Prep to the Northside. Minneapolis College Prep is associated with Noble Schools in Chicago which consistently sends over 90% of its high school graduates to college, and its students score as well on standardized tests as any of the top high schools within the Chicago area. Noble Schools achieve unprecedented success
SCHOOLS TURN TO 4
Human rights advocate William E. McGee honored The Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL) held its annual scholarship Gala dinner Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010. For the last several years, MABL has honored the memory of William E. (Billy) McGee by awarding a scholarship to a deserving minority law student. McGee was one of the MABL founders and was Chief Hennepin County Public Defender at the time of his death 10 years ago, at age 42. This year, MABL took a few extra minutes to remember Billy McGee, as the Gala fell on the 10th anniversary of his passing—
MCGEE TURN TO 3
Aesthetics
Luke Brotherson
PAGE 5
Rose McGee
William E. McGee (left) and Kojo Yankah, Member of Parliament, Ghana; May 2000
Kam Williams
Russell Simmons hosts soirée for Soledad O’Brien
PAGE 9
Sports
New Timberwolves take a lickin’, keep on tickin’
PAGE 12
Page 2 • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Insight News
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BUSINESS LinkedIn: Job search gold mine or junkyard? Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com When I first discovered LinkedIn, I was linking in a rural network landscape - a few people out there, but not many. A person could check their LI
messages once a week or so and keep up with expectations. Kind of like looking out the window over your farm fields and feeling thrilled when a car turns up your dusty road. Well, times have changed, and smalltown LI is now a sprawling suburban network, verging on a becoming a city in itself. LinkedIn is getting crowded, and the newest users have suspicious motives. “If someone connects with me on LinkedIn,” says one manager, “then I know they are looking for a job.”
How can an honest networker escape the assumption that all newcomers to the countryside are evil? Your best bet is to take a two-tiered approach: use it, and personalize it. Use LinkedIn daily. I don’t work for or represent the folks at that network, but the same applies to whatever network you want working for you. Update your status every evening, participate in one discussion per week, and invite a set number of connections weekly, as well. Respond to invitations
and inquiries promptly. Being active means you are staying involved and actively pursuing opportunities to help others connect. Personalize it. When you invite others to join your network, skip the standard invite and invest sixty seconds composing a brief note describing why you hope to connect with this person. Don’t lose sight of that what-I-can-do-for-you concept. And make a real effort to reconnect. By reviewing other people’s updates, you will know
what they are involved in and how you can help them move forward. Joining groups on LinkedIn is a complete waste of keystrokes unless you participate in your groups. Choose a few that pertain to your true interests and talents, (not necessarily job seeking) and keep an eye on those. People who change up their groups occasionally are able to keep conversations fresh and stay current within an industry or interest. Networking doesn’t have to
be annoying; having a few good neighbors can improve your life and your life’s work. LinkedIn and other similar boards are whatever you make of them, so open your front door and invite a few people to the party. Julie Desmond is an accounting and finance recruiter for Express Professionals in Edina, MN. She also leads career planning and job search workshops throughout the Twin Cities. Please write to julie@ insightnews.com.
Minnesota Trade Office recognizes nine international companies The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) has named nine companies winners of the 2010 Governor’s International Trade Awards for success in building global markets. The companies were honored during a luncheon at the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis last week, in recognition of Minnesota World Trade Week 2010. This year’s winners are 3M Company, St. Paul; Ideal Aerosmith, East Grand Forks; Leeds Forensic Systems, Inc., Minneapolis; MOCON, Inc., Brooklyn Park; Network Executive Software, Inc., Maple Grove; ReconRobotics, Inc., Edina; Rosenbauer America LLC, Wyoming; Viracon, Owatonna; and Knewtson Soy Products, LLP, Good Thunder. “Minnesota companies sold nearly $15 billion in manufactured exports last year,” said Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development. “State exports have rebounded strongly through the first half of 2010, approaching the record volumes of 2008. The nine award winners recognize the value that diverse, global markets can bring to their bottom line.” The companies were selected for developing and continuing to expand a significant part of their business in foreign markets,
for increasing or maintaining jobs in Minnesota to support international sales, and for developing novel approaches for competing globally. “These nine firms are a good example of the hard work and ingenuity that it takes to succeed in foreign markets,” said Ed Dieter, acting executive director of the Minnesota Trade Office. “The Minnesota Trade Office is proud to partner with these companies and hundreds more to help them develop their global reach.” The 2010 Governor’s International Trade Awards winners are: 3M Company, St. Paul 3M, a diversified international company, produces products and services in many markets, including industrial and technology; health care; consumer office; display and graphics; and electro and communications. Ideal Aerosmith, East Grand Forks - Ideal Aerosmith supplies precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, aerospace test engineering services and contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. Leeds Forensic Systems, Inc., Minneapolis - Leeds Forensics Systems manufactures comparison microscopes for firearms, toolmarks and trace evidence examiners.
MOCON, Inc., Brooklyn Park - The international manufacturing company produces instruments and markets testing services and consulting for measuring the permeation of gases and water vapor through barriers and films. Headquartered in Brooklyn Park, Mocon has operations in Texas, Colorado, Germany and China. Network Executive Software, Maple Grove - Formed in 1999, the company provides computer software for high-speed data communications/wide area network (WAN) optimization. ReconRobotics, Edina Formed in 2006, ReconRobotics manufactures tactical, microrobotic systems used by military and law enforcement customers worldwide. Rosenbauer America LLC., Wyoming - Rosenbauer America is an enterprise consisting of three companies Central States, General Safety and Rosenbauer International -with a combined history of more than 200 years in the firefighting and rescue vehicle field. Viracon, Owatonna -An international company of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., Viracon produces highperformance glass products, including tempered, laminated, insulating, silk-screened and high-performance coatings.
Knewtson Soy Products, LLP, Good Thunder - Knewtson Soy Products is a family farm partnership specializing in the production, processing, sales and
shipping of premium, identity preserved food grade soybeans and soybean products to both domestic and international markets.
Additional information about Minnesota World Trade Week 2010 is available at www. PositivelyMinnesota.com.
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McGee From 1 November 13, 2000. McGee was a strong advocate for human rights and devoted much of his career to representing the poor. He was the first African American to serve as Chief Public Defender for any district in the state of Minnesota. During his career he also served as a Hennepin County prosecutor, a role that he described as being a “minister of justice”, and he served as Executive Director of the Legal Rights Center. He received many community and professional awards including the 1992 Hennepin County Bar Association Pro Bono award. After his death he was honored with MABL’s Profiles in Courage award. In 1998, after McGee had been appointed Chief Public Defender in Hennepin County, the US State Department sent him to Ethiopia and Kenya to give presentations on criminal justice and our public defender system. McGee had always seen himself as a child of Africa, but had never traveled to Africa before. This trip was one of the highlights of his life. Separately, McGee’s wife, Rose McGee, had two opportunities to visit Ghana, in 1997 and 1999. Through his and Rose’s trips, McGee became connected with his African roots during the last three years of his life.
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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.
Insight News • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Page 3 In 1998, Al McFarlane hosted a businessman and member of Parliament from Ghana, Kojo Yankah. He later told Rose that this gentleman looked just like McGee. When Rose was in Ghana in 1999, she attended Panfest, a cultural celebration for the African Diaspora. While there she met Kojo Yankah, as he was a director of the Pan-African festival. Upon returning home, Rose told her husband that McFarlane had been right. She had met his twin, and McGee’s ancestors had definitely been from Ghana! In May 2000, Yankah
returned to Minneapolis, this time for several meetings and events for Books For Africa, a St. Paulbased non-profit organization. During this visit Yankah stayed in the home of Books For Africa board member Lane Ayres who was a lawyer friend of Billy’s. One evening Billy and Rose attended a Books For Africa dinner with Kojo Yankah, where the photo accompanying this article was taken. At the Gala it was announced that in honor of the 10th anniversary of the passing of Billy McGee, MABL had partnered
with Books For Africa, Thomson Reuters and the Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Foundation to send law and human rights books to Ghana. Books For Africa is sending a container of over 20,000 primary and secondary school books to be distributed to several schools in central Ghana. Also in that container Thomson Reuters will donate new latest edition West law and human rights books for the law school at Kwame Nkrumah University in Kumasi Ghana, and for their leading human rights program. Books For Africa is the
world’s largest shipper of school and library books to the continent of Africa, sending almost 2 million books to 31 African countries last year. Thomson Reuters is the world’s largest publisher of law books and has partnered with Books For Africa. Together they are sending new core law libraries to law schools, bar associations and human rights organizations across Africa. This Thomson Reuters program is led by their Vice President for Government Affairs and Community Relations, Sharon Sayles-Belton.
The Robins Kaplan Miller and Ciresi law firm is a major supporter of the BFA Jack Mason Law & Democracy Initiative and its donation covers the shipping costs of the West law books being sent to Ghana in Billy’s memory. The other scholarship MABL awarded at their Gala was a legal internship in the office of Chief Judge Michael Davis. Davis serves on the advisory board of the BFA Jack Mason Law & Democracy Initiative. For more information: www. booksforafrica.org/law
Page 4 • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Insight News
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EDUCATION Connnecting with our families Superintendent Column By Benadeia H.Johnson MPS Superintendent We value the dedication that our families have to our schools and students and we are always
looking for ways to strengthen that connection. Three times a year, we hold conferences with our families and their children to check in on each student’s academic progress. The most recent parent – teacher conferences were November 4 and 5. Conferences serve as a great opportunity for us to come together to recognize each student’s strengths and needs. By connecting, our teachers and our schools can work with
families to assess how we can build on student strengths and best support student needs in the classroom and at home. With the rigorous academic goals we have in place, it is more important than ever that we work together. Student success depends on connecting the lessons learned in school at home. Each year, a student gets a new teacher at school – but the adults at home are the child’s teachers for life. A variety of resources are available for families to help their children succeed. We are
doing all that we can to continue connecting with our families. I understand that our families are busier than ever, which is why we must work to develop innovative, creative, new ways to provide our families with the information and support that they need to ensure that our students are successful in school. We launched our new school district website on November 1. We hope you find the site clean, friendly and easy to navigate. Even though the new site has been unveiled, our work is not done. As with any good
website, we will be listening to feedback and adjusting it based on your needs. Visit www.mpls. k12.mn.us to see our new look. Our student-run radio station, Jazz-88 (88.5 FM), hosts live MPS news segments each Wednesday at 7:30 am with representatives from our schools and our district. “Like,” “follow,” or watch MPS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. We update our pages frequently and our fans are some of the first to know. Utilize the Parent Portal. (http://parentportal.mpls.k12.
mn.us) This web-based system gives parents and guardians the ability to view their child’s attendance, grades, assignments, schedule and transcript. As always, visit your child’s school. Our schools always have new information to report and our teachers are happy to schedule updates over the phone and check e-mail daily. Thank you for your support and for your commitment to your child’s education. When we all work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve for our students.
William English
Rev. Randolph Staten
Rev. Jerry McAfee
Jeffrey Hassan
Northside of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) representative, Robert Panning-Miller, claims that Minneapolis Public Schools’ authorization of the Minneapolis College Prep charter school is an attempt to “privatize public education.” This is a false and deliberate attempt to distort, mislead, and bend the facts. Furthermore, it blatantly ignores Minnesota law. The fact of the matter is that charter schools ARE PUBLIC schools by law, and Mr. Panning-Miller knows, or certainly should, know that. While Panning-Miller and some other representatives of MFT are concerned about establishing charter schools, leaders of MFT have simultaneously submitted an application to the State of Minnesota to become an
authorizer of charter schools!!! If not outright hypocritical, at the very least, it seems unethical to consistently condemn charter schools while simultaneously applying to authorize them. While certain representatives of MFT seem intent on disparaging charter schools, one of the most successful schools in educating African American children is Harvest Preparatory Academy (“Harvest”). Harvest substantially outperforms all K-8 public schools in North Minneapolis, and has consistently outperformed almost every other school district in Minnesota in educating African American students. More than 80% of Harvest students are eligible for free and reduced meals; the school serves over 90% students of color. Harvest is a PUBLIC charter school.
While MFT and other teachers’ unions are quick to tout the success of Minnesota students as compared to other states, they have failed to answer why they are unable to successfully educate children of color? Why is it that MFT and others blame everyone but themselves and fail to recognize that the reality before us is cocreated?” Why is it that MFT advocates are out of touch with parents, state law, and the federal regulations by opposing charter Schools. Parents choose schools out of desire for their children’s success. If MFT can demonstrate that they can successfully educate children of color in traditional schools, parents will run towards them. Until they do, parents of color, like all other parents, have the right to exercise their “choice” to leave.
Schools From 1 serving the same demographic of students who reside on the Northside of Minneapolis; 85% of the students in Noble schools receive free and reduced lunch, and more than 90% of the students are of color. Moreover, just this past week Superintendent Johnson and the School Board have agreed to work with family, friends and supporters of North to attract new students, increase enrollment and re-establish academic rigor at a New North High School. Instead of praising and supporting the effort of Superintendent Johnson to bring a high achieving, academically rigorous high school to the
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Insight News • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Page 5
AESTHETICS Ice skater Luke Brotherson tours with Disney on Ice if I was interested in joining the show,” he recalled. Brotherson’s first show was “Monsters, Inc.” Since then, his association with the touring company has carried him to every country in the world, with the exception of China and the continent of Africa. “I like the constant changing scenery. I like the fact that things just keep moving,” Brotherson said. Currently, Brotherson is a touring member of “Disney On Ice Presents: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey,” a show that stops in the Twin
By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer Dream jobs are hard to come by. However, since 2003, professional ice skater Luke Brotherson has been dreaming with his eyes as a touring member of Feld Company, a touring company that presents the various productions that make up Disney on Ice. Brotherson, a native of Birmingham, UK, began shaping his career as an ice skater at the age of 16; he’s a self-taught talent, who stumbled into his craft as a result of a curriculum requirement in his High School. “I was always a competitive gymnast, but my school wanted us to take a secondary sport that we had never done before, so I chose skating. I would go skating twice a week with my class, and then I just got kind of addicted to it,” said Brotherson. “When I finished school, I got a job at a skating rink so I could continue to practice.” Eventually, Brotherson’s practice and discipline opened a doorway that would not have
Cities on December 9, at the Xcel Energy Center. The show charts the journey of Mickey and Minnie as they travel to four magical destinations to visit their friends, Lilo and Stitch, Simba and Nala, Ariel and Sebastion, and of course Peter and Tinkerbell. Brotherson steps into the roles of several characters in the production, from one of Captain Hook’s pirates, to a Hawaiian surfer, and onto a sea creature in the “Little Mermaid.” “I’m happy because I’m
doing something that I love. When I’m on the ice and out there watching the crowd I think to myself, ‘Wow,’ I really love my job.’ In my eyes that is the best feeling in the world,” Brotherson said. “Disney On Ice Presents: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey,” runs from December 9 thru December 12 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. For more information on tickets, visit: http://www. xcelenergycenter.com or call (651) 726-8240.
THREE-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNING
Luke Brotherson otherwise been there had he drifted in another direction. Under the advice of good friends, and without fear of taking chances, he found himself in line at an audition for Feld Entertainment. “I had friends who were
Courtesy of the artist
already working for Disney. They called me up and told me they were going to be in Birmingham touring the show and told me I should come in and audition. I auditioned, and it was about six months later before they emailed to ask me
Eric Benet interview By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer For years R&B artist Eric Benet, has lapped our eardrums with his prized vocal instrument, and
ingenious ability to translate his heart into a song. We hear the name Eric Benet and we immediately think of such hits as: “Spend My Life With You,” “Georgy Porgy,” “I Want to Be Loved,” “You’re the Only One,”
and now “Sometimes I Cry.” After four solo albums, three Grammy nominations, and more than 15 years of caressing a microphone with his vocal
BENET TURN TO 12
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 22 - November 28, 2010 • Insight News
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HEALTH Women and long-term care planning By Diane Pratt AARP Board of Directors Special to the NNPA Today’s women have more lifestyle options than ever before. We consistently assume many important roles – from caring for our loved ones (both young and old) to pursuing vibrant careers and lives. In fact, women are often heralded for their multi-tasking skills. However, there is one task many of us put on the back burner, and that’s planning for our own futures. When it comes to our home, health and finances, we like to be in control. Understanding and arranging for long-term care is one of the smartest decisions we can make to stay in command of our future. But for too many women, particularly those of African American descent, there is still a great deal of important information we are not familiar with and don’t incorporate into critical
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planning for our futures. Long-term care is a combination of a wide range of health and personal care elements that enable us to live
as well as possible, how and where we want to live, including providing daily help, if we develop chronic conditions that last a long time. AARP
research shows that nearly nine in 10 Americans want to stay independent and in their own homes, but as people grow older and/or chronic conditions
or disabilities develop, they may need help bathing, dressing or getting around. Planning for long-term care can help you and your family be more comfortably equipped to meet your future needs. This preparation includes assessing future lifestyle needs and goals as they relate to your home and community, health, finances and personal wishes. We’re living in a wonderful world where many people are enjoying longer lives. In fact, women outlive men by five years, and two-thirds of Americans over 85-yearsold are women. However, a woman’s income is nearly 25 percent lower than that of their single male counterparts and one-forth that of their married counterparts – reducing a woman’s capacity to afford long-term care costs. Even if a woman never requires long-term care, a family member or friend probably will. Understanding your longterm care needs and options is the first step towards taking
control of your future. AARP’s research has also discovered that while African American women are less in denial about the necessity of long-term care planning than other groups surveyed, at the same time, these women have the fewest financial plans in place. African American women say they will rely highly on family for future support; but they voice serious concern as to whether the younger family members will be prepared to step in and help out when needed. Overall, caregiving is a key component in many Americans’ lives. In fact, more than 43 million Americans over the age of 18 provide unpaid care for people age 50+. African American women caregivers spend 20 hours a week as an unpaid caregiver to a loved one. In essence, caregiving can be similar to holding a parttime job. Additionally, many
HEALTH TURN TO 9
CDC study shows racial divide in teen pregnancy rates By Sharon Rolenc Minnesota News Connection Pregnancy among teen-age girls has been the subject of public concern for decades, and a new state-by-state report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights another factor; huge racial disparities in teen birth rates. Minnesota ranks among the ten states with the lowest overall teen birth rate, but among the ten states with the highest teen birth rate for African American girls. Rates are also significantly above average for Minnesota’s Hispanic or Latina girls. Brigid Riley, the executive
director of the Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting (MOAPPP), says the results on how Minnesota stacks up against other states are pretty shocking. “If you put a thousand Minnesota girls in an auditorium, we know that about 27 of them will have a baby by the time they get out of their teens. If you put a thousand African American girls in that auditorium, 81 of them will have had a baby as a teen,” said Riley. According to the report, babies born to teenagers are at higher risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and death in infancy, compared with babies born to women in their twenties and older. The report also notes that, although teenage birth
rates fell nationally and in 14 states from 2007 to 2008, the birth rate for the United States remains substantially higher than for other Western countries. Riley says that less than onethird of teen moms ever earn a high school diploma, and fewer still graduate from college by age 30. She says teen dads also face their share of challenges. “They’re already typically under-employed if they’re teen fathers, and then the financial stress of child support really exacerbates the issue for them. Over time they earn a lot less than older fathers,” Riley said. She adds that children of teen mothers have higher high school drop-out rates, and ultimately they are not as gainfully employed. According to Riley,
teen pregnancy has serious implications for our future work force. “These children are going to be taking care of us when we’re older, and if they’re not successful in school, and if they’re not going on for any kind of higher education, I think we have got some real challenges ahead of us. Communities need to pay attention to this because it’s a work force development issue as much as it is a health issue or a social issue,” she said. Riley said sex education and instruction on condom and birth control use definitely play a part of the potential solution. But she adds it’s just as important that parents get over their discomfort when talking to teens about sex, and invest time in really guiding kids on values and their future plans.
The CDC report is at www. cdc.gov. MOAPPP’s Minnesota-
specific data center is at www. moappp.org
Low cost vaccination clinics for people of all ages Vaccines prevent diseases for people of all ages. Low-cost immunizations to people who lack health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover vaccines will be offered through Hennepin County. The clinics available: Bloomington Clinic: Bloomington Division of Health, 1900 W. Old Shakopee Road, 3 to 5:30 p.m., on Dec. 7 and 21. Brooklyn Center Clinic: Hennepin County’s Brookdale
Service Center, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, 9 to 11 a.m., on Dec. 28. Downtown Minneapolis Clinic: Hennepin Health Services Building, 525 Portland Ave. S., 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 3. For more information about these clinics, call 612-3482884 or go to www.hennepin. us/vaccines. Donations are requested but not required for the immunizations.
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Insight News • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Page 7
COMMENTARY E3: Education, employment, & economic development Gateway to excellence By Scott Gray MUL President/CEO Now that the political dust from the 2010 mid-term election has settled and the veils have been lifted, it is back to the stark realities of the challenges that face this nation, but moreover our community. Exit polls nationwide voiced people’s cry for an end to high unemployment rates, replaced post-haste with the creation of meaningful-wage jobs that lead people to self-sufficiency. No matter the political party banner one chooses to wave, nor whether or not you chose to be a responsible citizen by voting, in the final analysis, all roads lead right back to the power of E3: education, employment and economic development. An article entitled “America in Crisis,” notes that the October 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed positive employment trends. However, considering the current levels of job creation, it will take 20
years simply to return back to December 2007 employment levels. It is suggested that at a minimum, 127,000 jobs need to be created per month to keep abreast of population growth and to keep unemployment hovering at just 9.6%. Unfortunately, these figures do not include the ranks of the under-employed, those who have given up searching for a job, or those who have extinguished all of their unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Even as America was on the brink of the current jobs crisis, I was struck by this reference by Former Wisconsin Congressman Steven Gunderson in his 2004 book, The Jobs Revolution. “Education and re-education will be the dominant strategy by which we land and keep our jobs. America is capable of preparing, placing and compensating the most gifted and diverse workforce in the history of the world. But we need to quickly and thoroughly, reshuffle our local, regional and national policies. Public and private investment, at amounts within our reach, can make the plan work. How we invest the money will be critical. We need to invest in keeping people employable and stop
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defining workforce investment as a social benefit in a secondchance system. Workforce development is economic development and it yields a fabulous return-on-investment,” he writes. Recognizing the shifts in ethnic demographics, Gunderson also noted: “Minorities and youth are the people we must reach, motivate, equip and continuously educate.
They are our hope for a competitive workforce.” In 2010, we now face entry level job seekers who require higher skills to enter the job market, and incumbent workers who require retraining because they must remain in the job market longer, or are in desperate need of a skill set that will enable them to re-enter as jobs in demand have swiftly shifted.
Our present challenge is to equip people with the basic, technical and soft skills needed to fill jobs that are being created right now and with a focus on the future. Local educationto-employment pathways must be retooled so that all segments of a community are prepared to fully participate in a marketplace that now requires higher level skills. The current education-to-employment
systems are fragmented at the local/state/regional levels, and are inappropriate for today’s marketplace as they were created for labor economies 100 years ago. In the absence of a systematic adjustment, changes that have been made are simply inadequate to completely patch the broken talent pipelines that we are currently witnessing. We have entered into a new labor market era that is here to stay. Today’s economic development challenges must be strategically addressed and adequately supported fiscally if they are to ever be resolved. The fuel that ignites a country’s competitive edge in today’s global economy is the knowledge of its workforce; and the effectiveness and productivity of that workforce is derived from education. Education and employment ultimately contribute to the sustainable economic development health of a community. Numerous reports suggest that the economic development health of Minneapolis is in jeopardy without deliberate intervention. At the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL), we recognize that the semi-skilled and low-
E3 TURN TO 9
The difference between old and new Black Republicans By Bill Fletcher, Jr. NNPA Columnist In the aftermath of the November 2010 election I found myself wondering about a statement that I kept hearing: in 2010 there were more Black Republicans running for office in the South than at any time since Reconstruction. I think that we have arrived at a moment when we need a ‘time out.’ Let’s be very clear on a few things. The Black Republicans who ran for (and won) office during the period of Reconstruction (1865-1877) were, by and large, individuals
who were fighting to expand democracy, including the rights of the poor. They were fighting against any and all forms of racist oppression. These were individuals, for instance, who fought for the introduction of free public education, but also in many cases, for the rights of workers. These were not individuals who sided with the rich and the powerful, but they were those who saw in Reconstruction a moment in the history of the USA when democracy could come to represent more than a platitude. When I look at most of today’s Black Republicans I see something very different.
While I am sure that there are many Black Republicans who are concerned about the poor (though, in the interest of full disclosure, I have never met any), that is not the predominant characteristic. We are not talking about Black politicians who continue to be Republicans because that was the party of Abraham Lincoln, but rather individuals who are comfortable with a party that openly despises people of color and will perpetuate various forms of voter suppression against people of color. Let me mention two things that have led me to wonder about today’s Black Republicans. A few weeks
prior to the elections in Nevada, elements associated with the Republican Party became involved in an aborted campaign to discourage Latino voters from turning out November 2nd. This was unbelievable, and fortunately, was halted. Nevertheless, this was a targeted campaign against voters of color encouraging them to NOT exercise their Constitutional rights but, instead, to stay home. I did not hear any Black Republicans criticizing this. On election evening at 7:30 pm, I received a call on my home line. A recorded voice said that “we” had done our work, the Democrats had won,
and that there was nothing more that “we” needed to do now but stay home and watch the results of the election on TV. Interesting, except in my state the polls close at 8 p.m.! In other words, we were being told that there was no further need to vote, if you had not already. This incident, and several other voter suppression incidents around the country, is being investigated for violations of the law. But here is my point: I did not hear any Black Republicans criticizing this behavior either. So, while it may be true that there are all of these Black Republicans running for office, I keep wondering about their
souls and consciences. Who are these people? How can they remain silent, or in some cases actively support, actions that are explicitly targeted at misleading and/or suppressing the voting strength of voters of color? Are they that cynical? Are they actually black? I am open to being convinced. Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies, the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum, and the co-author of “Solidarity Divided.” He can be reached at papaq54@ hotmail.com.
Protect elderly patients, stop Medicare cuts By Judge Greg Mathis An elderly person should be able to spend time with their families and enjoy life in a way they couldn’t when they were younger and working full time. They certainly should not be worried whether or not the medical care they receive will, at best, cause an adverse reaction that was completely avoidable or, in a worst case scenario, kill them. Unfortunately, that is the reality for Medicare recipients around this country: in a recently released study, it was reported that, in just one month, a projected 15,000 hospitalized Medicare patients died because they received less than quality care. Around 40 million Americans receive Medicare, a federally-funded program that provides health insurance coverage to people aged 65 or over. The Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General’s new report has revealed that there is an alarmingly high risk for medical malpractice within the program. According to the study, 1 in 7 Medicare patients who are
hospitalized are harmed by and ultimately die because of medical treatment they receive. Common causes of these deaths include improper use of blood thinning medications, respiratory failure from over sedation or inadequate insulin management. Another 1 in 7 patients experienced temporary harm, but the error was discovered and corrected just in time to save their lives. There are no words to convey how frightening this news is, not just for Medicare recipients, but also for their families. When someone is hospitalized, they tend to focus on their recovery. With this news, patients and their families are left to question whether or not the treatment they receive will do more harm than good. Of course, there is also a societal cost: taxpayers spend more than $4 billion each year because additional treatments or longer hospital stays are needed to fix medical mistakes that should never have happened. It is clear that there needs to be federally funded look into the way hospitals perceive and care for Medicare patients. Their safety measures need to be
examined and, when necessary, changed immediately. If there are best practices for treatment, they should be implemented. Unbelievably, Congress is considering cuts to the Medicare, so such an investigation is unlikely. And, with fewer dollars to provide services, more preventable deaths are to be expected. The elderly are among the most vulnerable members of our society and, as a collective, we should work to keep them safe from harm. Call or write your elected officials and demand that they not only vote to keep Medicare funding intact, but also ask that they earmark additional funds to ensure that, when they are hospitalized,
Judge Greg Mathis
Courtesy of the author
our elderly receive quality treatment at quality hospitals. Judge Greg Mathis became the youngest judge in Michigan’s history and was elected a Superior Court Judge for Michigan’s 36th District. He has been called upon as a regular contributor to national television programs, including “Larry King Live,” “Politically Incorrect,” CNN’s “Talk Back Live,” “Showbiz Tonight” and “Extra” to discuss his opinions on complex issues of the day, such as national security, unique sentencing, affirmative action and celebrity scandals. He also offers his take on highprofile legal cases.
Page 8 • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Insight News
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LIFESTYLE Holiday entertaining made simple Style on a Dime By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com ‘Tis the season to throw a party! Do you thoroughly enjoy a great holiday party, complete with jolly folk; smiling faces, joy-filled hearts, red sweaters, and lots of sequins (they’re really hot right now)? Somewhere between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, everyone should host at least one festive gathering of family and friends to celebrate somethingthankfulness, Christ’s birth, a new year, a new love, a lasting love, etc... In our house, there is much to celebrate between November and January; thanksgiving, day-after-thanksgiving-sales (no, really), Christmas, our wedding anniversary, New Year’s day-which also doubles as my birthday, and two days later, my youngest daughter’s birthday! We squeeze in a lot of partying. Are you always the one waiting for an invitation to the parties, but never hosting one of your own? What are you waiting for? Stop worrying about all the excuses that you have been using for not having people over. Here’s the deal: If you invite them, they will
sxc.hu
come. Just keep it simple, do a bit of preplanning, stick to your budget, and let the good times roll! What’s The Plan? First, start off by thinking about who will be invited. To keep your party in the low-cost zone, consider emailing invitations, using the fabulous and free www. evite.com . You’ll have tons of stylish invitations for any occasion from which to choose.
What’s The Budget? Decide how much you can afford to spend on the shindig and stick to it! If your budget is $100, withdraw that amount in cash and place it in an envelope labeled “party.” When the envelope is empty, the party shopping is over. By using cash, it helps you to think more carefully about each purchase before making it. Make a promise to yourself, “I won’t let my credit card be my back-
up plan.” What’s The Menu? Be strategic here because the food costs can get out of hand. Decide if your budget can accommodate hors d’oeuvres, a casual buffet, or a sit-down meal. Serve dishes that are economical (think rice dishes, bean dishes, dinner rolls, etc.) and in season (right now, you’ll pay a premium price to make your recipe that calls for cherry tomatoes and
red peppers). Also, save big by limiting, or eliminating, alcohol as a beverage options. For more tips on how to plan the right amount of food for your guests visit www. greatpartyrecipes.com What’s The Theme/Mood? Don’t make it too elaborateto set a festive tone, consider something as simple as picking a color scheme. Pick up coordinating ribbon from
a discount fabric store or dollar store and use it to add pops of color throughout the party area. If possible, carry your color-scheme to your serving table with a tablecloth or fabric; it adds an elegant touch. Don’t forget the music; it has the power to help guests let go of their cares and get their (mental) party hats on. Consider relaxing to the sounds of smooth jazz for your wine and cheese party. You can even let the television be your free DJ; most cable services offer commercial-free music channels in a variety of genres. Are you a big Michael Jackson fan? Let his music inspire the vibe of your gathering. You may even invite guests to let Michael inspire their wardrobe selection. What’s the secret to throwing a memorable holiday party? First, it starts with a charming host who opens her/ his home, despite________ (fill in your own excuse). Next, it’s inviting the people that you love(or want to love), having something to nibble on, and thinking ahead about creating a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that screams (or whispers),” Enjoy!” Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at a low cost. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.
Book: Decoded by Jay-Z Book Review By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com “My life after childhood has two main stories: the story of the hustler and the story of the rapper, and the two overlap as much as they diverge. I was on the streets for more than half of my life from the time I was thirteen-years-old... The feelings I had during that part of my life were burned into me like a brand… I lost people I loved, was betrayed by people I trusted,
felt the breeze of bullets flying by my head… I went dead broke and got hood rich on those streets. I hated it. I was addicted to it. It nearly killed me. It was the site of my moral education, as strange as that may sound. It’s my core story, and… that core story is the one that I have to tell.” --Excerpted from the Introduction (pg. 18) Shawn Corey Carter, aka Jay-Z, wasn’t always a cultural icon married to Beyonce’ who had parlayed his success as a rap artist into a multimillionaire empire with a host of diverse holdings ranging from a record label to a music publishing company to a clothing line to a nightclub
chain to an NBA team. No, he spent his formative years in the Marcy Housing Projects in Bed-Stuy, before moving to Trenton where he dropped out of school to sell crack on the streets while pursuing a hiphop career. Jay-Z went on to maximize his potential by keeping it real via raw rhymes which reflected his rough roots in the ‘hood. Now, the gifted wordsmith has decided it’s time to expound upon the deeper meaning of those evocative lyrics which have so resonated over the years with his legions of fans from the Hip-Hop Generation. The upshot of that yeoman’s effort is Decoded, a mixed-media memoir delineating the derivation of 36 of Jay-Z’s greatest hits.
An entertaining collage of personal reflections, political philosophy, photographs, drawings, slam poetry-style stream of consciousness, the illuminating opus reads like a
Jay-Z serious lecture on pop culture being delivered by a sagacious historian off the present who has done time in the trenches. For example, there’s an incendiary line, “F*ck government, n*ggers politic themselves” from the song, “Where I’m From” which Jay-Z analyzes with “A lot of our heroes, almost by default, were people who tried to dismantle or overthrow the government—Malcolm X or the Black Panthers—or people
jay-z.com
who tried to make it completely irrelevant, like Marcus Garvey, who wanted Black people to sail back to Africa. The government was everywhere we looked, and we hated it.” Relatively-sophisticated musings making sense of rants about a “Hard Knock Life” coming from an insightful 40-year-old ostensibly no longer full of the angst which had helped skyrocket him to the heights of super-stardom.
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Insight News • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Page 9
Russell Simmons hosts soirée for Soledad O’Brien By Kam Williams Over the weekend, hiphop entrepreneur-turnedphilanthropist Russell Simmons opened up his home to host a star-studded party for Soledad O’Brien in his lavish two-story penthouse located in lower Manhattan. The occasion marked the release of Soledad’s autobiography, “The Next Big Story”, which she cowrote with Rose Marie Arce. Besides the authors, celebrity guests in attendance included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, HLN host Jane Velez-Mitchell, actor Jamie Hector (“The Wire”), CNN reporters Alino Cho and Susan Candiotti, syndicated columnist Keli Goff, educator Dr. Steve Perry and PR maven Terrie Williams. Also at the gathering was Soledad’s husband, Brad, her father, Edward, and several of her siblings, as well as Corinne Vargas, who grew up on Long Island not far from the O’Brien family. Vargas’ legal battle with the Village of Smithtown for affordable housing is recounted in the memoir, a section which serves to highlight the degree of discrimination there against minorities. Given that Russell
E3 From 7 skilled jobs have virtually disappeared. Training people so that they can qualify for current and emerging jobs requires inventive approaches, as well as training programs that span much longer than the typical short term, generic training classes popular in the past. Research shows that the unemployment rates are highest among high school dropouts and high school graduates, and these groups need technical
Health From 6 caregivers may need to take time off from their full-time work, which often cuts into their pay. This brings us back to the importance of long-term care planning among women. As caregivers, many women see and experience the angst of uncertainty surrounding finances and health that often accompany administering care during a crisis. In a moment of reflection, you may realize you don’t want others to have these same experiences and you want to be in control of decisions affecting you. Taking a few steps now will give you peace of mind in the future. Because so many women live longer, it may mean living alone later in life, which increases the likelihood of requiring long-term care from a paid provider. Planning ahead is so very important because long-term care is expensive, and Medicare and private health insurance do not cover these high costs. Did you know that the average nursing home costs $77,000 a year? Most people cover the cost of any long-term care they may need out of personal savings or other financial assets. And, most likely, for many of your
Steve Fenn/CNN
Soledad O’Brien book party held at the residence of Russell Simmons in New York. Simmons is a strict vegan, it was no surprise that the affair was catered by a chef specializing in vegetarian culinary fare, plus scrumptious desserts such as brownies, pumpkin pie, lemon tarts and chocolate mousse.
The only interruption of the otherwise informal festivities marked by imbibing of freely flowing wine and champagne arrived mid-evening when Russell took a moment to introduce Soledad (still on crutches recovering from a
knee injury suffered while horseback riding), who in turn credited Rose and others who had helped turn the project into a success. Always working the room, upon this reporter’s introduction to Mr. Simmons,
I immediately asked for an interview, and he assured me that we could do one soon, either to discuss his upcoming
book (Super Rich), his new reality show (Running Russell Simmons), or both. So, watch this space.
job training. Throughout the next decade, over 60 % of jobs will require occupational certificates, two-year degrees or post-secondary apprenticeships. Human development organizations, policymakers, educators and workforce organizations must unite and derive workforce programming in response to the dictates of the global labor market of today. MUL is crafting solutions that are targeted, and focused on the local employability needs of both the current and future workforce. Strategic actions MUL has embarked upon, in a quest to enhance employability opportunities for those it serves
include; Building collaborative partnerships with employers and industry leaders so that trainings offered are designed and directly meet an employer’s current and future workforce needs; Serving as a catalyst for the creation of career-education partnership networks which link businesses, unions, education programs and other key stakeholders; Rebuilding jobs pipelines by reinventing educationto-employment systems, retraining workers, and providing information relative to in-demand careers, and
the education and training required for these occupations (MUL Workforce Solutions are demand driven so that training provided is aligned with justin-time employer needs, not training offered in hopes of eventually uncovering an employment opportunity); Creating education-toemployment pathways that prepare a pipeline of employees who are positioned to enter emerging green, construction, manufacturing, service and health care positions (MUL’s BIG STEP Highway Construction Apprenticeship Program is an example of a training program designed to
meet employer future needs, in anticipation of projected opportunities); Employing apprenticeship and on-the-job training models which provide earn and learn experiences, supporting skill attainment and industry knowledge exposure simultaneously, and; Mentoring and coaching jobseeker in the basic, technical and soft skills required for success in each industry sector. Are we striving to foster employability, or are we simply seeking to support unemployment? That is the question that policymakers and funders must earnestly ponder.
When more funds are budgeted to pay for unemployment, rather than to support quality sectoral training, the nature of the intent must be queried. The Minneapolis Urban League is on an unending quest to think beyond the box, so that workforce readiness can be elevated for those who were on the fringes before the economic shift, and who are certain to remain there in the absence of a systematic strategy to address employability gaps. MUL is intently focused on harnessing the power of E3; for in the end, the impact of education, employment and economic development cannot be denied.
expenses you could end up paying out-of-pocket. So, as an African American woman, how do you get your long-term care plan into action? First, make healthy choices now to support an active lifestyle. Also, it is very important to share your medical and financial wishes with your family and friends today, so you stay in control of important, future life decisions as well as help ease your loved ones’ uncertainly. Next, investigate how your home and community will serve your future lifestyle needs and goals. And finally, know the costs of long-term care options and how those expenses will be covered. AARP’s Decide. Create. Share.sm planning resources can help you get started. The Decide. Create. Share.sm campaign is supported by three major non-profit organizations
focused on women: the American Association of University Women (AAUW), MANA – A National Latina Organization, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). Focused mainly on the nearly 40 million baby boomer women in the U.S., the campaign is a call-to-action to every woman from every background. Through online tools and resources, local community events and a variety of media outreach, AARP and its collaborators will use Decide. Create. Share. sm to raise awareness of long-term care planning among women – and men – across the nation. Take this message to heart. Think about your future and the future of your loved ones. There are simple things you can do now that cost little or no money. Also, make use
of resources through Decide. Create. Share. sm Find out what’s possible. Think about
long-term care now – it’s that important. Call 1-888-OURAARP for a free long-term
care planning guide and visit www.aarp.org/decide for more information.
Page 10 •November 22, 2010 - November 28, 2010 • Insight News
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
PHONE: 612.588.1313
the patient’s heart jumps up and runs across the room. “Your Heart is in My Mouth” by Janaki Ranpura takes a daughter on a carnival ride with puppets and shadow projections through her father’s life and deeper into their relationship. Tickets: $15 adults. $10 students/seniors. Wed. Dec. 1 @ The House Pay-What-You-Can-Preview. More information and tickets at 612-825-0459 or www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org.
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 Dress for Success. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., MCTC Gym 1501 Hennepin Ave. Mpls, MN 55403. Minnesota Identity and the Arts - Nov 30 — What does it mean to be a Minnesotan, and how has that identity been shaped by our artists and storytellers? How has our rich artistic culture shaped the way we think about themselves, each other and the rest of the world? Is there such a thing as a shared Minnesota culture and how has art shaped it? Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m., at Intermedia Arts, 2822 S. Lyndale Ave., Mpls, MN 55408 Intermediaarts.org “Your Heart is in My Mouth” - Dec 1-4 — Naked Stages returns to Pillsbury House Theatre 7:30 pm. In the midst of a medical demonstration,
“Body Parts: Reflections on Reflections” - Dec 1-4 — Naked Stages returns to Pillsbury House Theatre 7:30 pm. This African-American transgender woman lives life balanced on a tightrope. A truly multi-media experience, “Body Parts: Reflections on Reflections” by Andrea Jenkins uses video and visual art, movement and music and monologue to express and explore the dual nature of the human body. Tickets: $15 adults. $10 students/seniors. Wed. Dec. 1 @ The House Pay-What-You-CanPreview. More information and tickets at 612-8250459 or www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org.
WomenVenture Small Business Classes - Dec. 2 — The Best Place to Start Thursday, December 2nd, 6:00PM - 6:45 PM at WomenVenture, Free. Overview of WomenVenture’s programs and services. Business Ownership 101 7:00 PM 8:30 PM at WomenVenture. Explore starting and financing new businesses. For further information and to register, visit womenventure.org or call 651-646-3808. WomenVenture is located at 2324 University Avenue West, Suite 120, St. Paul, MN
Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Substitute Teacher DEPT: Early Learning Center SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher participates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities. Assists with ensuring that the classroom is appropriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for each child. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities. 2. Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy. 3. Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely managing developmental activities for the participants. 4. Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports. 5. Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants. QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood development. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred. Licensing and Certifications: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Minnesota Teachers’ License (preferred). Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experience required. Other Requirements: • Dealing with confidential information. • Tight deadlines. • Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager. • Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines. • Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org
NOW HIRING: EAST METRO COMMUNITY ORGANIZER www.isaiah-mn.org ISAIAH is an ecumenical, multi-racial, nonpartisan congregation-based organizing network in the Twin City and St. Cloud regions of MN. Seeking two full time experienced community organizers to expand cluster of member congregations in the East Metro and engage grassroots leaders of faith in campaigns to promote racial and economic justice in MN. ISAIAH offers competitive salary commensurate with experience and excellent benefits. Email jobsearch.isaiah@gmail.org for position descriptions and application deadline.
Police Cadet Program The City of Brooklyn Park Police Department is seeking applicants for the Police Cadet Program. Cadets receive full college scholarship assistance for the required police officer educational component and a conditional offer of employment as a licensed peace officer (once qualified and a position exists) while performing parttime, uniformed paraprofessional responsibilities. Salary: $18.45/hour. The application form and job posting with additional information and required qualifications are available on the city web site or at the address below. Closing date: 5 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2010. City of Brooklyn Park 5200 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Phone: 763-424-8000 Fax: 763-493-8391 www.brooklynpark.org Equal Opportunity Employer
BUSINESS MANAGER Shoreview, MN The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees has an immediate opening for the post of Business Manager. The position is full-time. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Business Manager will be responsible for administering operations and managing human resources at the Association. This is a general manager position, so the ideal candidate should possess a broad skills set covering, among other areas, human resources, fiscal oversight, and accounting.
insightnews.com FAX: 612.588.2031
EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com
Holiday Favorites Concert- Dec 3 — The first of four free concerts of the Minnesota Sinfonia on Fri., Dec. 3, at 7pm. in the Metropolitan State University’s Auditorium, 700 E. 7th St., Saint Paul. It’s Snowing Books - Free Book Giveaway for Children - Dec 4 — The Reading is Fundamental (RIF) event will take place on Sat., Dec. 4 at 1:30 pm at the Hope Community Children’s Village Center (CVC), 611 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls. RIF is a federally funded family literacy program designed to encourage and engage students and parents in motivational reading activities. Bring your children for an afternoon of stories, activities, and fun. Call Colnese Hendon at 612-871-0662 to RSVP your attendance.
and I East Restaurant, 2550 University Ave. St. Paul.
“Check it Out” Chess Tournament - Dec 11 — Open to all Minneapolis Public School Students in grades K - 12. Students must pre-register through their schools. Dec. 11 at North High School 1500 N. James Ave. Mpls, MN 55411. Questions: (612) 668-0167.
Holiday Concert & Sing-Along - Dec 11 — Come enjoy a delightful hour of good, old-fashioned holiday cheer at Camden Music School’s Holiday Sing-Along, Craft and Bake Sale, 4-5pm, Sat. Dec. 11 at Luther Memorial, 3751 Sheridan Ave. N., Mpls, MN. 55412. FREE.
Co-op Movie Night - Malls R Us - Dec 16 — This provocative documentary seriously argues that malls serve similar functions today that cathedrals, temples, parliaments and town squares did in earlier times. Then the film slowly works its way around to the possibility that they may be a plague upon the Earth. Ironic, sobering and visually stunning, this surprising documentary offers a trip to the mall like no other. Thur., Dec. 16 7-9pm at Eastside Food Co-op, 2551 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis. FREE + Popcorn and Beverages.
Take Me Back to Hip Harlem - Dec 4&5 — Intergenerational, Intercultural Music & Dance Mash. Join Irv Williams (“Mr. Smooth”) on his tenor sax with the Irv Williams Quartet, as they perform with centenarian choreographer/dancer Ida Arbeit, gospel singer Tom Tipton, young break dancer Kortland Jackson and the Kairos Dance Theatre company, performing on Saturday, Dec. 4, 7pm and Sun., December 5, 3pm at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue South in Mpls. Reservations and tickets: 612.926.5454 www.kairosdance.org
Insulin I - Dec 4 — A fifteen band benefit for the U of IA Diabetes Research Center at Eagles #34, 2507 E 25 ST by donation. Country, pop, rock, blues, jazz, cajun and an open mike. Dinner available, bake sale, raffle for a new laptop, and more fun. Sat. Dec. 4 3-12pm. www.minneapoliseagles34. org 1850s Holiday Party at the historic Ard Godfrey House - Dec 5 — The GODFREY HOUSE, located at Chute Square Park, is at the corner of University & Central Avenues SE in Mpls. Visit the oldest remaining wood frame residence in Minneapolis, built in 1849. The house is decorated for the holidays in the modest style of the era. Sun., Dec. 5, 12:30-3:30pm. Diversity oversight committee for new ESC seeks community input - Dec 7 — Community members are invited to provide input to the committee as part of the meeting. The committee will convene on Tue., Dec. 7,at 8:30am in the Assembly Room of the John B. Davis Building, 807 N.E. Broadway St. Mpls. The committee will hear updates from James Burroughs, Director of Equity and Diversity and Lynn Littlejohn, Director of Community Affairs for Mortenson/Legacy. Community members are invited to provide input to the committee as part of the meeting. All speakers will be limited to three minutes. Input can also be submitted for the committee via email at equity.diversity@mpls.k12.mn.us or by calling (612) 668-0518. “The Hebrew Lesson” - Dec 8-11 — Naked Stages returns to Pillsbury House Theatre 7:30 pm. A “rite of return” about the right of return. “The Hebrew Lesson” by Esther Ouray is performed with live music and weaves myth, history, and personal narrative into the story of a thwarted journey to deliver an ancestor’s ashes to a homeland perverted by conflict. Tickets: $15 adults. $10 students/ seniors. Wed. Dec. 8 @ The House Pay-WhatYou-Can-Preview. More information and tickets at 612-825-0459 or www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org.
If you are interested in applying, please send electronically a resume and cover letter (with salary expectations) to jobs@mape.org. Inquiries about this position can be addressed to Dr. Andrew Timming (atimming@explacement.com). The deadline for applications is December 20, 2010.
An Evening with Kate DiCamillo - Dec 9 — If you are a fan of great writing you won’t want to miss this incredible event. School age children are welcome! Thur., Dec. 9 6:30pm. Washburn High School 201 W. 49th St. Mpls, MN 55419 Tickets are just $5.00.
NOTE: The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this position.
Nettie & Friends Annual Show & Sale - Dec 10 — Opening reception: Sat. Dec. 4 4-8pm. Egg
Facing Race’s 5th annual Ambassador Awards, Call for Nominations - Dec 17 — “The Ambassador Awards give the community an annual opportunity to honor the extraordinary work that individuals are doing in Minnesota to help end racism,” said Carleen K. Rhodes, president and CEO of The Saint Paul Foundation. “In 2011, we are excited to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the awards and the overall Facing Race initiative”. Application guidelines and forms can be downloaded at www.FacingRace.org. All nominations must be postmarked by Fri., Dec. 17.
Holiday Fair - Dec 18 — Make a Mosaic: Experience the art of mosaic during a “hands on” demonstration (ages 11-adult: $10; 10 and younger: $6 to cover supplies) and take your artwork home with you! Rachel Rodenborg will also have some of her original artwork featuring recycled and repurposed glass, china, and art objects that will be available for purchase. Gift Basket Station: Purchase the raffia, ribbon and basket - large or small $4 and shop at the co-op for goodies to make your own unique gift for friends and family. For more information, please visit www. seriouslywhimsical.com & www.eastsidefood. coop Sat., Dec. 18 1-4pm at Eastside Food Co-op, 2551 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis.
“Methods of Mass Deception”- Dec 8-11 — Naked Stages returns to Pillsbury House Theatre 7:30 pm. Climb aboard the USS Illusion as it cuts across the Trail of Tears. “Methods of Mass Deception” by M. Cochise Anderson reimagines historical tragedies through the surreal lenses of modern media, using spoken word, movement, and satire to sail to the center of America’s affliction of entitlement. Tickets: $15 adults. $10 students/seniors. Wed. Dec. 8 @ The House Pay-What-You-Can-Preview. More information and tickets at 612-825-0459 or www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org.
Arise! Bookstore Hosts Festive Holiday Sale - Dec 19&20 — Holiday sale and fundraiser for Arise! Bookstore. Sat., Dec. 19 and Sun., Dec. 20, 11am–9pm; baked goods go on sale at 11am and music starts at 5pm on the 19th @ 2441 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
Intermedia Arts’ FREE fall after school programs! - Fall — Intermedia Arts’ youth programs empower young people with the skills and tools they need to become positive catalysts for change within their communities. Our after school programs occur throughout the school year, and transportation is provided for some of the programs. For details: www.intermediaarts.org
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Insight News • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Page 11
NETTIE & FRIENDS
Increasing learning opportunities for students
Maxfield Learning Center Students
Courtesy of Nettie & Friends
“It tickled when the goat ate food out of my hand.” With wonder in his voice, a young kindergarten student told his Dad about the experience which was part of the first field trip he’d ever taken. Luckily for Dad, he helped chaperone that trip so he could be part of that magical moment for his son. Food for the goats, chaperones, treats, even the bus ride to the apple orchard came complements of Nettie & Friends, a small nonprofit that works to increase the learning opportunities for students at Maxfield Elementary School and Maxfield Learning Center in St. Paul. Last year, Learning Center students went to the Horse Expo. That was a chance to come faceto-face with a real live horse. (Those animals are really big, especially when you’re only three feet tall yourself.) Students
have built gingerbread houses, carved pumpkins, published the stories they wrote and taken swim lessons. Kindergarten students sewed the cover for a pillow they took home to their families. For any student who needs it, there are warm jackets, snow pants and boots so they can join their classmates on the playground during recess. Each year Nettie & Friends makes a donation to the school’s cafeteria. They do that so no student ever has to settle for anything less than a hot school lunch. And if a parent who comes to visit school wants to have lunch with their child and can’t afford it, Nettie & Friends will foot the bill. It began in 2003 when Nettie Monroe, a kindergarten teacher at the Learning Center, was told there was no money in the school’s budget for the milk her students had enjoyed as a classroom treat
other years. Monroe set out to solve that problem by making quilted pot holders and selling them at a local restaurant. She sold enough potholders making it possible for all 90 students in the three kindergarten classes to have milk each school day that year. Milk funding was restored, and Nettie moved on to other needs within the school community. The next year she made more things and made more money. She and the teachers in the Learning Center took the kids on field trips, bought them “thinking treats” and stocked the shelves of the Learning Center’s school store with incentives for working hard, completing assignments and following the rules. Today, Nettie & Friends continues to raise money and build awareness that individuals can help a school and its students, if only they will. When the school
Awards
Welna of Minneapolis and Michael and Joann Nicklaus of Shorewood. Sheriff’s Award of Merit Peggy Rasmussen of Golden Valley is recognized for her leadership role in the community. She is a former member of the citizen-led Hennepin County Capital
Budget Task Force. She is a past board member of the Hennepin County Library Foundation and past Chair of the Board of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. Sheriff’s Award of Merit Sister Benita Kordiak of Minneapolis is currently a pastoral minister at Church of
From 1 boats were nearby when the incident took place and rescued the people who were in the water. Four citizens assisted in the rescue: Mark and Catherine
decided to host a family math night, Nettie & Friends helped get out the word, via a network of donors and volunteers, that the school needed 250 or so decks of “gently used playing cards”. (Those games improve math, teamwork, and planning, plus it’s a fun thing for families to do together at little cost.) One lady alone found 50 decks she didn’t really need, especially when she learned they would be put to such good use. In all, the school collected over 150 decks of cards, which meant they had to buy many fewer than anticipated. When a dad was having challenges getting his son to school each morning, Nettie & Friends stepped in with bus passes until the father could get his transportation problem solved. Each year Abby Lamberton, owner of Borealis Yarns, designs a pattern for a baby blanket. Her customers bring in left over sock yarn; other customers take that yarn and knit the baby blanket. At the annual Nettie & Friends holiday sale, a dozen or so grandmas buy a “one of a kind” blanket for the special child in their lives. In addition, they all know they’ve helped send a bunch of kids go on a field trip, buy supplemental classroom materials, stock the school’s uniform closet, make possible daily treats for 30 children and be part of the 100 Days of School celebration for kindergarten students. The Holiday Sale funds the majority of the work Nettie & Friends does all year. It runs through the end of December at the Egg & I East Restaurant on University Avenue in St. Paul every day. Check www. nettieandfriends.blogspot.com for more details. the Holy Cross in Minneapolis. She is a longtime friend of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and she provides Sheriff Stanek with guidance. As a pastoral minister with her church, she is active in the community and visits with people who are sick, homebound, or terminally ill.
Page 12 • November 22 - November 28, 2010 • Insight News
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SPORTS New Timberwolves take a lickin’, keep on tickin’ Mr. T’s Sports Report By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com All the way back to his collegiate days at UCLA, it was Kevin Love’s hands that suggested he had some potential for greatness. Michael Jordan suggested that today’s players are weaker in their ability to use proper footwork, as well as their inability to powerfully grip the ball. Kevin Love covers both of those deficiencies, and the result is something like a baby Charles Barkley. It should be said though that Sir Charles was able to get his big butt way up in the air on his dunks; but we can’t hold that against Love; Sir Charles is from Alabama. Love has had to earn his way into super-establishing himself in the NBA, though players around the league recognized his potential from the beginning. After his history making 31 point 31 rebound performance against the New York Knick, on Nov. 12, everybody far and wide will have a new respect for Love. Whoever Love’s PR agent is, they have done a great job in promoting the pleasant young fella from the very beginning. I say this because there has certainly been a void with the Timberwolves since Kevin Garnett left in 2007. I said from the beginning that Kevin McHale’s “out the door” selection of Kevin Love balanced his General
Benet From 5 effervescence, Benet drops his fifth album on November 30. This latest project, Lost In Time, is an eclectic journey framing the timeless beauty of soul, sound and heart strings. In this interview, Benet tells Insight News about his latest album which features guest appearances by artists such as Faith Evans, Ledisi and R&B great, Eddie Levert. Insight News: Avid listeners of your music might notice that with this new album you’ve taken
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Timberwolves game Managing tenure out with his “in the door” selection of Kevin Garnett. Somehow just for those two players I don’t think Wolves fans can grumble at McHale too much posthumously. But there has certainly been a new day in Timberwolves team management since semi-new General Manager David Kahn has taken over. The sneakiest inclusion in
Kahn’s “under construction” team roster is actually the most obvious. Rookie Wesley Johnson, from Syracuse University, got a “Minnesota Nice” welcome, but beneath those smiles were many people whom had hoped the Wolves would have drafted big Demarcus Cousins from the shiny University of Kentucky hoop program. Cousins has certainly been pretty good
a shift into more of an old school R&B inspired sound. What made you make that transition? Eric Benet: When you listen to most of my songs from the first record and onward, you can hear some 70s influence on a lot of the writing and production. I think I’ve always been one of those artists that you can definitely hear the influence of the early 70s when it comes to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green. The difference on this particular record is that instead of just doing a flavor of that era and that time period, I wanted to completely immerse myself, or attempt to, in the time period of the mid to late 70s, the production styles and
the sense of trying to get as much technology out of the studio as possible to make a record that was completely live and raw and real. There are R&B artists out there who do that every now and then, but often times when R&B artists in 2000 try and make something that’s all live, and real, it’s either thrown into an alternative R&B category, or a high brow, smooth jazz territory. What I was trying to do was make the kind of popular R&B that was made in that time period, but just do it with live instruments. I think it’s a progression from the way I made the last few records. Insight News: I had an opportunity to listen to the album
during the first month or so of the season, but Johnson has worked his way – at least temporarily – into the starting line-up for the Wolves, and is matching Cousins output. More importantly, Johnson’s natural persona seems to have an uplifting effect on the Timberwolves internal and external presentation. Johnson knows where the camera is, though he doesn’t abuse it,
and with a team coming off of a dismal season, personality counts a little more than usual. Thus, Johnson too, is an ideal player to fill in the long standing void of Garnett. The most pleasant surprise with regard to Johnson is that he has a silent competitive drive that comes out in the form of: A. Not being scared to shoot, and B. Hustle. Some players (like Cousins if you ask
Eric Benet and I must say that it truly is incredible. Just noting how a lot of artists nowadays aren’t going for that “real sound,” I think your album is going to be something that encourages people to get back to the basics of songwriting and music, and put the same quality out there. Benet: Well that is my hope.
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I think that technology and the infusion of Hip Hop and Techno into what is considered R&B has drained the live element out of music. It’s very difficult to have a very personal and passionate track when it’s all loops and sequences, or the vocals are autotuned and protooled to the hilt. I would hope that this
me) try hard, and then if the results don’t shake out right, they sulk or get frustrated. Johnson has shown to be the type of player that takes adversity and converts it into greater effort. The cherry on top with Johnson is that he can actually shoot pretty well too. The early comparisons between Johnson and Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, of the Bulls & Michael Jordan Show, seem to have at least an ounce of validity. Most importantly, Johnson has the eye of a gladiator, and seems willing to fight until the very end. This quality shows that he at least has the mental ability to make himself great. Johnson’s array of dunks to open the season, easily confirm his physical ability. The Wolves seemed to be in early trouble after the NBA scheduler cruelly made the young team travel through Florida to face the retooled Miami Heat with LeBron James, as well as recent NBA Finalists, the Orlando Magic. With such a young team, it seemed like there may have been an element of awe that hurt them in playing those star studded NBA leaders, as they got summarily drilled by both teams. But the resiliency mentioned of rookie Wesley Johnson, along with the consistency of Kevin Love, and the enthusiasm of talented scorer Michael Beasley, are the keys to defeating the acceptance of losing. With second year guard Jonny Flynn on his way back soon, and four victories already under their belt, the Wolves seem to be on a rising trend.
album, and even Maxwell’s last record, will successfully help record companies take notice that people actually want this kind of music. Hopefully, they then will invest in more artists that want to do something that is very natural, real and raw like this [album]. I hope you’re right. Insight News: On your new album you have duets with Eddie Levert, Ledisi, Chrisette Michelle and Faith Evans. How did you choose the people and how was it collaborating with them? Benet: While working on my last record, “Love and Life,” one of the questions I was most frequently asked was: what contemporary artists are you feeling? The two names that I kept thinking of were Ledisi and Chrisette Michelle because I love what they do. My cousin George and I had pretty much wrote and produced the whole record. But when we finished two specific songs, it was natural for me to think: I’ve been blowing these two girls up for the past couple of years, so let me reach out to them and see if they’d like to be a part of this record. Eddie Levert is a legend. When I think of my childhood, one of the staples in the soundtrack of my growing up was the O-Jays. They always had a hit on the radio, and today, [an O-Jays song] takes me right back to the 7’s and makes me feel good. The cool thing about the O-Jays was that they had the feel good songs like “Used To Be My Girl.” But they also had some very socially conscious song such as “For the Love of Money,” and “Backstabbers.” So when George and I wrote this song called, “Paid,” it sounded so incredibly much like an O-Jay song, that I had to reach out to Eddie and ask him if he would work with me. Once again I was blessed. He loved the demo. Faith and I did Georgy Porgy ten years ago. Somewhere in the back of my mind over the years I’ve been trying to think of the right song for Faith and I to get together on again. When we finished “Feel Good,” it just seemed like the perfect song for her. Insight News: Which song on this album do you think you’re most proud of, and why? Benet: That’s one I can’t really answer. Insight News: [Laughs] You must love them all just like I do. Benet: [Laughs] It’s one of those things where it almost sounds like a cliché answer, but they’re like all my children, and I love them all for different reasons. My mood changes, and sometimes I’m feeling this song, and sometimes I love performing another one. So that one I don’t think I can answer. I love the entire album.