Naked Stages premieres the work of three fellows at Pillsbury House Theatre MORE ON PAGE 10
aesthetically speaking Photos: Sarah White
Insight News November 30 - December 6, 2015
Vol. 42 No. 48 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
5 shot
Jamar Clark protest continues By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Photos: Harry Colbert, Jr.
Armed agitators opened fire at the corner of North 14th Avenue and Morgan Avenue following a confrontation with protesters late Monday evening (Nov. 23). Protesters have been camped out since Nov. 15 in front the fourth district headquarters of the Minneapolis Police Department, just a block away from the intersection.
A group of protesters huddle around a fire on Plymouth Avenue about 2 a.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 24) following the shooting of five protesters near that location. The five who were shot were in a confrontation with three men who opened fire on the group that has been protesting around-the-clock since the Nov. 15 killing of Jamar Clark, at the hands of police.
Mica Grimm (with microphone), organizer with Black Lives Matter leads a march from the 4th Precinct to the spot Jamar Clark was killed as supporters march with locked arms. Locked in arms are (left to right) Cornell Boone (black jacket, gray hat), national president of the NAACP, James Hall (black jacket, black hat), father of Clark and Nekima Levy-Pounds (blue shirt), president of the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP.
Violence against protesters erupted on the ninth day of around-the-clock protests which have been in response to the killing of 24-year-old Jamar Clark by Minneapolis police on Nov. 15. Clark was slain on Plymouth Avenue, just blocks from the 4th Precinct where protesters have been since the incident. The violence occurred late Monday night (Nov. 23) as a group of three white men described as agitators clashed with protesters on Plymouth and Morgan Avenues, just half block from the 4th Precinct. According to multiple sources, the agitators were being asked to vacate the area when an altercation ensued and the agitators opened fire on the crowd wounding five. According to police, all five wounded were treated at area hospitals and are expected to survive. According to a statement released by the Minneapolis Police Department, as of Wednesday morning, three men – all white – were taken into custody in relation to the attack. While not confirmed, there is wide speculation the agitators are part of the white supremacist movement. The speculation follows the online appearance of a video of two white men saying they were heading to the protest site to stir things up. “Our first thoughts are with the victims of this terrorist attack on our community,” said Anthony Newby, president of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC), a North Minneapolis-based grassroots, member-led organization.
SHOOTINGS TURN TO 9
Northside non-profits decry large gaps As community resources and partners, we stand together to acknowledge the homicide of Jamar Clark in north Minneapolis last weekend. To not recognize the heightened,
palpable anxiety, frustration, anger and agitation in our community right now would be inauthentic. The gravity of the situation is very real and apparent.
First and foremost, our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Clark, our community of friends, neighbors and police officers. We are saddened
and concerned by the tragic escalation of events which happened in close proximity to our offices and homes. We live and work in north Minneapolis. We are deeply embedded in the
community. We are residents, family members, community leaders and allies and we want to acknowledge what we do know. The facts are that there are
large gaps. Achievement gaps, homeownership gaps, wealth
GAPS TURN TO 4
Black Lives Matter: History repeating itself By Sarafina Wright Special to the NNPA News Wire from the Washington Informer For many elders who participated in the Black Liberation Movement of the ’60s and ’70s, the burgeoning Black Lives Matter movement is history repeating itself — in
Ben Chavis
Insight 2 Health Insight-2-Health Round 7 Wrap-up
PAGE 3
a good way. Benjamin Chavis, famed civil rights leader and president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, emphasized on Thursday, November 19 the need to support the youth on the front lines during his first of 10 lectures in a series at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage in Northwest, Washington, D.C.
“This lecture series will be a part of an accumulation of archives and documents to be made available to those in D.C. and around the world,” Chavis said. “It’s our responsibility to make sure our young people know more then what we know.” Chavis spoke of the significance of the lecture series being held at the Thurgood Marshall Center.
“Thurgood Marshall was much more than the first African-American on the Supreme Court. He was a freedom-fighting lawyer and intellectual,” Chavis said. “Everybody talks about the Brown decision, but you have to look at all of the struggle before that. “What does Thurgood Marshall have to do with Black Lives Matter? Everything,” he
said. Sam P.K. Collins, journalist and founder of All Eyes On D.C., a grassroots public affairs program, joined Chavis for his discourse, insisting that the movement must be all-encompassing for everyone who is part of the African diaspora.
BLM TURN TO 9
Mali
Education
Lifestyle
19 die in Radisson Blu hotel attack in Mali
DUBS: Dads, Uncles, Brothers who Serve
The power of purpose
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Page 2 • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Insight News
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Insight News • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Page 3
Insight-2-Health Round 7 Wrap-up In my mind all the participants are winners because they took the time to make a decision to get healthy and took the steps necessary to do so. So why do we all keep coming back? Aside from the health benefits of participating, we all keep coming back because this has become a family. Together we have pursued our goals and have supported one another through
By Julie McMahon CHHC Over the past ten weeks I have had the privilege of being the nutrition coach for Round 7 of the Insight 2 Health Challenge. This has been an amazing group of participants that have signed on to completely transform their health. They have been guided through super challenging work-outs at the Fit Lab (Owned by Tyrone and Jamie Minor) and enjoyed the support of connecting with a mental health coach (Dr. Darren Moore) and myself as nutrition coach (Nutrition Julie). Attacking weight loss through all three avenues has led to dramatic results! As their nutrition coach I encouraged the participants to “add in” all the healthy foods like leafy greens, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds while decreasing things like sugary treats, white bread, soda and alcohol, to keep them on track with their weight loss goals. We had fun doing a cooking class at the Mississippi Market, nutrition food label reading at Cub and had time to discuss what gets in the way of healthy habits….it can be tough to be a healthy person in a world full of unhealthy options….especially during the holiday season. It’s all about upgrading our choices and aiming for progress not perfection. Many of the participants have signed up for the challenge multiple times, and each time they go a little bit deeper into their transformation. Take Sheila, for example, who was the female winner of this round. She lost 8 pounds over this last challenge, but over the last year of participating in these challenges she has lost a total of 40 pounds! She looks awesome and carries herself with the confidence of a woman who has taken charge of her health.
life challenges such as family member deaths and diagnosis of cancer. On days that seem too overwhelming there has always been the bright smiles, support and funky music at the Lab to lift us back up. I’m always sad as another challenge ends, but look forward to more in 2016! Nutrition Julie is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Raw Food Nutrition Educator who
is passionate about Nutrition, Health and Wellness. Julie believes that real, whole, nutritious foods are a powerful tool in living a healthy, conscious, disease-free life and works to educate, inspire and empower the people she works with through her step by step Food First System. For more information, visit www. NutritionJulie.com
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Top photo: Sheila Sweeney and Michelle Anderson (trainer). Bottom photo: Preston Cunningham and Erick Goodlow. Then there’s Preston, the male winner of this round who lost 37 pounds in the last 10 weeks!
Wow! Preston looks amazing and is feeling the effects of carrying around less weight.
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Page 4 • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Insight News
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19 die in Radisson Blu hotel attack in Mali Nov. 23 (GIN) – An attack on the luxury Radisson Blu Hotel in the capital of Mali was carried out by some 10 militants said to be seeking revenge for French military operations in the country since 2012. Before they were overwhelmed by Malian, French and U.S. coordinated actions, the militants took 170 hostages and killed 19, including one American. Five U.S. Department of Defense attaches staying at the hotel managed to survive Friday’s assault, according to the military publication Stars and Stripes. One U.S. special operator aided Mali Special Forces as they moved hostages, including at least six Americans, to a secure location from the Radisson Blu in Bamako after militants stormed the building, AFRICOM spokesman Army Col. Mark Cheadle told reporters in Washington. Colin Freeman of the UK Sunday Telegraph, stationed in Bamako, reported that the militants had questioned hotel
Malian soldiers rescuing hostages security guards to know the whereabouts of an Air France crew staying there. The guard’s account suggests that French citizens were singled out because of the country’s twoyear long military campaign against Jihadists in northern Mali. It might also explain the
Air France’s decision to suspend its twice daily flights from Paris to Bamako shortly afterwards, Freeman said. The assault began around 7 a.m. Friday morning when two gunmen, approaching on foot, reached the entrance where five guards who had worked the night
shift were waiting to be replaced by a new team, said Cheick Dabo, one of the guards. The guards had just finished the morning prayer and had put their weapons — a shotgun and two pistols — away in their vehicle when the militants struck. “We didn’t see the jihadists
until they started firing on us. We weren’t concentrating and we didn’t expect it,” he said. Four of the guards were shot, one fatally, while Dabo himself managed to hide under a car. A Jihadi group, the AlMourabitoun (The Sentinels), took credit for the attack. The group, which split two years ago from al-Qaida’s North Africa branch, said it wants its fighters freed from Mali’s prisons and attacks against northern Malians to stop, according to a recorded statement by Algerian militant Moktar Belmoktar carried by Al-Jazeera. The statement said the attack was coordinated with the “Sahara Emirate,” which is affiliated with al-Qaida. Meanwhile, all DOD personnel — 22 military and civilian workers — in Bamako were accounted for and uninjured, a defense official said on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the situation. The rescue effort puts a spotlight on a mission the governments in Washington and
Bamako have quietly cultivated in recent years. French and U.S. troops have worked with the Malian military as it battles a growing insurgency. Mali has been in a state of political turmoil since 2012 when a military coup led by a U.S.-trained Malian captain toppled one of Africa’s more stable democracies. The French military intervened to quell the chaos that followed the coup. The U.S. provided air support. Up to 4,000 French soldiers were involved, along with 6,400 soldiers from African nations, according to a Rand Corp. study of the mission. Among the French units involved were the French Foreign Legion, which included at least one U.S. soldier who had deserted to join. Among the dead in the Radisson attack were a 41-yearold American development worker, six Russian plane crew from a cargo company, and three senior executives from the powerful state-owned China Railway Construction Corp., officials said.
Congressional Black Caucus calls Syrian refugee crisis a humanitarian responsibility of the United States WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Black Caucus holds the safety of our homeland as its number one priority, and we take seriously our humanitarian responsibility to vulnerable populations that are under attack and desperately fleeing severe violence and persecution. The fabric of America is built on the premise that those who seek
refuge should be able to find it here. “The Congressional Black Caucus is committed to upholding longstanding American principles of providing refuge to individuals whose lives have been ravaged by war and violence,” said CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC01). “The Paris attacks were heinous and reprehensible and our
Syrian refugees in Lebanon
Voice of America News
hearts go out to the individuals who have been impacted by these events. Therefore, America cannot disregard the significance of our historic commitment to providing refuge for those who desperately need it. To turn a blind eye to the struggles of others, regardless of where they are from, is sad and has no place in American society.” “We can and must seek greater security without losing our moral
compass,” said Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Senior Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. “As an AfricanAmerican I know what it feels like to be a member of a community where people lived in fear for their safety and were oppressed by those in power. I want better for America and all nations that uphold the virtues of liberty. Turning our backs on Syrian refugees is not an option.”
“With the recent attacks in Paris, the United States is understandably concerned about potential threats at home,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “However, we cannot let the same hatred displayed by the Paris attackers influence our policies or deter us from doing what is right. We have an opportunity to demonstrate global
citizenship by helping Syrian refugees, many of whom are innocent woman and children. Being compassionate does not require that our national security be sacrificed or compromised. We must always remember that we are all in this world together and should do all we can to help each other; not doing so is not only cruel, but it is also un-American.”
Gaps
is that we have an increasing erosion of trust regarding transparency and due process. As community organizations, it is our responsibility to listen to and acknowledge all community voices in this situation. As sources of community connection, we will continue to listen. We will continue to work. We will continue to embrace the complexities and tensions within our community. We will continue to respect each other and take one another seriously. We believe that the voices in our community could break ground and lead toward
equitable systematic change. We will not be an echo of mistakes from the past, but will lead efforts toward a better way where maybe, just maybe, more days are dignified, more lives are liberated and more historically-tense relationships are reconciled. Going forward, we want to ensure the safety of all the people that live and work around our centers, offices and homes. We will continue to advocate for our community, offer support for the families of Mr. Clark and the protesters, work alongside our police department and remain vigilant
in our pride for our community. Organizations supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement who released the statement include Pillsbury United Communities, Urban Homeworks, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, RS EDEN, Cookie Cart, Avenues for Homeless Youth, Emerge, Northside Achievement Zone, Northside Funders Group, NEON, Antioch North, Build Wealth Minnesota, Inc., Alafia Foundation, City of Lakes Community Land Trust and the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center.
From 1 gaps, employment gaps and incarceration rate gaps (to name a few) … all traced along racial lines. The fact is that there are documented patterns of inequity in policing, police brutality and conviction rates. The fact is that a man was shot. The fact is that this man was shot by a police officer. The fact is that the witnesses and the police disagree on some important details surrounding Jamar Clark’s death. The fact
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Insight News • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Page 5
BUSINESS
Don’t believe the holiday hype Opinion
By Julianne Malveaux The build-up began right after Halloween, when the newspapers got thicker; the advertising inserts longer, and e-mails touting shopping bargains coming more frequently. Buy! Buy! Buy! The exhortations are almost hypnotic. Buy, buy more, and buy even more. Sellers have become far more aggressive in trying to separate consumers from their dollars because they depend on fourth quarter sales to make a profit. The term “Black Friday” does not refer to Black people, but to the Friday after Thanksgiving when retailers can forecast whether they will end the year “in the black.” Consumer confidence is
higher than it has been in the past several years, and unemployment is lower. Spending is up. Have consumers shed the cautionary approach they had to holiday spending last year? Whether you plan to spend or not, don’t fall for the holiday hype. The big box stores will advertise unbelievable bargains, a 58” wide screen TV for $129, for example. What they won’t tell you is that they have five of them. Exactly five. They are hoping that you will get to the store early, stand in line, and when you learn there are no more cheap TV bargains, you’ll buy something else. Meanwhile, you and the other fools (yes, fools) who stood in line all day or night will perform for the cameras that record you stampeding through the store, trampling each other, in search of “deals.” Why not, instead, consider the meaning of holidays, holy days? Why not use these last few weeks of the year to do some of the good we neglected to do earlier in the year? Why not show love, regard,
Holidays, our holy days, ought to be our season to be grateful, not our season to spend mindlessly.
respect through words and deeds, and not through stuff? Why feed the great consumer machine that exploits consumers. Wal-Mart, the largest of the mass retailers pays its workers little to nothing, adjusts their hours to avoid offering health care, and fires employees when they protest. They are the easiest to call out, but they aren’t the only retailer that touts great prices but offers
workers low pay and benefits. If there is shopping that should be done (and don’t get me wrong – I like to shop as much as the next person does) why not spend your dollars with Black-owned businesses, and also on Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Why not gift your friends (especially children and young adults) with great books. As you contemplate
holiday giving, consider Maggie Anderson’s Our Black Year: One Family’s Quest to Buy Black in America’s Racially Divided Economy. Anderson’s book is both sobering and empowering. Sobering – it was a chore to buy Black, because Black folks don’t own things like gas stations. Empowering – it was important to see how Black business could be strengthened with more patronage. Unfortunately, African Americans spend less than ten percent of our income with Black businesses. While there are “reasons,” there are also reasons we should go out of our way to support Black business. Supporting Black business generates jobs in our communities, which means providing opportunities for some of the young people who desperately need employment. According to a Gallup consumer survey, Americans plan to spend $830 on gifts this year, 15 percent more than we spent in 2014, and more than any year since 2007. My snarly
tone about holiday hype isn’t likely to change hearts, minds, or spending habits. Without snarling, then, my suggestion is to think before you spend, and to let your spending reflect your values. You appreciate small businesses? Shop with them. You care about Black entrepreneurship? Look for Black businesses. If you can’t find a bricks and mortar store, shop online. And whatever you do, don’t go galloping down the aisles of a big box store and get featured on the news chasing that elusive bargain. Holidays, our holy days, ought to be our season to be grateful, not our season to spend mindlessly. Just a word from the Grinch! Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, DC. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” will be released in 2015 and is available for preorder at www. juliannemalveaux.com
A ‘Thank You’ to donors is always appropriate FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Many nonprofits will see an increase in gifts from individuals over the next few weeks. Some will be from faithful annual donors. Others may respond for
the first time to your year-end appeal. Still others will feel an emotional tug on their heart strings and impulsively give online. As you prepare to say thank you we offer five things to consider 1. If your donor took the time to give, you can take the time to say thank you. There’s always a lot to do, but “thank you” must take precedence. If you plan well, it shouldn’t take much time. And, it can be joyous – you’ve received a gift. If a donor gives online, send your thank you electronically. If your donor
sends a gift, send your thank you by mail. If it’s a meaningful or unusual gift take a moment to pick up the phone and say thanks. 2. Say thank you – plain and simple – without asking for another gift. We recently read a “rant” by Holly Hall via Inside Philanthropy. Her point: “thank donors without asking them for anything.” Research shows that’s what donors want. It may not be what you want, but with nonprofits losing 50% of the new donors they gain in a year, it might be a good idea to think about what
donors want. 3. Share the impact your donor’s gift will make. Donors want to know about impact. Maybe you can distribute more holiday gifts to children. Or expose more girls to careers in science and engineering. Maybe your advocacy resulted in a legislative change. In all cases, tell your story. 4. Use an up-to-date thank you letter. Don’t use a general all purpose thank you. Share current information and perhaps a teaser about forthcoming
projects or events. Keep it timely. 5. Add a personal handwritten note. If you know a donor, its logical that she knows you. Show that you care by adding a handwritten note to the thank you, regardless of the gift size. Over the years we have talked with many nonprofits about this topic. If a donor gives less than $250 there’s no legal requirement to say “thank you” or provide a written receipt. You may not be legally required to acknowledge smaller gifts, but what if you didn’t receive the gift? We also
experienced an organization that received its largest gift from an individual as a bequest – it was a woman who gave $25 a year for decades. Thank you deepens a relationship. Keep the focus on the donor, not on the next gift. Copyright 2015 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw say “thank you” for reading our column. Happy Thanksgiving. www. saadandshaw.com
This holiday, give the gift of Snoopy! Celebrate the season with an old friend! Bundled up in winter gear, Snoopy comes complete with a backpack clip of Snoopy’s sister Belle, all yours for just $15.95. ©2015 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
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Samsung watches, Tag Heuer, Tempur-Pedic, The North Face, Tumi, products offered by vendors who operate leased departments in any of our stores including: Burberry, Dallas Cowboys merchandise, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, maternity, New Era, Nike on Field. Not valid on: Macy’s Backstage merchandise/locations, gift cards, gourmet foods, jewelry trunk shows, payment on credit accounts, previous purchases, restaurants, select designer jewelry, watches, special orders, services, wine. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES. Only one promo code may be used per transaction. Additional exclusions apply online, see macys.com/friend. Friends & Family discount code valid online Dec. 1-Dec. 10 , 2015.Promotional code for macys.com: FRIEND
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Page 6 • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Insight News
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COMMENTARY
No justice, no peace...no, seriously By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer I sat here trying to type out the perfect words to adequately convey the movement that’s taking place in Minneapolis (and around the nation), but the reality is there are no right words for such a wrong situation. There are no right words for when yet another Black person – this time 24-year-old Jamar Clark – is killed by police. There are no right words when a community is so fed up that it takes to the streets in protest. And there are certainly no right words for when five people are shot during said protest. I say again, there are no right words when five people are shot during a protest simply because someone else didn’t agree with what they were saying. There are no right words
to explain the tension that’s going on between community and police. But if I must come up with words, well here they are … no justice, no peace. America, take notice because when these brothers and sisters of the Black Lives Matter movement start chanting “No justice, no peace,” please believe, they mean it. Oh, and when I say brothers and sisters, that’s not reserved for a certain ethnicity because the brothers and sisters of the movement are truly a melting pot in every since of the word. For years Black people in America have experienced injustice upon injustice and there’d be an immediate outcry followed by little action – and it used to piss me off. I coined a term for it – the 10 Minute Revolution. But by my clock this revolution has been running nonstop since Aug. 9, 2014. Aug. 9, 2014.
This is no 10 minute revolution here.
That’s the date 18-year-old Michael Brown was gunned down by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. That’s the date when first a city, then a nation said enough is enough. That’s the date Black Lives Matter was born. Michael Brown unknowingly gave his life for the cause.
And sure there had been other killings before Brown – Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, John Crawford, III … Eric Garner. Sadly, the list goes on, but when Michael Brown was gunned down the movement rose up. It rose up in Ferguson, Mo. It rose up in Cleveland when Tamir Rice, just 12 years old, was gunned down
for playing with a toy. It rose up in Baltimore when Freddie Gray had his neck snapped by police. It rose up in Texas when Sandra Bland’s traffic stop became a death sentence and it rose up in Minneapolis when Clark was shot in the head by Minneapolis Police Officers. This is no 10 minute revolution here. Maybe the revolution has lasted because the face of the revolution has changed. Jesse Jackson can’t even get a seat at the table with these new leaders. The new leaders that have emerged are the most unlikely … and the most needed. The new leaders are people who seemingly came from nowhere. They’re people such as rapper-turned-activist, Tef Poe in St. Louis. They are people like 20-somethings Mica Grimm and Alexander Clark in Minneapolis. Grimm has been a leading voice in the Black Lives Matters
Minneapolis movement since it began. Clark, a selfproclaimed cat from the streets who wants more out of life for his sons, is the cousin of Jamar Clark, so for him it’s personal. These new leaders don’t play by the old rules. The fact is, they don’t play … at all. And the people involved in the movement are more committed than ever. As one protester put it, “They out here killin’ us anyway, so what do we have to lose?” Maybe that explains why less than 24 hours after being shot in the leg by protest agitators, 18-year-old Wesley Martin was back out protesting and marching … this time with a cane and a limp. That type fire doesn’t burn out in 10 minutes. America, it’s been a long time coming, but understand, if there will be no justice, rest assured, there will certainly be no peace … and I’m OK with that.
The ugly truths America must face By Marian Wright Edelman, NNPA News Wire Columnist On November 14, Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia announced the university will rename two
buildings on campus named for two 19th century Georgetown University presidents: Thomas F. Mulledy, who in 1838 arranged the sale of 272 slaves from Jesuit-owned Maryland plantations and used the profit to pay Georgetown’s construction debts, and William McSherry, who also
sold other Jesuit-owned slaves and was Mulledy’s adviser. The sale ignored the objections of some Jesuit leaders who believed using the money to pay off debt was immoral and their demands that families be kept together. Georgetown’s action followed a student sit-in
outside President DeGioia’s office but it was part of a longer ongoing process examining the university’s historical connections to slavery. The renaming was one step recommended by the Working Group on Slavery, Memory and Reconciliation established by the President this school year. Recently student protesters at Yale University repeated calls to rename its Calhoun College honoring slave owning Vice President and South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun, already a subject of campus
wide discussion. For years the college featured a stained glass window depicting Calhoun with a chained Black slave kneeling in front of him. After complaints, the slave’s image was removed, but Calhoun’s remains, as does his shameful legacy that haunts our nation still. Georgetown and Yale are among the growing number of colleges and universities struggling to come to terms with their historical connections to slave owners, slave labor, and slave profits and the scars they leave on campuses and
our nation today. What values do we want to hold up for our young as worthy of honor and emulation? Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island was the first Ivy League university to move forward with a largescale investigation of its history under the leadership of former president Ruth Simmons. In 2003 she appointed a Committee on Slavery and Justice to learn more about
AMERICA TURN TO 8
AMERICA TURN TO 6
We the people celebrate the ratification of the 13th Amendment… 150 years ago.
You are invited to this free community event and speak out!
Dred & Harriet Scott Days in the State of Minnesota Saturday, December 5, 2015
2:00-4:00pm
Sabathani Community Center
(310 E 38th Street, Minneapolis) featuring Dr. John Wright, PhD, and music
Sunday, December 6, 2015
12:30-2:00pm
Vigil at Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center
for all persons enslaved, trafficked, interned, persecuted or denied the full status of persons protected by the United States Constitution. (200 Tower Avenue, St. Paul, 55111) With the raƟficaƟon of the 13th Amendment formally abolishing slavery in the US.... 150 years ago, the aboliƟon of America's largest capitol generaƟng insƟtuƟon created a backlash which took may forms. Violent resistance, the Black Codes, the formaƟon of the KKK and "state’s rights" which persist to this day. Please join us in remembering the past in order to make a beƩer future in Minnesota. Come and learn from speakers and arƟsts about Dred and Harriet ScoƩ and their impact on history. Dred ScoƩ carries clear lessons for our democracy. How do you see your ciƟzenship or status in America?
LEGENDARY PICTURES AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENT A LEGENDARY PICTURES/ZAM PICTURES PRODUCTION ‘ KRAMPUS’’ A FILM BY MICHAEL DOUGHERTY ADAM SCOTT TONI COLLETTE DAVID KOECHNER ALLISON TOLMAN CONCHATA FERRELL EMJAY ANTHONY STEFANIA LAVIE OWEN WIWRITH TKRITEN STA STADLER EXECUTIPRODUCERVE DANIEL M. STIL MAN PRODUCEDBY THOMASDIRECTEDTUL p.g.a. JON JASHNIp.g.a. ALEX GARCIAp.g.a. MICHAEL DOUGHERTYp.g.a. BY TODD CASEY & MICHAEL DOUGHERTY & ZACH SHIELDS BY MICHAEL DOUGHERTY A UNIVERSAL RELEASE VISUAL EFFECTS BY WETA DIGITAL LTD.
© 2015 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
STARTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
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Insight News • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Page 7
EDUCATION 100 men spend mornings with FAIR School students
DUBS: Dads, Uncles, Brothers who Serve On Tuesday, November 17, something special happened in downtown Minneapolis. Nearly 100 men showed up to spend the morning with their students at the FAIR School Downtown. The Principal of FAIR, Kevin Bennett, hosted the Dads, Uncles and Brothers who Serve (DUBS) event to recognize the positive impact that these men have on our students, our school, and our community. The event began with the men breaking bread
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Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe 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 Melvin Carter, Jr. Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography 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.
and listening to Chadwick “Niles” Phillips perform a song describing his personal narrative including his relationship with his father. Bennett addressed the group with a powerful story about the men in his life and the lasting impact that they had and continue to have on him as a man, a father, and as a principal. Bennett discussed the positive impact that male mentors have at FAIR. “Every morning and afternoon I see fathers leading by example here at FAIR. They inspire me to be the best dad I can be with two daughters in elementary grades and a son in Pre-K. I want our Dads, Uncles, and Brothers and their little ones to know that our community welcomes them and values them. When we partner with DUBS more kids win and find success in school,” said Bennett. Bennett then recognized one of the fathers in attendance with the DUBS “on point award.” Evan Clark, a longtime FAIR school parent, was recognized for his commitment and his participation in the education and social well being of his daughter and son. Clark was nominated for the award by both students and other FAIR staff who recognized the powerful impact his daily presence has on not only his children, but on all of the students he engages with. “This award is such an honor to receive,” said Clark. “It highlights a part of my life that I never got to experience as a child: Fatherhood.” Lutunji Abram, FAIR’s family liaison, coordinated the day, and ensured that the DUBS did not leave empty handed. There were amazing give-aways including massage and chiropractic treatment compliments of Cultural Chiropractic, courtesy of Dr. Juneau and Anika Robbins, as well as a Mary Kay Man Pack, compliments of Candace Yates, and tickets to the Timberwolves courtesy of FAIR School. Ms. Abram explained “the idea of the ongoing community support for the vision of FAIR speaks volumes to power of putting families and community first, so, honoring our DUBS came natural. The love was so thick in the room this morning- you could see the joy and pride on every DUBS face and this was reflected in the faces of their children. Truly, this was a day to be remembered.” After the recognition breakfast, the DUBS were invited into classrooms to spend time with their scholars during FAIR Reads, the FAIR School’s own literacy program. DUBS were able to see one of FAIR’s many partnerships in action, as every Tuesday over 220 Target Corporate employees volunteer to read one on one
Photos: Michael Elston
DUBS during breakfast
DUB Reggie Turner and Maqil Sutton with each FAIR elementary student. To culminate this great day, the entire FAIR elementary school was hosted by the Timberwolves and Lynx in their new practice facility, the Courts at Mayo clinic, to participate in a health and wellness assembly featuring Crunch and members of the Timberwolves dance team and hype squad. The assembly was action packed and had the FAIR Students on their feet and moving, with smiles all around.
Evan Clark and his son Isaiah Clark
Principal Kevin Bennett and Jaranye Smith
Mike Elston, who works on community partnerships for FAIR said, “it was a powerful moment to see community volunteers and our dads, uncles and brothers engaging together around literacy and healthy living. We love that our partners are willing to step
Jaranye Smith and Sadira Oliver. DUB Jerry Merritt
up to support our vision and willing to open their doors to provide these types of meaningful experiences for our families.” For the past 12 years, FAIR school has remained committed to engaging the community and ensuring that
families and students are the number one priority. The FAIR School looks forward to more events like this in the future to recognize and highlight all of the people who are working to make a difference in the lives of our youth.
Page 8 • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Insight News
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LIFESTYLE
The power of purpose Man Talk
By Timothy Houston We all have a purpose in life. We were all created to do something that is greater than the accumulation of wealth. Real success in life can only be measured by the accomplishment of your intended purpose. You are successful when you do what
you were created to do. Until we truly understand why we are here, we can never put the energy needed to bring it to pass. We are greatest when we know our divine purpose. To begin with, true purpose can only be known in the mind of the creator. If you want to know the purpose of a thing, never ask the thing. The created can only tell you what it can do. The bird may know that it can fly, but it cannot tell you why it can fly. To get the “why” you have to go back to the creator, God. He is the only who can give you the object towards which you should be striving. He will give you the
true measurement for your success. If your goals are based on what you think or feel, they will never bring you the victory or the peace that you desire. You need God’s help to know why you are really here, and what you are here to do. Secondly, purpose is revealed in nature. A fish swims naturally because it was designed to swim, and a bird flies naturally because it was designed to fly. They are both happiest and successful when they are in their natural environments. So it is with us. The things that we are able to do naturally (without much effort) help to illuminate what
we are here to do and will bring us the greatest amount of contentment and achievement. The things that we do naturally are a part of our purpose. Although nature can give us an insight on why we are here, our true purpose is only known in the mind of God. Finally, purpose leads to true happiness. The dictionary defines purpose as the object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal. It is necessary that we know the goal that we are working towards or the “why” we are here. The “why we are here” will always be greater than the “what we are
capable of doing” because the “what” speaks to our present, but the “why” speaks to our future. When you use your God given abilities to work towards the goals that you were created to accomplish, you will experience true happiness and success. You are here for a greater purpose than you may have realized. Never measure your true worth by what you are able or not able to do. You are more than a husband, wife, son, or daughter. You are more than your occupation or educational achievements. Your purpose in life is greater than that. Your goals in life
should be connected to your divine purpose that can and will be revealed to you by God. This is the only true measure of success. Whatever your divine purpose may be, it will be natural to you as a fish is to water, and you will be good at it. Spend some time along with God and find your true success and true happiness. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
Book review: A Bold Perspective By Kam Williams “At the onset of tragedy, I made myself a promise. If God allowed me my footing and gave me the strength to walk on, then I would. Every morning, I had breath and mobility, so I got up... and I journeyed on. However, after 16 years of motion and anguish, I realized that I had reached my breaking point... Moments later, a phone call altered my course. A woman, whom I did not know, ignited a spark as she spoke words of assurance into my life. ‘God said that He has not forgotten about you. He is going to restore you. But first, you must share your story.’ I chose to trust the process.” -- Excerpted from the
America From 6
Introduction (page 1) Ordinarily, a parent isn’t supposed to bury a child, but God might have made an exception in the case of Tina Marie Fuller. She was impregnated at the age of 16 by a boy who wasn’t really ready to be a father. In fact, he already had a new girlfriend. And to add insult to injury, Tina was subjected to the sight of the lovebirds on a daily basis, since they all attended Cleveland Heights high school. Then, while baby Kevin was still a toddler, he was hit by a car when he wandered into traffic while in the custody of a couple of friends of his dad, Mylon. Tina rushed to the hospital where she was informed by the attending physician that
Brown’s past ties to slavery and wealthy benefactors involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The Brown family
included slave owners and slave traders as well as at least two members who became active abolitionists. The committee learned 30 members of Brown’s governing board owned or captained slave
ships and slave labor was used for some of the school’s construction. Brown is far from alone. In his groundbreaking 2013 book Ebony & Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled
her little boy was not only comatose, but brain-dead. “You are about to witness a miracle!” she responded, convinced that a combination of prayer and faith would work. But when Kevin passed away anyway, Tina was inconsolable and went into a shock that would last for over a decade and a half. She finally began to heal after meeting and marrying Rashon Fuller, a partner who gave the griefstricken mom a new lease on life. Today, the loving couple embarked on a journey which has led to their sharing a career where they motivate and counsel folks also facing overwhelming adversity. Together, they have coauthored “A Bold Perspective,” a combination opus
which opens with a moving memoir mostly recounting Tina Marie’s aforementioned ordeal. The second half of the book divides its time between fill-in-the-blanks exercises, spiritual devotions and a health regimen, including a 14-day vegetarian cleansing diet. A worthwhile self-help tome where a child’s untimely death has ultimately served as the inspiration for his mother’s epiphany.
History of America’s Universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) scholar Craig Steven Wilder documented many of these connections. In the book’s prologue he says: “In short, American colleges were not innocent or passive beneficiaries of conquest and colonial slavery . . . The academy never stood apart from American slavery— in fact, it stood beside church and state as the third pillar of a civilization built on bondage.” The nation’s oldest colleges depended on direct and indirect wealth from slavery and the slave trade. Slaves helped build many university buildings including some at Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia. Students sometimes brought slaves to college to serve them, as George Washington’s stepson did when he attended King’s College in New York City, now Columbia University. Many university founders and early presidents owned personal slaves including Dartmouth, Harvard, the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and more, and some colleges owned slaves. William and Mary, one of the slave owning colleges,
produced one of the most awful stories Wilder shares—that of founding trustee Reverend Samuel Gray, who “murdered an enslaved child for running away”: “Rev. Gray struck the boy on the head, drawing blood, and then put a hot iron to the child’s flesh. The minister had the boy tied to a tree, and then ordered another slave to whip him. The boy later died. Gray argued that ‘such accidents’ were inevitable, a position that seems to have succeeded, as a court declined to convict him.” Slave corpses were used in a number of the colleges’ medical and scientific experiments. In one of Wilder’s examples, Dartmouth College founder Eleazar Wheelock’s personal doctor arranged for a slave’s skeleton to be wired up for study and his skin tanned at the college shop and made into a cover for his instrument case. Ongoing university “research” throughout the nineteenth century bolstered many of the race-based claims used to support slavery. Across our country this ugly and profoundly morally defective past is finally being brought into the light. Brown University’s Committee on Slavery and Justice said: “We cannot change the past. But an institution can hold itself accountable for the past, accepting its burdens and responsibilities along with its benefits and privileges.” More universities and institutions must follow Brown’s example and engage in a thoughtful process of truth telling of their own and America’s history in order to lift the indefensible blot of slavery on America’s dream which plagues us still. College students, faculty, and administrators seeking an honest historical accounting on their campuses are to be applauded. Only the truth will make us free and move us forward together.
A Non-Traditional, Cutting Edge Experience! Be Ready for Truth, Healing, Teaching and Transformation!
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Pastor Roslyn Harmon Sundays 2-4pm
1015 4th Avenue North|Minneapolis, MN 55405
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A Bold Perspective: Courage & Empowerment to Take on Life’s Adversities by Tina Marie and Rashon D. Fuller Zero Gravity Publishing Paperback, $18.00 262 pages ISBN: 978-0-9963425-0-6
Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information, go to www. childrensdefense.org.
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Insight News • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Page 9
COMMUNITY Auto review: 2016 Toyota Corolla S Plus By Frank S. Washington NNPA News Wire Auto Columnist DETROIT – Toyota’s Camry has been the best-selling car for years, but the company’s Corolla has defined the brand for decades. And it is still America’s best-selling compact. The new Corolla was big, for a compact. And that meant there was a bunch of rear-seat room. Two adults could get in the back seats and have plenty of head, hip and legroom. The test model was a 2016 Toyota Corolla S and yes that S did stand for Sport. The car had a 1.8-liter direct injection fourcylinder engine that made 132 horsepower and 128 poundfeet of torque. It was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption was pretty good. The Corolla S got 28 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg combined. It has an exclusive piano-black grille, rear spoiler, fog lights, and chrome-tipped tailpipe and 17-inch alloy wheels. Springs, dampers and
BLM From 1 “We need African unification all across the world,” Collins said. “We have to realize that we are all one. Our unification and our salvation is on us.” Chavis contended that Black Lives Matter was birthed out of the insidious disregard for Black life by law enforcement,
Toyota Corolla S Plus shown in Blue Crush Metallic with available moonroof.
Toyota
bushings were all are unique to the S model. It took a couple of days to get the feel of the manual gearbox; each manual shifter has its own personality. But once mastered it was a smooth shifting gearbox. Like most low horsepower cars with a manual transmission, there was some downshifting to
build torque, thus power, but surprisingly not that much. The car had an independent strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam rear suspension. This set up gave the Corolla a smooth ride, the car handled the ruts and crevices of city streets without a lot of fuss and it didn’t transfer much of the road noise of the streets into
the car. Its electric power steering system was adequate. Response to driver input was decent and stopping power generated by ventilated disc brakes in the front and solid disc brakes in the rear was pretty good. Turning radius was 35.6 ft. but we thought 3.19 lock-to-lock turns was a bit much. But the
Toyota Corolla was not a sports car. The dash was a clean horizontal layout that was made to look wider with the use of piano black surfacing on either side of the infotainment system. The manual seats were comfortable and they were nicely done with a sort of herringbone pattern in the
the judicial system and people who are sworn to uphold the law. However, he said, many problems the Black community faces can be solved by themselves. “I’m concerned about what is going on in Chicago,” he said. “Our mark of excellence is not about taking somebody’s life, that’s playing right into the enemy’s end game. “The little brother got killed in Chicago. … You are going to take this grown man’s son because
you can’t get the grown man. You’re a coward, and it needs to be said,” he said. Chavis subsequently called out Black clergy in Chicago. “Black preachers in Chicago need to stand up more. I can’t understand why we’re not out there more,” he said. “These are our children. We have to stop the self-destruction of our people. We have to get the guns and drugs out of our community, not the police.”
Chavis reiterated that the establishment of America has no concern for the interest of Black Americans. “Just last night, Democrats and Republicans voted against Obama’s climate change bill. You ask, what does that have to do with us? Sixty-eight percent of our people have asthma,” Chavis said. He also acknowledged that the connotations of the Black Lives Matter movement scares
many people, which is a good thing. “Black Lives Matter disrupted the consciousness of America, even with some Black folks,” he said. “I want to remind you [that] when Black power, came it was met with the same uncomfortableness. Prior to ‘Black is beautiful’ and ‘Black power,’ Black was a negative term and not a powerful term. This is another ‘Black power’ — in your face.
cloth. There was a TFT screen between the odometer and speedometer. It was coded to deliver all sorts of information but one thing it didn’t have, at least we couldn’t find it, was a digital readout of mph. Yes, the speedometer was there but the numerals were small and they were in blue coming out of a black background; not that easy to see. Once we thought we were doing 70 mph but it was really 80 mph. That brings us to the Corolla’s characteristic of power. Acceleration was just about nonexistent but give the car just a little bit of time to get up to speed and it cruises really well. This test car had a sunroof, Bluetooth, a backup camera, satellite radio, Toyota’s Entune app –filled infotainment system and a navigation system. There was USB and auxiliary jacks, as well as a high definition radio and a 12-volt socket. For $22,430 the 2016 Toyota Corolla S Plus was not a bad deal. Frank S. Washington is the editor of AboutThatCar.com. “Quite frankly, some of us need to be shaken up, some of us are too comfortable,” he said. “It’s not just a hashtag, it’s a movement. I’m here not to judge our young people, but to be encouraging. It has always been historically necessary for us to get in the face of our oppressors…We cannot afford to have young people marching by themselves — we have to march with them, and stand with them.”
Shootings From 1 Newby was on the scene after being notified of the shooting. He said the fact that nearly 100 or more protesters remained that evening after the attack says a lot about people’s resolve for justice in the case of Clark who was unarmed when he was killed. However, police maintain Clark gained control of an officer’s gun during a struggle -- a claim that several witnesses deny. Speaking of the shooting of protesters Newby said, “Normally in this neighborhood when shots go off people run, but not this time. Instead we’re here with very little police protection. And yet with attacks by police and by white supremacist there are people here committed to peace and justice in North Minneapolis. We have a lot to be proud of.” Further proof of the protester resolve came the following day when the crowd swelled to more than 1,000, most of whom marched from the 4th Precinct to Minneapolis City Hall and back – shutting down major downtown streets in the process. One of the marchers, Wesley Martin, 18, marched with a cane and a limp as he was one of the shooting victims from the night before. Martin told the crowd he was even more committed to the movement following his shooting and vowed to see the protest through until all demands are met – most notably, the release of the footage of Clark’s death. Some, including Rep. Keith Ellison and the Minneapolis Urban League are calling for an end to the 4th Precinct occupation, saying the protest was effective and victory should be declared. Nekima Levy-Pounds,
Speaking into a bullhorn, Nekima Levy-Pounds, president of the Minneapolis NAACP encourages protesters to remain vigilant in their calls for justice following the police shooting of Jamar Clark, an unarmed 24-year-old African-American. president of the Minneapolis NAACP said the protest and subsequent attack marks a new day in the fight for justice in Minneapolis. “We can’t go back to the way
things were,” said Levy-Pounds. “You look at Selma and say that was then but it wasn’t just then; this is happening right now.” Levy-Pounds’ reference to Selma comes in the wake of the
50th anniversary of the historic march in Selma, Ala., a seminal moment in the civil rights movement. “We’re not going anywhere whether it’s fighting police
Classifieds Support Specialist U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, District of MN, is accepting applications for a full-time Support Specialist for Minneapolis, Minnesota. Salary range is $37,143 - $60,368. For a complete job description visit our website, http://www.mnp. uscourts.gov , Career Opportunities. An Equal Opportunity Employer
U.S. Probation Officer U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, District of MN, is accepting applications for a full-time U.S. Probation Officer for Minneapolis, St. Paul or Duluth, Minnesota. Salary range is $42,718 – $96,712. For a complete job description visit our website, http://www.mnp.uscourts.gov , Career Opportunities. An Equal Opportunity Employer
abuse or white supremacists or institutional racism,” said LevyPounds. For some, Minneapolis is an unlikely location for a national spotlight on race, but not for
Levy-Pounds. “They didn’t think it could happen here because we’re so liberal ... so nice, but no, no, no; understand this is the Jim Crow North,” said Levy-Pounds.
Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com
North Memorial Needs Volunteers to Help Victims of Domestic Abuse SafeJourney, a program serving North Memorial Medical Center and Maple Grove Hospital, helps patients and individuals in the community who are experiencing domestic abuse. Volunteer advocates are needed to provide a listening ear, support, safety planning, information and referral. You do not have to have previous knowledge or experience, but rather looking for people who are sensitive to the issue, caring, and nonjudgmental. Advocates sign up for 2 on-call shifts per month. Flexible scheduling - daytime, overnights, and weekends. Training is provided. Deadline to apply and schedule a short interview is January 26. Please call Suzy at 763-581-3942.
Volunteer Greeters Hennepin County is seeking volunteer greeters for its North Minneapolis human service center at 1001 Plymouth Avenue North to welcome and guide visitors, answer questions and assist with special projects. Reliable adults who enjoy working with people and who are available for a few hours twice a week are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will be able to volunteer for a minimum of three months. Volunteers are integral to Hennepin County’s mission of enhancing the health, safety and quality of life of its residents and communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way. Get involved by visiting http://www.hennepin.us/humanservicevolunteer and submitting a volunteer application.
Page 10 • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Insight News
insightnews.com Marissa Carr
Junauda Petrus
Eliza Rasheed
Photos: Sarah White
Naked Stages premieres the work of three fellows at Pillsbury House Theatre The 2015 Naked Stages fellows, Marisa Carr, Junauda Petrus and Eliza Rasheed, will each premiere a new performance at Pillsbury House Theatre come December. Interdisciplinary artist Petrus’ “Waters, Sweet
Red and The Wild Glitter Transformation,” tells a story through an evolution of storytelling, sound, visual art and dance. Actress, playwright and singer/songwriter Carr explores the complexities of justice and law enforcement
through multiple characters in “Static” while ensemble actress and educator Rasheed addresses issues of bi-racial identity with “In-Between.” All tickets are $16. Any admission more than $16 is considered a donation. Carr’s
and Rasheed’s productions run Dec. 10 – Dec. 19, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Petrus’ performance takes place at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. Post-show discussions with the artists take place on Fridays, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.
Naked Stages is a nine-month development program that provides time, money and mentoring to three performance artists, culminating in a series of public performances. This is the second year that one of the
fellow’s performances will be an installation, taking place outside of the theatre. More information and artist profiles is available at www. pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org/ mainstage/naked-stages or by calling (612) 825-0459.
The Magic Flute: Enchanting, captivating and thoroughly entertaining By Carmen Robles Back by popular demand the Ordway welcomed a return engagement of The Magic Flute, a celebration of true love conquering all. The Magic Flute immediately transported the audience into an enchanted world where good faces the forces of darkness through hand-drawn animations. The animation which took nearly three years to create, along with piano accompaniments, evoke the silent film era. Whimsical, highly stylized and synchronized simulations set a dream-like stage upon which an eccentric cast of characters explore love, truth and the quest of enlightenment. Minnesota Opera fans filled the reception hall for a private performance prior to the show. The audience included young
and old dressed in gowns and Sunday best suits; jeans and ski jackets. It was an exciting blend and mixture of personalities and generations equal to the unique performance waiting for Minnesota Opera patrons. The Ordway stage was transformed into a backdrop of animation playing in perfect harmony with actors suspended 20 plus feet from the stage. Actors are strapped to safety harnesses which were clipped onto a revolving door where the actor’s synchronized choreography to the animation is dependent on muscle memory and peripheral vision. Sung in German with English translations projected above the stage, The Magic Flute is perfect for dye hard opera fans, or newbies. This production was created by the Komische Oper Berlin and the British theater group 1927;
Photo © Dan Norman, 2015
Benjamin Sieverding as Sarastro and Christie Conover as Pamina in the 2015 Minnesota Opera production of The Magic Flute. presented in co-production with the Los Angeles Opera;
with music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and scenery
constructed by the Minnesota Opera Scenic Studios.
The humorous show thrilled the audience with its stunning interaction between film animation and live performance, taking animation to new heights on a live stage. Packed with exquisite singing and stage wizardry, Mozart’s delightful blend of high comedy and serious drama, The Magic Flute enchants young and old alike. If you’re not an opera aficionado, or have never been to the opera, then the Magic Flute is the opera for you. The enchanting atmosphere, magnificent singing and memorable animation are the perfect introduction to a masterpiece of music from Mozart as performed by The Minnesota Opera. For more information check out the Minnesota Opera web site www.mnopera.org or call (612) 333-6669.
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Insight News • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Page 11
Defining your own personal style By Chaise Dennis Lifestyle Columnist Discovering personal style can be a pain in the butt; I’m the first to admit it. We’ve all been there at least once, if not a billion times, as we glare into our wardrobe full of clothes and complain about how we have nothing to wear! Most of the time we’re looking for clothes that offer some sort of a transition in life whether it’s something for graduation, a promotion at work, a new relationship and many other scenarios. Regardless of what this crazy thing called “life” throws at us it is crucial to adapt while still maintaining a style that defines us. And you may ask why this is so important? Personal style goes far beyond making a first impression. Style is about approaching each day with assurance, and the ability to feel gorgeous inside and out. This may sound funny to some but the right clothing can make a major difference in the confidence department. It has for me! In terms of your wardrobe system, I want you to really know what you enjoy, understand what fits you best, and how to shop for it all. So when you discover the right piece to add to your wardrobe you say, “I have to have this!” So I’ve come up with some tips to help you define your own personal style. The number one thing you can do to create your own sense of style is to get inspired by your favorite icons. Look at how they dress! Jot down the names and create a mood board of the types of pieces they are wearing, the colors they mix, the shoes they’re wearing, and how they accessorize and so on. Getting inspired by a number of sources is a great way to figure out what you like and dislike
(Ps the best inspiration comes from the things you see every day). Your closet should not only represent your creativity, but it should also be fitted for your day to day life. Consider the image you want to represent to the public. You want your style to represent your personality but you also want it to fit in with your lifestyle. Style affects the job you’re working, the state you live in as well as being aligned with long-term goals so be cautious when acquiring certain pieces and don’t spend too much money on trendy pieces as they go out of style
quickly! Accessories are KEY. They are the single most important thing to an outfit; the right accessories can take an outfit from good to great! Take this, a simple white t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans sound so boring but when you add a bold necklace, some cool rings and an ear cuff it will give you an instant edge. Authenticity is everything. Don’t look contrived. Designer clothing isn’t everything and if that becomes the apple of your eye it will completely hinder your creativity. Be true to yourself, if you don’t have the
Photo of Traci Allen Shannon, Bradley Greenwald, Dean Holt and Reed Sigmund by Dan Norman
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Now playing through January 10! Tickets start at $10
money to afford luxury pieces go to a thrift store or make it at home. You’ll feel better about yourself and people will appreciate your individuality. Ask for help! Building style doesn’t happen right away it takes time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a professional. You don’t always have to pay for a personal stylist. Department stores like Nordstrom have free
personal styling services and their store associates and stylist can give you the right tips to elevate your look. Take a look at what you already have! Your closet holds mostly everything you’ve purchased in the past and half of the time you don’t have any idea what’s in there. Get rid of the things you don’t wear and mix and match the items
you do. It’ll save you time and money. Last but not least be confident! The single most important thing. A Greek philosopher once said “Know, first, who you are; then adorn yourself accordingly.” Trust your gut because what makes you feel confident never goes out of style. I promise you that!
Page 12 • November 30 - December 6, 2015 • Insight News
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Maolu Cody Otte
Slim Chance
Nov. 30 - Dec. 6
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
Baron Dave Romm
Louis Alemayehu
Monday, November 30th R&B/PERFORMANCE Dr. Mambo’s Combo Bunkers Bar and Grill 761 Washington Ave. N. Minneapolis 9:30 p.m. $7 Dr. Mambo’s Combo is a legendary soul and R&B musical group that has been playing at Bunker’s in downtown Minneapolis since 1987. The band includes Michael Bland, who was discovered and hired by Prince while playing with The Combo.
Tuesday, December 1st HIP HOP/PERFORMANCE CULTURE Hip Hop: SHOWCASE Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Free Range Music Cooperative and Rogue Citizen present the third installment of their Knight Foundation sponsored showcase featuring Desdamona, Chance York - Slim Chance (of Crunchy Kids) and more.
Wednesday, December 2nd
DIG THIS” is a documentary that follows the journy of four gardeners in South L.A. 65 people need to reserve tickets to guarantee the screening. RSVP here https:// gathr.us/screening/13409.
Thursday, December 3rd
MN’s Maolu at 7th Street Entry.
Friday, December 4th
HIP-HOP/PERFROMANCE JAZZ/PERFORMANCE Anthony Walker Group The Common Table Walker West Music Academy 760 Selby Ave, Saint Paul 8 p.m.
HIP HOP/PERFORMANCE FILM CAN YOU DIG THIS Minneapolis St. Anthony Main Theatre 115 Main St SE, Minneapolis 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. From Executive Producer John Legend “CAN YOU
IshDARR w/ Maolu 7th Street Entry 701 1st Ave N, Minneapolis 8 p.m. Midwest music has a generation and they be playing tonight. Milwaukee’s IshDARR
new will Join and
Saturday, December 5th
Anthony was musical director for nine-time Grammy Award nominee Ledisi, has performed for audiences all over the world, sharing the stage with acts such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, , Raheem DeVaughn, Leela James, Kelly Price, and more.
IBE and Benzilla EP Release/ Dance Party Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 11 p.m. 18-plus $12 Come celebrate with IBE and Benzilla as the two gear up to release their second joint project entitled “Cement Footprints.” Co-produced by Mike Swoop. Also performing Dot Ducati,
Dahlia Jones, and The Cavalry.
Sunday, December 6th CELEBRATION Louis Alemayehu’s 70th Year on Sweet Mother Earth Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis 6 p.m. Poet, musician, educator and community elder Louis Alemayehu celebrates 70 years around the sun with a night of jazz with Donald Washington, Davu Seru and more.