Ali Shaheed Muhammad of Tribe Called Quest DJs Avant Garden Saturday at the Walker
aesthetically speaking
STORY ON PAGE 12 WINNER: 2016 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: 1ST PLACE COMMUNIT Y SERVICE, 3RD PLACE BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Insight News November 14 - November 20, 2016
Vol. 43 No. 46• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Ilhan Omar makes history In Minnesota’s only other statewide besides the presidential election, Justice Natalie Hudson retained her seat on the Supreme Court. Hudson, who was appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton to fill the seat once held by Justice Alan Page upon his mandatory retirement, defeated challenger Michelle MacDonald by a wide margin; 1,275,925 to 886,303. Hoping to make history in her own right, Reva Chamblis fell short in her bid to become Brooklyn Park’s first African-American city councilperson. Chamblis was bested by her Ward E opponent, Lisa Jacobson 6,453 to 4,838. In Burnsville, African-American candidate Robin Harris finished behind Dan Gustafson and Cara Schulz, who both earned seats on
The saying is all politics is local, and in a presidential race that has much of the country reeling, closer to home many are delighting in the fact that history was made with the election of Ilhan Omar to the state House. Omar, the DFL candidate in House District 60B, was elected by an overwhelming majority to serve in the Minnesota legislature besting Republican candidate Abdimalik Askar by nearly 12,000 votes. In doing so she becomes the first Somali-American to be elected to a state legislature. In a heavily Democratic district Omar’s General Election victory was considered a foregone conclusion, but still no less significant. In August Omar beat out Rep. Phyllis Kahn, who represented the district for 43 years.
the Burnsville City Council. In North Minneapolis Fue Lee – born in a refugee camp – proved to be another American immigration success story when voters in 59A selected him to represent them in the state House. Like Omar, Lee’s biggest challenge came in the August primaries when he upset Rep. Joe Mullery. Mullery represented the district since 1997. Kerry Jo Felder will serve on the Minneapolis Public Schools board, narrowly beating Kimberly Caprini for the District 2 seat, 10,636 votes to 10,435. Kim Ellison retained her at-large seat on the board, easily beating out challenger Doug Mann by more than 96,000 votes.
ILHAN TURN TO 2
David Bradley
Omar addresses supporters at her victory party on Nov. 8. Omar is the first Somali-American in the nation to be elected to a state house.
Police brutality topic on ‘Conversations’
Harry Colbert, Jr.
(Left to right) Jeffry Martin, president of the NAACP St. Paul Branch, Tyrone Terrill, president of the African-American Leadership Council and the Rev. Charles Gill, president of the St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; all guests on KFAI’s “Conversations with Al McFarlane,” discuss an incident of St. Paul police brutality with host Al McFarlane (far right).
Police brutality was the issue at hand this past Tuesday (Nov. 8) on “Conversations with Al McFarlane” on KFAI radio. While voting was an obvious topic with Nov. 8 being a historic presidential election, the issue closer to home was news that a St. Paul Police officer accused of brutality was no longer on the force. Hailed as a step in the right direction, St. Paul NAACP president Jeffry Martin along with Tyrone Terrill, president of the African-
American Leadership Council and the Rev. Charles Gill, president of the St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance praised the actions of St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell in dismissing Brett Palkowitsch, a former St. Paul officer who was seen on police dashcam video repeatedly kicking 53-year-old Frank Baker as a police dog viciously chewed on Baker’s leg. The incident took place on June 24 but didn’t come to the public’s attention until Early November.
While the firing of Palkowitsch was seen as a favorable move, Martin called for action to be taken against all the officers on scene at the time of the assault, which according to Martin left Baker in the hospital for 14 days with severe leg injuries that required multiple surgeries and a collapsed lung. K-9 officer Brian Ficcadenti is currently on paid leave due to the incident. “He (Baker) basically got his leg ripped off. The bottom portion of his calf and Achilles
We’ve been here before and we gon’ be alright
Harry Colbert, Jr.
at the artists selection, it was apropos, as the night would end with all of us again in mourning over the death of an icon. This time it was America that died. As more polls closed and more election results came trickling in the volume on the TV was raised and the music was paused. Things just got real. State after state, electoral vote upon electoral vote was falling for him. The improbable was becoming the unstoppable. We were a room of highly educated individuals, yet all of us were struggling with simple math and geography. Hard
By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Well, here we are. The question is where is here. On the night of the election I, with about 30 others, attended a watch party to view the presidential results. Early on the mood was uneasy; festive, but uneasy. The television was on CNN, but the sound was muted as we opted to listen to the music of Prince, Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. Looking back
as we tried, we just couldn’t get the map to add up to 270 for Hillary Clinton. As it turns out, we weren’t the only ones having trouble with this supposedly simple equation. I like more than half the U.S. – and much of the world around us – am struggling to understand and more importantly, come to grips with what happened on Election Night 2016. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand. I’m hoping
ELECTION 2 TURN TO
Emmy
Knight
Midwest Emmy induct first African-Americans into Silver Circle
Knight Foundation award VocalEssence Grant
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BRUTALITY 3 TURN TO
Trump win leads to racist incident at Maple Grove High
Moses Karngbaye, a student at Maple Grove High
The mood was tense during an election-night watch party at H. White Men’s Room in North Minneapolis.
tendon were basically chewed off by the dog,” said Martin. “And what about the two other officers who sat there and witnessed this? What about them? We want them to face some sort of action.” “This is not Montgomery, Ala. in the 1940s. You don’t put a dog on a human being like that,” said Terrill. “It’s gut-wrenching to watch that video. You don’t put a dog on a
A racist message written inside a bathroom at Maple Grove Senior High School has sparked both outrage and terror. The message of hate went up the day after Donald Trump’s Electoral College victory in the contest to become our nation’s next president. As many in the area– and throughout the world, as the photo quickly went viral on the Internet – saw, a vile and racist message was scrawled the day after the election inside of a bathroom at Maple Grove Senior High School. The message that used the N word, was full of hashtags such as #whitesonly and #gobacktoafrica and heavily alluded to the writer’s or writers’ support of Donald Trump, who the day earlier won the Electoral College vote setting him up to be the
nation’s next president. Within the toxic message were the words “Trump Train” along with the so-to-be president’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” Upon seeing the message Insight News contacted officials in the ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools District to authenticate the viral posts. Officials confirmed that the incident did take place and said they are outraged. “The tweet you saw of a racist message scrawled in a school bathroom is real and we are horrified by it,” said Barbara Olson, community relations director of Osseo Schools. “It goes against everything we stand for, and it is completely contrary to our core values as a district and individual schools.” Olson said school leaders immediately launched an investigation into the incident, and said they will take swift and appropriate action based on the investigation findings. “(Officials) will work very hard to identify who did this horrible act and
to determine how they can support the students and staff who have been affected by it,” said Olson. Olson said the appalling message is not being seen as a prank and the administration recognizes the seriousness of what took place at Maple Grove High. “Every day, in all of our schools, we seek to provide a safe and respectful learning and working environment for every student and employee. Racist messages like the one found endanger the safety of our students and staff of color, and they create a climate that is not conducive to learning,” said Olson. “We are very concerned about our students, staff and families who have been affected by this incident. We want to assure every student and employee that we are committed to their safety and well-being.” The student who brought the racist graffiti to the attention of school officials said he is one of the one’s who doesn’t feel safe. Moses Karngbaye, a junior
MAPLE GROVE 4 TURN TO
Proposal
Cinderella
Proposal: Immigrate to Mexico
‘Cinderella’ returns to Children’s Theatre Company
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Page 2 •November ember 14 - November 20, 2016 • Insight News
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Ilhan From 1 In a national election that shocked pundits and pollsters alike with the Electoral College victory of Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton, Clinton
narrowly carried Minnesota and its 10 electoral votes, but for the second time in the 2000s the country will be governed by a president who won the Electoral College but lost the popular vote. Al Gore won the popular vote in 2000 but narrowly lost the Electoral College to George W. Bush. U.S. Rep. Keith
Fue Lee
Natalie Hudson
Election From 1
Photos submitted by Black Music America
Husband and wife media duo, Pete Rhodes and Kimberly Rhodes
Midwest Emmy inducts first African-Americans into Silver Circle The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Upper Midwest Emmy Chapter inducted the husband and wife media team of Pete Rhodes and Kimberly Rhodes into the regional chapter’s Silver Circle. The award recognizes 25 years or more of significant contributions to the broadcast industry and dedication to community. The couple became the first African-American inductees since the chapter’s inception in 2000.
Pete Rhodes and Kimberly Rhodes have been producers of media and arts programming, providing communications, entertainment, outreach and education to the Twin Cities urban market since 1980. The couple owns and operates WRNB Cable FM Media, doing business as Black Music America TV, a digital cable service. Launched in 1984, the channel is Minnesota’s only African-American owned cable programming service. The
service broadcasts to more than 500,000 cable subscribers on channel 937 throughout the 13 county metro via Comcast cable systems. Noted as founders of the nationally recognized Minnesota Black Music Awards, The Rhodes are also the creators and executive producers of Urban Perspectives. The program that launched on WCCO TV received a Midwest Emmy nomination in 2015.
I can cope. As one who fancies himself as a wordsmith, in this moment I find myself struggling to adequately convey my level of disappointment, anger and quite frankly, disbelief. That man is our president-elect. Barring something crazy (as if anything could be crazier that what happened on Election Night) come January that man is in the White House. The fingers that had to be wrestled away from Twitter will have access to nuclear launch codes. But before I start running through all the doomsday scenarios that I’m sure many of you have already played out, let’s look at what we as a nation really did last Tuesday when we elected this temperamentally unhinged, likely racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, narcissist to the highest position in the land. What happened was open season was once again
declared on people of color. On the day of the election in a heavily Hispanic suburb of Los Angeles, a shooter described as a “gun fanatic” opened fire killing a woman going to her polling place, critically injuring two others before being killed in a standoff with police. Just hours after the election there were reports of racial intimidation, the painting of swastikas in parks and on college campuses. In Louisiana a Muslim woman was brutally assaulted by two white men; one reportedly wearing Trump campaign gear. Right here in “liberal” Minnesota – home of Minnesota Nice – at Maple Grove High School; someone emboldened by the Trump victory painted the N word on a bathroom door with the hashtags #gobacktoafrica and #makeamericagreatagain painted close by. This isn’t new territory for America, but for Gen Xers and Millennials this was an awakening. Welcome to the new Jim Crow. Brothers and sisters, keep your head on a swivel. Be
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Ellison and Minnesota’s three sitting African-American legislators – Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, Sen. Jeff Hayden and Rep. Rena Moran – all cruised easily to victory in the Nov. 8 General Election.
mindful of your moves. While most of us already knew the rules of being Black in America, we were offered a not-so-subtle reminder – not that we really needed one. At the watch party (funny calling it a party) as the apparent became the inevitable and recognizing the mood, the host turned down the television that had delivered the shocking blow and he cued up a song on the sound system. It was the perfect song. It reminded us of the persevering spirit within. The mood of the room went from mourning to triumphant resilience. The song is in many ways the new Black Anthem. The song’s hook said all we needed to hear. Thanks for reminding us Brother Kendrick Lemar. No matter what, “we gon’ be alright.”
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Insight News • November 14 - November 20, 2016 • Page 3
Brutality From 1 man like that … and on top of it an innocent man.” Terrill said police were on the lookout for a someone described as a young Black male with dreads and a white shirt who was armed when they came across 53-year-old Baker, who according to Martin and Terrill, was compliant with officers, yet was still brutalized. Baker
was unarmed and cleared of any wrongdoing regarding the stop. “The man was already on the ground,” said Gill. “So there was no reason as to why the police dog should have been on the man and for such a long time.” According to the three, Baker was being attacked by the dog for 74 seconds. Though Palkowitsch was fired, Terrill said he doubts the former officer will face criminal prosecution. “I don’t see (prosecution) happening mainly because of what they call the Police Officers’ Bill of Rights,
which gives the officers way too much power; and that’s something that needs to change,” said Terrill. Martin said Baker has filed a civil suit against the St. Paul Police Department.
MENTHOL.
NOTHING COOL ABOUT INCREASING YOUTH SMOKING. Harry Colbert, Jr.
Isaac Johnson (center) is all smiles after signing his letter of intent to play college basketball for Western Illinois University. Along with Johnson are his parents (left) Kenneth Johnson and Jennifer Henderson (right).
Hoop dreams realized for two area stars A couple of area hoop stars signed their letters of intent to play Division I basketball next season. Park Center’s Mikayla Hayes and North Community High’s Isaac Johnson signed letters of intent on Nov. 9, the first day high school students can sign. Hayes, a two-time state champion, two time state alltournament team selection and a tournament final game MVP
signed to play for and attend the University of Florida on a full scholarship. At 6’2”, Hayes will play forward for Gators, who have a top 25 program. Johnson, part of the team that restored prominence to the North program and the team that is defending Cass 1 state champions, signed his letter of intent to play for Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. A
6’5” guard, Johnson averaged 14.9 points last season for the Polars. Johnson is Coach Larry McKenzie’s 24 Division I signee. Both Hayes and Johnson are expected to contribute right away once they get to their chosen universities.
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Mikayla Hayes shows off her Gator pride after signing her letter of intent on Nov. 9 to play basketball for the University of Florida.
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Park Center standout Mikayla Hayes (center) along with her parents Darren Hayes (left) and Dana Joubert Hayes (right) after signing her letter of intent to play basketball for the Florida Gators.
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Minneapolis voters overwhelmingly support Minneapolis Public Schools Minneapolis voters showed overwhelming support for their public schools, passing the Minneapolis Public Schools referendum with an 83.44 percent Yes vote. This vote renewed the current referendum for nine more years.
“We’ve been talking with voters across the city for months, and the common theme was a strong belief in our public schools. Minneapolis voted overwhelmingly to support public schools,” said Donald McFarland, campaign manager
of the Vote Yes for Kids campaign. “Superintendent Ed Graff is committed to changing the narrative in Minneapolis about the school district, and today voters have given him a resounding vote of confidence. It’s time to look forward.”
“Thirty-six thousand MPS students were the real winners today and I couldn’t be happier for them,” McFarland added. “We have the best teachers in the world right here in Minneapolis and every one of them should feel
Maple Grove
did this,” said Karngbaye. “It could have been one person (who wrote the graffiti), it could have been 10; it could have been 20. That’s the thing that scares me.” Karngbaye said the day after the incident the school had a meeting to discuss parent and student concerns but he couldn’t bring himself to step on school grounds. “I got out of the car
and literally I got sick. My stomach churned. I couldn’t (go inside the school),” said Karngbaye, who said he wants to transfer schools. Karngbaye’s mother, Denise Karngbaye said she also wants her son to get out of the school. Denise Karngbaye said African students and parents at Maple Grove have been subjected to blatant acts of racism for some time. She said during after school
events such as football games white students and parents have called African students racist names and told them they weren’t welcome to sit in certain areas. “This is 2016. Our kids shouldn’t have to go through this,” said Denise Karngbaye. “My body is so numb.”
From 1 at Maple Grove said he if afraid to return to school after walking into the bathroom and seeing the vandalism. He said his fear comes in the not knowing. “I’m honestly fearful. I can’t sleep. This could have been anyone who
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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
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Melanie DeMore (black suit) will direct a community sing at Creative Arts Secondary School in St. Paul on Jan. 13.
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tells us that our community remains committed to our students. In the same way, we are committed to using public resources in the most effective way to continuously improve student achievement.”
Using Donald Trump’s campaign slogan of Make America Great, a vandal at Maple Grove Senior High School tells Blacks in the school to “Go back to Africa.” The hate crime is being investigated by the Maple Grove Police Department
The Knight Foundation has honored VocalEssence, a nonprofit dedicated to building community song, with a $40,000 grant.
Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr.
Receptionist Lue B. Lampley
about this outcome.” “On behalf of the entire district, I thank Minneapolis residents for extending the property tax referendum scheduled to expire after this school year,” said Graff in a statement. “The vote
Knight Foundation awards VocalEssence with Challenge Grant
INSIGHT NEWS
Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin
good
SUPER BOWL LII BUSINESS CONNECT SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM LAUNCH EVENT The NFL Business Connect program serves as a conduit
December 2, 2016 9am-Noon University of St. Thomas School of Law Atrium Downtown Campus
for qualified, diverse and underutilized businesses in Minnesota to compete for contracting opportunities that will be generated by the Super Bowl in 2018.
For more information and to register, visit mnsuperbowl.com/business-connect
Every year since its founding in 1991, the VocalEssence Witness program has highlighted the contributions African-Americans have made to the fine arts. In 2016-2017, VocalEssence “Witness: Underground Railroad” will illuminate the underrepresented stories of the Underground Railroad and refugees in Minnesota, and tie them to African-American heritage through songs of liberation and freedom. “Witness: Underground Railroad” received the award as part of the 2016 St. Paul Knight Arts Challenge. A program of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the challenge funds the best ideas for engaging and enriching St. Paul through the arts. “Our Knight Arts Challenge winners help make it possible for St. Paul residents to experience art that challenges us and inspires us to think differently about our city. This project will not only bring voices from St. Paul’s past back to life, it will also tie them to the experience of so many immigrants. It’s an engaging and unifying arts endeavor that reminds us why organizations like VocalEssence play such a crucial role in creating vibrant communities,” said Victoria Rogers, vice president for arts at Knight Foundation. “This grant means everything to our organization, and helps us expand our program in 2017 to share even more stories of African-American
heritage in Minnesota. We are so excited by our artistic and outreach activities for this year’s VocalEssence Witness program and our partnerships, including with the incomparable singer, educator and vocal activist Melanie DeMore,” said G. Phillip Shoultz, III, associate conductor and education program director, VocalEssence. DeMore will direct a community sing at Creative Arts Secondary School in St. Paul on Jan. 13, bringing Twin Cities community members together to sing songs of sanctuary and freedom. A partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society will help develop community conversations related to Minnesota Underground Railroad stories, offering oral histories from today’s refugees, and dialogue around race relations in the community. VocalEssence will also host the Bringing Unity to Community Choir Festival on Jan. 14, featuring songs of liberation. Through the VocalEssence Witness School Program, DeMore has been making regular trips to the Twin Cities to work with students from St. Paul’s Johnson Senior High and Parkway Middle School. The students, along with Witness participants from schools in Minneapolis, will be offered the opportunity to participate in an overnight Underground Railroad simulation, where they will experience what it may have been like to travel on the Underground Railroad as an escaped slave.
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Insight News • November 14 - November 20, 2016 • Page 5
Keep moving forward on the path towards justice Child Watch
By Marian Wright Edelman “You know, it was pretty staggering. It put an end to essentially something that the Civil War was unable to end.” – Legal Defense Fund Attorney Jack Greenberg, describing his reaction after the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education I was heartbroken by the recent death of Jack Greenberg, one of the last great legal links to Brown v. Board of Education and my first boss out of law school. What a privilege to work in a legal powerhouse with Jack and Constance Baker Motley, Derrick Bell, James Nabrit, III and many other gifted and committed civil rights attorneys. As the son of European Jewish immigrants growing up in Brooklyn and the Bronx, Jack Greenberg learned
to hate prejudice and injustice. In 1949, at age 24, he became an assistant counsel to Thurgood Marshall, the lion who was the founding head of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Over the next five years he was part of Marshall’s team of extraordinary lawyers arguing the cases that led to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown that “separate but equal” public schools were unconstitutional. When Thurgood Marshall was named to the federal bench in 1961, he chose Jack Greenberg to succeed him as head of what had become simply the Legal Defense Fund (LDF). Jack spent the next 23 years fighting and winning a number of key court decisions; including rulings on school desegregation, employment discrimination and voting rights. Julius Chambers (who later succeeded Jack Greenberg as director counsel) and I were lucky enough to be the first two LDF Lehman Fellowship interns — new lawyers who wanted to practice in the South after a year of training with LDF’s extraordinary lawyers.
I headed off to Jackson, Miss. to set up a “legal factory” to handle the many cases generated by hundreds of civil rights arrests during the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer. Julius opened a civil rights practice in Charlotte, N.C. Years later Jack Greenberg explained that the courts had to become a crucial instrument in finishing some of the unfinished business of the Civil War and Reconstruction because the original legal protections offered to Black citizens had never been honored, including the critical right to vote. “Blacks couldn’t vote in the South . . . Southern states engaged in all kinds of stratagems to keep Blacks out. So there was absolutely no political power. It was impossible even to pass an anti-lynching bill. There was talk about armed revolution, but that would be suicidal. And so the only place to turn was the courts,” explained Greenberg And the courts still are — in the South and North — the only means of stopping large scale voter suppression methods today
from North Carolina to Ohio. The landmark court victories of the Civil Rights era changed our nation forever. Yet we are once again facing a future where millions of America’s children of color still have separate and unequal chances during their early years of greatest brain development and in their school classrooms. As the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights explains, “It took ten years after Brown, but beginning with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the nation committed to desegregation and it worked. Courts and executive agencies consistently supported desegregation plans and from 1968 to 1988, as more schools integrated, academic achievement increased for African-American students. But the legal and political tide turned against integration during the 1980s. Courts stopped ordering desegregation plans and began dismantling existing plans — both court-ordered and voluntary. Federal agencies stopped aggressive enforcement and by 1989 schools were beginning to re-segregate,
reversing many of the academic gains of the previous 20 years.” The Leadership Conference added, “For African-Americans in the South, which is now significantly more integrated than most of the rest of the country, the rate of resegregation since 1988 is the worst. In the Northeast, where schools have been getting more segregated since the 1960s, and in many large cities, minority students are the most segregated. For Hispanic students, integration never had a chance to take hold in any region . . . At the same time, rapid growth in the Hispanic and African-American population and growing income disparities have increased the concentration of minorities in high poverty districts.” The drift back to segregated and substandard schools denying millions of poor children of color the basic literacy, numeracy and other skills they will need to work in our increasingly competitive globalized economy must stop. We cannot sit by and continue to watch the re-segregation of America on our watch and the
relegation of millions of people to second class citizenship. We must have a path forward that is integrated and equal. As Jack Greenberg looked back over the Legal Defense Fund’s impact he once said, “Now, when there’s a very considerable effort to roll things back, we’re in a position to resist, to hold on to almost all our gains until the country starts going in the other direction. They can throw us back a few hundred yards, but we’re dug in too deep.” We know the direction our children and nation need to go in order for both to thrive. We must never be turned around on the road to equality and justice in every sphere. Anyone who stays at home and doesn’t go out to vote disrespects the sacrifice of our ancestors and ignores great slave foremother Harriet Tubman who freed herself to keep going forward. Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.
Proposal: Immigrate to Mexico By Carol Cao If you can’t beat em’, leave em’. Donald Trump has hollered this proposition: erect a wall between the U.S.A. and Mexico to bar undocumented immigrants from entering the land of the free. Our nation had made its choice, preferring him over the qualified but corrupt (the socially-tolerable level of corrupt) Hillary Clinton. The nation chose Donald Trump, who never had a political office title to (get his secretary to) type on his resume.
From the side of Donald Trump, there’s a bellow of “Go back to your own country” attitude toward the Mexican-American population. Sure, why not? After all, more Mexicans have been returning to Mexico rather than entering America. Mexico’s economy has been improving. So we’ll just migrate there too; beyond the walls of President Trump. History books will call this, the Minority Migration. The AfricanAmerican community should find a home in Mexico, sick of being told to temper down their tears for their shot brothers and sisters. Don’t worry, they’re adjusted to being evicted and moved around. And soon, the upper-class white people of Trump-America will no longer have to worry about the irksome inconvenience of headlines
Ellison considered for the top spot in the DNC
reporting the complaints of African-Americans bemoaning police brutality. Muslim-Americans are welcomed to build their mosques safely in Mexico, accommodated by the rise of Islam in Mexico. They will be glad to join the Mexican Muslims and have space to pray for America without the “The Big Trump is Watching” surveillances. The Asian-Americans should follow. They may have a history of being conservatives, but they are shifting away from the Republican side. They also won’t take kindly to a President who mocks their accent. But I am being exclusionary here. Never forget the whites. They’re welcome in Mexico, no, not as tourists, but as permanent residents. The lowerincome white Americas want to get away from Trump’s intent to keep the minimal wage small. There will be middle-class and
upper-class whites following suite, since they don’t want the embarrassment of having their privilege associated with Trump. Mexico, the new Promised Land. America will crumble, but we still have to be weary. America will be our ranting neighbor, the one that shouts expletives over our lawnmower invading Trump his property lines. At least, we strike a blow to America’s economy. No more Mexican-Americans purchasing goods and offering services to the market. All right, let’s be clear about the cons. This is not the perfect solution. If War World III breaks out, we’re on our own. That’s why we have to build the wealth in Mexico to compete with Trump’s American wealth so we can afford security and protection. With Mexico claiming the title of the “Melting Pot,” the economy will be diversified in prosperity and the mix and mingle of cultural input
will enrich innovation. And we’ll find the opportunity to rise against him. But most importantly, we have to keep affording the cost to shelter the refugees fleeing Trump’s regime. Ok, Donald Trump, we’ll give you your prophecy of a Great White America. It’s win-win. Satisfied? For the past few months, the nation remained suspended in a voting interval of “if,” not “when.” We were in the limbo of the “if” – the possibility of an imperfect but secure Clinton administration or a Trump dystopian nightmare. And now, the latter has been chosen. It would have saved us an evacuation from the catastrophe – an American Apocalypse to be told in the future history books of Mexico. If only Hillary Clinton could have become our president. No, she could not have completely obliterate the hard times … the economy zig-
zagging up and down, people crying for their lives to matter, etc.; but it wouldn’t be possible Armageddon. We can’t reverse the nation’s choice in its new commander-in-chief. We stood by and let the nightmare happen, so we have to be on the move. We’ll pack up our greatness and take it elsewhere before before America’s designated tyrant touches it. Note: This piece was initially constructed as a backup plan, proposed before the election with the faith that the nation wouldn’t elect Donald Trump. It has been repurposed for the current events of this nation.
You see possibility. We see you.
Keith Ellison A Minneapolis Northsider will lead the Democratic Party if Sen. Bernie Sanders gets his way. Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs told Politico that the Vermont senator wants Minnesota’s Rep. Keith Ellison to take over a chair of the Democratic National Committee. Ellison, who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, was one of the early backers of Sanders in his bid to become president. Ellison, who is the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has yet to comment on the news. Had Hillary Clinton been successful in her presidential bid she
would have picked the next DNC chair, but with her stunning defeat many angry Democrats are calling for complete party overhaul. As it stands, Donna Brazile sits as interim DNC chair, having taken over from Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, whose tenure as chair was embroiled in scandal. Through leaked emails, Wasserman-Schultz was shown to have been working against Sanders to get Clinton to be the party’s presidential nominee. She resigned her DNC position in July.
Right now, your little girl sees herself as a fairy princess. Whatever dream she decides to pursue, you want to support her every step of the way. When you’re ready to plan her happily ever after, spend time with our online financial tools and resources that are designed to help you work toward your goals. Find your possible at a U.S. Bank branch, call 800.825.BANK (2265), or visit financialgenius.usbank.com
Member FDIC. ©2016 U.S. Bank 160547 11/16 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.
Page 6 •November ember 14 - November 20, 2016 • Insight News
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Business FUNdraising Good Times
Don’t wait until everyone resigns: three ways to retain staff and board members FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw “Nobody taught us how to go out and fundraise.” – Former nonprofit board member. “After my experience at this organization, I am no longer interested in working in fundraising.” – A former fundraising professional. We heard each of these statements during the past week.
These are not uncommon sentiments. However, they are not frequently voiced before people reach their breaking point. With this column we share three proactive steps your organization can take to support board members and fundraising professionals. Step one is to provide coaching and opportunities to learn. This is important for both board members and fundraising professionals. When board members are “told” they are responsible for making a personal gift and raising a specific amount of money they can be put off by what they perceive as a mandate. “I didn’t sign up to fundraise” is the common
complaint. Yet board members do have a fiduciary responsibility to the nonprofit organizations they govern. Take the time to learn the level of fundraising skill that each member possesses, and match these to your fundraising strategies. The same is true with staff. No one should be charged with “bringing in the money – no questions asked.” That is not a winning strategy. The board member we heard from last week said he made the required gift and then resigned. He didn’t share his reasons for removing himself with the board president. The nonprofit lost a board member without gaining insight into how to prevent the
situation from repeating itself. Provide leadership. An executive director, president or CEO needs to lead the organization and hold people accountable. That means he or she needs to know fundraising as well as the roles and responsibilities of board members and staff. The executive needs to ensure board members don’t take charge of operations, directing staff on what to do. Likewise, that leader needs to hold staff accountable for reaching agreed upon goals. Note the phrase “agreed upon.” No one can mandate anything to anyone and expect smooth results. Fundraising professionals know their responsibilities and are often eager to expand these.
At the same time they know that they are not miracle workers. They need the involvement of board members, the executive, and local stakeholders. The fundraising professional we talked with last week was exasperated by how he was treated by the board. His work was not respected, the constraints he was operating under were not acknowledged and he was publicly humiliated. That is not a program for retaining professionals. Know your roles and responsibilities and fulfill them. Board members and fundraising professionals have distinct responsibilities. They need to work together, but each needs to understand his or her own
role. Staff focuses on managing and implementing strategy and people; board members focus on policy, in addition to cultivating and soliciting major gifts. The fundraising plan should outline roles and responsibilities for staff and board. Neither should be insulted by professional development opportunities such as coaching, workshops, strategy sessions and role playing. Our guidance … work from a plan and stay in your lane; don’t take over other people’s responsibilities. Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of the new book “FUNdraising Good Times Classics Vol. 1,” available on Amazon.com.
Radio One’s Cathy Hughes; a business icon By William Reed How many people have gone back and bought where they used to work? One lady who did that is the epitome of an African-American success story. Catherine Liggins Hughes is a single mother who once lived in the projects. Now Hughes and her son Alfred Liggins III, have climbed the ladder of success to be among the nation’s wealthiest Blacks with a combined worth of $460 million. Hughes founded Radio One, a national network of urban format radio stations. Hughes and son recently gifted $4 million to the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University. As a 16-year-old teen mom, married at 17 and eventually divorced, the single mother said she saw her son as a blessing and inspiration to work harder. In the early 1980s she purchased Washington, D.C. station WOLAM with the help of a high-interest loan, which eventually caused her to lose her house and car. She and her young son lived in the
station, but, Hughes saw it as an opportunity to be there around the clock and learn how it operated. Representative of what Black media could and should be, Hughes emphasizes the importance of grooming Black successors, including her son, to take over and assume leadership. She had enough faith and trust in the way she raised her son to pass the business on to him. A MBA graduate of the Wharton School of Business, Liggins took the country’s largest Black media company to the next level, making his mother the first Black woman to head a publicly-traded company and expanded the company to include television and digital platforms. Hughes became a media legend in Washington, D.C. after landing a job as a lecturer at Howard’s School of Communications in 1971. In 1973 she became general sales manager of the university›s radio station, WHUR-FM, increasing station revenues in her
first year. After being rejected by 32 banks, in 1980 Hughes and then-husband Dewey Hughes, bought AM radio station WOL 1450 in a distresssale for $950,000; then the target of a federal payola probe. Help for Hughes came from Syndicated Communications, godfather investors of Black broadcasting ownership. Even today, Syndicated Communications owns a majority position in Hughes›s stations. The first radio station was a financial disaster for seven years. “But I stayed focused on not losing my company, and that’s why I moved into the station and did whatever it took. I was willing to let everything go except my son and my business, in that order,” said Hughes. Over time, the station began turning a profit, largely due to the success of her “firebrand” talk show. Radio One went on to own 70 radio stations in major markets and in 1999 became a
publicly traded company. Today, Hughes’ businesses are everywhere you look. With a slate of investors she started the cable network TV One in 2004. TV One reaches 58 million homes as the “lifestyle and entertainment network for AfricanAmerican adults.” Radio One owns Magazine One, Inc. and Reach Media, Inc.; owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and other businesses. In 2008 Hughes also acquired Black Planet, a social networking website. Once a SBA borrower, Hughes now serves as chair of that agency’s Advisory Council on Underserved Communities. Hughes is soliciting donors for a new building for Howard’s School of Communications to replace its current site which was built in 1909. William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America.”
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Insight News • November 14 - November 20, 2016 • Page 7
Page 8 •November ember 14 - November 20, 2016 • Insight News
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Lifestyle
Can a man be too sensitive? Man Talk
By Timothy Houston It is 2016, and relationship expectations are changing with the times. The old-time notion that a man should be strong, rugged and rough around the edges is changing. The modern day woman is now looking for a man that is sensitive but not too sensitive. How sensitive should a man be? How much emotion is too much? What is the standard a man should aspire to? These questions should be addressed. The ability for a man to openly and honestly
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share his emotions may be the subtle distinction that separates the good men from the bad. A man must be sensitive enough to notice the changes that take place within. In the natural world, once you plant a seed, it goes through various stages of change. When the seed is below ground, it needs covering, and when it is above ground, it needs support. Every significant change that takes place begins in the heart of the earth. A good man, like good ground, is sensitive to the changes that take place in their environment. The man must be sensitive enough to provide what you need to be safe and secure. In nature, the natural elements can be harsh and severe. The seed must remain in the heart of the soil where it can be protected. There, the seed is sheltered. Good men must carry those they love in their hearts, protecting and providing for
them spiritually and emotionally. This is a requirement from God. “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (I Timothy 5:8). This is the standard for a good man. He must be sensitive enough to share his emotions, but not too sensitive that he disregards yours. And the man must be sensitive enough to provide you what you need to feel supported. This is more than merely providing a safe place to live. Once the plant is exposed, it depends on the soil for balance and stability. Good men, like good soil, will not let you fall. They will cover you when you are down, and they will support you when you are up. They must know your dreams and encourage them, and they must know your passions and embrace them. A good man cannot be imitated by your success. On the contrary,
he welcomes and supports it. When is a man too sensitive? A man is too sensitive when his emotions only allow him to be aware to his own needs. This man’s sensitivity only focuses inwardly. A good man must be perceptive enough to be in tune with your needs as well. His sensitivity focuses outwardly. Your need for support, protection and acceptance are paramount in his heart. He laughs when you laugh, sings when you sing and cries when you cry. He understands your boundaries and respects them. He is aware of the things that take place below your emotional surface. How sensitive should a man be? He should be sensitive enough to really and truly be in tune to the spirit of who you are. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker. For questions, comments or more information, go to tim@ tlhouston.com.
Stepping out on faith can offer peace of mind Child Focus
By Gloria Freeman All Saints Sunday not only brought a poignant remembrance of loved ones who have passed on, but also ushered in the time for another church potluck. I braced myself during the church service believing wholeheartedly that in a few moments I would be partaking in the food my fellow parishioners had brought to pass at the potluck, which although always is healthy and hearty, tends to be pretty bland. I mean, not to be funny,
but in an era of a hypersensitivity to food allergies and kale-infused smoothies, there’s only so much taste you can squeeze out of soy bacon and gluten-free pancakes. Much to my surprise, after sauntering past the reverend who stood at the back door greeting church goers after giving the benediction, I approached the potluck area to find a bottle of cayenne pepper prominently perched on the potluck table. I was so delighted I ran into the fellowship hall and asked who had brought the cayenne pepper? Turns out, it was a woman named Faith, who had inadvertently brought the cayenne pepper, which made my day (not that the pastor’s sermon wasn’t extremely moving and meaningful). I immediately plopped myself down next to Faith to dig
I couldn’t help but notice the power of following one’s heart instead of obsessing about the pocketbook.
into a delicious bowl of chicken chili, now beautifully peppered with the hot kick of cayenne sprinkled atop. The chicken chili hit my mouth right before
devouring a delicious piece of ice cream cake, which admittedly in my excitement, almost got doused with a dash of cayenne pepper. While talking, Faith informed me that after seven years, she had quit her job as a corporate human resources representative to take a job as an
employment counselor at a local nonprofit. I was rather shocked to hear the news that she had left the trappings of corporate America for the grittiness of assisting young people, helping them to seek – and keep – a job. I couldn’t help notice the newfound sense of peace and serenity that washed over Faith as we discussed this recent development in her life. Listening to Faith talk about the excitement she had regarding her new career choice, I couldn’t help but notice the power of following one’s heart instead of obsessing about the pocketbook. This led me to reflect on arguably one of the most powerful questions we can ask a young person, which is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” In asking this one question of a young person it delivers the message you believe in his or her potential; you have faith in the hope of days yet to come, and it’s alright to dream big, beyond the circumstances
and one’s current lot in life. Faith’s story reminds us that it’s not only alright to ask one another, no matter our age, race or gender, what each of us wants to be when we grow up; it’s one of the greatest gifts we can bestow on one another. Hearing Faith share her inspiring story about living into God’s generous desires for her reminded me that cayenne pepper is not the only way to heat things up in a spectacular way. Rather, it may be answering the call within while living into our own hopes and dreams that really provides the spice of life many of us are searching for. Gloria Freeman is president/CEO of Olu’s Center, an intergenerational childcare and senior day program, and can be reached at gfreeman@ olushome.com.
612.377.2224 / guthrietheater.org
Give the gift of thanks this season. Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not. Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® at any Best Buy® store. by JAMES GOLDMAN directed by KEVIN MORIARTY
November 19 – December 31
by CHARLES DICKENS adapted by CRISPIN WHITTELL directed by JOE CHVALA
Donate Now
St. Jude patient Mohammad
November 16 – December 30
©2016 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
© 2016 Best Buy. All rights reserved.
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Insight News • November 14 - November 20, 2016 • Page 9
Apply for your U.S. passport now, before the busy winter travel season If you’re traveling internationally for the winter holidays, now is the time to apply for your U.S. passport. As an incentive to apply early, the Department is offering faster processing times through November. During November, passport processing times for routine service is four to five weeks and expedite service is two to three weeks. Expedite service at a passport agency is five business days. Expedite service costs an additional $60. If you are traveling in more than two weeks and have already had a U.S. passport, you may be eligible to renew your passport by mail. If you are applying for the first time, you should visit an acceptance facility such as a clerk of court, library, or post office. If you’re traveling in less than two weeks, or you need a new U.S. passport for a foreign visa within four weeks, you should apply at a Department of State passport agency. You can make an appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at (877) 487-2778 or TDD/ TDY at (888) 874-7793. Customers must pay the $60 expedite fee and must provide a travel itinerary when applying at a passport agency. Knowing your passport expiration date may help you avoid costly travel delays. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport expires in less than six months. As of Nov. 1, eye glasses are no longer permitted in passport photos. For information on applying for a U.S. passport, forms, fees and processing times, visit www.Travel.State.Gov.
Classifieds
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Phone: 612.588.1313
Fax: 612.588.2031
RENTAL PROPERTIES INH Properties manages Section 8, Section 42 and Rural Development projects in the following MN cities: Anoka – Bridge Square, 763-421-6772 Big Lake – Autumn Winds, 320-258-6000 Brainerd – Mississippi Terrace, 218-829-0274 Cold Spring – Cottage Court, 320-685-3888 Coon Rapids- Coon Creek, 763-767-7755 Eden Valley – Hillside, 320-453-5968 Fergus Falls – Kaddatz, 218-205-0644 Glenwood – Glenview, 320-634-3188 Hawley – Northside Terrace, 218-483-4524 Hutchinson – Clinton House, 320-587-5458 Isle – Isle View, 320-676-8624 Isle – Mille Lacs Manor, 320-676-8624 Mankato – Dublin Road, 507-345-3351 Minneapolis - Holmes Park, 612-378-8817 Morris – Crystal Lake, 320-589-3662 Onamia – Oakwood, 320-532-4321 Onamia – Onamia Shores, 320-532-4321 Pierz – Kamnic Lane, 320-468-2581 Rice – Benton Place, 320-630-1201 St Michael -Countryside Cottages, 763-497-4901 St Paul – Parkway Gardens, 651-771-0267 Virginia – Alice Nettell, 218-741-3650
Hope Community, Inc., a 501(c)(3), creates connections that strengthen the power of community members and communities in the Philips neighborhood, Minneapolis, and beyond. We’re seeking an Executive Director who is visionary, strategic, and collaborative, with experience advancing racial equity. See position description at http://www.hope-community.org/node/327 .
Volunteer Customer Service Assistants
Residents must meet income guidelines. Rent based on income at some locations. INH Properties is an equal opportunity housing company
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HOPE COMMUNITY, INC.
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.
Email: info@insightnews.com
STAFF ATTORNEYS Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks 2 full-time attorneys for its Minneapolis office. Fam. Law; with some work in housing/govt benes. Licensed in MN pref’d. Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary $47,000+D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to Lynelle Wells, CMLS, 430 First Ave. No., #359, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Appl. deadline: 11/14/16 or until filled. EOE.
Client Accounting Specialist Dynamic Economic Dev. Org. working with Small Businesses seeks a Client Accounting Specialist to provide clients with financial reviews and assessments, cash flow projections, sales tracking and inventory control. Bachelor’s degree in business management or accounting. Experience working with small businesses. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups. Bi-lingual skills a plus. Send resume to: NDC, 663 University Ave, #200, St. Paul, MN 55104 or email to HR@ndc-mn.org. EOE/AA
Staff Accountant Dynamic Economic Dev. Org. working with Small Businesses seeks a Staff Accountant to provide support to the Accounting department. Gather and analyze financial information, support budgeting and funding activities, prepare financial reports and develop best practices. Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or business administration. Previous experience in nonprofit financial management. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups. Bi-lingual skills a plus. Send resume to: NDC, 663 University Ave, #200, St. Paul, MN 55104 or email to HR@ndc-mn.org. EOE/AA
Page 10 •November ovember ember 14 - N No November 20, 2016 • Insight News
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Illism
Layzie Bone
Nov. 14 – Nov. 20
Monday, Nov. 14 CONVERSATION
Nov. 14 - 20
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 aesthetically it@insightnews.com
The Future of Community Media Minneapolis Television Network 820 18th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Join Tene Wells, the new executive director of the Minneapolis Telecommunication Network for a discussion about the future of community media.
Tuesday, Nov. 15 PRODUCTION/ PERFORMANCE
Ghostband “Colder” Release First Avenue & 7th St. Entry 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. 18-plus $5 Multi-instrumentalist and producer Ghostband releases his new project, “Colder” with additional performances by Mux Mool, Psymun and DJ Fundo.
Wednesday, Nov. 16 COMMUNITY Voices: A Housewarming Voices for Racial Justice 2525 E. Franklin Ave., Suite 301, Minneapolis 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
We do this as homage to artists of the Harlem Renaissance, from Billie Holiday to Langston Hughes and all of the greats who
Thursday, Nov. 17 HIP-HOP Layzie Bone Amsterdam Bar and Hall 6th St W at Wabasha St N, Saint Paul 9 p.m. 18-plus $12 advance, $15 door
“Candy Fresh” Season 2 Episode 2 Taping SPNN 550 Vandalia St., Suite 170, St. Paul 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Be a part of the studio audience for another taping of the entertainment talk show “Candy Fresh” with guest Illism and interviews with area chefs.
Saturday, Nov. 19 HEALING
It’s the “Thuggish Ruggish B.O.N.E.” member Layzie Bone hits the stage for a special show at the Amsterdam with Katana Da Don, King Fuvi and Kaoz.
Friday, Nov. 18 TV TAPING
Learn more about the work
New Renaissance Sunday at the Amsterdam An evening of neo-soul is on tap for Sunday (Nov. 20) with the New Renaissance at the Amsterdam Bar & Grill in St. Paul. The New Renaissance is the latest in events from Chadwick Phillips and his brand, the Avant Garde. The event, a live band show of poets and neo-soul acts, features three bands with performances by Dahlia Jones, Joe Davis, S’sence Adams, Traiveon Dunlap and others. KMOJ’s Dan Speak will DJ the event hosted by Phillips.
and vision of the community organization Voices for Racial Justice during this open house.
Culture, Community and Restoration - Healing Justice Approach People’s Movement Center 763 E. 41st St., Minneapolis 9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
an offering the opportunity to learn what healing justice is and identify what healing justice means. Panelists include Susan Raffo, Sam Grant, Ricardo Levins Morales and Ayo Clemons.
Sunday, Nov. 20 PRODUCTION SHOWCASE Ya Dig? Production Showcase Dig It! (Vol. 4) Barely Brothers Records 783 Raymond Ave., St. Paul 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. This is the place to be for producers and beat-makers to let loose. It is also a great space for lyricists, poets and singers to network and find their musical counterparts.
Culture, Community and Restoration – a healing justice approach to relationships – is
Chadwick Phillips
sacrificed so much for us,” said Phillips. “The New Renaissance is showing our appreciation to the ones who paved the way as we create a new avenue of virtue for the next generations of artists that come after us. It’s going to be an incredible evening of deep-rooted soul and passionate spoken word poetry.” Doors for this 18plus event open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets are on sale at Electric Fetus and 331 Club in Minneapolis, at the Amsterdam (6th St. W., St. Paul) and online at ticketf.ly/2equOsF.
Dahlia Jones
Traiveon Dunlap
Joe Davis
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Insight News • November 14 - November 20, 2016 • Page 11
SteppingStone presents ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Dec. 2 – Dec. 23
The Best Christmas Pageant The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a SteppingStone Theatre holiday tradition, will take a final bow on the SteppingStone stage. “After 29 years we felt it was time to make room for other stories,” said Mark Ferraro-Hauck, SteppingStone artistic director, in a letter to theater audiences. “But we wanted to really celebrate the
laughter and love of Barbara Robinson’s story one last time as we say goodbye for a few years.” The production features a cast of more than 40 youth and adults, and is set in the light-hearted world of 1970s sitcoms. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” runs Dec. 2 – Dec. 23 at SteppingStone Theatre’s home at 55 N. Victoria
St. in St. Paul. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” follows the mischief and antics of the six Herdman children as they makeover a Christmas pageant. “The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world,” so claim the church ladies, firefighters, the Bradleys, and even Reverend Hopkins, all characters in the
play. How they end up in this year’s pageant and how they make it the best Christmas pageant ever is a journey of love and new understanding. The production is directed by Dane Stauffer, fresh off a hit run as Roger Caldwell in “Glensheen” at History Theatre (Best Actor in a Musical – Broadway World 2015) and his Park Square debut in the one-man show, “Jacob
Marley’s Christmas Carol.” Stauffer is a Minneapolis native, and alum of the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and Dudley Riggs’ Brave New Workshop. This year’s cast includes young people from across the Twin Cities, ages 8-17. Tickets are available for purchase online at
steppingstonetheatre.org or by phone at (651) 225-9265. Tickets are $8-$16. SteppingStone Theatre aims to develop children through educational theater programs and fully staged productions.
‘Chances Are … The Johnny Mathis Duets’ comes to the Capri Legends @ the Capri presents “Chances Are … The Johnny Mathis Duets,” featuring Julius Collins and Thomasina Petrus. “Chances Are” takes place Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave. in North Minneapolis. “(Johnny Mathis’) voice was so romantic and smoky,” said Dennis Spears, Legends artistic director. “And
the duets he performed with Deniece Williams, Dionne Warwick, Patty Austin and others were beautiful, sweet and so well-written. It’s music that’s filled with love.” Spears said Collins and Petrus, who performed together in the musical “Hot Chocolate,” bring just the right chemistry to make the fire glow in this show. Songs sung by the duo include “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,” “Chances
Are,” “Deja Vu,” “The Last Time I Felt Like That” and more. “Johnny Mathis stands alongside a lot of the great balladeers like Nat King Cole and Harry Belafonte, and I’m very excited to honor his artistry,” said Spears. Tickets are $25 or $20 each for groups of 10 or more and are available at www. thecapritheater.org or by calling (612) 343-3390.
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NOW PLAYING childrenstheatre.org | 612.874.0400
Pat Carney
Photo of Traci Allen Shannon by Dan Norman
Page 12 •November ember 14 - November 20, 2016 • Insight News
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Tribe’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad to DJ Walker’s Avant Garden By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor
DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad
alishaheed.com/
This past Friday A Tribe Called Quest released its most recent – and final – album, “Thanks 4 Your Service … We Got it from Here,” an album that features the last bars from the late Phife Dawg. The announcement of the project came to the delight of fans of Tribe and of hip-hop. The project comes at the perfect time for those attending the Walker Art Center’s Avant Garden, Nov. 19; as the fundraising event will be DJed by Tribe’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Muhammad said with the March 22 passing of Phife,
who died of kidney failure – a complication from diabetes – that Phife’s earthly presence may have come to an end but his legacy and his music lives on.
“Phife was 5’3” but he was a giant,” said Muhammad. “I was blessed to have him as a brother.” As with most hip-hop collectives, the ones with the microphones get most of the attention. Tribe is no exception with Phife and Q-Tip getting more of the fan notoriety, but that’s not to say the DJ is an afterthought. Music insiders are quick to point out Muhammad, who produced several classic Tribe cuts, was as important and as valued as Phife and Q-Tip. Not only a DJ and producer, Muhammad is a
credited writer on all five Tribe studio LPs. Beyond Tribe, the pioneering DJ is credited for producing the song that ushered in the neo-soul era, D’Angelo’s “Brown Sugar.” Muhammad, who was a part of the supergroup Lucy Pearl with Raphael Saddiq (Tony! Toni! Toné!) and Dawn Robinson (En Vogue), also produced for Eric Benet, Angie Stone, the late Gil Scott Heron and others. Fans of the Netflix series, “Luke Cage” can hear Muhammad’s handy work in the show’s score. Muhammad said while he is authentically hiphop, much of his sound is rooted in jazz, with influences of Donald Byrd, Miles Davis and
Herbie Hancock. Asked how Tribe has been able to remain relevant some 25 years since its debut, Muhammad said it’s quite simple. “When something is sincere and truthful it will stand the test of time,” explained Muhammad. Muhammad’sbrings his truthfulness to the Walker, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, for Avant Garden, Nov. 19. Tickets for the fundraising event start at $125 and proceeds go toward the Walker’s artistic and educational programming. Tickets can be purchased at www.walkerart.org.
‘Cinderella’ returns to Children’s Theatre Company “Cinderella” runs through Jan. 8 at CTC, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis. The show is recommended for all ages. Tickets start at $15 with lap passes available for children newborn to three years for $5. For more information, go to www.childrenstheatre.org or call (612) 874-0400.
Choose well All the choices you need in health care are here. UCare Choices® plans offer coverage for young adults, families, empty nesters and everyone in between, from a leader in Minnesota health care. Find out more at UCareChoices.org. Or give us a call at 612-676-6606. Choose well. Choose UCare Choices.