Insight News ::: 12.01.14

Aesthetically It! MORE ON PAGE 10

Insight News December 1 - December 7, 2014

Vol. 41 No. 50 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Attacks on state senators, athlete, part of ongoing assault

Pastors condemn supremacist arrogance being of our community,” said Rev. Alfred Babington-Johnson, speaking on behalf of pastors and clergy confederated in a cooperative initiative called His Works United.

Babington-Johnson said ethnocentric cultural arrogance is evident when people and institutions in power act as though they are superior and measure other groups relative to their own. “As African Americans we see this phenomenon acted out day after day in ways that continue to put our community at a disadvantage as public discussions are held and public policies are made and enforced.

Historically, resistance to our ability to engage in the political discourse and our

By Al McFarlane Editor-In-Chief African American faith leaders last Monday condemned cultural arrogance and supremacist policies that push back against “the legitimate participation of the African American community in the political process.”

Treatment of Minnesota State Senators Bobby Champion and Jeff Hayden, and, of Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson prompted the group to “voice outrage” in a statement to the people of Minnesota delivered in a press conference at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in North Minneapolis.

“We are compelled to stand forward today because of ongoing assaults to the well-

David Bradley

Pastor Alphonse Reff, Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Rosilyn Carroll, Stairstep Foundation’s Belief Bowl, Pastor Charles Graham, Macedonia Baptist Church, Alfred Babington-Johnson, Stairstep Foundation, Minister Ora Hokes, Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and Pastor Jerry McAfee, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church.

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Ellison announces $1.5 million affordable housing grant

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines announced more than $1.5 in grant funding for affordable housing projects in Minnesota.

The announcement came this past Tuesday (Nov. 25) at the office of Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, 2401 Lowry Ave. NE. According to the congressman, the affordable housing grants will be used to construct housing units for more than 160 families. According to Ellison, the families receiving the grants are in great need.

“I was at Bethune, an elementary school in North Minneapolis and at Bethune 20 percent of the students there are homeless – they come to school from shelters or they’re living with 12 members in a two bedroom apartment,” said Ellison. “If you’re stressed

GRANTS TURN TO 6

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Rep. Keith Ellison (second from the left), Theresa Keegan, director, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (far left) and Kent Paulson, vice president of community lending for Wells Fargo (far right) present a $450,000 check to Project for Pride in Living president and CEO, Paul Williams (second from the right) and Abbie Loosen, project manager, Hawthorne EcoVillage Apartments (middle).

Area officials, groups praise Obama actions on immigration In a historic moment, the nation’s first non-white president took bold action in issuing several executive orders in regards to America’s immigration policy.

According to President Barack Obama, these executive actions crack down on illegal immigration at the border, prioritize deporting felons not families, and require certain

to three years, allowing parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in the country since January 1, 2010, to request deferred action and employment authorization for three years, in a new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program, provided they pass required background checks and expanding the use of provisional waivers of unlawful presence to include the spouses

undocumented immigrants to pass a criminal background check and pay their fair share of taxes as they register to temporarily stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation.

These initiatives include expanding the population eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to young people who came to this country before turning 16 years old and have been present since January 1, 2010, and extending the period of DACA and work authorization from two years

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer

President Barack Obama

IMMIGRATION 8 TURN TO

Darren Wilson

No indictment of Darren Wilson in the killing of Michael Brown; many outraged

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Reaction from most in the Black community and many whites regarding the St. Louis County Grand Jury’s refusal to indict a white police officer who killed an unarmed Black teen has been one of outrage.

A wave of protest – some violent – kicked off on Monday evening (Nov. 24) and lasted throughout the week as people reacted to the “no true bill” announcement read by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch in the Aug. 9 killing of unarmed teen, 18-year-old Michael Brown.

Brown was walking in the street when he encountered Ferguson (Mo.) Police Officer Darren Wilson, and following a brief confrontation was shot up to seven times and killed. Most eyewitness accounts said Brown was running away from Wilson, who fired 12 times, and turned to face Wilson with his hands raised, yet was still shot and killed. Wilson claims Brown attacked him in his patrol car and later charged at him with his hand in his waistband as if he had a gun. Brown was found to have been unarmed.

Protest in St. Louis and St. Louis County resulted in more than two dozen businesses being burned, two police cars set ablaze and one person was found dead in a car in Ferguson, but at time of press, there was no word as to how or if the protest played a role in that person’s death.

Here in the Twin Cities several protest took place with one culminating in tragedy as a protester on East Lake Street in Minneapolis was run over by a station wagon. Other protesters ran to the woman’s aid and tried to detain the driver of the

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Business

Insight 2 Health

Sports

Community

Transit improvements are coming to West Broadway

For Todd and Anna Willliams: Business is a family affair

College hoop season is underway

PJ Richardson book signing

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BUSINESS Transit improvements are coming to West Broadway Shaina Brassard and Rob Hanson, West Broadway Business and Area Coalition Mass transit is an important resource to north Minneapolis residents in particular.

According to recent census data, 27 percent of households in the area do not own a car, compared to 18 percent of households in Minneapolis as a whole. Of the 200 Metro Transit bus routes, four routes that run on or cross West Broadway are among the 12 most popular. One of those, Route 14, travels along West Broadway between Robbinsdale and downtown Minneapolis and has approximately 6,300 weekday riders. Investments in transit infrastructure to improve travel speed, increase reliability, enhance the ride and create faster connections will benefit the thousands that already rely on transit, and make transit a more viable mode of transportation for additional residents.

Among many benefits, a healthy transit system saves riders money – AAA estimates that owning a car costs an average of $9,000 per year, whereas a year’s worth of unlimited Metro Transit passes costs only $708-$1,020 per person.

A modern streetcar in Portland, Oregon.

Because of high existing ridership, the potential to increase livability and stimulate business growth, West Broadway is being considered for a streetcar line or enhanced bus service by the Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit. The upcoming West Broadway Transit Alternatives Analysis study is the result of a

funding partnership between the Metropolitan Council, the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County.

The 12-month study, slated to begin before the end of 2014, will also look at the feasibility of connecting the streetcar line to the future Bottineau light rail line or other future streetcar lines.

Neither the streetcar or bus enhancements would replace existing traditional bus service along West Broadway; any new transit system is intended to improve the transportation experience through the corridor.

Current North Minneapolis transit studies and proposals.

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Giving Tuesday: A new global holiday FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw Thanksgiving. Black Friday.

Cyber Monday. What’s next?

Giving Tuesday. That’s right.

This December 2nd, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is a new global holiday and it’s all about philanthropy. Established in 2012, by New York City’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, and a team of influencers and founding partners, Giving Tuesday now engages over 10,000 organizations worldwide.

As we wrote in our last

column, “It’s always good to give.” Now you can give in concert with your family, coworkers, friends, and most importantly people around the world. There is no end to the diversity of causes that seek your time, money, influence and resources. You can “Like” a Facebook page, forward a tweet, or sign an online petition.

You can engage your friends using social media, the phone,

a nonprofit you are – most likely – finalizing your Giving Tuesday plans. The University of Michigan is launching Giving BlueDay on December 2nd, seeking to raise $1 million from alumni and friends that day. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship encourages people to share their story of surviving cancer and give $10 to $20. Your local United Way welcomes your support. The Africa America

or a short meeting after church, synagogue, or prayers at your mosque. You can give money or time or both. Either way when you engage others you multiply and amplify your giving. If you are an employer you can match your employee’s giving. If you run a consumer business you can pledge of portion of Giving Tuesday’s proceeds. You make the choice.

If you are involved with

Institute is raising funds on Giving Tuesday to train nurses at Tubman University’s Nursing Program in Liberia. Google an organization close to your heart and find a way to give.

This is also an important time to introduce or reinforce the value of giving to the next generation.

Talk with your children at home.

Integrate philanthropy into

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Insight News • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Page 3

HEALTH Insight 2 Health is kindling a movement

By Ryan T. Scott The Insight2Health Challenge has proven to be the start of a valuable movement, for there is no greater value than that of good health.

As communities seek unity and healing from an extended period of national unrest, it can be seen through this particular community health movement that the ability to unify comes from within each of us.

The I2H Challenge recently stamped a fourth volume of the 10-week program, with another excellent display of impact upon lives. Fifteen people completed the full program and took

part in the closing ceremony, which celebrates participants’ specific fitness objectives, as well as their personal successes in transforming the way they approach health. “Mental health, in how you approach exercise and a healthy lifestyle, is the missing piece that exercise programs overlook,� said F.I.T. Lab founder Tyrone Minor.

The I2H packaging as a challenge, with a finite beginning and end, provides participants with an expectation, which is important. Rather than the typical unspecific long term view that just says “I’m going to start working out,� the I2H Challenge shrinks the daunting

picture of health improvement down to a manageable 10 week moment to bear down and finally get started; and get started the right way, with the right supports.

The balance of assessments and professionals involved in the I2H Challenge tackles all sides of the health transformation process. From life coaching to shopping with a dietician, the program provides skills to succeed in preserving good health far beyond the initial cleansing beads of sweat. “If you’re trying to make a lifestyle change, you have to peel back the layers of why and how things have come to be the way they are,� suggested Minor.

The I2H Challenge is designed to reform participants’ approach to a healthy lifestyle in one session, though many have continued through multiple sessions. The simplicity of how the program operates and communicates helps participants understand and track key health factors, allowing for ease in continuing successful habits. Yet like any strong human development program, it’s the relationships that make for powerful results.

Participants in the I2H Challenge continually display a heightened appreciation for the comradery from both their exercise peers and professional instructors; which include personal trainers, a dietician, and mental health coaches.

Shaw From 2 your classroom or afterschool program using Dr. Heidi Kasevich’s curriculum guide for grades K-12. There’s also the gratitude blog through which

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Alaina Lewis

Tyrone Minor “The family atmosphere we have is unique, and really, most people need that social support.

It can be hard to maintain a long term commitment to health, but together we’re able to hold each other accountable, though we make sure to bring people along at their own individual pace,� said Minor.

Once again, in this period of searching for solutions

to community unity, it is no surprise that clear heads, focused goals and a sharable experience of personal growth would bring program participants together.

Yet when applying this model to the community at large, the potential of the I2H Challenge is a considerable opportunity.

Rather than the shared experience of “death, disease,

destruction and despair�, oneness behind a physical revolution has the potential for the greatest positive impact towards the community change we all seek.

The next I2H Challenge begins Jan. 17, and runs through March 28. Program information can be found at www. insight2healthchallenge.com.

you, your family and friends can record your gratitude. Both of these resources are available at GivingTuesday.org where you can also find tools, tips and technology to help you give and receive.

At the end of the day Giving Tuesday is about philanthropy – a time for each of us to reflect on our abundance and share our resources with others. We can give on this one day, or we can take time to build giving into our everyday lives. We can reflect on how giving changes our relationship to ourselves and the world. We can diminish feelings of alienation and restore our feelings of connection. Giving has deep spiritual, emotional, social and religious impacts. We are changed as we give. Often for the better.

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

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Page 4 • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Insight News

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Todd Williams and Anna Williams

For Todd and Anna Williams

By Ryan T. Scott “My wife Anna was part of the second Insight2Health Challenge (I2H). Her great results and progress inspired me to join too.

We felt that participating together as a family would help us hold each other accountable and we would see better results,” said Todd Williams, a senior group manager for Target Corporation.

Great results have been a consistent product of the Insight2Health Challenge, held at The F.I.T. Lab, 1565 Como Ave., Ste. 102, St. Paul.

“Those who stick with the program see the best results,” said Tyrone Minor, F.I.T. Lab owner and I2H Challenge conductor.

The program is designed to transform participant’s lifestyles within a 10 week challenge, though many, such as Anna and Todd Williams, have continued on to take subsequent challenges to capitalize on their success. “By the end of my initial Insight challenge, I felt great and had already committed to the new challenge, and had plans for workouts in between,” said Todd Williams.

The I2H Challenge is designed to establish impact in a measurable and attainable package, to assist individuals of all fitness levels, but especially those looking to transform the patterns of an unhealthy lifestyle.

“Having never been part of a program like this I didn’t know initially if I could do it.

However by week three, I noticed improved fitness, flexibility, and signs of weight loss,” confessed Todd Williams. Overall he was in fair fitness condition prior to the challenge and has shed 20 pounds through his two successive efforts, and continues to lose inches in his body

Fitness is a family affair measurements.

The culture of motivation and support within the program has been heavily lauded, and is palpable.

“The people were the best part of the challenge. The amount of motivation and support that I received from the other Insight challengers was head and shoulders above anything else. The trainers were knowledgeable and took time and energy to ensure that the workout was challenging,” said Todd Williams.

The care provided in this holistic fitness program aims to go a step beyond its competitors, as professionals walk closely alongside participants, to create a team culture. Todd Williams, presented with the opportunity to take advantage of the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market (just outside Target Corporate Headquarters), was particularly appreciative of the professional dietician’s identification with his lifestyle, saying, “The nutritionist’s recommendations and tours to the farmers market and grocery store reinforced that how you eat was just as important as the workouts.”

With the holidays upon us, conversations about food and fitness abound. The example set forth by the Williams family of supporting and inspiring our loved ones towards improved health is a recipe for many healthy and thankful holidays to come.

Photo: David Bradley

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Insight News • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Page 5

LIFESTYLE Working through self-destructive behaviors

By Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C The holidays can be a wonderful and cozy time of year. We reconnect with those long forgotten warm sweaters that have waited patiently for us in the back of our closets.

Everything we eat and drink is pumpkin flavored. We start to look longingly at our fireplaces, and even anticipate the first snowfall. But for many people, the shift out of daylight savings and other harbingers of fall and winter create feelings of anxiety, loneliness, anger, and depression. Many therapists report an upswing in referrals this time of year, and the focus is often on the difficult feelings that colder weather, less sunshine, and the approaching holiday season evokes.

It’s not unusual for a chill in the air to cause people to turn inward, disconnecting a bit from others. But for the millions of people who grew up in a toxic or dysfunctional family, there’s a much stronger disconnection, and a deep sense of dread and “obligation,” about attending meals, religious ceremonies, and celebrations with relatives. Often, these are emotional triggers for earlier memories tainted by parents fighting, out of control drinking, financial stress, cynicism, and intergenerational grudges.

These traumatic experiences create painful

associations with the holiday season, and can become even more overwhelming, alienating, and confusing when the rest of the world seems to be operating from joy and good cheer. Anxiety and depression can be increased even more when teenagers and adults don’t know how to process or resolve these painful memories and experiences. One powerful byproduct of not having effective coping tools is to turn to self-destructive behaviors.

It seems like a contradiction to say that people deliberately engage in behaviors that cause physical, emotional, and psychological pain and distress because they are trying to feel better! Yet the reality is eating disorders, addictions, and acts of self-mutilation are attempts to self-soothe, numb out upsetting feelings, and distract away from painful, overwhelming memories. When you add the fact that it’s socially acceptable to eat and drink to excess during the holidays, it makes turning to and abusing these substances even easier.

And the tricky part is, in the short-term, these unhealthy coping strategies seem to work!

They do grant some relief, numbing, and distraction.

Of course, in the long-term, these behaviors create feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety and fear that loved ones will be angry at them, and personal feelings of helplessness and disappointment as people vow

Even considering the possibility of letting go of self-blame softens the shame and creates an opening for self-love and true healing.

to give up these behaviors, only to turn to them again when triggered and overwhelmed.

Do you ever wonder why people who have histories of trauma and pain seem willing, even eager, to engage in behaviors that are punitive, selfsabotaging or destructive? The answer is simple but poignant; when they hate themselves it resonates to hurt themselves.

When they grow up with trauma, abuse or neglect — all year round and not just during the holidays — they can be left with a pervasive sense of guilt, shame, harsh inner criticism, or self-loathing. If they walk around with these feelings, selfdestructive choices actually seem to “make sense” to them.

Why would they want to make healthy, growth-producing choices if somewhere inside they don’t believe they are

worthy of self-care?

The truth is, it’s impossible to give up destructive patterns or toxic behaviors until painful life experiences can be viewed through a lens of self-compassion and empathy.

Oftentimes, the meaning that gets attached to trauma holds more power than the experiences themselves. Here are some examples of thoughts that might keep a person stuck in patterns of self-blame and shame: • What happened was my fault • I should have stopped it or prevented it from happening • My pain is evidence that I am damaged or broken • This happened because I am unlovable • I will always be alone • I ruined the holidays for my family because I didn’t keep my abuse a secret

When people believe these thoughts are true, it resonates to keep behaving in ways that perpetuate guilt, shame, and feelings of worthlessness.

Bringing compassion into the equation is often the first step towards healing and being able to let go of destructive behaviors. As self-compassion is practiced, they will begin to choose relationships that are supportive and safe, care for and protect their bodies, and work in an environment that values and appreciates their contributions. They can even choose to experience the joy of the holiday season with surrogate family members who are truly safe and loving.

Notice the difference in thoughts when trauma is viewed through the lens of selfcompassion: • It wasn’t my fault that someone else chose to hurt me • Something bad was done to me- I am not bad.

• My pain is legitimate and is the inevitable byproduct of being hurt • I have the power and the right to reach out for comfort, support, and guidance, so I am no longer alone.

When a person finds it difficult to think about their experiences in this more loving way, I encourage them to try to think about someone in their life who genuinely cares about them; a person or even a pet! Think about the

messages they would give and then slowly incorporate that perspective into their own thought process. If embracing a whole new mindset is hard, we explore just starting with, “Maybe it’s possible that it wasn’t my fault.” Even considering the possibility of letting go of self-blame softens the shame and creates an opening for self-love and true healing. Seeking professional support and guidance as well as the encouragement of loved ones is a way to create new associations and positive memories, which can be the first step towards feeling joy during the holiday season and all year long!

Lisa Ferentz is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who has been in private practice for 30 years, specializing in adolescent and adult survivors of trauma, abuse and neglect.

Ferentz is Founder and President of The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, Inc., an organization providing continuing education classes and Certificates in Advanced Trauma Treatment to mental health professionals and author of Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors: A Workbook of Hope and Healing, as well as Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Trauma Survivors: A Clinician’s Guide, now in its second edition. To learn more, visit www.lisaferentz.com.

Take care of yourself during the holidays Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson The holidays have arrived and everyone seems to be getting

Ferguson From 1 vehicle, who sped off. The driver was later found and detained by police. As of press time, charges had yet to be filed in the incident.

Following the no true bill announcement, Rep. Keith Ellison (5th Dist.) said while he strongly condemned any acts of violence, arson and vandalism,

West Broadway From 2 What is a streetcar; bus rapid transit?

A modern streetcar system is similar in design and functionality to Light Rail Transit (LRT), but is substantially less expensive, less disruptive and time-consuming to

ready to spend time with family and friends near and far. During this time of the year families celebrate the joy that the season brings and also the appreciation of time shared with loved ones.

But while we go through this season making sure our loved ones are taken care of, let us not forget to pamper ourselves and do things that will make us smile.

This time of year, so many people find themselves spending a lot of

money on gifts and food to make sure the season is great for others.

Some even go into debt to make sure their families have a good Christmas. This can only bring on stress for yourself and can ruin your whole mood for the season.

So while taking care of yourself, also remember to take care of your finances.

This year I am going to do something I read about once a long time ago. My family and

I will stick to a “spending” budget on gifts for each other.

No one will go over a certain amount on gifts and no one will be expecting a really expensive gift. This way there is no pressure to spend more than you have and no pressure to go into debt doing so. This works for many families and they still are able to enjoy the holidays.

This time of year can also be a time of great depression

for individuals. Believe it or not, there are individuals who hate this time of year. Some people think that there is too much propaganda associated with the holiday seasons. I personally love this time of year. It gives me a chance to spend quality time with my family and friends. We laugh, play board games, eat and simply enjoy time with each other. I hope this season brings

you some of the same joys and I hope you remember to take care of yourself during this time!

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

he understood the mood of the protesters.

“I was in my late 20s when Rodney King was beaten (referring to the now infamous videotape beating of unarmed motorist, King),” said Ellison.

“Then you had Amadou Diallo gunned down for holding a wallet and Abner Louima brutally sodomized by police so it just seems like there’s this pattern (of police abuse) and there’s no accountability.”

Ellison went on to express his displeasure with McCulloch who Ellison said could have easily gotten an indictment.

“I’ve been practicing law for 16 years and I know good and well if he wanted to get an indictment that grand jury would have indicted,” said Ellison. “If he wanted this case prosecuted, it would have been prosecuted.”

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) president, Dr. Benjamin Chavis,

also expressed his outrage with the grand jury’s decision. “(The) announcement that the Grand Jury decided not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson who killed unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown is yet another systematic and tragic slap in the face of equal justice in the United States,” said Chavis in a statement. “On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), our prayers

and solidarity are first resolutely with the parents and family of young Michael Brown as well as concern for everyone in the Black American community.”

Chavis said he has been closely monitoring the volatile situation.

“I have personally spoken directly to two of our NNPA member publishers who published in the St. Louis area – Donald Suggs of the St. Louis American and Michael Williams

of the St. Louis Metro Sentinel.

We discussed the tense situation in Ferguson. We (NNPA) are the ‘Voice of the Black Community’ and the NNPA will not be silent or rest until there is justice in the Michael Brown case and other cases of racially-motivated police killings and violence in our communities across the nation.”

Insight News is a NNPA member affiliate.

install and intended to provide a more localized commute, between 2 – 3 miles. Modern streetcars are typically a single car between 70 and 80 feet long, and fit up to 120 people. The tracks of the system run in traffic lanes shared with cars.

A Bus Rapid Transit Line (BRT) shares similarities with streetcar, but uses articulated buses that are about 60 feet

long. The line would run in existing roadways, but is different from traditional bus lines in that it features increased service frequency and enhanced boarding stations.

Both streetcar and BRT station design are similar to LRT stations; they are covered and heated, have security cameras, riders pay for tickets before boarding, and feature real-time information about schedules.

To minimize trip time, limited stops are spaced every onequarter to one-half mile.

development.

In Pittsburgh, the city saw $302 million in redevelopment and new development near Pittsburgh’s East Busway BRT Line, 80 percent of that clustered near stations. In Portland, one study found that streetcars helped encourage $778 million in local development against a project cost of $95 million.

In both of these examples, investment in transit served as an anchor to encouraging growth.

investments will serve. Half of the cost of the study will support outreach and engagement. The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition has a newly established Transit Committee made up of representatives from community groups, nonprofits, businesses and residents working to gather input on transit projects. The group is looking at new and unique ways to maximize public input. Anyone with questions, concerns, ideas, or an interest in keeping up-to-date should visit us on the web at www. westbroadway.org/transit and follow the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition on Facebook.

Economic development potential The study also will look at the economic development potential of a major transit investment for West Broadway. Streetcar and BRT systems in other parts of the United States have demonstrated an ability to encourage new

Get involved in the planning process Metro Transit and its partners recognize the importance of prioritizing the needs and wants of the community that any transit

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.

Page 6 • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Why Blacks should support immigration reform Opinion

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Interim President, NNPA As I watched President Barack Obama address the nation on his “controversial” Executive Order on immigration reform, I was reminded of the evening that I was inside Riverside Church in New York City on April 4, 1967 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave his courageous sermon in opposition to the Vietnam War. Even some of the supporters of Dr. King questioned his theological audacity to link civil rights injustice in the United

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States to human rights injustice in Vietnam.

Decades later, history has proven Dr. King to have been right in his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War. What will history say 50 years from now about President Obama’s leadership on immigration and his determination to fix the system?

Leadership is about speaking out against injustice. But it is also about taking action to correct injustice. Civil rights leadership, as exemplified by Dr. King, was audacious with the courage to take action to challenge injustice in a manner that inspired millions of people to join the cause. In his Riverside Church speech, Dr. King stated, “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

I know that there are many in the Black American community who might not understand how the issue of immigration for Latino Americans and others is linked to the issues of

We should be in solidarity with our Latino sisters and brothers because it is the moral and right thing to do.

racial and economic justice for Black Americans. The goals of racial equality and economic empowerment are not exclusive or limited to Black Americans.

With the “browning of America” steadily changing the racial and ethnic demographics of the population of the U.S., it important for Black Americans to be supportive of immigration

reform.

We should be in solidarity with our Latino sisters and brothers because it is the moral and right thing to do. Also, supporting immigration fairness and equal justice is a strategic step forward for Black America.

We know what the sting and pain of racial prejudice and injustice feels like.

Op-ed by Barbara Ferrer Migration of Latino families to America is an inspiring story of men, women and children leaving their native countries, often searching for better opportunities and safety for their families. Yet, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s recent poll of Latino families also reveals that a different narrative develops - frustration from racism and discrimination is wearing down Latinos over time in the United States.

The newest Latino immigrants are brimming with hope, as they pursue opportunities to better educate their children, improve personal finances and find affordable

housing. Meanwhile, those who have travelled a similar path - Latinos with generations of family roots in the U.S., as well as those with more education and higher incomes - are decidedly more sceptical and disappointed.

Clearly, a significant gap exists between the life experiences of Latinos and those of many other immigrants.

Historically, immigrants arrive on American shores and the prospects for their life outcomes vastly improve. They may harbor initial fears and anxiety about finding jobs, housing and social services, but as they assimilate into American society, they enjoy the expected immigrant experience of having their quality of life improve for each generation.

But that narrative is reserved for mostly white immigrants.

For people of color, and as the survey demonstrated, especially for Latinos, there is a far, far different reality. The longer Latinos are in the U.S., they grow less and less hopeful about their opportunities in this country.

Our poll discloses that as Latinos face discrimination at individual and institutional levels, their fears and anxieties increase over time.

For instance, while Latinos respect police and cite a need for law enforcement, they are deeply concerned about police brutality - 18 percent said they know a Latino friend or relative abused by police. Moreover, an astonishing 68 percent fear that

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fairly and justly is a moral and noble goal that we all should strive to attain. Yet for 45 million Black Americans, we also know the bitter taste of centuries of oppression, discrimination, injustice, violence and racial hatred. In fact it is because of our ongoing struggle for freedom, justice and equality that still continues to this day is the reason why we cannot afford to be silent on the issue of immigration equal justice. I am prepared to stand with the president of the United States on this matter. Are you?

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Racial bias diminishes optimism of Latinos over time

Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin

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The political context and timing of President Obama’s executive action that will help possibly 5 million or more Latino and other undocumented people who have lived in the U.S. for at least the past five years should not be under estimated.

This was a major leadership move by the nation’s first Black president. Like health care reform, immigration reform had been debated for decades without any significant progress until this president made it happen.

Yes, there is going to be a big political fight over immigration.

Black Americans should weigh in on this debate from an activist perspective rather than from the position of disinterested spectators.

As President Obama affirmed, “What makes us Americans is our shared commitment to an ideal, that all of us are created equal, and all of us have the chance to make of our lives what we will.”

Equality in a democracy where are people are treated

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police will use excessive force against Latinos, and 37 percent said law enforcement officers treat Hispanics unfairly. But racial bias is not limited to law enforcement. Latinos also fear they may face discrimination in the workplace and virtually anyplace they may go in public, such as stores and restaurants.

For America to progress, this must change. How can a nation be perceived as just and fair, when it’s fastest growing demographic lives in such fear?

As a nation, our first step should be to abandon talk of the mythical “colorblind society” and instead focus on understanding the diversity rooted in our communities and the strength that can be drawn from these different cultures. Immigrants should feel respected in this country and invited to fully participate and engage in our society, and in making it a better society.

Here is a stunning example of how racism, or just the perception of bias, plays out: asked how they would proceed if facing difficult financial problems, 47 percent of Latinos earning between $40,000 and $75,000 a year said they could not depend on a loan from a bank or credit union, while 38 percent earning more than $75,000 also had no confidence they could turn to this traditional means of financial help.

Energized by the hope and promise of this nation, Latinos are coming to the U.S. wanting to be vibrant members of their new communities.

Furthermore, Latinos clearly

care about their children’s future. The vast majority of Latino parents are attending parent-teacher conferences and school functions, as well as volunteering at the schools and working with administrators and teachers. For Latino parents of pre-K through second grade students, 89 percent attended teacher conferences, 77 percent contacted teachers about academic performance, 74 percent had meetings with a counselor or principle, 71 percent attended events and 63 percent volunteered for class projects.

Still, their participation would increase and be broader if the schools did more to welcome parents. Survey respondents noted that more translators should be available, especially for school board meetings, PTA meetings and other policysetting sessions. All parents must feel welcomed in the schools their children attend.

Our poll has identified the role discrimination plays in diminishing optimism and opportunities for many Latinos.

In reality, when one group is held back, it hurts all of us; we need everyone’s best effort to build a secure future. As we learn from each other, we recognize that our strength is our diversity. Addressing discriminatory practices and policies is paving the way for a better United States of America.

Grants

“We have known the congressman as an advocate for affordable living and community lending,” said Keegan. “He has been receptive and responsive in ensuring that the Federal Home Loan Banks can fulfill their affordable housing and community lending mission.”

Ellison said by getting some people into affordable homes, it actually reduces their monthly bills.

“Rents are pretty darn high right now. Some rents are $1,200; $1,300 a month,” said Ellison. “But there are some really nice homes in north Minneapolis that are going for $145,000 and the payment comes to about $900 a month.

And what does that extra money go to? It goes to groceries … food on the table, and it goes to coats on their backs and their children’s backs.”

Among the groups receiving the grants to construct new homes, Habitat for Humanity and Indian Neighborhood Club both received $500,000 grants, Project for Pride in Living (PPL) received a grant for $450,000 and North Country Cooperative Foundation received $75,000 in grant money. With the money, Habitat will use it to assist in the building of 50 new homes, Indian Neighborhood is putting up 20 new units, PPL is building 75 units for Hawthorne EcoVillage Apartments and North Country will offer down payment assistance to 15 families purchasing homes.

From 1 about where you’re going to live it makes it hard to concentrate on your ABCs.” The grants, given to four area organizations, Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, Indian Neighborhood Club, Project for Pride in Living and North Country Cooperative Foundation, come from the Strong Community Fund of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines). FHLB Des Moines established the program 25 years ago and during that time have awarded $250 million to its member financial institutions with $82.9 million of that coming to Minnesota.

The program is funded from the earnings of FHLB Des Moines – a member owned cooperative servicing a five state district.

According to Theresa Keegan, senior vice president and CFO of Fidelity Bank, more than 16,300 families have benefitted from the grants and the project has spawned upwards of $1 billion in development.

“These grants represent a unique relationship between the private, non-profit and government sectors, fulfilling the vision of congressional leaders like Congressman Ellison, who are committed to providing affordable housing to those in need,” said Keegan.

Keegan praised Ellison (5th Dist.) as being a champion for affordable housing.

Barbara Ferrer is chief strategy officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

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Insight News • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Page 7

SPORTS College hoop season is underway Moments in Sports

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com College basketball’s March Madness begins in the deep freeze of November, and buried in the beginnings of this season are the hard feelings left over from last year’s championship finals.

Perennial superpower, the University of Kentucky, returns bigger, and potentially better, than the team that lost to the University of Connecticut 60-54

in the 2014 national title game.

An opening season clash against fellow historical basketball powerhouse Kansas University, set the stage for a season that may provide reparations to the Kentucky program for last year’s loss.

“They’re long,” said Kansas coach Bill Self after the 7240 thrashing by Kentucky in mid-November. The Kentucky signature, upon sight, is that they look like the biggest college basketball team ever (so says the eye test). Whether its starting line-up, or the flush of near 7-foot talent coming off the bench, it seems that it may take a perfect effort by a very good team to challenge this super team for the championship come March.

Kevin Ollie

Pastors From 1 access to the levers of power have been restricted by devices as demeaning as the idea that we should only be considered 3/5 of a human being to, outlandish use of devices from poll taxes to literacy tests, and to the more recent use of photo ID initiatives,” he said.

The ministers said Senator Champion’s and Senator Hayden’s prolific impact creating access and engagement for Black communities is at the base of efforts to denigrate them. “The access they have afforded our community seems to have created enemies and has won them vile attacks.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune produced a poorly researched article in September that included unfounded accusations.

From their loose journalistic exercise an unprecedented attack evolved.

Republican Senators Roger Chamberlain and David Hann lodged an ethics complaint against both African American senators. Their charge was leveled on the basis of the highly-flawed Star Tribune article. The centerpiece was an accusation from an unnamed source that the Minneapolis School District had been ‘bullied’ into a contractual relationship with a community organization called Community Standards Initiative (CSI).

Further allegations drawn from the Star Tribune article were that Senator Hayden’s father worked for CSI and that Senator Champion was benefitting financially from the contract because, as a lawyer, he was defending a CSI principal, Al Flowers, in an unrelated matter,” BabingtonJohnson said.

“In the November 5 ethics panel hearing Senator Champion demolished the baseless charges of ‘bullying’ noting the presenting of affidavits from the District lobbyist, Superintendent, and Chairman of the Board explaining the legislative and contractual process involved.

The Chair specifically disavowed that any ‘bullying’ took place,” BabingtonJohnson said.

He said there were two other

David Bradley

Pastor Runney D. Patterson, center, New Hope Baptist Church was among faith leaders at Monday’s press conference. gaping holes in the charges and the “ragged reporting” that led to the charges: (1) Senator Hayden’s father has never worked for CSI. (2) Attorney at law Champion represented Flowers on a probono basis.

“The lack of diligence in fact finding and verification by the Star Tribune was unprofessional and disturbing, but the actions of the Republican senators bringing the charges and serving on the ethics panel were appalling.

There is no precedence we can find of ethics charges being leveled at fellow senators on the basis of an unnamed source in a newspaper article.

Since the charges have been proven to either have no merit or to be demonstrably untrue, we can only conclude that the basest form of politics and a desire to restrict and hinder the ability and effectiveness of these African American statesmen is at play,” he said.

“We’ve moved beyond being counted as 3/5 of a person but voter restriction efforts and attempts at intimidation of voters at the polls and senators on the floor of the legislature continue.”

“We as a community will

continue to pursue our rightful place at the political and economic tables; we will be vigilant to resist and expose the attacks of our enemies; and we will increase our support of our legislative heroes,” he said.

In the matter of NFL treatment of Adrian Peterson, he said, “We resent NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s suspension of Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson and the inconsistent, harsh, and culturally insensitive treatment to which he has been subjected.”

Babington-Johnson said the suspension occurred outside of and beyond the processes of justice and legality that should be accorded U.S. citizens.

To shorten a process that might have absolved him completely, Peterson entered a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor.

“Roger Goodell has attempted to put in place conduct expectations and sanctions for domestic violence transgressions.

Reportedly Goodell and the Vikings instituted a process in conjunction with Peterson which placed the star running back on the commissioner’s

exempt list until his legal journey was completed.

Peterson was told that once the decision was handed down his name would be removed from the exempt list. The assumption was that if found guilty an appropriate league punishment would be enacted, and if found not guilty he would be reinstated, Babington-Johnson said.

The legal process was concluded with an agreed to misdemeanor finding. The commissioner then made his harsh determination that Peterson would not be allowed to play for the remainder of the season and would forfeit approximately 4.5 million dollars in contracted compensation for his athletic services.

He said Goodell added a stipulation that Peterson complete a domestic violence training program.

However, in justifying his arbitrary judgment the commissioner concluded that “Adrian has shown no meaningful remorse for injuring his young son” and

And though Kentucky returns super team after super team on an annual basis, it is Connecticut that leads college hoops in championships over the last decade (2004, 2011, 2014).

First time championship coach, Kevin Ollie of Connecticut, returns a team that should minimally follow last year’s victory with a return trip to the NCAA tournament.

Looking to send several teams to the NCAA tournament is the Big 10, led by Wisconsin, who returns several key players from a team that joined Kentucky, Connecticut, and Louisville, in the 2014 Final Four.

This year it seems several roads in the Big 10 Conference travel through Madison, whether

football or basketball.

The Minnesota Gophers finished as National Invitational Tournament champions at the end of the 2013-14 season. And though the NIT is somewhat of a consolation prize for teams that did not make the NCAA tournament, the success sets the stage for a potential tournament run for the Gophers.

For Richard Pitino to reach the tournament in only his second year as head coach, it would continue to help build upon the recent athletic success on the field by Gopher athletics.

Escaping the Big 10 successfully is a daunting enough challenge for the rising Gophers, but it will be tough for any team in the nation to hang with Kentucky.

that a switch in the hands of a professional athlete of Peterson’s caliber was like a lethal weapon, BabingtonJohnson said.

“We do not condone child abuse of any kind.

Excessive and intemperate acts committed need to be confronted and constructive to achieve best outcomes for families is desirable. We are, however, clear that the Black community historically has had a much different approach and attitude to the issue of physical discipline than whites. Much of the public discussion dominated by European American talking heads has not demonstrated any sense of legitimate cultural difference.

We are grieved that there seems to be more talking head outrage about Adrian Peterson and his bruised son than on the death of an African American youth who reportedly was shot while holding his hands in the air,” he said.

“The more substantive problem worthy of public attention and outrage is not Adrian Peterson but America

and its disparate racial treatment of Black folks both in form and substance. Quoting from USA Today, November 19,2014: “Police in Ferguson arrest black people at a rate nearly three times higher than people of other races. At least 1,581 other police departments across the USA arrest black people at rates even more skewed than in Ferguson a USA Today analysis of arrest records shows.” These are issues worthy of public outrage and forceful action,” he said.

“The NFL should provide clear rules, processes, and measured disciplines not delivered in arbitrary fashion.

Adrian Peterson has met the court and has been judged guilty of a misdemeanor. He has not been allowed to utilize his special and God-given talents for months while the judicial process has unfolded.

He should now be allowed to embrace with new wisdom his life, his family, and his career.

Let’s be fair to young black men. Let there be justice for all,” he said.

Page 8 • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Insight News

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EDUCATION U.S. Education Department reaches voluntary resolution agreement following Minneapolis Public School District discipline investigation The U.S. Department of Education announced the resolution of a compliance review concerning student discipline in the Minneapolis Public School District, the largest school system in Minnesota.

An investigation revealed that Black students in grades K-12 were significantly overrepresented in the district’s disciplinary actions.

A voluntary resolution agreement between the district and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concludes an investigation that examined whether the district’s disciplinary system discriminates against Black students. OCR’s agreement reinforces Title VI’s prohibition on the different treatment of students on the basis of race in the administration of discipline and on the use of policies and procedures that have an unjustified effect of discriminating against students on the basis of race. “(The) agreement

demonstrates the district’s commitment to fair and equitable education for all students,” said Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary for the Office for Civil Rights.

“I applaud the district for its efforts to improve its discipline policies, procedures and practices for the 40,000 students it serves and look forward to working with the district to implement this agreement.”

OCR’s investigation found that Black students were considerably overrepresented in all of the district’s disciplinary actions, including out-ofschool suspensions, in-school suspensions, administrative transfers to other schools, referrals to law enforcement as well as detentions, Saturday school, and community service or restitution.

In 2010-11 and 2011-12, Black students made up about 40 percent of the student enrollment, yet were the subject of 74 percent of the district’s recorded disciplinary

Black students were also more than 73 percent of the students administratively transferred to a different school for disciplinary reasons.

incidents, and received more than 60 percent of the in-school suspensions, more than 78 percent of the out-of-school suspensions, and more than 69 percent of the referrals to law enforcement.

Black students were also more than 73 percent of the students administratively transferred to a different school for disciplinary reasons. They were also disproportionately

represented in discipline for “disruptive, disorderly or insubordinate” behavior, and in 2011-12, were the only students administratively transferred to another school because of disruptive behavior.

Looking behind the numbers, OCR’s investigation revealed that in more than a fourth of the disciplinary incidents targeted for OCR review from the 201112 school year, interviews with

district staff did not clarify nondiscriminatory reasons for apparently different treatment of students. Instead, OCR’s probe found, among others, several race-based differences in discipline including a school official assigning two white 9th grade students to an alternative instruction room for play fighting, but giving a oneday, out-of school suspension to a Black 10th grade student for the same offense, the assigning of a white student to an alternate instruction room for bullying, but imposing a twoday out-of-school suspension on a Black student who also engaged in bullying and in a sharp contrast the suspending of a Black 2nd grade student for one day for poking another student with a pencil but not suspending a white 2nd grade student who threw a rock and broke a teacher’s sunglasses and also hit another student in the head. That white student was allowed to work off the cost of the sunglasses by helping

the teacher at lunch for several days.

OCR’s investigation showed that while the district did not expel any students and did not suspend any preschool students, the district’s exclusionary discipline practices (including out-of-school suspensions) began as early as kindergarten.

Given the significant disparities in the district’s discipline of Black students, the agreement requires the district to comprehensively assess the racial disparities in its administration of discipline and take steps to ensure that discipline is appropriately and equitably applied to all students. The district implemented revised discipline policies and procedures at the start of the 2014-15 school year that included clearer definitions and categories of offenses and emphasized the district’s goal of minimizing the student instruction time lost because of a student’s removal from class due to misbehavior.

ROY WILKINS PROFESSOR OF HUMAN RELATIONS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Dr. Samuel Myers gets National Economic Association’s top award Dr. Samuel Myers, Jr., the Roy Wilkins Professor of Human Relations and Social Justice at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, has been named recipient of the Samuel Z. Westerfield, Jr., Award by the National Economic Association (NEA).

The award, the NEA’s highest honor, is in recognition of Myers’ distinguished service, outstanding scholarship and achievement of high standards of excellence.

The award will be presented at the organization’s annual meeting on Jan. 4 in Boston.

Myers’ expertise and research focus on the impact of social policies on the economically disadvantaged.

He is a national authority on the methodology of measuring racial and ethnic disparities in public procurement and contracting.

Myers has

Immigration From 1 and sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents and the sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

According to an analysis by the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, the president’s executive actions on immigration would boost economic output to increases in gross domestic product of $90 billion to $210 billion by 2024.

Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges applauded the president’s actions on immigration and said they were steps in a positive direction.

served as an expert witness in groundbreaking litigation regarding disparity studies, including federal cases of GEOD vs New Jersey Transit (3rd Circuit Court of Appeals) and Geyer Signal vs Minnesota Department of Transportation.

He regularly provides technical assistance to state transportation departments, airport authorities and local transit agencies.

Myers has served as president of both the NEA and the Association of Public Policy and Management. He is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and was a Fulbright Fellow with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing during the academic year of 20082009. Myers has consulted with the National Employment Policy Commission, National Academy of Sciences, U.S.

“America’s immigration system is broken, which is why I join the immigrant community of Minneapolis in praising President Obama for acting decisively to ease the burden and uncertainty that many hard working immigrants have had to live with every day,” said Hodges. “My great thanks goes to President Obama for taking this important step forward that will benefit all the people and communities of Minneapolis. I look forward to working closely with the immigrant community and those who serve them to help all affected Minneapolis residents adjust to their new status.”

In praising the president, Hodges said his actions were

Samuel Myers

justified due to the Republican led U.S. House not moving on a Senate passed bill.

“Last year, the U.S. Senate – with the leadership of Sens.

Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken –passed comprehensive immigration reform.

The inability of the House to act on it has led to President Obama’s executive action,” said Hodges in a statement. “It is past time for Congress to act on a permanent solution and pass comprehensive immigration reform. It is the right thing to do to move the dial on equity and improve the lives of millions of people, and what we must do for our nation to keep its economic competitiveness with the rest of the world.”

Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress, said the president’s actions were long overdue.

“Parents who have lived here for years and had to constantly worry that they could be torn away from their children will no longer have to look over their shoulders,” said Tanden. “This action will make the nation safer by focusing enforcement resources on felons instead of families, will generate new tax revenue as immigrants get on the books and earn higher wages, and will mean that 5 million people get a chance to live their lives without the fear of deportation hanging over their heads.”

Though happy with Pres.

Civil Rights Commission, U.S. General Accounting Office and U.S. Congressional Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and served as a senior staff economist at the Federal Trade Commission.

“Day in and day out, Professor Myers honors the memory of both Roy Wilkins and Hubert Humphrey,” said Eric Schwartz, dean of the Humphrey School. “These civil rights champions would be so very gratified by the contributions of Dr. Myers to social justice and the common good.

“Dr. Myers has used the tools of economic analysis to brilliantly identify racial and economic disparities that must be of concern to all fair-minded Americans. His important work is an inspiration to us all,” said Schwartz.

The Westerfield Award is named after the distinguished

economist and former Ambassador to Liberia, Samuel Z. Westerfield, Jr. Established in 1973, it acknowledges outstanding scholarly achievements and public service by an African-American economist. Previous recipients include Nobel Laureate and Princeton University Professor Sir W. Arthur Lewis, MIT Professor Phyllis Wallace, and Northwestern University Professor Marcus Alexis. The Westerfield Award previously was presented to Myers’ father, Dr. Samuel L. Myers, Sr., and the January ceremony will be the first time that the son of a previous winner has been honored.

Myers is the director of Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey School and has been a member of the Humphrey School faculty since 1992.

Obama’s actions, Tanden still called on Congress to pass permanent immigration reform.

“As the president has made clear, only Congress can pass immigration reform that fixes a system that we all know is broken, but while it delays, this is the right move to get on the path to a better, stronger nation,” said Tanden.

While many Republicans are criticizing the president for using executive action to address immigration, others are noting that Republican presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush used their executive powers to address immigration.

“Advocates nationwide

have long been speaking up and speaking out about the families that suffer and live in second-class status, and we are encouraged by President Obama’s decision,” said Judith Browne Dianis, co-director of Advancement Project, a group dedicated to immigration reform. “The history of our immigration laws is riddled with racial discrimination, with their enforcement, in many instances, often achieved through racial profiling. The president’s actions are the first step to ensure a fair pathway to citizenship for people who contribute tremendously to our nation and desperately want to obtain legal status.”

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Insight News • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Asian Media Access awarded a CDC grant under Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Initiative On Sept.

25, CDC announced new funding awards, supported in part by the Affordable Care Act, to all 50 states and D.C. to support cross-cutting programs to prevent and control chronic diseases— the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 of 10 deaths among Americans each year, and they account for more than 80% of the $2.7 trillion our nation spends annually on medical care.

In all, 193 awards totaling nearly $212 million (firstyear funding) are going to states, large and small cities and counties, tribes and tribal organizations, and national and community organizations. Asian Media Access is one of the three Minnesota awardees under the CDC’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Initiative.

Project PHILIP (Public Health Initiative through Language, Information, and Participation), is led by Asian Media Access, along with the Multi-cultural Community Alliance (MCCA) Coalition, with a wide range of disciplines and culturallyand linguistically-appropriate agencies. AMA embarks on this new initiative to strategically organize for implementation of Policy, System, and Environmental (PSE) strategies that can effectively eliminate

Photo courtesy of Asian Media Access

Teaching cultural dance can be a way to encourage physical exercise and cross cultural engagement. overweight/obesity and hypertension among People of Color in North Minneapolis. Minneapolis has the highest minority number among all cities in Minnesota, at around 151,928. Project PHILIP is designed to reach approximately 75+% of the priority populations in North Minneapolis (the 30,770 of People of Color), for an estimated reach of 26,000 individuals. As we have identified the risk factors for health disparities for People of Color, they are: a) Smoking, Drinking and Dietary Changes; b) Limited Physical Exercises; and c) Environmental Factors, such as: Poverty, Cultural Barriers and Limited English Proficiency.

Project PHILIP is designed as a comprehensive

initiative that include multiple sectors, with innovative strategies that impact a large proportion of the selected intervention populations African American/African-born; and Asian Americans, in a variety of settings (homes, work places, schools and communities). Our selected strategies will focus on: a) Building capacity to learn/develop/implement the evidence-based Policy, System, and Environmental (PSE) strategies that best support People of Color with a bicultural healthy living approach; and b) Developing multimedia/ multi-lingual materials focusing on CDC’s three “Strategic Directions (tobacco-free living, active living and healthy eating, high impact evidence-based clinical and other preventive

Classifieds

services).

AMA’s ED Ange Hwang has shared her appreciation for the grant award, and her motivation to design the project PHILIP. “In the last 30 years, children who are overweight in the United States tripled to 15%.

Today, America is proven to be at its peak of the obesity epidemic. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) is no exception, with three times of AAPI children overweight than 1980s. Often childhood obesity is addressed as a public health issue, but it also as a cultural issue.

We are so affected by our cultures because it shapes our life-styles, and the food we eat. However, less emphasis is putting on adapting different culture models and values when promoting healthy eating and physical exercise.�

Hwang continues, “We see childhood obesity is not just the problem of food system, or only struggle among lowincome families, it’s also a cultural related problem.

And we have to develop a “Bicultural Healthy Living� concept to comprehensively address those problems AAPIs and other people of color faced.�

For more information about Project PHILIP and AMA’s effort on “Bicultural Healthy Living,� please contact: amamedia@ amamedia.org, 612-3767715.

Phone: 612.588.1313

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Join the next New York Times best selling author PJ Richardson for a book signing event as she presents her book “Nobody Told Me I Was A Queen� on Saturday, December 13, 2014, 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Seven Steakhouse Sushi Ultralounge Skybar, 700 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403. For more info regarding event and to RSVP: Roy @ (763) 350-7018 or rar1962@gmail.com. Books will be available and for purchase. There will be a private reception to follow (7800 82nd Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, MN).

Fax: 612.588.2031

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Operations Generalist / Criminal Duty Clerk

Operations Generalist

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

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Mortenson Construction (the Construction Manager at Risk) is soliciting proposals for Procurement Package #12 on the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium Project. Notice is hereby given that responses to this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be received by Mortenson for the provision of Construction Services on the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium project for the following subcontract categories: SC 12.1 – Site Concrete SC 12.2 – Site Earthwork SC 12.3 – 5th & 6th Street The current projected process and schedule for awarding the subcontracts is as follows: RFP Proposal Manual Issued Pre-Proposal Meeting and MWBE Meet and Greet for Proposers PP #12 Proposals Due Proposer Interviews PP #12

PJ Richardson book signing

November 25, 2014 December 11, 2014 January 8, 2015 Week of January 12, 2015

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

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Information Services Specialist The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Information Services Specialist in our Minneapolis location.

Starting salary range is $44,713 to $53,117.

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

An Equal Opportunity Employer

All dates are approximate and are provided as a courtesy to Proposers. Mortenson reserves the right, acting in its sole judgment, to modify this process or schedule.

Plans and specifications are available via www.isqft.com. For access to the plans and specifications on isqft.com, contact My Nhia Vang at mynhia.vang@mortenson.com (Phone:763-287-5639). Copies of the plans and specifications will also be provided to the following plan rooms for viewing:

West Falls Estates

STAFF ATTORNEYS

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

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

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

Townhomes

Available

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

Fieldcrest in Moorhead, MN Rent based on 30% of income

2 & 3 bdroms open Section 8 Housing for Seniors 62 and older

MetroPlains Management

Bergstad Properties is accepting application for Seniors 62 and older. Applicant must be income eligible and must qualify for Section 8 Housing. Please visit our web site at www.bergstad.com for a virtual tour and application.

One (1) electronic copy and five (5) bound copies of Sealed Proposals shall be submitted to Mortenson at the address provided below no later than 2:00 pm on January 8, 2015 for PP #12 which is the deadline for submittal of Proposals.

M. A. MORTENSON COMPANY 1010 SOUTH 7TH STREET, SUITE 100 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55415 ATTENTION: KEVIN DALAGER, CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVE PHONE: 763.287.5804

701-232-1887

The following sites are currently accepting application.

Park Street Apartments 321 West Park St. Cannon Falls, MN. 55009 507-263-4773

www.metroplainsmanagement.com

200 Levee Drive Apartments 200 Levee Drive Shakopee, MN. 55379 952-445-2001

Proposals shall be valid for 120 days. Proposals will be opened privately by Mortenson in the presence of the representatives of the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority and the Team.

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The subcontract will be held by M. A. Mortenson Company. The form of Subcontract Agreement, together with the Construction Services Agreement between the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and Mortenson, are attached for reference.

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The Owner has adopted a comprehensive Equity Plan for the construction phase of the Project. The Targeted Business Program sets an 11% and 9% goal for construction contracts for the Project to be awarded to women- and minority-owned Minnesota-based business enterprises (MWBE), respectively. The Targeted Business Program also establishes a Veterans Inclusion Program to ensure that our veterans have every opportunity to participate in the Project. The Veterans Inclusion Program will include efforts to include small veteran-owned businesses.

The Work Force Program sets a 32% and 6% goal for workforce utilization for the Project of minorities and women, respectively. The Equity Plan applies to all subcontractors and suppliers of all tier levels. The Veterans Inclusion Program will also include efforts to utilize veteran in the construction workforce. Proposers are expected to use all necessary and reasonable means to comply with the Equity Plan, including without limitation soliciting work from a broad number of Targeted Businesses and for work scopes suitable for their participation.

The project is subject to an Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP), specific to General Liability Insurance only. Furthermore, all Subcontractors, regardless of tier, that have been awarded contracts for work on the Project shall accept and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Owner Controlled Insurance Program.

Pre-Proposal Meetings, MWBE Meet and Greets and Interviews have been scheduled as follows:

All questions regarding this RFP shall be directed in writing to Tom Clark, Mortenson Assistant Project Manager at the address above or via e-mail at Tom.Clark@Mortenson.com.

Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary by Mortenson in response to such questions will be issued by Addenda to all parties recorded as having received the RFP documents. Questions received less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date for openings of the Proposals may not be answered. Only responses issued by formal written Addenda will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. Addenda may be issued to modify the Proposal Documents as deemed advisable by Mortenson.

Mortenson is an “EOE/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled Employer�

END OF INVITATION TO PROPOSE

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Page 10 • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Cold Specks

Sankopheonix Fred Hampton

4 p.m – 10 p.m.

December 1 through Dec. 7th you can head over to North Saint Paul to celebrate the grand opening of 33rd Realm music store. 33rd Realm is a brand new Twin Cities hiphop shop with merchandise, music, performances and a retro arcade. Expect to hear seven different groups and eight DJs. For more information call (651) 323-4717 or go online at www.33rdRealm.com.

Dec. 1 - 7

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

Monday, Dec.1 MUSIC STORE OPENING Grand Opening 33rd Realm Music Store 2567 ½ E. 7th Ave., North Saint Paul All ages

Tuesday, Dec. 2 SOUL/PERFORMANCE Cold Specks with White Boyfriend Cedar Cultural Center 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 7 p.m.

All ages $12 Toronto born and Montreal raised singer/songwriter, Cold Specks is a buzzworthy new artist stopping into Minneapolis on Tuesday.

With live band in tow, her voice is reminiscent of Black folk singers of yesteryear while creating music that is in the vein of TV on the Radio and sometimes SZA. Currently showcasing the new album “Neuroplasticity” (Mute Records) she stops by

the Cedar with hometown trio, White Boyfriend opening.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 Tribute to Loved Ones Open Mic McNally Smith College of Music – Soundbite Café 19 Exchange St. E., St. Paul 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

All ages No cover McNally Smith’s Hip-Hop Student Organization (H20) is teaming up with the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) for this specially themed open mic to loved ones. Sign up at 5:30 p.m. for a chance to perform at the Relay for Life benefit concert.

Thursday, Dec. 4 POETRY/FILM/LECTURE Twin Cities Fred Hampton Remembrance Day 2014 Mayday Bookstore 301 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

All ages

Remembrance Day 2014will include a short film, spoken word, music, and speakers

on revolution, political repression and security culture. Fred Hampton (Aug. 30, 1948 – Dec. 4, 1969) was the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP), and deputy chairman of the national BPP. He was murdered while sleeping in his bed with his partner who was pregnant with Fred Hampton, Jr. during a raid by a tactical unit of the Cook County, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the FBI. JAZZ/HIPHOP/ PERFORMANCE Twinkie Jiggles Broken Orchestra and Greg Grease Turf Club 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul 8:00PM $7 Heiruspecs bassist, Sean McPherson, aka Twinkie Jiggles, has had several group incarnations. The Broken Orchestra recently released the mellow vibe album “Too Big to Fail”.

Standout MC and producer, Greg Grease, has been gaining national attention and is also opening the show at the newly renovated Turf Club.

Friday, Dec. 5

Smoke Dee

SOUL/PERFORMANCE Sankopheonix presents Cosmic Groove Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 10 p.m.

18-plus $10 Omaha transplant, Sankopheonix, started making noise in the Twin Cities music scene as a part of the Soulflower Collective.

In her first headlining solo gig, she brings a full band down to the Dakota for her Afro-futurist soulful sound with DJ Michelle Be and poet, Goddess Kayde.

Saturday, Dec. 6 HIPHOP/PERFORMANCE Step to the Mic T’s Place 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

DJ Smoke Dee presents a monthly cipher featuring

old school beats as the soundtrack. Emcees and spoken word artists are encouraged to sign up to perform. Sign up via the Step to the Mic Facebook page.

Sunday, Dec. 7 THEATRE “The Whale” Mixed Blood Theatre 1501 4th St. S., Minneapolis 3 p.m. $10-$22 On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, a 600 pound recluse hides away in his apartment, eating himself to death. Hoping to find an honest human connection, he reaches out to his long-estranged daughter, only to discover a viciously sharp-tongued teen. Big-hearted and fiercely funny, “The Whale” tells the story of a man’s last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Page 11

FILM REVIEW: “BEYOND THE LIGHTS”

Screen chemistry abounds in superstar-bodyguard romantic romp

By Kam Williams

Nate Parker and Gugu Mbatha-Raw who saved the day, even if he’s not a rich celebrity like the unreliable bad-boy she’s currently dating?

These are the foremost questions subsequently explored by “Beyond the Lights,” a steamy romantic

romp written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Secret Life of Bees and Love & Basketball). Don’t be duped into thinking that you’ve seen this same story somewhere before, given how the plot is vaguely reminiscent of Whitney Houston and Kevin

Costner’s “The Bodyguard” (1992).

“Beyond the Lights” unfolds in unique fashion.

This amorous tale of female empowerment might be better thought of as an engaging blend of hip-hop performances and soap opera

drama that’s at its best when leads Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker generate beaucoup chemistry while sharing the screen.

Love in the time of hiphopera!

Very Good

Rated PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, suggestive gestures, partial nudity and matures themes Running time: 116 minutes

RAYMOND LUKE JR. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS. ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY ANDREW ECCLES.

Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) has it all, or so it seems. After years of trying to make it, the emerging pop singer is finally on the brink of superstardom, thanks to several hit singles she recently released, duets with her famous rapper boyfriend, Kid Culprit (Machine Gun Kelly).

Nevertheless, when we meet Noni in the midst of a whirlwind tour of appearances on award shows, she’s secretly miserable and seriously considering suicide.

That’s because every step of her assault on showbiz has been dictated by her abusive mother, Macy (Minnie Driver), the proverbial stagemom from Hell.

Noni no longer recognizes her real self in the mirror underneath the purple hair extensions, the provocative wardrobe, and the phony smile that masks the hard cold truth about a vulnerable soul at the end of her rope.

Then, just as she’s set to launch herself from the balcony of a penthouse suite at the posh Beverly Hills Hotel, fate intervenes in the person of Kaz (Nate Parker), the quick-thinking LAPD officer assigned to protect her from the paparazzi and overzealous fans.

Springing into action, he grabs an arm and pulls Noni back over the rail. Now that she has been afforded a second chance at life, one can’t help but wonder whether she’ll wise up and declare her independence from her miserable misanthrope of a mother? Or, will she notice that the right man for her might be the handsome hunk with bulging biceps

IN PERSON: State Theatre Box Office (no service fees)

BY PHONE: 800.982.2787 GROUPS 15+ SAVE! 612.373.5665

ORPHEUM THEATRE MOTOWN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC ®

HennepinTheatreTrust.org

Page 12 • December 1 - December 7, 2014 • Insight News

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Choose well New choices in health care are here. Introducing UCare ChoicesSM, affordable new health plans from a leader in Minnesota health care, with coverage for young adults, families, empty nesters and everyone in between.

Find out more at UCareChoices.org, and look for us on the MNsure health insurance marketplace. Choose well. Choose UCare Choices.