Review: ORDWAY – The Hip Hop Nutcracker MORE ON PAGE 10
aesthetically speaking
The Hip Hip Nutcracker photo by United Palace of Cultural Arts
Insight News December 14 - December 20, 2015
Vol. 42 No. 50 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Game changer for Northside Governor Dayton breaks ground on new employment, education and healthy living center in North Minneapolis Gov. Mark Dayton joined officials on Tuesday, December 1, to celebrate the groundbreaking of 800 West Broadway, a new employment, education and healthy living center in north Minneapolis. Craig Taylor, director of Minneapolis Planning and Economic Development, called the new facility a game changer for North Minneapolis. The facility at 800 W. Broadway Ave. will contain several services under one roof, including the North Minneapolis WorkForce Center, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, Minneapolis Public Schools and retail space. “This is an important step to
L-R: Sen. Bobby Champion (Dist. 59); Katie Clark-Sieben, DEED; Stella Whitney-West, NorthPoint Health & Wellness; Stephen Flisk, MPS; George Sherman, Sherman Associates; Rep. Raymond Dehn (59B); Linda Higgins, Hennepin County Commissioner; Barb Johnson, Ward 4 City Council Chair; Betsy Hodges, Minneapolis Mayor; and Gov. Mark Dayton. improve economic opportunity for the people of north Minneapolis,” said Gov. Dayton. “This community greatly needs and deserves these services. But we must and can do more. That is
why I will continue pushing for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to address the racial disparities in north Minneapolis and elsewhere in Minnesota.” Dayton said he will seek
project calls for redeveloping an existing building that previously housed a car dealership. Sherman Associates Inc. of Minneapolis will redevelop the 47,000-square-foot structure,
$15 million earmarked for efforts that address disparities in health, education, income and employment in North Minneapolis. Congressman Keith Ellison, in a letter, said, “The $8 million
which has been vacant since 2006. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2016.”
BROADWAY TURN TO 7
Sergio Páez selected as next superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools After a nearly 10-month search process, the Minneapolis Board of Education has selected Dr. Sergio Páez to be the next superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Páez comes to Minneapolis from Holyoke Public Schools in Massachusetts, where he served as superintendent from 2013 to 2015. Previously, he was an assistant superintendent for Worcester Public Schools. He earned a doctorate in education from Boston College, a master’s in school administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in sociology from Fitchburg State College. Páez will replace Interim Superintendent Michael Goar, who has been interim since previous Bernadeia Johnson resigned in January. Páez is expected to begin before the
Sign at the The African Meeting House
Planting Seeds of Social Change: December 6th, 2015 Marks the 150th Anniversary of the 13th Amendment Women Leading Change By Dr. Artika Tyner
Throughout history, the Black church has served as a pillar in the community. It is a place where people gather for spiritual nourishment, renewal, and empowerment. It also represents the epicenter of civic engagement, community organizing, and political activism. The African Meeting House in Boston,
Massachusetts embodies each of these characteristics and played an integral role in U.S. history. 150 years ago, it is the place where seeds of social change were planted which took root with the abolishment of slavery and adoption of the 13th Amendment. Legendary leaders gathered in this humble church house and cultivated
the seeds of social justice. A few months ago, I learned about the history of the 13th Amendment through an unexpected turn of events. While attending a conference in Boston, I began an exploration of the history of the Boston Tea Party and American
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
factor, among many aspects of a student’s background. This policy does not sit well with one justice, Antonin Scalia. Scalia said African-American students would benefit from being at a “slower-track school,” an opinion that drew the ire of many, including Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid. “The idea that African-
MPS TURN TO 7
Headwaters Foundation launches “The Emergency Fund for Black Lives”
HISTORY TURN TO 7
U.S. Supreme Court hears whether race should continue to be considered in college admissions The U.S. Supreme Court last week heard arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin that universities should retain the ability to build diverse student bodies made up of applicants from different backgrounds who meet their high standards. The University of Texas – as well as other universities – consider race as a modest
Dr. Sergio Páez
2016-17 school year. “First, I want to say I am honored and humbled by the Board of Education’s decision. And I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. I care deeply about children, and the education I know is crucial to giving them a chance at a bright future,” said Páez in a statement. “This district has a lot of tough challenges ahead, but they are challenges
Headwaters Foundation for Justice is launching the Emergency Fund for Black Lives to provide grants to Black Lives Matter Minneapolis and Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC). According to Headwaters, these two groups have inspired, mobilized and supported hundreds of community members to call out and change police violence against people of color. With an initial
American students are somehow inherently intellectually inferior from other students is despicable,” said Reid. Several current University of Texas students are hoping the Supreme Court rules in favor of the university.
COURT TURN TO 4
goal of $100,000, Headwaters Foundation has already raised more than $60,000 by reaching out to individual donors and foundation partners. On Nov. 15, Jamar Clark, an unarmed 24-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by officers from the Minneapolis Police Department. Headwaters officials said the organization is in support
FUND TURN TO 4
Health
Commentary
Lifestyle
Community
Four common diabetes myths debunked
Has our system failed our youth?
Humanity’s Fate is Not a Pretty Picture
Grants support new drop-in center for St. Paul’s homeless young people
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Page 2 • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Insight News
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Insight News • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Page 3
HEALTH Four common diabetes myths debunked doctor since your medication or insulin may need to be adjusted. To make eating right a snap, consider following a structured meal plan like Nutrisystem D, which provides pre-portioned meals to help manage diabetes. More information can be found at www.Nutrisystem.com.
(StatePoint) Knowing the facts about Type 2 diabetes is important for everyone, as living a healthy lifestyle can play a key role in helping to prevent and control the disease. In honor of American Diabetes Month this November, the Certified Diabetes Educators at Nutrisystem are debunking some common myths. Myth: I’m a healthy weight -I can’t get diabetes. Truth: Although there is a clear connection between being overweight or obese and developing Type 2 diabetes, genetics and other lifestyle factors like diet can play a role as well.
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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
Getting the formula right for a healthy lifestyle is not just an art, it’s a science -- particularly if you have diabetes. This American Diabetes Month, take steps to learn more about the disease and make positive lifestyle changes to support your health.
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By maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious, balanced diet and engaging in healthy habits like regular exercise, you can decrease your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Myth: People develop diabetes because they eat too much sugar. Truth: Consuming excess calories (from sugary and nonsugary foods) can contribute to excess weight and obesity -- both of which are associated with Type 2 diabetes, but sugar is not the singular cause of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is the result of genetics and additional unknown factors, while Type 2 diabetes is the result of a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Healthy hint: Even if you only use sugar substitutes as sweeteners, consuming excessive
calories from other foods can still contribute to developing Type 2 diabetes. Myth: If I have diabetes, I have to follow a restrictive diet that includes no carbs and definitely no dessert. Truth: You might be surprised to learn that generally speaking, individuals with diabetes can follow the same healthy diet recommended for the general public -- one that includes lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fruit, and that minimizes saturated and trans fats, salt and sugar. Carbohydrates are an acceptable and necessary part of a healthy meal plan. However, pay attention to portion. Optimal carb counts vary, but the American Diabetes Association
recommends starting with 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per meal, and tweaking depending on your body’s response. Some good carbs to consider include whole grain breads, pastas, rice and cereals, plus starchy vegetables like potatoes, peas and corn. Fruits, beans, milk and yogurt also count toward daily carbohydrates. Those with diabetes can also still enjoy sweet treats in small portions on special occasions. Myth: If my blood sugar doesn’t improve right after losing weight, it never will. Truth: It may take time for the body to adjust to the new way of eating. If you don’t see quick improvements, be patient. Also, stay in touch with your
Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Carmen Robles Lydia Schwartz Ryan T. Scott Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.
Health insurance is un affordable. Everyone deserves insurance they can afford. MNsure can help you get it. MNsure is a free service where you can compare health plans to find the best plan for you, often at a surprisingly affordable price. In fact, most people qualify for financial help. Free in-person or phone assistance is available to help you every step of the way. Caawimo ayaa laguu heli karaa Soomaali.
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Page 4 • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Insight News
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EDUCATION Canty selected for prevention advocacy peer leadership team Alison Canty, a Woodbury High School graduate, was recently selected as one of 17 leaders statewide to participate in the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s (MNCASA) Prevention Advocacy Peer Leadership team. Canty is the chair of the Minnesota STAR Advisory Council, and is an advocate of people with cognitive and
intellectual disabilities. Canty is also a 2014 graduate of the Partners and Policymaking class that provides training and leadership related to advocacy for individuals with disabilities. “The focus of the Peer Leader program is to mobilize people throughout the state to advocate for the primary prevention of sexual violence as
Alison Canty
an urgent community priority”, said Yvonne Cournoyer, prevention program manager at MNCASA. “Alison will be sharing what she has learned with regarding her personal and professional networks throughout the year as well as meeting with local legislators to talk about why prevention is so needed in Woodbury.” “Representing myself as
sexual assault survivor, and reaching out into communities, and being an advocate for men, women and families, is not only rewarding, but a chance to bring more diverse perspectives, healing and exposure that affects children, men and women goes beyond, the statute of limitations,” said Canty. The Minnesota Coalition
Against Sexual Assault is a voice for survivors of sexual assault, and allies committed to ending sexual violence. MNCASA supports, convenes and collaborates with advocates, prosecutors and law enforcement to promote a more victim-centered response to sexual violence and increase effective criminal justice.
Dr. Artika Tyner receives Kay Pranis Award Dr. Artika Tyner, University of St. Thomas interim diversity and inclusion officer, received
the Dispute Resolution Center’s Kay Pranis Award. Over the past decade,
Tyner has been an advocate for restorative practices. Tyner has provided restorative justice
training in schools, published articles on restorative justice, and participated in community circles. “Restorative justice draws upon principles of communitybuilding, reconciliation and peacemaking. Through the practical implementation of restorative practices, key stakeholders are drawn together to resolve a conflict collectively and address the future impact of the conflict,” said Tyner.
Tyner is an educator, author and advocate for justice. At the University of St. Thomas College of Education, Leadership & Counseling, Tyner serves as a public policy/ leadership professor. She has also developed leadership educational materials for K-12 students, college and graduate students and faith communities and nonprofits. Her research focuses on diversity and inclusion, community development and civil rights.
Fund
“We are launching the Emergency Fund for Black Lives, and asking community members to invest in it so that together we can aggressively address the racial inequities that exist in Minnesota,” said Headwaters executive director, David Nicholson. “By committing to this fund, our community is committing to creating positive change. The fund will provide resources that can be used to dismantle the structural and institutional racism that exists in Minneapolis and throughout our state.” “With financial support from the community, Black
Lives Matter Minneapolis and NOC will be able to deepen our working relationship and expand the Black and people of color infrastructure we’ll need to bridge Minnesota’s outrageous racial and economic divide,” said Anthony Newby, executive director of NOC. “We plan to use the dollars from Headwaters’ Emergency Fund for Black Lives to increase training, capacitybuilding and community engagement as we continue to risk everything to call attention to and change the glaring racial disparities in our state,” said Miski Noor, a leader in Black Lives Matter Minneapolis.
a part of that student’s identity. It is racial closeting. We need to embrace what makes us different and work to understand each other better. Bringing people together with different backgrounds helps break down racial stereotypes and benefits all people.” Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out that just three years ago seven justices of the Court upheld longstanding constitutional precedents about the value and parameters the permissible use of race as a limited factor in admissions. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg specifically questioned the petitioner’s standing based on Fisher’s limited demand for refund of her original application fee as damages in the case. In addition, Fisher was disqualified from admission due to her academic credentials (based on SAT and class ranking) and would not have been admitted to the University of Texas even in the absence of its affirmative action plan. Nothing in the several areas of her personal background and essays would have changed the outcome, according to the University. “The University of Texas at Austin convincingly explained
to the justices how it carefully followed the Court’s guidelines when developing an admissions approach that considered race as a limited factor,” added Rachel Kleinman, a senior attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “Diverse learning environments enrich the college experience and better prepare students for success in the workplace and in the military. College opens doors to a lifetime of opportunity that should be in the reach of all children.” The Supreme Court received an avalanche of briefs supporting the University’s efforts to create a diverse student body from 45 leading corporations such as American Express, Microsoft, Sprint, Starbucks and Xerox; 36 high-ranking retired military and defense officials (including three former chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Gen. Colin Powell, Adm. Michael Mullen and Gen. Henry Shelton); more than 160 Asian-American and Pacific Islander organizations; social scientists; major religious denominations; 19 states; student organizations and more than 100 institutions of higher education.
From 1 because since that day, Black Lives Matter Minneapolis peacefully occupied the fourth precinct for 18 days, held numerous peaceful protests and community gatherings, survived the shooting of five people by a group of white supremacists, and hosted a “Blacksgiving” celebration. Headwaters officials said they feel compelled to take action and build on the momentum generated by the events of the past few weeks.
Court From 1
YOU CALL IT “taking Grandma to the doctor.”
WE CALL IT caregiving.
Get support and resources for caregiving.
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“We are making progress, but we have a long way to go. The Top Ten Percent Plan is not enough. I have white, Asian, Latino and Black friends at school who understand that it’s important to have diversity on campus,” said University of Texas (UT) senior David McDonald from outside the Supreme Court. McDonald grew up in a single-parent household and is a first-generation college student. He’s the past president and current advisor to UT Black Student Alliance, for whom NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund submitted an amicus brief. Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund stated, “Conservative activist Ed Blum, who is behind this suit and similar ones, never questions the right of colleges to consider anything other than race – like hobbies, gender, age or hometown. To say to a student that everything about you is relevant except for your race, strips away
Dr. Artika Tyner
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Insight News • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Page 5
Five ways to improve donor relations By Mel and Pearl Shaw
long-term donors are thinking of you as they complete their charitable giving for the year. In all cases there are people to thank and a “donor relations” program to launch or improve. There is much a small to midsized nonprofit can do to engage and retain its donors. Here are five suggestions.
We trust your year-end fundraising is going well. Perhaps you gained new donors during Giving Tuesday. Maybe your fundraising appeal letter is generating increased gifts from current donors. Perhaps your
1. Engage your volunteers, staff and board members. Take a moment to ensure that those associated with your organization can “tell the story” of your nonprofit – quickly and accurately. Create 10 talking
FUNdraising Good Times
points. Share them. Make it fun – test each other: “Tell our story in less than 90 seconds.” Ask those closest to your nonprofit to send a personal email or place a phone call to five new donors. A personal touch lets people know you care. 2. Offer engagement opportunities. A lot of people want to be engaged. They want to make a difference. They want to do more than give money. Think of ways that your donors can help your institution. Can they participate in a short term “think tank” to grapple with a
challenge you need resolved? Are there “day of service” opportunities you can offer? 3. Upgrade your benefits and naming opportunities. Find a way to entice and recognize donors in ways that are meaningful to them. Be creative. Take the time to ask a few donors their thoughts on how they would like to be recognized. 4. Answer the phone. With websites and email very few people make a phone call anymore. When they do call, most want to talk – they don’t
want voicemail or a recorded system that directs them from one extension to another. Have a “live person” answer the phone. Someone who makes every caller feel glad they called, and someone who knows how to direct callers to the right person. Especially donors who want to talk about giving or volunteering. 5. Review your donor data. Whether you use a spreadsheet or a cloud based system take the time to print out a list of your donors. Look at the data. Are your donors’ names spelled
correctly? Are you asking people for a gift when you didn’t acknowledge the last one they gave? Do you “know” that someone gave you a significant gift last year but you don’t see it in your data? Take a moment now to clean up your data so you don’t offend your donors in 2016. Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw salute your fundraising success! For more tips and suggestions visit www. saadandshaw.com
Pearl Harbor remembrance PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 5, 2015) Nelson Mitchell, the oldest living AfricanAmerican Pearl Harbor survivor, reflects in the shrine room of the USS Arizona Memorial during a Pearl Harbor Survivor/ World War II, Family and Friends Harbor Tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The harbor tour is one of several events that took place leading up to the 74th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day [Dec. 7, 2015] that paid tribute to the nation’s military while enlightening Americans about veterans and service. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd ClassTamara Vaughn/ Released)
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COMMENTARY
Has our system failed our youth? By Charles Cole III Each time I am confronted with the news of another police officer killing a black child, I find myself bracing to digest a bevy of emotions. There is a profound sadness that is immediately followed by anger and frustration which comes from losing another brilliant life too soon. As a black educator, there is an added layer of complexity to these emotions because I am always questioning whether the death of that child is somehow connected to some failure of a teacher or a school system that might have somehow kept that young person from being in a particular situation. While a teacher cannot stop a bullet and will never be able to spend every moment at the side of all of their students, there is an unquestionable impact that those who teach have on the lives of the children they see in school everyday. Beyond basic elements of common sense, it has been proven that, from a psychological perspective, having black teachers involved in the lives and instruction of black students has a positive effect on those students and their own self-perception. Many students in our communities come to school daily facing challenges of unspeakable magnitudes that black educators are uniquely equipped to deal with. Black educators can often address these challenges either through relating their own similar experiences or simply by way of cultural intangibles that stretch beyond the notion of
This issue is systemic and one that we are witnessing the effects of nationwide.
Charles Cole III human empathy. We may not always be successful, but the one child we are able to reach may be the life we keep from becoming the next hashtag on social media. As I watched the video of LaQuan McDonald gunned down by police officers in Chicago, my mind wasn’t simply on his family or that city. Much like the case of 12-yr old Tamir Rice in Cleveland--a case which, even after a year, seems to have as much uncertainty surrounding it as it did when he was first killed--I thought with great trepidation about the other youth in that city. I could not help but to wonder who might be next, and, also to ponder what I and other teachers like me could do next to prolong the answer to that query for as long as possible. So much of where our young people end up is about the choices they make. We can all think of a hand-full of choices that we made, or that were influenced by someone in our lives, which proved to be a significant factor in leading us to where we are as adults. The support system that should exist in our schools is a
critical element toward helping our youth make good choices that will give them the best chance at safety and survival. It may not have been able to save the lives of LaQuan or Tamir, but those are just two unfortunate examples. There is an unfortunate number of countless other children in our community that are lost to gun violence and other ills that can be traced directly to choices. Perhaps I am somewhat naive in believing this, but I do feel that having more black teachers in classrooms might be the difference in a young person’s choice--and, that choice might be the difference that keeps that young person alive. This issue is systemic and one that we are witnessing the effects of nationwide. Our children are being taught by too many teachers who are strangers to our communities. From Minneapolis to Chicago and beyond, there are simply too many teachers that approach their jobs with a
“those kids” mentality when the key is to view them as “our kids”. That is a difficult attitude to adopt when you are not truly immersed in the fabric of a community. There are some cities that have residency mandates for civil workers, but an alarming number of professionals skirt around that rule by using false addresses where they don’t live, or, the requirements are no longer mandated after 3-5 initial years on the job. Even in districts where residency requirements are permanent mandates, those are only marginally effective because they still allow for folks who live in comfortable, safe, well-off neighborhoods to venture into poorer areas just to “teach” for a few hours, “earn” a paycheck and then return to the comforts of home just as soon as the day is done. Home for many of these teachers exists outside the world that our young people are forced to navigate and so there is seldom a real connection made there. It is
a problem somewhat unique to our communities and one that has had the most drastic effect(s) on our youth. The problem also goes deeper than school systems. Our children are policed and prosecuted by too many who do not and refuse to try to understand them. Oftentimes our community’s kids are little more than numbers and statistics and these same authority figures become more interested in maintaining order than investing in solutions. It is a formula that stacks the deck against our children and in favor of failure at some step in the system’s process. A school that is heavy with teachers and administrators who, while perhaps well-intended, don’t fully understand the needs of a particular student. That student, lacking the proper support, finds themselves in a neighborhood policed by officers who are, at best, vaguely familiar with cultural norms from within that community. Eventually, that young person is in front of a prosecutor that is equally unfamiliar and likely unconcerned with the details preceding whatever act led the student to the point of their interaction, and so the prosecutor ends up addressing a symptom without once attempting to shift the focus toward dealing with larger problems. At every point, the system that is purportedly intended to protect our youth has failed them miserably. So what is the solution? First and foremost, we must avoid looking at this as a problem that only affects X
community in X city. This is something that affects us all, and until we begin to own it with a “we” attitude rather than a “them” mindset, we will never approach this with the requisite amount of passion needed to turn things around. Second, we must understand the importance of education as part of the discussion of black lives. If #blacklivesmatter, then #blackminds MUST matter as well. That means injecting the conversation with discussion surrounding access to quality education and addressing all institutions (law enforcement, etc.) that are potential impediments to healthy and productive learning environments in and outside of classrooms. Third, we must realize and emphasize the importance of black professionals entering fields that will interact with our youth. Our children deserve quality examples of teachers, school administrators, policemen, and prosecutors who look like them. They need the strongest voices resembling their own to help guide them as best they can with respect to those life and death decisions. We cannot allow our system to fail another child. The price is simply too great. Charles Cole III is an educator focused on the advancement of all youth of color but more specifically black males. The passion comes from his own experiences growing up without proper support. His life’s goal is to better the communities he grew up in through his work.
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Insight News • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Page 7
Broadway From 1 The building’s North Minneapolis WorkForce Center will provide a variety of services to help people find jobs, including offering workshops and training sessions on putting together resumes, doing job interviews, conducting job searches and much more. Minneapolis Public Schools will offer an educational center on the second floor, while NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center will provide services to improve the health and well-being of clients. Tenants in the retail space haven’t been determined. The center also will contain space for meetings and community groups, a youth center for career planning and training, and special services for post-secondary and certification training. Partners in the project include the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis Public Schools, NorthPoint Heath & Wellness and Sherman and Associates Inc. “If we’re going to be a leading city of the 21st century we need to invest in employment, education and healthy living opportunities
800 West Broadway Rendering & Site Plan provided by Sherman Associates
Stella Whitney-West
Craig Taylor
George Sherman
History From 1 Revolution. My first visit was to Faneuil Hall, a marketplace and meeting hall established in 1742. Samuel Adams and other historical figures convened here to develop a blueprint for America’s independence. As I learned more about the revolutionary way, I discovered “The Great Hall” located upstairs where abolitionists challenged slavery and sought equal citizenship for all. My learning journey suddenly took a new course. I soon found myself on a new journey which focused on the role of African Americans in the struggle for freedom from the chains of the bondage of slavery. The next morning, I was headed down Joy Street to the African Meeting House. The African Meeting House is the oldest black church structure in the United States. It was founded in 1805 under the leadership of Reverend Thomas Paul, an African American preacher from New Hampshire. The African Meeting House provided a place of refuge and strength for many. It first provided a space to expand the mind through the enrichment of education. From 1808 until 1835, classes were held on the first floor. Students gathered in this space for an impartation of knowledge. As I walked
MPS From 1 I’m prepared to take on. The graduation rate will improve. The achievement gap can and will shrink. And all of the children in MPS classrooms must be able to read at grade level or better. This is the only way we can make sure every student graduates college and career ready.” Indeed the challenges of the district are many. MPS attained national infamy because of its poor graduation rates for students of color – well below 50 percent; and at one point as low as 36 percent for Black males. Most recently, the district was the source of ridicule when this past summer it entered into a contract with Reading Horizons to address early learning gaps between whites and students of color and Reading Horizons sent books that were considered racist and sexist by many. The books were returned and the district later voided the contract. Also of concern, many African-Americans in leadership posts left the district under Goar’s direction. “I think parents and students need to see a change in the relationship between the superintendent and the African-American community,” said James Burroughs, who used to head
Frederick Douglass
Maria Stewart
William C. Nell
William Lloyd Garrison
through the classrooms, I could imagine students gathered in this space learning the three Rs- reading, writing, and arithmetic. They also received the type of education which provided them with a sense of cultural heritage and cultivated their passion for the cause of justice. They recognized that obtaining education within itself is a revolutionary act since knowledge is power. The type of power needed to lead social change by dismantling systems of oppression. Next, I climbed the steps to the sanctuary. I could not wait to ask the curator if I could
stand at the podium. As I stood with the microphone in front of me, I was reminded of the great leaders who came before me. They recognized that words have power- the power to challenge old narratives and create new narratives. By challenging the injustice of slavery, they were writing a new chapter on freedom’s journey. I stood in awe as I thought about Frederick Douglass standing at this podium declaring: “This is a meeting to discuss the best method of abolishing slavery and each speaker is expected to present what he regards as the best way of prosecuting the
anti-slavery movement… all methods of proceeding against slavery, politics, religion, peace, war, bible, constitution, disunion, union- every possible way known in opposition to slavery is my way.” These words demonstrated the type of collective engagement and strategic planning which took place in this sacred place. Maria Stewart also stood in this pulpit and challenged slavery as a grave moral injustice. Stewart was the first American-born woman of any color to lecture in public. She reminded those who gathered about the importance of
the district’s office of Equity and Diversity. That office was dismantled during Goar’s tenure. African-American students comprise the largest student group in Minneapolis Public Schools. Burroughs said the new superintendent has an opportunity to show his commitment to the community by engaging with leaders and insuring the district welcomes opportunities to contract with minority business suppliers. “And I think he has a great opportunity to reach out to those African-Americans leaders who left the district and get them involved because many are still committed to the education and development of the students in the district,” said Burroughs. “I don’t have all of the answers. But I have a deep desire to make Minneapolis Public Schools a model district that leads the way in urban education. That means that I have to lead — purposefully, meaningfully and effectively. That’s my commitment to the Board, to students, to parents and to staff,” said Páez. “We all have to believe that every child can learn. That great teachers matter. That a true appreciation of diversity and differences is essential for a quality education and that education is not possible without progressive partnerships with parents and our community.”
Páez acknowledged the tenuous situation he has inherited. “I think for the past few years, many school districts have been paralyzed by the criticism they’ve endured. Some of the criticism is definitely deserved. The education of our children is
everyone’s responsibility. It’s easy to give up when you experience failure. But giving up is not going to get us where we need to go,” said Páez in his statement. “I’m not going to make promises today beyond the fact that I am fully committed to making Minneapolis Public Schools
Representative Keith Ellison (MN-05)
for all of Minneapolis,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “This groundbreaking is a long time coming, but once it’s open it will provide the community with vital resources that will help us get closer to reaching our goal of One Minneapolis.” “This area has been waiting a long time for development that will be of benefit for the community,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Linda Higgins. “Now the schools, DEED and Hennepin County through NorthPoint will work better together to help people make a better life for themselves and their community.” “Sherman Associates, and I personally, have a strong commitment to north Minneapolis. We started our 35 years of urban redevelopment in north Minneapolis. While 800 West Broadway is about economic redevelopment, it is so much more than bricks and mortar,” said Sherman Associates, Inc.’s George Sherman. “This public and private partnership is meant to help reduce equity disparities we see in this community by providing educational and job opportunities to minority residents in north Minneapolis. It is about improving people’s lives. This ground breaking is an important step in that direction.” Visit www.minneapolismn. gov/cped/800WestBroadway for complete project details.
honoring our shared humanity when she stated: “For it is not the color of skin that makes the man or the woman but the principle formed in the soul.” A sense of soul force compelled Maria Stewart and other leaders to take action and join in the struggle of justice. The voices of leaders in the abolitionist movement, Frederick Douglass, Maria Stewart, William C. Nell, and William Lloyd Garrison, raised the consciousness of America related to the promise of equity and justice. They reminded others that the supreme law of the land, the Constitution, was still yet one missing crucial principle: equality of citizenship. This equality had to be won through struggle and each generation has the responsibility to wage this battle. The changes that the Constitution has undergone in its history — as a living document — reflect this struggle. African Americans, in particular, have struggled to overcome the racial caste system that relegated them to slavery. The words of the Constitution sound noble on paper, but they are abstractions until people breathe life into them. In 1865, the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery was such an example of striving towards freedom. This Amendment according to Frederick Douglass challenged America to include African
Americans in the concept of “we the people.” This type of advocacy paved the way for the passage of the 13th Amendment which provides: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” This year, December 6, 2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment. As we reflect on the 13th Amendment, we are reminded that the struggle for justice will continue until we realize the vision of a free and just America for all. Issues we face today- mass incarceration, impediments to the ballot box (like felon disenfranchisement), school to prison pipeline, and widening income gap, remind us of the importance of “promoting the cause of human brotherhood,” as William C. Nell once proclaimed during a speech at the African Meeting House. It is left to us to garner the same energy of the African Meeting House by engaging, discussing, and exchanging ideas to make freedom a lived reality. Remember, “the plant of freedom has grown only a bud and not yet a flower,” according to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. How will you plant seeds of social change? This is a call to leadership.
a district that embraces the belief that all children can and deserve to learn. I know
that belief, in spirit and in practice, is at the heart of great education.”
Page 8 • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Insight News
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LIFESTYLE Humanity’s Fate is Not a Pretty Picture Justspeak
By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor Look up from the technology that has made us addicted to non/communication Look up from the iPhones, iPads, tablets, droids. Unplug for just a moment and witness the humanity Sitting next to you. When was the last time You really talked face to face with someone without a device present? Witness the triumphant nature of the human spirit that we all carry. When you shoot, it is not “big government” you kill, When you shoot, it is not Planned Parenthood you kill When you bomb, it is not conflicting religious ideologies you kill & maim. Who you hurt is self, for we are all part of the human race. What you perpetuate is fear and a return to our pre-human instincts of “kill, or be killed” that centuries of “civilization” and evolution have yet to eradicate. So we use the most sophisticated technology to perpetuate one of the most primitive human action--killing. And in the future, we will look back
on this time of terror and chaos with the same grim realization, pain and ultimately remorse that we now view Auschwitz, Hiroshima & NagasKi, American slavery, Rwanda, and the list of human atrocity against humans continues to grow. And the repression that will come of civil liberties & rights will be the bitter price we all will pay. And in the end, we will be less human. Look up from your technology NOW and behold the face of humanity in your own mirror & sitting next to you. Smile instead of texting. Converse instead of tweeting. Know that In our technologically disconnected global world, we sow the seeds of humankind’s own destruction with our global madness of religious, political, racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual, geographical, and military conflicts-- Who is to say what will be next: height, weight, blood types? And if the truth be told, We are all losers and victims. There can be no righteous in war. And there are truly no victors on either side if one human life is lostIrreplaceable! (c) 2015 Irma McClaurin May be published and reproduced for educational purposes only; all others request permission (www. irmamcclaurin.com)
When history speaks Man Talk
By Timothy Houston When history speaks, everyone should listen; especially when the person speaking is bringing a firsthand account of historical events that if not captured, will
be forever forgotten. Such is the case for Mother Earlynn McDowell, granddaughter of the late Bishop C. H. Mason, founder of the Church of God in Christ. On December 20, 2015, she will be in Minnesota speaking at the Minnesota Branch of the C. H. Mason Historical Society Annual Fire Side Chat. She will be sharing intimate stories about her life and that of her grandfather. Mother Earlynn McDowell has a story to tell. The Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC)
Mother Earlynn McDowell is a Christian organization in the Holiness-Pentecostal tradition. It is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. The membership is predominantly African American with more than six million members. The Church has congregations in 63 countries around the world. Mother Earlynn McDowell is able to give us an amplified view of the founder and his impact on the world. From
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the pulpit where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his last sermon, to the funeral services for Malcolm X, the Church of God in Christ has been at the center of Black history. This is in the backdrop of this rich history that makes Mother McDowell a sought after speaker throughout the country. Mother McDowell is the daughter of Mrs. Lelia Mason Byas, and the fifth grandchild of Bishop Mason. She remembers vividly that when she was child the Byas home in Detroit was always busy with people. She recalls, “People were constantly coming and going in and out of our house. Everybody wanted to see my grandfather. He would visit many churches and convocations, but I just wanted my grandfather to myself.” Mother McDowell is rich in COGIC history. Her mother Lelia was the GOCI historian. In a 2012 interview with the D. J. Young Heritage Foundation, Mother McDowell shared what she would like to emphasize to this generation. “We need to know who we are and what we have in Christ Jesus. We need to emphasize study of the Word. The Word is our foundation. We need to emphasize prayer. When nothing else works, pray, when you’ve done everything you can do. Prayer succeeds when everything else fails. No matter how much education we receive from theological schools, Jesus set the example.” This spiritual example is the cornerstone of the morals and values needed in today’s youth. The Annual Fire Side Chat with Mother McDowell will be held at Greater Saint Paul COGIC, in Minneapolis, 4001 4th Ave South, at 4:00 PM. Supt. Vernell Thomas is the host Pastor. History will be speaking, and everyone is invited to come and listen. For more information, contact Jessica Little, president of the Minnesota Branch of the C.H. Mason Historical Society at victoryinjesus704@gmail.com. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.
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Insight News • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Page 9
COMMUNITY Grants support new drop-in center for St. Paul’s homeless young people On any given day in St. Paul, there are at least 200 homeless youth on the street, which puts them at risk of sex-trafficking and other victimization. Of those, 70-80 stop by the SafeZone Drop-In Center downtown for a hot meal, a change of clothes, help finding a job or a place to live. Since 2007, visits to Ramsey County’s only drop-in center for homeless youth have increased 75 percent, to more than 20,000 visits a year. The center has outgrown its 5,800-square-foot space at 308 Prince St., near the Farmers Market. To better meet that growing need, the nonprofit that runs SafeZone has leased and is renovating an 8,200-square-foot space in Metro Square, at 7th and Robert Streets. In their November grant rounds, The Saint Paul Foundation, F. R. Bigelow Foundation and Mardag Foundation made grants totaling $60,000 to support moving costs, furnishings and equipment for the new space. The SafeZone funding was among 135 grants totaling nearly $3.5 million the three foundations made in November. Established in 1994, by Face
Lynda Bennett
Young man entering SZ to Face Health and Counseling Service, SafeZone offers a range of free services to homeless and at-risk youth. Youth is now defined in many federal and state regulations as people up until they turn 25 years of age. “There is myth in our culture that when a person turns 18 that they should be able to support
themselves and be independent,” said Lynda Bennett, executive director of Face to Face Health and Counseling Service. “The barriers that our young people face these days are just staggering.” Bennett points to a recent Pew Research study that found a record 36.4 percent of young women ages 18-34 live with at least one parent,
as do 42.8 percent of young men. Due to later marriage and stagnant earning power, it is common for young adults to bounce back and live with their parents at least once after college, Bennett said. “The population we serve doesn’t have that family to go back to,” said Bennett. “Youth are homeless for a variety of reasons;
many have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect as children, many have come out of the child welfare system and have families with mental illness, chemical dependency or incarceration histories.” The cost of renovating SafeZone’s larger space is estimated at $500,000. Bennett said work could begin this month, and the plan is to open the new drop-in center in March 2016. “The grants are a lifeline,” said Bennett. “The foundations have been funders in every one of our capital projects over the past 23 years.” She said one donor made a $40,000 gift that allowed
the nonprofit to get the project underway, and Face to Face raised more than $10,000 on Give to the Max Day, allowing it to claim a $10,000 matching give from another donor. Bennett said that the new location is a better fit for SafeZone than its Lowertown space, which now sits in a quickly gentrifying neighborhood. “Young people under stress who are in survival mode do what they need to in order to look tough enough to live on the street, and that scares some people,” said Bennett. “It is really essential to have the DropIn Center be centrally located and accessible from all parts of the metro by public transportation, not to be in any particular residential neighborhood,” she said. SafeZone is a program of Face to Face, a St. Paul nonprofit. “Our Foundations are proud to make these grants, because SafeZone is a vital part of the safety net that gives young people opportunities to succeed in Saint Paul,” said Ann Mulholland, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners vice president for Community Impact.
Twin Cities Black Journalists spread joy at Phyllis Wheatley annual toy drive The Twin Cities Black Journalists (TCBJ) and the Star Tribune recently collected 26 toys and received more than $600 in donations for toy purchases that went to benefit the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in north Minneapolis. The team bought and delivered 259 items (toys, games, dolls, puzzles, earbuds, selfie sticks and holiday mugs) to the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center this past Saturday (Dec. 12). The children and teens each received toys and gifts during the annual Santa Breakfast. During the event TCBJ received a sincere thank you note from Barbara Milon, Phyllis Wheatley’s executive director. Angela Kasperzick, Phyllis Wheatley staff member, organized the annual breakfast.
Pictured are Twin Cities Black Journalists (TCBJ) member Marsha Pitts-Phillips, director Media Relations/Greater Twin Cities United Way; TCBJ member and toy drive organizer, Dee DePass, Star Tribune Business reporter and Santa Breakfast organizer and Phyllis Wheatley staff member, Angela Kasperzick.
Car review: 2015 Lexus GS F Sport AWD By Frank S. Washington AboutThatCar.com DETROIT – Lexus has long been known as a producer of luxury cars that were top notch in terms of quality, smoothness and for running as quiet as a sunset. But now the automaker is on a mission to put some spunk in its treads. Much like the automaker’s effort to create a hybrid for every model it produces, Lexus is creating a sport version for most of its models. High horse-powered models from its European luxury competitors is forcing the effort. Most Lexus models come in two tiers and we believe a third is on the way. There is the GS 350, the GS 350 F Sport and before long, there will be a G3 350 F. We had the GS 350 F Sport All Wheel Drive sedan. This was more of an appearance package but there was some performance generated by the 3.5-liter V6 that made 308 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the GS drove smooth, the car was quiet and it handled well. Under hard acceleration the engine sounded a bit rough but it was capable. It had an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the
2015 Lexus Gs 350 F Sport highway and 21 mpg combined. The F Sport package included rain sensing wipers, heated and cooled front seats, a rear sun shade and 19-inch split five-spoke allow wheels. It had an adaptive variable suspension with ride mode settings of eco, normal, sport and sport+. We didn’t tinker too much with the drive modes, never bothering to test the sport+ mode. We took the car out of econ and left it in normal for most of the week-long test
drive. But the few times that we did put the car in sportmode, the Lexus GS F Sport’s steering stiffened, the car held gears longer and the instrument meter lighting changed to a red background. But there was more. In addition to a sport-tuned suspension, the GS F Sport had an AVS damping system and variable gear ratio steering system. The car reacted to driver input almost instantly, there wasn’t much play in the
steering and it was really easy to drive. The GS 350 F Sport appearance package was impressive. It had a mesh spindle grille but we wish the bumper that bisected it was hidden. The rear bumper had a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. This F Sport could also be equipped with rear wheel steering but our tester didn’t have it. Inside, the car was roomy,
Classifieds Support Specialist U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, District of MN, is accepting applications for a full-time Support Specialist for Minneapolis, Minnesota. Salary range is $37,143 - $60,368. For a complete job description visit our website, http://www.mnp. uscourts.gov , Career Opportunities. An Equal Opportunity Employer
U.S. Probation Officer U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, District of MN, is accepting applications for a full-time U.S. Probation Officer for Minneapolis, St. Paul or Duluth, Minnesota. Salary range is $42,718 – $96,712. For a complete job description visit our website, http://www.mnp.uscourts.gov , Career Opportunities. An Equal Opportunity Employer
ergonomically correct and the interior was swathed in striated aluminum and the pedals were also aluminum. About the only thing we complained about was the placement of the headsup-display controls. On the left side of the dash tucked right next to the three-spoked steering wheel, they could not be seen from a normal driving position. A huge 12.3-inch information screen was embedded in the middle of the
dash. It sat in a deep crevice and it was immediate that this was no touch screen. All of its information could pulled up by mouse that was placed in the center console. Of course, the 2015 Lexus GS F Sport had a navigation system, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. It also had Entune. It was a voice enabled suite of apps that searched the internet, made dining reservations, got movie tickets and dialed up several internet radio stations including Pandora and iHeartRadio when connected to a compatible smartphone. There were other touches of understated luxury. The analogue clock was carved from a single ingot of aluminum, the automatic climate control system detected whether there was a front passenger and directed airflow only to the occupied front seat or seats and what Lexus called the Climate Concierge automatically monitored the temperature of the three separate climate zones and adjusted not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats and steering wheel individually. The Lexus 2015 GS F Sport was a capable luxury sport sedan. At $60,185, the price didn’t seem out of line for what you got.
Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com
North Memorial Needs Volunteers to Help Victims of Domestic Abuse SafeJourney, a program serving North Memorial Medical Center and Maple Grove Hospital, helps patients and individuals in the community who are experiencing domestic abuse. Volunteer advocates are needed to provide a listening ear, support, safety planning, information and referral. You do not have to have previous knowledge or experience, but rather looking for people who are sensitive to the issue, caring, and nonjudgmental. Advocates sign up for 2 on-call shifts per month. Flexible scheduling - daytime, overnights, and weekends. Training is provided. Deadline to apply and schedule a short interview is January 26. Please call Suzy at 763-581-3942.
Volunteer Greeters Hennepin County is seeking volunteer greeters for its North Minneapolis human service center at 1001 Plymouth Avenue North to welcome and guide visitors, answer questions and assist with special projects. Reliable adults who enjoy working with people and who are available for a few hours twice a week are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will be able to volunteer for a minimum of three months. Volunteers are integral to Hennepin County’s mission of enhancing the health, safety and quality of life of its residents and communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way. Get involved by visiting http://www.hennepin.us/humanservicevolunteer and submitting a volunteer application.
Joint Religious Legislative Coalition Executive Director 40 hours. Act as official lobbyist, promote and develop organization, develop policy positions. Open until filled. www.jrlc.org/job-opportunities
Page 10 • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Insight News
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The Hip Hip Nutcracker photos by United Palace of Cultural Arts
Review: ORDWAY – The Hip Hop Nutcracker By Taylor Martin On November 24th and 25th, the Ordway presented the The Hip Hop Nutcracker. This talent-filled and attention drawing performance was a unique twist on the worldfamous Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. The twist to this Nutcracker performance was that while telling the same tale, even set to the same original musical arrangements of famous Russian composer Tchaikovsky, the show would be presented in the hip-hop style of dance, rather than in ballet as it is traditionally done. The Hip Hop Nutcracker sold out quickly; I have never seen the auditorium so packed! From families with young children, groups of teenage girls, to elderly
couples, it was obvious that the Twin Cities were excited about this show. The show began with a host welcoming and entertaining the crowd with his personal arrangements of the first hip-hop songs that were ever written. Immediately he had the attention of the older generation as he encouraged them to stand up to clap and sing along with songs he knew they had sung in their younger years, songs such as “Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer and “Jump Around” by House of Pain. The host called his arrangements of these songs “old-school hip-hop.” With a live DJ in the front corner of the stage and everyone standing and people jumping to the lyrics of these old hiphop songs, the audience was ready for a unique twist given to a classic production.
As the show began, I was pleased to see that even though the dancing was changed from ballet to hip-hop, the show tried to stay as true to its roots as possible. There were the same characters and the same story line; however, they threw a modern twist to it as it was set in the streets of a big city, rather than in a living room of a home, such as in the original ballet. The
delight of seeing the storyline of the original Nutcracker that we all know and love, combined with the creative and modern-day twist made for a very entertaining and appreciative show. Clara wore a long white T-shirt rather than a flowing night gown, Drosselmeyer was easily identifiable because of his mysterious presence and classic black and long attire, the battle scene was
filled with crumping and spinning rather than stiffmoving soldiers with guns, yet there were some mice crawling on the floor. Having been in the The Nutcracker several times myself, I found it enjoyable seeing the differences and similarities on this new show. I even found that some of the dance moves, even though they were in hip-hop, had a very strong resemblance to
the original choreography, which I appreciated and loved how they incorporated the history of this show, rather than straying from it. This new presentation of The Nutcracker presented the same classical story and characters with a new culture, time, and style that many found fun and refreshing. And of course, the talent of the dancers was unbelievable and extremely entertaining.
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Insight News • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Page 11
Roger Ross Williams: The “Blackface” interview By Kam Williams In 2010, Roger Ross Williams became the only AfricanAmerican to win an Academy Award for directing and producing the documentary “Music by Prudence.” Three years later, he directed “God Loves Uganda” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to enormous critical acclaim before airing on the PBS series “Independent Lens.” He recently finished shooting “Life, Animated,” an animated documentary inspired by Pulitzer Prizewinner Ron Suskind’s memoir about raising his autistic son. Williams has several works currently in development, including an interactive project called “Traveling While Black” and a feature documentary about the prison Industrial complex for The Why? Foundation. He serves on the artist advisory board for the Sundance Institute, and splits his time between upstate New York and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Here, he talks about his latest offering, “Blackface,” a CNN short film about a minstrel Christmas character celebrated in the Netherlands known as Black Pete. Kam Williams: Hi Roger, thanks for the interview. Roger Ross Williams: Thanks, Kam. KW: What inspired you to make “Blackface”? RRW: When I first saw a white Dutch person dressed up as Black Pete, I was both sickened and shocked. It’s hard to stand next to someone who views your skin color and hair as a costume. As a filmmaker, whenever I get that feeling, I want to explore what motivates people to engage in such offensive behavior and enlighten folks about its origins. KW: Do you think that there’s malice towards blacks underpinning the Dutch Christmas tradition? RRW: I think many Dutch just don’t know the history of Black Pete, that he is rooted in slavery, and how he was used to dehumanize a race of people. Once they realize this, many stop, but those who continue are either in denial, insensitive or actually racists. KW: Given the assassination in Amsterdam of Theo Van Gogh over his making a movie about Islam, my guess is that the Dutch probably aren’t very receptive currently to criticism of this nature.
RRW: After the film came out, I got death treats and had to have a bodyguard. It was interesting because many of the emails I got started out by saying it was their tradition and an innocent children’s holiday and ended by calling me the N-word or a “stupid black monkey.” How is that not racist? It just takes one racist crackpot to commit an act of violence against me. A Dutch woman even stopped me at the dog walk and told me I needed to “get over slavery” and that she would “die” for Black Pete. KW: Do you think we live in an overly sensitive politicallycorrect age, where people have to fear offending others by behavior considered acceptable just a decade ago? RRW: It’s not an issue of political correctness. It’s a issue of racism. Blackface was never acceptable to the black population in the Netherlands. They have been protesting [blackface] since the 1930s. The majority of black people were just afraid to speak up because non-whites are not treated as part of Dutch society. There is much institutionalized racism in The Netherlands and the non-white population is just now beginning to fight for their rights. Black Pete is just one example of what is going on there. So, racism was never acceptable to the people who suffer from it. KW: How do you feel when you see a Dutch person in blackface? The same as when you see American college students donning it on Halloween or for a “ghettothemed” frat party? RRW: Yes, it’s a horrible feeling to be mocked and ridiculed because of your race. KW: You married a Dutchman. How does he feel about his country’s Blackface tradition? RRW: He’s ashamed and embarrassed by it. He grew up with it like everyone else, but as soon as he realized it hurt others, he began to speak out against it. He produced and edited “Blackface.” KW: What message are you hoping to convey with the film? RRW: That symbolic racism is hurtful and that it is especially hurtful to black children who get called Black Pete in school and grow up with the sense that they are inferior to white kids. And that racism is a global problem and it is as damaging to whites as it is to non-whites. Everyone must fight against it.
Marc Yankus
Roger Ross Williams KW: Thanks again for the time, Roger, and best of luck with “Blackface.” RRW: My pleasure, Kam.
Music for the Holidays with Sen. Champion & Friends
Threads For Teens Holiday Clothing Drive
Thursday, December 17, 2015 Dinner Reception from 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Performance starts at 7:30 pm The Capri Theater 2027 West Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411
Featuring: Sarah Renner, Paris Bennett, Ashley DuBose, Tonia Hughes, The Lioness, Ray Makeever, Wayne Starks, Chantel SinGs, Ginger Commodore, High Praise Ministries Choir, New Salem MBC Choir, Shiloh Temple Choir, Henry High School, Hollywood Dance Studio, Les Jolies Petites, The Little Drummers and more.
Bring your GENTLY
Thursday, Thur TTh h rsd sda day,, December DDece e emb mber b r 17 17 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Capri Theater 2027 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis
Please stay for the free concert “Music for the Holidays with Sen. Champion and Friends” starting at 7:30pm For any questions, or if you would like to volunteer, contact Joane’ McAfee at 612-562-1344 or joanepmcafee@gmail.com
used or brand new clothes to donate to those in need for the holidays! If you know someone who is in need, you can get clothes to give them as well!
Free concert and dinner
Bring gently used clothes to donate to the Threads 4 Teens Clothing Drive
Ch Chante Ch Cha hante ante nte nt ntel el SSiinG el in in inGs nG Gs
Sarah Renner
Paris Bennett
Ashley DuBose
Tonia Hughes
The Lioness
Ray Makeever
Wayne Wayn Way ne Starks ne Starks Sta k
Page 12 • December 14 - December 20, 2015 • Insight News
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Up Rock
Dec. 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 aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com
OnePlusOne
Monday, Dec. 14 VISUAL ART/SALE Cocoa and Clay Sale Washburn Senior High 201 W. 49th St., Minneapolis 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Looking for a great gift made locally to give for the holidays or just to give to someone? Join Washburn ceramic students as they host their 2nd annual Cocoa and Clay sale. Ceramic mugs, cups, bowls and vases will be for sale ranging from $5 – $15. This sale supports the Washburn ceramic program and students.
Audiyo Element
of doing shows. Learn the dos and do nots from a DJ’s perspective.
Thursday, Dec. 17
Wednesday, Dec. 16
CONVERSATION/OPEN MIC
HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE
Tuesday, Dec. 15 HIP-HOP/SEMINAR MC seminar Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. DJ Kool Akiem (Micranouts/ MF Doom) presents a seminar on the technical aspects
OnePlusOne Triple Rock Social Club 629 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $5 OnePlusOne (Orikal Uno x DisputeOne) are releasing their debut 12” vinyl early 2016. They’ll be performing a majority of the record live with DJ Greenery and special guests Concentr8, Village Villains, Moxie and Armarock Ouk.
Friday, Dec. 18 Saturday, Dec. 19 R&B/HIP-HOP/
meditations to let audiences live in an experiential moment of unfurling, wildness and sweetness.
PERFORMANCE
“It’s Tea Time; East African and African American Experiences and Solidarity” The Common Table - Cedar Riverside 2001 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis 5:30 p.m. Join this cross-cultural conversation on East African and African-American experiences and solidarity. Light dinner served and there will be an open mic.
THEATRE The Main Event feat. Audiyo Element First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m.
Waters, Sweet Red and the Wild Glitter Transformation Pillsbury House Theatre 3501 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis
Audiyo Element brings a futuristic sound along with its new project. Due to circumstances beyond AE’s control they will be dropping the album in 2016. At the album release show the group will be giving away copies of its release. Additional performances include Toki Wright, Hustle Rose, Sarah White and Up Rocks’ final performance.
In this performancecreation-transformationinstallation, the recipes and wisdoms of queen mothers, the wild wanderings of great grandmothers and the limitless aspirations of freespirited aunties have come to hold space in a soul’s winter. This work uses performance, visual art, aerial, mommy’s cooking and soundscapes draped in Anita Baker, Sade and soulful island women
Sunday, Dec. 20 ART EXHIBIT Black and White Weisman Art Museum 333 East River Rd., Minneapolis 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Black and White refers to both the striking graphic qualities of the printed image and to the divisiveness at the heart of apartheid – the segregation of black and white.