Insight News ::: 12.27.10

INSIGHT NEWS December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 52 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Santa brings joy to North Minneapolis Children from the North Minneapolis community were thrilled to meet Santa on Saturday, December 18, when he visited the Minneapolis Urban League’s North side offices at the invitation to the Minneapolis Urban League Guild. Some children were a bit apprehensive about meeting the jolly old elf, and some were so exited they could not contain their joy.

The Urban League Guild estimates that over 260 children attended the event with their families. Each child had a moment to visit quietly with Santa and share his or her holiday wishes before Santa’s helpers took a picture of each child with Santa. Many families also chose to gather around Santa to have group photos taken in which the smiling faces of multiple generations could be seen. Children also received a treat from Santa as well as a book.

The Minneapolis Urban League Guild is recognized as the first organization in Minnesota to sponsor an

event that features an African American Santa who visits with children from the community during the Christmas season.

“This is a particularly special event that the Guild hosts each year because it gives children the opportunity to visit with an African American Santa and share with him their Christmas wishes,” said Lucretia Sudduth-Wood, a member of the Minneapolis Urban League Guild.

“Santa Claus is a powerful figure in American culture.

He symbolizes all that is best in the human spirit,” said Winnie Brown, President of the Minneapolis Urban League Guild. “It is very important for our children to recognize and identify with these qualities of caring and generosity in their own context.”

One man who displayed these qualities for years was Richard “Dick” Ilse . Ilse was a beloved staff member of the Minneapolis Urban League

SANTA TURN TO 11

Courtesy of Minneapolis Urban League

Making math fun

By Marcia Humphrey Contributing Writer What do you get when you put together the Girl Scouts of Camden Wirth Oaks Service Unit, Mathnasium of Brooklyn Park, Richard Allen Math and Science Academy (RAMSA), and other supportive community partners? Add them all up and you get a unique community event for young people and their families that promotes strong math skills in a fun and practical way. You will not want to miss the Math Triathlon, taking place Saturday, Jan. 8 from 3-5 pm at RAMSA, 5140 Freemont Avenue North, Minneapolis.

Children from kindergarten through twelfth grade will benefit from the nearly twenty hands-on activity stations that will feature fun math-related games that help kids to see the necessity and relevance of math skills in everyday life.

In addition, kids will have an opportunity to win prizes, sample Girl Scout cookies, and enjoy a healthy snack.

Participating Girl Scouts will even be able to earn a “Math Whiz” fun patch to display on their uniforms.

Since the Math Triathlon focuses on math-empowerment for young people, Richard Allen Math and Science Academy also seems to be a logical partner http://www.ramsaacademy. org.

It’s apparent that Principal Bondo Nyembwe wholeheartedly agrees.

He explained that one of his

studiotobechi

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison

Ellison votes ‘no’ on tax bill

By Lydia Schwartz Contributing Writer

Courtesy of Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Troop 13779. Sitting left to right: Zuri, Nyila, Aysha and Taylor. Row #2 left to right Archiya , Maya, Malia, Adyson , Dee Dee, Baysia, Alyanna and Kennedy. Row #3 left to right: Destiny, Rachel, Xabryna, Leah and Alexis. Adults left to right: Schuyla “Skye” Moore (Daisy Scout co-leader), Faith Kroeker Maus (Junior Scout co-leader), Rachel Hundt (Brownie Scout co-leader) and Lisa Anderson (Troop leader). middle school’s non-academic goals is to have at least 50% of the students participate in at least one math, science, or technology competition/ fair each year. Also, RAMSA actively seeks quality collaboration opportunities for students. In addition to hosting the event at his school, his students have become involved by competing to design the

Business

Navigating after a “no”

PAGE 2

winning Girl Scout “Math Whiz” fun patch. To encourage further student enthusiasm, both the Girl Scouts of Camden Wirth Service Unit and select RAMSA youth will also serve as student ambassadors during the event. This type of student engagement supports the community partners’ shared goal; promoting increased interest in Science, Technology,

Aesthetics “Psych”-ing out Dulé

PAGE 5

Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers and education,

MATH TURN TO 4

US Rep. Keith Ellison (DFLMN) stated that he did not vote for the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. The law maker said he largely objects to its extension of tax cuts for estate-owners and other tax breaks for the wealthiest top two percent of Americans.

The Act, also known as ‘Middle-Class Tax Relief,’ is a tax-agreement that was created

by Pres. Barack Obama by working with Congressional Republicans. Obama attempted to bridge the bipartisan divide to create tax-cuts for working families, but Republicans

Health

One of five deaths caused by cigarette smoking

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would only support a bill that also cut taxes for the rich.

Paying taxes for government programs and social services are critical for the healthy functioning of society. Ellison criticizes the fiscal-political strategy of ‘Starving the Beast’ to use budget deficits via tax cuts to force future reductions in the size of government.

The term ‘beast’ refers to the government and the programs it funds, particularly social programs. Examples of this ideology include President Ronald Reagan’s administration ignoring the national budget deficit; and tax cuts by former Pres. George W Bush’s administration because of the deficit.

ELLISON TURN TO 6

Sports

Who should be MVP: Vick or Brady?

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Page 2 • December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • Insight News

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BUSINESS

Navigating after a “no” Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Nothing is more disappointing than taking no for an answer.

Imagine Brett Favre’s frustration when his doctors said, “No more consecutive starts.” Or the look on Joseph’s face when he heard the words, “No room at the inn.” And yet, Joseph found a suitable solution

in a manger nearby, and Favre likely has more football before him. Professionals in sales, customer service and parenting agree, No rarely means no. However, “No” does not mean, “Keep asking,” either. No is a simple, twoletter statement indicating that, based on currently available information, the answer at this time is not, “Yes.” Capitalizing on the no requires creativity and patience, and new information.

In business, No can be especially defeating. A sales presentation or budget request can take hours to compile; in a split second, the word No

can deflate even the Tefloncoated salesperson’s heart.

The disappointment is acute because everyone knows that a rational person will never change his or her mind once the No is on the table. Tempting, isn’t it, to slam the door on your way out. What if, instead, you decide that No is the beginning of the negotiation; No leaves the door open because someone bothered to say it. Your job as the disappointed one is to stop wallowing and spring into action.

First, absorb the No. Let it sink in and resist the urge to react. “Let me understand,” you finally say. “This is not

right for you at this time?”

Your next line sets the stage for continued conversation, so rehearse until you get it right.

“Thank you.” Thank you for your response. Thank you for sharing this information.

Thank you for allowing me to introduce you to this product/ concept/solution. This is an acknowledgement that the No was not a personal attack on you or your presentation; no hard feelings.

If you are going to get a new decision, you must exchange new information with your naysayer. You want to fully collaborate. “May I ask how will you address this need

going forward?” I see, I see, I understand, you say, collecting information that reveals more about your customer, his needs, and alternative solutions.

Next, you strategize. Using the additional information you have gathered, determine what new criteria you need to provide. Finally, return to the decision maker and ask for a new decision based on the new information.

Be patient. The Yes might come only in due time. If you miss out on a job because you didn’t graduate, it will take some time to go out and finish school. When you succeed, you can return with new

information (your degree) and ask for a new decision (a job offer).

Realize that No is rarely personal. Most people act in their own best interest. Act in your own best interest yourself by learning more about where the No came from, so you can eventually help the decision maker reach a different result.

Julie Desmond is an experienced recruiter and career planner with Specialized Recruiting Group in Edina, MN. She also leads dynamic job search workshops in Minneapolis. Write to julie@ insightnews.com.

Company supports women business leaders Washington, DC – Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) joined Diversity Woman Magazine to uplift and empower women during the Diversity Women’s Business Conference held in Washington, DC, recently. Over two days, women in various industries ranging from executives, educators, entrepreneurs and innovators, came together to discuss strategies and solutions for demonstrating leadership in the modern workplace. Wells

Fargo was also a supporter of the Mosaic Women Awards Luncheon and joined panelists during breakout sessions and workshops which addressed executive leadership and personal development.

Founded five years ago

by Sheila Robinson, the Diversity Women’s Business Conference continues to grow as a professional networking force for diverse women.

“We have the opportunity to develop and build lasting

relationships that can and will bridge the leadership gaps,” said Robinson in regards to working alongside Wells Fargo & Company to host the Diversity Women’s Business Conference.

Diversity Woman Magazine recognized four amazing women for their visions and leadership, and for their cultural and worldly influence.

Among the honorees, Dr. Maya Angelou received the Legend Award for her many accomplishments as a poet, educator and writer and her perpetual commitment to inspire women across the globe.

Other winners included author and commentator Dr. Julianne Malveaux, and renowned inspirational speaker Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch. Also, Edie Fraser, managing director and Chair of the Diversity Practice at Diversified Search Ray & Berndston, was recognized during the conference.

Mark Finkenstaed/Courtesy Flowers Communications Group

Pictured (from left) are Alisa Joseph, vice president of diverse segments with Wells Fargo, renowned poet, author and actress, Dr. Maya Angelou and Pat Crawford, chief diversity officer with Wells Fargo at the Mosaic Women Awards Luncheon.

Page 4 • December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Klobuchar congratulates award-winning teachers Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar met with Stephen Kaback of the Blake School in Minneapolis and with Karen Hyers of Tartan Senior High School in Oakdale, MN, to congratulate them on earning the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in science teaching (Kaback) and mathematics teaching (Hyers).

Kaback and Hyers were two of 103 science and math teachers across the country who teach grades seven through 12 who earned the award.

In a statement Klobuchar said, “It was great to meet with the teachers on earning this prestigious distinction. The fields of science, math, and technology have long been the core of America’s strength and competitiveness, and it’s critical that we have exceptional teachers to develop the next generation of leaders in these fields.”

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-

college-level math and science teachers, and it is the highest recognition one can receive for teaching in the United States.

The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Winners of this honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretions.

Klobuchar is the chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion, and she has pushed for a greater national emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. At a hearing in May, Klobuchar stressed the importance of STEM education in developing a science and engineering workforce that can succeed in a global economy.

Math From 1 especially for girls and children of color.

The inspiration for the Math Triathlon came from Girl Scout Troop 13779 Leader, Lisa Anderson.

As a new leader for her daughter’s troop, she noticed that some of the girls in the troop were having difficulty providing change to customers during Girl Scout cookie booth selling. In addition, Anderson also noticed her own daughter struggling in math in school, and becoming discouraged. After doing some research, Anderson decided that Mathnasium http://www.mathnasium.com/ directory/USA_brooklynpark. htm, a specialized math-learning center in Brooklyn Park, was the best fit for her daughter, Dee Dee. Anderson quickly noticed very positive results; higher grades, a “love” of math, and more self-confidence.

It was then that Anderson

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We are a licensed daycare and preschool program with a 4 Star Parent Aware rating. We feature licensed and trained staff, Project Early Kindergarten (PEK) curriculum and a sliding fee scale. We gladly accept Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Contact us today for a tour and more information.

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Karen Hyers, winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math teaching knew she needed to spread two messages: 1. like her daughter, children can learn to “love” math and have fun doing it. 2. A great new community resource exists that teaches kids how to love math. Anderson was not satisfied with only spreading this message among the Girl Scout families; she wanted to tell all of the community’s young people and their parents about the benefits of Mathnasium. When she approached Scott Bernstein, Director and co-owner of the Brooklyn Park location, and shared her excitement, the vision became clearer.

Bernstein, who confesses that as a kid he also hated math, was eager to form a partnership, providing his expertise in designing interesting activity stations, donating supplies, and providing staffing for the event.

Other generous community partners stepped in to lend support to this important cause that ultimately affects the long-term vitality of our entire community.

In addition to local colleges and universities,

klobuchar.senate.gov

Klobuchar congratulates Stephen Kaback for earning the Presidential Award for Excellence in science teaching.

Courtesy of Mathnasium

Scott and a student from Mathnasium significant contributors that helped to make the event possible include Share, Save, and Spend http://www. sharesavespend.com/, King Solutions of Dayton, MN http:// www.kingsolutionsusa.com/ , and Sanctuary Covenant Church http://www.sanctuarycov.org/.

Mark your calendar and come ready to experience math in a fun, new way at the Math Triathlon on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, 3-5pm, at RAMSA. The

cost is only $5 in advance of the event and $7 at the door for children; parents are admitted for free (In addition, a parents’ lounge-area will be provided).

Pre-registration for the event is highly recommended.

Registration is available online until Monday January 3rd, 2011.

For additional questions, contact Karlie Hammes with Girl Scouts at Karlie.

Hammes@girlscoutsrv.org or (763) 535-4602.

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Insight News • December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • Page 5

AESTHETICS “Psych”-ing out Dulé Interview

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Dulé Hill stars as Burton ‘Gus’ Guster on the USA Network series Psych which airs on Wednesdays at 10 PM ET/PT and at 9 PM CT. Best known for his work as Charlie Young on “The West Wing,” Hill first came to prominence as The Kid opposite Savion Glover and Jeffrey Wright in the Broadway production of “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk.”

His stage credits also include “Black and Blue,” “Shenandoah” and “The Little Rascals.” In 2007, he returned to the stage where he starred in “Dutchman,” Amiri Baraka’s Obie award-winning play about a white woman who seduces a naïve, bourgeois Black man on a subway train with terrifying results.

Born to Jennifer Garner and Bertholomu Hillshire in Orange, NJ, on May 3, 1975, and raised with his elder brother, Bert, in nearby Sayreville, Dulé began attending dance school when he was three and received his first break in 1983 as the understudy to

Savion Glover in “The Tap Dance Kid” on Broadway. He went on to perform the lead role in the musical’s national tour alongside Harold Nicholas.

In 1999, he joined the cast of the acclaimed NBC series “The West Wing,” playing the personal aide to the President (Martin Sheen) and, subsequently, deputy special assistant to the chief of staff (Allison Janney). During his seven seasons on the series, Hill garnered an Emmy Award nomination and four NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, as well as receiving two Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble in a drama series.

On the big screen, Hill appeared opposite William H. Macy in an adaptation of David Mamet’s “Edmond,” and Andrew Davis’ “The Guardian.” His film credits also include “Holes,” an adaptation of the award-winning children’s novel by Louis Sachar, plus “Sugar Hill,” “She’s All That” and the independent film “Sexual Life.”

Here, he talks about Psych, a lighthearted, crime-solving series where he plays a private eye whose partner (James Roday) pretends to be clairvoyant.

Kam Williams: Hey, Dulé, thanks for the time.

Dule Hill: Oh, it’s my pleasure.

KW: I’d like to start right in with questions sent in for you by my readers. Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: Do you believe people have psychic powers?

Have you ever experienced anything psychic in real life?

DH: I do believe that there are a few of those rare folks out there with a sixth sense who really do have psychic powers. But I think the majority of people who claim to be psychics are frauds. As for myself, I’ve never experienced anything personally, except on one occasion when I was a kid with a friend of mine who has passed away since. He was spending the night over at my house and I tried to wake him up because he was mumbling to himself in his sleep.

I asked him what he was talking about and he said, “Oh, man, I had this dream that your little cousin was here and bothering me by climbing on my back.” It turned out that later that day one of my cousins did come over and start messing with him. That was definitely strange. But besides that, I haven’t had any psychic experiences.

KW: I guess Miss Cleo of Psychic Friends Network infomercial fame ruined it for real psychics once she was exposed as a fraud.

DH: Yeah, any Jamaican could’ve told you from the first time they saw the commercial that she was a fake, because her accent was

Dulé Hill terrible. [Laughs] KW: FSU grad Laz Lyles says: I love Psych. I just really want to know how they’ve been able to keep it so darn funny and fresh for this long. The show is hilarious!

DH: For one, you have to take your hat off to Steve Franks, the show’s creator, and to the writing staff that he’s assembled. They’re very good at seeing where we’re

going both onscreen and as actors, and getting in that lane and taking it further. They also give us a lot of freedom, which is good. They’re not so strict about sticking to the script. If we come up with something really funny to do while we’re on the set, they’ll allow us to go off on that tangent, and 80% of the time it’ll end up on the show. Having that freedom to move within the structure helps a lot. It’s kind of like jazz or any kind of improv. It’s a great collaborative effort, which helps the show to be so funny. But it’s impossible to say exactly what makes it all click. When lightning strikes, you just have to enjoy it and hope it continues a while longer.

KW: I’d guess that the key is the chemistry and comic timing of the stars, you and James Roday, because you guys seem very natural and give the feeling that you really like each other.

DH: Well, James and I have been good friends ever since we joined the cast. There’s a mutual respect there for each other’s talent, artistry and humanity. Plus, we have a good time on the set, and enjoy being around each other. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.

That goes a long way because we don’t have to manufacture a sense of camaraderie when the cameras start rolling. We come to work looking to have a great time everyday. We get our job done, but the set is a fun place to be.

KW: Children’s book author Irene Smalls asks: Has your role on Psych evolved, and how do you see it evolving further?

DH: The role has definitely evolved since the pilot season.

Steve Franks had always promised that it was going to expand. If you compare the first few episodes from the first season to recent ones, you’ll see that the quality of Shawn and Gus’ interaction is richer, and that Gus stands up for himself a little more.

It’s a fuller friendship at this point.

As for where the development of my character is headed, I can’t say. But I’d really like to see Gus date more. He doesn’t necessarily

Courtesy NBC Universal

have to succeed at dating, but just step out there, especially now that Shawn and Juliet’s relationship is really kicking off. Gus has to start asking, what am I going to do with my life?

KW: Nick Antoine asks: Are James Roday and Maggie Lawson dating in real life?

DH: I believe that’s public knowledge, now, so I think it’s safe for me to say, “Yes, they are.”

KW: Nick also asks: How much would you say you’re like your character, Gus? DH: I don’t think I’m like Gus at all, really. I don’t store lots of trivia in my brain. He knows something about everything, like all these random facts about the Eighties. I think I’m not as hyped as Gus is. I’m smoother and more laidback. I do like to have fun and to play games; otherwise, I don’t think I’m too much like him.

KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier says: I did tap dance for over 12 years which is one of my passions. Tap dance was very popular in the past with people like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and the Nicholas Brothers. Later, Paula Abdul and Gregory Hines were among the few people who modernized tap. As an expert in tap dance, what would you say needs to be done to put this genre of art back on the map?

DH: That’s an excellent question, although I wouldn’t call myself an expert tap dancer. [Laughs] Something I’m constantly turning over in my head is a way of getting tap back into the public eye. I tried to take some baby steps by doing a tap episode on Psych this year.

But I don’t think it’s going to be an overnight revival. It’s probably going to be something that starts small and builds into a multifaceted groundswell. It might have to begin on the theater side, on the stage, before working its way to television more widely.

The internet can play a big role, too, in educating the masses as a whole about what really good tap dancing is.

HILL TURN TO 9

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Insight News • December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • Page 7

COMMENTARY Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukkah Opinion

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist Habari Gani begins the greeting. It is Swahili for “what’s happening.” During Kwanzaa, the seven days between December 26 and January 1, the response reflects the particular day of Kwanzaa.

On December 26, the response is Umoja, which means Unity. On December 29, the response is Ujamaa, which is cooperative economics. On the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1, the response is Imani which means Faith.

We are all indebted to Mualana Ron Karenga for his

development of the Kwanzaa concept in 1969, and for the millions of people who celebrate African history and heritage.

As a Christian, I worship and am mindful of the birth of the Christ Child and the fact that somehow, as a greeting, Happy Holidays has swallowed Merry Christmas.

The Happy Holidays greeting is intended to be inclusive, intended to encompass Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukkah, the Winter Solstice, and just about everything else.

It is intended, by some, to indicate that we are sensitive to everybody’s needs, holidays and religious diversity. Still, I think we lose just a little bit of something when we decide to group everything into “the holidays.” We lose the majesty of the Christ Child’s birth, a day that most of our nation celebrates. Three in four of all Americans are self-identified

Christians. Should we swallow the uniqueness of the season and the celebration, miracle, and renewal that it implies?

Our Jewish brothers and sisters also celebrate holy times

and acknowledging each other’s holy moments. We lose some of that with the generic Happy Holidays.

Kwanzaa is a celebration unto itself. Karenga developed

“...a Happy Holidays greeting is a politically correct way of both lumping us all together and ignoring the richness of our differences...” in Chanukkah. This celebration of lights, of rededication, has special meaning that should not be reduced to just another holiday. Those of us who are not Jewish may not need to celebrate Chanukah, but we should be aware, mindful, and commemorative.

Religious diversity means knowing about

the holiday and its celebration in the late 1960s to affirm the African American vision and values. The seven principles, umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity)

and imani (faith) are all principles that represent the foundation of community growth and development, and a celebration of family and culture. Millions have taken the principles and used them as a way to affirm strength and resilience in the African American community. I am especially mindful of the principle of ujamaa, cooperative economics, as it undergirds much of the work that I do. So when somebody says habari gani to you on December 29, please respond with ujamaa.

Kwanzaa does not substitute or supplant Christmas. It is an entirely different reality.

It is an end year celebration of family, faith and community, a celebration of life. A forty plus year tradition is a rich and rewarding way to bring us all together.

We should have enough room in our collective

consciousness to allow for multiple year-end celebrations.

Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukkah each commemorate different facets of American life. And then there is the winter solstice, the changing of the seasons, the shortest day of the year, and yet, too a celebration.

Yes, we need to have enough room to celebrate all these things in their distinctness.

To swallow them all up in a Happy Holidays greeting is a politically correct way of both lumping us all together and ignoring the richness of our differences and how our differences add to the ways we live and celebrate our lives.

Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women. Her most recent book, Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History is available at www. lastwordprod.com.

Claims Resolution Act: Will farmers be paid?

By William Reed Headlines are saying that “Black Farmers Are Getting Paid” because President Barack Obama has signed the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 that authorizes $1.15 billion to settle claims Black farmers won initially from the US Department of Agriculture over a decade ago. Before we all trumpet “success and justice” in this matter, take a look at how we got to here.

In 1997, a Black North Carolina farmer named Timothy Pigford filed a claim against the government for reparations. Four hundred Black farmers joined Pigford’s suit and claimed USDA discrimination against them on the basis of race. ThenSecretary of Agriculture Dan

Glickman found that 205 of the 116,261 loan and crop payments issued by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency involved the possibilities of racial discrimination.

On January 4, 1999, Judge Paul Friedman signed a consent decree that awarded damages to Blacks who farmed, or tried to farm, between January 1981 and December 1996 and had applied for USDA aid. Claimants were supposed to file by September 15th 2000, but around 73,800 did not.

Many Blacks know it, but maybe many do not, but institutional racism can be defined as “the collective failure of an organization to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their color, culture, or ethnic origin”. The “Pigford”

case has bounced back and forth for years. Now, there is a second payoff effort, but the problem for Whites now is that when the 1999 settlement was reached there were a total of 18,000 Black farmers. Now, more than 94,000 people have filed claims for payouts.

The Pigford case shows America’s deplorable legacy of slavery, segregation, Jim Crow and benign neglect is institutional and pervasive.

Shunned by commercial banking institutions, Black farmers were especially dependent upon the USDA as a “lender of last resort” for their farming needs. Actually USDA agents delayed Black farmers’ loan approvals until late into the crop season and would alter loan applications to increase Black farmers’ chances of being

rejected in addition to altering loan repayment schedules without notice to the borrower.

Despite the USDA’s dastardly performances toward Black farmers, stipulations the agency managed to include in the award have turned out to pose problems for Black farmers. This time, the Obama administration wants to bring “long-ignored claims of African American farmers to a rightful conclusion.” Now, Minnesota Rep. Michelle Bachmann has promised that “every claim will be investigated before a single dollar goes out the door.” Bachmann claims the Black farmers’ suit is “rife with fraud” because there more claimants than there are Black farmers. Iowa Rep. Steve King has called the case “a form of reparations for slavery” and

that the bulk of the Pigford II claims are fraudulent because there are fewer Black farmers than claimants. Bachmann and King represent Whites’ typical obstacles to justice.

The number of Black farmers may have declined in direct proportion to the number who lost their farms due to USDA discrimination that denied Black farmers loans - the point of the settlement program.

Although he says that payment to Black farmers is “long overdue”, the USDA’s current Secretary Tom Vilsack “doesn’t know” how long it will take for Black farmers to actually get paid. It could be at least a year before Black farmers get payments, but it’s highly unlikely anyone will get money until some time in 2012.

Blacks who have left the farm,

or are still there, need to make sure they get paid. They should start gathering information, particularly any proof that they filed a claim in the original Pigford case. They should also gather any proof that they were denied loans or other assistance, or received less favorable terms, than White farmers.

The settlement applies only to Black farmers who missed the deadline for filing a claim in the Pigford I case, but even farmers who can’t prove they filed an application past that deadline should still pursue a claim.

Final court approval may not happen until next summer and farmers likely will have six months after that to file claims.

(William Reed is available for speaking/seminar projects via BaileyGroup.org)

Page 8 • December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • Insight News

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Unions call out Pawlenty on budget ‘blame game’

Governor Tim Pawlenty

By Sharon Rolenc Minnesota News Connection Part 1 of 2 ST. PAUL, Minn. - With a looming $6.2 billion dollar state budget deficit, outgoing Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been in

the spotlight recently, blaming public employee unions for a big part of both state and national financial woes. Pawlenty has said public employees’ union members are overpaid, and receive benefits he considers excessive.

Eliot Seide, executive director of AFSCME Council 5, the union that represents

state workers, calls those claims myths, and counters that public employees are playing an important role in Minnesota’s economic recovery.

“AFSCME members make on average $38,000 a year, and they buy necessities, not luxuries - and that’s the kind of spending that will pull Minnesota out of this consumer-driven recession.

Every time Governor Pawlenty cuts a public employee’s job, Main Street loses a customer. As more stores shutter their doors, the last thing we need is more layoffs,” said Seide.

Seide pointed out that the average AFSCME salary is lower than Minnesota’s average per capita income of just under $42,000. In his view, the state is spending its money effectively with public employees, who take care of Minnesotans on the roads, as well as in schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

According to U.S. Census data (www.census.gov/govs/ apes/about_the_survey.html), Minnesota has about 36,000 full-time public employees, or 71 government workers

for every 10,000 people. That means AFSCME members are working harder with fewer resources, said Seide.

“The Minnesota state workforce is the tenth leanest, and one of the most productive in the nation,” said Seide.

Pawlenty has called public pensions one of the driving forces behind many local budget crunches, across the country. Seide says AFSCME retiree pensions are far from extravagant, at about $13,000 a year.

“Combined with Social Security, it’s the difference between dignity and poverty.

Ninety percent of retired public workers stay in Minnesota, and their pensions fuel the local economy, and keep seniors selfsufficient,” said Seide.

Seide believes the impact of losing pensions would have a more disastrous effect on the local economy in Greater Minnesota, where benefit payments add $1.25 billion to the economy each year, according to the state retirement systems.

Charles Neville

Courtesy of Dakota Jazz Club

Charles Neville Quartet at Dakota Jazz Club January 1-2: Charles Neville Quartet 7:00pm Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant • 1010 Nicollet Avenue • Minneapolis www.dakotacooks.com Charles Neville, the second oldest brother of the legendary Neville Brothers, has the most diverse musical background of the four brothers. His experience on saxophone has included rhythm & blues, funk, jazz, bebop, popular and even

American Indian music. He cites as influences Louis Jordan, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Professor Longhair. He is also the only brother that lived away from New Orleans for long periods of time, making places like New York, Memphis and Oregon his home. Charles’s show is a journey of musical exploration of America’s greatest art form, jazz and specifically jazz from the bebop era.

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Hill From 5 KW: Patricia also says: Your parents are from Jamaica. Marcus Garvey is one of the greatest heroes from your parents’ country. If Garvey were alive today, what do you think he would have said about the fact that we now have an African-American president?

DH: Wow! I would hope that he would be proud of the country’s taking that major step forward.

But I think he might also say that the race doesn’t stop there. We still have further to go to open the floodgates and create more opportunities for our people to achieve that same level of success in other fields so they can fully realize the American Dream.

KW: Harriet Pakula Teweles says: Psych reminds me of the TV series I Spy, with Bill Cosby and Robert Culp. Have you ever gotten that before and what do you think of the comparison?

DH: I have heard that before, but I don’t know much about I Spy. I’ve figured out that they were detectives, and that there’s a black and white connection, but I’ve never seen a full episode.

So, I can’t say whether I see any similarities. Maybe I should try to download it.

KW: Harriet also says she read that you were recently denied membership on a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) committee because you couldn’t prove residency. Do you think someone might one day object to your running for president on this basis?

DH: That information she received may be a little off. I don’t think that’s true, because I served on several SAG committees just last year. I actually asked to be pulled off some committees this year because of my schedule. I didn’t want to serve, if I couldn’t devote my time to it. So, I pulled myself off the committees.

Insight News • December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • Page 9 fall short of the bar you set for yourself?

DH: Faith is the number one priority in my life, above all, and trying to live up to my potential.

At the same time, I know that in my personal life, I fall short often. To me, it’s always about not repeating my mistakes and about trying to improve each day. That’s what I work on in quiet moments of reflection.

listening to on your iPod? DH: Mostly reggae, gospel and some jazz. But I’d say about 85% reggae music.

parents to look at the house I grew up in. I must have been about 2½ or 3. We were living with my aunt and uncle at the time.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

DH: [LOL] That’s a loaded question, because you’re implying that I can cook. When I do cook, I make French toast and scrambled eggs. That’s my wife [actress

KW: The Rudy Lewis question: Who’s at the top of your hero list?

DH: That’s a good question.

[Pauses to think] Hero’s a strong word. I’d have to say my maternal grandmother, Ivy Hayes, who has passed away, because she was always there, always about her family, and she sacrificed for her family. And Berris Hill, my grandfather on my dad’s side.

Unfortunately, he’s deceased, too.

“The mind is a powerful thing.

You really have to challenge yourself to stay the course, even when everything seems to be saying ‘Pack up shop.’”

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?

DH: Yes, there are times when I’m afraid, but I don’t allow myself to dwell there. Whatever the situation is, whether emotional or physical, I don’t react to it, I just rest in it. I don’t reside in that area of fear. I try to rise above it and keep moving forward.

KW: The Columbus question: Are you happy?

DH: Yes, very happy.

Short

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

DH: I laugh every day, but I’d probably say I had my last really good one about three days ago.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

DH: My guiltiest pleasure? Video games and the spa. [Chuckles] KW: The “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan’s question: Where in L.A. do you live?

DH: I live in the Valley.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

DH: I would say something about falling short of the bar I set for myself, or about my faith, because I’m a Christian.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

DH: Right now, I’m reading The Enough Moment, a book by John Prendergast and Don Cheadle about all the atrocities going on in Africa in places like Darfur, Uganda and the Congo. And the last book I finished was Desperate Networks.

KW: So, how important is faith to you, and how often do you

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you

Nicole Lyn] in the background who’s saying “Don’t lie!” [Laughs some more] The key word there is “when” and those occasions are few and far between.

KW: What is your favorite dish to eat then?

DH: I love sushi, and two Jamaican entrees: Escovitch fish and jerk chicken.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?

DH: Off the top of my head, I’d say I like Ben Sherman and Mark Ecko a lot.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

DH: I see a good brother who’s trying to make it happen. I may not be the greatest man, but I’m a good guy.

KW: How do you feel about being nominated for an NAACP Image Award seven times but never winning one?

DH: I’m sort of like the Susan Lucci of the NAACP Awards. {Laughs] So, whenever I get a nomination, I never take it too seriously. It’s all good, though.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

DH: One wish… Oh man… It would be for everyone to be met at the place of their greatest need.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

DH: I think it was going with my

KW: What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

DH: When my family lost the house in Sayreville after 14 years.

That time period taught me a lot.

KW: Can you come up with a good generic question I can call the Dulé Hill question when I interview other celebrities?

DH: Yeah, do you think that the success you’ve achieved in your career is because of you, because of a higher power, or because of a mixture of both?

KW: That’s a good one, thanks.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

DH: I’d say, set a vision and go for it, because there’s power in commitment. And you have to be disciplined, and willing to take risks and to put in the effort.

I stayed the course when I was struggling in L.A. even after my dough got low and my agent had dropped me. I only had enough money to cover about another month and a half of my bills at that point. I remember sitting in my living room and saying that I was determined to be an actor, that I was either going to be successful at it, or spend the rest of my life trying.

KW: The Flex Alexander question: How did you get through those tough times?

DH: It’s really about having faith in yourself. The mind is a powerful thing. You really have to challenge yourself to stay the course, even when everything seems to be saying, “Pack up shop.” When God told me to go to L.A., he didn’t say there wouldn’t be any struggles. He told me to

keep pressing through. So, I had to get my mind right.

KW: The Tavis Smiley questions.

First, how introspective are you?

DH: I think I’m pretty introspective. There are those moments when I’m spontaneous, but I generally think things through, especially during my quiet time.

KW: You know who you remind me of interviewing you? Ang Lee. You have a similar energy. Have you ever met him?

DH: No I haven’t, but now I definitely would like to.

KW: The second Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?

DH: As a man who cared about others, who really put himself out for others.

KW: Well, thanks again Dulé, and best of luck with the season finale this week. And I’m already looking forward to next season and seeing your character further developed on Psych.

DH: Thanks a lot, Kam. I really appreciate it.

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Insight News • December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011 • Page 11

SPORTS

Michael Vick

Flickr / Wigstruck

Tom Brady

Keith Allison

Who should be MVP: Vick or Brady?

Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com It’s pretty hard to stay away from the “Vick versus Brady for NFL MVP” discussion. Both players are the complete evolution of the NFL quarterback, with Vick as the leader by a nose due to his evolutionary athletic ability.

Ever since seeing Vick outrun an outrunnable Florida State team in the 1999 Sugar Bowl, it has been mind-blowing to see him increase in performance. With Vick’s recent game versus the New York

Giants, where Vick employed the ideal combination of his running and throwing abilities according to what was required in the game, we were finally able to see him become his ultimate potential.

No matter the quarterback, there are those games when the other team is attacking exceptionally well with its pass rush, hitting and pressuring the quarterback. During those games it doesn’t matter if Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Warren Moon, or Randall Cunningham is the quarterback. The perfect example of this scenario was the miracle Super Bowl victory in 2008 by the New York Giants over the New England Patriots. The Giants sacked Brady five times that game, and made a habit of making sure Brady was on his backside at the end of as many plays as

possible.

This year’s Giants are not so different from that 2008 team and they came to inflict the same type of punishment on “The New Michael Vick.” The strategy worked for 2-3 quarters of this game versus the Eagles and Vick, but then Vick pulled out his not so secret weapon. I haven’t seen many running backs that can run the ball like Michael Vick, much less any quarterbacks. In this game Vick used his legs in ideal fashion to defeat the attacking Giants defense and put his team in position to win. That particular performance seemed to be a sign of Vick becoming his ultimate potential.

In the past Vick may have completely abandoned either his throwing, or running ability, in order to appease whomever was

chirping in his ear about how they feel his talent should be used or modified – Vick had many of the wrong people chirping in his ear in previous years, and it’s good to see the relief on his face now that those people aren’t tying down his sail and making it into a tent.

Michael Vick is his own eagle now. He’s taken immense instruction from staring at the prison wall; staring in the mirror; talking to Tony Dungy, and emulating the work habits of Donovan McNabb. Through all of that, Vick is becoming his potential. That’s always a good thing to see with people.

Vick could always throw the ball, but the problem was that he just threw the ball. There is a difference between a peddler and a professional, and there is the same difference between a

quarterback who studies his craft versus one who doesn’t. Vick studies now. You can tell that he is vested in his craft. He is not just throwing the ball anymore, but instead placing the ball in the best places with victory in mind; sometimes that means chucking the ball out of bounds, but rarely does it mean just throwin’ the ball.

But like no other, ever, Michael Vick can also take the ball, tuck it under his arm, and take off like some combination of a sprinter and a ballerina.

While Vick begins to master the vision of “Fran Tarkenton as the Bionic Man”, Brady is only a state away in New England performing a new century version of Joe Montana. Today’s players are more technically gifted than the players of yesterday due to the

study, training, and equipment that continually develops along with them. While Joe Montana bounced naturally in the pocket behind his lineman, Brady bounces with a trained confidence, as if having done some basketball cross training. But at the end of the day, the silky smooth placement of the ball in spots around the field is a gift of both Montana and Brady.

It’s a beautiful thing to watch.

But when some big dude like Julius Peppers comes truckin’ around the corner, staring at my MVP’s spine with malicious intent, I would much prefer my MVP to say, “Beep! Beep!” and take off on a 65-yard touchdown run, making me spill my popcorn and slap five with everybody in the room.

Child Please. Michael Vick for MVP.

Comcast

resulting from the Comcast NBC Universal transaction will bring key benefits in the areas of programming, investment and procurement. We look forward to continuing and deepening our relationships with these organizations and the broader African American community, as well as with other diverse communities with whom we are entering similar commitments.”

“We are delighted to be working with the NAACP, the National Urban League and the National Action Network as

we further our shared goal of diversity in both the workplace and in the media,” commented Paula Madison, Executive Vice President, Diversity, NBC Universal. “We are also proud to be able to build on NBC Universal’s considerable progress over the past few years, and to accelerate the momentum of our commitments to minority ownership, expanded diversity programs, philanthropic efforts targeting under-served and diverse communities, and diversity among our suppliers.”

From 3 and African American-serving institutions.

“We are proud to partner with these outstanding leaders of the African American community on this Memorandum of Understanding,” said David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation.

“This comprehensive commitment

Courtesy of L. Lampley

Santa From 1 who passed away just before Christmas last year. Over the years, Ilse had devoted himself to making sure that “A Visit with Santa” was a success.

The dedication on the cards in which the children received their photos with Santa read: “[Mr. Ilse ] took great joy in the wonder of children meeting Santa in person, and always had a bright, elfin grin to share.

We miss him, but are proud that his spirit carries on in this cherished tradition.”

Elisabeth Miller, a Guild member and chair of the organizing committee for this year’s event, felt it was important for the Guild and the Minneapolis Urban League community to remember Ilse this year. During this time of year especially, she says, it is important for us all to remember those who were dear to us. “It is important that those people stay with us.

Santa’s visit was different last year. But this year, it felt like he was here.”

In keeping with the spirit of the season and that of “Dick” Ilse, those who attended Santa’s visit contributed approximately 125 pounds of food, which the Guild has donated to a local food shelf.