aesthetically speaking
Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities
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Insight News December 19 - December 25, 2016
Vol. 43 No. 51• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Duchess Harris writes about grandmother, pioneering NASA mathematician By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor
Kaayla Chones
Profiles in Excellence:
Kaayla Chones, Timberwolves director of Player Programs
By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor When the Minnesota Timberwolves began their search for a director of Player Programs they knew they wanted someone who could relate well to the players and player needs – someone who had “been there, done that.” The ideal candidate would know basketball inside and out and a plus would be if that someone played on a professional level. And with the international diversity on the team, a person who
was well-traveled would also make an excellent candidate. The Timberwolves found that person in Kaayla Chones. Chones assumed the role as director of Player Programs in 2013 after a nine year professional career in the states and abroad. In her role, Chones is the liaison between the players and the Timberwolves’ front office, coordinating the needs of coaches, players and families and assisting the NBA league office with T-Wolves player relations. Her duties also include facilitating players’
CHONES 2
The story of the 11 Black female mathematicians who made American’s space exploration and moon landing possible is a personal one for a Macalester College professor. In fact, had it not been for Dr. Duchess Harris’ curiosity about her grandmother, Miriam Mann – a curiosity that began in college – the soon-to-bereleased film, “Hidden Figures” might never have been made. “Hidden Figures” tells the story of how 11 African-American mathematises were recruited by NASA to work for the agency in its quest to put a man on the moon. “I didn’t really appreciate the significance of her (Mann’s) work until I was in college at the University of Pennsylvania and I was a double major in history and AfricanAmerican studies. It wasn’t until then that I started to really understand what she did,” said Harris, who is a professor and department chair of American Studies at Macalester in St. Paul. Harris became fascinated with the work her grandmother did, finding articles that dated back to 1943 – the year Mann started working for NASA. Underscoring Mann’s accomplishment is the fact that
HARRIS 11
Dr. Duchess Harris
Death by a thousand cuts … kicked out of Target
A friendly face … part two By Al McFarlane Editor-In_Chief We wrote a few years ago about our experience as Black consumers. The crux of our story was this. As Black consumers we have the burden of trying to find a friendly face when we are in retail establishments to spend our money to purchase goods and services. In our original story, we reflected on this unfair burden thrust upon us when the people whose livelihoods, whose paychecks, we support by our patronage, treat us like suspects rather than prospects. Kicked out of Target So we are revisiting this story because of our experience Sunday (Dec. 11) at the St. Louis Park (4656 Excelsior Blvd.) Target store. We visited the store for two reasons – to return four boxes of Kind Protein Bars and to purchase Christmas tree ornament accessories. We were returning the protein bars because we found them not to our liking because of their overpowering garlic content. The customer service desk representative said she could not accept the returns because
we did not have a receipt and the items didn’t show up on the Target Red Card, which we presented as the possible form of payment for the items with the explanation that it was equally possible that we paid cash for the items. Secondly, she said the “sell by” date had passed and that likely the purchases were made beyond the 30 day return window, and finally, that one of the boxes was open and that store policy required that return items be unopened and in original packaging. In our opinion, the service desk representative adopted a “stand my ground” stance in her interaction with us. It was as if she was attempting to protect Target from us, rather than going the extra mile to make sure we were satisfied customers, and that our guest experience met our expectations. We asked for her supervisor. A young man of color arrived, listened, and instructed her to make the refund of $18.50 to a Target gift card. We thanked him. He went about his business. The service desk worker, however, seemed
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Business
Black unemployment rate falls to 8.1 percent in November
PAGE 3
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Like Malcolm X, Jason Sole used his time incarcerated to educate himself and develop into a respected community leader.
New NAACP president defined by his present, not his past By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor The president of the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP is a college professor working on a doctorate degree, a vocal community activist … oh, and a
past felon. But Jason Sole’s past isn’t an anchor sinking him; instead he is using it as his fuel that drives him. That fuel is what he says will help him breathe new life into the branch and continue to propel it back towards prominence. “(Past president)
Nekima (Levy-Pounds) blazed a trail. She gave (the branch) life; now it’s up to me to continue what we’ve already started,” said Sole, who took over the reins of the Minneapolis NAACP earlier this fall, following Levy-Pounds decision not to seek a second term. She later announced her plans to run for Minneapolis
mayor. Sole was a part of an entirely new board that was elected last year, serving as the branch’s criminal justice chair – a role that for obvious reasons resonated with him. In fact, Sole said it’s a goal of his to organize
SOLE 8
Commentary
Education
Community
Love must trump hate
Franklin, Hall students have special relationship
Kwanzaa explores African traditions
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Page 2 • December 19 - December 25, 2016 • Insight News
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Larry Borom: A brilliant man, a civil rights leader, and soldier in the struggle
Lawrence “Larry” Borom
By Bill English
Happy Holidays.
We are grieved to report the passing of Lawrence “Larry” Borom on Oct. 20, in Denver. To those of us in the Twin Cities that knew Larry the title of this tribute is just a matter of the facts and a history that deserves to be remembered. I met Larry more than 45 years ago when he arrived in St. Paul to become the CEO of the St. Paul Urban League. There, Larry led that organization as one of the best civil rights organizations and social service agencies in the metro area. Under his leadership Larry brought the St. Paul affiliate up to be one of the best in the nation. Many great individuals and Leaders in St. Paul depended on Larry’s leadership as a spokesperson and strategists in the struggles we faced in all areas of discrimination including housing, employment, criminal justice and equality. The St. Paul Urban League was the goto organization for African-
Chones From 1
Wishing you joy this holiday season and throughout the new year. wellsfargo.com
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personal foundations needs and coordinating player events. Most importantly, she focuses on personal growth, finance, family and health for the players and their families. “The average NBA career is four and a half years so I want our players to be prepared for their careers after ball as well as during their playing days,” said Chones. Chones knows firsthand about success on and off the court. A star high school and college player, Chones was drafted in 2004 to play for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, where she spent two seasons. During that same time she also played overseas in Spain and Hungary. A 6’3” post player, Chones went on to play with the Seattle Storm and finished her WNBA career in a Los
Americans. But Larry was so much more than just a “servant leader.” He was recognized as a national leader in the Urban League. He worked closely with well-known leaders such as Katie McWatt, Arthur McWatt, Kwame McDonald, Bobby Hickman, Mahmoud El Kati, Stan King, Dr. Josie Johnson, Chuck Johnson, Spike Moss, Bill Wilson, Gwen Davis, Syl Davis, Harry Davis and many others. A few of you will remember that Larry was one of 12 men that formed the “Civitas” (the Latin word for citizens) that was dedicated to engaging in our struggle for civil and human rights in the Twin Cities. He knew and worked with the giants in the country like Ron Brown and Vernon Jordan. In fact, he left St. Paul to go to New York to work at the National Urban League under Jordan. Jordan like so many of us recognized Larry’s leadership, skills and abilities and asked him to join the national staff. On a personal level, it was Larry Borom that convinced me to leave 3M and join Control Data, which was the best career decision I made in my life. But there were so many others
like Bill Newsome and LeRoy Harmon that Larry brought to prominence in those years. I later discovered he helped my wife Freddie English land a position at Applebaum’s Super Markets as an advertisement designer and illustrator. Larry and his beautiful and talented wife “Betty” Borom, an educational leader in her on rights, gave so much too so many in the Twin Cities and in Denver. Larry went from New York to Denver where he led the Denver Urban League to a similar level of prominence as he did in St. Paul. Larry was considered by his peers in the League movement as one of the best in the nation. I understand he later joined the mayor’s staff in Denver to lead the city’s Civil Rights Department. History tells us it is in the best tradition of our people to celebrate the lives of our heroes. Larry Borom was a hero to me and many others in the Twin. So we join to celebrate the life and contributions of a great Black leader who was unafraid, unbought and unbiased. Rest in peace my brother, Larry. Your legacy is well established and will not be forgotten.
Angeles Sparks uniform in 2007. She continued to play in Europe before retiring in 2013, going out on top, winning the Israeli League Championship. That’s when she got the call from the Timberwolves. “Flip Saunders hired me, and that in itself says a lot,” said Chones, speaking of the departed Saunders, who was the team’s president of Basketball Operations and coach. Chones was born into her love of the game and her understanding of the demands on a professional player. Chones father, Jim Chones played 10 years in the NBA. In a bit of symmetry, Jim Chones’ career ended in the place Kaayla Chones’ career began – Washington, D.C. Today Jim Chones is a radio analyst for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While AfricanAmericans are the majority on the court in the NBA, it’s a bit of a different story in the
front offices. While the NBA has done a decent job of hiring women and people of color (in 2014 nearly 35 percent of front office jobs at the NBA League Office were people of color), African-American women in front offices is still the exception, and not the norm. Chones knows she’s breaking barriers in her current role. “Only about eight or nine people in my position around the league are women,” said Chones. “The Timberwolves are not just saying there’s a need for diversity, they are putting action behind it. Me being an African-American female working on the front office side, I can impact people coming behind me, who I don’t even know. That’s why I work so hard. I want to see growth for us. My door is always open to mentor, to be an ear, to be an example. I’m honored to have that kind of voice.”
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Insight News • December 19 - December 25 • Page 3
Business
Black unemployment rate falls to 8.1 percent in November The Black unemployment rate improved from 8.6 percent in October to 8.1 percent in November, according to the latest jobs report from the Labor Department. The white unemployment rate ticked down from 4.2 percent in October to 4.1 percent in November, likely because white workers dropped out of the labor market. The labor force participation rate for white workers, which is the share of workers either employed or looking for jobs, continued a three-month slide and was 62.7 percent in November. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate for Black workers edged up slightly from 61.8 percent in October to 61.9 percent in November and the employment-population ratio,
By Freddie Allen NNPA Newswire Managing Editor
Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) said that the numbers from the latest jobs report show that our economy continues to move forward from the worst economic crisis in a generation. This photo was taken during a forum on criminal justice reform in Northwest Washington, D.C. in July 2015.
or the share of Blacks that have jobs compared to the total population, also took steps in the right direction, increasing from 56.5 percent in October to 56.9 percent in November. Black men over 20 years old showed the most gains among the adult worker groups in November, but they were also in the biggest hole. The unemployment rate for Black men improved from 8.7 percent in October to 7.7 percent in November. The share of Black men who held jobs also increased from 61.7 percent to 62.3 percent. The unemployment rate for Black men was still higher than the jobless rate for white men, white women, and Black women. Last month, the jobless rate for white men fell
below 4 percent to 3.9 percent, but the labor force participation rate also ticked down from 71.9 percent in October to 71.7 percent in November. Employment prospects for Black women over 20 years old showed small gains in November. The labor force participation rate for Black women increased from 62.3 percent to 62.6 percent and the employment-population ratio also increased from 57.9 percent to 58.2 percent. The jobless rate for Black women was 7.1 percent in November, unchanged since October. The unemployment rate for white women over 20 years old also decreased from 3.8 percent in October to 3.7 percent in November and the share of white women that held
jobs slipped from 55.3 percent in October and 55.2 percent in November. The Labor Department reported that the national unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent in November, and the economy added 178,000 jobs in November. “In November, 1.9 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, up by 215,000 from a year earlier,” the Labor Department report said. “These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey.” In a post on the
Economic Policy Institute site, Elise Gould, senior economist for EPI, wrote that the national unemployment rate declined, “largely because of a drop in labor force participation.” Gould also noted that even though wage growth is now faster than it was in the first fiveplus years of the recovery, when it averaged two percent, “It doesn’t reflect full employment wage growth, or even the wage growth we experienced before the Great Recession hit — by no means a full employment economy.” In 2016, the economy has added about 180,000 jobs per month. Last year, the monthly average was 229,000 jobs.
Three things you can do to launch fundraising in the New Year FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw The New Year is soon upon us complete with New Year’s resolutions. Some are personal … lose weight, exercise more, be a more loving person, spend more time with family, quit smoking. Others relate to the nonprofit organizations we work with. To help you prepare your nonprofit organization or institution for a most positive year we offer these suggestions. Create a board commitment form. Working together the board chair, executive director and chair of the development committee
can create a board commitment form to help better engage board members in the coming year. Items to include are dates/ times of board meetings, dates for special events, volunteer opportunities and fundraising options. It would be ideal if every member could attend every board meeting and event. But most people have busy schedules. A commitment form gives members the opportunity to put dates on their calendar in advance. Equally important is for board members to know the full array of events they have an option of attending and purchasing tickets (or tables). The board commitment form also gives members the opportunity to determine how much they will give as an annual gift, and how and when they will make their gift. Most importantly, include suggestions for specific fundraising activities for
TIME TO CASH IN!
which board members can take responsibility. This could include how many individuals they are willing to solicit, how many visits they are willing to go on with the executive or development director and who they believe should be approached for sponsorship opportunities. You can make the form as detailed as you want. Consider including a section for people to request specific training or information. The goal is to provide board members with information so they can make and honor their commitments. Reach out to those who can help. Reach out to employees, board members, volunteers, clients and advocates who could participate in organizational and fundraising planning for the coming year. The goal is to create an advisory council and a fundraising taskforce. Invite those who can provide specific guidance
and open doors to become an advisor. Invite people who are willing to help with fundraising to become a member of your fundraising taskforce. Let people know what your plans are for the coming year and ask for their help with definable tasks that have a beginning and end. Secure specific commitments for specific tasks. Don’t be vague. Schedule a working session. Invite board members, employees, volunteers, clients, students and others who can make an impact on your fundraising. Share your goals with the group. Ask for their opinion regarding what has been working, what isn’t working, and how strategies and tactics can be improved. Most importantly, ask for opinions and suggestions. Open yourself up to learn. Be quiet, let others talk and don’t be defensive. Encourage honest input with questions such as, “What are we doing that we shouldn’t be doing? Do we have
the right team in place? What opportunities have we missed?” Bottom line, ask people for help. Copyright 2016 – Mel and Pearl Shaw
Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com . For more information visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
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Page 4 • December 19 - December 25, 2016 • Insight News
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Insight News • December 19 - December 25 • Page 5
Insight 2 Health
Avoid the holiday blues this season By Alphonso Gibbs, Jr. Men’s Health Network The six weeks encompassing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s – collectively called “the holidays” – are for most, a magically unique time of year. But for many, the holidays bring hurt. Caused by factors including the weather, separation, death, stress, unrealistic expectations, hypersensitivity, guilt or overspending, holiday depression can zap the merriment out of even the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday depression affects one million people every year. Men and women, young and old, all fall victim to feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt and fatigue during this emotionally charged season. Mental health has been in headlines recently after two famous entertainers have acknowledged their struggles with depression. Popular rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi announced their own struggles. Within weeks of each other, both West and Cudi sought mental health treatment. Kid Kudi’s penned an open and honest Facebook letter to his fans. “It’s been difficult for me to find the words to what I’m about to share with you because I feel ashamed,” he wrote. “I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions every day of my life,” wrote Kudi. We offer the following suggestions to help identify
and better cope with-potential sources of holiday depression. Acknowledge that you’re hurting. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression don’t automatically vanish just because it’s the holidays. Acknowledge your pain, be open and honest with others, refuse to feel guilty and get help if necessary. Have a plan to deal with your feelings. Try to surround yourself with people who care about and support you. Invest in an exercise program. Aerobic activities such as walking, running, cycling, etc., are recommended because of their mood-elevating ability. Take time to write your thoughts down. Sometimes, just the act of putting your thoughts on paper helps to “get it out of you.” If necessary, see your doctor or therapist. And learn to say “no.” Others’ expectations are not a reason for your own mental health to suffer. Set realistic expectations. Keep your expectations realistic. Prioritize and reduce self-imposed holiday preparations. Don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities and realistically plan your budget, spending and shopping. Do less and enjoy more. Make it a point to be honest with yourself. When you’ve had enough of a person or situation, make sure that you have a way to leave or step away. If possible, let someone you trust know in advance, so that you aren’t put in an even more stressful position of having to explain yourself when you
“unplug.” Take time for yourself. Why is it called holiday depression? Because, for most people, these feelings don’t occur at other times of the year. Remind yourself of what you enjoyed during the previous months, then continue them during the holidays. Make yourself a priority. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Just don’t stay there too long. Getting enough rest, eating and drinking in moderation, exercising, and continuing other favorite activities can maintain normalcy, routine, control and predictability. Consider that your depression may actually be caused by this time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, occurs because of reduced exposure to sunlight, which is just what happens during the holiday season when daylight hours are shorter. Check with your doctor to see if light therapy might be beneficial for you. Help others. Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, nursing homes, churches, and scores of other organizations can always use volunteers, especially at critical times of the year. Additionally, you’ll benefit from the company of other people around you rather than being alone. And, help others help you. Bury the hatchet. Perfect families don’t magically appear during the holidays, but family conflicts can. “Letting go” and forgiving can help heal past wounds. Rededicate yourself to
your spirituality. The “reason for the season” is often swallowed up by maddening materialism that can distract from the history, meaning and significance of holiday celebrations. Step back, slow down and refocus on transcendent, eternal matters.
Rededicate yourself to spiritual pursuits, such as church attendance, church work, prayer life and other disciplines. Regain the focus originally intended by this time of year. Resources to help those dealing with depression
include the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration at (800) 662HELP (4357), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255) and ULifeline.org, an online resources for students.
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A radon test kit might be the perfect gift With the holiday season fast approaching, the American Cancer Society suggests you consider giving a gift that can deliver peace of mind, and help thousands of families throughout Minnesota reduce their chance of getting lung cancer – a radon test kit. The second-leading cause of lung cancer is exposure to radon, a radioactive gas that can damage the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. The only way to tell if a building has elevated levels
of radon is to have it tested. The average radon level in Minnesota (4.6 pCi/L) is more than three times higher than the average U.S. radon level (1.3 pCi/L). Radon is a serious public health issue in Minnesota because our soil has high levels of radon. In winter, home heating systems tend to draw in radon gas from the soil, increasing radon levels inside the home. Average radon levels of 4 pCi/L are considered elevated, and remediation is recommended. The primary source of high levels of radon in homes is in the soil below and soil surrounding the home. It
is found in new and old homes, and in homes with and without basements. Radon levels can vary from area to area and can vary considerably from house to house, even on the same street and neighborhood. A high and low level of radon can be found in homes directly next to each other. Average radon levels rise and fall throughout the seasons due to home ventilation and heating. Radon levels tend to be higher in the winter, but can be high anytime of the year. It is important to test your home when possible, but be aware of the impact of the season on your radon test results.
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Page 6 • December 19 - December 25, 2016 • Insight News
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Commentary
Love must trump hate Child Watch
By Marian Wright Edelman This is usually a season of familiar scenes in schools across the country, with holiday programs featuring messages of peace and goodwill to all; but this year many teachers and students have been seeing
another story. We have had many students fighting, especially between the Latino and AfricanAmerican population, as well as many more boys feeling superior to girls. I have had one male student grab a female student’s crotch and tell her that it’s legal for him to do that to her now. One of my students from last year who is Muslim has not worn her hijab since the election. – Elementary school teacher, Minnesota In the week since the election I have personally had to deal with the following
Ninety percent reported that their school’s climate has been negatively affected, and 80 percent described heightened anxiety and concern among minority students issues: Boys inappropriately grabbing and touching girls, even after they said no (this never happened until after the election), white students telling their friends who are Hispanic or of color that their parents are going to be deported and that they would be thrown out of school, white students going up to students of color who are total strangers and hurling racial remarks at them, such as, “Trump is going (to) throw you back over the wall, you know?” or “We can’t wait until you and the other brownies are gone.” – Middle school teacher, Indiana In over 15 years of teaching high school this is the first year that swastikas are appearing all over school furniture. – High school teacher, Washington We have worked really hard over the last 10 years to change our climate. The last year has nearly undone all of that work. It is disheartening. – High school teacher, Maryland These were just a few of the responses to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)’s Teaching Tolerance Project’s online survey of more than 10,000 educators in the new report, “After Election Day, The Trump Effect: The Impact of the 2016 Presidential Election on Our Nation’s Schools.” “Ninety percent reported that their school’s
climate has been negatively affected, and 80 percent described heightened anxiety and concern among minority students worried about the impact of the election on their families,” read the report. “More than 2,500 (educators) said they knew of fights, threats, assaults and other incidents that could be traced directly to election rhetoric.” The report echoed the findings of another SPLC survey taken earlier in the campaign season, and reinforced the sense many educators and parents have had for months of a rise in bullying and hate speech from children influenced by behavior they’ve been seeing in adults. What can schools and teachers do right now to fight back against hate? Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond is president of the Learning Policy Institute and Professor of Education Emeritus and faculty director of the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education at Stanford University. In a recent keynote speech at the National Association for Multicultural Education conference she shared her recommendations, starting with a key first step. “First, and most obviously, this is a moment both for explicit anti-racist teaching and anti-racist action in all public spaces. The ‘good news’ is that the explicitness and widespread
public eruption of racist, sexist, and hate speech of all kinds gives us a direct opportunity to bring anti-racist teaching out of the closet – to motivate schools and systems to adopt anti-racist curriculum, to pay attention to the tacit bigotry that is often under the surface in schools,” said Darling-Hammond. She went on to encourage educators to proactively ensure that the images and messages on the walls and in textbooks are multicultural and anti-racist, to get every teacher and administrator reading and using “Teaching for Tolerance, Facing History,” and other resources for equitable, anti-racist teaching, ensure that the allocation of time, attention, and resources in schools attends equitably to all children – and that the divisions and segregation created by tracking and similar practices are challenged. Darling-Hammond called on her audience to mobilize the resources of foundations and people of good will to tackle the festering issues that America has been dealing with since its inception – when slavery was legalized. “African- Americans were defined as 3/5s of a person, Native-Americans were massacred and driven at gunpoint across the country in the Trail of Tears, and students of color were segregated by law – and later by redlining and other racist customs. It is time for ‘teach-ins’ at every school,” said Darling-Hammond. She went on to explain that there is much more we also need to do to confront and change every strand of institutionalized racism and intolerance that are embedded in our schools in order to really create a more equitable and just education system and society. But explicitly teaching tolerance
must be a building block right now. All children must know that adults expect them to understand the difference between right and wrong. Children who feel afraid at school must know that adults will help keep them safe. Children who are doing the bullying must know that adults will not allow the next generation to grow up steeped in more hate. In his last Christmas sermon, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The Christmas hope for peace and goodwill toward all men can no longer be dismissed as a kind of pious dream of some utopia. If we don’t have good will toward men in this world, we will destroy ourselves by the misuse of our own instruments and our own power,” said King. “Love is understanding, creative, redemptive good will toward all men. And I think this is where we are, as a people, in our struggle for racial justice . . . We must never let up in our determination to remove every vestige of segregation and discrimination from our nation, but we shall not in the process relinquish our privilege to love. I’ve seen too much hate to want to hate, myself , and I’ve seen hate on the faces of too many sheriffs, too many white citizens’ councilors, and too many Klansmen of the South to want to hate, myself; and every time I see it, I say to myself, hate is too great a burden to bear.” Hate is a burden our children cannot and should never have to carry. And it is a deep blemish on what it means to be an American. Love must always trump hate. Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.
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Insight News • December 19 - December 25 • Page 7
Education Franklin, Hall students have special relationship
Photo Harry Colbert, Jr.
The students at Franklin Middle School and Elizabeth Hall Elementary School have a pretty special relationship. For one, the Minneapolis Public Schools are next door to one another on Aldrich Avenue North. But aside of proximity, there’s an additional bond. That bond is evidenced by the fact that Franklin instructor Michael Bratsch’s eighth graders regularly mentor second and third graders at Hall. This past Wednesday (Dec. 14) Franklin eight graders held a special mentoring session, offering books to the Hall students as a holiday surprise. On hand for the offering was Mint Condition member Ricky Kinchen. Kinchen and other Mint members donated money to help purchase books. Bratsch said the mentoring sessions have been taking place since this summer and students participated even though school was not in session.
Franklin Middle School students Julian Nyene (lettered sweater) and Serena Vilailath (right) discuss the importance of reading with Elizabeth Hall Elementary students as Mint Condition’s Ricky Kinchen (back left) observes.
STEP-UP accepting applications for 2017 summer internships The Minneapolis youth employment program, STEPUP, began accepting applications for 2017 summer internships. Eligible Minneapolis youth ages 14-21 who are interested in participating in the 2017 STEP-UP class have until Feb. 10, to complete an application online at w w w. s t e p u p m p l s . o rg . “STEP-UP not only prepares our city›s young people to be future leaders, it also drives companies, nonprofits and public agencies to become inclusive
workplaces,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “As Minneapolis continues to grow, we need to do everything we can to make sure we have a diverse workforce that is ready and prepared to join and lead our city’s thriving economy.” STEP-UP serves Minneapolis youth who face some of the greatest barriers to employment, including youth from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, youth of color, youth from recent immigrant families, and youth with disabilities. Since the
program was launched, it has provided more than 24,000 internship opportunities. In addition to summer jobs with more than 230 top Twin Cities companies, nonprofits and public agencies, STEP-UP also offers work readiness training, advanced-level internships and industry-specific career opportunities that help interns integrate their career exposure with post-secondary education and career planning. Prior to being placed in their internships, youth receive work readiness
training certified by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce that prepares them for a professional work environment. Returning interns receive advanced training that helps them deepen their professional skills. Throughout their internship, they gain valuable on-the job skills, make strong professional connections, and become exposed to careers they may have not otherwise accessed without STEP-UP. “I really enjoyed watching our intern grow as an employee. She participated
in staff activities and projects and fit right in,” said Krystle Wallace, operations manager for the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota. “It was great to watch her learn new things and get a better understanding of the daily job tasks.” In 2016, STEPUP placed more than 1,600 Minneapolis youth in jobs with more than 220 businesses, public agencies and nonprofits. Youth represented in the 2016 class were 88 percent youth of color, 48 percent were
from recent immigrant families and 15 percent were youth with disabilities or other significant barriers to employment. Businesses, public agencies and nonprofits interested in employing interns in 2016 can find information on the STEP-UP website. STEP-UP is a partnership with AchieveMpls, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Project for Pride in Living.
Page 8 • December 19 - December 25, 2016 • Insight News
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Lifestyle Is Christmas over-commercialized? Man Talk
By Timothy Houston It has become a tradition for me to share the story of the “Charlie Brown Christmas.” I believe it is a warmhearted reminder of the real meaning of Christmas. It is hard to believe that it has been more than 50 years since CBS’s debut of the animated television special. At the beginning of
the program, Charlie Brown is not sure of the real meaning of Christmas. He confides in Linus that even though Christmas is approaching, he still feels depressed due to the overcommercialization. Here are some Christmas lessons to help keep Christmas from being overcommercialized in your life. To keep Christmas from being over-commercialized in your life, like Charlie Brown, you must discover that there is more to Christmas than just getting presents. Christmas is about giving. On Lucy’s advice, Charlie Brown agreed to direct a school nativity play. Lucy is right. We can all benefit from giving. Look around. Become more involved in the things that connect you to your family and
others. Giving is the first step to connecting to the real meaning of Christmas. Also, to keep Christmas from being overcommercialized in your life, you must acknowledge that there is more to Christmas than spending money. Today more than ever, it seems like everyone is out spending money. Charlie Brown found this out the hard way. On the way to the auditorium, he stops by Snoopy’s doghouse only to find out that even his dog has gone commercial. He later runs into his sister Sally, who asks him to write her letter to Santa requesting large sums of money. We should never follow Snoopy and Sally’s example. The financial pressure of keeping up with the “Jones” can
be overwhelming. Like Charlie Brown, you must realize that there are some situations during this holiday season that are outside of your control. Charlie Brown arrives at the rehearsals, but he is unable control the state of affairs as the uncooperative kids are more interested in modernizing the play with dancing and lively music. In an effort not to let the play become too commercial, he decides to focus on the traditional side of the story. This is true for today as well. You don’t have to dance to everyone else’s music. It’s OK to go against the grain. Make sure the choices you make this season reflect how you truly feel. Never give up on your quest to find Christmas’
true meaning. Charlie Brown was determined. With Linus in tow, when they arrived at the tree market, he zeroes in on a small baby tree which ironically, is the only real tree on the lot. He returns to the school auditorium with the tree, and everybody laughs at him. In desperation, Charlie Brown begins to wonder if he really knows what Christmas is all about. Ultimately, Linus gives the real meaning of Christmas by reciting the Gospel of Luke. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were so afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” To keep Christmas from being over-commercialized in your life, remember, a Savior was born which is Christ the Lord. That’s the real meaning of Christmas. Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go towww. tlhouston.com.
Problems with making and sticking to New Year’s resolutions INSIGHT NEWS
Motivational Moments
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By Penny JonesRichardson 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 Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles
When we think about setting New Year’s resolutions, all types of goals come to mind. People often wait until that magical time of year to begin a new task of changing or defining their lives. It could be a weight loss goal, a goal to stop smoking or even a goal to follow any of your dreams. Many think that New Year’s resolutions are the way to start. With these resolutions or goals, there can also be situations that may impede our process. I myself have had difficulty in completing some of my New Year’s resolutions. The irony of that is I often talk with my clients about ways to make sure that they do not fall victim to some of the things that has hindered my success in sticking to my goals. Here’s the truth. Only half of you, (or even less)
will stick to any New Year’s resolution that you set for yourself. Another truth is New Year’s resolutions are hard to complete and are sometimes made because it’s what everyone does at that time of year. Let’s admit it. We do it because it’s the thing to do. It’s what we talk about at work and with our friends. People are always asking, “So, what are your New Year’s resolutions for this year?” What if we simply said, “I’m not making any resolutions this year?” Can you imagine the look on some faces if you said that? Believe it or not, some people have found that the only way to complete a goal is to make it a New Year’s resolutions. A resolution is simply a solution to a problem. Finding the solution and learning how to solve it, is where setting goals comes in. Hence, New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity to start. Now that you’ve decided you will set resolutions on New Year’s, you must also be aware of the struggles and problems that come with making and sticking to them. Here is my perspective that I have shared with my clients on the subject. The resolution is too
large and should be broken down into steps I’ve often heard about people who set these huge New Year’s resolutions and then get frustrated because they can’t figure out how to complete them. The problem is not that it can’t be completed, the problem is that it’s too large to complete without being broken down into steps. Every goal should have a map attached to it to help guide you to completion. For instance, if you set a resolution to purchase your first home this year, then please be aware that there are steps to take before reaching that goal. Never give up because it’s too hard, just know that to complete this resolution you must first do the steps to reach it. Not believing it is possible New Year’s resolutions are sometimes made because we believe that there is a need for change. Oftentimes they represent something that we desire or something personal that we have been wanting to do for a long time. After making a resolution, the key is to really believe that it is something that you will really work on to achieve. Many individuals
give up because they lose faith that they can do it. If you don’t believe you can complete any resolution that you make, then the bottom line is you won’t. Remember to believe in yourself and never give up. Giving up too soon I remember having a client around the end of the year who had shared with me that each year she has this very long list of New Year’s resolutions that she wants to complete. She wanted me to help her stick to her goals of completing them all. It wasn’t that she couldn’t complete them; the problem was that she gave up too soon on each of them. You will never stick to a New Year’s resolution unless you are willing to see it through until the end. When you give up too soon, sometimes you’ll have to start all over again. And that can feel like wasted time. Listening to negative people When we make New Year’s resolutions, I’ve found that it is not always best to share them with others. I believe that your resolutions are personal things that you’ve decided to do for yourself or your family. Not everyone will have the same faith you have in your
ability. I also believe your goals may be goals that only you can understand. Not everyone will be on the side cheering for you. If there is negative talk about any New Year’s resolution you set, then rethink who you share your goals with. Not doing what it takes to complete the resolutions Every time we set New Year’s resolutions, there is work to be done to complete them. No change is easy and no change happens without putting the work in to complete the change. Nothing happens overnight. If you believe that you will stick to your resolutions without doing any work to make them a reality, then you may as well not make New Year’s resolutions at all. Setting and sticking to New Year’s resolutions is sometimes hard, but it can be done. Good luck. And as always, stay focused, stay determined and keep striving for greatness.
prison branches of the historic civil rights organization. He hopes with his new role he can offer people the opportunity he said he missed out on. “I’ve been here (Minnesota) since 1997. Most
of that time I was incarcerated,” admitted Sole. “Some of it was definitely of my own doing … I didn’t make all the right decisions, but the police never really gave me a real second chance. I’m not making excuses, but I was pretty much raising myself. I was basically homeless.” As a teen Sole was a gang leader who sold drugs and carried guns. Two weeks after turning 19 he was arrested for carrying a pistol and was subsequently sentenced to prison. Out of prison, at 21 Sole was again sentenced to the penitentiary, this time on a drug offense. In 2005 Sole
was arrested again, this time in what he called a set-up. With support from several community members Sole was able to secure a downward departure, which meant he wouldn’t have to serve the mandatory minimum sentence he was facing. Thus far he has made the most of his chance to start anew. Sole has earned multiple degrees and is now a professor, teaching at Metro State University and Hamline University. And he has remained close to the community that stuck by him when he needed it most, matriculating up the ranks of the Minneapolis NAACP. Sole said his hope is to boost
membership at the branch level by attracting younger members. “The main thing I want to do is develop new leaders. That’s going to be my legacy,” said Sole. In addition to grooming leadership, Sole said he plans for the branch to host a series, “Graduated from the Streets,” focused on transforming misdirected youth. “We can be a part of offering a way out and give (youth) the game on how to move forward. A lot of our kids want to change but just don’t know how,” said Sole. “I think that’s something the NAACP could and should take on.”
Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.
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 Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Gloria Freeman Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Rebecca Rabb 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.
Sole From 1
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Insight News • December 19 - December 25 • Page 9
Community Kwanzaa explores African traditions
Nothando Zulu
Kinara (candleholder) This month, the AfricanAmerican holiday, Kwanzaa is 50 years old. In 1966, Maulana Karenga combined African customs and traditions into a holiday that honors the accomplishments of people African descent. Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili. Milliions celebrate Kwanzaa from Dec.26 – Jan.1. Kwanzaa is based on a seven principle value system, which are shared and believed in by people all over the world. The principles of Kwanzaa bind people of all cultures together. The principles
are Umoja, which means unity, Kujichagulia, which means selfdetermination, Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility, Ujamaa, which means cooperative economics, Nia, which means purpose, Kuumba, which means creativity and Imani, which means faith. “The principles are the core of Kwanzaa. This PanAfrican holiday has spread throughout the global African community and have remained for 50 years as an important part of how our people understand and celebrate themselves, ”said Kwanzaa’s founder, Karenga.
Reciting Kwanzaa Principles
in the center of the Kwanzaa table and placed on top of the mkeka. The muhindi which means corn, symbolizes the children. For each child in the family one ear of corn is placed on the table. Those without children should place corn on the table to represent youth as our future. The kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup), and red, black and green bendera (flag) are also placed on the table, with a book, and African artifacts. Each day of Kwanzaa, the family comes together and talks about its importance and about the principle of
Kwanzaa is symbolized with a candleholder that holds seven candles representing each of the principles. The center candle is black, which represents African people. Left of the black candle are three red candles and on the right side are three green ones. The red stands for the sacrifices of Black people, and the green represents the land and belief in a bright future. The Kwanzaa table is draped with an African cloth and a straw mat called the mkeka is placed on the table. The kinara, or candleholder, is
the day. On the first day, the black candle is lit, and the first principle is discussed. Family members talk about what the principle means to them, how they practice it, and the actions they will take to bring about the principle in the coming year. The second day the black candle is lit and the red candle closest to the black candle. The third day the black candle, the red one and a green candle closes to the black one are lit. Each day a candle is added until seventh day where all the candles are lit. Kwanzaa culminates with a celebration on New
Year’s Eve called Karumu, which means feast. Everyone brings food, dances, tells stories and drinks from the unity cup. This year to kick off Kwanzaa, on Dec. 26 at 7 p.m., WE WIN Institute will celebrate 20 years of Kwanzaa at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul, 345 Washington St. Grammy award-winning Sounds of Blackness, T Mychael Rambo, Thomasina Petrus and the Black Storytellers Alliance are among the performers set to entertain during the event.
HIRED announces new executive director HIRED has announced the selection of Julie Brekke as its new executive director. The North Minneapolis-based nonprofit provides work solutions for dislocated workers, low-income adults, people making the transition from welfare to work, recent immigrants and youth. Brekke will fill the vacancy created by Jane Samargia’s pending retirement. Brekke most recently served as senior vice president of Employment Readiness at Project Pride in
Julie Brekke
Living (PPL). “We are very pleased to announce Julie Brekke’s selection,” said Cynthia Bremer, HIRED’s board chair. “Julie will bring a high level of energy, collaboration, and entrepreneurship to HIRED. At PPL, she has taken the lead in developing innovative partnerships and programs to prepare jobseekers for employment through training and quality education. As executive director, Julie will lead HIRED forward and enhance
Target From 1 somewhat unsettled by what had just happened. While I waited to receive the refund card, my wife, Bobbie McFarlane, stepped back to take a photo of the posted customer service policy displayed prominently on the wall behind the service desk. Then we proceeded about our task within Target, which was to find the items we came to buy. As we headed toward the check-out counters, another store worker approached us and said store policy prohibits customers photographing employees and asked Bobbie to hand over her smartphone. Of course we said “No.” The employee said “OK, then complete your purchase and leave the store.”
Photo B.P. Ford
This is the photo that got us kicked out of Target. The photo is of Target’s posted return policy. Continuing toward the self-check-out, I said to Bobbie, “I think we have just been kicked out of Target. Can you believe this?” We owe it to ourselves, to our community and to Target to report what we perceive as insufferable indignities that we believe occur all too often in all
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too many interactions between Black people and some whites who perhaps see themselves as foot soldiers on retail’s front line. Our personal and business policy is to speak up and point out our dissatisfaction, respectfully, both at the site and time of the infraction, and in writing, as we are doing in this
Communications & Administration Assistant
The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is seeking a Communications & Administration Assistant. This position will assist with a variety of duties, providing support primarily to the Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships and to the Executive Director. This position is fulltime, hourly, and benefited. For the full job description and how to apply, visit https://mplsparksfoundation. org/blog/ and scroll to the November 30 posting. The application deadline is December 16. EOE.
Assumed Name
Salary Range: $18.66-$26.99/per hour; $38,962-$56,355/annually The Management Materials Division seeks to fill a Buyer 1 position. This position will provide leadership and service to government entities in the acquisition of products and services in a social and environmentally responsible fashion. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in purchasing, developing/evaluating specifications, and issuing purchase orders/contracts; or equivalent combination of education and experience. A sample of your purchasing work may be requested. Bachelor’s degree with an analytical, legal or communications focus preferred. To Apply: go to http://www.mn.gov/careers and apply to the Job ID # 9748. Closing Date: 12/20/2016 Contact: If you have questions about the position, contact Nella Austin at nella.austin@state.mn.us or 651.201.8005. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
on growth in fundraising, supportive housing, work readiness, youth development and more. “Effective workforce development nonprofits are critically important to our region’s economic success, demanding authenticity in relationships with a wide group of stakeholders, as well as a healthy dose of agility and innovation. HIRED is one of those organizations at the center of providing inspired, lifechanging programs for more than
four decades,” said Brekke. “I’m honored and excited to partner with the community, employers, staff and board members to build on HIRED’s great work.” Brekke earned a BA from the University of Minnesota, was a Humphrey Policy Fellow in 2015 and a past participant in the Target Foundation Nonprofit Emerging Leader Program and Leadership Twin Cities.
recounting. So we stopped again at the service desk before we exited. I brought out my business card and asked another representative to get the store manager. I wanted to make sure the manager knew of our dissatisfaction with this experience. We identified ourselves as owners and editors of the largest circulation Blackowned and oriented community newspaper in Minnesota. We explained the affront we felt by both the initial service desk encounter and by being kicked out of the store. As we identified ourselves, plainly, clearly and repeatedly, we requested and expected reciprocal identification by the woman who offered a verbal apology. She left for several minutes and returned only to tell us she could not find her business card, and gave us a handwritten note
with her first name only and an 800 number if we wanted to complain further.
beyond the posted 30 or 60 day return policy for electronics, and the white service desk representative insisted there was nothing the worker could do. In this case as well, within earshot, another service desk representative, intervened and said we do exchanges like this all the time, without question, and proceeded to call the section manager to approve the return. As it turned out, the section manager said, the time limitation applied to cameras and computers, but not to printers, and he was happy to make the exchange. What’s the point? It is our duty to point out the micro aggressions, the death by a thousand cuts, launched against Black consumers day in and day out. And, it is Target’s, and other businesses’ duty to acknowledge the problem and fix it.
Phone: 612.588.1313
1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Jr. Brothers Empowered
Buyer 1
the reputation and long-lasting impact of helping thousands of jobseekers from all walks of life.” Previous executive director, Samargia said, “I am absolutely thrilled that Julie will be the third executive director in HIRED’s 48 year history. HIRED is poised to move to the next higher level, and I am confident that Julie will be outstanding in leading these efforts.” Since joining PPL in 2000, her work has focused
Fax: 612.588.2031
Volunteer Customer Service Assistants
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.
2. State the address of the principal place of business: 2200 Freemont Ave N, Minneapolis MN 55411 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: Charles Caine, 1516 Irving Ave N, Minneapolis, MN55411 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. Signed by: Charles Caine, President Date Filed: 11/18/16 Insight News 12/12/2016, 12/19/2016
While we waited, we watched the service representative who had such difficulty assisting us, provide what we thought was smilingly friendly exchange/ return service to a white customer with a cart full of returns. Of course we cannot know the difference between his requests and ours, but we can note the difference in attitude. We believe our experience here is not just an isolated unfortunate incidence, but a reflection of a discriminatory double standard Black and other people of color experience all too often. At another big box warehouse store, earlier this year, I returned for exchange a $100 or so printer, which simply ceased functioning properly. In this case my request may have been
Child Care Assistant Volunteer/ Volunteer Drivers Make a difference in the life of a child. The Mothers First program provides prevention and intervention services for pregnant women who are abusing chemicals. Mothers First is seeking a Child Care Assistant volunteer to help agency staff in providing supervision and care for the children with our Mothers First program while mom is attending counseling sessions. Volunteer Drivers are also needed to provide transportation to mothers in recovery to/from groups with our Mothers First program. Reimbursement for mileage is provided. Contact Ramsey County Health & Wellness Service Team — Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us.
Email: info@insightnews.com
Page 10 • December 19 - December 25, 2016 • Insight News
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Lupe Fiasco
Dec. 19 – Dec. 25
Monday, Dec. 19 VISUAL ART
Dec. 19 Dec. 25
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
Dimensions of Indigenous & Cultural Identity Politics Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 7 p.m. Free Check out this new work on Indigenous artists from North American and Latin American countries.
Tuesday, Dec. 20 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE
Traxman Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m. 21-plus $5 Footwork producer, Traxman, hits Minneapolis to release his new “Trax of the Rising Sun” project with a night of DJs, dance and production.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 PRODUCTION “Black Nativity” Penumbra Theatre 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul 7:30 p.m. $40 The run of this annual family favorite continues at Penumbra.
Thursday, Dec. 22 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Lupe Fiasco Skyway Theatre 711 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $39.50 advance Recently stating that he wasn’t releasing anymore music it’s going to be interesting to see what Lupe has up his sleeve for his show at the Skyway. Gaines opens.
Minneapolis 8 p.m. Protecting water has been a big issue this year with the ongoing construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through sacred land in South Dakota and the resistance that followed. With this event 100 of proceeds are being donated directly to the Sacred Stone Sicangu camp, with an immediate goal of proving support for woman and young children committed to remaining to protest through the winter. The event features performances by dem atlas, Kill the Vultures, Kristoff Krane, Los Nativos, and DJ Booka B.
Friday, Dec. 23 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Bene it for Standing Rock The Parkway Theater 4814 Chicago Ave.,
Saturday, Dec. 24
“A Christmas Carol” Guthrie Theatre 818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis 1 p.m. $72-$177 The classic Charles Dickens story is recreated for the Twin Cities stage.
Sunday, Dec. 25 JAZZ/PERFORMANCE The Bad Plus Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $40-$45 New York jazz trio, The Bad Plus, plays Christmas night at the Dakota Jazz Club.
THEATER
John Legend in ‘La La Land’
lalaland.movie/gallery
John Legend and Ryan Gosling
By Kam Williams Recently I talked to soul/R&B/ pop music star John Legend, as he’s set to star in a film he executively produced. Here he shares his thoughts about playing opposite Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in “La La Land.” He talks about his philanthropic work and his new album, “Darkness and Light.” Kam Williams: Hi John. Thanks so much for the time. John Legend: My pleasure, Kam. KW: I’ve tried to land an interview with you for years, so I’m honored to finally have this opportunity to speak with you. JL: I’m excited, too. KW: Let me start by asking what made you decide to do this film with Damien (writer/ director Damien Chazelle)?
JL: Well, it really started with meeting him as a filmmaker in my capacity as a producer, because my company, Get Lifted Film Company, has done a few movies and a couple of television shows now. We love meeting with up-andcoming directors who are doing great things. And, obviously, upon the success of “Whiplash,” Damien was someone we’d love to collaborate with. My producing partner suggested we connect with him very early on, after we saw a screener of “Whiplash.” We finally got a chance to sit down and discuss something creative when he was in the process of preparing to shoot “La La Land.” The script was finished, and they were already in talks with Ryan and Emma to star in it. Damien wanted to see if we were interested in getting involved. He was originally thinking in
terms of executive producing and in terms of the music for the character, Keith, and his band, The Messengers. But eventually, he asked me if I wanted to play Keith. I said, “Yeah, let’s do it.” I hadn’t done anything like it before. I hadn’t had a major speaking role in a film before. But I guess he felt that I could pull it off because the character had some similarities to my own background as a musician. Damien thought I could relate to the character, and I felt the same way. So, it made sense for me to do it, since I was already a fan of his work. And then, when I found out that Ryan and Emma had come aboard, it seemed like a no-brainer for us to get involved. KW: After watching the film, I was surprised to see that you have so few acting credits, because you did a phenomenal job. JL: Thank you.
I’d spent my whole career focused on music. Acting wasn’t something I was really pursuing, even though we were doing film and TV behind the camera as producers, because music takes up so much of my creative energy. But I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with such great people. KW: What did you think of Justin Hurwitz’s score for “La La Land?” Did he compose the songs you played in the movie? JL: We wrote those together … he, Marius (de Vries), Angelique (Cinelu) and I. The four of us just sat in a room and played, and figured it out. Justin obviously was the composer for the rest of the film, and he’s wonderful. But since I always feel comfortable singing, that particular song (“Start a Fire”) worked, and made sense for the character I was playing.
Yet, it posed an interesting challenge, because you wanted the song to be good and represent a viable creative path, but you also wanted it to be a song Ryan’s character, Sebastian, wouldn’t want to play, given the storyline. So, it called for an interesting balance of making it a good, jazz-influenced tune you could hear on the radio while also making it something that represented too much of a departure for Sebastian. KW: I’d like to congratulate you on your new album, “Darkness and Light,” which I’ve been listening to. It’s terrific. JL: Thank you. I’m really proud of it. It’s funny being in “La La Land” mode today, since I’ve been in “Darkness and Light” mode for the past month, and I’ll be back into it for the next year or so. It’s exciting to support this really
beautiful film and to have a new album out at the same time. KW: I’ve always been impressed by your incredible commitment to charity work. What has inspired you to do that? JL: I’ve always thought that if I were successful in this career, I would have a lot of resources and a lot of influence, and that I would want to use them to make the world a better place. Part of my making the world better involves creating great art, and part involves my being an activist and contributing directly to causes that improve people’s lives with my time, my money and my influence. I think that’s part of who I am and of who I always will be. KW: Well, thanks again, John, and best of luck with both “La La Land” and “Darkness and Light.” JL: Thank you very much, Kam.
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Insight News • December 19 - December 25 • Page 11
The Feels comes to the Ice House
Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.
Wearing one of his Dotado Apparel, designer Sean James takes in The Feels.
Multi-talented Vie Boheme performing an expressive dance during her set at The Feels.
Alt-soul band, Seaberg.
Ron Brown creates a painting inspired by the evening’s entertainment.
Flow presents ‘Heart and Soul: Portraiture and the Body’ Flow Art Space presents “Heart and Soul: Portraiture and the Body” from Jan. 7- Jan. 28. A total of 179 pieces were entered from across the country and curator, Melissa Metzler, founder of Flow Art Space, ultimately selected 23 pieces made by 18 artists. An opening reception for artists and the public will be held Saturday,
Jan. 7 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. A Curator’s Purchase Award will be announced during the reception. Christopher Harrison, a Twin Cities artist, has two of his pieces, “Masquerade 8” and “Masquerade II,” on display at Flow Art Space. Harrison, who creates paintings, drawings and sculpture in his North Minneapolis studio, will also
display part of his “Africa” series. Other pieces on display include works by Beth Blake, Andrea Canter, Hsuan Chang, Tyler Evin, Daniele Gabriel, Jennifer Hartzler, Emma Rae Khalil, Sarah Lovitt, Keith Miesel, Alis Olsen, Dick Parker, Todd Peterson, Marco Pinter, Jon Reischl, Katie Schwehr, Sohail Shehada and Lindsay Stassen.
Flow Art Space is located in the Northern Warehouse in Lowertown at 308 Prince St., Suite 226, St. Paul. Light refreshments are served during receptions, and entry to the gallery is free. For more information call (612) 5643569 or email art@flowartspace. com.
“Masquerade II”
Harris From 1 the land NASA sat on was a former slave plantation and it remained a plantation until 1950 – seven years after Mann and the 10 other African-American women working there started for NASA. “All the men were being drafted to war (during World War II) and NASA turned to white women with backgrounds in mathematics and there weren’t enough of them, so it decided to look for AfricanAmerican women and came to Hampton University (Va.) where my grandmother was. My grandfather was a professor there. (Mann) had degree in chemistry from Talladega (College in Alabama),” said Harris. “That’s how she became one of the first 11.” Continuing her research, Harris, along with Margot Lee Sheerly received a
grant based on a joint proposal to further explore the work of the pioneering NASA mathematicians. Sheerly went on to author the book, “Hidden Figures” that has been adapted for the big screen and will hit theaters nationwide on Christmas Day. Harris has also authored a book on the subject. “Hidden Human Computers: The Black Women of NASA” is available on Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com as of Dec. 15. “Margot is a journalist so she approached it as wanting to tell the story to the public. I’m an academic, so I wanted to write a teaching tool, so my book is for sixth through 12th graders,” said Harris. “I wanted to do something that showed that African-Americans have a place and role in STEM.” Harris’ work is featured in an upcoming BBC documentary and she has been invited by the Virginia Legislature to present her book on before the body on Feb. 1. Although Harris is
known in academic and literary circles (she has written three prior books) as Duchess Harris, her birth name is Miriam – named after her pioneering grandmother, who she never got to meet. “She (Mann) died in 1967 and I was born in 1969 – the year Apollo 11 landed on the moon,” said Harris, who said that landing would not have been possible if it weren’t for the work of her grandmother and the other 10 Black mathematicians at NASA. Harris said one of her great joys is knowing her mother will get to see the film based on Mann’s life. “My mother used to tell people that her mother worked for NASA and nobody believed her,” said Harris. There will be a launch event for Harris’ book at the Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, on Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
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Page 12 • December 19 - December 25, 2016 • Insight News
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Richard Moody’s holiday party For 26 years fashion icon and man about town, Richard Moody, has presented his annual holiday toy drive benefiting
children from multiple area organizations. Each year a who’s who in the Twin Cities comes out to celebrate and give the gift
of love. More than $1,000 in toys was donated at this year’s event, held at Urban Eatery in Uptown.
Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.
The man of the hour, Richard Moody (center) with Bobby Lay, program director with Youth Horizons at Sabathani Community Center (left) and Jonathan Palmer, executive director of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. Both centers were recipients of toys donated that evening.
“The Love Engineer,” Dessert and Conversations producer, Alex Merritt.
Park it Here for an Exciting Career
Are you looking for a great place to start or advance your career? Look no further than Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board! The nationally rated #1 park system is looking for talented people to add to our growing organization. Check out current full-time, part-time and seasonal opportunities or sign up to recieve email notifications about future openings at www.minneapolisparks.org/jobs. An equal opportunity employer Husband and wife Don Harvey (right) and Sara Rogers.
Models and former models who have worked with Richard Moody, (left to right) Dana Joubert-Hayes, Dawn Johnson and Beatrice Saunders. .
Former Minnesota Viking Esera Tuaolo singing a Luther Vandross cover.