Insight News ::: 12.25.17

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Insight News December 25 - December 31, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 52• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Leading with art

Douglas Ewart pays tribute to Eric Dolphy

TURN TO PAGE 11

Eric Dolphy the Sonic Dread Bruce Silcox

Page 2 •December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Insight News 2017 is almost in the books, and what a book it has been.

Nationally we saw rise of consciousness in women and people of color in the wake of the presidency of Donald Trump. On the day of Trump’s inauguration crowds across the land gathered in protest – but more importantly, in solidarity – as a part of the Million Women’s March ‌ a march that included people of all genders. The #MeToo movement was brought to prominence, proclaiming an end to sexual harassment and

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A look back at 2017...

Insight News Insight News April 17 - April 23, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 15• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

One year later Celebrating the life and legacy of Prince

November 13 - November 19, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 46• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Woke at the polls

TURN TO PAGE 2

Seismic shift signals rise of new dynastic political order

Commentary

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor @HarryColbertJr sexual assault.

There were the many comings and going at the White House. Journalist April Ryan was told by Trump to set up a meeting with Trump and members of the Congressional Black Caucus – a meeting Trump could have easily called but to date has yet to do so. There was the ever-present Russia investigation.

A Ramsey County jury found Jeronimo Yanez not guilty of manslaughter in the killing of Philando Castile, leaving many to believe there in no justice in the justice system. There was Charlottesville. A “lone wolf� killed 58 people Oct. 1 attending an outdoor concert in Las Vegas, while a “terrorist� killed eight in New York on Halloween. To the dead and injured they were terrorists alike.

But 2017 was not full of doom and gloom. In fact, 2017 could be seen as a pivotal year in this nation’s history.

Medaria Arradondo was named Minneapolis’ ďŹ rst African-American police chief, oering hope for better police/community relations.

Melvin Carter was elected the ďŹ rst Black mayor of St. Paul and Andrea Jenkins and Phillipe Cunningham – both African-American – made history being elected as the ďŹ rst transgender Minneapolis city councilpersons. Black mayors were elected in cities across America and the Black vote in Alabama kept an accused child molester from reaching the U.S. Senate.

OďŹƒng hope there is in fact justice in the justice system, in South Carolina, Michael Slager was sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing unarmed Walter Scott in 2015 – shooting Scott in the back as he ran away from Slager.

At the start of 2017 Insight News began a cover concept, “Leading with Art,� which highlighted a multitude of talented artists working in a variety of mediums.

Showcased art on Insight’s cover was vibrant, bold and oftentimes socially relevant.

It told stories of our past and present and oered glimpses into our future.

Heading into 2018 Insight News will continue with the “Leading with Art� theme and expand upon it with issues dedicated to “Leading with Health,� “Leading with Business� and more; as we continue our mission to highlight the many positive stories in our community, while continuing to expose entities and institutions in need of transformation as we seek equitable outcomes for African-Americans and all people of color.

It has been our honor to bring you the news in 2017 and for the past 44 years. We look forward to presenting the news in 2018.

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THANKS OBAMA! TURN TO PAGE 3

TURN TO PAGE 2 Charles Caldwell

...and a look towards the future

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Insight News • December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Page 3

aesthetically speaking

Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities

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Insight News December 25 - December 31, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 52• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

The facility will be a new fitness and public art amenity for Northside youth

Juxtaposition Arts builds Northside skate park The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee (MNSBHC) Legacy Fund awarded a $50,000 grant to Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA) to build the first-ever skate park in North Minneapolis.

The communitydeveloped skate park will be conceptualized and designed by youth apprentices from the Environmental Design Lab at JXTA in collaboration with City of Skate and West Broadway Business and Area Coalition.

At JXTA, the labs give youth apprentices hands-on experience under the direction of established creative professionals, giving emerging artists the tools they need to build a successful career doing what they love.

The Environmental Design Lab re-imagines space in the built environment through combining public interest and social justice design.

The grant is part of the Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program,

which is made possible each year by a $1 million contribution courtesy of the NFL Foundation and is complemented by the Super Bowl Host Committee.

Through its 52 Weeks of Giving campaign, the MNSBHC has launched a yearlong effort to make Super Bowl LII a statewide event by awarding 52 communities with grants that will help improve the health and wellness of young people in Minnesota.

The addition of the skate park is timely as more young people on the Northside are skating today but don’t have a neighborhood location designated for the sport.

“The artist designed skate park is an incredible opportunity to bring Juxtaposition’s Art outdoors,” said Roger Cummings, chief cultural producer and co-founder at Juxtaposition Arts. “This project is a chance for us to spotlight

Juxtaposition Arts was awarded $50,000 from the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee to help fund the construction of a skate park in North Minneapolis. the creativity of our artists and expose young people on the Northside to a new form of recreation. We also hope to

draw awareness to how we, as a community, can use the power of art to decriminalize public spaces, encourage healthy

lifestyles and expression, promote play and community interaction.”

The park is scheduled for

Harry Colbert, Jr.

completion to coincide with the annual summer FLOW art crawl

JUXTA 5

Building Northside power

By Abeni Hill, Staff Writer Sen. Bobby Joe Champion said he used a grassroots approach to win his first race for senator.

That interactive approach led to Minneapolis City Council victories for councilmemberselect, Jeremiah Ellison (Ward 5) and Phillipe Cunningham (Ward 4) during the 2017 municipal elections. Ellison said engaging voters to increase voter turnout was key to his victory.

“We would walk around North Minneapolis and play music and interrupt people to talk about politics,” said Ellison.

“People were really engaged by that creative outreach, in addition to knocking on doors.”

Ellison said a key to his victory was finding unique opportunities for engagement.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Jeremiah Ellison (Ward 5) Cunningham also attributed a grassroots approach to his historic election.

“We focused on building power from Northsiders up,” said Cunningham. “I was having conversations with Northsiders every day. Folks were ready for change. Folks were tired of the status quo. They were hungry for a vision.”

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion Now that the elections are over, the work of governing will soon begin. Both incoming councilmembers say they are eager to get to work on behalf of the people.

“There is always that weird time between winning the election and sworn in,” said Ellison, who said he has been meetings with community

Phillipe Cunningham (Ward 4) members assembling a transition team. (I am) looking forward to being sworn in in under a month.”

Champion, Ellison and Cunningham were all guest on a Dec. 12 airing of “Conversations with Al McFarlane.

“Conversations” airs Tuesdays at 1 p.m. on KFAI (90.3 FM, www.kfai.org.)

Family of award winning actor, activist celebrates his 100th birthday

Observing Ossie Davis centennial

By Abeni Hill, Staff Writer Civil Rights activist and actor Ossie Davis would have turned 100 Dec. 18.

To celebrate Davis’ life, his family has decided to have a Centennial Celebration from Dec. 18, 2017 to Dec. 18, 2018.

Muhammed appeared on the Dec. 19 edition of “Conversations with Al McFarlane.”

“My brother and sister and I joke about how we chose our parents well,” Dr. Hasna Muhammed, Davis’ (and actress Ruby Dee’s) daughter. “We had a life that was ordinary as well as extraordinary.”

DAVIS 4

Ossie Davis

Business News

African-Americans Despite Unequal need training today Treatment, Black for tomorrow’s Women Will Risejobs

PAGE 4

News 2 Health Insight Scholarship Don’t complain, offers activate tuition at four-year St. Thomas for future entrepreneurs

5 PAGE 6

(Left to right) Wells Fargo Neighborhood Renovation Program Contest finalists, Ian Silver-Ramp (Mississippi Mushrooms), Heather Warfield and Wendy Puckett, both of Wendy’s House of Soul, grand prize winner Marques Armstrong (Hope & Healing Counseling Services) and Muridi Warfa, owner of Ibrahim Restaurant during a Dec. 18 reception in their honor at Wells Fargo Downtown East.

Four businesses wins Wells Fargo renovation grants

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor @HarryColbertJr

With the Dec. 20 passage of the Republican tax plan it is expected to be a windfall for large corporations, but small businesses are in many ways the economic drivers in our nation.

According to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses accounted for 63.3 percent of net new jobs from 1992 until 2013 and firms with less than 20 employees are almost 90 percent of all businesses in the United States.

Four of those small businesses in Minneapolis got a needed boost from Wells Fargo in the form of a $25,000 improvement grant for the winner and $10,000 improvement grants for three additional finalists.

Hope & Healing

I2H Commentary

Strongmen War on opioids and hurts the sickle fate of cell the ‘American disease patients Spring’

6 PAGE 7

Counseling Services, 1011 W. Broadway Ave., was awarded the $25,000 grand prize in the Wells Fargo Neighborhood Renovation Program Contest.

Neighbor, Wendy’s House of Soul, 1021 W. Broadway Ave., received a $10,000 improvement grant along with Ibrahim Restaurant, 1202 E. Lake St. and Mississippi Mushrooms, 3750 N. Washington Ave. The grants were specifically for renovations, updates and equipment and were paid directly to contractors chosen by the award recipients. The four businesses were honored during a Dec. 18 reception held at the Wells Fargo Downtown East, 550 S. 4th St., Minneapolis.

For Marques Armstrong, owner of Hope & Healing Counseling Services, the $25,000 prize was less about sprucing up the space he leases, but more about being able to

WELLS FARGO 5

Commentary Community

Paisley The Chronicles Park, toofgo or MisstoFreedom not go?

Fighter, Esquire: Ending mass incarceration

7 PAGE 9

Page 4 •December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Insight News

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Business

African-Americans need training today for tomorrow’s jobs

By Satta Kendor Technology has changed the world, and in most cases, it makes life easier.

A new data brief by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies examines automation. The Joint Center collaborates with organizations with a focus on the future of work, entrepreneurship and the use of technology to improve the value of life for communities with large African-American populations. The brief written

by Dr. Kristen Broady, a visiting professor at Howard University, highlights 30 occupations

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Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Abeni Hill Contributing Writers Nadvia Davis Fred Easter Timothy Houston Michelle Mitchum Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley Uchechukwu Iroegbu Rebecca Rabb Artist Donald Walker 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.

employing the most people in the United States. Those occupations have a high automation risk, and the brief uses ethnicity as a focal point. The occupations observed have a greater probability of automation throughout the next 10-20 years, where work by human workers may be replaced, or fundamentally altered by technology.

“I think it’s an issue because automation is something that is happening. Google and other companies are talking about selfdriving cars, and when you think about the African-American bus driver, once that really starts happening, those people are not going to have those jobs,” said Broady.

It would be effective to start preparing for the jobs that will become available, said Broady, rather than focusing on the jobs that are already available; whether preparing means helping to program automated vehicles, building automated vehicles or doing the necessary computer programming. More than 31 percent of Latino workers and 27 percent of African-American workers are in 30 occupations that are in danger of automation.

The 30 occupations listed in the study that are at considerable

Dr. Kristen Broady

risk of automation account for 24 percent of all white workers, and 20 percent of all AsianAmerican workers.

“We’re not going to fight it; it’s coming,” said Broady.

“So, what academic programs do we need to put into place to prepare folks to work in those industries?”

Broady said administrators, particularly at HBCU’s, should

think about automation and ways to prepare students to work in the 30 industries that are listed in the brief. Out of the occupations in the brief, the top three professions that employ the most people that are at risk due to automation are retail salespersons, cashiers and secretaries/administrative assistants. The total number of persons employed as retails salespersons in the United States is more than 3 million, according to the brief. About 400,000 AfricanAmericans are employed in those positions, which has an automation risk of 92 percent.

More than 3 million workers are employed as cashiers, which has an automation risk of 97 percent. Nearly 600,000 African-Americans fill those roles. Nearly 3 million workers are employed as secretaries/ administrative assistants, which has an automation risk of 81 percent to 98 percent, according to the brief.

The data is significant because it shows that AfricanAmericans are over-represented in occupations with high risk of elimination, or in which are at risk of being fundamentally altered, in comparison to white

workers.

“So, to the best of our financial ability in dealing with the structural racism that does exist, we need to prepare ourselves for the jobs that will be available,” said Broady.

African-American workers are more than one and a half times more likely to be cooks, cashiers, production workers, and in any of the 30 occupations listed in the brief, in comparison to white workers. In addition, African-American workers are more than three times more likely to be bus and taxi drivers, security guards and chauffeurs, in comparison to white workers.

It is difficult to predict the exact effects of automation on future labor markets, according to the brief. It is possible, with regards to specific contexts, that automation will create and eliminate jobs, and automation could, depending on tactical intervention, increase or decrease racial inequality. In addition, it is acknowledged automation could create access to opportunities.

It is also recognized that the absence of strategic intervention of automation could cause a negative impact on low income workers.

Kari Davis named director at Cora McCorvey Center YMCA Kari Davis has been announced as the new branch director of the YMCA at the Cora McCorvey Center, 1015 N. 4th Ave., Minneapolis (formerly Heritage Park YMCA).

Davis comes to the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities from The Sanneh Foundation, where she served as the chief administrative officer. Prior that position, she was the chief operating officer at Bolder Options.

Davis was also a leader for the United Way, where she held positions of Children and Families Impact Team Program Manager and director of Diversity and Inclusion.

Davis’ other past professional experiences include executive director of Human Resources at Prince of Peace Church in

Davis From 3 Muhammed said while her parents were involved in the Civil Rights Movement, it didn’t stop them from being a regular

Burnsville, executive director of The Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and regional director of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship in New York. In addition, she has held positions with R.H. Macy’s and Company, Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, and the James Street Neighborhood House in New Jersey.

Davis recently participated in and completed the Amherst Wilder, Shannon Leadership Institute and is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

The Y at Cora McCorvey Center, formerly known as Heritage Park, is named in honor of the retired president and CEO of the Minneapolis Housing Authorities.

family. She remembers still being encouraged to do chores around the house and eat her vegetables.

“There were times they didn’t take jobs because they wanted to keep the family together,” said Muhammed.

When asked about Davis’ early life, Muhammed attributed her father’s passion for civil

Kari Davis

rights to her grandparents, and specifically, her grandmother, Laura Davis. Muhammed’s grandmother who lived to be almost 106 lived in three different centuries.

“She was born in 1898 and it was the 21st century when she passed,” said Muhammed. “But she had taught dad a lot about

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resistance.”

Davis’ daughter explained her grandfather, who worked on the railroad, had an occupation mostly held by white man. She also said the Klan was vocal about their disapproval of her grandfather working on the railroad.

“He grew up in a time when he really needed to be independent and fend for himself,” said Muhammed.

Muhammed said father inherited that type of independence.

Almost unbelievably, according to Muhammed, Davis walked from Georgia to Washington, D.C. to attend Howard University.

After his time at Howard, while traveling to New York, Davis got the opportunity to hear Marian Anderson perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Anderson was asked to sing by Eleanor Roosevelt at the JFK Inauguration.

“Dad always mentioned that event as a pivotal event that got him involved in his activism and using his art as activism,” said Muhammed.

Davis received many honors and citations, including the N.Y. Urban League Frederick Douglass Award, the NAACP Image Award, the National Medal of Arts, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award and a Grammy. In December 2004, Davis and his wife, Ruby Dee, were recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors.

“Conversations with Al McFarlane” airs Tuesdays at 1 p.m. on KFAI (90.3 FM and online at www.kfai.org).

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Insight News • December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Page 5

Scholarship offers four-year tuition at St. Thomas for future entrepreneurs The University of St. Thomas is looking for applicants for full-ride scholarships, but applicants must act fast.

Designed to help launch the careers of students ready to tackle big challenges through innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, the Schulze Innovation Scholarship program at the University of St. Thomas is a new four-year full-tuition undergraduate scholarship with an application deadline of Jan. 15. The Schulze Innovation Scholarship is a cohort program admitting up to 10 freshman and transfer students per year. These students will participate in an educational program focused on experiential learning, in-

dividual mentoring and access to internships. Schulze Innovation Scholars live on campus the first year of their St. Thomas career, and are expected to participate in programming initiatives throughout their four years at the school. These initiatives are focused on building community, providing one-onone support and accelerating each student’s development as an entrepreneurial leader.

Applicants must apply for admission to St. Thomas as a first-time, first-year undergraduate or college transfer who intends to major in entrepreneurship. Firsttime, first-year applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher

The University of St. Thomas is offering full-ride scholarships to up to 10 students seeking to become entrepreneurs. by the end of their junior year of 1280. Transfer applicants Schulze Innovation Pro- www.stthomas.edu/business/ as reported on the official must have a transferrable col- gram Test Day held Feb. 17. schulze-school/schulzeinnoScholarship recipients will vationscholarshipprogram. transcript and a minimum lege GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Eligible students must be notified in March. AppliACT composite score of 27 or minimum SAT total score then be invited to attend the cations are available online at

STEP-UP Youth Employment Program accepting applications for 2018 summer internships The Minneapolis youth employment program STEPUP is accepting applications for 2018 summer internship placements.

Eligible Minneapolis youth ages 14-21 who are interested in participating in the 2018 STEP-UP class have until Feb. 16 to complete an application online at www. stepupmpls.org.

«I’m seeing STEP-UP come full circle through a new generation of young professionals in this city – young professionals who are still benefitting from the skills and connections they gained through STEP-UP years ago,» said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, «And as Minneapolis grows and changes, it is up to us to continue to provide opportunities for our young people so they can join that network of young professionals thriving in our city.»

“Providing opportunity for all is key to ensuring that

Minneapolis is on the leading edge of creativity in cities,” said Ward 3 council member and mayor-elect, Jacob Frey. “Youth employment programs like STEP-UP are crucial not just to advancing racial equity and economic inclusion, but to ensuring that future employers will be able to harness the full potential of their diverse and talented workforce.”

STEP-UP serves Minneapolis youth who face some of the greatest barriers to employment. Since the program was launched, it has provided more than 27,000 internship opportunities.

In addition to summer jobs with more than 220 Twin Cities companies, nonprofits and public agencies, STEPUP offers work-readiness training, mock interviews, advanced-level internships and industry-specific career opportunities that help interns integrate their career exposure with postsecondary education and

career planning.

Prior to being placed in their internships, youth receive work-readiness training certified by the

internship, they gain valuable on-the job skills, make strong professional connections, and become exposed to careers they may have not otherwise

the interns and they learn a lot from them in terms of intergenerational and multicultural viewpoints.

They also get to serve as

“Youth employment programs like STEP-UP are crucial not just to advancing racial equity and economic inclusion, but to ensuring that future employers will be able to harness the full potential of their diverse and talented workforce.”

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

accessed without STEP-UP. “Our managers who work directly with STEPUP interns are the luckiest people in the bank,” said Jennie Carlson, executive vice president for Human Resources at U.S. Bancorp.

“They love their work with

mentors and role models for their interns, and they get to be reverse mentored in many ways, too. So, it’s a win-win for us, and our managers absolutely love doing it.”

U.S. Bank has participated in STEP-UP since it was founded in 2004,

and has hired 398 interns, more than any other private sector employer.

In 2017, STEP-UP placed more than 1,600 Minneapolis youth in jobs with over 220 businesses, public agencies, and nonprofits.

Youth represented in the 2017 class were 91 percent youth of color, 51 percent youth from recent immigrant families, and 17 percent youth with disabilities or other significant barriers to employment. Twenty-three percent spoke fluently in a language in addition to English, representing 32 different languages from 35 different countries.

STEP-UP is a City of Minneapolis program in partnership with AchieveMpls.

Other major partners include the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Project for Pride in Living.

2017 elections over, now what?

The 2017 municipal races saw epic wins, including the election of the nation’s first African-American transgender city council representatives in Minneapolis – Andrea Jenkins (8th Ward) and Phillipe Cunningham (4th Ward).

St. Paul elected its first African-American Mayor, Melvin Carter, who garnered the most first choice voices across the city’s seven wards.

Minneapolis Park Board

Wells Fargo From 3 better serve his clients … and serve more of them.

“The office used to be a dental office and it was pretty open, so with the redesign we added three offices and sound dampening insulation to insure session privacy,” said Armstrong. “Because we can serve more people with the three additional offices, we can hire more people offering them

Juxta From 3 along West Broadway Avenue.

“This is an important addition to North Minneapolis,” said Deanna Cummings, chief executive officer with Juxtaposition Arts. “Oftentimes we’re (Northsiders) not thought of for projects such as this, but our kids like to skate too, so they should have access to these type parks in their neighborhood.”

In addition to the artistdesigned skate park, JXTA is also creating a pop-up parklet and relocating a portable art space, called “The Magic Shed” to their campus. The pop-up parklet will provide a communal

races also brought in AfricanAmerican commissioners – Latrisha Vetaw, Londel French and Somali-American, Abdikadir “AK” Hassan.

The weeks leading up to an election can be exhausting for voters overwhelmed with campaign messaging from every angle. But now that the dust has settled, what’s next?

“Voters typically go back to their lives, relieved the elections are over, but that’s

exactly when they should be tuning in,” said Anika Robbins, founder of Black Votes Matter MN. “Voters are more likely to get the change they seek – and elected officials are held accountable – when voters stay engaged.”

But what does “staying engaged” look like?

Visit city websites The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have userfriendly websites with up-

livable wages.”

Wendy’s House of Soul, run by chef and proprietor, Wendy Puckett, and her sister, chief financial officer, Heather Warfield, used the improvement grant to purchase needed refrigeration and freezer units along with other supplies to upgrade their kitchen.

“To some, $10,000 is a lot of money, to others it’s less. I say if it’s $10 it’s a blessing,” said Warfield.

Also a renter, Warfield said she and her sister plan to purchase their own building in the future.

“We want to relocate on

West Broadway,” said Warfield.

“Wendy wants to grow and stay North because the people of North Minneapolis have been so good to us.”

Warfield said being in business for one’s self is not easy, but the rewards are numerous. “(Starting a business) is not an easy road,” cautioned Warfield. “You’re going to lose some friends; you’re going to lose some family, but keep going and live your dream. If you have a dream, follow it.”

In 2016 Wells Fargo gave more than $70 million is SBA loans to Minnesota businesses.

gathering space and will feature benches and tables. The Magic Shed, is a flexible, multi-purpose structure that can be configured as a stage, vending kiosk, projection screen, information booth, exhibition and activity space. It was commissioned by the West Broadway Coalition and designed in 2016 by a team that included Juxtaposition Arts students and staff, Ten x Ten Landscape Architects and 4RM+ULA Architects.

In its previous location, the West Broadway Area Coalition successfully programmed the stage for a full year, including a weekly concert series, storytelling and poetry events, artist-created workshops and other community-driven events.

The Magic Shed will soon be relocated to JXTA and will

feature similar programming near the new skate park.

“Juxtaposition Arts is at the heart of the bold North. It is exciting to partner with them and City of Skate to build the first-ever skate park in North Minneapolis,” said Dana Nelson, vice president of Legacy and Community Partnerships at the MNSBHC. “The 52 Weeks of Giving campaign is about building a legacy for young people through access to increased physical activity. I can’t wait to see what the JXTA designers create.”

The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee is a private, nonprofit corporation formed to plan and execute Super Bowl LII.

to-date information on each ward and the city overall.

Some include minutes from council proceedings – in some instances with live video – along with a listing of city services and resources easily accessible to citizens. Visitors to the site get a sense of how the city operates, the various departments and initiatives along with any board openings and opportunities to do business with the city.

The web address for the City of Minneapolis is, www. minneapolismn.gov. For St. Paul, it is www.stpaul.gov.

Subscribe to ward newsletters Each councilperson and mayor typically release newsletters reporting on news and developments happening in their respective wards and cities. Constituents get a closer look at what their

representative is working on and opportunities to engage.

Attend meet and greets Some elected officials host regular “meet and greets” to share updates and glean feedback from For more information on Black Votes Matter MN visit www.blackvotesmattermn. com.

DO YOUR HEART A FAVOR. QUIT SMOKING.

Roosevelt, Heart attack at age 45 Virginia

Smoking causes immediate damage to your body.

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For free help, including free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, call 1-888-354-PLAN or visit quitplan.com.

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Page 6 •December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Insight News

Insight 2 Health

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Active elementary school students more likely to have healthy weight, good grades Elementary students who meet national recommendations for aerobic fitness are much more likely to have a healthy weight and have better academic outcomes, according to a new study involving Minnesota kids.

The study focused on 14 elementary schools in central and northern Minnesota that are part of the Active Schools Minnesota initiative.

The initiative assists students in reaching the national physical activity guideline of at least 60 minutes of movement every day.

“There is a lot of energy and positive feedback from schools using the Active Schools Minnesota approach,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger. “We know how important physical activity is to the overall health of our youth, and this study not only reinforced that point but also brought to the surface how important movement is to the academic success of our students.”

Between 2014 and 2016, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – through its Statewide Health Improvement

Partnership (SHIP) – worked with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on implementing and evaluating the initiative. Each school in the pilot study committed to implementing at least two strategies that increased students’ time in physical activity during and outside the school day, such as quality physical education and active recess.

“It’s clear from this report that active kids are active learners,” said Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. “Providing a well-rounded education that includes movement and physical education is essential to a child’s success in the classroom.”

Previous studies showed that physically active students tend to have better grades, school attendance and classroom behaviors. According to results of this study, students who met recommendations for aerobic fitness were 250 percent more likely to have a healthy weight. These students were also 27 percent more likely to be proficient in math and

YouTube

A new study correlates being physically active with getting good grades and maintaining a healthy weight.

24 percent more likely to be proficient in reading, based on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment scores. In addition, they were 6 percent more likely to attend school consistently, according to school records.

The impact is also felt beyond the numbers, with teachers reporting that students

enjoyed being active and that they observed positive behavioral changes in the classroom.

Schools participating in the study were supported by SHIP, with MDH and local SHIP grantees providing technical assistance and coordination.

Minnesota schools will soon incorporate grade-level

standards and benchmarks for physical education as required by a state law passed in 2016. The goal of these standards is to create equity in the quality of physical education instruction provided by all schools in Minnesota.

MDE and MDH will support schools to implement

the new standards by developing guidance materials and working directly with schools through SHIP. Implementing this new state policy will help schools meet national recommendations for physical education and enhance the Active Schools Minnesota approach.

Study identifies barriers to transplant therapy to treat multiple myeloma among racial groups

By Joe Dangor Mayo Clinic staff ATLANTA – A study by researchers at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Jacksonville, Fla. has found that barriers to patients receiving stem cell therapy as part of their treatment for multiple myeloma include income, education, insurance status and access to care at an academic center or facility that treats a high volume of patients.

“Stem cell transplants are a standard treatment for patients with multiple myeloma and have been shown to benefit patients by delaying the recurrence of disease and, in some cases, improving patient survival,” said Dr. Sikander Ailawadhi, a hematologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and the lead investigator of this study. “While stem cell transplant utilization for patients with multiple myeloma has increased for all racial and ethnic subgroups

over time, population-based studies have repeatedly shown that certain racial minorities are less likely to receive it.”

Ailawadhi and his colleagues decided to explore factors that determine stem cell transplant utilization among patients from minority communities to better understand the issue and come up with solutions to eliminate barriers and improve access for all patients.

Researchers reviewed medical records for approximately 112,000 patients with a multiple myeloma diagnosis from the National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2013.

Of those, 15,000 patients received a stem cell transplant as part of their treatment.

“We found that there was an overall increase in the use of stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma over time for all races except Asians,” said Ailawadhi.

“We also found there was greater use of stem cell therapy among

Whites and Hispanics with higher income levels and greater

Researchers found that white, Black and Hispanic

medical centers or centers that treat a high volume of patients

We noted significant disparities among races for regarding who receives a stem cell transplant as a part of their initial care for multiple myeloma and who does not.

use among Whites and Blacks with higher education levels.”

patients with private insurance and those treated at academic

were more likely to get a stem cell transplant to treat

multiple myeloma. They also observed some other variables that contributed to disparities including, patient comorbidities, distance from a treating facility and geographic isolation.

“This is the largest analysis exploring socio-demographic factors affecting stem cell transplant use in multiple myeloma treatment,” said Ailawadhi. “We noted significant disparities among races for regarding who receives a stem cell transplant as a part of their initial care for multiple myeloma and who does not. Furthermore, we found that the sociodemographic factors that affect receipt of stem cell transplant for myeloma are variable from patients of one race to another.”

Ailawadhi says while some of these factors are nonmodifiable, others including access to healthcare, income, insurance and literacy levels, proximity to treatment center, treating facility type as well as volumes are modifiable.

Winter got you down? You may be SAD

By Dr. Craig Sawchuk and Dr. Dagoberto Heredia Mayo Clinic

At this time of year, with daylight and sunshine in short supply, you may feel more like hibernating than heading out doors to play in the snow.

If you do, you’re not alone.

Those of us who live in northern states are no strangers to the “winter blues,” which is a mild version of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). About 15 percent of the population may struggle with winter blues. Studies have shown that nearly 10 percent of people in New Hampshire have been diagnosed with SAD, but it affects only about 1 percent in Florida, the Sunshine State.

SAD tends to be more common in women, young adults and those who work night shifts.

It also has been found to run in families. SAD symptoms typically come on during the fall and winter months and reliably go away during the spring and summer months. Common SAD symptoms include sleeping more, but not sleeping well, feeling dragged out, low-energy and unmotivated, craving junk or comfort food, gaining weight, losing interest in activities you once en-

joyed, not being able to focus and avoiding social activities.

While many of us experience these symptoms to some degree, when they become disabling or make it difficult for you to function, you should contact your care team. If you already suffer from depression, SAD can make your symptoms worse.

While there’s no exact cause of SAD, researchers have found it may be linked to a person’s bilogical clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.

A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body›s level of melatonin, which plays a role in regulating sleep patterns and mood.

Whether it›s the winter blues or SAD, here are some things you can try to lift your mood.

Open your shades to let in the sunlight. Head outdoors on sunny days. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Adjust your diet to include floods that provide energy. Make plans to stay connected on a regular basis with friends, family and other social supports. Try light therapy.

During light therapy, you sit or work near a box that gives off bright light mimicking natural outdoor light. The boxes are relatively inexpensive and can be bought without a prescription. Some insurance companies cover the cost. They›re small, thin and lightweight and can be

carried when you travel. Many patients find light therapy to be as effective as anti-depressants, without the side effects.

Choose a light-therapy box that emits 10,000 lux and gives off low ultraviolet (UV) light. Some lightboxes give off white light or blue light, but there really is no

advantage to one color of light over the other. Keep using it until the days lengthen, and you begin to feel better, which is usually in the early spring to summer.

Dr. Craig Sawchuk is a clinical psychologist in Employee and Community Health’s (ECH) Division of Integrated Behav-

ioral Health (IBH) at Mayo. Dr. Dagoberto Heredia is a clinical psychology fellow in Employee and Community Health’s (ECH) Division of Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH).

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Page 7

Strongmen and the fate of the ‘American Spring’ Commentary by Ahmed Tharwat Following the fall of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein and his serial sexual assaults, the tsunami of sexual harassment and assault allegations has become a fixed segment on the daily evening news.

Like the Arab Spring, every day seems to bring the fresh fall of a powerful man in virtually every industry and sector of society who have been abusing their power over women by harassing them sexually with impunity.

The Arab Spring brought down five Arab “strongmen,” dictators who abused their political powers for a long time.

The “American Spring” brought down more strongmen, and is still in its first year; the latest being the fall of Sen. Al Franken, who as any dictator reluctantly resigned with a great deal of blame.

The #MeToo movement created a historical moment of reckoning … a Tahrir Square moment … which empowered millions of women to come out and revolt against abusive strongmen, telling their stories and demanding changes, exposing men who have been held high on our cultural and political food chain.

There are similarities between those strongmen toppled in the American Spring uprising and those of the Arab Spring.

The New York Times reported in response to the end of ex Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who ruled the country for more than three decades, with a headline that caught my eye; “Five strongmen, and the fate of the Arab Spring.” “…it is not just a key moment in a country that is wracked by civil war … it is also a reminder of the dashed hopes in the region, seven years after a fruit vendor’s self-immolation in Tunisia touched what became known as the Arab Spring.”

The Times’ descriptive narrative of the five fallen Arab dictators can actually shed some light on our strongmen here, which made me look more deeply and examine those toppled by the sexual allegations in the American Spring, which unlike the Arab Spring was limited to the political arena; the American Spring extends into media, politics and entertainment.

Mirroring the Times’ narrative of the fallen Arabs, let us all look at five strongmen, and the fate of the American Spring.

Arab Spring Hosni Mubarak of Egypt According to the New York Times, “… after nearly 30 years in power, Mr. Mubarak, 89, once symbolized the unassailable Arab strongman, and his downfall appeared to single a political sea change.”

American Spring Harvey Weinstein Weinstein, once symbolized the unassailable Hollywood strongman, his downfall appearing to signal a political sea change.

Weinstein reportedly once said, “I’m Harvey Weinstein, you know what I can do?”

Arab Spring Muammar Gaddafi of Libya Gaddafi was described as, “a quirky and ruthless leader who considered himself the king of Africa, dresses in Bedouin robs and ruled Libya for more than 40 years.”

American Spring

Ahmed Tharwat Television host Charlie Rose Rose too seems to be “a quirky ruthless television host who considered himself the king of political talk, known for dressing in an open robe and walking in front of women staff and accused of sexually abusing at least eight women for more than 40 years.”

Arab Spring Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia The Times said of the former leader of Tunisia, “Mr. Ben Ali, 81, enjoyed what critics

called an obscenely opulent life. It made for a stark contrast with the struggles of ordinary Tunisians, whose despair seemed exemplified by the fate of the fruit vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi.”

American Spring Louis C.K. I say of Louis C.K., “Louis C.K., 50, enjoyed what critics called an obscene, perverse life, it made for a stark contrast with his ordinary fans, whose despair seemed exemplified by the fact that everyone was laughing.”

Arab Spring Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen The Times said of Saleh, “Mr. Saleh, considered one of the most cunning autocrats in the Arab world, stepped down in early 2012 after three decades of leading Yemen, the Middle East’s most impoverished country.”

American Spring Matt Lauer It can be said of Lauer, “Mr.

Lauer, considered one of the most cunning morning TV show hosts, stepped down after two decades of leading NBC’s ‘Today Show’ due to ‘inappropriate sexual behavior,’ according to the network.”

Arab Spring Bashar al-Assad of Syria The Times wrote of al-Assad, “Confounding predictions by Western leaders that he was next in line to fall, President Assad has remained in power through a 2011 uprising that morphed into a civil war, devastated Syria and created a staggering refugee crisis.”

American Spring Former judge and Alabama Senate candidate, Roy Moore Following Tuesday’s (Dec. 12) election, it can be written, “Confounding predictions, accused child molester Roy Moore went down to defeat in a wave that can be attributed to women voters … particularly, Black women voters as a part of the

#MeToo uprising. His refusal to withdraw from the race morphed into a cultural civil war that nearly devastated Alabama, and created a staggering political crisis.”

As with the Arab Spring, the falling of the “strongmen” did not topple the system that created those abusive men, nor did it make that much of a change in the corrupt political culture in the Arab world.

There is a counter revolution to the Arab Spring and millions of Arabs are still longing for the comfort of the strongman leaders.

Despite the fall of the “strongmen” in the American Spring, a system remains whereby sexual violence is pervasive and plays a big part in the problem against women and non-whites.

On the whole, it is one in which masculinity is promoted and male violence is celebrated in our culture, sports, movies, workplace, advertising and the consumer culture.

is partnering with Medtronic to fill 20-30 medical assembly positions • Med dtronic, a global medical tech hnologyy, ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŽ ŽůƵƟŽ ŽŶƐ ĐĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ͕ ŝƐ ŚŝƌŝŶŐ mediccall assemb blers from North h Minneapolis and the Cedar Riverside e neighb borhoo od • ϮϬͲϯϬ ŵĞĚŝĐĂů ĂĂƐƐĞŵďůLJLJ ƉŽƐŝƟŽ ŽŶƐ ĂĂǀĂŝůĂĂďůĞ at Brookklyn Center faacility • WĞĞŽƉůĞ Ž ŽĨ ĨƌŝĐĂŶ Ě ĚĞƐĐĞŶƚ ĂƌĞ ĞĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞĚ Ě ƚƚŽ ĂƉ ƉƉůLJ

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Insight News â&#x20AC;˘ December 25 - December 31, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 9

Community

Happy New Year 2018 Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Columnist The New Year is upon us.

It is time to begin (or renew) the necessary work to get great things done in the upcoming year. Real success in life can only be measured by the accomplishment of your personal goals, but, until you truly understand why you are here, you can never put the energy needed to bring your goals to fruition. Spend some time during this month to determine what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. Here are some steps to help guide you along the way.

First, feed yourself positive information. You are the one that will ensure your brain has the information that it needs to make your life successful. When you discipline yourself to feed your mind the most powerful, positive information available, it will produce the most positive, powerful outcomes. The things you listen to, watch, read, and the people you associate with are all a part of your success model.

As you go into the New Year, take some direct action that will feed your heart, soul, and mind positive information.

Next, focus on improving your strengths while understanding your weaknesses.

Some people unwisely focus on their areas of weakness thinking it will make them a better person. A ďŹ sh would never spend time trying to ďŹ gure out how to survive outside of water. It will not make him a better ďŹ sh. An eagle would

make a terrible ďŹ sh because its strength is in ďŹ&#x201A;ight. So it is with you. You are who you are by the

greatest amount of success and satisfaction. In the upcoming year, focus on your strengths and

you live in is not static, so your life must continually evolve. In your lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program, there will

As you go into the New Year, take some direct action that will feed your heart, soul, and mind positive information.

grace of God. Focus on your strengths. Your strengths are tied to the things you are able to do naturally (without much eďŹ&#x20AC;ort), and they will bring you the

Paisley Park, to go or not to go?

soar with the eagles.

Finally, make adjustments along the way. Life is not a single action or event. Things change constantly. The environment that

be upgrades, new versions, and corrections that are needed.

Mistakes happen. Bad things happen. Adjust. Those who rewrite their lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story, rewrite

it to have a happy ending. The quicker you are able to adjust to lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mishaps, the sooner you can redirect it back on course.

You will never achieve external greatness without internal character. Internal character comes from God. In the New Year, focus on improving your spiritual relationship with God. This is where your inner strength resides. He will give you true moral and values that will lead to success. True character is spiritual in nature, and spiritual strength can only come from God. Hay this New Year be your best one ever.

Happy New Year.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister and motivational speaker committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get copies of his books, for questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

Give the gift of thanks this season.

Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not. Support St. Jude Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research HospitalÂŽ at any Best BuyÂŽ store or at www.BestBuy.com/stjude.

Columnist

By Violet Brown Instagram @violetesq Paisley Park is not the same without Prince, period.

Once a private residence, recording studio, and site of live music for select groups; the building has been rezoned and is now a public museum and site for large-scale annual concerts in his remembrance.

At present, decisions for events and activities to commence there are made by PP Management, a subsidiary of Graceland Holdings, the well-known company that manages Elvis Presleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Graceland. Bremer Trust, as special administrator of the estate, entered into the contract. Bremer Trust was replaced with Comerica Bank by court order.

A special administrator is appointed by the court when no will exists and where laws of intestate succession rule.

Judges can consider laterdiscovered wills under state statutes in certain circumstances.

The administration process is lengthy, and especially so when large assets are at stake. Add to this situation the level of fame and notoriety the name Prince carries with it, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obvious that a long and bumpy ride are ahead. By way of example, more than four-dozen people came forward claiming to be heirs to the estate. Remember the inmate from Colorado who claimed to be Princeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son? District Court Judge Kevin Eide had to consider each claim in earnest.

In May the judge decided Princeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister, Tyka Nelson, and his half-siblings from both his mother and father would inherit, but assets could not be distributed in a way that could negatively aďŹ&#x20AC;ect the claims of those with appeals underway.

Donate Now Harry Colbert, Jr.

Items such as Princeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motorcycle from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Graffiti Bridgeâ&#x20AC;? and outfit from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the Cherry Moonâ&#x20AC;? on display at Paisley Park.

Under Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-tier structure the Minnesota Appeals Courts and ultimately the Minnesota Supreme Court can review district court cases. To date, at least half a dozen claims have been denied at the Appeals Court level.

Why is any of this important? Many fans are conďŹ&#x201A;icted over whether or not to visit, feeling things are not being properly managed, or whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening may not be what Prince would have wanted.

Some are blaming his family, stating they are making poor decisions, wasting his resources, etc. Family members have stated they are not in complete control yet, and when they are, they will do the right things. Some are of the opinion that Prince met with foul play and based on this idea, believe going to visit his museum supports the exchange of blood money. Others say he is not there physically so there is just no point to any of it.

To be clear, visiting to Paisley Park is not for the purpose of saying anyone is OK with his ultimate demise.

Celebrating the life he lived, his accomplishments, and passing on his legacy of respect for real musicians and generosity to others is the idea. For the ones who worked with him there, it may be emotionally overwhelming to go back.

For others in that class, it may be comforting. So many

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unanswered questions still linger. There are many details we just do not know. We do know that he wanted the museum. He did everything he could to educate and enlighten while he was here, and there is still much to learn about him.

Tours give fans insight into his recording process, exhibiting both digital and analogue equipment. Information on both high and low points in his career are presented. People can meet, fellowship, remember and dance to his music in his club.

Many people move as far away from home as possible the second they reach a certain level of fame. Prince chose to stay in Minnesota and bring love for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area from all corners of the earth. Fans from all around the world come to see Paisley Park and bring revenue to the area by staying in local hotels, using local transportation services, eating at area restaurants and visiting sites well-known for being important in Princeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rise to fame.

While Paisley Park is indeed in our hearts, it would be a shame to allow a readymade monument to crumble.

The facility represents a physical testament to what the imagination, discipline and hard work of a talented, determined kid from Minneapolis can do.

It can continue to be a source of inspiration for talented determined kids from all over.

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Page 10 •December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Lisa Marie Brimmer

Nooky Jones

Monday, Dec. 25 LIVE MUSIC Christmas with Robert Robinson Dakota Jazz Club 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 7:00 p.m.

All ages $25-$35

Dec. 25, 2017Jan. 7, 2018

With one of the most dynamic voices in music, a hometown favorite, Robert Robinson, is known to bring audiences to their feet with his stirring vocals.

Tuesday, Dec. 26 HIP-HOP Tuesday After Next: A HipHop Showcase Addis Ababa Restaurant 2713 E. Lake St., Minneapolis 10 p.m.

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

DJ Cam Jones and W.M.G United are bringing another night of hip-hop to Lake Street with performances

by Ray Rilla, Kingsota, Emmanuel Akindolie, DeAndre Slater II, ShayMarie InIt and King Cash Get Doe.

Wednesday, Dec. 27 HIP-HOP/JAZZ The Feels: A Night of Resolutions & Revolution Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m.

21-plus $8 advance, $10 door

Soul Tools and KBEM Jazz 88 present a night of spoken word, jazz, hip-hop and more with performances by Soul Beautiful, newly elected Minneapolis Councilperson Andrea Jenkins, Lisa Marie Brimmer, Robb Hays and DJ Miss Brit.

Thursday, Dec. 28 HOLIDAY

Minneapolis 10:30 p.m.

21-plus $15 advance, $17 door In the vein of Daptone Records artists like the late Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley, Twin Cities based Nooky Jones has been wowing audiences. Catch them with DJ Keezy and Jessica Manning at the Icehouse.

Sunday, Dec. 31

A Voice of Culture Kwanzaa Voice of Culture Drum+Dance 2100 Emerson Ave. N., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

PARTY NYE with Thee Urbane Life and CanIVent Doubletree - Park Place 1500 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

21-plus $40 general admission, $65 VIP

All are welcome to a celebration of Ujima (collective work and responsibility). There will be drumming, dancing, food and more.

Friday, Dec. 29 R&B New Year›s 90s R&B Revival Bunker’s Music Bar & Grill 761 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

21-plus $10 advance, $15 door Kathleen Johnson and Mario Dawson present a night of 1990s R&B at the “go to” for live musicianship in Minneapolis, Bunker’s.

Thee Urbane Life and CanIVent once again host one of the hottest New Year’s Eve parties in the Twin Cities. The event features three rooms, two DJs – Miss Brit and Chuck Chizzle – the band LMNOP, a room for steppers and a game room and more. Dress in chic cocktail attire and step into one of the most anticipated parties of the year … old and new.

SOUL/R&B/FUNK Nooky Jones “Soulful Soirée” Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave.,

Tuesday, Jan. 2 HIP-HOP Meta›s JAMuary Nomad World Pub 501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

21-plus $10 Metasota starts his monthlong residency with The Nomad. The show also features Andre Mariette, Reed Benjamin and Khari.

Wednesday, Jan. 3 HIP-HOP GainesFM First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

18-plus $8 Up and coming hip-hop artist, GainesFM, performs at First Avenue with UJU, Baby Shel, Velvo, Pilot Jonny and DJ Travis Gorman.

Thursday, Jan. 4

Monday, Jan. 1

OPEN MIC

CLUB

Fifth Element Open Mic Fifth Element 2411 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

All ages No cover

Industry Nights at Conga Conga Latin Bistro 501 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 10 p.m.

21-plus No cover

Saturday, Dec. 30

Enjoy this weekly dance night at a Latin music cornerstone, Conga, just outside of downtown Minneapolis.

Emcees take a chance to get in the spotlight at the

Rhymesayers’ headquarters, Fifth Element.

Friday, Jan. 5 HIP-HOP Boosie Privé Minneapolis 315 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m.

Hood legend Boosie is a fan favorite. Catch him in his return to downtown Minneapolis.

Saturday, Jan. 6 SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT Wrestlepalooza XI First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m.

18-plus $25 advance, $35 door Check out some of the top independent wrestlers in Minnesota at this popular event inside of the First Avenue Mainroom.

Sunday, Jan. 7 TALK/LECTURE/ PHOTOGRAPHY The Creation of “30 Lives” with Kimberly Vrudny Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church 511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All ages The public is invited to this post-service talk with Kimberly Vrudny, the photographer that traveled the globe to document the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Respect in the Kitchen The Un-Bougie Foodie

By Wesley Wright

www.facebook.com/ theunbougiefoodie I’ve been thinking how as a columnist I could speak to the conversation that has been on the minds of women, and men, regarding harassment in the workplace, specifically in the culinary industry.

I realize being a man, that I can only empathize with women that have been subject to inappropriate descriptive language about their bodies, experiencing unwanted touching or invasion of personal space, by those with whom they work.

But at the same time, I’m embarrassed and ashamed at men that feel they have some right or privilege as men to talk about, or make comments to a woman any way they want to because “that’s what guys do.”

Where does this narrative start? I mean aren’t we all adults and have had some experience with respecting people in the workplace? Maybe all of those

past experiences were just that … in the past. You would hope that as we build families, or establish relationships those would-be words of wisdom would offer a moral sense of decency when working alongside culinary professionals.

Sadly however, it seems the direction of our moral compass has been affected to the extent that some are being harassed while they attempt to involve themselves in a field, or career that they love. Some feel they have to compromise and stay in an uncomfortable environment, suffering internally, just so they are able to advance or become successful as a culinary expert/ chef. Others, break under the emotional stress and harassment they face, leaving what they once thought would be a dream job only to find that it had nightmarish results.

I recently listened to a TED Talk guest speaker, Justin Baldoni, who challenged men to identify and ponder on the characteristics they feel defines them as men; like strength, courage, toughness. It wasn’t just to focus on themselves.

More importantly, encouraging men to demonstrate those same characteristics when they witness others being harassed

As with any workplace, the kitchen too should be off limits to harassment. or being taken advantage of.

Are you willing to be brave and speak up when others around you are being inappropriate?

When a person expresses they are or have been harassed or assaulted, will you have the

strength and fortitude to support them in their anguish, and let them feel confident that you believe them.

Become the person that prevents these stories from continuing.

Search deep

within and consider if this were someone you loved that experience these scenarios.

Let’s all work to improve our interactions between one another and demonstrate that we all value a safe workplace

environment where inequality and harassment do not reside.

Wesley Wright is creator and host of “The Un-Bougie Foodie,” which airs Saturdays at 10 a.m. on 104.7 FM WEQYLP.

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Page 11

Visual and musical artist and inventor

Leading with Art: Douglas Ewart

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor @HarryColbertJr The magnificent piece on this week’s cover of Insight News is entitled “Eric Dolphy the Sonic Dread” and it is as multifaceted as the artist who inspired it … and the artist who is its creator.

Douglas Ewart may be one of the world’s most talented artists. Ewart, who has lived in the Powderhorn neighborhood of South Minneapolis for the past 25 years, is a renowned visual artist, musical artist and inventor.

He plays multiple instruments … he’s even invented musical instruments. He works in a variety of mediums to create his distinctive visual art. Anything can become art in the hands of Ewart … an old school desk, musical instruments, even recycled scraps that become joyful spinning tops that not only provide entertainment to kids, but also teach physics.

“I grew up in Jamaica and we made most of the toys we had as children,” said Ewart. “Slingshots,

kites, bats, balls … you name it.

And tops were a very critical part of our play as children.”

Ewart said as an adult he noticed some neighborhood kids who he felt could benefit from playing with tops, so he set out to make about 50. Fifty turned into more than 300 to date.

“I got the idea that these tops could be used to teach physics to students, so I started going into schools with the tops and a physicist to introduce the concept of physics to kids,” said Ewart.

Back to the cover piece, it was recently announced that “Eric Dolphy Sonic Dread” will be on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago Jan. 15 – Feb. 21 as a part of its Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition – an exhibition that has garnered Ewart top honors in years past. “Eric Dolphy” is a tribute to the late musician Eric Dolphy, a jazz great during his time. Dolphy played multiple instruments, but was known for his playing of the bass clarinet; an instrument often confused for the instrument it inspired, the saxophone. Ewart said Dolphy was one of his greatest “mentors

Bruce Silcox

Ewart’s spinning tops.

YouTube

Douglas Ewart. from a distance.”

“We never met but he had a great impact on my life,” said Ewart. “This is the third piece

I’ve dedicated to Eric Dolphy. I admired both his musicianship and his commitment to humanity.”

“Eric Dolphy Sonic Dread”

uses the bass clarinet as the base for his artistic tribute with an ostrich egg held in the clarinet’s bell.

“The egg is a symbol of fertility and Eric Dolphy was the musical father to so many,” said Ewart.

In addition to the egg, Ewart has adorned the clarinet with reeds from other wind instruments that Dolphy mastered and keys from a piano – yet another instrument played by Dolphy.

“The piece, for me, has a

lot of complicated philosophical and metaphoric meanings,” said Ewart.

A highly acclaimed musician, Ewart performs with an all-star lineup of jazz musicians including Wadada Leo Smith, Roscoe Mitchell, Oliver Lake, Anthony Cox and Hamid Drake on March 3 at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Tickets for that event are $30 and available online at www.walkerart.org.

Katt’s Back! Legendary comedian in new film, “Father Figures”

By Kam Williams Legendary stand-up comedian and actor Katt Williams has enjoyed an impressive career seeded with thousands of stage shows in sold-out arenas, a laundry list of starring roles on the small screen and memorable performances in major box office hits.

Born in 1971 in Cincinnati, Williams grew up in Dayton, Ohio.

Strong-willed and self-motivated even as a young man, he became emancipated at 13 years old and relocated – on his own – to Florida where he worked as a door-to-door salesman. Not long thereafter, he took his first shot at first stand-up, thrilling a crowd with a five-minute improv routine. That’s when Williams, having searched his entire adolescence for a sense of purpose, said he found fulfillment in making people smiles.

After cultivating a loyal fan base, he made a smooth transition to television and film, making a scene-stealing big screen debut playing Money Mike in “Friday After Next.” Here, the comeback kid talks about acting opposite Ed Helms, Owen Wilson, Ving Rhames, Glenn Close, J.K. Simmons and Christopher Walken in the new ensemble comedy, “Father Figures.”

Kam Williams: What interested you in “Father Figures?”

Katt Williams: When I read the script, I instantly understood that it was somehow funny and yet also touching. It really felt like something substantial. The only question was whether it would be cast correctly. Then, when you hear it’s going to be Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, Glenn Close, J.K. Simmons, Christopher Walken,

Terry Bradshaw and Ving Rhames, it’s like, “Wait a minute. This is exactly what I was hoping for. So, I was “in” all through the process.

KW: Once again, you’ve managed to have the most memorable scenes in a movie, even in a support role.

Katt: Thank you, Kam. I’m always trying to wring as much, comedically, out of a performance as I possibly can. This role was different because it called for the exercise of a different muscle.

It wasn’t just about, more, more, more, more. This film called for me to start with absolute constraint, to start at zero and gradually accelerate from there. I appreciate the acting lesson within it.

KW: What would you say is the message of “Father Figures?”

Katt: It’s twofold. On the most basic level, it’s about not judging a book by its cover.

That all close friends start out as strangers. That’s the beauty of the situation we’re in on this planet.

We have the opportunity every day to meet someone we didn’t know who might become an integral part of our life that really matters.

The second message is that we all have holes in our souls, and that we’ll be better people when we figure out how to fix those holes. So, it’s also about people trying to be more complete. And that’s a wonderful story to tell any time of year, but especially during the holiday season.

KW: Was there a meaningful spiritual component to your childhood?

Katt: I’ve always felt that way. I’ve sensed, at my best moments, that I was being led. So, I know that sort of protection exists. I also know that there are some people who are much more in tune with the

KattWilliams.com

Katt Williams is back on stage and on screen, co-starring in the new movie, “Father Figures.” universe than the rest of us. and their lives are evidence of that.

KW: (Reader) LingJu Yen asks what is your earliest childhood memory?

Katt: I can remember thinking, at the age of 3 (years old), that I invented the concept of lying. By a brilliant thought process, I figured that I could fib and avoid the repercussions for something I had done, because lying meant that it never happened. However, by the time I was 5 (years old), I came to hate lying and to think of it as the worst thing in the world. That’s my earliest memory. Weird, but true.

KW: Was there any particular moment in your childhood that inspired you to become the person you are today?

Katt: No, I could only envision myself doing something that was important to people. But years later, when comedy came into my life, I was so ready for it.

I had already watched the great

comics. It had just never occurred to me that that was something I could be doing, too. Coming from that to this was a lot and it makes you forever grateful.

KW: What’s on the horizon for you; more movies, more TV, more stand-up?

Katt: All of the above.

I just finished an episode of “Atlanta” and I have a Netflix special dropping Jan. 16 called “Great America.” And I’ve just wrapped “Meet the Blacks 2: The House Next Door” with Mike Epps, Lil Duval, Bresha Webb, Zulay (Henao) and company.

And right now, I’m just finishing up “#TwoMinutesofFame” with Jay Pharoah, Deon Cole and a bunch of great comedians.

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

Katt: I see someone who has managed to stick around for this amount of time without literally scraping their potential.

KW: What’s the biggest

“MINNESOTA’S MASTER MALE VOCALIST” Presented by

Come for the movies. Stay for the conversation.

DECEMBER 25 • 7 PM

7pm Thursday, 1/4 Discussion Leader: Sha Cage $5 tickets: mspfilm.org or at the door.

Be @ the Capri 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411 www.thecapritheater.org

because I put it out there, someone else might jump on the idea.

Although, I think it’s a great time to redo “Trading Places.”

KW: Do you have any interest in directing?

Katt: Yes, but I’m focusing on producing right now. I’m producing both of those movies I told you about (“The House Next Door 2” and “#TwoMinutesofFame”).

KW: Can you go to a movie theater or a supermarket?

Katt: Not unless I’m prepared to be Katt Williams.

KW: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

Katt: I would reassure him that he was on it, and to trust his instincts about what he intended to bring. And I would tell him not to give away all of your stories before it’s time to; if you intend to have longevity. Each of those movie ideas you have, could turn into $100 million apiece, if you don’t share them before you make it.

KW: (Reader) Judyth Piazza asks, what key quality do you believe all successful people share?

Katt: I have yet to meet someone who was successful who was even slightly negative. That comes from a muscle training. You can work on negativity and weed it out of your life. I’ve noticed that all of the people who acted as if they were going to be gone too soon, were gone too soon.

KW: Thanks again for the time, Katt, and best of luck with the film, the stand-up special and your other endeavors.

Katt: Thank you, Kam. Nobody does it better than you.

You got something accomplished, here. I’ve never had a conversation like this with anybody else, for sure.

JAZZ TRUMPET MARVEL

— Minneapolis Star Tribune

ROBERT ROBINSON Bronx Gothic

difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet?

Katt: I’m able to behave like the guy you see onstage although that’s not my entire existence. I might be a portion of that guy. At home, quiet prevails.

It’s incense, candles and birds chirping. Everything’s done to maximize peace and tranquility, because we know when we exit those doors, it’s going to be a whole different energy.

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

Katt: There are a whole of list of questions. Listen, parodies of me have been done seven or eight times on “SNL” (“Saturday Night Live”). Every time they want good Black ratings, somebody’s doing Katt Williams. Jay Pharoah ...

Michael Che ... Leslie Jones ...

Drake ... Tiffany Haddish. With each of them, we’ve had a Katt Williams sighting, so, here’s a question I wish somebody would ask. How many impressions of you should they do before finally having the real Katt Williams on “Saturday Night Live?”

KW: Well put. Why do you spoof somebody so many times without inviting them on? Is there anything that you promised yourself you’d do if you became famous, that you still haven’t done yet?

Katt: Oh, no. Absolutely not.

Those were the first things that got done. I was so grateful to God, I did make sure I kept all my promises to Him, up front, of what I’d do in return for being successful.

KW: (Reader) Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks, with so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you›d like to star in?

Katt: I hesitate to say,

ROY HARGROVE QUINTET JANUARY 16 & 17 • 7 & 9 PM

Page 12 •December 25 - December 31, 2017 • Insight News

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion may need a bigger venue to host next year’s “Music for the Holidays.” In its third year, “Music for the Holidays” has swelled to crowds in the thousands – a number too large for

the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis to hold. But for those lucky enough to witness the performances

by Stokley Williams, RL of Next, Paris Bennett and more, they got a $100plus dollar show for the

insightnews.com

low, low cost of free. That included meals and gift bags courtesy of Thrivent Financial.

Insight News captured a few images of fans before the show.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Hanging out together, it’s (left to right) Misha Dunbar, Maegan Lewis and Shatia Hunter.

Dudley Smith (left) and Lawrence Miles before the show.

Shamier Doyle (center) with her daughter home from Marquette University, Amia Bridgeford (left) and fiancé, Larry Schwahn.

Building designer, Jamil Ford.

All smiles, it’s Jada Bridgeford.

Stunning in black, Shaketta Felton.