Insight News ::: 12.26.16 by Insight News, Inc

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Insight News December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017

Vol. 43 No. 52• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

“Confessions” Twin Cities artist Don Walker was commissioned several years ago by Prince to paint “Confessions.” Following Prince’s death in April, Walker reimagined his original work and authorized us to use it for our year-end edition cover.

2016

...

the year that was

Page 2 • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Insight News

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2016, the year that was Where to begin? To state it plain, 2016 was a year like no other. With any year that passes, there are triumphs and tragedies. But when it comes to 2016, whether it was because incidents were heightened by social media, the proximity of loss or the enormity of an election that comes with global consequences the tragedies of 2016 stick out like a Trump

building on a dark night. The year started off seemingly uneventful but by April we realized our calm was about to be interrupted by a storm quite like no other, striking like an unannounced hurricane. So as we welcome what 2017 has to offer, we take a non-chronological look back at 2016 … the year that was.

aesthetically speaking

Minnesota R&B/soul’s top six new prospects

MORE ON PAGE 10

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Insight News Vol. 43 No. 50• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Courtesy of Jeremiah Ellison

Jeremiah Ellison

Flint River in Downtown Flint, Michigan (1974)

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers

Car review

Health

Business

Community

2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition

Food Àrst: Food should be fun!

Secrets to an empowered fundraising team

Minnesota Parent magazine hosts 10th annual Camp Fair

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Sometimes it snows in April It wasn’t snowing on April 21, but there was a steady rain in the Twin Cities. Maybe the rain was tears from heaven. Maybe the rain was to mask everyone else’s tears. If you ask some, they’ll swear the rain was purple. But April 21 won’t be remembered for the day’s forecast; it will be remembered as the day Minnesota lost its

Happy Holidays.

First Jamar, now Philando An already fractured relationship between area police and Blacks expanded to a near full break with the July 6 killing of motorist Philando Castile. Castile was driving in Falcon Heights when he was pulled over by St. Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez for a supposed broken taillight. It later became fact that Yanez pulled Castile over for his “wide-set nose,” saying Castile resembled a robbery suspect. Castile, was shot multiple times

December 12 - December 18, 2016

INEQUALITY 6 TURN TO

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The ongoing Àght to get justice for Sandra Bland

The Houston Forward Times (HFT) has been covering the latest developments in the case of Sandra Bland. In July of this year, the HFT wrote an article entitled “Wrongful Death: What Happened to Sandra Bland?” in which it was still unknown whether 28-year-old Sandra Bland was murdered by Waller County law enforcement of¿cials or whether she

By Melanie L. Campbell NNPA News Wire Guest Columnist

AFRICA TURN TO 2

More than just a hashtag By Jeffrey L. Boney Special to the NNPA News Wire from the Houston Forward Times

It’s time to make our voices heard at the ballot box in 2016

On February 1, Iowa, which has a 3.4 percent Black population and New Hampshire, which is less than 2 percent Black, will hold their presidential caucus and primary. From there, the primary battles move to states with larger Black populations — ¿rst in South Carolina where over 27.8 percent of its population is Black. Then it’s on to Super Tuesday with several southern states with large Black populations that are key

Neilsen

Angela Talton promoted to Nielson Chief Diversity OfÀcer

Twenty years ago in 1996 during one of Chris Rock’s HBO stand-up comedy specials the comedian said about Minnesota, “Ain’t no Black people in Minnesota. The only Black people you ¿nd in Minnesota are Prince and Kirby Puckett.” Sadly, that same year, the state lost one of its favorite sons, Puckett, to a stroke. And while the state still lacks the diversity, Prince is not the only one left. And at the highest level of government Anika Ward is doing her part to see that jokes such as the one Rock told in 1996 can no longer be relevant. Recognizing the lack in diversity in hiring at the state level, and in particular at the highest level in state government, this past March Gov. Mark Dayton hired Ward to lead the charge for diversity, naming her statewide executive recruiter –

three-day celebration in honor of the artist. In November Paisley Park opened for tours to the public. It has yet to be determined if his estate will release any new musical offerings from the man who is considered one of the greatest musicians of all time.

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favorite son … the day music lost maybe its greatest composer – Prince Rogers Nelson. The news stunned the world when it was announced that Prince was found dead in his Paisley Park home in Chanhassen. A week prior to his death news circulated that Prince’s plane was forced to make an emergency landing due to illness following an Atlanta concert, but representatives for the entertainer said he was suffering effects from the flu, which seemed plausible; and later Prince hosted a concert at Paisley, thus alleviating fears that the earlier incident was more serious than it was. Sadly, it was a harbinger of what was to come. With the confirmation of Prince’s passing thousands of fans spontaneously gathered outside of Paisley and outside of First Avenue – the site of Prince’s movie, “Purple Rain.” First Avenue proceeded to host a

Ellison seeks 5th Ward seat By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Citing the Minneapolis Police shooting of Jamar Clark and its aftermath as the catalyst, artist and activist Jeremiah Ellison Tuesday, December 6 announced he will run for Ward 5 Councilperson in

Mint Condition

Minneapolis. Voters will choose City Council representative in November 2017 elections. The seat is currently held by ¿rst term councilperson, Blong Yang. Ellison said in the wake of the Clark shooting and the subsequent Minneapolis Police Department Fourth Precinct protests, Yang

ELLISON 9

If Ellison takes DNC post

Hayden, Champion looking at Ellison’s Congressional seat

KING

Sen. Jeff Hayden

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion

Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-62) says he is very much interested in 5th Congressional District seat if Rep. Keith Ellison resigns to become Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair.

“I’m looking at it closely and I’ve started talking to family, friends and supporters, but nothing is formal,”

SEAT 9

Mint Conditon, KING earn Grammy nominations By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

Mint Condition, the preeminent soul R&B band of the past 25 years, was nominated for a 2017 Grammy in the category of Best R&B Album for the LP, “Healing

By Ingrid Ferlo Contributing Editor Reaching the multitude of KFAI listeners, the Dec. 6 “Conversations with Al McFarlane” featured varied guests discussing the passing of Fidel Castro. Castro was a complex man who changed the face of Latin America and Cuba during and after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. The Cuban Revolution is still a topic of controversy, with some thinking that it benefited Cuba and others

thinking that it failed to deliver the equality for which Cubans fought. McFarlane’s panel included Yrak Aenz Orta, a Cuban rapper who is in the United States on an artist exchange program, Maria Isa Perez, a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, actress, activist and the CEO of SotaRico and Villarosa Music, Roberto Fonts, founder and CEO of Dialogue One and Jorge Allen, a Cuban-born Minnesota business owner. Each guest presented unique stories and varied points of view revealing that although the world saw Cuba as a united stronghold following the revolution, within, the country was divided.

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Health

Despite progress, colorectal cancer claims thousands of Black lives

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King.” The two groups with a shared

GRAMMYS 7

Santa Larry brightens Mall of America

Cuba: Finding balance Afro descen dientes

Season,” and the soulful trio, KING, earned a nomination in the category of Best Urban Contemporary Album for its ¿rst full-length project, “We Are

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

Santa Larry and Reginald Milton McKeever, III

While some on the Internet seemed to have conniptions at the mere thought of the ¿ctional character, Santa, being anything

but white, the feeling was quite the opposite for the hundreds who met “Santa Larry” in person at the Mall of America. Larry Jefferson was on duty at the Mall of America for

SANTA TURN TO 4

Business

Commentary

Community

Timberwolves, Lynx create fellowship program for female college graduates

Facebook’s ‘Ethnic AfÀnities’ option violates the Fair Housing Act

Minnesota African American Heritage Calendar showcases contributions

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when he alerted Yanez that he was legally carrying a firearm. According to witnesses, Castile

YEAR END 2016 3

Andrea Jenkins enters race for Minneapolis 8th Ward City Council

Wishing you joy this holiday season and throughout the new year. wellsfargo.com

Andrea Jenkins

Community and City Hall activist Andrea Jenkins has declared her bid to become the next Minneapolis City Council Member for the city’s 8th Ward. Current 8th Ward Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden recently announced she will not be seeking reelection. “I look forward to

bringing my 30 years of public service experience to work in City Hall for the people of the 8th Ward,” said Jenkins. “I am prepared and ready to bring positive change toward a more equitable Minneapolis. I look

JENKINS 8

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Page 3

Business

U.S. Bank awards $250,000 grant to Summit Academy OIC to support GED campaign Summit Academy OIC has received a $250,000 challenge grant from U.S. Bank to help fund its “1,000 GED Campaign” – a first-of-its-kind program that enables individuals to earn a GED and then also become certified in a construction or healthcare specialty within 30 weeks. U.S. Bank is the first corporation to fund the campaign, aimed at reaching 1,000 GEDs by 2020. The bank is challenging other corporations to join the effort.

Currently, more than 72,000 working-age adults in Hennepin County do not have a GED or high school diploma, hindering their ability to obtain a living wage job. “The Twin Cities metropolitan area is facing a silent epidemic, with entire communities left under educated and out of the economic mainstream,” said Louis King, president and CEO of Summit Academy OIC. “Not only are we breaking down the barriers

to obtaining a GED, but we also are providing a career pathway to long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.” Summit Academy OIC is a nonprofit vocational school in North Minneapolis serving individuals from lowincome areas. U.S. Bank has earmarked $250,000 for the program through its Community Possible corporate giving and volunteer program. “We support vibrant communities that allow every

Year End 2016

60B elected Ilhan Omar (DFL) to the state House making her the first Somali-born American elected to a state office. Though her November election was historic, the true victory came in August when she defeated Rep. Phyllis Khan, who had held the heavily Democratic seat for 43 years. The incoming representative was also named to the DFL leadership as an assistant minority leader. Sadly, earlier in December

while in Washington, D.C., Omar again made headlines when she reported a verbal antiMuslim assault aimed at her by the driver of a cab she was in. The soon-to-be representative said though shaken, she is more resolute in her mission to bring forth unity and justice, saying she would pray for her aggressor.

From 2 JUNE IS BLACK MUSIC MONTH Photo: Warners Brothers

Insight News June 20 - June 26, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 25 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Andrea Jenkins Honored at White House: Thinking about Orlando By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Like most of us Andrea Jenkins is still trying to wrap her mind around the events that transpired this past week in Orlando. Unlike most of us, Jenkins is on the front lines confronting issues of access, acceptance and safety for LGBT individuals. It is that front line work that garnered Jenkins – an author, poet and oral historian – a trip earlier this month to the White House. It is also that work that has Jenkins keenly aware of the dangers of being an openly out transgender woman. “This year there have been 13 trans women of color murdered in the U.S.,” said Jenkins. “And we don’t even know about (the number in) Orlando yet.” The Orlando Jenkins is

referring to is the one that saw 49 people killed and 53 injured – many of them people of color – in a Sunday (June 12) morning massacre at a gay nightclub. According to Jenkins, within the past year and a half members of the LGBT community have experienced tremendous backlash for their advancements. The transgender community in particular has been the focus of media attention with the very public transformation of reality television personality and former Olympic hero, Caitlyn Jenner. Jenkins completed her transformation nearly 22 years ago and within that time she said she has seen positive change in laws and attitudes towards LGBT individuals. At the same time the activist who has appeared on MSNBC and who has been featured in the Huf¿ngton Post

The ofÀcial invitation Andrea Jenkins received from the White House inviting her to be a part of President Obama’s celebration of LGBT Pride Month.

PRIDE TURN TO 9

Photos courtesy of Andrea Jenkins

Transgender author, poet and oral historian Andrea Jenkins (right) and her partner, Mire Regulus at the White House during a reception to recognize LGBT Pride Month.

Call for photographers Insight News is seeking freelance photographers looking to build their portfolio while at the same time being a part of a winning news team. Interested photographers are encouraged to email us at info@ insightnews.com with your contact information and samples of your work.

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Cuba-bound WASHINGTON – Now boarding, Minneapolis/St. Paul to … Cuba. As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to normalize relations with Cuba, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved six domestic airlines to begin scheduled Àights to Cuba and Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) is one of ¿ve airports offering direct Àights along with Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago and Philadelphia. Travel is expected to begin as early as this fall. “Last year, President

Obama announced that it was time to ‘begin a new journey’ with the Cuban people,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Today, we are delivering on his promise by relaunching scheduled air service to Cuba after more than half a century.” On Feb. 16, Secretary Foxx and Department of State Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin signed a non-legally-binding arrangement to re-establish scheduled air service between the two countries. At the time of

Sun County will connect Twin Cities, Cuba

the signing, the administration announced that scheduled service would begin later in 2016. The carriers receiving the awards are Twin Cities based Sun Country Airlines, along with American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Silver Airways and Southwest Airlines. The nine Cuban cities passengers can Ày to are Camagüey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Holguín, Manzanillo, Matanzas, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba. Under the new arrangement,

each country has the opportunity to operate up to 10 daily roundtrip Àights between the U.S. and each of Cuba’s nine international airports, other than Havana, for a total of 90 daily roundtrips. Longer term, the arrangement also provides for up to 20 daily roundtrip Àights between the U.S. and Havana. Collectively, U.S. carriers have requested nearly 60 Àights per day to Havana, thus requiring DOT to select from among the proposals. A decision on the Havana routes will be announced later this summer.

Bianca Dawkins

Outrage follows as white stylist berates Black woman for her natural hair By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor All Bianca Dawkins wanted to do was feel beautiful; instead she said she was shamed and degraded by a stylist at Denny Kemp Salon and Spa in Northeast Minneapolis.

For Kemp’s part, he admitted serious mistakes were made and he said all he wants to do is make things right; not because of the negative attention, but for how a stylist at his salon made Dawkins feel.

July 11 - July 17, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 28 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Cop kills Philando Castile By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

SALON TURN TO 5

Forty-nine killed in Orlando nightclub shooting: One of the worst shootings in U.S. history By Kevin Seraaj Orlando Advocate

Omar Mateen

Myspace

ORLANDO, Fla., June 13 – Forty-nine people have been killed by a lone gunman in one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history. The assailant, now identi¿ed as 29-year-old Omar Mateen, is a U.S. citizen with Afghan origins. He walked into the Pulse nightclub sometime between late Saturday and early Sunday

morning with a handgun and an assault-style weapon and opened ¿re. In addition to the 49 dead, more than 50 others were injured by the gunman – many seriously. Mateen’s father, an Afghan native, reportedly told journalists from Al-Jazeera that Mateen had recently seen two gay men kissing and become angered by it. The Pulse nightclub is a wellknown LGBT nightclub and bar. According to Orlando Police Chief John Mina, the shooting started at about 2 a.m. A police

of¿cer working at the nightclub responded when he heard the gunshots ring out, and he and Mateen exchanged ¿re. Mateen forced the of¿cer outside the building, then returned inside, where more shots were ¿red and a hostage situation developed. The nightclub was crowded with more than 300 people inside. It’s not clear what caused Mateen to stop shooting. Police made the decision to enter the building around 5 a.m. to avoid any further loss of life.

“Multiple of¿cers from various agencies responded,” said Mina. “SWAT team responded. At approximately 0500 hours this morning (Sunday), the decision was made to rescue hostages that were in there.” Original reports of the shooting indicated that as many as 20 people had been shot and killed, but as time went on, the actual extent of the horror

ORLANDO TURN TO 9

Facebook (Philando Castile)

Philando Castile

Orlando Shootings Minnesotans react

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Commentary

Business

Lifestyle

The crucial need to expand the non-white teacher pipeline

Community fundraising success: $55 million new senior residence and center

The 2016 happiness calendar July - December

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Prosecuting Attorney John Choi announce he would be seeking manslaughter charges against Yanez. No trial date has been set. Ilhan makes history American history was made this past November when voters of Minnesota House District

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Diamond Reynolds (in black), who recorded the video of Philando Castile dying, is comforted during a press conference alongside Castile’s uncle, Clarence Castile (left) as Gov. Mark Dayton (middle, back) looks on.

FALCON HEIGHTS Minn. – Thirty-two-year-old Philando Castile is dead and a community is outraged following a Wednesday evening (July 6) of¿cer involved shooting in Falcon Heights, near the gates to Minnesota State Fair grounds. The shooting involved an of¿cer from the St. Anthony Police Department. That of¿cer’s name has not been released. The immediate aftermath of the shooting was posted to Facebook Live by Diamond Reynolds, who was seated next to Castile and showed him covered in blood next to her. It appears that Castile was still alive at the time of the posting. He was later pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center. Reynolds said Castile was pulled over for a broken vehicle light.

CASTILE TURN TO 2

PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE

Joané McAfee, policy advisor to Gov. Dayton By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Joané McAfee just celebrated her 27th birthday. And while there are plenty of 27-year-olds populating the workforce, there are very few who can say they earn their pay serving as a trusted policy advisor to their state’s governor. McAfee can say just that, advising Minnesota’s Gov.

Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith on policy concerning criminal justice, public safety, human rights and more. Not too shabby for a person who four years ago had absolutely zero plans of serving in the public arena. “When I graduated (college) I had a very narrow focus. I was going to be working for a big PR agency or on somebody’s television program,” said McAfee, who graduated from

the University of Minnesota with a degree in public relations. McAfee said a job as a legislative assistant with Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (59, DFL) changed her career direction … and her life. “Working with Sen. Champion and seeing how I could be a part of change for Minnesota gave me a new perspective.

MCAFEE TURN TO 6

David Bradley

Joané McAfee

Minneapolis Urban League: 90 years of service MPR journalist Toni

Randolph focused on diversity, people of color

By Carmen Robles Associate Editor for Afrodescendientes “Founded in 1926, the mission of the Minneapolis Urban League is to link African descendants and other people of color to opportunities that result in economic success and prosperity, and effectively advocate for policies that eradicate racial disparities.” Minneapolis Urban League Mission Statement The Minneapolis Urban League’s (MUL) 90th Anniversary Gala held Thursday June 20 in the elegant ballroom of the downtown Hilton Hotel brought out the glamour in a community that has had its ¿ll of challenges this past year. “Ninety years ago the only Black people allowed in places such as this were the waiters and cleaning crews” commented one of the speakers.

GALA TURN TO 4

Makeda Norris Photography

Scholarship recipients and presenters (left to right) Jamilla Burnett, Jevetta Steele (for daughter Jasmine Dickerson), DezYunai (Dezi) Richardson, Jada Stumon, Alfred Babington-Johnson, executive director, Stairstep Foundation and Antwanette Bradley, Workforce Story of Success.

Condolences from across the nation have been pouring in with word of the passing of Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) journalist and champion for diversity, Toni Randolph. Ms. Randolph died Sunday (July 3) following a brief hospitalization for a medical procedure. She was 53-yearsold. Ms. Randolph joined MPR in 2003 and for the past six years she was MPR’s editor for new audiences, a position created to focus on Minnesota’s expanding communities of color. News of Ms. Randolph’s passing spread quickly and tributes to the reporter and editor began coming from some of the many people who admired and respected her work.

MPR News (Caroline Yang)

Toni Randolph

RANDOLPH TURN TO 9

Education

Business

Commentary

Community

NonproÀt leaders spur students to succeed

Is your nonproÀt legit? Three things you need to know

Time for “good trouble” inside and outside Congress

Sm+RT Homes coming to North Minneapolis

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The “People’s Stadium” built by the people The landscape of downtown Minneapolis was forever altered with the completion of U.S. Bank Stadium – home to the Minnesota Vikings, and dubbed the “People’s Stadium” by Gov. Mark Dayton. The Stadium that will host the 2018 Super Bowl and the 2019 Men’s Final Four was built at a cost of $1.027 billion. Much of that money went into the pockets of contractors and laborers of color. With a mandated workforce goal of 32 percent people of color, the project exceeded that number with a 37 percent people of color workforce participation rate. African-American owned Thor Construction help in boosting the numbers, as it was a lead subcontractor on the job, pouring

person to work toward their own potential,” said Andy Cecere, president and Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Bank. “Today we issue this challenge grant in hopes that other corporations in the Twin Cities will join us to help Summit Academy OIC achieve 1,000 GEDs by 2020. Summit Academy provides a pathway to education and also valuable certifications, which help individuals succeed and thrive in the workforce. According to the Minnesota

As of Sept. 23, early voting has begun for the Nov. 8 general election! Go to www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting for more details on early voting.

WINNER: 2016 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: 1ST PLACE COMMUNIT Y SERVICE, 3RD PLACE BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Insight News October 3 - October 9, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 40• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Photo Chris McDuf¿e

A recent photoshoot captured 12 area real estate agents, all wearing black to symbolize strength and solidarity among African-American women in the industry. Sitting are (left to right) Julia Israel (Keller Williams Integrity Realty), Sharmaine Russell (Keller Williams Integrity Realty), Richelle Taylor (Keller Williams Classic Realty), Jataun Austin (Keller Williams Integrity Realty), Ivy Xaba (Keller Williams Integrity Realty) and standing (left to right) are Valerie Pettigrew (RE/MAX Metro), Disney Foote (America’s Realty Group, LLC), Doneva Carter (America’s Realty Group, LLC), Janteya Ford (Keller Williams Integrity Realty), Shawna Frazier (RE/MAX Results), Krista Barnes (Keller Williams Premier Realty) and Mackenzie Owens (Keller Williams Integrity Realty).

The new real estate moguls

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Many see home ownership as a path to wealth building for the person buying the home, just as

it can be a clear path to wealth for the seller. The buying and selling of real estate is also a path to wealth for the agents who broker the deals. And in Minnesota, typically those

Thor’s Ravi Norman named one of Minnesota’s most admired CEOS

estate agents have given notice to the changing face (or faces) of real estate buying and selling in Minnesota.

REAL ESTATE 9 TURN TO

economic mainstream. Even as St. Paul and Minneapolis become more diverse, neighborhoods of racially concentrated poverty have persisted, and poverty rates remain much higher for people of color than for white people. Summit Academy’s programs connect people to training for in-demand jobs – all at no cost to the students and with no further debt.

the team’s more exciting times. Hired in 1992, Green led the Purple and Gold to several winning seasons, including a 15-1 1998 campaign. That team featured quarterback Randall Cunningham, wide receiver Cris Carter and rookie wide receiver Randy Moss. Green died of cardiac arrest. He was 67.

enough, the world lost one of its greatest ambassadors when Muhammad Ali took his final bow on June 3. The charismatic former heavyweight boxing champion, who became an international symbol of goodwill, died in Scottsdale, Az. following a long-term battle with Parkinson’s disease. Ali was laid to rest in his hometown of Louisville. Other notable passings of 2016 include journalists George Curry and Gwen Ifill, hip-hop pioneer Phife Dawg, Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White, singer Sharon Jones, activist Afeni Shakur, “Martin” actor Tommy Ford, rapper Shawty Lo, music icon David Bowie, “Do the Right Thing” actor Bill Nunn, ESPN’s John Saunders and former Los Angeles police chief, Willie Williams. Of personal note, Insight News endured the losses of Kathleen Davis – sister to Editor-in-Chief Al McFarlane and Director of Content Patricia Weaver, and aunt to Publisher Batala McFarlane – and of Harry Colbert, Sr., father to managing editor, Harry Colbert, Jr.

Dean of Midwest Black press

Chicago Citizen’s Bill Garth dies at 79

Show up, play hard and never stop learning. These are rules for young athletes to live by. Substitute the word “work” for “play” and it’s also a synopsis of the formula for business success advocated by Ravi Norman, chief executive of¿cer of Minneapolis-based Thor Construction; and newly anointed as one of Minnesota’s Most Admired CEOs of 2016.

Ravi Norman

agents are overwhelmingly white and male. But a few of the exceptions to the rule got together in a show of solidarity to say they are not background players. With the photo, 12 African-American female real

state demographer, workforce growth will slow to zero percent by 2020 – creating a shortage of appropriately skilled workers for in-demand fields, including construction and healthcare. In addition, the state demographer notes that two-thirds of jobs becoming available during the next five years will require education beyond high school. The workforce supply shortage presents an unprecedented opportunity for people to gain access to the

By Lisette Gushiniere

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William Garth, Sr., CEO of the Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. (CCNG) and chairman of the Chatham Business Association (CBA) passed on Friday, Sept. 23. He was 79.

Bill Garth

A pillar in the community, Garth led the Chicago Citizen with a steady hand and worked hard to make the news operation the largest Blackowned ABC audited newspaper in the Midwest.

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Passing of “The Greatest” As if losing Prince wasn’t

The Smithsonian’s African American Museum is a ‘living’ testament By Eric Easter, Urban News Service WASHINGTON D.C. – The just-opened Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. is a work-inprogress — in every way. Surprisingly, this is its best asset. On Media Day, less than 10 days before its grand opening, the museum’s grounds still were littered with the cigarette butts, snack bags and other leftovers from the hundreds of construction workers who put the ¿nal touches on the building. Inside, journalists scoured the space for stories to tell. They navigated around carts that carried pieces of exhibits yet to be nailed in and observed priceless objects amid handwritten signs whose installation instructions read “too tall” and “put nothing on top.” Yet even with the museum ¿nally open for business, it remains incomplete … by design.

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Ali Shaheed Muhammad of Tribe Called Quest DJs Avant Garden Saturday at the Walker

aesthetically speaking

STORY ON PAGE 12 Jo Ann Jenkins

AARP’s Jo Ann Jenkins at Sabathani Center Eric Easter

Statues of Phyllis Wheatley and Benjamin Banneker at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.

Commentary 2016 Presidential debate: Hillary’s triumph or Trump’s?

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I2H Fitness Challenge Three weeks in and I’m gettin’ thin … I think

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Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of the nation’s largest consumer advocacy organization AARP, is hosting a community conversation in Minneapolis next week. The event will be hosted by the Sabathani AARP Chapter, and will feature a discussion on how AARP is working to

improve communities and dispel myths about aging. The conversation will take place at the Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

AARP TURN TO 7

Philando Castile

Aesthetically It!

BCA turns over Àndings to Ramsey County Attorney in shooting death of Philando Castile

Events, concerts and venues in the Twin Cities

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all the concrete and installing all 66,200 stadium seats. The stadium opened July 22. Saying goodbye to Coach Green The day before celebrating the opening of U.S. Bank Stadium, Viking fans mourned the loss of former head coach, Dennis Green. Green, known as a fiery and colorful personality, led the Vikings during some of

WINNER: 2016 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: 1ST PLACE COMMUNIT Y SERVICE, 3RD PLACE BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Insight News November 14 - November 20, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 46• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Ilhan Omar makes history In Minnesota’s only other statewide besides the presidential election, Justice Natalie Hudson retained her seat on the Supreme Court. Hudson, who was appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton to ¿ll the seat once held by Justice Alan Page upon his mandatory retirement, defeated challenger Michelle MacDonald by a wide margin; 1,275,925 to 886,303. Hoping to make history in her own right, Reva Chamblis fell short in her bid to become Brooklyn Park’s ¿rst African-American city councilperson. Chamblis was bested by her Ward E opponent, Lisa Jacobson 6,453 to 4,838. In Burnsville, African-American candidate Robin Harris ¿nished behind Dan Gustafson and Cara Schulz, who both earned seats on

The saying is all politics is local, and in a presidential race that has much of the country reeling, closer to home many are delighting in the fact that history was made with the election of Ilhan Omar to the state House. Omar, the DFL candidate in House District 60B, was elected by an overwhelming majority to serve in the Minnesota legislature besting Republican candidate Abdimalik Askar by nearly 12,000 votes. In doing so she becomes the ¿rst Somali-American to be elected to a state legislature. In a heavily Democratic district Omar’s General Election victory was considered a foregone conclusion, but still no less signi¿cant. In August Omar beat out Rep. Phyllis Kahn, who represented the district for 43 years.

the Burnsville City Council. In North Minneapolis Fue Lee – born in a refugee camp – proved to be another American immigration success story when voters in 59A selected him to represent them in the state House. Like Omar, Lee’s biggest challenge came in the August primaries when he upset Rep. Joe Mullery. Mullery represented the district since 1997. Kerry Jo Felder will serve on the Minneapolis Public Schools board, narrowly beating Kimberly Caprini for the District 2 seat, 10,636 votes to 10,435. Kim Ellison retained her at-large seat on the board, easily beating out challenger Doug Mann by more than 96,000 votes.

ILHAN TURN TO 2

David Bradley

Omar addresses supporters at her victory party on Nov. 8. Omar is the Àrst Somali-American in the nation to be elected to a state house.

Police brutality topic on ‘Conversations’

Harry Colbert, Jr.

(Left to right) Jeffry Martin, president of the NAACP St. Paul Branch, Tyrone Terrill, president of the African-American Leadership Council and the Rev. Charles Gill, president of the St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; all guests on KFAI’s “Conversations with Al McFarlane,” discuss an incident of St. Paul police brutality with host Al McFarlane (far right).

Police brutality was the issue at hand this past Tuesday (Nov. 8) on “Conversations with Al McFarlane” on KFAI radio. While voting was an obvious topic with Nov. 8 being a historic presidential election, the issue closer to home was news that a St. Paul Police of¿cer accused of brutality was no longer on the force. Hailed as a step in the right direction, St. Paul NAACP president Jeffry Martin along with Tyrone Terrill, president of the African-

American Leadership Council and the Rev. Charles Gill, president of the St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance praised the actions of St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell in dismissing Brett Palkowitsch, a former St. Paul of¿cer who was seen on police dashcam video repeatedly kicking 53-year-old Frank Baker as a police dog viciously chewed on Baker’s leg. The incident took place on June 24 but didn’t come to the public’s attention until Early November.

While the ¿ring of Palkowitsch was seen as a favorable move, Martin called for action to be taken against all the of¿cers on scene at the time of the assault, which according to Martin left Baker in the hospital for 14 days with severe leg injuries that required multiple surgeries and a collapsed lung. K-9 of¿cer Brian Ficcadenti is currently on paid leave due to the incident. “He (Baker) basically got his leg ripped off. The bottom portion of his calf and Achilles

We’ve been here before and we gon’ be alright

Harry Colbert, Jr.

The mood was tense during an election-night watch party at H. White Men’s Room in North Minneapolis. at the artists selection, it was apropos, as the night would end with all of us again in mourning over the death of an icon. This time it was America that died. As more polls closed and more election results came trickling in the volume on the TV was raised and the music was paused. Things just got real. State after state, electoral vote upon electoral vote was falling for him. The improbable was becoming the unstoppable. We were a room of highly educated individuals, yet all of us were struggling with simple math and geography. Hard

Well, here we are. The question is where is here. On the night of the election I, with about 30 others, attended a watch party to view the presidential results. Early on the mood was uneasy; festive, but uneasy. The television was on CNN, but the sound was muted as we opted to listen to the music of Prince, Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. Looking back

as we tried, we just couldn’t get the map to add up to 270 for Hillary Clinton. As it turns out, we weren’t the only ones having trouble with this supposedly simple equation. I like more than half the U.S. – and much of the world around us – am struggling to understand and more importantly, come to grips with what happened on Election Night 2016. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand. I’m hoping

ELECTION 2 TURN TO

Emmy

Knight

Midwest Emmy induct Àrst African-Americans into Silver Circle

Knight Foundation award VocalEssence Grant

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BRUTALITY 3 TURN TO

Trump win leads to racist incident at Maple Grove High

Moses Karngbaye, a student at Maple Grove High

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

tendon were basically chewed off by the dog,” said Martin. “And what about the two other of¿cers who sat there and witnessed this? What about them? We want them to face some sort of action.” “This is not Montgomery, Ala. in the 1940s. You don’t put a dog on a human being like that,” said Terrill. “It’s gut-wrenching to watch that video. You don’t put a dog on a

A racist message written inside a bathroom at Maple Grove Senior High School has sparked both outrage and terror. The message of hate went up the day after Donald Trump’s Electoral College victory in the contest to become our nation’s next president. As many in the area– and throughout the world, as the photo quickly went viral on the Internet – saw, a vile and racist message was scrawled the day after the election inside of a bathroom at Maple Grove Senior High School. The message that used the N word, was full of hashtags such as #whitesonly and #gobacktoafrica and heavily alluded to the writer’s or writers’ support of Donald Trump, who the day earlier won the Electoral College vote setting him up to be the

nation’s next president. Within the toxic message were the words “Trump Train” along with the so-to-be president’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” Upon seeing the message Insight News contacted of¿cials in the ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools District to authenticate the viral posts. Of¿cials con¿rmed that the incident did take place and said they are outraged. “The tweet you saw of a racist message scrawled in a school bathroom is real and we are horri¿ed by it,” said Barbara Olson, community relations director of Osseo Schools. “It goes against everything we stand for, and it is completely contrary to our core values as a district and individual schools.” Olson said school leaders immediately launched an investigation into the incident, and said they will take swift and appropriate action based on the investigation ¿ndings. “(Of¿cials) will work very hard to identify who did this horrible act and

to determine how they can support the students and staff who have been affected by it,” said Olson. Olson said the appalling message is not being seen as a prank and the administration recognizes the seriousness of what took place at Maple Grove High. “Every day, in all of our schools, we seek to provide a safe and respectful learning and working environment for every student and employee. Racist messages like the one found endanger the safety of our students and staff of color, and they create a climate that is not conducive to learning,” said Olson. “We are very concerned about our students, staff and families who have been affected by this incident. We want to assure every student and employee that we are committed to their safety and well-being.” The student who brought the racist graf¿ti to the attention of school of¿cials said he is one of the one’s who doesn’t feel safe. Moses Karngbaye, a junior

MAPLE GROVE 4 TURN TO

Proposal

Cinderella

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‘Cinderella’ returns to Children’s Theatre Company

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Page 4 • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Insight News

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Insight 2 Health

Envisioning the beginning of the end of the AIDS epidemic By Marc H. Morial President and CEO, National Urban League “I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past eight years. Here and around the world, over 18 million people are receiving the treatment and care they need – millions of infections have been prevented. What once seemed like an impossible dream, the dream of an AIDS-free generation, is within our grasp. But we know that there’s work to do to banish stigma, save lives and empower everyone to reach their potential…Today we remember those we’ve lost, and reflect on the extraordinary progress we’ve won. We give thanks to

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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 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.

Marc Morial says that the current statistics related to HIV/AIDS are a call to action to put an end to HIV. the heroes on the front lines of this fight and tomorrow we get back out there, because together, we can do this.” — President Barack Obama, video message for World AIDS Day, Dec. 1 On June 5, 1981, the Centers for Disease Control published its weekly “Morbidity and Mortality Report.” The report, which described five cases of previously healthy, young gay men in Los Angeles infected with a rare lung infection, would eventually become recognized as the first official report on HIV/AIDS in the United States. Since the start of the epidemic 35 years ago, an estimated 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses around the globe. In the United States alone, more than 700,000

people have died an AIDS death since the beginning of the epidemic. Thirty-five years ago, testing HIV positive was an automatic death sentence, but today, as a result of targeted HIV prevention efforts, rapid testing, advances in treatment and increased access to life-saving health care, what was once a death sentence is now, in many cases, a chronic disease that can be lived with and managed. Today, more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, according to the CDC. New infections are down from their peaks in the 1980s and 1990s, with the CDC estimating that new HIV diagnoses have fallen by 19 percent from 2005 to 2014. The death rate

from AIDS-related illnesses has dropped by 30 percent, approaching our nation’s 2020 target rate. As we celebrate those numbers, we must keep in mind that the epidemic is far from over and that our progress in combating this disease has been uneven and remains riddled with all-too-familiar racial and socioeconomic disparities. African-Americans and Latino-Americans continue to bear the disproportionate burden of HIV infection in our nation. In 2015, AfricanAmericans, who represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 45 percent of HIV diagnoses. While LatinoAmericans, who represent 18 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 24 percent of

HIV diagnoses. Regionally, the South is experiencing the highest infection rates, illness and deaths than any other U.S. region, with the southern states accounting for close to half – an estimated 44 percent – of all people living with an HIV diagnosis in the United States. For those of us on the front lines of the battle versus this epidemic, these numbers are a call to action to put an end to HIV with leadership and commitment that amplifies our impact in all communities ravaged by this disease. It is also a vivid reminder that health, health care, disease and its dissemination and eradication do not exist in a cultural or social vacuum. The link between health, social and economic equity and our vision

of an AIDS-free generation is real and borne out by the shocking rate of HIV/AIDS in communities of color and vulnerable populations. Given the disproportionate impact of the epidemic in communities of color, effectively addressing HIV/AIDS in the United States also means addressing poverty and a lack of access to health care. The National Urban League and its affiliates continue to partner with organizations and groups working to decrease and defeat HIV/AIDS in the hardest hit populations. League affiliates have joined the Act Against AIDS Leadership Alliance (AAALI). As a part of AAALI, more than 500 HIV related events and trainings have taken place. As a member of PACT (Partnering and Communicating Together to Act Against AIDS), we work on achieving the goals of the National HIV/ AIDS Strategy (NHAS) by reducing HIV infections, improving health outcomes for people living with HIV and reducing HIV related disparities. Here is a final sobering statistic – one in eight people living with HIV in the United States are unaware of their status. We cannot fight what we don’t know. We need leadership from service providers, advocates, doctors and government officials, but all of us, have a role to play on the journey towards an AIDSfree generation. Protect yourself and reduce the risk of spreading HIV, or any STD, by getting tested and knowing your status. We must all commit to keeping our communities healthy. Marc Morial is the president and CEO of the National Urban League. Follow Marc on Twitter at @marcmorial.

Keys to brain health Our Health

By Nicole Winbush MD African-Americans currently have double the risk of developing dementia compared to whites and the rates of dementia are increasing. Dementia is the name given to a diverse group of conditions that result in progressive loss of cognitive and social functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are other potential causes

including damage done by vascular diseases like high blood pressure and stroke. Currently one in three seniors is affected by dementia at the time of death. While millions of dollars continue to be spent each year seeking a cure for this dreaded disease, to date there are no medications that have been found to reverse or significantly delay the disease. People can often feel helpless and hopeless but it is important to recognize that there are some effective strategies that significantly decrease the chances of developing dementia. As a double bonus most of these strategies will help you decrease the risk of developing other health conditions as well. Healthcare officials suggest not smoking can reduce the chances of dementia. Smoking

(including e-cigarettes) impairs the body’s ability to effectively transport oxygen and use that oxygen to create energy needed to fuel the brain to think and repair itself. Sleep is also recommended. During sleep the body does “cleanup and repair” work. Recent research shows that the brain cells of animals actually shrink at night, which allows the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain to circulate more freely and wash away cellular debris and toxic proteins. Without adequate sleep, this process cannot happen and buildup of these toxic proteins is associated with dementia risk. Controlling blood sugar can also help. Some research points to changes in the brain’s use of insulin and elevated blood

sugars as a potential contributor to dementia. This has led some to call Alzheimer’s “Type 3” diabetes. Many of the foods we eat today as part of a standard American diet can cause blood sugars to fluctuate widely – elevating after meals and then crashing. One rule of thumb is if a person feels sleepy or tired after eating or craves sweets, that person might be having fluctuations in blood sugar and eating too many carbohydrates. Regular physical activity is recommended in the fight against dementia. In addition to providing a boost in mood, exercise releases a chemical called BDNF, which is like a fertilizer for brain cells that encourages the growth of new neurons and connections which are very important

for

memory and learning. Stress can also lead to dementia. Chemicals released in the blood stream (like cortisol) when under stress can shrink the memory centers of the brain. However, finding effective tools and strategies that work to help handle and manage stress can stop and heal some of this damage. A community presentation on healthy brain habits will be held on Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Heritage Park Senior Center, 1015 4th Ave. N., Minneapolis. Dr. Nicole Winbush is a board certified family physician at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center where she is the Community Medicine and Wellness Coordinator.

Elder financial abuse, a worsening matter By Deb Taylor

Living alone in a senior highrise and experiencing early dementia, Edna had a difficult time refusing offers that came

way of the telephone. “The people are so nice, it’s hard to refuse them,” she told her daughter. One caller convinced Edna to pay $60 for a low quality ironing board cover, and hundreds of dollars more for poor quality garbage bags and off-brand light bulbs. “All of the products were sub-standard and way overpriced,” said her daughter, Lynae. “And they would sell her a year’s supply at a time that she neither needed nor could afford. She just couldn’t say no to these people.” Eventually, it took Lynae many phone calls and a stern letter to get her mother removed from the New Mexico business’ call list. Another elderly Minnesotan wanted to cash a $250,000 annuity to pay taxes on a fraudulent $4 million Costa Rican lottery scam. Thankfully, the older adult’s financial advisor grew suspicious and notified the Minnesota Department of Commerce who stepped in to stop the transfer of any funds. A suburban woman, 94, contacted a handyman to build a basic picket fence across her narrow front yard. No cost was mentioned until the job was completed when he presented her with a shocking invoice for $30,000. She unfortunately paid

and by the time her children discovered the payment, the handyman was long gone. Targeting a trusting generation Elder financial abuse appears to be on the rise, according to a new study conducted by Allianz Life Insurance of North America. Allianz CEO Walter White is a long-time Senior Community Services board member. The Allianz “Safeguarding Our Seniors Study,” found that 37 percent of caregivers say seniors in their care experienced financial abuse or exploitation that resulted in financial loss, an increase of nearly 20 percent from a similar 2014 study. And many seniors were repeat victims. On average, targeted seniors lost about $36,000, and nearly half of the senior victims show signs of dementia or a decline in mental abilities, according to the study. This is troubling because older adults grow increasingly vulnerable with age, and this trusting generation, not savvy to modern day schemes and scams, often have a difficult time saying “No, thank you” to a suspect offer. The oldest generation has a tremendous amount of wealth and criminals are well-aware of this rich target. As seniors are living longer, they may

become even more susceptible to cons as their capacities diminish and they grow frail. Families and caregivers should talk with their older loved ones, inform them of the marketplace dangers and encourage them to refuse offers until they can be discussed with the caregiver(s). Elders should plan ahead to protect financial assets and consult with their financial planner or attorney before signing anything. Avoid paying in cash; there is a paper trail if a check or credit card is used and can be useful for any future investigation. But the big takeaway from the Allianz study is to just say no to offers that are over-priced or seem too good to be true. If one suspects elder abuse, call the Commerce Department at (800) 657-3602 or the Minnesota Attorney General at (800) 657-3787. Deb Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services (www.seniorcommunity.org) and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults and helps seniors and caregivers maintain their independence through free or low-cost services.

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Insight News • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Page 5

Page 6 • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Insight News

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Commentary Will white workers accept Trump’s billionaire cabinet picks? Opinion

By Julianne Malveaux When Donald Trump was running for president, he specifically targeted the white working class, telling them that he’d prevent their jobs from leaving the country, that he’d bring back manufacturing jobs, and that he’d revive the oil and steel industries. He hasn’t taken office yet, but he has already celebrated the fact that Carrier, a furnace manufacturer in Indianapolis, has agreed to keep jobs in the United States, even though they had earlier announced that they would have moved jobs to Mexico. The Carrier deal that Trump has been crowing about is so deceptive, that some business writers describe it as a scam and a union leader accused Trump of lying his hind parts off. Trump says he saved more than a thousand jobs, but the real number may be closer to 730. Carrier will still relocate

more than 500 jobs to Mexico, and they had already planned to keep about 300 jobs in the United States. So Trump may have “saved” 400 jobs, not 800 or a thousand, and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence – soon to be Vice President Pence – had to give up $7 million in tax benefits to keep the jobs here. Trump and Pence have also signaled that they are willing to play “let’s make a deal” on a case-by-case basis to keep jobs in the United States, instead of using public policy to encourage the development of U.S. jobs and to limit the mobility of capital. And, Carrier is still closing another Indiana plant, but there has been no intervention for that closure. Now, Trump has indicated that Andrew Puzder is his choice for Secretary of Labor. Puzder, the CEO of CKE Restaurant Holdings, a company that franchises Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast food outlets, has opposed minimum wage increases, worker protections, paid sick leave, and the Affordable Care Act. He has said that he welcomes automation in the restaurant industry, because machines are “always polite … never take a vacation, never show up late, there’s never a

President-Elect Trump seems to have assembled a team of war-mongering generals and bombastic billionaires

slip and fall or an age, sex, or race discrimination case.” While the Department of Labor has been the advocate for workers, Puzder seems to be an advocate for worker exploitation. OK, y’all working-class white folks, those of you who voted for Trump, are you ready to swallow a bitter pill? Because Trump has shown you, yet again, what he thinks of you. The historian Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote about President Abraham

Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals.” What Trump seems to have assembled is a team of war-mongering generals and bombastic billionaires. The Puzder appointment, then, is consistent with Trump’s philosophy, but it is inconsistent with the notion that the Labor Department should be an advocate for workers, and should regulate labor markets and enforce labor legislation. The minimum wage was stuck at $5.15 an hour for 10 years before it was increased in 2007.

Then, Congress approved a three-step increase, raising the wage to $5.85 an hour in July 2007, then $6.55 an hour in 2008, finally increasing to $7.25 an hour in 2009. It has been stuck there ever since. President Obama has recommended an increase of the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, less than the $15 an hour that many activists are advocating through the Fight for Fifteen. Puzder does not think the minimum wage

should be more than $9 an hour. He also opposes Obama Administration efforts to give overtime pay to more workers. It would be crass to say that Puzder purchased his position, but it is important to note that he contributed more than $300,000 to the Trump campaign. His nomination is consistent with that of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, a climate change denier, to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Just as Pruitt has no intention of protecting the environment, prioritizing energy production over environmental protection, Puzder has no intention of advocating for or protecting workers. Lots of people who voted for Trump swear they aren’t racists and say they simply voted for “change.” If Trump and Puzder have their way, they’ll get change … chump change for hourly pay. Is that the change they want to believe in? Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book, “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www.amazon.com. For more information visit www.juliannemalveaux.com.

Anti-Black racism is still the fulcrum of white supremacy By Scot Nakagawa Race Files (www.racefiles.com) In a highly globalized society, with mass migration driving rapid change in the racial demography, both of the world and of the U.S., racial attacks and racism itself have grown much more complex, making last century understandings of the racial context less useful or even misleading. Whiteness, however, is still at the center of American culture, even as its power as a normative force is slowly eroding while it simultaneously becomes less invisible in the ways it exercises power. Even with all of these changes, I continue to view anti-Black racism as the nut of American racism. Poor Black people continue be miner’s canaries and prophets of destruction; their experiences of oppression and exclusion still the tip of the spear of threats to democracy, the security of our citizenship, the stability and security of our economy.

As our great vulnerabilities are being exposed by a regime that will displace many of us, we should remember this.

The condition of the Black community should be viewed as a lens through which we can better understand the state of capitalism as it quickly morphs into something new, something even more threatening. Black lives matter, both as a moral necessity, and as a matter of mutual self-interest. As our great vulnerabilities are being exposed by a regime that will displace many of us, we should remember this. Our survival may depend on this understanding.

I refer you to Zora Neale Hurston. “I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background,” wrote Neale Hurston. That sharp white background is coming into focus for all of us. But, lest we forget, for some the blinding whiteness of that background has never been beyond view, never anything but the very paper on which the stories of lives of those most targeted by the fulcrum of white supremacy are written.

racefiles.com

Letter to the Editor

No to menthol tobacco The other night, I heard an interesting radio commercial about the harms of menthol cigarettes. This ad exposes how tobacco companies target marketing of menthol products to African-Americans, members of the LGBTQ community and young people. As an African-American, I’m concerned about the alarming number of people I see using these products

within this community. The industry has a long history of marketing in our community. Among African-Americans who smoke, 88 percent smoke menthol tobacco, compared to only 25 percent of the general population. I have since moved to Champlin and am stricken by the lack of directed advertising in this area by comparison. Menthol makes it easier to start smoking and harder to quit.

Smoking leads to cancers that can occur nearly anywhere in the body, to lung and cardiovascular diseases and to many other health problems. These are health problems that affect Black people disproportionately. It’s time to stand up to the tobacco industry and focus on the health of the African-American community. Sincerely, Raberta Rankin

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Insight News • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Page 7

Education U.S. Education Secretary announces grant competitions to encourage diverse schools U.S. Secretary of Education John King, Jr. announced a new grant competition to support districts and their communities in efforts to increase diversity in schools. King also announced the 2017 Magnet Schools Assistance Program competition, which will provide districts with funds to help create integrated public schools and support themebased educational programming. “Today, we are taking another step toward helping schools create and maintain diversity,” said King. “We must support local communities in their efforts as diversity is critical for a well-rounded education. Together, our nation can choose a better future for our children – one that prepares all students to live, work and compete in our increasingly interconnected, global economy.” Opening Doors, Expanding Opportunities is a new grant competition that will support districts in increasing socioeconomic diversity in schools, improving student academic achievement and improving schools by increasing student diversity. As part of this new competition, the Department of Education will invest $12 million in up to 20 districts or groups of districts to fund the development of blueprints for increasing socioeconomic diversity in schools and complete pre-implementation activities focused on student diversity. Grantees may also seek to promote student diversity by considering additional factors beyond socioeconomic diversity, including race and ethnicity, in their efforts to diversify schools. Grantees will use funds to, for example, engage the community on the best approaches to promote student diversity, conduct data analysis, set measureable diversity goals, and take preliminary

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steps toward implementation of school diversity efforts. Rural districts and those that wish to explore inter-district diversity efforts are strongly encouraged to apply and will receive priority. All districts with schools that receive or are eligible to receive School Improvement Grant funds may apply to the competition, which is open until Feb. 13. The Department of Education anticipates selecting the grantees by spring 2017. The 2017 Magnet Schools Assistance Program provides resources for district efforts to create schools that effectively serve students from varied racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. These five-year, $15 million grants represent an increase in both the grant duration and the total grant amount in order to help schools undertake the longer-term efforts that can successfully improve a school’s diversity integration and academic performance. Applications are due by April 11. In July, King addressed

the National PTA and noted the importance of diversity, stating it is needed, “Not just in schools, but also in classrooms within those schools. It’s not just enough for kids from diverse backgrounds to pass each other in the hallways or on the playground. True diversity requires students to actually learn alongside one another. That’s not something that will happen by itself. That requires decisions by policymakers at every level.” King said the benefits of diversity extend beyond academics. “In today’s world, your boss may not look like you, your office-mate may not worship like you, your neighbor may not speak the same language as you, and your customer may not live on the same continent as you,” said King.

Page 8 • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Lifestyle

Mapping out your New Year Man Talk

By Timothy Houston 2017 is almost here, and another New Year is upon us. This is a good time to make lasting resolutions. To be better and happier, you have to be willing to make changes. These changes must come from within you. Small changes inwardly can have monumental impact outwardly. Start the New Year off with change for the better. Here are three steps to a happier new you in the New Year.

Develop a personal mission statement. In 2017, take control of your life by actively steering it in the direction that you want to go. When you determine what you want your output to be, you are able write your life’s plan to bring it to pass. Letting your life run on the default program that is created from life’s mistakes, mishaps, and shortcomings is never good. If you do not write your positive life’s story, the negative one will be the only one people read. Seek God’s help in establishing a personal mission plan and writing your vision statement. This is a personal necessity. Greatness comes to those who earnestly seek after it. Feed yourself positive information. You are the one who will ensure your brain has the information that it needs to

In 2017, take control of your life by actively steering it in the direction that you want to go.

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 a class, read a book, or take some direct action that will feed you positive information. Connect yourself with things that

will positively feed your spirit. Make adjustments along the way. Life is not a single action or event. Things change constantly. The environment that you live in is not static, so your life’s sequencer must continually evolve. In your life’s program, there are upgrades, new versions, and corrections that are needed. Mistakes happen. Bad things happen. Adjust. Those who rewrite their life’s story, rewrite it to have a happy ending. The quicker you are able to adjust to life’s mishaps, the sooner you can redirect it back on course. In the upcoming year, learn to adjust, make positive affirmation, and seek God for help. 2017 will be the year you make it to be. Resolve to be a new you. You have the power

to rewrite your life’s story. Your choices today will determine your successful tomorrow. Make sure you feed your mind positive energy and information. Develop a personal mission statement and be willing to make adjustments throughout the year. It times of crisis, seek God for help. These simple steps will lead to a happier you and a happy New Year! Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is 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.

Minnesota native earns Sailor of the Year honors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln By Ricky Burke Navy Office of Community Outreach, Public Affairs NEWPORT, Va. – Petty Officer Third Class Derek Johnson, a 2013 East Ridge High School graduate and 2014 Inver Hills Community College graduate, was named the 2016 USS Abraham Lincoln Sailor of the Year. Johnson had earlier earned the 2015 Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter for his department

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and 2016 Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter. Johnson, an aviation boatswain’s mate, is responsible for operating, maintaining and performing organizational maintenance on aviation fueling and lubricating oil systems. This includes pumprooms, piping, valves, pumps, tanks and portable equipment aboard the ship. “I enjoy working here because I’m trusted by command to be a leader as a below decks technician,” said Johnson. “I supervise the operation and servicing of fuel farms and equipment associated with the

fueling and defueling of aircraft.” Stationed in Norfolk, Va., the USS Lincoln is a assigned to U.S. Atlantic Fleet, whose responsibility is to organize, man, train and equip Naval Forces to deter, detect, and defend against homeland maritime threats. Currently serving in the Navy for two years, Johnson’s achievements include, a seven-month Pacific Ocean deployment, becoming aviation and surface warfare qualified and earning two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for his stellar performance and commitment to the Navy.

Neighborhood Hub offering free legal advice on housing rights The Neighborhood Hub, a resource center located 3120 Washburn Ave. N. in the Parkway United Church of Christ, is sponsoring a housing

Jenkins From 2

legal rights workshop on Thursday (Dec. 29) from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The workshop, part of the Neighborhood Hub›s

Healthy Homes program, is with housing attorney Laurie Busian from the Volunteer Lawyers Network. Dinner and

childcare will be provided. The Hub’s Healthy Homes program is through a Minnesota Department of Health grant, with

a goal to help North Minneapolis residents alleviate household health hazards such as lead, mold, carbon monoxide, pests, radon and

other safety issues. The Healthy Homes team also operates as an advocate for North Minneapolis residents.

forward to working with the residents of the 8th Ward, and beyond, in creating the policies

and programs necessary to bring sustainable improvement for everyone in our economy, housing, and services.” Jenkins has worked for 12 years as the aide to two different

8th

broad range of education and experience, her commitment to community and equity, and her unique perspective will make her a strong and effective voice in City Hall.” Jenkins holds a master’s in Community Development from Southern New Hampshire University, a master’s of fine arts in Creative Writing from Hamline University and a bachelor’s in Human Services from Metropolitan State University.

She is a 2011 Bush Fellow – awarded a grant to advance the work of transgender inclusion. “I have considered running for the 8th Ward City Council seat for some time. The tremendous show of support recently convinces me that this is the right time,” said Jenkins. “We will run a positive, inclusive, and people-driven campaign, focused on equity, affordable housing and sensible transit and transportation options for our diverse community.”

Ward councilmembers. “Andrea Jenkins is the most prepared person to continue the good work of improving the 8th Ward, and Minneapolis,” said Jenkins campaign chair, Sen. Scott Dibble. “Her

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Page 9

Community The high price of imprisonment By Eric Easter Urban News Service As incarceration rates continue to grow around the United States, families of inmates are being forced to pay the enormous costs of some prison services. In 2001, when the Washington, D.C. Department of Corrections closed its notorious prison facility in Lorton, Va., Ulandis Forte, in prison for murder, was relocated to facilities far away from home, and family. His grandmother, Martha Wright, nearly blind and unable to travel, made frequent calls to prisons out of state – in New Mexico, then Arizona, then Kentucky – only to find herself deeply in debt due to exorbitant fees charged by the private companies contracted to provide prison phone services. Forte and Wright are among thousands of families struggling to stay in contact with incarcerated relatives. Their fight lies at the heart of more than a decade of work by lawyers and activists in courts and before the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to find relief. Yet 15 years later, with only some successes to claim, the fight continues, stalled repeatedly by bureaucracy and the power of corporate lobbyists. Progress, pushback and kickbacks

According to the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, the families of inmates are among America’s poorest, with nearly two-thirds falling under or near the poverty line and unable to meet basic food and housing needs. According to the Prison Policy Initiative,, more than 53 percent of American inmates are housed from 100500 miles from where their families resides with more than 16,000 inmates, about 2 percent, as far away as 1000 miles. Steven Matthews, the former chief information officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections explained the dilemma. “In Illinois, you have most prisoners being held downstate. For a family from Chicago, a visit in person can mean the cost of a rental car, gas, food, maybe loss of work,” said Matthews. “Then when you get there, a lockdown or any number of things can happen. So add to that the cost of lodging, food and another day lost. By the end of that, it can be upwards of $600 or more for a visit. And that’s in the same state. Compared to that, a phone call is sometimes the only option.” Yet, that “cheaper” alternative has become its own cost barrier. For some families, they can mean hundreds, or thousands of dollars in fees in addition to more than $13,000 on average in already existing debt from court costs and other expenses related to incarceration.

stockvault.net

The phone services are not provided by traditional telecom companies such AT&T, Sprint or other providers. At the center of the issue are handful of private contractors, led by industry leaders Securus and Global TelLink (GTL), who provide both equipment and calls

centers through which the calls are routed and monitored for security reasons. In court cases, representatives of the industry say those security challenges are among the reasons calls come at such a high cost. After many long years of effort, in 2015, part of the battle

against high rates appeared to be won, when the FCC announced new rate caps that lowered rates to a range of $0.12 to $0.31 per minute, a sliding scale based on the size of a facility. Prior to that ruling, a family could be charged an average $1.21 per minute in some facilities, and as high as $40 per minute in some extreme cases. Inmates themselves make on average, $4.73 per day. At the rate before the proposed caps, a full day’s wages was equivalent to about 3-4 minutes of a phone call. But any sense of long term relief was short-lived. Attorneys representing the major providers of phone services went on the attack, arguing in courts that the FCC lacked jurisdiction over calls made intra-state. The argument was sufficient enough for a federal judge to stay the action and effectively put most new reforms on hold. Still, prices can vary wildly depending on where an inmate is housed, from as low as $0.45 for a 15-minute call in West Virginia to $5.65 for the same call just one state over the border in Maryland. What was an obvious victory for the private phone companies was also cheered by an unexpected ally of the high price phone call game – the prisons themselves. Through a complicated system of commissions – a practice the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice describes as kickbacks – Securus, GTL and

their smaller competitors win contracts, in part, based on the level of commissions they pay to prison administrations and sheriff’s offices on a per call basis. In some proposals, those commissions can run as high as 60 percent or more. Often, the difference between the charge for a phone call, absent of commissions, and the charge including commissions can be dramatic. For their part, prisons claim the commissions are deposited in “inmate services” funds that in turn are used to fund such programs as distance learning and rehabilitation programs. But according to Aleks Kajstura, legal director of the Prison Policy Initiative found that the great bulk of money raised by phone commissions have gone to salaries and administration, not to inmate programming. “The prison industry also claims that their bottom lines would be hurt irreparably at greatly reduced rates, yet in states such as New York, where lower mandatory caps have been implemented, all evidence shows that lowering rates results in a higher volume of calls, and higher revenue that before the rate cuts,” said Kajstura. “Basically, the lower the cost, the more people make phone calls.” Meanwhile, the families and inmates at the heart of the issue wait in limbo as the FCC and advocates figure out their next best move against a powerful foe.

V.J. Smith

honored V.J. Smith, national president of MAD DADS Inc., received the Peace Ambassador Medal of Honor from the Little Angels during a December ceremony at the Manhattan Center in New York. MAD DADS is a peace organization designed to promote and

demonstrate positive images of fathers engaging and protecting community, youth and families. The award is sponsored by the Washington Times Foundation, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification and the Universal Peace Foundation.

V.J. Smith, national president of MAD DADS Inc.

Classifieds

Phone: 612.588.1313 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 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Jr. Brothers Empowered 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 12/19/2016, 12/26/2016

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

Cookie Cart Volunteer Opportunities Cookie Cart welcomes individuals and groups of up to 25 to volunteer in the bakery at any time of the year and especially during the busy holiday season – this year the bakery expects to bake approximately 25,000 dozens of cookies between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Volunteer shifts are available weekdays, weekday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday. It’s a fun way for family, friends and colleagues to give back to the community while working alongside the talented and dedicated Cookie Cart teens. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Sara Ernst at 612-843-1942 or sernst@cookiecart.org.

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.

Volunteer Mentoring AchieveMpls Graduation Coach The single most important factor in a young person’s success is a consistent relationship with a caring, supportive adult. But one in three young people grow up without a mentor. You can make a transformative difference in the life of a Minneapolis high school student by becoming an AchieveMpls Graduation Coach during the 2016-17 academic year. Through six hours of volunteer time per month, you can offer personalized support to help students stay on track, graduate on time and make a great plan for life after high school. We provide the curriculum, structure and training. You bring the wisdom, encouragement and support! Apply by June 30 at www.achievempls.org/ GraduationCoaches. For more info contact Amy Shapiro at ashapiro@achievempls.org or 612-455-1550.

TUTORING OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer with Kids at East Side Learning Center. At East Side Learning Center build a life changing relationship by meeting the individual needs of diverse children on St. Paul’s East Side through one-on-one reading tutoring with K-2nd graders. Tutoring opportunities available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Volunteers tutor a minimum of one child, once a week for about 45 minutes. Training, materials, and on-site support are provided. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 651-793-7364 for more information on this or other volunteer opportunities or visit www. eastsidelearningcenter.org

Page 10 • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com

DJ Keezy

Mamadu

DJ Miss Brit

Katt Williams

DJ Chuck Chizzle

Ol - Dirty - Bastard

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1

Monday, Dec. 26 THEATER WE WIN Institute’s Kwanzaa Celebration Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 345 Washington St., St. Paul 7 p.m. Free

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

T. Mychael Rambo hosts a celebration of Kwanzaa with WE WIN youth, Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness, Thomasina Petrus, Tonia Hughes, Black Storytellers Alliance, Voice of Culture Drum+Dance, MC Longshot, Tamiko French and more.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 THEATER

“The Lion in Winter” Guthrie Theater 818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. Set during Christmas 1183, “The Lion in Winter” tells the amusing tale of King Henry, II, his imprisoned queen (released only for the holiday), and their three entitled sons who vie for the throne in a double-dealing division of the kingdom.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 HIP-HOP Ol’ Dirty Bastard Tribute Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m. 21-plus $10 This event is an early New Years party to celebrate the life of Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol Dirty Bastard. The show features performances by Wash Your Dome, OSP, Kaleem the

Dream, DJ Kool Akiem and DJ Francisco.

champagne toast at midnight.

18-plus $10

COMEDY

Thursday, Dec. 29 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Standing with Standing Rock: A Hip-Hop Benefit Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m. $5

DJ Keezy returns to First Ave with a line-up of all women performers including Shannon Blowtorch, Sophia Eris, Sarah White, BdotCroc, Maria Isa, Lady Midnight, The Lioness, Manchita, Ness Nite, and Zed Kenzo.

Saturday, Dec. 31

Friday, Dec. 30 DJ NIGHT DJ Keezy Presents First Avenue & 7th St. Entry 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m.

Without a doubt, Katt Williams has been one of the top names in comedy for the past decade. Audience members can expect to end 2016 with tons of laughs.

Sunday, Dec. 1

PARTY This event is to help raise awareness and donations for the water protectors at Standing Rock for the No DAPL (Dakota Access Pipeline) movement. Featured performers are Tall Paul, Mirage, T.O.N.Y , Dot Ducati, Left Field, Aquafresh and DJ Quincy James.

Katt Williams Target Center 600 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. $49-$125

NYElectric 2017 featuring DJs Chuck Chizzle & Miss Brit Minneapolis Marriott West 9960 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. $40 general admission Two of the Twin Cities elite event organizers, Shed G and Thee Urbane Life, collaborate to provide their business professional crowds an opportunity to bring in 2017 with style. The event features two room of entertainment with DJs Chuck Chizzle and Miss Brit, a balloon drop and

SOCIAL/BRUNCH New Year’s Day Brunch – Social Intercourse 4Seen Magazine Invite only 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $10 Celebrate the New Year with 4Seen Magazine at a yet-to-be-disclosed location. For more information go to www.eventbrite.com/e/ new-years-day-brunchaka-social-intercoursetickets-29861508576.

lalaland.movie

A scene from “La La Land.”

‘La La Land,’ an enchanting homage to Hollywood musicals By Kam Williams If you only see one movie this year, you need to get out more. That being said, “La La Land” is the picture to catch. This nostalgic homage to the “Golden Age” of Hollywood is a panoramic masterpiece that makes very effective use of every inch of the big screen. Written and directed

by Oscar-nominee Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”), the picture was shot in CinemaScope, a supposedlyobsolete technology that fell out of favor with filmmakers in the late 1960s. Here, Chazelle resurrects the wide-angled lens for a last hurrah in service of an old-fashioned musical unfolding against a breathtaking array of Los Angeles backdrops. “La La” also features an enchanting original score composed by

Justin Hurwitz, who collaborated with college classmate Damien on “Whiplash” as well as his debut offering, the deceptivelyunassuming “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench.” This relatively-ambitious romantic romp revolves around Sebastian Wilder and Mia Dolan, struggling artists played to perfection by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, respectively. Their talented supporting cast includes J.K. Simmons, John

Legend and Rosemarie DeWitt. After a show-stopping opening staged on a gridlocked freeway where stuck motorists suddenly break into song and dance, we’re introduced to the likable leads. We learn that jazz pianist Sebastian is a purist, playing for tips in dingy dives while trying to save enough cash to open his own nightclub. Mia is an aspiring actress who divides her time between fruitless auditions and a thankless job as

a barista at a coffee shop right on the Warner Brothers lot. Sebastian and Mia are strangers who initially experience only aggravation whenever their paths serendipitously cross. Eventually, sparks do finally fly, which inspires them to belt out mellifluous and melancholy tunes. More importantly, they fall in love and encourage each other to pursue their elusive dreams. Since it would be unfair to spoil any of the ensuing plot

developments, suffice it to say that Gosling and Stone are pure delight, whether warbling or just generating screen chemistry. “La La Land is a charming crowdpleaser that richly deserves all the superlatives it’s undoubtedly about to receive over the course of the upcoming awards season. Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG-13 for profanity Running time: 128 minutes

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Page 11

Matt Blewett

Minneapolis Orchestra Associate Conductor Roderick Cox leads the orchestra during a performance of “Peter and the Wolf.”

Roderick Cox hopes to attract diverse audiences to the Minnesota Orchestra Cox is no stranger to conducting the orchestra. He’s conducted a number of community concerts throughout the state; and this past summer he was the conductor

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Roderick Cox seems to be right at home in Minnesota … and with its famed Minnesota Orchestra. Cox arrived here in the summer of 2015 as the orchestra’s assistant conductor. This past September he was elevated to associate conductor. With the promotion comes greater visibility for the 29-year-old conductor. Cox, who is African-American, hopes that visibility will welcome a new group of patrons to the orchestra. “I believe it’s about fostering relationships and making them feel welcome,” said Cox, discussing efforts to attract diverse concert goers. “We want all people to know that this is their orchestra as well … that it doesn’t belong to a certain group of people.” As part of Cox’s and the orchestra’s outreach, the ensemble held a free concert at Shiloh Temple in North Minneapolis. Cox said the thinking behind the show was that in order to bring people to the orchestra, the orchestra would make the first steps and come to the people. “This was our first time playing in North Minneapolis and I think it was a good thing to do … a good first step of getting into the community,” said Cox, who conducted the Shiloh concert. “It’s as much about education as it is about outreach. You could tell there was a certain connection. With us coming to their home (Shiloh) I feel it had a profound effect.” With that first step Cox is hoping to see some new faces in the audience when he make his classical subscription debut for three concerts – Jan. 19 – Jan. 21 at the Minnesota Orchestra, 1111 Nicollet Mall – leading Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4” and Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2.” “We’d love to see one of the most diverse audiences we’ve ever seen,” said Cox about his subscription debut. While Cox is dedicated to the music first, he said he knows his presence broadens the perspective of what (and who) classical music looks like. “When we see people of color on stage it allows people to feel more comfortable approaching classical music,” said the conductor, who toured this summer with the orchestra in Finland, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Edenborough. While the Jan. 19 – Jan. 21 concerts are his subscription debut,

when the Minnesota Orchestra performed as a part of the Boom Island Fourth of July celebration. Tickets for the upcoming subscription concerts range from

$29-$96 and are available on the orchestra’s website at www. minnesotaorchestra.org.

WE WIN INSTITUTE PRESENTS

DEC. 26 | 7PM | THE ORDWAY Grammy Award Winning

SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS Greg Helgeson

Roderick Cox

THOMASINA PETRUS

TONIA HUGHES

BLACK STORYTELLERS ALLIANCE VOICES OF CULTURE

LONGSHOT

TAMIKO FRENCH

Celebrate the Kwanzaa principles through student performances of dance, drum, and storytelling. Featuring

T MYCHAEL RAMBO as Master of Ceremonies

GET TICKETS AT ORDWAY.ORG 2016 SPONSORS:

Saturday, January 14 • 8:00pm

This performance is made possible in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

STATE THEATRE • ON SALE NOW IN PERSON: State Theatre Box Office (no service fees) BY PHONE: 800.982.2787

ONLINE: HennepinTheatreTrust.org

we-win.org

Page 12 • December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Sounds of Blackness scores two NAACP Image Award nominations

Sounds of Blackness The Sounds of Blackness received two nominations for their Top 10 single, “Royalty”

featuring the High School for Recording Arts. The Grammy Award

winning group received nominations for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

and Outstanding Song – a category that features Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Bruno Mars.

The NAACP announced nominations for the 48th NAACP Image Awards Dec. 13.

Sounds of Blackness is celebrating 45 years of music. On the single, “Royalty,” Sounds proclaims “We got a message from above/You ain’t no thug/ You’re royalty.” Through the song and the collaboration with the High School for Recording Arts, Sounds aims to reassure African-American youth that despite their circumstances or background, they were born with dignity from a history of great people, and in the face of turbulent times they can overcome anything. “This award is indicative of what every one of you is capable of,” said High School for Recording Arts founder David “T.C.” Ellis when he announced the national award nomination to the student body. The NAACP Image Awards recognizes achievements by people of color in television, music, literature and film; and honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. “The Image Awards is the premier showcase for art and advocacy reflecting the depth and diversity of the AfricanAmerican experience. It is an American prism through which we see a breadth of culture d color reflected in film, television, music and literature in ways that reveal our shared humanity. At a moment when America is so divided, the Image Awards represents an hour that brings us together,” said Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO, NAACP. Winners will be announced during the live ceremony hosted by Anthony Anderson on Feb. 11. The awards event airs on TV One at 8 p.m.

Mikayla Hayes – Insight News Standout Athlete of the Month The Insight News Standout Athlete of the Month is Park Center girls basketball senior center, Mikayla Hayes. A two-time state champion, University of Florida signee and candidate for Ms. Basketball in Minnesota, Hayes is doing amazing things both on and off the court. In the first seven games of the season Hayes is averaging 12 points, nine rebounds, an astonishing 4.7 blocks and 2.4 steals per contest. Hayes is second in the state in blocks, and judging by her most recent performances, she could easily move up to the top spot in that category – blocking eight shots three times in her last four games. In those last for games – games against Anoka, Osseo, Maple Grove and Hopkins – Hayes has averaged 6.8 blocks. What’s most impressive about Hayes’ scoring numbers is the fact that she’s only averaging about 20 minutes of playing time – inexplicably, just a bit more than a half of play and the least on her team among starters – and when she’s on the court she rarely touches the ball. Whether by design or teammates’ difficulty in passing inside to the 6’3” post, Hayes has generated almost all of her offense on her own via the offensive rebound. In an agonizing loss to top ranked and undefeated Hopkins, Hayes received zero passes from her teammates the entire first half and only two the second, yet she still gutted out 10 points to go with her 12 rebounds and eight blocks. Off the court Hayes is a standout in the classroom as well, as the soon-to-be Florida Gator carries with her a stellar 3.3 grade point average. At 5-2, the No. 9 (4A) ranked Pirates host their annual holiday tournament Wednesday and Thursday (Dec. 28 and Dec. 29) playing Elk River and defending state champions, Minnetonka before resuming conference play Jan. 6 at Robbinsdale Armstrong. All games are 7 p.m. starts.

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Mikayla Hayes guards the post during a recent game at Maple Grove. Hayes finished the game two blocks shy of a triple-double (12 points, 16 rebounds and 8 blocks).

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