WINNER: 2020 T YPOGRAPHY & DESIGN, 1ST PLACE, PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT & PERSONALIT Y), 1ST PLACE, WEBSITE, 3RD PLACE
Insight News
August 10, 2020 - August 16, 2020
Vol. 47 No. 32• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
OMAR ENDORSED
STORY ON PAGE 3
Min Enterprises Photography/ Ilhan Omar for Congress
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Insight News • August 10, 2020 - August 16, 2020 • Page 3 WINNER: 2020 T YPOGRAPHY & DESIGN, 1ST PLACE, PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT & PERSONALIT Y), 1ST PLACE, WEBSITE, 3RD PLACE
Insight News August 10 2020 - August 16, 2020
Vol. 47 No. 32• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
We Endorse Ilhan Omar We endorse Ilhan Omar for Congress. This year’s election cycle is proving to be one of the most critical in modern history. What’s at stake? Our freedom. Access to quality health care, quality affordable housing stock, access to capital to fund small businesses, livable wages –our freedom. Black and Brown bodies have been in this fight for freedom generations. Ella Baker, who in the 60s was a political strategist and has been called a radical democrat told us: “Remember, we are not fighting for the freedom of the Negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit a larger freedom that encompasses all mankind.” Freedom is guaranteed only when we have progressive leadership that is wellconnected to the communities they serve. Leadership that is bold and holds a vison this is people-centered and leadership that is committed to working hard to “show that the American Dream is for everyone.” Omar’s politics are progressive. And she is the leader we need at this moment –this moment that is seeing a wave of activism in response to what many are calling the double pandemics of COVID-19 and racism. The freshman congresswoman who represents Minnesota’s 5th district is Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus, Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Midwest Regional Whip for the Democratic Caucus. She is a co-founder
of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and has introduced the Student Debt Cancellation Act, Homes for All legislation and legislation to tackle child hunger by making school meals universal. Omar’s politics are progressive. She believes that “often what is inherited by our children is trauma, disinvestment and that lack of opportunity. What we want to legislate is the inheritance of joy, equity, wealth and assets.” We had the opportunity to speak with Omar several times recently. On a Facebook Live conversation she said with humility that the 5th District seat isn’t her seat. “This isn’t my seat. This is the people’s seat,” said Omar. “I’ve been incredibly proud to have been elected by the people and work for the people in the People’s House. We have carried a vision of inclusivity, a vision that is about co-governance, a vision that believes those of us who have been marginalized, who have not had a seat at the table, who have been told we are too loud and too proud to speak up, have utilized now to bring about change and transformative change.” Housing as a basic human right Omar’s Homes for All Act would expand the public housing stock by authorizing construction of 12 million new public housing and private, permanently affordable rental units driving down housing costs. The legislation guarantees housing as a human right.
photo/Uche Iroegbu
Minneapolis police clash with peaceful protestors who gathered in response to the murder of George Floyd on Tuesday, May 26. Ilhan Omar for Congress
“Many of the deep disparities we have in our district and in our nation are due to systems that were created and codified in law,” said Omar. “Here in the district when it comes to the rate of homeownership for the Black community in comparison to the white community, it’s one of the worst in the nation and that’s due to policies like redlining and policies that have not allowed for equity to be built in our community. We can and will legislate these disparities out of our systems.” Healthcare as a basic human right As Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus, Omar supports a proposal that creates a single-payer system that would guarantee coverage for every American. Medicare for All, she said, is a racial equity issue, especially when nearly 50% of Black Minnesotans are un- or under-insured. “Minnesota has the
third highest rate of asthma in the nation. These rates are alarming to me,” said Omar. “We also know that Black women die giving birth at a rate 4x higher than their white counterparts. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is similar to women who are living in countries where there is almost not healthcare infrastructure. To live in the United States, one of the wealthiest nations and to have Black women experience that, it’s unconscionable,” she said. Omar said this issue is an important issue not just the women of the Congressional Black Caucus, but also to the men who understand how critical this issue is. Omar on supporting economic development for Black Minnesotans “As you know, last summer I brought a historic
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BECAUSE OF YOU, JOHN.—President Obama, 2009
Congressman John Lewis America’s 44th president, Barack H. Obama, delivered the eulogy at the funeral service for Congressman John Robert Lewis on Thursday, July 30. President Obama’s foundation website bears these words, “BECAUSE OF YOU, JOHN.—President Obama, 2009,” which encapsulates not only his personal sentiments but the sentiments of many who respected and revered the Civil Rights leader.. Here are excerpts of his remarks: John Lewis did not hesitate, and he kept on, getting onboard buses and sitting at lunch counters, got his mug shot taken again and again. Marched again and again on a mission to change America. Spoke to a quarter of a million people at the March on Washington when he was just 23. Helped organize the Freedom Summer in Mississippi when he was just 24. At the ripe old age of 25, John was asked to lead the march from Selma to Montgomery. He was warned that Governor Wallace had ordered troopers to use violence. But he and Hosea Williams and others led them across that bridge anyway. And we’ve all seen the film and the footage and the photographs. And we know what happened to the marchers that day. Their bones were cracked by billy clubs. Their eyes and lungs choked with tear gas. They knelt to pray, which made their heads easier targets. And John was struck in the skull. And he thought he was going to die, surrounded by the sight of young Americans gagging and bleeding and trampled. Victims in their own country of statesponsored violence. And the thing is, I imagine initially that day the troopers thought they’d won the battle. You can imagine the conversations they had
Pete Souza and The Obama Foundation
President Obama and Congressman John Lewis afterwards. You can imagine them saying, “Yeah, we showed them.” They figured they’d turn the protesters back over the bridge. That they’d kept, they’d preserved a system that denied the basic humanity of their fellow citizens. Except this time there were some cameras there. This time the world saw what happened, bore witness to Black Americans, who were asking for nothing more than to be treated like other Americans, who were not asking for special treatment, just equal treatment, promised to them a century before, and almost another century before that. And when John woke up and checked himself out of the hospital, he would make sure the world saw a movement that was, in the words of scripture, “hard pressed on every side but not crushed. Perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted but not Abandoned. Struck down but not destroyed.” They returned to Brown Chapel, a battered prophet, bandages around his head, and he said, “More
marchers will come now.” And the people came. And the troopers parted. And the marchers reached Montgomery. And their words reached the White House. And Lyndon Johnson, son of the South, said, “We shall overcome.” And the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. The life of John Lewis was, in so many ways, exceptional. It vindicated the faith in our founding. Redeemed that faith. That most American of ideas, the idea that any of us, ordinary people without rank or wealth or title or fame, can somehow point out the imperfections of this nation and come together and challenge the status quo. And decide that it is in our power to remake this country, that we love, until it more closely aligns with our highest ideals. What a radical idea. What a revolutionary notion. This idea that any of us ordinary people, a young kid from Troy, can stand up to the powers and principalities and
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say, “No, this isn’t right; this isn’t true; this isn’t just. We can do better.” On the battlefield of justice, Americans like John, Americans like Lowery and C. T. Vivian, two other patriots we lost this year, liberated all of us. That many Americans came to take for granted. America was built by people like them. America was built by John Lewises. He, as much as anyone in our history, brought this country a little bit closer to our highest ideals. And someday when we do finish that long journey towards freedom, when we do form a more perfect union, whether it’s years from now or decades, or even if it takes another two centuries, John Lewis will be a founding father of that fuller, fairer, better America. And as a congressman, he didn’t rest. He kept getting himself arrested. As an old man, he didn’t sit out any fight, sat in all night long on the floor of the United States Capitol. I know his staff was stressed. But the testing of his faith produced perseverance. He knew that the march is not over. That the race is not yet won. That we have not yet reached that blessed destination, where we are judged by the content of our character. He knew from his own life that progress is fragile, that we have to be vigilant against the darker currents of this country’s history. Of our own history. Where there are whirlpools of violence and hatred and despair that can always rise again. Bull Connor may be gone, but today we witness with our own eyes, police officers kneeling on the necks of Black Americans. George Wallace may be gone, but we can witness our federal government sending agents to use tear gas and batons against
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Police Accountability Act passes, will it weed out bad cops? By Jo Erickson, Contributing Writer In a special legislative session, the Minnesota House and Senate bowed to public pressure and passed a sweeping package of police reforms in the form of Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020. Gov. Tim Walz implored a divided Minnesota Legislature to come together and pass the Police Accountability Act. Pressure was building on Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) to change his position on law enforcement reforms Last month, Black Lives Matter held a protest at Gazelka’s workplace in Baxter, MN. Activist Philip Holmes, who was a part of the protest said, “I am delighted by this news, but we can stop here.
This is only the first step toward getting justice for all the men and women killed by police hands.” Activists believe this bill will create “some transparency in policing” and police accountability. But many in the community feel that police reforms don’t go far enough. The bill proposes to stop the “warrior-style” training and chokeholds as a method of restraint. It looks at improved police training and establishes a new criminal offense for police conduct that constitutes murder or manslaughter. One of the biggest issues is how do you test police officers for racist, homophobic, or misogynistic attitudes? And can psychological test screen racist attitudes? For the past six years, every pre-entry police candidate must undergo the
POLICE ACT 5
photo/Uche Iroegbu
Families march down West Broadway in North Minneapolis to call for peace at the “Guns Down Love Up” march on July 10, 2020.
The Way I See It
Heartstrings Gone Viral By Brenda Lyle-Gray Columnist There is a certain kind of reality created by our present days. A good portion of Americans might not be returning to what was ‘normal’ for quite some time. An unprecedented pandemic of a mysterious, relentless, and killing disease where the shock of over 16,000,000 global cases to date has brought to our human doorsteps a ‘strange and dangerous world’. In addition, there is this bizarre epidemic of illogical mindsets of many citizens . . . a rebellion of sorts against being mandated to wear protective masks and practice social distancing to keep others from getting seriously ill or
dying; a reactive fear of what their tomorrows might hold; and frustration because they can’t feed their families or find reliable childcare because they must work has become the sad essence of their daily existence. Most really want to work. But still they worry about finding time to attend to their children’s on-line learning requirements because they do not want to take the risk of sending their students back to school and becoming infected and thus potentially contaminating other household occupants resulting in possible hospitalization. Even more shocking are the absurd, irresponsible attitudes and irrational actions of pseudo
LYLE-GRAY 5
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Walz, Flanagan announce safe learning plan for 2020-21 school year
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Enslaved people’s health was ignored from the country’s beginning, laying the groundwork for today’s health disparities By Eric Kyere, Assistant professor, social work, IUPUI Some critics of Black Lives Matter say the movement itself is racist. Their frequent counterargument: All lives matter. Lost in that view, however, is a historical perspective. Look back to the late 18th century, to the very beginnings of the U.S., and you will see Black lives in this country did not seem to matter at all. Foremost among the unrelenting cruelties heaped upon enslaved people was the lack of health care for them. Infants and children fared especially poorly. After childbirth, mothers were forced to return to the fields as soon as possible, often having to leave their infants without care or food. The infant mortality rate was estimated at one time to be as high as 50%. Adult people who were enslaved who showed signs of exhaustion or depression were often beaten. As a professor of social work, I study ways to stop racism, promote social justice, and help the Black community empower itself. A relationship exists between the health of enslaved Blacks and the making
producing more black bodies. After the mid-Atlantic slave trade was banned, slave owners needed a new source of labor. A pregnant enslaved woman provided that possibility. The birth of a baby born into slavery meant profits that potentially lasted generations, a product requiring little investment.
of America. ‘Racist
medical theory’ White masters, often brutal and violent, dehumanized the enslaved people who worked for them and became wealthy from their work. Slaveholders justified their treatment by relying on the widely accepted view of Black inferiority and the physical differences between Blacks and whites. Racist medical theory, the racist notion that the blacks were inherently inferior and animal-like who needed maltreatment to be sound for work, was a critical element. Enslaved people were poorly fed, overworked and overcrowded, which promoted germ transmission. So did their housing – bare, cold and windowless, or close to it. Because they were not paid, slaves could not maintain personal hygiene. Clothes went unwashed, baths were infrequent, dental care was limited, and beds remained unclean. Body lice, ringworm and bedbugs were common. This treatment began in slave dungeons, built by Europeans on the coastal shores of Africa, where enslaved Blacks awaited shipment to the New World. In Ghana, for example, perhaps 200 were cloistered in tiny spaces where they ate,
photo/Getty Images_CORBIS/
Freed slaves on the plantation of Confederate General Thomas F. Drayton in Hilton Head, South Carolina. This photograph was taken circa 1865. slept, urinated and defecated. Archaeological research has shown the dirt floors were soaked in vomit, urine, feces and menstrual blood. Conditions within the dungeon were so deadly that cleaning them was discouraged; those who tried risked smallpox and intestinal infections. Sick slaves rarely saw doctors Diseases among the enslaved people in the colonies and later the states were common and at a disparate rate when compared to whites: typhus, measles, mumps, chicken pox, typhoid and more. Only as a last resort did the slave owner bring in a doctor. Instead, the
white master and his wife would provide the health care, though rarely were either one trained physicians. Older enslaved women also helped, and brought their knowledge of herbs, roots, plants and midwifery from Africa to the Americas. As with everything else, Blacks had no say about their care. And if a doctor was involved, Black patients were not necessarily told anything about their condition. The medical report went directly to the slave owner. Black women played multiple roles. Of course, they were part of the labor force. And they took care of the sick. But they were also the machinery for
Terrifying medical research Some of the Black women were used in medical experiments; much of the research, some conducted without anesthesia, focused on maternal health. As the white scientists inflicted tremendous pain on the pregnant women, the infants being carried sometimes died. Through the torture of these enslaved women, many white physicians and white medical institutions gained considerable fame and wealth. Adverse health consequences for Blacks facilitated the establishment of some medical advances, such as the invention of the speculum for gynecological exams. One enslaved woman reportedly endured 30 gynecological surgeries without anesthesia. Medical interests and also economic and political interests were served. More than 150 years later, the health disparities of
Black and white Americans remain. To fix what is wrong today, an understanding of the inequities of the past is an imperative. Only then can we begin to dismantle the structural racism that is replete within the American system. Knowledge of the history is necessary to explore and identify the underlying mechanisms to understand how racism revives itself to continue to produce health disparities, and ways to interrupt it. This article originally appeared on The Conversation. Dr. Eric Kyere studies ways to stop racism, promote social justice, and help the Black community empower itself. He is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Adjunct Professor of African Studies at the Indiana University, IUPUI. His overall research focuses on working with communities to theorize racism, examine and identify the underlying mechanisms by which racism restrict/deny people of African descent’s access to psychosocial, educational and societal opportunities from an evolutionary standpoint, and ways to empower them to interrupt racism and advance social justice in their communities through education.
Comcast announces $100 million multi-year program to advance social justice and equality To help create a more equitable, just and inclusive society, Comcast has developed a comprehensive, multiyear companywide plan to allocate $100 million to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. As part of this initiative, Comcast in the Twin Cities recently allocated a $500,000 cash and in-kind contribution to support the relief and rebuilding efforts in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The initiative features a donation of $50,000 each made
Omar From 3 delegation of the Congressional Black Caucus to visit our district, because I knew that there are opportunities and
Obama From 3 peaceful demonstrators.
to Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis and Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul to assist with immediate community response needs in impacted neighborhoods. In addition, donations totaling $150,000 are being made to help rebuild minority-owned small businesses and assist other local community recovery efforts. The organizations partnering with Comcast in this initiative include: Aurora St. Anthony Development Corporation Longfellow Community Council Neighborhood Development
We Love St. Paul with the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce West Broadway Area and Business Coalition Greater Twin Cities United Way Comcast said it will also set aside $250,000 worth of in-kind support for public service announcements and advertisement airtime to support recovery efforts. Comcast also announced it is extending its offer of 60-days of free Internet to new Internet Essentials
customers. The offer targets school districts around the state as they plan for the new school year. To help provide additional support to students and families, Comcast this week said it will continue to provide 60 days of free Internet service to new, eligible Internet Essentials customers through the end of this year. In addition, Comcast will continue to waive, through the end of the year, the requirement that customers not have a past due balance with Comcast to qualify for the free offer. Additionally, Comcast
said it is extending free public WiFi access for everyone through the remainder of 2020. “To continue to help keep people connected, we are extending free access to the 1.5 million public Xfinity WiFi hotspots to anyone who needs them, including noncustomers, through the end of 2020,” the company said in a press release According to Ron Orlando, Comcast Vice President of External Affairs in the Twin Cities, “Our 1,900 employees are proud to serve this community and keep it connected to the moments and
challenges that exist for Black Minnesotans here that are not often talked about when you hear Minnesota being the greatest for everything,” Omar said. “I wanted my colleagues to be on the ground, to hear from the people who are living through these challenges and
people who have been working in creating opportunities so that we can have partnership in trying to deliver an economic package for them.” “We’ve been really successful last year in the appropriations season, we’ve delivered $3 billion
back to the district, and right now as we’re going through appropriations, I’ve been working with Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and we’ve gotten $13.5 million just for the Twin Cities, 2.5 of that is earmarked just for Minneapolis on Broadway and Lake Street,
so that we can start the process of rebuilding and making sure our communities are back up and running, and our small businesses are supported,” said Omar. Fifth district voters are overwhelmingly in support of Omar’s work in congress.
A recent poll shows that she holds a favorable lead over her challenger and 74% of voters approve of her job performance. Voters can still vote via mail. To learn more on voting options for the next week’s primary contact the Secretary of State at www. sos.state.mn.us.
We may no longer have to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar in order to cast a ballot, but even as we sit here, there are those in power who are doing their darnedest to discourage people from voting
by closing polling locations and targeting minorities and students with restrictive ID laws and attacking our voting rights with surgical precision, even undermining the Postal Service in the run-up to an election that’s going to be dependent on mailin ballots so people don’t get sick. If we want our children to grow up in a democracy, not just with elections, but a true democracy, a representative democracy, and a big-hearted tolerant, vibrant, inclusive America of perpetual self-creation, then we’re going to have to be more like John. We don’t have to do all the things he had to do, because he did them for us. But we got to do something. As the Lord instructed Paul, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaketh. Do not be silent. For I am with you and no one will attack you to harm you for I have many in this city who are my people.” It’s just, everybody’s got to come out and vote. We got all those people in the city, but they
can’t do nothing. Like John, we’ve got to keep getting into that good trouble. He knew that nonviolent protest is patriotic, a way to raise public awareness and put a spotlight on injustice and make the powers that be uncomfortable. Like John, we don’t have to choose between protests and politics. It’s not an either/or situation. It’s a both/and situation. We have to engage in protests where that’s effective, but we also have to translate our passion and our causes into laws. Institutional practices. That’s why John ran for Congress 34 years ago. Like John, we’ve got to fight even harder for the most powerful tool that we have, which is the right to vote. The Voting Rights Act is one of the crowning achievements of our democracy. It’s why John crossed that bridge, why he spilled that blood. And by the way, it was the result of Democrat and Republican efforts. President Bush, who spoke here earlier,
and his father, signed its renewal when they were in office. President Clinton didn’t have to because it was the law when he arrived. So instead, he made a law to make it easier for people to register to vote. But once the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, some state legislators unleashed a flood of laws designed specifically to make voting harder, especially, by the way, state legislators where there’s a lot of minority turnout and population growth. That’s not necessarily a mystery or an accident. It was an attack on what John fought for. It was an attack on our democratic freedoms, and we should treat it as such. If politicians want to honor John, and I’m so grateful for the legacy and work of all the congressional leaders who are here, but there’s a better way than a statement calling him a hero. You want to honor John? Let’s honor him by revitalizing the law that he was willing to die for. And by the way, naming the John Lewis Voting Rights Act,
that is a fine tribute. But John wouldn’t want us to stop there. Just trying to get back to where we already were. Once we pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, we should keep marching to make it even better by making sure every American is automatically registered to vote, including former inmates who’ve earned their second chance. By adding polling places and expanding early voting and making Election Day a national holiday, so if you are somebody who’s working in a factory or you’re a single mom, who’s got to go to her job and doesn’t get time off, you can still cast your ballot. By guaranteeing that every American citizen has equal representation in our government, including the American citizens who live in Washington, D.C., and in Puerto Rico. They’re Americans. By ending some of the partisan gerrymandering, so that all voters have the power to choose their politicians, not the other way around. And if all this takes eliminating the filibuster, another Jim Crow relic, in order to secure the God-given rights of every American, then that’s what we should do. And that’s what John Lewis teaches us. That’s where real courage comes from, not from turning on each other, but by turning towards one another. Not by sowing hatred and division, but by spreading love and truth. Not by avoiding our responsibilities to create a better America and a better world, but by embracing those responsibilities with joy and perseverance and discovering that, in our beloved community, we do not walk alone. What a gift John Lewis was. We are all so lucky to have had him walk with us for a while and show us the way. God bless you all. God bless America. God bless this gentle soul who pulled it closer to its promise. Thank you very much. Visit the Obama Foundation’s website for more reflections by President Obama who enjoyed a special relationship - personally and professionally - with the late Rep. John Lewis.
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Insight News • August 10, 2020 - August 16, 2020 • Page 5
Localized, data-driven approach allows school districts and charter schools to operate in a learning model that is responsive to COVID-19 cases in each community
Walz, Flanagan announce safe learning plan for 2020-21 school year Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, along with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), announced Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 202021 School Year. School districts and charter schools will begin in one of three models: inperson, distance learning or a hybrid model. Experts at the Departments of Health and Education will partner with local school districts and charter schools to help determine which learning model they should use to start the school year. The decision-making process centers on the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, staff, and families by using the level of viral activity in the surrounding county and other factors such as the district’s ability to meet mitigation requirements. The learning model decision will be announced by the local school district. “As a classroom teacher for more than 20 years and a parent of a child in public schools, I am committed to providing a world-class education to our students while keeping them and their teachers safe,” said Walz. “With this approach, we are pairing the knowledge and data from our Departments of Health and Education with the expertise of our local school districts to
Police Act From 3 state’s requirement of an oral interview and a psychological evaluation to assess the applicant’s mental stability. The state uses Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory(MMPI-II) to screen candidates personality traits and responses such as: impulse control, judgment, reasonable courage, honesty, integrity and personal bias or lack of bias. Ellen Kirschman, a police psychologist, has doubts about the effectiveness of this type of psychological test to detect racism. She consulted with other psychologists to get a consensus on the best way to ferret out negative attitudes. Her colleagues believe that in addition to psychological testing, there should be a comprehensive background investigation supplemented by a polygraph, or lie detector test. A deep dive into the applicant’s mind-set can reveal negative traits. Most screening
Lyle-Gray From 3 local and national leadership having already contributed to the fracturing and divisions of America’s populace and our once thriving democracy. There are injustices, anguish, and misjudged chaos in our city streets with protestors often unmasked. How imprudent! We search for answers as to why such deep seeded hatred continues to eat away at our humanity as rapidly as the plaguing malady. I recently watched a Smithsonian documentary, “The Green Book: A Road to Freedom”. It had been filmed several years ago, some camera shots in my old neighborhood. I had lived through most of this revolutionary and painful history having found myself on the front lines of angry and painful protests in Kansas City after Dr. King’s murder. Today’s youth and their parents would certainly understand why there are and have always been uprisings by black and brown people when the escalation of Jim Crow became and remains too obvious and far too dangerous. Often it appears there is no fear of virus death for the obstinate beach goers and bar hoppers, and the presence of intensified racial hatred boils over in modern day lynching(s) and other racist vigilante attacks where few have been held
make the best decisions for our students across the state.” The Departments of Education and Health will work with school districts and local health professionals throughout the school year to help districts decide if and when they need to dial between learning models depending on the progression and cause of the virus in their specific community. When switching between learning models, the plan prioritizes keeping younger children in the classroom, understanding that transmission is less likely for younger children and that inperson learning is particularly critical at their developmental stage. The Governor is also requiring school districts and charter schools to give families the option to choose distance learning for their student no matter which learning model their school district is implementing. Additionally, the Governor is requiring school districts to allow teachers and school employees to work remotely to the extent possible. “We know that families, teachers, and students are juggling competing concerns as we approach ‘back to school’ this fall,” said Flanagan. “While some are eager to be back in the classroom, others have very real concerns about health and safety. That’s why the Safe Learning Plan sets the guidelines for how safely a school can reopen,
based on regional data and the expertise of public health leaders and local administrators, while still allowing families, teachers, and staff to make the decision to stay home.” Walz is investing over $430 million in federal funding to help schools, educators, students, and families through this uncertain time. Funding comes from the Governor’s Education Emergency Relief, Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief, and the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Walz provided $180 million through the summer to improve distance learning and fund summer learning programs. Today the Governor announced an additional $250 million of support that will: Provide face coverings for every student, educator, and staff member; Deploy a comprehensive COVID testing plan for educators and staff members; Help cover operational costs, like cleaning supplies, transportation, technology needs, and Wi-Fi access; Boost student, family, and educator support, like digital navigation trainings, tutors, translation services, mental health support, and professional development. “The health and safety of our students, educators, school staff, and families are our number one priority,” said
MDE Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker. “This localized approach that is centered on the data and informed by a school’s ability to follow all the public health requirements, will help school districts and charter schools navigate this uncertain school year. MDE and MDH will be there supporting our schools every step of the way to help them make decisions that will prioritize the health and well-being of their school communities.” The Governor has also prioritized family and community needs by mobilizing his state agencies to create strategies and flexibilities for child care and school-age care providers and protections for workers who will need to provide care for children during the school-day. “We all recognize that COVID-19 is going to continue to impact our schools and our communities for months to come, but those impacts are varied and hard to predict,” said MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “It is important for the wellbeing of Minnesota children that we get this right, and that we have solid and flexible plans in place to adapt to the COVID-19 challenge. Under the leadership of Governor Walz and in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education and many stakeholders, we have developed an evidence-based plan that offers the right mix
psychologists use tests that measure tolerance, social competence, cynicism and teamwork. While not specifically targeting racist, misogynistic or homophobic attitudes, the results can point to problematic attitudes. Once these attitudes are exposed, psychologists usually collaborate their findings with deep background checks and polygraph tests. About 90 percent of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. require psychological screening of their applicants and only a few use polygraph exams. The problem with polygraphs, some say, is that they are not totally reliable and can deter candidates from diverse backgrounds from applying for jobs. Introducing a polygraph test would make it harder for police to recruit candidates from communities of color. All police departments see a diversified police force as a way to reach communities and address long-standing racial tensions in communities and high arrest rates of African Americans. A recent ABC News study concluded that “Black people were arrested
at a rate five times more than white people in 2018.” The data looked at 800 jurisdictions across the U.S. ts findings were shocking in some cases black people were arrested at a rate five times higher than white people and In 250 jurisdictions, black people were 10 times more likely to be arrested than their white counterparts. Currently in Minnesota pre-entry candidates will undergo a series of training which includes racial diversity, implicit bias and community understanding. And officers are also required by law to undergo continuous educational training Erik Misselt, Interim Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officers Standards Training (POST) said, “There’s a renewal process that officers have to go through every three years. During that time police officers are required to complete a minimum of 48-hours of continual education annually. They receive racial diversity training, the use of force training and every five years they do training on
emergency vehicle operations. Most police departments do in-house training in addition to the mandatory training.” In 2018 the Minnesota legislature added a mandate which required all officers to train in crisis intervention and mental illness, conflict management and de-escalation. This training didn’t save George Floyd. Activist Holmes said, “We need to see real change. Not just training we need a whole new way of protecting our community.
accountable. The enormous wealth and academic gaps are all the proof required, exposing blatant disparities having long been purposely perpetrated and deliberately ignored. The real “truth” has been buried behind prison walls and in underserved communities and schools. It has been reported by the Washington Post that the black-white economic divide is as wide today as it was in 1968. The Covid19 recession has also hit black families and business owners far harder than whites. White wealth has escalated, while black wealth has stagnated. (Approximate median household wealth: Whites - $149,703; Blacks $13,024. A new generation of passionate and committed protestors and organizers of all ethnicities has sounded off . . . ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. It is INSANE, and for many of our children and young adults, it’s downright scary. Their parents and grandparents have experience in digging deep within their souls to grab hold of faith and hope. Our children have yet to gain this higher level of knowledge and coping skills and they desperately seek discernment. For our innocent and more than likely confused and disappointed youth, lifelong memories of senior days; senior trips; college visits; proms (I still have my prom dress from 1965 my mother made on a Singer treadle sewing machine); athletic competitions; scholarship offers; graduation celebrations for the Class of
2020; summer employment . . . . . . (mostly) did not happen. So, the questions linger. Where will our young people find the strength, motivation, and spirit to care . . . to believe . . . to pray their future will turn out okay? In our new technological frontier of virtual learning, what skills will they need to make sense out of a world they would have never imagined and currently may not be able to navigate? Countless parents are so stressed and dismayed . . . having to stand in long unemployment and testing lines a first (and probably now) a second time while often getting lost in the system. In triple digit temperatures, they attempt to plow through difficult bureaucratic regulations blocking survival resources for housing and food. Adult role models - e.g. responsible guardians, theologians, local and national social justice activists, youth advocates (coaches and recreational centers’ directors), and educators at all levels struggle to find words of explanation because they too are so overwhelmed in trying to make sense of it all themselves. We cannot shield our youth from the truth. We must be honest and provide venues where they can express their feelings and their concerns. I invite young people to e-mail me at brendalylegray@ outlook.com. Perhaps we can talk about this ugly mess and about their heartstrings having been broken by an unexpected, invisible enemy.
School districts and charter schools will begin in one of three models: in-person, distance learning or a hybrid model. Experts at the Departments of Health and Education will partner with local school districts and charter schools to help determine which learning model they should use to start the school year. of support and flexibility for schools and communities around the state.” On March 15, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-02, directing the Commissioner of Education to prepare to transition all Minnesota public schools to a distance learning model that continued for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. This June, Minnesota public schools started developing contingency plans for the 2020-21 school year, based on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and public health guidelines from the
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) which they will implement this fall. Executive Order 2082 will have the full force and effect of law upon the approval of the Executive Council, which is made up of Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Ellison, Secretary of State Simon, and State Auditor Blaha. For more information on Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year, visit mn.gov/COVID19/ safelearning or see guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education.
Derek Chauvin had at least 17 misconduct complaints against him and still he was able to wear a police officer uniform and kill George Floyd.” Chauvin, who was terminated after Floyd’s murder, was one of many police officers working in the Twin Cities with several misconduct charges. Lt. Bob Kroll, head of the Minneapolis Police Federation, the union representing the more than 800 police officers, has had 31 complaints filed against him. Over his 30 years on the force he has been
suspended and demoted by the department, and sued several times for use of excessive force. He still wears the uniform. The ACLU, Black Lives Matter and Minneapolis Chapter of the NAACP believe that passage of the Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020 will lead to more police accountability. But time will show if it really addresses ‘the heart of the problem’ and that is: how to determine –through testing—if officers hold racist, homophobic, or misogynistic attitudes.
Page 6 • August 10, 2020 - August 16, 2020 • Insight News
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Keith Ellison Weighs in on the DFL Primary Neighbor – While this is a Democratic primary, I am concerned that attacks are coming from Republican donors pushing millions into this race to defeat a progressive voice who has consistently fought for our community. These attacks will be poll tested and try to attack Ilhan and her family, her voting record and her commitment to you. But, we should all know better. Ilhan didn’t just start showing up to community events when her name was on the ballot – she has been organizing for a more just and prosperous America from a young age.
Read about Ilhan’s record in our community at LOKDQRPDU FRP FRPPXQLW\
When they were trying to take away our right to vote in a constitutional amendment or declare who we could marry – Ilhan was out organizing Vote No Twice! In the wake of the Pittsburgh, Pulse and New Zealand mass shootings, Ilhan joined together with Minneapolis communities to stand united against hate § DQG LQ MXVW KHU ²UVW IHZ PRQWKV LQ &RQJUHVV XVKHUHG WKH SDVVDJH RI EL partisan legislation to try to prevent gun violence. :KHQ WKH 0XVOLP %DQ ZDV ²UVW DQQRXQFHG ,OKDQ RUJDQL]HG WKRXVDQGV of Minnesotans of all faiths to gather in protest against Trump’s hateful, xenophobic decision – and when kids were being locked in cages, illegally detained from their families, Ilhan organized. :KHQ &RYLG KLW DQG GHYDVWDWHG RXU VFKRROV § ,OKDQ HQVXUHG SDVVDJH RI WKH MEALS Act into law guaranteeing school meals for all of our district students and 20 million students nationwide. I am proud to watch every day as Ilhan, her campaign organization and her RI²FLDO RI²FH QRW RQO\ ²JKW IRU SHRSOH OLNH XV EXW OHDG KHU FROOHDJXHV LQ WKH House towards a more just America. She has the right priorities and her bold vision is our shared vision – Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, achieving affordable housing for every American and standing up for Main Street against Wall Street. The Democratic primary is already underway. I am asking you to vote for \RXU ')/ HQGRUVHG FDQGLGDWH ,OKDQ 2PDU VR VKH FDQ NHHS ²JKWLQJ IRU RXU SURJUHVVLYH YDOXHV 5HTXHVW \RXU PDLO LQ EDOORW DW G³ RUJ YEP YRWH HDUO\ LQ SHUVRQ DW \RXU FRXQW\ RI²FH RU VKRZ XS RQ 7XHVGD\ $XJXVW WK Your friend,
Keith Ellison The Democratic primary is underway. Support Ilhan Omar by requesting \RXU PDLO LQ EDOORW DW G³ RUJ YEP YRWH HDUO\ LQ SHUVRQ DW \RXU FRXQW\ RI²FH RU VKRZ XS RQ 7XHVGD\ $XJXVW WK
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Insight News • August 10, 2020 - August 16, 2020 • Page 7
photo/Latrese Johnson
Latrese Johnson aims to uplift and support communities who deserve better. “I’m a Black girl. I’m fighting for people like me who are oppressed and don’t feel supported, even within their communities,” she said.
photo/Latrese Johnson
“Too Yong to Understand” explores the intersections of race and other social constructs, then discusses how they are impacting our society and culture as people of a younger generation.
Latrese Johnson aims to build and strengthen community through activism and podcast “You’re Too Young to Understand” By Ayo Olagbaju Insight News Summer Intern Recent incidents such as the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, KY have had a huge impact on society. Now, more than ever, “Generation Z” is stepping up and speaking out. Latrese Johnson, a Minnesota high school student, has a passion for social justice and activism. She has been actively educating herself and her peers since the age of 12. In her podcast, “You’re Too Young to Understand!” Johnson discusses social justice issues that people say teens are “too young” to address. Johnson proves this is far from the truth. Johnson aims to uplift
and support communities who deserve better. “I’m a Black girl. I’m fighting for people like me who are oppressed and don’t feel supported, even within their communities,” she said. Johnson acknowledges the importance of intersectionality when advocating for social justice. On top of racism, there are issues such as misogyny and homophobia that affect people every day, especially when their identities intersect. “I want to focus my activism on people who I know are oppressed. When we win, everybody else does, too,” said Johnson. Often, people look to older leaders to be the faces of movements. Yet, within the past few months, teenagers and young adults have done a significant amount of the work.
There are no limits to what you can accomplish. ÍÝã ÖÏäÓ âÖÓ ÞÝåÓà âÝ àÓÒÓùÜÓ åÖÏâ á ÞÝáá×ÐÚÓ ºàÝÛ ÐÓ×ÜÕ âÖÓ ùàáâ âÝ ÕàÏÒãÏâÓ ÑÝÚÚÓÕÓ âÝ ÐÓÑÝÛ×ÜÕ âÖÓ ÜÓæâ Ð×Õ áâÏà ×Ü çÝãà ùÓÚÒ ' çÝã åÝàÙ àÓÚÓÜâÚÓááÚç âÝ ÙÜÝÑÙ ÒÝåÜ ÐÏàà×Óàá ÏÜÒ Ðã×ÚÒ Ï áâàÝÜÕÓà ÚÓÕÏÑç ËÓ ÑÏÚÚ âÖÏâ ÐÓ×ÜÕ ÓÛÞÝåÓàÔãÚ µá çÝã ÑÝÜâ×ÜãÓ âÝ ÑàÓÏâÓ ÛÝàÓ ùÜÏÜÑ×ÏÚ áâÏÐ×Ú×âç ÔÝà çÝã ÏÜÒ çÝãà ÔÏÛ×Úç ËÓÚÚá ºÏàÕÝ å×ÚÚ ÐÓ à×ÕÖâ Ðç çÝãà á×ÒÓ ÖÓÚÞ×ÜÕ âÝ ÛÏÙÓ ×â ÖÏÞÞÓÜ ÍÝã äÓ ÑÝÛÓ âÖ×á ÔÏà ËÓ ÑÏÜ ÖÓÚÞ çÝã ÕÝ ÔãàâÖÓà ÀÓÏàÜ ÖÝå Ïâ
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Young people across the world are calling out injustice and advocating for change. They have fundraised, protested, organized and donated to justice organizations. They are fighting against issues like police brutality --issues that are often rooted in systemic racism. Johnson said she is inspired by other teenagers who are out organizing and protesting, even when they have homework or other personal responsibilities. Teens have collected supplies for protestors, doing food drives, and even patrolling neighborhoods to guard against white supremacists. One tool that has played a significant role in participation from young people is technology. With the tap of a button, events and ideas can be shared with millions of people not just locally but sometimes
internationally. “We grew up on technology, so we’re most familiar with it,” said Johnson. “With access to the internet, you have the opportunity to see and research more than what’s on TV, which is really valuable.” On social media, many people are doing their part by reposting resources. People are sharing stories of victims of police violence, posting petitions and seeking signatures, alerting social media users to funds for donations and even sharing posts that teach people how they can engage in other social justice causes. For many people, these resources are allowing them to learn how to be a better advocate. Technology has also allowed the public to see tragic situations that may otherwise be hidden. With cell phones, anyone can film or livestream
police brutality and other wrongdoings in real-time. History can be documented live, allowing the public to see and interpret situations for themselves. “Now, we can record people taking their last Black breath, and that’s permanently documented for the world to see. That’s something different; previous generations didn’t have that,” said Johnson. Racism is not the only battle that people are fighting right now. In addition to pushing for justice, people are also dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some events and protests encourage masks and social distancing, sometimes the numbers are too large to enforce those practices. “People are literally willing to risk their lives and the safety of their families to
go out and protest. COVID disproportionately affects Black and brown communities, and we’re the same people going out protesting for our lives. That just shows the importance of fighting for social justice,” said Johnson. “Whether it’s by COVID or by a police officer,” said Johnson, people are willing to put themselves at risk to get their voices heard and ultimately make a difference. Generations before this have passed down valuable knowledge and wisdom that can’t be replaced. Now, the youth of 2020 are ready to create their legacy, as well. “We want to make things better for the future, and there’s no better time than now to be doing this work. The youth, we aren’t just the future, we are now,” said Johnson.
Page 8 • August 10, 2020 - August 16, 2020 • Insight News
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Beyoncé’s visual album “Black Is King” premieres on Disney+ Queen Bey is queen for a reason. On July 31, she premiered her visual album, “Black Is King,” a celebration of Black excellence and culture, on Disney+. The project’s summary states, “This visual
album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of “The Lion King” for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns. The film was in production for one year with a cast and crew that represent
diversity and connectivity.” “Black Is King” contains videos for “My Power,” “Mood 4 Eva,” and “Brown Skin Girl.” The film is a story about the journey of a young king through betrayal, love and self-
identity. He is guided toward his destiny by his ancestors, and with his father’s teachings and the love of his childhood sweetheart. He ultimately reclaims his home and throne. “Black Is King” was
written, directed and executive produced by 24-time Grammy® Award-winner Beyoncé. The production took over a year from beginning to finish, and debuted in time to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the release of
ANTONE MELTON-MEAUX Progressive Democrat for Congress
Bringing Us Together in the 5th Congressional District
Dear Neighbors, In this time of unprecedented crisis, we need leaders who will bring us together, not tear us apart. We need leaders who are devoted to public service, not public spectacle. And above all, we need leaders who always seek justice, not just in their tweets, but in the everyday lives of our people.
Join Attorney General Keith Ellison and your friends and neighbors in supporting
I am that leader. Aȸĉ ĊĴðďĊăăř īÐÆďæĊðšÐÌ ĉÐÌðĴďī ðĊ īÐĮďăŒðĊæ ÆďĊŦðÆĴȘ Aȸĉ Ċ ĴĴďīĊÐřș ĮďÆðă þķĮĴðÆÐ minister, husband, father, and lifelong progressive Democrat. I’m running for Congress to unite us in the struggle for racial, social, and economic justice. What’s more, I’m the only candidate with the skills and temperament necessary to repair the damage that Trump has caused.
State Senator
Sandy Pappas
We don’t need more politics of division and distraction. I’m a uniter, not a divider. I bring people together. I’ve done that my whole life. That’s what we need now and what we deserve.
in the Aug. 11 Primary Election
I’d be honored to have your support – and your vote – in the DFL Primary Election for Congress by August 11, 2020.
For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit AntoneForCongress.com
You can vote early in person. Find out where at MNVotes.org
Sincerely,
Contact Sen. Pappas 651 247-8698 sandypappas65@gmail.com
By August 11, Vote for Leadership that Brings Us Together.
Paid for by the Pappas for Senate Committee; Diane Gerth, 909 Bayard, St Paul 55102.
Prepared and paid for by Antone For Congress, PO Box 582859, Minneapolis, MN 55458
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photo/Parkwood Entertainment
“Black Is King” was written, directed and executive produced by 24-time Grammy® Award-winner Beyoncé. Disney’s global phenomenon “The Lion King.” To join online discussions about “Black Is King” follow the hashtag #BLACKISKING on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.