SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN We’re looking for a high-spirited, forward-thinking person to join our team as the Social Media Intern. This person is responsible for capturing quick photos/stories for our social media platforms. They will work closely with our design team and Publisher to create strategic goals
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Insight News August 8 - August 14, 2016
Vol. 43 No. 32• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Community Possible: U.S. Bank initiative promotes volunteerism
Courtesy of U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank launched Community Possible Relay, a nationwide effort to revitalize the spirit of community across America
U.S. Bank’s Community Possible Relay, a nationwide initiative aimed to inspire 153,000-plus volunteers across the country to take part in rebuilding and revitalizing their communities came to a close with its final stop in North Minneapolis. The three-month, 12,000 mile relay included volunteer activities centered around work, home and play, the three focus areas of the bank’s new corporate giving and volunteer program, Community Possible. The relay visited 38 communities across 25 states. “This relay symbolizes our dedication to bringing back community volunteerism in America. By working together,
we can and will make a difference,” said Richard Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of U.S. Bank. “We invite everyone to help build and support vibrant communities by volunteering and giving back.” Davis said the relay represented U.S. Bank’s dedication, in part, to addressing the reported 25 to 50 percent decline in volunteerism that has taken place over the last four decades. The bank hopes it inspired a wave of volunteerism and community engagement with the “mobile baton” that drove across the country making stops throughout the
VOLUNTEERS 7 TURN TO
Profile in Excellence: Yassin Omar By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor
Yassin Omar
If Donald Trump has his way Yassin Omar would be officially branded a suspected terrorist; forced to register in a federal database. In reality, Omar is in a government database of sorts. Omar is working for the Minnesota governor’s office as the executive assistant to
Kimberly Holmes, general counsel to Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith. Along the way he is broadening people’s perspectives and erasing negative preconceptions about Muslims and SomaliAmericans – especially young Somali men. “Muslims, AfricanAmericans, Native-Americans, Hispanics; Asians … all of us understand the subcultural bias that exists in parts of America.
This has always been happening, but now it has a larger platform because of Trump,” said Omar. “But it just makes me work harder to prove that I belong (at the table of government and policy). As they say, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. I’m here to stay. I’m not going anywhere.” Born in Somalia, Omar, first came to America as a young child and lived in Portland, Maine before moving to
Hopkins and graduating from Hopkins High School. With a degree in finance from Hamline University, Omar’s path to working in government was like much of his life before – nontraditional. “In college my interest was in business and finance, but I always had an interest in how money and government intersected,” said Omar.
OMAR TURN TO 7
Forum examines police violence, trauma By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor With last month’s killing of Philando Castile and last November’s killing of Jamar Clark – both at the hands of law enforcement – Minnesota has become somewhat of a flashpoint for the nation’s conversation of ethnicity and policing. With the spotlight on the area, many are hoping these tragic killings and their aftermaths can lead to meaningful change. Hope for change brought together a group of panelists
at a recent town hall, “Beyond the Rhetoric,” which was coproduced by Insight News and the St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN). Co-hosted by Insight founder and editorin-chief, Al McFarlane and Soul Tools Radio’s Brittany Lynch, the forum provided varying perspectives on over-policing that has led to many deadly encounters when it comes to communities of color, in particular, the African-American community. A common theme among the panelists was one of humanity.
BEYOND TURN TO 8
Members of the “Beyond the Rhetoric” panel (left to right) Kathleen Cole, Andrea Jenkins, Dr. Bravada Garrett-Akinsanya and co-host Brittany Lynch.
Seated next to “Beyond the Rhetoric” co-host Al McFarlane (left), Bill Woodson explains that saying Black Lives Matter does not devalue the lives of others.
Fed chief Kashkari: Black unemployment a crisis By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor “We’re in crisis and the threat needs overwhelming force to address it.” That’s how Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari summed up the nation’s employment gap between Blacks and whites. Kashkari said the Black unemployment rate is two times the national average and that should be of concern to all Americans. He admits he doesn’t yet know why the
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari (left) tells reporters he is committed to do whatever he can to lessen the unemployment gap between Blacks and whites, as Anthony Newby, executive director of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change looks on.
disparity exists. “We’re working to understand why there is this disparity. That’s the question we’ve been asking and to be honest, I haven’t gotten a good answer to it yet,” said Kashkari, who offered his critique following a meeting with Black residents of North Minneapolis at the offices of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC), 1101 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis. While the national unemployment rate for Blacks is dismal at 8.8 percent compared to a 4.3 percent
unemployment rate for whites; the rates in Minnesota are downright appalling. The unemployment rate for Black Minnesotans is at 14.1 percent – the second highest in the nation – compared to a below national average unemployment rate of 3.7 percent for white Minnesotans. In a closed meeting with several Black residents, the Minneapolis Federal Reserve president did his best to assure everyone he was committed to doing what he can to get everyone working, even if he has to figuratively live a day in
someone else’s life. Rosheeda Credit accepted his invitation. She said she needs Kashkari to see what it’s like to try and survive as a single mother with few employment opportunities. Kashkari agreed, but a date for the interaction has yet to be determined. Kashkari, who had an unsuccessful run for governor of California, said he spent a week living as a homeless person in order to better serve those living in the poorest conditions.
UNEMPLOYMENT 8 TURN TO
Commentary
Education
Business
Lifestyle
How much do Black child lives matter?
Leadership legacy: Planting seeds of social change
So you want to be a college president?
How men and women think: It’s a matter of gray and white
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Insight News • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Page 3
How much do Black child lives matter? Child Watch
By Marian Wright Edelman Four little girls were changing into choir robes and chatting in a church restroom preparing
for the Youth Sunday services at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963. At 10:22 a.m., a bomb previously hidden under the church steps with its timer deliberately set to go off during Sunday morning services exploded. Three 14-year-olds, Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley, and 11-year-old Denise McNair were killed on that Sunday morning.
Addie loved softball and drawing. Carole was a straight-A student, a member of the science club and the Girl Scouts, and played clarinet in the school band. Cynthia played clarinet too, and also the piano, and dreamed of being a teacher. Denise, the youngest, was excited about singing in the youth chorus. Addie’s younger sister Sarah, also in the restroom, lost an eye in the bombing. She remembered Denise had just
asked Addie to help her tie the sash on the back of her dress when the bomb went off. Fifty years later a reporter found many of the surviving children in church that morning had never gotten over the trauma. Addie’s older sister Junie Collins Williams said the two of them had gotten into an argument that day because she’d lost one of Addie’s rings. The next time she saw Addie was when she was asked to
identify her sister in the morgue. Her body was so unrecognizable Junie only knew her by her shoes. Barbara Cross, whose father was the church’s pastor, was hit in the head with a light fixture and suffered tremors and fear of loud noises for years afterwards. She said, “I still cry sometimes . . . We didn’t know we were victims of terrorism back then. For years, we tucked it away, and tried to be strong.” For 14 long years there was
absolutely no justice. A 1965 FBI investigation confirmed White supremacists and Ku Klux Klan members Robert Chambliss, Bobby Frank Cherry, Herman Frank Cash and Thomas E. Blanton, Jr. as the suspects, but it was not until 1977 that Chambliss was tried and convicted of the first degree murder of Denise McNair. The girls’ families suffered
EDELMAN TURN TO 6
‘We deserve more than watered-down justice’ Delivering more than 7,000 signatures to Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC), the ACLU of Minnesota and the Minneapolis NAACP reiterated their call for a truly independent special prosecutor in the case of the killing of Philando Castile. “Ramsey County Attorney John Choi must understand that our community deserves more than watered-down justice in the death of Philando Castile,” said Nekima Levy-Pounds, president of the Minneapolis NAACP and civil rights attorney. “The selection of Don Lewis as a socalled special prosecutor on this case is unacceptable and merely reinforces our lack of trust in the justice system. We demand that the case be handed over to an independent special prosecutor who does not have allegiance to law enforcement interests.” The selection of Lewis has sparked the ire of many due to his previous handling of a case where police were absolved of any wrongdoing in a high profile instance of alleged brutality. Lewis was the independent prosecutor in the police beating of community activist Al Flowers. Last year he ruled the police were not at fault in the beating that left Flowers bloodied, swollen and scarred. In that incident a warrant was issued for Flowers’ minor daughter, who police said was unauthorized to be away
from her home while wearing a monitoring device. It was later determined that the teen was compliant with the rules of her court-ordered monitoring. Flowers claims when he asked to see the warrant he was brutally beaten by Minneapolis police officers. Choi announced last week that he would add an outside prosecutor to his team, but said the case would remain under his supervision and in his office. More than 7,000 people signed a petition calling for a special independent prosecutor, unbiased and separate from any law enforcement agency, to handle the case from start to finish. According to the groups calling for a special prosecutor, county attorneys, who typically handle cases of police shootings, work very closely with police and are not independent from law enforcement. “The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, along with NOC and the NAACP, called for a truly independent prosecutor to be appointed to the Philando Castile case,” said Charles Samuelson, executive director of the ACLUMN. “Ramsey County Attorney John Choi’s decision to bring in Don Lewis to assist with the case does not mean that a truly independent prosecutor was appointed in the case. This prosecutor should be truly independent of Ramsey County or of any organization that
Photo courtesy of NOC
Sondra Jones (at microphone stand) and Navell Gordon (Bulls cap), both of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC), join with other community members to call for a special prosecutor in the death of Philando Castile. Castile was killed by a St. Anthony police officer on July 6. Some held signs with the number 148 symbolizing the number of people killed at the hands of police in Minnesota since 2000. That number has since grown. works with law enforcement. We are still asking that Gov. (Mark) Dayton appoint a special prosecutor for this case.” Tania Harris survived being shot by Robbinsdale police last year. She shared her story of a justice system she said was completely skewed against her.
“I was shot three times. Even though I didn’t hurt anybody, I went to jail charged with assault. The officer who nearly killed me got a paid vacation. It has to be different for Philando Castile.” Since 2000, 148 Minnesotans have been killed
by police. None of the officers have faced any charges. Community members held signs bearing the number 148 to indicate the need for an end to this systemic injustice. Clarence Castile, Philando Castile’s uncle, said that to his knowledge John Choi had not
reached out to his family. “My family and I wanted a special prosecutor from out of state. We need someone independent of Ramsey County.” After a press conference, community members filled the Ramsey County Attorney’s office and demanded that John Choi take the petitions, chanting “No grand jury” and “Prosecute the police.” “The police state as it exists right now is incapable of getting justice for communities of color,” said Tony Williams, organizer with Neighborhoods Organizing for Change. “This problem goes deep into the roots of the criminal justice system, to slave patrols, Jim Crow, and over-policing of communities of color. Our policing system is not protecting us. We need to invest in and publicly fund community safety alternatives beyond policing.” The St. Paul Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission too joined in the call of an alternate special prosecutor. It issued a resolution early last week that also requested investigators immediately make available to the public the dash camera videos and additionally called on the state to mandate 15 hours of in-person training in implicit; unconscious, and structural bias for all police officers in Minnesota and annual continuing education on the subject.
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Page 4 • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Insight News
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EDUCATION Leadership legacy: Planting seeds of social change Women Leading Change By Dr. Artika Tyner What is in your hands to make a difference in the world? Answering this question will unlock the key to the future of our ever-changing globalized world. This begins with an exploration of the principles of leadership and social justice. Leadership is a journey often mistaken for a destination. You begin by exploring your personal calling and unveiling your passion. Within each of us lies a seed of leadership. Our daily challenge is to cultivate this seed and aid others to discovering the leader within. This seed is a gift to the world, which represents the bountiful gifts and talents within our hands.
We also have a challenge as leaders to plant seeds in the lives of others. Leaders bring followers along with them on their leadership journeys. They recognize that when you plant a seed today in the life of someone, you reap a harvest for eternity. The fruit of your leadership is your legacy. The late Dr. Myles Munroe, minister, global ambassador and transformational leader, emphasized the importance of leadership legacy when he stated, “If everything you’ve done dies with you. You are a failure. True leadership is measured by what happens after you die.” Munroe recognized that true leadership must bear fruit. He also warned, “Success without a successor is failure.” His words clearly call upon all leaders to seek opportunities to plant a seed of leadership in the life of someone else. I launched the Leadership for Social Justice Project with the goal of building a global leadership community by challenging 10,000 people
Dr. Tyner - Monica - Nana Boadu, Chair of GSF to embark on the journey of leadership development. The Leadership for Social Justice Project challenges everyday people to discover the leader within and serve in the global community. It also serves as an indispensable tool for bringing leaders together to share their passion for social change and build strategic partnerships in order to make a lasting impact.
The Ghana Scholarship Fund students have joined me in this commitment to make a difference in the world by serving as leaders and change agents. These emerging leaders in Senchi are on a path to success through the furtherance of their educational goals. They are leading change through the promotion of global development and community engagement.
Ghana Scholarship Students: Edward, Portia, Prince These students have committed to leading change by impacting the younger generation in the form of education and finance, empowering the female populace, using their talents to help people around the nation and serving society wholeheartedly. By making a commitment to lead change, each of the Ghana Scholarship Fund students are picking up the mantle of
leadership and transforming the world. What is in your hands to make a difference in the world? Dr. Artika R. Tyner is an educator, attorney, award-winning author, motivational speaker and advocate for justice. At the University of St. Thomas, Tyner serves as associate vice president for Diversity and Inclusion.
Minneapolis Head Start executive Monshari Chandler (holding plaque) was recently honored as a UCLA Head Start Management Fellow. Pictured with Chandler are (left to right) Yasmine Daniel Vargas, director, Head Start National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations, Dr. Blanca Enriquez, director of Administration for Children and Families, Head Start and Dr. Alfred Osborne, Jr., senior associate dean, UCLA.
Monshari Chandler graduates from UCLA Management Fellows Program LOS ANGELES – Training completed by Head Start executive Monshari Chandler will ultimately benefit the children and families from Parents in Community Action, Inc. in Minneapolis. Chandler is one of 41 graduates of the UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program, an intensive 12-day leadership and management development program conducted at the UCLA Anderson School of Management in Los Angeles. The program was developed in 1991 to strengthen the management and leadership skills of Head Start administrators and is currently
funded by the Head Start National Center on Program and Management and Fiscal Operations. “Head Start creates the foundation for a wonderful future for children and their families,” said Yasmine DanielVargas, director of the National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations. “Graduates of the UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program have introduced successful community initiatives that make a lasting impact on the health, nutrition and school readiness of the children they serve. The commitment of the UCLA Anderson School of Management to teaching
excellence is a hallmark of the program’s enduring success.” Head Start programs provide comprehensive developmental services to lowincome, preschool children and their families. Head Start also provides a range of medical, dental, mental health and nutrition care and parent involvement services. Program directors supervise nearly 243,000 paid staff and almost 1.1 million volunteers nationwide. In 2014-2015, Head Start programs served 1,100,000 children ages birth to five and pregnant moms, making a total of more than 33 million since its inception in 1965.
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BUSINESS So you want to be a college president? FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Part one of a two-part series – Interview with Dr. Belle Wheelan Your success as a college president requires that you combine your technical or subject matter expertise with strong leadership skills. We recently talked with Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A nationally recognized leader in the field of higher education, Wheelan is the first African-American and the
first woman to serve in this capacity. With 799 institutions of higher education under her jurisdiction, Wheelan knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities a president must negotiate. When considering a position, candidates should evaluate whether or not the open position would be the right fit for their skill set and experience. Presidencies require political skills, the ability to work with legislatures, and the willingness to fundraise. All these are above and beyond what is required for the daily running of the institution. Often overlooked is the fact that the institution itself might not be a great fit. Just because there is an opening doesn’t mean it will be the right job for you. Candidates should get their
By including those around and interacting with the campus beyond the office, a president is able to use support and insight to make better decisions as well as learning more about what is going on around campus. doctorate or “union card” as Wheelan calls it. “Many institutions are now hiring with areas of other expertise, but because faculty are critical you need an academic degree,” said Wheelan. That’s your educational background, but it will take more than academics
to prepare for the presidency. “Get experience in areas outside of where you are currently employed. Get planning skills; get on the committee that does strategic planning; get involved in the budgeting process; learn how student services works. Ask
for exposure to other areas of the institution, especially fundraising. Learn what it really takes to be a president ... the meetings, the politics. There is so much you need to know before you can begin raising money. You need to know how challenging it is to secure money for ‘general operating funds.’ You have to get specific and show how funds can leverage other revenue sources,” said Wheelan. Wheelan also has several tips for those who have already secured the presidency and are looking to stand out. Communication is key. He said a successful president is not afraid to tell people what is going on whether or not they like it. The president lays out the facts. He or she asks other people what they think about things and if there are other ways to do things.
By including those around and interacting with the campus beyond the office, a president is able to use support and insight to make better decisions as well as learning more about what is going on around campus. Finally, Wheelan suggests a healthy sense of humor when dealing with the trials that will inevitably come with the running of a college or university. “Chill. Don’t beat yourself up and don’t beat someone else up over things. (You) need to find more effective ways to deal with the frustrations that come with the job. We are dealing with human beings and there will be stress,” advised Wheelan. Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success” available on Amazon.com.
Firm launches military inspired smart phone cases A local company, Generations United, LLC, announced it is an authorized reseller of OtterBox and LifeProof cases. OtterBox is the number one selling mobile phone case company in the United States. Generations United’s (GU) new line of veteran cases will be sold under the brand name Forces Cases to the men and women who have served the United States military. “As a veteran, I am proud and excited about our new line of veteran smart phone protective cases,” said Phillip Wells, COO and vice president of the GU Military Division, and retired U.S. Marine. Wells said the new line of OtterBox cases came out of frustration of not finding phone cases with a military design. “About a year ago I recommended to the board of directors of Generations United to create and launch a
Phillip Porter new line of esteemed military cases. The reason I made this recommendation was because every time I went into a PX whether in Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri or Louisiana, looking for an OtterBox case with a military
Phillip Wells design on it, I could not find any,” said Wells. “Now thanks to GU, all veterans will soon be able to walk into a PX and VA Hospital or visit our website and purchase an inspiring military case.” “Generations United is
excited and proud to introduce their new line of veteran cases to members of the armed forces in the Twin Cities, nationally and internationally,” said Phillip Porter, CEO of GU. “It is our goal to become the leading seller
of Armed Forces smart phone and iPad protective military design cases in the United States within the next year or two. We have created some new honored designs that I believe both men and women will love. All of our
veteran designs were inspired by veterans, for veterans and their families.” The new Forces Cases will soon be available for purchase online at www.gunitedstore.com.
Walmart ranks high on disability equality index Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) announced the results of the 2016 Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey, with Walmart making the list. The DEI was completed by 83 Fortune 1000-size companies, two-thirds of these companies top the Fortune 500 list. Twenty-three business segments were represented and the industries that had the highest number of participants included aerospace and defense, energy and utilities, financial services, healthcare, insurance, pharmaceuticals, professional services, retail and
telecommunications. Forty-two of these companies received 100 out of 100 on the survey, which recognizes a broad range of workplace, supply chain and marketplace activities. One of those was Walmart. “Walmart is made better every day by the contributions of our associates with disabilities,” said Ben Hasan, senior vice president and chief culture, diversity and inclusion officer. “Our score of 100 percent on the Disability Equality Index is a step toward achieving our vision of ‘everyone included.’” Sixteen companies scored 90 out of 100 on the
survey and 11 companies received an 80 out of 100. Many of the 83 companies participated in last year’s survey and approximately 97 percent either maintained or increased their score. DEI points are awarded in four major categories – culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, and community engagement and support services. In the inaugural DEI, 66 percent of surveyed companies had a disabilityfocused employee resource group (ERG), with 64 percent having an executive sponsor (vice president or higher). The 2016 DEI survey revealed an
Edelman
early release would signal how little the lives of four precious little Black girls mattered to their killers in 1963 and in 2016 America. Carole Robertson was deeply involved in Jack and Jill of America, a family organization founded by Black mothers to instill values and leadership skills in their children. Jack and Jill chapters honor Carole every September with educational and social programs about civil rights, human rights, and racial harmony. This year Jack and Jill mothers across the country are joining surviving family members and others in the #Justice4Carole campaign, writing and calling Alabama’s Board of Pardons and Paroles demanding minimal justice for these child lives snuffed out so maliciously, and that parole for this “unrepentant racist” and “vicious mass murderer” be denied. I stand with them and hope you will too so that on August 3 justice will prevail! The Rev. Carolyn McKinstry, who was another child survivor of the bombing, says today: “This season of justice in America is becoming frighteningly reminiscent of the season in which Addie, Carol, Cynthia,
and Denise were murdered. Our country is in a war for its soul. America still has an opportunity to get it right and save itself. We need that arc not just to bend towards justice, but complete the evolution.” I strongly oppose capital punishment which Blanton and his evil co-conspirators so viciously inflicted on Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley because they were Black. But I do support punishment which at least tries to proximate his heinous crime. This unremorseful prisoner snuffed out four sacred child lives and escaped punishment for decades. He should die in prison for his inhumane atrocious crime.
From 3 still another quarter century of injustice. Herman Cash was never tried for the murders, and died in 1994. Finally, the families’ agonizing wait was over when Thomas Blanton in 2001 and Bobby Cherry in 2002 were finally convicted of four counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Blanton and Cherry had walked free for 39 and 40 years respectively before being brought to justice. Chambliss and Cherry died in jail. This August 3, Thomas Blanton will be eligible for his first parole hearing after serving just fifteen years of his four life sentences. He bragged about the murders for decades before his conviction and never expressed remorse for his actions. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described his despair saying that if men could be that bestial maybe there really was no hope. A loud chorus of voices are joining together to say any parole and release would not be sufficient justice for the murder of four little girls. Justice requires Thomas Blanton serve the rest of his life in prison. An
Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org. Mrs. Edelman’s Child Watch Column also appears each week on The Huffington Post
increase, with 84 percent of participating companies with an ERG, and 81 percent reporting having an executive sponsor. In the inaugural DEI, 75 percent of companies reported having members of their senior executive teams (within first two levels of the chief executive officer) who showed external support of disability inclusion, either through board or working group membership, or through public statements. The 2016 DEI survey shows an increase with 87 percent of companies reporting having members of their senior executive teams showing external support. “We are proud to see the year over year growth,
improvement and results from participating companies,” said Jill Houghton, executive director, USBLN. “We know that policies alone don’t always translate into inclusion. The DEI provides a roadmap for advancing disability inclusion by enabling companies to see both strengths and areas of opportunity that exist across their organization, and provides a means to benchmark against their competitors and businesses as a whole. This is only the beginning of what’s to come as companies continue to embrace the DEI and work hard to take their disability inclusion policies and practices to the next level.”
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“As we approach the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and celebrate our achievements, we also recommit ourselves to ensuring all Americans with disabilities are able to build vibrant futures for themselves and their families, and the DEI can help make that happen,” said Helena Berger, president and CEO of AAPD. “The DEI is an effective, non-punitive tool that builds a partnership between the disability and business communities to ultimately expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and embrace the talents and skills we bring to the workplace.”
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Insight News • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Page 7
Volunteers
INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.
From 1 summer, issuing a call-to-action for people to join U.S. Bank volunteers and help give back to their communities. Two U.S. Bank team captains
Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane
Help for caregivers...
Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane
• Long-term care planning Financial
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 Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Sunny Thongthi 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.
training, teaching financial education, refurbishing homes and cleaning up parks and recreational spaces. The relay started April 29 at the U.S. Bank OC Marathon, and the last stop was here in Minneapolis. Along the way the “mobile baton” made stops in Las Vegas, Phoenix, San
checkup, support network and respite care
Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford
and philanthropic enthusiasts, Dixcy Sulistyo and Jibreel Black, joined their dedicated bus driver, John Matthews, for the cross-country road trip. Sulistyo, Black and local U.S. Bank teams issued volunteer challenges in each community, including participating in workplace education and skills
• Elder law Health care directive, power of attorney and education
• Senior housing Family meetings, group education, dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Support groups
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Adult day services, counseling, resources and referrals Health and spiritual connections
This activity is made possible by a grant from the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI) of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Center for Health Equity, through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature.
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Francisco, Portland, St. Louis, Nashville, Chicago, Cincinnati and others cities. As part of the relay development, U.S. Bank conducted a survey of American citizens to identify the immediate challenges and areas of need. The results revealed declining levels of community involvement. According to the data, just 31 percent of Americans have been involved in local volunteer efforts since the start of 2016. The data also showed that most people don’t volunteer because they don’t want to do it alone (42 percent) or they don’t know how to get involved (39 percent). As an alternative, 29 percent are simply donating money instead of time. U.S. Bank conducted the Community Possible Survey to learn more about the types of efforts they should support by asking Americans what volunteer efforts would most benefit their local community. More than half (52 percent) chose “home” volunteer efforts, such as building or refurbishing homes; 50 percent
chose “work” volunteer efforts, such as providing residents with skills for the modern workplace; and 41 percent chose “play” volunteer efforts, such as building or cleaning up playgrounds. “Community is built through the hundreds of little and big actions we take every day, but civic and social involvement across the United States continues to decline,” said Reba Dominski, senior vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility. “That’s why we’re providing a platform for Americans to start reversing the trend by bringing people together and building relationships between local organizations and their volunteers. Through Community Possible, we are bringing our commitment to community and service to life, and paying it forward. We pledge to invest our time, resources and passion to building and supporting communities that allow every person to work toward their possible.”
Omar
talents and tapped him to work in her office as her executive assistant. Since joining Holmes’ staff Omar said his future is a bit in flux – but in a good way. “Before I started working with Kim I was focused on going back to school and getting my MBA, but working with Kim has opened up my curiosity in law and now the big decision is to go to law school or business school,” said Omar. The 25-year-old said if he does choose law school he will focus in an area of practice that is, well … nontraditional. “I’ve become passionate about environmental justice, so I would make that my area of practice,” said Omar. “A lot of people of color don’t think much about environmental justice, but the people of Flint (Mi.) saw firsthand the impact environmental issues have on all people, including people of color.”
From 1 Upon graduation, Omar began working at the Apple Store in Uptown helping small businesses incorporate Apple products and services into their businesses. It was a good job but he knew that wasn’t his “life’s calling.” Always big on networking, Omar made contacts within the Dayton administration and in 2013 he joined the governor’s office as a constituent outreach liaison. In that role, he assisted constituents who contacted the office, led the high school pages program, coordinated proclamations for the state and ran logistics for the governor and lieutenant governor during public events and speaking engagements. It was in his role as a logistics coordinator that Holmes recognized Omar’s
Page 8 • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Insight News
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LIFESTYLE How men and women think: It’s a matter of gray and white Man Talk
By Timothy Houston Men and women think and feel differently. This causes them to see the world from two different perspectives. Man is often viewed as unfeeling because he has within him the ability to suppress his emotions, which makes it possible for him to deal unemotionally with the consequences of his actions. Unlike man, woman is an emotional being full of feelings. Her actions are centered on, and influenced by, her passions. The difference in the way men and women think and feel is a matter gray and white. To begin with, where the anatomy of the brain is concerned,
the difference between men and women is literally gray and white. This is because the human brain is made primarily of two different types of tissue, called gray matter and white matter. New research reveals that men think more with their gray matter, and women think more with white. Psychology professor Richard Haier of the University of California, Irvine found that in general, men have nearly 6.5 times the amount of gray matter related to general intelligence compared with women, whereas women have nearly 10 times the amount of white matter related to intelligence compared to men. Research noted that just because men and women think differently; it does not affect intellectual performance. Although there is no evidence in intellectual differences, this difference may impact the way men and women interact emotionally. Next, our brain matter impacts our emotions; and the way men and a women express their feelings is dissimilar. When
When men and women accept their dissimilarities and come together at the negotiation table, the lines of exchanges are opened, and the ability to resolve the emotional conflicts becomes possible. I look at relationships today, a man’s emotional capacity appears limited while a woman’s appears limitless – an imbalance that makes communication difficult. Many couples struggle with communication because the man is so uncomfortable with his feelings that he avoids confrontations that might involve them. The woman, who is so skilled at expressing
her feelings that she is often accused of wearing them on her sleeve, is willing and ready to share them. This struggle is now attributed to the way men and women’s brains are wired. Thirdly, the gray and white brain matter may be the reason why men and women struggle emotionally to find balance. When men find themselves in over their heads emotionally,
they often shut down completely. Because man is able to shut himself down emotionally, he is able to put his silent treatment into his temporary storage place leaving the woman alone to deal with her feelings. These types of emotional battles are usually devastating, leaving men emotionally numb and women emotionally scarred. This battle creates a void in communication and destroys intimacy. The difference in the gray and white brain matter impacts the way men and women think. This way of thinking often creates a pattern of behavior that produces the same basic negative outcomes. Finally, communication is the key. Acknowledging that there is a difference in the way men and women think is the first step to improving communication. The lack of respect for each other’s feelings creates wars, and wars are ended with treaties. Communication brings about mutual respect. When men and women accept their dissimilarities and come
together at the negotiation table, the lines of exchanges are opened, and the ability to resolve the emotional conflicts becomes possible. This common ground is where differences are resolved. Regardless of the color of brain matter, men and women must find common ground. Each must acknowledge that people are more important than feelings, and feelings are more important than the events that caused them. They both must seek out oneness. This is where true power resides. Their oneness is what creates families, and it is the catalyst for better relationships, neighborhoods and communities. This oneness is full of power and possibilities because it makes differences in feelings and thoughts obsolete. Timothy Houston is an author, minister and motivational speaker. For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
Parents can be their kid’s biggest bully Child Focus
By Gloria Freeman In order to prevent our children from becoming obese or experiencing other negative health-related effects, we know it’s important to carefully monitor what food goes into our children’s mouths. In the same manner, as much as our children are products of what food passes their lips and hits their tummies, they are also heavily shaped and molded by what goes into their ears. As parents, it’s easy to forget that peer-topeer bullying in school is not the only bullying that hurts our children. Just like peer-topeer bullying, our children are greatly affected by how we talk
Unemployment From 1
Beyond From 1 “This process of dehumanization has been going on since slavery and continues today,” said Dr. BraVada GarrettAkinsanya, a psychologist who specializes in healing African-
to them. As a result, parent-tochild bullying often devastates their psyche, scars their souls and stunts their growth. According to an article posted on www.Nobullying. com, “Parenting styles have changed dramatically over the last 40 years. What was once acceptable in many homes is now frowned up and considered to be detrimental to a child’s emotional and mental development. Many parents have no idea that disciplinary methods used when they were a child are no longer acceptable by today’s standards.” We need to look no further than Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Peterson to prove this case in point. When the controversy first broke regarding Peterson allegedly beating his 4-year-old son with a stick, and purportedly stuffing leaves in his mouth, Peterson seemed stunned that this kind of behavior was considered out of bounds, intimating this is the kind of
treatment he received as a child. His excuse for exhibiting this kind of behavior was because he “loved his child.” In fact, according to a Slate. com article, in Peterson’s defense, New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram, Jr. tweeted, “When I was kid I got so many whoopins (sic) I can’t even count. I love both my parents they just wanted me to be the best human possible.” At the time, when asked about the Peterson controversy, as reported in Slate.com, “Former Vikings wide receiver and NFL Hall of Fame player Cris Carter made clear, expressions of love and abusive activity are not mutually exclusive. ‘My mom did the best job she could do, raising seven kids by herself,’ Carter said on ESPN’s NFL Countdown on Sunday. ‘But there are thousands of things that I have learned since then. My mom was wrong. She did the best she could, but she was wrong about some of that stuff
she taught me. And I promise my kids I won’t teach that mess to them.’” In other words, just because we may have been barked at or called names by our parents when we were growing up does not mean we should do the same to our children today. Former WCCO anchor Tony Saffold always says, “When you know better, you do better.” In 2016, it is much more commonly agreed upon that beating children for any reason is wrong. Some go even further, believing that any form of corporal punishment directed toward our children has dire consequences. But, for some reason, we often do not make the same connection when it comes to abusively calling our children out of their names. We have to go no further than the grocery store to often hear the litany of name calling from parents to their children. “Pick it up, dummy. Put
it down, stupid. You better get over here or I’ll beat your ignorant (behind).” Just like loving our children is not an excuse for beating our children, love is not an excuse to negatively call our children out of their names. Incessant name calling by parents can cause longlasting damage among our children. According to Nobullying. com, “Counselors and therapists claim there is a fine line between aggressive forms of discipline and bullying. Parents who are under large amounts of stress due to their jobs or financial issues can often go overboard on discipline. Discipline is meant to teach children right from wrong. Parents who use discipline as a tool for control are often considered bullies due to the nature of the tactics they use. A child who accidentally breaks a dish or spills food on the floor can be disciplined with a few minutes
in timeout or being deprived of their favorite game. Parents who call their (children) names or make fun of them for being accident prone can actually cause (a) child to be extremely self-conscious.” The only name calling we should be directing at our children are words such as talented, capable, healthy, worthy, beautiful, gifted and innately good. We need to look no further than the most common among us in the grocery store, or the wealthiest among us on the NFL football field, to realize that any other negative name calling is strictly off sides, out-of-bounds and causes our children – and ultimately ourselves – dire penalties on this vast playing field we call life.
Kashkari was urged to meet with Black North Minneapolis residents by Anthony Newby, executive director of NOC. Newby said if the Federal
Reserve could step in during the banking crisis of 2008 it should be able to step in and offer assistance in 2016. Kashkari said while the Federal
Reserve’s goal is to achieve maximum employment for all citizens, most likely, a reduction in Black unemployment would be the result of acts from
Congress rather than any action taken by the nation’s banking system. But if there is anything the Federal Reserve can do, Kashkari said he is willing to
explore every option and he is in it for the long haul. “This isn’t a one meeting and done type deal,” said Kashkari.
American trauma. Akinsanya said the devaluing of Black lives begins long before someone enters the police force. “In society angel food cake is white; devil’s food cake is dark. Magic is good unless it’s black magic. Mail is OK unless it’s blackmail. Even a lie becomes OK if it’s a white lie. That’s implicit bias. These biases are learned almost
from the moment we are born.” Akinsanya said this cycle of implicit bias plays a role in police encounters with AfricanAmericans. Andre Koen said the humanity of African-Americans must be recognized. “There is nothing in society that can decrease my humanity unless I am tricked into laying it down,” said Koen, lecturer and former diversity coordinator for Anoka County. “There are 48 chromosomes in the human body. Racism does not decrease those 48 chromosomes. Systems of oppression have been designed to trick us out of our birthright of humanity.” Bill Woodson, a former assistant dean at St. Thomas University, said the systems of oppression serve a function for those seeking to maintain white supremacy. But he also said recognizing the humanity of Black lives does not mean it devalues the lives of others. “We have this false binary that you support police and think Black Lives Matter is illegitimate or you support
Andre Koen (right) said police must value the humanity of African-Americans. Seated next to Koen is Asha Long, organizer with Black Lives Matter. reducing of police violence and you’re anti police and that’s a false binary,” said Woodson, who said African-Americans and police should have a shared interest in keeping everyone safe. “It’s not about hatred of anyone, it’s about the love of Black people,” echoed Andrea Jenkins, a poet and LGBT activist. Jenkins said as much as recent protest are about justice for Castile and others, they are equally about providing a
common place for people to heal. Asha Long, an organizer with Black Lives Matter, said it is clear police have little regard for Black lives. “The criminal justice system is saying exactly how it feels about Black and Brown bodies (with continued killings),” said Long. Kathleen Cole, a member of Showing Up for Racial Justice – a white ally organization to Black Lives Matter, said more
Gloria Freeman is President/ CEO of Olu’s Center and can be reached at gfreeman@ olushome.com.
and more whites are becoming aware about the conditions of Blacks in America, but some as still resistant to the message. “I can’t tell you how many white people have said to me, ‘I don’t understand why they’re shutting down freeways. What do they think they’re trying to accomplish,” said Cole. The forum, which was simulcast on radio stations KMOJ, KFAI and others, is available for view in its entirety at www.insightnews.com.
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Insight News • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Page 9
COMMUNITY Buckner, Lowman join Definitely Someday advisory board Definitely Someday, a nonpartisan firm that helps Minnesotans prepare for a future run for office, announced the appointments of Brett Buckner and Bloomington City Councilman Dwayne Lowman to its inaugural advisory board. Buckner is a third generation Minnesotan with roots in North Minneapolis that date back to 1919. Lowman was elected to the Bloomington City Council in 2013, winning the seat by only three votes. Definitely Someday founder Shannon Watson said her organization is proud to have added Buckner and Lowman to its advisory board.
Brett Buckner
Dwayne Lowman
“Having Brett on our board is a great advantage for our clients,” said Watson. “He has been working to encourage voting and civic participation by diverse groups for two decades, and his passion
for that cause is evident in everything he does.” Watson had equal praise for Lowman. “We are thrilled to have Dwayne join the board,” said Watson. “Dwayne is a home-
grown leader with some really unique experiences, and he has a fantastic approach to public service. Dwayne is a truly independent thinker. He has this awesome ability to look at issues through so many different prisms. He’s not tied to one party or one way of thinking, and that makes his approach that much more thoughtful. He’s a great example of how mainstream Americans are starting to approach politics.” As the First District city council member for Bloomington, Lowman represents the southeast corner of the city. He has more
than 10 years of experience planning and managing human resources for major Minnesotabased companies. Lowman is a member of the Bloomington Noon Rotary Club, and a former president of the Toast of the West Toastmaster’s club, where he was recipient of an international speech contest award and the Marian Christian Justice Award. He was elected president and chair of the West Bank Community for two terms while at Augsburg College. Currently, Buckner is the managing director for One Minnesota, a statewide coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to Minnesota’s racial,
social and economic equity and inclusion. He has also worked for Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), the Minnesota DFL and the U.S. Census Bureau. A former Minneapolis branch NAACP president, Buckner received the NAACP Region IV Man of the Year award in 2007. “I’m honored to be a part of such an important effort at a critical time on our democracy,” said Buckner. “Shannon’s vision to prepare aspiring public servants to become great candidates is a remarkable service for all Minnesotans and I’m proud to support her in this endeavor.”
Courtesy of the Capri Theater
Summer Camp Capri students, staff, interns and teaching artists gathered for a group photo on the Capri stage.
Summer Camp Capri presents ‘A Rhythm Runs Through It’ Imagine a beautiful, mysterious, rollicking night of music, theater, poetry and dance inspired by the Mississippi River – and that image becomes “A Rhythm Runs Through It,” written by Greta Oglesby and performed by Summer Camp Capri students. “A Rhythm Runs Through It” takes place Thursday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave. in North Minneapolis. The play is free and open to the public. Dennis Spears, artistic associate at the Capri, is
directing the show, which was written in honor of this summer’s National Park Service Centennial. “The mystique and mystery of the Mississippi is helping the students interpret all aspects of the script,” said Spears. “They’re learning to bring the amazing power of the river to the show – and you will feel it.” Summer Camp Capri middle school-age students are immersed in the arts for five weeks, exploring theater, dance, music, writing, poetry, beat boxing and spoken word. They also have the privilege to work with many talented
teaching artists including Oglesby, Spears, T. Mychael Rambo, Diane Robinson of Hollywood Studio of Dance, hand drummer Chico Perez, beat boxing artist Terrell Woods (Carnage), spoken word artist Desdamona and visual artists Doug Freeman and Jonathan Herrara. Augsburg College student and UpTurnships, Inc. intern, Malick Ceesay and three Step-Up interns are integral participants in the program this summer as well. “With its focus on history, the arts and the celebration of our national parks, Summer Camp Capri is, once again,
offering a terrific experience for our students,” said James
Scott, director of the Capri. For more information
call (612) 643-2024 or email JScott@pcyc-mpls.org.
The KOFI Project celebrates 25 years of excellence Rudy Rousseau and the KOFI Project are celebrating 25 years of service. Rousseau is the current director of School Success Programs and Children and Family Services at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. In addition, for
the past 23 years, he has led the development and implementation of Wilder’s KOFI Services, a culturally specific school and home-based program developed to increase the positive functioning of African-American and Hmong youth.
1000 Petals
Rudy Rousseau
Classifieds Information Desk Attendant Be the smiling face that provides a warm welcome, and general information to visitors of the Ramsey County Government Center East. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. For more information, Contact Ramsey County— Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 or e-mail HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us.
Manager of Casework Services
Interfaith Outreach is hiring a Manager of Casework Services. This position is a leadership position supervising 7 case managers working with over 2000 families per year. The Interfaith Outreach work environment is client centered, values driven, team orientated, fast paced, diverse and focused on learning and professional development. We have a strong internal culture of collaboration and team support and a deep commitment across staff to mission. Apply here: http://iocp.org/about/open-positions.
Phone: 612.588.1313
Architect/ Project Architect Candidates must be graduates of accredited architecture programs with 5-15 years of experience and licensure in process or completed.
Architectural Intern/Designer Candidates must be graduates of accredited architecture programs with 3-5 years of experience and licensure in process or completed. We are looking for creative, energetic team players who are passionate about design to join our multi-studio practice. Professional growth opportunities are available in aviation, academic, civic/cultural, lifestyle and workplace. Experience with Revit is required. Experience with AutoCAD is desired. Please submit cover letter and resume to Stuart Stephens at careers@alliiance.us. Portfolio excerpts or electronic links are also welcomed. AA/EOE Employer. www.alliiance.us. We thank you in advance for your interest!
Fax: 612.588.2031
Email: info@insightnews.com
Minnesota Council of Churches ACCOUNTING CLERK, 20 hours/week. General accounting, AP, AR, financial reporting. Open until filled. Appl at http://www.mnchurches.org/about/employment.html.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WAIT LIST Shields Plaza Apartments, North Branch is now accepting applications for wait list. Senior 62+, subsidized must meet income requirements. Call for appointment 651-674-7497.
STAFF ATTORNEY Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks full-time attorney for its St. Cloud office. Fam. Law including representation of non-custodial parents; some work in other poverty law. Licensed in MN pref’d. Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary $47,000+D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to CMLS, 110 6th Avenue S, #205, 56301. Email to smerriman@centralmnlegalstc. org. Appl. deadline: 8/26/16 or until filled. EOE.
Financial Technician
The U.S. District Court, District of MN is accepting applications for a full-time Financial Technician in Minneapolis, MN. Salary range is $41,551 – $67, 534. For more information visit the court’s website, www.mnd.uscourts.gov, Employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer
Mail Room Assistant
Help this large social service agency’s mail room operation by processing returned, incoming and out-going mail. Flexible daytime shifts available Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Contact Ramsey County—Volunteer Services at 651266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us.
Page 10 • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Insight News
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Tracy Sellers
Mickey Breeze
Groovin’ with Mickey Breeze; teen DJ prodigy By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor DJ Mickey Breeze isn’t your average DJ. For starters, McKinley Maxwell West (aka Mickey Breeze) is also a producer. And sure, a lot of DJs are producers (though probably few produced their first song at age 8), but how many can say they play five instruments? And if they can say they play five instruments; while piano, drums and trumpet (which Breeze plays) may be in the conversation, certainly the cello and violin wouldn’t be in their repertoire. But they’re in Breeze’s. And not many DJs are rooted in the old school music of Marvin Gaye and Bootsy Collins but have a passion for
spinning hip-hop and EDM (electronic dance music, or “festival trap”). And how many DJs can say they were area spelling bee champions? And how many can say they are all this and just entering their sophomore year in high school? Mickey Breeze can lay claim to all of the above … and he’s just 15-years-old. While not even old enough to be in many of the venues where he performs, Breeze is earning a reputation as one of the hottest young DJs in the Twin Cities. His skills and ear for music have earned him a radio slot on 104.7 FM, WEQY and DJ gigs at Pride Festival, Bedlam Lowertown, on the set of “Candy Fresh;” and when Ebony Fashion Fair came to St.
Paul to celebrate its 50th year, Mickey Breeze was the one in the DJ booth. Not bad for a person who got into DJing because of a video game. “I’m that weird kid that never liked video games, but my older brother brought me this game, ‘DJ Hero’ when I was 8-years-old and I learned about technique and DJ culture and started liking it a lot,” said Breeze. He’s been spinning ever since. An area children’s talent show proved to be Breeze’s first “big break.” Breeze did a three-minute set dedicated to his late godfather, Thomas Spiegel (known as DJ Man-X) that earned the attention of one of the judges.
“I did the set and I didn’t place (in the competition), but Richard Moody was one of the judges and he was impressed and he booked me to DJ a boutique opening in Uptown and ever since then I’ve been getting more recognized,” said Breeze. The talented DJ’s second big break came during the 2014 White Out Affair. While New York’s Cipha Sounds was the marquee name (former “Chappelle’s Show” and MTV DJ), it was then 13-year-old Breeze who wowed the crowd. Since then he’s incorporated keyboard playing and live beat making with his MPD 226 drum machine into his routine. Breeze may have acquired his musical talents naturally,
as he is the grandson to Grant West, Sr., co-founder of the Walker West Music Academy in St. Paul, but in a bit of irony, the multitalented DJ doesn’t read music. “I have what they call perfect pitch, so I can just hear something and play it,” said the kid DJ with grown man skills. That “perfect pitch” is what Breeze used when he produced “Block Chronicles” for Chadwick “Niles” Phillips and Lewiee Blaze. The song’s production was the result of some old records lying around in a house. Breeze uses samples from the vinyl records that were recently discovered in a home being rehabbed by his grandfather, West, Sr. Surprisingly the young DJ/
producer, who DJs festivals and “festival trap” isn’t much into attending festivals. “I’m not a festival type kid,” explained Breeze. “If I’m going to be at a festival I wanna be onstage.” One of the things that makes Breeze’s talents even more amazing is that fact that he also suffers from the painful blood disease, sickle cell anemia. Breeze said at times the disease causes him severe fatigue and hand cramping, sometimes making it difficult to perform. “But I have never missed a show and I have never been late to a show,” proudly said Breeze. To hear more from DJ Mickey Breeze, visit his Facebook page at www. facebook.com/DjMickeyBreeze.
Ashley DuBose rocks Live on the Drive Live on the Drive, the annual Northside summer music series, continues with Ashley DuBose, Thursday, Aug. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the scenic Victory Memorial Drive at 34th Avenue North in Minneapolis. DuBose is best known for her participation on NBC’s “The Voice,” but her musical journey began years before her debut on the hit television show. Locally, DuBose is one of the most popular young artists on the Twin Cities
Ashley DuBose
scene. Her concerts routinely draw large crowds and much of her music can be heard on multiple local radio stations. Following the free show there will be a screening of “Jurassic World.” Live on the Drive features food vendors Mama Donato’s Woodfired Pizza, Sandy’s and Nona Rosa. If there is inclement weather on Aug. 11 the event will be rescheduled for Aug. 18. For more information call (612) 5881155 or visit www.LiveOnTheDrive.org.
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Insight News • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Page 11
Monday, Aug. 8
(Aug. 12 – Aug. 14) Hiawatha Beach Resort 10904 Steamboat Loop N.W., Walker, Minn. 25-plus $200
Tory Lanez
ART Get to the HeART of it: Action through Art 5353 Colfax Ave. N., Minneapolis 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. $5 Learn the basics of clay art while creating pieces for social change. Snacks are provided.
Aug. 8 - 14
Wednesday, Tuesday, Aug. 9 Aug. 10 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE
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
Off.” The show features performances by Maria Isa, Frank Castle and DJ Sophia.
Tufawon “The Homecoming” Album Release Party Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 10 p.m. 21-plus $7 In his recent return from his travels in Latin America, Tufawon has been busy finishing up “The Homecoming” EP, a follow-up to “The Send
FILM SPNN YIP film screenings SPNN 550 Vandalia St., Suite 170, St. Paul 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Free View the 2016 summer Youth Intern Program documentaries at the St. Paul News Network studio.
Thursday, Aug. 11 BLUES Battle of the Blues Bands Famous Dave’s Uptown 3001 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis 7 p.m. Free Blues bands compete for the top position in this competition in Uptown’s Calhoun Square.
Friday, Aug. 12 GETAWAY Urbane Outdoors
Located on Leech Lake in Walker, MN is the beautiful Hiawatha Beach Resort, site of Urbane Outdoors. The weekend getaway features comedy with Shed G (Friday), a pajama jammy jam with DJ Chuck Chizzle (Saturday) and a Sunday brunch. Additional activities include boating, fishing, swimming (lake or indoor pool), biking, morning Zumba and more. For more information visit www.theeurbanelife. com/urbane-outdoors.
Saturday, Aug. 13 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Longshot “Struggle Music” Album Release Party James Ballentine Uptown VFW 2916 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
8 p.m. – 12 a.m. Chicago to Minnesota transplant Longshot debuts his new album “Struggle Music” at the remodeled VFW in Uptown with performances by Casual Confusion, Mike the Martyr, Destiny Roberts, Niles, HRBK, DJ King Gorilla and DJ Ms. Lakesha.
Sunday, Aug. 14 MUSIC FESTIVAL Summer Set Music and Camping Festival (Aug. 12 – Aug. 14) Somerset Amphitheater 715 Spring St., Somerset, Wisc. $105 single day (weekend passes available) This three-day electronic music and hip-hop festival just outside of Minnesota boasts a powerful lineup including Chance the Rapper and the Social Experiment, Tory Lanez, DJ Mustard, Mr. Carmack, J Plaza and Mac Irv.
‘Equal Means Equal’ screens for Women’s Equality Day Minnesota feminist leaders will join forces with organizations all across the nation to provide a free local screening of the new film, “Equal Means Equal.” The screening takes place on Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. at the St. Anthony Main Theatre in Minneapolis, 115 N.E. Main St. This 90-minute film, directed by Kamala Lopez, will be followed by a panel discussion on the status of women in America today and the need for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
In the film, Lopez interviews four generations of women
from every-day-subjects to famous figures such as Patricia Arquette and Gloria Steinem. “Equal Means Equal” explores issues such as workplace harassment, wage inequality, sexual assault and erosion of reproductive rights and exposes a system that Lopez says repeatedly fails women. “We have been trying to have this amendment passed for over 115 years,” said Sue Sattel, co-host of the presentation and former Title IX specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education.
‘Do Not Resist’ at the Walker Discussion following the film with director Craig Atkinson and Rep. Keith Ellison A poignant film on policing – and the over policing – in communities of color is coming to the Walker Art Center. Winner of Best Documentary Feature at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, “Do Not Resist” examines the militarization of American
police forces. Beginning with on-the-ground protests and policing in Ferguson, Mo., in the wake of Michael Brown’s death, the film expands its focus to trace the federal post-9/11 policies that steer military artillery into small American towns. Intense and unsettling, “Do Not Resist” exposes
ways that public policy impacts police action. “Do Not Resist” screens at the Walker, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. The viewing and following discussion are free and open to the public. Tickets are on a first come basis.
“Now is the time. There are no more excuses.” Only three states are needed to pass the national ERA into the U.S. Constitution once the artificial deadline imposed by Congress in 1982 is waived. “Women are bombarded with messages of empowerment and ‘anything-is-possible’ girl power, but listen to women’s actual stories, as Kamala Lopez does in this tourde-force examination of equality in the U.S. and abroad, and you’ll quickly
find how painfully hollow those messages ring to the women they’re designed to bolster,” said Mimi Oo, co-host of the showing and program director of New Americans Alliance for Development (NAAD). The panel discussion after the screening features Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN); Sen. Sandy Pappas, president of the Minnesota Senate; State Rep. Rena Moran – chief author of the Equal Rights Amendment bill in the Minnesota House; Monica Hurtado from Voices for Racial Justice
and Trista Matascastillo from the Women Veterans Initiative. The forum will be moderated by former state representative Betty Folliard, founder of ERA Minnesota and executive producer of “A Woman’s Place,” a weekly show aired on AM 950. A limited number of tickets are available through www.eventbrite. com/e/equal-means-equaltickets-26725312128? aff=es2. Donations will be accepted for NAAD and for Minnesota efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment.
Page 12 • August 8 - August 14, 2016 • Insight News
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A salute to fathers By Rebecca Rabb, photojournalist “For many of us, our fathers show us by the example they set the kind of people they want us to become. Whether biological, foster or adoptive, they teach us through the encouragement they give, the questions they answer, the limits they set and the strength they show in the face of difficulty and hardship.” – President Barack Obama One of the most special parts of spending time with the fathers I have chronicled is seeing how their children watch them. It’s beautiful to see the interaction, whether it’s fathers with small children or a father with his grown daughter. Thank you to these fathers for showing our children the example of what being a father truly is.
Kenneth Caldwell (father) holds son, Gavin Caldwell while daughter Zariya Caldwell stands with a strong, prideful pose.
Reynolds-Anthony Harris (right) and Katherine Harris bring light to each other’s lives on a daily basis.
Anthony Jennings, Sr. (middle), teaches his sons Anthony Jennings, Jr. (right) and Lyric Diallo Jennings (left) the lesson that Black equals excellence.
Kofi Onumah, shows his love for sons, Zaire Yaw Onumah (green shirt) and Nile Kwamina Onumah.
Come Celebrate
Diversity DAY presented by
v
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23 Join us for a pregame parade and a variety of multicultural performances! The first 5,000 fans will receive a unique drink tumbler. FOR TICKETS, VISIT
twinsbaseball.com/diversityday
Contact Nick Corcoran for groups of 25 or more at 612-659-4083 or nickcorcoran@twinsbaseball.com.