Insight News ::: 09.19.16

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Insight News September 19 - September 25, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 38• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Fight for $15 continues

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Protesters took to West Broadway Avenue this past Monday (Sept. 12) calling for a $15 per hour minimum wage in Minneapolis.

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor

On Saturday (Sept. 10) West Broadway Avenue was closed to traffic for the celebratory festival, Open Streets … Monday (Sept.

12) a section closed to traffic for a different reason.

Protesters, including striking Alina nurses, took to the streets of West Broadway near Interstate 94 to rally and march in a show of unity and a renewed demand that Minneapolis adopt a $15 per hour living wage ordinance. This after

WAGES TURN TO 2

Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge returns

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor The Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is killing me … and because of that, it’s saving my life.

This time last year I weighed 162 pounds. During my weigh-in for the Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge at the F.I.T. Lab, 1583 Hamline Ave., Falcon Heights, the scale flashed 180 pounds ...

180 pounds. I wasn’t shocked, I

was disheartened. How on earth had I packed on 18 pounds of fat in 12 months? More importantly, how am I going to lose it … or transform it in to muscle?

To look at me, most would think I’m in pretty good health.

At 5’7” I have what most would call an athletic build. I work out regularly with weights, bench pressing three to four times a week.

OK, scratch that.

I used to work out regularly.

Now it’s here and there. I’ve got a lot going on. New promotion, one year into a new relationship, the illness and loss of my father … life just got in the way of living. At the end of the day, those are just excuses. But the excuses pacified me … told me it was OK that I was letting my body go to hell.

And another point of clarification, when I say I would workout, that workout would last

I2H TURN TO 3

Harry Colbert, Jr.

F.I.T. Lab owner and trainer, Tyrone Minor leading stretching exercises during a session of the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge.

It’s a conversation that tends to present itself from time to time and within the past eight years of an African-American presidency, some again are asking, what’s the need for Historically Black Colleges and Universities – or HBCUs, as they are more commonly known.

The conversation has arisen in the Twin Cities as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is set to present its Empower Me Tour for high school students – a showcase of at least 10 UNCF supported HBCUs. The tour comes to the Minneapolis Convention Center next week (Tuesday, Sept.

27).

The UNCF Empower Me Tour will allow qualified area seniors to be admitted on the spot to one of its 37 member institutions. In addition, Target Corporation will be awarding $30,000 onthe-spot scholarships.

When most HBCUs were founded, it was because African-Americans were denied access to almost every public and private institution of higher learning

HBCU TURN TO 4

Core 2025 seeks to diversify U of M student body

Eagan native first AfricanAmerican promoted to sergeant major in the Minnesota National Guard Nikia “Nik” McKinney, a resident of Eagan, was promoted to the rank of sergeant major, the highest enlisted rank in the Minnesota National Guard, during a ceremony Sept. 10 in Rosemount.

McKinney enlisted into the Army in 1998, serving on active duty until 2006, when he joined the Minnesota National Guard. He has served in multiple positions in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear community and currently serves as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear sergeant major for the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion.

McKinney works full-time as a senior network security engineer for United Health Group in Plymouth.

HBCUs as relevant and needed as ever

By Abeni Hill

Photos: Master Sgt. Ashlee Sherrill

Nikia “Nik” McKinney (center) with daughter (left) Mina McKinney and wife (right), May McKinney. Nik McKinney was sworn in as the Minnesota National Guard’s first African-American sergeant major.

Sgt. Maj. Nikia “Nik” McKinney (kneeling, arms spread) with members of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division.

By 2025 the University of Minnesota will have a far more diverse student body.

That’s the goal at least.

Core 2025 is a cohort-based program created by the University of Minnesota’s Office of Equity and Diversity to diversify incoming classes at the university by the year 2025. One of the main goals of this program is to help high school students with multicultural, first-generation, and underrepresented backgrounds become college ready.

“We’d love to increase the number of underrepresented and first generation students in every incoming class; as well as not just getting them to the U but graduating from the U,” said Dr. Shakeer Abdullah, assistant vice president of the Office for Equity and Diversity.

For this program, the university avidly seeks 8th grade students to apply, and while the hope is students will eventually attend the University of Minnesota it’s

CORE TURN TO 7

ECOWAS

Business

Music

History

West Africa migration and integration

Jackie Joyner-Kersee to serve as national spokeswoman for Internet Essentials

Roderick Cox named Minnesota Orchestra associate conductor

National AfricanAmerican museum is reality

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ECOWAS: West Africa migration and integration Opinion

By Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips, Associate Editor, Nigeria and West Africa West Africa is located in a strategic position of continental Africa.

The region consists of more than 17 independent nations from Senegal to Nigeria. The proximity of the region to the Atlantic Ocean provides it with a substantial strategic advantage for international trade and services that is capable of boosting multiple economic developments for the region.

However, before exploring inherent potentials of the region for trade and investments, it will be helpful to review the socioeconomic stability, strengths and weaknesses that are related to regional mobility of labor; including trans-border rules and regulations.

Some factors of great significance that are impacting socio-economic harmony in the region are related to “holdovers” of British, French and Portuguese interests.

West Africa has a long history of population mobility linked with factors such as long distance intra-regional trade, search for pasture/fertile land for agricultural plantations and the demands of mining industry. In many instances, challenges such as drought, rural poverty, land denigration and in extreme cases, armed conflicts often trigger extensive mass migration within the region.

Regional challenges notwithstanding, a dedicated group of 15 West African countries founded the Economic Community of West Africa Countries (known as ECOWAS) in 1975, with a mission to promote economic integration across the region. More specifically, ECOWAS was founded in order to achieve “collective self-sufficiency” for its member states by creating a single large trading block through an economic and trading union.

Another critical ECOWAS function is also to serve as a “peace-keeping force in the region” whereby military support from member states will rally around in suppressing crises that are capable of destabilizing member’s socioeconomic or regional stability.

Member states of ECOWAS are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia,

Map of West Africa with ECOWAS states highlighted Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. ECOWAS officially operate in three coequal languages – French, English

and Portuguese. The vision of ECOWAS is to create a borderless region where the population of each state would have access

Wages From 1 the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the question that was set to appear on the Nov. 8 ballot did not conform to state law. Despite the court’s ruling, protesters are keeping the pressure on, hoping the city will enact a $15 per hour standard for those doing business within Minneapolis city limits.

Organizers said Monday’s march and rally was a signal to the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Betsy Hodges that they, nor the issue, would go away quietly.

“We’re not going to back down until Minneapolis approves a $15 per hour ordinance,” said Michael McDowell, one of the protest organizers. “They want us to wait, but the rent won’t wait.

We need this now because we

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Protesters lined West Broadway Avenue (Sept. 12) demanding Minneapolis raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour. can’t wait. We can’t wait anymore.

You’ve got CEOs making $9,000 an hour and us workers are out here making crumbs.”

For Alexis Collins, a worker at

a Burger King in Fridley, she said her take-home pay of $237.50 per week is keeping her from even getting a place of her own to rent.

“I can’t get approved for an

apartment and the government says I make too much for food stamps and I’m about to have my first child,” said Collins, 19.

“I’ve been working at Burger

to its abundant resources and are able to explore the same through creation of opportunities under a sustainable environment

King since I was 14 and this is all I get. It’s hard. It’s just not right.”

While Collins said she does not qualify for public assistance, Rosheeda Credit said raising her salary from $11 per hour as a personal care attendant (PCA) to $15 per hour would get her off of public assistance.

“For us to work all day, every day just to pay rent; it’s wrong,” said Credit.

Charles Thornton agrees that it is not right. Thornton, who works at the Wendy’s at 421 W. Broadway where protesters gathered, said not only are his wages keeping him mired in poverty, he is being denied benefits as well.

“I make $9.75 (per hour) and on top of that they keep me under 40 hours a week so they don’t have to offer me benefits,” said Thornton, who said he averages 36 hours per

within West Africa, live in an integrated region where the population enjoys free movement and has access to education and health systems and can engage in economic and commercial activities while living in an atmosphere of peace and security.

To support economic integration, based on foreign currency affiliation, ECOWAS created two major monetary unions within member states.

One supports states operating within the exchange of the British currency system, while the second monetary union supports those using the French currency system.

Since the creation of ECOWAS in 1975, the organization has been promoting economic cooperation and regional integration as a tool for accelerated development of the economy of West Africa. Toward those objectives, the authority adopted a resolution in June 2007 to introduce a strategic and transformational ECOWAS 2020 initiative. This vision is aimed at setting a clear direction and goal to significantly raise the standard of living of the people through conscious and inclusive programs that promote a shared destiny and bright future for the region in the coming years.

week. “I’m a faithful employee.

I’m here every day. I’ve been here for seven years.”

The Rev. Paul Slack, president of ISAIAH, a faithbased coalition of more than 100 member congregations, said low wage workers are caught in a vicious cycle of poverty and debt; a cycle he likened to modern-day slavery.

“When workers are paid a poverty wage they can’t have an emergency, so when they do have emergencies like medical bills, a car in need of repair, they end up at places that are predatory lenders charging an average of 300 percent interest, getting further in debt, further behind and unable to even afford the basics,” said Slack.

“We need a living wage. We need $15 now so that workers and families don’t end up in a cycle of debt; this modern-day slavery.”

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Insight News • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Page 3

Health Prediabetes program sees positive weight loss results in Minnesota A group of more than 100 leaders came together this past week to further expand the Diabetes Prevention Program that has helped Minnesotans at risk for diabetes lose an average 5 percent of their body weight.

Through June of this year, 3,111 Minnesota adults who had a diagnosis of prediabetes or a history of gestational diabetes lost an average of 5 percent of their body weight after one year in the program, according to data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It’s heartening to see Minnesota embracing this preventive approach that addresses the threat of Type 2 diabetes in our community,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger.

“Combining programs like this one with broader community changes supporting healthy lifestyles and living conditions is how we can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes and reduce expensive medical care costs.”

The Diabetes Prevention Program is designed for people who do not have Type 2 diabetes but are at a high risk of developing the disease, especially people with prediabetes and a history of gestational diabetes. About one in three American adults have prediabetes. This means as many as 1.5 million adult Minnesotans may have prediabetes.

Led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Diabetes Prevention Program is a structured program developed specifically to prevent Type 2 diabetes. A trained lifestyle coach leads the program to help participants change certain aspects of their lifestyle, like

of $120 million associated with developing diabetes.

In 2014, about 340,000 Minnesotans said they had a diagnosis of Type 1 or 2 diabetes.

eating healthier, reducing stress and getting more physical activity. The program also includes group support from others who share similar goals and struggles.

Reaching the 5 percent target is significant because research shows people who eat a healthy diet, increase their physical activity and lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight can cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by about half. People with prediabetes (or those with high blood sugars that are not quite in the diabetes range, or those who have a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy) have increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Employer successes Some Minnesota employers offering the program are seeing positive results.

Marvin Windows employs more than 5,000 people across Minnesota, Virginia, and other states. Marvin wanted to continue its tradition of offering benefits that improve employee health and address healthcare costs. Marvin made the Omada Program – a digital Diabetes Prevention Program

and one of many Diabetes Prevention Program providers – available to all eligible employees.

The program equips workers with a cellular scale, digital pedometer, adaptive curriculum, personal health coach and peer group for support and accountability. To date, the company has enrolled more than 500 employees.

They have averaged more than 5 percent weight loss 16 weeks into the program.

The state of Minnesota started offering the same program to its employees in 2015. During the first year, more than 5,000 participants lost more than 41,000 pounds, according to the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget, which operates the State Employees Group Insurance Plan (SEGIP).

The average annual medical cost for a person without diabetes is $4,700. Diabetes increases that cost to $11,700, and diabetes with other complications or conditions averages $20,000 annually.

SEGIP projects that over the next 10 years members with prediabetes could have potentially preventable costs

Reducing health care costs Preventing diabetes is a key strategy for improving public health and reducing health care costs. Diabetes is at an all-time high in Minnesota. In 2014, about 340,000 Minnesotans said they had a diagnosis of Type 1 or 2 diabetes. The disease is estimated to cost Minnesota about $2.3 billion a year in additional medical costs related to diabetes, according to 2012 data.

Without intervention, the prevalence of diabetes is expected to increase in Minnesota and nationally.

Medical Assistance, Minnesota’s Medicaid program, has been an early adopter of the prevention program. This year the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced that health care providers could be reimbursed for offering the Diabetes Prevention Program to Minnesota Health Care Program fee-for-service enrollees.

Medicare recently announced that it will offer the Diabetes Prevention Program to beneficiaries in 2018. This move followed a successful pilot study that included Twin Cities residents referred to the Diabetes Prevention Programs offered through the YMCA, one of many community-based providers.

Save the Dates!

October UI, UI, and th 201

FREE

Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings for women ages 40 to 64 who are uninsured or underinsured* What: FREE Cancer Screenings and Community Health Education

When: Oct. th, th, th Tuesday Oct. th English Speakers Wednesday Oct th Spanish Speakers Thursday Oct. th Hmong Speakers Registration Check-in: 8:00 AM Screening: 8:00 AM–2:30 PM Health Education: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Where: 1313 Penn Ave. North To register call 612-767-9197 or visit www.northpointhealth.org

Help for caregivers...

• Long-term care planning Financial checkup, support network and respite care

• Elder law

I2H From 1 all of 20 minutes and was strictly upper-body weight training. My chest looks pretty darn good and my arms are right. But I was exposed for a fraud during the first night of the challenge when at the end I threw up … twice.

The second night I was again lightheaded and had to exit the building to pour water all over me and get some additional oxygen.

Yep, I need this challenge.

I was proud of my 162 pound frame, but the frame was hiding the real story.

Years ago I ballooned to 187 pounds. I was in poor health and it was visible. My once chiseled college body was nowhere to be found. Then, during one of Minnesota’s brutal winters I came down with strep throat and couldn’t really eat for about a week. In that week I lost between five to seven pounds … and it showed. I could look in the mirror and see the difference that five pounds gone had made. So it hit me. I’d start lifting weights again and cut back on what I was eating.

Not eating is what caused the weight loss in the first place. I was lifting weights and taking in fewer than 2,000 calories a day. Some days I would eat half that; and thus my current situation.

When challenged by Tyrone Minor, owner of The F.I.T. Lab, while I wasn’t “winded” or out of breath, I was so under-nourished that I was at the point of passing out just 20 minutes in. So while everyone else seemed to breeze through – OK, nobody breezed through – I was struggling not to bang my head on the ground. Oh, and did I mention the piercing headaches? Well that’s most likely attributed to my lack of water intake.

The wonderful thing about the Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is that it isn’t just about looking better, it’s about doing better. With the assistance of nutritionist Julie McMahon and F.I.T. Lab trainer and certified yoga instructor Jamie Minor, I’m adjusting my eating (or not eating) habits. I’m drinking water, which, if you know me, you know is a minor miracle. And no longer do I pump iron for 20 minutes and call it a day.

Funny thing, immediately after I threw up I felt better. I felt better because I knew I started the process of doing better.

Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is an award-winning fitness program produced by Insight News in conjunction

with The F.I.T. Lab. The 10week challenge is an “at your own pace” exercise and nutrition program conducted by area fitness and nutrition experts. Partners of the Insight

2 Health Fitness Challenge are NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, Target Corporation, Southside Community Health Services and Open Cities Health Center.

Health care directive, power of attorney and education

• Senior housing Family meetings, group education, dementia and Alzheimer’s

• Support groups

•

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.

Call us 952-945-4173 | 952-945-4175

Page 4 • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Insight News

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Business Jackie Joyner-Kersee to serve as national spokeswoman for Internet Essentials Comcast Corporation announced Jackie Joyner-Kersee will serve as a national spokeswoman for Internet Essentials, a broadband adoption program seeking to connect the underserved to the World Wide Web. Soon to kick off its sixth annual back-to-school season, according to Comcast, Internet Essentials has helped close the digital divide for more than 600,000 families, benefitting 2.4 million low income Americans.

Having Joyner-Kersee as the spokesperson, Comcast hopes to bring greater awareness to the program.

“We wanted somebody

with passion, with community engagement and somebody who was recognizable, especially with young people,” said senior executive vice president and chief diversity officer, David L. Cohen. “Through her charitable foundation, she has been working on the front lines in her community to serve as a role model for others, to help those who are less fortunate, and to inspire a younger generation to dream and lead. We are thrilled to have Jackie help us to close the digital divide and raise awareness about all that the Internet has to offer students and families.”

For Joyner-Kersee who grew up in the impoverished city of East St. Louis, Ill., partnering with Comcast furthers her commitment to assisting those who are living is conditions similar to her past.

“My hope and goal is that everybody is connected (to the internet); we don’t want to lose anyone. In my community, I’ve seen firsthand that’s really hard to do if you’re on the wrong side of the digital divide,” said Joyner-Kersee. “We want to support young people who might not have access to libraries in walking distance. I’m excited to go on the road this year with

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Internet Essentials and help more kids and families cross that divide and develop to their fullest potential.”

Joyner-Kersee, winner of six Olympic Medals, is, according to ESPN, one of the “50 great athletes of the 20th century.”

She is the first woman to win back-to-back gold medals in the heptathlon, the first AfricanAmerican woman to win an Olympic Medal in the long jump, and the first woman to score 7,000 points in the heptathlon.

The Olympic great launched the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in Los Angeles

and, in 1995, moved it to East St. Louis. Inspired by the closing of her neighborhood community center, JoynerKersee grew the foundation by raising more than $12 million to expand programming and built a comprehensive youth and sports facility and campus that opened in 2000.

Since 2011, Comcast has invested more than $280 million in cash and in-kind support to help fund digital literacy training and education initiatives, reaching nearly 4.4 million people through national and local nonprofit community partners.

Airbnb lays out action plan to eliminate discrimination INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe

Responding to concerns of discrimination raised by civil rights groups, researchers and scores of individuals on social media, Airbnb announced it would take a number of steps aimed at stamping out discrimination by Airbnb hosts against minority renters.

In May 2016, the Lawyers› Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice (LCCREJ) called on federal agencies to

investigate and take enforcement action against Airbnb for what it called “fostering discrimination by its users against would-be renters of color.” LCCREJ cited academic research showing that users of Airbnb with distinctively African-American sounding names are 16 percent more likely to be rejected by hosts than users with distinctively white names.

Meanwhile, individuals using the hashtag #airbnbwhileblack

took to social media to recount their individual experiences with discrimination on Airbnb.

“Rather than deny or ignore these issues when we raised them, Airbnb to its credit reached out to us to tackle the problem head on,” said Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of LCCREJ. He noted that Airbnb had hired a team led by former Atty. Gen. Eric Holder to examine the problem

of discrimination by Airbnb hosts and had specifically asked LCCREJ and other civil rights groups for assistance in developing solutions.

“The report and action plan issued by Airbnb are only the beginning, but they commit Airbnb to taking a number of significant steps in the right direction.”

Espinoza-Madrigal cited such reforms as reducing the prominence of user photos,

hiring a dedicated full-time product team to fight bias, and increasing use of “Instant Book,” which is automatic and requires no host approval.

“We will continue to hold Airbnb’s feet to the fire, to make sure that they follow through on their commitments,” said Oren Sellstrom, director of litigation at LCCREJ. “But these initial steps are very encouraging.”

HBCU

its first African-Americans until 1950. Lloyd Gaines was the first African-American admitted to the university, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1938, but Gaines was never enrolled, as he disappeared under mysterious circumstances and his disappearance was never solved. In Alabama, in 1963 Gov. George Wallace personally blocked the doors to the University of Alabama in an effort to prevent two African-American students from enrolling.

In the scope of time and in the context of history, 1963

isn’t that long ago. So to some, the question of why is there still a need for HBCUs is almost laughable – especially when looking at things from a statistical standpoint. Here at home, in two separate sets of data, the University of Minnesota was found to have a 3.9 percent Black enrollment and of that it graduated just 35 percent of its Black students.

In 2005 the graduation rate at historically-Black Fisk University in Nashville was 64 percent. Desralynn Cole was one of them. Cole, who graduated from North Community High School,

said choosing Fisk over a predominately white institution was one of the best decisions she ever made.

“I’m eternally grateful for the amazing experiences I had at Fisk University,” said Cole, who is a public health specialist with the city of Minneapolis’ health department. “Some of the best connections and best friendships came from that experience.”

Cole said being around so many other Black students who were high achievers, and having a largely Black faculty and administration was an inspiration to her.

“Being immersed in an environment with people who looked like me and who were thirsty for knowledge was such an empowering experience,” said Cole. “Many of my classes were taught by Black educators and you were around strong Black people all day, every day.”

What Cole experienced at Fisk, Christopher Johnson is experiencing at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala. Johnson is in his sophomore year and said he couldn’t be more happy with his school selection.

“I really wanted to go to an HBCU,” said Johnson, who like Cole, was accepted to a multitude of predominately white institutions.

“At Tuskegee the classes are smaller and you’re able to build relationships with professors.

The staff is diverse so you can connect with them on a cultural level.”

One of the people who questioned the need for HBCUs was Johnson’s father.

“I had this conversation with my father, who is white, and doesn’t realize that there’s still a problem,” said Johnson.

“White people sometimes don’t understand the importance of certain things.”

Though obviously needed, many HBCUs are on the brink of collapse due to economic concerns. UNCF Regional Development Director Sharon Smith-Akinsanya said the possibility of extinction for the smallest HBCUs that have the fewest resources is real, just as it is for any small, private college or university that is competing for students and resources. According to SmithAkinsanya and Brian Bridges, who leads the Patterson Research Institute at UNCF, a recent study by the ParthenonEY Education Group identified 122 four-year institutions that exhibit four key risk factors for closing and a few HBCUs are in this group.

“However, HBCUs have been making due with scant resources for 150 years because of their mission, dedication and their commitment to their communities,” said SmithAkinsanya.

Despite consistent pronouncements about closing, only one HBCU has closed its doors in the past decade (St. Paul’s College). SmithAkinsanya said losing more HBCUs could have broad implications and lasting effects, especially for the less affluent.

“Their potential closing has a broader impact because of the type of students they enroll – overwhelmingly lowincome, first generation and academically underprepared,” said Smith-Akinsanya. “Their (HBCUs) dedication to these students and their mission drive these institutions to survive when lesser schools would choose not to.”

From 1 in the nation. Sure, there was the rare exception, but that exception was in most cases a literal handful in numbers. For example, in 1911 the University of Indiana – the state’s flagship public institution – had a student population of nearly 1,300, yet only 10 were African-American. It was even worse at other “public” state universities. The University of Missouri didn’t enroll

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Insight News • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Page 5

Page 6 • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Insight News

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Roderick Cox named Minnesota Orchestra associate conductor Roderick Cox, who was appointed the Minnesota Orchestra’s assistant conductor in June 2015, has been named associate conductor for the 2016-17 season.

As associate conductor, Cox will make his classical subscription debut in three concerts, Jan. 19 to 21, leading Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, the latter with pianist Joyce Yang.

Cox will also continue to lead a variety of Orchestra

concerts including Young People’s Concerts, Symphonic Adventures programs in area high schools and outdoor summer performances, as well as serving as cover (or understudy) conductor for many of the Orchestra’s classical and Live at Orchestra Hall concert performances.

The associate conductor additionally serves as a link to the community, participating in engagement activities, school visits and collaborations with other Minnesota arts and

Courtesy of Minnesota Orchestra

Roderick Cox

cultural institutions.

“We’re proud to work with Roderick at this important stage of his career,” said director of Artistic Planning, Kari Marshall. “This position offers a full immersion in the life of the Orchestra – from participating in touring and recording activity to daily rehearsals, concerts and educational performances.

We’re now particularly looking forward to his January concerts when he’ll have the opportunity to make

his classical season debut conducting Tchaikovsky’s fourth symphony.”

The previous season offered many significant firsts for Cox, who is 29. He made debuts with the Detroit Symphony, National Symphony and Florida Orchestra, and was selected by the League of American Orchestras as one of five conductors presented at the 2016 Bruno Walter National Conducting Preview, a prestigious showcase for young conductors from around

the country.

“The Minnesota Orchestra has become my second home.

In just a short time I’ve grown immensely as a musician and conductor. I’ve had great enjoyment working with the phenomenal musicians, devoted staff and passionate music director in Osmo Vänskä. I very much look forward to continuing our partnership as well as forming more relationships throughout the community,” said Cox.

Minneapolis awarded $5 million grant to promote resiliency in communities Minneapolis has received a fiveyear, $5 million federal grant to help promote resiliency and equity among communities that have faced trauma due to civil unrest connected to law enforcement issues.

Minneapolis was among eight cities in the country to receive the grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The City will be awarded $1 million annually for up to five

years by demonstrating progress toward program goals.

The grant will be used to create a ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) program in Minneapolis. The program will help build the capacity of community partners working with high risk families facing stress from traumatic events and be used to train staff members.

“This significant grant will provide a new avenue for the city of Minneapolis and its dedicated community networks

and partners to work together to engage our youth, families and first responders who have experienced trauma,” said Mayor Betsy Hodges. “Together, we can reduce the impact of trauma in our community.”

Equity and Inclusion Manager Joy Marsh Stephens said the ReCAST program will also help coordinate and align the work of the city and community organizations.

“The ReCAST Minneapolis program affords us an unprecedented opportunity to

work alongside the community to build its capacity to care for high risk youths and their families in periods of stress and trauma,” said Marsh Stephens.

“At the same time, we are able to increase our internal capacity to address the trauma our first responders experience as well as grow our ability enterprisewide to provide compassionate, trauma-informed service that is rooted in an understanding of the history of race in the City of Minneapolis.”

Minneapolis City Council

President Barb Johnson said she’s hopeful the grant will help improve public safety in communities impacted by trauma.

“This grant will give us the opportunity to address the stress involved in living in a community beset with challenges from violence, division and poor outcomes,” said Johnson.

The program will also build on the city’s work as part of the National Initiative for Building Community Trust

and Justice, an initiative of the U.S. Justice Department. The goal is to improve procedural justice, which is the way law enforcement interactions with the public shape perceptions of police, willingness to obey laws and crime rates. The other focus areas include reducing implicit bias — the automatic assumptions people make about groups of people — and reconciling with communities that have had historic tensions with law enforcement.

Early voting begins Sept. 23; election judges needed The city of Minneapolis is reminding eligible voters that planning ahead can save them from standing in long lines on Election Day. Starting Sept. 23, any voter can vote early by mail or in person at one of four locations around the city. For those who want to vote on Election Day, pre-registering is an easy way to stay out of the registration line.

Individuals are eligible to vote if they are at least 18-years-old and are a U.S. citizens who has lived in Minnesota for at least 20 days before the election.

Any voter who has moved or changed his or her name since last voting must re-register.

All individuals whose

registration applications are received by elections officials by 5 p.m. Oct. 18 will be pre-registered for the Nov. 8 general election. Online registrations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 18. Voters who newly register or update their registration will receive a postcard notifying them where to vote.

Voters can pre-register online or by filling out a registration application they can pick up at government offices or print from the elections website, www.vote. minneapolismn.gov/voters/ register, and mail it in.

Voters who miss the deadline to pre-register

may still be able to vote. In Minnesota individuals may register at the polls on Election Day by providing one of the forms of identification required

by Minnesota law. They will need to allow extra time at the polls to register. See the elections website, www.vote. minneapolismn.gov/voters/ election-day-register, for the list of identification required to register and vote on Election Day. Offices on the Minneapolis Nov. 8 general election ballot include United States president and vice president, U.S. representative (District 5), state senator (all districts), state representative (all

districts), judicial offices, and the Minneapolis School Board. The ballot will also have a question on a state constitutional amendment regarding removing lawmakers’ power to set their own pay, and a question asking voters to renew the school district’s current operating referendum authorization.

Early voting (absentee voting) begins Sept. 23. Any voter may vote early. Standard hours throughout the absentee voting period are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. During the final two weeks before the election, these hours will be extended and include weekend times. All early voting hours

are posted on the website, vote. minneapolismn.gov.

Voters may vote early (by absentee ballot) by mail or in person. In-person locations are Downtown Early Vote Center, 217 S. Third St., North Early Vote Center, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., in the Minneapolis Urban League building, South Early Vote Center, 1860 E. 28th St., in the Roof Depot building and Northeast Early Vote Center, 2516 Central Ave. N.E. in the Water Bar building.

In-person absentee voting is no longer at City Hall.

Election judges needed, judges with a second language especially needed Election judges are needed

for the general election Nov. 8 to serve voters in local polling places. Election judges are paid $13.30 per hour, which includes training.

Judges who are fluent in a second language – including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, Lao, Vietnamese, Russian and American Sign Language – are especially needed to provide additional language support in the polling place.

Selection and placement of judges is based on qualifications of applicants and political party balance within the precinct.

Preference will be given to those willing to serve a full day in a precinct with a vacancy.

DEED accepting proposals for competitive equity grants The work of Minnesota’s only two Black senators seems to be paying off when it comes to

workforce development.

As co-chairs of the SubCommittee on Equity, Sen. Jeff

Hayden (DFL-62) and Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-59) worked to secure equity funding

Building stronger urban communities in partnership with North Minneapolis

UROC Community Day 2016 Celebrating partnership

A M TO NOON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER Meet the University researchers and community partners behind UROC’s Northside-based programs, tour the building and gallery, and enjoy free breakfast burritos and smoothies from local Minneapolis vendors. Drawings for prizes will take place throughout the morning.

The event is free and open to the public.

University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center | 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-626-UROC (8762) | uroc.umn.edu

NEW FOR 2016!

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for communities of color in Minnesota. The two senators announced that the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is now accepting grant proposal applications for six workforce development programs that are funded through their work. The legislature appropriated $35 million this year to fund the programs.

The proposals must be received by DEED no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30.

“This kind of funding is unprecedented – particularly for this type of programming that will go directly to support communities of color in Minnesota. I’m really proud of the work we accomplished this session and I’m hoping these grant programs receive a lot of

interest. There are good things happening in this state and I see a brighter future for thousands of people who just needed a helping hand,” said Hayden.

“I believe our diversity is our greatest strength – and to that end I also believe that the work we accomplished this session is just the beginning of great changes and growth for our communities.

These programs will help create jobs, strengthen and develop businesses, provide educational programs and outreach, help youth and adults find work, help families find homes and help create a state where everyone has the opportunity to achieve and succeed,” said Champion.

DEED is accepting proposals (RFPs) for several programs designed to level the economic playing field.

The Pathways to Prosperity Program offers grants to organizations that help low-wage and low-skill adults who have multiple barriers to employment obtain credentials and skills that prepare them for jobs in growing fields (such as healthcare and manufacturing). The Southeast Asian Economic Relief Competitive Grant Program will offer grants to organizations that address economic disparities in Southeast Asian communities through workforce recruitment, development, job creation and/ or increased capacity of smaller organizations and outreach.

The Somali Youth Competitive Grant Program will offer grants supporting organizations and programs that provide a variety of workforce related services to Somali youth. The Support Services Competitive Grant Program will provide grants focused on low-income communities, young adults from low-income families and communities of color, offering job training, employment preparation, internships, job assistance to fathers, financial literacy, academic and behavioral intervention for low-performing students and youth intervention.

The Women in High Wage, High Demand, Nontraditional Jobs Competitive Grant Program focuses on closing the gender pay gap and encourage women to enter nontraditional fields such as STEM or construction. The Youth at Work Program provides employment and training services for youth of color, youth with disabilities and at-risk youth.

DEED also recently released an RFP for an amended economic development program created in the Equity article. DEED is seeking local nonprofit partners to serve as lenders for the Emerging Entrepreneur Program, which will provide loans to Minnesota businesses majority-owned and operated by minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans, and/or persons with disabilities.

For more information about how to submit a proposal, visit: w w w. m n . g o v / d e e d / a b o u t / contracts/open-rfp.jsp.

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Page 7

Beautiful lie, ugly truth about menthol tobacco Tobacco companies could be making it harder for us to achieve health equity in Minnesota by marketing menthol cigarettes to Blacks/African-Americans and other minority groups.

Health equity is something Minnesota has been working toward. Further evidence shows tobacco companies are also marketing menthol tobacco products to youth.

The Beautiful Lie, Ugly Truth campaign, highlighted on the Association for NonsmokersMinnesota (ANSR’s) website, is about empowering these targeted Minnesota groups to stand-up against tobacco marketing.

“With more than 23 percent of high school youth currently using tobacco products, our campaign remains as vital as ever in combating this continuing public health problem,” said Dr. Cheryl Healton, president and CEO of Legacy, the national public health foundation that directs and funds the truth campaign.

A group of Twin Cities advocates teamed up with ANSR and NorthPoint Health & Wellness to create a video calling out menthol tobacco. The video is in response to studies that show tobacco products with menthol flavoring make it easier for firsttime users to start and harder to stop smoking. It features a poem by local artist Joe Davis, called the “Beautiful Lie, Ugly Truth.”

“Ever since it’s been around

a spoonful of menthol helps the poison go down. Stop selling these beautiful lies and ugly truth, because we ain’t buying them,” penned Davis.

Stairstep Foundation/His Works United, through its network of churches, is working with ANSR to educate youth about the dangers of tobacco usage through presentations at churches around the city. Churches interested in hosting a presentation can contact Stairstep at (612) 521-3110.

Letter to the Editor Claims arguing against the Northside Greenway project deserve critical assessment. I envision a North Minneapolis that is healthier, safer, more economically thriving and more socially cohesive as a result of the Northside Greenway project. The project spawned out of the idea of connecting our neighborhoods, schools and, parks. Similar to what can be found today on the Grand Rounds National Scenic Bikeway, which is a linked series of park areas in Minneapolis that takes a roughly circular path through the city.

Access to economic opportunity, connectivity throughout our city and region, and investments in quality of life amenities are vitally important.

North Minneapolis has been

sitting static and stagnant for far too long. The lack of investment has been devastating. Northside, just like the rest of the city, deserves equitable investments in its community. We must ensure this project partners with organizations that assist renters with navigating home-ownership, promotes economic opportunities for people currently living in the neighborhood, especially people of color, and produces a more socially cohesive North Minneapolis. This project has the potential to do this and so much more if we work together to build something that works with the community to strengthen it.

— Alexis D. Pennie

Core

“This program is not meant to take the place of any existing programs or any programs that folks are already participating in, but we want to be a supplement,” said Abdullah. “We understand that it certainly takes a village and all of us doing our part.”

Although he doesn’t consider college to be a necessity for everyone, higher education is a passionate subject for Abdullah. “For me, college was a life changer,” said Abdullah, who was a firstgeneration student.

“I was talking to some students and I was reminded of that song ‘Whole New World,’” chuckled Abdullah.

“And that is really what college was for me. It opened up the world for me and I got the chance to travel.”

Abdullah said he has traveled to about 20 different countries since his college career.

Abdullah said the University of Minnesota is obligated to aid underresourced communities.

“We are a state land grant institution and we want to make sure we are accessible to everybody in the state,” said Abdullah.

Abdullah said the university is looking to the community for referrals, individual funders and community partners.

“If there is a desire to support just let us know what you can offer and we will figure out a way to leverage that,” said Abdullah.

Companies who want to have the students visit was one example he gave.

“You may have a company or you may work at a company and that company can be a host for these students so they get to see what a day-in-the-life is like for a particular industry,” said Abdullah. “This is one of the reasons why we do this program because if you are only exposed to a few limited professions that is all you are going to think about.

We want them to think more broadly. Our process and our hope is that we can expose kids to things that they never imagined.”

For more information on Core 2025, visit www. diversity.umn.edu/core2025.

From 1 not an obligation.

“It’s important, I think, to get the seed planted early because one of things that we hope to do over the course of the program is expose the students to professionals – young professionals, older professionals – and current college students,” said Abdullah.

The assistant vice president said that the program provides a variety of information about various topics such as financial aid, standardized testing and social and emotional health, as well as different companies and industries and more. According to Abdullah, another important factor of starting the program in 8th grade is it helps students have a strong support system in high school.

“What happens most times is that students get lost that freshman year in high school,” said Abdullah. “We want (students) to be focused early.

If you think you want to go to college, we are going to try to provide you the resources, the knowledge, the skills and the awareness to do that.”

Also, the support won’t just come from the U of M, but from the students themselves.

“One of the things we wanted to do with the program is make it a cohort-model, meaning people start together and finish together,” said Abdullah. “They can build this cohort together and get to know each other and support each other as they are going not only through the high school process but also the college search process, and ultimately, the college process.

All of these things will help them to be more confident in who they are and hopefully (they are) more aware and better prepared to become the next generation’s leaders and have a sense of self; but also a sense of who they are going to be working with and serving around them.”

Abdullah said he considers Core 2025 a proactive step being taken by the U of M to address the changing landscape of the state.

Page 8 • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Lifestyle

The audacity of hope Man Talk

By Timothy Houston “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream” was the second book written by President Obama.

The audacity of hope is also the reason that I believe we should all support Colin Kaepernick in his stance against police brutality.

Because despite our experiences with racism in this country, we as a people still have hope. If Kaepernick did not have hope for a brighter future, he would not put himself at the risk of facing the scorn of many and the possibility of losing millions of dollars.

Kaepernick’s actions clearly demonstrate that he believes in a brighter future, and he has the audacity and courage to work to bring it to fruition.

Peaceful protest is a right.

Many have fought and died for our right to protest, and peaceful

We must never lose the audacity to hope because too many have sacrifice and died for our rights to have it.

protest is what gives us hope that this nation will one day rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”

The flag represents freedom and justice for all. Colin Kaepernick’s audacity to dare take a knee during the national anthem has shined the disparaging light that even today, Black men and women are not treated equally. Kaepernick has committed hand, heart, money and fame to this cause. We too

must join the struggle and make a stand with those who stand (or kneel) for us.

Many fought for our right to protest. Like Kaepernick, my father believed in a brighter future. This is the reason he fought in Korea. It was in the hope that one day his son would have freedom and liberty that was not afforded to him in the 1950s. He unselfishly pledged his allegiance to the flag and to a country that did not treat him with respect. He had the audacity to hope for liberty and justice for all. My father pledge

Creative Commons / Mike Morbeck

Colin Kaepernick his life and personal well-being to this cause. I am a recipient of his hope, and I also believe in a brighter future.

Like my father, I also fought for the right for all to protest.

I know firsthand what the flag represents. During my 13-year U.S. Marine Corp career, I served as Sergeant of the Guard with the honor of taking the base flag down every evening. This was a formal

ceremony that included two other Marines. At the playing of taps, the two Marines would slowly lower the flag down with the beat of the music … I, standing at the position of attention would be in full salute in honor of all those who fought and died for the freedom the flag represents. This was my duty and honor, and I would never support anyone or anything that disrespects the flag. Peaceful

protest is not un-American. I stand with Kaepernick because his right to protest gives real meaning to my service and sacrifice. As a veteran, I am honored that Colin Kaepernick has taken his stance to protest on my behalf.

We must never lose hope.

Hope is what binds us together because that which impacts one of us, impacts all of us. If every person of color joined the protest, the power of our unity would be resounding and undeniable. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best when he said: “All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Colin Kaepernick’s stance impacts us all, and our response to his stance impacts him. We must never lose the audacity to hope because too many have sacrifice and died for our rights to have it.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker. To get copies of his books, for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Raising families: Women bear brunt of work Child Focus

By Gloria Freeman As always, the cool, crisp breezes of September usher in the fresh, timeless necessity of parents dropping their children at school, putting them on the school bus, or far less frequently today, preparing them for their walk to the school house.

Watching scores of parents, particularly mothers, line up

in their cars outside schools, reminds us that still today, a women’s work is never done.

This is especially true when female caregivers prepare their children for the annual trek back to school after a long, hot summer. This wide circle of female caregivers often includes other strong women who selflessly serve as heads-of-households, such as sisters, cousins, aunties, grandmothers, and friends.

Unfortunately, particularly in the African-American community, women still bear the brunt of the work in raising our families, taking care of our households, making sure financial ends meet

and keeping all heads – and attitudes – in the home afloat.

This can be a daunting task for any woman in any household.

But, black women seem to bear this burden at a far greater level than their white or Hispanic counterparts.

According to the National Center on Fathering, 57.6 percent of African-American children are living absent a father in the home, compared to 31.2 percent of Hispanic and 20 percent of white children.

These numbers underscore the challenge facing American women in homes crisscrossing the nation. Yet, somehow, someway, our children and family members are taken care of masterfully and skillfully by the nurturing, strong, hands, and the seemingly bionic, multi-faceted minds of so many of the women who grace … and lead … our lives.

Tamara, an AfricanAmerican woman at the ripe age of 44, has six biological children of her own and nine

grandchildren.

Currently, Tamara’s children are ages 25, 23, 20, 17, 15, and 6.

With Tamara’s husband serially unemployed or underemployed during much of the 25 years they have been married, Tamara hasn’t had an easy adult life. Yet, she somehow perseveres with a never-ending smile on her face that still amazes even the people who know Tamara the best.

When asked what the most challenging aspect of motherhood has been, Tamara answered, “Having so many teenagers in the house at one time, letting them have their independence but still letting them know that the majority of decisions are mine, while still letting them have a voice.”

Tamara and her family have experienced chronical homelessness, to boot. Yet, through it all, Tamara has let her smile do the leading in her life while any complaints seem to take a backseat to an

eternal candle of optimism which burns inside.

When asked what her husband’s largest contribution to the household is, Tamara graciously stated, “He serves as my enforcer. While I may say things multiple times to get my point across to the kids, he says things once. And, if they don’t listen, they are subject to sitting through an hour and a half lecture or him getting up in their face.”

In addition to being mom to six kids, and grandma to nine others, Tamara says her home is always filled with extras as well. “I’m that house where there are always extra people staying with us. Whether it’s family members or a kid living on the block, there is always an extra person staying with us; sometimes two to three extra people. It doesn’t matter if it’s a kid who’s caught a case, got messed up on drugs, or in trouble with the law, we have a place for them at my house.” Currently, Tamara’s

son’s girlfriend lives with them in her house. She reports she recently housed a nephew for over a year and a half.

Tamara’s life has been pierced with more than her fair share of sadness and strife. One of her most trying times came when her teenage nephew transferred to St. Paul Central High School where he was sucker-punched in the face by gang members, causing him to fall into oncoming traffic on Lexington Parkway where he was struck and killed. At the time, this ordeal caused a pregnant Tamara to go into premature labor a month early, resulting in the birth of her daughter. About this, Tamara said, “Losing a youth to death is the hardest thing to go through in life.”

When Tamara isn’t caring for her own six children, nine grandchildren, her husband, and other people’s children, she volunteers tirelessly as a community advocate, voter registration champion, and housing placement coordinator. She works fulltime for a community-based organization as an employment counselor while also juggling a catering business on the side. In addition, she is the longest serving parent on a St. Paul charter school board of directors. Even more impressively, a sitting Minnesota state legislator credits Tamara as being the reason this legislator got into public service work.

When asked how Tamara managed to always put food on the table for her six children and so many others, especially during some pretty challenging times, she stated, “I’m one of those people who when told by my children there’s nothing to eat in the house, can start grabbing random things from the cupboard, like noodles and everything else, and make a meal out of it.”

It’s been stated that when dancing, Ginger Rogers had it far more difficult than Fred Astaire because Rogers had to do everything Astaire had to do, but backwards, in a dress and high heels. One might be tempted to add to that analogy, recognizing Black women have had to do even more than Rogers, all the while tripped more, paid less, thanked less and helped less than Rogers ever dreamed. And all too often, they have to do it with a smile in tow.

Today, as the buoying winds of the new school year blow, I lift up Tamara as a woman who may be far less the exception in our world, and far more the norm.

Gloria Freeman is president and CEO of Olu’s Center, an intergenerational childcare and senior day program, and can be reached at gfreeman@ olushome.com.

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Page 9

National African-American museum is reality

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor Washington, D.C. – The new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture contains an exhibit that features slave cabins, one that curator and museum specialist Mary Elliott called especially powerful.

Almost as powerful, however, is Elliott’s recounting of the vital input and assistance by one citizen who inspired many seniors and others to participate in the new museum.

“To get all the stories together about the slave cabins, we brought in the help of a genealogist and we used our local research here and reached out to the community,” said Elliott. “And, when we were dismantling the cabin, the community came out and it was Black, white, young, older men and woman who were there. But, there was one young woman, whose name was Eileen, and she was very important.”

Elliot said that Eileen was just over 50 and she really helped museum staffers connect with the

elders in the community.

“It’s a hard history and sometimes people don’t want to talk about it, but she helped us to get the stories out,” said Elliot.

“She was a real dynamic person.”

After taking the cabins to Virginia for conservation work and hosting a listening session that included Eileen and Eileen’s grandmother, Elliott learned that Eileen died.

“She was younger than the elders that she helped get the stories from. Eileen had so much energy and spirit and was so passionate about the fact that the story was being told and told correctly,” said Elliott. “She may not be here when this museum opens and that’s heartbreaking, but I smile because her spirit will definitely be here.”

It’s been a long, arduous and incredible road to get to the Sept.

24 grand opening and Elliott has helped to research, conceptualize and design the “Slavery and Freedom” inaugural exhibition.

She also contributed to the exhibition script, consulted with expert scholars, and identified and secured collection donations including the antebellum slave cabin that will be featured in the museum, according to the museum’s website.

Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA

Mary Elliott, curator and museum specialist for the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture, pauses next to a slave cabin exhibit during a recent media tour.

A graduate of Howard University and Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, Elliott helped produce local history exhibits in the Washington, D.C. area and produced several public history programs.

Now, as the opening of the historic museum approaches, Elliott told the NNPA Newswire what she’s most excited about and how she’s handling all of the excitement surrounding the historic grand opening.

“I really appreciate the collective effort to get the story out and let people know what they are going to see before they get here.

People ask me, ‘Are you excited?’

And, truthfully, I get reflective,”

said Elliott, who has served as a contractor and consultant to various organizations including the National Visionary Leadership Project, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Reginald Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C. “I think about family, relatives, ancestors, those I knew personally and those before them. I think about my church family and my community and I get so full, because I cannot wait for people to see the museum not just as a building, but to hear people say about our history that, ‘I never looked at it that way, wow,’ and to

have them think a little differently about their approach to American history and understanding the African-American experience.”

Elliott has more than 20 years of experience in researching and presenting African-American history and culture. Her personal research focuses on AfricanAmericans from antebellum slavery through the Jim Crow Era, with a specific concentration on migration and community development.

Anxiously awaiting the Sept.

24 opening, Elliott said the deep roots of African-American history will offer visitors the kind of truths that should lead many to think deeply and it also will possess the kind of true stories that need to be a part of the American history narrative, including those about the African continent and how diverse it is.

“So, we open with people, from the beginning, that this is a story of humanity and we see how this history flows,” said Elliott. “I tell everyone the harsh story of slavery, but the very important understanding of resistance and resilience and survival. There is a wall dedicated to the domestic slave

trade and the Middle Passage, but when you see the extent of the information and the way it will be presented, it will blow people away.”

The museum doesn’t ignore the struggle many African-Americans have today, particularly the recent rash of police shootings and violence with individuals of color.

“We don’t hold back on violence during the period of slavery,” said Elliott. “People will see how this ebbs and flows and that this violence (today) is nothing new and to understand it in a historical concept to wrestle with how to end it … and to also understand that AfricanAmericans are Americans who have contributed to the development of this nation.”

Elliott said that there is also a part of the exhibit where visitors can read about AfricanAmericans who struggle with the concept of whether to stay in this nation or to leave.

“There is one camp that said, ‘We need to leave, because this is no longer safe for us,” shared Elliot. “But, there is another camp that said, ‘We need to stay, because we built this nation and it belongs to us.’”

Area organization cultivating the Leaders of Tomorrow Generally speaking, the A and B students tend to have a wealth of college opportunities … certainly more than say a student with a 2.0 grade point average; yet all are deserving of an opportunity.

One area organization is affording opportunities to both the A and B … and C students in hopes of boosting college enrollment and college preparedness for AfricanAmericans. The Twin Cities chapter of the National Black MBA Association is offering its Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program – a youth mentoring program for African-American 8th -12th grade students in the

metro area. Mentors spend every second Saturday of the month with students developing critical soft skills such as leadership, public speaking, teamwork, problem solving and more. The mentors are all professionals who work with some of the top companies in the Twin Cities, and as AfricanAmericans, help ease the path to becoming a professional by sharing their personal experiences and journeys from high school to college to now.

“Our approach is a more holistic approach to learning,” said Graham Gaya, executive director of the LOT program. “We

lean toward the thought that all students have potential in them and with the right mentoring and guidance, we can help them achieve their potential. (Success) doesn’t start at the MBA level; it starts much earlier than that.”

The Twin Cities chapter of the National Black MBA Association will host a LOT information session on Saturday (Sept. 24) from 11 a.m. to noon at the University of St. Thomas – Terrence Murphy Hall, room 354, 1000 Lasalle Ave., Minneapolis.

As a part of the LOT program, students also have two signature travel opportunities. One is

Classifieds 1st Shift Manufacturing Supervisor Exciting operations leadership opportunities abound at Medtronic in Minnesota with openings for Senior Supervisor and Supervisor.

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE EVIDENT ON YOUR RESUME Education Required/ Years of Experience • Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma (or GED) and 2 years post high school education and 2+ years leadership experience.

• Ability to interact with all employees in a professional, cooperative and constructive manner.

• Good organizational skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide variety of people (written and verbal).

• Personal computer skills in a variety of software programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, inventory management system, and manufacturing execution systems that support the manufacturing environment.

• Ability to read and understand assembly work instructions and engineering blueprints.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.

• 4+ years leadership experience, preferably in an Operations environment.

• Experience in a regulated environment (e.g. FDA or medical device) • Lean, Six Sigma and Just In Time manufacturing experience such as a Green Belt certification or higher • ISO 9000 experience • Assembly automation experience • Quality control methods, including Statistical Process Control In addition to other duties, a Manufacturing Supervisor the successful candidate will: • Train, develop and motivate the workforce toward continuous quality improvement in a positive and safe

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working environment and cost effective operation.

Clearly communication to management and engineering for all manufacturing issues within the production area.

Ensure that assemblers are adequately trained and certified to perform their jobs in a safe, efficient manner.

Ensure the development and implementation of training plans for each assembler and ensure the maintenance of training certification records in conjunction with the training department.

Actively supervise shift and/or areas of production, promoting a positive environment that ensures teamwork within the manufacturing area.

Coordinate and manage material flow, accuracy and quality Improve schedule linearity, reduce cycle times and inventory, reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction.

Develop, implement, and maintain visual management boards for production measurements and general business communication.

Perform annual performance reviews and pay adjustments and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all direct report employees.

A full description of this job can be found online at www.insightnews.com.

1st Shift Sr. Manufacturing Supervisor Exciting operations leadership opportunities abound at Medtronic in Minnesota with openings for Senior Supervisor and Supervisor.

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE EVIDENT ON YOUR RESUME Education Required/ Years of Experience • Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma (or GED) and 2 years post high school education and 5+ years leadership experience.

• Ability to interact with all employees in a professional, co-

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operative and constructive manner.

Good organizational skills.

Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide variety of people (written and verbal).

Personal computer skills in a variety of software programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, inventory management system, and manufacturing execution systems that support the manufacturing environment.

Ability to read and understand assembly work instructions and engineering blueprints.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.

• 7+ years leadership experience, preferably in an Operations environment.

• Experience in a regulated environment (e.g. FDA or medical device) • Lean, Six Sigma and Just In Time manufacturing experience such as a Green Belt certification or higher • ISO 9000 experience • Assembly automation experience • Quality control methods, including Statistical Process Control In addition to other duties, a Manufacturing Supervisor the successful candidate will: • Train, develop and motivate the workforce toward continuous quality improvement in a positive and safe working environment and cost effective operation.

• Clearly communication to management and engineering for all manufacturing issues within the production area.

• Ensure that assemblers are adequately trained and certified to perform their jobs in a safe, efficient manner.

• Ensure the development and implementation of training plans for each assembler and ensure the maintenance of training certification records in conjunction with the training department.

• Actively supervise shift and/or areas of production, promoting a positive environment that ensures teamwork within the manufacturing area.

to an annual business case competition where students are given a graduate level business case to analyze and develop recommendations. The Twin Cities chapter team of five would compete against other chapters in the nation. The most recent case was at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and the case centered around what should Delta Airlines do to position themselves with changing demographics.

Scholarships of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 are awarded to teams who present winning cases.

The second travel opportunity is to this year’s National Black

Phone: 612.588.1313

• Coordinate and manage material flow, accuracy and quality • Improve schedule linearity, reduce cycle times and inventory, reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction.

• Develop, implement, and maintain visual management boards for production measurements and general business communication.

• Perform annual performance reviews and pay adjustments and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all direct report employees.

A full description of this job can be found online at www.insightnews.com.

2nd Shift Manufacturing Supervisor Exciting operations leadership opportunities abound at Medtronic in Minnesota with openings for Senior Supervisor and Supervisor.

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE EVIDENT ON YOUR RESUME Education Required/ Years of Experience • Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma (or GED) and 2 years post high school education and 2+ years leadership experience.

• Ability to interact with all employees in a professional, cooperative and constructive manner.

• Good organizational skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide variety of people (written and verbal).

• Personal computer skills in a variety of software programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, inventory management system, and manufacturing execution systems that support the manufacturing environment.

• Ability to read and understand assembly work instructions and engineering blueprints.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.

• 4+ years leadership

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• • •

experience, preferably in an Operations environment.

Experience in a regulated environment (e.g. FDA or medical device) Lean, Six Sigma and Just In Time manufacturing experience such as a Green Belt certification or higher ISO 9000 experience Assembly automation experience Quality control methods, including Statistical Process Control

In addition to other duties, a Manufacturing Supervisor the successful candidate will: • Train, develop and motivate the workforce toward continuous quality improvement in a positive and safe working environment and cost effective operation.

• Clearly communication to management and engineering for all manufacturing issues within the production area.

• Ensure that assemblers are adequately trained and certified to perform their jobs in a safe, efficient manner.

• Ensure the development and implementation of training plans for each assembler and ensure the maintenance of training certification records in conjunction with the training department.

• Actively supervise shift and/or areas of production, promoting a positive environment that ensures teamwork within the manufacturing area.

• Coordinate and manage material flow, accuracy and quality • Improve schedule linearity, reduce cycle times and inventory, reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction.

• Develop, implement, and maintain visual management boards for production measurements and general business communication.

• Perform annual performance reviews and pay adjustments and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all direct report employees.

A full description of this job can be found online at www.insightnews.com.

2nd Shift Sr. Manufacturing Supervisor Exciting operations leadership opportunities abound at Medtronic in Minnesota with openings for Senior Supervisor and Supervisor.

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE EVIDENT ON YOUR RESUME Education Required/ Years of Experience • Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma (or GED) and 2 years post high school education and 5+ years leadership experience.

• Ability to interact with all employees in a professional, cooperative and constructive manner.

• Good organizational skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide variety of people (written and verbal).

• Personal computer skills in a variety of software programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, inventory management system, and manufacturing execution systems that support the manufacturing environment.

• Ability to read and understand assembly work instructions and engineering blueprints.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.

• 7+ years leadership experience, preferably in an Operations environment.

• Experience in a regulated environment (e.g. FDA or medical device) • Lean, Six Sigma and Just In Time manufacturing experience such as a Green Belt certification or higher • ISO 9000 experience • Assembly automation experience • Quality control methods, including Statistical Process Control In addition to other duties, a Manufacturing Supervisor the successful candidate will: • Train, develop and motivate the workforce toward continuous quality improvement in a positive and safe

MBA Association conference, which will be in New Orleans October 11-15. As part of the conference, there is dedicated programming for LOT mentees called Success BootCamp where students engage in a number of workshops and activities. They will have the opportunity to hear from some of the business world’s top speakers, engage with employers at the job fair and network with their peers from different chapters as well as other conference attendees.

“Imagine a high school junior approaching an employer at the job fair, resume at hand, elevator

Fax: 612.588.2031

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working environment and cost effective operation.

Clearly communication to management and engineering for all manufacturing issues within the production area.

Ensure that assemblers are adequately trained and certified to perform their jobs in a safe, efficient manner.

Ensure the development and implementation of training plans for each assembler and ensure the maintenance of training certification records in conjunction with the training department.

Actively supervise shift and/or areas of production, promoting a positive environment that ensures teamwork within the manufacturing area.

Coordinate and manage material flow, accuracy and quality Improve schedule linearity, reduce cycle times and inventory, reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction.

Develop, implement, and maintain visual management boards for production measurements and general business communication.

Perform annual performance reviews and pay adjustments and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all direct report employees.

A full description of this job can be found online at www.insightnews.com.

3rd Shift Manufacturing Supervisor Exciting operations leadership opportunities abound at Medtronic in Minnesota with openings for Senior Supervisor and Supervisor.

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE EVIDENT ON YOUR RESUME Education Required/ Years of Experience • Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma (or GED) and 2 years post high school education and 2+ years leadership experience.

• Ability to interact with all employees in a professional, co-

pitch ready, and (have) the courage to go through with it,” said Gaya.

“That›s a leg up and is exactly the kind of preparation young people in our community need.”

Gaya said the value proposition for the program is also compelling.

“The cost to students is showing up on Saturday mornings,” said Gaya, who said for those selected to travel there is a $100 non-refundable fee.

For more information on LOT and the Twin Cities chapter of the National Black MBA Association, go to www.nbmbaa-twincities.org or call (612) 568-6006.

Email: info@insightnews.com

operative and constructive manner.

Good organizational skills.

Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide variety of people (written and verbal).

Personal computer skills in a variety of software programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, inventory management system, and manufacturing execution systems that support the manufacturing environment.

Ability to read and understand assembly work instructions and engineering blueprints.

turing area.

• Coordinate and manage material flow, accuracy and quality • Improve schedule linearity, reduce cycle times and inventory, reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction.

• Develop, implement, and maintain visual management boards for production measurements and general business communication.

• Perform annual performance reviews and pay adjustments and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all direct report employees.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.

• 4+ years leadership experience, preferably in an Operations environment.

• Experience in a regulated environment (e.g. FDA or medical device) • Lean, Six Sigma and Just In Time manufacturing experience such as a Green Belt certification or higher • ISO 9000 experience • Assembly automation experience • Quality control methods, including Statistical Process Control

A full description of this job can be found online at www.insightnews.com.

• •

•

•

In addition to other duties, a Manufacturing Supervisor the successful candidate will: • Train, develop and motivate the workforce toward continuous quality improvement in a positive and safe working environment and cost effective operation.

• Clearly communication to management and engineering for all manufacturing issues within the production area.

• Ensure that assemblers are adequately trained and certified to perform their jobs in a safe, efficient manner.

• Ensure the development and implementation of training plans for each assembler and ensure the maintenance of training certification records in conjunction with the training department.

• Actively supervise shift and/or areas of production, promoting a positive environment that ensures teamwork within the manufac-

3rd Shift Sr. Manufacturing Supervisor Exciting operations leadership opportunities abound at Medtronic in Minnesota with openings for Senior Supervisor and Supervisor.

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE EVIDENT ON YOUR RESUME Education Required/ Years of Experience • Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma (or GED) and 2 years post high school education and 5+ years leadership experience.

• Ability to interact with all employees in a professional, cooperative and constructive manner.

• Good organizational skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide variety of people (written and verbal).

• Personal computer skills in a variety of software programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, inventory management system, and manufacturing execution systems that support the manufacturing environment.

• Ability to read and understand assembly work instructions and engineering blueprints.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or

related field.

• 7+ years leadership experience, preferably in an Operations environment.

• Experience in a regulated environment (e.g. FDA or medical device) • Lean, Six Sigma and Just In Time manufacturing experience such as a Green Belt certification or higher • ISO 9000 experience • Assembly automation experience • Quality control methods, including Statistical Process Control In addition to other duties, a Manufacturing Supervisor the successful candidate will: • Train, develop and motivate the workforce toward continuous quality improvement in a positive and safe working environment and cost effective operation.

• Clearly communication to management and engineering for all manufacturing issues within the production area.

• Ensure that assemblers are adequately trained and certified to perform their jobs in a safe, efficient manner.

• Ensure the development and implementation of training plans for each assembler and ensure the maintenance of training certification records in conjunction with the training department.

• Actively supervise shift and/or areas of production, promoting a positive environment that ensures teamwork within the manufacturing area.

• Coordinate and manage material flow, accuracy and quality • Improve schedule linearity, reduce cycle times and inventory, reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction.

• Develop, implement, and maintain visual management boards for production measurements and general business communication.

• Perform annual performance reviews and pay adjustments and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all direct report employees.

A full description of this job can be found online at www.insightnews.com.

Page 10 • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

David Robinson

Toki Wright

Black Uhuru

Monday, Sept. 19 REGGAE Black Uhuru First Avenue 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 7 p.m.

18-plus $20 advance, $25 door Reggae legends Black Uhuru return to Minneapolis with guests Onesty and Tugg.

Sept. 19 - 25

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking.

Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com

Tuesday, Sept. 20 ART “A Letter from the South” – Paintings by Horace Imhotep City Wide Artists 1506 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis Free Teqen Zéa-Aida, owner of City Wide, presents a new showcase of art on race issues

in the South from Atlanta’s Horace Imhotep.

Wednesday, Sept. 21 FASHION SHOW/DJ NIGHT FWMN Men’s Show – Homme Modist Brewing Company 505 N. 3rd St., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

FWMN: Homme is not only a men’s fashion event, but a window into the Minnesota man’s life.

The event celebrates some of the most important parts of Minnesota culture – fashion, business, music, art and performance.

The event features music from Sarah White, DJ Matty Matt and RP Hooks.

Thursday, Sept. 22 VISUAL ART

Rogue Citizen at Pop Out 2014 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

21-plus Free

Register at www.eventbrite. com/e/a-party-tocelebrate-books-for-africafounders-80th-birthdaytickets-26158567981.

Rogue Citizen artists collective features 100-plus works in Pop Out’s debut exhibition produced by Blaster, Dalsen, Lizardman, McGorry and Ugotsoul.

Saturday, Sept. 24

Friday, Sept. 23 FUNDRAISER Books for Africa feat. David Robinson Private Residence 501 River St., Minneapolis 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. $100 to $1,000 donation suggested David Robinson, son of Jackie Robinson, will be in town to talk about his work with Books for Africa – walking across Zanzibar to raise funds to send school books to Tanzania.

SWING/HIP-HOP Movits! with Danami and the Blue The Cedar Cultural Center 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m.

All ages $15 advance, $18 door Swedish swing/hip-hop band Movits! joins Aesthetically It’s “6 for 16” honoree, Danami and the Blue, for this unique showcase.

Sunday, Sept. 25 LECTURE/ CONVERSATION

Boyz 2 Men – A Conversation with Professor Mahmoud El Kati H. White Men’s Room 1500 N 44th Ave., Minneapolis 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

All ages Free This community event is an up close and personal talk with acclaimed elder and professor, Mahmoud El Kati. Attendees are encouraged to join in the discussion on the process of transitioning into manhood as a person of color.

HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE Summer is Over with Toki Wright, Ced Linus First Avenue 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.

18-plus $8 advance, $10 door Join Toki Wright for a rare in town performance with Virginia’s Ced Linus, Jennie Lawless (Warehouse Eyes), Happy Children with Yare and Lifted Mindz.

Mixed Blood Theatre kicks off 2016/2017 season with comedy, ‘Barbecue’ “Barbecue,” a play that takes a look at uneasy revelations about the assumptions made about poverty, race and social class kicks off the 2016/2017 season at the Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis.

The whiskey-swilling, chain-smoking, foul-mouthed O’Malley family has gathered in the park to stage an intervention disguised as a barbecue for their sister Barbara, whose drug use has spiraled out of control. With an intervention plan learned from reality television, the siblings bicker and argue about the family’s history and their own addictions as they wait for the guest of honor.

What begins as a comedy of the drunk leading the drugged transforms into a larger story of race, class, and America’s appetite for misery as entertainment.

“Barbecue is hilarious and poignant, profane and poetic,” said Jack Reuler, artistic director of Mixed Blood. “As a white guy running a racebased theater, I›m thrilled that it takes a deeper, more nuanced look at cultural appropriation.

Above all, and in keeping with Mixed Blood›s core value to be predictably unpredictable, it surprises.”

Director, actor and playwright Thomas Jones, II directs and performs in “Barbecue.” Jones has spent

the past year working on new musicals with songwriter Kandi Burruss of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame, and collaborating on an upcoming project with acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay (“Selma”).

“Barbecue” will also feature Academy Award nominated singer and actress, Jevetta Steele. Rounding out the cast are Regina Marie Williams, who received an Ivey Award for her performance in Mixed Blood’s production of “Ruined” (2009), Bonni Allen, Aimee Bryant, Lolly Foy, Dana Lee Thompson, and Stephen Yoakam.

“Barbecue is comically electric, incisive about racial politics, without the obvious pretense of social commentary. A sharp comedy that dares to take risks, with insightful language, character, and situation, ‘Barbecue’ manages to engage and entertain while maintaining its razor edge observations about racial dynamics in the age of celebrity,” said Jones.

Admission for individual shows can be obtained through Radical Hospitality. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis starting two hours before every show.

Advanced reservations are available online or by phone for $25 per person. “Barbecue” runs Sept. 30 – Oct. 16. For more information visit www. mixedblood.com or call (612) 338-6131.

L-R: Sue Scott, Regina Marie Williams, Stephen Yoakam, Jevetta Steele

Rich Ryan

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Page 11

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts presents ‘Stomp’ The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts presents the international percussion sensation “Stomp” on the St. Paul stage for a week-long engagement, Oct. 18 – Oct. 23.

A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, “Stomp” has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression as both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists.

Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue and wooden poles thump and clack in a

rhythmic explosion. “Stomp” uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – dustbins, tea chests, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps – to fill the stage with a compelling and unique musical act.

“Stomp” is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience and a Special Citation from Best Plays. “Stomp” is directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.

Tickets for this run start at $45 and are available at www.ordway. org or by calling (651) 224-4222.

The Ordway is located at 345 Washington St. in St. Paul.

“Stomp”

Sony Pictures

Morris Chestnut and Jaz Sinclair in “When the Bough Breaks”

Morris Chestnut muses about life and his latest offering, ‘When the Bough Breaks’

By Kam Williams Morris Chestnut has been appearing in movies and television for the past two decades.

In 2014, he shot the feature film “Heist” opposite Robert De Niro and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, as well as “The Perfect Guy” with Sanaa Lathan.

The year before, he starred in “The Best Man Holiday,” a hit sequel that had the fifth-largest opening ever for an R-rated romantic comedy. The picture also garnered Chestnut an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.

The star of Fox’s “Rosewood,” Chestnut won the 2014 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in “Nurse Jackie.”

His latest offering is as John Taylor opposite Regina Hall and Jaz Sinclair in “When the Bough Breaks,” a psychological thriller directed by Jon Cassar.

Kam Williams: Hi Morris, thanks so much for another interview.

Morris Chestnut: Thank you for your time, Kam. KW: Congratulations on your TV series, “Rosewood,” which has been doing so well. The last time we spoke was just before the first season’s premiere.

MC: Thank you. This movie was a bit of a departure from that, but I’ve definitely been having a great time doing the show.

KW: What interested you in “When the Bough Breaks?”

MC: Once I read the script, I liked its fresh perspective and how it took a different take on the genre. I was also looking forward to working with Regina Hall again and with director Jon Cassar. Also, it was an opportunity for me to be the lead in a thriller, so I jumped at it.

KW: Well, Jon’s certainly a veteran director with dozens of credits and a couple of Emmys on his resume, but this is scriptwriter’s Jack Olsen’s first produced script.

Were you at all worried about that?

MC: No, there are people who’ve never had anything made before, and their first script can be great. Plus, scripts are often tweaked and nuanced. You can’t make something out of nothing with a screenplay, but when it’s really good at the core, you can make some adjustments. So, I never concern myself with whether a scriptwriter has written one before. I might do that before reading an unsolicited script. But if a studio or certain agents suggest I check something out, I don’t even ask. I just judge it based on my first reading.

KW: How was it reuniting with Regina Hall?

MC: I love working with her. Until now, Regina only did comedy. But I knew she had the talent to do drama, because she’s such a terrific actress.

KW: What did you think of Jaz Sinclair performance? This is only her second film, but it might very well be the breakout role of an emerging ingénue.

MC: Jaz is incredible. She’s a tremendous talent that Hollywood and the world need to be on the

lookout for. I also enjoyed working with Michael Kenneth Williams the rest of the cast. We had a great time together.

KW: The film certainly does offer a unique variation on the “obsessed other woman” theme in that she’s a surrogate mother.

MC: Right. Some people have compared it to “Fatal Attraction” or “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle,” but it’s an interesting take since she has her baby inside of her.

KW: Did you model your character, John Taylor, specifically on anybody?

MC: No. It wasn’t until after a few people who go to the same gym saw the trailer that I learned about someone who’d been in a similar situation. In preparation, I basically drew on different experiences that would justify the behavior of this character.

KW: What message do you think people will take away from?

MC: First and foremost, I want them to be entertained. But the one thing I did like about Regina’s and my character was that we seemingly have it all. But no one has everything in life, even though it often appears that some do. I tell that to young kids when I speak to them. I tell them, “Do the best you can in living your life, and don’t glorify anyone else’s life.”

KW: Is there a dream project you’d like to see greenlit?

MC: Yeah, there’s one I’m waiting on. I wanna kinda keep it under wraps for now. But when I’m ready to announce it, I’ll definitely let you know.

KW: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

MC: Pursuing a career as an actor. It might seem like a wise choice now, but it was a crazy thing to do when I was starting out.

KW: What was your very first acting job?

MC: My first union job was “Boyz n the Hood,” but my very first acting gig was in a play at a community college.

KW: The Flex Alexander question: How do you get through the tough times?

MC: Faith. You have to believe in what you’re doing, and just keep moving forward. I learned that may years ago.

KW: Atty.

Bernadette Beekman asks, what is your favorite charity?

MC: I don’t have one favorite.

I work with the Boys and Girls Clubs, Children’s Miracle Network and the American Cancer Society.

KW: The Gabby Douglas question … if you had to choose another profession, what would that be?

MC: Ooh, that’s a good question. Years ago, I wanted to be an athlete. Today, it would be in finance, banking, or something of that nature.

KW: Is there anything you want that you don’t have yet?

MC: Yes, that’s a long list that I’m still working on.

KW: Can you come up with a generic question that I can ask other celebrities I interview?

MC: Yeah, was there any particular moment in their childhood that inspired them to be where they are today?

KW: That’s a great one. That’ll be my “Morris Chestnut question.”

Thanks again for the time, brother, and best of luck with the film.

MC: My pleasure, Kam.

Steve McNicholas

Page 12 • September 19 - September 25, 2016 • Insight News

OPEN STREETS AND SELBY AVENUE JAZZ FEST

insightnews.com Regardless of which side of the river people were on, they had wonderful happenings in their area on Sept. 10.

In North Minneapolis crowds took to West Broadway Avenue for Open Streets, a festival celebrating community and culture. In St. Paul the annual

Selby Avenue Jazz Festival was once again a delight for throngs of music lovers who turned out to hear some of the best in local and regional jazz. Photographers David Bradley (Selby) and Phil McGraw (Open Streets) captured a few of the sights from the two outdoor events.

Photos above: Phil McGraw. Photos below: David Bradley.

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