Insight ::: 12.26.2022

HOLDING TRUMP HOLDING ACCOUNTABLE

By Howard Manly Race + Equity Editor, The Conversation US

From its first public hearing on June 9, 2022, the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capital has offered hours of riveting testimony detailing America’s first nonpeaceful transfer of presidential power.

The committee, which is expected to be dissolved when the GOP-led House convenes in January 2023, may not be remembered for its production of voluminous evidence and slick television video clips. Instead, the committee may be remembered more for what it could not do – criminally indict former President Donald Trump for his leadership role in the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election that he lost to Joe Biden.

That task is left to the U.S. Department of Justice, which is also conducting an investigation of Trump. But the committee’s work had a broader goal. The hearings are expected to have a historic impact that may take years to be seen and felt, writes Claire Leavitt, a Smith College assistant professor of government.

“What viewers saw is perhaps even more significant – it was history being written in real time,” wrote Leavitt, a scholar of government oversight.

As the hearings unfolded, The Conversation published several articles looking at the details that emerged about organizers of, and participants in, the assault, the history of congressional oversight and whether a U.S. president can be held criminally accountable for his or her actions – and inactions.

1. Behind-the-scenes committee stars

As a scholar of government and the separation of powers, Jennifer Selin observes that among the

real stars of the committee’s work are the talented – and largely unrecognized – teams of staffers who worked to obtain the evidence presented in the hearings.

“While the rioters on Jan. 6 shouted through the halls of Congress about taking back the power of the people, their insurrection failed,” Selin wrote.

“Instead, the men and women helping the Jan. 6 committee understand what went on that day are quietly, insistently, reminding Americans of the bedrock values of their republic.”

2. What prosecuting a leader means

As scholars of liberal democracy and elections, Victor Menaldo and James D. Long examine the ranks of leaders from other countries who were once thought to be untouchable but who ultimately faced justice.

Based on the hearings, there is now far more evidence than what was presented during Trump’s second impeachment trial of potential crimes during the waning days of his tenure.

The evidence not only points to Trump’s failure to perform his constitutional duties on Jan. 6, 2021, but also includes some potential meatand-potatoes offenses like intimidation of government officials with the threat of force and obstruction of Congress.

What would happen if Trump were indicted? Menaldo and Long write that their examination of other countries that prosecuted leaders leads to the conclusion that “Strong democracies are usually competent enough – and the judicial system independent enough – to go after politicians who misbehave, including top leaders.”

3. Trump’s complex connection to Capitol rioters

Amy Cooter is a senior lecturer in sociology at Vanderbilt University.

From 2008 through 2012, she

embedded with militia groups, mostly in Michigan. Her research on these groups makes it easier to understand the Jan. 6 riot and the relationship it had to Trump.

“Militias always see themselves as prepared for action,” Cooter writes.

“Usually, this means they’re prepared to defend themselves and their communities in the event of a natural disaster, or some kind of invasion.”

But as the hearings revealed, some of these groups appeared to have been planning more than just a defensive stance on Jan. 6.

4.Why Trump can’t be prosecuted for ‘dereliction of duty’

During the prime-time hearing on July 21, 2022, of the

House committee, the two panel members leading the hearing used the phrase “dereliction of duty” to describe the conduct of then-President Trump.

As a former prosecutor in New York City and a professor of law at West Point, Tim Bakken believes that most people find solace in casting the most disparaging label possible upon an adversary.

But federal criminal law does not contain a dereliction of duty statute.

In Bakken’s view, a more precise way to consider the legality of Trump’s conduct on Jan. 6 is to determine whether he wanted the rioters to commit a criminal act and if he engaged in some speech or behavior that urged them to do

so or assisted them in some way.

“In that sense,” Bakken wrote, “the House Committee might find that the President was derelict. But that finding would be a label of moral or social disapproval, not a description of a criminal offense.”

5. Full impact of Jan. 6 committee’s findings might not be felt for years

As a scholar of oversight, Leavitt spent a year in 2019 working on the Democratic majority staff of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

In her view, the committee’s work will have a historic impact in part because it took an approach that emphasized facts in presenting

its case to the American people. Those facts included extensive testimony from officials whose Republican bona fides are unimpeachable, such as former Attorney General William Barr, former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Leavitt’s final assessment is that understanding the full impact of the investigation and the committee’s exhaustive report requires patience –probably decades’ worth.

Editor’s note: This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives. This article is republished from The Conversation

under a Creative Commons license.

The Jan. 6 Committee makes its case against Trump, his allies and their conspiracy to commit an insurrection: Five essential reads

Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

A visual of President Donald Trump is shown during the July 12, 2022, congressional hearings investigating the attack on the Capitol.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, is chairman of the House select committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Walz names Jett to Education, Cunningham to Health

Educator Willie Jett was named Commissioner of Education last week. Dr. Brook Cunningham was appointed Commissioner of Health.

“Having worked in school districts from St. Cloud to St. Paul, Willie Jett understands the shared challenges and diverse needs of schools across our state,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to working together to ensure every child in Minnesota receives a worldclass education, no matter their race or zip code.”

“Willie Jett is a skilled, thoughtful leader dedicated to the success of education and public schools,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “With extensive administrative experience and a deep focus on equity, I know that he is ready to step up to the challenge to ensure that our students, teachers, and administrators have the tools, resources, and support they need to be successful.”

“As the leader of the Minnesota Department

of Health’s equity work, Dr. Brooke Cunningham has demonstrated her skill as a leader and commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of people across the state,” said Governor Walz. “She shares our vision of public health, and we are glad to have her leadership and expertise in our Administration.”

“Dr. Brooke Cunningham’s passion and expertise for health equity will help us build a more affordable, equitable health care system that serves all Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “With her leadership, we will continue to address the health inequities underlying our state and work to ensure Minnesota remains one of the healthiest states in the nation.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Commissioner of Education under Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan,” said Jett. “Great work happens in community, and I look forward

to partnering with educators, legislators, businesses, and higher education. Together, we will continue to advance access and opportunity for every child in every corner of Minnesota.”

“We are looking forward to working with Mr. Jett on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans and educators,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota.

“From the opportunity gaps faced by our BIPOC students, to reducing class sizes, to providing sufficient mental health services, to stabilizing the educator workforce through improved compensation from the first day through a dignified retirement, there are unprecedented challenges for Minnesota schools right now. We’re eager to begin the hard work of finding solutions with the new commissioner.”

Jett is an instructor in the Education Administration Licensure program in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and

Development at the University of Minnesota. He has taught and led in urban, suburban, and greater Minnesota school districts for over three decades. Jett earned his B.S. from University of Illinois at Chicago and M.A. from University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Brook Cunningham said, “I am thrilled to be appointed to lead the Department of Health at this critical time in the agency’s history. As the agency transitions out of a pandemic response, its leaders and staff have a unique opportunity to reinvest in the foundational capabilities of public health. I aim to prioritize equity in our science, operations, and community partnerships, so that we can more effectively protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans.”

Timothy Beebe, PhD, interim dean of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health praised Cunningham’s

Out, brilliant, gentle, quiet and proud

By

There was something about my subject, W.D.

me. His book

were poignant, and always made me want to read what he had read and written, too! There just wasn’t enough time when I was writing 24-7 and loving it. While I write this article on December 13th President Joe Biden was signing the Respect for Marriage act into law. In a phone interview, Foster Graham, the book review editor for Insight News, and so much more, gave me this beautiful story I could pen about a crusade, persistence, and true love while holding fast to a confident coolness, a gentle kindness, and so much gratitude

for simply being alive. As an Air Force veteran then stationed at the Minnesota Air National Guard base in the late 60s and 70s, Foster-Graham’s father was a self-taught computer technician in technology’s early beginnings. He was also a voracious reader that not only inspired his son to follow suit, but to begin to write, as I did, when barely able to hold a pencil

W.D. FOSTER GRAHAM 7

Brenda Jackson McDaniel passed away at the age of 76 in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 14, 2022. She is survived by her children, Erskine McDaniel and Tarnika McDaniel and four grandchildren.

Brenda lived a beautiful life as a school educator for more than 40 years. She enjoyed traveling the world and sharing her experiences with others and she loved her grandchildren. She was a joy to be around and will be missed.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Pilgrim Baptist Church

in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Rev. Charles L. Gill, Jr led the service.

By Margaret M. Russell Associate Professor of Law, Santa Clara University

After 18 months investigating, the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol held its final public meeting on Dec. 19, 2022. The panel recommended that the U.S. Department of Justice bring criminal charges against former President Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

The House committee recommended that the Justice Department pursue four main charges against Trump – obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to make a false statement and inciting or assisting an insurrection. The committee also recommended that the House Ethics Committee sanction four Republican members of Congress who refused the committee’s subpoena requests to provide information about the events of Jan. 6. But what does that all mean? The Conversation asked Margaret Russell, professor of constitutional law at Santa

Clara University, to help explain why these recommended charges are important, where they fall short – and what could come next.

1. What are the biggest takeaways from these referrals?

People have wondered whether the proceedings would have any strong result. Now it is clear that the committee does not see these proceedings as primarily about making a historical record. They have done more than that.

One big takeaway is that Trump is at the top of the pile. When the proceedings began it was not clear – though many people suspected and alleged – how much he knew, when he knew it, what he said before Jan. 6, what he knew and said before the election’s certification, and whether he knew he really had not won the election. It is now clear

Trump was the architect of most of this conspiracy – and the committee is urging specific accountability for him and other people who played a part in it.

It is also interesting to think about the committee urging criminal prosecution. It really means it reached the brink. This bipartisan committee, which comprised seven Democrats

and two Republicans, decided unanimously that backing away from criminal charges would be a dereliction of its duty to recommend, based on what it has found. Committee members are not telling the Department of Justice what it has to do – they can’t. But in their investigatory role they concluded that in order for there to be accountability, they needed to recommend charges.

2. Do these referrals have any legal teeth?

The magnitude of these recommended charges, particularly the insurrection one,

is unprecedented. Rather than saying they don’t have legal teeth, I think they certainly have very strong teeth in the sense of urging the Department of Justice to make sure that there is accountability. Accountability is a word that jumped out to me in committee members’ statements on Dec. 19 – there must be accountability, even though this committee, of course, cannot force the Department of Justice to do anything. The charges, of trying to overthrow the government, essentially, go right to the

Re

ecting on Martin

King, Jr. Reflecting on Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Brenda Lyle-Gray Columnist

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor. It must be demanded by the oppressed. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was nine years old when Martin Luther King Jr. was first arrested. It was 1956 and King was 27. He would continue to see the inside of a jail cell in solitary or with Coretta Scott King and his followers until that never forgotten April 1968 late afternoon. Before going to the ‘mountaintop’, our inspiring leader had been stabbed, his home bombed, his family constantly threatened, and his life in peril every day.

As a single mother teaching school during the day and bartending at night, my children and I faced a similar fate when Skinheads came into my oldest child’s predominantly

white high school soliciting membership. Nine years later, my younger college bound scholar and aspiring filmmaker endured stalking and bodily harm at a prestigious California university.

I was 11 years old when I first heard Dr. King’s powerful message while sitting between my parents in a predominantly white audience at the Music Hall in downtown Kansas City. All that many years ago and I can still remember King’s laughter when he talked about loving soul food like greens and ham hocks, red beans and rice, and fried chicken. He loved to have a good time, the times when he didn’t have to think about humanity’s burden that had fallen on his shoulders and being concerned of what the next day would bring.

Ten years later, as if it were yesterday, I recall sitting in the back of a Greyhound bus

Foster Graham, that intrigued

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What the criminal referral of Trump means – a constitutional law expert explains the Jan. 6 committee action

Willie Jett

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Jan. 6 House Committee announced four recommended charges against Donald Trump, including conspiracy to defraud the US.

Brenda Jackson McDaniel

A beautiful life as a school educator for 40 years, Brenda McDaniel dies at 76

Dr. Brook Cunningham

Afrodescendientes

Minnesota Africans United hace lobby en la Cumbre Africana en

Por Al McFarlane, Editor

Translation by Yoji Senna, Managing Editor, Afrodescendientes, Bahia, Brazil Original Spanish Text

Minnesota Africans United (MAU), en nombre de la candidatura a la Expo 2027 de Minnesota, presionó la semana pasada a los líderes africanos que asistieron a la Cumbre

de Líderes Africanos de EE. UU. del presidente Biden en Washington, DC.

Estados Unidos busca albergar la Exposición Universal 2027 en Minnesota con el tema «Gente sana, planeta sano: bienestar y bienestar para todos». Si se selecciona Minnesota, esta sería la primera exposición en los EE. UU. en casi 40 años.

La Oficina de Exposiciones Internacionales (BIE) anunció en octubre que

la candidatura de Minnesota USA Expo 2027 para albergar una Exposición Especializada avanza al siguiente paso en el proceso. Esta es la primera vez que el Comité Ejecutivo de BIE considera viable una oferta en nombre de los Estados Unidos desde 1980.

Biden recibió a líderes de todo el continente africano en Washington, DC, del 13 al 15 de diciembre de 2022, para la Cumbre de Líderes de Estados Unidos y África.

La Cumbre buscó resaltar la importancia de las relaciones entre EE. UU. y África y una mayor cooperación entre EE. UU. y África en prioridades globales compartidas. África moldeará el futuro, no solo el futuro del pueblo africano, sino del mundo. África marcará la diferencia al enfrentar los desafíos más urgentes y aprovechar las oportunidades que todos enfrentamos, dijeron los organizadores de la cumbre.

presidente y director

Ajuo,

Basil

ejecutivo de MAU, dijo: “En nuestras conversaciones con los jefes de estado, los ministros de Relaciones Exteriores, los embajadores y otros funcionarios de alto rango, encontramos un fuerte apoyo para la candidatura de Minnesota. Varios de estos partidarios ahora están presionando a otros países en nuestro nombre”.

“Nuestra semana de cabildeo comenzó con una sesión informativa para los líderes de la Diáspora Africana y

el Cuerpo Consular de Chicago, con un enfoque en garantizar que la Expo 2027 beneficie a toda la región del Medio Oeste. En Washington nos hemos reunido con líderes de Kenia, República Democrática del Congo, Camerún, Liberia, Somalia, Costa de Marfil, Ghana, Togo, Zambia, Guinea, Uganda, Sierra Leona, Ruanda, Chad, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, Angola , Malawi y los Emiratos Árabes Unidos. Nuestro objetivo es lograr un consenso en toda

Minnesota Africans United lobbies African Summit

By Al McFarlane, Editor

Minnesota Africans United (MAU), behalf of Minnesota’s Expo 2027 bid, last week lobbied African leaders who were in Washington, DC attending President Biden’s US Africa Leaders’ Summit.

The United States is

seeking to host the 2027 World Expo in Minnesota with the theme “Healthy People, Healthy Planet – Wellness and Well Being for All.” If Minnesota is selected, this would be the first expo in the U.S. in nearly 40 years.

The Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) in October announced that Minnesota USA Expo 2027’s bid to host a Specialized Expo is

advancing to the next step in the process. This is the first time the BIE Executive Committee has deemed a bid on behalf of the United States viable since 1980.

Biden hosted leaders from across the African continent in Washington, DC on December 13-15, 2022, for the U.S.Africa Leaders’ Summit. The Summit sought to highlight the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased US-

Africa cooperation on shared global priorities. Africa will shape the future - not just the future of the African people, but of the world. Africa will make the difference in tackling the most urgent challenges and seizing the opportunities we all face, Summit organizers said.

Basil Ajuo, President and CEO of MAU said “In our conversations with Heads of State, Foreign Ministers,

Ambassadors, and other highranking officials we found strong support for Minnesota’s bid. A number of these supporters are now lobbying other countries on our behalf.”

“Our lobby week began with a briefing for African Diaspora and Consular Corp leaders from Chicago, with a focus on ensuring Expo 2027 benefits the entire Midwest region. In Washington, we’ve

met with leaders from Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Liberia, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Zambia, Guinea, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Chad, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Malawi, and the United Arab Emirates. Our goal is an Africa-wide consensus in support of Expo Minnesota’s bid to create a powerful engine for economic advancement

Minnesota Africans United faz lobby na Cúpula Africana

Por Al McFarlane, Editor

Translation by Yoji Senna, Managing Editor, Afrodescendientes, Bahia, Brazil

Tradução Por Yoji Senna da Bahia Portuguese Text

O Minnesota Africans United (MAU), em nome da candidatura da Expo 2027 de Minnesota, fez lobby na semana

passada com líderes africanos que estavam em Washington, DC participando da Cúpula de Líderes da África dos EUA do presidente Biden.

Os Estados Unidos pretendem sediar a Expo Mundial de 2027 em Minnesota com o tema “Pessoas saudáveis, planeta saudável – bem-estar e bem-estar para todos”. Se Minnesota for selecionado, esta será a primeira exposição nos EUA em quase 40 anos.

O Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) anunciou em outubro que a candidatura da Minnesota USA Expo 2027 para sediar uma Expo Especializada está avançando para a próxima etapa do processo. Esta é a primeira vez que o Comitê Executivo do BIE considera viável uma oferta em nome dos Estados Unidos desde 1980.

Biden recebeu líderes de todo o continente africano

em Washington, DC, de 13 a 15 de dezembro de 2022, para a Cúpula de Líderes EUA-África.

A Cúpula procurou destacar a importância das relações EUAÁfrica e aumentar a cooperação EUA-África em prioridades globais compartilhadas. A África moldará o futuro - não apenas o futuro do povo africano, mas do mundo. A África fará a diferença ao enfrentar os desafios mais urgentes e aproveitar as oportunidades que

todos enfrentamos, disseram os organizadores da Cúpula.

Basil Ajuo, presidente e CEO da MAU disse: “Em nossas conversas com chefes de Estado, ministros das Relações Exteriores, embaixadores e outros funcionários de alto escalão, encontramos forte apoio à candidatura de Minnesota.

Vários desses apoiadores estão agora fazendo lobby em outros países em nosso nome.” “Nossa semana de

lobby começou com um briefing para os líderes da Diáspora Africana e do Corpo Consular de Chicago, com foco em garantir que a Expo 2027 beneficie toda a região do Centro-Oeste. Em Washington, nos reunimos com líderes do Quênia, República Democrática do Congo, Camarões, Libéria, Somália, Costa do Marfim, Gana, Togo, Zâmbia, Guiné, Uganda, Serra Leoa, Ruanda, Chade,

Nipasẹ Al McFarlane, Editor

Translation by M. Anwanyu, Lagos, Nigeria Yoruba Text

rika ni Washington, DC ni Oṣu kejila ọjọ 13-15, 2022, fun Apejọ Awọn oludari AMẸRIKAAfirika. Apejọ naa wa lati ṣe afihan pataki ti awọn ibatan AMẸRIKA ati Afirika ati alekun

Waxaa qoray Al McFarlane, Editor

Translation by M. Anwanyu, Lagos, Nigeria Somali Text

caafimaadka qabafayoobaanta iyo fayoobaanta dadka oo dhan.” Haddii Minnesota la doorto, tani waxay noqonaysaa bandhiggii ugu horreeyay ee gudaha Mareykanka ku dhawaad 40 sano. Xafiiska Bandhigyada Caalamiga ah (BIE) bishii Oktoobar wuxuu ku dhawaaqay

in Minnesota USA Expo 2027 ay ku martigelineyso Bandhigga Gaarka ah uu u socdo tallaabada xigta ee habka. Tani waa markii ugu horeysay ee Guddiga Fulinta ee BIE ay u arkaan dalab iyagoo ka wakiil ah Mareykanka mid socon kara tan iyo 1980 kii. Biden waxa uu Washington, DC ku marti galiyay hogaamiyayaal ka kala socda qaarada Afrika Diseembar 13-15, 2022, shirka madaxda Maraykanka iyo Afrika. Shirmadaxeedku waxa uu doonayey in lagu muujiyo muhiimadda

xidhiidhka Maraykanka iyo Afrika iyo kordhinta iskaashiga Maraykanka iyo Afrika ee mudnaanta la wadaago ee caalamiga ah. Afrika waxay qaabayn doontaa mustaqbalkama aha oo kaliya mustaqbalka dadka Afrikaanka ah, laakiin adduunka. Afrika waxay sameyn doontaa isbeddel ku aaddan sidii ay ula tacaali lahayd caqabadaha ugu degdegga badan iyo ka faa’iidaysiga fursadaha aan dhammaanteen wajaheyno, qabanqaabiyeyaasha Shirku waxay yiraahdeen.

Awọn olori ti Orilẹ-ede, Awọn minisita Ajeji, Awọn aṣoju, ati awọn oṣiṣẹ ipo giga miiran a rii atilẹyin to lagbara fun idu Minnesota. Nọmba awọn olufowosi wọnyi n ṣe iparowa awọn orilẹ-ede miiran ni ipo wa.” “Ọsẹ ibebe wa bẹ

i

Basil Ajuo, Madaxweynaha iyo Maamulaha Guud ee MAU ayaa yiri “Wadahadalkii aan la yeelanay Madaxda Qaranka, Wasiirada Arrimaha Dibadda, Safiirada, iyo mas’uuliyiinta kale ee sarsare waxaan ku helnay taageero xooggan dalabka Minnesota. Tiro ka mid ah taageerayaashan ayaa hadda u ololeeya dalal kale oo annaga naga wakiil ah.”

“Toddobakaololaheenna waxa uu ku bilaabmay warbixin kooban oo aanu siinnay

Qurbo-joogta Afrikaanka ah iyo hoggaamiyeyaasha Qunsuliyadda ee Chicago, iyada oo diiradda la saarayo hubinta in Expo 2027 ay ka faa’iidaystaan dhammaan gobolka Midwest. Washington, waxaan la kulannay madax ka socota Kenya, Jamhuuriyadda Dimuqraadiga ah ee Congo, Cameroon, Liberia, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Zambia, Guinea, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Chad, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, Angola , Malawi, iyo Imaaraadka

Na Al McFarlane, Editor

Translation by M. Anwanyu, Lagos, Nigeria Swahili Text

2027 la kukaribisha Onyesho Maalum

Minnesota Africans United (MAU), niaba ya zabuni ya Minnesota ya Expo 2027, wiki iliyopita ilishawishi viongozi wa Afrika waliokuwa Washington, DC kuhudhuria Mkutano wa Rais Biden wa Viongozi wa Afrika wa Marekani. Marekani inatafuta kuandaa Maonyesho ya Dunia ya 2027 huko Minnesota yenye mada “Watu Wenye Afya, Sayari Yenye Afya - Ustawi na Ustawi kwa Wote.” Iwapo Minnesota itachaguliwa, huu utakuwa maonyesho ya kwanza nchini Marekani katika takriban miaka 40. Ofisi ya Maonyesho ya Kimataifa (BIE) mnamo Oktoba ilitangaza kuwa ombi la Minnesota USA Expo

linasonga mbele hadi hatua inayofuata katika mchakato huo. Hii ni mara ya kwanza kwa Kamati Tendaji ya BIE kuona zabuni kwa niaba ya Marekani inaweza kutumika tangu 1980.

Biden aliwakaribisha viongozi kutoka katika bara zima la Afrika huko Washington, DC mnamo Desemba 13-15, 2022, kwa Mkutano wa Viongozi wa U.S.-Africa. Mkutano huo ulitaka kuangazia umuhimu wa uhusiano kati ya Marekani na Afrika na kuongeza ushirikiano

kati ya Marekani na Afrika kuhusu vipaumbele vya pamoja vya kimataifa. Afrika itaunda siku zijazo - sio tu mustakabali wa watu wa Kiafrika, lakini wa ulimwengu. Afrika italeta mabadiliko katika kukabiliana na changamoto za dharura zaidi na kutumia fursa ambazo sote tunakabiliana nazo, waandaaji wa Mkutano huo walisema.

Basil Ajuo, Rais na Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa MAU alisema “Katika mazungumzo yetu na Wakuu wa Nchi,

Mawaziri wa Mambo ya Nje, Mabalozi, na maafisa wengine wa ngazi za juu tulipata uungwaji mkono mkubwa kwa zabuni ya Minnesota. Baadhi ya wafuasi hawa sasa wanashawishi nchi nyingine kwa niaba yetu.”

“Wiki yetu ya kushawishi ilianza kwa muhtasari kwa viongozi wa African Diaspora na Consular Corp kutoka Chicago, kwa kuzingatia kuhakikisha Expo 2027 inanufaisha eneo zima la Midwest. Mjini Washington,

tumekutana na viongozi kutoka Kenya, Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Kongo, Cameroon, Liberia, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Zambia, Guinea, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Chad, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Malawi, na Umoja wa Falme za Kiarabu. Lengo letu ni makubaliano barani Afrika katika kuunga mkono jitihada ya Expo Minnesota ya kuunda injini yenye nguvu kwa ajili ya maendeleo

ya kiuchumi kwa Waafrika wanaoishi Minnesota

Minnesota Africans United fait pression sur le sommet africain

Par Al McFarlane, Editor

Translation by M. Anwanyu, Lagos, Nigeria French Text

Minnesota Africans United (MAU), au nom de la candidature du Minnesota à l’Expo 2027, a fait pression la semaine dernière sur les dirigeants africains qui étaient à Washington, DC, pour assister au Sommet des dirigeants

américains du président Biden. Les États-Unis cherchent à accueillir l’Exposition universelle de 2027 au Minnesota sur le thème “Personnes en bonne santé, planète en bonne santé - Bienêtre et bien-être pour tous”. Si le Minnesota est sélectionné, ce serait la première exposition aux États-Unis depuis près de 40 ans.

Le Bureau des expositions internationales (BIE) a annoncé en octobre que la candidature de Minnesota

USA Expo 2027 pour accueillir une exposition spécialisée passe à la prochaine étape du processus. C’est la première fois que le Comité exécutif du BIE juge une offre au nom des ÉtatsUnis viable depuis 1980.

Biden a accueilli des dirigeants de tout le continent africain à Washington, DC, du 13 au 15 décembre 2022, pour le Sommet des dirigeants États-Unis-Afrique. Le Sommet visait à souligner l’importance des relations entre les États-Unis et l’Afrique et

la coopération accrue entre les États-Unis et l’Afrique sur les priorités mondiales partagées. L’Afrique façonnera l’avenir - pas seulement l’avenir du peuple africain, mais du monde.

L’Afrique fera la différence en s’attaquant aux défis les plus urgents et en saisissant les opportunités auxquelles nous sommes tous confrontés, ont déclaré les organisateurs du Sommet.

Basil Ajuo, président et chef de la direction de MAU, a déclaré: «Dans nos

conversations avec des chefs d’État, des ministres des Affaires étrangères, des ambassadeurs et d’autres hauts fonctionnaires, nous avons constaté un soutien solide à la candidature du Minnesota. Un certain nombre de ces partisans font maintenant pression sur d’autres pays en notre nom.

“Notre semaine de lobbying a commencé par un briefing pour les dirigeants de la diaspora africaine et du corps consulaire de Chicago, avec pour objectif de garantir

que l’Expo 2027 profite à l’ensemble de la région du Midwest. À Washington, nous avons rencontré des dirigeants du Kenya, de la République démocratique du Congo, du Cameroun, du Libéria, de la Somalie, de la Côte d’Ivoire, du Ghana, du Togo, de la Zambie, de la Guinée, de l’Ouganda, de la Sierra Leone, du Rwanda, du Tchad, de la Tanzanie, du Nigeria, du Sénégal, de l’Angola, le Malawi et les Émirats arabes unis. Notre objectif est un consensus à

Afrodescendientes

apoyo de la candidatura de la Expo

África en apoyo de la propuesta de Expo Minnesota de crear un poderoso motor para el avance económico tanto de la diáspora africana que vive en Minnesota como del continente”, dijo Ajuo.

“MAU ha estado presionando a los líderes gubernamentales y empresariales durante las sesiones de la ONU en Nueva York, en París durante las reuniones de la Asamblea General del organismo de coordinación de la Expo y en las capitales nacionales,

incluidas Ghana, Camerún, Tanzania y Kenia, donde MAU ha organizado “Expo and Trade Delegaciones de promoción. Hasta ahora, nos hemos reunido principalmente con altos funcionarios gubernamentales en París, Nueva York, Chicago, Minnesota y en sus embajadas en Washington DC. Tener a casi todos los Jefes de Estado africanos en los Estados Unidos al mismo tiempo ha sido una oportunidad sin precedentes para presentar nuestro caso para

la Expo 2027”, dijo Ajuo.

“La Cumbre de Estados Unidos sobre África ha inspirado a los líderes de la diáspora africana a estar más unidos que nunca”, dijo Ajuo, “y construiremos sobre este profundo legado escuchando, aprendiendo y construyendo nuevas asociaciones que beneficiarán al continente”.

“MAU continuará liderando delegaciones comerciales a países africanos para promover nuestra visión

2027

de Minnesota

y compromiso con el comercio y la inversión bidireccionales entre Estados Unidos y África. Vemos las enormes oportunidades que creará una Expo para las pequeñas, medianas y grandes empresas en África y en los Estados Unidos”, dijo Ajuo. Minnesota Africans United (MAU) es una coalición y una organización estatal para todas las comunidades de inmigrantes africanos en Minnesota. MAU apoya a

la comunidad de inmigrantes africanos de Minnesota con representación de 55 países africanos. MAU actúa como una conexión para la red de inmigrantes africanos en Minnesota y para las organizaciones locales de la comunidad de inmigrantes africanos y las pequeñas empresas. Sitio web https:// www.mnafricansunited.org/ Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/

in support of Minnesota’s Expo 2027 Bid

for both the African Diaspora living in Minnesota and for the continent,” Ajuo said.

“MAU has been lobbying government and business leaders during UN sessions in New York, in Paris during the General Assembly gatherings of the Expo coordination body, and in national capitals including Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Kenya where MAU has

organized “Expo and Trade Promotion” delegations. Until now, we have primarily been meeting with senior government officials in Paris, New York, Chicago, Minnesota, and in their embassies in Washington DC. Having nearly all African Heads of State in the United States at the same time has been an unprecedented opportunity to make our case for Expo 2027,” Ajuo said.

“The US Africa Summit has inspired African Diaspora leaders to become more united than ever before,” Ajuo said, “and we will build on this profound legacy by listening, learning and building new partnerships that would benefit the continent.”

“MAU will continue leading trade delegations to African countries to promote our vision of and commitment

to two-way trade and investment between the US and Africa. We see the enormous opportunities that an Expo will create for small, medium, and large firms in Africa and in the United States,” Ajuo said.

Minnesota Africans United (MAU) is a coalition and statewide organization for all African immigrant communities in Minnesota. MAU supports Minnesota’s African Immigrant

community with representation from 55 African countries. MAU acts as a connection for the network of African immigrants in Minnesota, and for local African immigrant community organizations, and small businesses.

Website https://www. mnafricansunited.org/ Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ MNAfricansUnited/

MNAfricansUnited/ Twitter https://twitter. com/MNAfricans Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/ mnafricansunited/ Sitio web https:// www.state.gov/africasummit/ Para obtener más información: Basil Ajuo, presidente y director ejecutivo, Minnesota Africans United bajuo@mnafricansunited.org

Twitter https://twitter. com/MNAfricans Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/ mnafricansunited/ Website https://www. state.gov/africasummit/

For More Information: Basil Ajuo, President & Chief Executive Officer, Minnesota Africans United bajuo@ mnafricansunited.org

Tanzânia, Nigéria, Senegal, Angola, Malawi e Emirados Árabes Unidos. Nosso objetivo é um consenso em toda a África em apoio à tentativa da Expo Minnesota de criar um poderoso motor para o avanço econômico tanto para a diáspora africana que vive em Minnesota quanto para o continente”, disse Ajuo.

“A MAU tem feito lobby junto aos líderes governamentais e empresariais durante as sessões da ONU em

Nova York, em Paris durante as reuniões da Assembleia Geral do órgão de coordenação da Expo e em capitais nacionais, incluindo Gana, Camarões, Tanzânia e Quênia, onde a MAU organizou a “Expo and Trade Delegações de Promoção”. Até agora, nos reunimos principalmente com altos funcionários do governo em Paris, Nova York, Chicago, Minnesota e em suas embaixadas em Washington DC. Ter quase todos os chefes

de Estado africanos nos Estados Unidos ao mesmo tempo foi uma oportunidade sem precedentes para defender nossa posição na Expo 2027”, disse Ajuo.

“A Cúpula dos EUA na África inspirou os líderes da diáspora africana a se tornarem mais unidos do que nunca”, disse Ajuo, “e vamos construir esse profundo legado ouvindo, aprendendo e construindo novas parcerias que beneficiariam o continente”.

“A MAU continuará liderando delegações comerciais aos países africanos para promover nossa visão e compromisso com o comércio e investimento bidirecional entre os EUA e a África. Vemos as enormes oportunidades que uma Expo criará para pequenas, médias e grandes empresas na África e nos Estados Unidos”, disse Ajuo. Minnesota Africans United (MAU) é uma coalizão e

em apoio à candidatura da Expo 2027 de Minnesota atilẹyin awọn oludari ile Afirika lati di isokan diẹ sii ju ti iṣaaju lọ,” Ajuo sọ, “a yoo ṣe agbero lori ogún nla yii nipa gbigbọ kik

ọ ẹkọ ati kikọ awọn ajọṣepọ tuntun ti yoo ṣe anfani fun kọnputa naa.”

A nẹtiwọọki ti awọn aṣikiri ile Afirika ni Minnesota, ati fun awọn ajọ agbegbe aṣikiri ile Afirika, ati awọn iṣowo kekere.

Ajuo sọ Minnesota Africans United (MAU) jẹ ajọṣepọ ati agbari jakejado ipinlẹ fun gbogbo awọn agbegbe aṣikiri Afirika ni Minnesota. MAU ṣe atilẹyin agbegbe Aṣikiri Afirika ti Minnesota pẹlu aṣoju lati awọn orilẹ-ede Afirika

“MAU yoo tẹsiwaju lati ṣe itọsọna awọn aṣoju iṣowo si awọn orilẹ-ede Afirika lati ṣe agbega iran wa ti ati ifaramo si iṣowo ọna meji ati idoko-owo laarin AMẸRIKA ati Afirika. MAU ṣe bi asopọ fun

Website

https://www. mnafricansunited.org/ Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ MNAfricansUnited/ Twitter https://twitter. com/MNAfricans Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/

mnafricansunited/ Website https://www. state.gov/africasummit/ Fun Alaye diẹ sii: Basil Ajuo, Alakoso, Minnesota Africans United bajuo@ mnafricansunited.org

mnafricansunited.org/ Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ MNAfricansUnited/ Twitter https://twitter. com/MNAfricans Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/ mnafricansunited/ Site https://www. state.gov/africasummit/ ti ṣeto” Expo ati Iṣowo Igbega” awọn aṣoju. Titi di isisiyi, a ti n pade ni akọkọ pẹlu awọn oṣiṣẹ ijọba agba ni Paris, New York, Chicago, Minnesota, ati ni awọn ile-iṣẹ ọlọpa wọn ni Washington DC. Nini fere gbogbo awọn Alakoso Ilu Afirika ni Amẹrika ni akoko kanna ti jẹ aye ti a ko ri tẹlẹ lati ṣe ọran wa fun Expo 2027,” Ajuo sọ Ajuo sọ pe “Apejọ Apejọ Afirika ti AMẸRIKA ti ni

taageeraan

is-afgarad guud oo Afrika ah oo lagu taageerayo rabitaanka Expo Minnesota ee lagu abuurayo matoor awood leh oo loogu talagalay horumarinta dhaqaalaha labada Qurba-joogta Afrika ee ku nool Minnesota iyo qaaraddaba,” Ajuo ayaa yidhi. “MAU waxay u ololaynaysay madaxda dawladda iyo ganacsatada inta

lagu gudajiray fadhiyada Qaramada Midoobay ee New York, Paris intii lagu jiray shirarka Golaha Guud ee

Bandhigga

hay’adda isku xirka Expo, iyo caasimadaha qaranka oo ay ku jiraan Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, iyo Kenya halkaas oo MAU ay soo abaabushay “Expo iyo Trade Kor u qaadis” ergada. Ilaa hadda, waxaan ugu horeyn la kulannay madaxda sare ee dawladda ee Paris, New York, Chicago, Minnesota, iyo safaaradahooda Washington DC. Helitaanka ku dhawaad dhammaan madaxda Afrikaanka ah ee Maraykanka isku mar waxay ahayd fursad aan horay loo arag oo ah inaan kiiskeena

Kiafrika kuunga

Minnesota ee 2027

“Kulanka Mareykanka ee Afrika waxa uu dhiirigeliyay hoggaamiyeyaasha Qurbajoogta Afrika si ay u midoobaan sidii hore,” Ajuo ayaa yiri, “waxaan ku dhisi doonaa dhaxalkan qoto dheer annagoo dhageysanayna, baranay oo aan dhisnay iskaashi cusub oo faa’iido u leh qaaradda.”

himiladayada iyo sida ay uga go’an tahay ganacsiga iyo maalgashiga laba-geesoodka ah ee u dhexeeya Maraykanka iyo Afrika. Waxaan aragnaa fursadaha baaxadda leh ee Expo u abuuri doono shirkadaha yar yar, kuwa dhexdhexaadka ah, iyo kuwa waaweyn ee Afrika iyo Maraykanka,” ayuu yidhi Ajuo.

Minnesota Africans United (MAU) waa isbahaysi iyo urur gobolka oo dhan ah oo loogu talagalay dhammaan jaaliyadaha soogalootiga

Bid na kwa bara zima,” Ajuo alisema. “MAU imekuwa ikishawishi viongozi wa serikali na wafanyabiashara wakati wa vikao vya Umoja wa Mataifa huko New York, Paris wakati wa mikutano ya Baraza Kuu la chombo cha uratibu wa Maonyesho, na katika miji mikuu ya kitaifa ikiwa ni pamoja na Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, na Kenya ambapo MAU imeandaa “Expo na Biashara. Matangazo” wajumbe. Hadi sasa, kimsingi tumekuwa tukikutana na maafisa wakuu wa serikali huko Paris, New York, Chicago, Minnesota, na katika balozi zao huko Washington DC. Kuwa na karibu Wakuu wote wa Nchi za Kiafrika nchini Merika kwa wakati mmoja imekuwa fursa isiyo na kifani ya kutoa hoja yetu kwa Maonyesho ya 2027, “Ajuo alisema. “Mkutano

Afrikaanka ah ee Minnesota. MAU waxay taageertaa bulshada Soogalootiga Afrikaanka ah ee Minnesota oo wakiil ka ah 55 waddan oo Afrikaan ah. MAU waxay u shaqeysaa sidii isku xirka shabakada muhaajiriinta Afrikaanka ah ee ku sugan Minnesota, iyo ururada bulshada soogalootiga Afrikaanka ah ee maxalliga ah, iyo ganacsiyada yaryar.

Website https://www. mnafricansunited.org/ Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/

MNAfricansUnited/ Twitter https://twitter. com/MNAfricans Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/ mnafricansunited/ Website https://www. state.gov/africasummit/ Wixii macluumaad dheeraad ah: Basil Ajuo, Madaxweynaha & Madaxa Fulinta, Minnesota Africans United bajuo@ mnafricansunited.org

wajumbe wa biashara kwa nchi za Afrika ili kukuza maono yetu na kujitolea kwa biashara ya pande mbili na uwekezaji kati ya Marekani na Afrika. Tunaona fursa kubwa sana ambazo Maonyesho yatatengeneza kwa makampuni madogo, ya kati na makubwa barani Afrika na Marekani,” Ajuo alisema. Minnesota Africans United (MAU) ni muungano na shirika la kitaifa kwa jumuiya zote za wahamiaji wa Kiafrika huko Minnesota. MAU inasaidia jumuiya ya Wahamiaji wa Kiafrika ya Minnesota na uwakilishi kutoka nchi 55 za Afrika. MAU hufanya kama muunganisho wa mtandao wa wahamiaji Waafrika huko Minnesota, na kwa mashirika ya jamii ya wahamiaji wa Kiafrika, na biashara ndogo

Basil Ajuo, Rais na Afisa Mkuu Mtendaji, Minnesota Africans United bajuo@ mnafricansunited.org

pour soutenir la candidature du Minnesota à l’Expo 2027

l’échelle de l’Afrique à l’appui de l’offre d’Expo Minnesota de créer un puissant moteur de progrès économique pour la diaspora africaine vivant au Minnesota et pour le continent,” a déclaré Ajuo.

“MAU a fait pression sur le gouvernement et les chefs d’entreprise lors des sessions de l’ONU à New York, à Paris lors des réunions de l’Assemblée générale de l’organe de coordination de l’Expo et dans les capitales nationales, notamment le Ghana, le

Avoir presque tous les chefs d’État africains aux ÉtatsUnis en même temps a été une occasion sans précédent de plaider notre cause pour l’Expo 2027 », a déclaré Ajuo.

“Le Sommet américain sur l’Afrique a inspiré les dirigeants de la diaspora africaine à devenir plus unis que jamais”, a déclaré Ajuo, “et nous nous appuierons sur cet héritage profond en écoutant, en apprenant et en créant de nouveaux partenariats qui profiteraient au continent”.

“MAU continuera à diriger des délégations commerciales dans les pays africains pour promouvoir notre vision et notre engagement envers le commerce et les

investissements bilatéraux entre les États-Unis et l’Afrique. Nous voyons les énormes opportunités qu’une exposition créera pour les petites, moyennes et grandes entreprises en Afrique et aux États-Unis,” a déclaré Ajuo.

Minnesota Africans United (MAU) est une coalition et une organisation à l’échelle de l’État pour toutes les communautés d’immigrants africains du Minnesota. MAU soutient la communauté des immigrants africains du Minnesota avec

une représentation de 55 pays africains. MAU sert de lien pour le réseau d’immigrants africains du Minnesota, ainsi que pour les organisations locales de la communauté d’immigrants africains et les petites entreprises. Website https://www. mnafricansunited.org/ Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/ MNAfricansUnited/ Twitter https://twitter. com/MNAfricans Instagram https://

www.instagram.com/ mnafricansunited/ Website https://www. state.gov/africasummit/ Pour plus d’informations : Basil Ajuo, président et chef de la direction, Minnesota Africans United bajuo@mnafricansunited.org

What MBCRE has been up to in 2022

SPONSORED CONTENT FOR INSIGHT NEWS

In 2020, amid the civil unrest that followed George Floyd’s killing by local police, more than 70 businesses and organizations joined forces to better address our state’s persistent inequities by forming the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (MBCRE).

While there’s been significant investment in local racial equity efforts, we know there’s more transformative work left to do. MBCRE continues to explore ways to drive positive economic outcomes for Black Minnesotans.

Moving towards healing

In its second year, the MBCRE dealt with the killing of Amir Locke after police served a no-knock warrant. Still in the midst of the pandemic at the time, we partnered with Dr. Joi Lewis in a virtual healing

and action session, which centered Black employees and their experiences. Over 700 people from member companies joined us for a powerfully moving session. We saw that event as aligning with our Community Well-Being pillar, which focuses, in part, on public safety. We also had a story published on MBCRE member GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, whose Let Everyone Advance with Dignity (LEAD) program offers an innovative approach to community support and police intervention. In addition to public safety and police reform, we advocated for passage of The Crown Act for more inclusive workplaces, and spoke before the Minnesota House of Representatives to advocate for more investment in affordable housing and downpayment assistance.

One key initiative within our Black Business Development pillar is our Black Media Initiative. We launched it in

early 2022 and it has evolved into a three-year pilot program to create partnerships between Black-owned media outlets

and our member companies.

To date, MBCRE members General Mills and Target inked deals with local journalist Sheletta Brundidge; and she and Emmy-nominated Georgia Fort have both worked on projects with brand and marketing executive, Hillery Shay of MBCRE member Children’s Minnesota.

The wage and wealth gap The focus of our Employment Opportunity pillarcenters around efforts to hire, retain and advance Black talent in member companies. On September 20, Colette Campbell of Bremer Bank, Laurin Cathey of Children’s Minnesota and Chris Brunson from General Mills— which graciously offered the venue—looked at strategies for employees and employers to close the wage and wealth gaps in Minnesota.

Pay disparities affect everything from the quality of housing one

can afford; to money to send children to college; to having enough resources to cover an emergency.

Looking ahead to 2023 MBCRE will continue to support Black-led efforts across the state like the Black Collective Foundation MN, which has a powerful vision for Black-led change, and First Independence Bank, which recently opened its second branch on East Lake Street.

In 2023, we’ve got a lot on tap. It includes plans to partner with a number of entities around bridging the wealth gap, increasing supplier diversity, and helping to develop and retain Black employees in our member companies. We’re excited for the coming year! We welcome your thoughts, feedback and suggestions. Send us an email at info@mbcre.org.

Study: Minnesota 8th worst state for hiring in 2023

A new study found Minnesota is the No. 8 worst state for hiring looking ahead to 2023.

The inability to hire remains a top concern for business owners as the Labor Department’s latest figures show 10.3 million unfilled jobs in America, an unprecedented 16th straight month above 10 million.

Employers remain puzzled with how to increase pay and grant more flexibility while operating expenses skyrocket in an unsteady economy. Amid

From 3

appointment. “I am thrilled that Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan appointed Dr. Brooke Cunningham as Minnesota’s Commissioner of Health. Dr. Cunningham has extensive experience in public health, patient care, and public service, and I look forward to forging an even stronger collaboration with the department under her guidance. Her leadership will help Minnesotans stay healthy and access health care in a more affordable and equitable way.”

Dr. Nathan Chomilo, Medical Director, State of Minnesota Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs, concurred noting Cunningham’s “extensive experience driving

the monumental recent changes in how and where Americans work and live, some states have a better hiring outlook than others.

CareerCloud today released a study on the Best and Worst States to Hire Workers after analyzing the most recent data from the Census Bureau, BLS, and the Tax Foundation on five factors critical to hiring: business taxes, population increases, educated workers, diversity, and job openings.

innovative systems change in public health, patient care, and medical education. Her leadership in the department has demonstrated a clear vision for public health centered on community and through a lens of health and racial equity. Dr. Cunningham is uniquely suited to apply the lessons learned during the COVID19 pandemic and lead a transformation in public health to ensure no one in Minnesota is left behind.”

“Mary Turner, President, Minnesota Nurses Association, said, “Dr. Cunningham’s background at both the bedside and within the department put her in a strong and unique place to lead the department from a lens of health and equity.”

Brooke Cunningham presently is the assistant commissioner of the Health Equity Bureau at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Key Findings:  Minnesota: No. 10 highest percentage of adults with bachelor’s degrees, No. 33 best influx of talent, No. 34 lowest job openings rate, No. 37 best diversity among job candidates, and No. 45 most favorable business tax policies.  10 Best States for Hiring: Florida, Washington, Delaware, Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, New Hampshire, and Colorado.  Migration Matters: Eight of the top 10 states are in

She identifies strategies to advance health equity and oversees the Center for Health Equity, the Office of American Indian Health, the COVID-19 Health Equity Team, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office. Previously, as an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School, Cunningham’s teaching and scholarship broadly focused on race and medicine, including the use of race in medical decisionmaking, physicians’ preparation to address patients’ experiences of racism as part of routine clinical care, and provider and organizational factors associated with the uptake and integration of health equity into health care delivery.

She provides primary care at the CommunityUniversity Health Care Clinic.

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Cunningham majored in history and African-American studies at the University of Virginia; received her doctorates in medicine and sociology from the University of Pennsylvania;

the top quartile for population growth.

3 Tips to Win the Recruiting Game in 2023: 1. Embrace The PostCovid Work World: The concept of the workplace has permanently changed and employers clinging to hiring practices from 2019 will be left behind. Job candidates want flexibility, the option to work remotely, and better pay. Companies that adopt these policies will be in a better

trained in internal medicine at Duke University Medical Center; and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Medica Research Institute (AcademyHealth).

Sub head. 14pt b - Walz names Rukavina to Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, Blissenbach to Labor & Industry, Jacobson to Public Safety, and Marquart to Revenue

Walz named Ida Rukavina Commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation”. “Rukavina has the leadership and advocacy experience to meaningfully serve the communities across the Iron Range,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “From good schools to reliable infrastructure and thriving businesses, she will work to ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.” Rukavina was born and raised on the Iron Range. She is the executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities

position to recruit and retain top talent.

2. Hire Expert Freelancers: Top talent from corporate America have opted off the hamster wheel to permanently freelance from home. This creates an opportunity to work with industry experts, that would never have been available without paying them a full-time salary with benefits. The ability to add or remove headcount is helpful until things stabilize.

3. Poach from your

and Schools (RAMS). Rukavina has primarily worked in government and the labor movement, representing public and private employees in northern Minnesota and working with government at the state, local, and federal levels. She earned her B.A. from Clark University and her M.A.P.L. from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

Nicole Blissenbach will continue to lead the Department of Labor and Industry,” said Walz. “As commissioner, she will continue the important work that she has already started to ensure safe and respectful workplaces for all workers.”

Blissenbach joined the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) in June 2019 and has served as DLI’s temporary commissioner since August 2022. She previously served as DLI’s deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for enforcement and compliance strategies and partnerships. Before starting at DLI, she worked at Education Minnesota, where she served for nearly 10 years as an attorney in the legal department. Prior to working for Education Minnesota, Blissenbach worked in a private law firm, where she practiced labor and employment law. She is a Minnesota State Bar Association Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist. Blissenbach earned her B.A. from the University of Minnesota – Morris and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Bob Jacobson replaces John Harrington as the next Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety “Jacobson understands the importance of taking a holistic approach to public safety,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “He is an experienced leader in public safety and emergency management, as well as human services. He will blend this unique approach to prioritize the needs of children and families and ensure that all Minnesotans feel safe in their homes and

Competition: With many Americans unwilling to take full time jobs the need to poach strong employees from your competition has never been greater. These workers are a hot commodity as they have experience in your industry. Do research to find out how their current employer is dropping the ball and enact policies to make your workplace attractive enough for them to make a move.

communities.”

Bob Jacobson is the interim deputy assistant commissioner in the Department of Human Services. Previously, Bob served for more than 33 years in active law enforcement including 16 years as the director of public safety/chief of police for the City of New Brighton where he led their police, fire, and emergency management operations. He also served as interim police chief for the City of Stillwater during a leadership transition.

Jacobson also served as the interim inspector general for the Department of Human Services. He served as the professional development director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, coordinating and implementing statewide and regional training and conferences for the Association.

Jacobson has a B.A. from Bethel University in Organizational Leadership and attended the Senior Management Institute for Police conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum.

Former teacher, mayor, and legislator, Paul Marquart will continue his service at the helm of the Department of Revenue.

Marquart served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives where he served 18 years on the House Taxes Committee, including four years as the committee’s chairperson. He was also chairperson of the House Education Finance Committee (2013-2014) and the Property Tax Division (2007-2010).

Marquart served as the Mayor of Dilworth (1990-2000) and as a Dilworth City Councilmember (1988-1989). He currently teaches social studies at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School where he has taught for 39 years and coached wrestling for 16 years. Marquart earned an A.S. from North Dakota State School of Science, a B.A. and B.S. Ed. from the University of North Dakota, and a M.S. in Educational Administration from Tri-College University.

A Black media initiative

Photo by Chris Fomby

By

Humanity generates 2.5 quintillion bytes of data -- enough to max out the storage capacity of about 40 million iPhones -- every day. Much of it gets stored “in the cloud,” meaning it’s saved in sprawling, frigid data centers.

Unfortunately, these data centers are contributing to the destruction of the environment. They account for as much as 1.5% of the world’s total annual electricity consumption -- and are responsible for emitting more than 200 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, on par with the annual emissions from all commercial air travel in the entire United States.

And with the total quantity of data created doubling every two years, the

problem is poised to get much worse. To keep pace with how much data we’re creating, the entire surface of the planet would need to be covered with data storage centers by 2060.

Many companies and environmentalists have long recognized the ecological harm of our data-storage addiction.

Data centers use a staggering volume of water, about 3-5 million gallons per day. That’s enough for a small city of 30,000-50,000 people, according to Texas Tech University professor Venkatesh Uddameri.

They also demand large amounts of rare earth minerals to construct their hardware. The mining process to extract those minerals is notoriously awful for the environment.

Companies can make these data centers less damaging -- but they can’t actually make

them green. And the world’s voracious appetite for data is quickly canceling out any marginal improvements. For example, data centers are on track to account for 14% of all global emissions by 2040. That’s equivalent to what the entire United States currently emits.

The real solution lies in completely rethinking

how we store data.

Instead of storing it electronically, scientists are optimistic that we could soon encode data into strands of DNA, a vastly more powerful medium, on a massive scale.

DNA is orders of magnitude more efficient at storing information than any existing method. A single gram

of DNA can store up to 215 million gigabytes of information; that’s equivalent to roughly 10 million copies of the entirety of Wikipedia. In theory, if DNA were used to its full potential, all of the world’s data could be stored in the bed of a semi-truck.

At Twist Bioscience, the company I lead, we developed a transformational process to “write” data onto small silicon chips using DNA. Our scientists recently stored a Netflix original series in synthetic DNA. And more recently, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, in collaboration with our team, discovered a way to increase the efficiency of current DNA data storage methods by a factor of 100.

Unlike servers in data centers, DNA-based storage methods are environmentally friendly. Once the information is converted into DNA, it

Insight News editor

consumes zero energy. That data also lasts much longer; while conventional magnetic hard drives wear out and need to be replaced every decade or so, data that’s been encoded in DNA could theoretically last for more than 500,000 years. Our civilization is producing more data than ever. Without new approaches, data storage threatens to worsen environmental crises and spawn new ones. And with hundreds of millions of new internet users added every year, the urgency couldn’t be greater. Approaches like DNA-based storage can help leverage the full promise and potential of the Information Age without sacrificing the planet’s health. Emily Leproust is CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience. This piece originally ran in RealClearScience.

and a Big Chief tablet. In junior high school, Foster-Graham, a budding author, created a fictional character named Snip, the Bookworm.

I loved the concept for the book and suggested that he re-visit and edit the manuscript and get Snip in print.

When he was 18, Foster-Graham recognized there were traits wrapped around his emotions, mindsets, and different ways of looking at the world which shaped who he was as a Black male. These mannerisms were not the same for his siblings and most of his classmates at Luther College, a private Lutheran liberal arts college located in Decorah, Iowa. It was just who he was. “It was a Black English professor/poet, Sandra Govan, who encouraged me to write the stories relevant to my unique voice during my college years. She also furthered my knowledge

of Black authors, playwrights, and poets, something that hadn’t taken place in elementary or secondary school. It was icing on the cake when she invited poet Gwendolyn Brooks, 1950 Pulitzer Prize winner and 1985-86 U.S. Poet Laureate, to campus to speak to us,” he said.

He was also inspired by the late E. Lynn Harris and the phenomenal Toni Morrison who wrote, “if there’s a story you wish to read and it hasn’t been written yet, then you must be the one to write it” which is what I have embarked upon doing, even as a ‘baby boomerseasoned warrior’!

In 2003, (name please) the author/poet was recognized by the International Society of Poets as one of its Best New Poets. What gifts both Brooks and Foster-Graham have offered to all those who choose to soak in just a little bit of the knowledge and power of great literary works on both fronts.(of knowledge and power?) And then there has been the passion for music too! (Say his name. Avoid confusion. Plain and simple is best.)FosterGraham was an original member

of the multi-Grammy award winning ‘Sounds of Blackness’ over 50 years ago.

For the man who seems to always have a gift for words, phrases, and complete sentences describing the works of others and creating his own characters who are compelled to navigate the complexity of their world versus. the real world, he had given me a story I never expected and a perspective of the LBGT community I never knew.

I now so appreciate the truths he so proudly laid out for me as a columnist to put into words and to share with others. Foster-Graham has been married to his husband for 12 years. Their now 22-year-old son, named for his grandfather, had no problem saying “ ‘yes, I have two dads!’ There were never in-depth discussions about our modern family. We simply answered questions as he asked,” Foster-Graham said. Foster-Graham’s response was a wonderful example of that genuine love for family and life itself, a gentle spirit and confidence that has defined his being in societal

times that weren’t as accepting. What ‘pride’ the couple both felt when their son video recorded their wedding in 2010.

In 1970, the first Pride marches took place during that summer commemorating the Stonewall riots that protested the New York City police raid on Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, which had happened a year before. The protests created a watershed period that brought the Pride movement to this time of reckoning and a Presidential signature.

“The idea of getting married and raising children was a dream, an impossible one at that,” Foster-Graham said. “Now I am a husband and a father. I claim the Respect for Marriage Act, and the protections it provides, as a victory on the road to full equality for my brother who is in an interracial marriage, and for me, in a same sex marriage. On the day of the signing, I thought about the road it took to get to this point, just as I have as a Black person. That being said, I continue to stay positive, for I have much to be grateful for.”

Al McFarlane was applauded Foster-Graham’s persistence in introducing Black books to literary markets and in bringing his research statistics on these markets to the attention of the Minnesota Library Association.

At the time, an average of 3% of collections at the public library systems included books by Black authors, while Minneapolis’ Black population was higher than 18%. Today, on the Minnesota Library Association’s website, the list Foster-Graham comprised of Black author resources is included in their Anti-Racism resource section.

Marketing for his own books has taken place through his website, www.wfostergraham@ wfostergrahamauthor.com, social media platforms, networking with other authors, and interviews with entrepreneurs who stand at the intersectionality of Black and LGBT. “In addition to my column for ‘Insight News’, I also write a guest column for author/radio personality/ entrepreneur Wyatt O’Brian Evans out of D.C. The column is

entitled ‘Old School, New Kid’, giving my voice and views as a Black LGBT brotha of a certain age. He often publishes in The Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and the Advocate.” Who does this He refer to?

I am reminded of a spiritual my beloved mother tried to sing. ‘Have ya’ got good religion? Certainly, certainly, certainly, Lord!’ Foster-Graham’s spiritual roots began during childhood at St. Peter’s AME Church in South Minneapolis. Today, he is a trustee to his church and living his truth as an openly gay man. In recent years, St. Peter’s has taken steps in becoming inclusive of all those who honor our Creator.

Books by W.D. FosterGraham available on website and Amazon.

1. The Right to Bel 2. Mark My Words: Books 1,2, and 3 3. Never Give Up 4. You Never Know All of the above novels center around the Christopher family sagas and M/M romance.

Emily Leproust

W.D. Foster Graham From

The Value Packed Superheroes

stop watching it. If this scenario was in a comic book, this is the cue for a superhero like Black Panther to come on the scene.

The fact is, this scenario is not the whole truth, not when we can become the change we want to see, especially when it comes to our children. That being said, I am pleased to bring to this holiday season Dr. Talaya Tolefree’s children’s book The

The Value Packed Superheroes

By Dr. Talaya L. Tolefree

Let’s face it. 2022 has been a year of challenges in every area. News stations have inundated us with daily, sometimes hourly, injections of gloom, doom, and despair, to the point where many simply

From 3

Trumpheart of the Constitution. There is no historical precedent for this. The Justice Department’s determination to pursue the referrals would depend on the validity of the House commitee’s findings. And since the department has been doing its own investigation of Trump, it wouldn’t be starting from ground

Value Packed Superheroes: Spreading Values Around the World Tolefree gives us a different kind of superhero/ shero, a multicultural league in the form of children who each have a value as a superpower.

zero. The committee’s work could be added to what it has.

A rioter at the Capitol attacks on Jan. 6, 2021, holds up a bust of Donald Trump.

Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

3. Will the new GOP Congress have any say in these referrals?

Now that the report has been handed over and the referrals made, I would imagine the Department of Justice will start considering it. And, so, when there is a difference in leadership of the House there won’t be any way to undo it.

The values represented in her story are: Love, Justice, Fairness, Humanity, Empathy, Accountability, Joy, and Peace. As each superpower is introduced, it is followed by an illustration and an example of that value in action, thus engaging the reader and providing parents and educators with teachable (Sankofa) moments that make it relevant.

She follows up with creative ideas and ways to teach these priceless values to our children, reminding us of the importance of leading by example. Kids, as we know, watch everything we say and do, and if our actions and words

The House can conduct its own investigations, but it cannot stop the Department of Justice and it cannot undo this report and its recommendations. Attorney General Merrick Garland has clearly sent a message that the department he runs is not influenced by outside factors. And he has tried to insulate any prosecutions from accusations of political influence by appointing a special counsel to oversee the Trump investigations.

4. Were lawmakers who ignored the subpoenas legally required to obey

contradict each other, they will follow what we do. Making the story interactive is key; when we look beyond the negative images out there, there is an abundance of positive examples that exemplify the importance of the values.

The Value Packed Superheroes is available on Amazon.

Thank you, Talaya, for sharing this wonderful book and the way you put the superpowers into action. Sign me up for this league of superheroes/sheroes!

the committee’s request for testimony?

I think the answer is yes. The Constitution (Article I, Section 5) states that each chamber makes its own rules that bind its members. The Supreme Court has underscored this constitutional power as well as the legal legitimacy of the congressional subpoena. The consequences of ignoring a congressional subpoena might ultimately wind up within the purview of the Ethics Committee, but there are consequences.

5. Does the House committee’s report increase the likelihood that Trump will be charged?

I think it makes a strong argument in the public sphere for the prosecution of Trump, which is what a lot of people have been waiting for. It doesn’t guarantee a prosecution, but it spells out, I think meticulously, why Trump is included in this and at the forefront.

The House committee’s message of accountability – that if the nation is to consider itself to be a democracy that works

there must be accountability for Trump and others – was made very powerfully. As committee member Adam Schiff said on Dec. 19, “I think the day we start giving passes to presidents or former presidents or people of power or influence is the day we can say that this was the beginning of the end of our democracy.” This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

others.”

riding down to 31st and Indiana minutes before the urban areas of cities across the country went up in flames.

I was looking forward to coming home for spring break, but any plans for good times faded with the excruciating pain that never left our hearts. A few of my childhood friends who had marched in Selma and had gone to the March on Washington were heading to Memphis that very day.

Within 14 hours, the world shook like it had never been shaken before when the bullet that zipped in the direction of a Lorraine Motel’s room balcony silenced the Dreamer. Daddy didn’t move for awhile from his badly worn recliner chair. He

pulled his handkerchief from his sweater pocket to dry tears I had never seen before coming from his beautiful eyes. I watched the television screen as the news broadcasters choked up on nationwide television as they had five years prior when John Kennedy was assassinated.

Walking up to the upstairs front room of our twostory house, I watched as the fires four blocks away burst upwards into the night skies. I listened as the National Guard tanks rolled down the streets where my friends and I had played when we weren’t in school. They were heading to protect the rich white Plaza and Mission Hills areas.

Glass from store windows shattered and the cries of a people in disbelief and ripping pain would be etched in the souls of chocolate baby boomers and their families especially, until the very end. I recall being so afraid the fires would head in

the direction of Santa Fe Place where we had embraced as or own community after white flight and the burning of the elementary school where the ‘new kids on the block’ were to attend.

King’s words rang clear that night in the Music Hall so very long ago, but they transformed my thinking about who I was inside my Black skin, this person my racist white neighbors used to call ‘nigger baby’.

My mother cried the first time I asked her what that was. My favorite uncle, Sheffield, used to always tell me as he pointed out successful people of color in an Ebony Magazine, “Your destiny must never be defined or determined by what white people think of you. It will be determined by how much you love and appreciate who you are and how quickly you discover God’s purpose for your life on this earth.”

It’s kind of sad that

many children today have no clue about the temporary conversion of our world as a result of that April day and the profound significance of the presence on this earth for such a short time of such a man as Dr. King. Many parents and educators have failed to explain to this generation why there is a national holiday for this man, one who was far more than one speech, one march, or one movement.

Like Jesus, King was reviled, hunted down, and martyred for his message and his beliefs, and those of us who followed him felt the same hatred as we do in a divided world of Black and white in current times.

We were so proud of this warrior because he stood for something, and was willing to sacrifice even his life for a cause that had to be fulfilled somehow, that of liberation, opportunities, and equality. Every time I see a homeless child or a veteran who has served our country but on that

day is hungry and jobless, and when my children or my students faced such malicious racism even the perpetrators themselves didn’t understand, I am disheartened because the Dreamer’s dream was allowed to be deferred, to dry up like a raisin in the sun.

As we celebrate this national holiday in memory of this great citizen of the world, I am reminded of his words, “I choose to identify with the underprivileged.

I choose to identify with the poor.

I choose to give my life for the hungry. I choose to give my life for those who have been left out of the sunlight of opportunity. I choose to live for those who find themselves seeing life as a long and desolate corridor with no exit sign. This is the way I’m going.

If it means suffering a little bit, I’m going that way. If it means sacrificing, I’m going that way. If it means dying for them, I’m going that way because I heard a voice telling me, “Do something for

Martin Luther King Jr. left books, sermons, and instructions for those of us dedicated to the betterment of our diverse communities, our country, and our world. We must celebrate and honor not the entombed Dreamer, but the living one through our service to the least of our brothers and sisters, especially our children and during these difficult and unprecedented times. They need us today more than ever. We must work for voter registration, stand up against voter suppression, and remember those who died horrible deaths on lonely back roads so we could vote.

When we honor King’s courage, his strength to love, and his ability to act against the grain in the face of fear and hatred, we must reflect on what his courage cost him.

Let us make his holiday a day of service to others,