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Insight News

February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021

Vol. 48 No. 8• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

ROWING Transforming

Richard Shultz STORY ON PAGE

Page 2 • February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021 • Insight News

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Insight News • February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021 • Page 3 WINNER: 2020 T YPOGRAPHY & DESIGN, 1ST PLACE, PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT & PERSONALIT Y), 1ST PLACE, WEBSITE, 3RD PLACE

Insight News February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021

Vol. 48 No. 8• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

The protocol: Healing Circle initiates engagement process for centering African wellness lens in restoration, reparation work By Brenda Lyle-Gray Columnist

Richard Shults

Putting kids on boats in any puddle of water Comcast NBCUniversal presents an exclusive virtual panel discussion on the new film A Most Beautiful Thing, the highly acclaimed documentary chronicling the first African American high school rowing team in the United States from the West Side of Chicago. The Twin Cities panel presentation, moderated by Al McFarlane, Insight News Editor, features an exclusive discussion with the film’s writer and director Mary Mazzio, team captain Arshay Cooper, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for the Greater Twin Cities United Way Acooa Ellis, and Quinton Bonds, Program Supervisor, Youth and Family Engagement for Change, Inc. The panel discussion is 4pm Thursday, February 24th in a special online screening presented by Comcast. Request an invitation to RSVP at www. insightnews.com or social media platforms. A Most Beautiful Thing, is narrated by Grammy and Oscar-winning artist Common, executive produced by NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, and directed by award-winning filmmaker and Olympic rower, Mary Mazzio. The inspiring documentary began streaming in September on Peacock, NBC’s new streaming platform, and later debuted on Amazon Prime. Amazon Music also dropped a companion soundtrack produced

by 9th Wonder with Anderson. Paak, Rapsody, J-Roc and other high-profile hip-hop artists. The resonance of the film against the backdrop of the past year has been profound, with events and screenings hosted by members of Congress, the NAACP, professional sports teams, college and universities as well as key HBCU institutions, companies, and community groups. The film was nominated for Best Sports Documentary at the 5th Annual Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards. Mazzio, a former Olympic athlete herself, said “I’m so proud that the British, New Zealand, Australian, German, Dutch, Italy, French, Egypt, Turkish, Canadian and other Olympic teams are supporting the film and activating in profound ways, including the creation of new charitable organizations to support access.” Now, corporate CEOs are engaging in conversations with the film, digging into access and opportunity as well as the role and obligation of privilege. “Every day, Americans of color face a long list of challenges and oppression, a list too long and too painful to recite here,” said Executive Producer Grant Hill. “With the recent events that have transpired, it is even more meaningful to be a part of a project which shows young Black men, in a positive, human, and hopeful way. The protagonist of the film, Arshay Cooper, and his extension of

an olive branch to members of the Chicago Police Department, moved me in deep and profound ways. He is a leader of his generation and his name will be one that soon everyone will know.” A Most Beautiful Thing is based on Arshay Cooper’s award-winning selfpublished memoir, Suga Water, now republished by Flatiron under the title, A Most Beautiful Thing. “As the first Black high school rowing team, we thought we were going to change the sport, just like Jackie Robinson changed baseball… but instead, the sport changed us. It saved my life,” Arshay said, Seeking to share his experience with a new generation of young people, Arshay now travels the country putting students from under-resourced neighborhoods in boats on any puddle of water he can find. His teammates have become entrepreneurs and small business owners. In all of her films, Mary Mazzio, an Olympic rower herself, explores the concept of overcoming obstacles, whether it is a fight for social change (A Hero for Daisy, I Am Jane Doe), or issues of poverty and lack of opportunity (Ten9Eight, Underwater Dreams). Her mission of shedding light on compelling narratives of social significance has made her one of the country’s most prominent socially impactful filmmakers. For her film Underwater Dreams, Mazzio collaborated with the White House and raised

Melvin Carter

By Irma McClaurin, PhD By Irma McClaurin, PhD https://corporate. target.com/article/2020/09/lakestreet-letter

Andrea Jenkins

Commentary by Dr. By Aarohi Narain By Mecca Dana Randall Alexa Harry Maya Starks Colbert, Beecham Spencer, Bos Bradley Jr. Josie Johnson By Global Latisha Information Townsend Contributing Architect Howard Mayo Managing Clinic University Editor Staff Writer Contributing Network (GIN)Writer News Service harry@insightnews.com

more than $100 million dollars in public and private partnerships for STEM initiatives for underserved students. Her last film, I Am Jane Doe, elevated the voices of young sex trafficking survivors, catalyzing bipartisan federal legislation signed by the President in 2018 as well as legislation abroad. All of Mazzio’s films are about ordinary people doing extraordinary things – defying expectations and challenging assumptions of who and what they can achieve. Called one of the best documentaries to unveil at South by Southwest by Brian Tallerico of Roger Ebert, A Most Beautiful Thing is an amazing story. A Most Beautiful Thing explores not only the safety these young men found on the water where, as Cooper reflected, “we were in a place where we could not hear the sound of sirens”, but the trauma of violence and cyclical poverty, examining how these young men were able to support each other in reimagining a different future for themselves’ The film reveals how rowing and the water provided the backdrop for that opportunity. These young men came together, after 20 years out of the boat, to race this past summer, not only to celebrate the team’s founding, but the fact that they are still alive. For more information about the film: www. AMostBeautifulThing.com

Georgia prosecutors open investigation into Trump’s call to Secretary of State By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Georgia prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Donald Trump’s phone call to Georgia’s secretary of state Brad Raffensperger. During the call, the former President asked him to “find” the votes he needed to overturn the state’s election results. “All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. Because we won the state,” Trump said to Raffensperger during the call. The transcript of the phone call played a prominent role in the House of Representatives’ second impeachment of the 45th president and is expected to play a central role in the Senate trial. Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis promises to look into Trump’s actions following the now infamous Jan. 2 telephone call. “Anyone who

commits a felony violation of Georgia law in my jurisdiction will be held accountable,” Willis said in a statement last month. “Once the investigation is complete, this matter, like all matters, will be handled by our oﬃce based on the facts and the law.” During his Jan. 6 rally that led to the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Trump told his supporters about the phone call. “In Georgia, your secretary of state, who — I can’t believe this guy is a Republican. He loves recording telephone conversations,” Trump told the large gathering. “You know, that was a — I thought it was a great conversation, personally. So did a lot of other — people love that conversation because it says what’s going on,” he bellowed. “These people are crooked.” According to the “Articles of Impeachment Against Against Donald John Trump,” with closing endorsement by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, “…President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to

iStockphoto / NNPA

“All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. Because we won the state,” Trump said to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger during the call. the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law. President Trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.” The resolution cites the call to Raffensperger urging him to “find” enough votes to overturn the state’s election

News

Trump’s acquittal is a sign of ‘constitutional rot’ – partisanship overriding principles

PAGE 5

results. “We cannot allow this unprecedented provocation to go unanswered,” House members said in a statement. “Everyone involved in this assault must be held accountable, beginning with the man most responsible for it – President Donald Trump. We cannot begin to heal the soul of this country without ﬁrst delivering swift justice to all its enemies — foreign and domestic.”

Often times as a people we are so suspicious about things that we can miss opportunities that could have benefitted us. Elder Atum Azzahir, founder of the Cultural Wellness Center As one story goes, the talking stick initiated between five Native American tribes, all living near the shores of Lake Ontario in upper New York state. The five populations were all involved in horrendous wars. People were dying and suffering. Described as a very great man, Deganawidah finally helped the warring factions learn what finding common ground really meant. It took a while, but eventually the Iroquois Confederacy was formed. Supposedly, this peace agreement inspired the U.S. Constitution and the United Nations Charter. Deganawidah believed it was very important for each person wishing to speak to be carefully listened to. Everyone’s ideas were valuable. When they listened carefully from their hearts, and spoke truthfully from their hearts, the people were able to make peace. This was called ‘active listening’. There would be no need to fight and have wars. When a designate was given the ‘talking stick’, it was important that others listened with respect and compassion in helping to solve problems and make choices. The Masai were ancient people who lived in the Rift Valley of Africa. They too used the talking stick as a tool of communication. The holder of the piece was to have complete

Dr. Bravada Garrett-Akinsanya attention of the group. On Friday, February 12th, “Conversations with Al McFarlane” and McFarlane’s co-host, Dr. BraVada GarrettAkinsanya, founder and CEO of the African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI), brought together an impressive panel in a virtual Town Hall meeting to discuss African American hesitancy to take the COVID19 vaccine. Panelists said public education and awareness must be the foundation for examination of the impact of Covid-19 and any other disparities and historical trauma that plague our communities. They said our community must utilize its own communications infrastructure and trusted advisors to inform our people. McFarlane said implementing the Talking Stick process for the Healing Circle, encourages active listening among participants and sets up public feedback for a post live continuation of the program via Zoom or another virtual meeting platform. He called it a protocol for clear communications and engagement. Project leader Dr. Akinsanya,

WELLNESS 4

U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus.

Congresswoman Beatty introduces Black History Month resolutions By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia WASHINGTON, DC — To kickoﬀ Black History Month, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, introduced three related pieces of legislation. Collectively, the resolutions formally recognize the important contributions, struggles and sacriﬁces of Black veterans and servicemembers throughout American history. “We owe Black veterans and soldiers, past and present, a huge debt of gratitude,” Beatty said. “All of us know that there are countless heroes and sheroes who

sacrificed everything to make our Union more perfect for everyone.” She added, “In that spirit, I call on my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to come together and do the same by officially recognizing that Black history is American history.” Specifically, Beatty will introduce three resolutions: (1) recognizing the challenges Black veterans faced after their selfless service and emphasizing the need for the VA to continue to work to eliminate racial health and benefit disparities; (2) supporting the goals and ideals of Black History Month, and honoring the outstanding contributions of the 88 Black Medal of Honor recipients; and (3) expressing support for the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers.

I2H

Rep. Omar Joins the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to address America’s maternal health crisis

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Page 4 • February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021 • Insight News

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photo/Uche Iroegbu

Public Works has been in close contact with community partners to determine two options for 38th & Chicago that preserve space for the memorial and art while ensuring delivery of critical services for the area, including much needed public transit.

City leaders present united plan and next steps for 38th & Chicago The City of Minneapolis leadership has said its committed to working with the community to reconnect 38th & Chicago after the conclusion of the Derek Chauvin trial. City leadership’s overriding goals will be to support the needs of residents and businesses while honoring the importance of racial healing and reﬂection in this sacred space. Prior to reconnection, the City will continue to work toward its long-term commitments advancing racial justice while providing enhanced core City services and engagement opportunities for residents and businesses in the 38th & Chicago area. Highlights of enhanced City services, access and partnerships include: The City’s Department

of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) is doubling down on youth employment and training pathway opportunities by working alongside Summit Academy OIC, Project for Pride and Living and other potential partners on culturally speciﬁc, dedicated outreach and workforce development programs to help young people at the intersection pursue new career paths, including green workforce and technology sector jobs. Public Works is providing enhanced services, including extra solid waste and recycling collection at the George Floyd memorial and installing temporary traﬃc calming measures, among other things. The Minneapolis

business and residential access and providing the opportunity to restore transit service on Chicago Avenue and 38th Street. The City is sending a survey to area residents and businesses to determine the preferred option.

Police and Fire departments continue to respond to calls for service. The Oﬃce of Violence Prevention and Neighborhood and Community Relations staﬀ will work with community stakeholders on developing engagement and outreach activities for residents to promote public safety and healing.

City’s long-term commitments The City has pledged more than $10.5 million in funding that is eligible for supporting racial healing in the 38th & Chicago area, and has committed to several important initiatives to advance racial justice, including adopting a truth and reconciliation process with the ultimate objective of implementing speciﬁc solutions to speciﬁc harms that have created and perpetuate racial disparities. City funding also

Design options Public Works has been in close contact with community partners to determine two options for 38th & Chicago that preserve space for the memorial and art while ensuring delivery of critical services for the area, including much needed public transit. Both options provide two-way traﬃc operations in all directions improving

includes $150,000 for the Creative City Making program to hire a diverse team of artists and healers to create, implement, and lead community engagement processes to guide the City’s community healing and rebuild with racial equity eﬀorts for areas most impacted by civil unrest. “The killing of George Floyd forever changed the intersection of 38th & Chicago and reshaped our city’s place in history. Those who live and work in the neighborhood did not ask for the global spotlight, yet they have graciously opened their doors to us and the world over the past nine months,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “It is our responsibility as leaders and as a community to both honor George Floyd and the hallowed ground where he died, and

also respectfully restore 38th & Chicago to a vibrant and functioning neighborhood.” “These measures are intended to maintain public safety as we continue to address the necessary goals for justice and healing from trauma,” said City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins. “Nine months of deep engagement with the multiple communities, businesses, and nonproﬁt leaders who call this area home has allowed us to understand that we can reconnect this area to access basic emergency services and vital public transit while honoring and uplifting the legacy of justice for the long term,” said City Council Member Alondra Cano.

A tailor-made grant helps continue a family legacy By Jessica Pacek JC Lofton Tailors is continuing a family legacy that has been around for almost a century, with the help of a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo through Local Initiatives Support Corporation. You could say the tailoring business is in Julius “Eddie” Lofton’s blood. As the owner of JC Lofton Tailors in Washington, D.C., he’s continuing a family tradition that began in the late 1930s, when his late grandfather, Josephus C. Lofton, whom the shop is named for, opened Lofton Custom Tailoring and became the first African American to own a tailoring shop/ tailoring school in the district. “Tailoring gives me gratification,” Lofton said. “Somebody comes in, and something is torn or burned, and we fix it, and the customer

is like, ‘Wow. How’d you do that?’ I’m never going to be a millionaire, but I can tell you a million stories.” Like his grandfather, Lofton has served everyone from politicians to celebrities to nearby Howard University students, tailoring their professional attire and outﬁts for events such as weddings, New Year’s Eve parties, and presidential inaugurations. But when the COVID-19 pandemic began, resulting in many people working remotely and countless in-person events being canceled, there wasn’t much of a need for tailoring, Lofton said — and some people weren’t able to aﬀord their tailored items. Yet Lofton still needed to pay his tailors and the rent and bills for his shop.Fortunately, he applied for and received a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund through Local Initiatives Support Corporation, allowing him to catch up on

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Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Culture and Education Editor Dr. Irma McClaurin, PhD. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Columnist Brenda Lyle-Gray Book Review Editor W.D. Foster-Graham Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley

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focused on small businesses led by people of color and women, as well as small businesses working in low-wealth and rural communities,” Jones said. “Those were the small businesses that, for us, were among the hardest hit and really needed the relief from groups like CDFIs. We have been using the Open for Business funds in a huge way to help small businesses.”

some of his bills. “That $10,000 really helped me out,” Lofton said. “I’ll forever be grateful.” ‘Helping small businesses survive and position themselves to thrive’ Wells Fargo provided funding to LISC through the Open for Business Fund, which launched in July 2020, reinvesting $400 million in gross processing fees the bank would have received from the federal government for lending through the Paycheck Protection Program — a government stimulus program providing small businesses with short-term cash ﬂow assistance — to further help entrepreneurs recover. “This has been an opportunity for Wells Fargo to lean in and be a diﬀerence maker to help small businesses, so we’re delighted to work with LISC,” said Mary Mack, CEO of Consumer and Small Business Banking for Wells Fargo. “They’re doing fantastic work all over the country throughout the pandemic, helping small businesses survive and position themselves to thrive as we come out of this.” LISC has used the funding from the Open for Business Fund to distribute grants to small businesses like JC Lofton Tailors, as well as invest in organizations that can help small businesses with technical assistance, said Maurice Jones, CEO and president of LISC. “We particularly

Bargain From 3 taking the ﬁgurative Talking Stick, said, “Trauma escalates in our DNA from generation to generation. With a year-long pandemic and the execution of George Floyd, combating the spread of the virus and its variants and addressing the demands for sustainable and equitable changes in the disparities between Black people and white people elevate the need to address those systemic racist components of our historic past and present being exposed by the unearthing of irrefutable data. We must be well - protected and protective of others - in order to begin our walk around the Healing Circle. “We must begin to treat our mental well-being with the intent to be well! We are deserving. It’s called cognitive re-framing - winning that internal ﬁght within driving us towards this wellness - a cousin to wholeness. We strive to be whole beginning in our current societal climate with taking the vaccine. But, instead of celebrating painstaking victories in brilliant scientists’ labs, some choose to risk the chance of becoming a statistic and causing the same fate to someone else,” she said. “There is this

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By ByLee Harry H. Jordan Colbert, Jr. Minneapolis Juneteenth Managing Editor Committee - 2018 harry@insightnews.com National Juneteenth Film & Bicycling Commissions

‘It’s just an all-around struggle trying to stay afloat’ The $10,000 grant has been a relief for Lofton and has allowed him to continue his grandfather’s legacy. For years, Lofton’s grandfather taught veterans and people with disabilities how to tailor, but he also taught his grandchildren, several of whom have their own tailoring businesses today. “My grandfather was a pillar in the community,” Lofton said. “He always tried to help people and show people respect, and he taught me the same things.” Lofton can still hear his grandfather saying, “Some money beats no money,” and he has embodied that while helping college students who may not be able to afford their alterations but always come back after they’ve graduated and are on their feet. He has continued that way of doing business today, as some customers have lost their income due to the pandemic and can’t completely pay for their items. indoctrination that has plagued Black America for 400 plus years. It produces negatives associated with blackness inferiority, lack, dysfunction. It fuels our negative perception of who we are based on observing opportunities afforded to sheltered white privilege. People of color must flip this historic script. It is high time to return to the days where we respected ourselves, our families, and were joyful in our work and pleasure and proud of what we contributed to the collective, our neighborhoods and our households, where we are not ashamed to seek support and coaching in problem solving and connectivity. Common mutuality was beneficial for everyone. It never denied any parties involved any freedoms or opportunities” she said. Nurse Practitioner Shirlynn LaChapelle said she understands the mistrust by African Americans and other communities of color toward the health care system. But because of vaccines, “there is no more polio, smallpox, mumps, diphtheria, chicken pox, and two kinds of measles. COVID19 is real - almost ½ million deaths in the U.S alone. It’s critical to become knowledgeable and make a decision you can live. There are safeguards for any repeat of past medical testing abuse,” LaChalelle said, passing the Talking Stick to life coach Ted Thompson.

Scott Suchman

Julius “Eddie” Lofton learned about the tailoring business from his late grandfather, Josephus C. Lofton, and named his shop JC Lofton Tailors in Washington, D.C., in honor of him. But Lofton has also struggled lately. Years of gentrification in the neighborhood has resulted in increased property values and taxes, and many businesses having to leave. With the challenges from the pandemic, it’s been even harder. Lofton had contracts with hotels and stores that are closed or not seeing as much business, and his shop lost more than $100,000 last year. He said he has had to lay off some of his tailors and hasn’t been able to pay his rent and other bills. “It’s just an all-around struggle trying to stay afloat,” Lofton said. “I’m just trying to keep my head up and keep the business and the lights on.” ‘It helped me out tremendously’ When Lofton received

the $10,000, he said he was grateful to catch up on some of his bills. “At the time, we were struggling so much, and it took a lot of the burden oﬀ of me,” Lofton said. “It helped me out tremendously.” Lofton has four grown children and six grandchildren, some of whom have already expressed interest in running the business one day. Receiving help to get through these hard times will ensure that his grandfather’s legacy continues to live on. “JC Lofton will be around for the next 100 years because we’re going to make sure we keep it going,” Lofton said. “We feel good about where we are right now, and we’re looking forward to bigger and better things.”

Elder Atum Azzahir, founder of the Cultural Wellness Center

Nurse Practitioner Shirlynn LaChapelle

He highlighted “our history of resilience. We’ve come through a lot. There have been so many challenges, especially in the health arena. Systemic racism has prevented us from moving forward toward problem solving, uniting our communities, and seeking a share of prosperity.” Thompson said he got vaccinated a couple weeks ago. Before he knew it, the shot was over, and any post vaccination symptoms were minimal. He warned listeners about relying on just one source of information, particularly on social media people posting have a personal agendas and motives. Therapist Yolanda Adams Lee, said “Who we are deﬁnes where we’re going and celebrating our elders deﬁnes where we’ve been, each one reaching back to bring another forward. We need to know our

history so that it’s not repeated. We’re in the ﬁght for our lives. There is no room for fear. The biggest fear is within us.” Taking the Talking Stick again, Dr. B said, “Conversations are important in this time frame. Many families are dealing with death; their children are struggling with academic material they don’t understand; and adult family members are trying to ﬁgure out where the next meal is coming from.” “But it’s doable”, says Dr. B. “How do we connect to the Divine, saying, ‘help me to be me’, with our prayer? I can only encourage clarity and healing as we commit to navigating our doubts and fears in a common sense manner. At the end of the day, decision making is an individual undertaking. As we embody the future, there is potential of limitless expressions of possibilities. One breath, I am. The next breath, I become.”

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Insight News • February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021 • Page 5

Trump’s acquittal is a sign of ‘constitutional rot’ – partisanship overriding principles By John E. Finn, Professor Emeritus of Government, Wesleyan University The Senate’s decision to acquit former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial may have been a victory for Trump, but it is a clear sign that democracy in the U.S. is in poor health. As a constitutional scholar, I believe the United States – the world’s first constitutional democracy – is in a state of what I call “constitutional rot.” In a constitutional democracy, the majority’s authority to govern is limited by the rule of law and by a set of legal rules and principles set out in the Constitution. Constitutional rot is a condition in which we appear to be formally governed by constitutional rules and the rule of law, but the reality is quite different. When rot sets in, public officials and the public routinely ignore or subvert those rules while sanctimoniously professing fidelity to them. Constitutional rot is not only a failure of constitutional law — it is a failure of constitutional democracy. Appearance is not reality Among the practices and principles of a constitutional democracy are limited government and the separation of powers, majority rule through elections that are fair and free, respect for minority and individual liberties, and government based on reason and deliberation. These were famously stated in Federalist #1, an essay by Alexander Hamilton that laid out: It seems to have been reserved to the people of this country … to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force. In my book, “Peopling

photo/Senate Television via AP

In this image from video, the final vote total of 57-43 meant an acquittal of former President Donald Trump of the impeachment charge because conviction requires a two-thirds majority vote. the Constitution,” I asked citizens to “imagine an ugly picture: A citizenry unwilling to hold its representatives or itself accountable to basic, fundamental constitutional rules and values.” This could happen either because ﬁdelity to them is outweighed by some other goal, such as security or holding on to power, or because of a base impulse such as fear. Or perhaps the people fail to hold representatives or themselves accountable because they do not know what those principles and values are or why or even if they are at risk. Election 2020 and its long aftermath, culminating in a second impeachment trial of Trump, is a clear and undeniable sign of just how rotten things are, constitutionally speaking. Trump and many of his Republican supporters inﬂamed an insurrection and encouraged violence directed at a coequal branch of government – Congress – as it discharged one of its most basic constitutional responsibilities – determining the results of the presidential election. What ended on Jan.

Election 2020, as assessed by professional and nonpartisan election officials, policy experts and academics, was one of the safest and most secure in American history. Consider a simple and overwhelming fact: Trump and his allies filed over 60 lawsuits trying to overturn the presidential election in federal courts and lost all but one. In many of those cases, the judges involved – many of them Trump appointees – wrote opinions that spoke in unusually harsh language about the frivolity of the lawsuits. And yet Trump and many of his Republican compatriots, rather than acknowledge defeat, determined instead to baselessly delegitimize the election. Republican leaders, many of whom knew that Trump’s allegations were without merit, cynical and deeply corrosive of democracy, said nothing or encouraged him. That culminated in the certification vote in the House of Representatives on Jan. 6, when 121 Republican representatives voted not to accept the results

6, 2021, as an assault on the peoples’ representatives began months earlier as an attack on the electoral process. Trump and his allies justiﬁed both as the work of true constitutional patriots intent on saving the republic from imaginary electoral fraud. Elections: The basics Elections that are free and fair are central to constitutional democracy. This is why elections are a good marker of constitutional rot. A constitutional democracy that cannot run elections that are free and fair, and which are acknowledged by winners and losers alike to be legitimate and conclusive, cannot call itself a democracy. Just as important: The perception of fairness and the anticipation of fairness are critical to electoral legitimacy and public conﬁdence in both the process and the result. Unwarranted and baseless attacks on the legitimacy of electoral results do longterm, insidious damage to the very fabric of constitutional democracy.

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By LaurenofPoteat Courtesy University of Alejandra By Dr. Commentary By North Brandpoint Dr. Nicole Rekha Kimya Memorial Winbush N. Mankad by (BPT) Sen. Staff Ian Roth NNPA Minnesota Washington News By Rhonda E.Oliveras Moore Staff Bobby Dennis, Joe Salem Champion College Afrodescendientes Mayo Clinic Staff Correspondent Incoming Board ChairBy IanPhysician Roth NorthPoint www.TheConversation.com Health & elect, WomenHeart Mayo Clinic Staff Wellness Center

from Arizona, and 138 voted not to accept the results from Pennsylvania. But that was not even the most significant evidence of constitutional rot on Jan. 6. Building on a series of lies months – if not years – in the making, the nation’s president encouraged his supporters to march on Capitol Hill, with tragic, deadly results. Is constitutional rot irreversible? The constitutional customs and rules that govern elections require public officials and citizens alike to enforce and apply them. Otherwise they are sterile formalities. In the end, a safe and healthy constitutional democracy depends upon elected public officials and an educated citizenry that values the principles and practices of constitutional democracy more than it values political power and partisan politics. This is why the Senate’s failure to convict Trump should be seen as a sure sign of just how deep our constitutional rot goes.

As the nation moves on, overcoming constitutional rot, I believe, requires public officials who have the courage to speak the truth and to defend the Constitution. That’s especially the case when the threat comes from one of its own. Trump’s acquittal in the Senate shows us just how uncommon publicminded officials are. The country is fortunate that many judges, and some public officials, such as Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, honored their oaths. The Senate’s failure to convict Trump is a constitutional failure not just “in legal terms but in civic terms – a failure not primarily of political institutions but of civic attitudes,” as constitutional scholar George Thomas recently wrote. Overcoming rot would also rely on a foundation of constitutionally literate citizens who insist upon respect for basic constitutional values. There is no guarantee that responsible citizens will always effectively guard constitutional values, but the best remedy for rot is civic education. Citizens will not hold their representatives – or themselves – to constitutional principles they don’t know or don’t understand. As Thomas Jefferson counseled, “If we think the people not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.” Jo E. Finn is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Government at Wesleyan University, where he taught courses in constitutional theory and public law, as well as in cuisine and popular culture. Finn is an internationally recognized expert on constitutional theory, the rule of law and political violence, and the First Amendment. This article was originally published on The Conversation and republished under a Creative Commons license.

Page 6 • February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021 • Insight News

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Rep. Omar Joins the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to address America’s maternal health crisis Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) joined Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus in introducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021. The historic legislation will save moms’ lives, end racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, and achieve maternal health justice for Black women and all women birthing people of color. The Momnibus builds on existing maternal health legislation and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus of 2020 with 12 bills to comprehensively address the drivers of the maternal health crisis. The Momnibus makes critical investments in addressing social determinants of health, funding communitybased organizations, growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection processes. The Momnibus also includes new legislation to address the impacts of COVID-19 and climate change on maternal and infant health. Omar is a founding member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and was an original cosponsor of the Momnibus in 2020 and 2021. In 2019, she hosted members of the Congressional Black Caucus for a Black Maternal Health town hall at the University of Minnesota—feedback that informed the Momnibus legislation. “We as Black women are told to be strong from the day of our birth. We’ve seen case after case in which women are going in and expressing their pain, but it’s not being addressed by healthcare professionals in the same ways that it would be addressed for other women,” Omar said. “We need a systems-wide solution to address Black maternal health—including investments

in social determinants of health, community-based organizations, and data collection. We want to ensure Black women and their children have their basic rights met—that they have access to resources, not just to survive, but to thrive before, during, and after childbirth.” “As I’ve said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the disproportionate rate of mortality and morbidity among Black women is a crisis within a crisis,” said Adams, co-chair and co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “Tens of thousands of pregnant people have contracted COVID-19, the vast majority being Black and Brown mothers. As the pandemic rages on, access to quality maternal care has decreased as the barriers to receiving care have increased. That’s why, in the 117th Congress, I’m reintroducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and the Kira Johnson Act. I’ll continue to work with Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Cory Booker, and my Caucus co-Chair Representative Lauren Underwood to ensure all everyone has access to high quality maternity care, no matter where they live, how much they earn, or the color of their skin. The Momnibus provides a comprehensive set of policy solutions and a roadmap for addressing maternal health disparities. Black mamas can’t aﬀord to wait.” “As maternal mortality rates continue to drop around the world, they are rising in the U.S., leaving behind devastated families and children who will grow up never knowing their moms. This crisis demands urgent attention and serious action to save the lives of Black mothers and all women of color and birthing people across the county,” said Underwood, co-chair and co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “I’m leading the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act with

Representative Alma Adams, Senator Cory Booker, and other Members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus because no mother should go through pregnancy, labor and delivery, or the postpartum period without the respectful care and comprehensive support they need and deserve. Together, we can – and must – take the bold actions that will be required to save our moms, end disparities, and achieve true maternal health justice.” “As the rest of the world works to improve maternal health outcomes, skyrocketing maternal mortality rates here in the United States are precipitating a public health crisis -- one that puts mothers of color especially at risk,” said Booker. “We simply cannot continue to accept this alarming status quo. This is why I am proud introduce the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act with Representatives Underwood and Adams that will save moms’ lives and improve health outcomes for all birthing people.” The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world and the only rate that is rising. The maternal mortality rate is significantly higher among Black women, who are three to four times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications. Other birthing people of color, including Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women, also suffer from disproportionately high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes. A one-page summary of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, including a list of the 80 original cosponsors in the House of Representatives, can be found: https://underwood.house. gov/sites/underwood.house.gov/ files/Black%20Maternal%20 Health%20Momnibus%20 Act%201-Pager%20%281%29.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, MN-05 pdf. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is composed of twelve individual bills sponsored by Black Maternal Health Caucus Members. The legislation will: 1. Make critical investments in social determinants of health that inﬂuence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. 2. Provide funding to community-based organizations that are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity. 3. Comprehensively study the unique maternal health risks facing pregnant and postpartum veterans and support

VA maternity care coordination programs. 4. Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives culturally congruent maternity care and support. 5. Improve data collection processes and quality measures to better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it. 6. Support moms with maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders. 7. Improve maternal health care and support for incarcerated moms. 8. Invest in digital tools like telehealth to improve

maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. 9. Promote innovative payment models to incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy. 10. Invest in federal programs to address the unique risks for and eﬀects of COVID-19 during and after pregnancy and to advance respectful maternity care in future public health emergencies. 11. Invest in communitybased initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change-related risks for moms and babies. 12. Promote maternal vaccinations to protect the health and safety of moms and babies.

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Insight News • February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021 • Page 7

Aesthetically It

Michelle Obama brings ‘Waffles + Mochi’ cooking show for kids to Netflix Netflix and Higher Ground, the Obama’s production company, are bringing a puppet-filled kids cooking show to the streaming service. “Waffles + Mochi”, arriving March 16th, will depict Michelle Obama as a supermarket owner who hires two new employees, Waffles and Mochi. These two best friends have always dreamed of becoming chefs and head out on a magical flying shopping cart to find new ingredients

from

all over the world. The Synopsis reads: “Once upon a thyme, deep in The Land of Frozen Food, lived two best friends named Waﬄes and Mochi with one shared dream: to become chefs! The only problem? Everything they cooked was made of ice. When these two taste-buddies are suddenly hired as the freshest employees of a whimsical supermarket, they’re ready for the culinary adventure of

Andes of Peru, sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, these curious explorers uncover the wonder of food and discover every meal is a chance to make new friends. Waffles + Mochi is an exciting invitation to get kids and grown-ups cooking together in the kitchen and connecting to cultures around the globe.” In the next two weeks, Netflix will roll out the official trailer and preview, and episode information.

a lifetime. With the help of friendly new faces like Mrs. Obama, the supermarket owner, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities. Whether they’re picking potatoes in the

In the next two weeks, Netflix will roll out the official trailer and preview, and episode information.

BOOK REVIEW: Amber Pickens — Coloring Success and Black History By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Amber Pickens is celebrating Black History Month in a big way. The dancer, actress, and singer has added author to her long list of titles with the release of “Blooming in Motion,” a coloring book that celebrates Black history in the performing arts through dance. Pickens’ original illustrations honor nearly two dozen dance legends, including dancers and entertainers Alvin Ailey, Eartha Kitt, and Debbie Allen, whom she met as a fourth grader. “When I met her, my eyes were opened to the world of dance and so much more,” Pickens told NNPA Newswire. “She planted other seeds like choreographing and producing and making sure to build our communities,” Pickens added. Allen, the famed dancer, choreographer, and actress, released a statement expressing her delight over being included in Pickens’ book. “I am so proud to be included in Amber’s coloring book,” Allen wrote. “It is very important that young black and brown girls see images of themselves that they can celebrate.” Pickens said Allen often reminded her and other students to ﬁnd ways to give back to their community.

She remarked that Allen opened a new world for her and others. “She introduced us to teachers from all around the world,” Pickens recalled. “It was life-changing, it was powerful.” A Juilliard School graduate, Pickens made her choreography directing debut in January at the Sundance Film Festival. Her film, “Passing,” is based on Harlem, New York, in the 1920s. Originally, the “Passing” role was intended for a friend who thought Pickens would be better suited. “Someone approached one of my friends and asked him if he was interested in a small project. He didn’t have any idea what it was,” Pickens recalled. “They did describe the type of dancer they wanted, and he pointed them to me.” Written by Nella Larsen, “Passing” takes a close look at racial identity, racism, and white privilege. Netflix has picked up the film, and it is expected to air in the coming months. Pickens grew up in Dallas, Texas, and began dancing at the age of 2. She said her mother wanted her to participate in activities that matched her high-energy level. She performed in church and at school and later earned a scholarship to Debbie Allen’s dance camp. Pickens said she spent her summers in New York attending Broadway camps, the Alvin Ailey dance studios,

shape the world.” She said her new coloring book shines a positive spotlight on African American dance and entertainment legends, adding, “Even as an adult, I do not hear about these

individuals on a regular basis.” “You have so many Black kids in the ballet world, and we’re forced to compare our bodies and our ways when we should be celebrating our diﬀerences and learning from

each other, not questioning our beings. Coloring is such a joy, and it takes you away from what’s going on in the world and increases positivity in your life.”

amberpickens.com

Amber Pickens and taking voice lessons. She also studied her mentor, Allen, closely and desired to emulate her success. “She taught us how to focus, how to shut everything out, and how important all of that was,” Pickens stated. “I learned so much from her, and I want to do the same for others. Give back.” In 2011, Pickens received an invite to study at The Juilliard School. In 2015, she graduated from Juilliard with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and later made her Broadway debut in Cirque du Soleil’s “Paramour.” Additionally, Pickens has performed in “The Wrong Man” and was also cast in the long-running television hit, “Law & Order: SVU.” In keeping a full calendar, Pickens hosts “Kickback & Chat with Amber Pickens,” a talk show broadcast on local cable television in Texas and state schools. “I want people to realize that Black history is [American] history,” Pickens told NNPA Newswire. “[Black American heroes] helped to 1/8 PAGE COLOR CAPRW ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Make your holiday twice as nice 612.377.2224 / guthrietheater.org

A tenderhearted favorite

Steel Magnolias Now – Dec 15

by ROBERT HARLING directed by LISA ROTHE