Nellie NELLIE, a new play by Kim Hines, tells the story of Nellie Stone Johnson, a remarkable Minnesotan who spent her lifetime working for workers’ and civil right, and was a fierce advocate of education and social justice. Performances through Sunday, February 17, 2013 History Theatre, 30 East Tenth Street | St. Paul, MN 55101 Tickets: History Theatre Box Office at 651.292.4323 or www.historytheatre.com/tickets/ Scott Pakudaitis
Nellie (played by Shá Cage) tries to explain her commitment to creating a union to her husband Clyde (played by Ron Collier) as Elder Nellie (played by Greta Oglesby) watches.
February 4 - February 10, 2013
Vol. 40 No. 6• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Brett Buckner wants to shake up 5th Ward politics By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer “Close to 40 percent of men 16 to 25 in north Minneapolis are unemployed.” That quote was the answer given by Brett Buckner, when asked why there needed to be a shake-up in 5th ward politics. “How do we prepare the young people to build a career right here in north Minneapolis? When you have
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Brett Buckner
Not seeking Ward 5 reelection
Samuels to run for mayor By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Minnesota greets Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Minneapolis 5th Ward Councilman Don Samuels has announced his candidacy to become the city’s next mayor. The announcement comes on the heels of current Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announcing he would not seek a fourth term. Samuels, who this past year had a failed bid to become a Hennepin County
Thousands of Somali-Americans packed into the Minneapolis Convention Center to greet the newly-elected president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This past September, Mohamud became the first democratically elected leader of the war-torn nation in 43 years. In another positive sign of stability for the African nation, this past week the United States announced it would officially recognize the government – something that has not
SAMUELS TURN TO 7
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Newly elected Somalia President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, addresses thousands of Somali-Americans during a recent visit to Minneapolis. happened in the past 21 years. “This is the beginning of a new foundation,” said Mohamud to the overflow audience during his Friday evening speech. His quote was one of the few words he spoke in English as most of the program was conducted in Somali. Mohamud spoke to the visibly excited crowd for nearly one hour. Joined by his entire cabinet, Mohamud asked the SomaliMinnesotans for their support and asked that they forget about the atrocities of the past and focus on the present. “You have to forget what happened yesterday and we have to forgive each
other,” said Mohamud, according to Abshir Adan, who assisted reporters in translating. Mohamud then said in English, “There is a price to pay in order to get a good Somalia.” Mohamud and his cabinet were in the United States to meet with U.S. officials, including President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The newly-elected Somali president said Obama offered to host Mohamud during Obama’s second inauguration but Mohamud said he declined, telling the U.S. president he had much work ahead of him in Somalia
Harry Colbert, Jr.
MOHAMUD 7 TURN TO
Don Samuels
Positive, responsible, educated, passionate Eliminating the
Rolodex of inequality
By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Dantè Rabb credits two things for his life’s successes – basketball and education. So the former college basketball star is combining the two with his newly formed Minnesota P.R.E.P. youth basketball program. P.R.E.P. is an acronym for positive, responsible, educated and passionate. “(Minnesota P.R.E.P.) was a vision in my head and it was my way of giving back,” said Rabb in explaining why he is starting the program. “I’ve succeeded and coming out of a pretty rough community, (my success) was because of the opportunities of education and the sport.” Rabb spent the first 12 years of his life in gang-infested South Central Los Angeles. Later, Rabb and his mother moved to a Houston, Tex. suburb when his mother was promoted within the company for which she worked. Rabb’s skills on the court earned him a scholarship to
Justspeak
By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor
Dantè Rabb, MSU 1998 Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont., where he starred for two years before transferring to Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Tex. Rabb earned a degree in business administration with an
Education
Tuskegee University honors George Washington Carver
PAGE 2
emphasis in finance. “With Minnesota P.R.E.P., we’re not just about basketball, we’re preparing (kids) for life,” said Rabb, who is an assistant varsity basketball coach at Minnetonka High School.
Business
Starting a business? Know what you need to know
PAGE 4
Minnesota P.R.E.P.
Rabb said what is unique about his program is he will offer tutoring, study hall sessions and bring in speakers
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At a recent networking event for women in Raleigh, I listened as a panel of experienced women executives shared their experiences with the audience. One question posed was about how non-profit and corporate board members were recruited. One response stood out in my mind. The speaker indicated that she often recruited board members by tapping into her friends and colleagues. The answer affirmed a thesis of mine—there exists in our society what I call the “rolodex of inequality,” and what it produces is homogeneity or sameness. I do not throw terms like
Lifestyle
Yummy baking ideas
PAGE 6
inequality around easily. It is my area of study as an anthropologist. My research over the last two decades has critically examined the cultural and structural forces that consistently and systematically disadvantage particular groups and the individuals who comprise the group. Think about the historic inequality that people of African descent face globally as individuals and as members of a group—high unemployment, lower levels of education, lower levels of wealth, to name a few. Think about the historic inequality that women have faced as individuals and as members of a group—unequal pay for the same jobs, requiring legislation to exercise choice over their bodies, and medical beliefs that historically minimize women’s illnesses. And, these conditions for both groups occur in the United States and globally. My argument that such a
MCCLAURIN 11 TURN TO
Full Circle
At the crossroads of freedom and equality
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Page 2 • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Insight News
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EDUCATION Keynote speaker James R. Talton warns against irrelevancy
Tuskegee University honors George Washington Carver TUSKEGEE, Ala. — The Tuskegee University community honored the life and legacy of its most renowned professor, George Washington Carver. After a procession of faculty and staff in academic regalia, the 14th Annual George Washington Carver Convocation was held today in the University Chapel. This year’s keynote speaker was James R. Talton, the director of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Montgomery, Ala. In his introductory remarks, Tuskegee University President Gilbert L. Rochon, shared details about Tuskegee’s unique relationship with veterans’ medical care in Alabama. “It was the second president of Tuskegee University Robert Russa Moton who allocated 300 acres of the campus of Tuskegee University to establish a VA hospital that is now adjacent to the campus,” Rochon said “Primarily to serve the needs of black soldiers and to be staffed by black doctors and nurses, something that was unheard of.” In a passionate address, Talton warned the audiences of the danger of becoming irrelevant in American society. Using a biblical story about a king in Exodus 1:8, Talton laid a basis for the importance of remaining an important part of society. The enemy within He said a people’s relevancy in America is judged by a virtual balance sheet of contributions to society and deductions of resources. He said a lack of contributions and draining resources makes a people irrelevant, despite individual achievements. Talton said the disparities in education and criminal behavior found in black communities are contributing to harmful
James R. Talton, the director of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Montgomery, Ala., delivers the keynote address at the 14th Annual George Washington Convocation at Tuskegee University. misrepresentations. Also, he said that misperceptions and disdain among blacks are contributing to the decline of society and impeding the achievement of equality.
“The real enemy of a man is that part that keeps bringing yesterday’s garbage to today’s dinner table and feeds on it. And he grows ill from eating rotten food,” He said.
Talton urged the audience not to look at his fiery address as a damning criticism, but as a diagnosis. He concluded his speech by calling the internal and external problems that blacks face a “disease for which you and I are definitely the prescription.” Talton is board certified in health care management and
is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is also a certified physician assistant. He received the Department of Veterans Affairs “Secretary’s Award” for his leadership following the devastating tornado in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on April 27, 2011. He is also a recipient of
Tuskegee University
the 2011 Alabama Hospital Association Hospital Heroes Award for his leadership at Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. After his address, Rochon presented him with the Robert Russa Moton Award for Exemplary Leadership in Health Systems Management.
Marielle Arostegui and Jonathan Sutton
BSM
BSM crowns Jonathan Sutton, Marielle Arosteguie During a coronation ceremony on Monday, January 28 at Benilde-St. Margaret, senior Jonathan Sutton was chosen by his peers to serve as the 2013 Grand Knight. Jonathan and
his date, Marielle Arostegui, reigned over the Snowball Dance, a “girl-ask-guy” formal dance, which was held, Saturday, February 1. Other Grand Knight candidates included seniors
Nolan Ahlm, James Borin, Patrick Graham, Gavin McLain, and Tommy Sprenger. Emcee for coronation was Peter Best. More information is at www. BSMschool.org.
P.R.E.P.
5430 Glenwood Ave. in Golden Valley. Tryouts are for boy and girls, grades six – 12. The cost for selected participants is $450 for the season. That fee includes game and practice jerseys and basketball shoes. Minnesota P.R.E.P. teams can expect to play between 15 – 20 games between April and June, with a mixed schedule of various tournaments. Rabb said at least one tournament will be played outside of the state. “I want (the participants) to be prepared for what
college will be like and what it can provide,” said Rabb in explaining why he wants his teams to travel. “Also, you can be good in your own backyard, but you need to gauge yourself against others from other places.” For more information on Minnesota P.R.E.P., or to get more information regarding tryouts, visit www. minnesotaprepbasketball. com or contact Rabb at minnesotaprep2013@gmail. com or by calling (832) 5157970.
From 1 to talk with the participants about life skills, health, diet and the power of positive thinking. “When it’s all said and done, it all falls back on education,” said Rabb. Minnesota P.R.E.P. will hold its first tryouts beginning on Feb. 17 and continuing on Feb. 24. Tryouts take place from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Davis Community Center,
insightnews.com
Insight News • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Page 3
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek meets with President Obama White House to discuss mental illness and gun violence last week. Sheriff Stanek began the meeting in by expressing concerns that he has raised in recent weeks in Minnesota. Among the comments he made in the discussion with President Obama: “Gun control alone will not solve the complex problem of guns and extreme violence,” said Sheriff Stanek. “We have an access problem. Individuals with
severe mental illness should never have access to guns.” Sheriff Stanek was invited to attend the meeting because of his work as president of the Major County Sheriffs’ Association (MCSA). Also in attendance was Vice President Joe Biden, senior administration officials, and a group of local police chiefs from cities that have been the scenes of recent mass shootings; Minneapolis Police Chief Janee
Harteau and the police chiefs from Newtown (CT), Aurora (CO), and Oak Creek (WI). Other law enforcement groups were represented including the Major City Chiefs Association and the National Sheriffs’ Association. Sheriff Stanek urged President Obama to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). “Most Americans believe we have all the disqualifying
information and are relying on us to keep prohibited persons from buying/possessing a gun,” said Sheriff Stanek during the meeting, “However, NICS is voluntary. Not all states participate and that needs to change.” Only 12 states actively upload court mental health records to NICS. There are estimates that only one-quarter of felony convictions are entered into NICS. After the meeting in the
Roosevelt Room of the White House, Sheriff Stanek described the response. “I am extremely pleased with the positive reaction that I received from the President,” said Sheriff Stanek, “I believe there was broad agreement in the room that actions can be taken right now to address egregious gaps in the
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Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and a handful of law enforcement leaders met with President Barack Obama at the
INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Miki Noland Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Insight Intern Abeni Hill Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Macy’s Celebrates
MACY’S, THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION AND THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATE THE 1OOTH BIRTHDAY OF AMERICAN ICON, GORDON PARKS. Hired in 1948 by LIFE magazine as their first African-American staff photographer, Gordon Parks was a modern day Renaissance man who also found success as a film director, author and composer. Join us at select Macy’s locations as we pay tribute to Gordon Parks with exciting and inspiring events that showcase his influence on photography, film and literature. Plus, from February 1st through February 28th, visit macys.com/celebrate to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The American Black Film Festival in Miami, courtesy of American Airlines, a $1OOO Macy’s shopping spree and Gordon Parks: Collected Works, a five-volume set of his photography.* The Gordon Parks Foundation permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks, makes it available to the public and supports artistic and educational activities. The Foundation is a division of the Meserve-Kunhardt Foundation. For more information visit gordonparksfoundation.org Diversity. It’s not what you think. At Macy’s, it’s part of everything we do. Shown left: Kirk Buddy, Macy’s Advertising Photo of Gordon Parks courtesy of Adger Cowans.
Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.
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Events subject to change or cancellation. *No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who are at least 18 years and older. Employees of Macy’s, American Airlines and their immediate family members are not eligible. Sweepstakes void in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and where prohibited by law. For complete sweepstakes details and official rules visit macys.com/celebrate. ARV $4585.00
Page 4 • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Insight News
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BUSINESS Starting a business? Know what you need to know Plan Your Career By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com For fun, education and breakfast, once a month a group of twenty or so hopeful souls meets to discuss their plans to start new businesses. The conversations are fascinating and I am alternately awed and perplexed by the amount of time and money people put into getting things started in Minnesota. Their exchanges cover ideas useful to anyone launching a new venture. Know your customer. Byrant has been developing his food service product for over a year. He is almost ready to start selling, and asked the group if they know anyone who might be interested in buying. The group told Bryant what he knew but didn’t want to hear: you have to talk to restaurant owners. Now. Before you spend another dime developing your product. Being more of a concept guy than a sales guy, Bryant has put off that part of the process. His friends suggested a couple ways to motivate. They told him, Know who
your customer is. Compile a list of restaurant owners in town. Next, know what your customer needs: arrange to talk with some of them to get their opinion on your idea. They might provide insight that will make a difference. Some might even want to make an investment. Let them know you’re out there and interested in their input long before you have anything to sell them. Know your focus. Bells. Whistles. More more more. This is what consumers expect from new products or services. Resist the temptation to please everyone, at least at first. Focus on one or two key aspects and get those right before adding more to your real or virtual menu. McDonald’s started out selling milkshakes and burgers. The McRib came much later. Software developer Doug described how this worked with his company. In the long term business plan, he knew he wanted to reach students and teachers with his product. He started out by launching the students’ side of the program. When people started asking for a way for teachers to use it, he was ready. Know how to think on your feet. When it matters, we humans find a way to make things work; people caught in the rain usually find a way to stay dry. Successful startup owner Matt tells the story
PhotoXpress
of an opportunity he had to introduce his website to an influential group of people. Of course, the website crashed just hours before the meeting. Thinking on his feet, Matt made the presentation using a competitor’s website, pointing
out what was done well and ways in which his website would be different. To some, this presentation seemed superior to the one he had planned because it illustrated Matt’s knowledge about the industry and the competition,
and let people know how his site stood out above the others. Don’t give up because things do not go according to plan. Plan, focus, adapt. Excellent guidelines for startups and long-time businesses alike.
Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your resume, career plans and questions to jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.
PART ONE OF A TWO PART SERIES
No substitute for commitment FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw Successful fundraising for a nonprofit requires the full commitment of board members, the executive director, staff, and volunteer leadership. Without this commitment, it is very difficult to meet fundraising goals. People may say they are committed and that is good. What is more important is the
extent to which people embody that commitment. Consider the following. Do all leaders understand how much money the organization wants to raise, and what the funds will be used for? Can each articulate the impact the organization makes, and how it is unique? What about the strategic plan – do leaders understand the plan and how proposed fundraising ties to it? Does each believe the fundraising goal is achievable? Do leaders understand where the projected revenue will come from, and what plans are in place if initial solicitations are not successful? What about their actions? Do
your leaders embody integrity? Are they accountable? Do they encourage transparency? Do they come prepared to meetings and remain in contact with other members of the organization’s leadership between meetings? In the area of fundraising, do they make their own financial gift and ask others to do so? Do they generate enthusiasm for fundraising? Do they help secure in-kind resources that can offset organizational or fundraising costs? Do they share their creativity, resources, and problem solving skills to help advance fundraising? Most importantly, do they follow through on agreements? While it takes time to
cultivate and secure full commitment, this step cannot be pushed aside. If a fundraising initiative is executive director’s vision she should take time to meet individually with board members and share her vision and commitment. She will need to let board members know what it will take to make the vision a reality and ask for their support. She should be prepared to answer questions and overcome objections. Likewise, if a project is the vision of the board of directors, the board chair should take the time to meet personally with the executive director to share the board’s vision and explain how the project will
advance the organization’s mission and strategic plan. The board should be prepared to answer the executive director’s questions, and to provide her with the resources, support, and leadership that the proposed fundraising initiative will require. The questions and objections raised by board members or the executive director may not be different from those that will need to be overcome when talking with prospective donors and partners. These comments, questions, and/or objectives can be most helpful in developing a strong case for support.
Regardless of where it originates, all leaders need to be engaged in the process of defining a fundraising project and its financial goals. What are you doing to engage the leadership at your nonprofit? What actions will you take to inspire commitment and engagement that will help secure funds, involvement, partnerships, and in-kind resources? Let us know. © Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” They provide fundraising counsel to nonprofits. Visit them at www. saadandshaw.com.
Businessman wrecks Lamborghini, city park, faces insurance fraud charge A real-life Ferris Bueller was charged Friday with insurance fraud and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for taking a highpriced sports car belonging to a customer and crashing it in the early morning. David Norman Juntunen, 40, of Minneapolis was arrested Wednesday, January
23rd following a 10-month investigation by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minneapolis Park Police. Juntunen is the owner of Top Gear Autoworks in Minneapolis, which repairs and stores high-end luxury and sports cars. Pamela Jean Dupont, 41, of Minneapolis was also charged with insurance fraud
and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, Juntunen agreed in late 2011 to store two cars for a customer. However, on the night of March 8, 2012, Juntunen took one of the customer’s cars, a 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo without asking permission. At 1:45 a.m. March 9, a Fridley police
officer on another traffic stop saw a Lamborghini drive past on University Avenue at high speed. At 2 a.m., the Lamborghini struck three trees and two light poles and tore up the turf at B.F. Nelson Park in northeast Minneapolis, according to the complaint. Juntunen or Dupont, drove the heavily-damaged car from the crash site but eventually called for
a tow truck. “Once again, we have a case where someone crashes a car and does damage to the vehicle and to property and then tries to sneak away,” said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. “The solution is simple. When you are in an accident that causes damage, call the police immediately. Because as Juntunen is
discovering, law enforcement will investigate and we will file felony charges, all of which are much worse than taking responsibility for the accident at the beginning.” Later that same day, Juntunen filed an insurance claim against Top Gear’s commercial liability
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Twin Cities janitors, security officers begin preparations for a strike After months of dealing with bad bargaining by employers, Twin Cities janitors and security officers have set a date for a strike vote. Today members of SEIU Local 26 began circulating strike petitions for a vote scheduled for February 9. “We’ve tried to bargain in
good faith,” said Demetruis Moore, a member of the bargaining committee who’s worked as a security officer for more than five years. “But it’s clear they have no intention of doing so. Either come to the table and bargain in good faith, or we’re done. We’ll see you in the streets.”
“We’re here to show the companies we mean business, unlike them,” said John Vinje, a security officer from Big Lake. “They show up hours late for meetings, or don’t even show up at all. We’re ready to bargain, are they?” The bargaining committees made the announcement today at a rally in downtown Minneapolis – they were then joined by workers and allies for a march through the skyways of the buildings they work in. “It’s not fair that while our productivity is going up, our wages are not keeping pace,” said Margarita Del Angel, a janitor who spoke in Spanish at the rally. “We are being forced to do more and more work for the same amount, so our employers can cut back on workers and save money at our expense. And now, they are demanding to pay us even less. They want to cut wages for more than half of us. Some of us would see our wages cut by 40%. It is already hard enough to support a family on these wages. Additional cuts
are impossible. They want to lock us into poverty, while continuing to grow richer at our expense.” Members of SEIU Local 26 clean and protect some of the Twin Cities’ largest office buildings that house some of the wealthiest corporations in the country, including Target, US Bank, and Wells Fargo. The contracts expired December 31, but after months of negotiations, employers are still unwilling to bargain in good faith. “The average full-time worker qualifies for public assistance due to low wages and a lack of affordable healthcare,” said Harrison Bullard, Vice President of Local 26. “When workers are forced to rely on public assistance because the rich, corporate elite don’t pay the cost of doing business, all of us end up paying more.” The average worker in Local 26 earns $20,503 annually.
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Insight News • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Page 5
AESTHETICS A-list cast can’t save shallow shocksploit Film Review By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com
Movie 43 Mary), Brett Ratner (Rush Hour trilogy), Bob Odenkirk (The Brothers Solomon), to name a few. The film is essentially a series of skits being pitched by a writer (Dennis Quaid) to a skeptical Hollywood producer (Greg Kinnear). After Charlie sets up each scene, the screen cuts away to an enactment of a fully fleshed-out production of his idea.
Anthony Anderson hosts NAACP Image Awards By Kam Williams Accomplished actor Anthony Anderson has appeared in over 20 films, and his stellar work on NBC’s “Law & Order� earned him three of his eight NAACP Image Award nominations. Prior to launching his acting career, Anthony grew up in Los Angeles and attended the High School for the Performing Arts, where he earned first place in the NAACP’s ACTSO Awards with his performance of a classic monologue from “The Great White Hope.� That performance, along with his dedication to his craft, earned him an arts scholarship to Howard University. He first gained national attention as one of Jim Carrey’s sons in “Me, Myself, & Irene.� Over the years, Anthony has displayed his range of talent in everything from “Transformers� to Martin Scorsese’s Best Oscar-winning feature film, “The Departed.� His additional feature films include “Scary Movie 3,� “Barbershop,� “Kangaroo Jack,� “Exit Wounds,� “Cradle 2 the Grave,� “Two Can Play That Game� and “Malibu’s Most Wanted.� He starred opposite Eddie Griffin and Michael Imperioli in “My Baby’s Daddy,� alongside Frankie Muniz in “Agent Cody Banks 2� and enjoyed a cameo in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.� Anthony brought his talent and humor to the small screen in his own sitcom, “All about the Andersons,� which was loosely based on his life. He appeared in the police-drama television series, “The Shield,� opposite Michael Chiklis and Glenn Close, and starred in the New Orleans-based drama “K-Ville.� Anthony is currently starring on three TV series, “Guys with Kids,� “Treme� and “Golf in America,� and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Alvina, and their two children. Here he talks about hosting the United Negro College Fund’s 34th Annual “An Evening of Stars.�
am 30 years later with a $25,000 United Negro College Fund scholarship in my name. That’s something that interested me as well.
Relatvity Media
For example, the first vignette, “The Catch,� revolves around a socialite
Feb 1–24 “Pay What You Can� Saturday, Feb. 2, 3pm
KW: What interested you in hosting the UNCFs’ Evening of Stars? AA: You know what, they reached out to me to host, and I couldn’t turn them down. I’d grown up watching the show with my parents every year back when it was hosted by Lou Rawls. We didn’t have much money at all, but my folks always found a way to give a little. And now, here I
and Wonder Woman (Leslie Bibb). And “Middleschool Date� milks its mean-spirited mirth from a 7th grader’s (Chloe Moretz) being mercilessly teased about getting her first menstrual period while sharing a kiss with a classmate (Jimmy Bennett) she has a crush on. More creepy than comical, Movie 43 represents a disgusting, cinematic descent into depravity destined to leave its victims, sitting slack-jawed and speechless in stunned disbelief. Poor (0 stars) Rated R for violence, drug use, pervasive profanity, graphic sexuality, frontal nudity, crude humor and coarse dialogue. Running time: 90 minutes Distributor: Relativity Media
Presented in partnership with The O’Shaughnessy at St Catherine University
Tue Feb pm The O’Shaughnessy at St Catherine University A History Capturing the thread of history and creative conversation of Bebe Miller Company through this personal virtuosic duet of self-examination
KW: Will that scholarship specifically go to a student at your alma mater, Howard University? AA: No, I didn’t want them to think I was biased, even though I am. I haven’t figured out whether we’re going to give it all to a single student, or break it and give it to five different students.
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www.SteppingStoneTheatre.org 55 Victoria Street North | Saint Paul | 651-225-9265
TICKETS Online theoshaughnessy com // Phone - -
M A R D I G R A S PA R T Y W I T H DA N C E F LO O R
“THE CROWN PRINCE OF ZYDECO� THE BOSTON GLOBE
CJ CHENIER
Kam Williams: How ya’ been, Anthony? It’s great to have another opportunity to speak with you. Anthony Anderson: Hey, Kam. I’m alright. KW: I wanted to say congratulations on your eighth NAACP Image Award nomination, this time for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy TV Series for “Guys with Kids.� You got my vote again, as a member of the nominating committee. AA: Thank you. Maybe one day I’ll win one.
“Homeschooled,� which is about a mother’s (Watts) taking her son’s (Jeremy Allen White) virginity. Worse, the 13 year-old’s perverted dad (Liev Schreiber) comes on to the kid, too. Halle Berry’s breasts costar in “Truth or Dare,� another bit about a blind date. In this tacky tableau, her character first exposes herself after accepting a challenge to make guacamole with her bosom. The oversexed exhibitionist bares her gargantuan mammaries again at the end of the evening, even though she’s supposedly not attracted to Asian men. Dating is also the theme of “Super Hero Speed Dating� where Batman’s (Jason Sudeikis) sidekick Robin (Justin Long) attempts to charm both Super Girl (Kristen Bell)
Bebe Miller Company. Photo Š Valerie Oliverio.
Movie 43 is a shallow shocksploitation flick which revels in raunchy lowbrow humor. What is supposed to elevate this terminally-crude comedy above your typical bottom-feeder is its A-list cast topped by Academy Awardwinners Halle Berry and Kate Winslet, as well as Oscarnominees Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, Hugh Jackman and Terrence Howard. However, the picture fails miserably in this regard, as it merely ends-up dragging the entire ensemble into the mud. This scatterplot sketch flick features a dozen directors, including Peter Farrelly (There’s Something about
named Beth’s (Winslet) blind date from Hell with Davis (Jackman), a successful, eligible bachelor with a distracting drawback, namely, a hairy scrotum hanging from his neck in place of an Adam’s apple. The sight gag serves as fodder for a running joke since Beth, inexplicably, is the only person in the restaurant able to see the deformity. So, while Davis looks perfectly normal to everybody else, the poor woman finds herself forced to suffer such indignities as posing for a picture with sweaty gonads in her face. The subject matter goes from gross-out fare to incest and pedophilia in the next segment,
AND THE RED HOT
LOUISIANA BAND
featuring special guests
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FULL CIRCLE At the crossroads of freedom and equality Man Talk
By Timothy Houston February is black history month and this year’s theme is “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington.” 2013 will mark the 150 anniversary of Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 50 year anniversary of the historic march on Washington culminated by Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech”. These two events are very significant in that they were major crossroads that forever changed the landscape of blacks here in the United States.
Anderson From 5 KW: What did attending Howard University meant to you? AA: It meant everything. This is the sort of creative energy you could find on campus when I was a student there: Paula Jai Parker, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Wendy Davis, Carl Anthony Payne, Sean P. Diddy Combs, Ananda Lewis, Laz Alonso, Lance Gross, the music of the group Shai, and the list goes on and on. We were all there at the same time. For all of us to then go off in our respective fields independently of one another and become successes can’t even be quantified. KW: What are the major challenges facing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities today? Is there any truth to the rumor that they are having a hard time finding black male students? AA: I would assume so, and I say that because only about 5% of African-Americans who graduate from high school are college ready. And only 28%
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863. It was the initial step in setting the United States on the path of ending slavery. Although it was a wartime measure issued by President Abraham Lincoln to weaken the southern states ability to wage war, it only freed a few slaves. Its real power was that it fueled the fire of the enslaved and their advocates to fight for freedom. The plight of blacks in this country had reached the highest office. Abraham Lincoln’s declaration acknowledged the epidemic of black self-emancipation that was in full force by those such as Harriet Tubman and other freedom fighter. A powerful blow had been struck against slavery. Fredrick Douglass further championed this cause and he predicted that the war for the Union became a war against slavery. Many other smaller blows were struck. Those in bondage increasingly pour
into the camps of the Union Army. They were boldly fighting on their own behalf by reclaiming and asserting self-
of that 5% eventually graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree. You asked specifically about African-American males. When I was in college, the ratio was 7 females for every male on campus. So, that’s been the case for a long time, but I don’t know what the reason is for that drastic difference.
love freedom, and being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it.
KW: You’re currently starring on the series “Guys with Kids” and “Treme,” as well as hosting “Golf in America.” How do you manage to juggle all that? AA: They all shoot in different locations but at different times, fortunately. So, I’ve been able to work everything out.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy? AA: Another good one! Happiness is a state of mind. Most people automatically assume that we’re happy because we’re famous and some of us are rich. But material things don’t make you happy. And the more success you achieve only amplifies who you are as a person. If you’re miserable, you’re just going to be miserable and rich and famous. I know people like that. I have friends who are that way.
KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? AA: No. Why do you have one in mind? KW: Nope. AA: Let me think… Nobody’s ever asked me, “If you could have a superpower, which would you choose?” I’d like to have the ability to make money whenever I need it. [Laughs] What I’d really like is to be able to fly because I
In 1963, a century later, America stood at another crossroads, and once again other smaller blows had been
No one person can make a movement. Every hand, heart, back, and brain is needed
determination. Neither 400 years of slavery, nor the fear of death could deter them from this cause. The Emancipation Proclamation served notice that a full-scale attack on dismantling slavery had begun.
struck by those who would not be deterred. Nine years earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court had outlawed racial segregation in public schools. This was a small victory that was overshadowed by the nation’s unwillingness
to commit itself to equality of citizenship. President John F. Kennedy agonized over the legal and moral issue of his time. Like Lincoln before him, national concerns, and the growing impetus of black mass mobilization efforts, overrode his personal reluctance toward demands for black civil rights. Once again, the oppressed refused to be denied. The battle for equality was and in full force, and this force had its direction and champion. On August 28, 1963, hundreds of thousands of Americans, blacks and whites, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, marched to the memorial of Abraham Lincoln, the author of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was on this occasion that a new champion for justice, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his celebrated “I Have a Dream” speech. Just as the Emancipation Proclamation had recognized the coming end of slavery, the March on Washington announced that the
KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be? AA: A lion. KW: The Pastor Alex Kendrick question: When do you feel the most content? AA: Hmm… On my couch in my family room. KW: The Toure question: Who is the person who led you to become the person you are today? AA: It started with Mrs. Kpodo, my fourth grade teacher. KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? AA: A passion for what it is they do.
KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure? AA: Late night Taco Bell.
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to? AA: “My Life Would Suck without You” by Kelly Clarkson. http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/ASIN/B0031W598C/ ref=nosim/thslfofire-20 KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? AA: That’s hard for me to say, because I’m a chef. I’m going to have to say Oxtail Stew. Cooking is one of my passions. I’m a judge on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” and I’m competing on “Chopped” next month. KW: The Uduak Oduok question:
Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get copies of his books, or for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
spiritual person and I believe I’m going to heaven anyway, because I’ve asked for forgiveness for my sins. So, if I only had 24 hours to live, I’d just spend it with my loved ones doing nothing yet everything.
KW: The Michael Ealy question: If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be? AA: Hmm, that’s a good one! Dr. Martin Luther King and Abraham Lincoln.
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? AA: 50 Shades of Grey. http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/ASIN/034580404X/ ref=nosim/thslfofire-20
days of legal segregation in the United States were numbered. A pivotal blow for civil rights had been struck. With the reelection of President Obama, we are again at another crossroad. This is not the time to sit on the sidelines waiting to see what he will do. No one person can make a movement. Every hand, heart, back, and brain is needed. You will need to be involved in continued battle for equality. It has and always will be the will of the people that cannot be denied.
Anthony Anderson Who is your favorite clothes designer? AA: Woody Wilson. He’s my personal tailor. KW: Dante Lee, author of “Black Business Secrets,” asks: What was the best business decision you ever made? AA: To buy my first home. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? AA: It’s interesting that you should ask that question because I’ve been staring at myself in this dressing room mirror as we have this conversation with one another. Here’s the things that have been running through my mind: both success and failure, because I couldn’t appreciate the success that I’m enjoying now without the failures that I experienced before
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them. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? AA: To end world hunger. KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory? AA: Being fed by my grandmother as an infant. KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Would you do the bad stuff, you never got a chance to do, or would you do good stuff to make sure you make it into heaven? AA: Wow! [Whispers] I’ve done a lot of bad, Kam, and I’ve enjoyed doing those bad things. [Resumes normal voice] But I’m also a
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps? AA: Never let anyone else determine your self-worth. KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered? AA: Hmm… As someone who cared, as someone who loved, and as someone who believed in others. KW: Thanks again for the time, Anthony, and best of luck with all your endeavors. AA: Thank you Kam, I appreciate that. Alright brother, have a good one. The 34th Annual UNCF: An Evening of Stars premiered on BET-TV on January 27th. Check local listings for future re-airings of the program.
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Insight News • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Page 7
Young Blacks have not lost appreciation for Black History By Maya Rhodan NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Although born long after the 1963 March on Washington and passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, many Black youth are excited about celebrating Black History Month in February. “It is a time to remind you of your ancestors’ struggles and the things that they’ve experienced so you don’t lose sight of the past,” says Ryann Roberts, 22, who refers to the month as an opportunity to “lift as you climb.” Lifting up the accomplishments of Blacks is what historian Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History had in mind when announced in 1926 that the second week in February would be observed as Negro History Week. On the bicentennial of the founding of Negro History Week in 1976, the celebration was expanded to Black History Month. All modern presidents have acknowledged Negro
Mohamud From 1 and needed to return as soon as possible. 5th Dist. Rep. Keith Ellison said he is excited for Somalia and the many Somali-Americans he represents. The congressman told the crowd – many waving the Somali flag, and several waving both Somali and U.S. flags – that though Congress is deeply divided on many issues, it was in agreement when it came to supporting the new Somalia government. “We (Congress) can’t come together over the budget, but we can come together over Somalia,” said Ellison to thunderous applause. “Somalia is not alone. Somalia has many friends in America.” Ellison then told the crowd that they have a right to call on the
Samuels From 1
History Week or African American History Month through executive orders and proclamations. In his proclamation last year, President Obama said, “The story of African Americans is a story of resilience and perseverance. It traces a people who refused to accept the circumstances under which they arrived on these shores, and it chronicles the generations who fought for an America that truly reflects the ideals enshrined in our founding documents. It is the narrative of slaves who shepherded others along the path to freedom and preachers who organized against the rules of Jim Crow, of young people who sat-in at lunch counters and ordinary men and women who took extraordinary risks to change our Nation for the better. During National African American History Month, we celebrate the rich legacy of African Americans and honor the remarkable contributions they have made to perfecting our Union.” Like everything else in American society, the occasion is used by many major corporations to increase market share for their products. That’s evident even when some young U.S. government to continue to support the newly-elected Somali government. “You are United States citizens and you have a right to ask our government to support Somalia,” said Ellison. “If it’s OK for an American who is Irish to stand up for a U.S., Ireland relationship; if it’s OK for an American who is Jewish to stand up for a U.S., Israel relationship, then it’s OK for you to stand up and demand a strong U.S., Somalia relationship.” In a sign of the changing times in Somalia – a country that has lagged in women’s rights – the nation’s new deputy prime minister and secretary of state, Fowsiyo Yusuf Haji Aden, is a woman. “We have to show the international community that we are progressing,” said translator Adan. Adan said he is filled with pride for his homeland and would
commissioner, said as mayor his number one goal is public safety. Samuels said though he had the economic means to live elsewhere, he chose to live
Ryann Roberts Blacks discuss their heritage. “Along with McDonalds, I celebrate my history 365 [days],” says Phil Jones, 22.
NNPA
Ryann Roberts, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, said Black History Month helps ease the
sense isolation that some Black students feel at predominantly White institutions. “Going to a school with a small Black population showed me that there is a need for cohesion, and opened my eyes to the benefits of sharing and connecting with people who are in your same minority group,” Roberts explains. But Black History Month is not fully appreciated by some students even on the campuses of historically Black universities. Aminata Sow, who graduated from Howard University three years ago, remembers encountering such students. “People would say things like ‘no one else has a month,’ and all kinds of other limited mindsets of what it means to celebrate yourself,” says Sow, who makes a point to commemorate the month in any way she can—whether it’s going to a Black History themed program or volunteering in her community. She explains, “Black History Month isn’t just about Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. This month should be the time we celebrate who we are as a people and teach it to someone else.”
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud shares a word with Minnesota Congressman, Rep. Keith Ellison. in the Jordan neighborhood of North Minneapolis – a neighborhood that he said has been adversely affected by
drugs and gang violence. “As an executive for a Fortune 500 company, I came home to one of the toughest
Harry Colbert, Jr.
neighborhoods in the city because that’s where I chose to live,” said Samuels. “We’ve seen gun violence take down our babies. I think I’m uniquely fitted to the task of changing that. As mayor, I’m going to make this the largest city with the lowest crime rate in the nation.” Former Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan agrees. Dolan came out in support of Samuels during Samuels’ campaign launch held Jan. 30 at the A Loft Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Dolan said Samuels is tough, but fair. “Sometimes when we spoke, the actions of police officers were at issue and we had frank and honest discussions,” said Dolan. “In 2006 I became police chief and I suspect Don had a lot to do with that. He has the heart and soul to be a great mayor.”
This year Ryann Roberts,, along with members of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and members of the Black Student Union at George Washington University, where she now attends graduate school for Public Health, will host and attend events that she hopes will get people talking about and uplifting the value of Black contributions. “If we don’t acknowledge it, it’s easy to forget the great things we’ve done as a people,” she says. And Blacks have accomplished many great things, overcoming slavery and rising to become president of the United States and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Aminata Sow, 24, grew up in Detroit, and she, too, has ignored critics who don’t fully appreciate Black History Month. “When other ethnic groups celebrate their race it’s fine, but when we do it’s ‘racist,’ we’re ‘excluding’ other people,” Sow says. “But my mother always taught me you should celebrate yourself, you should always recognize what makes you different. If you stop celebrating, the legacy is lost.”
relish returning one day. “Everybody is excited,” said Adan. “We killed each other and now we’re tired of the killing. We’re excited and we’re missing home. We’re homesick.” Mohamud had a message for those of Somali nationality living in Minnesota. According to the translator, Adan, Mohamud joked, “It’s very cold here. If you get tired of the winters here in Minnesota, you can always come home.” The crowd, many clad in powder blue – the primary color of the Somali flag – erupted in laughter and applause. Zara Ali Amith, who lives in the Twin Cities and who said her brother, Ibrahim Sheik Ahmed, is a member of the new Somali cabinet, said she’s proud of her brother, but has no plans to return to Somalia. “I’m American now,” said Amith.
Samuels pulled few punches when he discussed the issues facing Minneapolis. “Not everybody has been able to share in all of the opportunities that Minneapolis has to offer. Unfortunately, we have a tale of two cities,” said Samuels. “For every person who has had access to all of what Minneapolis has to offer, there’s another who hasn’t. Minneapolis has one of the worst achievement gaps in the nation. That leads to the worst graduation gaps (and) incarceration gaps. It has one of the worst STD gaps, teen pregnancy gaps, income gaps, employment gaps and home ownership gaps, that takes away, not only the economic future of our people but, the soul and character and reputation of our city.”
SAMUELS TURN TO 9
Page 8 • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Insight News
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LIFESTYLE FOOD
Yummy baking ideas lengthwise • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted • 5 large eggs, at room temperature • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(StatePoint) When baking for your family, there’s no better way to please everyone than by highlighting every crowd’s favorite flavor -- vanilla. From vanilla cupcakes to cheesecake, you can update the classics with a fresh, bold twist. Vanilla doesn’t have to be boring! “For too long, vanilla has been misunderstood as plain, taking on only a supporting role in recipes,” says Shauna Server, author of the new cookbook “Pure Vanilla: Irresistible Recipes and Essential Techniques.” “With the right recipe, vanilla can really shine through.” Sever contends that the way to do this is to use whole vanilla beans and full-flavored pure vanilla extract, steering clear of the imitation variety. For some sweet inspiration, try whipping up light and airy Vanilla Sugar Puffs using this simple recipe from Sever.
For decorating: • 1 large egg • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • Pinch salt • Swedish pearl sugar, to taste
Vanilla Sugar Puffs (Makes about 30 two-inch puffs) For the dough: • 1/2 cup whole milk • 1 vanilla bean, split
PUZZLES
(StatePoint)
• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. • In a heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan, combine milk, 1/2 cup water, vanilla bean, butter, sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Carefully remove vanilla bean and scrape remaining seeds into liquid. Bring to a boil. Add flour, lower heat to medium and begin stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough
starts to come away from the sides of the pan and form a loose ball. Keep stirring for about two minutes to dry the dough. • Transfer dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat in eggs, one at a time on medium speed. Beat in vanilla extract. Drop dough by the tablespoonful onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between dollops. • In a small bowl, beat together egg, vanilla extract, salt and 1 teaspoon water until well blended. Brush each puff with this egg wash and sprinkle generously with pearl sugar. • Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate sheets from top to bottom and front to bake. Continue baking until deeply golden and sound hollow when their crisp exteriors are tapped, another 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer puffs to a wire rack to cool before serving. For additional information and recipes, visit www. QuirkBooks.com. Whether you’re baking cookies or making breakfast, you can spice up your favorite recipes with vanilla.
Valentines Day ANSWERS TURN TO 10
Stanek From 3 system,” said Sheriff Stanek. In December, Sheriff Stanek met with the Vice President as a member of the law enforcement working group on extreme gun violence in the wake of the Newtown school shootings.
Sheriff Stanek described law enforcement and jail professionals as front-line mental health workers and explained that they need access to mental health records for individuals when those records are already public such as court commitment rulings. Last week at the Minnesota State Capitol, Sheriff Stanek led a group including members of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association,
ACROSS 1. *Good night kiss spot 6. Old age, archaic 9. De Valera’s land 13. “My Own Private _____” 14. Big Island flower necklace 15. Kind of sentence 16. Things that are unacceptable 17. Some watch the Super Bowl just for these 18. Irregular 19. *Isolde’s tragic lover 21. *The man behind the massacre 23. Unagi on sushi menu 24. *Stag 25. Grease holder 28. Elders’ teachings 30. *St. Valentine’s occupation 35. 7th letter of Greek alphabet, pl. 37. ____ Lofgren, musician 39. Banal or commonplace 40. Astronaut’s insignia 41. To impede or bara 43. America’s favorite 44. Extremist 46. Old Russian autocrat 47. Bone-dry 48. A one-horse open ride 50. “Iliad,” e.g. 52. Name fit for a king? 53. Getting warm 55. Bovine sound 57. *Bella’s choice 60. *”Shall I _______ thee to a summer’s day?” 64. Style of abstractionism popular in 1960s 65. Word of possibility 67. Under deck 68. Eagle’s home 69. Part of T.G.I.F. 70. Eat away 71. End of a leg 72. Surf turf 73. Motion Picture Association of America, e.g.
DOWN 1. Bar order 2. Sensory input 3. Indian princess 4. Selected 5. Inexpensive inn, especially for youths 6. Distinctive flair 7. ___ Zeppelin 8. Tony Manero’s music 9. Introduced in Europe in 1999 10. One who is “__ __ it” 11. *Most popular Valentine’s Day gift? 12. Compass reading 15. Student’s piece 20. *Dateless 22. Matterhorn, e.g. 24. Bartender’s soda choice 25. *Cupid’s mom 26. “__ ___ costs” 27. Certain buds do this 29. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 31. Fleur-de-lis 32. Type of duck 33. Mall stop 34. Teletype machine, for short 36. Delhi wrap 38. “All My Children,” e.g. 42. Movie trailer, e.g. 45. Related on the father’s side 49. Of a female 51. Like a funereal procession 54. Administrative 56. “La Bohème,” e.g. 57. Fencer’s weapon 58. Some choose this over truth 59. Court order 60. Benign lump 61. A bunch 62. Traveled on 63. Water carrier 64. Dunce 66. Absorbed, as in a cost
state lawmakers, judges, prosecutors and mental health advocates in an effort to call for changes in Minnesota to address these issues. Sheriff Stanek and many of the coalition members at that meeting are advocating for improved law enforcement access to mental health records for background checks and for responding to 911 calls. There was also a call to review the
state’s civil commitment law and to improve resources available to the mentally ill in the community and criminal justice system. Eight out of nine mass shooters in 2012 incidents had a history of untreated mental illness, including Andrew Engeldinger who shot and killed six people at a Minneapolis business in November.
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Insight News • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Page 9
COMMENTARY Who are the ‘people’ in ‘we the people?’ Nobody Asked Me
By Fred Easter Nobody asked me, but even as this administration has ended one war and is winding down another, another war is raging here at home. Right after President Obama was elected in 2008, plans began to be drawn up by Republican strategists designed to make it more and more difficult for Democrats to build upon their success. First they carefully analyzed Obama’s constituency. “Who voted for him, and how can we make it harder for them to do so again?” They immediately began focusing on state elections. They spent large sums of money working to take control of as many state legislatures and governor’s mansions as
Juntunen From 4 insurance policy to repair the car’s damage, estimated at $82,480. Within days, Minneapolis Park Police had figured out that the accident at the park involved the Lamborghini and an investigator interviewed both Juntunen
Strike From 4 The federal poverty line for a family of four is $23,050. In a survey, 91% of members said they would use a raise to pay for basic necessities, including
Samuels From 7 Samuels said though divided, Minneapolis has the opportunity to come together. “We must end to tale of two cities and create one city in which everybody has access to opportunity,” said Samuels. “(We must create) one city where our performance is transparent and we hold each other accountable; one city where we all have skin in the game; one city, where we are focused on outcomes, not effort. Everyone must take ownership in Minneapolis.” Samuels acknowledged he is facing an uphill battle in his quest to become mayor. “I’ve got opponents who
Buckner From 1 that many men not connected and not contributing, it affects everyone,” said Buckner, who is seeking to be the DFL candidate for 5th ward councilman. Buckner recently held a gathering for supporters at Broadway Pizza, 2025 West River Road N., where he discussed his plans for the district, if elected. According to Buckner, creating jobs is his top priority. “The issues of North Minneapolis are not isolated to North Minneapolis,” said Buckner, who has lived in the area all of his life, except for when he attended Hampton University in Virginia. “If we’re able to solve these issues, we make for a better society.” Buckner, who is a third generation Minnesotan, is a graduate of North Community High School. Upon returning from Hampton, Buckner, 41, began working with the Boys and Girls Club of America and later with America’s Promise, the organization founded by Gen. Colin Powell to assist at-risk youth. Buckner was one of 10 state coordinators for the organization. Buckner joined the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP and was elected its president in 2003. He
each have been reduced to one abortion clinic each. Their efforts to restrict voting rights continue unabated. Now, Republicans are fighting to keep assault weapons and 30 round clips in the hands of private citizens. Maybe it’s me, but, I remember when the same
folks didn’t want citizens in the Black Panther Party or the Branch Davidians in the Waco compound to have one switchblade knife between them. This is not simply undemocratic; it’s blood-curdling scary. The 2nd Amendment is about a group of colonies taking responsibility for their own safety, when the only threat to Colonial security was the British government. Those assault weapons are not sporting weapons. Anybody target shooting with a 30 round clip would cheat their 1-yearold at peek-a-boo. These are anti-personnel weapons and the folks stockpiling these weapons and ammo are not planning to attack the U.S. Marines. Nor, are they worried about the Marines attacking them. Today, pilotless aircraft are being controlled from somewhere in Virginia are successfully taking out installations halfway around the world. Installations are full of folk who are armed with assault weapons. Those targets contained a well-regulated militia. Osama Bin Laden had a well-regulated militia. So, it should be clear to everyone
that assault weapons are an ineffective weapon against our government’s armed forces. I ask again, who are these assault weapons intended to protect and who is the imagined threat? What war are these folks preparing for? Please count to 30 before you answer. Santayana said, “A people who forget their past, are doomed to relive it.” Have we forgotten that churches were bombed in this country? Bombed, likely, by God-fearing, churchgoing Christians, and our government could not, would not, did not find the perpetrators. Have we forgotten that drive-by shootings were originally invented by racist zealots in white sheets, whose numbers are ballooning since Obama was first elected? Are we unaware that Obama gets 10 death threats every day? Take care that we do not progress from “one man, one vote” to “one man left standing, all the votes.” The rights of some people are under siege, and it may well be the rights of “We, the people.”
Erwin. “Almost $10,000 worth of damage was caused at the park and I am pleased that the diligent, collaborative investigative efforts by the Minneapolis Park Police and the Minnesota Department of Commerce resulted in the charges filed.” Later that month, a Traveler’s Insurance investigator interviewed Juntunen and Dupont. Several of their statements, including the
claim that the accident occurred at 11 p.m. on March 8, led the investigator to conclude they might be engaging in insurance fraud. At that point, the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Insurance Fraud Division joined the investigation. “When the Commerce Department catches people in major insurance fraud scams like this one, it is a reminder that
insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “Fraudulent claims impact all insurance policies and the cost of insurance for all Minnesota consumers.” The investigation led to Juntunen making incriminating statements to the owner of the Lamborghini last month. The criminal complaint states that
Juntunen told the owner that if he went back to the insurance company asking them again to pay, “based on the statements I gave, I’m going to prison.” In the 1986 movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Bueller takes his friend’s dad’s Ferrari out for a joy ride, and despite some mishaps, is never arrested or charged.
groceries, school, rent or mortgage. “For janitors, demands from employers include cutting wages for more than 50 percent of workers,” said Del Angel. “The average janitor cleans the equivalent of 30 houses in one night. We deserve living wages that allow us to support
our families. We deserve affordable healthcare.” For the first time ever, more than 6,000 janitors and security officers in the Twin Cities and suburbs are negotiating new contracts simultaneously. In 2008, a new contract was negotiated for 1,000 security officers after
they struck in downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. In 2006 and 2009, janitors voted to authorize strikes, but both were narrowly averted. If Local 26 members vote on February 9 to authorize a strike, the bargaining committees would then decide
when and if a strike was necessary, as well as set a date for a strike. If a strike were to happen, it would be one of the largest strikes to ever happen in downtown Minneapolis. “We are tired of the runaround,” said Moore. “While we are proposing
fair raises to move workers forward, our employers are demanding cuts. This would move workers backwards. The corporate elite in this country have the power to help unlock a better future for all of Minnesota. It’s time they do that.”
are well connected and well funded,” said Samuels. “But long odds is the story of my life.” Samuels said as a Jamaican immigrant, he arrived to America with little more than $85 in his pocket, but became a successful businessman and politician. Showing that he is a serious contender for mayor, Samuels has hired an outside consultant to manage his campaign. According to Samuels, Patrick Layden was the campaign manager responsible for getting Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter elected. Layden will temporarily relocate to Minneapolis within the next couple of weeks to direct Samuels’ campaign. Samuels is known for his no-nonsense approach to crime. According to Samuels and Dolan, on numerous occasions,
the 5th ward councilman has confronted drug dealers in his neighborhood. Samuels also makes it a point to attend every vigil for a slain citizen. “Regardless of how they lived, they are human beings,” said Samuels. That type of compassion is one reason Velma Korbel is supporting Samuels. Korbel is the director of the city’s department of civil rights, but made it clear her support comes as a personal endorsement and not as a department head. “I know how much he cares about this city,” said Korbel, who said Samuels has been a staunch supporter of the department of civil rights. Samuels said he is fully committed to his run for mayor and has no plans to seek reelection to his 5th ward seat.
served one term as president, but remained active in the civil rights organization and was awarded its Region Four Man of the Year in 2007. No stranger to politics, Buckner worked as a staffer on Rep. Keith Ellison’s first campaign for the U.S. House and later in 2008 became a campaign field director for Ellison. Buckner said he is not running to fill an open seat being vacated by current 5th Ward Councilman Don Samuels, who announced he is running for mayor. “I filed (to run) back in September,” said Buckner. “I was running regardless of what Don Samuels was doing. I’m running because we still haven’t developed our community from an economic standpoint.” According to Buckner, one example of the lack of economic development in North Minneapolis is the fact that light rail does not have a line that runs through that corridor of the city – in particular along West Broadway. Buckner said he would not have opposed a line along Penn Avenue as well. “We’ve got to start connecting the dots,” said Buckner. “We’re five minutes for downtown (Minneapolis), but you’d think we were as far away as St. Cloud.” Buckner said as councilman he would devote efforts to closing the achievement gap
among white and non-white students in area public schools. He said the issue is not just an issue for the schools to address. “City government plays a major roll,” said Buckner. “Ninety-two percent of a child’s time is spent outside of the classroom, so what are we doing during that 92 percent to better facilitate learning and enhance their academic abilities? If we’re saying education is important, we need to show that it is.” Buckner said he supports an expansion of the city’s STEPUP program that employs area youth with North Minneapolis businesses. “I’d like to see every business along West Broadway participate in the program,” said Buckner. Buckner said public safety is also at the forefront of his agenda. He said though encouraged with the approach the Minneapolis police department is taking in its policing of the area, he would like to see greater efforts placed on community engagement and crime prevention. Buckner said he is excited to take his message to the masses. “I’m a northsider. I love this place. When the tornado hit, we lost our roof and we could have said we’re moving, but we said we’re staying,” said Buckner. “But we can do better. We have to do better. I’m putting my everything into this.
possible. That would allow them to take control of the redistricting process that followed the 2010 census. Then they could redraw congressional district lines so that as many districts as possible would become “safely Republican.” Then, they could enact strict voter ID laws aimed at realities in Democratic strongholds that many eligible voters lacked photo identification. They worked at changing absentee and early voting rules so that college students and elderly African-American church goers would find voting more difficult. If we watch Republicans over the next four years, we will see them attempting to alter, where they can, the rules for awarding Electoral College votes in those states that voted Democratic in the 2012 election. Do not expect to see this activity in states such as Texas, which they control, but are currently voting Republican. There is a risk for Republicans, in Texas, as its Hispanic population mushrooms. That population growth should continue as Obama’s stated goals on immigration reform
gather steam. At the national level, they herded every Republican congressperson, and some
Democrats, into line on preventing any business from being conducted by the president or Congress. This is underhanded, shameful, reprehensible and undemocratic. But that’s not the whole story. Republicans are
and Dupont. According to the complaint, they said Dupont was driving the car from Top Gear’s storage facility at 3055 Columbia Ave. N.E. to its service facility at 2401 E. Lake Street, both in Minneapolis, when she swerved to miss an animal and crashed. “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board takes seriously any damage to park property,” said Park Board President John
simultaneously trying to turn back the clock on 40 years of Roe vs. Wade. North Dakota, South Dakota and Mississippi
I ask again, who are these assault weapons intended to protect and who is the imagined threat?
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Page 10 • February 4 - February 10, 2013 • Insight News
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COMMUNITY Neighborhood organizations calendar Cleveland • Community Development Committee is dedicated to improving and building the economic environment. Community Development Meetings take place every second Monday of the month. The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 11th from 6:30-8pm. • The Cleveland Neighborhood Association will host their monthly board meeting Monday 7-9pm February 18th at Lucy Craft Laney 3330 Penn Ave N. For more information, Ariah Fine, Director of CNA 612-5881155. • The Cleveland Neighborhood Association engages youth in decision making through the Youth Committee. Meetings are held every first Thursday of the month. The next Youth Committee meeting will be held
March 20th 6:30-7:30pm at Lucey Craft Laney 3333 Penn Ave N. • The Events Committee is made up of Cleveland Residents who help put on Live on the Drive, Spring Cleaning and Greening Day and other activities. Meetings are held every second Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be held Thursday January 10th from 6:30-8pm. For more information, 612-588-1155. West Broadway Coalition • Join us for a healthy breakfast, program and networking Thursday, February 21st, 8:009:30am at Fairview Park 621 29th Ave N. Networking Happy Hour • Join WBC for Happy Hours Tuesday, February 26th from 4:30-6pm Good Sports Bar and Grill, 200 West Broadway. Join
other members of the Northside business community for some informal conversation and networking. Jordan • The Jordan Area Community Council will hold a board meeting on Wednesday, February 13th 6:30-8pm Jordan Area Community Council, 2900 Fremont Ave N. (enter through 2912 Emerson Ave N. doors) FIRESIDE ROOM Minneapolis, MN 55411. • JACC will host a listening session Thursday, February 21st, 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Board meetings are open to the public. Willard Hay/Near North • The Northside Residents Redevelopment Council will host their monthly board meeting Monday, February 18th at UROC 2100 Plymouth Ave N.
Calendar • Classifieds Send Community Calendar information to us by email: info@insightnews.com, by fax: 612.588.2031, by phone: 612.5881313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free or low cost events preferred.
Mentor Series Feb. 1 – 13 Mentor Series, National Book Award Winner William Alexander, and Literary Love Fest
Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association • Every month the Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association congregates for board meetings to discuss various topics, activities, projects and events
Phone: 612.588.1313
in the neighborhood. The next meeting will be held Tuesday February 12th, 6:30-8:00pm, Creekview Park 5001 Humboldt Ave N. STEP-UP Internships • Minneapolis youth ages 14-21 can apply for a summer internship with STEP-UP. All applications must be completed online. If you need assistance with your application, call 612-673-5041 or visit the STEP-UP page for agencies that offer staff and/or computer assistance. As part of the process of getting a STEP-UP internship, youth must complete a competitive application process and work readiness training through the program. Internships are paid, and youth are matched up with a wide range of local businesses for summer jobs. The deadline is March 4th, 2013.
Fax: 612.588.2031
Members of the community and parents are invited to attend a Soup with the Supe event and engage in conversation with Dr. Bernadeia Johnson, superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. This year, Dr. Johnson will host three Soup with the Supe events. The first of the season is set for 6-8 p.m. on Monday, February 4, at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road N. Events are also planned on Thursday, February 28, at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S.; and Thursday, March 28, at Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th St. All events start - At-A-Glance: 2/1: Mentor Series Reading: Jude Nutter; 2/2: Poetry Reading: Hadara Bar-Nadav, Adam Clay, Michael Robins, & Kristin Naca; 2/5: Minnesota Emerging Writers’ Grant Reading; 2/9: Second Story with Will Alexander and Kelly Barnhill; 2/9: Mizna’s Journal Release Reading; and 2/13: Literary Love Fest. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free, open to the public, and take place at The Loft Literary Center at Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis. Please call The Loft for class details & times: (612) 215-2575, website: https://www. loft.org/ REVOLUTION ‘63 Feb. 1 – Feb. 17 1963is often referred to as the “end of innocence” in the United States. The year was filled with many historical markers — the March on Washington, the church bombings in Birmingham and the assassination of President Kennedy. Join us as we mark the
50th anniversary of this tumultuous year with another groundbreaking Youth Performance Company (YPC) original musical at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis. Free Parking! Recommended for grades 4 and up. Themes: history, community, friendship, strength, and resiliency. Call 612.623.9080 or youthperformanceco.org for information and reservations. If I Knew Then What I Know Now Workshop Feb. 4 PACER Center is offering “If I Knew Then What I Know Now,” a free workshop for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals. It is on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn. Advance registration is requested. The insights from parents who have already been through the early years of raising a child with a disability can prove helpful to parents who are just beginning that process. At this workshop, a panel of experienced parents of children with disabilities will share insights they gained while raising and educating
at 6 p.m. A light dinner will be served and free childcare is available for children ages three and older. Spanish, Somali and Hmong interpreters will be available. Soup with the Supe gives attendees the opportunity to meet with the superintendent to discuss issues affecting Minneapolis Public Schools in a welcoming, interactive and informal setting. Parents, students, staff, community members and other stakeholders are encouraged to ask questions and share important feedback on the vision and top priorities of the school district.
their children. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share their own insights and experiences. To register for the workshop, call PACER at (952) 838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call (800) 537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org. Finding Hope Getting Help Workshop Feb. 5 The Minnesota Statewide Family Network, a nonprofit organization working with families of children and youth with mental health needs, is offering “Finding Hope, Getting Help: Support for Your Child with Mental Health Needs in the Community,” a free workshop for parents of children with behavioral and mental health needs on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at Rasmussen College (Room 201), 3500 Federal Dr., Eagan, Minn. Advance registration is requested. This workshop will familiarize parents and others with the Minnesota Comprehensive Children’s Mental Health Act. Topics include: Learning about a system of care for children and
youth with mental health needs; Understanding the Minnesota Comprehensive Children’s Mental Health Act (MCCMHA); and Accessing support and services under the MCCMHA to help meet your child’s needs. To register, call PACER Center at (952) 838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call (800) 537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org.
Answers From 8
Victory • The Victory Neighborhood Association will hold a neighborhood meeting Wednesday February 27th from 7-9pm at St Johns Missionary Baptist Church 4301 Thomas Ave N. For more information, Diane Spector 612-529-9558. Graffiti Removal Program • Hennepin County Sentence to Service has a work crew available to abate graffiti in our area! The WBC is here to help you get connected to this great resource. To request this service, you must fill out a form that gives Sentence to Service permission to clean up the graffiti that is present on your business, garage or home. If you have any questions, please contact the WBC at 612-3535178.
Email: info@insightnews.com
Dr. Johnson to serve soup to community
EVENTS Saint Paul Public Library Commemorates Black History Month February Saint Paul Public Library host several free events for all ages in February to commemorate Black History Month. Merriam Park Library (1831 Marshall Ave, 651642-0385) will screen the film “The Powerbrokers,” about Civil Rights activist, Whitney Young, who led the National Urban League, at 7pm on Mon., Feb. 4. At Truth Be Told workshops for teens, spoken word artist Tish Jones will use spoken word to help participants tell their stories and craft new poetic works. Workshops take place at 4pm, Tue., Feb. 5 at Rondo Library (461 N Dale St, 651-266-7400) and at 11am, Sat., Feb. 9 at Highland Park Library (1974 Ford Pkwy, 651-695-3700). Another workshop for teens, Tell Your Story with Hip Hop, presented by hip hop artist Toki Wright, will be held at 4pm on Wed., Feb. 5, at the Rice Street Teen Zone (1022 Marion St, near Rice Street Library, 651-558-2223). The headliner event for Black History Month is a free performance by the acclaimed local jazz group, Moore by Four, at 6:30pm, Wed., Feb. 20, at the Landmark Center (75 W 5th St, 651-292-3233.) For kids, Central Library (90 W 4th St, 651-266-7000) will host African Drumming and Dance presented by Duniya Drum & Dance at 11am, Sat., Feb. 23. For more information, please call 651266-7000 or visit www.sppl.org/ blackhistory.
• Northside Resident Redevelopment Council are working to engage adolescent youth through Teen Job Assistance @ North Regional Library 1315 Lowry Ave N. for teens in grade 8 and up. Get the help you need to land your next job! Minneapolis WorkForce Center staff will present tips and information on job search, then provide oneon-one assistance with your job search, applications, résumés and interview preparation. Register online at http://www. hclib.org/pub/events/Register. cfm?SessionNo=12566, or call 952-847-8450.
Fourteenth Annual Minnesota State Sacred Harp Winter Singing Feb. 9 Sacred Harp, or shape-note, is a 200-year-old tradition of singing hymns, anthems, and gospel songs from The Sacred Harp song book. Everyone is welcome regardless of musical ability. Sing or just listen. Child care and loaner books are provided. Saturday, February 9, 2013, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with potluck lunch from 12-1 p.m. Drop in anytime or for the whole time at The Celtic Junction, 836 North Prior Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104. For more information, please call 651-457-7762 or see http:// mnfasola.org Events at Red Balloon Bookshop Feb. 9 – Feb. 21 • Saturday, Feb 9, 10:30 am Pinkalicious Storytime and Valentine’s Card Making • Thursday, Feb 14 – We Love Our Customer’s Sale! – 14% off of any full-price, in-stock items! • Friday, Feb 15, 6:30 pm - Heather Anastasiu, GLITCH #2 (OVERRIDE Saturday, Feb 16, 2:00 pm Elizabeth Foy Larsen, UNBORED Thursday, Feb 21, 6:30 pm Chapter & Verse Book Club 891 Grand Ave St Paul, MN 55105 (651) 224-8320 www.redballoonbookshop. com
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HEALTH Breast cancer screening for women 40 & older Open Cities Health Center (OCHC) is holding a breast cancer screening event on Tuesday, February 19, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the clinic’s Midway location at 409 North Dunlap Street in St. Paul.
The goal of screening exams for early breast cancer detection is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms. Screening refers to the tests and exams used to find a disease.
“We want women to feel comfortable coming in for the screening,” said OCHC Health Navigator Pa Vang. “This is an opportunity for women to come together and feel good about taking care of themselves while
they are receiving valuable education and screenings.” Light refreshments will be served throughout the day and each participant will receive a small gift. Sponsors of the event are OCHC, the American
Cancer Society, CDI Breast Care, and the Minnesota Department of Health Sage program. The event is open to all women 40 years and older. Call Vang at (651) 290-9214
for more information and to make an appointment to reserve your screening. Space is limited so call early!
Open Cities dinner honors Black History Month A free community dinner and health fair in honor of Black History Month will be held on Friday, February 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dunning Recreation Center, 1221 Marshall Avenue, in St. Paul. Sponsors of the dinner are Open Cities Health Center (OCHC), ARTS-US, Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Minnesota Foundation, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. The event is open to the public. The dinner is part of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota’s Growing Up Healthy Initiative, which engages community health, early childhood development, housing and environmental organizations
and other community partners to nurture the healthy growth and development of children birth to five years and their families. “This year we want the entire community to come out and recognize the role we all play in making our communities healthy and safe and also recognize contributions African Americans
have made to health care,” said OCHC Health Navigator Hareen Witherspoon. “This is a health fair for people of all ages where community members can get to know each other and learn more about their health.” This year’s health fair will feature: • Health screenings
• Information and displays for children, teens, families and seniors • Interactive events for children and adults • Giveaways • Entertainment, music and food • Various Twin Cities’ organizations, agencies
and businesses will be participating • Everyone is welcome – there is no charge! This is a fun event for people of all ages! To learn more about the Community Dinner and Annual African American Health Fair call Hareen Witherspoon at (651) 251-5978.
Minnesota adult smoking ranking drops from 7th best to 11th A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report released Friday shows Minnesota as ranking 11th best among all states for adult smoking. The last time the CDC compared states in 2009, Minnesota was in the top ten with a rank of 7th lowest or best. “This report shows that far too many Minnesotans are still using tobacco products, 11th isn’t good enough for Minnesota,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Edward Ehlinger. “The cost of tobacco in terms of lives and about $2.87 billion in annual medical costs is too high. We must reduce this toll on our families and our state and one of the most effective ways to curb youth smoking is to raise the price.”
In order to decrease cigarette use, Governor Mark Dayton has proposed a 94 cents-a-pack tax increase, which would bring Minnesota’s cigarette tax on a par with Wisconsin. Currently, Minnesota’s cigarette excise tax ranks 28th among the states. Some of the projected health benefits of 94 cents tax increase include an 11 percent decrease in youth smoking. It is also estimated that 25,800 kids would be kept from smoking, 19,300 adult smokers would quit, and 13,700 would be saved from premature death. “The fact that Minnesota has dropped out of the top 10 on this list and that we got a failing grade from the American Lung Association this month highlights that we need to
do more to prevent smoking tobacco use among youths and to help adults quit,” said Ehlinger, referring to the State of Tobacco Control 2013 Report released January 16, 2013. Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Minnesota and the United States. Cigarette smoking was responsible for the premature death of an estimated 5,135 Minnesotans in 2007, about one in every seven deaths in the state. In addition, secondhand smoke is responsible for $215.7 million in excess medical costs in Minnesota, and more than 66,000 individuals suffering from diseases caused by secondhand smoke. The CDC report further
states that: 19 percent of Minnesota adults smoke. In 2008-2009, of all Minnesota youth ages 12-17 who had never smoked, 5.4 percent smoked a cigarette for the first time in the past year. This ranked 13th in the nation. In 2009-2010, 79.3 percent of adults in Minnesota thought that smoking should never be allowed in indoor workplaces. Smoking disproportionately is affecting American Indians and African-Americans, young adults 18-24, and those with less education. The report, released today, shows how each of the 50 states and Washington D.C. is faring in implementing proven strategies that reduce tobacco
use, such as comprehensive smoke-free policies, hardhitting media campaigns, higher prices on tobacco products and access to cessation services. The purpose of the highlights report is to provide tobacco control programs with valid, reliable, state-specific data about the high-impact, cost-effective strategies they are currently using or could be implementing as well as measures to track their progress. The CDC’s report also confirms that while the nation has made enormous progress in reducing smoking, smoking rates are still too high. 20 percent of adults and 18.1 percent of high school students still smoking and smoking declines have slowed in recent
years. Nationally, each year approximately 443,000 people die from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and another 8.6 million suffer from a serious smoking-related illness. To get help quitting smoking, call 1-800-354PLAN or visit http://www. smokefree.gov/. To access the State Highlights report, visit http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/, and for additional state-specific tobacco-related data, visit CDC’s State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation System at http://www.cdc.gov/ tobacco/statesystem. Also, visit www.BeTobaccoFree.gov for information on quitting and preventing children from using tobacco.
McClaurin
does come with a downside that hinges on Einstein’s definition of insanity—keep doing the same thing and expecting different outcomes. The same is true of organizational composition. If you keep recruiting the same kind of people, it will be impossible to achieve a different outcome. Those Boards that have come to recognize such organizational stasis get stuck when it comes to recruiting diversity. This is primarily because they are relying upon old paradigms, their Rolodexes of Inequality, and traditional definitions of “fit” that simply don’t fit potential new and diverse recruits. In the past, we referred to the Rolodex of Inequality as the “ole boys network.” Far too frequently, embedded was another silent descriptor—the “ole (white) boys network.” While increasingly we find more women represented in the leadership of organizations and businesses, too often they reproduce the same missteps of their male counterparts. In effect, through feminism and affirmative action, today we see an “ole (white) girls network” that is as powerful and as lacking in racial and class diversity as the paradigmatic “ole boys network.”
people—“cultural brokers” and “innovators.” The first are people skilled at providing translations between old formations and new diverse formations. Innovators, however, are paradigm breakers. They are quite prepared to shake things up and toss out the bathwater and the baby (not literally of course) in the hopes of establishing new models. They begin by imagining what the future should look like and then working backwards to create organizational structures that will help them achieve the goal. To the outside eye, the innovator’s approach may appear chaotic and is certainly a challenge to those who like (and benefit from) maintaining the status quo. But such a radical approach is the only way to jumpstart change. If we only reach into our personal Rolodex, we sustain an environment of inequality. My advice is to take a stark and honest look at your Board composition, your business, your organization, and your social network. How much “difference” and “diversity” do they truly reflect? And, if you want to shake it up and move in a different direction, then stop using your own Rolodex. One principle that Darwin documented in writing about evolution in the biological world was the need for variation. The same is true for the social world. If we wish to innovate and evolve to a
different stage or phase, then variation is fundamental, and new paradigms are needed—of
course, as these out serve their purpose, they will have to be replaced as well, but that’s for
future generations to worry about.
From 1 phenomenon as a “Rolodex of Inequality” exists is rooted in my research, direct observations, and personal and professional experiences from the last thirty years while working in the higher education, not-for-profit, and philanthropy sectors. Who’s in your Rolodex? There is a startling reality of privilege and unequal access embedded in the statement friends and colleagues are the recruitment pool for members of a board. But, if we examine some of the most influential organizations, whether political, social, or philanthropic, the truth of this practice is self-evident. Board compositions too often reflect the realities of personal or social Rolodexes. And these Rolodexes are at the heart of contemporary social inequality. At the most simplistic level, this means that only the people with whom the individual is comfortable, or who are friends of friends form the talent pool. Thus, most of those sitting on boards today share similar values, economic status, social experiences, social identities, and worldviews. While this social structure might be comforting to some, it
Paradigm Shift Most processes of social change that have occurred in those cultures studied by anthropologists have required the existence of two types of
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