Insight News ::: 03.04.13

Abraham.

In.Motion Darkly humorous quest to become “real” examines gender roles and masculinity in hip-hop Walker Art Center presents Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion perform Live! The Realest MC March 14–16, 8 pm, in the William and Nadine McGuire Theater.

Tickets available at walkerart. org/tickets or by calling 612.375.7600.

Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion Photo: CherylynnTsushima

March 4 - March 10, 2013

Vol. 40 No. 10 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE

Harry Colbert, Jr

CNN political commentator and former presidential adviser, David Gergen, speaks to a group of supporters of ranked choice voting.

Rank choice voting Giving the voter a greater voice

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer In what supporters say will give the voter a greater voice in election outcomes, growing calls are being made for ranked choice voting.

Ranked choice voting is a system where voters, while at the polls, rank candidates in order of preference as opposed to voting for only one candidate.

Candidates who rank lowest would be weeded out and those who supported dropped candidates would have their votes go to the next highest ranked candidate on their ballots.

No candidate will be proclaimed the winner until he or she has more than 50 percent of the vote.

“The last Minnesota governor to win a race with a majority of the vote was 1994,” said Jeanne Massey, executive director of FairVote Minnesota. “Don’t blame the Democrats; don’t blame the Republicans – blame the system. If we want different results, we’ve got to change the rules.”

Massey said FairVote is supporting state legislation to mandate ranked choice voting in all statewide elections.

According to FairVote, ranked

VOTING TURN TO 11

Micah Hines

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer The age old debate of is it nature or nurture can be waged when discussing why Hines, who is the general counsel to Gov. Mark Dayton, so seemingly effortlessly has ascended to such heights as to become the first African-Americans to serve a Minnesota governor as general counsel. People can debate if she was nurtured by her parents and grandparents and thus acquired the tools of leadership and service, or was it by nature just supposed to be that way.

After all, Hines comes from an impressive bloodline.

The 35-year-old graduate of Duke University and the University of Michigan Law School is the greatgrandchild of Lilly Carol Jackson,

HINES TURN TO 10

Complaints allege unfair hiring

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Kissy Mason talks to reporters outside of the Hennepin County Government Center about her being denied employment with the Target Corporation because of a 2004 misdemeanor conviction, as State Rep. Raymond Dehn, Dan McGrath of TakeAction Minnesota and St. Paul NAACP President Jeff Martin look on.

Instead of employing capable and qualified workers, many claim the Target Corporation would rather employ unfair hiring practices that disproportionately exclude African-Americans.

Ten African-American Minnesotans filed formal complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claiming they were wrongfully denied employment based on their past run-ins with the criminal justice system. In a press

conference held outside of the Hennepin County Government Center, members of TakeAction Minnesota, the St. Paul branch of the NAACP and a woman who said her offer for employment was rescinded

by Target once a misdemeanor conviction came to light, called on the retail giant to end its practice of using past criminal transgressions to deny employment. The group said they have learned of 150 applicants who were denied employment based on past criminal transgressions.

EEOC TURN TO 4

Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce launches new fund for North Minneapolis The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) announced that it is launching a new small business initiative fund, the Small Business Impact Fund (SBIF), to help minority-owned businesses based in North Minneapolis.

The MBCC is committed to the economic development of the African American business

MBCC TURN TO 6

Part 1: A great migration of our own

By Lea Hargett, President, Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, Part 1 of 2 A Black History Month speech delivered at the West Broadway

Business and Area Coalition Black History Month Breakfast, 2013.

I bring you the greetings and well-wishes of the board of directors and members of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce who stand with you in your quest to bring businesses

Special Report China emerges from shadow of the U.S.

PAGE 2

together to make sure the West Broadway Corridor is thriving and filled with sound and successful businesses.

When I was asked to speak today, I was told that the event was a breakfast in honor of Black History Month. And of course that got me thinking. I flashed back to

Education

Book review “Radical: Fighting to Put Students First”

PAGE 3

so many moments in our Black history. It was difficult to narrow down one single period or topic.

My thoughts raced to the Middle Passage in the 1660’s when our ancestors were brought here on slave ships. I found myself thinking about the 1760’s, 100 years later, when our ancestors

toiled in the burning heat, picking cotton in the fields of southern plantations. Then, I smiled as I thought about the 1860’s, when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law.

If what history tells us is true,

MIGRATION TURN TO 7

Aesthetics

N.I.G.G.E.R.: Shá Cage’s solo work humorous and provocative

PAGE 5

Lea Hargett

file photo

Lifestyle

Three tips to help couples plan their financial future

PAGE 8

Page 2 • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Insight News

insightnews.com

SPECIAL REPORT

China emerges from shadow of the U.S.

By George E. Curry, NNPA Editor-in-Chief BEIJING (NNPA) – When Americans think of China, it is usually a faded image frozen in time. It is an old film, shot in what could pass as the beginning of time, of cold, dour, highstepping soldiers bouncing past a review stand in unison with a rifle resting on one shoulder and both eyes fixed on the box of dignitaries sitting to the side.

But China is more than outdated military footage. The People’s Republic of China, as it is formally known, sits on an area of land slightly smaller than the United States. But its population of 1.3 billion people is four times larger than the U.S. population of 315 million.

Students in China, like those in other counties, tend to

know American history better than most Americans. Whether it is arrogance, ignorance or a combination of both, Americans, in general, know little about their past and even less about China, an ancient civilization that dates back more than 5,000 years.

“Many Americans see China as a Third World, underdeveloped, cheap and poor country,” explained Carl Humphrey, an African American who has lived in Shanghai for five years. “In my opinion, this thought process goes back to education or mis-education.

Media within the United States can also be partly blamed.”

Many Americans were introduced to China through those outdated newsreels, Charlie Chan movies that stereotype Chinese as smart and sneaky as well as martial arts movies featuring Bruce Lee

and Jackie Chan. Blacks were drawn to martial arts movies, many of them filmed in Hong Kong, because they could see Black actors, such as Jim Kelly, kicking it with Bruce Lee. But knowledge of China needs to extend beyond cinema if for no other reason than by 2027, according to projections

by Goldman Sachs, China will overtake the United States as the world’s largest economy.

And that will have profound implications not only for the U.S., which will slip to second place, but for western society in general.

“The West has thought itself to be universal, the unquestioned model and example for all to follow,” Martin Jacques wrote in When China Rules the World.

“In the future it will be only one of several possibilities…. In the future it will be required to

Photo by Ann Ragland/NNPA)

With 1.3 billion people in China, residents in urban areas live in high-rise apartments similar to this one in Beijing

Let’s RESET education in Minnesota and create schools where every student succeeds.

Learn how at:

RESETEDUCATION.ORG

think of itself in relative rather than absolute terms, obliged to learn about, and to learn from, the rest of the world without the presumption of underlying superiority, the belief that ultimately it knows best and is the fount of civilizational wisdom.”

If China becomes the dominant economic superpower, as expected, it will be a different kind of world. China has benefited from globalization perhaps more than any other country; even in the formerly closed society, there are abundant signs that artificial geographical boundaries have

been removed.

In this capital city, for example, you can’t find a Starbucks on every corner, but you don’t have to go far without seeing one. Look in another direction and you’re likely to see a McDonald’s. Hungry for some KFC? The colonel’s smiling face and long white beard are easy to spot in strip malls or as stand-alone stores. Even when you can’t spot an American fast-food chain, a Coca-Cola always seem to be nearby. If you’re looking for a place to lay your head, there’s the luxurious Ritz Carlton and the Fairmont hotels or the less expensive

Hilton, Grand Hyatt, Courtyard and Radisson waiting for you to check in.

In November 2009, Obama announced the “100,000 Strong” initiative, a private-sector philanthropic effort to expand the number of U.S. students studying in China.

“Ten times more Chinese students come to the United States for educational programs than Americans who study in China and 600 times more Chinese study the English language than Americans who

CHINA TURN TO 3

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Insight News • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Page 3

EDUCATION BOOK REVIEW

“Radical: Fighting to Put Students First”

By Kam Williams “Why am I a radical? Because in order to live up to our promise as a nation, we cannot rest until we provide a quality education for all our children. If America is truly going to be the land of equal opportunity, we have to provide that opportunity to every single child, regardless of where they live, what color they are, and what their parents do…

Right now, our public school system isn’t working for every child. It isn’t working for our economy. And it isn’t working for our democracy. As a result… cycles of poverty repeat and… a generation of children… too often children of color… is being denied its civil rights to a high-quality education.”

-- Excerpted from Chapter Twelve (pgs. 268-269) Michelle Rhee spent a stormy three years in the public eye as the embattled Schools

Michelle Rhee

Chancellor of the Washington, DC public schools. A firstgeneration Korean-American descended from a long line of educators, she embarked on a career as a teacher in inner-city Baltimore soon after graduating from Cornell University with a BA in government.

However, her star really started to rise after she earned a Masters Degree in Public policy at Harvard University’s prestigious Kennedy School.

She was subsequently recruited

by NYC School Chancellor Joel Klein to help handle his stalled contract talks with the teachers’ union.

And on the strength of Michelle’s negotiations with UFT president Randi Weingarten, Klein recommended his feisty protégé for the top job in DC. Washington’s public schools were among the worst performing in the nation, and Rhee found a very receptive Mayor in Adrian Fenty, who gave his new hire free reign

to overhaul his troubled system in accordance with her controversial reforms.

Employing a “kids first” philosophy, Rhee chopped heads in the top-heavy administration, firing dozens of dead wood principals, laying off hundreds of extraneous office workers and closing over twenty underperforming schools.

Although students’ test scores improved during her brief stint in the position, her anti-union stance proved unpopular.

Mayor Fenty’s reelection bid was basically a referendum on whether the city wished to continue with Rhee’s scorched earth philosophy. When he lost, her days were numbered, so she handed in her resignation rather than wait around to be fired.

A blow-by-blow of all of the above is recounted in riveting fashion in Radical, a revealing autobiography devoted as much to Michelle’s political career as to her private life. As compelling as the debate about teacher tenure,

charter schools and private school vouchers was reading about the author’s being raised in a suburb of Toledo, Ohio by immigrants who sent their daughter as an adolescent to live with an aunt back in Seoul for a year.

We get to see what a role having strict parents who put such a heavy emphasis on academic achievement might have played in shaping Michelle’s high hopes and expectations for every child.

I was also surprised to learn that this divorced mother of two recently married former NBA star-turned-Mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson.

A heartfelt memoir by a passionate champion of every child’s right to a decent education.

Radical Fighting to Put Students First

by Michelle Rhee Harper Collins Hardcover, $27.99 304 pages ISBN: 978-0-06-220398-4

MPS creates principal academy to find great leaders American scholar Warren G. Bennis said, “Leaders are made rather than born.” At Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), that philosophy is driving the Aspiring Transformational Principal Academy, created to attract visionary, passionate leaders who are eager to assume principal roles in

underperforming schools in the school district.

“A school without a strong leader is like a ship without a captain – lacking direction and wavering off course,” said Dr. Bernadeia Johnson, superintendent of schools.

“Even the best teachers need strong leadership to harness their abilities and capture the

best use of their talents.”

The principal academy aligns with one of the school district’s strategic priorities of transforming school leadership. It is an innovative and rigorous approach to identifying exceptional leaders who possess an urgent desire to transform underperforming urban schools and dramatically

increase student achievement.

In a small, very selective cohort, participants will advance their skills in change management and instructional leadership through intensive experiential and problembased learning over 13 months.

The curriculum is modeled after the New York Leadership Academy’s nationally

recognized aspiring principal program and is grounded in best practices in principal preparation and adult learning.

MPS is partnering with Minnesota State University, Mankato, to offer the program. In addition to the coursework and training, the program includes one year of residency with coaching,

certified principal licensure and the opportunity to apply for MPS principal positions with the intention of staying for three years. The principal academy is not an alternative licensure program; Minnesota State Mankato offers certified principal licensure as part of the program.

Quest Academy Charter School in St. Louis Park to close Pillsbury United Communities (PUC), the charter authorizer for Quest Academy in St. Louis Park, says it plans to terminate Quest Academy’s contract because it has failed to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management. If terminated, the school will close by the end of the 20122013 academic year, and Pillsbury United Communities’ staff will proactively work

China From 2 study Mandarin. This imbalance in knowledge can undermine strategic trust between the two countries,” a U.S. State Department fact sheet noted.

In the United States, not many students learn that modern day China is home to one of the world’s earliest civilizations.

During the early 1920s, excavators discovered what became known as the Peking Man, skeleton bones believed to date back to approximately 750,000 years.

Chinese imperial dynasties began with the partly mythical Xia. The first Chinese dynasty that left recorded records was the Shang (Yin), which settled near the Yellow River from the 17th to the 11th century B.C. The Qin Dynasty, established in 221 B.C., was the first unified Chinese state. The Republic of China was established in 1912, marking an end to imperial rule. A Chinese Civil War ended in 1949, leading to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

Ironically, Africans and African-Americans may have stronger ties to China than most Whites.

The first trade exchanges between China and Africa are believed to have taken place during the Tang Danasty [618907], but reached its height during the Ming Dynasty [13681644]. Zheng He, a famous Chinese navigator, visited the East Africa coast seven times between 1405 and 1433.

Consequently, China learned about the nearby continent and its rich natural resources.

China established diplomatic relations with Egypt in 1956 and supported many African liberation movements in the 1960s and 1970s. It established formalized diplomatic and economic relations with 51 African countries and still maintains ties with 45 of them.

with Quest Academy to ensure minimal disruption to its 54 students in 7th through 12th grades.

“We take our authorizer responsibility for ensuring academic quality very seriously,” Larry McKenzie, Pillsbury United Communities’ Charter School Liaison, said. “While it is a difficult decision when it comes to closing a school, our staff

and Board of Directors have determined that Quest Academy’s current progress and success is not sufficient. It is our responsibility to provide students with high-quality education, and to not renew schools which do not meet our standards. We understand it may cause some short-term difficulty for families, but it is a decision made in the longterm best interests of their

children.”

As defined in the Charter Law Minnesota Statues 124 D.10, subd.23 the authorizer may unilaterally terminate the agreement during the term of the contract for cause. In accordance with Minnesota Statue 124 D.10, subd.23, Quest Academy will be given an informal hearing from the Pillsbury United Communities’ Charter School Review team

on Thursday, March 7, 2013.

Pillsbury United Communities’ Charter School Authorization Department’s main goal is not only to build and strengthen charter schools, but to provide students with a high-quality education. If Quest Academy’s contract is terminated, PUC staff will proactively work with Quest Academy to ensure minimal disruption to students.

Additionally, staff will ensure that Quest Academy adopts and executes a School Closure Action Plan that allows for securing student and financial records, assists students in identifying other schooling options, and responsibly ramps down operations.

Pillsbury United Communities currently oversees 12 public charter schools in Minnesota.

Because of those relationships, China was able to finally join the United Nations General Assembly when, led

by African nations, the UN voted in 1971 to expel Taiwan and replace it with the People’s Republic of China.

To align itself with the struggle against imperialism in the 1930s and 1940s, China courted numerous Black activists opposed to the second-class status of African Americans in the U.S. Scholar/activist W.E.B. DuBois met Mao Tse-tung and at one point, his birthday was celebrated as a national holiday in China. Paul Robeson and Langston Hughes visited China to register their disapproval of America’s version of apartheid.

Malcolm X was part of a new wave of Black nationalists to visit China in the 1960s that included Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, Angela Davis, and H. Rap Brown.

Black leaders showed an appreciation for China on the home front as well. The first sizable Chinese immigration to America coincided with the California Gold Rush in the early 1850s. More came to help build the First Transcontinental Railroad. But as gold became scarce, resentment against Chinese grew and in 1882, Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act to block further Chinese immigration to the U.S. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass opposed the act and Blanche K. Bruce, a Black U.S. senator from Mississippi, voted against it. The law was not repealed until passage of the Magnuson Act in 1943.

Until President Richard M. Nixon’s historic visit to China 41 years ago, the U.S. and China did not enjoy diplomatic relations. Even after they were established, Americans kept a distance from “Communist China” or “Red China,” as the People Republic of China was called. For years, China was lumped in with communists in the Soviet Union. But after the collapse of the Soviet Union in

1991 and China’s move toward a market-oriented society in 1978, Chinese say political labels do not fairly describe them – or what they have been through.

In fact, China has not always been ruled by communists.

“The 1911 Revolution overthrew the monarchy and China established the first parliamentary democracy in Asia,” explained Yan Jian, assistant to the director of the China Center for Comparative Politics and Economics in Beijing. “The new regime was based on the temporary Constitution, which drew heavily on European and American experiences. Mr. SunYat-Sen was nominated to be the first president of Republic of China. In 1912, Yuan Shikai was elected by the Senate as the second president. Yuan died in 1916 after his failure in restoring monarchy in China. From 1911 to 1928, China had a democratic form of government, but lacked the essence of democracy. The system was unstable in nature: its government form shifted frequently from parliamentary democracy to presidency even to military government. Its functioning fell into chaos.”

Yan added, “In 1928 after Chiang Kai-shek militarily defeated all warlords and united China in formality, Chiang reintroduced a dictatorship form of government in China, thanks to the devastating results of illfunctioned democracy.”

Today, by all accounts, China has undergone dramatic change.

“Since the late 1970s, China has moved from a closed, centrally planned system to a more market-oriented one that plays a major global role – in 2010 China became the world’s largest exporter,” notes the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook. “…China has implemented reforms in a gradualist fashion.”

But there is a big gap between perception and reality.

Craig Trygstad, a Minnesota native who taught in Beijing from 2000-2006 and in Shanghai

from 2006-2009, said: “China is neither as forbidding as the images I’ve seen and read about from the Mao era nor as wide open-anything-goes as recent stories of entrepreneurship would suggest. And as much of a cliché as this phrase is, China is a land of vast contrasts – family, incomes, languages, cultural and ethnic traditions and geography.”

(This 4-part series is the outgrowth of a week-long African American Media Leaders Mission to China sponsored by the China-United States Exchange Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to foster a better understanding between the people of China and the United States. Neither the foundation nor government officials in China had any imput

in these stories or saw them prior to publication. The 7-member U.S. media delegation was led by Cloves Campbell, Jr., publisher of the Arizona Informant and chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. The trip included visits to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.)

[NEXT: Life in China]

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Page 4 • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Insight News

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BUSINESS

Job seekers: Not having any luck?

Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Employers are looking for great people to hire; if a networking group online is focused on

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 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.

a certain industry, and the employer is hiring in that industry, they might go to that networking group’s website or and try to find a couple of rock stars. They might see that people can post comments, and they might read what these people have to get a glimpse into their perspective. So it is disconcerting to see job seekers bashing employers online.

“I have had absolutely no luck finding work,” writes on job seeker. “…need an entrylevel position that would allow me to move into more advanced opportunities. If I do get consideration, either the company ends up promoting someone from within (as far as I know), or they pay $13.00 an

hour.”

What message does this send an employer? First, that my skills aren’t enough; I need luck if I’m going to find work. There is some truth to that, in that a person might be lucky enough to notice an opening, lucky enough to run into a friend at the company where he interviews or lucky enough that someone got hit by a truck and left a position open for him to fall into. But apparently, it better be just the right position and it better be a lot of money. Lucky enough to get a job offer? Consider yourself lucky if you have the wisdom to say yes to any offer, and work your way up from there.

As an aside, when someone

refuses a perfectly acceptable offer, waiting for something better to come along, they should do a little math first: calculate the dollar amount she will earn between now and when the next offer comes in. If the amount exceeds the zero dollars she is making now, then that $13 per hour doesn’t seem so bad, does it?

Another post describes, “subtle indications of age discrimination and unwillingness to hire unemployed workers… reports of talent shortages are manufactured excuses to justify cost reduction measures.”

These situations exist, and there are times and places to revolt, but the right time and place might not be while trying

to get hired nor in a venue where employers are looking for candidates. The manager who thought he had found a good resource for identifying his next hire instead opened the door on a gripe session in which he was the main culprit.

With all the talk about gun violence lately, I am reluctant to use this phrase, but there is a relevant concept called, “shooting yourself in the foot.”

Adversity happens. When a job seeker isn’t “having any luck” or sees “subtle indications of age discrimination and unwillingness to hire,” no employer is going to jump up and shout, “Get me that person’s number! That’s someone I want on my team!”

The person everyone wants is the one who understands, “hiring companies aren’t just looking for experienced talent.

They also want candidates familiar with the specific tools they use who can be productive with little training.” They want knowledgeable employees with positive attitudes. The best way to create your own luck on a job search is to go get the skills you need and accept the job you are offered using those skills.

Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your resume and career planning questions to jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.

Team building: A secret to fundraisings success FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw Will hiring a fundraising professional solve your fundraising challenges? Is it your secret wish that someone will take care of fundraising so you can focus on the “more important” work of your nonprofit? Perhaps you seek a million dollar bequest from an unknown admirer.

Here’s the real secret to sustained fundraising success: create and support a fundraising

EEOC From 1

team that meets regularly and “owns” your fundraising. That’s it. You can’t do it on your own.

No one person can solve all your challenges. You have to build and grow a team that includes your volunteers, staff, executive leadership and board members.

Your team should be comprised of leaders who are committed to ensuring your nonprofit has the money and resources it needs to deliver on its mission.

Here are the benefits. A fundraising leadership team helps create accountability and transparency.

Members are accountable to each other. Each member knows the commitments, roles, and responsibilities of all other members. There are no secrets. If there is a lull in gifts received, the full team knows

about it. When new gifts are received, members know about it. When fundraising management reports are shared at each meeting, team members can monitor the progress of fundraising activities, ask pertinent questions, and work with each other to create new strategies and work-arounds.

Your team should meet on a regular basis to report progress and challenges.

Members should work collaboratively to help your organization reach its fundraising goal. They should be empowered to make decisions, and the decisions made by this team should be respected and implemented by fundraising volunteers and employees.

With a strong fundraising leadership team, the actions of staff, board members, and

volunteers are open to review by team members. Financial progress and expenses are reported regularly at these meetings.

Members have the opportunity to share information and coordinate their activities.

When you have engaged qualified volunteers to assist with fundraising, you will be amazed at the solutions they come up with. The key to an effective fundraising leadership team is for it to be volunteer-led with support from staff. That means the fundraising chair leads the team meetings, not the executive director or chief development officer. It means that staff support the work of the fundraising chair by producing and distributing fundraising reports and taking and quickly distributing minutes

that accurately capture action items and next steps. If you have selected a qualified fundraising chair and clearly defined his responsibilities, you will be amazed how he can assist you in meeting your goals. He can do this because he has made them his goals. He is no longer helping your organization; he is now orchestrating and attracting people and resources for something he believes in.

The group said Target is unnecessarily discriminating against applicants of color who

have criminal records in their past, but who are presently qualified for the jobs for which they are applying.

“We believe it is unacceptable for a corporate citizen such as Target to practice blanket exclusionary tactics that contribute to the worst racial jobs gap in the nation,” said Jeff Martin, president of the St. Paul NAACP. “We expect more from Target and the NAACP and our membership is calling on Target to partner with us to move our state forward.”

Dan McGrath, executive director of TakeAction Minnesota said Target’s hiring practices are especially troubling, considering that in Minnesota, people of color are 10 times more likely to have a criminal history than Caucasians. He said his group met once with Target representatives asking that the area’s fourth largest employer follow EEOC guidelines and take into account the length of time since an offense occurred, the type and severity of the offense itself – the vast majority of which are non-violent misdemeanors – according to McGrath, and the

nature of the particular job an applicant is seeking. He said the meeting was less than fruitful.

“A troubling pattern exists,” said McGrath. “Minnesota has the worst-in-the-nation racial jobs gap and as a state, the question to be asking is ‘why?’

As Minnesota’s fourth largest employer, Target Corporation has a particular responsibility to help close this gap. We expect more of Target.”

Kissy Mason also expects more of Target.

Mason is one of those who filed a complaint with the EEOC. She said she was actually offered a position as a cashier at the company’s Minnetonka location but that offer was rescinded a few days later when she got a call from someone within the company saying her 2004 misdemeanor conviction for a verbal assault prevented Target from hiring Mason. Mason, who now works with TakeAction, said she did in fact plead guilty to verbally assaulting a woman, but not only did she complete her court-ordered community service, she went a step further and had her record expunged.

But as she found out, an

expungement still cannot keep all records out of public view. She said Target uses data harvesters such as LexisNexis to troll for all of a person’s public information. She also believes Target uses criminal history to discriminate against people of color.

“This is racial because I know 150 other people of color who also were not hired (due to past criminal history), so that’s why I know it’s racial,” said Mason.

Molly Snyder with Target’s Media Relations department said using a person’s criminal history as a determining factor for employment is not about race, but about guests’ safety.

“Over the past year, Target has engaged in a dialogue with Take Action MN regarding our fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices,” said Snyder in an email statement. “During these meetings, we explained that Target’s criminal background check process is carefully designed to ensure that we provide a safe and secure working and shopping environment for our team members and guests while treating all candidates fairly.

The existence of a criminal record does not disqualify a candidate for employment at Target, unless it indicates an unreasonable risk to the safety and welfare of our guests, our team members or our property.”

Mason said her incident was a one-time ordeal and she has not had any other encounters with the criminal justice system.

She is currently a college student at Metropolitan State University and is three classes away from obtaining her bachelor’s degree – ironically enough, in criminal justice.

State Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL-59B) said he sympathizes with those being denied employment opportunities.

Dehn makes no secret about the fact that he at one point in his life was convicted of a felony. He was eventually granted a governor’s pardon.

“I can only imagine the hell people are going through today in trying to provide for their families and being denied that opportunity. Target markets itself as a community leader and we want Target to step up and give people with records a chance at being hired. Quite frankly we expect more from Target,” said Dehn, using the words “expect more” purposely as that phrase is a part of Target’s marketing campaign.

© Mel and Pearl Shaw Excerpted from “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success” a new book from Mel and Pearl Shaw, available from Amazon.com. They provide fundraising counsel to nonprofits.

insightnews.com

Insight News • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Page 5

AESTHETICS N.I.G.G.E.R.: Shá Cage’s solo work humorous and provocative for the past 10 years; taking risks as a solo performer as well as through collaborations with Mama Mosaic (for women) and Freestyle Theater.

Combining forces with all-star collaborators Chastity Brown (vocalist/musician), Janaki Ranpura (puppeteer), and Alissa Paris (dancer) under the direction of E.G. Bailey and lead choreography of Leah Nelson; this highly anticipated new work is sure to be a treat for audiences.

Intermedia Arts and Freestyle Theater present this

A provocative look at the ‘’N’ word through a female lens ~ Performances: 8pm, Thursday-Sunday, March 7-10, 2013 Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55408 Intermedia Arts and Freestyle Theater presents N.I.G.G.E.R., Shá Cage’s solo work that examines the ‘’N’ word through a female lens blending monologues, puppetry, music and community interviews. Cage has been pushing the envelope artistically

new work that is a culmination of Cage’s 2011 Mcknight Fellowship and travel and research in England, New York, Chicago and the American south. It marks stage two of three in its development.

Cage has traveled widely to areas such as Canada, England, Africa, New York, Bosnia, France, and more, teaching and performing her work that largely centers around topics of identity, class, cultural celebration, and home.

Courtesy of the artist

Farm boy rises to the occasion in breathtaking adaptation of beloved fairytale Film Review

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com When Jack (Nicholas Hoult) was a little boy, his imagination was whetted by a bedtime story about a mythical war waged ages ago against a fearsome race of giants that had descended from the sky.

Before his mother (Caroline Hayes) died soon thereafter, she

suggested that he might even be related to Erik the Great (Craig Salisbury), the brave monarch who had led the valiant defense of Earth against the gargantuan invaders.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the peaceable kingdom’ proverbial tracks, young Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) was being spoonfed a similar tale about an epic showdown between good and evil. But she was read to at night by her doting father, King Brahmwell (Ian McShane), due to her mother’s (Tandi Wright) untimely demise.

A decade later, we find the lowly farmhand’s path crossing with that of the future queen the day the headstrong teenager sneaks out of the castle to rub shoulders with the hoi polloi. At a puppet show, Jack rushes to her assistance the moment she finds herself being accosted by a menacing gang of ruffians.

The damsel-in-distress becomes so smitten with the gallant lad that she informs her father of a desire to break off her arranged engagement to the insufferable Roderick (Stanley Tucci), an effete lout twice her age. Nonetheless,

King Brahmwell would rather have his daughter marry a blueblooded member of the Royal Court she doesn’t love than tie the knot with a mere commoner.

Before the moment of truth arrives, however, fate intervenes in the form of a monk (Simon Lowe) who hands Jack a few mysterious beans. During a secret visit from Isabelle, one slips through the floorboards, takes seed under his house, and starts to grow rapidly, sweeping the humble abode and the Princess way up into the heavens.

Soon, both of her suitors join

the search party, scaling the milehigh beanstalk to an otherworldly realm in the clouds. Jack has no idea that the mammoth plant has also inadvertently reopened a gateway to the ground for an army of gigantic adversaries.

And it’s not long before ancient hostilities are reignited over Isabelle and the fate of the planet below.

Directed by Bryan Singer, “Jack the Giant Slayer” is an alternately enchanting and eyepopping adventure which must be seen in 3-D to be appreciated fully. Between the breathtaking panoramas and the

daring derring-do on display, the picture amounts to a captivating, cinematic treat guaranteed to enthrall tykes, ‘tweeners, and just about anyone interested in seeing a classic fairytale brought to life.

Fee! Fi! Fo! Fum! I smell a hit with the little ones!

Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG-13 for frightening images, brief profanity and intense violence Running time: 114 minutes Distributor: Warner Brothers

Bryan Singer: The “Jack the Giant Slayer” interview

By Kam Williams Bryan Singer has consistently entertained audiences between a bold visual style and richly drawn characters ever since his making a noteworthy feature film debut in 1993 with the Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize-winner “Public Access.” He gained widespread attention a couple years later with the crime thriller “The Usual Suspects” which won Academy Awards for Kevin Spacey (Best Supporting Actor) and Christopher McQuarrie (Best Original Screenplay).

Singer’s subsequent film was an adaptation of the Stephen King novella “Apt Pupil,” followed by the wildly successful “X-Men” and “X2: X-Men United.” He was next tapped to helm “Superman Returns,” the first blockbuster shot on the Panavision Genesis digital camera, and the first live action film to utilize the post-conversion 3D process.

Most recently, Bryan made the World War II drama “Valkyrie,” starring Tom Cruise.

And he is currently in production directing “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” which reunites numerous cast members from the franchise’s previous films.

For television, Singer directed the pilot and was executive producer on the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning series “House,” starring Hugh Laurie.

He also produced the ABC series “Dirty Sexy Money” and the HBO documentary “Vito,” about author and 1980s AIDS activist Vito Russo.

Bryan has directed and/ or produced a myriad of other projects through his Bad Hat Harry Productions, a motion picture and television production company formed in 1994. To date, his projects have grossed over two billion dollars worldwide.

Here, he talks about his latest film, “Jack the Giant Slayer,” a big screen version of the classic fairytale.

Kam Williams: Hi Bryan, thanks for the interview.

Bryan Singer: Sure. Not at all, Kam. My pleasure.

KW: Guess what? I met your mom in a waiting room last year.

We happen to have the same dentist.

BS: Oh really? That’s cool.

Are you from Princeton?

KW: Yep. BS: How random! That’s funny. How did you know it was my mom?

KW: I struck up a conversation with her, and mentioned I was a film critic.

BS: And I bet it was the first thing that came out of her mouth.

KW: Just about. She’s a very proud mama who’s very knowledgeable about film in general. We had a great chat!

BS: That’s so nice, since

Bryan Singer she’s a big movie fan, herself.

KW: I invited her to attend the screening of the film the studio set up for me locally, but she declined.

BS: Yeah, she’s flying out to join me at the premiere here in L.A. KW: What interested you in making Jack the Giant Slayer?

BS: At the time, there were no fairytale movies in development that I was aware of, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to do something different that I hadn’t seen before and that I hadn’t done before. A product existed called Jack the Giant Killer, which I kind of rewrote from scratch with Chris McQuarrie and Dan Studney, who are also Jersey kids. So, it began with that and my desire to see beanstalks and giants in a way they’ve never been portrayed before.

KW: I was familiar with Jack and the Beanstalk, but I don’t remember reading Jack the Giant Killer as a child.

BS: Jack the Giant Killer was from the 1700’s, and kind of an Arthurian character who went around slaying giants and sending their heads back to King Arthur. This film takes some inspiration from both fairytales but, frankly, it’s its own original story.

KW: Larry Greenberg asks: Can you tell me about how you directed the relationship between Jack [played by Nicholas Hoult] and Isabelle [played by Eleanor Tomlinson] with all the chaos going on around them.

BS: How do I put this? By basically making sure there was enough material that could build between them. But one of the key things was something I shot very late in the game, namely, the opening scene. I still didn’t feel that their destiny was cemented, so I went to New Zealand to shoot the opening where you see them being read to as little kids, and designed it

to be intercut, much the same way the next scene is intercut when Jack’s uncle and Isabelle’s father are scolding them. By doing that you set them on a path of romantic destiny. So, that setup not only gave the history of the giants, but put the idea of the two characters being on a trajectory to be together in the audience’s mind. By the way, I used some of [director] Peter Jackson’s stages and crew from the Hobbit for that. And I got to go to the Hobbit premiere while I was down there, which was a lot of fun.

KW: So you shot some of the film in New Zealand?

BS: Only those scenes where the parents were reading to the children. Those scenes also established who Jack and Isabelle were meant to be had his father and her mother not died. Now, Jack is fatherless and trapped on the farm, while Isabelle is motherless and trapped in a castle by an overprotective father who is afraid of losing the only other woman in his life. So, that opening tableau sort of sets the characters up in a fun way, and we shot it in New Zealand over a couple days. The rest of the movie was completely shot in London.

KW: Is there a message you want people to take away from the film?

BS: No, I don’t think of it as that kind of film. It’s just supposed be entertaining.

Awards season is over, so it’s time for an adventure.

KW: Documentary filmmaker Kevin Williams says: I’m from Trenton and almost everyone I meet from Princeton says they know you or your mom. His question is, how do you fight off complacency, and do you look at scripts any differently today versus earlier in your career?

BS: Well, early in my career, I really wasn’t look at scripts.

I was developing them from

Rotten Tomatoes

scratch. Now, I look at them for inspiration but, ultimately, I’m driven to a kind of movie I want to make, knowing that eventually I’m going to bring aboard my friends, some of whom I grew up with, like Chris, and others whom I met later in life, like Dan. So, initially, I’m just looking for an idea, for a kernel of a story.

KW: Have you met Damien Chazelle out there in Hollywood yet? He’s an up-and-coming young director also from Princeton whose short film just won at Sundance.

BS: No, I haven’t, but it would be great to meet him.

KW: Erik Daniels, who teaches at West Windsor High

School South, your alma mater, says: We all know how formative the high school years are. How influential was your high school experience in shaping your desire to direct?

BS: It was very fostering. I had a communications teacher named Denise Mangani who really opened up my mind to the cinematic arts in general.

And I also had a creative writing teacher, Mr. Berridge, who was very inspiring in terms of thinking about stories.

Another was my social studies teacher, Ms. Fiscarelli. She was very influential because she taught a comprehensive unit on The Holocaust. That material has found its way into many of movies, from Apt Pupil to X-Men to Valkyrie to X-Men: First Class, as well as into some of the documentaries I’ve produced. That subjectmatter has been very important to me.

KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: Is there a new genre of film that you would like to tackle for the first time?

BS: Yes, horror. Something supernatural. I always enjoy a good horror film, and there hasn’t been a great horror film like The Exorcist for awhile.

KW: Patricia also asks: What director did you admire the most growing up?

BS: Steven Spielberg.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

BS: I’ve been reading a lot of David Sedaris lately. I recently finished “When You Are Engulfed in Flames” http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/ASIN/0316154687/ ref=nosim/thslfofire-20

and his “Holidays on Ice.” http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/ASIN/B003H4RDZQ/ ref=nosim/thslfofire-20 And I’m currently reading “Barrel Fever.” http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/ASIN/0316779423/ ref=nosim/thslfofire-20 KW: Harriet PakulaTeweles notes that you produced the TV series “House” which is set in your hometown, Princeton. She asks: Were you also involved in the writing?

BS: No, the original script which was written by David Shore, was set in Boston. I moved it to Princeton because I didn’t want it to be just a city hospital. I also felt Princeton was a perfect location to have a diversity of patients.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

BS: Time moving forward, not backwards. [LOL] KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

BS: I don’t cook, but I love eating sushi.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

BS: Eternal good health.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

BS: My father reading a storybook to me at about the age of 2. It had a fly on every page, and whenever we saw the fly, we’d fall back on the bed together and laugh.

KW: Thanks again for the time, Bryan, and best of luck with the film.

BS: Sure thing, Kam, and if you see my mom in town, tell her I said “Hi.” KW: Will do!

TEN THOUSAND THINGS presents Will Power’s hip hop retelling of Aeschylus’ The Seven Against Thebes, the story of two brothers who try to rule their kingdom peacefully despite their father’s curse.

FEATURING Katie Bradley, Aimee K. Bryant, H. Adam Harris, Kinaundrae Lee, Brian Sostek, Ricardo Vazquez, Joetta Wright, AND Bruce A. Young

FEBRUARY 15 – MARCH 10, 2013 OPEN BOOK $25 (Students $15 on Sundays with valid ID)

www.tenthousandthings.org 1-800-838-3006

Page 6 • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Insight News

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Women united to win Man Talk

By Timothy Houston March is Women’s History month. It is set aside as a time to celebrate those who have gone on before us and inspire those yet to come. This month will feature events and activities that will both educate the mind and uplift the spirit. It is also a time to prepare for the work ahead.

Women around the world have overcome great odds, including that of domestic violence. That is why I am happy to be a part of the 5th Annual “Women Unite to Win” Women’s Appreciation Banquet schedule to be held Sunday, March 17, 2013.

Domestic violence is an ugly

little truth that has permeated our community. We all help to take away its power when we acknowledge its existence and collectively work to eliminate it.

“Women United to Win” is annual event that is focused on ending domestic violence by empowering women. The event is hosted by the National Empowerment Group, Inc. a non-profit organization founded

by Dr. Wendy Johnson. The National Empowerment Group, Inc. is a human advocacy organization that provides educational and personal development programs that help youth and adults reach their goals. Five years ago, J. MOST, an accomplished National artist, event promoter and a social service professional, created the “Women Unite to Win” Appreciation Banquet as a vehicle to bring attention to women’s issues and highlight the accomplishments of women who have successfully overcome

life’s challenges.

“Women Unite to Win” is so needed. The numbers associated with domestic violence are staggering. Around the world, at

abuser is a member of her own family. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us work collectively to eliminate domestic violence from all communities

least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the

combined. Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. Everyday in the US,

more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern.

“Women united to Win” is a strong platform for women who have survived domestic violence to share their story.

This year’s honorees, Veronica Gottwald, Devonna Pittman, Christine Ransom and Antrinita Wright, will have an opportunity to empower and educate the community about this devastating epidemic. They will focus on how domestic violence impacted their lives and how they struggled to survive this traumatic experience. Dr. Oliver Williams, Executive Director of the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community, and a Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, will serve again as the Master of

Ceremonies. As we shine light on this issue, we empower other women to seek help in ending this generational cycle.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us work collectively to eliminate domestic violence from all communities.

Every hand and heart will be needed to ensure its success.

Come out and support this worthy cause as it will be an evening of encouragement, empowerment, education and networking. To obtain more information, please contact J. MOST at 612-2375118 or via email at jmostmusic_ lyrics@yahoo.com 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.

Arts advocates seek legacy fund support On March 7, 2013 Minnesota Citizens for the Arts will bring more than seven hundred arts advocates from around the state to the State Capitol for “Arts Advocacy Day” to ask legislators to follow through on the promise of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that dedicated funds to conservation and the arts.

At risk is the next two years of arts funding.

Passing it by 56%, in 2008 Minnesota voters approved the Legacy Amendment, creating four new dedicated funds for land, water, parks and arts. Last year arts advocates challenged legislative suggestions that the Arts & Culture Fund be used to build a stadium. In the end,

the legislature secured other resources to build the stadium and left the Arts Fund alone.

“Our message is that we want the Legislature to continue to follow through on the wishes of Minnesota voters,” said Sheila Smith, MCA’s Executive Director. “The Constitutional Amendment states that, “the dedicated money under this section must supplement traditional sources of funding for these purposes and may not be used as a substitute,” she said.

“We understand that there is a deficit and that legislators have an extremely tough job ahead of them.”

“We are asking that at least 50% of the Legacy Amendment’s Arts fund go

through the highly accountable and transparent Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Council system because it ensures that citizens in all 87 counties will benefit. We are concerned about some bills that would earmark the resources intended for all Minnesotans to benefit only a few.” In addition, advocates are hoping to protect the other traditional source of funding for the arts from the general fund. “In the past two years the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils could meet only 50% of incoming requests for grants and services.”

Arts advocates are also concerned about some of the tax reform proposals that would

do damage to nonprofit’s role as partners with the state in providing arts and educational services to Minnesotans.

The day begins with a rally at 8:30 a.m. in the Minnesota History Center and continues with legislator meetings legislators in the Capitol from 10:00 to 1:00.

Minnesotans have a strong tradition of interest in access to arts and culture, and participate in the arts to a higher degree than citizens of other states. Minnesota is home to over 1400 nonprofit arts organizations that collectively serve 12.5 million people annually and provide an economic impact of over $1 billion to our state’s economy.

The Arts: A Driving Force in Minnesota’s Economy (2006)*, showed that the nonprofit arts provide 22,095 full time jobs and generate more than $94 million in state and local government revenues.

According to Artists Count: An Economic Impact Study of Artists in Minnesota (2007)* our state is also home to over 20,000 artists, who are a contributing factor to the economies of every region of Minnesota, supporting an additional 6,000 full time jobs with their work. * Both studies are available for downloading at www. mncitizensforthearts.org.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide

arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts and conducts original research.

MCA works with over 42,000 arts advocates in Minnesota.

For more information on MCA, this project or statistics about the arts in Minnesota, please contact MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith at 651-251-0868 or view MCA’s website www. mncitizensforthearts.org, @ MNcitizen on Twitter or on Facebook.

MBCC

community, which includes both the direct and indirect benefit to the African American community as a whole. Bringing

leveraged capital access to the business community can provide real and substantial impact to the community by

helping distribute capital to targeted communities which will help create jobs, and encourage an exciting new way

of doing reciprocal business with organizations within the community. The MBCC’s goal is to leverage capital and business support through the establishment of this fund.

The SBIF will be administered and partnered with funds from Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) and other local community development financial institutions.

The revolving loan fund will target lending to minorityowned businesses, with an emphasis on lending to African American businesses, within North Minneapolis.

The MBCC has also partnered with the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) to provide outreach, intake, assessment, and post loan technical assistance.

“We look forward to working with our partners

to support businesses that need bridge financing or seed funding to start a business and create jobs,” said Lea Hargett, President of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce.

The fund’s initial financing of $300,000 was granted through the African American Economic Development fund managed by The Minneapolis Foundation. To have an even greater impact, the MBCC plans to leverage with the resources of other entities that provide funding for businesses that have an economic development interest.

“MEDA is excited to collaborate with the MBCC and NEON on this important initiative. Access to capital is always a challenge for small business, and even more

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New analysis reveals alarming disparity in hunger and poverty rates between African-American children and other U.S. children Washington, DC – Bread for the World released new analysis recently revealing that AfricanAmerican children suffer more hunger and poverty than do U.S. children as a whole. The analysis, titled “Hunger by the Numbers: Hunger and Poverty Among AfricanAmerican Children,” explores the latest figures, breaking down African-American child poverty rates across several states and metropolitan areas.

“In a land of plenty, it is unacceptable that so many of our children go hungry,” said

Bishop Don DiXon Williams, associate for racial-ethnic outreach at Bread for the World.

“With figures this alarming, we must ask ourselves why people of color tend to suffer more than others. And we must tell lawmakers to take actions that do not hold hungry black and brown children responsible for the nation’s financial gaps.”

In Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, AfricanAmerican child poverty rates are double the overall child

poverty rates. In Iowa, the poverty rate for AfricanAmerican children is more than triple the overall child poverty rate.

Currently, federal programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) are keeping millions of African American families and children fed. In 2011 nearly 4 million African American families received SNAP benefits, which helped keep food insecurity

rates near the 2008 level.

However, these programs and others face widespread, devastating cuts as lawmakers focus on reducing the federal deficit.

On March 1, Bread for the World will launch its 2013 Offering of Letters campaign, “A Place at the Table,” to raise awareness about persistent hunger in the United States and around the world—and to urge policy makers to find budget solutions without cutting essential programs. The Offering of Letters campaign

will correspond with the debut of a major documentary film by Participant Media, also titled A Place at the Table.

Both the campaign and the film highlight the tireless work of churches and charities to end hunger. But they also emphasize that federal nutrition programs are crucial to hungry people—since the combined assistance of churches and charities across the country amounts to only 4 percent of what the federal government provides.

“We hope this year’s

Offering of Letters campaign will inspire people around the country to tell their lawmakers to protect programs that keep African-American children— and Americans at large— from going hungry,” added Williams. “We are also asking people to urge President Obama and Congress to set a goal and work together on a plan to end hunger completely.”

To view the full analysis of “Hunger and Poverty Among African-American Children,” please visit www.bread.org.

Migration From 1 from 1910 to 1930, there was a Great Migration where 1.6 million Black people moved from the south to the north, many believing they were traveling to “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

History also tells us that there was a second Great Migration from 1940 to 1970 in which another 5 million of us uprooted ourselves from the south, headed north, and tried to get in on this luscious land of milk and honey. All in all, we are told that during the 20th Century about 6 million African Americans left the south and traveled north in search of that milk and honey.

When I think about this time, I imagine our great grandfathers and great grandmothers were preparing for the Great Migration, preparing to get up out of the south. Think about the excitement that probably ran through every bone in their bodies as they prepared to leave the southern states, a place where their mothers and fathers – and their mothers and fathers - and their mothers and fathers had known for so long. Yes, the time had come for our great grandfather’s and great grandmothers to travel to that place they had heard so much about: to a place that flowed with milk and honey.

In the book “Black America Past to Present”, author Marcia A. Smith wrote “The Great Migration set the stage for the emergence of a self-assured, sophisticated, and politically militant black leadership and the flowering of African American culture”. Our ancestors were deliberate in their pursuit. We are told that black people moved as individuals and

Suluki Fardan

Harry Davis and Al McFarlane as family units during the Great Migration. We are told they received no government help, yet, that didn’t matter because they were trying to escape rampant violence and lynching in the south as well as a lack of jobs and other opportunities. Just think about it.

In 1900, there were only about 700,000 African Americans who lived outside the south; just 8 percent of the nation’s total black population, and by 1970, there were over 10.5 million black people living outside of the south, almost half the nation’s total black population.

Oh how excited our African American ancestors must have been as they boarded the carriages in the early 1900’s, and decades later, when they boarded the buses and trains that would carry them from the south to the north.

We’re told most of them were so excited they left the few worldly possessions they had behind. So excited they could already taste the milk and honey.

Imagine how they must have felt two years before their trip, working by day and dreaming

Suluki Fardan

by night about that special place where they would make a new start, be able to take care of their families, educate themselves without repercussions, pay rent to a landlord instead of a plantation owner, buy a house, or God willing, someday, build a business of their own. And how they must have felt weeks prior to their departure date as they counted their money, praying they had saved enough to make the big trip.

We now know many of our ancestors did make it to the supposed promised- land; a few of them were actually able to taste the sweet sensation of milk and honey on the tips of their tongues.

We now know that when they got here – in the 1920’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, some of our them were able to find work as laborers for big industries, find employment in local shops, buy homes, educate themselves, and, yes, even start a business.

But what was life really like for our people who came from the south and traveled north yearning to do so much? Had they really found a land that flowed with milk

Spike Moss

Professor Mahmoud El-Kati

and honey?

A year before he died, in the year 2000, the Late Harry Davis talked about what life was like in the first half of the 20th Century for blacks who made it to Minnesota; what life was like for our people who planted their seeds of hope right here in north Minneapolis.

In an interview he gave in a documentary entitled, “We Knew Who We Were,” produced by the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, Harry Davis talked about north Minneapolis after our relatives arrived in north Minneapolis, saying, “There were Jewish boys (and) young AfricanAmerican boys playing basketball together. We crossed racial and religious lines and so that’s why it was so unique.”

Harry Davis said north Minneapolis had been a place where historically persecuted people came together, saying, “The whole relationship of togetherness was developed because we were kind of equal in terms of economics.”

In a KARE 11 story, filed by reporter Scott Goldberg in 2007, Goldberg began his news report by saying, “Underneath the North Minneapolis that grabs headlines — the neighborhoods dealing

with big-city problems — there is a community that, for decades and through generations, had the feel of something more simple.”

In his KARE 11 story, Goldberg interviewed Reva Rosenbloom, a Jewish lady who grew up at 16th and Oliver Avenue North and lived there until she was married in 1954. Reva Rosenbloom talked to KARE 11 about what it was like to grow up in north Minneapolis 50 years ago. She said, “Nobody locked their door, you could walk down the street and know everybody,” She said her parents owned a dry goods store on Plymouth Avenue, which was, at the time, a booming business district.”

Referring to Plymouth Avenue she said, “And that’s where everybody did everything. It was like a small town. They didn’t go downtown.

We didn’t have shopping malls.”

From what I have learned, there were Jewish businesses up and down Plymouth Avenue in the 1950’s and 60’s, but there were also small black businesses interspersed on Plymouth Avenue, along the old Highway 55 which is now Olson Memorial Highway, and some on West Broadway.

Were these black businesses large businesses which employed hundreds of people? No. Most black businesses in the 1950’s and 60’s in north Minneapolis employed three or four people and the businesses struggled to get by. They were mixed in with the old scrap metal company owned by whites, the big stores like Pigley Wigley’s, and other larger grocery stores owned by Jewish people and white people. There were places like the Blue Note Jazz Club on Washington Avenue owned by black folks which was a huge gathering place in north Minneapolis for all sorts of people.

But mostly, the black businesses were small barber shops, the Elks Club which is still here, and some smaller grocery stores, like the little grocery store in the basement of the housing projects on 8th and Bryant Avenue North, which was

Alfred Babington Johnson owned by a black man. At that grocery store, neighbors could get credit with the owner of the little grocery store to buy their food and goods.

The blacks who traveled here closer to the middle of the 20th Century didn’t experience the same upward mobility as the blacks who relocated in the beginning of the 20th Century. By the 1960’s, the jobs were drying up, the economy had slowed, Jim Crow laws were in full swing, housing and employment discrimination was rampant, and land that flowed with milk and honey clearly evaded most blacks who missed the first carriages, buses and trains here. In the late 1960’s, riots and civil disturbances began to rule the day. Clearly, the land that flowed with milk and honey had dried up.

The riots in the late 1960’s that ravaged the U.S. swept into north Minneapolis as well, burning down not just the black businesses on Plymouth Avenue, but all the businesses on Plymouth Avenue.

In a Minneapolis Star Tribune article written by Steve Brandt and Terry Collins in 2007, they looked back at a Minneapolis Star article dated July 25, 1967, where a 21-year old Harry (Spike) Moss is quoted as saying, “You tell them rioting is wrong when he doesn’t have his freedom . . . you wait two or three years while this young generation comes along. They see if you want anything, you got to take it.”

In the 2007 Minneapolis Star Tribune article, a then 61-year old Harry (Spike) Moss said, “We’re still fighting for our basic rights in this city, this state and in this country. Why? Because we’re still being denied equal opportunities – education and employment wise – that we have fought, bled, and shed tears over.

Ask yourself, are you getting your fair share? That’s the number one concern, because you want the next generation to have it better

MIGRATION TURN TO 10

Page 8 • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Insight News

insightnews.com

LIFESTYLE MONEY

Three tips to help couples plan their financial future (StatePoint) Experts say that with good communication and solid planning, couples can put themselves in the right position to build a solid financial future together.

“American couples across all demographics need to spend time talking about financial and retirement issues sooner rather than later,” says Tim Johnson, chief investment strategist for Lincoln Financial Network. “A couple should literally ask each other, ‘What are we really trying to accomplish here and what do you want out of this whole thing?’”

As part of an ongoing effort to educate consumers about financial preparedness, Lincoln Financial recently launched a set of tips and actionable steps designed to help people achieve financial well-being: • Plan with Purpose: When reviewing investments and solutions that can help grow and protect wealth, couples need to have a shared plan in mind and an understanding of

A.KaZaK - Fotolia.com

what’s important.

Remember, the conversation doesn’t have to be all budgets and numbers.

You can engage your loved one by talking about concrete

PUZZLES

MBCC From 6

challenging for minority-owned businesses. We are here to work together to make an impact”, said Yvonne Cheung Ho,

goals, such as a wedding, vacations and homeownership.

• Be Engaged, No Matter What: Don’t throw your hands up at uncertain economic conditions. The market has

always gone up and down.

Volatility is just part of investing. So rather than toss account statements into a pile of unopened mail, identify what’s working well and build

on it. For what’s not working well, rebalance portfolios, as necessary.

You can stay motivated as a couple by celebrating small steps along the way. Be sure

to reward yourself responsibly when something good happens.

• Communicate: Each person in the relationship has an opportunity to take steps, both large and small, that help achieve short- and long-term financial goals. But working together is important. A couple is most powerful when pulling in the same direction.

A trusted financial professional can help you get on the same page and chart a solid path to the future.

Be sure to hold regular financial meetings to address weaknesses and celebrate successes. Make it fun.

Understanding who your partner is and what motivates him or her can make for a strong relationship and a solid future.

For more tips, visit www.

BeAChiefLifeOfficer.com.

A healthy financial relationship is a building block for a healthy overall relationship. Take steps now to define your priorities, so you can begin working toward your shared goals.

Famous inventors ANSWERS TURN TO 10

President of MEDA. The SBIF clients will complete a business assessment which includes a technical assistance plan. Post loan TA will include business/ financial education, business performance review, and mentoring.

“NEON is looking forward to partnering with MBCC and MEDA in this new initiative to create a bridge between capital markets and minority entrepreneurs. We are optimistic and elated for the opportunity to help more minority entrepreneurs

achieve their business goals while strengthening our local economy “, said Grover Jones, Executive Director of NEON. The SBIF loan program will initially provide loans to small businesses currently located or willing to relocate in the 55411 and 55412 zip codes. This fund will also lend to businesses that cannot currently obtain credit from conventional sources.

Preference will be given to businesses that create or retain local employment. The funds will be available starting in March 2013. To learn more about the small business loan

ACROSS 1. Squirrel away 6. Young newt 9. They put the bitter in beer 13. Jousting pole 14. Tap choice 15. Bone-chilling 16. Cast member 17. Greater than the whole?

18. Dismal 19. *Cotton gin inventor 21. Do this for a waltz, e.g.

23. *___ Isaac Newton 24. Shirts on their backs, e.g.

25. Farmer’s ___ 28. Turkish honorific 30. Lots 35. Brother of Jacob 37. Uh-oh 39. Poet’s “below” 40. Slash mark 41. Fine-tune 43. A fit of shivering 44. Sarong 46. Therefore 47. Connecting point 48. Acquiesce 50. *____ Tupper, inventor of Tupperware 52. Actor’s domain 53. “Null and ____” 55. Payment for an eye 57. *Corn Flakes inventor 61. *Motorcycle inventor 65. Eskimo boat 66. a.k.a sodium hydroxide 68. Pleasant Island 69. Electron tube 70. Goon 71. Barry Bonds formerly was one 72. Large pots 73. Choose instead 74. Wintry mix

DOWN 1. Deli side 2. Dash gauge 3. Opposed to 4. *Alexander Graham Bell and John Boyd Dunlop 5. Possible consequence of heavy lifting 6. No problem 7. Common winter bug 8. Time in Italian 9. German title 10. Cream-filled treat 11. “La Vie en rose” singer 12. Owned by the lord 15. *He saw the light 20. Cereal killer 22. Often preceded by a time period 24. Gradually diminished 25. *Namesake of electric car maker 26. Singular form of “asci” 27. Indian cuisine staple, pl.

29. *Sewing machine inventor 31. *____ Kamen, inventor of the Segway 32. Chief port of Nigeria 33. Short composition for solo instrument 34. _____ music 36. Instinctive motive 38. It’s a long story 42. Land of “Gangnam Style” 45. Conjure up 49. Clothe 51. Pinocchio’s fabrications 54. Inuit shelter 56. Modern letter 57. Spiral-horned African antelope 58. Arabic for commander 59. He gets bigger share?

60. Boys 61. Adroit 62. Molokai party 63. Sea eagles 64. *____ Handler, Barbie doll inventor 67. Small dog’s bark

fund, visit www.minnesotabcc. org or call (612) 302-1505.

and other small businesses.

Its’ progressive leadership gives voice to the importance of economic development and job creation while directing attention to the issues that affect entrepreneurs and small business resulting in greater influence and positive perception in the marketplace, strategic alliances, and economic development for its member businesses, supporters, and the community of African descent.

For more information about MBCC, visit www. minnesotabcc.org

About the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business association whose members own and/or operate businesses in manufacturing, wholesale, retail, trades, professional services, and the non-profit sectors. As a statewide chamber, MBCC represents the largest minority business group in Minnesota.

The Chamber works to strengthen African American

insightnews.com

Insight News • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Page 9

COMMENTARY Still hanging: Reflections of the Washburn hate crime

By K. Stanley Brooks, Ph.D., assistant professor of education, Bethel University, St. Paul Do the lives of people of color have value in Minnesota or our country as a whole?

The question stems from the substantial daily amount of psychological and physical violence and intense force in their direction. Violence in the United States is undoubtedly a characteristic of the “American” way of life. The narrative of how relevant this characteristic of violence has been in the lives of people of color is disregarded in many settings, especially schools.

Children often reflect the racial unresolved issues of the elders, the adults. Their actions are displaying the areas we are collectively acting as if it doesn’t exist. Issues unaddressed do not go away, they fester and explode.

Today’s generation of young people seem to be familiar with surface, superficial, stereotypical, prejudicial aspects of history but not the specific narratives in their entirety. This is a key element of what has taken place at three

local high schools in the past month.

When one is well informed of the long list of violent hate crimes toward African-Americans and other people of color throughout history, one thinks of the Billie Holiday song, “Strange Fruit,” which is the story of a Black male hanging from a tree or streetlight pole. And just as this picture is sketched into the minds of many, these cultural tensions are still hanging in our midst.

The acts of psychological, physical and emotional violence toward people of color are not surprising. The shallow method of building human relationships prevents people from looking at not only triumph, but also tragedy.

In actuality, thinking critically through all issues address challenges and promotes peaceful positive solutions. Empowering students teaches them to love themselves and their neighbors, not to be fearful and suspicious.

Positive imagery honoring white/ European-Americans overwhelm our literature, monuments, landmarks, films and media outlets, even to the point of unrealistic exaggeration in some cases.

Students I have taught at the college level are unfamiliar

with the legacy of institutional racism. Not only do many of our white/European brothers and sisters lack knowledge about human relations dynamics,

our American multicultural narratives in their entirety, or passed over altogether. Many educators appear to neglect the connection between positive

The Washburn response is typical of how we as a nation handle issues of this racial magnitude.

but many of our students of color are very unfamiliar with accurate historical events. The tension and fear is present, but information of the origination of these age-old challenges is not covered appropriately in many pre-kindergarten through 12th grade settings. Social studies and history classes are either inadequately covering

imagery with esteem and selfworth for all children. From a leadership standpoint, are there officials in decision-making positions to advocate for all children without limitations on what they are able to implement or accomplish? Or is this an unreasonable or unrealistic expectation for parents?

Washburn High School Terminology assists in how people categorize information.

The refusal to categorize the simulated lynching of an African-American person as a hate crime is disturbing. It’s disappointing that AfricanAmerican and Latino-American males are consistently assumed to be viewed as rule breakers and criminal miscreant’s more than white males – even though, the overwhelming national pattern of senseless school and mass shootings have been at the hands of white males. Why does the white male profile never seem to be tainted to the same degree as boys of color? The disparity of suspension data for many school districts nationally reinforces this double standard.

To minimize the action of the white students who hung this doll over the ledge at Washburn High School as “an ignorant mistake” without harmful intent is an act of psychological and emotional violence itself.

To identify this hate crime as a thoughtless prank that was not racially motivated is an insult to the humanity of all who are observing the protection of these white students as

harmless nice kids who didn’t intend to hurt anyone. This one act does not define who the kids are as people in totality, but every behavior and comment originates from a thought.

The Washburn response is typical of how we as a nation handle issues of this racial magnitude. Many white Americans do not understand the impact of this incident on all people involved because they are not consistent targets of harm or violence for simply being white. Black and brown boys rarely are given the courtesy and benefit of the doubt, as white kids are afforded, even in less offensive circumstances. At the top of the professional development agenda should be increasing the intercultural effectiveness of teachers, staff and students.

Conducting consistent forums and panels with students and parents voices put schools in a position to be proactive. There isn’t shame in addressing the issue, but there is in ignoring it.

These are the sole thoughts of K. Stanley Brooks, and in no way represent the expressed opinions of Bethel University.

Turning the clock back on voting rights Opinion

By Julianne Malveaux Shelby County, Ala. is suing the Justice Department because they think that Section 5 of the

Voting Rights Act of 1965 (and its reauthorization in 1982 and 2006) is unfair. The facts: The small city of Calera redistricted its boundaries in a way that the sole African American councilman lost his seat.

Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act forced a new election with different boundaries, and Ernest Montgomery regained his seat.

Shelby County (which includes parts of Birmingham) objects to the provision of the

Voting Rights Act that requires that areas with histories of past discrimination have changes to voting laws and boundaries monitored by the Justice Department. This would include many southern states, as well as areas, such as Alaska, that have historical discrimination against Native people, and Texas and parts of California, that have historic discrimination against Latinos. They say that it’s all equal now and there is no need

to monitor them.

Not surprisingly, conservatives and the Attorney Generals of several affected states have filed amicus briefs to support Shelby County.

These include the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas. Additionally the usual suspects such as the Conservative Legal Defense Fund, the Cato Institute, the Pacific Legal Foundation and

the Southeast Legal Foundation, among others, have lined up to support Shelby. It is not surprising that the conservative Project 21, nominally an African American organization, has lined up to support Shelby.

It is more surprising that the National Black Chamber of Commerce has filed an amicus brief. I’d be most interested in leaning where the Black Chamber polled its membership before filing this brief. If I

were a member, I’d have to cancel my membership. If my dues were used to support that nonsense, I’d be repelled. I guess it just goes to show that “everybody brown ain’t down”, and raises questions about this organization.

Many suggest that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act means there is no need for Section 5.

While Section 2 allows lawsuits,

MALVEAUX TURN TO 10

Page 10 • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Northside students from Nellie Stone Johnson and Anwatin schools hit cross country ski trails with Major Taylor Bike Club Skiers from North Minneapolis Middle Schools Nellie Stone Johnson and Anwatin, part of the Loppet Foundation ski programs, enjoy a perfect February ski day at Lake Elmo Park Reserve with their coaches Jerry Williams, Jemiah Aitch, and members of the Major Taylor Bike Club.

Pictured in photo from l-r: Louis Moore, Jerry Williams, Jemiah Aitch, Ta’Gian Hughes, Kris Cubias, Jonatan Ramirez, Bryce Holt, Jose Popoca, Ligarius Munn, Sherman Powell, Litavius Munn, Luis Lopez, Damarean Bible, Zavion Pierce, Coach Chris Coffee, Xavier Mansfield, Anayancy Flores, Leslie Vang, Coach Allie Rykken, Yoana Rojas, Chris Lyon, Coach Jon Miller, Coach Andrew Magill, Coach Audrey Weber. Not pictured Tony Tchida and Saysetha Philaphandeth .

Calendar • Classifieds Send Community Calendar information to us by email: info@insightnews.com, by fax:

who was the president of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP for more than 30 years – a position that at the time was unique for a woman. Hines is the grandchild of Juanita Jackson, who was the first African-American woman to practice law in the state of Maryland. During Jackson’s career as an attorney, Jackson – along with Thurgood Marshall – successfully tried cases that desegregated the public schools and public parks in Maryland.

“She was just a really wonderful grandmother,” said Hines.

In 1937, Hines’ grandfather, Clarence Mitchell, Jr. became the first director of the St. Paul Urban League. He later went on to found the youth branches of the NAACP. He served as

Migration From 7 than the last. The inequity that caused the problems back then could cause another riot today somewhere else. There will be a lot more anger this time though.

And it won’t be orchestrated either.

What happened on Plymouth Avenue 40 years ago wasn’t organized. It was spontaneous because the people were mad about the conditions already existing. “ Put another way, Elder

Malveaux From 9 it forces plaintiffs to show that changes in voting provisions are motivated by “invidious practices.” Section 5 says that those who are known to have engaged in such practices are required to have the Department of Justice review them.

If our nation had never chosen to implement the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution, there would have been no need for the Voting Rights Act. The Fourteenth Amendment actually states that state population decides the number of Congressional representatives, but if enough people are denied the right to vote, Congressional representation should be reduced. This provision has never been enforced, even when

Fax: 612.588.2031

Frosch or 612-215-4124.

Racial Justice & Media: When Intent Affects the Impact Mar. 7 Racial Justice & Media Workshop March 7, 2013, 6:30-8:30 pm at the YWCA of Minneapolis Downtown.

Have you ever seen something in media that you

the director of the NAACP’s Washington D.C. bureau and is credited with the passage of much of the civil rights legislation to come out of the 1950s and 1960s.

The civil rights organization annually presents youth with an award that is adorned with his name. President Jimmy Carter bestowed upon him the highest honor in the land for a civilian – the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“My grandfather grew up very poor in a house in an alley that didn’t have indoor plumbing,” said Hines. “That just goes to show you, you never know where a child is going to end up in life.”

If the accomplishments of Hines’ grandparents weren’t enough, Hines’ uncle, Parren Mitchell, was the first AfricanAmerican United States Congressman to serve the state of Maryland.

So, one could easily argue that it is nature that created

Hines. One could argue that, but Hines would disagree. In fact, in Hines’ nearly two hour meeting with Insight News, she humbly diverted much of the conversation about her accomplishments back to discussion of her family – her nurturing family.

“When I investigate where I come from, it makes sense that I do what I do,” said Hines, who also served as president of the Black Student Alliance at Duke.

And what Hines has done – and is doing – is quite impressive. The soft-spoken, yet commanding presence that is Hines, has compiled quite a resume. Before serving as Dayton’s general counsel, Hines was a trial attorney with Blackwell Burke, representing corporate clients such as Cargill, General Mills and 3M. In her time as a trial attorney, she tried more than 150 cases.

So, how did Hines land the coveted position of general

counsel to the state’s highest office? Really, it was quite simple, yet remarkable at the same time.

Hines, who moved to Minnesota with her husband, Daron Hines, was at an event attended by the governor. “I met the governor and I submitted an application to work with in his cabinet,” said Hines.

“I interviewed with several individuals and was eventually offered the position of assistant chief of staff.”

Hines began working for Gov. Dayton on Feb. 7, 2011. By Aug. 10, 2011 – just six months and three days later – she was elevated to the position on general counsel. Hines was just 33 years old at time.

“I’ll never forget the morning it became official,” said Hines, with a bright smile on her face.

“I got in the governor’s car and he said, ‘Good morning madam counselor.’ I’ve been in the role

Mahmoud El Kati told KARE 11’s Scott Goldberg this about the 60’s: “For a black person like my father to get an FHA loan was about as easy as getting a camel through the eye of a needle.” He told KARE 11 housing policy was just one of the hurdles lining up in front of blacks. He said in the interview, “What do you want to talk about? Education? Family?

Religion? Entertainment? War? Peace? I mean, it’s the same question – black people will get the worst of it.”

When asked about the riots of the 1960’s, Liz Samuels, a lifelong black resident of north Minneapolis told KARE 11,

“People were very unhappy with the things around the country, and so they reacted the way everybody else did around the country.”

This was followed by Al McFarlane saying in the same KARE 11 interview, “This was simply a statement of rejecting of this assigned second-class status.”

Alfred Babington Johnson commented in the interview, saying, “It was happening all over the country. The frustration was about how this system worked and started to respond.”

In this same interview, Harriet Kaplan, who was actually

caught by a camera the day after the riot, as she was caught taking appliances out of Koval’s appliance store at Plymouth and James Avenue North, said, “They broke all the windows and they trampled through everything. It looked like people got along. Why the riot happened, I don’t know. “ Finally, Al McFarlane urged fellow north siders to take back a sense of ownership in the KARE 11 interview, when he said, “Ultimately, we have to determine our own future and create our own sense of who we are.”

The Great Migration –next week: Part 2

the whole Black population in some southern states could not vote.

The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, and previous condition of servitude, and authorized Congress to enforce this amendment with the appropriate action and legislation. Until 1876, federal troops enforced the right that African Americans had to vote, spurring an unprecedented level of African American civic participation.

Because the African American population (and number of voters) was greater than the number of Whites in Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina, African Americans were elected as lieutenant governors, secretaries of state and treasurers (not to mention Gov. Pinchback of Mississippi, who served a scant two months and was denied seats he was elected to in the Senate and to Congress). Additionally

16 African Americans served in Congress – two in the Senate and 14 in the House of Representatives. No wonder some were eager to nullify the Fifteenth Amendment. Federal troops were withdrawn from southern states in 1877; in 2013, 136 years later, southern states are asking that voting protection be withdrawn from their states.

Why? Just as the election of 16 African American legislators alarmed the South, so has the election and reelection of President Barack Obama alarmed our nation. His election reminds us all of the power of the vote, and emboldens those who would limit it. That’s why several states have passed voter ID legislation requiring people to have an official government ID in order to vote. That’s why a 102-year-old Black woman waited more than six hours to vote. That’s why some states have consolidated voting places, making people

travel further and wait longer to vote. We don’t have poll taxes anymore (although forcing people to travel more than an hour and wait more than an hour is an implicit poll tax), nor do voters have to take a fitness test, so the means of voter suppression have been both more and less subtle. It reminds us of why we had the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, and in our nation’s failure to implement, the Voting Rights Act. The court heard these arguments on Wednesday, February 27.

We must be alarmed and, if we live in states that filed amicus briefs, aware of those who would suppress our vote.

Classified Sales Representative

From 1

Phone: 612.588.1313

feel in your gut is racist or sexist?

This workshop is designed for those who have an understanding of different “-isms,” and want to acquire tools for dealing with “-ism” in the media (new media, social media, print media and ad campaigns). Whether you want to talk with co-workers, media outlets or your family and friends, this workshop will use current and past media examples of “-isms,” and talk through skills that can be easily applied and taught to others to create more inclusive media environments in our lives.

Free and open to the public. RSVP before March 1, 2013, to Alicia

612.588.2031, by phone: 612.5881313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Free or low cost events preferred.

Insight News is looking for a Classified Sales Representative to start immediately.

This is a part-time position perfect for a college student or someone looking for supplemental income. Candidate must be a motivated self-starter with the desire to grow the business. Candidate must be focused, must have the ability to work under deadlines and to meet or exceed set sales goals. Responsibilities include calling and emailing new clients and following up with past clients for classified sales. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to batalara@insightnews.com.

Please: No walk-ins and NO phone calls.

Hines

Walter Griffin

Young skiers with Major Taylor coaches

EVENTS

Public forum: How to manage hip or knee pain Mar.13 Free public forum: How to manage hip or knee pain on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 1 – 3p.m. at the Allina Health – The Commons: 2925 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407. The Arthritis Foundation is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of arthritis, which strikes one in every five adults and 300,000 children, and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. Presenters include: Dr. Scott Anseth, Orthopedic

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer.

She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.

Email: info@insightnews.com

Surgeon, Twin Cities Orthopedics and Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Dr. Tilok Ghose, Orthopedic Surgeon, Aspen Medical Group and Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Register by calling the Arthritis Foundation at 651-644-4108.

Basic Accounting Workshop Mar. 12 Understanding Basic Accounting Workshop: Presented by NDC, focuses on simple bookkeeping basics and understanding financial statements. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale Street, St. Paul, MN. 651379-8113 ever since.”

As general counsel, Hines is the chief attorney for the governor, lieutenant governor and the governor’s office. That means any state matters that require legal advice or review must be seen by the effervescent eyes of Hines. She also serves as the governor’s designee on the State Board of Investment (SBI), and as the governor’s voice on the Executive Council and Land Exchange boards. The SBI is responsible for managing more that $62 billion in state retirement funds.

Furthering the nurture argument, the state’s general counselor is quick to point out others who have mentored and

Answers From 8

Climate Change Forum March 14 The League of Women Voters of Minneapolis will present a free public forum on Climate Change and its world wide impact on Wednesday, March 14 from 5:30 to 9 P.M. at Mayflower Church, 106 East Diamond Lake Road at 35W exit. The forum will explore and discuss reasons for climate change and measures to consider in dealing with it. Visit www. worldwithoutgenocide.org for more information.

assisted her in her journey to the top. Hines counts among her mentors, civil rights maven Dr. Josie Johnson and newly appointed state Supreme Court Justice Wilhelmina Wright.

And just as Hines said she has been helped along the way, she is eager to offer her time and talents to others – especially youth.

“I don’t take my responsibility (to assist others) lightly,” said Hines. “I’m very passionate about granting access. It’s really bigger than me, because it’s about opening doors for other people. You never know what a person can achieve.

Every child has potential – don’t give up on anyone.”

insightnews.com

Insight News • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Page 11

HEALTH The Moore Therapy Movement: I am hip-hop!

Moore Therapy Movement

By Dr. Darren D. Moore Recently I attended the So So Def 20th Anniversary Concert at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

On Saturday, Feb. 23 I sat quietly in the front row and mingled with Atlanta’s finest including notable radio and television producers, journalists, entertainers – the who’s who in the entertainment industry. I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the entertainers, some of which included So So Def founder, Jermaine Dupri, Kris Kross, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Xscape, Bow Wow, Anthony

Hamilton, Lil Jon, Franchise Boys, Bass All Stars, INOJ, Bone Crusher, Jaquon, Dondria, YoungBloodZ, Nelly, Ludacris, Big Tigger, Pastor Troy, Usher, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z and Mariah Carey.

One might ask why this college professor would be attending such an event. In response, I say, “I love hip-hop.” I have been an avid fan of So So Def for years. Not only do I love hip-hop, I am hip-hop … well sort of. I believe hip-hop is a culture.

It is an expression, a way of being in the world. Through hip-hop, people communicate their thoughts, share their experiences, reflect on the harsh realities of today, talk about great moments in life, and discuss life’s tragedies.

Hip Hop is not all about the flashy cars, dollar bills, objectifying women, promoting violence, etc.

Though it may include all of the fore-mentioned things in certain situations, behind the velvet curtain many musicians are simply trying

to express themselves. Hip-hop is an art form, a way to externalize internalized feelings. When I listen to hip-hop, I focus on the beat and rhythms – the percussion that is accompanied by the words of a skilled lyricist. The first thing that I do is move my body to the beat of the music. Call it rapping, R&B, poetry, spoken word; it’s all about feeling. What do you feel when you listen to hip-hop?

Sometimes, I feel on top of the world, when I listen to hip-hop. That may sound a bit crazy, but if you think about it, music is, or should I say can be, a form of therapy. Many researchers have shown that music can assist with reducing depression and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and some argue that it may modify the release of stress hormones. In addition, hip-hop specifically, under close supervision has been found to be a successful intervention with at risk and delinquent youth, juvenile offenders, and has been found to

promote literacy, and can assist with establishing a therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. I have connected with a number of individuals young and old in therapy using metaphors from hip-hop. A therapist can use anything including art and music to facilitate healing. In addition, hiphop and other forms of expression can be a positive way for young people to articulate how they feel, which is why I am a supporter of Minneapolis Beats and Rhymes after school program (“Hot Cheetos and Takis”).

Before you dismiss hip-hop due to some of the negative stereotypes associated with the genre, take a step back to see if there are any positive aspects. I am hip-hop. Just as music promotes healing and soothes the soul, I as a marriage and family therapist do the same thing.

I help clients find a way to express themselves, often to their loved ones, family members, spouses, and

friends. I help clients explore the double entendre embedded in their life stories in efforts to find solutions to problems. I am hip-hop. I guess you can just call me the hip-hop doctor. I had a wonderful time at the concert. It definitely was a great experience and I had the opportunity to reminisce about the good old days growing up on the north side of Minneapolis. Kris Kross’ “Jump” used to by my song, though I never got sucked into the baggy jeans or wearing pants backwards. I specifically remember listening to them on the steps of my childhood home, while eating White Castle – you know before they closed the one on West Broadway. Well that’s all for now, hope to talk to you soon, but until then, stick around, there’s Moore to come.

Darren D. Moore, Ph.D., LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an assistant professor in Marriage and Family Therapy at

a university in Georgia. He works with individuals, couples, and families regarding mental health and relationship concerns. His research, teaching, and clinical interests include general mental health, obesity, weight loss, eating disorders, and addictions, within couple and family relationships, with an emphasis in working with men, African-American families, and marginalized populations.

Moore is a north Minneapolis native, who obtained his bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota, his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University, and his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech. Dr. Moore, he can be reached by email at ddmoore@ vt.edu or via talk/text at (612) 2963758.

Optimists able to switch off negative thoughts

By Mark Underwood Have you ever wondered how some people manage to be in a good mood all the time? What is it that they know that you don’t about seeing the glass as “half full” instead of “half empty?”

Many people work at getting physically fit, but not everyone practices “mental fitness.” Many don’t consciously know how to keep a positive attitude going in spite of problems we all come up against.

So what are these happy thinkers doing that many people are not? Let’s start with lifestyle.

No matter where you live or what chapter of your life you’re in, it’s easy to get the doldrums from time to time. In some parts of the country winter blahs are blamed while others lead an overly scheduled lifestyle which brings on daily challenges.

Research has found that the difference between people who remain cheery when faced with challenges that life doles out and those who can’t switch off negative thoughts, is the difference in mindsets.

Voting From 1 choice will eliminate so-called spoiler candidates and single-issue candidates because they would be weeded out almost immediately.

Massey said negative campaigning would all but cease.

“There’d be much less negative campaigning because candidates wouldn’t want to alienate supporters of another candidate,” said Massey.

Massey said the true benefits of ranked choice voting will be revealed in November with the Minneapolis mayoral election.

Minneapolis has adopted the system for its citywide elections.

Recently, FairVote hosted an event for about 100 people to tout ranked choice voting. The event, held inside the downtown Minneapolis offices of Fredrickson & Byron P.A., featured ranked choice voting supporter and CNN political pundit, David Gergen.

David Snowdon, a professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky has said that when optimists face problems they are able to “switch off” negative thoughts and “switch on” a happy state of mind.

Health Benefits for Optimists Optimism is good for you health, pessimism is not. Stress can be harmful, yet it is nearly impossible to avoid. As we age, the effects of stress take a greater toll on our health, from increasing cholesterol to disrupting sleep.

Individuals that turn a difficult situation into a workable solution may actually be protecting themselves from the harmful effects of stress and other health problems.

A 2011 Harvard School of Public Health study found a significant increase of risk for various health problems including heart disease in people with negative outlooks.

Studies have also shown that people who can see humor in difficult situations where others see only anxiety and failure benefit from keeping a light-hearted outlook.

Living life like the way you

want There are various degrees and forms of negative thinking, but results are often the same. It can destroy motivation and energy, concentration skills, and feelings of self-worth. For some people, they’ve lived for years with a constant lack of positive thoughts.

Instead, they have replaced them with continual negativity.

Living like this is difficult especially if you do so every day of the week. Negative thoughts may make you want to avoid deadlines and responsibilities. You put off daily tasks like cooking and cleaning and feel like not going to school and work.

Tips for Ramping up Positive Thinking It’s one thing to say to say you want a positive attitude, but it’s another thing to practice optimistic thinking when times are tough.

How do you go from complaining to having a sunny disposition?

Like most things, the more you practice the better at it you get. Open the door to being more enthusiastic about life. The more you consciously put positive thoughts in your head, the more intuitive it will get.

Gergen said changing the system is needed to eliminate the polarity in today’s politics.

“Today we’re so polarized we call it hyper-partisanship,” said Gergen. “This is not the first time in this nation we’ve been here.

The only other time we were so polarized that we could not function was the 1850s, and look were that got us. We’ve had a model that’s worked for quite a long time, but we’ve reached a strategic inflection point and we need to develop new strategies.”

Gergen, who is a former presidential advisor who served under Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, said ranked choice would force politicians to campaign and govern from the middle out as opposed to from either the far right or far left.

“We’ve got some wackos who are trying to run this thing from the end zone on each side,” said Gergen.

Though a proponent of ranked choice voting, Gergen said it alone

will not fix what he called a broken political system. Gergen blamed gerrymandering for causing much of the gridlock in Washington D.C. According to the Harvard University graduate, in 1992 there were 120 House districts that were considered swing districts. He said today that number is down to 35 because of gerrymandering when redistricting occurs.

“What that means is if you’re a Republican in a safe district, you’re more worried about a challenge from the right, not from the Democrats,” said Gergen.

“So the reality is (Republican Congressmen) have no incentive to cooperate with President Obama.

It’s in their best interest not to cooperate.”

Gergen, who spoke for about 30 minutes, also called for campaign finance reform and addressed various state voter ID laws.

“There’s a lot to be done,” said Gergen. “Part is about process, but part is about culture. How do we change the culture of American politics?”

Positivity may be easier than you think because you can practice it anywhere, anytime without any special equipment or training. Use these tips to start being a new you.

• Listen for negativity: Find one place in your daily routine where you often run into negativity. Listen for your internal voice emerging that is looking at troubling news as failure. Ignore it.

Change the channel and find a new internal voice that says, “I will get through this and in the meantime, I’m grateful for what I have.” Do this daily.

• Learn to laugh: Laugher is one of the most enjoyable ways to let the day’s stressors melt away. Humor has been studied extensively for its major effect on our well-being. As social beings we thrive with positive contact with others. Make sure you have people in your life that make you laugh and can help you lighten the day.

Positive people are contagious.

• Do something nice (and unexpected) for someone.

Research studies have found that five good deeds a day can make you happier. Look for ways to go out of your way to be kind to someone. It could be something simple like opening a door for a shopper whose hands are full or signing up to be a volunteer at a local organization that gives back to the community.

• Exercise for mind and body. If you feel fit and healthy, you’re much more likely to want to feel up beat less and less likely to wallow in everyday problems.

Exercise has a profound effect on our ability to cope with stress.

Exercise elevates our moods and helps fuel positive thinking.

Positive thinking is about placing your mind in readiness to find the good and upbeat in negative situations. It is not just window dressing for a problem—it is a technique as well as a lifestyle

that can potentially change your life for the better.

Mark Underwood is a neuroscience researcher, president and co-founder of Quincy Bioscience, a biotech company located in Madison, Wisconsin focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel technologies to support cognitive function and other age-related health challenges such as memory.

Mark is also creator of popular brain health supplement Prevagen.

Mark has been taped as an expert in the field of neuroscience for The Wall Street Journal Morning Radio, CBS and CNN Radio among others. Mark is also a contributor to the “Brain Health Guide” which highlights the research at Quincy Bioscience and offers practical tips to help keep healthy brain function in aging.

More information can be found at: www.quincybioscience.com.

Page 12 • March 4 - March 10, 2013 • Insight News

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