The Diamond Life
Rocky Diamonds signs with Epic Records and remembers Fly Henderson TURN TO SECTION B
April 28 - May 4, 2014
Vol. 41 No. 18 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Aging gracefully By Irma McClaurin, PhD, Culture and Education Editor I am blessed with my mother’s skin. People often stop me to compliment me on how soft and smooth my skin looks. When asked how I keep it that way, I can only smile and say “good genes.” Having recently celebrated a birthday, I am increasingly aware
of the aging process. It takes its toll, ultimately, on all of us. I have a younger brother, who died too early – in his 50s, of complications from obesity. Another friend died in her early 60s of breast cancer and another in his 60s of complications from diabetes and hypertension. Others have lived a relatively long life and died in their 80s like my mom. Hers was a quiet death
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Khaliq, Graupman installed in the Wall of Fame By Robert McClain A host of people attended the 2014, St Paul College, Wall of Fame Recognition Event and Reception held April 17 where Jane Graupman and Elder Nathaniel (Nick) Khaliq were honored. Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota, received the Community Partner of the Year Award. Khaliq, a community activist, business owner, former NAACP-St. Paul Branch president, retired St. Paul fire fighter and former St. Paul City Council interim councilman received the Alumnus of the Year Award. Various friends, family
members, colleagues, dignitaries and well-wishers were there to acknowledge and applaud the two who have given of themselves for the benefit of others. Speakers and award presenters included Dr. Rassoul Dastmozd, college president, Friends of St. Paul College Foundation board member, Mary Shearen, St. Paul mayor, Chris Coleman, Twin Cities United Way senior vice president, Meghan Barp and the director of the Office of Early Learning for the Minnesota Department of Education, Melvin Carter, III. A memorable moment in the program was Khaliq’s heartfelt tribute to his wife, Victoria Davis, which generated lively cheers and a thunderous round of applause.
L-R: Melvin Carter,III, Nathaniel Khaliq and Dr. Rassoul Dastmozd
Black physicians combat health care disparities
Inaugural fundraiser for foster care support organization
Delivering life skills By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer Connections 2 Independence (C2i) is set to host its first ever fundraiser to fund its mission of providing life skills to teens and young adults in foster care in the Twin Cities. The event, Run for the Roses, is a Kentucky Derby and casino themed party that includes food, cocktails, a hat contest (for men and women), viewing of the
Kentucky Derby, a silent auction and a fashion show featuring C2i youth, that takes place from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, May 3 at Warehouse Winery, 6415 Cambridge St., St. Louis Park. The event is $30 per person or $50 for two. Money raised will fund C2i, a nonprofit located inside of Sabathani Community Center, 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis. Former Los Angeles Laker and Minneapolis native Devean George will serve as the event’s honorary chair.
C2i prepares youth for living independently as they get closer to reaching adulthood and aging out of the foster care system. Services include teaching independent living skills, with a key emphasis placed on one-on-one relationship building. A specific focus is placed on practical matters such as securing housing, education and employment. C2i CEO, Jessica Rogers
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L-R: Dr. Rassoul Dastmozd, Jane Graupman and Meghan Barp
Former NBA star Devean George will serve as honorary event chair
Washington, D.C. – Members of the National Medical Association (NMA), the nation’s largest organization of African-American physicians, have developed and refined an aggressive action plan to help reduce the health disparities that plague the African-American community and result in an unnecessary loss of life and an annual cost to the U.S. economy of billions of dollars. On April 17, at the second Summit on African Health in Washington, D.C., the NMA developed the plan with a number
of other key organizations. These groups included the National Black Nurses Association, Aetna Insurance, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, United Black Fund, National Society of Allied Health and the increasingly popular BlackDoctors.org. The ultimate goal of the plan is to reach and educate as many African-Americans as possible about such preventive healthcare measures as maintaining proper diets and nutritional habits,
HEALTH TURN TO 3
Insight 2 Health
Lifestyle
Community
Education
Insight 2 Health challenge in full swing
Finding true success and happiness
Help “Miracle Miata” beat the odds
Armstrong and Cooper teams receive Jefferson Awards for Community Service
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Page 2 • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Insight News
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Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.
Fitness instructors Tyrone Minor and his wife Jamie Minor demonstrate the power of jointly being committed to a healthy lifestyle. Both are instructors with the F.I.T. Lab, 1565 Como Ave., Ste. 102, St. Paul.
INSIGHT 2 HEALTH Next session CHALLENGE IN starts June 14 FULL SWING By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer
Diabetes, heart disease and stroke are leading causes of mortality among AfricanAmericans. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, about four out of five African-American women are overweight or obese. And while exercise and proper diet are proven to increase a person’s lifespan and improve the quality of a person’s life, in 2010, African-Americans were 70 percent less likely to engage in physical activity as nonHispanic whites. To combat the ill effects of living a sedentary lifestyle and to enhance the quality of life for African-Americans and others in the Twin Cities, Insight News, along with NorthPoint Health & Wellness and the F.I.T. Lab have joined forces for the Insight2Health Challenge. The challenge is designed to promote measurable and long-lasting health and fitness outcomes for program participants. “Ultimately, we’re trying to change people’s lives,” said Tyrone Minor, owner of the F.I.T. Lab, 1565 Como Ave., Ste. 102, St. Paul. “We’ve even brought in a life coach to help with goal setting and motivation. What we’re seeing is that once people start to peel off layers literally, they start to peel off layers figuratively too and open up and discuss life issues with our life coach.” There are a multitude of reasons why AfricanAmericans are less active and have poorer health than their white counterparts, but Jamie Minor, a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor with the F.I.T.
Lab, said there should be little excuse when it comes to personal health. “I think it’s important to understand that a lot of the barriers we place upon ourselves (when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle),” said Jamie Minor, Tyrone Minor’s wife. “Excuses such as ‘I don’t have time,’ or ‘I don’t know how to cook healthy’ are ones I hear.” The Minors themselves often train together and say they have found transitioning into a healthier lifestyle is easier when people do it with a partner or group. The two say people should seek support from friends, family, coworkers and even groups on social media can offer encouragement and provide a source of accountability. “Get a support system,” said Tyrone Minor. “It’s going to be a team effort to get a person off the couch and into the gym.” According to the F.I.T. Lab trainers, the Insight2Health challenge is not just about who can lose the most weight. “Fifty percent (of the challenge) is based on weight loss,” said Tyrone Minor. “The other 50 percent is about lifestyle change, so people can truly make that change we talk about. We want to instill in them it’s more than just what the scale tells you.” “We try to instill that today is a new day and to focus on the positive and moving forward and not to dwell on past transgressions,” said Jamie Minor. The current Insight2Health challenge runs until May 24 and the next one begins June 14. More information on the challenge is available online at www. insight2healthchallenge.com.
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Insight News • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Page 3
HEALTH MDH report: Sharp increase in STD rates A new report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shows significant increases in the rates of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from 2012 to 2013. While the state’s overall STD rate increased 10 percent, the increases were much higher for syphilis (up 64 percent) and gonorrhea (up 26 percent). The report is available on the MDH website at http://www. health.state.mn.us/std. According to Dr. Ed Ehlinger, Minnesota Commissioner of Health, the increased STD rates documented in the report underscore the importance of prevention, testing, and awareness. “Untreated STDs can have serious health consequences,” Commissioner Ehlinger said. “Testing, diagnosing and treating these diseases in their early stages will prevent long-term health problems and slow their spread. Since most STDs don’t show symptoms, it’s important for sexually active people to get tested each year or when involved with a new partner.” Reportable STDs in Minnesota include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. There were 23,133 cases reported in Minnesota in 2013, compared to 21,465 in 2012 and 19,547 in 2011. Key findings within the report include: Chlamydia (up 4 percent) is the number one reported infectious disease in the state, and it reached a new high of 18,724 cases in 2013 compared to 18,048 in 2012. The majority of cases occurred in teens and young adults within the ages of 15 to 24. Nearly one in three cases occurred in greater Minnesota. Gonorrhea (up 26 percent)
Dr. Ed Ehlinger remains the second most commonly reported STD in Minnesota, with 3,872 cases reported in 2013 compared to 3,082 in 2012. Fifty-eight percent of all gonorrhea cases occurred among the 15- to 24-year-old age group and 80 percent of cases occurred in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Primary and secondary syphilis cases (up 64 percent) are also a problem, with 193 cases in 2013 compared to 118 in 2012. New infections continued to be centered in the Twin Cities area and among males, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). The rate of MSM coinfected with syphilis and HIV was 46 percent. There also was an increase in early syphilis cases among women in 2013, with 30 cases in 2013 compared to 18 in 2012. The MDH report also shows higher infection rates for chlamydia and gonorrhea
among communities of color and American Indians when compared to whites. Increases in syphilis infection rates were seen among African-American, Asian and white MSM. “These disparities exist among populations that have the fewest opportunities to access prevention programs and testing due to social, medical and/or income disadvantages,” Commissioner Ehlinger said. “We need to expand our partnerships with our most impacted communities to ensure these services are available and being used.” Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to infertility in women and men and can be passed from an infected woman to her newborn children, causing premature delivery, infant pneumonia and blindness. Untreated gonorrhea can spread to organs and joints leading to life-threatening conditions. Untreated syphilis can cause blindness, mental illness, dementia and death. People can prevent getting or spreading STDs by abstaining from sexual contact, delaying the start of sexual activity, limiting the number of sexual partners, always using latex condoms during sex, and by not sharing needles for drug use, piercing or tattooing. Partners of STD-infected patients also need to get tested and treated to prevent re-infection or spread to others. Health care providers can play a critical role in reducing STD rates. Health care providers should assess the sexual risks among their patients and provide the necessary STD screenings according to guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Health From 1 developing appropriate exercise regimes and undergoing regular screenings to help mitigate health disparities. According to NMA president, Dr. Michael LeNoir, “The Affordable Care Act is not a perfect act. Just because over seven million people sign up for insurance coverage does not automatically guarantee the elimination of the major healthcare disparities that currently exist in this nation, and especially those that exist in the African American community.” Specifically, the NMA and the other organizations at the summit agreed to begin aggressively involving community based healthcare advocates, churches, businesses, school systems and other organizations in regularly communicating information to the public on how to improve an individual’s health. “Access and action go hand in hand,” said the Summit’s program director, Dr. Sharon D. AllisonOttey. “Access to healthcare services and the proactive action to maintain good health, when that access is available, are directly tied to the elimination of healthcare disparities in the African-American community.” “Cancer is common in the African American community, so we have to do more to continuously educate African Americans about all aspects of this disease, particularly breast and prostrate cancer. Screenings
“Access and action go hand in hand,” said the Summit’s program director, Dr. Sharon D. Allison-Ottey. need to be provided wherever and whenever possible,” added LeNoir. “African-American women with breast cancer, for example, are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Prostrate cancer, on the other hand, is the most common cancer among American men of all ethnic groups. But the incidence of African-American males suffering from prostrate cancer is 66 percent higher than white males and the mortality rate of African-American males with the dreaded cancer is twice as high as white men.” Johns Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Program on Men’s Health recently released a study on health disparities among men in the United States and estimated that, between 2006 and 2009, these disparities cost the nation $450 billion. AfricanAmerican men were responsible for the majority of the costs, with $341 billion spent on medical costs. The figure represents the total amount spent on medical expenses accumulated over the four-year evaluation period and
and Prevention (CDC). Health care providers are also responsible for making a reasonable attempt to ensure the treatment of their patient’s sex partners. MDH recommends that partners of STD infected patients get tested and treated at the same time to prevent re-infection. Expedited partner therapy (EPT) allows physicians to dispense prescriptions or medications to their patients who have tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea. The patient can give those prescriptions or medications to the patient’s sexual partners who are uninsured, unwilling or unable to get to a clinic. Action steps and resources MDH provides for STD control, monitoring, prevention, testing and treatment can be found on the MDH website at: http://www. health.state.mn.us/std. The site features the complete Minnesota STD Surveillance Report for 2013, as well as STD fact sheets, information about expedited partner therapy, National STD Awareness Month (April) campaign materials, and a link to STD treatment guidelines. Additional resources available online include the Minnesota Chlamydia Partnership (MCP) action plan to reduce and prevent chlamydia in the state, at http:// www.health.state.mn.us/mcp, and the MDH Partner Services Program, which provides followup services to people with HIV, syphilis, and those referred from clinics with untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea and their sexual partners who may need examination and treatment. That information can be found at http://www.health.state.
mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/stds/ partnerservices.html. For confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs, call the Minnesota Family Planning & STD Hotline, toll
free, at 1-800-78-FACTS (voice or TTY), 651-645-9360 (Metro area), Text ASKMN to 66746, or visit their website at: http:// sexualhealthmn.org/. -MDH-
organizations must find a way to effectively coordinate and work together to promote the important messages about healthcare. “Black doctors are no longer
HEALTH TURN TO 5
the costs associated with lower worker productivity due to the loss of work and premature death. In addition to educating the community and providing more screenings, the NMA and the other summit attendees plan to target Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and mainstream institutions of higher learning to encourage more AfricanAmerican students, particularly males, to pursue healthcare careers. Today, the majority of African-American medical students, almost 70 percent, are females. Representatives from BlackDoctor.org, the National Black Nurses Association, and the NMA will also begin identifying foundations and other sources to secure funding that will be used to launch collaborative initiatives that address the growing health disparities in the African-American community. Former NMA president, Dr. Rahn K. Bailey, believes the messages to the community on healthcare are fragmented and that
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Insight News • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Page 4
LIFESTYLE Finding true success and happiness Man Talk
By Timothy Houston Success and happiness are two sides of the same coin called purpose. We all have a purpose in life. We were all created to do something that is greater than the accumulation of wealth. Real success in life can only be measured by the accomplishment of one’s intended purpose. You are successful when you do what you were created to do. Until you truly understand why you are here, you can never put the energy needed to bring it to pass. It is the pursuit of this passion that leads to true success and happiness. Only knowledge of your true purpose can lead to true happiness. The dictionary defines purpose as the object to which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal. It is necessary that we know the goal that we are working towards or the “why” we are here. The “why we are here” will always be greater than the “what we are capable of doing” because the “what” speaks to our past, but the “why”
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speaks to our future. The clearer you understand why you are here, the better choices you will make and greater success will be experienced. This success is what we call “true” happiness. When looking for success and happiness, look to the things you do naturally. A fish swims naturally because it was
designed to swim, and a bird flies naturally because it was designed to fly. They are both happiest and successful when they are in their natural environments. So it is with us. The things that we are able to do naturally (without much effort) help to illuminate what we are here to do and will bring us the greatest amount of
contentment and achievement. Do not allow that to be your only measurement. You must seek God daily for guidance and instructions. Although nature can give us an insight on why we are here, our true purpose is only known in the mind of the Creator. The true measurement of
success and happiness comes from God. You are not your own standard. If you want to know the purpose of a thing, never ask the thing. The bird may know that it can fly, but it cannot tell you why it can fly. To get the “why,” you have to go back to the Creator, God. He is the only one that can give you the object
towards which you should be striving. He will give you the true measurement for your success. If your goals are based on what you think or feel, they will never bring you the victory or the success and happiness that you desire. True success and happiness will be determined by what you do today. When you see yourself as greater than your current situation, the potential for greatness becomes possible. You are more than a husband, wife, son or daughter. You are more than your occupation or educational achievements. Your goals in life should be connected to your divine purpose that can and will be revealed to you by God. This is the only true measurement of success. Whatever your divine purpose may be, it will be natural to you as a fish is to water, and you will be good at it. This will bring you more money, time, energy, peace and happiness then you ever thought possible. Spend some time along with God and find your true success and true happiness. Timothy Houston is an author, minister and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.
Spring cleaning: Seize the season Motivational Moments
By Penny JonesRichardson This season brings so much excitement for me. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am excited about what is in store for my future. There
Aging From 1 with peace and grace. Her body simply started to shut down, and we had decided beforehand to take no “extraordinary measures” – no tubes, no resuscitation, no needles in her thin arms. It was the most difficult decision to make ahead of time, but I’m glad my siblings and I agreed upon this course of action. Mom left us gracefully, and with dignity. The death of friends and family are all signposts and gentle reminders of our own impending mortality.
is something about the weather changing that brings joy to my heart. During this season, I think about old things leaving and new life coming forward. This time of year gives me so much energy and determination, that I feel like I can do anything. This is a great time for everyone to think about what you would like to change or start in your life. This is the time of year when a lot of people decide to get out there and work on their weight-loss plans. The weather is a lot nicer and that brings more
individuals out to walk or jog, which in turn will help them to get in shape. This time of year also has a lot of people thinking about where they see their future and how they will achieve some goals to make that future a possibility. This new time is a time to set goals that you never dreamt possible. Sometimes if you take a moment and just look around, you will see that the people you know are changing and doing the things that make them feel great about themselves. This
is so empowering that some of their positive energy may have an affect on you. I like to think about my mother during this time of year. Each year during this time we would have to do our annual spring-cleaning around our house. This meant that we had to toss everything old or things we weren’t using anymore in the trash. She had this philosophy of if you don’t need it in your life, then you get rid of it. That is how we should look at our lives too. There could be lots of “stuff” or
Human beings are a species with a biological time clock built in. We are born to die. But in American culture, unlike many around the world, we don’t celebrate or value aging. What must life have been like for Japan’s oldest living person, Jiroeman Kimura who died last year at age 116? And who doesn’t remember the spunky Delany sisters who became celebrities at age 100plus? Their key to living a long and positive life was “serenity” and not bowing to the stress of racism. The formulas to growing old gracefully can vary crossculturally. Some cultures
favor diet, exercise, activity, alcohol or no alcohol, a stress-free environment and more. According to National Geographic aging specialist, Dan Buettner, there are “blue zones” in the world where people tend to live longer. His research attributes longevity in these geographical spaces to not avoiding hardship and eating more nuts. Ironically, as Americans age, we are encouraged to take it easy, and avoid stress. We may need to reconsider if such recommendations, based on biowestern medicine, are the best solution. Inactivity and taking life easy may actually accelerate
the aging process. We must also pay attention to the American culture’s obsession with youth. We are inundated with advertisements that encourage us to look younger, feel younger, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against being young, except I’ve been there and done that. I have no desire to return to the days of my youth. I do not wish to reclaim the long black locks of hair that I once flaunted. Instead, I revel in my short, silver bob. It takes guts to wear gray hair these days. We receive an average of three to four messages every
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people in our lives that we should get rid of. These are the things or people that we have been holding on to just to say that we have them in our lives. They don’t help motivate us, they don’t encourage us and these things or people are just there taking up space. Think about it for a moment. Are you one of those people who knows that it is time to let go and move on so you can be the best you possible? Maybe you have been holding on and waiting for the weather to change before you get the strength to do something
amazing. Well if that is you, then take a look outside. The weather changed and the sun is shining bright on you. Maybe it’s time for you to do your “spring-cleaning.” And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and keep striving for greatness. Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.
Page 5 • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Insight News
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BUSINESS
How to keep a fundraising job FUNdraising Good Times
By Mel and Pearl Shaw We have seen nonprofit executive directors and college presidents pull their hair out over their relationship – or lack of a relationship – with their development staff. There are magic words development professionals say that pour
gasoline on a slow smoldering fire. Here are a few. “I don’t have enough staff.” While this may be true, it is not a conversation starter. You must effectively deploy current staff before requesting more. A staffing request should be accompanied by a plan showing how new staff will increase revenue over-andabove the added salary line. “The event was a great friendraiser.”
A fundraising event that fails to meet goal is not a successful friendraiser. “We couldn’t meet the proposal deadline....” There is no reason to miss a proposal submission date: plan ahead, and submit in advance. “The annual appeal didn’t go out until January.” It doesn’t matter that it was ready to go on December 27th. Year end appeals should go out in
October. November at the latest. “I am heading up a community solicitation program for the chamber.” Yes, your boss wanted you more involved with the community, but not like this. “Can you meet with a potential, major gift prospect in the next five minutes?” The point is you have to coordinate donor and funder visits with your executive. “I have a personality conflict with the
chair of the alumni association.” Managing relationships is a key responsibility for a development professional. You cannot alienate one of your most important constituencies. “The person with that information is out on sick leave.” This classic drives executives crazy. It doesn’t matter that it’s true: you need backup systems and cross-trained staff. “We are
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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
Foster
Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White
From 1 said her organization is worthy of the public’s support because too many exit the foster system without the basic skills to live a productive life. “Fifty-three percent of the homeless population (in America) has been in foster care, so there’s something broken with our system,” said Rogers. “Foster children have a graduation rate of 45 percent. Ninety-eight percent of our kids graduate high school or achieve a GED. Only 14 percent of kids in foster care go on to post secondary education. Fifty percent of our kids go on to pursue post-secondary education. If we don’t put funding into programs like this now, these kids can easily mirror the national statistics. We’re teaching them how to live truly independently.” Rogers said there’s a prevailing myth that kids enter foster care and get adopted and live happily ever after, but that is not the reality. According to Rogers, kids in the foster system, on average, live in five different homes and many are never adopted. “We make it a priority to provide a stable environment no matter where they go in the system,” said Rogers. “We’re here to support them and teach them what a healthy relationship looks like.” For more information on Connections 2 Independence visit C2i online at www.c2iyouth.org. To purchase tickets to the May 3 fundraiser go to http://tinyurl. com/luj9a3w. May is National Foster Care Month. Insight News will feature a story in each edition this month to highlight issues in foster care within the Twin Cities.
Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Editorial Intern Abeni Hill Production Intern Sunny Thongthi
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Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Toki Wright Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Alysha Price Photography Michele Spaise Corey Collins 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.
waiting on ABC foundation to take us over the top.” Too often this is the gift that never arrives. Don’t wait for a gift to make your goal: keep working a pool of prospects with the capacity to give three times your goal. “We made goal, but all gifts are restricted.” We know this is an exaggeration, but there’s a grain of truth: be careful with gift counting. Here are a few other favorites: “Can you attend a check presentation of $1,000 in Chicago?” “I can’t tell you how much we raised because of a computer problem.” “Mr. Longwinded volunteered to make remarks at the grand opening.” Two more that are sure to annoy: asking for a raise when you haven’t met an agreed-upon, reasonable fundraising goal, and offering one-of-a-kind naming opportunities to more than one donor. Here’s a tip for fundraisers who want to strengthen their relationship with their executive: You are the “subject matter expert”: Suggest potential solutions instead of leading with problems. Provide a weekly report with funds raised, prospects contacted, and important dates to remember. Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your campaign visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.
Health From 3
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the only vehicle to communicate health and medical information to African-American people,” said Bailey. “We now have the NAACP, National Urban League, 100 Black Men, 100 Black Women, fraternities, sororities, and other Black groups to help deliver the messages on health.” Summit participants agreed that when it comes to health disparities in the AfricanAmerican community that doctors do not have all of the answers. Many at the summit envision a consortium of government agencies, private institutions, public institutions, civic groups and other organizations that will be formed to help decrease the health disparities that plague African-Americans.
Page 6 • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Insight News
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COMMUNITY Help “Miracle Miata” beat the odds By Abeni Hill Editorial Intern On Saturday, May 3 a benefit will be held for Miata Smith ,20, who underwent a bilateral lung transplant in November of 2013. Through this journey, Munah Wotorson-Smith has called her daughter “Miracle Miata.” “She is just a manifestation of his power,” said WotorsonSmith in reference to God. “My faith has been strengthened in his faithfulness.” Smith said relying on God helped her and her family stay positive. “If the family is positive that means God was positive.” On Nov. 6 of last year, Smith was diagnosed with a serious case of pneumonia. It began with Smith having difficulty breathing and two trips to the emergency room. The third time Smith was in the emergency room at Methodist Hospital and the doctors decided to keep her overnight for observation. The next morning her mother, Wotorson-Smith was informed that her daughter’s kidneys had been impacted by the pneumonia and she suffered from acute respiratory failure.
Miata Smith The hospital admitted Smith into the ICU. As her oxygen levels became progressively worse and her lungs were succumbing to the disease, the doctors decided to
put Smith on the waiting list for a lung transplant. The next day, a donor was found and Smith had a bilateral lung transplant two days before Thanksgiving.
Community Calendar • Classifieds Send Community Calendar information to us by email: info@insightnews.com, by fax: 612.588.2031, by phone:( 612)588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free or low cost events preferred. EVENTS North First: Green – Apr. 28 Join your neighbors this spring for our first 2014 North First social events on Apr. 28, 2014, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm at The Capri Theater 2027 W Broadway Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. This is a great opportunity to get to know other residents, neighborhood organizations and community at the historic Capri Theater, enjoy some delicious food, have fun with some great name tags from Give & Take, stop by the Information Exchange, and hear some brief presentations about a variety of topics of interest to neighborhoods. Come for a bite and stay for some conversation. Just make sure you reserve your spot today! Learn more at http:// northfirst.org Sights, Sounds and Soul: Twin Cities through the lens of Charles Chamblis Exhibit Opening – Apr. 29 From family reunions to the nightclub scene, there is no one who documented the Twin Cities black community like Charles Chamblis. Affectionately called “The Pictureman,” he had a passion for photography and a knack for being everywhere at the right time. View more than 60 images, alongside artifacts including suits worn by Prince and Jellybean Johnson in the movie “Purple Rain.” Attend an open house on Tuesday, April 29, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102 to meet some of the people featured in the new exhibit “Sights, Sounds and Soul: Twin Cities through the lens of Charles Chamblis.” Also, meet with teens who created a special photography exhibit taking inspiration from Chamblis’ mission
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“to feel what he saw.” Part of MNHS’ Teen Advisory Council, the teens worked with photography instructors and historians to research and document their neighborhoods and community. Enjoy music, see the exhibits and create new community connections. Light refreshments will be served. FREE. The exhibit is on view, April 26-Feb. 4, 2015 and is free with History Center admission. Minneapolis WorkForce Center Relocate Project - Apr. 29 An update on the project to relocate the North Minneapolis WorkForce Center to 800 West Broadway will be held at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411 on Tuesday, April 29th, 2014, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. This event is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, City of Minneapolis, Sherman Associates, Northside Residents Redevelopment Council, CAPI, CLUES, Somali Success School, Lao Assistance Center, Minneapolis Urban League, Nexus Community Partners, Center for Neighborhood Organizing, Alliance for Metropolitan Stability and Hawthorne Neighborhood Council. All are welcome! Food provided. RSVP either at http://bit.ly/ nmplsworkforcecentermeeting, by contacting a host organization, or call Erik Hansen at (612) 6735022. Invention Expo 2014 - May 2 &3 Explore Minnesota’s next great inventions at Invention Expo 2014, presented by Minnesota Inventors Congress. Ideal for students, families, investors and inspiring inventors, the Invention Expo 2014 includes opportunities to see and purchase new inventions, provide feedback to inventors, participate in hands-on activities, and more. For a complete list of activities, times and to purchase tickets, visit: http://www. minnesotainventorscongress. org/invention-idea-show/
After being in an induced coma for six weeks, Smith was discharged from the hospital and has been at home with her family. Her kidneys were also impacted
Phone: 612.588.1313
“North Moves” Event - May 3 The “North Moves” Event is a free community party and learning opportunity in the Harrison neighborhood of Minneapolis that is being held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Mpls., MN 55405 on May 3rd, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This event is hosted by Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis and Luther Seminary students. Come visit with neighbors, walk through interactive stations and learn about how transit equity relates to a healthy community. Voice your hopes about North Minneapolis, talk with decision makers and learn how the future of light rail will affect your commute and your neighborhood. Get connected, get artsy and get moving at North Moves. For more information please call Sherri Lawrence at 612-251-1342. 5th Annual Pan Asian Arts Festival - May 4 Landmark Center will host the 5th Annual Pan Asian Arts Festival on Sunday, May 4 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and all are welcome to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month at the event. Experience the beauty and rich traditions of Pan Asian heritage with over 30 dance performances representing many Pan Asian cultures, as well as music, storytelling, crafts, face painting, carnival games, Hmong Flower Cloth workshop, Chinese calligraphy, and Japanese origami. Food will be available for purchase. For more information on the Pan Asian Arts Festival, please contact the Pan Asian Arts Alliance at paaa@amamedia. org, 612.376.7715, or www. panasianartsalliance.org
Fax: 612.588.2031
bike safety checks by The Hub and gather resources from local organizations to get you moving. For more details check out the event online: http:// on.fb.me/1s9cCTF or email dmckeown@gpisd.net with questions. PACER Center Workshop May 7 PACER Center is offering “Transitioning to Employment and Independent Living,” a free workshop for parents of youth with disabilities, and for professionals. It is on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Plymouth Creek Center (Meeting Room 1), 14800 34th Ave. N., in Plymouth, Minn. Advance registration is required. This workshop will provide information on career exploration and planning, and parents will gain knowledge about how to prepare their youth for employment and life skills after high school. A vocational rehabilitation counselor will discuss eligibility and employment services, and participants will receive a packet of helpful information and resources. Parents of students in the 9th grade and beyond are encouraged to attend. To register for the workshop, call PACER at (952) 838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call (800) 537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org.
“Fight like a Mother!” Show - May 10 The 5th annual “Fight like a Mother!” show will be held Saturday, May 10, 2:00-8:00pm at the ColorWheel Gallery 319 W. 46th St. Mpls, MN 55419. As it gets more & more difficult to keep it all together we celebrate the Mothers of our world & Brake for Breakfast - May 6 honor their constant strength & As part of Minneapolis Bike struggle to preserve our survival. Walk Week, hop on your bike Artists express their passion and join the Greenway Building thru painting, collage, textiles, tenants in partnership with the photography, jewelry, sculpture, Lake Street Council on Tuesday, spoken word, poetry & prose. May 6th, 2014 7:00am-9:00am Artists include: Tammy at the Greenway Building Ortegon, Westy Copeland, Tina Parking Lot, 2801 21st Ave S, Blondell, Dakota Hoska, Jane Minneapolis for: free peace Evershed, Deborah Foutch, coffee, a chance to purchase Melodee Strong, Ayanna Muata, breakfast from PHIRA, Gloria Larsen, Neza local food trucks, S.G, Lee Ann Schutz Wahi, Alison Love Unzelman, STAFF ATTORNEYS Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks 2 full-time M o n t a n a attorneys for its Minneapolis office. Fam. Law; veteran’s with some work in govt benes. Licensed in MN pref’d. Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary $45,000+D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to Lynelle Wells, CMLS, 430 First Ave. No., #359, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Appl. deadline: 5/2/14 or until filled. EOE.
APARTMENT OPENINGS Delton Manor located in Bemidji, MN is accepting applications for future 1, 2, & 3 Bedrm apartment openings. Delton Manor has 3 two-bedrm handicapped accessible units located in the building. Delton Manor promotes equal housing opportunities for all perspective residents regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual preference, religion, handicap, marital status, familial status, national origin or source of income. For applications and qualifications, contact NANCY at 218-759-2523. AN EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
by the pneumonia and have not resumed normal function since her surgery. Smith is currently on dialysis. Smith and her family look
Email: info@insightnews.com
Pecore, Tracine Asberry, Maya Rose, Amoke Kubat, Hawona Sullivan Janzen & ‘Candied Yams Jewelry’ by Marlene Aponte. Bring your mother, your family, your friends for an inspirational & educational afternoon full of amazing art, yummy Food, community connections & Performances of spoken Word, poetry & prose! For more information call: Tammy Ortegon (612) 823 5693. Webber Park Library Planning Meeting - May 10 A community meeting to plan for the new Webber Park Library to be built in the WebberCamden neighborhood of North Minneapolis will be held at the Folwell Park gym, 1615 Dowling Ave. N., Minneapolis, on Saturday, May 10, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The meeting will give information about the planning process for a new library. It will also give attendees an opportunity to share ideas about what they would like to see in the library. All are welcome to attend and participate. Those who cannot attend this meeting can share ideas by calling 612-567-0719. Meeting and project information is available online at www. hclib.org/buildingprojects. The Big Hat Luncheon - May 17 It’s Your Affair will host The Big Hat Luncheon event on May 17, 2014 at The Minneapolis Marriot West Hotel, 9960 Wayzata Blvd and will begin at 11 a.m. This annual charitable event purpose to enrich the lives of women and provide attendees with a memorable experience and information that is valuable to life’s journey. The theme of The Big Hat Luncheon is “Live in the NOW: No Opportunity Wasted.” Marquieta Williams, Founder and CEO of Woman Know Thyself will be the keynote speaker. You can go online to purchase tickets by visiting www.itsyouraffairevents.org or call (612) 460-0244. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Family Values for Life www. familyvaluesforlife.org. RetroRama featuring Cynthia
Section 8 Housing for Seniors 62 and older Bergstad Properties is accepting application for Seniors 62 and older. Applicant must be income eligible and must qualify for Section 8 Housing. Please visit our web site at www.bergstad.com for a virtual tour and application. The following sites are currently accepting application. Park Street Apartments 321 West Park St. Cannon Falls, MN. 55009 507-263-4773 200 Levee Drive Apartments 200 Levee Drive Shakopee, MN. 55379 952-445-2001
forward to the celebration. “We are so happy that the community came together to celebrate this whole remarkable miracle,” said Wotorson-Smith. “We are just grateful for this second chance that she is here.” Smith is currently on the waiting list for a kidney donor. Her older sister, Malaika Smith has stepped forward as a living donor. “When the chance came up I was 100 percent on board but it was scary,” said Malaika Smith. “Most people wouldn’t necessarily be excited, but she is my sister she is my life.” The benefit for Smith will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 712 Burr St., St. Paul on Sat. May 3. Dinner will be available for purchase beginning at 5 p.m. and entertainment will commence at 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Donations for the silent auction are welcome until May 1. Persons interested in donating can email shamly17@yahoo.com for dropoff instructions. Those interested in following the family’s journey can visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/ miatasmith.
“Funkytown” Johnson – May 16 Revel in the fashions at this year’s RetroRama as local designers take inspiration from the new exhibit “Sights, Sounds and Soul: Twin Cities through the lens of Charles Chamblis” on Friday, May 16, 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets $2025. Chamblis, known around town as “The Pictureman,” took photographs of musicians, fashion models and everyday people in Minneapolis in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Cynthia “Funkytown” Johnson will perform a short set during the evening and will model some of the designs on the runway. The fashion show will be emcee’d by Twin Cities phenom Fancy Ray McCloney and DJ’d by Larry “Spider” Hamilton. Tickets are $25/$20 for MNHS members. Learn more and purchase tickets at http://www. minnesotahistorycenter.org/ events-programs/retrorama. Duniya Drum & Dance & Ballet of the Dolls - May 17 Duniya Drum & Dance & Ballet of the Dolls Present: Guineé Sogue on Saturday May 17th 8:00pm at The Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413. “Guineé Sogue” (Guineé Sun) celebrates the power, joy and beauty of the music and dance of Guineé West Africa. Duniya will be joined by Master Drummers and Dancers of the National Ballet of Guineé. Show tickets can be purchased online: http://www.ritz-theater. org/event/528557-ballet-dollsduniya-drum-minneapolis/ or at the Ritz box office 12pm - 5pm Tuesday - Friday, 345 13th Ave. Minneapolis. Saturday May 24 Prayer Walk – May 24 All welcome to join From Death to Life’s annual Prayer Walk, which brings people together to reclaim Northside streets and neighborhoods for peace. This year’s Prayer Walk starts at 10 AM Saturday May 24th at the intersection of West Broadway and Aldrich Avenue North, near the entrance to Cub Foods. Through prayer, song, and their presence, walkers spread a message of hope and healing throughout the community. For more information, contact twomothers@hotmail.com
West Falls Estates Rent based on 30% Of adjusted income Call Patricia Brown At 218-283-4967 TDD 800-627-3529
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Insight News • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Page 7
EDUCATION
Cooper in Action Team left to right: Pa Kou, Angel Washington, Renea Thompson, Shia Yang, and Pashia Xiong
Armstrong and Cooper teams receive Jefferson Awards for Community Service Students from Armstrong and Cooper High Schools were honored for outstanding community service at the 2014 Jefferson Awards program held on April 12. Cooper received a Silver Banner and Armstrong received a Bronze as part of the program’s Students in Action program. The program trains student leaders to effectively engage their school communities in meaningful volunteer service that positively impacts the greater community. High school students, with the assistance of adult sponsors, participated in service-based learning utilizing three key program pillars guided by seven achievable goals. Those three program pillars include developing student leaders in service, engaging others to make an impact on the world for better and becoming role models in community service. In addition to executing service learning activities in their school and community, students attended leadership conferences and in-school meetings to explore topics such as understanding self and values, ethics, working as a team, fundraising,
Falcons in Action Team left to right: Corrin Robinson, Tashira Harris, Yelsi Pereira-Sorto, Zobia Ghayas, Nou Lor and Elijah Henderson. communications, critical thinking and marketing. “We congratulate our
Cooper in Action and Falcons in Action teams for their awards. They are leaders
Aging From 4 few hours or less telling us to dye our hair, change our bodies, and do whatever it takes to look younger. Whatever happened to honoring elders? Why aren’t there more Kimuras’ or Delany sisters’ in the world? Somewhere along the path to technological progress, American culture seems to have lost sight of the wisdom that comes with aging. The advent of social media has made everyone an instant advice columnist, and because of the “Google” phenomenon, today’s youth think they already know everything before they’ve ever experienced it. And while it may be true that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, it is also true that time is wasted on the young. Reading is not experience. And, surfing Wikipedia and being able to Google a topic does not an expert make. Technology, with its easy and instantaneous access to information, has created a false sense of intellectual security among today’s youth (and some adults as well). Having drank the Kool-Aid of web surfing, blogging, Twitter, Facebook and accepted the advice of television reality stars whose only claim to fame are looks, butts and
If we have led full, responsible, and contributing lives, then we will have crafted a legacy along our journey through life
bad behavior, many people today actually believe they are knowledge experts. You can’t tell them “nuttin’.” Seduced by the immediacy of the web, reality television shows (that all should carry the warning of “don’t try this at home”), YouTube fame and Facebook exposés (no you didn’t just post your dirty laundry on Facebook?), people caught up in the tech blitz fail to realize that the baptism of fire called experience or the proverbial school of hard knocks are the best sources of information, and the most meaningful way to learn. Those enamored with being plugged in all the time may need a bit of “tech detox.” They might wish to borrow a page
from Jack Honore’s book “In Praise of Slowness,” and take off the Spock-like Bluetooth ear pieces long enough to smell the air, flowers, and hold a face-to-face conversation. I am not anti-technology, but I recognize that the technology is creating social distance. Many people today prefer a computer screen to human contact. Today’s youth have atrophied communications muscles. They can’t sustain a conversation, are uncomfortable looking people in the face and speaking directly, and definitely conflict adverse. Instead, they have important conversations by texting, even if they are sitting right across from the person to whom they are sending the messages. Now what’s wrong with that picture?
in service-learning in our district,” said Dr. Aldo Sicoli, superintendent of Robbinsdale
Area Schools. “Their volunteer service and leadership development is certain to make
a positive impact on the greater community.”
Technology doesn’t teach us to be compassionate or to have empathy. If we lose those qualities, ultimately we fail to be human. Aging, gracefully, or not, brings us one step closer to the realities of our own eventual mortality. And, no amount of knee replacements, artery reconstructions, plastic surgery, heart and/or liver transplants, or even mega-doses of pharmaceuticals can stop the onset of death. It comes at the end of living. Not even a return to natural foods can postpone the inevitable. Humans are not immortals. We are born so that we may ultimately die and make space for the next generation. If we have led full, responsible, and contributing lives, then we will have crafted a legacy along our journey through life. And, while we may not pass this way again, the world will know that we were once here. The books we write, the people we teach, the work we do are all testimonials to the fact that we once existed. I am not morbid, but simply a realist. Death is a fact of being human. I don’t want to live forever. Nor do I wish to exit as an assemblage of artificial parts and transplants designed to fool me into thinking that I’m still young. My heart is young and I can still salsa dance with the best of them – though not as fast
or as long. Be that as it may, I relish my gray hair, give thanks for a body that still works (for the most part) on its own, take time to reflect on past loves, cherish the memories of family
and friends who’ve passed on to join the ancestors, and face each new day as if it were a gift. And, through it all, I age gracefully and am learning to live life with grace.
Page 8 • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Insight News
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T H E
Diamond
Life Rocky Diamonds signs with Epic Records and remembers Fly Henderson
Rocky Diamonds
By Toki Wright @mrwrighttc
When many look at north Minneapolis they see what looks like a coal mine. Many see undeveloped dirt that gets thrown to the side as they search for something that shows more value on its surface. Anybody that understands what pressure and time does to coal
knows that it creates diamonds. The Northside’s own Rocky Diamonds is a product of that pressure. Fresh off a newly signed deal with Epic Records, Rocky sat down to talk with Insight News about his work-ethic and why it’s starting to pay off.
Currently living in Atlanta, 22-yearold Rocky Diamonds has released more than 30 music videos, 15-plus mixtapes, and played countless shows in his career. He grew up in Tangle Town and was a basketball star at Minneapolis Edison High School before transferring to play
in Columbia Heights. Often stereotyped as cocky and arrogant, Rocky Diamonds maintained a humble approach throughout our entire interview.
DIAMONDS B4 TURN TO
Ced Linus
April 28 - May 4
Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit.com.
Monday, April 28 Devin the Dude and Berner 7th Street Entry (First Avenue) 701 1st Ave N., Minneapolis, 8 p.m. 18-plus $17 Best known for hood crooning and THC laced raps, Devin the
Devin the Dude
Dude returns to Minneapolis after his appearance at the Hip-Hop Harambe festival last summer. His track record includes classic tracks with Dr. Dre, Andre 3000, Lil Wayne, and more. Expect to hear classic hits such as “Doobie Ashtray,” “Almighty Dollar,” and “What A Job” from the Houston musician.
Tuesday, April 29 North Minneapolis WorkForce Center to 800 West Broadway Community Meeting Capri Theater 800 West Broadway, Minneapolis
Climbing Poetree
Thursday, May 1
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Free
Cherry Sky “Red Eye Flight” Album Release Party Ginger Hop 205 E. Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 9 p.m. 18-plus $5
The event is an open community meeting to update on the project to relocate the North Minneapolis WorkForce Center to 800 West Broadway.
Wednesday, April 30 Prince Carlton and Pledge Empire Records Present “3 City Mini Tour” Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m.
21-plus $5 advance, $10 door Virginia to Minnesota record company, Pledge Empire hits Minneapolis for a stop on its “3 City Mini Tour.” Sti Lo Reel and Ced Linus will be performing
new material with DJ Rich Lee on the turntables. The show also features Long Doe, T.A.Y.E., $ota-Kold, Sieed, Karma, Lil One, Derrty Mergz and Snoda Mamba, Halogen and more.
Cherry Sky Studios will be releasing its debut collaborative project entitled “Red Eye Flight.” The show includes performances from AbhiNav, eL.I.Be, T’ La Shawn, Rico Polo, Big Jess, Tall Paul, Moonlight Grammar and more. Chris Cole of By A Thread
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Page B2 • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking
insightnews.com/aesthetics
The “From the Rough” Interview
You Gotta See Taraji! By Kam Williams Taraji P. Henson earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress opposite Brad Pitt in David Fincher’s “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” She is a 2011 Emmy-nominee for Best Actress in a Movie or Miniseries for Lifetime’s “Taken From Me.” Henson also starred as Detective Joss Carter in the highly-rated CBS crime drama “Person of Interest.” She was a series regular on “Boston Legal” and enjoyed a recurring role on “Eli Stone.” On the big screen, she starred in the box office hit “Think Like A Man,” as well as in its upcoming sequel, “Think Like A Man, Too.” In September, she’ll be starring opposite Idris Elba in “No Good Deed.” In addition, she received rave reviews for her work in “Hustle & Flow” making her singing debut performing the Academy Award-winning song “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp” on the Oscar telecast. Henson is well remembered for her role as Yvette opposite Tyrese in “Baby Boy,” and collaborated with director John Singleton a third time on “Four Brothers.” Born and raised in Washington, D.C., the Howard University graduate resides in Los Angeles with her son, Marcel. She dedicates much of her spare time to helping disabled and less fortunate children. Here, she talks about her new film, “From the Rough,” an inspirational biopic where she portrays Catana Starks, the
African-American trailblazer who became the first female to coach an NCAA Division-I men’s team when she accepted the reins of the golf squad at Tennessee State University. Kam Williams: Hi Taraji, thanks for the interview. Taraji P. Henson: Oh, no worries, Kam.
KW: What interested you in this film? TPH: Well, first of all, I’d never seen a movie about a female coach before, outside of that Goldie Hawn comedy from years ago, “Wildcats.” And I had certainly never seen an African-American woman portrayed this way in a drama. That was the first thing that interested me. Then, when I read the script, I went, “Wow, what an amazing story.” She had all the odds stacked against her, yet she and her team won. And it was all because of the tenacity and belief and passion that she instilled in her players. KW: I had never heard of Catana Starks before seeing this film. Why do you think she’s so unheralded? TPH: Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe, because she didn’t coach at an Ivy League or big name school, but at a historically-black university. That’s another reason why I did the film. I felt the world needed to know about this woman, which is what we’re trying to do now. KW: Editor Patricia Turnier asks, “Are you an athletic person? In other words, what are the similarities and differences between you and
Taraji P. Henson Catana Starks?” TPH: [Chuckles] I’m not really an athlete, though I’m quite capable of playing one on TV or film. I’ve been to the driving
range, and I do have good hand-eye coordination, but that’s about it. I’m not going to try to play basketball.
KW: Patricia also asks, “What does Catana Starks mean to you and how did you prepare for the role?” TPH: She means the world to
me, because she proved that you can accomplish anything in life as long as you believe, have
HENSON TURN TO B3
WALKER CINEMA Next Look B May 2–10
SPECIAL
10
TH
ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE
MAY 10 7:30pm
TU DANCE Dear White People S O L May 2, 7:30 pm
D O UT
A witty satire about African American students on a university campus. This sold out film will be released this fall in the Twin Cities.
Obvious Child
Memphis
g
May 9, 7:30 pm (Producer In Person) A bluesman wanders through Memphis, making music as he encounters a preacher, a hustler, and more.
May 3, 7:30 pm
War Story
An uproarious romantic comedy, centered on a woman’s unplanned pregnancy.
May 10, 7:30 pm A story of a tough war reporter facing posttraumatic stress disorder after her assignment in Libya.
Fishing Without Nets (Jallaabasho Shabaq La’aan) May 4, 1 pm (Director In Person) This action-thriller meets human drama tells the story of Somali pirates, from their perspective.
At the Walker Art Center 1750 Hennepin Ave —— Call 612.375.7600 or visit walkerart.org for tickets.
TICKETS START AT $23 PHOTO: INGRID WERTHMAN
651.224.4222 WORLD MUSIC & DANCE IS SPONSORED BY
insightnews.com/aesthetics
Aesthetically Speaking • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Page B3
IT!
Climbing Poetry Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, 8 p.m. –11 p.m. (also Sunday, May 4)
From B1 Clothing Company LLC in the building with merchandise, as well as Justin Whitman, the artist who won the Cherry Sky album cover contest. House of DJs will be on the turntables and the event is hosted by Ausar Ra’el Nath Lovestar and Rich Garvey.
Friday, May 2 Carnage The Executioner Presents “Up Close & Merciful” Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 11:00 p.m. 18-plus $8.00 MC/beatboxer Carnage the Executioner is a legend on the area music scene. Catch him
Henson From B2 faith and work hard. How did I prepare for the role? I spent a lot of time at the driving range and talking to Dr. Starks before filming. Because she wasn’t a recognizable figure, I wasn’t worried about walking or sounding like her, I just wanted to bring her essence to life. And that’s all she was concerned about too. KW: Has she seen the film? What did she think of it? TPH: Yes she has, and I think she’s quite happy about it. KW: Patricia closes by saying, “I really enjoyed your performance and your character, Lauren, in ‘Think Like a Man.’ I can’t wait to see ‘Think Like a Man Too’ this summer. Is there anything you can share about the sequel without spoiling it? TPH: We go to Vegas, and one of the couples is getting married, but I can’t say who it is. It is hilarious. Some people say it’s funnier than the first one. But you be the judge, Patricia. KW: Grace Sinden says “You’ve had a successful career in movies and television. What aspect of your work has given you the greatest satisfaction?” TPH: What gives me the greatest satisfaction is the number of people I can affect with my gift, with what I do. That’s the most important thing to me, more important than any trophy or award. . KW: Grace has a follow-up. “Do you want your son to have a life in show business?” TPH: I want him to find his own passion, whatever that is. I just want him to be happy and successful in whatever he decides to do. KW: Robin Beckham says, “It was recently reported that Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan are making a sequel to Karate Kid. Will you be
Carnage live with a four-piece band with Bill Mike on guitar, “Jellyfish” Joshua Holmgren on keys and saxophone, Mark Schwandt
on drums, and Ian Allison on bass. To learn more, visit www. carnagetheexecutioner.com.
Saturday, May 3
rejoining the cast as Jaden’s mother?” TPH: I hope so, if that rumor’s true.
question, if you were an animal, what animal would you be? TPH: Probably a bird. I like anything with feathers that can fly.
still haven’t done yet? TPH: Yes, visit Africa. I haven’t done that yet.
KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says, “I’m really sorry you got killed off on the TV show ‘Person of Interest.’ You work with ease in movies, music and TV. Which of these media is your favorite and how does it best show your talents? TPH: I would have to say movies are my favorite. I love doing TV, too, but it’s always rush, rush, rush. With a feature film, those moments and scenes get a chance to breathe, because you don’t have to accomplish as much in one day.
KW: The Anthony Anderson question, if you could have a superpower, which one would you choose? TPH: I think I’d like to be able to control the weather, like Storm (the character from the “X-Men”). KW: The Anthony Mackie question, is there anything that you promised yourself you’d do if you became famous, that you
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks, “What is your favorite charity?” TPH: A charity that my best friend since 7th grade started called Art Creates Life. She raises money to take inner-city children to Africa. Isn’t that crazy? I donate and I support that organization, but I’ve never been to Africa myself. I’ve sent a lot of kids there, though.
Climbing PoeTree is the combined force of two boundary-breaking soul sisters who have sharpened their art as a tool for popular education, community organizing and personal transformation. Artists Alixa and Naima interweave spoken word, hip-hop, and award-winning multimedia theater to expose injustice, channel hope into vision, and make a better future visible, immediate, and irresistible. With flawless cadence and impeccable lyricism, Alixa and Naima weave together their voices to tell powerful stories of love and liberation, state and personal violence, social, environmental, racial and sexual justice, woman’s
empowerment, and human transcendence. For more information visit www. intermediaarts.org/climbingpoetree.
Sunday, May 4 May Day Parade and Festival Bloomington Avenue and 25th Street South, to Powederhorn Park 11 a.m. Free Celebrating it’s 40th year, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre’s annual May Day Parade, ceremony and festival is the community event for the convergence of art and community. See 10-foot talk hand-built puppets, listen to music, eat food, and more. Expect more than 50,000 people to fill the streets and the park.
did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person?” TPH: It proved to me that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
TPH: I’m pretty much the same. I’m consistent. There aren’t two me’s. There is only one me. I can only be myself, and that’s who I always am whether I’m at home or on the carpet.
KW: The Viola Davis question, “What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet?”
KW: Thanks again for the time, Taraji. I really appreciate it. Good luck with the film. TPH: Thank you so much, Kam.
KW: That’s funny. The Melissa Harris-Perry question, “How
KW: Documentary filmmaker/ professor and author Hisani Dubose says “Not many African-American actors have the juice to greenlight a project.” She’s wondering whether you are in a position to get a project that you like green-lighted? TPH: I’m getting there. Hopefully, the success of “From the Rough” will help, because you first have to prove that you’re bankable at the box office, before you can greenlight anything. So, I hope to have that kind of leverage after this film. KW: Could you say something controversial that would get this interview tweeted? TPH: I don’t know. I could say a lot of things. KW: When I asked Marlon Wayans that, he said, “Yeah, I could, but it might end my career.” TPH: Yeah, totally. [Chuckles]
Come have lunch at the Dakota 11:30 - 2 Monday through Friday
KW: The Sanaa Lathan question, what excites you? TPH: Life. Just waking up everyday, and having another chance to get it right. KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question, what was the last book you read? TPH: “I Declare” by Joel Osteen.
From Chef Derik Moran, find daily specials, salads, sandwiches and more, and never forget dessert by Pastry Chef Katie Elsing.
ON SALE NOW!
Prices starting at $8 View our complete menu at
dakotacooks.com
IN PERSON: State Theatre Box Office (no service fees) or any Ticketmaster location BY PHONE: 800.982.2787
KW: The Kerry Washington
ONLINE: HennepinTheatreTrust.org
Now on view No one documented the Twin Cities black community in the ’70s and ’80s like photographer Charles “The Pictureman” Chamblis. This exhibit celebrates the streets, the songs and the soul of a vibrant community.
Join us for a special reception. Tue., April 29 • 7-9 p.m. Meet people featured in exhibit photos and enjoy music and light refreshments. Cash bar. FREE. For more information, visit minnesotahistorycenter.org 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul • 651-259-3000
RetroRama, featuring Cynthia “Funkytown” Johnson Fri., May 16 • 8-11 p.m. Bust out your ’70s and ’80s vintage . . . our annual celebration of retro fashion is back! $25 ($5 MNHS member discount). Tickets at minnesotahistorycenter.org/retrorama or 651-259-3015.
Page B4 • April 28 - May 4, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking
insightnews.com/aesthetics
BOOK REVIEW
“Things I should have told my daughter” By Kam Williams “In addition to being one of the most popular living playwrights in America, Pearl Cleage is a best-selling author with an Oprah Book Club pick and multiple awards to her credit… In this deeply personal work, Cleage takes readers back to the1970s and ‘80s, retracing her struggles to hone her craft amidst personal and professional tumult… Lies, Lessons and Love Affairs charts not only the political fights, but also the pull she began to feel to focus on her own passions, including writing… as she grappled with ideas of feminism and self-fulfillment. In the tradition of greats like Susan Sontag, Joan Didion, and Nora Ephron, Cleage’s self-portrait raises women’s confessional writing to the level of great literature… This fascinating memoir follows her journey from a columnist
Diamonds From B1 When asked what he ultimately wants people to know he said, “It’s actually some talented kids out here who aren’t living negative lives, they’re not in the streets doing what they say they think we’re doing. We’re actually out here traveling the country doing things that people would never imagine kids from where we’re from would do.” Diamonds has inked a deal for his group MDMA along with St. Paul native LaRon Brant under platinum producer Polow Da Don (Usher/Rich Boy/ Monica) and L.A. Reid for Zone 4 Inc./Epic Records. Rocky is
Pearl Cleage is the daughter of Reverend Albert Cleage (1911-2000), the legendary Detroit cleric and founder of the Shrine of the Black Madonna. The author of such groundbreaking books as “The Black Messiah” (1968) and “Black Christian Nationalism: New Directions for the Black Church” (1970), he also spearheaded a seminal movement to reposition Jesus Christ as a darker-skinned man of African descent. Given the times and her charismatic father’s prominence, it only makes sense that Pearl would develop an interest in the Civil Rights Movement
during her formative years. In fact, she would become fascinated with the tactics and philosophy of progressive student organizations like SNCC and SDS. We are now privy to this because, beginning in 1970, Pearl kept a detailed diary of her intimate insights about her day-to-day life. And like a lot of sisters, she had her concerns about the patriarchal attitudes of leaders which left females feeling marginalized. For example, on March 27, 1970, she mused, “What a revolution. Stokely [Carmichael] said the place of the woman in the revolution should be prone.” So, it is no surprise that Pearl, would eventually tire of such sexist subjugation, and reject being relegated to second-class status in favor of a path of self-fulfillment. Her ensuing transformation into a feminist writer juggling marriage and motherhood is the subject of “Things I Should
Have Told My Daughter: Lies, Lessons and Love Affairs”. The memoir is essentially a series of refreshingly-frank journal entries recorded by the author between 1970 and 1988, covering periods of both quiet reflection and tremendous upheaval in what’s been a very eventful life thus far. A revealing peek into the ever-evolving soul of an African-American literary icon.
one of the few urban artists to come out of Minnesota with major label support. He has a cache of songs featuring Chris Brown, Waka Flocka, and many more. Just by taking a look at Diamond’s YouTube views or Twitter followers people can see the strong support from both the industry and the fans. When I asked Rocky the significance of the “diamond” he stated, “my senior year I was always wearing Diamond (Supply Co.). I used to go by Young Rocky and me and Fly (Henderson) were just chilling and I wanted to change my name. We just kept thinking and he was like ‘Diamonds you always wearing that.’ Now it’s more of a symbol – something that shines no matter what. You
hooping. When he passed it shook a lot of people up. We look at it as a wakeup call; a blessing to let us know life is serious. Fly was a great person.” When asked again about dealing with hate and misconceptions Rocky Diamonds said, “Once you get to a certain place and you see how certain stuff work, and you see people actually make money off of it (music) you don’t want to waste your time with it. It’s serious. The people that understand that get it and the people that don’t understand it I’m not meant to deal with.” He went on to say that his reactions in the past were unnecessary. Rocky Diamonds has a great deal of wisdom for his age that
comes with experience. His understanding of work-ethic and focus keeps him indoors often working on his craft daily. He exemplifies what it takes to truly be successful and the Twin Cities needs to rally around him and the legions of young artists walking in his footsteps. You can download “NMTME Presents: The Marckus Shaw EP” (with production by hit-maker King Ralio, Def Jam musician and friend, August Alsina and Uncle Skoot) now on www. livemixtapes.com. Look out for his full-length album with MDMA early next year. Follow Rocky online at www. twitter.com/RockyDiamonds or www.instagram.com/ TheDiamondLife.
for a local weekly to a playwright and Hollywood scriptwriter whose circle came to include luminaries like Richard Pryor, Avery Brooks, Phylicia Rashad, Shirley Franklin, and Jesse Jackson.” -- Excerpted from Book Jacket
“The people that understand that get it and the people that don’t understand it I’m not meant to deal with.”
put it anywhere it’s going to shine.” The untimely passing of his longtime friend and rising Twin Cities star, Fly Henderson took its toll on many.
“That was my Bro. We went through what a lot of what young (people) in Minneapolis go through, but we tried to stay positive. He wasn’t on no gangbanging. I was really
Things I Should Have Told My Daughter: Lies, Lessons and Love Affairs by Pearl Cleage Atria Books Hardcover, $23.99 320 pages ISBN: 978-1-4516-6469-0
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