Insight ::: 07.31.2023

Insight News

JAMES HASKINS

“Humanitarian Philosopher,” the Unofficial Biographer Philosopher,” Biographer of Black America, and Author/Editor of 164 Books and of 164 Books

FINAL.pdf

By Irma McClaurin, PhD

“On the most basic level, it is this historic ability to define our own humanity, and thereby to create a heritage of which we can be proud, that to me is the most significant aspect of being a Black Alabamian.” ~James Haskins, “The Humanistic Black Heritage of Alabama,” The Remembered Gate: Memoirs by Alabama Writers (2002). James Haskins was all of the things that the title of this article suggests. He was a philosopher, but most significantly, he was the sole author of 102 books, author of 8 book series (like Black Theater in America and Count Your Way Through Africa/Canada/Korea/ Mexico), Editor of 20 books, and co-author of 34 books. In total, over the course of his 63 years, James Haskins described by the NYT Obituary as “…an Author on Black History” (https://www. https://www. nytimes.com/2005/07/11/books/ james-haskins-an-author-onblack-history-dies-at-63.html ), completed 164 books.

Yet very few people know of his existence or know his name. Why Not?

The Black Writer that Nobody Knows

The fact that very few people know of James (Jim) Haskins—he published under both first names—and that there was no commemoration of the 18-year anniversary of his death begs the question of “Why Black Writers Can’t Get No Respect?”

The extraordinary level of output that marked Jim’s literary career from his first book, Diary of a Harlem Schoolteacher, published in 1969 by Grove Press, and symbolizing the beginning of a Black literary outpouring that attract the attention of white publishers, to his last book, Delivering Justice: W.W. Law and the Great Savannah Boycott, illustrated by renowned Black artist Benny Andrews, published posthumously in 2005 by Lee & Low, should not have gone unnoticed.

And yet, to paraphrase Black writer James Baldwin, Nobody knows his name! Why Not? James Haskins provided Black America and the rest of America and the world with documentation of Black writing talent, but he showcased Black America’s culture and history mainly through the writing of biographies.

Black America’s Unofficial

Biographer

Haskins may have begun his writing career telling his own story, but his greatest gift was telling the story of others. He wrote about Black Power, Black Mayors, Black basketball players (Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Dr. J: A Biography of Julius Irving Black politicians (Ralph Bunche: A Most Reluctant Hero, Adam Clayton Powell: Portrait of a Marching Black, Black baseball players (Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron: The Home Run Kings) Black soccer player (Pele: A Biography), Black musicians and singer (The Story of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross: Star Supreme, and Ella Fitzgerald: A Life Through Jazz), Black writers Toni Morrison: The Magic of Words, Toni Morison: Telling a Tale Untold, and brought his own perspective to topics like voodoo, ice sculpture, the Special Olympics, and the Harlem Renaissance. The list of Jim’s contributions to the canon of Black biographies, Black literature, and Black children’s literature could go on forever. His literary outpouring is not only unprecedented but also under-recognized. James Haskins is a figure in the shadow of the Black literary canon, and it is our shame that we have not done more to make him visible.

I should also note that Jim was given the following awards for his children’s books, which many of us probably bought for our children in the 1970s and 1980s before the publishing industry opened its doors, and decades before self-publishing became normalized: Coretta Scott King Award (1976), Carter G. Woodson Outstanding Merit Award (1979), ASCAP Deems Taylor Award (1979), A BookAcross-the-Sea by English Speaking Union (1983), Carter G.Woodson Award (1988), Alabama Library Association Award (1988), Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book (1991), Carter G. Woodson Award (1994), Carter G. Woodson Award Honor Book (2001), John and Patricia Beatty Award from the California Library Association (2004), Jane Addams Peace Award (2006), Carter G. Woodson Award (2007)—the latter two awards after his death in 2005. Such noteworthy writing deserves recognition, and so I would again ask, why don’t we know more about James Haskins?

From Humble Origins Eighteen years ago, I wrote the following words as an introduction to the James Haskins Endowment Fund brochure that gave an overview of Jim’s humble origins. His family is still in Demopolis, AL, Demopolis, and it is my intent to pay them a visit.

Who could imagine that from a small place like Demopolis, Alabama, would emerge a man of such enormous vision and talent? James Haskins was born there on September 19, 1941. Family and relatives knew him by his basket name, “Dazzle,” and later Uncle D; his teachers knew him as James; and to friends and neighbors he was simply Jim. Amidst the noise and antics of a houseful of siblings, Jim found a small ounce of privacy in reading. It opened up the windows of his imagination and transported him away from the segregated borders of Alabama to the world beyond.

We Must Remember James

(Jim) Haskins I wish to close by saying if America, and Black America specifically, cannot find a way to recognize and honor someone as prolific as James Haskins, then the rest of us as Black writers are doomed! What chance do we have for the fruits of our literary labor to be

seen as monumental? At 71, I have not achieved an iota of Jim’s literary outpouring, and few people will. Yet, he inspired me to strive to do better and be better and just do it!

He also once shared that the key to his success at writing biographies was that he tried to find something about the person that no one else knew. I have carried that with me when I interview people or write obituaries about Black icons who have joined the ancestors. Following Jim’s advice, I ask myself, “what can I say about them that no one else will say?” James Haskins believed in taking action: he once wrote, “The smallest individual action does matter— it does matter what you choose to do with your life, the moral stands you take, the things you decided, deep in your heart…” (from “Rosa Parks Day,” a radio essay for Recess! December 1, 2004).

A Call to Action

As soon as you finish nish reading this column, visit your local library, online or in person, and find a book written by James/ Jim Haskins. Also, select one one book by a Black author you don’t know. And, next year, on July 6, 2024, let’s do something to remember James (Jim) Haskins. A complete bibliography of his books can be found at: https://www.biblio.com/jameshttps://www.biblio.com/jameshaskins/author/66265 (accessed (accessed 7/17/2023) We have a responsibility not to forget Black America’s unofficial biographer, and we must commit to supporting Black writers en masse.

Additional Resources: “Why Black Writers Can’t Get No Respect?” on The Conversation With Al McFarlane, July 13, 2023 (https://bit.ly/3NQhU6i).

The James Haskins Endowment: http:// mcclaurinsolutions.com/ mcclaurinsolutions.com/ resources/haskins_memorial_ resources/haskins_memorial_

James Haskins Memorial Service, University of Florida, September 19, 2005. https://youtu.be/ X4bkfwzwAG8

Wikipedia: https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_ Haskins African American Literature Book Club: https://aalbc.com/authors/ author.php?author_ name=James+Haskins

James Haskins, Biography: https://guides.uflib. ufl.edu/haskins

James Haskins Papers, Finding Aid: https://findingaids.uflib.ufl edu/repositories/2/resources/407

James Haskins, Selected Writings: https:// biography.jrank.org/pages/2853/ Haskins-James-S.html

James Haskins, Encyclopedia.com: https:// www.encyclopedia.com/ education/news-wires-whitepapers-and-books/haskinsjames-1941

©2023 Irma McClaurin

Irma McClaurin (https://linktr.ee/dr.irma/ @ mcclaurintweets) is the Culture and Education Editor for Insight News. She is an activist Black Feminist anthropologist, a past president of Shaw ( in Raleigh North Carolina), the founding Executive Director of the University of Minnesota’s UROC,and has held numerous other leadership positions. McClaurin completed the MFA in English and the PhD in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and was just awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Social Studies by her alma mater, Grinnell College (2023). She is also the founder of the Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive, located at UMass, and an award-winning author and poet. Her book Black Feminist Anthropology: Theory, Politics, Praxis and Poetics was named an “Outstanding Academic Title” in 2002 and the Black Press of America selected her as “Best in the Nation Columnist” in 2015. Today McClaurin is the sole proprietor of Irma McClaurin Solutions, a consulting firm, and works with individuals, museums, and other organizations. She has held numerous other leadership positions and published editorials, academic articles and book chapters as well as poetry, and won the Gwendolyn Brooks Award in poetry in 1974. She currently divides her time between Mobile, AL and Raleigh, NC, and is a member of newly established Center for Diaspora and Migration Studies at the University of Liberia.

Kimberly Motes will depart Children’s Theatre Company after nearly eight years

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre announces Motes as new Executive Director

Children’s Theatre Company

(CTC) announced that Kimberly Motes, CTC’s Managing Director for the past eight seasons will leave this fall. She will become the Executive Director of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre as part of a new co-leadership team that includes internationally acclaimed theatre, television, and film director Edward Hall.

Biden Pays tribute to Emmett Till; acknowledges the vital role of the Black Press in the Civil Rights movement

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Recognizing the country’s painful racial history and honoring the legacy of Emmett Till, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation on Tuesday designating a national monument spanning two states to memorialize Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Bradley. A distinguished audience included Dr. Benjamin F.Chavis Jr., President & CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), as well as several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Chair Steven Horsford, Minority Whip James Clyburn, and Mississippi Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson. The NNPA is the trade association that represents the Black Press of America.

A kaleidoscope of rhythm, movement, and cinematic wonders are revealed as part of Northrop’s 2023-24 Season. The must-see lineup includes nine Dance Series events featuring two world premieres of Northrop Centennial Commissions, plus five performances in the Music Series all highlighting Northrop’s famed pipe organ— two in tandem with cinema as part of the Film Series. Highlights can be found below, as well as information on each series, student matinees, and a complete season listing.

Northrop brings back audience favorites from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens (not seen at Northrop since 2006) and Alonzo King LINES Ballet to VocalEssence and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. The season reflects Northrop’s continued efforts to expand audiences and spotlight distinct voices with works including Shamel Pitts | TRIBE, BLACK HOLE – Trilogy And Triathlon, Step Afrika!’s Drumfolk, and 10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography—a shared program of Asian and Asian American choreography featuring members of The Washington Ballet, BalletMet, and Oakland Ballet Company.

Imaginative new offerings include the singular Manual Cinema: Ada/Ava and “TikTok organist” Anna Lapwood.

Formed in 2019, the Northrop Centennial

Till, a 14-year-old Black teenager from Chicago, was tragically murdered in Money, Mississippi, on August 28, 1955, after being accused by a white woman of whistling at her. His brutal killing became a catalyst for the Civil Rights movement when his mother, Mamie Till, chose to hold an open-casket funeral, and a photograph of her son’s disfigured body was published in Black media, bringing national attention to the horrors of racism and sparking outrage across the nation.

The Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Till’s funeral took place, Graball Landing in Mississippi, thought to be the site of his body’s discovery, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse, where an all-white jury found the white men responsible for his murder not guilty, make up the 5.7 acres of the newly designated national monument.

During the ceremony, Biden acknowledged the significant role played by the Black Press in shedding light on Till’s tragic story and the broader struggle for civil rights. He applauded the bravery and unwavering dedication of publications like JET Magazine, the Chicago Defender, and other newspapers and radio announcers who fearlessly reported on the events surrounding Till’s murder, ensuring that the truth reached the American people.

“The reason the world saw what Mrs. Till-Mobley saw was because of another hero in this story: the Black Press,” Biden remarked, receiving applause from the audience.

He emphasized the importance of shining a light of truth on the painful aspects of the nation’s past, acknowledging that darkness and denialism cannot erase history.

Vice President Kamala Harris, also present at the event,

echoed Biden’s sentiments and emphasized the critical role that the story of Till and the courage of Mamie Till played in fueling the civil rights movement.

She emphasized her connection to the cause because, while serving in the United States Senate, she sponsored the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which President Biden later signed into law and made lynching a federal crime.

Harris emphasized that embracing the complete history of the United States, even its painful chapters, is essential to pursuing justice and equality. She thanked the many leaders at the ceremony, acknowledging their contributions to progress in the civil rights fight.

“Our history as a nation is born of tragedy and triumph, of struggle and success. That is who we are,” Harris asserted.

Motes’s leadership has been defined by demonstrated successes in financial management and revenue growth, increased philanthropic contributions, and record-breaking ticket sales. During her tenure, in partnership with Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius, CTC has produced 46 plays and musicals including 15 new works, transferred productions and co-produced with the Alliance Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, the Old Globe Theatre, Penumbra, Seattle Children’s Theatre, and the New Victory; partnered with several commercial producers including Kevin McCollum and Universal Theatrical Group, and toured a production to South Africa and throughout the United States. A major new initiative, Generation Now, is a partnership between CTC and Penumbra, Latino Theatre Company, Mai Yi, and Native Voices at the Autry to commission and develop 16 new plays and musicals by Black, Indigenous, AAPI and Latinx writers for a multigenerational audience.

Motes has led two strategic planning processes, championed CTC’s equity,

diversity, inclusion and justice efforts to eliminate barriers to participation for those underrepresented in theater, and forged many meaningful community partnerships. Additionally, CTC’s education programs have grown to serve over 93,000 students through student matinees, theatre arts training, summer camps, and in-school residencies.

A new immersive residency model was created at Bethune Community School where 100% of the students receive arts education experiences throughout the school year that are focused on emotional literacy and critical literacy.

“I am enormously proud of what we at CTC have created together over the past eight years—CTC is in a strong position with a positive culture, a healthy balance sheet, a fabulous, committed staff, a critical mission, and an

MOTES 6

Commissions project creates new works, elevates artists, and brings extraordinary presentations to the stage leading up to Northrop’s 100year anniversary in 2029. In 2023-24 these commissions include world premieres by DIANNE McINTYRE Group and BRKFST Dance Company. Audiences are also invited to Northrop’s Encore Gala: Spring Cocktail Party following the 10,000 Dreams matinee—a chance to mix and mingle with friends and the artists while supporting the commissioning of new voices in dance. “This season I’m

especially excited about how we’re using our commissioning funds to extend our relationship with artists across seasons,” says Kristen Brogdon, Director of Artistic and Community Programs. “In addition to the two commissioned works performed this season, Shamel Pitts’ Walker performances will be the first installment in a three-year partnership that will culminate in a commission, and BalletMet—appearing as part of 10,000 Dreams—will return to Northrop in a future season to perform a Northropcommissioned work by Yin Yue. It’s my hope that these long-term

commitments will create deeper opportunities for connection between our audiences, artists, and communities.”

Building on these meaningfulcommunity relationships, the season incorporates numerous copresentations with local arts organizations and UMN partners including Walker Art Center, The Cowles Center, Ordway, VocalEssence, Archives on Screen, Twin Cities, and the UMN School of Music.

“This upcoming season, Northrop will continue to

Education Interview Jessie Woolley-Wilson

Jessie Woolley-Wilson is the CEO and president of DreamBox Learning and a two-time recipient of EdTech Digest’s “EdTech Leadership Award” for her work in transformative innovation in education, and she has been named a “Top 100 Influencers in EdTech.” Forbes placed her on its “Impact 15” list for being a disruptor in education, and The New York Times featured Jessie in its Corner Office column. She has served on several boards, including Rosetta Stone and the Western Governors University Board of Trustees. She has been a featured speaker

at many events, including TEDx Rainier, SXSWedu, DENT, GeekWire Summit, and the ASU GSV Summit. Expertise: Expert qualifications in penetrating new markets, accelerating market share expansion, and increasing revenue. Extensive general management experience directing business development, marketing, sales, and operations business units. Proven track record in product development, new product launches, and product management. A recent focus in the education/education technology industry.

All photographs by Mark Mahoney / Dream In Color Photography for the NNPA

President Biden’s decision to establish the national monument is seen as crucial to acknowledging and preserving the painful history of racial violence in the United States.

Photo by Dani Werner Photography Kimberly Motes

Photo credit: Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Photo © RJ Muna

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Re “Por que os escritores negros não recebem respeito?” no The Conversation com Al McFarlane, 13 de julho de 2023 (https:// bit.ly/3NQhU6i).

The James Haskins Endowment: http:// mcclaurinsolutions.com/resources/haskins_ memorial_FINAL.pdf

Serviço memorial de James Haskins, Universidade da Flórida, 19 de setembro de 2005. https://youtu.be/X4bkfwzwAG8

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/James_Haskins

African American Literature Book Club: https://aalbc.com/authors/author. php?author_name=James+Haskins

James Haskins Papers, Finding Aid: https://findingaids.uflib.ufl.edu/repositories/2/resources/407

Haskins

James Haskins, Escritos selecionados: https://biography.jrank.org/pages/2853/ Haskins-James-S.html

James Haskins, Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/ haskins-james-1941

©2023 Irma McClaurin

Irma McClaurin (https://linktr.ee/ dr.irma/ @mcclaurintweets) é a Editora de Cultura e Educação do Insight News. Ela é uma antropóloga feminista negra ativista, ex-presidente da Shaw (em Raleigh, Carolina do Norte), diretora executiva fundadora do UROC da University of Minnesota e ocupou numerosos outros cargos de liderança. McClaurin concluiu o MFA em Inglês e o PhD em Antropologia na University of Massachusetts Amherst e recebeu recentemente oDoutorado Honorário em Estudos Sociais por sua alma mater, Grinnell College (2023). Ela também é fundadora do Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive, localizado na UMass, e uma autora e poetisa premiada. Seu livro Black Feminist Anthropology: Theory, Politics, Praxis and Poetics foi nomeado um “Outstanding Academic Title” em 2002 e a Black Press of America a selecionou como “Melhor Colunista Nacional” em 2015. Hoje, McClaurin é a única proprietária da Irma McClaurin Solutions, uma empresa de consultoria, e trabalha com indivíduos, museus e outras organizações. Ela ocupou inúmeros outros cargos de liderança, publicou editoriais, artigos acadêmicos e capítulos de livros, além de poesia, e venceu o prêmio Gwendolyn Brooks em poesia em 1974. Atualmente, divide seu tempo entre Mobile, AL e Raleigh, NC, e é membro do recém-estabelecido Center for Diaspora and Migration Studies na University of Liberia.

ayo bini’aadantinimadayada, oo aan

la Xasuusto: Xusuus-qorka Alabama

Ameerika iyo Ameerika inteeda kale iyo adduunkaba siiyay dukumeenti kubadan iyada oo loo marayo qorista ta-

tahay inay u iibsadeen caruurteena

caadda, iyo tobanaan sano ka hor inta

ay ka soo kaxaysay xudduudaha kala soocan ee Alabama ilaa adduunka ka

Naadiga Buugga Suugaanta Ameerikaanka Ameerika: https://aalbc.com/authors/ author.php?author_name=James+Haskins

James Haskins, Taariikh nololeedka:

James Haskins Papers, Helitaanka repositories/2/resources/407

James Haskins, Qoraallo la xushay: https://biography.jrank.org/pages/2853/ Haskins-James-S.html

noloshaada ku sameyso, niyadda aad

Isla marka aad dhammayso akhrin-

Ogayn Xaqiiqda ah in dad aad u tiro yar ay

Olombikada Gaarka ah, iyo Harlem

Sideed iyo toban sano ka hor,

oo kale ah, markaa intayada kale hadd-

aanan iloobin taariikh nololeedka Ma-

“Waa maxay sababta Qorayaasha Madoow aysan u heli karin ixtiraam?” Wadahadalka Al McFarlane, Luulyo 13, 2023 (https://bit.ly/3NQhU6i). The James Haskins Awqaafta : http://mcclaurinsolutions.com/resources/haskins_memorial_FINAL.pdf

taariikh nololeedka ay tahay in uu isku

James Haskins Adeegga Xusuusta, Jaamacadda Florida, Sebtembar 19, 2005. https://youtu.be/X4bkfwzwAG8 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/James_Haskins

James Haskins, Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/ haskins-james-1941 ©2023 Irma McClaurin Irma McClaurin (https://linktr.ee/dr.irma/ @mcclaurintweets) waa Tifaftiraha Dhaqanka iyo Waxbarashada ee Wararka Aragtida. Iyadu waa dhaq-dhaqaaqa cilmi-nafsiga ee Dumar madow, madaxweynihii hore ee Shaw (Raleigh North Carolina), aasaasaha Agaasimaha Fulinta ee Jaamacadda Minnesota ee UROC, waxayna soo qabatay jagooyin hoggaamineed oo badan. McClaurin wuxuu ku dhammaystay MFA Ingiriisi iyo PhD ee cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga cilmiga jirku wuxuu ka qaatay Jaamacadda Massachusetts Amherst, waxaana hadda la siiyay Shahaadada Sharafta ee Daraasaadka Bulshada iyada oo ay mater, Grinnell Kuliyadda (2023). Iyadu sidoo kale waa aasaasaha Irma McClaurin Kaydka Dumarka Madow, oo ku yaal UMass, iyo qoraa iyo gabayaa abaal-marin ku guulaystay. Buugeeda Madaw Naagnimo Anthropology: Aragtida, Siyaasadda, Praxis iyo Gabayo waxaa loo magacaabay “Cinwaanka Tacliinta Sare” ee 2002 iyo Madxafka Madoow ee Ameerika waxay u dooratay “ Ugu Fiican Saxiixa Qaranka” ee 2015. Maanta McClaurin waa mulkiilaha kaliya ee Irma McClaurin Xalka, shirkad la-talin ah, shirkado, shirkado iyo shirkado kale. Waxay qabatay jagooyin kale oo badan oo hogaamineed waxayna daabacday tifaftirayaal, maqaallo akadeemiyadeed iyo cutubyo buug iyo sidoo kale gabayo, waxayna ku guulaysatay Gwendolyn Brooks Abaalmarinta gabayada 1974. Hadda waxay waqtigeeda u qaybisaa Mobile, AL iyo Raleigh, NC, waxayna xubin ka tahay Xarunta Cilmi-baarista Qurbajoogta iyo Socdaalka ee Jaamacadda Liberia.

esta columna, visita tu biblioteca loAdemás, selecciona un libro de un morial_FINAL.pdf Servicio conmemorativo de James

“¿Por qué los escritores negros no reciben respeto?” en The Conversation With Al McFarlane, 13 de julio de 2023 (https://bit. ly/3NQhU6i). El legado de James Haskins: http://mcclaurinsolutions.com/resources/haskins_meHaskins, Universidad de Florida, 19 de septiembre de 2005. https://youtu.be/X4bkfwzwAG8 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/James_Haskins Club de libros de literatura afroamericana: https://aalbc.com/authors/author. php?author_name=James+Haskins James Haskins, Biografía: https://

Papeles de James Haskins, Guía de repositories/2/resources/407 James Haskins, Escritos seleccionados: https://biography.jrank.org/pages/2853/ Haskins-James-S.html James Haskins, Encyclopedia.com:

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©2023 Irma McClauri Irma McClaurin (https://linktr.ee/dr.irma/ @mcclaurintweets) es la Editora de Cultura y Educación de Insight News. Es una antropóloga feminista negra activista, expresidenta de Shaw (en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte), la directora ejecutiva fundadora de UROC de la Universidad de Minnesota, y ha ocupado numerosos otros puestos de liderazgo. McClaurin completó la Maestría en Bellas Artes en Inglés y el Doctorado en Antropología en la Universidad de Massachusetts Amherst, y recientemente fue galardonada con un Doctorado Honoris Causa en

ya kimaadili unayochukua, mambo

Beeraha

hii, tembelea maktaba ya eneo lako,

Estudios Sociales por su alma máter, Grinnell College (2023). También es la fundadora del Archivo Feminista Negro Irma McClaurin, ubicado en UMass, y autora y poeta galardonada. Su libro Black Feminist Anthropology: Theory, Politics, Praxis and Poetics fue nombrado como “Título Académico Sobresaliente” en 2002 y la Prensa Negra de América la seleccionó como “Mejor Columnista Nacional” en 2015. Actualmente, McClaurin es la única propietaria de Irma McClaurin Solutions, una empresa de consultoría, y trabaja con individuos, museos y otras organizaciones. Ha ocupado numerosos otros puestos de liderazgo y ha publicado editoriales, artículos académicos y capítulos de libros.

lakini alionyesha utamaduni na historia

Haskins

tambua na kumheshimu mtu mahiri

“Kwa nini Waandishi Weusi Hawawezi Kuheshimiwa?” kwenye Mazungumzo na Al McFarlane, Julai 13, 2023 (https://bit.ly/3NQhU6i). Wakfu wa James Haskins: http://mcclaurinsolutions.com/resources/haskins_memorial_FINAL.pdf

Maandishi hayo muhimu yanasta-

James Haskins Adeegga Xusuusta , Chuo Kikuu cha Florida, Septemba 19, 2005. https://youtu.be/X4bkfwzwAG8

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/James_Haskins Klabu ya Vitabu vya Fasihi ya Kiafrika: https://aalbc.com/authors/author.php?author_name=James+Haskins James Haskins, Wasifu: https://guides.

Karatasi za James Haskins, Kupatapositories/2/resources/407

James Haskins, Maandiko Yaliyochaguliwa: https://biography.jrank.org/pages/2853/Haskins-James-S.html

James Haskins, Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/ haskins-james-1941 ©2023 Irma McClaurin Irma McClaurin (https://linktr.ee/dr.irma/ @mcclaurintweets) ndiye Mhariri wa Utamaduni na Elimu wa Habari za Maarifa. Yeye ni mwanaanthropolojia Mwanaharakati Mweusi wa Wanawake, rais wa zamani wa Shaw (huko Raleigh North Carolina), Mkurugenzi Mtendaji mwanzilishi wa UROC ya Chuo Kikuu cha Minnesota, na ameshikilia nyadhifa nyingine nyingi za uongozi. McClaurin alikamilisha MFA katika Kiingereza na PhD katika Anthropolojia kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha Massachusetts Amherst, na amepewa Tuzo la Heshima la Udaktari wa Mafunzo ya Jamii na alma mater wake, Chuo cha Grinnell (2023). Yeye pia ndiye mwanzilishi wa Jalada la Irma McClaurin Dumar madow , lililoko UMass, na mwandishi na mshairi aliyeshinda tuzo. Kitabu chake cha Anthropolojia ya Wanawake Weusi: Nadharia, Siasa, Praksis na Mashairi kilipewa jina la “ Kichwa Bora cha Kiakademia” mwaka wa 2002 na Vyombo vya habari Nyeusi vya Amerika ilimchagua kama “Mtu bora wa safu wima wa Taifa” mwaka wa 2015. Leo McClaurin ndiye mmiliki pekee wa Irma McClaurin anayefanya kazi na Kampuni ya makumbusho, makumbusho na shirika lingine la makumbusho, na shirika la makumbusho. Ameshikilia nyadhifa nyingine nyingi za uongozi na kuchapisha tahariri, makala za kitaaluma na sura za vitabu pamoja na ushairi, na ameshinda Tuzo ya Gwendolyn Brooks katika ushairi mwaka wa 1974. Kwa sasa anagawanya wakati wake kati ya Mobile, AL na Raleigh, NC, na ni mwanachama wa Kituo kipya kilichoanzishwa cha Diaspora na Mafunzo ya Uhamiaji katika Chuo Kikuu cha Liberia.

James Haskins : "Philosophe humanitaire", le biographe non officiel de l'Amérique noire et auteur/éditeur de 164 livres

de la littérature noire et de la littérature

seulement inédite mais aussi méconl’ombre du canon littéraire noir, et c’est

moyen de reconnaître et d’honorer Haskins, alors le reste d’entre nous, en tant qu’écrivains noirs, sommes consoient considérés comme monumen-

©2023 Irma McClaurin Irma McClaurin (https://linktr.ee/dr.irma/ @mcclaurintweets) est la rédactrice en chef de la culture et de l’éducation pour Insight News. Elle est une anthropologue activiste féministe noire, une ancienne présidente de Shaw (à Raleigh en Caroline du Nord), la directrice exécutive fondatrice de l’UROC de l’Université du Minnesota et a occupé de nombreux autres postes de direction. McClaurin a obtenu une maîtrise en anglais et un doctorat en anthropologie de l’Université du Massachusetts à Amherst, et vient de re-

ciales de son alma mater, le Grinnell Collège (2023). Elle est également la fondatrice de Irma McClaurin Noire Féministe Archive, située à UMass, et une auteure et poétesse primée. Son livre Noire Féministe Anthropologie: Théorie, Politique, Praxis et poétique a été nommé «Titre académique exceptionnel » en 2002 et la Presse noire d’Amérique l’a sélectionnée comme «Meilleur chroniqueur de la nation » en 2015. Aujourd’hui, McClaurin est l’unique propriétaire d’Irma

Mexique), éditeur de 20 livres et co-au-

sent son existence ou connaissent son connaît

avant que l’auto-édition ne soit normal-

re noir qui attire l’attention des éditeurs

l’Amérique noire, et nous devons nous

l’Amérique noire et au reste de l’Amérique et du monde une documentation sur le talent de l’écriture noire, l’Amérique noire

“Pourquoi les écrivains noirs ne peuvent-ils pas être respectés ?” sur La conversation avec Al McFarlane, 13 juillet 2023 (https://bit.ly/3NQhU6i).

La dotation James Haskins : http://mcclaurinsolutions.com/resources/haskins_memorial_FINAL.pdf

James Haskins Service commémoratif , Université de Floride, 19 septembre 2005. https://youtu.be/X4bkfwzwAG8 Wikipédia : https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/James_Haskins Club de lecture de littérature afro-américaine : https://aalbc.com/authors/author.

php?author_name=James+Haskins

James Haskins, Biographie : https://

Nous devons nous souvenir de si l’Amérique, et l’Amérique noire

Documents de James Haskins, instruJames Haskins, Écrits choisis : https:// biography.jrank.org/pages/2853/HaskinsJames-S.html James Haskins, Encyclopedia.com : https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/ haskins-james-1941

McClaurin Solutions, une société de conseil, et travaille avec des particuliers, des musées et d’autres organisations. Elle a occupé de nombreux autres postes de direction et publié des éditoriaux, des articles universitaires et des chapitres de livres ainsi que de la poésie, et a remporté le prix Gwendolyn Brooks de poésie en 1974. Elle partage actuellement son temps entre Mobile, AL et Raleigh, Caroline du Nord, et est membre du nouveau Centre d’études sur la diaspora et la migration à l’Université du Libéria.

Anything banned becomes a policing issue: Why the FDA menthol ban is not good for communities of color

By Elliot T. Boyce, Sr.

(Ret.), Former Director of the New York State Police Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

With the FDA’s pending ban on menthol cigarettes growing ever closer, it’s important that policymakers contemplating passing legislation that will impact the interactions between Black and Hispanic Americans and law enforcement better understand the unintended consequences of this decision.

For Those Who Are Uninformed

This August, the FDA could announce a nationwide ban on all menthol cigarettes, ending the legal sale and purchase of menthol-flavored tobacco.

Some advocates falsely claim that menthol products are more harmful, but research shows that menthol cigarettes are no more dangerous than any other cigarette. A JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute study found that “menthol cigarettes

Biden From 3

“And as people who love our country, as patriots, we know that we must remember and teach our full history,

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outstanding senior leadership team and board of directors,” states Kimberly Motes. “It has been my great joy to work alongside Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius whose energy, passion, and enthusiasm for CTC’s mission is unmatched. His dedication to young people and the transformational power of theatre is inspiring. This has been the most rewarding role of my career to date.”

Board Chair Silvia Perez states, “As she leaves for an extraordinary opportunity, Kim leaves behind a remarkable legacy at CTC. Through courageous leadership and deep understanding of the business of theater, Kim achieved an organization with strategic clarity, financial health, and most important an outstanding staff and culture.

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane

Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane

Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford

Culture and Education Editor Dr. Irma McClaurin, PhD.

Associate Editors Afrodescendientes

Jesús Chucho Garcia

Mestre Yoji Senna DaBahia

Columnist Brenda Lyle-Gray

Book Review Editor W.D. Foster-Graham

Sports Editor Leahjean M. Denley

Content & Production Manager Sunny Thongthi Yang

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are no more, and perhaps less, harmful than nonmenthol cigarettes.” Toothpaste, gum, and other products can add menthol, but this does not make the products more harmful or addictive. Moreover, menthol cigarettes are not the preferred cigarette in America; nonmenthol cigarettes are. So why would the FDA aim to ban only menthol-flavored tobacco products, especially considering the majority of Black and Latino smokers prefer menthol? The reasoning behind the ban is misguided, non-scientific, and rooted in the historical targeting of people of color.

For Those Who Claim That the Ban is Solely Motivated by Health

The best solution for a public health issue like tobacco smoking is education, treatment, and counseling. The government knows this approach well, as it’s led to tremendous declines in smoking since the 1960s. According to Statista, from 1965 to 2019, the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the U.S. has decreased from about 42 percent to 14 percent. Resources like

even when it is painful — especially when it is painful.

“Today, there are those in our nation who would prefer to erase or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past; those who attempt to teach that enslaved people benefitted from slavery; those who insult us in an attempt to gaslight us,

Under her leadership, we have significantly advanced our mission serving the broad community with excellence in theatre for young audiences. On behalf of the board of directors, I wish Kim endless success in her new endeavor and thank her for her outstanding contributions to CTC.”

“Kim has been an exemplary partner in moving Children’s Theatre Company forward with our incredible staff, senior leadership team, and board,” says Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. “She has been a force both locally and nationally in bringing the arts sector and theaters together to deepen advocacy and resiliency. Kim has brought her tireless energy, hard work, and passion to Children’s Theatre Company and we are hugely grateful for her leadership and her deep commitment to creating life changing theatre experiences for our audiences.

It has been a true joy to work with her and we wish her every

Under federal guidelines, tobacco-related incidents fall under the jurisdiction of the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), an agency that works both independently and in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to combat tobacco-related offenses.

quit-smoking websites, hotlines, medications, and text message programs contributed to this decrease, as well as common tobacco control policies like warning labels, advertising bans, and smoke-free environments.

For Those Who Don’t Understand That Prohibitions are Police Matters

The federal government has not yet released its blueprint for enforcement

who try to divide our nation with unnecessary debates.”

She concluded:

“Let us not be seduced into believing that somehow, we will be better if we forget. We will be better if we remember. We will be stronger if we remember.”

The Biden

success in Chicago.” CTC will be engaging an executive search firm to conduct the search for a new Managing Director. Last June, CTC launched a search for a new Artistic Director. The selection of a new leadership team is anticipated to be announced in early 2024.

Kimberly Motes Bio: Kimberly Motes has been the Managing Director since 2016 for the Tony Award®-winning Children’s Theatre Company (CTC), the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theater dedicated to multi-generational audiences. She has led all business aspects and revenue areas of the theater as well as education, equity, diversity and inclusion, community engagement, and board management. During her tenure, CTC produced 46 plays/musicals for the stage including 15 commissioned new works and six co-productions/transfers,

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of this proposed ban; however, under federal guidelines, tobacco-related incidents fall under the jurisdiction of the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), an agency that works both independently and in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to combat tobacco-related offenses. For advocates and policymakers to tell the public that the health department will enforce the ban,

administration has taken strong action by designating the site as a national monument to ensure that future generations will remember and preserve the history of racial injustice. The move comes at a time when some states are facing debates over how to teach their historical past

increased contributed income, completed a $25 million capital campaign, and achieved the highest ticket sales all during unprecedented and challenging times. Motes has held several leadership roles in the arts and higher education in Minnesota including Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of St. Thomas, Vice President of Institutional Advancement for the College of Saint Benedict, Managing Director at Theater Latté Da, and Executive Director at the Cowles Center for Music and the Performing Arts. Motes spent 13 years in Washington, DC where she was the Director of Development at Arena Stage. She also led adult arts education programming and a ballet training program with legendary ballerina Suzanne Farrell at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She has served on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Minnesota State Arts Board and spoken

lean into collaborations with new and longstanding local partners through co-presentations that uplift the voices of artists who reflect so much of our campus

they are ignoring one key fact: anything banned becomes illegal and, therefore, a police matter.

Ban advocates acknowledge that there will be an increase in the trafficking of unregulated cigarettes nationwide. This creates a roadmap for organized criminal enterprises to expand their operations within Black and brown communities where individuals will be seeking their tobacco product of choice due to the ban. History has shown that nothing is better for expanding organized crime than prohibition. In addition, this could force traditionally lawabiding citizens, particularly elderly individuals, who prefer menthol products to the streets to seek illegal, unregulated tobacco products, and in turn, increase their risk of being victims of street crime.

Police officers I have spoken with say this will become one more reason for officers to stop individuals in communities of color impacted by the ban, leading to more negative interactions and less community trust where it’s already sorely lacking. This means a proactive

in public schools, with Biden and Harris advocating for an inclusive and accurate education that confronts the darker chapters of American history. The ceremony took place on what would have been Emmett Till’s 82nd birthday, emphasizing the occasion’s significance.

at many conferences. She earned her BA in music from the College of Saint Benedict. She chairs the Membership Committee for the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable Board of Directors, serves on the Meet Minneapolis Board of Directors, and is a member of the Women Presidents Organization. She has facilitated a biweekly Zoom meeting for managing leaders of large producing theaters since the start of the pandemic through Theatre Communications Group.

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire for more than 250,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the coveted Tony Award® for regional theatre and is the only theatre

and Twin Cities community,”

notes Kari Schloner, Executive Director of Northrop. “I’m especially delighted to present our first shared program with

police approach to solving the trafficking concerns will target individual possessors of contraband and illegal cigarettes to get the larger organized criminals. This is a police tactic that will, unfortunately, target individuals whose only crime is their choice of cigarette.

As a Former Director of the New York State Police Employee Assistance Program (EAP), I travel the nation speaking to policymakers, citizens, and other distinguished law enforcement professionals to further clear up misconceptions about the unintended consequences of the menthol ban. Many smokers and non-smokers (like myself) are unaware of the ban, and many are perplexed by the rationale behind banning products that are not the most widely smoked but instead are preferred by Blacks and Hispanics. In conclusion, please remember that information is power; we must understand the unintended consequences of the menthol ban. Health concerns are more effectively managed through education, treatment, and counseling, not by police.

“There’s really critical work ahead to continue the fight for racial justice and equality for all Americans,” Biden insisted. “And my administration is committed to leading a path forward. And I know the members of Congress here are even more committed than that.”

in Minnesota to receive three Tony® nominations (for its production of A Year with Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating worldclass productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences. CTC’s engagement and learning programs annually serve more than 93,000 young people and their communities through Theatre Arts Training, student matinees, Neighborhood Bridges, and early childhood arts education programs. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre. org

multiple companies highlighting Asian ballet choreographers, and to introduce our audiences and K-12 students to Manual Cinema, who will amaze audiences with their innovative use of shadow puppetry and cinematic technique, accompanied by Minnesota’s own Aaron David Miller on Northrop’s historic Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. There is so much to explore across Northrop’s 2023-24 season and I look forward to sharing it widely!”

Dance Series

Elegance meets exuberance in Northrop’s 202324 Dance Series. Ballet lovers will be enthralled when Les Grands Ballets Canadiens graces the stage in a Beethoven-centered performance. Alonzo King

LINES Ballet’s Deep River and 10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography infuse traditional ballet with innovation and collaboration. Energy, history, and visionary storytelling intertwine in dazzling displays through the multi-dimensional performance art experience of Shamel Pitts | TRIBE, the extraordinary tap artist Ayodele Casel, the dynamic dancers and musicians of DIANNE McINTYRE Group, and the percussive symphony of Step Afrika!, with their program centered around the 1739 Stono Rebellion. Vibrance resonates through the artistry of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and BRKFST Dance Company with their invigorating performances of original works. (Complete list below.)

Music Series Musical mastery meets historic allure in this season’s Music Series featuring Northrop’s historic Aeolian-Skinner Opus 892 pipe

LYNCHING WILLIE Reconditioning the Mindstate of a Culture

By Albert (A.J. Briscoe)

“Those who don’t remember the past are doomed to repeat it.”

There are so many facets and factors of our history as African Americans that were never taught in school, and in retrospect, that has been by design. A belief system in the form of documents that were set in place long ago has had longterm effects on our community and culture today. However, at the end of the day, knowledge, education, and understanding are the powers that create positive change for the future, as powerfully illustrated in Albert (A.J.) Briscoe’s book Lynching Willie.

In 1712, Willie Lynch drafted a five-page document to the colony of Virginia on how to control and keep slaves, using the tactics of fear, intimidation, ignorance of our history, division, displaced value, inferiority, and self-hate. It is a chilling document. Upon reading it, I saw it as a blueprint for what has manifested over the centuries to the present time in our community. It is a document that outlines the colonialist mentality of superiority and desire to hold onto power, and once implemented, all they had to do was watch the people they oppressed self-destruct generations later, through

drugs, foolish and destructive behavior, consumerism, and the current form of slavery known as the prison system and police brutality. All are intended to keep African Americans off balance, distracted, and under subjugation. To use a common phrase, “Hurt people hurt others.” Briscoe introduces a portion of Lynch’s document at the beginning of each chapter, along with his personal experiences. He has used this document to inform, to educate, to empower. The tactics in the Lynch document were designed to keep us divided, turning on each other rather than to each other. We, however, can change the narrative and the perception by, as Briscoe states, “lynching Willie,” through taking responsibility for our own behavior, using our intelligence and gifts, educating ourselves, replacing those negative beliefs with constructive ones. It starts with the way we think and our attitude, for what we think about and feel about, we bring about.

I acknowledge Briscoe for not only writing this book, but encouraging each and every one of us to take action on

the steps in it to alter the course our culture has been influenced by, and by living his testimony as a role model. He states, “Realizing that we have more similarities than differences is a simplistic first step to reversing the Willie Lynch syndrome. When we understand who needs to be held responsible as a threat to our progression we can focus our agenda in the proper direction, and we will start to gain our proper place in society.” Lynching Willie is available through Amazon and Briscoe’s website, www. stompentertainment.com. Thank you, A.J., for your insightful book and the steps toward solutions to a document and a mentality that has impacted our lives for over 300 years. By coming together, setting aside the divisions between us, doing the internal and external work to support, uplift, and empower our community and each other, we will ultimately “lynch Willie.”

“Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” (African proverb)

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organ. Two acclaimed, rising stars will demonstrate their artistry with organ recitals–Alcée Chriss III (from the PBS documentary Pipe Dreams), and Anna Lapwood—organist of The Royal Albert Hall (London, UK), known as the “TikTok organist.” Minnesota favorite VocalEssence will return with all four VocalEssence ensembles on one stage presenting carols from around the world, as will the UMN’s own Marching Band for their spirited 62nd Annual

Indoor Concert. (Details below.)

Film Series Two events in the Northrop Film Series intertwine mesmerizing visuals with live music—including Northrop’s organ. Manual Cinema: Ada/Ava will enrapture audiences with unique techniques combining storytelling, shadow puppetry, and cinematic visions against the backdrop performed by organist Aaron David Miller. UMN’s Maggie Hennefeld returns to curate All Hands on Deck: Dance, Metamorphosis, and Surreal Labor in Silent Cinema—centered around the imagery of hands and limbs—set to original music by Dreamland

Faces. (Complete list below.)

Student Matinees and Special Events Northrop offers four student matinees, many with options for in-person, livestream, and on-demand viewing for educator and student flexibility and accessibility. They include a highly interactive and energetic performance by Step Afrika!— co-presented with Ordway, a world-class contemporary dance experience by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a shadow puppetry Show & Tell with Manual Cinema and the exuberant 62nd Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert.