WINNER: 2018 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: 3RD PLACE BES T COLUMN WRITING
WINNER: 2019 GENERAL EXCELLENCE, 3RD PLACE, COLUMN WRITING, 2ND PLACE
Insight News March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019
Vol. 46 No. 11• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
EGYPT at Mia
The Awakening of Osiris; 26th dynasty (664-525 BC); gneiss, gold, electrum, bronze; Egyptian Museum, Cairo (CGC 38424)
Photo: Christoph Gerigk © Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation MII A 3 M
Page 2 • March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019 • Insight News
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‘First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom’ comes to the Minnesota History Center
Since 1970, First Avenue & 7th Street Entry have been at the heart of the Minnesota music scene. Celebrate the musicians, the employees and the regulars who called First Avenue their rock ‘n’ roll home
with the new exhibit “First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom,” opening May 4 at the Minnesota History Center. Through music, interviews, images, artifacts, and hands-on interactive elements visitors can
relive the club’s nearly 50-year history. Throughout the exhibit, visitors will encounter stories from the people who were there. “It was just like you see it in the movie (“Purple Rain”). It was like one big
party every time we played,” recalled Jellybean Johnson, member of The Time. “Everything about this place is legendary,” said Sophia Eris, solo artist and international touring DJ. “It’s a
Stay Warm. Stay Safe.
part of history. It’s a part of my history. It’s a part of my development and the reason why I’m an artist in a lot of ways.” The exhibit opens with DJ music, art activities, photo ops and book signings. This summer the History Center’s annual outdoor concert series, Bands on the Boulevard, takes on First Avenue as its
Mainroom,” by Chris Riemenschneider, local music critic and reporter. Join Riemenschneider for a look back at the place where Prince and Minnesota made rock ’n’ roll history, at one of music’s most storied clubs and the thousands of musicians who took the stage there. Admission to “First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s
Stay Connected. Don’t Get Disconnected! Energy Assistance Can Help. p. CAP-HC’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial
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assistance to Hennepin County residents, including the city of Minneapolis, to help with home energy costs and heat related repairs.
Text 4WARMTH to 555888
Stay Connected
Charles W. Howson Company, MNHS collections
Greyhound Bus Depot, located at First Avenue North and Seventh Street, Minneapolis, about 1935.
Energy Assistance Program offices are now open in several locations, including: St. Louis Park, Minnesota Council of Churches, Sabathani Community Center, LSS and Minneapolis Urban League.
952-930-3541
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Daniel Corrigan
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County 8800 Highway 7, Suite 403 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 www.caphennepin.org eap@caphennepin.org
A program of Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County sponsored by: The Minnesota Department of Commerce & Department of Health and Human Services
Strengthening Community ∞ Eliminating Barriers ∞ Creating Opportunity
A renewed focus: you. 500
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Find a branch near you: wellsfargo.com/locator *Important things to know about this offer: Checking and Savings Bonus Eligibility: Only certain consumer checking accounts, including non-interest earning checking accounts, are eligible for this offer. Teen Checking,SM GreenhouseSM accounts, and the prepaid Wells Fargo EasyPay® Card are not eligible for this offer. All consumer savings accounts are eligible for this offer, excluding Time Accounts (CDs). This is an exclusive, non-transferable offer. A valid bonus offer code will be provided to each customer while meeting with a banker. You are not eligible for this offer if: you are a current owner of a Wells Fargo consumer checking account, you are a Wells Fargo team member, or you have received a bonus for opening a Wells Fargo consumer checking account or savings account within the past 12 months. Offer is only available to customers in the following states: MN, MT, ND, SD, WI. Bonus Qualifications: To receive a $500 bonus: 1. Open a new, eligible consumer checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 by March 22, 2019. All account applications are subject to approval. Within 150 days of account opening, receive a cumulative monthly total of $500 in qualifying direct deposits to the checking account opened for this bonus offer for three consecutive months. During this time, your new account balance must be $1 or more. A qualifying direct deposit is the customer’s salary, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income, electronically deposited through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network by your employer or an outside agency. Non-qualifying direct deposits for purposes of this offer include transfers from one account to another (for example, transfers between your own accounts, or person-to-person transfers using a transfer service such as Zelle®**), or deposits made at a branch or ATM, or through mobile deposit. AND 2. Open a new, eligible savings account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 by March 22, 2019. All account applications are subject to approval. Within 10 days of account opening, deposit at least $25,000 in new money into either the new checking or new savings account, and maintain a minimum combined balance of at least $25,000 total in your new checking and/or savings account(s) for 90 days. New money is defined as new deposits to the eligible accounts from sources outside of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., or its affiliates. Due to the new money requirement, accounts may only be opened at your local branch. Bonus Payment: We will deposit the bonus into your new checking account within 45 days after meeting all offer requirements. The new checking account must remain open in order to receive any earned bonus payments. You are responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes due on the bonus and we will report as income to the tax authorities if required by applicable law. Consult your tax advisor. Additional Important Information: Checking and savings accounts are subject to monthly service fees; please refer to the Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule (available at www.wellsfargo.com/onlinebanking/consumer-account-fees) or speak to a banker for more details. The consumer savings accounts eligible for this offer are interest-bearing accounts with variable interest rates (which vary by account). For example, Wells Fargo Way2Save® Savings pays an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.01% on all balances and requires a minimum opening deposit of $25. The APY is accurate as of December 7, 2018 and may change at any time without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. Offer expires March 22, 2019. Offer subject to change and may be discontinued at any time without notice. Minimum new money deposit requirement of at least $25,000 is for this offer only and cannot be transferred to another account to qualify for any other consumer deposit offer. If you wish to take advantage of another consumer deposit offer requiring a minimum new money deposit, you will be required to do so with another new money deposit as stated in that offer’s requirements and qualifications. Those who take advantage of this bonus offer cannot also take advantage of any New Dollar promotional interest rate offer during the same promotional period. Offer cannot be: paid without a valid a U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (W-9), combined with any other consumer deposit offer (limit one bonus per customer/account), reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred, or traded. **Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
First Avenue & 7th St. Entry in 1990. theme. In June visitors can drop in for “First Avenue First Tuesdays” for special programming such as DJ nights, panel discussions, dance parties and more. The exhibit draws from the MNHS Press book, “First Avenue: Minnesota’s
Mainroom” is included with regular History Center admission of $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, $6 ages 5 to 17 and free age 4 and under and MNHS members. For more, visit www.mnhs.org/ firstavenue.
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Insight News • March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019 • Page 3
WINNER: 2018 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: 3RD PLACE BES T COLUMN WRITING
WINNER: 2019 GENERAL EXCELLENCE, 3RD PLACE, COLUMN WRITING, 2ND PLACE
Insight News March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019
Vol. 46 No. 11• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Walz touts inclusion, leaves out words Black/African-American in plan By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor harry@insightnews.com Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan came to the Rondo Neighborhood this past Monday (March 11) to tout the administration’s new budget; one they say is built on equity, equality and inclusion. According to the governor, $75 million of the 2020-2021 fiscal year’s $1.544 billion budget is earmarked for equity, diversity and inclusion, but some critics say the plan lacks specificity; especially when it comes to spending with the state’s largest ethnic minority group, Blacks/AfricanAmericans. In a six-page “Budget for One Minnesota” the governor outlined plans for diversity spending, but noticeably missing from the proposed budget spending are the words “Black” or “African-American.” In fact, the plan presented to nearly 70 people at the at the Hallie Q.
Brown Community Center in St. Paul only mentions one ethnic minority in specificity, the long-overlooked and severely underrepresented indigenous population. Seven specific points of the six-page “Budget for One Minnesota” are indigenous specific. The rest of the document lumps all other ethnic groups together under the “people of color” umbrella. When pressed on specifics Walz said Black Minnesotan can see immediate representation in his appointments. “The state needs to be reflective of the community. I’m proud of the diversity of my cabinet, Metropolitan Council and the judicial board (Commission on Judicial Selection),” said Walz. “And I’m proud of this budget. We want to make sure equity and inclusion is in every decision we make; hiring … contracts.” The Commission on Judicial Selection has 13 people of color as Walz’ appointees; two African-Americans, Sheree Curry, an at large member, and Sharon Van Leer, a Tenth
Judicial District member and three African born members, attorney Maya Sheikh-Salah, Second Judicial District, Hudda Ibrahim, Seventh Judicial District and Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, Third Judicial District. In total, Walz appointed 26 people to the commission. And while the diversity on the Commission on Judicial Selection is commendable, one area leader says those appointments … and Monday’s community meeting … amount to mere window dressing. “Those (judicial selection appointments) don’t have a salary attached to them. They don’t have the ability to spend money within the community,” said Tyrone Terrell, president of the African-American Leadership Council of St. Paul. “Commissioners (such as the heads of Education, Transportation, DEED, Human Rights, etc.) have the budgets; they decide where to spend the money and under (former governor) Mark Dayton we had three Black commissioners, now we only have two.”
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Gov. Tim Walz speaking at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul (March 11) on his new proposed state budget
Under Dayton the commissioners of DEED, Human Rights and Education were AfricanAmerican. Under Walz the only African-American commissioners are Alice Roberts-Davis, commissioner of Administration and John Harrington, commissioner of Public Safety. Terrell said commissioners spend millions annually and Black businesses receive pennies on the dollar compared to what is spent with white businesses. Terrell was invited to the March 11 meeting with Walz and Flanagan but declined the invitation. He said thus far, the governor’s words have not been equaled in action. “Coming to Hallie Q. Brown is nice, but you’re leaving there with no jobs and no contracts,” said Terrell. “We’ve got to stop being happy with just a meeting. I’m hopeful the governor’s words will be matched with action, but so far instead of a ‘Budget for One Minnesota’ I see the same old Minnesota.”
Docuseries by Dream Hampton focuses on traumatic issues affecting Black America
‘Finding Justice’ premieres in Twin Cities By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor
Darker, poorer in Egypt
harry@insightnews.com “What is justice and how do we find it?” Educator and journalist Melissa Harris-Perry asked the poignant question moments prior to the Feb. 25 advance screening at Showplace Icon Theater in St. Louis Park of the first episode of the upcoming docuseries, “Finding Justice,” which airs Sunday nights on BET. The six-episode series, created by Dream Hampton, the creator of the explosive “Surviving R. Kelly” docuseries is executive produced by Dwayne “Rock” Johnson. “Finding Justice” focuses on six cities dealing with
Moderator Melissa Harris-Perry (far left) with panelists (left to right) Marcus Owens, Miski Noor, Kandace Montgomery and Dream Hampton discuss Hampton’s new docuseries, “Finding Justice.” six unique circumstances, but unfortunately, not unique issues
affecting Black Americans – so-called “Stand Your Ground”
FINDING JUSTICE 4
Looking for Nubian presence
Den-Zell Gilliard tells the story of his community with a camera
In the company of Den-Zell Gilliard By Aarohi Narain Law enforcement and photography may seem like disconnected realms to most, but South Minneapolis-based, self-taught artist, Den-Zell Gilliard, finds a novel way to roam between them. Although he decided half a decade ago to pursue photography full-time, Gilliard recalls his nightly community policing walks as significant moments in his personal trajectory. “Community policing is all about relationship-building. On my walks I would try to build people’s confidence, and counsel them,” said Gilliard. “The experience really opened my eyes because I realized how similar it is to being an artist.” Gilliard would walk almost 10 miles each day as part of his study in community polic-
Photos courtesy Den-Zell Gilliard
From the “Sunday’s Best” collection of photos by artist Den-Zell Gilliard. ing, forging relationships with people he came across on his path. Those serendipitous, often moving conversations became the wellspring of his community-based photography practice. Combined with his deep interest in the work of Gordon Parks
I2H
Wellness confusion, lack of support can impact weight loss
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(his favorite artist of all time), Gilliard sealed the camera, in fighting untruths borne of an increasingly hostile and chaotic world, as his choice of weapon. After assignments covering the Release MN 8 campaign – a campaign to re-
From the book, “In the Company of Others,” a photo by artist Den-Zell Gilliard. lease eight Cambodian Americans in Minnesota detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Black Lives Mat-
GILLIARD 6
Dr. LaVonne Moore
Liz Moore during a recent visit to Egypt.
Text and photos by Dr. LaVonne Moore, Contributing Writer Our recent journey to Egypt put us in Cairo during the Coptic Christian New Year celebration. It was as an emotionally stirring time. A large bustling city in the North, Cairo was on high alert with armed guards and military tanks positioned throughout the city. The military presence was certainly not unwarranted. While we were there, a Coptic Christian church and a tour bus were bombed. However, realizing that my mom, retired social worker and community leader, Elizabeth Moore and I were at the bank of the Nile River, gazing out to the Great Pyramids while standing in the cradle of civilization was unbelievable. Here we were in the country where Art, Science, Language,
Mathematics and Engineering began. Think about it... people still don’t know how the Pyramids were built. I marveled at the mystery and majesty while standing next to a stone that is taller than a 6 foot man and almost a large as house…. How did they do it without modern day technology? Seeing this up close and personal made this secret knowledge even more surreal and mystical.
EGYPT 4
Egypt at Mia Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is presenting an exhibition of antiquities from one of the greatest finds in the history of underwater archaeology. “Egypt’s Sunken Cit-
MIA 4
AS
News
Ron Harris named Minneapolis chief resilience officer
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Aesthetically It! Monday, Mar. 18 – Sunday Mar. 26
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Page 4 • March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019 • Insight News
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Insight 2 Health Minnesota health care quality report highlights high performing medical groups; cites need for improvements across the board MN Community Measurement (MNCM), an independent nonprofit organization has released a report highlighting quality measures for health care provided by medical groups across Minnesota. The “2018 Minnesota Health Care Quality Report,” presents data collected by MNCM, including an online appendix with comparisons by medical group and clinic. Several medical groups are recognized for achieving high performance on at least 50 percent of the measures for which they were eligible. MNCM added a new statewide analysis showing that substantial gains could be achieved if performance on quality measures was raised to a benchmark level defined by current high performers. An exam-
ple of this is illustrated with the average rate for colorectal cancer screening. The current statewide average rate for colorectal cancer screening is 71 percent; however, the benchmark is at 75 percent. Another example is outlined in optimal asthma control for children. The statewide average is 58 percent, with the benchmark at 71 percent. For these examples, if all medical groups achieved the benchmark levels, over 54,000 more patients would be screened for colorectal cancer and over 9,000 more children would have their asthma under control. “The benchmark analysis illustrates the potential impact of raising statewide performance to the current level of groups with highest performance,” said MN Community Measurement President Julie
Sonier. “However, for some measures – such as the measures for depression care – the current benchmarks are low, which calls attention to the need for improvement across the board to get better health outcomes for Minnesotans.” The report recognizes eight primary care or multi-specialty medical groups that have achieved high performance on at least 50 percent of the measures for which they were eligible. Those receiving high marks are Allina Health, Entira Family Clinics, Essentia Health, HealthPartners Clinics, Mankato Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Park Nicollet Health Services and Stillwater Medical Group. The report also recognizes four pediatric groups that achieved high performance on at least 50 percent of the pediatric
measures for which they were eligible. These pediatric groups are Central Pediatrics, Fridley Children’s and Teenagers’ Medical Center, South Lake Pediatrics and Wayzata Children’s Clinic. “We have seen steady and consistent improvement and have continued to make small changes along the way, as new suggestions or best practices have surfaced,” said South Lake Pediatrics chief medical director, Dr. Michael Garvis. “This has resulted in excellent vaccination rates, as well as low emergency room and hospitalization rates for asthma and mental health patients. We have also been able to intervene with our chronic patients with the consistency of our care coordinators who focus on our mental health, chronic asthma, developmentally chal-
lenged, and medically complex patients.”
Showing consistent improvement Ten medical groups demonstrated consistent improvement on multiple measures over time. Consistent improvement is defined as having at least a two-percentage point increase each year since 2016. According to the report, medical groups showing consistent improvement are Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Entira Family Clinics, Fairview Mesaba Clinics, HealthEast Clinics, Hutchinson Health, Lakewood Health System, Mayo Clinic, Park Nicollet Health Services, Ridgeview Sibley Medical Center and Sanford Health – Sioux Falls Region.
Lakewood Health System, located in central Minnesota, and Park Nicollet Health Services, achieved consistent improvement on five measures since 2016. “At Lakewood, we use all available resources including our internal data, state, county, and even our local schools to help improve the health of the communities we serve,” said Lakewood chief medical officer, John Halfen. “Having this information is crucial and allows us to put strategies in place through our care teams, education, and systems changes, which can directly impact those areas needing improvement. In doing this, we have seen an immediate benefit to our population health which the long-term viability of our system is dependent on.”
Study: Wellness confusion, lack of support can impact weight loss StatePoint - If you are like many Americans, you probably read advice about health and wellness everywhere, from news feeds to social media. But, despite the abundance of information, many are still struggling to reach their weight loss goals. So, what is the cause of this disconnect? While many Americans are no longer in the dark about healthy eating – as 92 percent believe they know the right foods to eat – more than half still knowingly make poor food choices daily, and two-thirds are
currently looking to lose weight, according to a new report commissioned by Jenny Craig. One challenge contributing to this disconnect is confusing buzzwords that many weight loss programs and products use in their marketing. Today, “wellness” products are popping up everywhere, though 42 percent of Americans say they are unsure how to even define the term. But experts say that making the leap from knowing what to do, to actually doing it, can be made easier with the right tools and support.
Finding Justice
chronicling the killings (and aftermath protests) of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile. Monday’s screening of the debut episode focused on this past August’s killing of Markeis McGlockton, a Black man, killed by Michael Drejka, white, who used Florida’s Stand Your Ground law as his defense even though he initiated a confrontation with McGlockton’s pregnant girlfriend over being parked in a handicap parking spot. Following the viewing, Harris-Perry moderated a panel discussion with Hampton, Mar-
From 3 laws, police brutality, bail reform, criminalization of children, voter suppression and the lead paint crisis in urban areas. The cities highlighted are Tampa (stand your ground), St. Louis (bail reform), Baltimore (lead paint crisis), Los Angeles (civilization of children), Atlanta (voter suppression) and here in Minneapolis/St. Paul the spotlight shines on police brutality,
StatePoint
cus Owens, executive director, African American Leadership Forum, Miski Noor, Black Lives Matter and organizer Kandace Montgomery. Much of the conversation centered on grief and trauma. “I need Black people to have space to grieve,” said Harris-Perry, noting how many mothers of slain Black children have been thrust in to activist mode. Noor said not being able to show grief continues to perpetuate a myth that Blacks
“Having a sciencebased structured plan as well as ongoing support increases the likelihood people can find success on their weight loss journey,” said Dr. Pamela Peeke, chair of the Jenny Craig Science Advisory Board. One important area of support, Peeke points out, is in meal planning. Nearly three in five people spend seven to 14 hours planning and preparing meals each week. A program that offers nutritionally-balanced, chef-crafted meals can not only help reduce stress (the top cited
reason for weight loss struggles) but also free up valuable hours to get more sleep or focus on another area of your overall health. What’s more, the report found that nearly nine in 10 Americans (88 percent) believe that having healthy, prepared meals would help them reach their weightrelated goals. Another critical tool for sustainable weight loss is guidance and motivation. Unfortunately, less than half of those surveyed say they have adequate support to be at a healthy weight. That is why science-driven,
structured weight loss programs like Jenny Craig and others can be good options, as they offer ongoing, one-on-one support from a personal consultant that can help people stay focused on their goals while learning about portion control and other ways to develop healthy eating habits. The support from a dedicated consultant allows you to personalize your weight loss plan, talk through challenges, track your progress and get the encouragement and guidance you need to help you reach your goal.
are without emotion. “We have this stereotype of a strong Black person and the stereotype is that we don’t grieve.” Montgomery, who was vigilant in the Justice for Jamar protest that lasted 18 straight days outside of the Minneapolis Police Department Fourth Precinct following the November 2015 killing of Clark, a 24-yearold unarmed Black man killed by two white Minneapolis police officers, Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze, said she and other protesters had to deal with
the trauma of being on the front lines in the fight for justice. “As a person who slept in my car for 18 days … we, the homies, struggled,” said Montgomery. “I had to deal with suicidal thoughts; some of us got addicted (to chemical substances). That’s why this fight for justice is so important to me.” Noor said she is not fighting just for her own justice. “I don’t know if I’m going to live to see justice, but I know I’m going to be a force to create it,” said Noor. Hampton said she
and BET were intentional in choosing to premiere “Finding Justice” in Minneapolis and to highlight the efforts of area organizers. “We could have gone to any city to talk about police brutality but the organizers here were such a model for organizing that we wanted to be a part of it,” said Hampton. “Finding Justice” airs beginning March 10 at 7 p.m. central standard time on BET.
Along the banks of the Nile River.
Egypt From 3 To see the tombs with original words and artwork, and colorful display which the Egyptians created by developing brilliant dyes for paints, tapestries, and other creative work was incredible to see because this artwork has stood the test of time and lasted for thousands of years. To learn about the hosts of gods they worshipped, and about the purpose and process of mummification to pre-
pare one for the after-life was fascinating as well as. Seeing what remained in the excavated tombs and museums made you think about how much was stolen or lost. Egypt is divided into upper and lower portions with a complicated history of dynasties that reigned from 5000-3200 B.C. before being besieged with conquerors ranging from the Greeks and Romans to the present day Arabs. We were fascinated by this history, curious to learn who the original Egyptians were and what they looked like. There ap-
peared to be very few Nubians or what I refer to as African Egyptians in Cairo. The present day Egyptians have Arab features. But as we moved further south towards Aswan, we began to see darker skin people that looked like us. We were able to travel to an area where Nubians lived. Unfortunately, the darker the people, it seemed, the poorer they were, and often, the shoddier the area in which they lived. As with many places we’ve traveled the history of Africans seems to be purposely erased.
It was the same in Brazil. Although, in Brazil the African story has become of interest to tourists so they are reclaiming that portion of their history and are now including examining the slave trade in their history as a tourist attraction. In the end, the Egyptians were a lovely and gracious people. The food consisted of delicious Mediterranean cuisine and the experience of moving through the desert of Cairo, to the green valley of the Nile, and the beaches of Alexandria was exhilarating and certainly a once in a lifetime experience.
Photo: Christoph Gerigk © Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation
The bust of the colossal statue of Hapy has been strapped with webbings before being cautiously raised out of the water of Aboukir bay, Egypt (SCA 281).
Mia From 3 ies,” features colossal, 16-foottall sculptures and precious artifacts from the long-lost cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus. The exhibition presents
discoveries made during more than 20 years of underwater excavation by French archaeologist Franck Goddio and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology. The exhibition is on view through April 14.
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Insight News • March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019 • Page 5
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Page 6 • March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019 • Insight News
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Ron Harris named Minneapolis chief resilience officer
Ron Harris Ron Harris has become Minneapolis’ chief resilience officer. He will lead citywide resilience-building efforts as part of Minneapolis’ partnership with 100 Resilient Cities – Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation. Harris’ work will
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Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Culture and Education Editor Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Intern Kelvin Kuria Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Nadvia Davis Fred Easter Abeni Hill Timothy Houston Michelle Mitchum Latisha Townsend Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography David Bradley V. Rivera Garcia Uchechukwu Iroegbu Rebecca Rabb Artist Donald Walker 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,
focus on “shocks and stresses” including topics such as lack of affordable housing, climate adaptation needs and the impact of economic inequality within community. Harris will work to ensure alignment with some of the initiatives already occurring in the city relating to continuity of operations planning and business disaster recovery planning. Most recently working on tenant issues in Regulatory Services, Harris has previous experience in Minneapolis’ Department of Civil Rights, the office of former Mayor R.T. Rybak, and the office of current City Council President Lisa Bender. He was also a voice as part of the Workplace Partnership Group, charged with providing the council body with recommendations for our sick and safe time ordinance.
Lt. Jesse Iwuji
African-American sailor first to race with NASCAR while serving in U.S. Navy No one has ever tried to enter NASCAR from the Navy until now. Lt. Jesse Iwuji discovered his love for racing while sta-
tioned in San Diego as a surface warfare officer (SWO) in the Navy. Iwuji graduated from the Naval Academy where he
played Division I college football. After graduation, Iwuji was commissioned as a SWO and embarked on his Navy journey. In
May 2017, Iwuji made the decision to transition into the Navy Reserve so he could pursue a racing career full-time.
There is truly a message in the music By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. Westside Gazette (Ft. Lauderdale) It’s not very often that you can pick up a book, find it easy to read and comforting because it speaks to something that pertains to your history. This book, “Black Ameri-
can History, From Plantations to Rap Culture,” is of such. It was an easy read and very familiar. The sound of music resonated not only in my head but in my spirit as I perused the pages. Reading through the pages I was able to go back, and to my understanding of our history ascertain how the songs
played a tremendous part of our history through the association and the context made it resonate more as well as remembering the rhythm of the music. This book, filled with history, offered comfort and gave me guidance and a piece of mine. The amount of history covered in this book in such a short space proved both binding and tremendously welcoming.
The author, Psacal Archimede, is a person of renowned knowledge, very approachable and passionate about his objects and his quantitative research proved worthy. I would openly and duly suggest to anyone that wants to understand a part of our history through song and music to read it in the pages of this book. Again, it is well
worth the time spent reading, obtaining acquaintance and being reminded of how our songs and music play a role in our history and in transforming it. From enslavement to rebellion, to outright defiance our music is an umbilical cord to our struggle for identity and freedom. Thank you.
Why You? Initiative to host youth and young professional conference The Why You? Initiative, Inc. ([YU?]) will host its Biannual Spring Confab to be held at InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Hotel, 5005 Glumack Dr., Minneapolis. The conference takes place March 29 and March 30. Formally called Confab, the conference draws individuals from various cultural backgrounds, academic training levels and geographical back-
Gilliard From 3 ters protests and a series focused on survivors of police brutality entitled “Behind the Blue Line,” Gilliard teamed up with the Pillsbury House’s Art Blocks Program. Now, he’s diving into a new project chronicling the Bryant community. “In the Company of Others,” which was
grounds. The primary focus of Confab is to expose and provide students and young professionals pathways to help them achieve their career vision and self-fulfillment. Confab 2019 centers on five foundational pillars – academic/professional development, social/personal advancement, healthcare and fitness, financial strategy and growth, and community enrichment ad current issues.
High school students, college students (undergraduate and graduate), young professionals and parents will have the opportunity to engage in several cutting-edge presentations and participate in developmental/ hands-on workshops on emerging issues and challenges facing underrepresented minorities and communities. Youth professionals, educators, university admission
on view at the Gordon Parks Gallery at Metropolitan State University offered viewers a selection from that body of work. From portraits of urban youth captured in “Odyssey of a Black Boy” to “Sunday’s Best” and its visual missives from El Bethel, St. Peter’s AME, and Greater St. Paul Churches and congregations that have been neighborhood staples for more than 135 years, Gilliard’s repertoire spotlights his dual
role as participant and photographer. He is as much an active member of the community as he is its dedicated documentarian. “I was born and raised on the southside (of Minneapolis). I live in the same house that I grew up in. People in my neighborhood, and in the church … they all know me,” said Gilliard. “When I’m doing photography, I try to blend in. I want people to feel comfortable, and I want them to relate to my
officers, mentors, governmental agents, non-profit leaders, and community activists/leaders and others who are working with youth and young professionals are encouraged to attend. Foundations and corporations who are investing in youth development programs are also invited to attend the conference. The Why You? Initiative, Inc. [YU?] is a national nonprofit organization estab-
lished in 2011 to eradicate barriers to students and young professionals’ success by effectively delivering longitudinal support/mentoring via a fusion of technological and traditional mediums. For more information on guest speakers and workshop presenters, as well as registration fee guidelines, please visit www.confab.whyyou.org or email admin@whyyou.org.
A stunning live-action photo captured by photographer Den-Zell Gilliard. work.” Gilliard notes that family also played an important part in sparking and sustaining his passion for photography. His adoptive mother was an early mentor and critic, from whom he inherited his love for film. Taking photos of quotidian scenes around the house with a Polaroid camera, she was instrumental in offering Gilliard some of his first lessons in the art of photography. In addition, Gilliard’s grandfather is a preacher, and his grandmother continues to be a devoted follower – so, taking his viewfinder to the pews and parishioners of the Baptist churches seemed but a natural decision. “When I started this project, it was my first time going to church after many years, but I could always go back there and call it home. They always supported me,” said Gilliard. “I made sure to be respectful. In church, I would go with the rules; I wouldn’t disturb what was going on. Maybe someone else wouldn’t have been able to get as close as I did and show these intimate times.” Indeed, although curator John Schuerman is a resident of South Minneapolis, he contends Gilliard’s photos reveal a side of the neighborhood unknown to him. “Den-Zell and I live about a mile apart, but we have
totally different experiences,” said Schuerman. “I like to find work that is socially relevant … that gives us more ways to think about topics where we don’t have clear answers already. I hope the exhibition opens up more possibilities for Den-Zell as an artist.” With grand plans to eventually buy his own gallery space, and retirement dreams featuring sprawling beaches, his camera, and an endless supply of Cuban cigars, Gilliard, only 27, is candid – he knows this is just the beginning for him. “I want a part two, because this is barely scratching the surface. I’m always starting new projects, trying out new stuff. I want to use myself as art, too,” explains Gilliard. If, as writer and philosopher Susan Sontag posits, the painter constructs while the photographer discloses; Gilliard unveils a world hidden in plain sight. With his work, he places Black life – in all its complexity, exuberance, and vigor – in front and center. “I want to give people a voice and shed a positive light on black youth. When you pick up a camera, you focus on what’s in front of you. That’s what I do,” said Gillard. “I love photography and I want to tell stories. I want to inspire people with my work. More than anything, I want to put truth out there.”
insightnews.com
Insight News • March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019 • Page 7
Pillsbury House Theatre has commissioned five short plays on the state of women in the current political climate. Featuring all-women playwrights, actresses, and production staff, “She Persists: The Great Divide III” is a theatrical experience by, for, and about women.
Thursday, March 21 FILM
DANCE CLASS MinneWeekender with Edwin and Dakota Four Seasons Dance Studio 1637 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9:30 p.m. – 9:30 a.m. $10 (Friday or Saturday social), $85 (all access) Edwin Ferreras and Dakota Romero are founders of Areíto Arts, an educational dance company focusing on Afro-Carribean rhythms and roots. Join them for this intensive workshops and social gatherings.
Tuesday, March 19 DANCE CLASS
Solo Jazz Jamming Levels 4-5 Uptown Swing 1617 N. 2nd St., Minneapolis 8:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Powderhorn Art & Soul Pillsbury House Theatre 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. $35
POERTY CLASS
Jam to classic hip-hop music while enjoying some of the best soul food Minnesota has to offer.
“She Persists: The Great Divide III” Pillsbury House Theatre 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. Pick your price starts at $5 with higher donations accepted
Monday, March 18
Tuesday, March 26
This class is offered for advanced jazz dance students.
PLAY
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 info@insightnews.com
ART/AUCTION
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20
Monday, Mar. 18 – Sunday Mar. 26
Monday, March 25
Powederhorn Neighborhood Park Association presents a silent auction and concert where patrons can pick selections from more than 50 local artists. There will be live performances by Kashimana, Niles, DJ Michel Be and more.
$12-$24
“The Warriors” The Parkway Theater 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m. $9
Mr Eazi
Minneapolis for a rescheduled performance.
Sunday, March 24 FOOD/MUSIC
Soul Bowl Hip-Hop Brunch Breaking Bread Cafe 1210 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis
American Mythology Through Poetry and Prose The Loft Literary Center 1011 Washington Ave. S., Ste.
200, Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. $147-$210 This class will investigate the formation of American identity as told by writers. The class also dissects books that inspired Klan terrorism, beat poets that influenced drug policies, rap demos that became FBI cases, and other ways artists have shaped the nation. Participants for this class can register at www.loft.org/classes/americanmythology-through-poetry-andprose. Runs through April 23.
TAKE 6 A CAPPELLA SUPERSTARS’ DAKOTA DEBUT
The 1979 Walter Hill cult classic, “The Warriors,” chronicles a dangerous trip home for a Coney Island street gang in New York.
Friday, March 22 JAZZ Cornbread Harris Band Loring Bar & Restaurant 327 14th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Cornbread Harris performs Fridays, weekly, at the Loring Bar.
Saturday, March 23 WORLD MUSIC/BANKU Mr. Eazi - Life Is Eazi Tour First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $25 Nigerian born Banku originator, Mr. Eazi, touches down in
“Baddest vocal cats on the planet!” - Quincy Jones
APR 1 • 7 & 9PM 612.332.5299 • dakotacooks.com
A Better Banking Experience.
612-455-1100 Five Twin Cities locations to serve you or visit us online at nabankco.com
Page 8 • March 18, 2019 - March 24, 2019 • Insight News
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