WINNER: 2020 T YPOGRAPHY & DESIGN, 1ST PLACE, PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT & PERSONALIT Y), 1ST PLACE, WEBSITE, 3RD PLACE
Insight News
March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020
Vol. 47 No. 12• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Mobilizing against Coronavirus
CEO, North Point Health & Wellness “NorthPoint serves predominantly African American, Latino and Hmong populations in North Minneapolis. There’s always that challenge around communications and getting information out. It’s one of the things that we constantly are aware of, and we remind the county that how communication happens in communities of color is different.”
Senator “Information is power. We must shape our reality. We have to acknowledge there is something going on that requires an immediate response. Feds failed to do that, thus allowing the pandemic to gain traction. Our response must be immediate, thoughtful, and with best intentions in mind to make sure we are protecting the public. Kudos to Northpoint for their years of work and being committed. They demonstrate the value of working together and the importance of knowing that we are interdependent. We trust Stella Whitney West and Northpoint to lead representing our community’s health and wellness.”
Donald Walker
Story on page 3
Page 2 • March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020 • Insight News
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Census 2020
We count too By Wisdom Cole National Organizing Manager, NAACP, Youth & College Division
As a millennial in 2020, this will be the third time the Census has occurred in my lifetime. The first time it happened I was 6 years old in the first grade and my mother was pregnant with my baby sister. I remember the Census distinctively because they would play the Census commercials over and over while I was watching Nickelodeon. My mother had to still work while she was pregnant as well as raise me and my younger brother with the help of my grandmother who had just came Nigeria to help with the pregnancy. Sometimes my mother would have to leave us at home when she had to work long hours and both her and grandma did not like opening the door for strangers. I would be home watching cartoons after school hearing the Census volunteers
knock on the apartment door multiple times, and even though we were home, we would never answer. If I really think about it, I am very unsure if my changing family at the time was counted in the 2000 Census. The last time the census happened in 2010, I was a 16-year-old high school student and I made sure that we definitely did a better job of filling out the census that year. I remember actually filling it out together with my mom and what caught my eye about the census that year was the questions they asked about race. I did not think the question was inclusive at all of anyone who was an African immigrant and identifying their country of origin. I could see how confusing it could be for someone still forming their understanding of their identity in America or still on the pathway to citizenship. I share these Census stories because as the 2020 Census is quickly approaching, I applaud all the ways the Census Bureau has made the Census more accessible, but I recognize
that there is still so much work to be done to ensure that everybody is counted. You can complete the census online, by mail, or in person which is great for young people living life on the next flight like myself. Like many other millennials, I am not constantly checking my mail unless I’m expecting something from Amazon and I’m not home waiting for someone to come to my house unless we planned to meet there. The online option of the census works for me but I understand that it does not work for all of us. There are communities with limited access to the internet, single parent households where the provider has to work long hours, and immigrant families that are unsure of the information that is necessary to provide. These communities classified as “hard-to-count” are in fact some of the most necessary to count as the lack of resources for hospitals, public safety, and school infrastructure would impact them the most. There is over $675 billion in federal funding tied
iStockphoto/NNPA
There is over $675 billion in federal funding tied to this year’s census count and we cannot go through another census like the one in 2010, where over 800,000 Black people were not counted and we missed out in the Census, costing our community over $16 million dollars. to this year’s census count and we cannot go through another census like the one in 2010, where over 800,000 Black people were not counted and we missed out in the Census, costing our community over $16 million dollars. We must think about the future of the Black community both present and those to be born in the next decade. This federal funding will be necessary for the world all people including young Black
people will be growing up in. The NAACP as well as our collation of partners through the racial equity anchor collaborative have taken the initiative to get out the 2020 count. We recognize that there are multiple factors that will inhibit a complete and accurate count of the census, so we are urging all of our members, activists, and allies to map the count. Through a very special
partnership with ESRI we are able to identify the hard-to-count communities and use our power to mobilize our friends, families, and loved ones to be counted so that all of our needs are seen and heard in the 2020 Census. For more information on what you can do to make sure everyone is counted in the 2020 census visit makemyfamilycount.org/ mapthecount.
Black Press of America Celebrates 193 Years of Freedom-Fighting Journalism By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia From Freedom’s Journal to The North Star to John Abbott’s Chicago Defender, AfricanAmerican-owned newspapers have sparked fires for truth and equality that have burned with the passion for fighting for freedom throughout history. March 16 marked the 193rd anniversary of the Black Press of America, whose global impact remains undeniable. It all began with Freedom’s Journal, the first African-American newspaper, that was guided by the fearless publishers, John B. Russwurm and Samuel E. Cornish. On March 16, 1827, Russwurm and Cornish announced the publication’s inaugural issue with a frontpage that contained these words: “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” The four-page edition included stories about the struggle to end the horrors of slavery, lynching, and social injustice. It also informed the African American community of international news of particular interest, like events in Haiti and Sierra Leone. The newspaper featured biographies of African American men and women, schools, jobs, and housing opportunities. “As we deal with some of the most challenging times in modern history, it is important that we understand the significance of the Black Press in reporting on and recording our history,” said National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) chair, and publisher of the Houston Forward Times, Karen Carter Richards. The NNPA is the national trade association representing America’s Black Press. “Even though Freedom’s Journal existed for only two years, its impact on the Black Press has lasted 193 years and counting,” said Mississippi Link publisher Jackie Hampton, who also serves as secretary of the NNPA. “I give Freedom’s Journal credit for the establishment of more than 200 African-Americanowned newspapers across the nation. The papers not only cover regional, national and international news, but they are still telling the stories that Freedom’s Journal advocated. Those stories include political rights for all Americans, the right to vote for all Americans and the telling of positive stories regarding the accomplishments of African Americans which mainstream newspapers
often
will not cover.” “The significance and importance of the Black Press during these times are more relevant than ever before,” said Sonny Messiah Jiles, the publisher of the Houston Defender Network and former chair of the NNPA. The anniversary of the Black Press is a reminder of the contributions that remain indelibly associated with its fearlessness, determination, and success. Those contributions include the works of Frederick Douglass, WEB DuBois, Ida B. Wells, Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah, and former NNPA Chairman Dr. Carlton Goodlett. Douglass, who helped slaves escape to the North while working with the Underground Railroad, established the abolitionist paper, The North Star, in Rochester, N.Y. He developed it into the most influential Black antislavery newspaper published during the Antebellum era. The North Star denounced slavery and fought for the emancipation of women and other oppressed groups with a motto of, “Right is of no Sex – Truth is of no Color; God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren.” “In Africa, you had the atrocity of European nations colonizing sovereign states and turning them into satellite copies of their own nations,” said Rosetta Perry, a civil rights activist and publisher of the Tennessee Tribune. “That’s one of the reasons why French is spoken so widely on the continent, as well as African nations still using the English monetary system. Black newspapers covered these stories as best they could from afar, but still lacked the resources to send correspondents over to these nations, they often depended on the reports of foreign correspondents from other publications.” Today, the Black Press continues to tackle domestic and global issues, including the new novel coronavirus pandemic and its effects on all citizens – particularly African-Americans. “This is an important story about the history of the Black Press of America that has consistently been the freedom fighting voice of African people in America and throughout the world for 193 years without waiver or distortion of the truth,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. “Today, in 2020, amidst the global pandemic of the coronavirus, the Black Press remains the vital source of news and information for 47 million African Americans.”
Today, the Black Press continues to tackle domestic and global issues, including the new novel coronavirus pandemic and its effects on all citizens – particularly African-Americans.
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Insight News • March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020 • Page 3 WINNER: 2020 T YPOGRAPHY & DESIGN, 1ST PLACE, PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT & PERSONALIT Y), 1ST PLACE, WEBSITE, 3RD PLACE
Insight News March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020
Vol. 47 No. 12• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Stella Whitney West, NorthPoint CEO
Battling COVID-19 misinformation By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor harry@insightnews.com During the most trying time in its existence NorthPoint Health & Wellness, 1313 Penn Ave. N. is proving to be one of the most vital resources in North Minneapolis. The more than 50-year-old institution and its healthcare workers are at the forefront of providing what could be life-saving care in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. With just a couple of cases in Minnesota at the beginning of the month, as of March 19 that number jumped to 89. Thirtythree are in Hennepin County and 12 in Ramsey County – homes to Minneapolis and St. Paul respectively. And NorthPoint is providing care to some of the state’s most vulnerable. NorthPoint CEO Stella Whitney West said communication is key in helping to stop the spread of the deadly virus. “We know there is a lot of misinformation out in this community and we have to battle that,” said Whitney West during a March 16 interview
Rep. Ilhan Omar
$1,000 for every adult monthly, $500 for every child, compensation for small businesses Stella Whitney West (left), CEO of NorthPoint Health & Wellness talks about COVID-19 with Insight News editor-in-chief, Al McFarlane. with Al McFarlane, editor-inchief of Insight News. “And when people don’t see other people who look like them (ethnically) they tend to ignore the message and think it doesn’t impact us and that leads to a delayed response. And when there’s a delayed response, by the time that there is some type of response it’s almost beyond a 911 emergency. We’re trying to stop the tsunami.” Whitney West said they are working in overdrive to combat and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. State Senator Bobby Joe Champion said,
“Information is power. We must shape our reality. We have to acknowledge there is something going on that requires an immediate response. Feds failed to do that, thus allowing the pandemic to gain traction. Our response must be immediate, thoughtful, and with best intentions in mind to make sure we are protecting the public. “Kudos to Northpoint for their years of work and being committed. They demonstrate the value of working together and the importance of knowing that we are interdependent. We trust Stella Whitney West and Northpoint to lead representing
our community’s health and wellness.”, said Champion in a separate interview. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had to deal with a viral pandemic,” said Whitney West, explaining how NorthPoint is equipped to care for those in need. “We had to deal with H1N1 and Ebola. So we have a protocol.” The CEO said her clinic has tested 11 individuals (as of March 16) for COVID-19 and of those, 10 were negative and one was awaiting results. “We know there
NORTHPOINT 4
COVID-19: How we can navigate through this pandemic By Dr. Sylvia Bartley Senior Global Director for the Medtronic Foundation These are tumultuous times. We’re living through a pandemic – one of the worst public health and economic crisis for our generation. Thankfully my wife, family, and I are well so far. I’m grateful and do not take for granted we have the means and wherewithal to prepare and take the necessary precautions to reduce our risk of exposure. I must admit a few weeks ago when my wife was adamant, we should have two weeks’ worth of supplies in our home I shrugged it off, thinking she was overreacting, especially when she added bottles of water and toilet paper to the list. My instincts, however, that quiet internal voice nudged me to listen and take heed. So off we went to the grocery stores, stocking up on non-perishable groceries and other necessary supplies we need in case of an emergency or quarantine situation. As someone who works in the disaster relief space, I should recognize the importance of preparation as I’ve seen first-hand how communities are impacted by natural disasters. The impact Hurricane Maria had and still has on Puerto Rico is one I’ll never forget. Seeing the needs of those impacted firsthand was heartbreaking. Basic self-care supplies were lacking as stores,
photo/family.lovetoknow.com
Navigating COVID-19 means getting back to basics. hospitals, homes, schools, and businesses where destroyed by the hurricane. Through the resilience of Puerto Rico, the tremendous support of the philanthropic community Puerto Rico is now recovering from the devastation. Because there was a start and an end to this natural disaster, it was much easier to plan and act accordingly. With COVID-19, it’s a new novel virus with no known end date – making it much more challenging to prepare and respond. We can learn from those countries like Singapore who practiced social containment early on, which was critical in minimizing the impact of COVID-19. Hence the cry for those who have flu-like symptoms to go into voluntarily quarantine, to distance oneself socially to reduce risk of exposure and/
or to prevent exposing others who maybe more vulnerable than you. School closures are happening across the country and working remotely is being encouraged. This is disruptive but may be our new normal for several more weeks to come. Information on COVID-19 is emerging quickly, but there is still much we don’t know about the virus. What we do know about most public health crises is the most vulnerable are those at the highest risk of being infected. The most susceptible include the elderly, homeless, low-income families, those who are chronically ill with a low immune system, healthcare workers and caregivers. Some of the most vulnerable don’t have the means to stock up with essential supplies to see them through a two-week quarantine. Low-income families or hourly workers don’t have the luxury
of purchasing weeks’ worth of groceries. The homeless may not have access to clean water to wash their hands frequently. And some front-line healthcare workers are lacking personal protective equipment (PPE), protocols, supervision, and other resources they need to test and treat patients. Many healthcare workers are parents. I wonder when schools are closed who is looking after their children as they work around the clock to save lives. Furthermore, healthcare workers are under immense pressure, and no doubt it’s having an impact on their emotional health. I wonder if healthcare workers and the general population are getting the emotional support required to manage through these uncharted waters. Then there is the hourly worker or the entrepreneur whose livelihood requires them to go to work and interact with people. A loss of a daily wage could cripple their ability to pay rent, buy food, and provide for their families. Businesses are shutting their doors be it temporary, which all in all is having a negative impact on the economy. So, what can we do to help? Here are my thoughts. Communication and information. Ensuring everyone has access to accurate information on how to prevent and contain the virus is key. Here are some excellent resources I recommend you check daily for
PANDEMIC 8
Urban League Twin Cities continues to offer services during COVID-19 crisis The Urban League Twin Cities, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis, is remaining open during the COVID-19 crisis for those in need of its services. “We will not be closing the Glover-Sudduth Center or Urban League Twin Cities offices at this time; however, this is a fluid situation and we are monitoring events by the hour,” said Urban League Twin Cities CEO Steve Belton
in a statement. “As a central resource to the community and provider of essential services, particularly in times of crisis, the Urban League will endeavor to keep our doors open as long as it is safe to do so.” Belton said the community institution will be modifying operational protocols and practices in the interest of safety and in accordance with the
Urban League Twin Cities plans to remain open as long as possible during the COVID-19 outbreak.
URBAN LEAGUE 6
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Science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety
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Omar proposes strong coronavirus relief package WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Ilhan Omar today proposed a package of bills to bring economic assistance to all Americans and small businesses during this coronavirus crisis. The proposals would universally guarantee a monthly payment of $1,000 for every adult over the age of 18 and $500 for every child residing in the United States through the end of the pandemic, require the federal government to fully compensate small businesses disproportionally affected by coronavirus, and would prohibit the Trump Administration from giving away billions of dollars to fossil fuel corporations.
“The coronavirus shock could claim millions of jobs by this summer,” Omar said. “It is deferring dreams, robbing Americans of their savings, and putting millions of families in debt. As job losses mount, we must take immediate action to invest directly in the American people.” Omar said the need is to put money in the hands of the American people now. “We need to protect small businesses and slow the job losses now,” said Omar. “We must make sure that we are not funding giveaways to
OMAR 6
City Council public health emergency declaration prioritizes race equity The Minneapolis City Council last week passed two resolutions approving and extending Mayor Jacob Frey’s declaration of a local public health emergency in response to COVID-19. The emergency declaration will remain in effect for as long as the State of Minnesota remains in a peacetime emergency, unless determined otherwise by an official action of the City Council. The Council affirms “support in prioritizing the health and well-being of all residents, especially those residents who are most vulnerable to health impacts from COVID-19.” It calls on Frey to use a racial equity lens in all aspects of the City’s COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts and submit recommendations to the Council on the following: • Priorities for outreach to non-English speaking residents and businesses. • Policy actions to support housing stability, including a moratorium on evictions and continued water and utility access. • Regulatory actions that support small businesses and their workers. • Prioritization of City funds for gaps left in government and philanthropic efforts focused on health supports for people without access to public hygiene facilities, and support for residents or business most vulnerable to economic impacts. • Support for the health and well-being of City staff as they serve the public during this emergency. The Council also directs Frey to provide updates to the City Council at its standing meetings on all actions related to the declaration, including spending by departments, new contracts and agreements, staff positions and enforcement activities related to the emergency declaration, among other things. “I’m humbled by the trust the City Council has placed in me, and inspired by the way we all, together, have risen to meet this moment,” said Frey. “As we continue grappling with the threat from COVID-19, our ability to respond quickly has been, and will be, vital. None of the actions we’ve taken have been taken lightly. But they are demanded in a crisis where our decisions are measured in lives saved and lost.”
“In these unprecedented times, our City government is coming together with unprecedented teamwork to serve our employees, residents and businesses with a continued focus on those who are most in need,” said City Council President Lisa Bender. “I am inspired by the way our community is combining swift action with compassionate leadership and I am confident that our City will find ways to evolve our service to the public. To our State and County leaders, to the Mayor and my colleagues, to our City staff, to our first responders, to our health care providers, to our teachers and to all who are collectively working to weather this crisis: thank you.” “These are unprecedented times. This global pandemic has created a shift in the world that has not been seen in recent history,” said City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins. “I fully support the mayor’s declaration. As a member of the policy group outlined in the resolution and chair of the Race Equity Subcommittee, I will be consistently advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable members of our community. This includes communities of color, disabled people, indigenous, undocumented, and unemployed people, gig economy workers, sex workers and the incarcerated.” “As the chair of the City Council Public Health committee and Council Member representing North Minneapolis, I intimately understand how cultural communities, particularly residents and families with low incomes, are most the vulnerable due to the health impacts of environmental injustices and left behind during large-scale emergencies to suffer the most,” said City Council Member Phillipe Cunningham. “Particularly in times of crisis, we must continue to center the City of Minneapolis’ commitment to racial equity to ensure our city’s most vulnerable residents, families, and business owners have their needs met as we face the COVID-19 pandemic together as one city.” Visit the City’s website to learn more about the City’s response to COVID-19 and how it’s impacting services and operations.
News
Social distancing comes with social side effects – here’s how to stay connected
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Page 4 • March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020 • Insight News
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Coronavirus could hit homeless hard, and that could hit everyone hard By Michael Cousineau Professor of Clinical Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California TheConversation.com As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to grow, the nation is on edge. Doctors and scientists do not know what percentage of the general population has been infected and what percentage of the infected develops symptoms. State and local governments and the federal public health system are deploying strategies to contain the spread of the virus and consider ways to mitigate the effects of the disease on vulnerable groups, the health care system and the economy. But amid all the planning, and a growing sense of panic, the impact of the spread of COVID-19 among homeless people is not being widely discussed. It should, however, be of special concern to local officials. I am a professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC). USC is in Los Angeles, which has one of the largest homeless populations in the nation. I am concerned about how infectious disease could undermine our efforts to provide humane care to homeless people and assist them to get off the
streets and into stable housing. I am also deeply concerned about infection rates and mortality more generally among vulnerable populations. A vulnerable group, even when the economy is humming Over half a million people are homeless in the U.S. Their living conditions and poor health may place them at higher risk for contracting the disease and dying from it, although as of this writing, there have been no reported cases among homeless people. High rates of infectious diseases among people experiencing homelessness is hardly new. Since those of us who work with the homeless have been keeping data, we know that homeless people have a higher risk of tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV and pneumonia. This should give government officials and health providers cause for concern that coronavirus may also spread among the homeless. While it’s too early for specific studies, the conditions of homelessness may increase the risk of transmitting the coronavirus to homeless people and ultimately its spread to others in the community. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. People get it when an infected person sneezes or coughs, spreading droplets in the air that could be transmitted to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended staying away from others who are sick, avoiding crowds and
proper hand washing. The agency also suggests that since the virus lives on surfaces for at least several hours, people should avoid touching surfaces that others may have touched. These practices, however, are nearly impossible for those living on the streets who have no way to bathe or wash hands. Few encampments have portable toilets or sinks. People eat, sleep and congregate close to each other. Those in shelters may fare a little better, if the shelter does frequent cleaning or provides access to bathrooms and hot water and hand sanitizers, which many do not. Even so, in many shelters, people sleep, eat and participate in activities in groups, which increases the risk of an exposed person transmitting the virus to those nearby. In addition, many shelters are large spaces with cots or beds placed in close proximity. In the winter months, homeless people are often transported by bus to winter shelters. Both the buses and mass shelters are almost designed to spread airborne droplets putting guests and those whom work there at risk for transmission. Those working in shelters may have limited training in prevention, or a way to identify and isolate an individual showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Many homeless people who do not stay in shelters may sleep in train or bus stations, ride subways or buses or go the waiting room of a
hospital emergency department for the evening. These are places where an exposed person could contaminate doors and bathroom fixtures, chairs or other objects, providing opportunities for spreading the infection to others. Once exposed, homeless people may have mortality risk due to other health conditions they may already have, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and increased age. Many people living on the street already have diminished health, have higher rates of chronic illnesses or have compromised immune systems, all of which are risk factors for developing a more serious manifestation of the coronavirus infection. Those who suffer from mental illness may have difficulty recognizing and responding to the threat of infection. Homeless people have less access to health care providers who could otherwise order diagnostic testing and, if confirmed, isolate them from others in coordination with local health departments. Without access, ill homeless people may be living on the streets and virtually unknown to the health care system and possibly exposing others to the virus. Homeless persons showing symptoms of COVID-19 may go to a crowded hospital emergency department, which even before coronavirus, is where many homeless people go to for health care services. But if the epidemic continues to spread, these facilities will become even more crowded,
Gary Hershorn/Corbis via Getty Images
Homeless people at the 42nd Street and Bryant Park subway station in New York City, March 9, 2020. and wait times will increase potentially exposing more people to an infected individual who has come seeking care. Too important to be ignored Prudent action to contain the virus that targets this population makes sense, given the risk that this population poses for the spread of the virus and the impact on the health care system. A few communities are just beginning to put in place efforts to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus among the homeless population. In Seattle, officials are distributing hygiene kits and provide tips and checklists on prevention to shelter operators. Many of these activities are core public health functions that any local and state government agencies should be doing routinely as a
part of their core surveillance and health assurance efforts. But most localities do not have the resources available for new and widespread screening among homeless people or ways to locate and respond to an outbreak unless patients present in the hospital emergency department. Public health agencies at all levels of government have a role to play in mitigating the effects of coronavirus. If public health agencies from local governments to the CDC do not have capacity because of budget cuts or a lack of commitment, local jurisdictions will not have the tools necessary to reach out to those at risk that will be necessary to contain the virus and mitigate its effects on our most vulnerable groups.
Coronavirus reaches African shores, but numbers remain low (Global Information Network) – Only a few weeks ago, African leaders were breathing a sigh of relief as the new coronavirus skipped the continent to lodge in Italy, Spain and other European countries. “Whether it’s a matter of faulty detection, climatic factors or simple fluke, the remarkably low rate of coronavirus infection in African countries, with their fragile health systems, continues to puzzle,” said Amadou Alpha Sall, head of the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal. Then a test turned up one positive and then another, giving signs of a new crisis emerging in at least 30 of
Africa’s 54 countries, officials said this week. The most worrying confirmation of a first case came from Somalia, with one of the continent’s weakest health systems after nearly three decades of conflict. Tanzania, Liberia and Benin also announced their first cases. African nations began imposing travel restrictions as most confirmed cases came from abroad. Algeria cut off all air and sea contact with Europe, and Botswana barred travelers from 18 high-risk countries. French citizens visiting South Africa have been urged to leave as soon as possible. “Countries like South Korea and China have
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa demonstrating greeting by elbow. managed
to
control
this
outbreak,”
commented
Dr.
Matshidiso Moeti, regional director for Africa, World Health Organization (WHO). “We are learning. Limiting contact between people when you have local transmission is a good thing to do. The South African government is striking a good balance. Gatherings of people increase the chances of infections spreading. But we must have a balance. I think 100 (maximum number of people allowed to gather in South Africa) is a reasonable number. Greeting, hugging, kissing – no. Even elbow bumps require you to come close to somebody. Smile and bow instead. It’s a good thing to do.” “The reality is this,”
said South Africa’s health minister, Zweli Mkhize, commenting on the 62 documented cases, all from abroad. “Individuals that have been infected thus far are people who can afford going on holiday abroad or they travel for business. Those individuals also have accommodation for selfquarantine. However, when this outbreak starts affecting our poor communities where families do not have enough rooms or spaces to quarantine those affected, we will experience a crisis.” The WHO says it has now shifted from “readiness” to “response” mode on the continent with 147 confirmed cases in 15 countries.
Hennepin County jail releases individuals awaiting trial on minor offences With COVID-19 impacting everyone, those in jail for minor offences or due to inability to post bail, some in Hennepin County may be releases. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman outlined
the necessary next steps to let some accused individuals out of Hennepin County pre-charge detention facilities as part of the reaction to the COVID-19 virus. “I have talked again with Bill
Ward, chief Minnesota public defender as well as Chela Guzman, 4th District, head adult public defender and Lisa McNaughton, 4th District, head juvenile public defender,” Freeman said. “Moreover,
we are also coordinating with the agencies, including the Hennepin County Sheriff Office, which actually house the accused who have not had their cases adjudicated, to see if there are individuals who could be
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released pending trial. Our goal is to provide for public safety, for justice and to relieve some of the pressure on jail capacity. “Our primary responsibility is public safety and providing justice for the victims of crimes in our county. There are individuals who appear to have committed less serious crimes and are not likely
NorthPoint From 3 eventually will be some who test positive,” said Whitney West. “But we want you to know that just because you test positive that does not mean you are going to be severely ill.” The CEO pointed out that those with underlying conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes are at greater risk of falling seriously ill if they contract COVID-19. She said the clinic could test more but there is a shortage of the proper masks needed to protect clinicians. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents the district NorthPoint serves, said she is dialoging with healthcare providers and is hoping to assist in getting additional protective equipment to medical providers. On March 19, Vice President Mike Pence said he had been in Minnesota meeting with leaders at 3M and Honeywell – makers of protective masks – to get more in the hands of healthcare professionals.
to be threat to public safety.” Freeman said by March 17 the public defenders will present a list of potential individuals who would be eligible for a new bail hearing under those criteria. We will make arrangements for their release pending trial in appropriate cases,” said Freeman.
NorthPoint’s CEO said in addition to combatting the virus, the staff at NorthPoint is working to combat something else. “Fear,” said Whitney West. “There’s a lot of fear out there. Not just about the virus, but there’s economic fear. So we have our mental health providers working with our community. When people are stressed out that makes you more susceptible (to falling ill).” Whitney West said NorthPoint’s biggest concern is capacity if there is a spike in cases. With those of the most vulnerable being serviced by NorthPoint, Whitney West said she has been in contact with the governor and other elected officials to ensure needed resources and funds are allocated for the healthcare provider. Anyone who believes they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 can contact NorthPoint at (612) 543-2500 or online at www.NorthPointHealth.org. NorthPoint also operates a food shelf for those in need.
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Insight News • March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020 • Page 5
Insight 2 Health
Science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety Strengthen self-care During these anxietyprovoking times, it’s important to remember the tried-and-true anxiety prevention and reduction strategies. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, practice mindfulness, spend time in nature and employ relaxation techniques when stressed. Prioritizing these behaviors during the coronavirus crisis can go a long way toward increasing your psychological well-being and bolstering your immune system.
By Jelena Kecmanovic Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Georgetown University TheConversation.com As the SARS-CoV-2 virus (coronavirus) continues its global spread and the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases continues to increase, anxiety related to the outbreak is on the rise too. As a psychologist, I am seeing this in my practice already. Although feeling anxiety in response to a threat is a normal human reaction, sustained high anxiety can undermine constructive responses to the crisis. People who already suffer from anxiety and related disorders are especially likely to have a hard time during the coronavirus crisis. The following suggestions, based on psychological science, can help you deal with coronavirus anxiety. Practice tolerating uncertainty Intolerance of uncertainty, which has been increasing in the U.S., makes people vulnerable to anxiety. A study during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic showed that people who had a harder time accepting the uncertainty of the situation were more likely to experience elevated anxiety. The solution is to learn to gradually face uncertainty in daily life by easing back on certainty-seeking behaviors. Start small. Don’t text your friend immediately the next time you need an answer to a question. Go on a hike without checking the weather beforehand. As you build your tolerance-of-uncertainty muscle, you can work to reduce the number of times a day you consult the internet for updates on the outbreak.
Seek help
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Anxiety is part of life, but should not take over your life. Tackle the anxiety paradox Anxiety rises proportionally to how much one tries to get rid of it. Or as Carl Jung put it, “What you resist persists.” Struggling against anxiety can take many forms. People might try to distract themselves by drinking, eating or watching Netflix more than usual. They might repeatedly seek reassurance from friends, family or health experts. Or they might obsessively check news streams, hoping to calm their fears. Although these behaviors can help momentarily, they can make anxiety worse in the long run. Avoiding the experience of anxiety almost always backfires. Instead, allow your anxious thoughts, feelings and physical sensations to wash over you, accepting anxiety as an integral part of human experience. When waves of coronavirus anxiety show up, notice and describe the experience to yourself or others without judgment. Resist the urge to escape or calm your fears by obsessively reading virus updates. Paradoxically, facing anxiety in the moment will lead to less anxiety over time.
Transcend existential anxiety Health threats trigger the fear that underlies all fears – fear of death. When faced with reminders of one’s own mortality, people might become consumed with health anxiety and hyperfocused on any signs of illness. Try connecting to your life’s purpose and sources of meaning, be it spirituality, relationships, or pursuit of a cause. Embark on something important that you’ve been putting off for years and take responsibility for how you live your life. Focusing on or discovering the “why” of life can go a long way in helping you deal with unavoidable anxiety. Don’t human
underestimate resiliency Many people fear how they will manage if the virus shows up in town, at work or at school. They worry how they would cope with a quarantine, a daycare closure or a lost paycheck. Human minds are good at predicting the worst. But research shows that people tend to overestimate how badly they’ll be affected by negative events and underestimate how
professional if you need it People who are vulnerable to anxiety and related disorders might find the coronavirus epidemic
particularly overwhelming. Consequently, they might experience anxiety symptoms that interfere with work, maintaining close relationships, socializing or taking care of themselves and others. If this applies to you, please get professional help from your doctor or a mental health professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy and certain medications can successfully treat anxiety problems. Although you might feel helpless during this stressful time, following these strategies can help keep anxiety from becoming a problem in its own right and enable you to make it through the epidemic more effectively.
well they’ll cope with and adjust to difficult situations. Be mindful that you are more resilient than you think. It can help attenuate your anxiety. Don’t get sucked into overestimating the threat Coronavirus can be dangerous, with an estimated 1.4 percent to 2.3 percent death rate. So everyone should be serious about taking all the reasonable precautions against infection. But people also should realize that humans tend to exaggerate the danger of unfamiliar threats compared to ones they already know, like seasonal flu or car accidents. Constant incendiary media coverage contributes to the sense of danger, which leads to heightened fear and further escalation of perceived danger. To reduce anxiety, I recommend limiting your exposure to coronavirus news to no more than 30 minutes per day. And remember that we become more anxious when faced with situations that have no clear precedent. Anxiety, in turn, makes everything seem more dire.
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Page 6 • March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020 • Insight News
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Internet companies announce COVID-19 response to help keep Americans connected Comcast and CenturyLink announced they will be taking steps to keep customers online during the COVID-19 crisis. “During this extraordinary time, it is vital that as many Americans as possible stay connected to the internet – for education, work, and personal health reasons,” said Dave Watson, Comcast chief executive officer. “Our employees also live and work in virtually every community we serve, and we all share the same belief that it’s our
Company’s responsibility to step up and help out.” For the next two months the companies will not be shutting off service for inability to pay and will not charge for data overages. We will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact us and let us know that they can’t pay their bills during this period,” said Watson in a statement. New Comcast Internet Essentials customers will receive 60 days of
complimentary service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95 per month. “At CenturyLink, we know our customers are counting on us to keep our network running so our children can continue to learn, and the world’s businesses can continue to run efficiently,” said Kerry Zimmer, senior lead communications manager with CenturyLink. “We stand ready, willing and able to meet our customers’ near-term and long-term needs and are
prepared to ensure traffic flows smoothly across our network, regardless of increased demand. We recognize that high-speed internet service plays a crucial role in the everyday lives of our customers. In light of COVID-19 we are suspending our data usage limits, will waive late fees and will not terminate a residential or small business customer’s service for the next 60 days due to financial circumstances associated with COVID-19.”
During this extraordinary time, it is vital that as many Americans as possible stay connected to the internet – for education, work, and personal health reasons.
Social distancing comes with social side effects – here’s how to stay connected By Jonathan Kanter Director of the Center for the Science of Social Connection, University of Washington Adam Kuczynski PhD Student, Department of Psychology, University of Washington TheConversation.com To fight the spread of coronavirus, government officials have asked Americans to swallow a hard pill – stay away from each other. In times of societal stress, such a demand runs counter to what evolution has hard-wired people to do: Seek out and support each other as families, friends and communities. We yearn to huddle together. The warmth of our breath and bodies, of holding hands and hugging, of talking and listening, is a primary source of soothing. These connections are pivotal for responding to and maximizing our survival in times of stress. Priority number one is to follow the recommended social distancing guidelines to control the virus. The cure is definitely not worse than the disease – experts’ projections of disease spread and mortality without strong intervention make this clear. But as with any pill, there are side effects. As psychological scientists at the University of Washington’s Center for the Science of Social Connection, our lab studies social connectedness, why it is
important and how to maximize its benefits. Our clinical and research experiences help us understand the side effects of social distancing and suggest strategies for addressing them. Human beings are social beings In times of stress and illness, being deprived of social connection can create more stress and illness. People who are lonely have higher levels of the hormone cortisol, an indicator of stress; show weaker immune responses to pathogens; and are at increased risk for premature death. Isolation can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts and other clinical conditions. For those who must be quarantined because they are infected with the virus, this research has one important implication – depriving the sick of social connection and physical closeness unfortunately may make it harder for them to defeat infection. For example, lonely college students respond more weakly to influenza vaccinations than do non-lonely students. There are other costs. Loneliness makes people feel more vulnerable and anxious in social interactions. An official mandate to socially distance and isolate may increase what psychologists call intergroup anxiety, the natural threat and distrust people feel when interacting with those who are different. People may circle the wagons around themselves and those they perceive as like themselves – those with whom they share a common identity – while excluding everyone else. The recent travel restrictions play into these very human fears
oxytocin helps regulate your fight or flight system and calms your body in times of stress. For those who are untouchable because they’re sick with COVID-19, affectionate therapy dogs may provide measurable benefit. Things
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There are ways to strengthen bonds while keeping physical distance. and could exacerbate impulses to blame and stigmatize others as the source of this crisis. These fears fuel negative and inaccurate stereotypes of others, rather than cultivating connections to a larger human community that is suffering together. Reach
out and connect While social distancing and isolation are in effect, there are things everyone can do to mitigate their downsides. Now is the time to reach out to friends and family and connect with them however you can. Let people know how much you care about them. While live human connection is best, a phone call, with a real voice, is better than text, and a videochat is better than a phone call. We believe such social technology-facilitated connections will aid all of us in staying as healthy as possible during this time. Although research on this is not comprehensive, we
think it’s valuable to use social technology to mitigate the effects of loneliness and isolation for those who are sick. What you say when connecting also matters. If you are stressed and upset, talking about your feelings can help. You may or may not feel better, but you will feel less alone. If you’re on the receiving end of this kind of sharing, resist the impulse to dismiss, debate or tell the other person not to worry. Your task is to listen and convey that you understand their feelings and accept them. This process – one person sharing something vulnerable, and the other responding with understanding and care – is the basic dance step of good, close relationships. Human touch is also vital for well-being. If you are distancing with people who are close to you and healthy, don’t forget the positive impact of a gentle hug, or holding someone’s hand. Safe, mutually consenting physical touch leads to the release of oxytocin. Sometimes called the “love hormone,”
Urban League From 3 CDC, Minnesota Department of Health and similar public health guidelines. All meetings, events and activities for groups of 10 or more have been canceled or postponed until at least April 16. Meetings of fewer than 10 persons will be assigned to one of three rooms that can accommodate social distancing of at least six feet. Staff is requesting people call before visiting for an update on which programs or tenant offices temporarily have closed or have limited their working hours. They are also asking guests be mindful to maintain safe social distancing
Omar From 3 corporations that do not benefit the American people ever.” Omar said direct payments would occur monthly until the pandemic is over as declared by Treasury and Health
you can do Other actions can help boost your and others’ well-being as you’re adapting to a world of social distancing. Embrace others, figuratively. Be aware of your tendency to circle the wagons around your group. Importantly, even though it doesn’t always feel this way, you’re not born with a fixed group that you trust and fixed groups that you distrust. These feelings and associations are flexible and change with context. Imagine, for example, who feels safe and familiar to you when at work versus at a family dinner versus at a football game. Now is the time to expand how you define your group identities. This is a global pandemic. Human beings are in, the coronavirus is out. Be generous. The practical side of this idea of expanding your identities is an encouragement to be generous, broadly speaking. Giving to others in times of need not only helps the recipient, it enhances the giver’s well-being, too. If you feel compelled to go to the grocery store to stock up on toilet paper, consider checking in with people you know who are more vulnerable and see what they might need. Give them some of that toilet paper. Help others around you, including neighbors you may not know well, people with whom you
don’t usually feel a sense of kinship and people experiencing homelessness. Doing so combats the impulse to build walls. It puts you in touch with the better angels of your nature and gives these angels voice and purpose. Finally, remember to breathe. In this moment, with all the stress and anxiety, many people feel overwhelmed and disconnected. But you’re still here and those around you are in this chaos with you, too. A few conscious, gentle breaths can restore that connection, slow your mind and give you clarity, at least for a moment or two. This coronavirus crisis may not end soon. Things may get worse. As people hunker down, the negative side effects of social distancing and isolation will shift and evolve. What feels manageable today may not feel manageable tomorrow. As psychologists, we are concerned that the lack of social connections, increased stress, disruptions and losses of livelihoods and routines will tip some people toward depression. We are concerned about increased family conflict as people are forced to navigate unusual amounts of time together, many in confined spaces. Flexibility is adaptive. Building a foundation of healthy coping, maintaining awareness of the side effects of our necessary societal changes, and staying connected to our values and to each other are imperative. Human beings have great capacity for empathy and caring in times of suffering. Maintaining social distance doesn’t need to change that.
of
six-feet of separation. The impact of COVID-19 on nonprofit organizations is significant. “Like many nonprofits, ULTC has put measures in place to assure continuity of service to our clients and stability of work and income for our employees within the limits of practicality and our financial capacity, which has been strained. Nonetheless, clients and staff will be adversely impacted in the event we are compelled to close our building for an undetermined duration for the health and safety of all. If it is within your capacity and you would like to financially support ULTC through this difficult time, you can make a donation at mul.salsalabs. org/giving/index.html.” While remaining open at this time, Belton
acknowledges the situation remains fluid. “Given the current trajectory and speed of the contagion, we believe it is likely, perhaps inevitable, that in the coming days government will mandate an emergency temporary quarantine on all or substantial parts of the state, including the Twin Cities, that will restrict public movement and interaction, including our ability to remain open,” said Belton in his letter sent to Urban League email subscribers. “Our community, this organization and each of us as individuals and families have faced difficult challenges in the past and by the grace of God we have overcome. It is my firm belief and fervent prayer that we will defeat the assault and disruption of COVID-19, together.”
and Human Services, with the last payment coming the quarter after the pandemic ends. Congress will have the option to reexamine and extend this policy further if the economic fallout is still felt significantly after the declared end of the pandemic. It would be administered by the Social Security Administration, in consultation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
using their existing mechanisms for online direct deposit and direct check payments. In addition, Omar advocated for the Assistance for Businesses and Local Economies Act (ABLE). ABLE would require the federal government to compensate all small businesses with output losses, disproportionally affected by coronavirus by covering all the wages, maintenance costs, and other necessary capital payments. This assistance would include the self-employed and independent contractors by covering all their lost earnings. These temporary payments would last for at least three months or until Treasury and Health and Human Services declare an end to the pandemic. The Minnesota congresswoman also the Stop Trump’s Oil Payoff Act (STOP), which would prohibit the Trump Administration from slashing royalty rates for fossil fuel corporations. The STOP Act is a response to President Trump’s proposed oil industry bail out as a result of COVID-19. “According to Oil Change International, the United States already subsides fossil fuel exploration and production at a rate of $20.5 billion annually,” said Omar. “The reported proposal of using additional federal funds, lowinterest loans, royalty relief, tax breaks, or strategic petroleum reserve purchases, would not only be extremely careless but will continue to exacerbate our climate crisis.”
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Insight News • March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020 • Page 7
Walker West Music Academy – Early Childhood Music Program By Maya Beecham Two-year-old Jolena Hune is a legacy holder for Walker West Music Academy (WWMA) located in the historic Rondo Neighborhood of St. Paul. It all started when her mother Connie Hune registered her daughter for the Sing Play Learn with MacPhail Early Childhood Music Program at WWMA after picking up a flyer. Since then music has changed Jolena’s life. Under the tutelage of the program instructor Ivory Doublette, Jolena Hune became deeply engaged with music she was learning in the program. It was evident in her daily life through singing, dancing and playing musical instruments with her 8-year-old brother. She is what WWMA founders the Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West envisioned 32 years ago when they started WWMA to teach, encourage, and inspire students with music from the African-American perspective, and it continues today. Connie Hune values Doublette’s approach to teaching. “She is a really good instructor. She is able to get everybody involved. She is really active and is excited about the kids learning,” said Connie Hune. “She sees it as more than just a class when she teaches.” The early childhood music and arts program, offered through a partnership between MacPhail Center for the Arts and WWMA, is a six-week course for students ages infant to six and their parents or guardians. Doublette, an instructor at MacPhail since 2015 is also a theater actor, musical theater actor and gospel singer. She values the opportunity to teach children in the community at developmental ages. “Teaching awakened a curiosity I have about child development in particular in communities of color,” said the instructor. “How we are developing, how it may be different, and how the arts can help us with the achievement
Benny Moreno
MacPhail Early Childhood Music Program instructor Ivory Doublette plays the ukulele for some of her early learners. gap. Music should be used practically in everyday life, that is very much how are community started. We were using the drums, we were communicating with music, we were using it to comfort and to bond. So, I want to bring that back, do more of that, and explore that more.” The program serves as a primer for these young students on many fronts. They are being introduced to the world of music and how it plays a role in their lives. According to a report published by the Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, by the age of one a baby’s brain is 70 percent of what it will form into as an adult, and by age three the
brain will form into 85 percent of what it will be in adulthood while functioning in human thought and communication. Additionally, the report says music matters for children because it builds brains and bodies, teaches them to become close, teaches communication and imagining, teaches sharing and managing feelings, teaches being with others and teaches belonging to a community. To take advantage of this critical developmental stage, Doublette has a focus that prepares students for the classroom. “There is a big school readiness component in all
of our music classes,” said Doublette. “One of the main things we focus on is following directions. Being able to teach a child to follow directions in an environment that is safe and fun so that when you take it out in the real world it becomes second nature.” Music helps children develop a skillset and language. Doublette said. “Singing period helps even the smallest child with vocabular. As they start to speak it gives them a broader scope of tools to pull from,” said Doublette. “So, if I can say my ABC’s, I can all of a sudden start putting these letters together and
Pandemic From 3
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Lynx
Timberwolves and Lynx pledge $1 million for Target Center staff The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx organization has pledged to donate up to $1 million in a relief fund for the part-time gameday staff at Target Center. The fund will provide financial assistance to hundreds of part-time employees who are adversely impacted by the
loss of games at Target Center. “Our staff who work so hard to make the Target Center experience memorable for fans are the backbone of what we do,” said Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. “From the people who show fans to their seats, to the greeters at the
entrance, I want to do my part to alleviate the financial concern that comes from missing games due to this national pandemic. We will get through this difficult time together and look forward to the day when our players, fans and staff are reunited again at Target Center.”
updates, symptoms and testing, prevention and protection advice, hand washing guidance, travel advice, FAQ’s, research and development, business, health care facilities and much more important information to help manage through this pandemic: The Center for Disease Control: www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/ prepare/prevention.html World Health Organization: www.who. i n t / e m e rg e n c i e s / d i s e a s e s / novel-coronavirus-2019 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: www. uschamberfoundation. o r g / c o r o n a v i r u s Center for Disaster Philanthropy: www. d i s a s t e r p h i l a n t h r o p y. o r g / issue-insight/pandemicsand-infectious-diseases Check in on vulnerable people at high risk to COVID-19. If you know anyone who doesn’t have access to technology or the internet, give them a call, check in on them from time to time. Let them know they’re not alone. Discuss ways in how you can provide them with updated accurate information which can ultimately help them manage through and alleviate any fear they may be feeling. If you know someone who is over 60 years old and living by themselves, or a frontline healthcare worker – commit to checking in on them virtually. Avoid contact if you can as you don’t want to run the risk of transmitting any gems. It’s important to note if you’re feeling fit and healthy, you may be asymptomatic and run the risk of exposing those whose immune systems are compromised. Stay connected to your people. Both near and far – check in to see if they’re okay and doing what they can to reduce the risk of being infected. I call my son, sister and mum in the United Kingdom. It’s reaching panic levels over there as well. My mother who is over 70 years old is not doing any of these things I’m recommending. I must be patient yet persistent, trying to influence her to stop attending mass every day and watch it on the television instead. I’m also trying to
form words and sentences. With rhythm in particular students are working with patterns in music. It is very much like learning a language. So if you are able to keep steady beats you’re going to be able to speak sentences, and you’re going to be able to eventually write sentences. And then also I think something that gets overlooked is just the need for kids to have fun. It’s good for kids to play, they learn when they play.” WWMA wants to be a foundation for these young students as they embark on their journey with music. Tonya Gregory, program director at WWMA said, “Sometimes when
parents start their kids in music at school age they may not have any idea of what they think about music. Starting at a young age and it being very enjoyable, then (when they get older) and come back they are ready to learn a specific instrument and they already have these ideas and thoughts and feelings around this building and music in general.” For more information on how to register for the Sing Play Learn with MacPhail Early Childhood Music Program at WWMA visit www.walkerwest. org/free-lesson/music-forfamilies/ or call (651) 224-2929.
persuade her to stop doing her community service in the hospital, visiting and sitting with sick patients. This is a task my mother loves to do on a weekly basis. I’m concerned because my mother has a compromised immune system and convincing her to do anything she doesn’t want to do is not an easy task. Regardless, my sisters and continue to provide information so she can make the right choices. Being supportive may not be an easy task, but it’s a necessary one, especially if you have information others don’t. Try not to go crazy in the stores. Save some for other people – those who can’t afford to stock-up. I know we all need our stuff but consider only taking what you need. This is easier said than done, especially when we don’t know when this will end. I had to take a step back just the other day when shopping for perishable groceries. The store had toilet paper. I picked it up because I knew there was a shortage (panic buying) then I stopped, thought about the supply I had at home and put it back on the shelf thinking of those who really need it. Now you have this unexpected this time at home consider virtual volunteering to help minimize negative workforce implications at nonprofit organizations. Some examples of good organized volunteer opportunities are virtual volunteer platforms, UN volunteering online (international), Volunteer Match, and All for Good. Skills based (pro bono) volunteering should also be considered. Donate to vetted non-profit organizations. If you are able, donate to a vetted organization providing support to the most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re working for a company that offers matching grants and/or dollars for doers’ programs, don’t forget to apply for these additional funds for your chosen non-profit organizations when you donate or volunteer. Tackle food insecurity. With schools closed, businesses slowing down and social distancing, some people are unable to provide food for their families. A good friend and mentor who lives in Atlanta is supporting local food banks by helping with the distribution of
food to low-income families. The same applies in Minnesota. We know school closures will impact low income and marginalized families› ability to provide meals for their children. If you’re passionate about addressing food insecurity explore ways in which you can help virtually to support local food banks at for example Northpoint or no profit charities like Feeding America. What does the future look like? This could be our new normal. Inevitably we will experience yet another public health crisis of this magnitude in the future. Some important lessons will be learned from how the world handled the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics like Ebola, Zika, and SARs. It’s of paramount importance that public and private sectors come together to share data, expertise, and resources to enhance preventative plans and procedures for effective management through and after a crisis. I’m hopeful this is an opportunity for us to also experience and witness good citizenship and stewards of our community – supporting and helping each other to manage through a crisis. These are such times when compassion and humanity come into play irrespective of your background, race, or gender. COVID-19 and other natural disasters do not discriminate, so let’s not discriminate when we respond and provide immediate, and long-term relief. Let’s remember those who are in need the most and see what we can do to help – big or small – a simple phone call or donated dollar can make the world of difference for those in need. Dr. Sylvia Bartley a senior global director for the Medtronic Foundation is well known for her community work in the Twin Cities and her voice on KMOJ radio. She was recently listed in Great Britain’s Powerlist 2020, of the top 100 most influential Black people in the U.K. She was also named as one of Pollen’s 2019 50 over 50 Minnesota. Her book, “Turning the Tide: Neuroscience, Spirituality and My Path Toward Emotional Health” outlines the links between our brains and our souls while inspiring readers to change the world with that knowledge.
Page 8 • March 23, 2020 - March 29, 2020 • Insight News
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How Minneapolis made Prince
It’s been almost four years since Prince’s death, but fascination about the artist, the man and his mythology endures. On Jan. 28, Alicia Keys, the Foo Fighters, Usher and several of Prince’s collaborators paid tribute to the late musician in a special concert, “Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince,” in Los Angeles. Prince’s peers, critics and fans are often quick to cite his creativity, versatility and talent. But as a longtime Prince fan who’s also a human geographer, I’ve found myself drawn to the way his hometown, Minneapolis, cultivated his talent. Prince did not come of age in a vacuum. He was raised within the sonic landscape of a city that had a rich tradition of musical education, experimentation and innovation. Long before Prince put the city on the musical map with albums like “1999” and “Purple Rain,” local musicians were creating a polyphonic sound that reflected the city’s migration patterns – a sound influenced by economic, social and political forces. Prince inherited this musical landscape and would go on to synthesize the sounds of the city to change the course of 20th-century pop music. Simply put, Prince would not sound like Prince without Minneapolis. The waterfall that built a city Minneapolis’ story began with a struggle over land. In 1680, European explorers came across the only waterfall on the Mississippi River. Wanting to harness its power and settle the land around it, these pioneers began a century-long war with NativeAmericans over control of the region. By the dawn of the 19th century, the federal government had taken control of the area and its resources. The municipality of
St. Anthony was incorporated on the eastern side of the river in 1849. The town of Minneapolis, located on the western side of the river, was formed in 1856 and became a city in 1867. In 1872, the two cities merged. Due to its proximity to the waterfall, Minneapolis staked its economic future on milling. At the end of the 19th century, Minneapolis was producing more flour than any other region in the country, earning the title “flourmilling capital of the world.” As the city’s industrial ambitions grew, so too did its immigrant population. Scandinavians came in waves, and more Norwegians settled in Minneapolis than in any other state in the union. They were joined by migrants from the American Northeast and South looking for work. The rugged towns on the icy shores of the Mississippi River had become a thriving metropolis. Music the
central to city’s identity Though mills dominated the landscape, it was music that united the city’s disparate identities and ethnicities. The early music scene was a mix of sounds – Scandinavian folk music, Northeastern classical music and Southern hillbilly rhythms. Church hymns, folk songs and the patriotic jingles of military and marching bands filled the streets. Glee clubs cropped up at the newly founded University of Minnesota. Smaller groups, like the Quintette Club, a fourpart harmony group, sprung up. And in 1855, the Minnesota Musical Association put on the city’s first music convention. Music could also be heard day in and day out in the bars and brothels that drew mill workers. Meanwhile, the
Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Prince performs at Minneapolis’ First Avenue nightclub in August 1983. Northeastern robber barons who owned the mills along the river built majestic music halls to resemble those in New York and Boston. The Pence opera house opened in 1869. Classical music societies, opera clubs and the first philharmonic clubs were also founded during this time. By the 1880s, the city was regularly organizing public concerts that attracted huge crowds. Then, in 1910, the city made an important change to its public school curriculum, one that ingrained music in the city’s identity: Musical education became mandatory. All students in every school had to take and pass a music class in order to matriculate. The superintendent of music education, Thaddeus Paul Giddings, spearheaded the effort, designing and promoting a curriculum that stressed sight reading, posture and tone. Giddings was a bold innovator: Minneapolis’ school system was the first in the nation to make music education compulsory. To Giddings, music was not just a simple pleasure
but a fundamental part of childhood development. “Music for every child and every child for music” was the mantra that guided him. As a result, Giddings democratized music education and music performance. So successful were his methods that, according to a 1940 article in the Minneapolis Star, one in every six children in the system – spanning race, class and ethnicity – played at least one instrument. Black brings
migration the 12-bar blues Between World War I and World War II, nearly 2 million Blacks fled the South. Fleeing Jim Crow racism and lynching, they landed in cities across the Northeast, West and Midwest, including Minneapolis. Minneapolis didn’t see the massive influx of Black migrants that other major cities experienced, but Black Southerners nonetheless had an outsized impact on the city’s music scene. Their primary
contribution was the 12bar blues, which introduced the city’s white residents to the sounds and rhythms of the Mississippi Delta. The progression allows a musician to play three chords in constant rotation – the one, four and five chords – to create a steady harmony. This, in turn, creates space for solo improvisations. These influences – combined with the city’s promotion of music and emphasis on education – ensured that Prince, who was born in 1958, would be raised in one of the country’s most fertile incubators for new music. Yes, his parents were talented musicians, with his father’s piano playing inspiring him from a young age. And Prince was a genius. By his midteens, he could play guitar, piano, drums and bass; he could hear a song and instantly play it back. But his music classes in school played a significant role in his music education. He was also surrounded by a sonic culture built on fusion, education and black styles – a
scene that prized combining genres, improvisation and creating new sounds. In his magnum opus, “Sign O’ the Times,” Prince created a mash-up of psychedelic-rock, gut-bucket funk and cutting-edge R&B. Like the sounds of Minneapolis, this double LP defied existing musical genres and made synthesis its raison d’être, expanding the horizon of what was possible in popular music. We also witnessed the city’s rich musical legacy in the diverse sounds that emerged alongside Prince’s – Morris Day, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements and the Suicide Commandos, to name a few. Minneapolis gets little love whenever there’s a Prince tribute. People are quick to cite his brilliance, legendary work ethic – the man didn’t sleep – and virtuosity. All of which are worth noting. But in the music of Prince Rogers Nelson, the unseen notes of a city born amid war, mills and migration linger.
If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work. If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services. Respond online, by phone, or by mail.
Complete the census at:
2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.