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Insight News
October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023
Roslyn Harmon for Mayor of Golden Valley
Vol. 50 No. 44• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Maurice Harris, incumbent, Golden Valley City Council
Elliot Payne, incumbent, Ward 1, Minneapolis City Council
Michael Rainville, incumbent, Ward 3, Minneapolis City Council
LaTrisha Vetaw, incumbent, Ward 4, Minneapolis City Council
Jeremiah Ellison, incumbent, Ward 5, Minneapolis City Council
Andrea Jenkin, incumbent, Ward 8, Minneapolis City Council
Anika Bowie, Ward 1, St. Paul City Council
Cheniqua Johnson, Ward 7, St. Paul City Council
We endorse Roslyn Harmon for Mayor of Golden Valley Public safety: Golden Valley Police and Fire Departments have experienced leadership who believe in creating an inclusive community where every resident, regardless of race and background, feels safe and protected. We owe a debt of gratitude to these brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect and serve us. It’s essential that we not only recognize their sacrifices but also provide them with the support and resources they need to cope with the unique challenges they encounter in their line of duty. Taxes: We cannot afford to tax people out of their homes! We need to keep our taxes low, with diverse housing options to ensure affordability for all people and life stages. Housing: I support housing choices that preserve our residential character while serving the diverse needs of young people starting out, busy professionals, families, elders aging in place, and lower-income households. Building community: Local non-profits and entrepreneurs— including women and minority-owned businesses, collaborating with local business organizations, economic development agencies, and other community partners can provide resources, mentorship programs, and
networking opportunities. We endorse Maurice Harris, incumbent, Golden Valley City Council A member of the city council since 2020, Harris personifies calm, steady and compassionate leadership, prioritizing data-driven approaches to difficult issues. We endorse Elliot Payne, incumbent, Ward 1, Minneapolis City Council Payne says this is a moment of opportunity for Minneapolis, because challenges we face are all connected. Put justice first in all city policies, he says. Priorities: Fully funding Public Safety and expanding alternative responses to policing that keep all of our neighbors safe; Housing and zoning policies that make the energy of the Eastside affordable for all; Creating and implementing solutions that keep our neighborhoods livable for generations to come. We endorse Michael Rainville, incumbent, Ward 3, Minneapolis City Council Rainville says public safety for all residents of Minneapolis must be the #1 priority for our city government.
To that end, he has: Supported new MPD leadership Supported the creation of the Department of Public Safety Supported increased funding for MPD and alternatives to policing Rainville says social justice and economic prosperity are intrinsically linked. We cannot foster equitable outcomes without improving economic opportunities for those who need them most. We endorse LaTrisha Vetaw, incumbent, Ward 4, Minneapolis City Council Vitaw’s #1 Priority: Public safety. Chaired the Public Health and Safety Committee. Helped select Commissioner of Public Safety and new Police Chief. Secured $300k in funding for lighting improvements on the Northside Secured $1 million for community safety efforts aimed at reducing violent crime. We endorse Jeremiah Ellison, incumbent, Ward 5, Minneapolis City Council Ellison delivers: Tenant Protection ordinance, putting a cap on how much landlords can charge for
security deposits and expanding housing accessibility; the Renter First policy, changing the way the city does housing inspections to ensure housing stability for the city’s most vulnerable tenants, holding landlords accountable without punishing their tenants, establishing the city’s Tenant Relocation Ordinance, Emergency Repair Board, and Emergency Stabilization pilot program. Funding upstream solutions to violence, including establishing the Office of Violence Prevention in 2018, and in the past 3 years, the office has grown from a capacity of $500,000 to a capacity of $2.5 million. The Office of Violence Prevention aims to break the cycle of violence by using a community-centered, public health approach Established the Commercial Property Development Fund to ensure greater opportunity for local, Blackand POC-owned businesses to buy commercial buildings in the communities they live in and serve. Worked with community activists, MN Pollution Control, and the Attorney General’s office to shut down the Northern Metal’s shredder ahead of schedule. Interventions that are race conscious and grounded in
our history. We endorse Andrea Jenkin, incumbent, Ward 8, Minneapolis City Council Jenkins is the first Black transgender woman to be elected to public office in the United States. She was first elected to the council in 2017 with 73% of the vote. Jenkins won over 80% of votes cast in her first reelection bid. Before being elected, Jenkins worked for twelve years as a policy aide to two members of the Minneapolis City Council both of whom served as vicepresidents of the city council. Jenkins was elected Council president after winning her second term election. Experience matters. We endorse Anika Bowie, Ward 1, St. Paul City Council Community centered: Invest in roads Safe and accessible streets Modernize infrastructure Prioritize public tansportation Support local businesses Engage community Community-First Public Safety Protect $15 minimum
wage
Rebuild Rondo
We endorse Cheniqua Johnson, Ward 7, St. Paul City Council Worked in politics, governance, public service for the past decade in the Twin Cities. Graduate from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with bachelors in Family Social Science Program Officer, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Eastside Funders Group Saint Paul’s Cultural STAR Board Police Chief Examining Committee as an Eastside representative. District 6 Representative on the Ramsey County Appeals and Equalization Former DFL 20202022 State Party Officer- DFL Outreach & Inclusion Officer Former Congressional Staffer for Rep. Keith Ellison Former Staffer for Hennepin County Commissioner, Angela Conley Former City of Saint Paul staffer for the City’s Right Track Program and in the HREEO department as the City’s Equity and Inclusion Officer
IN MEMORIAM: Richard Roundtree, Trailblazing “Shaft” Actor, Dies at 81 By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Richard Roundtree, the iconic actor renowned for portraying the suave private detective in the groundbreaking “Shaft” film series, has died at 81. His longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed that Roundtree succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The legendary actor battled and triumphed over breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy. “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn said. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.” Roundtree’s legacy extended beyond the 1970s classics. He reprised his iconic role in the 2000 “Shaft” film, sharing the screen with Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed his nephew. The film was a revival that aimed to captivate a wider audience, and Roundtree and Jackson returned in the same roles for the 2019 rendition starring Jessie T. Usher. In a heartfelt social media post,
Jackson hailed Roundtree as the “prototype” and praised him as “the best ever to do it.” Jackson added, “SHAFT, as we know it, is & will always be his Creation. His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.” Born on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, to John and Kathryn Roundtree, the young Roundtree showed promise in athletics and academics. He attended New Rochelle High School, earning recognition for his contributions to the school’s nationally-ranked football team. In 1961, Roundtree’s athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. However, his passion for acting and modeling prompted him to leave school in 1963. Roundtree’s career took off when Eunice Johnson of Ebony magazine recruited him to model at the Ebony Fashion Fair in 1963. He joined the Negro Ensemble Company in 1967, where he delivered a memorable performance as boxing legend Jack Johnson in “The Great White Hope.” The pivotal moment in Roundtree’s career came in 1971, he landed the role of
Shaft in the Gordon Parksdirected film. The film’s success catapulted Roundtree to stardom, culminating in two sequels: “Shaft’s Big Score” (1972) and “Shaft in Africa” (1973). In recognition of his exceptional talent, Roundtree received the Golden Globe Most Promising Newcomer Award in 1972. According to the HistoryMakers, throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Roundtree graced the silver screen in an array of films, including “Earthquake” (1974), “Escape to Athena” (1979), “A Game for Vultures” (1979), and “Day of The Assassin” (1979). He also made a memorable appearance in the 1977 ABC television miniseries “Roots.” In the ensuing decades, Roundtree continued to leave an indelible mark in the entertainment industry, appearing in various television series such as “Soul Food,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Heroes,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” He secured a recurring role in the 2013 television show “Being Mary Jane” alongside Gabrielle Union and Margaret Avery. Roundtree further graced FOX’s television series “Star” with his presence in 2017 and 2018. In 1993, Roundtree faced a rare form
FROM THE EVERETT COLLECTION
Richard Roundtree in Shaft, 1971 of male breast cancer with unwavering determination. His resilience led him to become a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness, lending his voice to the Susan G. Komen
Foundation and the Know Your Score Men’s Health Initiative. Roundtree earned numerous awards, including the MTV Lifetime Achievement Award for his iconic portrayal of Shaft,
an Image Award nomination in 1998, a Peabody Award in 2002, and a Black Theater Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
Page 2 • October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023 • Insight News
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Insight News • October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023 • Page 3
Insight News
INSIGHT NEWS IS AUDITED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR AUDITED MEDIA TO PROVIDE OUR ADVER TISER PAR TNERS WITH THE HIGHES T LEVEL OF MEDIA ASSURANCE.
October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023
Vol. 50 No. 44• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Walz: $614 mllion for affordable, clean energy U.S. Department of Energy selected Minnesota’s Commerce Department and Minnesota utilities for awards in the largest nationwide investment to increase power grid resilience and reliability Minnesota Governor Tim Walz last week announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects in Minnesota for $614 million to enhance the power grid’s ability to deliver affordable, clean energy to communities across the Midwest. A grant for $464
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz million has been awarded to a proposal submitted by the Minnesota Department of Commerce for a grid
WALZ 4
Jenna Ellis
Former President’s legal advisor becomes fourth co-defendant to admit guilt
Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Pleads Guilty in Georgia Election Interference Case By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Another day, another lawyer involved in Donald Trump’s alleged election interference scheme in Georgia has pleaded guilty. Jenna Ellis, one of the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president’s
private lawyers, admitted her guilt on Tuesday, Oct. 24, becoming the fourth person to admit wrongdoing in the alleged conspiracy to interfere with the 2020 election. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged Ellis, Trump, and 17 others as part of a broader racketeering conspiracy. Ellis confessed to aiding and abetting false statements and writings. She accepted five
years of probation and $5,000 restitution as part of her plea agreement. A judge agreed to expunge her conviction if she completed the probation under the state’s First Offender Act. Tearfully addressing the court, Ellis expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging that she relied on more experienced lawyers without verifying the claims surrounding the 2020 election.
“If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges,” Ellis said, reading from a prepared statement. Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee commended Ellis, noting that defendants often refrain from making statements in their cases. Legal experts believe Ellis and others who have accepted plea
ELLIS 4
Kobi Co. is a mother-daughter owned candle and wellness brand advocating for self-care and mental health By Aamira Redd Contributing Writer In 2020, while grappling with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, then-17year-old Kobi Gregory turned to candle-making as a means to cope with the stress of distance learning. What started as a hobby to fund her college education quickly gained momentum as Gregory began selling her products at local farmers’ markets and fairs across the Twin Cities. That’s when Kobi’s mother, Tasha Harris, stepped in to lend her expertise in managing the growing venture. “The process of brainstorming, forming ideas, and then following through with the actual creation of the candle has become another form of self-care for me; it’s not only fun creating the candles but then seeing the impact that creation has on others definitely heals a part of me that makes a huge impact on who I am and what I’m about,” said Gregory. Harris, who spent many years in the corporate world and feeling burnt out, was excited to assist her daughter with the business. “The transition has been immensely rewarding as I’ve shifted towards working on something I am truly passionate about. This endeavor holds
Gertrude Johnson Foster
Gertrude Johnson Foster Sharing Our Stories
By: W.D. Foster-Graham Book Review Editor KobiCo. Uncommon-Collaborative significant meaning for both our family and the broader community, as it contributes to a positive impact. Importantly, it is not just about personal gain; it’s about building a lasting legacy for my family rather than simply enriching a corporate entity,” said Harris. Three years after launching Kobi Co., the motherdaughter duo officially opened their storefront in downtown Minneapolis. In-store products
include soy candles, bath bombs, sprays, and bath salts, all sourced from sustainable and eco-friendly suppliers. Additionally, Kobi Co. offers customers an opportunity to create their own embellished candles at one of their luxury Bespoke Workshops. As self-described “avid music lovers,” the duo had a unique idea to pair each candle scent with an exclusive QR code linked to a curated playlist,
crafting the ultimate self-care experience. The candles are also adorned with charms and crystals, which “stems from a desire to enhance the overall sensory experience for our customers,” says Harris. Kobi Co. uses a portion of its proceeds to fund an annual scholarship that supports women of color in their educational pursuits as part of
Book Review
Live to Grow: Breaking Cycles
PAGE 6
KOBI CO. 5
Born on January 24, 1930 in Duluth, Minnesota, Gertrude Honora Johnson was the fifth of six children born to Everett and Anna Lee Johnson. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1947, and as a young woman she worked in the Oreck’s boutique on Superior Street. In 1950 she met Walter Foster, Jr. through her brother Robert (Bunky). Due to Walter being on active military duty, much of their courtship consisted of the letters
they wrote to each other. They were married at St. Mark AME Church in Duluth on September 15, 1951, and they were blessed with three children. Gertrude and Walter were married for 60 years until Walter’s passing in 2012. Gertrude had a wonderful flair for fashion, be it in the sketches she drew, her wardrobe, and her expertise in the art of “press and curl.” She loved gardening, specializing in the care of African violets. She was a member of the Friday Night Out Club, a social club for Black women in the Twin Cities. In service, Gertrude sang in the St. James AME (St. Paul) choir, and she served in its Kitchen Ministry, as well as her ties to St. Peter’s AME. And let us not forget her sense of humor as she regaled us with stories of
FOSTER 5
Commentary
Is the Israeli-Hamas War a prelude to World War III?
PAGE 7
Page 4 • October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023 • Insight News
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Crews will close Highway 41 south of Chaska Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Railroad crews will completely close Highway 41 south of Chaska from 7 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 until midday Wednesday, Nov. 1, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Workers are reconstructing a Union Pacific Railroad track crossing on Highway 41, just north of Dem Con Drive in Scott County. During the closure, drivers will follow the existing truck detour, currently in place for Highway 41 construction in downtown Chaska. The posted detour routes include Highway 212, County Road 101, County Road 69 and Highway 169. All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent and subject to change. For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.
Ellis From 3
Walz From 3
innovation award. The application was created in partnership with the Great Plains Institute and
deals may now provide crucial testimony against Trump, given their interactions with the former president and other key players in the alleged conspiracy. Ellis had previously faced censure by the Colorado bar for
disseminating false information regarding the election. The indictment further detailed her participation in various events, including press conferences and meetings with lawmakers, where false claims about election
fraud allegedly were rampant. Willis’ indictment outlined a devious plot involving the recruitment of fake presidential electors, misrepresenting election results, and pressuring public officials to
breach their oaths of office. Ellis’ plea follows similar pleas from attorneys Sidney Powell, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft and intentional interference with election duties, and Kenneth Chesebro,
a key figure in the scheme to recruit fake electors for Trump. Despite the pleas, 16 other codefendants have maintained their innocence.
two regional electricity transmission operators, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and Southwest Power Pool (SPP). “Minnesota is proud to lead the way on delivering affordable, clean energy to families across the Midwest,” said Governor Tim Walz.
“This is an investment in our climate, community health, and family pocketbooks. I’m grateful Minnesota can play a significant role in this historic project and look forward to seeing the impact of this grant across our state and country.” “Extreme weather events fueled by climate change will continue to strain the nation’s aging transmission systems, but President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will ensure America’s power grid can provide reliable, affordable power,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever direct investment in critical grid infrastructure, supporting projects that will harden systems, improve energy reliability and affordability— all while generating union jobs for highly skilled workers.” “The DOE has
provided us a historic opportunity to leverage federal clean energy funds to deliver reliable, affordable and safe energy that is increasingly generated by carbon-free and renewable energy resources,” said Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “The joint project delivers critical funds to expand our electric grid with new transmission lines and to reduce the burden of costs to utility ratepayers for adding those needed transmission lines. This collaboration could become a model for building multistate energy infrastructure into the future.” The grant award will be used to help build five highvoltage transmission lines that will span seven states – Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The federal grant is expected to spur over $1 billion in additional private
sector investments, to reduce the costs to ratepayers across the region, and to provide communities with a range of benefits. In coming weeks, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and its award partners will begin negotiations with DOE to finalize a funding agreement and the proposed projects. The process also requires approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, MISO and SPP Board of Directors, and state regulatory bodies. In addition to the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s award, Allete Inc. received a $50 million grant from the Department of Energy for the Minnesota Power HVDC Terminal Expansion Capability project to meet future energy needs while increasing the reliability and resilience of the regional grid. Xcel Energy was also
selected for a $100 million award to boost its work to reduce and mitigate the threat of wildfires and ensure the resiliency of the grid through extreme weather. The funds are part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which seeks to enhance grid flexibility and improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the GRIP program leverages federal and private investments to ensure that communities across the nation have a reliable grid that’s prepared for extreme weather while also delivering affordable, clean energy and creating robust local opportunities for economic investment and jobs.
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Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.
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Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane
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Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis. 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC) Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)
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Insight News • October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023 • Page 5
New “financial services’’ training program starts March 2024
Minneapolis Black-Owned bank partners with Summit Academy OIC to change the face of finance in Twin Cities First Independence Bank and Summit Academy OIC plan to increase diversity in the financial services industry with a new training program aimed at preparing and placing graduates in jobs historically not held by members of underrepresented groups. Classes for the Financial Services training program are scheduled to begin March 25, 2024 at Summit’s
campus at 935 Olson Memorial Highway in North Minneapolis. The 20-week program provides training in mortgage loan processing, insurance annuities, securities, and customer service. First Independence Bank is hoping that the program will attract, train, and place graduates in financial services positions that have been traditionally not filled by women and people of color.
Financial Services students will gain a deeper understanding of financial processes and practices, as well fundamental career and workplace skills. For many program graduates, the average starting wage of $23.50/hour that financial service providers receive will be the start of moving from poverty and minimum wage to a life-sustaining salary. Divided into two
10-week phases, the program covers differing objectives and goals in each phase. Weeks 1–10 focus on introductory modules, such as being able to demonstrate personal financial literacy and understand the fundamentals of finance. Phase 2, weeks 11–20, hones in on the broad concepts taught in Phase 1, provides a more in-depth view of the field, and offers
students practice interview skills and understanding of the essential function of loan and insurance sectors. Before starting their career, students will be required to complete the Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE), which is a requirement for anyone pursuing a career in financial services. The SIE is regulated by the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority and will test basic understanding of industry practices, types of products and risks, and industry information. Financial Services students also benefit from Summit’s robust employer network, which includes companies such as U.S bank, Ameriprise Financial, Wells Fargo, and many other Twin Cities industry leaders.
Kobi Co.
their dedication to self-care, mental health, and community. In the near future, the brand hopes to expand its business with various self-care products. “My mother and I
both have big dreams and hopes for the future of Kobi Co. We want our business to be known for not only our amazing candles but as an amazing luxury selfcare brand,” said Gregory, “A
brand not only known for one specific product but one that has many factors and branches that involve anything self-care, ranging from an athletic line to future resorts and spas.”
Stay connected with Kobi Co. by visiting their website and following them on Facebook and Instagram (@ lovekobico). Don’t miss the chance to explore their products
at Twin Cities festivals, farmers markets, and fairs.
growing up in Duluth. Gertrude Johnson Foster made her peaceful transition at sunset on October 17, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Anna Lee Johnson; her husband,
Walter Foster, Jr.; her brothers, Everett Johnson, Jr. (Joanne), Robert (Bunky) Johnson (Doris), and Maxell Johnson; and her sister, Maxine Johnson Taylor (Paul). She is survived by her sister, Anna Johnson McClinton;
her sons, W.D. Foster-Graham (Edward) and Arthur Foster (Shelly); her daughter, Ruth Foster; her grandson, Walter Foster-Graham; her sister-inlaw, Ellen Dorsey Johnson; and a host of nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, and
family friends. Her Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, November 4 at St. Peter’s AME Church, 401 E. 41st Street, Minneapolis, Minn. 55409. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m.; service at 11:00 a.m. To honor
her flair for fashion, the family is requesting that everyone wear red. Rest in peace, rest in power. May your creativity, positivity, and love continue on in us.
From 3
Foster From 3
The Disproportionate Impact of Long COVID on African Americans: Why Us Again?
COVID-19 Vaccine
The African American Child Wellness Institute Cordially Invites you to Join us for our Weekly Podcast:
Conversations with Al McFarlane Live: The Healing Circle
Followed by the Monthly Recovery Room Town Hall & Support Group
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Page 6 • October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023 • Insight News
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MURUA MOMs™: A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PREGNANT AFRICAN AMERICAN MOMS WHO WANT A BETTER LIFE FOR THEMSELVES & THEIR BABIES
THIS GROUP IS FOR YOU!
Tiara (Lady TCB) Nolen
Live to Grow: Breaking Cycles Sharing Our Stories
By: W.D. Foster-Graham Book Review Editor LIVE TO GROW: BREAKING CYCLES By Tiara (Lady TCB) Nolen As descendants of kings and queens, we as African Americans have unique stories to share from lives that have been often bound by unrealistic expectations. Is who we are defined by who we want to be, or by others? This is one of many soul-searching questions and subjects discussed in Tiara Nolen’s Live to Grow: Breaking Cycles. Through a blend of personal reflections and poetry, Nolen takes us on her journey through different cycles in life: 1) childhood experiences 2) self-image and society standards
and 3) success, racism, and workplace issues. When it comes to childhood experiences, she illustrates the ways expectations affect us, be they handed down from our parents and others, the pitfalls of judging people by the way they grew up, and how our upbringing shapes our view of the world, reminding us that our parents had been influenced by molds they didn’t fit into longer than we have. With self-image and society standards, she discusses the culture shock of experiencing life in Minnesota after growing up in southside Chicago, body image, toxic masculinity, and the pressure to conform to a standard and culture not our own. Success, racism, and workplace issues bring forth stereotypical perceptions, what it takes to become and stay authentically ourselves, and to check those perceptions and beliefs. As it is often said, “Control the narrative and you control the perception.” Coupled with this is the importance of
strong and positive mentors and paying it forward, and Nolen speaks of her mentors with love. Finally, in her “Love Letters to Myself,” Nolen speaks with clarity on the process of discovering who we are and what we believe vs. cycles and beliefs formulated by someone else. Loving and giving the beautiful person within us room to grow is everything. Nolen’s poems are moving, and her reflections on point. It takes inner strength to break cycles and habits that do not serve us, and we are all on different points in that journey. We are those imperfect works in progress, continually learning and growing in this our life. Live to Grow: Breaking Cycles is available through Amazon and the Minnesota Black Authors Expo website, www. mnblackauthorsexpo.com Thank you, Lady TCB, for your insightful poetry and the life lessons you bring to the table. Representation matters!
Are you a pregnant African American mom who wants a better life for you and your unborn baby? Do you feel “stressed out” about your life and your new baby’s health? Do you want to gain new strategies to address the challenge of overcoming issues of chemical abuse, emotional problems, and unhealthy relationships? WHEN: This Free, Murua Mom’s Education and Support Group will be held on Saturdays beginning October 21st through December 9th 2023. Classes will begin promptly at 10:00 am–12:00 pm Noon. In-person and Virtual Participation Available. Light snacks will be provided. Childcare & Transportation support may also be available, if needed. WHERE: University of Minnesota Urban Research
and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) 2001 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Please contact Nurse Shirlynn HOW TO SIGN LaChapelle, MHPP, directly @ 612382-0431 or Dr. BraVada GarrettUP: Akinsanya @ 612-839-1499 or Call Directly to the African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI).
AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILD WELLNESS INSTITUTE (AACWI) AT:
763-522-0100 Info@aacwi.org
Murua Moms™©2008 Program Philosophy The goal of the Murua Moms program is to promote wellness and improve birth outcomes for pregnant African American women, especially those experiencing high stress conditions, chemical abuse, or mental health diagnoses. Program participants will gain hands-on guidance from licensed providers who will assist moms in learning skills that will promote wellness in themselves and their unborn babies using lectures, guest speakers, fun activities, and videos. Most importantly, mothers and dads will get intensive individual as well as group emotional support. Finally, the program also features a “Community-Wide Baby Shower” for moms and dads to get free items (e.g. car seats, clothing, diapers, cash gift cards, etc.) in preparation for their babies. Murua Moms™ (Swahili for RESPECT) is a collaborative project sponsored by the University Research & Outreach Center, Brakins Consulting and Psychological Services, the African American Child Wellness Institute and funded by the Minneapolis Foundation - WCA Foundation Grant Program, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Cultural Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Grant (CEMIG) Program.
ELECTION DAY:
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH
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VOTE FOR JEREMIAH
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FOR CITY COUNCIL
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Jeremiah Ellison fights for organized labor and livable, family supporting wages. He has led the charge on worker protections and good benefits.
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Paid for by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO 312 Central, Suite 542, Minneapolis MN 55414 and is not approved by any candidate. For more information visit minneapolisunions.org.
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Insight News • October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023 • Page 7
Commentary
Is the Israeli-Hamas War a prelude to World War III? Hobb servation Point
By Chuck Hobbs As the Israeli-Hamas War enters its third week, the question that begs asking is whether the deadly regional conflict can turn into a wider war, World War III if you will, one that could involve nuclear weapons and the end of life as we know it? Hobbservation: Yes, it very well could... Lest we forget that during the early 20th Century, what eventually became known as World War I and World War II both started off small, but grew into massive wars due to alliances made between the dominant colonial powers in Europe and the United States. In July of 1914, when Austria-Hungary’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophia, were assassinated by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip, within weeks, the fight soon involved the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire in a coalition that became known as the Central Powers, fighting against Great Britain, France, and Russia in a coalition known as the Allies. Then known as “The Great War,” over the next three years, these major imperial powers, which saw the U.S. joining the Allies in April of 1917, sent over nine million soldiers to grisly deaths via machine gun fire, mustard gas, grenades, mines, tanks, and airplanes all across Europe. When the Armistice finally
ended the conflict in November 1918—and formal peace terms per the Versailles Treaty compelled Germany to limit its land size and military scope the following year—over 37 million soldiers and civilians had been killed in what the press called “The War to End All Wars.” If only the press’s opinion about The Great War had been true... Twenty years later, in the Fall of 1939, after Great Britain and France had watched German Dictator Adolf Hitler systematically break the Versailles Treaty by rearming Germany and annexing the Sudentenland, Czechoslovakia, and Austria in previous years, both nations pledged to Poland that if Germany made a move on its sovereignty, that they would declare war to halt Hitler’s aggression. Well Hitler, believing that the British and the French lacked the resolve to fight another major war, invaded Poland on September 1, 1939; Great Britain and France subsequently declared war on Germany on September 3rd, thus, beginning World War II! Over the next six years the Allies, led by the U.S., Great Britain, and Free French forces, fought against the Axis Powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan in a war that left over 15 million soldiers dead, and over 45 million civilian deaths— including over 10 million Jews and Roma who were killed in Hitler’s Concentration Camps. My brief history lesson this morning serves as a backdrop to my perspective that these are extremely dangerous times in which we live, and that what Israel is doing right now in retaliation for Hamas’ attacks that left over 1,400 Israeli civilians dead or captured two weeks
ago, is a massive escalation of force that has left three times as many Palestinian civilian men, women, and children dead over the past 14 days. I have watched with great interest while public opinion has largely picked sides, with some showing unwavering support to Israel— while others show unwavering support for the Palestinians. On these opposite positions, judging from the court of public opinion, there seems to be little wiggle room for negotiations. But the truth is that there is a third route, or middle ground, for those who, like I, believe that the best resolution is a two-state solution where “New Palestine” is afforded the same sovereignty and international support as Israel. While an imperfect (if not idealistic) response, such is perhaps the only way to assuage much of the lingering enmity that was created when the U.S. and Great Britain created modern Israel following World War II by arming, training, and supporting European Jewish immigrants in what soon turned into the apartheid segregation and oppression of Palestinians in old Palestine! And yet, even the twostate solution is often scoffed at by those who are the ideological heirs of the old imperial powers, those who believe that political white supremacy— and white supremacy in its religious form—endow certain nations and people the right to dominate whole lands, darker people, and determine the very fate of the world! For those who find themselves skeptical of my last paragraph, I ask you to be honest with yourself by asking what is the moral difference between Hamas killing Israeli civilians
President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s embrace last week in Israel drew anger and condemnation from Palestinian supporters across the world… vs. Israel killing Palestinian civilians? From my point of vantage, there is absolutely NO clear moral difference at all! And yet, many millions of Westerners think themselves clever by insisting that “Israel has a right to defend itself,” while refusing to concede that their indifference to the deaths of Palestinian civilians— or, the Palestinians right to defend themselves—is due to the fact that Palestinians are mostly of a darker complexion with hair like lamb’s wool who worship Allah instead of Yahweh or Jesus Christ! As the mainstream media historically have been a major cog in promoting systemic white supremacy, just check out the way that media outlets and social media posters discuss the “barbarism” of “Hamas terrorists” or “Hezbollah thugs” when it comes to Israeli civilian deaths, while the same often paint Israel’s slaughter of Palestinian journalists, artists (along with other innocent men, women, and children) as “selfdefense” or “collateral damage” in the fight for Israel’s security.
To circle back to the original question, whether World War III could erupt due to the events in the Middle East, I submit that each time an American president, be they Democrat or Republican, refuses to concede that there would be no need for Hamas or Hezbollah if the U.S. and her allies compelled Israel to agree to a two-state solution, that the ensuing Israeli overwhelming slaughter of Palestinian civilians—with tacit or overt American approval—only hardens the hearts of Palestinians and Arabs in the region, as well as their relatives now living in the U.S. and Europe. More crucially, while President Joe Biden drew praise from many Democrats and Republicans for his statements and acts of strong support for Israel in the wake of the Hamas attack this month, he has drawn criticism from many others for his relative insouciance on Palestinian deaths and the right of Palestinians to be able to govern themselves free from Israeli incursions and occupation of Gaza or the West Bank.
But President Biden’s strong support for Israel has discouraged many peace loving people around the globe who see the humanitarian crisis at hand in Gaza, and others who fear the risk that as Israel escalates even further with a deadly ground invasion in Gaza, that Russia and China may use their own powerful military forces and industries to support Hamas, Hezbollah, and the latter’s benefactor, Iran, either by proxy, or by direct intervention if, say, the U.S. and Iran start fighting in the days ahead. If such does occur, I can only pray that Allah, God, Jesus, and Yahweh will have mercy on us all... Subscribe to Hobbservation Point By Chuck Hobbs · Hundreds of paid subscribers “Real Politics in Real Time” Chuck Hobbs is a freelance journalist who won the 2010 Florida Bar Media Award and has been twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.
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