WINNER: 2020 T YPOGRAPHY & DESIGN, 1ST PLACE, PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT & PERSONALIT Y), 1ST PLACE, WEBSITE, 3RD PLACE
Insight News
September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021
Vol. 48 No. 37• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
ELEVATING THE ARTS Chris Harrington takes Ordway helm
STORY ON PAGE
3
Courtesy Ordway
Page 2 •September September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021 • Insight News
insightnews.com
Your neighborhood bank is here to stay. We’re reopening branches across the country with the help of some local artists.
U.S. Bank branch mural by Juxtaposition Arts, located at 1030 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN
U.S. Bank knows there’s still much work to be done after last year’s protests — so we’re also committing $100 million to bring capital and opportunity directly to the communities that need it most. Find out more about the commitment we’re making to neighborhoods near you, at usbank.com/diversity
USB_GEN_INSIGHTNEWS_10.625x21.indd 1
Member FDIC. ©2021 U.S. Bank
8/20/21 2:09 PM
insightnews.com
Insight News • September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021 • Page 3 WINNER: 2020 T YPOGRAPHY & DESIGN, 1ST PLACE, PHOTOGRAPHY (PORTRAIT & PERSONALIT Y), 1ST PLACE, WEBSITE, 3RD PLACE
Insight News September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021
Vol. 48 No. 37• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
COMMENTARY
The new multiracial America
By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire Contributor
Medaria Arradondo
University of St. Thomas
Charlie Adams
City of Minneapolis
Hawthorne Huddle honors Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and 4th Precinct Inspector Charlie Adams
Law and freedom must be indivisible partners. For without law, there can be no freedom, only chaos and disorder; and without freedom, law is but a cynical veneer for injustice and oppression. Ronald Reagan Hawthorne Huddle and the Youth Coordinating Board this month honored Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and 4th Precinct Inspector Charlie Adams. “It’s interesting,” said Diana Hawkins, Executive Director of Hawthorne Neighborhood Association (HNA) “that most of the good officers are still around and
they are moving up in the ranks. They are also people of color.” “I have known Chief Arradondo for 30 years,” Hawkins said. “This native son is aware that many didn’t want to give him a chance. We’re sticking with him and honoring his work and contributions as a dedicated community leader and hope eventually he will get the support he deserves.” Northsider Inspector Charlie Adams and Hawkins go all the way back to her NAACP days when she was introduced to him by a mutual friend, Ron Edwards. Adams said, “I’m
trying to build the job the right way.” “We have implemented a focused enforcement detail. Some of our partners include the Fourth Precinct search team and MPD weapons unit along with the federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) resource and the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA.) We’ve done two massive raids down at Merwin’s Liquor Store parking lot. Drugs were confiscated. Many arrests were made. And weapons were taken off the street,” Inspector Adams said. “We took that same
Melvin Carter
By Irma McClaurin, PhD By Irma McClaurin, PhD https://corporate. target.com/article/2020/09/lakestreet-letter
Andrea Jenkins
Commentary by Dr. By Aarohi Narain By Mecca Dana Randall Harry Maya Alexa Starks Colbert, Beecham Spencer, Bos Bradley Jr. Josie Johnson By Global Latisha Information Townsend Contributing Architect Howard Mayo Managing Clinic University Editor Staff Writer Contributing Network (GIN)Writer News Service harry@insightnews.com
detail up to 36th and Lyndale N., after a series of shootings up there. We were successful seizing more weapons. So, we intend to continue to use this process throughout the summer,” he said. “We’re looking at public housing right across from 31st and Oliver N. We’ve got a lot of heroin users over there and fentanyl pills too. We’ve been taking a lot of these pills off the street, which is good,” Adams said. “The gun violence is out of control. I think we had
So, you are sitting on a park bench, just enjoying the weather. What is the likelihood that the next person that walks by you is of a different race than you? In 2010 the probability of another race person walking by was 54.9 percent, and it rose to 61.1 percent by 2020. We are more likely to see people who are different than us in the classroom, the boardroom, or the sidewalk, and from what we see these days, our nation is not ready for this change. The 2020 Census data, released a few weeks ago, reinforces what we already knew. The white population, still our nation’s largest, is dwindling, down by 8.6 percent from a decade ago. The Latino population, which includes people of any race (yes, there are Black Latinos), rose by 23 percent. It is the fastest-growing population in the country. The Black population rocks steady at around 13 percent. And the population that identifies itself as “multiracial” has
Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founding Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University at Los Angeles. She may be reached at juliannemalveaux.com. grown by a factor of three. The multiracial population, which was 9 million in 2010 and grew to 33.8 million by 2020, reflects two things. First, the rate of racial intermarriage has increased, leading to
MALVEAUX 5
HAWTHORNE 4
Visionary bankers draw strength, meaning from family life
Creating critical financial ecosystem Part 3 in a series By Al McFarlane, Editor “My mom always told me to be careful what you pray for,” says Damon Jenkins, as he steps into banking history as leader for Minnesota’s first Blackowned and Black-controlled full service bank. Jenkins has joined Detroit’s First Independence Bank to head the financial institution’s Minnesota expansion this fall. The banking venture is in part a response to the tragic murder of George Floyd
in Minneapolis last year. And because the incident took place in the neighborhood he grew up in, Jenkins says the tragedy hit him hard. “My mom’s is a 32year resident of the Minneapolis community where Floyd was murdered. I grew up in that community. And so I’ve read this story of Black males’ lives getting taken by the hands of the folks that are supposed to protect us. And so it just hit home,” he said. “And coming off the pandemic, I prayed that the next chapter of my life would put me in a position where I can be of service to other people.”
‘We were out there on my mom’s porch watching buildings burn, watching people come down the block looting and coming back the next day, trying to sell us the same things,” Jenkins said in an exclusive interview on Conversations with Al McFarlane. “I prayed to be put in a position where I can use my relationship building and my banking influence and experience, but also be a servant to the community that I grew up in because it. It hit home.” Jenkins’ prayers and preparation landed him his new role as First Independence Bank senior vice president
Michael K. Williams Damon Jenkins
BANK 4
Detroit performing arts leader brings community-building emphasis to Minnesota
ELEVATING THE ARTS: Chris Harrington takes Ordway helm Christopher Harrington last week was named president and CEO of Saint Paul’s Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Harrington joins the Ordway from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where he has worked since 2012. His selection signals the organization’s continued focus on leadership that advances diversity, equity and inclusion priorities. Harrington also brings an impressive track record in audience development, revenue generation, driven by a passion
Crain’s Detroit Business
Chris Harrington
for connecting people through the arts. Among his many achievements during his tenure at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Harrington reimagined and launched its venue The CUBE, increased its presentations sevenfold, grew ticket revenue by over 300% and grew audiences to better reflect the demographics of Detroit. “The Ordway is one of the nation’s leading performing arts centers and
News
DNR certifies new catch-and-release state record northern pike and tie for muskie
PAGE 5
boasts diverse programming, a world-class venue and a dedicated community of arts supporters,” said Harrington. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the talented Ordway team and serve as the organization’s next president and CEO. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff and Arts Partnership to build on the Ordway’s rich legacy and immerse myself in the vibrant arts community here.”
HARRINGTON 5
IN MEMORIAM
Michael K. Williams, Star of ‘The Wire’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’ Dead at 54 By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor The internet is buzzing with news iconic actor Michael K. Williams has died. Multiple media outlets including The Hollywood Reporter are reporting the celebrated actor who played some of the most interesting and complicated characters on television including Omar on The Wire (HBO), Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire (HBO), Montrose Freeman on Lovecraft
Country (HBO), Bobby McCray in When They See Us (Netflix), Jack Gee in Bessie (HBO) and Leonard Pine in Hap and Leonard (AMC), was found dead today in his apartment. Born in Brooklyn to a Bahamian mother and father from Greenville, SC, Williams starred in over 111 productions. He trained as an actor with the National Black Theater Company in New York City. Williams who was known for a scar down the front of his face which he got in a bar fight in his twenties, was discovered by the late actor and rapper Tupac Shakur.
WILLIAMS 5
I2H
NorthPoint: Serving past, present and future generations
PAGE 6
Page 4 •September September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021 • Insight News
insightnews.com
Medicine is an imperfect science – but you can still trust its process
Bank From 3
INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Culture and Education Editor Dr. Irma McClaurin, PhD. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Columnist Brenda Lyle-Gray Book Review Editor W.D. Foster-Graham Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley
Intern Kelvin Kuria Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Nadvia Davis Fred Easter Abeni Hill Inell Rosario Latisha Townsend Artika Tyner Toki Wright Photography V. Rivera Garcia Uchechukwu Iroegbu Rebecca Rabb Artist Donald Walker 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), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis,
and regional consultant for the Twin Cities. In this role, he will direct all facets of operations for the retail branch offices in the Minneapolis area. Jenkins defines sales and services initiatives for the region. He develops objectives and measurement standards and monitors branch performance. He ensures the branch administration teams conduct operations and provide the service and product offerings that meet the needs of customers in the Minneapolis region. Jenkins has been in the banking industry for 14 years. Before joining First Independence Bank, Jenkins was a Wells Fargo Bank vice president and district manager for Wells Fargo’s downtown Minneapolis district. He has also served as vice-president and district manager at U S banks, Minneapolis. He is skilled
4217
Face2FaceAfrica.com
2
By Lee H. Jordan Minneapolis Juneteenth Committee - 2018 National Juneteenth Film & Bicycling Commissions
Adams said encampment communities are an issue all around the country. “We have to figure out what partnerships and collaborations will be required to move people beyond their conditions. Communication is the key. If we can tie into non-profits that do a lot of day-to-day outreach, hopefully we can make a change in some people’s lives.” Adams said the Fourth Precinct is trying to build community relationships. Leadership means bringing in rehtegoT kroW s’teL yawhgiH retteB a rof 49-I/252
is an urgent need to address the addiction problems. I try to tell people that addiction is not a law enforcement problem or issue because we don’t have the expertise in working with this disease. We need to get people with resources and experience out there to provide services: groups like Turning Point, Hospitality House, and the Salvation Army. We have to take care of our own neighborhood because the other people don’t care about what goes on over here.”
!noitasrevnoc enilno eht nioJ
Medicine as art and imperfect science In some cases, political affiliation can partially explain vaccine antipathy. But my patients’ responses highlighted two other themes to me. First, people often forget that medicine is an
cfiicepS-ytiC eht fo eno nioJ snoitasrevnoC ytinummoC
168 activations from our shotspotter. We’ve recovered over 500 bullet casings. This is a community effort. People are tired of not being able to live safely,” he said. Joining Inspector Adams for a Hawthorne Huddle panel discussion were Lieutenant Grant Snyder, and
art based on applied science, not a deductive science based on irrefutable forces in nature like gravity. Patients and families often ask me in the ICU to predict what will happen to loved ones unequivocally, only to be disappointed when I avoid speaking in certainties. Once viewed as omniscient authorities, doctors now openly acknowledge that limitations of medical data require scrutiny and careful application to particular circumstances. COVID-19 has reinforced our appreciation that there are no perfect cures or 100% guarantees of success. Rather, medicine is governed by what is probable. What are the chances I still may have cancer if the test result returns negative? Am I more or less likely to survive pneumonia by taking this specific antibiotic? Doctors must then engage in thoughtful analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of scientific methods and data to optimize and tailor our recommendations for individual patients – without the luxury of perfect or even complete datasets to rely on. The vaccine has clearly been shown – its rare
Still others feared the possibility of life-threatening side effects: “Thousands had heart attacks from the vaccine – it’s all on the CDC website,” they told me. So I took a close look at the CDC website to understand their claims better. Reports of heart inflammation occurred in 699 cases out of 177 million vaccinated people, or 0.0004%, with causal links to the vaccines still being investigated. Development of blood clots causally associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are also extremely rare, occurring in 28 cases out of 8.73 million doses given as of May 7, 2021 – a rate of 0.0003%. This extremely low risk of blood clots is still significantly lower than the risk of blood clots from an actual COVID-19 infection.
:silopaenniM htroN - aera sucoF mp7-mp5 morf h5t 1 enuJ ,yadseuT :retneC nylkoorB - aera sucoF mp7-mp5 morf h7t 1 enuJ ,yadsruhT :kraP nylkoorB - aera sucoF mp7-mp5 morf d2n 2 enuJ ,yadseuT
From 3
Shannon McDonald. “ ‘21 Days of Peace’ led by New Salem’s Rev. McAfee and other Black church leaders, was successful,” said Adams. “They enlisted people to show up at hot spots in North Minneapolis, for instance 30th & Penn, 36th & Lyndale, and Logan & Broadway. There has been a significant reduction in violence in those areas because of the community efforts of these groups. 11th & Knox and 34th & Oliver are our new hot spots.” Adams said, “There
gorodenkoff/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Intensive care physicians are yet again facing ICU bed and staff shortages as severe COVID-19 cases rise.
lautriv eht sseccA :esuoh nepo
Hawthorne
Straight from the source So, I turned to my patients for answers. At the bedside in their hospital rooms, I first asked about how they were feeling and performed detailed exams before addressing the elephant in the room. “Did you receive the COVID-19 vaccine?” And if not, I gently asked, “Did you have a specific reason you could share with me, so I can understand better?” Somewhat surprisingly, patients candidly told me their reasons for avoiding the vaccine. A common response I heard was that it was simply inconvenient. “I was too lazy and I didn’t get around to it,” some admitted, looking away sheepishly as they did so. Curiously, they did not consider the myriad “inconveniences” of becoming infected, such as medical complications – including death – and associated costs for treatment, lost work, dependence on others for basic necessities such as child care, the risk of infecting family members, the potential for developing longhaul COVID-19 and more. Others expressed a fervid distrust of vaccine-testing methods, stating that people had been “guinea pigs in past vaccine experiments that later caused autism.” Yet more than 25 studies in the past 20-odd years have disproved any causal link between vaccines and autism. Some felt that the forceful public messaging to get vaccinated belied true motivations of the authorities, adding: “I mean, why are they pushing this so hard? Something must be wrong with it.” Yet few question the strong public health stance on healthy eating practices and exercise, or wearing seat belts while driving.
ta etisbew tcejorp eht tisiV noitamrofni erom roF
The Conversation is running a series of dispatches from clinicians and researchers operating on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. You can find all of the stories here. As an intensive care physician in Southern California who endured the onslaught of COVID-19 in 2020, it has been deeply disheartening to experience chillingly familiar scenes all over again. The ICUs in the University of California San Diego Health hospital network where I work are again overflowing – especially with patients who need ventilators. Families peer through tinted hospital windows for glimpses of loved ones. And hospital administrators scramble to keep up with necessary staffing and beds to accommodate the influx of patients. What is so vexing is that COVID-19 is still the culprit, despite the availability of highly effective vaccines that slashed U.S. COVID-19 daily case numbers and hospitalizations within months. The vaccines also allowed economies to begin to recover and provided a way for people to experience some sense of normalcy again. In early spring, the efficacy of the vaccine engendered hope that herd immunity – in which infectious viral spread is prevented through a high proportion of the population’s being immune to the disease – could be within reach in months. Instead, pandemic panic is again suffocating us, largely because a large part of the public still shuns vaccination – with only 62% of the eligible U.S. population fully vaccinat-
ed as of early September 2021. I wanted an answer to the obvious question: Why?
lmth.xedni/yduts252ywh/stcejorp/ortem/su.nm.etats.tod
By Venktesh Ramnath Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California San Diego
side effects notwithstanding – to provide an overwhelmingly high likelihood of benefit over potential risks to almost all individuals. This includes people who have been previously infected with COVID-19. Yet the unvaccinated continue to fixate on rare side effects to justify skipping the shot. Vaccines are medicines too Many of my patients also seem to view vaccines and other public health-based recommendations like offers to buy a used car – with skepticism and independence, threatening to walk away at any moment. Doing one’s part to stop the spread of disease is a culturally nuanced civic virtue, like safe driving, which transcends absolute autonomy. In the U.S., most drivers willingly do not drive while intoxicated, cross lanes without warning or block other cars that are trying to merge. These are norms that make driving in the U.S. relatively efficient, safe and even pleasant compared with some other countries. The path to herd immunity, like highway safety, requires majority participation without immediate guarantees of complete personal freedom. Vaccines succeed not because they are 100% riskfree to the individual but because collective efforts focus on achieving the common good. Oddly, at the same time that my patients rejected the vaccine, they showed strong interest in receiving other types of medicine “shots” like monoclonal antibodies – which mimic natural antibodies – or anti-inflammatory medications. While some of these treatments have demonstrated benefits in certain situations – others have not. And some present the risk of very serious harm. I reminded my patients that the COVID-19 vaccine stimulates a person’s own
immune system to make antibodies that can neutralize the virus and that surpass the capabilities of commercially created antibody formulations. So the vaccines help prevent infection and development of serious illness from COVID-19 in the first place. People who experience the rare breakthrough infections following vaccination generally have a shorter and milder course of COVID-19 infection and are far less likely to end up hospitalized than those who are unvaccinated. Vaccines also confer longerterm protection, whereas the other medications are used reactively – when a serious infection has already begun – and those medications have shorter-term results.
all the resources we can and working on livability issues, providing peace and tranquility to the North side. The Precinct is a community house for the community, he said. North Minneapolis needs additional Crime Prevention Specialists and more patrols around the schools when students are coming and going, and during special sports events held at night, he said. The community must respond to recruitment efforts, especially women, he said.
MPD crime prevention specialist Bill Magnusson provided a snapshot of crime in the past month. For the month of August: 2 homicides, 4 rapes, 4 robberies, 21 aggravated assaults, two burglaries, 10 auto thefts, and there was one arson. He said there was an “increase of 50% of aggravated assaults and that is due to an ongoing conflict with two known groups that we refer to as the Highs and Lows.”
How past vaccination efforts succeeded In the past, many vaccines that successfully vanquished societal outbreaks of polio, measles and mumps are now routinely administered in childhood with minimal objection, despite the fact that there is no such thing as zero risk. As I continue to have conversations with patients who suffer greatly from COVID-19 illness as a direct consequence of having avoided the vaccine, my own pain – for being an ineffective healer and witness to such loss – is inexorable. Overcoming this fourth wave of COVID-19 still feels out of reach until our vaccination efforts can somehow better emphasize the effectiveness of vaccines, even when scientifically imperfect, and prioritize civic health care responsibilities over pure autonomy. If not, I fear that our battle against COVID-19 will rage on. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
“Having an entire financial ecosystem in our community is critical. Growing up, my mother’s mortgage was with the local credit union and had it not been, had our mortgage been with a large bank, we would have been on the street. We were able to stay in our house was because the gentleman who ran the credit union went to church with us. He lived down the street from us. He knew us. He was from our community. We have to sacrifice and think about what’s coming behind us, because those who came before us, weren’t just thinking about themselves. They were thinking about all of us and we truly are the by-product of their sacrifice.”
--Greg Cunningham, Vice President for Global Inclusion at US Bank in employee development coaching. He’s a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion and served as the co-chair of the Wells Fargo, AfricanAmerican employee resource group. Jenkins graduated from University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in educational psychology. “Shortly after the killing of George Floyd, I saw a need at Wells Fargo to really help foster these tough conversations within my own district, within my own region and within the company. What was different with the George Floyd incident is that it really exposed a lack of caring. You couldn’t make the excuses that have made for prior situations, because you really saw this: that for eight minutes and 46 seconds there was a lack of caring. I realized that I had to help my employees and the communities that we serve to have these conversations. And so it just started there. We started having conversations about why this happened, not the fact that people were looting,” Jenkins said. “We said let’s talk about all the disparities our communities face,” he said. From there Wells Fargo started
conversations with other banks and asked, “how can we do something together that we can’t get accomplished by ourselves?” “I’m a product of why this work is important. And I think that I’ve been blessed with the platform and also with the relationship building skills to be that buffer between what I would call corporate America and the community,” he said. Jenkins was born in Kansas City, Missouri. The youngest of seven, five boys and two girls, Jenkins notes that his mom raised them by herself. “You think about what the average urban household goes through, I lived that. My mom moved us here to make a better life for us.” “We first moved to Phillip’s neighborhood and we rented there for about a year and a half. And then my mom got her credit approved through ACORN. They helped her out and she bought that home in 1991, right off Chicago and Lake Street where she’s been for the last 30 plus years. “My mom got us memberships in the local Boys and Girls Club. I realize now that what she was doing was giving us a place that was different
than the hangout spot, giving us a place to go and connect us with more resources. So as a result, I got into basketball. As a result of that. I got into public speaking. As a result of that, my brother got into singing. And we met a community leader at the club named John Hardiman. I remember at 12 years old, he taught me how to tie my first double Windsor knot.” Jenkins said. “What he told me was, ‘I’m preparing you for the future,’” he said. Tracing his formative years, Jenkins said, “I went to Anderson elementary school, Sanford middle school and graduated from Minneapolis South and went on to the U. So I’m a Minneapolis guy. I am home grown. One thing I’ll tell you is that what we are creating here with this ecosystem will ensure that we really play more in the equity space. Because that’s what it’s all about at this stage of the game. We’ve been knocking on the diversity and inclusion space for far too long. It’s time now to start to create equity. And I’m just excited because this is going to be something that definitely puts us down that path.”
insightnews.com
Insight News • September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021 • Page 5
DNR certifies new catch-and-release state record northern pike and tie for muskie
From 3 an increase of mixed-race children. Equally importantly, the number of people who are willing to self-identify as mixed race has grown. People who once hid their mixedrace identity or felt pressured to choose one identity or the other, now feel free to embrace the totality of their identity. The increase in the number of people who identify as multiracial is both a blessing and an illusion. It’s a blessing because the accursed “one drop” rule was an oppressive way of managing racial classification. But the new multiculturalism is an illusion because it should not inspire “fear of a Black Planet.” As Richard Alba writes in his book, Th Great Demographic Illusion: Majority, Minority and the Expanding American Mainstream (Princeton University Press 2020), everybody brown ain’t down. In other words, many who identify as multiracial take on the identity and politics of their white parent, not their Latino or Asian parent. They embrace their multiracial identity, but not necessarily multiracial politics.
Williams From 3 He was cast as High Top, the brother and henchman to Shakur’s drug kingpin Tank, in the film Bullet (1996). He also appeared in numerous music videos of superstars like George Michael and Madonna and was photographed by world-famous photographer David LaChappelle. A star of many talents, Williams also choreographed Crystal Water’s 1994 single, “100% Pure Love.”
Harrington holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Music from Wayne State University. He currently serves on the board of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and is a mentor in Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business Corporate Mentor Program. He has served on grant review committees, on the executive team for Detroit Young Professionals and as a panelist at national conferences. “From studying music and business and starting my career in the box office to working my way up to senior roles and community leadership, I have had the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the arts world in various capacities,” said Harrington. “Throughout my career, what has driven me is authentic connection –
connecting people with the arts, powerful stories and with each other.” Harrington will also represent the Ordway on the Arts Partnership Board of Directors. The Arts Partnership consists of the four highly acclaimed organizations that perform regularly at the venue — Minnesota Opera, the Ordway, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club. “Chris brings with him a dynamic track record of leadership, strategic thinking and joyful enthusiasm that will benefit not only the Ordway, but also the Arts Partnership and the
Many young people whose multiracialism are partly Black do “get” Black issues and speak up for them. Some, though, are conflicted and want to see “both sides.” There are no two sides in the face of the outrageous police killings of Black men and women, but some who identify with their white parents are not as ready as others to take a strong stand. Still, young voices are driving our reality. On August 28, young Tamika Mallory called the “Good Trouble” Rally that drew thousands to the Lincoln Memorial on the 58th Anniversary of the March on Washington. In the tradition of Dr. King, who was but 34 when he delivered the “I Have A Dream Speech,” Mallory called people out and took them to task. She asserted her leadership role and said she would take it, come what may. More importantly, she told Democrats to do their job, do their work, end the filibuster, and implement the voting rights agenda. Tamika is powerful, fierce, and surrounded by a multiracial team that supports her. This is the future of our nation—young, bold, bodacious, multiracial energy. There are too many who would throwback to the past, too many who would deny the
demographics, too many who are frightened about what comes next, who insist on humming, singing and swaying plaintively, “We Shall Overcome.” In this multiracial world, there will be less singing and swaying, and more demanding. Those of us who watch the demographics know that numbers don’t mean solidarity (otherwise, how could we explain South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and the unhinged radio talk show host Larry Elder) and that we will have to work to get the coalitions that we want. And we must also know that no matter how the demographics shift, our nation still owes Black folks. “We have come to the nation’s capital to cash a check,” thundered Martin Luther King, Jr. “And the check has been marked insufficient funds.” The funds are still insufficient, and the debt is no less pressing. Shifting demographics don’t cancel the debt. Tamika Mallory, with her inspired leadership, reminds us to hold those we voted for accountable. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founding Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University at Los Angeles. She may be reached at juliannemalveaux. com.
Williams credits his childhood friend Dana “Queen Latifah” Owens as his inspiration for getting into the music business. Williams received three Primetime Emmy awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his work in Bessie (2015), The Night Of (2016) and When They See Us (2019). The thespian also won a Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Ensemble in Television for his role as Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire and most recently won the Critics’ Choice
Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Montrose Freeman in Lovecraft Country. Williams was in a long-term relationship with actress and director Tasha Smith at the time of his passing. Williams was 54. Thisstory is developing. This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual. Follow The Burton Wire on Instagram or Twitter @ TheBurtonWire.
egelloc EERF a htiw detrats teG 05$ htiw tnuocca sgnivas
Ordway’s 12th president and CEO. “Chris is a trusted arts advocate and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Ordway family and the Twin Cities,” said Brad Wood, chair of the Ordway’s Board of Directors and its search committee. “Many events of the past year and a half have only underscored the significance of the arts in our lives. He is passionate about community and bringing people together around the performing arts. I can’t imagine a better person to lead the Ordway as we reopen.” “I would also like to recognize Chris Sagstetter for successfully leading the Ordway through the darkest days of the pandemic. Thanks to her leadership, the Ordway is reopening in a strong position to thrive,”said Wood.
moc.ptsdnuobegelloc.www
Malveaux
happened so fast!” Kirby said. Kirby and fishing partners John and Will Gavic thought the fish looked 50 inches and were amazed seeing they caught a fish even longer, and one that would earn state record status. “My bait just so happened to be the one that she ate, but that whole night couldn’t have been possible without the help of John Gavic and Will Gavic. Muskie fishing is a team effort, and when you have a good team on your side, landing a fish
ptsdnuobegelloc@
The Ordway is home to a wide variety of performances, including Broadway @ the Ordway, Concerts @ the Ordway, dance, and programming for young people and families, including the annual Flint Hills Family Festival. The announcement comes ahead of the Ordway’s reopening later this month after being closed for 18 months due to the pandemic. Harrington’s appointment is effective November 1. He will succeed interim president Chris Sagstetter, who will resume her previous role as executive vice president and CFO. He is the
storm clouds were building. It was one of those nights that the fish seemed to be super active, our boat had multiple chases, one resulting in a 48 inch fish in the net — at that time my personal best,” Kirby said. They continued fishing into the night and around 10:30 p.m. he had a large “thud” hit his line hard when his bait was no more than 15 yards from the boat. “I compared it to reeling in a large moving ‘log’ and after a few dark splashes, she was in the net. Everything just
egelloc EERF a htiw detrats teG 05$ htiw tnuocca sgnivas
From 3
that tied a 2019 muskie also caught on Lake Vermilion. With two Vermilion Lake muskies now tied for the state record, this well-known water body continues to prove itself as a top muskie fishing destination. Kirby had fished the lake a handful of times and was familiar with small pockets that muskie seem to inhabit. “That Friday night we were up against the weather. There was a huge storm front moving through creating extremely unstable conditions. The humidity was high, and
moc.ptsdnuobegelloc.www
Harrington
DNR
Brecken Kobylecky
ptsdnuobegelloc@
Anglers over the summer caught and released a new Minnesota state record northern pike and tied the record for muskellunge. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources certified the state catch-andrelease record northern pike, a 46 1/4 inch fish caught June 19 on Basswood Lake by Brecken Kobylecky, a 15-yearold from Geneva, Illinois. The previous record was a 45 1/4 inch northern pike caught on the Rainy River in 2018. The record pike was the biggest fish Kobylecky had ever caught. He was fishing with an Ely-based fishing guide and with about 10 minutes left of their final day fishing, they were trolling for pike. “We hooked onto a huge pike that was barely hooked, and could hardly land it due to the sheer size and weight of the fish,” Kobylecky said. Once the fish was in the boat they carefully took a few photos and measured the pike before releasing the fish back to the open water. “The whole experience went by in a flash but it was an experience of a lifetime I’ll never forget,” Kobylecky said. The DNR also certified a 57 1/4 inch muskie caught July 23 on Lake Vermilion by Todd Kirby of Hudson, Wisconsin
DNR
Todd Kirby of that caliber creates a memory of a lifetime,” Kirby said. The DNR announces new state records in news releases, on social media and on
the DNR website. Find current records and guidelines for each type of state record at mndnr. gov/recordfish.
Twin Cities as well,” said Ryan Taylor, president and general manager of the Minnesota Opera and president of the Arts Partnership Board of Directors. “Our community is fortunate to benefit from his many talents as we work together to imagine a bold, bright, creative future for artists and audiences alike.” The Ordway is the arts epicenter of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and one of the leading nonprofit performing arts centers in the country. Founded on the belief that performing arts should be wideranging and accessible to all, the Ordway is home to a variety of
performances that encompass the finest in Broadway musicals, concerts, dance and vocal artists. The Ordway serves thousands of children each year through its education programs and presents the annual Flint Hills Family Festival. Known as the most comfortable place to catch a show in Minnesota, the Ordway includes a magnificent 1,900-seat Music Theater, a state-of-the-art 1,100-seat Concert Hall and spacious lobbies. The Ordway aims to reflect the communities it serves and address barriers to ensure everyone can experience the power of the performing arts.
Page 6 •September September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021 • Insight News
Insight 2 Health
North Point
insightnews.com
North Point
14th Penn rendering
Bus stop rendering
NorthPoint: Serving past, present and future generations Northpoint Health & Wellness Center recently broke ground on what is expected to be a 30-month project, culminating in the first quarter of 2024. When this ground-breaking project is complete the center expects to have expanded wings in its medical, dental, and behavioral services divisions. “Our building will be a reflection of the needs of past, present and future generations,” said Kimberly Spates, Chief Operations Officer, Human Services. “We will basically have a one-stop-shop.” While under construction, NorthPoint will continue to serve community via their WIC program, Senior program, food shelf, (located at Penn Avenue and Golden Valley Road) as well as, medical, dental, and behavioral services (located at Penn and Plymouth Avenues).
All programs move to promote self-sufficiency by focusing on client-centered plans that promote health initiatives and remove disparities. COVID-19 testing is also provided at the Plymouth location in the lower level. Northpoint’s updated building will also to include: a larger pharmacy, a wellness facility where community can pray, meditate and host healing events; a drop-in childcare center for patients who have appointments or who are attending classes; a community garden and courtyard; the ‘Bistro Café’ that will provide access to food and beverages; and a social enterprise job training program (in conjunction with Hennepin County and the Urban League). “Our community board drives our work. Half of the board is made up of
patients,” said Spates. “Most on [our] board have ties to North Minneapolis- they live, work or receive services here, too.” With NorthPoint serving over 100,000 people per year, improving the quality of care, that is delivered in one place- the expansion is necessary. Representation and expansion have always mattered. Formerly named Pilot City Neighborhood Services, the original location, according to the NorthPoint’s website, “Was designed to pave the way for future programs. The model combined public health and clinical medicine under one roof. It was noted at the time, that “the problems of health are closely inter-related to the problems of poverty, education, housing, employment, human relations, and community disorganization.”
GO!
CAPRI GRAND OPENING, OCT. 3-10 8 Days of Celebration! 10/3: 10/4: 10/5: 10/6: 10/7: 10/8: 10/9: 10/10:
Grand Opening Day, 12-5pm, Free Capri Big Band, 7pm, Free Capri Glee! Choir in Concert, 7pm, Free #MPLS in Concert, 7pm, $20 First Thursday Films: Summer of Soul! 7pm, Free SPCO Chamber Music Concert, 7pm, Free Legends, The Big Swang Theory 7pm, $25 Legends, The Big Swang Theory 3pm, $25
Let’s GO! details > thecapri.org COVID-19 Safety Protocols Masks will be required at all indoor events at the Capri, including the Grand Opening Day tours of the building. Beginning Monday, October 4 we’ll require all guests to present proof of either full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to attending an event. For more resources and information on these safety protocols, and a list of acceptable proof of vaccination or COVID test results, please visit thecapri.org/safety
2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis, 55411
The 2000s brought about more change including mergers that created: Glenwood Lyndale Community Clinic Pilot City Neighborhood Services Pilot City Human Services Pilot City Mental Health Services In 2006, the community clinic was approved for funding as a public entity community health center. Through a unique co-applicant agreement, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners began sharing governance of NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center with NorthPoint, Inc., (formerly Pilot City Neighborhood Services) while maintaining fiscal responsibility for the health care operations. (Northpointhealth.org).
The current building, built in 2018-2019, is an independent nonprofit social/ human services agency colocated with the NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. During its construction and growth phase, NorthPoint has partnerships with Hennepin County and Urban League to hire community workers for construction on the project. Set to start mid to late September, the project includes numerous minority contractors. Community partnerships will continue even after project completion. With a rich, 50-year, community-driven history, growth is imminent. When this project is over, all services will be in the same building, providing the whole-person integrated care desired by the community.
When told about the updates, community member Tanisha Cummings said, “this is exciting, and much needed. I am looking forward to the new building.” To stay updated on the progress of the renovated care clinic our to obtain medical, dental services call (612) 5432500. To connect with human services programs, call (612) 767-9500. More information is also available at www. northpointhealth.org. Brandi D. Phillips is a Health and Wealth Coach, mother of two, life partner, and lifelong learner. If you have questions of concerns, you can reach her at wellifethreesixty@ gmail.com.
insightnews.com
Insight News • September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021 • Page 7
Baltimore writer, producer and director continues to shine in Hollywood By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Patricia Cuffie-Jones, a graduate of Mergenthaler (Mervo) Vocational High School in Baltimore City, continues to make her mark in Hollywood. The hardworking CEO of Diverge Entertainment, Cuffie-Jones, is responsible for several comedies and dramas that have appeared on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Bounce TV, and various streaming platforms. In a live interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s morning news show, “Let It Be Known,” Cuffie-Jones explained that she just wrapped on directing her first feature film, “Twice Bitten,” scheduled for a fall release and the second season of “Stuck With You,” a hit that’s streaming on the ALLBLK network. BET recently premiered another one of CuffieJones’ hits, “Favorite Son.” “I also just wrapped a Christmas film that I’m hoping makes it out this holiday season, if not next,” CuffieJones told the Baltimore Times. “There are a lot of cool things in the mix and in the works right now.” Born and raised in Baltimore, Cuffie-Jones began writing, directing, and producing at age 14. She has worked behind the scenes with a series of touring productions in the Baltimore/Washington area. With her husband, Jeffrey Jones, she started Diverge Entertainment and moved to Los Angeles. Once in La La Land, CuffieJones hit the ground running. She created acclaimed period pieces that span from the 1930s to the 1970s and earned five NAACP
Born and raised in Baltimore, Patricia Cuffie-Jones began writing, directing, and producing at age 14. She has worked behind the scenes with a series of touring productions in the Baltimore/Washington area theatre
award nominations. “I take breaks. My husband and kids make sure of that,” CuffieJones asserted. Still, those breaks often are short-lived. “I just wrapped a film now and will have some weeks to get some writing done,” she noted. “Then, I’ll be going back into production with another film.” Cuffie-Jones insists that she writes at her pace, allowing for family time which she calls vital. “Balance is very important,” Cuffie-Jones
demanded. “The industry is fleeting. Family is forever.” Cuffie-Jones also reasserts that the glamour and glitz of show business count as a small part of life in the spotlight. “When I first started, I had a 9-to-5 job which I used the money earned there to pay for my shows. I worked for a nonprofit that I loved, but my evenings and weekends were a mixture of rehearsals and writing,” Cuffie-Jones recalled. “There’s a lot of work that goes into this. A lot of hard work.” Cuffie-Jones reiterated
what she told the Baltimore Times in a 2016 interview. She said the company provides her with an opportunity to “green light” herself. “You hear a lot of ‘no,’ ‘no,’ and ‘no.’ out here. So, I decided I was going to tell myself ‘yes’, ‘yes’ and ‘yes’ and sell myself,” she stated. “I have built many relationships working with many producers and directors. However, the biggest thing that helped me was sowing seeds with other writers and producers. It’s truly been a blessing.” Because of the
pandemic, Cuffie-Jones said she hasn’t been able to return to Baltimore as often as she’d like. However, her parents and most of her family still live in the city. “Fortunately, they’ve been able to come out and visit, but I’d like to get back to Baltimore,” Cuffie-Jones remarked. Meanwhile, the talented filmmaker has a lot in store for those seeking good entertainment. “Patricia continues to push the envelope and partners with other producers
looking to elevate and diversify storytelling,” Cuffie-Jones’ management wrote in a news release. “She embraces the concept of conscious entertainment and seeks out opportunities that can expand her stories, of love, family, romance, faith, and resilience.” Cuffie-Jones said she’s driven. “I’m a worker and a hustler,” she insisted. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’m good at finding my rhythm.”
COVID infections increase; unvaccinated most impacted Columnist
By Brenda Lyle-Gray Minneapolis health department epidemiologist, Luisa PessoaBrandão-Brandão-Brandão, provided a COVID 19 update to the September Hawthorne Huddle meeting. She said the city continues to see an increase in COVID cases. Most cases involve the unvaccinated, but there some fully vaccinated are testing positive, and some experience breakthrough infection. From June 13th through August 18th over 2,000 cases were diagnosed, a huge increase from April and May. The median age for
unvaccinated hospitalized cases is 30 compared to 58 for those fully vaccinated. 50% of those who are fully vaccinated and hospitalized had an underlying medical condition compared to 18% of those not fully vaccinated. Pessoa-Brandão-Brandão said that means the vaccine is doing its job. It’s protecting those that are mostly healthy and from severe disease. “We have made some progress in vaccination. It’s slow, but steady. I just wish we were making more progress in terms of getting the most impacted communities vaccinated,” she said. “We are continuing to work with the schools,” PessoaBrandão-Brandão said. “There was a vaccination clinic held at Washburn High School at their ‘Welcome Back School Night’. We’re making connections with North and South High
Minneapolis Health Department
School along with Patrick Henry in cooperation with the Minneapolis Public Schools. Not only do we want to set up additional vaccination clinics, but we also want to ensure that everyone exposed receives the right ‘next step’ information and is provided with resources for testing and for vaccinations.” Pessoa-Brandão-Brandão said the Delta variant is the major concern to date. 99.5% of cases diagnosed in Minnesota are as a result of the variant. “It is much more transmissible, so we need to be even more vigilant. Perhaps we can encourage those that are unvaccinated to do a little more research and help protect themselves and those closest to them by considering being vaccinated,” she said. “Hospitalizations are less than 0.1% of those fully vaccinated, and some of them weren’t necessarily hospitalized for COVID. Additional county
and state resources have been made available for vaccination events often with $50 and $100-dollar gift cards given out at the time of taking the shots. We were seeing maybe 5 new cases per day, and now we’re seeing 90 cases a day,” PessoaBrandão-Brandão said. The COVID vaccine is not among the required vaccines for going back to school right now; and it is approved only those 12 and older. It is not yet approved for ages five to 11. “We do encourage kids and families to catch up on the required vaccinations. Looking at the data for our zip codes and the 55411 and 55412 for children’s vaccinations, including MMR and measles, only about 50% of the kids have what they should have by now at this age,” she said.
Page 8 •September September 13, 2021 - September 19, 2021 • Insight News
insightnews.com
WAYS TO EXPLORE AFRICAN AMERICAN
HISTORY WITH
SEE MORE PRINCE
In the photogr aphy exhibit Prince: Before the Rain , you can see iconic images of the artist tak en by Allen Beaulieu in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Prince’ s story continues in the First Avenue exhibit, where you can see his Purple Rain suit. Both exhibits now on view, Minnesota History Center, St. Paul. First Avenue presenting sponsor Baird. Prince sponsor Xcel Energy.
COME TO FAMILY DAY
SATURDAYS at the MUSEUMɨ SA Explore the history of St. Anthony F alls with a day of family-friendly activities during My Mighty Journey: A W aterfall’s Story Family Day, Nov 9, Mill City Museum, Minneapolis.
Storytellers, Activities and Fun! St Sponsored by Xcel Energy.
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery 1256 Penn Ave No, Minneapolis, MN 55411, 4th Floor
Saturday mornings from 10 - 11:30am • 240 pages
Hear Stories Read or Great Storytelling! EXPLORE THE HIDDEN Engage in coordinated HISTORY
activities and just have Fun!
Hear Dr. Christopher Lehman talk about his ne w book, Slavery’s Reach, which tr aces the mone y between Southern plantations and Minnesota’ s businesses. Slavery’s Reach Author Ev ent, Nov 17, North www.maahmg.org www Contact us at: info@maahmg.org Regional Libr ary, Minneapolis.
Become a member!
MNHS Press
• $18.95
Loc Local Children’s Book Authors and Storytellers! Treats!
All Are Welcome.
See us at
Free Admission.
___ _____ _ __ _ ____________________________________________________________________________ "Thee Children's R Reading Circle is partially supported by The Givens Foundation for African American Literature through operating ort funding fro support from Target. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund."
PLAN YOUR VISIT 1-844-MNSTORY MNHS.ORG
______________________________________________________________________________________ ________
The MAAHMG is a fully qualified 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Minnesota.
If I could do one thing, I’d tell the world she counts. Communities are as rich and diverse as their needs. needs That’s why completing the 2020 Census matters. It’s a safe and confidential step toward having an impact on how public funds flow through our communities. That could mean more resources in your area for special needs. It’s within your control.
Learn more at:
2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau. Bureau
Review From 2