Insight News ::: 02.20.17

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Insight News February 20 - February 26, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 8• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Resistance, Protest, Resilience EXHIBITION AT MIA THROUGH APRIL 2, 2017 • TURN TO PAGE 11

Photo of Malcolm X by Gordon Parks Courtesy of The Gordon Parks Foundation

Page 2 • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Insight News

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NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DESIGN COMPETITION

Everyone deserves healthy, fresh food.

We believe great design can make that possible.

What’s your idea?

THE CHALLENGE High school students: what would you design to improve a community’s access to healthy, fresh foods? Be ambitious, innovative, and bold! You’ll be asked to submit a sketch of your idea and describe how your design addresses this challenge.

ENTER NOW cooperhewitt.org/designcompetition

ENTRIES DUE March 20, 2017

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

AWARDS AND PRIZES

April 7, 2017

Three finalists will travel to Boston for a meeting with mentors from Food + Future to refine their ideas, then to New York City to present their final designs to the judges.

WINNER ANNOUNCED

The winner’s work will be featured at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum during National Design Week, and he or she will win a trip to New York City to attend the Teen Design Fair, where he or she will meet some of the country’s leading designers. The winner will also be invited to Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis to learn more about Target’s role in design within the health and wellness space.

June 4, 2017 Organized by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in collaboration with Target

#GOODFORALL

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Insight News • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Page 3

aesthetically speaking

Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities

MORE ON PAGE 10

WINNER: 2016 NNPA MERIT AWARDS: 1ST PLACE COMMUNIT Y SERVICE, 3RD PLACE BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Insight News February 20 - February 26, 2017

Vol. 44 No. 8• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Stephanie Gasca announces candidacy Stephanie Gasca is running for Minneapolis City Council and hopes to be the first woman of color elected to office in the city’s 4th Ward.

Her launch party was held at the Camden Tavern & Grill this past Friday (Feb. 11).

“I have been thinking about my children. My carefree son, I worry about every time he leaves the house with a hoodie,” said Gasca. “My daughter tells me how she wants to be mayor of Minneapolis one day; a dream I could never have dared to dream as a child. So, I am committing to running for City Council in Ward 4 of North Minneapolis.”

Gasca said she is running to improve the conditions of

Stephanie Gasca

working class residents.

“I am running for every mother working multiple jobs to keep a roof over their children’s heads,” said Gasca.

“I am running for every sibling fighting to raise and support each other. I am running for every person who is confronted with obstacles but continues to wake up every day with the hope and determination to make today better than the day before.

But most of all, I am running for every child who dreams of dreams their parents never could.”

Gasca is a Protect MN board member and an organizer of low wage workers at CTUL. She is also a 2014 Wellstone Fellow.

New online health equity resource features tools to address root causes of disparities WASHINGTON, D.C. – Policymakers, public health practitioners, community leaders and other stakeholders working to build a culture of health in America now have a new one-stop resource for

Dr. Maya Rockeymoore

news, tools, and information that they hope will improve outcomes for communities facing barriers to good health.

The new website, www. healthequity.globalpolicysolutions. org, is a project of the Center for Global Policy Solutions’ Allies for Reaching Community Health

Equity (ARCHE) initiative.

ARCHE (pronounced Ark) is convening multidisciplinary leaders, determining what works, and providing new tools for advancing equitycentered strategies that strengthen families and “Advocates for healthy

features resources and tools that help these champions understand and pursue health equity strategies so that all people have fair opportunities to be healthy.”

Visitors to the site will find a resource library that includes reports, case studies and other tools to help people learn about

communities need to ensure that health equity and the social determinants of health are inserted into policy discussions at the local, state and federal levels,” said Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, president and CEO of Center for Global Policy Solutions. “Our new website

and implement strategies that focus on the social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to poor health outcomes among marginalized populations. The site highlights

HEALTH 5

1972 convention paved the way for Barack Obama

By Ingrid Ferlo One of the first people who opened the door for AfricanAmericans political leadership was former mayor of Gary. Ind., Richard Hatcher.

Hatcher became the mayor of Gary after being actively involved in politics for years. He was mayor at a time when Gary was still geographically segregated and he authored legislation for African-Americans to be able to live wherever they chose.

Hatcher recently participated on the “Conversations with Al McFarlane” on KFAI FM 90.3.

The show airs every Tuesday morning at 9 .am., and reaches global audiences on www.kfai. org.

OBAMA 4

Jubilant crowds in Banjul, Gambia welcomed President Adama Barrow following the ouster of former president, Yaya Jammeh.

The Gambia: Election transition crisis power after losing a national election held in early December.

Jammeh had been holding power for the past 22 years as a brutal tyrant and dictator.

The winner of the December election, Adama Barrow, was a little-known real estate agent before announcing his candidacy

By Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Insight News West Africa Editor Gary Indiana Mayor, Richard G. Hatcher convened 1972 National Black Political Convention.

President Yaya Jammeh, president of Gambia in West Africa, refused to relinquish

for the office of the president.

Jammeh refused to accept the election results saying, “It was full of arithmetic errors and anomalies that could not be credibly explained to him.”

Faced with threats to his safety

GAMBIA 8

Clippers N’ Curls brings health screenings to barber shops, salons

Barbershop client checks his blood pressure at a Clippers N’ Curls for the Heart Program kiosk in a Minneapolis barbershop.

I2H

Annesha Kelly: Gaining clarity on path to holistic health

PAGE 4

Community

Timberwolves and Lynx launch Black History Month essay contest

PAGE 7

The program was created by Southside Community Health Services (Southside), a community clinic in South Minneapolis, and recently expanded from six to 11 barber shops across the Twin Cities thanks to funding from a state grant.

The strategy for Southside’s Clippers N’ Curls program is to partner with barbershops and beauty salons as outreach and intervention sites for heart disease and stroke. Barbers and beauticians are trained by nurses to deliver health promotion and disease messages, focusing on blood pressure and its relationship to heart disease and stroke.

Southside helps place an automated blood pressure

February is American Heart Month and an important time to highlight heart disease and stroke prevention.

Heart disease remains the second leading cause of death in Minnesota with the highest rates among African-Americans and Native-Americans.

One of the best ways to combat heart disease and stroke is through education and prevention. An innovative program in the Twin Cities called “Clippers N’ Curls for the Heart” is doing just that by partnering with local barbershops and beauty salons to educate community residents about the dangers of high blood pressure with a goal of reducing and preventing heart disease and stroke.

Lifestyle

Helping our young men be better

PAGE 8

kiosk in each shop, like those at pharmacies, where customers can self-check their blood pressure as often as they like. The trained staff at the barbershops and beauty salons engage their customers in conversations centered on the blood pressure checks and encourage them to see a doctor, especially if their blood pressure is high or if customers have any other concerns.

“I think it’s really innovative for health professionals to use barbershops and beauty salons to be able to get people to understand their health,” said Tito Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Image Barbers and Stylists in

CLIPPERS N’ CURLS 9

Business

Giving youth the keys to unlock their future

PAGE 9

Page 4 • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Insight News

Insight 2 Health

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Annesha Kelly: Gaining clarity on path to holistic health

By Carmen Robles Associate Editor for Afrodescendientes “To the world, you may be one person but to one person you may be the world” is one of Annesha Kelly’s favorite quotes.

Kelly is a hospital advanced practice technician studying to take the license graduate social work exam. She has a unique and revolutionary concept of combining mental health and holistic health, including nutrition, something like what’s going on at the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge (I2H).

Kelly is from the Rondo area in St. Paul. In 1988 she was in 8th grade and began to

run track. That’s when she met I2H lead trainer Tyrone Minor, who was in the 11th grade at the time. They’ve been friends ever since. This round is Kelly’s third time participating in the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge.

“Tyrone is very good at what he does,” said Kelly.

Kelly is quick to admit she wanted to curse him out during earlier training sessions, but joked that she is glad to be part of the challenge because it makes her happy to see others in the same pain.

“It’s all about love,” said Kelly with a sheepish grin.

A trip to India to take a twoweek course on the perspectives of health and healing transformed Kelly, validating her beliefs of a holistic approach

Annesha Kelly

in social work. Kelly said she saw things through different eyes. She realized happiness and compassion are key elements to a healthy life.

Kelly said being in another country, “where poor people still have a kind, loving smile on their face,” affirmed her belief that happiness and health are interconnected. During her pilgrimage, Kelly said she embraced meditation and claims it has done wonders for her.

“Meditation gives clarity to pause,” said.

Kelly is soft spoken with a deep and profound passion for justice. Participating in the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge at the F.I.T. Lab, 583 Hamline Ave. N., Falcon Heights, keeps her physically

and emotionally fit. She said like meditation, the I2H challenge gives her clarity to pause.

To learn more about the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge call The F.I.T. Lab at (651) 645-5242 or visit www. thefitlabinc.com.

The Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is a fitness and lifestyle initiative designed to promote measurable and long-lasting health and fitness outcomes in program participants. The objective is to introduce lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Participants meet up to four times a week in a group class setting and also consult with a nutrition expert and mental health professional.

Feeling the burn: I2H reaches halfway mark Afrodescendientes

By Carmen Robles Associate Editor Afrodescendientes By the end of week five of the 10-week Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge, significant changes in my body had begun to take shape.

The flaps under my arms are no longer creating whirlwinds when I wave. My belly flap slapping against me is decreasing little by little.

I once imagined how much more effective it would be to just

cut off that belly fat, grabbing a handful of the bag of blubber fantasizing its removal. Snip, snip. Easy peasy. So simple.

Just like in those commercials on television. A little tug, a few stitches to make it snug and tada.

Then I had breast surgery to remove a leaking tumor and was offered that very option.

Cut off belly fat to create new breasts. The thought of slicing into my skin was another motivator to move my culito (butt). No thanks. Joining the fitness challenge was a healthier alternative for sure. Here it is the end of Week Five and the fat is melting, melting away.

It’s more than moving my body. The reintroduction to simple techniques for a transformation is this

straightforward effective three pronged approach of physical activity, nutrition and mental health support – the very foundation of the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge.

I’m lagging behind, having joined the challenge during Week Two, but with the encouragement of my teammates, I’ve been able to catch up. Being under the watchful eye of the trainers gives me confidence, the courage to push myself. “You can do anything for five seconds,” bellows trainer Jaime Minor.

Yes, I can.

The mirrors surrounding the gym allow us to have a full view of our form. At first, it was a terrifying visual, to say the least. By Week Five the image in the mirrors isn’t looking so bad. The arm that was affected

by the operation is now in full movement; another perk to the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge, which has been the best physical therapy ever.

Halfway through the challenge I’m recognizing the challenge is much more than a New Year’s resolution or a promise to God and myself that if I got through the nightmare of breast cancer I’d take my health seriously. It is a promise to my kids that if given a second chance I would take better care of myself.

Feeling exposed can be debilitating. Bending, jumping, trying to coordinate our own bodies and realizing what a putz we had become only adds to the already negative messages fueling us. We all have our dirty little secrets. Before joining the

challenge I had a binge. I fell off the proverbial wagon. One morning I awoke surrounded by empty Almond Joy candy wrappers, chocolate donut boxes and a carton of milk. Where did they come from?

Being embraced by individuals just like myself wanting a change from the inside out is vital in this journey of transformation. Through the atmosphere of this collective energy I’m finding myself actually looking forward to workouts, digging deep into my feelings and being on the lookout for healthy nutritional options.

At this halfway point it’s obvious there is a spirit of power surrounding me. The inspirational stories shared by the participants throughout the

challenge adds to the exceptional experience that is the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge.

To learn more about the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge call The F.I.T. Lab at (651) 645-5242 or visit www. thefitlabinc.com.

The Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is a fitness and lifestyle initiative designed to promote measurable and long-lasting health and fitness outcomes in program participants. The objective is to introduce lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Participants meet up to four times a week in a group class setting and also consult with a nutrition expert and mental health professional.

Andrea Schutz: Soul Fusion zumba at F.I.T. Lab

By Carmen Robles Associate Editor for Afrodescendientes Andrea Schutz is not only a participant in the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge; she is a Zumba instructor with a passion for music, dance, and fitness.

A lifelong Minnesota resident, a sister introduced Schutz to Tyrone Minor, lead trainer of the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge (I2H) and coowner of the F.I.T. Lab, home to the challenge, a couple of years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.

The owner of Soul Fusion, Inc., Schutz conducts Zumba classes every Sunday at 5 p.m. at the F.I.T. (Fitness Innovation Transformation) Lab Inc. at 1583 Hamline Ave. N. in Falcon Heights. An athlete all her life, Schutz excelled in cross-country,

track and field and Nordic skiing during her high school years.

She went on to coach Nordic skiing for a few years. One day she walked into a Zumba class, loved it and thought, “I can do that.” And she did, earning her certification as a Zumba instructor.

Zumba is a popular fitness program – a registered trademark for the dance classes developed by Alberto “Beto” Perez, a Colombian dancer and choreographer – as a way to turn a fitness class into a dance party. Zumba combines upbeat Latin music with cardiovascular exercise.

After the grueling I2H workouts, I thought a Zumba class would give me a bit of variety during our down days.

Confident my Spanish roots/hips would easily conform to the beat of the Latin rhythms, I happily went to the Zumba class being taught by my teammate, Schutz.

Expecting the traditional high-energy dance movements,

Andrea Schutz

Obama From 3

Hatcher spoke about his role at a convention in 1972 held in Gary to encourage the notion of Black people in political leadership, which was a movement that

I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in an actual dance class learning dance routines.

Each dance routine is uniquely choreographed.

The class was pretty grueling physical exercise, but tons of fun.

While doing Zumba sometimes I felt like the Hawaiian dancers with their extended stances and over the top hip movements, or like a hip-hop ballerina with precise almost ballet-like graceful movements intertwined with the influence of today’s latest dance moves.

It’s no wonder Schutz glides across the gym floor with such ease, shaking the junk in her trunk with instinctive effortless movements. She’s been dancing all her life; dancing competitively throughout the years. A natural instinct for dance coupled with a bachelor’s degree in music, Schutz successfully fused her passion for dance and fitness through Zumba.

She says her goal as an

instructor “is to provide a comfortable setting and a fun environment that allows you to express yourself in whatever fashion you prefer with routines that are designed to help you reach your fitness goals and also have fun while doing it.”

Those interested in Schutz’ classes can email her at a.schutz1533@gmail.com or call (651) 216-4946.

To learn more about the Insight 2 Health Fitness Challenge call The F.I.T. Lab at (651) 645-5242 or visit www. thefitlabinc.com.

The Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is a fitness and lifestyle initiative designed to promote measurable and long-lasting health and fitness outcomes in program participants. The objective is to introduce lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Participants meet up to four times a week in a group class setting and also consult with a nutrition expert and mental health professional.

he says paved the way for the presidency of Barack Obama.

Hatcher said hosting that convention posed a great risk, as leaders from all across the country and the world came together in Gary. The risk was worth it however, as people became invigorated and decided to run for office and from between 1972 to 1976 the number of Black elected officials increased from 300 to more than 3,000 in the country.

Hatcher said the convention was a milestone that changed the political structure of the country.

“If no one else is willing to do it, then I will do it,” were the words of Jesse Jackson according to Hatcher in talking about the willingness to run for public office. Jackson ran for president in 1984 and again in 1988. Hatcher reminisced of the time that he became Jackson’s campaign manager. He said lack of funding was a major obstacle for Jackson compared to other well-financed candidates, but he recollected that churches gathered offerings and donated it to the campaign.

“You could trace a pretty straight line (from the 1972 convention) directly to Barack Obama’s success and

subsequently becoming president of the United States.”

Show host Al McFarlane asked Hatcher to comment on the current political climate and the threat of disenfranchisement in African-American communities.

“The 2016 election was all about race,” boldly stated Hatcher.

“It was the idea that a Black man was in the White House and he should not be there.”

Hatcher emphasized that the current president’s victory came as a backlash of Obama’s presidency.

“He (President Donald Trump) will be coming for us,” said Hatcher, stating that although presently the president seems to be focused on immigrants and refugees, his negative focus will change to include AfricanAmerican.

“I think there is a need for a Gary-like 1972 convention to plan our strategy and defend the lives of Blacks that have sacrificed in the past,” said Hatcher. “I think we will be under assault and I don’t think we can wait for that (assault) to happen.”

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Insight News • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Page 5

‘Niecey’ Warren remembered for her heart and smile Darsalle Denise “Niecey” Warren, born Oct. 10, 1964 in Minneapolis, peacefully passed away at home on Jan. 30 after a long fight to recover from a massive stroke.

Warren attended Willard Elementary School, Jordan Jr. High and North Community High School. After high school Warren completed training and certification as a travel agent. A

hard-working woman, Warren had many jobs throughout her lifetime including working as a dietary aide at Bryn Mawr Nursing Home, as well as, at a shelter for children. She started her career in transit at PICA head start where she drove the school bus for many years. Warren’s last job was as a bus driver for the Metro Transit System, where she recently received an award

for being at the company for 10 years.

Not only was she a hard worker but she was a very loving and caring person who opened her doors to children in foster care for over 20 years.

Warren was an outgoing, free spirited and loving person recognized by her beautiful smile. She loved her family and friends and opened her

arms and doors to many during the holidays and other festive occasions. Her kids would say, “There’s no love greater than our mothers love, her love was pure, genuine and one of a kind.”

Warren is survived by her mother, Juanita Sue Moss, father Richard Dale Warren, Sr., son, Rashodd Warren, daughter Lekeiah Warren-King, granddaughter Rashona Mapps,

brother, Richard Dale Warren Jr., aunts, uncles and a host of other relatives and friends. Warren was preceded in death by Erma Jean Moss (grandmother) and Wilbert H. Moss (grandfather).

A memorial service was held Feb. 10 at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 3355 N. 4th St., Minneapolis.

Darsalle Denise “Niecey” Warren

It’s time for the Democratic Party to wake up More than a million people took to the streets to participate in marches around the world, the day after Trump’s inauguration. There were protests in the streets of Washington, D.C. on inauguration day. Thousands figured out there needed to be resistance to Trump before he took office, but Democrats standing on the floor of the U.S. Senate and House remain asleep.

Now Trump had

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor Everyone appears to have figured out that a dangerous fascist with no knowledge of how the federal government works is now the president of the United States.

Everyone that is, except members of the Democratic Party, now serving in the 115th Congress.

You have to wonder how many dangerously incompetent, racist and blindly ideological decisions the executive branch has to make before the Democrats in the United States Congress, who are supposedly in the opposition party, wake up.

What is the strategy? What is the plan? President Donald Trump’s careless staff couldn’t even spell the name of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom correctly on a press release. What makes anyone think they’ll be more detailed on other initiatives they plan, such as an “investigation of voting fraud” or the selection of the next United States Supreme Court justice?

Be certain to take note of the Democrats who vote in favor of Trump’s cabinet nominees for Treasury, Education, Labor and Health and Human Services. If Democrats support Steve Mnuchin, Betsy DeVos, Andrew Puzder and Rep. Tom Price, there is no resistance movement in the Democratic Party in Congress.

Senate Democrats have unified against exactly zero of Trump’s cabinet nominees.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who is allegedly a progressive leader, voted in favor of Dr. Ben Carson to lead a department he has no qualifications to run – the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who has great Instagram posts of food, voted with Republicans to raise prescription drug prices.

Senators who have no re-election fears whatsoever in 2018 are lying down and showing no signs of resisting Trump when the easiest show of resistance is a simple “thumbs down” on the Senate floor.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who took over as Democratic leader, so far, has decided to vote in favor of almost all of Trump’s nominees. What makes this even more confusing is that the messaging of Democratic leaders is the opposite of the action. The Democratic Party is at its lowest point in four decades in terms of seats held in the U.S. House of Representatives, governors’ houses and seats in state legislatures. With Trump’s arrival and no strategy to be seen, there has never been a better argument for younger and newer leadership. The decision between Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez

From 3 training and learning opportunities as well as news and stories that illustrate the ways in which race, gender, geography, ethnicity and socioeconomic status help determine health outcomes.

election loss and start playing better defense.

Lauren Victoria Burke is a political analyst who speaks on politics and AfricanAmerican leadership. She is also a frequent contributor to the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com.

Connect with Lauren by email at LBurke007@gmail. com and on Twitter at @ LVBurke.

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Lauren Burke says we should all take note of the Democrats who vote in favor of Trump’s cabinet nominees. Sen. Charles Schumer, (D-N.Y.) during a hearing attended by a panel of Department of Homeland Security senior officials in Washington, D.C.

for

Democratic

National

crucial benchmark for the

Classifieds Committee Chair will be a

party.

Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com St. Paul Central H.S. Class of 1967 50th Reunion Sept. 8-10, 2017 Facebook - St. Paul Central Class of 1967 50th Reunion or email address to: geministar1149 comcast.net, Marie Braddock Williams, Committee

Financial Criminal Debt Specialist

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Health

Obama’s first inauguration top Republicans met for dinner to discuss strategy against his agenda. That strategy was eight years of obstruction against Obama’s agenda … and it worked. Whether Democrats in the Senate and House like it or not, they are the first line of defense against the Trump Administration.

Have Democrats seen enough yet? If so, they need to stop crying over their

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Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr.

installed his racist, antiSemitic political advisor Steve Bannon as a member of the National Security Council (NSC). The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, fourstar Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford was removed from the NSC. This happened a day after the Trump White House released a Holocaust Remembrance Day statement that omitted the words “Jewish” or “Jews” from it and avoided mentioning that of one of the worst mass murders in history happened because of the faith of the victims. Then Trump officials doubled down by saying that not mentioning Jewish people was intentional because “others were killed too.”

On the day of Barack

Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang

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Page 6 • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Insight News

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Emerge: Confronting injustice, closing the racial jobs gap

By Ingrid Ferlo “Better jobs, better lives, better communities” is what drives Emerge.

Emerge is a placebased non-profit community development agency based on the Northside, dedicated to helping people redefine themselves. Emerge offers an array of community programs and career training that help young people, especially exoffenders, at risk youth and homeless fathers, be more marketable for employment.

“We are passionate about confronting injustice, closing the racial jobs gap, and helping to fight the digital divide between low-income people and others with higher level technical skills,” reads a statement on the Emerge website.

Chief executive officer

and president of Emerge, Mike Wynne was recently a guest on “Conversations with Al McFarlane” on KFAI Radio, 90.3 FM in Minneapolis and 107.6 FM in St. Paul. The show also reaches global audiences on www.kfai.org.

Wynne elaborated on the work that Emerge does, stating although there is much competition for funding, Emerge finds ways to generate income through employment placement.

“One of the things that we’ve seen is a blockade for funding for urban initiatives,” said Wynne.

In his observations, there has been an intentional lowering in investments for economic and housing developments. And while investment has decreased, the need of the people has increased, according to Wynne. Emerge sees an

emerge-mn.org

Mike Wynne, CEO Emerge increase in low income households, which poses a vulnerability for young

people to get involved in crime and drugs.

Wynne said Emerge

prioritizes finding jobs for people who need them most, like people who have been incarcerated.

The organization works with more than 3,000 low income individuals – 91 percent who are people of color.

Working on the forefront with communities suffering poverty, crime and violence, Wynne says he has observed the systematic racism that creates the disproportionate incarceration rates that exist for people of color. The disadvantages that people in communities of color face are compounded by the lack of employment creation and education opportunities.

A veteran in nongovernmental organization (NGO) work, Wynne spoke about his philosophy in the field and the rising misconception that disadvantaged people as less capable of building

themselves. He believes that while some NGOs look at communities from the outside and devise ways to “fix them,” Emerge works with people from the community to empower them and give them the necessary resources improve their lives.

“That is what our work seeks to do, invest in our neighbors to empower people to find their success,” said Wynne.

The work in social service is long and often unacknowledged, observed Wynne, whose father also dedicated his life to social service. The work that Emerge does, however, has made an impact and gathered acclaim. In 2014, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce recognized Emerge as Non Profit of the Year. In 2015 they were named Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builder.

AARP launches campaign urging opposition to “age tax” Congressional proposal would charge older americans thousands of dollars more for health insurance Washington, D.C. – AARP launched a campaign against the “age tax,” what it calls a proposed penalty on older adults that would line the pockets of big insurance companies, allowing them to charge older Americans more than $3,000 more than they currently pay per year.

AARP launched a new series of advertising that will also appear in numerous Congressional districts when members of Congress return home for President›s Day week.

“AARP urges Congress and the administration to reject the proposed ‹age tax› bill,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. “This so called ‘age rating’ proposal is Washington speak for an unfair tax increase that only helps insurance companies. AARP will fight to hold our elected officials accountable for taxing older American families with a burden they don›t deserve and can›t afford.”

LeaMond said in its current form, the age tax legislation, HR 708, would penalize middle class American families by changing current law to allow health insurance companies to charge older Americans up to five times

more in insurance premiums than other people, a large increase from current law which already allows companies to charge three times more. She said this proposal would have a severe impact on Americans aged 50-64 who have not yet become eligible for Medicare, and who may also have children under age 26 on their health insurance plans.

A report released by AARP›s Public Policy Institute, “Impact of Changing the Age Rating Limit for Health Insurance Premiums,” shows that changing the three to one limit on age rating to five to one would significantly raise premiums by as much as $3,200 for older adults.

AARP’s latest efforts come in addition to their continued advocacy of members of Congress and the Trump administration about the age tax.

The ads also come as an addition to AARP’s Medicare campaign, which takes on “premium support,” a proposal that the organization says would harm Medicare beneficiaries by turning the successful program into a private voucher program.

aarp.org

Nancy LeaMond

usbank.com

Celebrating our Community Please join us for a Black History Month event as we celebrate small business owners in our Minneapolis Community.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 | 6 to 9 p.m.

Machine Shop | 300 2nd St. SE | Minneapolis, MN 55414

Event features: Social Hour 6 to 7 p.m.

Welcome 7 to 7:15 p.m.

Financial Wellness Talk & Q&A with U.S. Bank bankers 7:15 to 8 p.m.

Live Entertainment and Networking 8 to 9 p.m.

RSVP at usbankblackhistorymonth.eventbrite.com Space is limited.

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insightnews.com

Insight News • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Page 7

Community Timberwolves and Lynx launch Black History Month essay contest The Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx are teaming up on an inaugural Black History Month essay contest.

The contest is looking for Minnesota students to submit an essay on a leader in American Black History that inspires.

A panel of Timberwolves and Lynx employees will review the submissions to narrow it down to the top essays, then those top essays will be reviewed by Rebekkah Brunson of the Lynx and Timberwolves’ Kris Dunn, who will choose one grandprize winner and two runnersup. Every participant in the essay contest will receive two Timberwolves tickets to a game in March and a special ticket offer to attend a Lynx game this summer at the Xcel Energy Center.

“I think it’s important to celebrate Black History Month to look back at the struggle, the accomplishments and the strength of black people throughout history,” said Brunson. “It is also important to remember and highlight Black trailblazers, so we do not forget what they have done and continue to do throughout all aspects of our society not only pertaining to civil rights, but also in fields from medicine to science to education.”

The grand-prize winner will receive four lower level tickets to the Timberwolves Fan Appreciation game on April 11, which includes a chance to sit on the team bench pregame, and tickets for the May 23 Lynx game for their entire classroom of up to 50 students, with a postgame meet and greet with Brunson. The runners-up will receive a Timberwolves and Lynx gift bags with signed Dunn and Brunson photos.

“Black History Month is a great time to reflect on all of the amazing African-American leaders throughout our country’s history that have made and continue to make an impact,” said Dunn. “There have been many leaders that I’ve looked up to over the years and I’m

looking forward to reading these essays to see who’s inspiring kids in Minnesota today.”

Submissions are currently being accepted and the contest will run through Feb. 24. Essays should be between 500-750 words and be submitted as an attachment to fastbreakfoundation@ timberwolves.com and include the entrants first and last name, school, grade, teacher, guardian contact information and mailing address. The contest is open to all elementary, middle and high school students. For more information, visit www. timberwolves.com/community or www.lynxbasketball.com/ community.

nba.com

Timberwolves’ Kris Dunn

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Rebekkah Brunson of the Lynx

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Lifestyle Helping our young men be better Man Talk

By Timothy Houston

New year, new me.

This was the personal affirmation my grandson Jayshawn shared with me as he was reflecting on turning 13 this year. The last couple of years have been tough for him, but he was declaring this year will be better. How do we help our

men and young men be better in 2017? Why is “thick skin” no longer adequate protection for the male ego?

When the man is healthy and whole, his emotions are in check and his desires are under control. As life goes on, the good in man is processed

normally, but when something happens that wounds his ego, attacks his sexuality, or scars him emotionally, a tear is made in his masculine soul. His thick skin is no longer his protection, and his ego and emotions become vulnerable to attack. He is now sexually, emotionally, or spiritually derailed, and all his actions become driven by the desire to heal the tear in his soul.

To become a new man the young man must acknowledge that he is wounded. When a man is scarred at a young age emotionally he only knows what he knows, so his broken life may seem normal to him. He may view his vices and addictions as a part of his life’s choices. He may need help in understanding the difference. The tear in the masculine soul is often caused by people and condition outside of the man. Because someone outside of him was involved in creating the tear, someone outside of him will be involved in the healing process as well.

Gambia From 3 the newly elected president, Barrow escaped to Senegal.

Dating back to 1978 and 1981, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nations signed protocol agreements on Mutual Defense Assistance and Allied Armed Forces for the communities with a view to providing tangible security for member nations when needed.

West African leaders believed that the Gambian nation was about to slide into a chaotic free-for-all crisis because of

Additionally, to become a new man the young man must allow medicine to get to the wound. This may be very painful. Wounds have to be exposed to be properly treated.

Sensitive nerves will become visible and inordinate affliction will rise to the surface. Men who have spent a lifetime masking the shame associated with their emotional scars are now asked to uncover it for healing sake. Despite this reservation, exposure is needed for permanent healing to take place.

To become a new man the young man must to submit himself to the aftercare process.

Emotional and spiritual wounds will have to be addressed and treated properly. No single therapy or counseling session will be sufficient. Men who are wounded need a safe, healthy environment to recover. This environment must be sterile and free from the vices that have once ruled their life. The

wounded man will need to stay clear any situation that has the potential injuring him again.

Like my grandson, we can all be better. We must all have qualified professional in our sphere to help us with our spiritual, emotional, physical and physiological needs.

Acknowledging the problem, allowing the medicine to get to the root of the problem and submitting to the aftercare are all a part of the process. Over the next month I encourage even man and young man to get an annual physical. Starting with good physical health will go a long way in helping you become a new man in 2017.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities.

To get copies of his books, for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Jammeh’s refusal to respect the election results and that Gambia might slide into total anarchy.

The leaders of ECOWAS, including Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson (past president of Liberia), who is the current president and chairwoman of the body, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and immediate past president of Ghana ,John Dramani Mahama, had all embarked on diplomatic trip to meet with Jammeh and personally encourage him to step down but all were rebuffed.

Jammeh was reminded that his refusal may result in loss of many lives.

Finally, ECOWAS leaders used diplomacy that was backed by military support to compel Jammeh to relinquish power.

As the deadline approached, troops from Nigeria, Senegal and other West African countries were arriving “battle ready” at the Senegal/Gambia border prepared to invade Gambia.

Faced with increasing military build-up in and around Gambia, Jammeh became convinced that he might pay the supreme price (his life) if the military forces met him in Gambia. He and his family were subsequently flown to Conakry, Guinea, where they would temporarily stay before leaving for Equatorial Guinea, where he proposes to live in exile.

On Jan. 26, Barrow’s plane touched down at the airport in the capital city of Banjul to jubilant crowds that warmly welcomed him.

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Page 9

Business Giving youth the keys to unlock their future

By George Cleveland Vice President of Channel Operations Cricket Wireless Every school year, scholars, parents, media and politicians debate the best way to educate our youth and prepare them for success in a growing global economy. The debate is often centered on whether public, private or charter schools offer the best opportunities for kids to succeed. Each institution has its own supporters and detractors, successes and failures. One point everyone agrees on is that every student deserves access to a quality education despite their economic situation.

Unfortunately, public schools face multiple challenges that impact our teachers’ ability to effectively educate their students, and the challenges are compounded in economically distressed areas. As a kid growing up in Macon, GA, I

attended both a school located in a lower economic community and one in a more affluent area.

These varied experiences helped me understand the important role financial and socio-economic differences play on education.

Hard work and dedication helped bring my vision to life. I serve as vice president of channel operations at Cricket Wireless, a subsidiary of AT&T, where I’m responsible for customer care, training and communications, digital experience and sales operations. I’m proud to represent both AT&T and Cricket. Our employees donate countless dollars and volunteer hours to support organizations like Junior Achievement (JA).

JA is redesigning the student learning experience in Georgia, which we hope will serve as a model for schools across the country.

“There is a direct correlation between education and economic development,” said Jack Harris, president & CEO, Junior Achievement of GA.

George Cleveland “Through strategic partnerships between JA, school systems and the business community, this model [JA Academy] has the potential to transform education to meet the needs of today’s students. Together we can bring innovation to education in order to create more pipelines to economic opportunities for all students.”

The JA Academy is a full immersion “school-within-

a-school” model that acts as a joint venture between JA, the local school system, and the business community. It’s designed to provide rigorous standards-based education infused with career readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. This model ensures that learning is relevant, experiential and authentically connected to the complexities that exist beyond the classroom walls.

This model is working and JA recently announced that the program will launch in Atlanta Public Schools at the start of the 2017 school year. It’s currently operating in two school systems in Metro Atlanta - Fulton County Schools and Gwinnett County Public Schools – and, the first-year results are really encouraging: • Attendance: Chronic absenteeism decreased by 75% in the second semester compared to non-JA Academy students, and overall JA Academy students are present much more frequently than their non-JA Academy counterparts.

• Reading & Math Levels: JA Academy students advanced an average of nearly 3 grade levels in Reading and Math from the beginning of the year, starting from an average level of 6th grade.

• Discipline: Discipline incidents occurred 90% less compared to non-JA Academy 9th grade students, and fell 49% from fall to spring semester

amongst JA Academy students.

• Assessments: JA Academy students outperformed their peers in every state milestone assessment for 9th grade – Science, Math, and English Language Arts – while at the same time, the scores for the overall 9th grade students increased from the year before.

The above results are truly impressive. My hope is that the JA Academy will be adopted by more school systems in Georgia and throughout the country. This will take time, patience and commitment. It’s imperative that every child have the opportunity to reach their potential. Until then, I ask that you join me in giving your time and sharing your experience with our youth by serving as a mentor, or volunteering with organizations like JA. Let’s help them locate the keys to unlock their potential and passion to be successful leaders in a growing global economy. We all can make and be a part of history!

Mary McLeod Bethune – world class fundraiser

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Don’t forget to pass the hat In the early 1950s I had the honor to hear Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune speak in a packed, hot

Clippers N’ Curls

and humid Clayborn Temple in downtown Memphis. She was a powerful orator. She mesmerized me, she mesmerized the crowd.

She raised money for BethuneCookman College the old fashioned way … she passed the hat. – Melvin Shaw I will never forget her for as long as I live.

She spoke of going door-todoor asking for nickels, quarters, food; anything people could spare to help support her college.

She believed in education and she didn’t wait for others to do what needed to be done.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was just 29 years old when she opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. By 1931 her

school had merged with another and become the college now known as Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla. She was an educator, a businesswoman, an activist, and a co-founder of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). She was a fundraiser long before there was a “development office.”

She knew that if she intended to educate young AfricanAmericans it wasn’t enough for her to teach – she had to make sure students had food to eat, sheets for their beds, books, paper, money to pay the light bill and to pay faculty. She started what became a major university with five African-American girls and what we today call a grassroots campaign.

The clinic provides medical, dental, behavioral health and vision care services and has two sites in Minneapolis – medical and behavioral health

are located at 324 E. 35th St. and dental and vision are located at 4243 4th Ave. S. No one is turned away due to lack of insurance or inability to pay.

McLeod Bethune created the energy and buzz that surrounded the college. She had a vision and she passionately brought people around her who could ensure that her dream – and its impact on the AfricanAmerican community – would come alive and grow. She looked to the African-American community first for support and the college took root. She built a base of small donors who believed in the college at a time when the great majority of African-Americans were not educated and did not have access to education. She traveled across the country preaching, passing the hat, and asking everybody to support her students.

The fundraising principles used by McLeod Bethune are the same principles that drive fundraising today. She had a vision that directly addressed a critical community need. She had a clear plan. She clearly and powerfully articulated her vision and encouraged others to give.

And she was undeterred.

These principles may sound simple, but they cannot be overlooked. In today’s language this means clearly identifying your mission and vision, creating an informative and persuasive case for support, and then consistently communicating with those who share your vision. It’s not just about talking to the powerful; it’s about talking

to the community and creating a shared vision and ownership.

This is so important. We must remember to fully engage our community. Small gifts are powerful. They demonstrate support to those who can give more. And grassroots fundraising keeps us tied to those we serve.

It’s Black history month let’s not forget our history of successful fundraising.

Copyright 2017 Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For more information visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

From 3 Minneapolis.

Wilson’s shop has participated in the program for several years.

“It was an easy decision for me to have the machine in the shop,” said Wilson. “A lot of times people have issues with going to doctors and they may not get their blood pressure readings as frequently as needed.

Having it here in the shop, I can easily convince a person to get a blood pressure reading while they’re waiting to get their hair cut.”

Southside’s outreach director, Clarence Jones, estimates that with 11 barbershops there will be an average of 12,000 to 15,000 blood pressure self-checks annually. He attributes the program’s growing success to community collaboration and the use of “trusted messengers.”

“Traditionally AfricanAmerican barbers have been trusted messengers in their communities,” said Jones who is African-American and a long-time resident of South Minneapolis.

“People feel comfortable talking about personal matters with their barber; something that doesn’t happen in other settings.

Even in a doctor’s office the conversations can be awkward.

The barbers help normalize the health conversation.”

While Southside’s Clippers N’ Curls for the Heart Program wouldn’t be a success without the barbers and beauticians who have embraced the opportunity to address a major health disparity, other community partners have helped with the program as well.

Additional partners include the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Barber Board, Minnesota Black Nurses Association, Minnesota Visiting Nurses Association, and the University of Minnesota Health Disparities Research Group.

For more information about the Clippers N’ Curls program call Sue Rohland at (612) 8212798.

Southside Community Health Services is a full service, primary health care center serving Twin Cities’ residents.

Barber student Jimmy Symkiew practices checking his blood pressure so that he can coach his customers on how to selfcheck blood pressure.

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR AND SHOWTIMES STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 THEATERS

Page 10 • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Insight News

Destiny Roberts

insightnews.com

1

Thundercat

Scarface

Feb. 20 – Feb. 26

Monday, Feb. 20 HIP-HOP/ PERFORMANCE

Feb. 20 Feb. 26, 2017

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking.

Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com

Verge of March: The Dopest Winter Hip-Hop Show Honey 205 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

KPW brings you a night of hip-hop with MycDazzle, Vinny Crook$ and Kvmaal.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 ARTIST TALK Embracing Our Talented Northside Neighbors and Friends: Juan A Reed Camden Neighborhood Center

1210 37th Ave. N., Minneapolis 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

February 23

This monthly series features Juan Andre’ Reed, illustrator and graphic designer.

Reed, from Cleveland, is a self-taught artist and head of Dre One Graphics and Illustrations.

The Feels – A Night of Resilience Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 22 REGGAE/DANCE NIGHT Reggae Happy Hour Red Sea 320 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis 10 p.m.

21-plus No cover This weekly free night of reggae features DJ Sounds of Fujun.

Thursday,

VISUAL ARTS

Artists and curators Adja Gildersleve, Anna Min and Tina Cho partner with Min Enterprises Photography, LLC for the opening of a new interactive visual arts exhibition featuring people, photography, film and the written word to explore the experiences of “FOrmerly poOR Folx.”

Friday, Feb. 24 ECLECTIC/ PERFORMANCE

Thundercat Fine Line Music Café 318 1st Ave. N. 8 p.m.

18-plus Sold out From features with Flying Lotus to playing in thrash band Suicidal Tendencies, bassist/ producer Thundercat flexes his wide range as a true talent. This one should be worth the money, though if you don’t have a ticket already the price went up because it’s a sold out show.

Saturday, Feb. 25 HIP-HOP/ PERFORMANCE Scarface and Do or Die Prive 315 N. 1st. Ave., Minneapolis 10 p.m.

21-plus $25 general admission, $40 VIP Hip-hop legends Scarface of the Geto Boys and Chicago’s Do or Die return with OG Grip and Ox the Cash Maker.

Sunday, Feb. 26 HIP-HOP/ PERFORMANCE Destiny Roberts Presents “Moon” – the Album Release Party The Southern Theater 1420 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $10 advance, $15 door Destiny Roberts releases her new visual/ music project, “Moon Melanin Mami.” This event is not to be missed.

Mbongwana Star headlines The Cedar with Zuluzuluu on the bill

Photo by Renaud Barret

Internationally acclaimed Mbongwana Star is coming to Minneapolis.

Hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbongwana Star features a new generation of Kinshasa musicians embodying the concept of change (mbongwana) led by Coco Ngambali and Theo Nzonza, two founders of Congolese super-group Staff Benda Bilili. Along with maverick Parisian producer Doctor L (Tony Allen), the band creates a sound that embodies the “smashedtogether” nature of the surroundings from which it was born. The group fuses traditional Congolese rhythms with European post-punk bass and busted electronics from recycled and reconstructed instruments, amplified

and distorted in unexpected ways.

Their celebrated album “From Kinshasa” (World Circuit) has won numerous awards.

Mbongwana Star makes its Midwest premiere at The Cedar on Friday, March 3 at 8 p.m. Zuluzuluu opens the show. The Cedar is located at 416 Cedar Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

Tickets to Mbongwana Star are $28 and are available online at both www. thecedar.org and www. walkerart.org/tickets, by phone at (612) 3757600 (Walker) or (612) 338-2674 (The Cedar), and at Depth of Field, Electric Fetus and The Cedar.

The show is copresented by the Walker Art Center and The Cedar.

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Page 11

‘Resistance, Protest, Resilience’ on display at Mia

Photographer Thomas F. Arndt’s

“Political Demonstration, Democratic Convention, San Francisco 1984.”

The opposition came from some average everyday white Americans. It came from hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. And most appalling, it came from government

and law enforcement officials.

The opposition was by no means universal. But the fact was, many who would later become vocal in their support of civil rights we not

as vocal early on because they simply lacked knowledge of how insidious the acts of injustice were until the images of savage brutality started dominating television and print

Images courtesy of the Minneapolis Institute of Art

Daido Moriyama captured this image from the Oct. 21, 1969 International Anti-War Day. news coverage. Photos of children’s and women’s flesh being ripped open by police attack dogs became too much to bear. If not for those powerful images, who knows when

– or if – the tide would have changed.

An exhibit on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) brings greater light to the images and photographers who helped capture

resistance movements worldwide.

Exhibition in Mia Harrison Gallery and Gallery 370 through April 2, 2017.

Awards season heats up over busy weekend

gettyimages

Adele with Grammys

By Kam Williams Big winners include ‘Blackish,’ Adele and ‘La-La Land’ The NAACP, Grammys and British Academy Awards were all handed out this past

Lala Land with Bafta awards

Black-ish with NAACP image awards

weekend (Feb. 10 – Feb. 12).

The festivities kicked off with the Image Awards, a Friday and Saturday event with only the second night being televised.

The sitcom “Blackish” took home the most TV trophies (six), Beyoncé garnered five Image Awards for her

concept album, “Lemonade,” while the film “Moonlight” landed four awards.

On Sunday, Adele dominated the Grammys, winning for Album (“25”), Record, Song (“Hello”) and Solo Performance of the Year.

In the process, she beat out

Beyoncé, who had the most Grammy nominations of anyone (nine) but only prevailed in the Music Video and Urban Contemporary categories.

Meanwhile, the British

Academy of Film and Television Arts was staging its award ceremony across the pond. “La La Land” continued its victory tour, adding notches to its belt in the Best Picture, Actress (Emma

Stone), Director (Damien Chazelle), Original Music and Cinematography categories.

Up next are the Oscars, which will air live on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Omnifest 2017: Science Museum’s giant screen film festival

mm.org/media

From March 3 through May 4, the Science Museum of Minnesota’s William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater will host one of its most popular traditions.

Omnifest 2017, the Omnitheater’s annual giant screen film festival, will feature five films running in rotation on

its 90-foot domed screen. With topics ranging from mountain climbing to modern-day Egypt to space travel to shark ecology, the festival offers something for all ages and interests.

Included in this year’s festival is “Everest,” one of the

most popular giant screen films in Omnitheater history, along with “Mystery of the Nile,” “A Beautiful Planet,” the Science Museum’s own “Search for the Great Sharks” and “To the Arctic,” which is new to the Omnitheater.

Omnifest’s five films will run in rotation during regular museum hours. Find a complete schedule at www.smm.org/ omnifest. Tickets are $9.95 for adults and $8.95 for kids ages 4 to 12 and seniors. Subsequent same-day film tickets are $2 off of the original price. Science Museum members receive free tickets for one Omnitheater film per day for each person covered under the membership.

As with all Omnitheater showings, advance reservations are are available by visiting www.smm.org or calling (651) 221-9444.

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The Guthrie Theater’s production is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Page 12 • February 20 - February 26, 2017 • Insight News

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‘Hot Sauce’ brought the heat to the Parkway Theater

Photos by Harry Colbert Jr.

Brandon “Hot Sauce” Glover

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Funny has a new home.

For nearly two years Rick Brunson’s House of Comedy

in Mall of America was host to Comedian Shed G’s monthly comedy series that features area and prominent national comedians, but that’s no longer the case. Shed G has moved the popular Wednesday series to Pepito’s Parkway

Shed G Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis.

To christen the move Shed brought in one of the hottest comedians on the touring circuit, Brandon “Hot Sauce” Glover. Glover, who will be headlining the world famous

Apollo Theater on March 2, gave the Parkway audience all it could handle, offering up jokes about being petty to children after a break-up, being pulled over for a traffic stop, going to the club broke and intimate roaches. Glover’s

delivery, energy on stage and rapid-fire jokes helped fill the theater with sounds of non-stop laughter.

After the show, Shed G, Glover and audience members moved the fun next door to Pepito’s restaurant for karaoke.

Shed G’s comedy series is the third Wednesday of the month. Next month’s headliner is “Def Comedy Jam” and “Comic View” alum, Tony Woods.

OSP: Not your everyday gangster rapper

By Ingrid Ferlo “I’m a different emcee; I’m not your everyday gangster rapper.”

Those are the words of Robert “OSP” French about the identity that shapes him as an artist. French, better known by his professional name OSP (On Something Personal), is proud to be a Minnesota-born musician who believes in the power of hip-hop to create healthier trends for young people of color.

OSP was a recent guest on “Conversations with Al McFarlane” which airs live every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. on KFAI 90.3 FM and reaches global audiences on www.kfai.org.

OSP credits his mother, uncles and aunts – all

musicians and Southern Baptists – as the motivation behind his early interest in music. When asked where his name came from he said that he wanted to find a name people would remember.

“Everything we do – how we feel about social issues we live – is something personal,” said OSP. “It resonates to people and they can relate to it.”

The artist said he often writes from painful experiences that have helped him grow into the person he is. He also finds motivation from the likes of Gil Scott Haron, John Coltrane, James Baldwin, Amiri Baraka, the D.O.C., Ice Cube and The Roots.

OSP started out rapping in the 1990s as young teenager when break dancing on street corners was common and improvised

lyrics made the music original. The industry took a turn for the worst, says OSP, when music became about profiteering. He feels artists have replaced originality with mimicking and as a result, the recurrent themes in hip-hop have become about gangs, drugs and the degradation of women.

The emcee considers himself as somewhat of an avant-garde artist who wants to bring back the music from where it is to where it came.

“I want to bring back hip-hop to the place that made the genre beloved around the world,” said OSP. He said the music with messages of violence and drugs has been shaping urban youths’ way of life for years and that’s why it’s necessary for the messages to change.

To change the music, it is necessary to change the

people, according to OSP. He said that is why he spends a large amount of time mentoring young people.

“I work with kids.

I coach basketball in community centers for the kids who are misunderstood; for the pipeline that stretched from education to the penitentiary,” said OSP, who said he gets inspired by the possibilities of achievement for young people in disadvantaged communities.

OSP also has strong political opinions. Especially in the current political climate that he said threatens the rights of many minority communities. He believes it is an artist duty to speak up.

“If now is not the time to say something that means something, I don’t know when that time will be,” said OSP. “(Music can) tell the story that doesn’t get told.”

Robert “OSP” French

facebook.com

MNHS.ORG

Explore art, race and a nation on stage through the prism of the African American experience.

Celebrating the next generation of Black History makers Higher education opens the door for many in our communities.

That’s why we contribute more than $1 million annually to both the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund*. Our investment helps to provide scholarships, programs, and professional development to assist future leaders on their path to making history of their own.

NOW ON VIEW 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102 *Thurgood Marshall College Fund and United Negro College Fund names and logos are used with their permission, which in no way constitute an endorsement, expressed or implied, of any product, service, company, or individual. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (3768501_19830)