Insight News ::: 3.7.11

SIMONE DAUGHTER OF THE LEGENDARY NINA SIMONE March 10, 2011 7:00 pm at DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB & RESTAURANT, 1010 Nicollet Avenue, Mpls. For more information or tickets: - 612-332-1010 - www.dakotacooks.com

Bengt Nyman

INSIGHT NEWS March 7 - March 13, 2011 • MN Metro Vol. 37 No. 10 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

‘Pan-Africanist’ Gaddafi leaves a destabilizing legacy, critics say (GIN) – The widely-held belief that Libyan leader Moammar Al Gaddafi was an ardent pan-Africanist, nurturing political movements and funding liberation groups with generous petro-dollars, obscures another side of the north African autocrat.

Some of that history was recounted by journalist Howard French in a recent copy of The Atlantic magazine. In his article, “How Qaddafi Reshaped Africa,” French cites Gaddafi’s training and financing of such disgraced

leaders as Charles Taylor who invaded Liberia in 1989 and who largely introduced the first mass deployment of child soldiers.

Gaddafi made mischief in all parts of Africa using the money left over from dealings with Europeans to spread insecurity and violence in all parts of Africa, wrote Prof. Horace Campbell in “Gaddafi’s leadership – an obstacle to African Unity.”

“It must be clarified here,”

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Africa allies chided for silence on Libyan uprising

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse B. Awalt/Released

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi

(GIN) – Years of financially supportive relationships with Libya’s Moammar Al Gaddafi have created a moral dilemma for African leaders who have said little as violence flares in that northern nation.

Their delayed reaction to the blood spilling on the streets

of Tripoli generated sharp criticism from opinion setters.

Moses Chamboko, writing in the Zimbabwe Telegraph, did not mince words.

“Unashamedly, African leaders have literally gone on

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MN House of Representatives DFL Caucus

Representative Moran (MN-65A) presents awards to 16 parents recognized for their achievements for their communities at the Great Hall in Minnesota State Capitol.

Rep. Rena Moran honors parents As part of National Parent Leadership month, State Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – St. Paul) recently presented awards to 16 Minnesota parents at the State Capitol. The ceremony, hosted by Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, was part of several taking place across the nation to honor parents.

“This is about lifting up parents who have done great work for their communities and families,” said Moran.

“It’s an honor to take part in a national effort to strengthen our communities by empowering

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Protecting children from sexual exploitation The Advocates for Human Rights and The Family Partnership welcomed last week’s announcement by county attorneys and law enforcement of a new approach to protecting children from sexual exploitation. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, joined by an array of

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi

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Plan Your Career

Rejection: Getting through Nos

PAGE 3

The Grand Finale

By Ivan B. Phifer Staff Writer

MORE ON PAGE 11 Suluki Fardan

Nellie Ruth Brown funeral procession on West Broadway

NAACP supports union bargaining rights (Baltimore, MD)—On Saturday, February 19, the NAACP National Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution supporting the right of public sector employment unions to engage in collective bargaining, marking their opposition to the bargaining restrictions sought recently by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and many other states.

“The NAACP stands in solidarity with our union brothers and sisters in Wisconsin, and throughout the country,” stated Chairman Roslyn M. Brock.

Education

Students study history makers

PAGE 4

“This coordinated effort to desensitize and misinform public opinion as it relates to workers’ rights is unconscionable in these times of economic strife.”

Governor Walker – and over two dozen other state elected officials – has proposed legislation that would strip state workers of nearly all their collective bargaining rights, in addition to cutting pay and benefits. The legislation has been met with massive protests by organized labor across Wisconsin and throughout the country.

“The NAACP, along with our

over 1200 branches and youth and college chapters, stands with the teachers, service workers, public employees and hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin residents in opposition to Governor Scott Walker’s shortsighted state budget,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “As this nation pulls itself out of the Great Recession, state budgets should not be balanced on the backs of Wisconsin hard working state and local employees who provide vital services to our communities.

Governor Walker should do the

Aesthetics

A chat between a journalist and gentleman

PAGE 5

job he was elected to do, which is to put people back to work – not on the unemployment line.”

“Our nation must enact smart policies to stimulate economic growth and create jobs,” continued Jealous. “We cannot cut our way out of the recession. Job creation increases our tax revenues and consumer dollars, which will grow our economy and ultimately reduce our deficit. The NAACP stands ready to fight in opposition to similar legislation in any state

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Lifestyle

Socializing at the Guthrie

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Page 2 • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Insight News

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A cutting edge solution to Black health

By Ivan B. Phifer Staff Writer The barbershop soapbox frames our community discussion of issues in the neighborhood, as well as national and global events.

Health educators and advocates have engaged Twin Cities barbershops to expand discussion and awareness regarding the health issue of organ donors and kidney transplants.

Compared to other groups, African Americans are less likely to designate themselves as organ and tissue donors; yet they are at an increased risk for organ failure due to higher prevalence of disease in African American men, such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

Three years ago, LifeSource, in partnership with the University of Minnesota and Q Health Services embarked on an initiative called Barbershop Conversations to get the word out about this health dilemma.

On Monday February 21st, at Urban Research Outreach and Engagement Center (UROC), 2100 Plymouth Ave., barbers from shops across the Twin Cities assembled to assess their project Barbershop Conversations project coordinator Shawn

Clarence Jones Lewis, University of Minnesota epidemiologist David Verdasovich, Clarence Jones of Southside Community Health Services, and representatives of Q Health Connection, LifeSource, Transplantation Information Service, The Division of Transplantation and the St Paul Foundation were on hand to applaud the innovative health education initiative.

The Keynote speaker for the event was WCCO 4 news anchor Reg Chapman.

Funded by a federal grant from Health and Human Services, and supported by Pan African Community

Endorsement of the St Paul Foundation, Barbershop Conversations recruited and educated 26 barbers at 18 barbershops in African American communities around the Twin Cities. The mission: understand and convey information on critical health issues to their clients.

Verdasovich, whose responsibility was outcome evaluations, highlighted key findings of the project: “There are a couple big areas. One has to do with identifying major health problems among the African American community.

The

Suluki Fardan

three dominant problems are hypertension, diabetes and obesity,” he said. “These three conditions are what half of the clients had that were recruited.

They were also predecessors to kidney disease, which is a major problem inflicting the Black community, that actually puts them on the kidney transplant waiting list,” Verdasovich said.

In Minnesota, more than 2,800 people are waiting for a transplant. Of those, 11 percent, or 308 of these individuals are African American.

“In this country we have a large disproportionate number of African Americans on the

waiting list for kidneys,” Verdasovich said.

Reg Chapman encouraged use of barbershops as vital sources of information in for spreading the word about health issues.

“Growing up in Omaha, the barbershop was a gathering place in our community; where men could be men, where a generation of information could be passed down in an hour, where we went to seek the council of the elders in our community,” he said.

“One thing that was missing was the conversation about our health. You would hear the old man talk about his gout problems, being a diabetic or having sugar, strokes and heart attacks; but there was never anyone there to offer solutions, to talk about going to the doctor, what it means to be a healthy citizen in our community,” he said.

“I realized I could use the power of media to spread this message in our community, and also educate myself and my family,” Chapman said.

Clarence Jones described the project details and myths that existed around organ donation.

“The project began four years ago with two objectives: We wanted to increase the number of African American men who designated themselves

as organ and tissue donors.

We wanted to increase their willingness to change health behaviors that lead to organ failures,” he said. “There were three community coordinators trained with a variety of health information including diabetes, hypertension, nutrition, stress, obesity, organ and tissue donation,” Jones said.

The myths that existed around organ donation were a result of misinformation.

“There was a widespread suspicion that they would not receive proper medical treatment once health care providers recognized they were designated organ donors.

The second was religious.

Many though their church did not support the idea of organ donation,” Jones said.

“We soon learned that many of the barbers had the same health issues as their clients,” Jones said. “Nearly at least one-half were at risk for kidney disease; nearly nine percent had diabetes, more than 20% have high blood pressure, and a third were overweight,” he said.

“The barbers were offered education and medical treatment to help them control their own health. It also increased their credibility and ability to communicate the importance of healthy life style and organ donations,” he said.

Hispanic and women farmers claim discrimination WASHINGTON – As part of continued efforts to close the chapter on allegations that discrimination occurred at USDA in past decades, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General Tony West last week announced the establishment of a process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who assert that they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans.

“The Obama Administration has made it a priority to resolve all claims of past discrimination at USDA, and we are committed to closing this sad chapter in USDA’s history,” said Vilsack.

“Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege past discrimination can now come forward to participate in a claims process in which they have the opportunity to receive compensation.”

“Under the resolution, USDA and Hispanic and women farmers will be able to move forward and focus on the future,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. “The administrative process being established will give Hispanic and women farmers who believe they suffered discrimination the chance to have their claims heard.”

The claims process offers a streamlined alternative to litigation and provides at least $1.33 billion in compensation, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers.

This announcement follows the Obama Administration’s settlement of longstanding litigation brought by African American farmers and Native American farmers.

The program announced provides up to $50,000 for each Hispanic or woman farmer who can show that USDA denied them a loan or loan servicing for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and

2000. Hispanic or female farmers who provide additional proof and meet other requirements can receive a $50,000 reward.

Successful claimants are also eligible for funds to pay the taxes on their awards and for forgiveness of certain existing USDA loans. There are no filing fees or other costs to claimants to participate in the program.

Participation is voluntary, and individuals who opt not to participate are not precluded by the program from filing a complaint in court.

In conjunction with this announcement, USDA is launching an outreach effort to potential claimants that will

include a call center for farmers and ranchers, a website, public service announcements, and in-person meetings around the country. Individuals interested in participating in the claims process may register to receive a claims package, or may obtain more information, by visiting www. farmerclaims.gov.

Beginning February 25, 2011, individuals can register to receive a claims package by calling the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429. USDA cannot provide legal advice to potential claimants. Persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.

Under Secretary Vilsack’s

leadership, USDA is addressing civil rights complaints that go back decades, and this announcement is another major step towards achieving that goal.

USDA is committed to resolving allegations of past discrimination and ushering in “a new era of civil rights” for the Department.

In February 2010, the Secretary announced the Pigford II settlement with African American farmers, and in October 2010, he announced the Keepseagle settlement with Native American farmers. Meanwhile, Secretary Vilsack continues to advocate for resolution of all remaining claims of past discrimination against USDA.

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Insight News • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Page 3

BUSINESS

Rejection: Getting through the nos Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Business owner Jim brought Sales 101 to his team this week.

He singlehandedly played both parts to demonstrate a very familiar sales call: Kid: Can I have a cookie?

Dad: No. Kid: Please, can I have a

cookie?

Dad: No. Kid: Daddy, please may I have a cookie?

Dad: No. Kid: Just one? Please?

Dad: No. Kid: C’mon, please, Dad, just one cookie?

Dad (ripping open the package): Oh, all right, here, take the whole package!

Familiar scene?

Who has not had the experience of, in exasperation, rewarding someone simply for persistence?

Why do you think the same commercials

run repeatedly, and the same jingles are played so frequently that we can’t get them out of our brains?

Jim’s team is learning that the best way to get a yes is to start collecting no’s. In fact, studies show it takes five rejections to get to an acceptance, on average.

This means that if you call on someone one time, it is reasonable to expect him to reject whatever you have to sell. Successful salespeople know that the best response to that first rejection is, “Thank you.” Thank you, customer, for getting us through that first

no. Remember, customer, we need about five of those if I am going to make a sale.

So the next day or week or month, you return to the same door, knock, and this time the prospect might recognize your company name or product. But he or she will still, most likely, refuse to buy. So you say, “Thank you,” again, and go on your way, because you are now one no closer to yes.

Continue this process in a friendly, upbeat, positive way and by the fifth call, you just might have a prospect willing to hear your pitch. And he or she will still, in all likelihood,

turn you down. This means you have a whole pocketful of rejections, but you know that it takes about five no’s to get to yes. So you go back one more time and, at long last, you get the sale.

Kids know this persuasion system intuitively. It starts when they holler for that first sip of milk. What do we do? We give them what they need. Eventually, most of us unlearn this behavior. We hear that begging is annoying, and no means no, and eventually professional rejection starts to feel personal.

If you are responsible for

business development, or just want to reach a goal, try to step back into that little kid inside you, the one who never gives up. Reach further, move away from your comfort zone, and ask for the sale. If you have competition, they’ll likely drop out of the race long before you do. And soon enough, you will see someone tearing open a metaphorical box of cookies and saying, “Here, take the whole thing.”

Julie Desmond is a recruiter with Specialized Recruiting Group in Minneapolis. Write to julie@insightnews.com.

$13.8 million for Minnesotans who have not filed a 2007 tax return The Internal Revenue Service has nearly $13.8 million for about 14,000 Minnesotans who have not filed their 2007 income tax returns.

Nationwide, unclaimed refunds totaling about $1.1 billion are awaiting 1.1 million people who have not filed a federal tax return for 2007. To collect this money, a 2007 tax return must be filed with the IRS no later than Monday, April 18, 2011.

The IRS estimates that half of the Minnesota unclaimed refunds could be for more than $604 ($640 nationwide).

“Double-check your tax

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Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Andrew Notsch Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond S. Himie Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

records to see if you filed your 2007 tax return,” said Sue Hales, IRS spokeswoman.

“You can’t get your 2007 tax refund unless you file your tax return by the April 18th deadline.”

The law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity to file a return and claim a refund. For 2007 tax returns, that window closes on April 18, 2011.

Awards From 1 parents to take an active role in their community.”

Connecting Capitol with Community State Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – St. Paul) announced the following meetings in March to connect Capitol with Community. Moran invites members of the public to attend collaborative discussions with community leaders on

Hales stated that returns must be properly addressed, postmarked and mailed by that date. There is no penalty assessed by IRS for the late filing of a return that qualifies for a refund. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

Some people may not have filed a tax return because they had too little income to the important issues that will affect our state’s future.

Monday, March 7th Rondo Library, 461 N. Dale St. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Topics: Education and Health Care Special Guests: Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Minnesota Commissioner of Education, Rep. Nora Slawik, Former Chair of Early Childhood Education Tuesday, March 22 Topics: Education and Public Safety Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice Street

require filing even though they had taxes withheld from their wages or made quarterly estimated payments.

“Even if you are not required to file a federal tax return, you may want to file to get a refund of any withheld taxes and, if eligible, the Earned Income Tax Credit,” Hales said. “The Earned Income Tax Credit can substantially increase refunds for qualified taxpayers.”

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds.

Taxpayers may qualify for the EITC if, in 2007, they earned less than $39,783 and had two or more qualifying children, earned less than $35,241 with one qualifying child, or earned less than $14,590 and had no qualifying children. The maximum EITC for 2007 was $4,716.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2007 refund that their checks could be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2008 or 2009. Also, refunds will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS and may be used to satisfy unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or by calling

5:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m.

Special Guests: Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Minnesota Commissioner of Education, Sen. John Harrington, Mona Dohman, Commissioner of Public Safety and Rep. Carlos Mariani, Former Chair of Education Policy Saturday, March 26 Topic: Open Mike Rondo Library, 461 N. Dale St. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Special Guests: Rep. Paul Thissen, Minority Leader, Rep. Michael Nelson, Former Chair of Local Government, and Rep. Alice Hausman, Former Chair of Capital Investment.

1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800829-3676). Information about the Earned Income Tax Credit is available on the IRS Web site at the EITC Home Page.

Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for 2007, 2008 or 2009 should request copies from their employers, banks or other

payers. If these efforts are unsuccessful, taxpayers can get a free transcript showing information from these yearend documents by ordering online at IRS.gov, calling 1-800908-9946 or by filing Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, with the IRS.

Page 4 • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Students study history makers

By Elizabeth Varavang and Derartu Ansha WE WIN Institute makes a difference in the lives of all children. Whether they are African, Asian, European or Indian, WE WIN creates successes with them. The organization’s Afrocentric curriculum teaches all the students served about the great accomplishments of people of African descent. Not just Black children need to know about the triumphs of African people, all students need to know the great feats of Africans including how they built the pyramids, how Africans started the first universities, created astronomy, mathematics, farming, irrigation systems and even developed the ironing board. Elizabeth Varavang, who is of Asian descent, and Deratu (African Ethiopian descent), share their understanding of Garrett Morgan and Granville Woods.

My name is Elizabeth Varavang. I am in third grade.

I go to Marcy Open School.

When I grow up, I want to be an author or an artist. I am learning how to multiply in math. At WE WIN I am learning about African and African Americans.

Miss Kenna is our dance and drum teacher. She teaches us a dance called “Sofa.” I like WE WIN because they help me with reading and writing and with tests.

Before I started WE WIN I didn’t know anything about all the inventions of African Americans. I’m going to tell you about Garrett Morgan.

Garrett Morgan was a great man. His full name was Garrett Augustus Morgan. He was born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky. When Garrett was little, he had a simple little life as a boy. He went to school and worked on his family’s farm.

His parents used to be slaves.

Morgan left Kentucky to go to Cincinnati, Ohio, to find a job. It wasn’t easy to find a job but he finally found one as a handyman. Because he was an African American, he had to work at the age of 14-yearsold. Because he had to work, he couldn’t go to school. He was smart though, he knew he had to learn so he paid a tutor. Morgan moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1895, to work on broken sewing machines for a clothing factory.

Garrett Morgan was married in 1896 to Madge Nelson, but they got divorced. His skills of fixing things and experimenting spread quickly, which made

Courtesy of WeWin Institute

Derartu Ansha (left) and Elizabeth Varavang

Garrett Morgan him want to make more things.

He invented the gas mask, the traffic light and a hair straightener. His gas mask was used to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel filled with fumes.

Morgan was the first African American in Cleveland to own a car!

Morgan decided to make the

gas mask after hearing about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire where people died. Three men used the gas mask to save two other men from the 1916 tunnel explosion under Lake Erie. Morgan got an award for bravery. It was the gold Carnegie Medal. Morgan won more medals for bravery. He

Granville T. Woods died in 1963, but he is still an amazing man.

My name is Derartu Ansha.

I’m in fifth grade. At school we learn about shapes and figures and measurements. I’m 10-years-old. I like to write and read. I really like WE WIN because I learn about things I never knew. They teach me

about Africans.

I learned that Egyptians are African people. We drum and dance. I love the teachers at WE WIN because they are nice and very helpful. I want to be a doctor or a writer. One of the people I learned about at WE WIN that I never knew about is Granville T. Woods.

Granville T. Woods was born in Columbus, Ohio. He spent his life creating a lot of inventions for the railroad industry. Granville T. Woods invented more than a dozen tools to make electric railway cars better. He invented many things that controlled the flow of electricity. The invention he is most known for is a system for letting the engineer of a train know how close his train is to another train. This device helped cut down accidents.

Woods loved the railroad.

In 1888, Granville Woods created a system for overhead electric conducting lines for railroads. This helped in the growth of the overhead railroad systems that can be seen in cities like Chicago and New York City. When Woods was in his thirties, he was interested in thermal power and the steam driven engines. In 1889, he filed his first patent for a better steam boiler furnace. In 1887, he patented the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, which let train stations talk with moving trains. His invention let trains know exactly where other trains were all the time.

Alexander Graham Bell’s company purchased the rights to Granville Wood’s telegraphony* patent. This let Woods be a full time inventor.

Among his other top inventions were the steam boiler furnace and an automatic air brake which was used to slow down or stop trains. His electric car was controlled by overhead wires. It was the third rail system to keep cars running on the right track.

Thomas Edison sued Granville Woods, claiming that he was the first inventor of the multiplex telegraph, not Granville. Wood’s won against Edison, but Edison wouldn’t give up. He wanted to have all of Granville’s inventions.

Edison offered Granville a big job at his Electric Light Company in New York.

Wood’s said “No,” He wanted to stay independent. Granville T. Woods died January 30, 1910. He was 53-years-old. *What Granville called a telegraphony is a combination of a telegraph and telephone, which could transmit both oral and signal messages.

Prior to Woods’s invention, the telegraph could only send messages over an electrical current utilizing a combination of short and long pulses (commonly referred to as dots and dashes) that represent letters of the alphabet.

UNCF moves to Washington D.C. Seeking to expand its support of education for Americans of color, UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) will move its national headquarters from Fairfax, Virginia into Washington, D.C. in 2012. UNCF, the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization has begun construction on a 50,000 square-foot office at Progression Place, located at 1805 7th Street, NW, in D.C.’s surging Shaw neighborhood. Nationally known for its motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”®, the 10,000 college scholarships it awards each year, and the 39 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) it represents, UNCF will continue to advocate for the rights of low income and minority students and push for education reform.

Progression Place will feature the UNCF College Knowledge Center, a 5,000 square foot resource center offering students standardized test preparations, college application assistance, financial aid assistance, a clearing

house for internships and extracurricular activities, resume writing skills, interview training and career fair, and job placement assistance.

“UNCF has become one of the country’s most prominent advocates for the importance of students getting the preschoolthrough-high school education they need to succeed in college, and Washington is the hub of the national conversation about how to make sure they get that preparation for college,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. “UNCF also wants to be able to provide college-focused information and services directly to DC-area students and the hundreds of thousands of students who visit DC each year. To be an effective advocate for education reform, and to help children of color prepare for college UNCF has to be in D.C. Now in its 67th year, UNCF is the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships to lowincome students of color. Its

largest program, the twentyyear, $1.6 billion UNCF Gates Millennium Scholars Program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has a graduation rate of 80 - 90%, well above the national graduation rate for all students and comparable to the rate for students from higherincome families. UNCF also provides financial and program support that benefits the 55,000 students at its 39 member HBCUs, whose alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Brown University president Ruth Simmons, and movie star Samuel L. Jackson.

Vincent C. Gray, Mayor of the District of Columbia, hailed UNCF’s move to the city as both an important contribution to the city’s commitment to educating its children and a shot in the arm for the city’s economy.

“Our education reform agenda has made the District one of the country’s leaders in school reform, but we need partners like UNCF to help students prepare

for and make the critical transition to college attendance and college success,” Gray said. “We also welcome the jobs that UNCF will bring to the city, and the jobs that the new building will generate all around the Shaw neighborhood.”

“We are grateful to Mayor Gray and the D.C. City Council for welcoming UNCF to D.C. and providing the incentives that make the move affordable,” Lomax said. “UNCF will invite other education reform-minded organizations to share its new headquarters, making it a center for education foundations, institutes and other reform activities,” Dr. Lomax added.

Over time, we plan for the UNCF headquarters location to serve as a meeting place for advocates of minority education from across the country.”

“UNCF’s relocation to D.C. in general and to the Shaw neighborhood in particular is a real boost for the local economy,” said Manny Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President and head of CBRE’s Nonprofit Practice

Group. “It will also contribute significantly to the rejuvenation of this Washington, DC neighborhood, which is steeped in African American history.”

Two key factors draw UNCF to D.C., Lomax said. The first is UNCF’s increasing role as an advocate of school and education reform and its desire to provide direct services to middle-schoolage and above students. Lomax served as co-chair of D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray’s education transition team. He is also a member of the Aspen Institute’s Commission on No Child Left Behind and the boards of directors of Teach For America and the KIPP network of public charter schools, three of which are in D.C. “UNCF’s role as the country’s largest minority education organization comes with a responsibility,” Lomax said. “We need to be the voice not only for the 60,000 students whose education we support directly, but for the millions of students of color who need a college education and deserve

to be considered when national education policy is discussed and made. That voice is a lot more likely to be heard in D.C.” The other determining factor, Lomax said, is the need of lowincome students for guidance in the years before junior and senior years in high school.

Many low-income students—62 percent among students at UNCF member colleges—are the first in their families to attend college and can’t draw on the experience with the college preparation, application and financial aid processes that students from higher income families take for granted.

“Here’s the bottom line,” Lomax said. “Students need a college education. The American economy needs the collegeeducated leaders these students will become. UNCF has played a historic role in helping students go to college and graduate. We need to go where that mission takes us, and right now that’s Progression Place in Washington, D.C.”

Summer enrichment fair for students Admission Possible partnered with LearningWorks and the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership to put on the fourth annual Summer Enrichment Fair on February 26 at the Blake School. More than 250 lowincome students from the Twin Cities had access to 14 summer programs encompassing diverse interests such as conservation and outdoor exploration, healthcare, entrepreneurship,

theatre performance and social justice.

The opportunity to stay intellectually engaged over the summer helps students explore future career paths and fields of study, while preparing them to return to the classroom in the fall. Research from the Center for Summer Learning at The Johns Hopkins University shows that teachers spend a good deal of time in the fall re-teaching

skills lost during the summer, sometimes called “summer slide.”

The loss of learning acutely affects low-income students like those who participate in Admission Possible, a free after-school college success program, because they are less likely than their higher income peers to participate in organized activities over the summer.

Admission Possible’s two-year

high school curriculum requires that juniors apply to at least one summer enrichment opportunity, and many students apply for more.

“By participating in summer enrichment programs students augment their resumes, but more importantly they explore their interests, deepen social, academic and leadership skills, and interact with career mentors,” said Magdalena

Wells, Admission Possible’s coordinator for the enrichment fair. “The fair connects our students to wonderful programs that help prepare them for college.”

LearningWorks, the fair’s hosting organization, offers Minneapolis middle school students a challenging academic enrichment program to start them on the path to college.

LearningWorks Executive

Director Max Delgado saw partnering with Admission Possible as a chance to help young people in both programs gain skills and practices that will help prepare them for college.

“It was a great opportunity for all of us to work together,” Delgado said. “In the end, this event accomplished exactly what we hoped it would – our kids left inspired and informed.”

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Insight News • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Page 5

AESTHETICS A chat between a journalist and a gentleman Interview

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Louis Cameron Gossett, Jr. was born in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY on May 27, 1936, to Helen Rebecca Wray, a nurse, and Lou, Sr. a Pullman porter.

Lou’s stellar career started in 1953 while he was still in high school, when he landed a role in the Broadway production of Take a Giant Step.

One of a select group of actors to win both an Academy and Emmy Award, he is best known for his Oscar-winning performance as a gunnery sergeant in the film classic, An Officer and a Gentleman and for his Emmy-winning portrayal of the character Fiddler in the historic TVminiseries “Roots.”

In 2006, Lou decided to devote his energies to fighting social ills, so he founded the Eracism Foundation, a nonprofit designed to create a “conscious offensive against racism, violence and ignorance.” Toward that end, the organization has sponsored programs focused on youth mentoring, anti-gang violence initiatives, and diversity sensitivity training sessions at its Shamba Centers.

Last year, Lou published his aptly entitled autobiography, “An Actor and a Gentleman.”

Here, he talks about his new movie, “The Grace Card,” a faith-based tale of reconciliation and redemption.

Kam Williams: Thanks for the time, Lou. I’m very honored to have this opportunity to speak with you.

Lou Gossett, Jr.: Hey, Kam, what’s going on?

KW: I have a lot of questions for you from fans, starting with “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan who knows you from the Wells Fargo branch next to the Marmalade Cafe in Malibu.

LG: Right.

KW: Jimmy says that he’s spoken to you about your Eracism Foundation on a number of occasions, and he hopes that you’ll talk about it during the interview.

LG: Absolutely!

KW: But first, I have to ask you what interested you in “The Grace Card?”

LG: Actually, “The Grace Card’s” aim is the same as that of the foundation: the elimination of racism. How synergistic and opportune is that? It seems to me that if we can create a society where racism just can’t thrive, it’ll go away. My concept is to teach children everything from selfrespect to respect for elders and the opposite sex to a dress code to how to conduct themselves and how to live in harmony with the planet. When you start teaching kids these things at a young age, even before they start school, it sticks. It’s our responsibility to teach our children and to prepare them for the next level, just like Jews do in temples and synagogues.

That’s not happening right now, and you don’t see it onscreen often.

But “The Grace Card” is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. The magic word is “forgiveness.” And from forgiveness comes healing.

We have to do the best that we can, with God’s help, to clean up our act, and to eliminate the negatives which prevent us from seeing the “Sunlight of the Spirit,” and then let the kids copy that. They have nothing to copy right now.

Some of the decisions they’re making are antisocial and illegal. The culture currently glorifies womanizing, drinking, using drugs, bling-bling, and making babies they don’t take responsibility for. And it has them believing that that sort of behavior makes them a man.

It’s irrational. It’s coming from a society that’s not healthy.

Consequently, this generation is a lost generation.

But you can’t blame them, because that’s all they know.

When they look for role models to pattern their lives after, all that’s available to them is what they find on TV, in the movies

and in the rap videos. My foundation is showing them another way. If minority kids think they can’t make it, it is our responsibility to help prepare them for the opportunity to be full-blown Americans right now. But they have to do it with grace and forgiveness, not with anger and resentment. In my program, they practice that from a young age, including morality and concern for our fellow human beings. We’re talking about the uplifting of America. The bottom line is that we need to be more responsible for ourselves and for each other. Every child should have shelter, healthcare, education and clothing. We all need each other to survive.

That’s the reality.

KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: What has the feedback been like about your lovely autobiography?

LG: It’s amazing, when I visit churches and schools to speak about the book and about the work that I just discussed, the audience is like a sea of bobble-head dolls. Everybody agrees that we have to take the responsibility for ourselves and for raising, mentoring and teaching our children so they have appropriate role models to imitate. That’s the natural function, and the way it used to be. It seems like we abandoned our responsibilities when times got hard.

KW: Patricia also says: I was stunned when I once heard you say that despite the fact you received an Oscar, it took you a year and a half to find another interesting movie to work on and that you never made more than one million dollars for a picture.

LG: I still haven’t.

KW: She asks what advice do you have for aspiring minority actors or actresses to negotiate the optimal movie deal?

LG: The optimal movie deal depends on how important you are. You need to get some performances onscreen to prove your worth, so that there’s an advantage when you negotiate.

That’s when leverage comes into play. If you know that you have a name that’s bankable, then you can get some money for yourself.

KW: Dante Lee, author of “Black Business Secrets,” asks: Is it important for an actor to also be an entrepreneur?

LG: Oh, it’s absolutely necessary. It’s very important for each successive generation to push the envelope further than the previous one.

KW: Attorney Tim Plunkett asks: Did you really fly in the fighter jet in Iron Eagle?

LG: I did. I knew Tom Cruise had lost his lunch when they put him in the cockpit. And I was warned by the Israeli Air Force, which has the best-trained pilots in the world, not to eat,

playing a role with religious significance. She asks: Are you now more religious than when you were younger. Is your faith stronger?

LG: My faith is stronger.

There’s more spirituality, and that inside job, that character builder is essential because it’s priceless. They can take all the material things, but nobody can take your spirituality away from you. And faith is most important when things appear to be down.

KW: Harriet Pakula Teweles asks: How did you arrive at the name “Shamba” for your Eracism Foundation Centers.

Can you speak to the origin and meaning of the word and to its special significance in your choice?

LG: “Shamba” comes from Azim, a friend born in Kenya, who’s on the board of directors of the foundation. “Shamba” is a Swahili word meaning farm. That’s a place where you plant seeds which yield fruit.

So, Shamba Centers are where you plant seeds in the minds of children and all people really about how to live better.

Lou Gossett, Jr.

lukeford.net

“It’s very important for each successive generation to push the envelope further than the previous one.” because they fly like darts. So, I didn’t have any breakfast. After we landed, I felt kind of woozy when I climbed out of the plane. After I assured everyone that I felt fine, I walked fifty yards to my dressing room, closed the door behind me, and lost my meal from the night before. Nobody knew. That ride was exciting but, boy, you have to be in shape for that one. I’d never do it again.

KW: Children’s book author Irene Smalls asks: What makes you get up in the morning with a smile on your face?

LG: Meditation and prayer.

I have a checklist for the beginning of the day, and another one for the end of the day. It’s also very nice to be this age and to wake up every morning with something to learn. School is never out.

There’s always something new to learn.

KW: Irene also asks: What is the one skill an actor must have to be successful today?

LG: First of all, an actor’s aspiration has to be the art, not the job. Then he has to be relatively naked to be able to take onto himself aspects of the character and to make everything look like it’s happening for the first time.

Easy to say, hard to do, but that’s the aspiration. I never want to see an actor acting. I

want to see him being.

KW: FSU grad Laz Lyles asks: Do you still get anxious when starting a new project?

LG: I always do, because I never think I know enough.

That’s the impetus to prepare thoroughly and then to trust.

KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman observes that you’re

KW: Harriet also asks: How do the roles you and other African American actors play in the movies and on TV contribute to Eracism’s conscious offensive against racism and violence-and how do these roles conflict with those goals?

LG: I certainly don’t do anything conflicting with those goals any more. And I don’t think I’ve done any in the past either. I pick and choose those roles which educate, uplift and entertain. By way of example, Iron Eagle, An Officer and a Gentleman, The Choirboys and Enemy Mine are all uplifting, informational, educational movies. I wouldn’t play a villain unless the film’s overall message is positive. There’s a responsibility not only to entertain, but to educate and to

pick roles carefully, especially after you’ve become famous.

I’m not going to exploit my audience.

KW: Larry Greenberg says: Most of your roles have been serious, but you’ve also appeared on several TV sitcoms, and supplied the voice of Sergeant Angryman on “Family Guy” and you’ve even hosted “Saturday Night Live.”

How do you feel about doing some more comedy?

LG: I love comedy. I look forward to doing some more. I enjoy telling jokes in real life.

KW: Patricia asks: What needs to be done in Hollywood to create more non-stereotypical roles of substance?

LG: It’s happening, even though you don’t see much diversity among this year’s Oscar nominees. They did wonderful jobs, but diversity is essential, otherwise Hollywood will lose its fan base slowly but surely, if audiences don’t see representation that they can identify with.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

LG: Yeah, Would you like a hundred million dollars?

Nobody’s ever asked me that.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?

LG: I’m always afraid. But I have a philosophy: Where there’s no fear, there’s no faith.

When fear comes up, I have to pray to turn that fear into faith.

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

LG: I’m very content and spiritually happy. And very, very grateful.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

GOSSETT TURN TO 9

Page 6 • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Insight News

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HEALTH Bottled water: A ridiculous waste?

Dear EarthTalk: Isn’t it a waste that we buy water in plastic bottles when it is basically free out of our taps?

Even health food stores, which should know better, sell it like crazy. When did Earth’s most abundant and free natural resource become a commercial ‘beverage’?

- A. Jacobs, via e-mail Bottled water has been a bigselling commercial beverage around the world since the late 1980s. According to the Worldwatch Institute, global bottled water consumption has more than quadrupled since 1990. Today Americans consume over 30 billion liters of water out of some 50 billion (mostly plastic) bottles every year. The Beverage Marketing Association reports that in 2008 bottled water comprised over 28 percent of the U.S. liquid refreshment beverage market. The only bottled drinks Americans consume more of are carbonated sodas like Coke and Pepsi.

And frankly, yes, it is a ridiculous waste that we obtain so much of our drinking water this way when it is free flowing and just as good if not better for you right out of the tap. According to the Earth Policy Institute (EPI), some 2.7 million tons of petroleumderived plastic are used to bottle water around the world every year. “Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for bottled water requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel some 100,000 U.S. cars for a year,” says EPI researcher Emily Arnold. And just because we can recycle these bottles does not mean that we do: The Container Recycling Institute reports that 86 percent of plastic water bottles in the U.S.

selling brands, nine—Pepsi’s Aquafina, Coca-Cola’s Dasani, Crystal Geyser and six of seven Nestlé brands—don’t answer at least one of those questions,” reports EWG. Only Nestlé’s Pure Life Purified Water “discloses its specific geographic water source and treatment method…and offers an 800-number, website or mailing address where consumers can request a water quality test report.”

EWG recommends that consumer resist the urge to buy bottled water and go instead for filtered tap water. “You’ll save money, drink water that’s purer than tap water and help solve the global glut of plastic bottles,” the group advises, adding that it supports stronger federal standards to enforce consumers’ right to know about what’s in their bottled water besides water. Until that day comes, concerned consumes should check out EWG’s Bottled Water Scorecard, a free website that provides information on various bottled water brands, where they originate and whether and how they are treated to remove contaminants.

CONTACTS: Worldwatch Institute, www.worldwatch. org; The Beverage Marketing Association, www. beveragemarketing.com; EPI, www.earth-policy.org; EWG, www.ewg.org; NRDC, www. nrdc.org.

Photo courtesy Ryan McVay, Thinkstock

According to the Earth Policy Institute, some 2.7 million tons of petroleum-derived plastic are used to bottle water around the world every year. end up as garbage or litter.

The financial costs to consumers are high, too: According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), bottled water costs up to 1,900 times more than tap water. And the Natural Resources Defense

Council (NRDC) reports that 90 percent or more of the money consumers shell out for it pays for everything but the water itself: bottling, packaging, shipping, marketing, other expenses—and, of course, profits.

EWG is particularly appalled at the lack of transparency by leading bottled water sellers as to the sources of their water and whether it is purified or has been tested for contaminants. According to a recent survey by the group,

18 percent of the 173 bottled waters on the U.S. market today fail to list the location of their source; a third disclose nothing about the treatment or purity of the water inside their plastic bottles.

“Among the ten best-

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@ emagazine.com.

Subscribe: w w w. e m a g a z i n e . c o m / subscribe; Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

NorthPoint Community Food Shelf’s March food drive congregations, schools and individuals, NorthPoint will be working to raise a combined total of 55,000 in food and cash donations during the March campaign.

Last year, more than 30,000 North Minneapolis residents were served at NorthPoint’s Community Food Shelf and that number is expected to grow in 2011. To help meet the growing need, NorthPoint’s Food Shelf will again participate in the State’s largest food drive known as the March Campaign.

Cash and food donations received during March will be partly matched by Minnesota FoodShare and other local foundations.

This year, the March Campaign is calling for everyone to “FOCUS on the statewide fight against hunger in Minnesota.” With support from civic groups, businesses,

Libya From 1 leave while their beloved but lunatic brother in the north is

This represents a record goal for NorthPoint’s March Campaign because the need continues to increase: • In 2010, NorthPoint’s Community food shelf helped serve 10,000 families in North Minneapolis.

busy butchering innocent and unarmed civilians mercilessly,” Chamboko wrote. “Like the proverbial ostrich, from Cape to Cairo, leaders buried their heads in the sand hoping a miracle would deliver them

and their dear brother from this monumental disgrace.”

In “Libya Exposes the African Union,” Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor of Ghana wrote: “The state of affairs in these North African countries had

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“Because of the support of so many, no one in need has ever been turned away; and our goal is to ensure that continues in 2011.”

Food or dollar donations can be dropped of at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center 1315 Penn Avenue, North Minneapolis.

stock.xchng (maphler )

been known to the African Union all these years, but it didn’t deem it feasible to take action on. Couldn’t the AU take pre-emptive measures to bring those autocrats back into step to avert what we are witnessing today?” he asked.

An editorial in the Liberian Observer opined: “By all accounts, Gaddafi’s rule redistributed the enormous

wealth it garnered from the exports of crude oil and natural gas… But that wealth also emboldened him to make expansionist forays into other countries, like encouraging one side in the civil war in Chad, and supporting guerrilla movements in Latin American countries and in Africa. “…Despite the over four decades he has been in power,

the country lacks a constitution, apart from the so-called Green Book which he authored; there is no parliament; there is no democracy; there is no avenue for dissent; nor is there a clear line for succession. Gaddafi needs to recognize that the world has moved on; he should move with the time by listening to the cries of his people.”

Gaddafi

the essence of the kind of grassroots Pan-Africanism that had been envisioned for the unity of African peoples and for the uplifting of the dignity of African peoples.

“When visionaries like Kwame Nkrumah and Cheikh Anta Diop championed the idea of a federated African state in the 1960s and 1970s, they did not envision one

which would be ruled by corrupt dictators and an arrogant king of kings.”

Campbell wrote: “With the fall of two core members of this club that dominated the AU - Egypt and Libya - the door is now more open for a people-oriented African unity that starts from the interest of the people.”

each year for prostitution in the United States. The average age of a child lured into sexual exploitation is between 11 and 14 years. A recent study found that 124 girls were exploited for prostitution in Minnesota in August 2010, an increase of 55% over February 2010.

H.F. 556, introduced earlier this month by a bi-partisan group of 18 co-authors, clarifies that sexually exploited children are crime victims, not criminals. The bill seeks to end the contradiction about how to treat sexually exploited youth under Minnesota law, which currently classifies these children both as in need of protection and as delinquents.

This legislation ensures that sexually exploited youth will not be subject to criminal charges or delinquency proceedings and explicitly includes sexually exploited youth and juvenile sex trafficking victims within the definition of children in need of protection and services.

The legislation also will help Minnesota take steps statewide to providing services for children who are victims of sexual exploitation.

More information about the legislation and about the issue of sexual exploitation of children can be found at www. theadvocatesforhumanrights. org/safe_harbors.html.

Campbell said emphatically, “that, contrary to reports from many quarters, Gaddafi is not the original champion of the vision of a United States of Africa. Neither did his brand of Pan-Africanism capture

We need people who care about children caught in our child protection system. Consider becoming a volunteer child advocate for kids. Help children remain in safe & stable families. Free training & support are provided.

“The March Campaign is the most important fund-raiser of the year for the food shelf,” said Mustafa Sundiata, NorthPoint Food Shelf Coordinator.

• Since 2005, the number of people served by NorthPoint Food Shelf has grown by 60 percent.

From 1

Be a Child’s Voice in Court!

• Two-thirds of NorthPoint Food Shelf users make less than $1,000 per month.

HF556 From 1 other county attorneys, law enforcement, and victims of sexual exploitation, announced that children who had been exploited through prostitution would be treated as crime victims rather than as juvenile delinquents under this new approach.

The sexual exploitation of children is a problem of growing urgency. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children conservatively estimates that 100,000 children are exploited

insightnews.com

Insight News • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Page 7

COMMENTARY Parents, elders preserve and prepare Child Watch

By Marian Wright Edelman NNPA Columnist The distinguished theologian Howard Thurman once described an oak tree in his childhood yard with leaves that each autumn turned yellow and died but stayed on the branches all winter.

Nothing—neither wind, storm, sleet, nor snow—dislodged these dead leaves from the apparently lifeless branches. Dr. Thurman came to understand that the business of the oak tree during the long winter was to hold on to the dead leaves before turning them loose in spring so that new buds— the growing edge—could begin to unfold. At winter’s end, what wind, storm, sleet, or snow could not force off passed quietly away to become the tree’s nourishment.

My parents were like that oak tree. Throughout most of our history, most Black families have been like that oak tree. Despite enormous assaults and pressures,

Black parents and elders remained determined to hold on and persevere long enough to prepare the next generation and give them a better life. During Black History Month, many Americans take time to remember the achievements of amazing Black individuals. But, Black families deserve their own praise for all we’ve accomplished. At the same time, we need a new call to action, because our children are facing what I and many believe is the worst crisis since slavery— and need adults’ strength and influence more than ever.

Black people devoted to family saw us through the unspeakable assault of slavery.

Beloved historian John Hope Franklin and others have reminded us that traditional myths about slavery destroying Black families are a lie: the slavery system and individual slave owners may have done their very best to try to destroy the families in their control, but it didn’t work. When slave owners tried to mate us for childbearing, we made our own systems of traditional marriages and commitments. When they tried to treat parents and children as nothing more than disposable and interchangeable property, we learned to honor and revere our

mothers, fathers, and ancestors and to see our children as children of God. We’ve all heard stories of the lengths many newly-freed slaves went through after Emancipation to try to be reunited with family,

their time braiding our hair, neatly pressing our clothes, and reminding us every day that Black was beautiful. During the Civil Rights Movement, many Black families fought together every step of the way. Many parents

“Despite enormous assaults and pressures Black parents and elders remained determined to hold on and persevere...” sometimes traveling for hundreds of miles in desperate attempts to find loved ones. At the same time, we also learned to create other networks of extended family and near-family that laid the foundation for strong Black communities and nurturing Black children. Families saw us through Reconstruction and did their best to shield and protect children during the dark days of Jim Crow, mob rule, and lynchings.

Throughout segregation, many Black families and communities reminded children they had dignity and worth. Long before the phrase became popular, our mothers and grandmothers took

participated in the struggle for an end to segregated schools and facilities because they knew they wanted a better education and world for their children. In Birmingham, AL, Jackson, MS, and across the South, Black children marched and were attacked right alongside and often without their parents.

Our families have seen us through many crises, but there have also been threats to Black family stability and reports of Black family breakdown throughout our history. Drugs, poverty, violence, and unequal opportunity have battered our families mightily. But, many

of us who are committed to strengthening Black families believe the forces undermining Black family life are turning in a dangerous way, and many Black children are treading through treacherous new territory. A toxic cocktail of poverty, illiteracy, racial disparity, violence, out of wedlock birth, and massive incarceration is sentencing millions of children of color to dead end, powerless, and hopeless lives and threatens to undermine the past half century of racial and social progress.

Those of us who see the threads of our families, neighborhoods, and social networks fraying under the burden just as our children need us most know we need to reweave the fabric of family and community that supported us and got us this far. This is why we’ve launched the second phase of the Black Community Crusade for Children (BCCC).

The Black family has been the strongest defense Black children have had throughout our history, and must become so again to help lead this crusade. Our children have been nurtured and protected in the past as best as we could because of the hard work of committed and determined Black adults—and today, it’s our

turn. Too many Black adults have gone AWOL and need to come home to family. We’ve already withstood powerful storms and we will withstand this new and dangerous storm by banding together as a Black community to protect all of our children. As the words of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” remind us, we’ve come over a way that with tears has been watered. We’ve treaded our path through the blood of the slaughtered. We’ve already come this far on the way, and it is not time to stray or let our children down on our watch. Wake up and stand up for our children who are asking for and deserve our help.

To learn more about the Black Community Crusade for Children and join us, visit www. childrensdefense.org/bccc.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.

Stand strong and reject union busting Mathis’ Mind

By Judge Greg Mathis NNPA Columnist Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has set off a fire storm among the state’s unions and public employees. To compound matters other states are proposing similar laws and will soon have to deal with their own revolts. Walker, in the name of balancing the state budget, has proposed legislation that will essentially deny public employees their collective bargaining rights and increase their payments to the state’s healthcare and pension plans.

Union employees, including teachers and others, from around the Midwest (some even came in from New York) flocked to the Wisconsin state capital en masse to protest and continue to do so. The state legislature’s 14 Democrats oppose the plan and don’t want to vote on it. Instead of staying in Wisconsin and simply not showing up for the vote, which would have been in violation of the law, they left the state to prevent the state legislator from having the necessary number of members needed to vote on the

NAACP From 1 where the rights of workers are being eviscerated, and jobs are being severely cut, whether it is Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee or Indiana or any other state in our union.”

“This issue is actually a lot more than it appears,” stated NAACP Wisconsin State Conference President Tom White. “There are people with jobs and livelihoods at stake, and they are not going to take this change lightly. Wisconsin is one state and we should function as one. Wisconsin’s government cannot move forward on this without the support of Wisconsin’s residents.

This legislation provides an opportunity for all workers, in all professions, to come together, gather their resources, and speak out. After all, it could easily be our own co-workers who come under fire next.”

The Board’s measure resolves that the NAACP “will fight to protect the rights of workers to engage in the process of collective bargaining, and NAACP oppose the continued elimination of public sector jobs which only adds to our nation’s unemployment misery.”

Additionally, the resolution says that the NAACP “will use agitation and mobilization wherever necessary to prevent these draconian proposals from becoming public policy in any jurisdiction.”

The resolution can be found on our website at http://action. naacp.org/page/-/Public%20 Employees%20Resolution.pdf

legislation.

Wisconsin definitely has a big mess on its hands. Soon, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio - all of which have similar legislation in the works may be dealing with their protests and stonewalling from state Democrats.

Supporters of the proposals in all the states say these types of cuts are necessary to reduce state deficits.

Yet, Governor Walker, a Tea Party backed Republican, has proposed tax breaks for corporations. If Walker

is truly interested in sorting out Wisconsin’s finance, why would he, on one hand, give away revenue by cutting corporate taxes and then, on the other, jeopardize the job and financial security of union employees, all of whom are tax paying citizens? Something here doesn’t compute.

Also interesting is the fact that Walker received more than $40,000 in campaign contributions last year from a political group run

by David and Charles Koch. The two Koch brothers run a booming gas and oil business and have

been uncovered to be major financial supporters of the Tea Party movement. Is Walker, and other politicians like him, doing his own bidding, or is he paying back the Tea Party for its support by moving their agenda forward?

We may never know for certain. But, we do know this: balancing the budget, whether it be at the state or federal level, on the backs of public employees who provide the services we all need to maintain and enjoy our quality of life is unfair, especially when rich corporations are being given tax

breaks. Walker’s attempt is an old maneuver from the Republican playbook of the past and the Tea Party of new. Opponents of union

busting legislation must stand strong and reject these modern day union busting efforts.

Page 8 • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Socializing at the Guthrie Theater Style on a Dime

By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com While checking my phone messages a few weeks ago, a familiar voice begin to speak. It was my girl Nicole, inviting me to join her and about 15 of her favorite friends for a Sunday matinee play at the Guthrie Theater www.guthrietheater. org. The play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” (A Production of Penumbra Theatre Company) written by the late August Wilson, explores art, race, religion, and exploitation of African American recording artists in the 1920s.

I quickly called Nicole back to accept the invitation for three main reasons: 1. I always welcome an opportunity to socialize with dynamic, inspiring women. 2. It’s always a treat being at the beautiful Guthrie Theater-one of my favorite places in Minneapolis, and 3.

Because of the size of our group, we got discounted tickets and I just seem to have more fun if I know I’m getting a good deal.

If you have never been to the Guthrie, promise yourself-and promise me-that you’ll go before summer’s end. Here are a few

Front row l-r: Laquesha, Leslie, Laura, Sabrena, Leah, and Lolita Back row l-r: Jaddie, Carletta, Nicole, Cleveland, Marcia, Tenelle tips that will help you make the most of your experience.

Discounted Tickets Because there were at least 15 women in our group, we were able to buy discounted tickets to the play. In addition, there are senior and student discounted rates available. If you are not rolling with a large party, you can still save big by purchasing rush tickets. Any tickets not sold about an hour before the start of production go on sale at deep discounts. Call ahead

for additional details.

A Bite To Eat Before (or after) The Play There are three different options for eating at the Guthrie; The Sea Change Restaurant, Level Five Café, and the Target Lounge.

Hours vary, so go online for more details. The day of our outing, some of us grabbed brunch together before arriving at the Guthrie, which provided more time to share our recent experiences, encourage one another, and laugh together. We

The Guthrie Theater

all need those types of healthy exchanges on a regular basis.

Dress Code and Etiquette Although you are free to “come as you are” at the Guthrie, certain guidelines should be followed.

First, arrive before the start of the show, so that other patrons aren’t interrupted while you hunt for your seat in the dark and step on toes. Next, make sure you turn off all your electronics, alarms, beepers and buzzers.

Please don’t wear large/bulky hats to the performance-respect

Photographer

Left: The nautical look can also be accomplished with different shades of navy. Here Natalia has on navy studded sweat shirt with blue linen shorts, and black oxfords.

Top: Neutrals can be achieved with nude pumps like these from Aldo Right: Neutrals can be accomplished with a pastel colored dress and cute and flirty cream headband.

those sitting behind you (I’m still mad at the man who wore twin raccoons on his head at a recent event!). Finally, sssshhhh!

Please do not talk during the performance or add your own special commentary-it’s impolite.

The best part of my Guthrie experience was being able to interact with this beautiful array of African American womentalented, strong, confident and wise enough to realize that we truly need one another for gleaning wisdom, giving and receiving emotional support, and providing genuine care.

Photos courtesy of the author

(Thanks, Nicki-Love, for putting this together. You gave us all an opportunity to be blessed and to be a blessing in small, yet significant way.) Maybe we will catch Penumbra’s upcoming play based on the life of Nat king Cole, entitled “I Wish You Love” www. penumbratheatre.org Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

Spring style

By Christina Garner & Mabel Tetteh of MaEMaRiE fashion consulting It’s almost that time of year to put away those snow boots and tights and pull out those espadrilles and shorts and we have a few tips to help you bring Spring in with style. The trends to look out for this spring season are nautical, neutrals, and patterns. These looks are easy to incorporate into your closet and can be achieved by any person no matter your shape or size.

The nautical look gives you reminisce of a day on the yacht, highlighting the colors of the American flag. This look can be achieved with horizontal stripes, big buttons and navy. Neutrals can be picked up with nude and pastel colored blouses, skirts, and dresses in flowy materials.

The look can also be achieved with shoes. In neutrals you are guaranteed to feel flirty and feminine. Patterns can cover a wide range of looks, the bigger the print, the better. This look can be accomplished with floral, leopard, or polka dots, that can be worn either on top or bottom,

but make sure to choose, having a print all over can sometimes be too much.

Other items you may want to add to your wardrobe this season are tribal necklaces, cork wedges, top handle satchels, and floral studs. And just because it’s Spring doesn’t mean you have to give up some of your winter favorites. Your favorite blazer, cardigan, and trench can be carried over into the next season to help round out your spring look.

With the help of the new Forever 21 at Rosedale Mall and Registered Nurse Natalia LaHood, who served as our model, we were able to accomplish four looks showcasing potential ways these Spring trends can be achieved.

The key to staying in fashion is knowing how to incorporate each new trend to your own unique style. Fashion is one of those things that fades, but style remains the same, so it is important that when achieving any look, you stay true to yourself.

For any questions and further fashion tips on how to jazz up your wardrobe, contact MaEMaRiE at maemarie127@ yahoo.com.

insightnews.com

Insight News • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Page 9

Courtesy of Provident Films

Lou Gossett opposite Michael Higgenbottom in “The Grace Card”

Gossett From 5 LG: About 10 minutes ago.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

LG: Chocolate!

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

LG: I like lamb chops when they come from a farm where they don’t put chemicals in the meat. But my favorite dish is always whatever’s the freshest fish I can find. And I love all fruit. I think eating food from the ocean, from the ground and from the trees are the keys to a long life. That stuff was put on this planet for us to thrive on.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

LG: The Audacity of Hope.

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you listening to on your iPod? LG: I like Michael Franks, a great, great poet who turned to music. I like him.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?

LG: Me. I have a new line coming out in about six months called Afro Fusion. I hate ties, so I created a suit similar to the

Nehru that doesn’t need one.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

LG: An ugly Negro! [LOL] KW: If you could have one

wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

LG: 100% optimum health: physically, mentally and spiritually.

list?

LG: Sidney Poitier. I wish I saw more of him nowadays. But he was very influential in my life, especially on my acting.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

LG: I can remember screaming at the feeling of oxygen rushing into my lungs for the first time at birth.

KW: He was the first African American actor to win an Oscar.

You were the second.

LG: Well, actually, I was the first African American actor to win one. Sidney’s Bahamian.

KW: I recently interviewed your cousin, the actor Robert Gossett about his TV show, “The Closer.”

How close were the two of you during childhood?

LG: Very. Our fathers were brothers. We fought over the turkey drumstick on Thanksgiving. I was raised with a whole lot of cousins.

KW: The Flex Alexander question: How do you get through the tough times?

LG: With the faith that they’re going to get better. And they do.

KW: The Rudy Lewis question: Who’s at the top of your hero

KW: I forgot that. What was it like the night you won?

LG: I didn’t believe it when they opened the envelope. My agent had to poke me in the ribs and say, “They said your name!”

KW: What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

LG: Drugs and alcohol, and they’re overcome on a daily basis.

KW: I won’t mention any names but I got an email from someone who knows you from a 12-Step program.

LG: My 12-Step group has given me the keys to the

kingdom. It makes us the Chosen People, when we really adhere to a self-help philosophy that makes us heal.

So, a negative has been turned into a great positive. Our noses are to the spiritual grindstone.

Everybody on this planet needs some sort of guidance from a higher power in order to uplift their lives. And now we’ve become the ones who humbly help others.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

LG: There’s no such thing as impossible. Don’t follow so much in my footsteps. Just go for it!

KW: The Dulé Hill question.

To what do you attribute your success?

LG: God runs it all. That’s my filling station. And I have

to do the right thing with the message.

KW: The Dr. Cornel West question: What price are you willing to pay for a cause that is bigger than your own self interest?

LG: The price I want to pay is my life. But because my life is devoted to it, I don’t have to pay with it.

KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?

LG: As the first bald, African American in movies. [Laughs] No, I don’t know. I’d just like to be remembered.

KW: Thanks again, Lou, and I hope to speak to you later this year when your next faith-based film, “The Lamp,” is released.

LG: I look forward to it, Kam.

Page 10 • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Insight News

Classifieds / Calendar

insightnews.com

PHONE: 612.588.1313

FAX: 612.588.2031

EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com

Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, andrew@insightnews. com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Andrew Notsch. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events Information Meetings for ADA Grants - Feb-Mar — Grant money is available to help nonprofit arts organizations in the 7-county metro area be more accessible to people with disabilities. • Minneapolis: Mon., Feb. 28, Noon: VSA Minnesota meeting room at Hennepin Center for the Arts #310, 528 Hennepin Ave., 612-3323888; www.vsamn.org • Hopkins: Mon., Mar. 7, 4:00 PM; Hopkins Center for the Arts and Stages Theatre conference room (2nd floor), 1111 Mainstreet; http://www. stagestheatre.org/; 952-979-1111; http:// www.hopkinsmn.com/_hca/index.html • St. Paul: Wed., Mar. 9, 3:30 PM: Minnesota Humanities Center, Board Room, 987 Ivy Ave. E.; 651-772-4242; http://www.minnesotahumanities.org/ For more information, call VSA Minnesota at 612-332-3888 voice/tty, email access@vsamn.org, or download grant guidelines and application form at www.vsamn.org/forms.html#adagrant.

Edison, Henry, South, Southwest to present musicals - March — Students at Edison, Patrick Henry, South and Southwest high schools will present musicals throughout March.

• Patrick Henry High School (4320 Newton Ave. N. 55412) will present “Grease” March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults. For more information, visit http://henry.mpls. k12.mn.us.

• Southwest High School (3414 W. 47th St. 55410) will present “Les Misérables” on March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and March 13 at 2 p.m.

An American Sign Language interpreter will be present at the March 10 performance. Tickets are $5 for students and children, $10 for senior citizens and $12 for adults. For more information, visit http://southwest.mpls.k12.mn.us.

• South High School (3131 19th Ave. S. 55407) will present “Guys and Dolls” March 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for students and $9 for adults.

For more information, visit http://south. mpls.k12.mn.us.

• Edison High School (700 22nd Ave. N.E. 55418) will present “Footloose” March 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4 for youth 18 and under and $8 for adults. For more information, visit http://edison.mpls.k12.mn.us.

WomanVenture - Mar 8-Apr 15 For further information and to register, visit womenventure.org or call 651646-3808. 2324 University Ave. W., Suite 120, St. Paul, MN 55114.

• Career & Employment Transition Group for Women Thur, Mar 10 6–8pm at WomenVenture, Free. Walk-in group for women to make connections, get support and receive job-seeking advice.

Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience - Mar 10 — Free Introductory Session: Mar. 10, 6:308:30pm.

Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. To register: http://starlaunch.eventbrite. com/ Adult Residential and Vocational Services - Mar 10 — There is an array

Student Learning Advocate #MISC11-62 Advocate for multicultural and at risk students in K-12 system; assist students in academic and attendance improvement; facilitate groups; serve as mediator for peer and school/home relations; connect students with school and community support programs.

BA Degree preferred. $29,150 and up DOQ, plus benefits. For additional info and to apply on-line go to www.anoka.k12.mn.us - click on Employment Opportunities or call 763-506-1100.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools (763) 506-JOBS EEO

TELEMARKETING POSITION Insight News is seeking applicants for a part-time Classified Sales Telemarketing Representative.

This position is perfect for a college student or someone looking for part time employment.

Hours are Mon-Thursday, 10 – 2 PM, not to exceed 20 hours per week.

Position Duties: • Deliver prepared sales talks, reading from scripts that describe Insight News and www.insightnews. com, in order to secure classified advertising.

• Contact businesses by telephone in order to solicit sales.

• Adjust sales scripts to better target the needs and interests of specific individuals.

• Answer telephone calls from potential customers who have been solicited through advertisements.

• Telephone or write letters to respond to correspondence from customers or to follow up initial sales contacts.

• Maintain records of contacts, accounts, and orders.

This position requires a high school diploma, previous telemarketing experience and the ability to produce results.

Please submit resume with three references to batalara@insightnews.com NO WALK-INS and no PHONE CALLS, please.

Many Visions. One Body. Gesel Mason breaks ‘BOUNDARIES’ Gesel Mason-Jumping the Broom by David Rousseve Photo Credit-Enoch Chan

Gesel Mason performs portions of her award-winning No Boundaries: Dancing the Visions of Black Choreographers, March 8-11, 2011, featuring works

by Donald McKayle, David Roussève, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Mason uses a blend of dance, theater, storytelling and humor to bring visibility to voices unheard, topics neglected, or perspectives considered taboo. Mason will also share excerpts from her new project, Women, Sex, and Desire, a multi-media investigation on how women navigate sex, desire, choice, and perception. Events: Tue., Mar. 8, 7:30pm: Movement Workshop (no experience required). Thur., Mar. 10, 7:00 pm: No Boundaries performance. Post-concert Q&A with Gesel Mason. Performances/Workshops at The Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave S, Mpls. For more information visit http://ias.umn.edu/collabs10-11/NoBoundaries.php of services available for adults who are developmentally disabled. Come to a free information session, on Thur., Mar. 10, 4-6pm, Eastside Neighborhood Services, conference room B19, 1700 Second St. N.E., Mpls.

Three Rivers Campground Reservations Open - Mar 14 — Will begin accepting family campground reservations for Baker Campground and Lake Auburn Campground on Mon., Mar. 14. To make a reservation by phone, call 763/559-6700 starting at 8am, Mon., Mar. 14. To reserve a site online, visit: http://www. threeriversparks.org/activities/camping. aspx Lutheran Social Service Seeks Adoptive Parents - Mar 15 — Join us to learn about exciting opportunities and changes in adoption. Discover the tools and support for families who would like a flexible, proactive adoption process, and learn how LSS can partner with you to grow your family. Tue., Mar. 15, 6–8pm at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), 2400 Park Ave. Mpls. Call Lynne Haggar at (612) 8795230 to register. For more information, or to register online, visit www. minnesotaadoption.org Early Childhood and Assistive Technology - Mar 15 — A free workshop for parents of young children with disabilities and for professionals.

It is on Tue., Mar. 15 6:30-9pm, at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn. Advance registration is requested. To register for the workshop, call PACER at 952-8389000. In Greater Minnesota, call 800537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office to hold Citizens Academy - Mar 15 — Showing citizens what police work is all about and to share the challenges and opportunities deputies face daily in their work. Classes start Tue., Mar. 15 and run every Tue. from 9:30am12pm. The final session will be Tue.,

Apr. 19. The class will be held either at the Patrol Station in Arden Hills or the Law Enforcement Center in St. Paul.

To enroll, call the Volunteers Involved in Public Safety Unit at 651-266-7338 for more information and to get an application form. Enrollment is limited to 20 citizens.

Cuba: Past, Present and Future Mar 15 — Presenters will be August Nimtz, professor of Political Science at the University of Minnesota, and Greg Klave, member of the Minnesota Cuban film Festival. Tue. Mar.15, 7pm at the Parish Community of St. Joseph 8701 36th Ave. N., New Hope. Free and open to the public. For more info: contact Carole Rydberg, 763-546-5368.

Creative Housing and Services Options - Mar 16 — A free workshop for parents of teenagers and young adults with disabilities. It is on Wed., Mar. 16 7-9pm, at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn.

Advance registration is requested. To register for the workshop, call PACER at 952-838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call 800-537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org Children Taking Medications for Behavioral and Mental Health Reasons - Mar 17 — A free workshop for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals. Thur., Mar. 17, 6:30-9pm, at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn.

Advance registration is requested. To register for the workshop, call PACER at 952-838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call 800-537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org

array of creative ideas and people while providing a unique opportunity for the community to connect. Audiences will encounter surprising stories of community-based innovation from a cross-section of our cities emerging and established leaders. @ Capri Theater 2027 W. Broadway Ave. Mpls, MN. Fri., Mar. 18 Doors: 6pm. The event will take place from 7-9pm, with a reception to follow. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.brownpapertickets. com/event/153431

side. Sarah Murphy of Grapefruit Moon Gallery will explore the life, times and notable pin-up illustrations of Gil Elvgren (“the Norman Rockwell of Cheesecake”) and Susan Marks, author of “In the Mood for Munsingwear: Minnesota’s Claim to Underwear Fame,” shares some of the company’s more provocative campaigns. 21+ $6, $5 for MHS members. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.mnhs.org by calling 651-259-3015. At Turf Club, 1601 University Ave., St Paul.

Minnesota’s Waiting Children Free Information Session -Mar 22 — Downey Side…families for youth, invites community members to attend a FREE information session regarding adoption and Minnesota’s Waiting Children. Next information session will be Tue., Feb. 22, from 6:30-8pm at Downey Side Minnesota, 450 N. Syndicate St., Suite 90, St. Paul, MN 55104. Pre-registration required. To register, email stpaulmn@downeyside. org or call 651-228-0117.

Intergenerational Volunteer Program seeks storytellers - Mar 29 — Both experienced and new storytellers are encouraged to apply to volunteer.

Applications are due Mar. 3. Applicants selected to participate in the project must attend a training session offered

by Wonder Weavers Storytellers on Tue., Mar. 29. For more information and an application form, contact Janet Jacobson at 612.668.3885.

The Journal’s first Northeast Home Improvement Fair - Mar 26 — On March 26, 10am–2pm The fair at Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St. NE, will be a one-stop shop for great renovation and design ideas. Be sure to stay tuned to The Journal, too, for two special Home Improvement Guides this year. The spring guide will be included in the March 28 edition and the fall guide will be published Sept. 26.

SeniorNet Open House - Mar 18 — Low Cost Computer Classes for Adults 50 and older. MCTC Campus 1403 Harmon Place, Mpls, MN. Call 612 659-6253 for details and free Open House parking.

Art at Highland - Mar 26 — A juried one-day indoor spring art fair sponsored

by Highland/Macalester/ Groveland Community Education in cooperation with Artists’ Circle, a non-profit educational advocate for fine crafts which promotes the exhibition and sale of work by quality artists. Sat. Mar. 26, 10am–5pm. Highland Park Senior High School 1015 S. Snelling Ave, St. Paul.

Solutions Twin Cities Vol. 4 - Mar 18 — Aims to spotlight this eclectic

Minnesota Naughty? - Mar 29 — An exploration of Minnesota’s naughty

Piano Magic - Apr 1 — The last of the Minnesota Sinfonia’s Winter Concert Series, conducted by Jay Fishman, on Fri., Apr. 1, at 7pm in the Metropolitan State University auditorium, 700 E. 7th St., Saint Paul. The concert is free and open to the public.

The 7th Annual Community Garden Spring Resource Fair - Apr 2 — This fun, educational event gives community gardeners a chance to connect with each other and learn about everything from growing more veggies to the 2012 Farm Bill. @ Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St, Mpls. Sat., Apr. 2 9am4pm. More info, complete schedule, and pre-registration online at www. gardeningmatters.org Neighborhood HealthSource 6th Annual Gala - Apr 7 — Celebrate affordable community health at a historic Minneapolis venue! Join us for an evening of excellent food and cocktails, live music and comedy, silent and live auctions and much, much more! Thur., Apr. 7 at the historic Nicollet Island Pavilion. 40 Power St. Mpls, MN 55401.

Annual Twin Cities Sustainable Communities Conference - Apr 9 — 500 community volunteers will gather to share fun project ideas and hands on resources. Central Lutheran Church, 333 12th St. S. Mpls. FREE Please RESVP online: www.afs.nonprofitoffice. com/2011ConferenceRegistration or call 612-331-1099 or email Sean www. afors.org Minneapolis Fearless Caregiver Conference - May 19 — Families learn to be a fearless caregiver for their loved ones at upcoming conference.

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and Today’s Caregiver magazine are offering a limited number of paid scholarships to family caregivers for this day-long event that includes lunch, exhibits and trainings.

Family caregivers should register at FearlessCaregiver.com. Thur. May 19 at the Ramada Mall of America 2300 E. American Boulevard, Bloomington, MN 55425 8:30am-2:30pm.

insightnews.com

Insight News • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Page 11

Health plan the right direction for state Capitol Report

By Jeff Hayden State Rep. District 61B Last year President Obama made history with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, bringing health care to millions of uninsured Americans and guaranteeing preexisting conditions are covered. The Affordable Care Act is reaping benefits already in Minnesota with the implementation of early Medical Assistance, which will cover 90,000 Minnesotans while

easing our state budget strain.

While we are moving in the right direction on health care, there is more we can do in Minnesota. I believe all Minnesotans should have access to quality, affordable health care.

I also believe we need a health care system that can deliver on this goal without breaking the state bank for education, public safety, and many other vital services.

That is why I have chief authored the Minnesota Health Plan.

The Minnesota Health Plan has garnered more steam and support in recent years. The plan would cover all Minnesotans with a single statewide plan to cover all Minnesotans for their medical needs. It would replace

our complicated and broken health care system that relies too heavily on for profit insurance companies. The long term result would be better, more affordable health care for all Minnesotans at a sustainable cost for the future.

One common misperception about the Minnesota Health Plan is that it would cost too much. I would contend our current health care system costs too much.

Last year Minnesota families, businesses, and government spent $35 billion on health care – more than our entire 2-year state budget. The same study projected costs would grow to $55 billion in seven years. It does not take a mathematician to figure out these costs are unsustainable.

The Minnesota Health Plan would be paid through Minnesotans on an ability to pay basis. We would also be able to eliminate waste in our current complicated system which often leads to inefficient and expensive treatments. A recent study by a Harvard economist that was commissioned by the State of Vermont gave evidence to the notion that single payer health care would bring down costs.

The report compared 3 varying health care systems including a single payer plan similar to the Minnesota Health Plan. The report found that the single payer plan would save Vermont $500 million with those savings growing larger in the future.

Another misconception is that the Minnesota Health

Plan would be a “government takeover” of health care. To the contrary, the plan ensures health care decisions are made by doctors and patients – not insurance companies or the government. Under the plan, patients would be able to see the medical providers of their choice when they need care, and their coverage by the health plan would not end when they lose their job or switch to a new employer. There would be no filing out of complex forms, no worrying about pre-existing conditions disqualifying you, no worrying about whether the treatment was covered or how you are going to pay for the prescription drugs.

Health care should be a fundamental service that

Minnesotans pay for just as they do for their local police or fire department. If your house is going up in flames, the fire department doesn’t first ask you if you have fire insurance before they put out the fire. The same should apply to health care. We need a better health care system that works for Minnesotans and that is what I believe we can achieve with the Minnesota Health Plan.

I will be holding a health care town hall meeting at the end of March so that we can discuss the Minnesota Health Plan and the state of health care in Minnesota. I will share that information with you soon and encourage you to contact me with your ideas and input.

Brooklyn Park mourns loss of Steve Lampi Steve Lampi brought a strong resolve and quiet determination to his two-plus terms as Mayor of Brooklyn Park. It was with those same qualities that he fought his own personal battle against cancer in recent weeks, telling his family and residents “his passion for life will carry him through.”

Surrounded by his family, Mayor Lampi succumbed to the disease Saturday, less than four weeks after first learning of his surprise diagnosis.

“Steve was a strong leader for our community,” said Mike Trepanier, Central District Council Member and now the acting mayor. “He presided with dignity always and treated everyone with fairness and respect. Beyond his role as mayor, he was a good friend. I will miss him dearly.”

Lampi, 56, was recently reelected to a third term as Mayor of Minnesota’s sixth largest city in November of 2010. He was

Finale From 1 Family members and friends last week bid adieu in grand style to their beloved, Nellie

Photos courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves

As part of the Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation’s Black History month, a Reading Time-Out, presented by Hennepin County Medical Center, was conducted at Whittier International School last Thursday, Feb. 24. Timberwolves guard Wayne Ellington read “Meet Martin Luther King Jr.” to the second and third grade students attending.

Steve Lampi Ruth Brown, in services at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, 2639 Thomas Avenue N. in Minneapolis, and in an elegant funerary procession to the burial site. She died at home on February 19, 2011, in the company of family and friends.

Ford Studio

In tribute to a regal soul, the funeral procession followed a horse drawn funeral carriage from the church at Thomas and West Broadway, down West Broadway en route to Crystal Lake Cemetery for internment.

Nellie Ruth Brown was born

first elected to the seat in 2002.

Working with the members of the City Council, his accomplishments were many.

Among the most significant were securing federal funding for the under-construction extension of Highway 610 from Brooklyn Park to Maple Grove, redevelopment of the Brooklyn Boulevard and Zane Avenue area, stabilizing the community’s neighborhoods through strong housing and code enforcement programs and improving safety in the community through projects such as the opening of the new Village Creek Community Police Station.

Mayor Lampi had leadership roles and was active in the North Metro Mayor’s Association, Metro Cities, Regional Council of Mayors, Minneapolis Northwest (formerly Visit Minneapolis North), North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce and many other community

and intergovernmental organizations.

He was a strong advocate for Liberian immigrants and New Americans of all origins in the City. Lampi was known as a consensus builder, able to bring people together to make difficult decisions. It was that reputation that forged two of his greatest successes.

Lampi partnered with Brooklyn Center Mayor Tim Willson to be the driving forces behind the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance, a joint powers organization bringing together the two cities, educational institutions, Hennepin County and community organizations to confront head-on the conditions that challenge youth in the community. The Alliance aims to tear down barriers that undermine youth achievement and lead to adverse community impacts. His commitment to youth was core to his work in recent years.

Mayor Lampi was also instrumental in the city’s newly begun community engagement initiative and mission: Brooklyn Park, a thriving community inspiring pride where opportunities exist for all. Lampi knew that truly successful communities rely on every member taking responsibility for the work of building community.

He was excited to see it taking root in Brooklyn Park.

In addition to being Mayor, Steve Lampi was owner and president of Bridgeman’s, Inc. He is survived by his wife Kathy and their three adult children.

Funeral services for Mayor Lampi were held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, in Brooklyn Center, last Friday, March 4.

Memorials can be sent to: Brooklyn Park Community Foundation, Attn: Steve Lampi Scholarship Fund Brooklyn Park City Hall, 5200 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443.

February 29th 1935 in Aberdeen, Mississippi to Nellie Mae Smith and L.B. Harris. She had two sisters, Emma Lee Smith, who preceded her in death, and Etra Mae Scale. She is also survived by children Johnny (Maxine), Della (Raven Swift), Annie

Mae, Detroit, Jr., Nellie Ruth, Ernestine, Linda Faye (Tony), and Vexzada (Antonio).

A native of Aberdeen, Mississippi, Nellie Ruth Brown moved to Minneapolis when she was 16 and at 18 moved to Hughes, Arkansas where she

married Detroit Davis and gave birth to six of her eight children.

Nellie Ruth Brown later married L.B. Brown, giving birth to three more children, LB, Jr., (La’Sandria), Harvey Lee, and Ira Lee (Melena).

Page 12 • March 7 - March 13, 2011 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Photos: Suluki Fardan

Dylisi Sheffield as Shirley Witherspoon

Charvez Russell as Henry Box Brown

Treon Jones, a 3rd grader as our very own Al McFarlane

Jaida Higgins as Phillis Wheatley

Naimah Muhammad Hodnett came to life as Sarah Goode

Raymond Phernetton as Barack Obama

Students from Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Charter School have taken a new approach to learning facts about Black History.

In celebration of Black History Month, last month more

than 100 students from Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Charter School in South Minneapolis created their own wax museum of historical Black personalities.

The students prepared speeches and created costumes for all of

the featured Historical Black Personalities. The students then presented their speeches to fellow classmates, community and family members with the push of a button launching the first ever interactive Wax Museum. One of the featured personalities was our very own Al McFarlane.

Each grade level was assigned a theme: kindergarten students were inventors, 1st grade students were poets and writers, 2nd grade students were abolitionists, 3rd and 4th grade students were unsung heroes, 5th grade students were musicians, and 6th graders were lawyers and judges. All students were expected to conduct research on their assigned historical figure.

This opportunity solidified the partnership with Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Charter School and their parents. All students were expected to participate in the process; they dressed up as President Obama, Al McFarlane, Barbara Jordan, Diana Ross, Shirley Witherspoon and many other personalities.

“They’re doing it as a person in a live wax museum. They’re having a button that will be pushed and then they come to life and share important facts about their life. “It’s their chance to be out there in front of their peers and show that they’ve accomplished something. As we were setting up, I kept hearing, ‘This is going to be so exciting,’ which is something you don’t hear a lot of, so it’s also been a

confidence booster,” said school principal, Ethel Norwood.

In mid-December, all grade levels were assigned a specific theme/genre.

Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Charter School works in collaboration with the Givens Foundation.

Through the FAFA and Givens partnership, artists in residence were assigned to specific grade levels.

During the summer training opportunities Givens artists partnered with the classroom teacher and they designed literacy lessons that specifically focused on reading, writing, specific authors and genre. This process made it easy for the various grade levels to identify the specific personalities they would represent. Students were given a list of African Americans (both past and present) who were important figures in history or who have made a positive difference in our world. Students signed up for the person of their choice and began doing research for the next few weeks on their chosen person using books and online resources. The research was done at both school and home.

Using the information the students collected on their famous African American figures, they wrote a speech in the first person that they recited or read to an audience at the African American Wax Museum. In preparation for the opening of the wax museum, students memorized their speeches (although they made

note cards that they could use if they forget their lines). Students also created posters with pictures of the African American personality. Students dressed up as their person and brought props or other things that brought authenticity to their character.

The parents were part of the driving force, they encouraged their students to rehearse their parts and they scaled the local five and dime stores in search of special treasures that would aid in bringing their characters to life.

Parents at Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Charter School have demonstrated that they are committed to the academic success of their students. They are investing the necessary time and energy to support their student’s learning.

“I’d like to attest to the rich educational experience, all the students did a very good job expressing the person in celebration, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming and intriguing.

Also I have never seen so many children engaged and excited about education and the value, sacrifice, and great strides we have made in this country to have a place in the educational system and society,” said LonaiLe Johnson, a parent at Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Charter School. Many parents reported their satisfaction with the event and a number of community members stated that they were impressed with the student’s performance. The school plans

to make this an annual event.

Treon Jones, a third grader was Insight News founder Al McFarlane. In preparation for this event Treon called the Insight News Newspaper and informed the staff that he was conducting research on Mr. McFarlane for a school project. Mr. McFarlane’s office was so impressed that he not only sent over his bio he sent a photographer to document the event.

Naimah Muhammad Hodnett came to life as Sarah Goode who invented the first hideaway bed.

Jaida Higgins was Phillis Wheatley the first published African American Poet.

Charvez Russell was Henry Box Brown, the abolitionist who mailed himself to freedom. Of course there were many more personalities represented.

In addition to the live wax museum the students put on a musical performance honoring historical Black figures. Students in grades three and four put on a skit about the life and experiences of Rosa Parks.

The school’s next event will be a poetry slam and the March read-a-thon. Feel free to contact the school to see how you can be part of the process. Remember, it takes a Village to raise a child.

What village do you belong to? For more information on the various personalities who came to life contact Friendship Academy of Fine Arts at (612) 879-6703.

Friendship Academy Wax Museum