Insight News ::: 8.9.10

INNAVIEWS:

Photos courtesy of the artists

HIP-HOP THEATER FEATURING INTERNATIONAL HIP-HOP ICONS ROKAFELLA AND KWIKSTEP MORE ON PAGE 5

INSIGHT NEWS August 9 - August 15, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 32 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

kia.com

Kia goes too far Artspeak

By Irma McClaurin, PhD First you see the hoodies, a few gold chains, then you hear the sounds of hip hop grooves and beats. Then you see the faces of giant hamsters speaking in hip hop’s rhythmic vernacular about “This or That.” There is no question that the voices behind the animals are intended to represent African American brothers kicking it in the hood.

While Kia’s website (http:// www.kia.com/#/soul/explore/ videos/?cid=sem&ppc=y) says

that the animals are hamsters, if you don’t know the difference, they look like Rats. Dressed in styles and doing movements associated with America’s Black urban youth, Kia Soul represents a new low in television advertising.

That Kia selected the word “soul” to represent their product is not accidental. The term is all too frequently used as a proxy for talking about Blackness-as in ‘soul brothers,’ ‘you got soul,’ etc. And the images of giant hamsters “kickin’ it” in front of buildings that look an all-American urban core neighborhood is not accidental.

These animals are not the hamsters in your science class but anthropomorphized (animals or non-living things

KIA TURN TO 5

Rep. Ellison and Mayor Rybak support the Local Jobs for America Act

By Lydia Schwartz Contributing Writer The recession is forcing states and municipalities to cut jobs that are critically important—teachers, police, firefighters, childcare workers, and others. US Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-MN) and the Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak are promoting the Local Jobs for America Act, which will provide funding for municipal jobs. The US House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee have estimated that the act will create or save one million jobs across the country.

Support will be targeted directly to states and

municipalities with the greatest number of people out of work in order to restore important local services. “Cities have been under tremendous pressure to lay off government jobs which only decreases our quality of life…

It is entirely appropriate for the federal government to intervene since the private sector can’t provide the number of jobs that we need,” Ellison said. The Local Jobs for America Act will help ensure that local communities can still operate essential services.

Because of the recession, many local communities have cut back on education, public safety, childcare, health care,

JOBS TURN TO 2

The Immortal Dance Team entertains the crowd

Photos by Debbie Seabloom

The Flawless Drill team energized the community

Freeport West National Night Out

By Elizabeth Dwinnell Freeport Saint Paul hosted its 3rd Annual National Night Out Celebration on Tuesday, August 3rd. Nearly 300 guests from the Saint Paul Rondo

neighborhood gathered outside the Youth Center on Selby Avenue. The evening began with a barbeque and guest speakers, City Councilmember Melvin Carter and Saint Paul Police Chief Tom Smith, welcoming community

members to the event. Both speakers shared memories and stories of their experiences in the neighborhood and thanked those present for coming out.

The evening was filled with a variety of talented entertainment, including

musical performances by Tight Fit, Blended Soul, KMAD, Mekhi Davis and Ice Dude.

The Flawless Drill Team and the Immortal Dance Team also performed, energizing the

FREEPORT TURN TO 6

MUL partnership promotes access to trades The Minneapolis Urban League has received an innovative, $150K grant from Minnesota Department of Transportation to create an unprecedented partnership that will result in job creation for people of color. The partnership between trade unions, prime contractors, Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minneapolis Urban League is based on a national model, BIGSTEP, a highly successful program in increasing the representation of people of color in major industries.

On Wednesday, August

Photos courtesy Minneapolis Urban League

Pictured (l-r): MN Rep. Bobby Joe Champion, MN Rep. Jeff Hayden, Mary Prescott (Mn/DOT), and Scott Gale (Minneapolis Building & Construction Trades Council) 4, 2010, the Minneapolis Urban League hosted a press conference to introduce the partnership.

Key political figures, including State Reps.

Bobby Joe Champion, Jeff Hayden and Frank Hornstein; State Sens. Linda Higgins and Scott Dibble were on hand, along with state officials

Mary Prescott (Mn/DOT Civil Rights Director) and Emma Corrie (Mn/DOT Workforce & Business Development Project Manager). Labor was represented by Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council Business Manager Scott Gale and Tim Gillan, CFO of Bolander & Sons, represented local employers.

The Twin Cities has the greatest disparity in employment of Whites versus Blacks of any major U.S. city. Here, Blacks

GRANT TURN TO 3

INTERNET TECHNOLOGY

Shanice Brown:

Standing before the world

By Shanice Brown MMMC Technology Reporter

By Shanice Brown MMMC Technology Reporter “Sitting here at this desk in the Insight News office is a surreal experience for me because I’m reminiscing on where I was and how I moved to where I am now,” said Shanice Brown, reflecting on her first day of work as a reporter intern for Insight News.

Being a teenager can be a confusing and complicated part in one’s life. With hormones going wild and a young person trying to find herself, it’s hard to believe that things can get more challenging than that. That is

Senator Klobuchar proposes Pew internet study: Teens report rise in cyber bullying Facebook panic button

Suluki Fardan

Shanice Brown

far from the truth. As a newly turned 17-year-old, this bowl of craziness is something that

BROWN TURN TO 7

Plan Your Career:

Welcoming new technologies improves careers and lives

PAGE 3

Bullying once was something done in the hallways at school or by note passing in math class, but now in the world of broadband technology and its vast availability, notes don’t need to be written and mouthto-mouth gossip doesn’t need to be heard in order for a rumor to be spread. All that is needed in this age and time is the ability to click, copy, paste and send.

According to the Pew Internet Report of 2007 about Online Harassment and Cyber Bullying, by researcher Amanda Lenhart, 1 in 3 teens who

Technology:

PPL mobile computer labs mean greater access

PAGE 4

spend time online have already experienced online harassment.

The report found that 32% of all online teens have been the targets of persistent online bullying such as threatening messages, unauthorized postings of pictures and the spread of rumors through online connection. Adolescents who broadcast their thoughts or share their identities are more likely to be victims of this harassment opposed to those who are less active on online communities.

The information that is largely spread is the sharing of private content and 15% of teens have had someone

BULLYING TURN TO 3

By Kayla Houston MMMC Intern Technology Reporter Panic buttons, they’re everywhere. From roller coasters to cars, from life alert to bank safes, you can find panic buttons almost anywhere. Now you can also find panic buttons on the Facebook pages of U.K. teens.

Senior senator, Amy Klobuchar, would like Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to expand the panic button to U.S. citizens.

She wrote a letter to the CEO as to why we should have a panic button as well.

In the letter, Senator Klobuchar said that their top

Aesthetics:

Bio-pic successfully recasts smut peddler as humanitarian

PAGE 5

Kayla Houston priority was to protect kids from online predators. Research has shown that 1 in 4 American teens have been victims of

SAFETY TURN TO 11

Sports Report:

Welcome back to the Tavaris Jackson fanclub

PAGE 11

Page 2 • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY Listen to Shirley Sherrod: Create healthy, safe communities

By Marian Wright Edelman By now much of the nation has followed the story of former U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) official Shirley Sherrod, who was forced to resign from her post earlier this month after dishonestly being accused of racism in a March speech, only to be vindicated as soon as someone took the time to get a copy of what she actually said and allow the truth to come to light. But for those people who know Shirley and her husband, civil rights leader Charles Sherrod, the fact that the smears on her character were outrageous and false was never in doubt. It also was not a surprise to learn that the real message of Shirley Sherrod’s speech was actually something quite different and critically important: not just her own ability to overcome racially motivated attitudes, but her insistence on our need to work together to address the real division in our country—the one between the haves and have-

nots in our wealthy nation that has devastating effects on poor people of every color.

Before she was appointed to the position as USDA Georgia State Director of Rural Development, Sherrod was a founder and key leader of the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Economic and Social Justice (SRBWI), which grew out of the Children’s Defense Fund’s Black Community Crusade for Children, the Federation of Community Controlled Child Care Centers of Alabama (FOCAL), and the Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education’s work in the South.

She served as Georgia State Lead for SRBWI, where she helped promote the first human rights agenda in the United States aimed at eradicating historical race, class, cultural, religious, and gender barriers experienced by southern rural Black women. But as her colleagues at SRBWI point out, Sherrod has spent a lifetime fighting for economic and social justice

for all people—something she pledged to do on the night her father was brutally murdered in 1965. In fact, the March speech at a local Georgia NAACP event

the South; that I would stay in the South and devote my life to working for change. And I’ve been true to that commitment all of these 45 years.”

“Sherrod has spent a lifetime fighting for economic and social justice for all people” from which her remarks were deliberately excerpted out of context was about how she came to make this her life’s mission.

As she opened her speech that evening, she noted it was the 44th anniversary of her father’s funeral, and said, “He was a leader in the community.

He wasn’t the first to be killed by white men in the county.

But I couldn’t just let his death go without doing something in answer to what happened. I made the commitment on the night of my father’s death, at the age of 17, that I would not leave

It’s a commitment she shares with her husband Charles, who was the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)’s first field secretary and a cofounder of the Albany Movement in Georgia during the civil rights era. He then earned a doctor of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary before returning to Georgia to spend many years working with community organizations and serving on the Albany City Council.

Later, in one of the sections of the speech that was

deceptively cut, Sherrod made clear that her experience 24 years ago helping a poor White farmer only confirmed a larger truth about the need for all of us to overcome racial divisions in order to fight injustice: “Working with him made me see that it’s really about those who have versus those who don’t . . . they could be Black, and they could be white; they could be Hispanic. And it made me realize then that I needed to work to help poor people—those who don’t have access the way others have.” She continued, “I’ve come to realize that we have to work together. You know, it’s sad that we don’t have a room full of white and blacks here tonight because we have to overcome the divisions that we have . . .

[O]ur communities are not going to thrive. Our children won’t have the communities that they need to be able to stay and live in and have a good life if we can’t figure this out, you all. White people, black people, Hispanic people, we all have to do our part to make our communities

a safe place, a healthy place, a good environment.”

It’s that message, about the need for all of us to work together in order to address the common threat of poverty—at a time when the gap between rich and poor is at the highest recorded level ever—and the need to create the healthy, safe communities all children need to live and thrive that was wrongfully cut out of the original coverage of Shirley Sherrod’s speech and lost in the ensuing debate. But that’s the message that resounds through her life’s work and the one we all need to hear and heed.

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.

If it sounds and acts like racism, then it probably is racism

By Danny J. Bakewell Sr. NNPA Chairman (NNPA) - This is America, but you wouldn’t think so in

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

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 Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Technology Reporters Shanice Brown Ivan B. Phifer Christopher Toliver Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond S. Himie Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie 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.

light of recent events wherein two high-profile, long serving African American congress people have come under attack. They are being dragged through the mud in a rush to judgment regarding alleged ethics violations. US Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and US Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) are the accused.

Rangel has been found guilty by a House ethics subcommittee of violating ethics rules and will face trial within the next couple of months. He has been under investigation since 2008 due to allegedly using his House position for financial benefit.

Waters is also under the microscope of the House ethics subcommittee for allegedly

Jobs From 1 and transportation. As a result, families who rely on these services are suffering the cost of these cutbacks.

According to a report from the National League of Cities, the US Conference of Mayors (USMC), and the National Association of Counties (NACo) without federal action, local governments will be forced to cut thousands of jobs and services for families and individuals across the country.

The National League of Cities represents municipal governments throughout the US. Its mission is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. The National League of Cities provides programs and services that give local leaders the tools and knowledge they need to better serve their communities, keep leaders informed of critical issues that affect municipalities and warrant action by local officials, and provide opportunities for involvement and networking to help city officials seek ideas, share solutions, and find common ground for the future.

USCM is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. Each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. USMC promotes the development of effective national urban/suburban policy, ensures that federal policy meets urban needs, and creates a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information.

NACo is currently the only national organization representing county governments. Driven by a strong membership, their Board of Directors represents counties across America.

NACo’s Executive Committee is comprised of four officers elected by the membership, along with a regional representative from each of the four regions in the country. County leaders develop and shape the association’s mission and goal.

Rybak calls the Jobs for America Act the next step on our road to economic recovery. “After the private sector collapsed, leaving us in an economic catastrophe, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allowed us to maintain

using her congressional authority in a meeting with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on behalf of OneUnited bank, in which her husband owns $250,000 in stock.

It is important that our

elected officials, those to whom we give our public trust, be ethically sound, but in this current spate of accusations, there is something fishy in the proverbial Denmark! As of 2010, there are presently 42 African American members in the 111th U.S. Congress - 41 in the House of Representatives (39 representatives and 2 nonvoting delegates) and one in the Senate. The fact is that African Americans represent only 10 percent of Congress, and 19 percent (8) are under investigation! This raises the question as to whether or not Black lawmakers face more scrutiny over allegations of wrongdoing than their White counterparts. We conclude that if it sounds like racism and acts

some of the critical services jobs, such as police and fixing potholes. We will lose them if we don’t take the next step,” he said.

Rybak chides conservatives who use patriotism as an excuse to shut down programs and services during the recession.

“I support bipartisanship but Republicans have said, ‘No, no, no’ all along the way,” he said.

In order to bust through the gridlock, Ellison says, Americans must make these demands to Congress directly.

He urges people to contact their US Senators in support of the act because he is confident it will pass in the US House of Representatives.

Another tactic that conservatives use to argue that we cannot afford these programs is fear of the deficit. Ellison admits that government “deficits are a problem but now is not the time to put the brakes on the economy…Deficit-reduction is still a priority but there will come a time to deal with it.”

Rybak agrees saying that “we need to spend money to make money. The alternative is to do nothing and we continue to lose jobs.” On August 16, the Mayor must present his budget recommendation to the Minneapolis City Council.

However, Rybak says that he will probably have to revise it once cuts are made to local government aid at the state-level.

State cuts to local government aid forces cities to either cut programs and services or to raise property taxes. “Property taxes are the cruelest because they

are not sensitive to a family’s income,” Ellison said. The Local Jobs for America Act will help prevent state and local tax increases. By supporting the services that local communities deem most necessary, the bill will help local governments avoid having to choose between eliminating services and raising taxes.

The bill is estimated to provide over $50 million to the City of Minneapolis to save or create an estimated 910 jobs. According to Rybak, there are currently about 400 people employed by the city.

These include police, firefighters, and employment related to infrastructure and road repair.

Ellison believes the Local Jobs for America Act would greatly accelerate lowering the minority unemployment rate. He says it will help create more diverse police and firefighter classes.

The Local Jobs for America Act will also provide funding for 50,000 on-the-job private-sector training positions. Creating local jobs will stimulate local businesses and create more jobs in the local economy. By increasing employment in local communities, families will be able to start spending again at their neighborhood businesses and favorite restaurants. This will help spur additional jobs for local small businesses.

For more information on the Local Jobs for America Act, or to see the full report on estimated funding for cities across the county, visit http://edlabor.house. gov/blog/2010/03/local-jobs-foramerica-act.shtml

Official photo

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)

like racism, then it probably is racism! In America, we need to presume innocence until proven guilty, and we need not be led to judgment.

Both Rangel and Waters are valuable members of the African American community who have fought valiantly for our community. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), therefore, urges you to stand behind them.

We want them to know that we are there for them; that all 200+ NNPA publishers throughout America stand solidly behind

them, and urge them to continue on the course and stay strong. Black publishers are on the way with pen in hand!

History has shown that Black people make no progress in America without a struggle for what is right and good for the Black community.

Many people want to call this situation something other than what it is, but it is racism at the core. It is daunting, but not surprising that this is the case, but Rangel and Waters are far too valuable to our community to give up without a fight!

Vote Tuesday, Aug. 10 in the DFL Primary

Our State Senator Linda Higgins ENDORSED BY DFL Party, AFSCME, MAPE, United Transportation Union, Minnesota Nurses, Sierra Club, DFL Veterans Caucus, Stonewall DFL GLBT Caucus, Planned Parenthood, NARAL, MFT Local 59, Education Minnesota, MN Women’s Political Caucus, and many Northside, North Loop, and Downtown friends and neighbors Prepared and paid for by Higgins for Senate, 1715 Emerson Ave. N., Mpls 55411. Bruce Center, Treasurer. 612 522 2776 lhiggins@nmpls.com

www.senatorlinda.com

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Insight News • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Page 3

BUSINESS Welcoming new technologies improves careers and lives Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com She put the cold yellow block of butter in a glass bowl, opened a door and set the bowl inside what looked like an Easy-Bake Oven. She pushed a few buttons and in thirteen seconds, a high pitched beep rang out, and she opened the door, revealing, magically, a bowl full of melted butter.

If you didn’t live through the seventies (not saying I did), you can only imagine the awe and amazement people felt when the microwave oven was born. One step down from the introduction of anything Microsoft. It changed the game completely.

Fast forward to today.

Microwave ovens are accepted in the kitchen alongside spoons and floor cleaners; they are a part of everyday life. Something new takes its place to amaze

us every day, so much so that it can become overwhelming.

Some technologies are here to stay (phones without cords) and some are fads likely to evolve into something better (answering machines, for example, evolving into voicemail).

Incorporating every new invention into daily life is impossible. Don’t even try it. Instead, commit

Photo courtesy Minneapolis Urban League

Emma Corrie (Mn/DOT)

Grant From 1 are 3.1 times more likely than Whites to be unemployed. The current economic crisis, high cost of doing business, lagging job growth, limited access to capital, and lack of a unified, regional, strategic vision to drive job growth, threatens to push an already struggling

Bullying From 1 forwarded or publicly posted private communication online without permission and 6% have had an embarrassing photo posted online without their approval stated the report.

The victimization does not end at that, 13% of teens surveyed have reported to have received threatening/aggressive emails, instant messages (IM) or a text message from others and another 13% of teens have had rumors spread about them through online use.

What is apparent in these cases is the age and gender gap present. The findings show that 18% of older teens (15-17) are more likely to have been victims of online abuse than the 11% of younger teens (12-14). The largest group of victimized adolescents is older teenage girls (15-17). Thirty-eight percent of online-active girls have reported to have been bullied compared to 26% of online-active boys.

Four in 10 (39%) of girls that are social network users have experienced some form of cyber bullying compared to the 22% of girls who do not use social networks. Additionally, race also has a role in the bullying with 32% of white teens have been cyberbullied next to the 18% of Black teens who have been bullied.

Even though cyber bullying has become a growing issue over the last few years, offline bullying does still exist and the views on the rate of online versus offline bullying varies; 2/3 (67%) of teens report to have

community deeper into poverty and despair.

The economic crisis has impacted every aspect of the African American community.

Like every organization, the Minneapolis Urban League hasn’t been immune from the effects. In this environment, the Minneapolis Urban League made the decision to forego the Family Day Celebration this year. Family Day has been a North Minneapolis tradition been bullied offline and 29% of teens report to have been bullied online. A little less than 1 in 3 teens believe bullying is more frequent online and 3% of teens believe that harassment online and offline is equal. Four in 10 (39%) social networking users have been bullied in some form.

22% of non-social networking users report to have been victims of bullying and 59% of these teens are bullied offline.

With the alarming rates of cyber bullying rising, many are pondering the reasons behind this cyber bullying epidemic.

One of the reasons noted is access. It is now easier than it ever has been to duplicate and send/post any information.

Along with commercial Photoshop tools, there are many free websites that allow you to edit pictures with no charge, making the process of digital alteration virtually painless.

There is also a surge of power being spread between those who are cyber bullying others.

Also known as “e-thugs”, cyber bullies feel a form of power that is similar to that of offline bullies, the report said.

There are steps and precautions that can protect teens and others from internet cyber bullies: Be careful of what you say and who you are around.

Since anything over the web can be perceived completely opposite of what was originally intended, always re-read what you wrote or what you are posting for errors or possible comments that can be altered.

Never reveal private information online or to anyone that you may not be that familiar with.

to incorporating only the microwaves: those concepts that are so widely accepted that, literally, everyone has them.

Get past the intimidation.

New tools and technologies happen only to make life either easier or more interesting. When faced with a new, seemingly complicated, software, hardware or box

on the counter, look first for its value in one of these two categories: will it make my life easier? Or more interesting? If the answer to both questions is no, send the box back, unopened, for a full refund. If the answer is yes, then use that yes as a motivator to find out how, exactly, this thing is going to help.

Many companies use,

as an example, Microsoft Outlook for email and calendar management. Having memorized Outlook for Dummies, I can tell you it is a powerful and complex tool.

Rather than attempt to master its every idiosyncrasy, start by learning how to do something that makes your life easier (or more interesting). Learn to add contacts, or how to search for a

for the past 20 years. The unprecedented partnership and innovative grant for highway construction is the first of many positive steps towards bringing people of color into participation in the Twin Cities economy.

At the press conference, Champion explained the importance of Mn/DOT stepping forward to create a vehicle for change through this partnership, stating that “the partnership not only will improve and diversify the workforce in this field, but also enhance Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) goals and support the efforts of minority businesses.”

This sentiment was echoed

by Corrie who noted, “this award to the Urban League is part of a larger strategy at Mn/ DOT to enhance placement and retention of women, minorities, veterans and individuals into existing training programs and Mn/DOT sponsored projects.”

Corrie also explained how the initiative will enhance the ability of Mn/DOT contractors to meet DBE requirements through collaborative engagement of key labor and industry leaders.

Some of the most impactful comments came from Scott Gale and Tim Gillan. Gale highlighted the relationship between the Minneapolis Urban League and the

Building & Construction Trades Council extending over 40 years. Council members have played an integral role by serving on the advisory boards for Urban League’s apprenticeship training and employment programs, hosting joint trainings, facilitating apprenticeships and exposing youth to career trades through summer internships. Gillan gave a brief but heartfelt delivery on the long standing relationship between the Minneapolis Urban League and Bolander & Sons, and the efforts to support exposure of young adults to the construction profession through summer internships and the Urban League’s LEAP

lost email message.

Taking one step at a time into technology turns something frightening into a manageable and valuable endeavor. No one needs to know about the popcorn button on the microwave until they are ready to use it; once you need it, learning a new function or adapting to a new technology is worthwhile and, therefore, possible.

Some microwave-like developments people expect others in a work setting to be familiar with now include: cell phones, texting, email, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google internet searching.

No one should invest in an i-anything unless they have a real use for it, but keeping up with technology generally will make your career path – and your daily life – easier and, quite possibly, more interesting.

Julie Desmond is an experienced recruiter and career counselor. She currently leads classes to help job seekers learn how to find work now.

Write to julie@insightnews. com.

Program.

The Minneapolis Urban League endeavors to empower and support community members on their path toward meaningful work, economic success, and prosperity. The goal is not just jobs, but career transformation opportunities that produce livable wages and good benefits. Innovative programming and training is needed to make the community more competitive in a changing employment environment. This groundbreaking , intentional partnership between Mn/DOT, labor, industry and communitybased organizations has an essential role to play in addressing these challenges.

Page 4 • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Insight News

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TECHNOLOGY PPL mobile computer labs mean greater access

By Ivan Phiffer MMMC Technology Reporter Project for Pride and Living (PPL), 1925 Chicago Avenue South, is a non-profit agency that has been providing services to Minneapolis communities for 38 years. The agency assists low-income individuals and families with housing, education, employment training, and support services. The agency opened the PPL Learning Center, its first computer lab and job training program, five years ago at the Chicago and Franklin headquarters location.

Sarah Koschinska heads PPL’s self-sufficiency program and leads PPL’s digital inclusion efforts. She co-chairs

PPL’s technology directing team. Previously, she was PPL’s community technology manager and assisted in developing and opening the learning center.

PPL is one of 11 public computer centers networked under the University of Minnesota Urban Research Outreach/Engagement Center’s (UROC) the Broadband Access Project.

The Broadband Access Project enabled purchase of 14 new laptop computers to equip an innovative mobile computer lab for PPL’s 4046 Lyndale Avenue North housing complex which consists of three buildings, each containing 25 apartments. The mobile lab brings computer access to all three buildings.

The Broadband Access Project (BAP) promotes broadband awareness, access

and usage in designated areas of North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Southeast Minneapolis, and Summit University and the Westside in St Paul, targeting neighborhoods that are heavily African American, African, Latino, Native American and Asian.

BAP provides high speed internet access to support the centers. The centers present University-developed training promoting education, workforce preparation, health care and community revitalization. This Broadband Access Project is lead by UROC’s Office of Business

Community and Economic Development, and the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC).

UROC recruited, hired and trained a number of residents to become technology apprentices, enabling them to provide training in computer literacy. The apprentices do technology training, teach how to do job searches and provide resume assistance to residents who use the computer centers.

“The apprentices and team leaders at the PPL housing site are a key component to the success of this project.

They provide the technology literacy in the computer

centers for training, assistance and one on one support,” Koschinska said. “Having that apprentice, to work with youth and families one-on-one, is really important,” she said.

PPL’s mission is to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency. “It is really the combination of breaking down the access barrier, and providing the technology literacy to help bridge the gap of the digital divide,” Koschinska said.

“In our housing we have a lot of families. We have multiuse community rooms. We run after school and summer programming with AmeriCorp members facilitating the program,” she said.

The team leaders hold resident meetings, family programming and community building activities.

The computer lab serves residents

of the complex. “We will be taking the lab to some of our other community rooms where families are because we know that access is a big barrier,” she said.

PPL reported that during the first half of 2009, there was a 65% increase in visits to the PPL computer lab compared to the same period in 2008.

“You can’t fill out an application, or even get an entry level job, without basic computer skills,” Koschinska said.

Examples of the basics include filling out time cards online, or receiving announcements from Human Resources via email, and a work order system that is electronic.

“Just having the computers without the technology literacy

PPL TURN TO 7

PPL leaders bring passion to mission of nurturing self sufficiency

By Christopher Toliver MMMC Technology Reporter & Blogger How many times have you had to scramble for those necessary resources needed to make your engine go? You scroll down through your cell phone contacts, spin the Rolodex, and Google the ‘Net to find the solution that dots the Is, crosses those Ts, and ends with a period. Perhaps, during your “seek and ye shall find” venture, a “kick the bucket” attitude surfaces while impending failure makes its bed in your thinking. But no matter how badly you may want to dispatch an SOS signal, you still conceal a smidgen of self-will. If you can relate to this scenario, please come with me as I replay and escort you on my recent field trip.

I knocked, and the door was opened to me by an organization that is in the business of making it

happen! I met with Steve Cramer, Executive Director of Project for Pride in Living. Right off the bat, Cramer stated, “The mission of PPL is to assist individuals of low income in becoming more self-sufficient and receive the resources they need to excel in a more positive direction in their lives.” He meant it, too! Cramer’s countenance and body language reminded me of a street evangelist who fiends to hear that question from a practicing sinner, “What must I do to be saved?” According to Cramer, those saving factors consist of affordable housing, job training, job placement, transportation, health and wellness, youth development, day care, education, and above all, a computer lab – the necessary tool that has launched our world into a vast growing system that has become dependent on technology.

Thankfully, PPL’s computer lab is a huge hand-up for the clients to create resumes of interest to potential employers.

The lab is fully staffed with qualified personnel who are not there to enable the clients, but on the contrary, the staff challenges and encourages clients to exercise initiative in seeing their own dreams come to fruition. A recent plus regarding the PPL computer lab is its partnership with the Broadband Access Project – a project that has been set in place to provide up-to-date software and the correct training to give the “have-nots” the capabilities to one day have it all.

Another integral piece to this well-rounded establishment is PPL’s involvement in community re-entry. Sarah Koschinska, SelfSufficiency Program Director, said it best, “We provide an environment where people can thrive and feel hope. We support clients in reaching their goals.” Koschinska is excited about PPL’s 14-unit apartment complex in North Minneapolis which targeted toward those with criminal histories. With housing

available to ex-offenders, PPL helps alleviate that barrier and gives their clients a sense of relief by having a place to call home as opposed to that do-what-I-gottado attitude. Now they are able to do what they need to do and can access that needed help right on the grounds on which they reside.

Conveniently at the clients’ beck and call, on-site staff and case managers are available and ready to assist the residents in their new journeys of responsibility.

An on-site community room is the location for multiple services such as AA meetings, employment groups, workshops, and the 14-unit mobile computer lab which was received through the Broadband Access Project.

The computer lab will rotate between three different PPL housing units, giving a variety of tenants computer access. So, PPL brings the lab to you without your having to travel. How convenient!

With all success stories come disappointments and those

discouraging nemeses that always seem to find a way to prick wholesome efforts. Just like in life, we all have our challenging issues, and so does PPL. Cramer mentioned how today’s economy affects public donations, foundation funds, and personal donations. Shrinking resources also affect the prisoners who were incarcerated in the 80s and early 90s, he said. “If you can’t help prisoners return productively, then recidivism becomes off the charts,” said Cramer. “Ultimately, they’ll continue replaying that same cycle again and again.

The sad thing about it is that it becomes costly from a dollarsand-cents aspect as well as a human.”

Cramer and Koschinska both remain optimistic, mainly due to the success stories and the 13,000 people they were able to help in 2009 alone. Both are appreciative of the highly skilled professionals who have been willing to volunteer their time. Cramer and

Koschinska have been able to capitalize on these professional services by creating job coaches, one-on-one counselors, and new programs. They have designed a program to meet your every basic need. When starting anew, everyone needs to begin with the basics. Where you go from there is entirely up to you!

I was told a long time ago that I was as useless as tennis courts in the ghetto, but the success of the Williams sisters confirmed that to be a lie. If one chooses not to make the conscious decision to change and tap into available resources, then that person will continue to live that lie. I encourage the reader who is searching and in need of services to contact the Project for Pride in Living and take advantage of the many opportunities PPL offers.

Allow PPL to uncover your hidden potential that has been in limbo for years. The tennis ball is in your court!

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Insight News • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Bio-pic successfully recasts smut peddler as activist Film Review

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Before seeing this film, I only thought of Hugh Hefner as a purveyor of smut who built an empire on the backs, or should I say breasts, of females by reducing them to sex objects whose sole purpose was to fuel the testosterone-fueled fantasies of teenage boys. While this reverential bio-pic did nothing to disabuse me of the notion that the hedonistic octogenarian remains an inveterate, exploitative male chauvinist, it did a great job of convincing me that he also happened to be an effective advocate of racial equality during the Civil Rights Era.

Vitagraph Films LLC

Thus, much in the way that the recent documentary about frozen-fazed, comedienne Joan Rivers managed to humanize a freak long since dismissed as a cosmetic surgery victim, here we have a notorious womanizer successfully recast as an altruistic

humanitarian.

Directed by Oscar-winner Brigitte Berman, the final cut of Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel was reportedly much longer before the German-born Oscar-winning filmmaker (for Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got), was forced to

let five probably priceless hours of celluloid hit the cutting floor.

Still, what remains is a cinematic treat chock full of archival footage of Hef in his heyday. The film shows how in 1951 he published the first issue of Playboy with $8,000 borrowed

from friends and family. The rest of the front story is history, as the magazine’s circulation skyrocketed, and he proceeded to open Playboy Clubs all over the country.

However, what many might not know is how progressive Hugh was back then politically, such as in hiring writers blacklisted by the McCarthy House Un-American Activities Committee. The first subject of the now legendary Playboy interview was an African American, Miles Davis, as were many of the entertainers booked to perform on the syndicated TV series “Playboy’s Penthouse,” which enjoyed a short run in the late Fifties. We also learn that there was no color line at any Playboy Club, and when the owners of the New Orleans outlet violated that understanding by excluding Blacks, Hefner took the franchise away from them.

Besides highlighting such altruistic heroics, the film features

plenty of shots of Hef surrounded by a bevy of scantily-clad blonde bimbos. But don’t expect much in the way of nudity. There are instead many current-day cameos by some well-known habitués of the Playboy Mansion. Among the many celebrities waxing orgasmic about their visits are rocker Gene Simmons, actor James Caan and comedian Bill Maher. And weighing-in about Hefner’s social activism are NFL great Jim Brown, comedian Dick Gregory folk singer Pete Seeger and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

A well-deserved tribute to an American icon that manages to turn the nation’s most-famous dirty old man into a champion of racial justice right before your very eyes. Who knew?

Excellent (4 stars) Rated R for graphic nudity and sexuality.

Running time: 124 Minutes Studio: Phase 4 Films

Rokafella and Kwikstep: International hip-hop icons

Rockafella and Kwikstep

Kia

From 1 made to appear human) symbols of Blackness and more specifically urban black males.

There’s nothing cute about the association.

Kia’s use of animals to stand in for America’s poor but hip black urban males is worse than stereotyping, and beyond insulting. It is a travesty, and plays into notions that urban Black youth are not humans but animalistic. This is not advertising but rather racism and racial representation cleverly disguised.

In an article based on interviews about media, race, and popular culture called “Affirming Inaction: Television and the Politics of Racial Representation,” Sut Jhally, noted sociologist and media specialist, and co-author Justin Lewis quote one of their Black interviewees as saying, “We seem to be the only people in the world that TV tries to pick out the negative to portray as characteristic of us. What television is doing to us, I think, is working a hell of a job on us.”

Though written several years ago, the observation still holds true today—Kia is doing a hellva job of

negatively portraying African American culture in general and African American Black males specifically. Shame on KIA. You have no Soul, and seemingly will do anything to get the KIA Soul sold.

Irma McClaurin, PhD is a public anthropologist and most

Julieta Cervantes

recently served as Associate VP and Founding Executive Director of the first Urban Research and Outreach/ Engagement Center at the University of Minnesota; she is an Associate Professor of Anthropology. The opinions expressed are entirely her own. ©2010 McClaurin Solutions

New York-bred hip-hop pioneers Rokafella and Kwikstep are celebrated for their highimpact dance style, signature bravura, and mentoring skills as educators and community leaders. In the early 90’s, Rokafella and Kwikstep started investigating hip-hop as a proscenium performance art form. On Friday, August 27 Sunday, August 29; 8:00 PM

at Intermedia Arts, they are bringing their acclaimed hip-hop theater piece, Innaviews, from New York to Minneapolis as part of Intermedia Arts’ annual B-Girl Be Festival.

Created by Intermedia Arts in 2005, B-Girl Be: A Celebration of Women in HipHop was the first international female-focused hip-hop summit in history. Since its

inception, this wildly successful multidisciplinary summit has brought over 200 international, national and local girls and women in hip-hop together in Minneapolis for dialogues, art-making, screenings, performances, workshops and networking opportunities.

For more information: www. intermediaarts.org/b-girl-be/ schedule-events

Page 6 • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Insight News

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HEALTH Young, professional & dying: Current health threats to generation next (NNPA) - This year’s annual National Urban League conference covered current issues concerning African Americans today. The “Young, Professional & Dying: Current Health Threats to Generation Next” workshop provided answers to daily stressors that young Black men and women face. Dr. Edward E. Cornwell, Surgeon-in-Chief at Howard University Hospital, was the moderator, as each panelist tackled current health threats.

Dr. Kalahn Taylor-Clark, research director at the Engleberg Center for Healthcare Reform, expressed one of her early stresses in graduate school.

She remembered Caucasian males and females occupying her classrooms, while Taylor-Clark was the only Black woman.

“We tend to see fewer and fewer of ourselves when we get to high positions, which causes stress for African American women.” And because of this, Black college-educated women have the highest rate of infant mortality.

Taylor-Clark informed the workshop attendees that white college-educated women are not suffering from low-birth weight and pre-birth problems at the same rate as their Black counterparts. One reason for pre-natal problems is “allostatic load.” This simply means that stressors strain and take over functioning organs.

Dr. Kalahn Taylor-Clark insisted that having kids after the age of 30 should be a concern for African American women.

“When you run your household,

after being at work for nine hours a day, it is important that we take the time out to relax.”

Assistant deputy chief medical examiner Dr. Roger Mitchell informed attendees of the history of health disparity concerns for African Americans.

Between 1910-1940, the two leading causes of death were Tuberculosis and the Red Summer, which were riots that lynched innocent African American men and women because of their race.

“One-hundred years later, for 21- 40-year-old African Americans, the leading causes of death are homicide, accidents, and suicide, consuming drugs, overdosing, and partying excessively. But at what costs?

Being in abusive relationships?

But at what costs?” he said.

“My request of you is to choose life,” he said.

Dr. Pierre Vigilance, director of the DC Department of Health, called the three leading concerns affecting African-Americans, the three S’s: stress, sugar, and sex.

Director of the National Center for HIV/ AIDS, STD and TB Prevention, Kevin A. Fenton, dealt with the sex concern. “one in 6 of Black men have a chance of being diagnosed with HIV. For Black women, there is a 1 in 30 chance,” expressed Fenton.

“The stigma and fear that these diseases carry are killing us, because we sit back and do nothing. Young gay men are having unprotected sex and become infected, teenage girls have multiple sex partners, sexual abuse runs rampant, and church leaders don’t speak about these issues,” said Fenton.

Founder and president of BonnieGirl Productions, Bernita Perkins found an interesting reason for the increasing number of overweight women of color.

Perkins created a workout DVD geared towards African

American women. During one particular year at the Essence Music Festival, a potential customer said, “I want to exercise but it’s going to mess up my hair!”

Another customer who was overweight came over to check out Perkins’ DVD. The customer’s boyfriend walked up to her and said, “Girl you don’t need this, I like you just the way you are.”

Bernita Perkins identified the two main concerns for women of color are the fear of losing their hair styles and losing their shapes.

“But we need to understand the difference between healthy and obese,” said Perkins. “If in your world, size 20 is the smallest size, you don’t have another perspective, more importantly, a healthier perspective.”

Each panelist provided ways to live a healthier lifestyle to combat the stresses of everyday.

Kevin A. Fenton insisted that a good workout, a great breakfast, and retiring to bed for six or seven hours of sleep, increases

life span. Also, learning to balance work and personal life correctly is also something that African Americans can do. “The same sacrifices you make for your professional life, it is okay to make them to enjoy your personal life”, said Fenton.

Dr. Corey Herbert, president and CEO of Herbert Medical Consulting, insisted that our community stops “super-sizing meals and drinking sodas.”

Herbert continued, “and also, quit watching CNN 24/7. When you see everyone else’s stress, even if it is on TV, you naturally begin to stress and worry.”

Herbert wants people of color to stop using food as emotion.

“When Hurricane Katrina hit, people gained weight. Divorce food from emotions and look for healthier options,” said Herbert.

Vigilance gave up his secret of relying on prayer and mediation. He noted, “No matter where you are, you can take time out to sit and pray. Even in board meetings, and trust me, sometimes you feel like praying then!”

Freeport

Breed Motorcycle Club made the crowd cheer with a roaring entrance on their motorcycles.

The coming together of the community at the Selby Avenue event made the entire evening a great success.

Since opening its Saint Paul Youth Center in the summer of 2008, Freeport West has provided unique programming to the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul.

The Youth Center offers outreach and mentoring, programming teaching life and leadership skills, and assistance with housing and basic living needs.

The Freeport Saint Paul Youth Center is continuously growing to address critical social issues including additional housing resources for atrisk teens and young adults, teen violence and domestic violence programming and teen pregnancy prevention.

The National Night Out event provided an opportunity for the Youth Center to celebrate the

neighborhood and the young adult community Freeport supports.

In 1970, Freeport West began as a shelter for runaway and homeless youth. Over the past 40 years our nonprofit has grown to offer a full range of services and programs to help youth and young families experiencing poverty, oppression, institutionalization and violence receive adequate resources and ample opportunities.

Today, with locations in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Freeport serves approximately 2,700 youth annually, providing guidance and education in regard to housing, education, job readiness, health and wellness, and leadership development.

For more information on Freeport West and the programs and services we provide please call 612.252.2738 or visit our website at www.freeportwest. org.

From 1 crowd of guests gathered to watch. The event concluded on a note of high energy, with dancing in the street as Ill Chemistry performed during a 3 on 3 basketball tournament.

A number of prominent community members made guest appearances throughout the evening. Commissioner Toni Carter joined in the festivities along with Irna Landrum of the Summit University Planning Council.

The Saint Paul Police Department’s Mounted Police and K9 Unit, as well as the Saint Paul Fire Department stopped by to engage with the neighborhood youth. Many enjoyed the chance to greet the horses and climb in and out of the fire truck. At one point in the evening, the Tru

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Insight News • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Page 7

Memorial service: Global communicator Kofi Usef Owusu Kofi Usef Owusu (nee Gary Hogan), 55, died suddenly on May 24, 2010 in Washington, D.C. and is survived by his son, Kofi Owusu (Washington, D.C.), brother Michael Owens Hogan (St. Paul) and aunt Vanne Owens Hayes (Minneapolis, MN). Kofi is survived also by cousins Christine Hayes, Dorothy Bryan, April Hayes, Christopher Hayes, Darren Hayes, The Madkioto family in South Africa, adopted family the Chisleys

(Washington, D.C.), longtime friends Chuck Bremer, Ramy Zialor, Lalla King and Nisa Muhammad along with a host of family and friends in Minnesota, Washington, D.C. and around the world.

Kofi is predeceased by grandparents, Katie and Joe King; father, Lloyd “Bubba” Hogan all of St. Paul and mother, Ermon Owens Kamara (Washington, D.C.), who served as the education director of the National Urban League and director of the

Kofi Usef Owusu (nee Gary Hogan)

Peace Corps of Africa.

Raised in St. Paul, Kofi resettled in Washington, D.C., where he obtained a degree from American University and continued his career as a journalist and advocate for civil rights for all. Kofi’s story is one of personal growth and enlightenment to move beyond the negative history of the late 60’s polarization.

An avid writer, journalist, photographer and computer techie, Kofi worked for the federal government and

served for two years as a USP Peace Corps Volunteer in Seychelles, East Africa where he produced education videos for farmers. Kofi worked as a photo-journalist with the AfroAmerican and The Washington Informer. He later worked as an administrator with the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and worked for the Goodwill in Washington, D.C. From these events, Kofi found strength and focus working in the labor movements while working

with several AFL-CIO affiliated unions and social service organizations gaining personal affirmation by his efforts to organize workers’ unions in South Africa; in 1994, Kofi had the opportunity to volunteer as an organizer when all South Africans could finally vote in fair and free elections.

A memorial service will be held August 14, 2010, at the Oxford Community Center 270 Lexington Parkway 11:00 – 2:00 pm

Ellison secures funds for Central Corridor, Lowry Avenue Bridge

PPL From 4 training is not enough to help bridge the digital divide,” said Koschinska.

For children it is more essential, she said. By middle school, children are receiving assignments that require hefty amounts of research and projects that require

Brown From 1 Brown is grateful for, she said.

The simple reason why Brown gladly embraces this chaos is because this is her first year living a teenage life.

Since the age of 14 Brown has been battling multiple issues and is still currently battling some.

“I’ve suffered from multiple sexual abuses and sexual assaults, starting at 10.

Those events warped my mind and I turned into a different person,” she said.

As the years went by, her troubles piled on. “I became sexually active, I started smoking marijuana and drinking large amounts of alcohol. By the time I was 14, I had experienced more than others my age.

That was also the first time I went to chemical dependency treatment,” Brown said.

Since June 25, 2008, Brown has been in-and-out of various treatment centers and hospitals.

“I’ve spent one year and four months in treatment for the past two years. I’ve struggled to maintain my sobriety and had difficulties with creating a healthy relationship with my mother. These past two years have been amazing simply because of this week. If it wasn’t for these past two years, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now,” she said On July 14, Brown turned 17-years-old.

“It was my first teen age birthday sober and out of treatment,” she said. But for Brown the week continued to get better! “July 15 was a celebration for me. I have one year of sobriety. I never thought that I would see this day,” she said.

Brown believes that these two days are the core and shape of her life.

“If I choose to use chemicals again, all of the privileges that I am experiencing in my life right now will instantly crash and burn and I am not willing to lose what I have gained.”

This fall, Brown will be a senior at Robbinsdale Cooper High School.

“This is my first time in mainstream schooling. I have started the college application process and have taken the ACT. This is a big moment in my life because I’ll be the first in my family to graduate high school and the first to attend college,” she said. “During my drug use, my education was no longer a priority in my life.

I failed class after class, lost credits and got kicked out of schools. Now, I only need three credits to graduate. I actually have the option to graduate early or do Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO).

Now, I have a strong chance of getting into college and earning scholarships. My future is beyond bright.”

That’s not where things

Washington, D.C. – US Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-MN) secured two major appropriations for the Fifth District - $45 million for the Central Corridor Light Rail System and $900,000 for the Lowry Ave Bridge. Both appropriations were included in the 2011 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill (H.R. 5850) that passed the House late last night.

“Creating safe, affordable and reliable transportation options is one of my top priorities in Congress,” Ellison said. “Our economy depends on our ability to get where we need to, when we need to, quickly and affordably.”

The $45 million Central Corridor appropriation, an 11mile light rail line connecting downtown St. Paul and

downtown Minneapolis, represents the first major federal down payment for the proposed $957 million transit project that will serve over 40,000 riders daily by 2030.

Ellison also secured $900,000 for the Lowry Avenue Bridge. These funds will be used to replace this critical Northeast Minneapolis commuter artery that spans the Mississippi River.

The bridge was closed in 2008 due to known structural issues and demolished in June 2009.

“The tragic 2007 Interstate 35-W Bridge collapse was a wakeup call for America to rehabilitate and reinvest in our nation’s roads and bridges,” Ellison said. “I am proud to help rebuild the Lowry Avenue Bridge, and to ensure that we remain vigilant in maintaining

safe transportation infrastructure in our communities.”

For more information on the Central Corridor: http://www.metrocouncil. org/transportation/ccorridor/ centralcorridor.asp For more information on the Lowry Avenue Bridge Replacement: http://lowryavenuebridge. com/

technology skills. “For lowincome families, this is a barrier because they do not have working computers in the home,” said Koschinska.

A few stories from staff at the Learning Center illustrate the great need for technology access and training.

Laura Benson, a Learning Center staff, provided an example of how she reviewed the curriculum. She thought it was easy. She said to the

class, “grab your mouse” and the class looked at her in awe, waiting for instructions. When she said pick up the mouse, they began looking on the floor for an actual mouse. “It didn’t hit me until then that they did not know what a mouse was,” she recalled.

The demographics are telling. “The people who are still behind are seniors, communities of color and those who have less income

or education. Age is another contributing factor. North Minneapolis doesn’t have as many computer labs, or have the same public access as their counterparts in more affluent Minneapolis or suburban neighborhoods,” Koschinska noted.

Another team leader explained how those who have families overseas benefit from BAP. Somali immigrants, she explained, once gaining

access were able to feel more confident in their abilities to get a job, and increased computer skills overtime.

They have also connections to AOL online resources to practice English and feel more connected and engaged in their communities. This access has also enabled them to keep in contact with their families overseas. They can talk to relatives for free via email, versus saving up money for

a simple phone call, or plane ticket, the team leader said.

From what the program has provided so far, Broadband Access Project seems to have made a difference. “We are really excited to have this project in North Minneapolis,” Koschinska said.

For more information on additional programs, visit the PPL website at http://www. ppl-inc.org/about, or call (612) 455-5100

end. Brown recently had an opportunity to attend a two-week residential camp at St. Thomas University.

The program, Journalism ThreeSixty, gave 13 students an opportunity to experience the life of a professional journalist. They were taken on tours through Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, KARE 11 and Minnesota Public Radio (MPR).

The students were able to see the lives of reporters and join in on journalism first hand.

“My partner and I were assigned to the broadcast team and not only were we able to learn the multimedia elements of journalism, but we were able to talk to many amazing people and we received a chance to tell a truly touching video on teenagers and gun violence,” she said.

Through that program Brown developed the courage to seek writing opportunities for the first time since being sober.

“I sent an email to Insight News asking about an internship and, surprisingly, I received an email back offering a summer internship. I was in shock and immediately responded. I waited for a response and my heart stopped when I received a phone call from them. This was it. My future was knocking at the door. I went to the interview and I was completely honest about who I am and my past,” she said.

Brown said she tried to contain her joy and the urge to jump up-and-down and scream

after they told her that they wanted her as their intern.

“So, here I am, living something that is literally a dream-come-true.”

Brown is reporting on broadband (internet) technology.

The assignment is part of the Urban Research and Outreach/ Engagement Center (UROC) Broadband Access Project (BAP). The project seeks to expand broadband awareness, access and usage in selected poverty areas in the Twin Cities.

The Broadband Awareness Project is a University of Minnesota initiative funded by a three-year $2.9 million grant from the Department of Commerce, by the University, and by other project participants.

“My assignment is to speak to those involved in this project and those in the community about the barriers

to access, about usage, and about their views of broadband and technology. My stories will explore how people of color are taking today’s technology in their own hands,” Brown said.

Brown says what she has experienced in her past has shaped her into the young woman that stands before the world today.

“Those experiences gave me strength, hope and determination to fight for the things that matter. I once had a love of writing until I gave it all up to be drunk and high. But now, that love and skill are back in my hands and are being used in ways I only imagined as a child. I’m here to stay. I won’t allow myself to be drawn back into that dark era of my life. I have an internship as a writer, I have college and my senior year around the corner and I have my

strength and a year’s worth of health and sobriety. I’m to far-

gone to step back down!” she said.

Page 8 • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Insight News

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The Gospel at Colonus at Ordway features all-star cast

By Maya Beecham In the third part of Sophocles’ classical tragedy, “Oedipus at Colonus”, Oedipus is an old repentant man burdened by an ill-fated life. The unthinkable has occurred multiple times. As an infant, prophecy proclaimed he would be a killer of his father and husband of his mother. His parents abandoned him out of fear. Later in life he killed an unknown man on a road, who turned out to be his father and King of Thebes. Time passes he marries a woman, the Queen of Thebes, and has children. It was discovered that his wife was in fact his mother. She hung herself when she learned the devastating news. Oedipus gouged his eyes out at the sight of his dead mother,

and roamed about aimlessly for years. From August 5 -11, 2010, at Minnesota Orchestra Hall, an all star cast including The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Legendary Soul Stirrers and The Steeles, will tell the story of Oedipus seeking forgiveness and redemption in his death in The Gospel at Colonus,

by Lee Breuer and Bob Telson.

Now imagine this intense drama as a gospel musical set in a Black Pentecostal church.

“I think many of our people, they would love it, because it is so much about us. I thought the merge of Sophocles with AfricanAmerican gospel music was brilliant because they fit so well together. Absolutely works, said Fred Steele member of The Steeles singing group, who also plays a captain fighting for the eldest son of Oedipus. He believes the

Yuval Binur

Front: Bernardine Mitchell, Back: Blind Boys of Alabama (l-r Joey Williams, Bobby Butler, Jimmy Carter), Sam Butler in the yellow suit w/guitar, facing upstage.

greatest message in the production is redemption and it is a direct connection to the make-up of Black church congregations. “Our Black churches work like that.

God doesn’t care what you have done in your past. All you have to do is confess your sins and ask for forgiveness and God will forgive you and that is redemption. God can change the heart of even the most cruel person.”

Steele has been a part of The Gospel at Colonus in different productions, nationally and internationally, since 1983 during its first run at the Walker Art Center. “It is amazing that the show would even run that long.

There are a lot of shows that will run for a little while and then they are done. This show has done Broadway, Carnegie Hall, and it’s traveled worldwide.

Steele recalls the memorable experience of doing the show at Greece where Sophocles presented the first production.

“Greece at the Acropolis where Sophocles actually performed the play himself was absolutely an incredible experience as well because it was an outdoor amphitheater under the moon and the stars and the theater lights up and that was our 25th anniversary of the show.”

Whether the production is done nationally or internationally, Steele has witnessed the audience responding

in similar ways. There is something that seems to transcend spoken language and resonates with the human experience. Steele said, “It is a spiritual thing, it really is. You can’t see the show without having somewhat of a spiritual experience, because of the music.

The music automatically takes you there. It’s just amazing. Music is the universal language, and music is so exciting that people, even though they can’t get past the language part of it, they love the music part of it worldwide. And we get the same response almost everywhere we have gone Austria, France, I mean you name it. The experience has been very similar as far as how the audience reacts to the music and the performance.”

In using the universal language of music as a tool to tell a story, several messages are transpired to make the audience reflect on the complete spectrum of life. Steele has identified many over the years. “There are some very special messages in the show that people will certainly get a hold to right away and enjoy it.

Live where you can be as happy as you can. Think about that.

Does that not speak to [AfricanAmericans] plight. Another great message in the show is there is redemption in death. Some of the stuff we don’t think about until we

GOSPEL TURN TO 11

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Insight News • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Page 9

EDUCATION Celebration time - c’mon! The back to school season has begun

By Cheryl Pearson-McNeil It’s time for my favorite annual holiday – which technically isn’t an “official” day, but actually several weeks leading up to one BIG day. YOUR day may not be the same as mine.

But trust me, it’s the one holiday most seasoned parents look forward to more than all the others combined. It’s the Back to School Season, and yes, I am so glad it’s finally HERE! I’ve got my Mardi Gras beads on, I’ve hung celebratory colored lights on the bushes and trees outside my front door; and have prepared a monumental feast with all the trimmings that we’ll still be talking about come Thanksgiving. All in celebration of the fact that my son goes BACK TO SCHOOL (also commonly referred to as the “I Survived a Summer with a Teenager in the House” holiday).

One of the great things about working for The Nielsen Company, the world’s largest market research company which provides measurement services for industries like media, online, mobile and consumer packaged goods, is that we conduct all types of great studies. Nielsen recently released a Back To School Forecast based on more than 110,000 UPCs in the school supply category, and more than 400 million school supply transactions at U.S. food, drug, mass merchandiser stores (including Walmart), dollar, club stores and online sales. We forecasted a modest increase in dollar sales on Back to School

items, up 1.7 percent to $2.6 billion. The Forecast makes a few relevant observations including this one: Shop Now, Shop Early: Many prices for Back to School items are up in 2010 compared to 2009. Nielsen’s research shows that the lowest prices are available in July (down 55 percent) and August (down 50 percent.)

As a parent, you don’t have to tell me to shop early – I’m already there! And not just for the price savings. I’m already piling up the shopping cart with spiral notebooks, #2 pencils and multi-colored index cards with visions of my couch pillows and cushions being returned to their natural plump state vs. the pitiful deflated look of someone-hasbeen-lying-on-me-for-12-hoursstraight-playing-video-games they have been shamefully boasting for the last nine weeks.

In the Forecast my colleague James Russo states, “Unlike the holiday season, many consumers view back to school shopping as required versus discretionary purchases.” I totally agree! It is required that I restore harmony to my “there’s nothing to do around here” home by joyfully and strategically overstuffing that $40 backpack with a rainbow of supplies: pastel pink erasers; black, blue and red ball point pens; yellow and blue highlighters (which will disappear before the end of the third week of school, but not to worry, I have already hidden the back ups). The reason parents view these items as required is because, once they are in hand, we can officially mark

children unite!

Education continues to be critical to African Americans. Be sure your child is in school on Day One and that they not only have the supplies they need to be successful students, but your support as well. No matter how harried you get, take the time to look your child in the eye and ask them each day, how their school day went. Help your child with their homework every night (even if that means calling the ex who understands math better than you). Our kids are our future. Which means your

Cheryl Peason-McNeil the day we get our sanity back – and sanity is required to get us through the next nine months.

How else could we handle the ongoing saga of “Have you finished your homework? What do you mean you don’t have a pencil? I just bought you 10 packs of pencils three weeks ago!” See? You need sanity to come out on top of discussions like that.

The July – September “Back to School” season is important for the $7 billion

Photo courtesy the Author

office/school supply category, generating nearly 40 percent of annual dollar sales and more than 50 percent of annual unit sales. Nielsen forecasts Back to School unit sales for this category to drop 5.25 percent to $1.04 billion. So even with the decline, our Back to School shopping really adds up. Are you using your consumer power wisely by shopping at stores which support your schools and/ or community?

Parents of school aged

MPS Student Placement Services Center extends registration hours If you are new to Minneapolis or have recently moved, the Minneapolis Public Schools Student Placement Services Center will help you find the school that is right for your child. Student Placement Services is located at 1250 W.

Broadway in the lower level of Broadway School.

Families whose first language is not English should visit the New Families Center for help with school placement. The New Families Center is located at 3345

Chicago Ave. S. Service hours at both sites are as follows: Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Extended hours: August 2331, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Seats are still available, so register your child today.

The first day of school is August 30 for students in grades 1-12 and September 1 for high five and kindergarten students.

kids are my future, and vice versa. So I’m counting on you to do your part. And I’ll do mine.

Now, with our school supply shopping completed and handled with care, let the holiday officially begin. Happy First Day of School!

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for The Nielsen Company, the world’s leading market research company. For more insights and studies visit www.nielsenwire.com

Page 10 •August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY

Events Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@ insightnews.com, by fax: 612-5882031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Young Writers - Aug A gathering of aspiring young poets, novelists, fiction writers, essayists and more. Open to ages 13-19. Second and Fourth Tuesday of the month 6PM - 8PM at Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Mpls. FREE!

Free Online Webinar on Adopting African-American Infants - Aug 3 Tues., August 3, 2010 at 7p.m. The focus of the webinar will be on our African-American and AfricanAmerican Biracial Domestic Adoption programs. Registration is required to join the webinar.

Online registration is available at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/ register/910762440

2010 Pentecostal Assemblies Aug 8-14 Join us for the 2010 Pentecostal Assemblies of the World International Convention from Aug. 8th - Aug. 14th at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Evening service begins at 7:30pm each night. Prayer Clinics, Mid Day Services, Evening Services and Concerts are Free.

Project Girl – Aug 11 Explore the effects of media and entertainment culture through writing, poetry, and visual arts with nationally renowned hiphop and graffiti artists! Open to youth in grades 6 -12. Wed., Aug. 11, 1PM - 4PM at Zanewood Recreation Center 7100 Zane Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, FREE.

Twin Cities First High Heel Dash – Aug. 11 Men and women of all ages are welcome to compete in the 25yard dash wearing a pair of high heels (heels must be a minimum of three inches) which will benefit two wonderful charities-Emergency Foodshelf Network and Soles4Souls. Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. and race begins at 5:30 p.m. To register for the High Heel Dash please visit www.

AegisFoundationInc.org

The Minneapolis Central High Class of 1980 is having its 30 Year Reunion - Aug 13-15

PHONE: 612.588.1313 FAX: 612.588.2031 Fri. Aug 13 - Knights of Columbus, Bloomington & KMOJ (Open social - CHS classes of 70’s to 80’s) Sat. Aug 14 - Class of 1980 Main Reunion Party at Spill the Wine Restaurant (CHS classes of ‘79 to ‘82 are invited). Sun. Aug 15 Favor Cafe Brunch (CHS classes of ‘79 to ‘82). Details on the Website http://mplscentralclassof1980. club.officelive.com. Emails to: mplscentral1980@gmail.com Contact us at 612-668-1941.

Registration for Camden Music School’s fall - Aug 16.

Sign up for vocal and instrumental lessons, Musikgarten early childhood music classes (newborn to age 8), ensembles (rock ‘n roll, hand drums, choir, string jammin’), music theory and more!

Scholarships and family discounts are available.

Scholarship applications are due by 5 pm, Tues., Sept. 7. More information: 612-618-0219 or www.camdenmusicschool.com.

Council on Black Minnesotans Board Meeting - Aug 17 Please note the next Council on Black Minnesotans board meeting will be held on Tues., Aug.17th, starting at 5 pm @ the Minnesota African American Museum and Cultural Center located at 1700 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. For more information about the center visit www.

Lutheran Social Service Seeks Adoptive Parents - Aug 17 The adoption information meeting will be held on Tue., Aug. 17, from 6-8pm at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), located at 2400 Park Ave. in Mpls.

West Broadway Business Opportunity Fair - Aug 17 On August 17 local non-profits, business partners and many professional business consultants will be on hand to give one-onone consultations. Information regarding the West Broadway business community will be presented at the Capri Theater from 4:30 to 7 pm. For more information or to register for this great event, visit MEDA online at www.meda. net or call 612-332-6332.

GLBT Host Home Program Aug 17&19 For more information about hosting a youth or supporting the GLBT Host Home Program, please join us at one of the following informational meetings: Tue., Aug. 17, 6-8pm @ Midtown YWCA 2121 E. Lake St. Mpls and Thur.,

EMAIL: ben@insightnews.com ONLINE: www.insightnews.com

Aug. 19, 6-8pm @ Common Roots Cafe 2558 Lyndale Ave. S. Mpls.

Guardianship, Limited Guardianship and Conservatorship - Aug 17

$10 per person for adults, $5 per person for children 12 & under.

Vegetarian option will be available.

“Ghosts of Rwanda” - Aug 24

When children who are disabled become adults, their parents or legal representatives may want to consider filing a petition for guardianship or limited guardianship. Hennepin County’s Human Services and Public Health Department is sponsoring a free introductory session, on Tue., Aug. 17, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jordan New Life Church, 1922 25th Ave. N., Mpls.

World Without Genocide, an organization dedicated to education and advocacy to prevent genocide and mass conflict, will show the award-winning Frontline documentary “Ghosts of Rwanda” on Tue., Aug.24, at 7pm. at the Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd St, Mpls. The event is free, open to the public, and no reservations are required.

2nd Annual African Arts Festival - Aug 28 Camp Komoniwannarock kids performance - Aug 19 CMS’s Camp Komoniwannarock kids perform at Marcy Open School, 415 4th Ave. SE. Thur., Aug. 19 at Noon. FREE! Come hear the kids perform their favorite rock songs after a 2-week intensive rock ‘n roll camp!

Carnival de Wonque! - Aug 21 Indoor and outdoor activities * Games for children and adults * Consolation prizes for kids * Games just 25 to 50 cents to play * Featuring live music by Wolf Mountain * Tap dance by Ellen Keane * Food and treats * Bring all your family and friends! Sat., Aug. 21st from 1-5pm @ 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. Mpls. FREE!

Gospel Phat Fashion Show & Glow Concert - Aug 21 “Its time for Fashion to meet Truth” at Refuge Christian Center - 225 Cleveland Ave So. St. Paul 55404. August 21st 2010 - Doors at 6:30pm. Event from 7-8:30pm.

2014 Project SUCCESS – August 23-26 Project SUCCESS, working with the Minneapolis Public School District designed a four-day event, August 23-26, aimed at helping all Minneapolis Public School 8th graders successfully transition to high school. The entire event is at NO COST to students and families.

To register, go online at www. projectsuccess.org and click on the 2014 logo, call 612-874-7710, or email 2014@projectsuccess.org.

Knockin Down Hunger Spaghetti Dinner/Bowling Event - Aug 24 Bowling is at 4-6:30p.m, Buffet 5:30-7:30p.m at Elsie’s Restaurant & Bowling center: 729 Marshall St. Ne. Mpls, Mn 55413. Cost is

Dance, music, art, fashion, food, vendors and more... Sat. Aug. 24 Noon-5pm at El Colegio Charter School, 4137 Bloomington Ave. Mpls. Adults: $5, children free.

Chocolate - The Exhibition - Oct 2 - Jan 2 From rainforest treasure to luscious treat — immerse yourself in the story of chocolate. Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd W., St. Paul MN 55102-1903.

African Dance / Afro Modern Ongoing African Dance: Every Wednesday 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Live drumming

by Fode Bangoura & Dan Handeen. Afro Modern: Every Thursday 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Zenon Dance Company and School, 528 Hennepin Ave. #400 Mpls. Visit http://www.zenondance.org/news. asp?news_id=503 for details & registration.

Willard-Homewood Block Club Leaders (and Residents) Meetings – Ongoing Every third Thursday of the month, 6:30-8:00 pm at Northpoint Health & Wellness Center, 1315 Penn Ave. N. (Human Services Building, not the clinic), Mpls., Room 108.

See the block club page at www. willard-homewood.org.

pamvanlonden.com

September Technology programs at Hennepin County Library Back-to-lifelong-learning programs for all ages are scheduled in September at Hennepin County libraries, including storytimes, computer classes, job and small business programs, multicultural programs, author talks, programs for aspiring writers, and other events. All programs are free.

Hennepin County Library offers access to about 5 million books, CDs, DVDs, electronic resources, and other items in more than 40 languages, plus 1,775 public computers.

The following technology programs are scheduled in September at local libraries. For Hennepin County Library’s complete program schedule, go online to www.hclib.org Hennepin County Library - East Lake; 2727 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, 952-847-8425 One-on-One Computer Help - Tuesdays, Sept. 7-Nov. 30 (except Nov. 23), noon-2 p.m. Questions about how to search the Internet or sign up for an e-mail account? Need help working on a document?

Get a half-hour of help from a knowledgeable volunteer. Sign up at the I-Desk.

Hennepin County Library - Eden Prairie; 565 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie, 952-847-5375 Computer Class in Somali - Mondays, Sept. 13-Nov. 29, 5:306:30 p.m. Registration required; begins Aug. 16; limit 10. Learn the basics about computers; how to use Microsoft Word, the Internet, e-mail, the library catalog and databases. Classes, taught in Somali, are for beginners and intermediate-level users and are free. For details, call 952-847-5662. Funding provided by a grant to the Library Foundation of Hennepin County from the Comcast Foundation.

Is-qoristu waa shardi. Ka baro fasalkan sida loo isticmaalo kumbuyuutarka. Ka baro adeegsiga Microsoft Word, Intaraneedka, iimeylka, xog-kaydiyaha iyo kaataloogga Maktabadda Degmada Hennepin. Fasalkaaan waa lacag la’aan wuxuuna ku bixi doonaa Af-Soomaali. Wixii faahfaahin ah, wac 952-847-5662. Waxaa lagu maalgaliyey deeq ay Comcast Foundation siisay Library Foundation of Hennepin County.

Sabathani Farmers Market Ongoing

Hennepin County Library - Hosmer; 347 E. 36th St., Minneapolis, 952-847-2900

Every Wednesday, 3:30-6:30pm. @ Sabathani Community Center 310 E. 38th St. Mpls, MN 55409 Tel: 612-827-5981

Senior Open Lab - Fridays, Sept. 3, 10 & 17, Oct. 8 & 15, Nov. 5 & 12; 10:30 a.m.-noon at Hosmer Library

New Saturday African dance class with Whitney - Now-August African Dance with Whitney. Sat. 1-2:30pm $12 Jawaahir Studios 1940 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.

Self-directed computer time to work at your own pace with assistance available.

Computer Basics Workshop - Tuesdays, Sept. 21 & 28, Oct. 19 & 26, Nov. 16 & 23; 1-3 p.m. at Hosmer Library Registration required; begins Aug. 24; limit 9. Learn and bring questions about basic mouse and keyboarding skills, creating an e-mail account, using the Internet and scanning (where available).

CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIE DS S PHONE:

612.588.1313

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Substitute Teacher DEPT: Early Learning Center SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher participates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities. Assists with ensuring that the classroom is appropriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for each child.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities.

2.

Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy.

3. Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely managing developmental activities for the participants.

4. Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports.

5.

Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood development. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Minnesota Teachers’ License (preferred).

Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experience required.

Other Requirements: • Dealing with confidential information.

• Tight deadlines.

• Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager.

• Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines.

• Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

FAX:

EMPLOYMENT/HOUSING Managing Attorney Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks managing attorney for its St. Cloud office. Five yrs. post-law. school pov. law exper. in fam. law preferred. Housing/govt. benes. exper. a plus. Responsible for dayto-day supervision of St. Cloud and Willmar offices, handle cases, supervise Volunteer Attorney Program. Commitment to svc work incl. litigation, com. legal ed., com. outreach. Licensed to practice in MN. Admitted in another state can get temp. pre-exam adm. Vehicle and valid MN driver’s license req’d as work assignments travel throughout 19 county service area. Salary: D.O.E. pursuant to CMLS salary schedule. Excellent benes. Start date: Oct. 1, 2010. Resume with references and writing sample to Jean A. Lastine, Executive Director, CMLS, 430 1st Ave. N., #359, Mpls., MN 55401, email: cmls@ centralmnlegal.org. Appl. accepted until filled. EOE.

Request for Proposals Master Contract for Residential Real Estate Brokers/Agents RFP-A-28441-11 The City of Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is seeking proposals from qualified real estate listing brokers/ agents for inclusion on a Master Contract list of Professional Residential Real Estate Agents to list, market and sell foreclosed properties that have been acquired by and rehabilitated through the Invest Saint Paul Neighborhood Stabilization Program (ISP/NSP). Section 3 and W/M/SBE firms are encouraged to respond.

For a copy of the RFP, contact Contract & Analysis Services at 651.266.8900 or register and download the documents at www.demandstar.com. Instructions for receiving free downloads are available at http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=663

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to:

Deadline for Proposals: 2:00 p.m., CST, Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org

City of Saint Paul Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity 280 City Hall 15 W. Kellogg Blvd Saint Paul, MN 55102

612.588.2031

EMAIL:

sales@insightnews.com

ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team is announcing a program for college Internships for the fall and winter. The program will consist of five teams of 5 interns each in the following areas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3) Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Business administration. Each team will have a leader and be given challenging assignments.

We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits.

Interested Parties please send resume to: The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program 10125 Crosstown Circle #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Thank you for your business NEEDED: SUB CONTRACTORS FOR MPLS. ST PAUL AIRPORT CONTRACT. IF INTERESTED IN GIVING US A BID, PLEASE CALL 218-675-5999. BID PLANS CAN BE PICKED UP AT TKDA & ASSOC. 444 CEDAR STREET, SUITE 1500 ST PAUL 55101. THE BID PLANS COST $50.00 WE NEED BIDS FOR SEWER BYPASS PLUG INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL. RADIOS AND RADIO INSTALLATION AND SNOW PLOWING.

insightnews.com

Insight News • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS Welcome back to the Tavaris Jackson Fan Club Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com The Real Fox is Back! The Silver Fox, a.k.a. Elvis, a.k.a.

Brett Lorenzo Favre has left the building, but is still sitting in the parking lot, laying against the hood of his pick-up truck, agonizing over football and flatscreen TVs from Sears, while doing a Wrangler commercial all at the same time.

Perhaps Favre’s rusty old ankle seems to be the sneaky thing holding the Good Ol’ Country boy back, but as Coach Yoast said in the movie Remember the Titans, “FORGET ABOUT HIM!!

(Tarvaris), you’re in!” Favre (thusfar) pulled a different practical joke than I predicted, or Father Time pulled the bigger practical joke on Favre’s ankle. But the Purple fan base can do an about-face and find me standing with my arms folded in “nnhhnn” style (the low volume, “I told you so” kind of nnhhnn), yet always willing to welcome you back to The Tarvaris Fox Jackson Fan Club. With a year under his belt watching Favre, it’s as if Jackson got to visit and train with Yoda. The real Fox is now ready to assume his rightful place amongst the Jedi; of course the last time somebody claimed “Jedi” status, it was Daunte Culpepper, and, uh, yeah, … Culpepper sure was good before he said that though.

The Fox, as I will heretoforward (from now on) refer to Jackson as, is much too humble to make one of those overconfident Culpepper statements, and that’s good because Jackson has many of the same skills as Culpepper (minus a few inches of height) and Randy Moss, but with bigger hands… that also fumble too much, like Culpepper. Now while watching Brett Favre can be a bad thing for a developing quarterback – due to Favre’s cowboy style of play – it could also be that The Fox, found his

Tavaris Jackson “inner fox” through watching the Silver Fox; and all this after Jackson won 10 games in 2008 leading the Vikings at quarterback already. Let’s here it for The Fox. The other, quietly more important residual element of Favre’s 2009 presence, is that the previously Similac sippin’ Viking receivers, have been self empowered through Favre’s touch and charm. While you didn’t see Favre constantly chirping in The Fox’s ear – Tavaris should have visibly pursued Favre’s knowledge so that fans would feel greater

confidence in today’s situation.

But The Fox is also a country boy, and he was surely watching Favre in quiet country boy fashion…I hope.

Favre was like Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, and Holy Angel’s Larry MacKenzie, when it came to inspiring and coaching the Vikings young receivers. Sidney Rice didn’t seem to fully understand how good he was before Favre’s pepping-up, and Favre simply used Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe to the best of Shiancoe’s potential. Favre’s presence was equivalent to

the Viking receivers and tight ends going to see The Wiz. The purple faithful should hope for this continued confidence amongst the receivers, and the leadership of The Tarvaris Jackson Fan Club definitely wishes that will be the case.

The receiver help that The Fox got in previous years can be summarized by watching the perfect bomb Jackson threw to Troy Williamson in Denver, which was almost so good that it may have lodged in Williamson’s facemask, but instead bounced like a soccer ball off of Williamson’s

forehead, to which I refer to the play as the Greatest Drop in NFL History; even with those short little arms, a kangaroo coulda’ caught that ball.

The set-up is much better for The Fox this go-round in leading the Vikings at quarterback, but The Fox better not “get too far gone to understand” that “this is a business” (Purple Rain reference), and that there are veterans, as well as rookies, who aren’t afraid to bring our dear Fan Club, and likely The Fox’s career, to ruin.

Insight’s snappy new photographer Shane says that

Shane/Necessary Exposure

rookie quarterback Joe Webb is one to keep an eye on after a few days snapping photos down at training camp. Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress mentioned that Webb had additional ability to play wide receiver with his 6’3” 223lb frame. Most likely, the Vikings will now need to fiddle around the league and find some other rusty veteran to step in for insurance. If I’m not mistaken, Daunte Culpepper is still out there and ready to get his “roll on” (This is all until Favre returns of course.)

Tennis stars of tomorrow celebrate Serena Williams’ win Recently youth tennis players at the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/Tennis Academy celebrated Serena’s recent Wimbledon title win.

The mission of the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/ Tennis Academy is to ensure Bill Wynn

Pictured with the youth tennis players are: (2nd from left) instructor Terry Chambers and radio personality/film director and former touring tennis player and winner of over 120 tennis trophies Tim Greene of Tim Greene Films.com (far right).

Gospel From 8 are confronted with it. This is an opportunity to see what’s going on and understand what it all means before you are confronted with it. It certainly will give you a different perspective.”

Steele speaks from firsthand experience. In being a part of the production he received clarity in

Safety From 1 cyber predators. Only 10% of teens discuss their experience of abusive behavior online with their parents. Even less than that report it to law enforcement.

“It’s clear that teenagers need to know how to respond to a cyber attack and I believe we need stronger reporter mechanisms to keep our kids safe” she says, also that “As the web site’s membership expands, new concerns have arisen about how to best protect young users from online predators”. With those issues in mind, she asked Mr. Zuckerberg these few questions: • “Is it feasible for Facebook to require a prominent safety button or link on the profile pages of users under the age of 18? What barriers prevent

dealing with a very personal issue.

“One of the things it did for me was help me deal with the death of my father, which was something I hadn’t dealt with really. That happened in 1973. In 1983 when I got involved with this show and I started to see this whole thing about redemption and death, it just shed a different light on the death of my father. So that helped me. It certainly helped me. I am person that believes in faith. There are so many messages from the play that

helped me in my life.”

The cast is aware of audience members experiencing a spiritual connection, and they don’t take that lightly. Beyond the performer’s exemplary skills and talents, they see themselves as stewards of the messages they relay from the script and through the heart. They make sure to perform on one accord spiritually.

Steele said, “We pray because we don’t want people to get the wrong impression about what

we are doing. What get’s lost by some traditional church goers is that this is entertainment. This is a theatrical production and we are trying to get a point across.

Let’s look at the effect that this has on people, because this can change people’s lives, especially when you get these very special messages out of the show. That happens to us all the time. We come into situations where we identify things from the show and you can apply it to your life.”

Facebook from incorporating such a safety button?

• Does Facebook have an internet safety page available for teenagers and parents? Is there a link or safety button clearly placed on every page? How easy is it to access Internet safety materials?

• What information is included in Facebook’s Internet safety materials? Has Facebook consulted with relevant Internet safety groups in creating and updating this information?

• Does Facebook have a system to allow users to report threats or abuse on the network?

How accessible is this threat reporting system?”

Sen. Klobuchar feels that parental involvement is crucial, but young people themselves need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from threats in the online world.

Andrew Noyes, Facebook spokesperson, responded to Sen. Klobuchar’s letter and promotes other safety measures but doesn’t talk about a “panic button”. Here’s what he had to say: “We share Sen. Klobuchar’s concern for Internet safety and believe Facebook has been a leader through the creation of our Safety Advisory Board, the expansion of our Safety Center, and the establishment of a partnership with the National PTA to educate parents, teachers, and students about online safety.

Facebook offers reporting links throughout the site and we believe the “Help” links on every page provide an effective mechanism for people to reach our Safety Center, which is featured prominently on the landing page. We continue to concentrate our efforts on expanding safety information

on the site and partnering with experts to create opportunities to educate people about online safety in school, at home, and elsewhere.

Senator Klobuchar believes panic buttons are crucial for Facebook. It will help young people to learn how to protect themselves from cyber predators and other online threats. “There is no single solution to making the Internet safe,” she says, “But a prominent button at the top of every page that links to resources and information about Internet safety would go a long way to empower and inform teenagers and parents”.

Who is Kayla Houston: I am 14 years old and about to be a freshman in high school in Jacksonville, Florida. I am also a smart, hardworking girl who always succeeds at what I try my best to do.

the development of wellrounded individuals who will become positive role models in their respective communities by providing the necessary academic and tennis resources to enable each player to attend the college of his or her choice on a tennis scholarship.

The fundamental purpose of the The Arthur Ashe Reading Room is to provide students enrolled within the Academy the necessary resources to improve their competency in problem solving, reading, writing, and

speaking. Tennis instructors at the academy are Terry Chambers, Fred and Richard Williams and they are all certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association. Richard has over 30 years of coaching experience. This fall the academy will start a program designed to help 100 minority players earn tennis scholarships (worth over $10 million) by the year 2012.

If you would like more information on the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/Tennis Academy log onto: www. venusserenatennisacademy.org

Steele agrees the production is intense in message and spirit but he believes it should be seen by the young and old. “Yeah there are a few layers here but they all tie in together. I recommend

anybody come and see this and also young people.”

For more information on The Gospel at Colonus visit www. ordway.org or call 651-224.4222.

Page 12 • August 9 - August 15, 2010 • Insight News

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