Insight News ::: 9.20.10

REFUGEE NATION Based on the stories of Laotian refugees and their descendants October 8-17, 2010 For tickets and info, visit www.IntermediaArts. org or call 612.871.4444. Intermedia Arts is located at 2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

“Refugee Nation” Ova Saopeng & Leilani Chan. Photo by Michael Burr. Performance at UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom 2/1/2010

INSIGHT NEWS September 20 - September 26, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 38 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Photo by Suluki Fardan

Zsamé Morgan, Thomasina Petrus, and T. Mychael Rambo.

Star power on Selby Avenue Entertainers and vendors again this year lit up Selby Avenue for the Selby Avenue JazzFest, September 11th.

History of the Selby Avenue JazzFest taken from selbyjazzfest.com.

“The Selby and Rondo neighborhoods have always had a wonderful history that revolves around family, community and

togetherness. Folks just simply needed a way to rekindle that spirit.” — Mychael Wright, “Father of the Fest,” Owner, Golden Thyme Coffee Café, Community Activist.

Selby Ave JazzFest began as a vision of Golden Thyme Coffee Café owner and Selby community activist Mychael

Wright back in the early months of 2002.

“I didn’t have a grand opening celebration for my business, Golden Thyme Coffee Café,” stated Mychael.

“As we got up and running, I wanted to see how the community would react to a yearly music fest-type of event.”

“The first anniversary of 9/11 was

we took it from there.”

The first Selby Ave JazzFest took place on Milton Avenue between Dayton and Selby Avenues. A small, but enthusiastic crowd of between 600 and 700 people enjoyed an afternoon of great local jazz, food...and a much needed dose of community healing.

coming up and you could just tell that people were feeling pretty somber,” added Mychael. “I then thought to myself, ‘I’m tired of feeling this way. We need to celebrate the good things that are going on in this world...especially here on Selby.’ Nothing gets people together like a good old-fashioned block party, so

Economic and environmental crisis

By Lydia Schwartz On September 8, US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) held a public forum to discuss ideas and policies that will make clean energy jobs more available to Minnesotans.

The narrow government definition of a ‘green job’ often has deterred people from thinking about how they can help their environment just by going to work. Green jobs can be anything that improves our health or reduces our carbon footprint— from installing solar panels to simply using earth-friendly products.

The featured speaker at the forum was Phaedra EllisLamkins, CEO of Green For All,

a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. She addressed the difficulties in getting people of color involved in the green movement. Ellis-Lamkins said, “Because of the economic crisis, everyone is feeling the pain.

We have to be honest and say that we need more jobs, but we also deserve better jobs…jobs that allow people to provide for their families but also help the environment…projects that we know our friends and neighbors will be working on.”

Green For All is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy economy. The organization works in collaboration with business,

File photo

US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)

government, labor, and grassroots communities to create and implement programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in the green industry while holding the most vulnerable people at the center of their agenda.

Ellison admitted that it can be “discouraging for people going to the polls who have not seen the change that they have wanted.”

Ellis-Lamkins said that “change is a call-and-response process…We need to have this conversation with more than just the people who already agree with us. It’s not just about whether you believe in global warming or not, we need to get rid of politicians that continue to protect an industry that is dying.”

Also speaking at the forum, J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director of Fresh Energy, stressed the importance of all of us as citizens “to push our leaders

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Prosecute rogue cops who broke law The Minneapolis and St. Paul chapters of the NAACP issue the following statement regarding the Metro Gang Strike Force: After hearing reports about the improper and disturbing conduct of members of the Metro Gang Strike Force, it was our hope that justice would be served and a message would be sent that there is no tolerance for such behavior by those charged with upholding law and order in Minnesota. Instead, through the Hennepin County Attorney’s failure to prosecute members of the Metro Gang Strike Force, a blatant message is being sent that those who were victimized and abused matter little in the eyes of the law.

Sadly, communities of color bore the brunt of the victimization that occurred at the hands of the Metro Gang Strike Force. Namely, unfettered discretion, rogue policing tactics, and discriminatory use of law enforcement tools to name a few. The failure of government officials to hold law enforcement accountable for what was arguably the worst law enforcement scandal in Minnesota history simply reinforces the notion that there are two separate but unequal systems of justice in place: One for those with power and another for those without.

In the African-American community and other

Business

Good teams: Adaptable, autonomous, accountable

PAGE 3

communities of color, irrespective of whether a criminal defendant cooperates with the prosecution in disclosing participation in criminal activity, he or she is still often prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Excuses are not accepted in those instances and the excuse that has been offered here, such as a lack of evidence, should not be accepted in this instance.

From where we stand shredding of documents sounds like obstruction of justice, to say the least. Not to mention numerous other ethical, civil liberties, and civil rights violations that allegedly occurred at the hands of the Metro Gang Strike Force.

The citizens of Minnesota

Education

Admission Possible celebrates 10th Anniversary

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have waited for over a year to see justice served in this situation. Those who have been victimized and abused as a result of the Metro Gang Strike Force’s actions deserve justice. And as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” Therefore, we join the ACLU in urging the Hennepin County Attorney “to reconsider his decision to dismiss the scandal of the Metro Gang Strike Force.” We also strongly support the ACLU’s request for public participation in this process through the convening of a grand jury. Let the voices of the community be heard in deciding whether crimes have occurred.

Dr. Ron Walters

Photo courtesy NNPA

Dr. Ron Walters: ‘Scholarly giant’, NNPA columnist just ‘never stopped’

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief WASHINGTON (NNPA) – He was a political analyst, a professor, a lecturer, a strategist, a mentor, a commentator, a thought leader, a Black Press columnist, a husband and a friend. And he did it all while remaining true to his life’s passion as an advocate for the progress and advancement of Black people. Dr. Ron Walters died of lung cancer September 10, shocking many in the civil rights community who were unaware of the extent of his illness.

“Dr. Ron Walters was the preeminent activist and scholar of our times,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who visited with

Aesthetics Calvin Richardson

PAGE 5

Walters in the hospital during his final days and will deliver the eulogy next week.

“He was my issues director in my ’84 and ’88 campaigns. Ron led a sit-in in 1958 as a student NAACP youth leader two years before the 1960 sit-ins in Greensboro. He wrote six books and thousands of articles…We learned to lean on Ron Walters for our frame of reference,” said Jackson.

“Today we’re number one in athletics and number one in presidential politics; but also number one in poverty. We’re number one in infant mortality, short life expectancy and in unemployment. Ron kept us abreast of that data. The good news is that Ron taught so many

WALTERS TURN TO 9

Sports

Talent wins out: Michael Vick is back

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Page 2 • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Insight News

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Mayor Coleman seeks applicants for boards and committees Mayor Chris Coleman is seeking applicants for Saint Paul’s committees, boards and commissions. The City of Saint Paul has dozens of committees that cover a wide range of topics and appeal to a variety of interests. The Mayor and City Council rely on committees, boards and

commissions for thoughtful advice to create policies and develop programs.

Some committees have requirements, including Saint Paul residency. You can learn more by visiting www.stpaul. gov or by contacting Chai Lee at 651-266-8512 or chai.lee@ ci.stpaul.mn.us.

You can apply for more than one committee per application. Mayor Coleman encourages applicants to get recommendations from their City Councilmembers.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applications are available online.

Visit the Boards and Committees website today!

The Mayor is seeking applicants for the following Boards, Committees and Commissions: Capitol Improvement Budget Committee Business Review Council Neighborhood Sales Tax

Revitalization Board Heritage Preservation Commission Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity Commission Planning Commission Official photo

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman

VOX Global adds White House communicator Corey Ealons VOX Global, a bipartisan public affairs firm, has hired Corey Ealons, who most recently served as White House Director of African American Media.

Ealons will serve VOX as Senior Vice President in the agency’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, where he will lead client efforts in broad political, public policy and reputational campaigns.

“Corey is a unique talent in this profession. He has worked at the highest levels of government, communications, policy and politics to communicate complex and critical issues to audiences across diverse communication platforms,” said Robert Hoopes, president of VOX Global. “Corey’s ability to see opportunities in the public policy and political arena, coupled with his enthusiasm and zest for winning, will be invaluable to our clients from every sector.”

At the White House, Ealons served as the principle national

liaison for African American media for President Barack Obama, members of the White House executive staff, and senior Administration Officials.

He held the same position during the 2008 Obama-Biden General Election Campaign.

In this role, Ealons developed messaging and outreach strategies for issues as wide ranging as The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to health care reform, working to ensure that every American understood how these issues impact their everyday lives.

“Our media landscape, along with the nation’s demographic makeup, is rapidly changing, heightening the importance of developing connective messages that resonate with audiences whether we are promoting issues of public policy or commercial products,” Ealons said. “The VOX Global team understands this and is an emerging leader in both well-

Corey Ealons established mediums and new communication forums. This is a very exciting time to join

the team.”

Ealons began his career in public service as a member of the Armed Forces before moving into the political arena with efforts including Bill Bradley’s run for President, the Congressional races of Artur Davis, Jack Conway and Jim Marshall, and the KerryEdwards Campaign where he served as a National Regional Political Director.

He was called to Capitol Hill to serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for U.S. Representative Artur Davis, where he served as chief political advisor and communications strategist to the Congressman.

As a member of the United States Army, Ealons served in the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard), which operates as the ceremonial honor guard for the President of the United States and Arlington National Cemetery.

In this role, he served as public affairs supervisor and

acted as spokesperson for the Presidential Honor Guard throughout the country and internationally.

Prior to his public sector service, Ealons was at Ketchum Public Relations, where he served clients in commercial marketing and strategic communications.

Ealons graduated with a degree in public relations and political communications from the University of Alabama.

Ealons joins a senior team at VOX, led by Hoopes, that includes Ann Davison, former advisor to Vice President Gore, EPA Administrator Carol Browner and two U.S. Senators; Carey Tarbell, former executive vice president at Powell Tate|Weber Shandwick and former executive director of the National Journal’s Policy Council; Trish Wexler, formerly of Powell Tate|Weber Shandwick and veteran advocacy coalition manager for legislative and regulatory campaigns; Chris Matthews,

former communications director on Capitol Hill for the House Agriculture Committee and Senator Gordon Smith; and Trey Hardin, recognized political and campaign strategist and former Capitol Hill chief of staff.

VOX is a bipartisan public affairs and strategic communications firm offering clients proactive public policy and reputation strategies proven successful on the political campaign stage.

VOX’s team of seasoned political and communications consultants delivers winning results and helps clients mitigate risk through public affairs, reputation and crisis management, digital advocacy and stakeholder and grassroots coalitions.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., VOX has offices in Boston, MA; Portland, ME; Detroit, MI; Indianapolis, IN; and Little Rock, AR; and Tokyo, Japan.

For more information, visit www.voxglobal.com.

Dr. Maya Angelou issues call to healing, renewal In an open letter released last week, Dr. Maya Angelou, world-renowned poet, author and educator, has called on people everywhere to wear something sky blue on the third weekend of October to take a stand for “healing,” “psychological liberation” and “emotional freedom.” “We are asking everyone to Wear Sky Blue,” Angelou said, “to show our collective determination to turn the pain of the blues into the sky blue of unlimited possibilities.”

Last month, CNN released

the results of a doll s t u d y showing that many children, Black and white alike, are still biased in favor of mayaangelou.com white skin.

Maya Angelou A n g e l o u pointed to the study as “yet another sign of the continuing power of the myths of white superiority and

Black inferiority.” She urged people to “take a stand for emotional emancipation” and “come together in one simple, but powerful, act of solidarity.”

“All you have to do,” added Angelou, “is wear something light blue like the color of the sky on a bright sunny day.”

October 15, 16 and 17, 2010, will mark the third anniversary of the celebration of Community Healing Days, three days set aside on the third weekend of every October to raise awareness about the continuing effects of the myths of black

inferiority and white superiority and to mobilize people to extinguish these myths—once and for all. The celebration of Community Healing Days was launched in 2008 in New Haven, CT, by the Community Healing Network, Inc. (CHN); Angelou chairs CHN’s Board of Advisors. Inspired by her wisdom that we “take a day to heal from the lies that have been told to us, and the ones we’ve told ourselves,” CHN issued a Call to Healing and Renewal to encourage people everywhere to celebrate Community Healing

Days to put “time for healing” at the top of their agendas.

“Community Healing Days and the Wear Sky Blue campaign are designed to do for the movement for emotional emancipation what Earth Day has done for the environmental movement: to put an urgent issue at the top of the world’s agenda and to spark grassroots action for fundamental change,” said CHN vice president Janice M. Jones.

According to CHN president Enola G. Aird, “CHN’s goal is to make this the decade of

emotional emancipation for black people. Our aim is to bring a critical mass of Black people into the movement for emotional freedom by 2019, the year that will mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans on American soil—so that we will all see ourselves in a whole new light by the year 2020.”

To learn more about the Wear Sky Blue campaign and the movement for emotional emancipation, visit www. communityhealingnet.org.

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Page 3

BUSINESS Good teams: Adaptable, autonomous, accountable Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com “As an engineer, people always told me who I had to work with,” says high school teacher and successful engineer, Jon Hickman. He was explaining that choosing your work partners can be a blessing… and a curse.

“Sometimes you find out your best friend isn’t your best partner

on the job.”

Recently, I visited the recruiting offices of CH Robinson in Eden Prairie, MN. This company is one of the world’s largest third party logistics providers, meaning they partner with companies to get products where they need to end up. At its core, this is trucking. Not exactly a sexy industry. And yet, the people I met had been with the company through acquisitions, recessions and the rest for eight, 10, 14 years and more. Collectively, that’s a lot of corporate brain power staying in one place for a long time.

They tell me they stay because

of the people, the culture, the opportunities, and the great team they’ve put together. I believe it. I was there at 3:00 in the afternoon, when many companies are either napping or out grabbing a coffee, but this place was hopping, and everyone was smiling. Drinking the Kool-Aid? Maybe. But for as many years as the team has been evolving, that’s a lot of Kool-Aid. What seems to make that group work is common to the most effective project teams. They have adaptability, accountability and autonomy.

Adaptability allows individuals on the team to flex when crisis or unexpected

obstacles surface, either in terms of workload or activities. If three top performers go out on leave simultaneously, how are we going to handle that? Being able to turn on a dime is an asset in any case; getting a whole team to flex as needed is powerful.

Accountability to the team is a stronger motivator than accountability to a company.

Teams that understand each player’s strengths have the right people in the right positions, which in turn, means players can trust each other to get their part

of the job done effectively and efficiently. “She knows what she’s doing,” is the highest compliment one team member can pay to another because it means the team as a whole is functioning at a high level. When team members trust each other, they can rely on one another to carry fair weight.

Autonomy, or personal independence, seems like the antithesis of what drives a top team.

However, when team members already trust each other, and when the team as a whole is talented at adapting and evolving,

then an individual with a good idea can stand up and make things happen. Progress is often the result of one person with one good idea who has one heck of a team behind them.

If you think collaboration and team building doesn’t matter, ask the Minnesota Vikings. Or the Twins. Or (ouch) the Gophers.

Julie Desmond is Director of Career Planning and Job Search Resources at Help Wanted!

Workshop in Minneapolis, MN. Write to julie@insightnews.com.

When elderly parents need financial guidance

By Jason Alderman A friend of mine recently realized his mother needed help managing her finances when he found her closets filled with oddball purchases like jalapeno jelly beans and Betty Boop bobblehead dolls. “It was pretty clear that telemarketers were taking advantage of her friendly nature to sell her junk she didn’t want or need,” he said.

Fortunately, his mom welcomed assistance; but not all families are so lucky. Some parents are fiercely independent and fear relinquishing control over any aspect of their lives; others may be in over their heads and too embarrassed to ask for help.

Postponing uncomfortable financial conversations with your parents may do them – and you – a serious disservice.

Chances are, if you’re helping your parents financially your own retirement savings probably are suffering.

It’s never too soon to become familiar with your parents’ financial, medical and legal records so you can step in if needed. If possible, start those conversations while they’re still in good health so you’ll be able

Forum From 1 to make the changes we wish to see.” She discussed the need for “cheap, clean energy because it isn’t fair to poor and middle-class folks” to carry the economic and environmental burdens. Hamilton also says that we must “break-out and have creative conversations.

We need lots of solutions and job training programs.” She says that we also need to make sure our elected officials know what we expect, “and be sure to thank and reward when they accomplish it.”

Fresh Energy promotes a modern, innovative energy system for the 21st century. The organization provides research, advocacy, and innovative policy models while engaging citizens to take action on the energy issues that affect us all. Fresh Energy’s efforts focus on clean energy, transportation connections, global warming solutions, and energy justice.

Both working people and environmentalists have a stake in building the new green economy.

Also speaking at the forum was John Dybvig, Economic Development Manager of the BlueGreen Alliance, a national strategic partnership between labor unions and environmental organizations that is dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green economy. The partnership seeks to transform our economy through renewable energy, energy efficiency, mass transit and rail, a new smart grid and other environmental solutions has the potential to create millions of jobs, while reducing global warming emissions and moving America toward energy independence. Dybvig argues that “those polluting should pay full price for it. The green economy will then take off and the price will go down.”

Ellison addressed the struggle in obtaining grants for green job training. “It’s a challenge for all of us,” he said. The BlueGreen Alliance has developed an innovative new training program designed to provide Minnesota workers with the skills they need to succeed in the green economy, called GreenPOWER (Partnership of Workforce and Employer Resources).

The

to spot any warning signals that something may be amiss.

Signs to watch for might include: Unpaid bills, late payment notices or utility shut-off warnings.

Calls from creditors or collection agencies.

Indications they’ve had to choose between filling prescriptions and buying food, heating or other necessities.

Overabundant junk mail, magazine subscriptions or cheap prizes – signs they may be targets of telemarketing or getrich-quick schemes.

Seemingly unnecessary home improvements; or conversely, signs that they can’t afford needed repairs.

Uncharacteristically lavish spending on vacations, new cars, etc.

Long before your folks require assistance, offer to help organize their finances. Set up and periodically update files containing: Details of all major possessions and relevant paperwork (such as property deeds, car registration, jewelry, etc.)

Outstanding and recurring debts (mortgage, car loan, medical bills, utilities, etc.)

All income sources, including Social Security, retirement and investment accounts and savings.

Bank accounts, credit cards, safe deposit box contents and insurance policies, including password, agent and beneficiary information.

Will, trust, power of attorney, health care proxy and other documents showing how they want their affairs handled.

Contact information for lawyer, accountant, broker, financial planner, insurance agent and other advisors.

program provides valuable skills in energy efficiency, environmental awareness, waste reduction, and lean production techniques.

GreenPOWER training helps workers succeed in a wide range of green and greening industries, including producers of energy-efficient building materials, renewable energy component parts, advanced drive-trains, hybrid batteries, and other environmentally-friendly products.

For more information on the program, call (612) 466-4512 or visit www.

MNGreenPOWERTraining.org.

RENEW (Renewable Energy Network Empowering Workers) is a similar green training program run by the City of Minneapolis in collaboration with Ramsey County Workforce Solutions.

This project focuses on providing sustainable pathways out of poverty to some of the cities’ most disadvantaged citizens, while ensuring that area businesses have access to a well-trained workforce that is prepared to carry out the work of greening the local economy. RENEW presents a unique opportunity to build the economic capital of low-income residents and the workforce capital of the region’s growing green business base. For more information on this program, visit www.RENEWMN.com.

Also speaking at the forum was Bill Mackey, Recording Secretary of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 110. The IBEW seeks to organize workers throughout the electrical industry, including those in public utilities and electrical manufacturing firms. Mackey says that one thing we can do is ensure that “city contracts go to local companies dedicated to using green products and strategies.”

Mackey is also President of the Hunt Electric Corporation, which strives to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in the buildings it works on. LEED is an internationally recognized green-building certification system that provides third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance in energy savings, water efficiency, carbon

dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. LEED, developed by the US Green Building Council, provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

Mackey also discussed the difficulties in financing green projects because people are not often willing to pay more now and wait for the energy savings later. He said he “works for less because it is satisfying to get my union brothers contracts…but we also need people to sell the projects.”

Ellison added, “we also need to figure out a way to organize the financing for more green projects.”

Gerardo Ruiz, Founder and CEO of Solarflow Energy, also spoke at the forum. “In the end, it is about money but we must look at it as a service to society,” he said.

Ruiz argued that capping carbon is a critical piece of legislation.

Similar to city ordinances, he said “you can’t just throw your garbage into the street without consequences,” businesses should not be able to throw their pollution into our environment and not pay the price.

To achieve the changes we wish to see, “we have to be actively vocal to our leaders,” Ruiz said. “But we are also extremely powerful as consumers to create market demand for clean energy and environmentally-friendly products…Radical change comes when we’re scared of what will happen if we don’t act, and we take a little step forward,” he said.

Solarflow Energy provides turnkey and solar leasing solutions to both residential and commercial markets for an effortless shift to solar. The company is a Minnesota eco-venture with a triple bottom line—people, planet, and profits.

Their vision is to make solar electricity financially accessible to all, manifest a downward trend in solar electricity costs, and help perpetuate a positive change in the environment.

The Clean Energy Jobs Public Forum was held at the South Education Center in Richfield, an LEED-certified facility.

A few other tips: Help your folks set up and follow a detailed budget so they always know how much money is coming in and going out. Numerous free budgeting tools are available at such sites as www.mymoney.gov, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org), www.mint.com, and Practical Money Skills for Life, Visa Inc.’s free personal financial management site (www. practicalmoneyskills.com/ budgeting).

Set up automatic bill payment for monthly bills to avoid late

FINANCE TURN TO 7

For over 80 years, Hallie Q. Brown has been the Lighthouse of the Community...

...this is why we shine so bright.

The Hallie Q. Brown Early Learning Center is currently accepting applications for enrollment.

We are a licensed daycare and preschool program with a 4 Star Parent Aware rating. We feature licensed and trained staff, Project Early Kindergarten (PEK) curriculum and a sliding fee scale. We gladly accept Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Contact us today for a tour and more information.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center 270 N. Kent Street St. Paul, MN 55102 651-224-4601 www.hallieqbrown.org

Page 4 • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Admission Possible celebrates 10th anniversary For 1,400 Twin Cities students, going back to school will include Admission Possible. As school kicks off, Admission Possible celebrates its 10th anniversary serving low-income students, having grown services more than 200-fold since the organization’s founding in the Twin Cities on September 11, 2000. In its biggest program year yet, Admission Possible will work with more students than ever before and, to help coach these students to success, will welcome its largest team of AmeriCorps members.

Admission Possible will serve 7,100 Twin Cities students through its high school and college programs, a large jump from the 35 students served in the program’s inaugural year.

This year, 1,400 high school students will participate in 17 partner high schools across six school districts in the metro area, while 2,700 high school program participants work toward their degrees with the support of the college program. An additional 3,000 high school freshmen and

Courtesy of Admission Possible

Admission Possible Twin Cities students celebrate the Class of 2010 as they graduate high school and look forward to college. On average, 98 percent of Admission Possible seniors earn admission to college each year. sophomores will participate in college planning workshops led

by Admission Possible seniors and AmeriCorps members.

To help these Admission Possible students succeed, 53 AmeriCorps members and

three AmeriCorps VISTAs will contribute over 100,000 hours of service. These recent college graduates will serve as college coaches to students and in organizational capacity building roles.

“Perhaps the most exciting part of this program’s growth is that as the number of participating Admission Possible students grows, so does the number of low-income students who will reach their goal of attending

college,” said Bethany Baker, program director for Admission Possible.

“The enthusiasm and talent of our AmeriCorps members helps our students channel their potential. When they arrive to start a new school year, their energy for positive change brings our students closer to making their dreams possible.”

Admission Possible has achieved impressive results over its past decade of service. Ninetyeight percent of its students have gained admission to college, and juniors have raised their ACT test scores by 20 percent.

The collective hard work of Admission Possible students, staff and community supporters has achieved the remarkable – a path out of poverty for lowincome students.

In 2009, at an event in the White House, Admission Possible received national attention for its work as an innovative nonprofit

by President Barack Obama.

“Ninety-nine percent of the Admission Possible class of 2008 got into college – 99 percent. The

vast majority stay in college and earn their degrees. Admission Possible operates in just two states now. So imagine if it was 10, or 20 or 50,” said President Obama. Serving the Twin Cities and Milwaukee today, Admission Possible is continuing to answer that call by working under a multi-year growth plan to reach 20,000 low-income students annually in 10 sites nationwide as soon as 2015. The organization is slated to launch a third city in the 2010-11 academic year.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our students and our organization on its 10th anniversary,” said Jim McCorkell, founder and CEO of Admission Possible National. “As we celebrate the accomplishments of the almost 25,000 students we have served, we set higher goals for ourselves and the students we will reach in the future.

When we see what they achieve, despite many obstacles, we find the inspiration to work harder to make college access possible for more students.”

Using the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment

By Sonal Desai Redd Did you receive your child’s MCA scores in the mail recently

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.

from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)? You should have if your child is in the third grade or higher. What did you do when you looked at the data? Did you look at the graph chart and say to yourself, what am I supposed to do with this information? I want to help my child but where do I begin? What can I do at home?

I, too, struggle even though I consider myself to be a fairly knowledgeable person.

When I opened the envelope that came from the school, I just assumed that it was another letter telling me about the bus route,

a thirty-page lunch form, or a reminder that I need to bring 10 boxes of tissue and 240 sharpened pencils to the open house. To my surprise it was a letter that explained how I can help my child be more successful by using the test data from the MCA’s? I was ecstatic.

I began to play with the information, even calling my neighbor and getting her children’s MCA data so I could compare notes. I had a great time playing around with it.

You too can learn more about how to help your child by

following the directions below: Start by visiting the Perspective for Families website at www.PerspectiveForFamilies. com/MN (this information is also located at the bottom of your childs MDE student report) On the Perspective for Families home page, enter your students learning locator into the code box (this number is located on the front page of the Minnesota Comprehensive AssessmentsSeries II student report that came in the mail recently). If you do not have the report call your child’s

school and ask for assistance.

Then click the show materials button.

Select a strand on the left side of the page by clicking on the desired strand.

Click on any resource. Some may be printed and some are interactive.

Click the close button to exit a resource and return to the main page where you can click another strand.

It was amazing. My children played with the worksheets and interactive website and they actually enjoyed it. I felt better as

a parent because now I, too, could use the data that is constantly talked about at school conferences, school open houses, and district forums and understand what all the information is about. You can even visit your local library if you don’t have a computer and give your child the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills. What a great way to start the new year.

Sonal Desai Redd is the Associate Director for the Center for School Change at Macalester College. She can be reached at sdesaire@macalester.edu

Documentary questions overscheduling of kids

By Kam Williams Most of the recent documentaries about the American educational system indict it for failing to challenge students enough.

They’ve generally blamed the high dropout rate on top heavy school administrations and blasé teachers’ unions that care more about benefits and cutting corners than learning and test scores.

Race to Nowhere takes a novel approach to the problem, by suggesting that kids don’t need longer school days and more homework, but exactly the opposite. Co-directed by Vicki Abeles and Jessica Congdon, the telling expose’ examines the Attention Deficit Generation on its own terms, interviewing students of all ages who complain about wilting under the stress of being micromanaged for success by their well-meaning, if slavedriving parents.

Many have been put on Adderall and other hyperactivity drugs so they can pay attention during class. Plus, they’re being forced to take college-track advanced placement courses, and if they don’t have the gray matter

to master the material, no worries, mommy and daddy can always hire tutors.

Between all the overscheduling and the permeation of the day by structured activities, the upshot is that children today are crumbling under the non-stop pressure to behave like little professionals.

Whatever happened to selfdirected play and the freedom to explore intuitively? It’s gone the way of the tree house and pick-up stickball game.

Instead, boys tend to act out, while girls just get depressed.

Consequently, the adolescent suicide rate skyrockets as teachers narrowly “teach to the test,” meaning they focus on high SAT and standardized test scores, while never bothering to cultivate in the kids the critical thinking skills associated with functioning in and contributing to society.

The solution? This sobering study implies that the answer lies in lowering our academic expectations, and just letting the children be children for a change.

My guess is that that’s not going to happen anytime soon in a culture where adults choose nursery schools based on which will give their offspring the best shot at

admission to the Ivy League.

A mind is a terrible thing to lose!

Excellent (4 stars) Rated PG-13 for mature themes.

In English and Spanish with

subtitles.

Running time: 85 Minutes Distributor: Reel Link Films

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Calvin Richardson: Tried and true soul music

By Alaina Lewis Contributing Writer A single utterance of the name Calvin Richardson confronts an array of ear-gasms brought on by the memory of a genre in sound that remains tried and true to the heart: Soul Music.

Richardson, who is known world-wide for such hits as “More Than A Woman” and “Sang No More” is back with his fifth presentation entitled America’s Most Wanted, which hit stores August 31st to a unanimous applause.

If the title draws any conclusions, then after a listen you’ll quickly discern why this genius is branding himself as the head of a campaign to bring audible art back to our journey through music.

With his lead single entitled “You’re So Amazing,” forging a continued momentum on the album charts he’s openly owning up to the idea that his gifts to the industry deliver more than just music, but rather an experience that will forever reign in the eardrums.

Richardson sat down with Insight News to give us a few liner notes on his career, his songbook, and all the things yet to come for this incredible entertainer.

Insight News: So to start things out, tell Minnesota where you’ve been.

Richardson: I left the industry part of the music game for five years, starting in 2003, and I resurfaced in 2008. This is because I didn’t necessarily like the industry-type standard as far as how the music was approached, marketed and promoted when it comes to real music. I just kind of left it alone, but I kept on making records and kept doing my thing. I came back in 2008, and now I’m getting ready to drop my third album since then. I’m just making up for lost time.

Insight News: I understand what you’re saying about leaving the industry. I get that from of a lot of artists and know exactly what you mean when you say they’re not marketing real music. Why do you think more time is spend promoting these manufactured acts, than promoting artists like you?

Richardson: Those other artists are more easily found and because of that more easily made.

I think the world is conditioned to a certain type of sound or music even if it sounds the same. It comes down to the fact that for many it wasn’t just about the music, it just became a product in fact. Real music got lost because people weren’t paying attention to it; substance, the lyrical content, the melodies- things that really make a song a song.

Insight News: In the industry there’s always a lot of trial and error. Is there anything in your past that you wish you could go back and redo, or is there anything you wish you would’ve done differently that could have changed where you are today?

Richardson: I wish I would’ve

come to the conclusion that I should have been an independent artist a long time ago instead of relying on the big machines (as far as the labels are concerned) to establish my career, my brand, and a place for me in the market.

Once I took control of that aspect of my career, things started to turn around for me. Independently, we got a nomination for a Grammy last year, the ASCAP writer of the year award for this year, and I have just been able to cover a whole lot more ground, doing it independently and paying attention to what I need as an artist and getting the product out there. It becomes less about competing or putting something comparable out there because it gives me a chance to just do me.

Insight News: Give us some understanding on what you mean by independent. Do you have your own label now?

Richardson: NuMo Records. I have my own staff that markets the videos, does the press, publicity, and radio promotionsI’m handling every aspect of my career that was left in the hands of the majors before, when they’d leave me to only worry about having to go out and perform.

When everything was being left up to the labels, a lot of things just didn’t happen because they have their priorities. Their priorities are obviously what makes money for them, and what’s bringing a lot of things in. That’s where they’re going to dump their money, that’s where they’re going to put the bulk of their energy. Now I can just focus on myself, and doing it like that, too.

Insight News: So with that in mind, what can we expect from your new album America’s Most Wanted?

Richardson: A lot people felt like there would be pressure to follow-up after the album I did with Bobby Womack, but I didn’t look at it like there was any pressure. Bobby was doing it long before me, but I was a student of Bobby Womack for years and years perfecting my style and my writing. We went in and

Calvin Richardson basically approached this album the same way I did the Facts of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack album, with live musicians, live band- everything is live the way that music should be. It’s a lot of great music. I focus on the lyrical content, the subject matter and the melodies of the song. I think all of that is important. I have some up-tempo, stepping tracks, slow grooves and ballads- that’s what I do. I’m a balladeer. A lot good music is there.

Insight News: Now what song on this album would you say best represents the mood you were in when you started creating America’s Most Wanted?

Richardson: Probably “America’s Most Wanted.” It’s light, it feels good, and it’s happy.

I think that speaks volumes about the mindset that I was in when I started creating for the album.

Insight News: Who do you think this album will most appeal to? Do you think the younger crowd will be able to relate to what you’re talking about, or do you think this is for the older set, 25 and up?

Richardson: I wouldn’t say that it’s just for the 25 and up crowd because even the younger people who solely live for life on a day-

Courtesy of the artist

to-day basis are affected by the same things that affect me.

Insight News: Aside from music, what have you been up to lately?

Richardson: I was in a play for about a year, off and on while I was touring up until about three or four months ago. I did that with Ann Nesby and Lil G from Silk, and Scott Sable. We did the play, toured around with that, and I’ve pretty much just been working on songs. I’m doing this project for Julius Lewis. He has this movie called Insecure that’s getting ready to come out in theaters this October and they want me to write the lead song.

Insight News: Where can we see Insecure?

Richardson: They’ll be releasing it nationally. They shot it down

in Memphis. It’s a good movie, and that’s the latest project I’m trying to finish up, aside from the promotional stuff for America’s Most Wanted. We just finished the video. It’s getting ready to come out.

Insight News: What’s the definition of your music?

There’s an argument out there that believes the word “NeoSoul” doesn’t exist as a style, or whether the term is just New Soul, R&B, or Southern Soul…

What name would you say best describes your music?

Richardson: My music is just soul music. I was in the industry when they came up with the NeoSoul thing, and I think they just did that to come up with a cool title to make soul music cool again. They wanted young people to feel like it was something new, and it’s really not. Soul Music, is soul music. It’s something you can feel and it takes you on a journey through real situations and real life- that’s what I do from the grass roots. I deal with people from that level because I never really left my roots as far as where I come from. I live the way that I try and associate with people, with everything I do in my life. I don’t try and live like a celebrity, I don’t do any of that.

I’m comfortable, but at the same time, I stay grounded and my music is just like that.

Insight News: A lot of artists say that they had to jump the fence to get into the industry. Did you find it hard when you were first breaking into the industry to get help getting signed by a label? Was it hard for you to gain that momentum, and

did you have to do some crazy maneuvers to get your album in the right hands?

Richardson: I really didn’t have to do all that. What I did was make a good demo and sent it to a producer a couple times.

He was living in New York and I was living up there. We got in the studio, wrote a couple songs, and he set up some auditions at the labels. Back in the day you would go to the label and come out in the lobby and they’d bring the staff out and you’d have to perform right there.

Insight News: That’s what they did back in the day?

Richardson: Oh yeah. It wasn’t about the demo. The demo would get you in the door, but that was as far as it would get you. You had to sing for the powers that be. They’d bring the A&R department, the marketing department, the radio staff- whomever. There would probably be like 12 people out there watching, and you would have to do what you’re going to do, to get yourself that record deal. You gotta sell yourself. It really wasn’t that hard because singing is what I do, and I love what I do. It’s not necessarily about the money, I do it because I love what I do. My mom always told me ‘what comes from the heart, goes to the heart.’ If you put it out there, people are going to feel you. I’ve always had a lot of luck with that.

Insight News: And that is the reason why America loves you.

Thank you for your time Mr. Richardson.

Calvin Richardson: No. Thank You for your time.

Page 6 • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Insight News

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HEALTH U of M nets $7 million to combat childhood obesity University of Minnesota School of Public Health and HealthPartners Research Foundation researchers have been awarded a $7 million federally-funded grant to tackle childhood obesity in a unique three pronged approach that focuses on parents of preschool children.

The seven-year grant, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will support the creation of a Childhood Obesity Center within the U of M where parental influence is paramount.

Researchers will combine primary care, a child’s home environment and communitybased intervention strategies into a program that aims to spark changes in food intake, physical

activity and body weight among low-income, ethnically diverse children.

Ethnic minority and lowincome children are at greatest risk for obesity. It is estimated that among ethnic minority children born in the year 2000 or later, 1 in 2 will develop type 2 diabetes, largely due to obesity, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Childhood nutrition experts, Simone French, Ph.D., from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and Nancy Sherwood, Ph.D., from HealthPartners Research Foundation and the School of Public Health are heading the project.

“Childhood obesity prevention is critical because it is associated with a higher risk of adult obesity,” French said. “No successful long-term weight loss interventions for adults have been identified, so preventing obesity among children in the first place is critical. Parents play a pivotal role in promoting healthy food choices and an active lifestyle for their children. Childhood obesity prevention efforts have to start with parents.”

Intervention at multiple levels and across multiple settings is critical for both short-and long-term effectiveness due to the complexity of factors that influence obesity, French said.

First, the new Obesity

Prevention Center will partner with pediatric and family practice clinics. The health care system is an important source of information about health risk prevention behavior, French said, but while most families have regular contact with a pediatric primary care provider in the early childhood years, few obesity prevention studies have been conducted in this setting.

In this study, primary care physicians will talk with parents about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for their child. Each family will work with a designated “family advocate” at the clinic and during in-home visits to support healthy changes.

Second, researchers will work with parents through the Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools’ Early Childhood and Family Education. Parents and children will attend weekly classes that focus on the family home environment and parenting practices around providing healthy food choices, limiting screen time and encouraging active play.

The third study component involves partnering with communities to increase the affordability and accessibility of healthy food and physical activity resources. The research team will be working with local stores to ensure there are healthy foods available such as fresh

produce. They will also engage with community centers to create sports and recreation activities for parents and children. .

“Integrating obesity prevention messages and strategies and creating linkages among these settings where families spend much of their time offers potential for a sustainable approach that promotes healthy eating and physical activity as key factors in overall healthy child development,“ Sherwood said.

The $7 million grant will fund two studies: an initial twoyear pilot study that will include 30 families and a second larger three-year study that includes 500 families. Researchers will begin the pilot study in late 2010.

Gabrielle Union attends Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Actress Gabrielle Union joined 24,000 participants, including 1,600 breast cancer survivors, at the 20th annual Susan G. Komen New York City Race for the Cure in Central Park.

Union, who advocates for breast cancer awareness in memory of a friend who recently died from the disease, presented the Co-Survivor Award to Bert Paolucci who has supported his wife and mother-in-law during their battles with the disease.

Union also spoke from the starting line of the event before walking the 5K (3.1 mile) course through Central Park with her team, Gabby’s Circle of Promise.

The Komen New York City Race for the Cure hopes to raise $6 million in support of breast health education, screening and treatment in the five boroughs of New York City, on Long Island and in Westchester and Rockland Counties along with national breast cancer research.

Photo: Actress Gabrielle Union (seated center with black jacket), Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., CEO of the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure (L) and actress and two-time breast cancer survivor Jill Eikenberry (R) at the 20th annual Susan G. Komen New York City Race for the Cure on Sept. 12, 2010.

Photo credit Melanie Burford for Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Summit Academy OIC hosts community health fair, open house Students from Summit Academy OIC, located at 935 Olson Memorial Highway,

in Minneapolis are hosting a Community Health Fair Friday, October 15, 1 – 3 pm to educate

low-income community residents and minorities about a variety of health issues

including diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight prevention, sexually transmitted diseases and obesity.

These students will soon graduate as certified Community Health Workers (CHW). CHWs work at the grassroots level to increase access to healthcare services by educating individuals about disease prevention, bridging the gap that exists due to language and cultural differences, and teaching people how to navigate the current system.

Summit Academy OIC is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit

educational and vocational center that teaches individuals from economically depressed neighborhoods in the Twin Cities to become educated, employed, contributing members of the community.

“Unfortunately, there are great health disparities that exist in low-income communities due to barriers such as access to healthcare,” said Amanda Wasielewski, Lead Community Health Worker Instructor at Summit Academy OIC. “The CHW program is designed to decrease those disparities by educating students about

preventative care so they can teach the communities they wish to serve.”

Community Health Fair participants will have access to free blood pressure checks and testing for sexually transmitted disease including HIV, as well as information about diabetes, nutrition, heart disease, low birth weight prevention and domestic abuse prevention.

They also will be invited to play Health Fair Bingo for a chance to win grocery store gift cards.

This event is free and open to the public.

St. Paul library offers flu shot clinics September and October The Saint Paul Public Library in collaboration with the MN Visiting Nurse Agency will offer flu shot clinics at many of its library branches in late September and early October.

Flu shots will cost $26 and will be available at the following locations: Arlington Hills, 1105 Greenbrier St., 651-793-3930 Wed., 9/29, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Thurs., 9/30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Central Library, 90 West Fourth St., 651-266-7000 Fri, 10/1, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dayton’s Bluff, 645 East 7th St., 651-793-1699 Mon., 10/4, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Thurs., 10/7, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Hamline Midway, 1558 W.

Minnehaha Ave., 651-642-0293 Mon., 10/4, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Thurs., 10/7, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Hayden Heights, 1456 White Bear Ave., 651-793-3934 Wed., 9/29, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Highland Park, 1974 Ford Parkway, 651-695-3700 Mon., 9/27, 10:30 a.m.

-2:30 p.m. & 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Tues 9/28, 10:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. & 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Mon., 10/4, 2:30-7:30 p.m.

Riverview, 1 East George St., 651-292-6626 Tues., 9/28, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Rondo Community Outreach, 461 North Dale Street, 651266-7400, TTY: 651-266-7485 Mon., 9/27, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Tues, 9/28, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Saint Anthony Park, 2245 Como Ave., 651-642-0411 Mon, 10/4, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Merriam Park, 1831 Marshall Ave., 651-6420385, TTY: 651-298-4184 Thurs., 9/30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Wed., 10/6, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Sun Ray, 2105 Wilson Ave., 651-501-6300 Thurs., 9/30, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Thurs., 10/7, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Rice Street, 1011 Rice St., 651-558-2223 Thurs., 9/30, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

For more information about the Saint Paul Public Library and events, please visit www.sppl. org.

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Insight News • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Page 7

Challenge grant supports Minnesota food shelves

By Sharon Rolenc Public News Service MN September is national Hunger Action Month, and two Minnesota organizations have joined forces to address hunger locally. Hunger Solutions Minnesota and Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless are offering a $100,000 challenge grant for food shelves to raise dollars and awareness

in

their local communities.

Colleen Moriarty, executive director of Hunger Solutions Minnesota, says hunger in the state has risen, with food shelf use up sharply since the recession began.

“The need has grown exponentially, particularly in the last three years. We’ve seen this dramatic increase in people who are signed on for public support programs like food support or

SNAP, and for people using food shelves.”

Hunger has increased dramatically for Minnesota children. During the summer of 2009, nearly 370,000 food shelf visits provided emergency food to children in the state. A 2010 first-quarter review shows that visits to food shelves involving a child are up 10 percent over last year.

Alexis Walstad,

communications and program services director with Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, says seniors are also one of the fastest rising populations using food shelves which, she says, is a sign of the times.

“In Minnesota, and with senior citizens especially, people are often reluctant to ask for help, and so seeing this huge increase in numbers is really telling of the

situation that people are in right now,” said Walstad.

Walstad says September is a critical time to raise awareness about hunger issues. She says people often give to food drives during the holidays, but that’s not the only time food is needed.

“It’s a very important issue throughout the year, especially coming off of summer, which is actually the highest period of food shelf usage for Minnesota

food shelves. The food shelves in a lot of communities are pretty bare right now,” she said.

The grant is a proportional match based on the total dollars raised by individual food shelves.

The bigger the amount raised, the bigger the match, with a minimum grant of $250 and a maximum of $4,000.

A list of participating food shelves is available at www. hungersolutions.org.

KIDS COUNT report: Uphill battle for children of color

By Sharon Rolenc Public News Service MN Compared to their caucasian counterparts, children of color and American Indian children in Minnesota have a greater incidence of low birth rates, homelessness and poverty, and fewer than half as many graduate from high school. That’s the data in the new KIDS COUNT report, which also reveals some surprising positive results, according to Kara

Arzamendia, research director with Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota.

“Children who are more likely to be uninsured are also more likely not to receive preventive medical visits, and not to receive childhood vaccinations. But we’re actually finding the opposite to be true in Minnesota. Despite that obstacle, families are still seeking out the preventative services they need for their children, which is really promising.”

Arzamendia adds that children

of color who do graduate from high school have high rates of college enrollment.

Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota is co-hosting a series of KIDS COUNT Coffee events throughout the state, where the public can learn more about how kids are faring in their communities. Events this week are scheduled in Bemidji, Mahnomen and Crookston.

The report also highlights “Stars of the State” - organizations that take creative approaches to

working with disadvantaged youth and families. One of these groups, White Earth Early Childhood Initiative (ECI), is a coalition of parents, grandparents, schools, health and dental clinics and law enforcement. The “it takes a village” approach of the coalition is the key to its program success, says ECI coordinator Mary Leff.

“In each one of the projects we work on, either all of those partners or some of those partners work on it with us. We all do it together.”

Leff says these community partnerships led to the establishment of a “Caring for Kids” store where parents can shop with points earned by participating in programs like early childhood education and by taking their kids to dental and wellness check-ups.

Feedback from community parents and elders makes a difference in their program focus, Leff says. For example, a survey of parent concerns showed literacy as a top priority. The closest libraries

were in Mahnomen or Detroit Lakes - at least 20 miles away - so the ECI coalition pooled resources to purchase a used Readmobile, she explains.

“It travels the gravel roads out here to all of our child-care homes and centers. We have a storyteller in that Readmobile, and we have books we read to the kids and books that can be checked out.”

Links to the report data and KIDS COUNT Coffee event schedule may be found at www. cdf-mn.org.

PCA Services: Eligibility for children and elderly at risk In 2009, the Minnesota legislature made significant changes to the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program in order to save money.

An estimated 3000 children and adults who use the program will no longer be eligible for the program, come July 2011. A significant percentage of these 3000 people are people of color.

The PCA program aids people with disabilities or chronic illnesses who need help with dressing, grooming, bathing, positioning, transferring, mobility, eating or toileting. These are called “activities of daily living.”

The program also aids those who have difficult behaviors such as physical aggression towards self or others, or destroys property that requires an immediate response of another person. These are called “Level 1 behaviors.”

There are four groups of people who will lose their PCA services. Nearly 1000 people have already lost their services because they do not need help with any activities of daily living nor do they have Level 1 behaviors.

Come July 2011, there are three groups of people who will lose their services: People who only have serious

behavior issues, a “Level 1” behavior People who need help with only one activity of daily living and do not have a Level 1 behavior People who need help with only one activity of daily living and have a Level 1 behavior Of those who only have a Level 1 behavior, 77% are under the age of 22 and 41% are people of color. These are largely children and adolescents who have ADHD, Autism or a general emotional disturbance.

For those who only have only one activity of daily living that they need help with, 66% are people of color and 61% are female. Most are between the ages of 23 to 64 and many have immune disorders, arthritis, lupus, and diabetes.

For those who have a Level 1 behavior and need help with one activity of daily living, 73% are under the age of 22 and 47% are people of color with 14% receiving adoption assistance.

These are children who primarily have ADD, mood disorders, Autism, or a developmental delay.

NAMI Minnesota is very concerned that these cuts will disproportionally impact children

Finance

good resource.

Take care of these financial planning details now, so that when your parents need your help, you’ll be able to give them your full attention. And while you’re at it, make sure your own files are in good order so your kids won’t face the same hurdles when you get older.

From 3 payment fees. Just make sure the account is always sufficiently funded.

Schedule a session with a financial planner to help everyone understand retirement’s impact on taxes, income and expenses. If you don’t have one, the Financial Planning Association (www. fpaforfinancialplanning.org) is a

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney

of color and their families. We are seeking your help and input as these drastic changes to the PCA program happen. Reassessments are now taking place and so families should learn soon if their child or family member will no longer be eligible for PCA services.

Additionally, the legislature also directed the Minnesota Department of Human Services to develop alternative services for those who will lose their PCA services. The department is currently meeting with organizations about what those alternatives could look like.

We want to hear from you!

NAMI wants to make sure that your voice is heard and that your ideas and needs are received by the department. We want to know if you will be losing your services and the impact that this will have on your family. We also want to know how you have used PCA

services and whether you have ideas about alternatives that would work as well or better for your needs.

Please call NAMI at 651-6452948 extension 105, if you will be impacted by these changes to the PCA program.

Page 8 • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Chore schedules keep drama to a minimum Style on a Dime

By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com I don’t know what’s happening at your house right now, but it feels like our family of five is moving 100 mph, and we are only a few weeks into the new school year!

This year, two of our three children changed schools and statuses:

Our oldest daughter started high school as a ninth grader, and our youngest daughter began middle school as a sixth grader. Our second grade son happily returned to the school he attended last year.

Thankfully, everyone seems to be adjusting well.

That is, almost everyone.

Every time I think about the fact that I have three kids in three different schools-that are not particularly close to one another-I feel a slight twinge of anxiety. (This is definitely one of the downsides to having your children spaced too far apart in age!) I have recurring nightmares

about the kiddos forgetting their major school projects at home (all on the same day) and needing them delivered (all at precisely the same time) to avoid a failing grade. To keep that type of drama to a minimum, I decided it was a good time to review the family chore schedule and tighten it up.

I realize that training children, of all ages, to value an orderly living space is an important component in having success at school, work, and in every area of life.

In addition, fewer piles of clutter mean fewer places for homework assignments to get lost (or be left), right?

Mama says, “Clean the Bathroom After Using It.” To keep the chores as nontoxic as possible for your little ones, store a pack of baby wipes in the bathroom,

and have your child wipe off the vanity each night after bathing and brushing. In addition, use a spray bottle containing diluted dish soap to clean the tub-it’s great for removing soap scum. Finally, train your family to close the lid on the toilet before flushing. (Did you know that with each open flush those toilet germs fly out of the toilet and onto your toothbrush and face towels? Yuck!)

Mama says, “Make Your Bed.” In our house, breakfast is (only) served to those whose bed is made. Even a young child can smooth the covers and place the pillow in the center of the bed.

Also, if your younger ones have trouble managing both the top sheet and the comforter, consider eliminating the top sheet, and using only the fitted sheet and

comforter.

Mama says, “Sort and/or Wash Your Laundry.” Even if your child is not ready to do the laundry solo, they can at least help to separate the light colors from the darks. When it comes to laundry duties, everyone can help with something; folding, matching socks, or emptying the dryer.

Requiring children to help with chores is a great way to teach responsibility. Write down their duties on a calendar or dry erase board and consider offering an allowance for a job well done.

In addition, instruct your kids to complete their work with a good attitude --we sometimes offer extra bonuses for that). Whenever the kids get grumpy about cleaning, we remind them that they should consider it a privilege to help care for our home, because each day we all enjoy the blessing and benefit of sleeping, eating, and being loved under this roof.

www.householdmanagement-101.com

Enjoy!

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

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Insight News • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Page 9

COMMENTARY Gun violence and children: Have we no respect for life?

By Marian Wright Edelman Recently, the United Nations expressed new concern about a crisis many Americans know little about: the use of child soldiers in global conflicts, especially in Somalia. Somalia, whose government collapsed in 1991, has been in a constant state of conflict and tension for years and still has no legally recognized government. The United States joins Somalia as the only two countries in the world not to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international treaty recognizing the human rights of children that UNICEF points out is the most widely and rapidly ratified human rights treaty in history. One of the Convention’s provisions prohibits the use of soldiers younger than age 15 in conflicts. The United States did ratify a later optional protocol prohibiting the use of soldiers younger than 18.

But in Somalia, both insurgent groups and the Transitional Federal Government—which is dependent on help from the West, including, especially, the United States—have been widely accused of violating this principle.

The United Nations estimates the Somali military is using hundreds of child soldiers, some as young as age nine. As one official from the transitional

Walters From 1 scholars. There are those who will now bear truth. So, that tradition will be kept alive,” said Jackson.

Walters, who submitted his last NNPA column – “…March for Jobs and Justice Where Ever You Are” - to the NNPA News Service on August 16, continued to conduct interviews and phone conferences from his hospital room, Jackson said. “He never

government told the New York Times, when it came time to recruit and equip their army, “I’ll be honest…we were trying to find anyone who could carry a gun.”

The New York Times said, “Officials also revealed that the United States government was helping pay their soldiers, an arrangement American officials confirmed, raising the possibility that the wages for some of these child combatants may have come from American taxpayers.”

As shameful as it is that the United States may be inadvertently paying the salaries of Somali child soldiers, it shouldn’t be surprising.

Our nation continues to allow gun violence to destroy thousands of children’s lives at home too. The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) has documented the threat of gun violence against American children for nearly two decades since we learned in a Peter Hart Associates poll, undertaken by CDF’s Black Community Crusade for Children, that the number one concern of Black adults and youths was gun violence. So many in both generations feared they or their children would never reach adulthood because of pervasive gun violence. Although some progress has been made to reduce gun violence, it is at risk of being negated by the aggressive NRA pro-gun campaign and the U.S. Supreme Court decision relaxing the reach of gun control laws.

In our latest annual report, Protect Children, Not Guns 2010, and in a special section on gun violence in “The State of America’s Children 2010,” we show that in 2007, 3,042 children and teens died from gunfire in the United States—eight every day— as a result of homicide, suicide, or accidental or undetermined shootings. Almost six times as many children and teens suffered non-fatal gun injuries, which have serious physical and emotional consequences. Random violence, especially in poor communities, drives thousands of vulnerable young people into the pipeline to prison where they remain trapped with little chance of escape.

Consider these other startling facts on gun violence from our research: Since 1979 gun violence has ended the lives of 110,645 children and teens in America.

Fifty-nine percent of them were White and 37 percent were Black.

Fifty-six percent were homicides and 31 percent were suicides.

The 3,042 deaths of children and teens from gunfire in 2007 nearly equaled the total number of U.S. combat deaths in Iraq through February 2010. More Black children and teens died from gun violence in 2007—1,499— than all the military deaths in Afghanistan since America’s engagement in that war began

nine years ago. Black males ages 15–19 are more than five times as likely as their White peers and more than twice as likely as their Hispanic peers to be killed by firearms. White children and teens are six times as likely as any other racial or ethnic group to be victims of firearm-related suicide. The annual number of firearm deaths of White children and teens decreased by 54 percent between 1979 and 2007, while the deaths of Black children and teens increased by 61 percent.

Violence is a widespread problem for American youths.

Almost one in five high school students admitted carrying a weapon in 2007; one-third of

stopped giving of himself.”

Former NNPA Editor-inChief George Curry, who edited Walters’ column for seven years and also covered him for decades, described him as “a brilliant, dedicated, consistent and unapologetic warrior for African Americans. While he is best known for teaching at Howard and the University of Maryland, advising Jesse Jackson and the Congressional Black Caucus, he spent many hours sharing his expertise with small, largely unknown community groups.

Black American has lost a

scholar whose life exemplified excellence,” said Curry.

News releases honoring Walters’ legacy were plentiful from top Black leaders and Walters’ associates around the country. They include Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee and NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous.

But, his greatest tributes came from his wife of 47 years, Patricia Ann Walters, a retired social worker.

“He had a diverse, multidimensional character to himself

in terms of teaching, mentoring, working in the grassroots communities to assist them in any way he could; doing many, many, many things throughout his distinguished career for no pay whatsoever because he had this deep love and affection for the work that he was doing for African-Americans in particular.

And he was their spokesperson,” Mrs. Walters said in an interview with the NNPA News Service Sunday morning.

She added, “That was his calling. …The African-American community stopped and listened because they understand that the messenger was with clean hands and was telling the truth and always on message and never, never deviated from his message. He never backtracked.

You always knew that if you got an interview from him, if you got him on TV, he was going to be consistent with his message and he did that for over four decades.”

Mrs. Walters said her husband had pressed beyond the amount of time the doctors expected him to live. As the cancer spread into his lungs and he was told the end was near, he remained heartened by new accomplishments. He was especially happy about a renewed lecturing relationship with Howard University, where he once served as chair of the Political Science Department before becoming a professor at the University of Maryland.

“As a son of Howard, he never left the Capstone. It was always home,” said Howard’s President Sidney A. Ribeau in a statement.

“We are deeply grateful for his enormous contributions to our university, to the field and to the nation. We will truly miss his measured voice and his strategic mind, but his insightful wisdom will endure through the lives he touched.”

Walters was slated to give his first speech at Howard under

the new contract on September 9, but he was too ill and died the next day at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md. Mrs. Walters said he simply wanted to give everything he could; so he kept quiet about his illness in order not to dissuade people from asking for his services.

“He wanted to be able to continue his work, which he did at the very, very last moment.

That’s the way he was,” she said. “He wanted to go about his business and have people to treat him like they always treated him in not knowing that he had been battling cancer for six years.”

Walters helped to lay the groundwork for the formation of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1970.

“Professor Walters was a scholarly giant and was one of America’s most insightful analysts of the political landscape, in general, and of the intersection of race, politics and policy, specifically,” said CBC Chairwoman Lee. “His scholarly work and sound advice have assisted many past and present members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and other African American political and civic leaders around the country.”

Walters was born in Wichita on July 20, 1938. He graduated with honors from Fisk University and earned a Masters

Flickr (_Dori_)

those students brought the weapon to school. One in 20 admitted carrying a gun. One in 18 high school students reported staying home from school because they felt unsafe at school or going to or from school.

There are over 280 million privately owned firearms in the United States, which is the equivalent of nine firearms for every ten men, women and children in our country. Recent court decisions challenging handgun bans could add to these numbers. Just as children should not be paid soldiers in armed conflicts half a world away, they also should not be forced to live in fear of the widespread armed threat in American streets, schools, and homes.

What is it going to take for adults in America to stand up and say enough to the violence that is terrorizing and killing our children? No enemy without poses as great a threat as the gun enemy within.

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 in African studies and a doctorate in International Studies from American University. He also taught at Georgetown, Syracuse, and Brandeis.

“We knew that it was an uphill battle,” Mrs. Walters said.

“He was such a tremendous fighter and doctors knew that he’d live long beyond what the expectation was. I think he was able to accomplish that because the vast majority of people did not know how sick Ron was when he did things for people and spoke and went on television and conducted radio and television interviews and newspaper interviews. That’s the way he wanted it. And I think he did it with style, elegance and dignity. That is Ron.” Jackson marveled at the loving relationship between Walters and his wife.

“He stayed close to his wife, Patty, who he loved so much,” he said, noting how she was his greatest encourager.

Jackson said, “He never stopped fighting for a fair and just and comprehensive urban policy to lift up and change the plight of Black people. And that was classical Ron. And at the end, even at the very end, even as he struggled, at the very end, his sensitivity to our constituency, the love of his wife remains such a thing of beauty.”

Page 10 •September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Insight News

insightnews.com

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

Events Faculty Show - Now thruOct 4 — The Faculty Show transforms our gallery into a

walk-through introduction to the talents of our instructors from September 9 through October 4. This event is free and open to the public. Reception: Thursday, September 23, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Minnetonka Center for the Arts 2240 North Shore Drive Orono, MN 55391 www. minnetonkaarts.org Eclipsed - Now thru Oct 10 —Eclipsed centers on the lives of five women who are thrown together by the recent civil war in Liberia. @ the Playwrights’s Center, 2301 E. Franklin Ave. Mpls, MN 55406. Tickets at www.franktheatre.org or 612-724-3760

CLASSIFIEDS ASSISTANT FINANCE MANAGER

City of Maplewood We are looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic team player as the FT Asst Fin Mgr in our Finance Dept.

Starting: $64,186/yr; range: $64,186 - $83,698/yr + GREAT benefits. Provides suprv & professional work overseeing daily ops & accounting & payroll staff; assists with prep of annual financial report, budget, 5-yr capital improvement plan; assists Finance Mgr as needed. MUST HAVE: Bachelor’s in accounting or related field, 3 yrs acctng exp using automated system & valid driver’s license. Prefer municipal acctng & supervisory exp plus Eden Systems & Crystal Reports exp. Must complete City application packet.

Contact Maplewood City Hall, 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109; (651) 249-2000; or visit www. ci.maplewood.mn.us. Deadline: 10/1/10. AA/EOE

Youth Coordinator Boy Scouts of America seeks coordinator to run youth program up to 15 hours per week. Will work with AfricanAmerican boys & parents at community sites in Twin Cities. Weekly meetings are held in afternoons/evenings, activities on some weekends. Training will be provided. Compensation: $9/hr for 90 days, $10/hr after 90 days & completion of training. Reimbursement is provided for approved mileage.

Requirements: Willing to be a leader and serve as a positive role model for youth; some experience working with youth ages 7-21; high school diploma with some college preferred; age 21 or older; teaching or Scouting exp. preferred but not required. Must be able to complete training & paperwork, track participants’ progress in achieving goals, keep accurate records. Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, be able to drive to program sites, & current automobile insurance at levels of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000.

To apply: Email resume to agoke@nsbsa.org, fax to 763-231-7202, or mail to Northern Star Council, Attn: A. Goke, 5300 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis MN 55422. For more information about Scouting, see www.northernstarbsa.org. Equal Opportunity & Veteran Friendly Employer

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 952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040 www.minnesotablizzards.com

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.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org

Documenting America - Sept 20 — Filmmaker Barak Goodman to present and discuss his Academy Award Nominated documentary SCOTTSBORO: AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY on Mon., Sep. 20, 2010 at 7pm at St. Anthony Main Theatre. mnfilmarts.org Readings by Writers Sept 21 — Readers will be: Nick Hayes and Jim Rogers. Readings last one hour. The writers will have books to sell and sign. Tue., Sept. 21 at the historic University Club Saint Paul, 420 Summit Avenue St. Paul.

Loving Parents Needed - Sept 22 — Is your heart big enough to hold a child? Almost 500 children in Minnesota need loving families right now. There are NO fees for these adoptions. Come learn more at a Waiting Child Orientation Meeting 6-8 pm Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at HOPE Adoption & Family Services, 5850 Omaha Ave. N., Oak Park Heights, MN. HOPE is a nonprofit adoption agency serving the entire State of Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Please register: 651439-2446 or visit www. hopeadoptionservices. org.

2010 Midwest Business Opportunity Fair - Sept 23 — This daylong business fair features an engaging workshop, education and networking opportunities for minority-owned businesses to develop corporate relationships and present their products and services to local and national corporate procurement professionals. Sep. 23, 7:30am 6pm. At: Saint Paul RiverCentre 175 Kellogg Boulevard, St Paul, MN 55102 .

Register at rwww.midbof. org.

Back 2 School Bash Sept 24 — Learn about resources for youth and adults on the Eastside of St. Paul. Fri. Sept. 24 4:30: Community Resource Fair; 5:30: Program with Meal Following; 6:30: Family Fun. At Merrick Community Center 715 Edgerton St. St. Paul, MN. NAMIWalks Changing Minds One Step at a Time - Sept. 25 — NAMIWalks is a 5K walk to increase public awareness of mental illness, fight stigma, and raise funds for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

NAMIWalks Minnesota will be held at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1pm. For info: www. namihelps.org or call 651-645-2948 ext. 115 to register for the walk, captain a team, volunteer, or give a donation.

Craft & Bake Sale Sept 25 — Funds raised will benefit Robbinsdale community organizations and the Senior Program.

Sat. Sept. 25 9am-3pm at Robbinsdale City Hall, 4100 Lakeview Ave. N. Rent a space to sell your “stuff.” For more info call 763-531-1278 Weaving Our Movements: After the U.S. Social Forum - Sept 26 —

for information. Workshops are free.

Aamina Muhammad featured in dance showcase

Credit Smart – Ongoing — FREE class explains how to manage credit. Tuesdays from 6–8 pm at the Minneapolis Urban League, Glover-Sudduth Center, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis. To RSVP call Theresa at 612-827-9268.

HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness workshops – Ongoing — To schedule a workshop, contact the Minneapolis Urban League at (612) 302-3100 and ask for our case management services program.

Aamina Muhammad, 17, daughter of Fatima Muhammad of North Minneapolis, will be featured in the 9 x 22 Dance/Lab Series at the Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake St in Minneapolis on Wednesday, September 22 at 8 p.m.

Senior Companions Make a Difference - Ongoing — Are you interested in visiting homebound or isolated elders in their homes and helping with transportation for appointments or errands? If so, the Senior Companion Program would like to match you with people in the community who need a little extra help to stay in their homes.

Senior Companion volunteers earn a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, training and liability insurance while serving. Volunteers must be 55 or older and serve 15 hours a week. For more information, contact Ron Urbanski with the Senior Companion Program of Lutheran Social Service at 651310-9445 or at ron.urbanski@ lssmn.org.

Muhammad will perform as part of the dance company at the Perpich Center for Arts Education, where she is a senior at the Arts High School.

Under the direction of instructor Mary Harding, The Perpich Center dance company will present original choreography based on the work of award winning artist Bill T. Jones.

The Perpich Center for Arts Education is home to Minnesota’s Arts High School, a statewide, public, tuition-free school for juniors and seniors based in Golden Valley.

Grassroots organizers and activists in and around the Twin Cities are being invited to a special event to be held at the All Nations Indian Church, 1515 E 23rd St. Mpls, at 2:30 on Sun., Sept. 26. The event, is part of a process of bringing together Twin Cities communities and struggles to build a better world.

4th Annual Twin Cities VisionWalk Set to Raise Funds for Blindness Research - Sept 26 — The Foundation Fighting Blindness (www.

FightBlindness.org) will host its 4th Annual Twin Cities 5K VisionWalk in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sun., Sept. 26, 2010 at Lake Harriett Bandshell.

Registration begins at 9:00AM and the Walk will start at 10:30AM. Embracing the Times Sept 29 — The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) will hold its annual meeting titled Embracing the Times September 29, 2010 at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Mpls. The meeting is free and open to the public; the community is encouraged to attend. Registration begins at 3:30 pm; the meeting is from 4-6 pm.

Dance Masterclass - Sept 29 — Masterclass with University of Minnesota Dance Cowles Visiting Artists: Keisha Turner and Laurie Taylor of Urban Bush Women. At: Barbara Barker Center for Dance - Studio 100 500 21st Ave. S., Mpls.

FREE - Limited space; please RSVP: jenne011@umn.edu or 612.624.4008 People Incorporate Artability Art Show and Sale - Sept 30-Oct 2 — Join us for our 16th annual art show and sale celebrating the use of creativity in the daily struggles of mental illness. Opening Reception: Thur., Sept. 30, 6pm. Viewing Hours: Thur.: 6-9pm; Fri.: 2-8pm (Talk by artist and mental health advocate Pete Feigal at 5:30 pm); Sat.: 10am 3pm. At: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 285 N. Dale Street, St. Paul, 55103. www.PeopleIncorporated.org Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Annual Meeting - Sept 30 — 6:30-8:30pm. Featuring a free buffet style dinner, and a Kid’s Zone (childcare, dinner, arts and crafts and entertainment for our young residents so parents can enjoy and participate in the meeting and know that their children are being wellcared for.) At Farview Park.

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.

New Hope Baptist Church Anniversary Celebration - Oct 3 — Family celebration of our Pastor Runney D. Paterson Sr.’s 6th year anniversary. Friday October1st through Sunday October 3, 2010 at New Hope Baptist Church 711 Burr St. St.

Paul, MN. For more information please contact New Hope Baptist Church at 651-772-4800.

An Autumn Sunset - Oct 8-9 — African Violet Society of Minnesota Fall Display and Sale.

Northtown Shopping Center 398 Northtown Drive N.E. Blaine, MN 55434. 763-786-9704. Fri. Oct. 8 10am-7pm, Sat. Oct. 9 10am-5pm.

Run for a Smile - Oct. 9 — Run For A Smile was formed to help raise money for uninsured individuals in critical need of dental reconstructive surgery.

Our first annual 5K to take place on October 9th, 9:00 AM, at the French Regional Park in Plymouth, MN. Registration is $36, visit runforasmile.org for more info.

Minneapolis Performing & Visual Arts College Fair - Oct 19 — College-bound high school students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in the areas of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, graphic design, and other related disciplines are encouraged to attend. Tue., Oct. 19th 7-9pm. Twin Cities Coffman Memorial Union, U of M. 2nd Annual African American Family Scholarship Information Night - Oct 26 — 5-8:30pm at the North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center, located at 1711 West Broadway, Minneapolis, 55411.

A Taste of Golden Valley - Nov 10 — Join us for an evening filled with music, conversation, and great food from a variety of Golden Valley restaurants.

A silent auction will feature theme baskets donated by local businesses. Wed. Nov. 10, 5:308pm. @ Metropolitan Ballroom 5418 Wayzata Blvd.

Frontiers in Racial Equity Conference - Nov 18 — The conference will gather educators, business people, elected officials, community members and policymakers who will learn about successful programs and models that have resulted in academic success for students of color. Thur. Nov. 18 9am-5pm. Coffman Memorial Union, U of M, 300 Washington Ave. SE Mpls. $150 for MMEP members/$175 for nonmembers valid until Oct. 15, 2010. After that prices raise to $200 and $250 respectively 1850s Holiday Party at the historic Ard Godfrey House - Dec 5 — The GODFREY HOUSE, located at Chute Square Park, is at the corner of University & Central Avenues SE in Mpls. Visit the oldest remaining wood frame residence in Minneapolis, built in 1849.

The house is decorated for the holidays in the modest style of the era. Sun., Dec. 5, 12:303:30pm.

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.willardhomewood.org.

Hazelden Offers Free Educational Opportunity Ongoing — Concerned about someone’s alcohol or drug use?

Addressing Concerns Together (ACT), Hazelden’s new outreach program, can help. Join us for a free event to learn more about addiction, intervention, assessment, and treatment.

Hazelden’s St. Paul campus, 680 Stewart Ave., St. Paul. 2nd and 4th Mon. of each month at 6pm.

This is an open event and there is no need to register. If you have questions, please contact Hazelden at 800-257-7800.

2nd annual Twin City Health Summit Studies continue to show African-Americans at greater risk of developing cancers and of finding cancers at later stages. This is why the American Cancer Society, along with NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, Kappa Alpha Psi–St. Paul/Mpls Alumni Chapter, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority–Mpls/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter are holding the 2nd annual Twin City Health Summit, on September 25, at UROC, 2001 Plymouth Avenue in North Minneapolis. Preventing cancer throughout the community will be the focus as local area residents will get practical and innovative tips to stay well and get well.

The keynote speaker will be Daheia J. Barr-Anderson, PhD MSHP, University of Minnesota. She and other experts will offer practical tips to people on ways to get exercise and maintain a healthy diet, without relying on elaborate exercise gyms and/or more expensive– often impractical food choices. The focus will be on breast and prostate health.

“We know when folks are given real-practical solutions to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, people are more inclined to join in,” said Keith Allen, of the American Cancer Society. “And we know the healthier the lifestyle, the better chance you have of avoiding cancer.”

The summit runs from 10 am – 1 pm and is open to the community. A free lunch will be provided. There will also be great door prizes.

For more information contact Keith Allen, (651) 255-8183 or keith.allen@cancer.org. RSVPs will be accepted through September 20.

Wanted: Community-minded book lovers - Ongoing — One in seven U.S. adults lack the literacy skills necessary to enjoy great books, help their children with homework, or understand medication labels. But you can change this by volunteering with the Minnesota Literacy Council.

With only two or three hours a week, your love of reading can create a stronger community.

Tutor an adult learner, assist in an adult classroom, or teach a basic English or GED class.

We have locations throughout the Twin Cities area, flexible scheduling and training to help you get started. Contact Allison at volunteer@themlc.org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219 or visit us on the web at www.themlc. org.

Get to Know Guild – Ongoing — Hear from individuals served, family members, and staff about the work Guild Incorporated is doing to help people move along their paths of recovery. To RSVP or for more information, call George Broostin at 651-925-8454. Visit www. guildincorporated.org/events. htm for more info.

Neighborhood Development Center business workshops – Ongoing — NDC is a nonprofit that works to empower low-income Twin Cities communities through successful entrepreneurship. Visit www. ndc-mn.org or call 651-291-2480

West African Drumming with Fode Bangoura - Ongoing — Learn traditional rhythms from Guinea West Africa.

This is an open level class that will teach beginners basic technique and foundations of hand drumming while offering experienced drummers the opportunity to broaden their repertoire and learn challenging accompaniment. Every Tuesday 5:30-7pm Patrick’s Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. $17 per class, $150 - 10 class card, $5 Drum rental - Must call or email ahead if renting a drum (651338-5409).

Minnesota’s Waiting Children Free Information Sessions Ongoing — Downey Side… families for youth invites community members to attend a FREE information session regarding adoption and Minnesota’s Waiting Children.

Sessions are held every third Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Downey Side’s St. Paul office located in the Bigelow Building at 450 No. Syndicate Street – Suite 380.

Classic Black films at VOA Park Elder Center – Ongoing — First and third Mondays of each month, 11 am - 12:15 pm. These films are free of charge and the public is invited. Popcorn, hotdogs and drinks are provided for a suggested donation of $1.

VOA Park Elder Center, 1505 Park Ave. Mpls. 612-339-7581, parkcenter@voamn.org

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS Talent wins out: Michael Vick is back the team does until they relent to the unavoidable talent of the player.

The pressure is on for the Eagles and their desired starting quarterback, Kevin Kolb. If Kolb doesn’t come back and play soon – and play well – then Vick’s talent will take over and force the Eagles hand. Interestingly, there is an old argument that rears its head through this situation: is it the system, or the players, that win games? The Eagles want Kolb to play because he fits the stiff vision of their offensive system: stand there and throw the ball.

It’s hard to tell Vick to do that after he gets done running 70 or 80 yards for a touchdown.

Michael Jordan had to stand

Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Well, well, well, if it isn’t Michael Vick I always like to remind my three readers that I’m writing for the barbershop and beauty shop crowd, and coincidentally this is where the best conversations seem to go down.

Now most of the time I would physically smooth on down to my usual Fades of Gray, grab a seat, and get the pulse of the people (you gotta love that kind of field work).

However, for this go ‘round I can sit here at the computer and telepathically tell you with supreme certainty, like Ms. Cleo, exactly what 99.9% of the target market would say if asked “Should Michael Vick take over as quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles?” Here is a list of responses: “Yeah, Fool!”

“You saw what happened when he came in the game last week, didn’t you?” “Boy quit wastin’ my time, you know Vick is that deal.” “Ha, ha, ha, wheeeew!

Man, I knew Vick was ‘bout to come out and…(insert 30 minutes of loud, grandiose gesturing and laughing about how fast and amazing Michael Vick is on the field, and how their cousin dated him back in the day). And lastly, “That Insight News sports dude was just talking about concussions, and that’s what the Eagles starting quarterback (Kevin Kolb) has, and that ain’t good.”

Michael Vick came in the game in week 1 of the 2010 NFL season and sucked up all the air in the room just like he used to do. There must be something about the crisp, North Central American air that gives Michael

Michael Vick training with the Eagles Vick his spinach like Popeye because Green Bay Packer fans, as well as Viking fans, are front row witnesses to the victim side of Michael Vick’s highlight reel.

Packer fans, and Brett Favre who was their quarterback in 2003 (wow that was a long time ago), certainly recall the snowy playoff day when Michael Vick came into hallowed Lambeau Field in Green Bay and wiped out a record that stood since 1933!! The Packers had never lost a home playoff game since the NFL instituted postseason playoffs in 1933. On that perfect bratwurst and cheese lover’s day, Michael Vick sucked all of the cheesy air out of the building. That game led the Atlanta Falcons to the NFC

Championship in only Michael Vick’s 2nd year in the NFL. Vikings fans will forever be shown historic highlights of Vick beating the Vikings with a dash to the endzone and out of the Metrodome stadium in a high profile December overtime loss in 2002. I’m not sure that I have seen the “run off the field and into the tunnel to end the game” treatment in all my years of watching NFL football, and can’t imagine a quarterback winning a game in a more stunning fashion.

While “Hail Mary” passes to win games in the last moments can be spectacular, seeing a quarterback run through an entire NFL defense to win a primetime overtime game,

Flickr (Wigstruck)

well, you could clearly hear all the air being sucked out of the Metrodome that night.

Tantalized by Vick’s talent, the Eagles brought Vick onboard last year. Likely the Eagles simply saw the hidden value of Vick at that time because of the stigma from Vick’s dog fighting conviction, which kept other teams from considering him. What the Eagles did not perhaps recognize enough, is that Vick is one of those “suck the air out of the room” talents. The Vikings have Brett Favre, who sucks the air out of a room pretty well himself.

Basically what happens is that the expectation for that player to play becomes so large, that it looms over everything that

on stage during his Hall of Fame speech and remind the owners of the Chicago Bulls, and other team sports executives, that it is the players that win games. The Atlanta Falcons seemed to try and do everything they could to reign-in Vick’s talent, but never went as far as they did when he was allowed to do his thing the way he did against the Packers in the 2003 playoffs. This ain’t it for this subject, so all I can say is sit back and enjoy the show. Talent wins out.

(Note: Last week I called Reggie Bush stupid for not honestly being able to cash-in on his collegiate celebrity. You shouldn’t call people stupid, and I’m self correcting before my momma calls.)

Page 12 • September 20 - September 26, 2010 • Insight News

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