Insight News ::: 9.23.13

Rapper Macklemore acknowledges ‘white privilege’ MORE ON PAGE 5

Amanda Rhoades, Creative Commons

Macklemore

September 23 - September 29, 2013

Vol. 40 No. 39 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Fit4Fun promotes health solutions

Our health is our business T Minnesota International Center visiting the United States to examine global women’s health issues and learn best practices approaches. The race was a true community event as area residents came out of their homes to applaud the runners and walkers and encourage them on.

At the NorthPoint campus, participants were provided health screenings including checks on their blood pressure, glucose levels, body mass index (BMI) and dental screenings.

The Lowry Café offered three dishes that won the Fit4Fun recipe contest – a contest to demonstrate low cost, healthy and delicious dishes. Cooking demonstrations and nutrition information were widely available, and fresh fruits

were in abundance.

Adults and kids alike enjoyed some easy fitness activities such as hopscotch, an obstacle course, double-dutch jump rope, hoola-hooping and more.

Participants were also fitted with bike helmets free of charge.

The event was hosted by singer J. Most and music was provided by KMOJ. Local experts gave beneficial health tips between the fun of Zumba, hip-hop dancing, hip-hop aerobics and line dancing.

Sen. Bobby Joe Champion and NorthPoint CEO, Stella Whitney-West provided some health insights for the participants, and for the grand finale, brand new bikes with locks and helmets were raffled off to 36 youth participants and four adult participants.

Photos: Pat Carney

he second annual Fit4Fun event at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center was held this past Saturday, (Sept. 14).

The free and open community event allowed residents to join NorthPoint staff and volunteers and participate in fun and easy ways to incorporate healthy living into their lives.

Approximately 650 participants enjoyed a lively day of movement, good eating and health screenings.

The event began with a 3K and 5K walk/run along with a 3K bike ride. The Love Works Academy Best Drumline and Drill Team kicked off the runners and walkers with a drum and dance line exhibition. The race marshals this year were leaders from the

Northside community shows up at the second annual Fit4Fun event at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center. Top left:. J Most, Fit4Fun MC (center with mic), introduce Insight News Editor and Chief, Al McFarlane (right) who explain the Insight2Health Fitness Challenge.

L-R back row: Latisha Gray, Tené Wells, Batala McFarlane, Reggie McKeever, Art Blakey, III, and Rachel Schutz. Top right: Front runner Ibrahim

Health Affordable Care Act enrollment starts Oct. 1

PAGE 2

Insight2Health Fitness Challenge In it to win it

PAGE 3

Adem, NorthPoint, Transportation participate in the 3K and 5K walk/run. 2nd right: Lydia Poor, NorthPoint, Compliance participates in a group exercise.

3rd right: Fun face painting activity for the kids. 4th right: Adults and kids alike enjoyed some easy fitness activities – Sally Nixon, NorthPoint, (back pictured) twirls the rope during jump roping. Background: Carlos Collins, leading hip hop demonstration.

Earth Talk

Man Talk

Synthetic chemicals likely factor early puberty

Children do better when parents are involved

PAGE 4

PAGE 10

Page 2 • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Insight News

?

insightnews.com

Affordable Care Act enrollment starts Oct. 1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The health insurance marketplace, also called a health insurance exchange, is a way to find coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment runs from Oct. 1 through March 31, 2014. Health plans and prices will be available by Oct. 1. Coverage starts as soon as Jan. 1, 2014.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid provide the following questions and answers about the marketplace.

Q. Where can someone go for coverage and enrollment help?

NNPA

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) discusses ACA with constituents

By Cierra Duncan Special to the NNPA from The Houston Defender HOUSTON – Affordable Care Act enrollment goes into effect Oct. 1, and many uninsured Americans will begin comparing new health insurance rates.

President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law in March 2010. It makes preventive care and other types of medical care more accessible and affordable to a larger portion of Americans.

Some provisions of the ACA – dubbed “Obamacare” – have

already taken effect while others are still in the works, as federal, state and local agencies continue to fine-tune the process. To inform consumers about the ACA, a forum titled “Healthcare in a Changing Landscape” was recently held at the University of Houston, and sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund, Texas Organizing Project, Get Covered America and the Center for Children, Law & Policy.

Participants included Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston State Rep. Garnet Coleman and Jeness Sherrell, a Change Happens program coordinator.

Change Happens is one of eight Texas organizations awarded

A. You can get help online (healthcare. gov), by phone (1-800-318-2596) or in person. There will be people trained and certified to help you understand your health coverage options. The website and toll-free call center can direct you to the benefit counselors in your area. Insurance agents and brokers can also help you with your application and health plan.

A. The uninsured. If you have health insurance through either your employer or a government program like Medicare or Medicaid, you needn’t concern yourself.

The marketplace is meant mainly for individuals who want to buy health care coverage on their own for themselves or their families.

The marketplace simplifies your shopping for coverage by letting you make side-by-side comparisons of health plans. You’ll get a clear picture of what benefits you’d get and what premiums and deductibles you’d pay. Then you can enroll in the plan that best fits your needs and budget. It all can be done online.

Q. Can someone with a medical condition buy insurance?

The benefits are similar to what’s typically covered in an employer-provided plan.

That’s a significant point. Until now, individual insurance policies haven’t always offered such an array of services.

Q. How do the health plans vary in cost?

A. Some marketplace plans have lower monthly premiums but charge you more out-of-pocket when you require care. Other plans charge higher premiums but cover more of your medical expenses. You’ll decide how you want to balance your premium costs with your out-of-pocket costs.

For example, if you see your doctor often and take a number of prescription drugs, a “platinum” or “gold” plan may work better for you. If you don’t, a “silver” or “bronze” plan may be more practical. You’ll see the differences in premiums and out-of-pocket costs when you shop for a plan.

A. Yes. Insurers can’t deny you coverage because you have a medical issue, such as cancer or diabetes. Nor can they charge you more than they would someone who’s in good health. And once you have insurance, the company can’t delay your treatment. Q. What if someone doesn’t have coverage in 2014?

Your medical care begins immediately.

Q. How does someone shop for insurance?

A. You will fill out an application and find out how much you can save on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Most people who apply will qualify for lower costs of some kind. Specific information about the health plans available in your area will be posted at healthcare.gov by Oct. 1.

Q. Who does the marketplace help?

navigator grants to assist consumers with enrolling in health insurance marketplaces.

Coleman worked with the White House on the ACA, and

Q. What does the marketplace’s health A. The new health care law requires people who can afford it to take responsibility for insurance cover? their health insurance by getting coverage A. All the health plans provide a package of or paying a fee. With insurance, you have 10 essential benefits, including emergency peace of mind. Without it, you bear the full services, hospital care, lab services, brunt of any medical bills, which could land prescription drugs, doctor visits, preventive you and your family deep in debt. care, rehab services and maternity care.

Some plans offer additional coverage, such Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as for dental or vision care.

took the lead on behalf of state legislators in favor of the law.

“The Affordable Care Act probably benefits AfricanAmericans more than anyone else,” Coleman said. “We have a high rate of being uninsured, and also have a high rate of illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke. If people enroll through the exchanges, they will get a health insurance policy that fits their income. Before, people who had pre-existing conditions would have a hard time getting insurance.”

Coleman said the biggest misconception about the ACA is that individuals cannot afford the

insurance. “The premiums are actually less for the exchange,” he said. Exchanges are another word for state, federal, or jointly run online marketplaces for health insurance. Navigators, who act as customer service representatives, will assist with finding the appropriate insurance based on need and income.

The exchanges will offer plans that fall into one of four categories: bronze, silver, gold or platinum. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums available, and 60 percent of health care costs will be paid for by the insurer. Under silver plans, insurance companies will cover

70 percent of medical costs.

Gold plans will cover 80 percent of medical costs. Platinum plans will have the highest premiums and cover 90 percent of costs.

Those with limited incomes and those under 30 can purchase a “catastrophic” health plan, which protects from high medical costs. Catastrophic plans include three primary care doctor visits per year and free preventative care at no cost to the insured. However, cost assistance is not available under the plan. Sherrell noted the role of navigators in the process.

“The navigators will

ACA TURN TO 4

You belong.

The health plan with you in mind.

The Embassy Suites Minneapolis North would love to help you plan your perfect day! We are here to cater to your needs and can customize menus for your event.

The Embassy Suites is a great location for: Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Fundraisers Family Celebrations

www.minneapolisnorth.embassysuites.com

Call : 763.560.2700 for availability or to schedule a tour

At Medica, you’re not just part of a health plan.

You’re part of a community that believes in better health for all.

Learn more at medica.com/PublicPrograms

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Page 3

Five teams, each lead by professional fitness trainers competing for success in losing weight and getting fit!

IN IT TO WIN IT The Insight-2-Health Fitness Challenge is a fun, yet challenging, fitness and lifestyle initiative designed to promote measurable and long-lasting health and fitness outcomes in program participants. The objective is to introduce lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Teams meet once per week with their assigned personal trainer and are required to workout with their teammates.

Rachel Schutz, the owner of Defyne Fitness since 2006, is an ACE certified trainer and decorated Division I track athlete and National qualifying figure competitor. She has experience working with men and women of all fitness levels but really enjoys getting women involved in strength training.

Participants also receive one-on-one consultation with a registered dietician and coaching on food, weight gain/loss with a mental health professional.

Next week, we’ll introduce the teams and their trainers.

Join challenge participants on their 10week journey by checking these pages and following Insight News and The F.I.T. Lab, Co., on Facebook.

More specifically, Rachel loves the role that strength training can play in helping women increase their knowledge and understanding about the benefits of lifting weights such as increasing their confidence, selfesteem, and fitness level.

Photo: Corey Collins/Moda Photography

Healthy Recipes

Presented by NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center staff

“Yams are flavorful and sweet and provide more nutrition than plain white potatoes. The lemon herb dressing helps balance the sweetness and provides a serving of healthy fat (in the olive oil). I enjoy making this recipe all year long and in the summer will grill the yams instead of baking them.”

- Nicole Winbush

BAKED YAM FRIES WITH LEMON HERB DRESSING

Makes 8 to 10 servings

pasta • 1 pint cherry tomatoes or other small tomatoes (about 2 cups) • ½ cup Vidalia or other sweet onion, finely minced • 1 large bell pepper (red, orange or yellow), diced • Handful of herbs • 1 cup whole kernel corn • 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

Salad: • 1 pound whole wheat

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain

“This recipe is a family favorite. I like using whatever vegetables and herbs are in season.

Enjoy!”

- Kathy Kreitzer

SUMMER PASTA SALAD Recipe by Kathy Kreitzer

cooked pasta; set aside.

Chop tomatoes, peppers, onion and herbs. Place vegetables and herbs in a large bowl. Stir in corn and beans.

Dressing: • ¼ cup red wine vinegar • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 3 tablespoons honey • 1 teaspoon salt Place all ingredients in blender or bottle to shake.

Add dressing to salad. Stir.

Recipe by Nicole Winbush Makes 4 servings Yam Fries: • 4 small or 2 large yam or sweet potato unpeeled, cut into ¼-inch sticks • 1 tablespoon olive oil • ¼ teaspoon salt Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Place yams into medium bowl; add 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil.

Gently stir together the yams and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Place yam on ungreased baking pan. Place pan in oven.

Bake 12 minutes. Remove from oven; using spatula turn yams to the other side. Place

baking dish in oven. Bake an additional 12 to 15 minutes or light golden. Remove from oven; set aside.

Lemon Herb Dressing: • 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil • ¼ cup chopped parsley or cilantro • 1 large lemon (grated and squeeze) • 1 clove garlic, minced (if desired) Place 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, parsley, grated lemon peel, lemon juice and garlic in small bowl; stir until combined.

Serve with Baked Yam Fries.

(4 servings)

Page 4 • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Synthetic chemicals likely factor early puberty

By EarthTalk ®, E - The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that American kids are going through puberty earlier today than in previous generations, and are there any environmental causes for this? -- Paul Chase, Troy, NY Research indicates that indeed Americans girls and boys are going through puberty earlier than ever, though the reasons are unclear.

Many believe our widespread exposure to synthetic chemicals is at least partly to blame, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why our bodies react in certain ways to various environmental stimuli.

Researchers first noticed the earlier onset of puberty in the late 1990s, and recent studies confirm the mysterious public health trend. A 2012 analysis by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that American girls exposed to high levels of common household chemicals had their first periods seven months earlier than those with lower exposures. “This study adds to the growing body of scientific research that exposure to environmental chemicals may be associated with early puberty,” says Danielle Buttke, a researcher at CDC and lead author on the study. Buttke found that the age when a girl has her first period (menarche) has fallen over the past century from an average of

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

Christiana Care, Flickr

Americans girls and boys are going through puberty earlier than ever, though the reasons are unclear.

Many believe our widespread exposure to synthetic chemicals is at least partly to blame. age 16-17 to age 12-13.

Earlier puberty isn’t just for girls. In 2012 researchers from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) surveyed data on 4,100 boys from 144 pediatric practices in 41 states and found a similar trend: American boys are reaching puberty six months to two years earlier than just a few decades ago. African-American boys are

starting the earliest, at around age nine, while Caucasian and Hispanics start on average at age 10.

One culprit could be rising obesity rates. Researchers believe that puberty (at least for girls) may be triggered in part by the body building up sufficient reserves of fat tissue, signaling fitness for reproductive capabilities. Clinical

pediatrician Robert Lustig of Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco reports that obese girls have higher levels of the hormone leptin which in and of itself can lead to early puberty while setting off a domino effect of more weight gain and faster overall physical maturation.

Some evidence suggests that “hormone disrupting”

According to the Minnesota Department of Health prevalence of obesity is 50% higher among African Americans than Whites.

Diabetes among the African American population in St. Paul has always been much higher than other populations

groups, with the exception of American Indians. As a result Open Cities Health Center has an internist, ophthalmologist, and podiatrist on staff. OCHC has participated in the national Diabetes Collaborative for over 12 years and has been offering diabetes classes and support

groups for that long as well.

Healthy eating and exercise have always been part of the regimen for diabetes programs offered at OCHC. Monthly Diabetic Support Groups are held every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 409 North Dunlap St, St. Paul, MN 55104 from

12pm-1pm. The support group features diabetic education, guest speakers, resources and more.

ACA

eligibility, enrollment, and program specification, as well as conduct public education activities to raise awareness about the exchange,” Sherrell said.

Jackson Lee stressed that

under the ACA, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions.

In addition, “No insurance company can prevent you from getting preventive care, such as

mammograms and [wellness] exams for men.”

Jackson Lee reminded consumers to beware of scams.

Attempts to defraud consumers have already been reported, as scam artists attempt to illegally gain access to personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit cards

From 2 have the responsibility maintaining expertise

of in

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin

Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams

YOUR

VOICE IS STILL BEING HEARD.

WE’VE

BEEN EXPECTING YOU.

Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Alysha Price Photography Suluki Fardan Michele Spaise 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)

CONTACTS: CDC, www.cdc. gov; AAP, www.aap.org.

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

Subscribe: www.emagazine. com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Diabetes 50% higher among African Americans

Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford

Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver

chemicals may also trigger changes prematurely. Public health advocates have been concerned, for example, about the omnipresence of Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical in some plastics, because it is thought to “mimic” estrogen in the body and in some cases contribute to or cause health problems. BPA is being phased

out of many consumer items, but hundreds of other potentially hormone disrupting chemicals are still in widespread use.

Dichlorobenzene, used in some mothballs and in solid blocks of toilet bowl and air deodorizers, is also a key suspect in triggering early puberty. It is already classified as a possible human carcinogen, and studies have linked prenatal exposure to it with low birth weight in boys. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently made screening Dichlorobenzene for hormonal effects a priority.

Parents can take steps to reduce our kids’ so-called “toxic burden”: Buy organic produce, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and dairy and all-natural household cleaners. And keep the dialogue going about healthy food and lifestyle habits so kids learn how to make responsible, healthy choices for themselves.

At UCare, we know Boomers. So as you make your move to Medicare, consider the health plan that hits all the right notes.

UCare for SeniorsSM lets you choose from plans that cover prescription drugs, travel, eyewear, dental, fitness programs like SilverSneakers® and more.

There are no co-pays for primary care visits with most plans. And you’ll get to talk to a real person 24/7 when you call customer service. It’s just what you’d expect from health care that starts with you.

Learn more about the benefits of UCare for Seniors in our new eGuide to Medicare at ucareplans.org/eguide. Or call (toll free) 1-877-523-1518 (TTY) 1-800-688-2534, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

UCare Minnesota and UCare Health, Inc. are health plans with Medicare contracts. ©2013, UCare H2459 H4270_101512 CMS Accepted (10202012)

Topics include: • Healthy meal planning • Managing your medication • Exercise

• What diabetes means to you A light lunch will be served.

The remaining 2013 dates are: October 16, November 20 and December 18.

For more information please contact Dugan at 651290-9215.

and bank accounts.

“Please do not send money to anyone if you are looking for information,” she said. “The only money you will pay is to the insurer who has a package that you want.”

For more information on enrollment visit healthcare.gov.

Rapper Macklemore acknowledges ‘white privilege’

Commentary by Jineea Butler, NNPA Columnist

Jineea Butler

Is Hip Hop losing its color?

Recently, rapper Macklemore recognized that it is white privilege that catapulted him to success. In a Rolling Stone cover interview, Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty, said, “If you’re gonna be a white dude and do this sh– , I think you have to take some level of accountability. You have to acknowledge where the art came from, where it is today, how you’re benefiting from it. At the very least, just bringing up those points and acknowledging that, yes, I understand my privilege, I understand how it

works for me in society, and how it works for me in 2013 with the success with the success that “The Heist” has had.”

He goes on to say, “We made a great album, but do I think we benefited from being white and the media grabbing on to something. A song like ‘Thrift Shop’ was safe enough for the kids. It was like, ‘This is music that my mom likes and that I can like as a teenager,’ and even though I’m cussing my a– off in the song, the fact I’m a white guy, parents feel safe. They let their six-year-olds listen to it.

I mean it’s just… it’s different.

PRIVILEGE 7 TURN TO

Amanda Rhoades, Creative Commons

Macklemore

DaJuan Savage film I’m Goin’ to Chuuch premieres at Lagoon

By Harry Colbert, Jr. In life, not all stories have a happy ending.

Yet in most feel good gospel movies, there is always a happy ending. That may not be the case in the upcoming big screen debut of “I’m Goin’ to Church,” a project conceived by area writer, director and producer, DaJuan Savage.

“In some situations in life the outcome may not be the happy ending – such as real life,” said Savage. “I really wrote (the movie) as everyday life. It’s what we go through Monday through Saturday that keeps us running to the church on Sunday.”

The story of “I’m Goin’ to Church,” which was adapted

from a stage play of the same name written by Savage, centers around a pastor of an inner city church who is fighting to save his church from foreclosure; and at the same time fighting to save souls in the community, all the while being targeted by a ruthless drug kingpin who sees the pastor and the church as a threat to business. The movie, which is really a collection of episodes developed for the Web, does not follow the same script as the play.

“The play was a lot lighter and had a more gospel feel to it,” said Savage. “With the movie it definitely has a gospel message but I kept it real; I kept it raw.

We touch on subjects such as poverty, prostitution, drugs, gang violence – even same sex relationships. I want it to spark

MORE

• Arsenio Hall: Back is beautful

conversation.”

The film features an all area cast, including singer Rico Nevotion, Richard Wood, Cearah Hamilton, Xavier Nash, Joisah Jackson and Jeremy Thomas.

“That was my number one thing to use local talent. We have a lot of raw talent here,” said Savage, who said “I’m Goin’ to Church” is his first scripted feature film, but he has produced documentaries on homelessness in the past.

Executive producer and creative director Traci Kerney said she was instantly drawn to the project.

“This is my life story in many ways,” said Kerney. “It’s my life growing up in East St. Louis, (Ill.) and moving to Minnesota; and through the film I relive it

without judgment. That’s what this film is really about to me.”

“I’m Goin’ to Church” debuts at the Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Ave., Uptown Minneapolis this coming Thursday (Sept. 26). There is a red carpet arrival at 6 p.m. with the film starting at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10. Following the premiere, there will be an open-to-the-public cast party next door at the Uptown Tavern and Rooftop. The Web episodes can be seen online at www. savagetelevision.com.

I’m Goin’ to Church Movie premiere Lagoon Cinema – 1320 Lagoon Ave., Uptown Minneapolis Thursday, Sept. 26 Red carpet, 6 p.m., show 7 p.m.

Admission: $10

• Sean Combs launches bid to find on-air talent for Revolt TV

• Snapshots

Page 6 • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking

insightnews.com/aesthetics

Arsenio Hall: Back is beautiful

By Gail Choice Special to the NNPA from Our Weekly By the time you read this article Arsenio Hall will be hosting his fourth episode on the Arsenio Hall show. This article reflects my impression of Arsenio’s premiere show on Monday, Sept. 9 at 11 p.m. on KTLA-TV Channel 5.

I couldn’t believe how excited I was to see Arsenio “back in the saddle” so to speak. Apparently I wasn’t the only one. According to The Hollywood Reporter, (THR) Arsenio Hall beat out all the competition in the ratings war.

THR reports syndication in 95 percent of the country was enough for Arsenio Hall to top late night during his Monday return.

The host launched his self-titled show from Tribune Broadcasting with wins in both the adults 18-49 and 25-54 demographics, besting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night With David Letterman and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

The studio audience was highly energized, and when the cameras panned his audience, you could clearly see a different kind of grouping; one with different expectations from

Photos: Our Weekly

Chris Tucker and Arsenio Hall on the premiere of “Arsenio.” this particular late night talk show host. It was a very urban crowd of all nationalities, and they were excited and ready to be entertained by folks that they were more familiar with and ready to see on a regular basis. It was kind of like, ‘we back ya’ll.”

The smile didn’t leave my face either, especially when Arsenio said, “I’m back and back is beautiful.”

Indeed it is. It is a new day for late night television. ‘Cool’ is back; we no longer have to apologize or explain our “Blackness” on the Arsenio Hall show; it’s openly celebrated.

First night jitters are common, and although Arsenio is comfortable in front of an audience, his appearance on national television after a 19-year absence had to be nerve racking. I sensed that he was just a little intimidated knowing so much is at stake, and he needed to simply pick up where he left off 19 years ago. And to a certain degree he did. He brought Black back to TV. Now I know many will say his celebrity guests will have appeared on other latenight shows, but there is a difference—it’s a sense of “homecoming.” You know

Paula Abdul and Arsenio Hall on the premiere of “Arsenio.” how you light up when you enter an atmosphere of your folks who ‘get you,’ I mean really get you. On Arsenio’s show, they can come out dancing, and they did and Arsenio danced with them.

There was an ease in the conversation; it was also edgy, full of speaking with the eyes, and a brand of humor that comes from pain, frustration and determination.

His premiere guests, Snoop

Lion who performed, comedian Chris Tucker and surprise walkon celeb Paula Abdul started the night off right. Ironically, this was the first time I ever saw Snoop perform live (see what I mean?). Snoop was cool, and likable. And I was happy as all get out to see Chris Tucker. He’s still silly, and I can’t say who was more excited, he or Arsenio.

I felt a different kind of emotion or rush as I watched these three men laugh and talk basically about nothing, but it was the camaraderie, and the beauty of who they were that excited me.

When Paula Abdul walked out following a poorly written joke about her backside, I thought it was a sweet moment. Hall and Abdul used to date back in the day, and it was nice to see her looking as beautiful and vibrant as ever.

See, that’s what I’m talking about, Arsenio is bringing back the ‘spice’ to late night talk. Now if he’d only replace his band, and some of his writers. I’m just saying!

One thing that’s truly new about Arsenio’s show is that the public can be as active with him as they wish. Just visit his website at www.arseniohall. com/ and join the party.

Welcome back Arsenio. Back is beautiful. The Arsenio Hall Show airs weeknights at 11 p.m.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen tie the knot Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American The Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter John Legend and his supermodel girlfriend Chrissy Teigen were married in an intimate wedding at Villa Pizzo in Lake Como, Italy on Saturday, Sept. 14.

A source told US Weekly the two decided on the specific location because “they first fell in love” there. The two began dating in 2007 and were engaged in December 2011.

Family and friends, including Kanye West and Stevie Wonder were among the guests.

Wonder performed with Legend as a special treat.

Actress and model Brooklyn Decker was a bridesmaid and Biz Markie helped DJ the celebration.

Teigen, 27, wore three Vera Wang dresses for the big occasion, including an ivory strapless open back, V-neck ballgown for the ceremony, and an ivory strapless mermaid gown with a pleated bodice for the reception. She finished

off her stunning looks with a crimson strapless mermaid gown with a hand-draped bodice and inverted flange skirt with crystal embroidery for the after party.

A source told US Weekly that the couple made the decision to say “I do” before Legend left to tour in October.

Information from US Weekly contributed to this report.

St. Louis American

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

Blues expert Albert Murray celebrated

By Herb Boyd Special to the NNPA NEW YORK – Whether in words or music, the blues was an unavoidable topic for speakers and musicians at the memorial services for the author Albert Murray

on Sept. 10 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in midtown Manhattan.

Murray, who died on August 18 at his home in Harlem, was 97, and throughout his long and productive life, the blues was essential to his writing as it was to the life of Count Basie.

As befitting Murray’s

Justice for Jazz Artists

Albert Murray

association with the African American music tradition, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis led a line of musicians into the Allen Room in a mournful dirge, invoking New Orleans and the homage that was to follow.

LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs recited a poem by Elizabeth Alexander, referencing Murray’s collection of essays “The Omni-Americans,” which she called “OmniAlbert Murray.”

“I can picture Bearden with his magazines and scissors,” Diggs read, her

voice low and even. “I can see guitar shapes, curves like watermelon rinds. Will I find names like Trueblood and the shapes for my collage?

Omni-Albert Murray…Omni Omni…Albert Murray.”

Romare Bearden, the great artist and collagist is the artist mentioned above and he, like the nod to Ralph Ellison in citing Trueblood, a character from his novel Invisible Man, are two icons who were intimate friends of Murray’s. Perhaps none was

MURRAY TURN TO 7

insightnews.com/aesthetics

Aesthetically Speaking • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Page 7

Sean Combs launches bid to find on-air talent for Revolt TV

By Olu Alemoru, Special to the NNPA from the Los Angeles Wave Multimedia mogul Sean Combs, channeling his shy and retiring self, has launched a bid to find the next Ryan Seacrest or Nick

Privilege From 5 And would that success have been the same if I would have been a black dude? I think the answer is no.”

Why would he need white privilege to be successful in a Black art form? Macklemore says we have to recognize where the art form came from.

We know it came from Black and Brown people out of New York and they got their swag from the blues and the blues from slave hymns leading back to Africa. But in 2013, is white privilege selling Hip Hop records?

Let’s first analyze the quality of African-American rappers

Murray From 6 as close as Ellison, and his name was conjured by several speakers, most notably by Col. Robert Spalding III, during his reading of letters between Ellison and Murray, many of which are collected in Trading Twelves. Col. Spalding’s presence also reminded the large audience of Murray’s career in the Air Force, after attending Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in Alabama.

One of the most poignant moments in the celebration was tenor saxophonist Victor Goines’ interpretation of John Coltrane’s “Alabama,” that was written in tribute to the four little girls who were killed in Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham in 1963 by explosive set by members of the Ku Klux Klan. In soft, tender tones, Goines continued the sweet impressions delivered earlier by writer Leon Wieseltier and Jimmy Heath in the same way it anticipated

Cannon with an open casting call for on-air talent for the debut of Combs’ new entertainment venture next month.

In a scatological Instagram video posted Monday, Combs is seen imploring candidates aged between 13 and 25 to submit a 15-second audition tape for

who are signed by major record labels. Most of these artists fit a stereotype and offer no level of empowerment to the art form or the culture itself. We hear rappers with destructive messages that lack logical thought. In an interview with Hardknock TV, Hip Hop veteran Scarface vents, “There is no f—— way that you can tell me that it’s not a conspiracy against Blacks in Hip Hop. You make us look dumb. You brainwash a generation of Hip Hoppers with this f—— crud and then when these other rappers come out, splitting it down the middle, these other rappers’ s— sound like ‘Wow!’ ya’ll look great!” ’Ya’ll look stupid!’ … Then (MFs) start going over here and pretty soon, Hip Hop is white now.”

Vulgarity aside, in so many ways, that’s true. The reality is white executives control what we hear on the airwaves. By only allowing artists who are willing to destroy their culture to be heard, you eliminate the fear of white children following behind the buffoonery. When you take the logic out of the music it becomes hard to believe.

Hip Hop was an outlet where Black millionaires were created and at its height the artist made money and branched off into other industries. Black artists and executives met the demand, populated record labels and began heading branches, choosing new records to break, new artists to bring in and new methods of marketing.

This left the white executive out

the insightful remembrances of historian Douglass Brinkley.

Both Heath and Marsalis demonstrated they are just as good reading as they are with horns attached to their lips; Marsalis was particularly effective in capturing the nuances of language and mood in his presentation from Murray’s first novel, Train Whistle Guitar.

Murray would have joined the appreciation extended to vocalist Brianna Thomas after she soulfully nailed “Goin’ to Chicago,” providing listeners with a female version of Jimmy Rushing, especially when the orchestra filled in her pauses with sharp vamps, emphasizing her “sorry but I can’t take you.”

The crowd loved Thomas but they stood and hailed bass clarinetist Joe Temperley’s deeply meditative touch on Duke Ellington’s “Single Petal of a Rose.” As Eric Dolphy often said, the bass clarinet is not the easiest horn to control.

But Temperley did it with an elegance that would have pleased Ellington and Murray.

The musical moments were nicely interlaced between the reflections from such speakers

as Rob Gibson, once a creative director at Jazz at Lincoln Center; Paul Devlin and Jackie Modeste, who traded fours on 10 things to know about Murray; editor Errol McDonald; author Sidney Offit; and Murray’s daughter, Michele.

“He always supported my desire to be a dancer,” she said, recalling her days with the Alvin Ailey troupe that was given additional spice when Judith Jamison took to the podium to read from “The Magic Keys,” Murray’s final tale of Scooter, his alter ego.

Pianist Aaron Diehl, fresh from the Detroit Jazz Festival, soloed wonderfully on “Echoes of Spring,” a tune

by Willie “The Lion” Smith that Diehl burnished with an abundance of stride and boogie-woogie filigree. He was equally engaging with bassist Christian McBride on Monk’s “Epistrophy.”

The tribute ended as it began with Marsalis and crew assembling and marching from the room with a spirited rendition of “Didn’t He Ramble.” Murray certainly did.

in the cold and labels began to go under because they couldn’t contain the money that Hip Hop was, making and commanding.

A young Black man who degrades women, talks about selling and doing drugs, killing people and throwing money around is never going to be a role model for white America.

But for a young Black man who doesn’t know what type of opportunities that are afforded to him, it’s a way of life. It’s easier to convince young white children that this is not a person to aspire to be like.

In the meantime, white rappers are ushered in with messages that are appealing, non-threatening and vulgar free.

I admit it is somewhat amusing

Revolt TV, a music-orientated cable channel that promises to deliver music videos, live performances, news and interviews.

Submissions can be uploaded to Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Vimeo, Facebook or Youtube and participants must use both

#iamrevolt and another hashtag to describe their musical style, for example #alternative, #EDM, #hiphop. The video must end by saying “I AM REVOLT.” Would-be TV stars have until Sept. 30 to upload their entries.

to see a white person spit rhymes. But we must remember as we cheer them on, we are cheering ourselves out.

Look at Justin Timberlake, a pop artist, who crossed over into Hip Hop to broaden his appeal and now reigns as the King of Pop. How about Miley Cyrus who is trying to use a bad girl image to promote herself.

Twerking a dance made famous

by Blacks now is a household conversation because she did it.

Kellogg’s has even introduced Buzz the Bee with his own Honey Nut Cheerios Hip Hop Video ‘It Must be the Honey.’ So while Hip Hop is on the decline for Black artists, sales are up for people who want to utilize the power to convince, influence

and promote messages.

We need to take a page out of Tyler Perry’s book and use our earnings to build our own distribution companies. If we continue to rely on others races to fund our success, we will always rise to the top and end up where we started from – the bottom.

Jineea Butler, founder of the Social Services of Hip Hop and the Hip Hop Union is a Hip Hop Analyst who investigates the trends and behaviors of the community and delivers programming that solves the Hip Hop Dilemma. She can be reached at jineea@gmail.com or Tweet her @flygirlladyjay

“ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF THIS, OR ANY, YEAR.” Pete Hammond, MOVIELINE

Correction In the Artist Profile: Mankwe Ndosi printed the week of September 2, we reported that Ndosi’s father worked at Augsburg College as the head of the International Student Association. In fact, Ndosi’s father was employed at

Augsburg as an Economics Professor. He served as the head of the International Students’ Association in the late 60’s when he was enrolled as a grad student.

The album’s name is “Science and Spirit.” We apologize for the misprint of information.

A RON HOWARD FILM

CHRIS HEMSWORTH

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND CROSS CREEK PICTURES PRESENT WITH EXCLUSIVE MEDIA IN ASSOCIATION WITH IMAGINE ENTERTAINMENT A REVOLUTION FILMS / WORKING TITLE / IMAGINE ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION ¨ OLIVIA WILDE A RON HOWARD FILM CHRIS HEMSWORTH “RUSH” DANIEL BRUHL MUSIC COBY HANS ZIMMER PRODUCERS ANITA OVERLAND ALEXANDRA MARIA LARA PIERFRANCESCO FAVINO EXECUTIVE JIM HAJICOSTA PRODUCERS GUY EAST NIGEL SINCLAIR TOBIN ARMBRUST TIM BEVAN PRODUCED TYLER THOMPSON TODD HALLOWELL BY ANDREW EATON ERIC FELLNER BRIAN OLIVER PETER MORGAN BRIAN GRAZER RON HOWARD WRITTENBY PETER MORGAN DIRECTEDBY RON HOWARD A UNIVERSAL RELEASE SOUNDTRACK ON WATERTOWER MUSIC

A UK-GERMAN CO-PRODUCTION

© 2 013 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

NEW SERIES MONDAYS 10/9c AFTER THE VOICE

NBC

Page 8 • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Aesthetically Speaking

insightnews.com/aesthetics 2

Snapshots 1

3

4

5 Scenes from Stepping Out of the Box, Emergence of the Minneapolis Renaissance Poetry Showcase held this past weekend.

6

1) Recent transplant Aleice Allen getting her first taste of the Minneapolis Sound at Bunkers.

2) Chantel Harpole performing her piece on the color divide from a light skin woman’s perspective.

3) Nikki Portis, Lynn Roberts and Miranda Flint.

4) Sherry Beards, Sonya Goins and Jenel Rocheleau enjoying a Sunday evening at Bunkers for Dr. Mambo’s Combo.

5) Danielle McCleaton performing a piece dealing with the color divide.

6) LaTonya Pendleton smiles for the camera at Bunkers.

Black Storytellers Alliance welcomes YOU to the 22nd Annual Black Master Storytellers Festival coming September 26th – 28th

“SSignifyin’ & Testifyin”

All events are FREE, Family Friendly and open to the public!

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota Arts and Culture heritage Fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. Additional funding received from Minneapolis Radiology Oncology, US Bank Foundation and the Minneapolis Community Action Agency.

Thursday, September 26th, 2013 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Opening Ceremonies & Storytelling Historic Capri Theater located at 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis

Friday, September 27th, 2013 7:00 – 10:00 PM: The Liar’s Contest The Ames Elks Lodge located at 1614 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis

Saturday, September 28th, 2013 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Grand Finale: Master Storytellers Concert Perpich Center for Arts Education located at 6125 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley

Featured Storytellers

A big thank you to our sponsors A A a

MRO Minneapolis Radiology

For more information contact Nothando Zulu - Black Storytellers Alliance 612.529.5864 www.blackstorytellers.com or email at nzulu@blackstorytellers.com.

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Page 9

BUSINESS Public speaking for dummies who agree to give speeches Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com In business, people occasionally have to talk with other people.

Sometimes, they address groups of people. Sometimes, those groups are rather large. On

Saturday, I will be representing my family at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease. Maybe you’ll be there. If you are, you will hear me present information to you and 5000 other people.

5000 people. That’s a big group.

Someone close to me asked me today, “How are you going to do that?” Here’s how.

I am going to talk about something I know about. If you are ever invited to speak on a topic you know little or nothing about, you have two choices.

Either, you should say, “No,”

or… actually, you only have that one choice. And if you do know a little something about the topic, and you agree to speak, you must do what even the experts do: research. Investigate your topic with your audience in mind.

The more expert you are, the more important it is to consider what other people might want to know.

I am going to bring personal stories. Bringing personality and personal stories to a presentation makes the talk far more interesting to listeners. “Tell me

something I don’t know,” people say. Personal stories are a little like gossip; they reveal insights that the general public doesn’t have access to.

I am going to practice. In fact, I am going to use parts of a presentation I have made before.

The last time I gave this talk, it was in front of a mirror. The time before that, it was in front of 200 people. That’s almost 5000, but not quite. So I will practice in front of the mirror again, as a favor to the 4800 people who have not heard this

presentation yet.

I am going to speak slowly.

More people means more distraction. It’s unlikely that, in a wide open stadium on a Saturday morning, the audience will be silently attentive. But some will be interested, and for them, I will speak slowly and deliberately, so the message comes across as intended.

I am going to stay at the podium until the next speaker steps up.

This is the rule according to Toastmasters; good enough for me.

And I am going to thank my hosts, my fellow presenters and, especially, my audience.

Because I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and do this. Maybe you’ll be in the crowd on Saturday. And if you are, then, Thank you!

Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your career and job search questions to Julie at jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.

Encouraged and optimistic: African American philanthropy & museums FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw “Self-empowerment is one among many strategies people of African descent have employed to ensure our survival in the New World. This includes the creation of museums and cultural centers that document, recognize and celebrate the art, culture, history and contributions of African Americans. These institutions, many of which were established as a result of public/private partnerships, bear testimony to the hard battles fought to bring dreams to fruition.”

Arts professional and nonprofit CEO Grace C. Stanislaus is encouraged by the very existence of museums and cultural centers such as the

National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Studio Museum in Harlem, the California African American Museum, the DuSable Museum of Art, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland, and the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD). With 20+ years experience directing and building arts institutions Stanislaus shares her perspective on African American arts and culture institutions and philanthropy.

“I consider the existence of these institutions remarkable especially in light of the history of enslavement, oppression, discrimination and economic, social, cultural and political disenfranchisement,” Stanislaus commented. “But not so remarkable in the context of a parallel history, dating back to the 18th century, of civic and charitable giving that supported and in turn generated support from mutual

Grace Stanislaus aid societies, the Black Church, and fraternities and sororities.”

She reminds us of the important role historically black colleges and universities have played. “HBCUs such

as Clark Atlanta, Hampton, Howard, Fisk, North Carolina Central and Tuskegee, played significant roles in establishing galleries and museums to house, preserve, interpret,

display, and celebrate African American art, artists, and cultural achievements.

When asked about the future of these arts institutions Stanislaus recommend an internal examination and a close look at external funding realities.

“We need dynamic visions and robust programs that engage diverse constituencies.

Staff and board leaders need to ask questions that can reveal best practices.

These include: Are our organizations and programs relevant and of interest to our local communities?

Do we advocate effectively within our communities for the value that we add? Are we building loyalty?

Are our program offerings broad in ways that engages diverse, cross cultural audiences? Are we allocating sufficient resources to market and promote and to raise funds for our museums and programs? Are we investing in the professional development

of our staff? Have we found the right balance between our scholarly mission and our commercial interests? Do we have a strategic plan, program plan and business plan that guide our decisions and the allocation of our resources?

Are our mission, values and vision clear and being effectively communicated to our community/stakeholders?

Do we have a succession plan for the executive and the board leadership?

This particular item has derailed the progress forward of many of our cultural organizations.”

Next week: Limited resources and support of the arts Contact Grace C. Stanislaus at gcsart@aol.com Copyright 2013 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.”

They position nonprofits for fundraising success. Visit them at www.saadandshaw.com.

Poverty persists for Minnesota minorities has a lower poverty rate than most other states, our rate amongst minorities is consistently higher than national averages.

These same minorities tend to be the ones stuck in minimum wage jobs, with very few attainable options for improving their standard of living. And this doesn’t even begin to address the fact that the poverty line is drawn at a devastatingly low income level, at about $2,000 a month for a family of four.

Conservative arguments against the hike, arguments that have long been debunked, include the specter of mass layoffs and a lack of growth in the private sector. We know this not to be true based

By Jonathan Tolliver, Musician, Activist, Blogger It’s time for Minnesota to join the ranks of other progressive states and raise the minimum wage to a level that respects a worker’s right to be able to pay for basic expenses after a hard week’s work.

This seems obvious, right?

We’ve got a Democratic controlled legislature and a popular enough Democratic governor who’ve both expressed a desire to see the wage floor rise.

The need is certainly there.

While Minnesota consistently

on a broad swath of studies that indicate that even an aggressive wage hike paid for entirely through a raise in the cost of goods will have very little effect on consumers’ ability to purchase those goods. Most folks wouldn’t even notice the difference.

So we have a choice here.

Will we continue to have one of the lowest minimum wages in the country, with a sharp divide in income between minorities and non-minorities, or will we work to bring the wage up to humane levels?

Nine dollars and fifty cents isn’t even that bold a proposal.

In Minnesota, the average cost of caring for a family of four is $58,343, meaning each parent

would have to earn $14 per hour. Nothing would make me happier than to see that floor set at $14 an hour.

We can do that. Minnesota has been an early adopter on so many progressive issues, from education reform, to marriage equality, to collective bargaining and back around again. Whatever it is that’s keeping the Senate from supporting the $9.50 number needs to be removed.

The poor in our state deserve, and require, better wages than the pittance we give them for oftentimes strenuous, stigmatized work.

Let’s get this done.

Minimum wage increase will strengthen communities

By John Clay Raising Minnesota’s minimum wage to $9.50 an hour would

mean a raise for 360,000 working Minnesotans and would mean significant gains in purchasing power for women and people of color, according to a soon-to-

be released Jobs Now Coalition report.

This analysis looks at the number of Minnesota workers whose wages are below $9.50 as well as those slightly above this mark who would likely see a raise due to what economists call the “spillover effect,” as employers adjust pay scales upward.

Although the number of women employed in Minnesota is about 150,000 fewer than men, a greater number of women are working low-wage jobs. As a result, the majority of the 360,000 workers who would benefit from a $9.50 an hour Minnesota minimum wage, 57 percent (202,133 workers), are women.

A stronger minimum wage policy would boost purchasing

power among Minnesota women by nearly $256 million annually.

This would come at a time when wages overall have been stagnant, with median household income declining since 2000 by $5,400. The minimum wage itself has been losing purchasing power since the late 1960s, falling to $7.25, when it should be more than $10 adjusted for inflation.

Empowering women is a key tool in helping eradicate poverty and closing the equity gap that hampers educational opportunities for Minnesota’s young people. At last count, more than half of the state’s working mothers were their families’ primary breadwinners, according to the University of Minnesota’s Center on Women and Public

Policy at the Humphrey School.

Its February 2012 report on the status of women and girls in Minnesota further found that 68 percent of female-headed households in rental housing are paying costs that exceed 30 percent of their income.

This has a profound impact on Minnesota children. As of 2011, nearly 260,00 children (20 percent) were living with parents who were considered working poor, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count data center.

About 137,000 Minnesota children would benefit if the state raised the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour.

Children from families with sufficient financial resources are far more likely than children from economically disadvantaged families to start kindergarten ready to succeed and to flourish in school and later in life, according to research cited by Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota. An additional $1,000 of average annual family income throughout early childhood can result in higher reading and math scores for children in low-income families.

A minimum wage bump to $9.50 also would begin helping Minnesota correct the growing disparity in wealth among white Minnesotans and people of color.

While the statewide poverty rate is 12 percent, it’s 28 percent for people of color, and 37 percent for African-Americans, according to data compiled by St. Paul-based Wilder Research.

More than 83,000 workers of color would see a raise. That includes 22 percent of black workers (23,548), 29 percent of Hispanic workers (30,337), and 17 percent of Asian workers (29,714). A $9.50 minimum wage offers an important tool in conjunction with other antipoverty efforts to begin building wealth.

As Minnesotans of color seek to build more wealth in their communities, a $9.50 minimum wage offers one important tool.

Raising the wage will bring these working families one step closer to making a better living.

The minimum wage increase would boost wealth by $31 million for Minnesota’s AfricanAmerican community and by $43 million for the Hispanic community, according to the upcoming report.

The report also shows that workers across the demographic spectrum, including the majority population, would benefit from a $9.50 an hour minimum wage and that annual consumer spending power in Minnesota would increase by $470 million, giving a much-needed boost to sales at local businesses.

The Minnesota Legislature is expected to take up the $9.50 an hour minimum wage bill in the first weeks of the 2014 legislative session.

John Clay is policy director for Jobs Now Coalition, Minnesota 2020’s research partner in the Raise the Wage coalition.

Page 10 • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Children do better when parents are involved understanding.

Parents don’t need money or a degree to be involved in a child’s education. Research also shows that a home environment that encourages learning is even more important than parents’ income, education level, or cultural background. Every parent can make a difference regardless of financial level or educational background.

By actively participating in their child’s education at home

Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Here in Minnesota and around the country, school is back in session.

Although parents send their children off to school everyday and expect them to do well, their involvement can add an important extra ingredient that will increase their children’s success. It has been proven that parent participation is the ingredient that makes the difference. Parents’ active participation with their child’s education at home and in school brings great rewards and can have a significant impact on their children’s lives. Everyday in our community, children are left to decide the value of education in their lives. If we are going to have success, this cannot continue. We as parents, grandparents, and people of influence, must be involved.

There is a huge upside to parental involvement.

Parents help to set the value of education to the child, and the greater the involvement, the greater the value. According to research, the children of involved parents are absent less frequently, behave better, do better academically from preschool through high school, and go farther in school. When a child knows that the parent is interested in his or her education through direct action and active involvement, that child becomes more active and interested in his or her education as well. Telling a child what to do will only lead to forgetting, involving the child leads to

in school and check homework nightly.

At school parents should meet regularly with a teacher or other school staff member to determine where, when and how help is needed and volunteer time as well.

Children do better when parents are involved. This is more than simply making sure they do their homework.

Reading to one’s child, limiting the amount of television and

Telling a child what to do will only lead to forgetting, involving the child leads to understanding.

© PhotoXpress

and in school, parents send some critical messages to their children; they’re demonstrating their interest in activities and reinforcing the idea that school is important. For this to be most effective, the parent must be engaged in the child’s education at home and at school.

At home, parents should read to their children. Reading aloud is the most important activity that parents can do to increase their child’s chance of reading success. Also, discuss the books and stories one reads to a child. In addition, parents should help their children organize their time and limit television viewing on school nights. Engaged parents should also talk to their children regularly about what’s going on

video games and talking regularly about school is vitally important.

Parents can change the course of their children’s lives and futures by becoming involved. Make it a habit to read to children or have them read on a daily basis. This minor change will have a huge impact. One doesn’t need money to be great in a child’s life. An involved parent is a great parent.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. For copies of his book, questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

The power of positive thinking: Expect great things Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson Today is a very special day for me.

Today something amazing

is going to happen because I believe it will. This is how I start each and every day. I start my day out by saying this out loud and believing this in my heart.

This is my daily “motivational moment.”

Sometimes it takes hearing something positive out loud to believe it to be true. It doesn’t matter if you say it or someone else is saying it to you. When you say something enough times you start to manifest it into

reality. Rather it is good or bad.

I can remember telling myself a lot of bad things about myself. I started to believe that was who I was and that was how my life was going to be. But soon I learned that positive thinking can change your situation for the better. I learned if I spoke positive things over my life, then positive things would happen in my life. It is amazing how this works.

Start to concentrate on the

good and more good will come to you.

I know you have those days when you just can’t seem to find anything positive to say at all. Some days are full of negativity all around you and this is all you see. So you’re probably thinking, “How do I find something positive in this?”

The answer is to close your eyes and give thanks for the things that you have at that moment. There is always

something to be thankful for – be it a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food to eat, healthy children, and the opportunity to still be alive.

These are just to name a few. If you think hard enough I know more will come to you.

The power of positive thinking can turn your day from a bad day to a day where you are looking forward to the great things that are to come. So start every day with this in mind.

Start every day believing in miracles and that you are going to experience great and positive things.

And as always remember, stay focused, stay determined and keep striving for greatness.

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www. thequeensproject.com or email at penny@thequeensproject.com.

Washburn Millers defeats North High Polars

By Nolan Cramer

Nolan Cramer

Longtime winning coach Vince Lombardi of the NFL Green Bay Packers was often quoted as saying, “Winning

isn’t everything, it is the only thing.”

The Washburn Millers won, and won big giving the North High Polars a serious fright on Friday the 13th.

In one of the scoring opportunities for Washburn – on its home field – against the North Polars, Washburn quarterback Morley Mathewson orchestrated a clever move on a forth down by extending his football handling arm forward and over the heads of the other players, including

North defender Kenny Reed.

The move resulted in the football crossing the goal line advancing Washburn in a rout over the Polars.

The Millers continued to grind away at the Polar defensive and thwarted several of North’s scoring efforts to harvest a final gap of 52 - 14.

For Washburn, Jeffery Jones scored 3 touchdowns, while the Polars two scores came courtesy of quarterback Tyler Johnson and Keyon Thomas.

insightnews.com

Insight News • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Page 11

Parent vigilance works: Getting help for learning disorders in Minneapolis schools

By Sarah Lahm, TC Daily Planet For Samantha Pree-Stinson and her husband, Preston Stinson, making sure their oldest son is getting the help he needs at school has not been easy. Their son, who is now in eighth grade at Northeast Middle School (NEMS) in Minneapolis, has had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) since fifth grade, and noticeable speech and spelling issues since before starting school.

As Pree-Stinson describes it, she saw early on that her son had “trouble making certain sounds” and had difficulty with expressing himself on paper. This situation got more serious as he got older, and by the time he was in fifth grade, Pree-Stinson saw that it had become “harder for him to write reports and longer assignments.”

Their elementary school at the time, Sheridan Arts Magnet in northeast Minneapolis, did not, in Pree-Stinson’s words, “come close to identifying the issue.”

Instead, she says, she was told by the school “not to worry,” and that her son’s problems were all speech related. Pree-Stinson could see, however, that her son was struggling at school and that something more serious was going on.

Using what she considers her significant resources as a parent with a good job and good health insurance, Pree-Stinson, along with her husband, sought help for their son outside of school.

She was able to take him to a developmental psychologist who told the Pree-Stinson family that, while the boy tested above average for IQ and aptitude, he had a “written expression disorder.”

This outside look at what was going on was important because it gave them a clearer picture of not only the boy’s trouble spots, but also his strengths.

According to Pree-Stinson, this kind of advocacy by parents is essential. She is keenly aware that parents without a good health insurance plan may not be able to access outside resources and will

Samantha Pree-Stinson and Preston Stinson with their three sons then rely just on what the school is able to offer their children, and this concerns her.

In Pree-Stinson’s view, a parent’s involvement with the IEP process is an essential way

TC Daily Planet

to ensure that the child involved is being adequately diagnosed, first of all, and that the IEP is then

being sufficiently followed. As her son moved from elementary to middle school, Pree-Stinson saw the importance of this firsthand.

During their son’s first year at NEMS, Pree-Stinson says that she and her husband became aware that the teachers and administrators were not following his IEP. By then, she says, it was “too late,” and she took her son out of school. He completed the school year at home, through the Minnesota Virtual Academy.

This year, however, he is back at NEMS. After meeting with district officials about their son’s experiences at the school, Pree-Stinson and her husband felt their concerns were “heard and addressed.” Now, NEMS also has a new principal who Pree-Stinson says “has brought back leadership and guidance to all of the staff.”

She therefore feels assured that, with vigilance on her family’s part, their son’s IEP will continue to be an important way to get his individual needs met through the Minneapolis Public Schools. © 2013 Sarah Lahm

Fall forums address achievement gap Former Minneapolis Mayor and U. S. Representative Don Fraser started what has become the Minnesota Achievement Gap Committee in 2005. Since then the Committee has organized six to ten forums a year on either good work being done to eliminate the achievement/opportunity/ culture gap or on critical issues that affect the educational outcomes of our children in Minnesota. You can learn more about the committee and see videos of many of our archived forums on our website,www. mnachievementgap.org.

Below is the fall forum schedule.

Forum on the Saint Paul Public School’s new racial equity policy with Michelle Walker, Chief of Staff, and Michelle Bierman, Assistant Director for Equity, Friday, September 20, noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, Co-sponsored with the Wilder Foundation.

Forum on Generation Next, the Twin Cities effort to coordinate the work of many organizations to overcome the

achievement gap, with Frank Forsberg, interim director and vice-president for systems change and innovation, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Monday, September 30, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, Co-sponsored with the Wilder Foundation.

Saint Paul School Board Candidates Forum on the Achievement Gap, Thursday, October 17, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St., Saint Paul, Co-sponsored

with the Saint Paul League of Women Voters and the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

Forum on the education reform proposal of the Saint Paul Federation of Teachers, “Schools St. Paul Children Deserve,” with Mary Cathryn Ricker, president of the Saint Paul Federation of Teachers, Wednesday, October 23, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 – 13th Ave SE, Minneapolis (Dinkytown).

Date, Time and Place to be determined for these November Forums:

Minneapolis Public Schools Report on Progress to Reduce the Achievement Gap through Its Strategic Plan.

Forum with three Twin Cities elementary school principals who have succeeded in closing the achievement gap in the schools they have led on how they succeeded, how their efforts could be replicated, and what needs to be done to change systems to overcome the achievement gap.

Former Minneapolis Mayor and U. S. Representative Don Fraser started what has become

The Minnesota Achievement Gap Committee (MNAGC) in 2005. Since then the MNAGC has provided regular forums for the Twin Cities community on successful efforts to overcome the achievement gap and on critical education issues.

You can learn more about the Minnesota Achievement Gap Committee at its website, www. mmachievementgap.org.

For more information email Don Fraser at don.m.fraser@ gmail.com or Grant Abbott at ghabbott@comcast.net.

BEYOND THE RHETORIC

An inside look at our rotten prison system

By Harry C. Alford NNPA Columnist In the interest of full disclosure, I have a bachelor’s degree in Correctional Administration from the University of Wisconsin.

During the summer of 1969, I did my required internship at the Wisconsin School for Girls in Oregon, Wis. These were underage offenders who were found guilty of petty crimes or “bad behavior.” My ambition was to change bad human behavior into honorable behavior. The curriculum I was reading promoted the best models of rehabilitation. I was so pumped but the internship showed me the reality of our system of corrections.

None of the girls in the reform school were evil or bad. They all had a messed up family life. The overwhelming majority had no fathers in the home and their mothers lacked a work ethic and were welfare dependent.

Role models were nowhere to be found. For those three months, I basically became their father (for Whites, Hispanics and Blacks alike). The supervisors were elated as the girls quickly started changing from bad girls to nice girls with ambition. I enjoyed them and even named my oldest daughter after one of them. My lament was that they would eventually go back to those environments. I would go to Milwaukee and Chicago and visit their households. It was so depressing and showed that their progress would be short-lived.

My ambition started to move towards a career in business.

Another reality was that the correctional industry,

Harry C. Alford

in comparison with my text books, had no ambition to rehabilitate anyone.

Incarceration was a business and mass imprisonment meant business was good.

What I didn’t know was that “business” was about to take off northward at an exponential rate.

Various drugs were imported into poverty stricken communities.

The epitome was the crack invasion. Drugs cause addiction and addiction leads to criminal behavior along with the trafficking of the drugs themselves. Prisons started to fill and recidivism was rising at a hopeless rate.

Rehabilitation had become a thing of the past.

It appears that the whole thing was a conspiracy.

Prison guards unionized and the unions started lobbying for more prisons, stiffer sentencing and anything to grow the prison population.

Some entrepreneurs saw a great opportunity and lobbied elected officials.

Then President Ronald Reagan did a very awful thing. He announced the “War on Drugs.”

As David Simon, the writer of HBO’s The Wire stated, “In effect this was a war on Blacks that evolved into a war on both Blacks and Hispanics.”

This brought on a new form of

We have a rotten prison system. If we would legalize drugs, perhaps the prison population (predominantly Black and Hispanic) would start to fade away and private prisons will be a thing of a horrible and ugly past.

slavery.

The first privately managed prison was established in Hamilton County, Tenn. in 1984.

The contract went to Corrections Corporation of America. CCA currently owns 65 facilities all over the nation. It is the largest prison management company and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (CXW) with revenue and assets totaling

more than $1 billion. The industry continues to grow at a rapid rate and has much power in lobbying. Things like “three strikes and out,” more funding for new prisons and the courting of judges who seem to be issuing longer sentences.

The longer the sentence, the more the money for private prison companies.

Obviously the crack invasion was a financial boon for all of

these private prisons.

With new, fast and big cash comes corruption. An example is Pennsylvania Judge Mark Ciavarella Jr. He and his partner, Judge Michael Conahan, received millions of dollars from a private prison management firm for their “Kids for Cash” sentencing.

More than 5,000 youths received extreme sentences and were sent to a private prison in exchange for cash from the executives of the company.

Judge Ciavarella sent a 10-year-old to two years incarceration for accidentally causing minor damage to his mother’s car. This was typical of these two judges.

Judge Ciavarella has been sentenced to 28 years. Judge Conahan has pled guilty and will be sentenced shortly.

But for 5,000 children, their lives will never be the same.

These victims were sent to PA Child Care and Western PA Child Care detention centers.

The company or companies

have kept their names out of the press, which shows you how sophisticated their crisis management firm is.

This example is one of many and I am certain much corruption is taking place at all levels and in all geographies.

Their lobbying firms are powerful, too.

They got Congress in 1997 to dictate that the Department of Justice should do a test on privatelyrun prisons. The new federal prison was located in Taft, Calif.. The contract went to Wackenhut (now called The GEO Group, Inc). The test was declared “successful” and federal prisons started becoming privatized ever since.

We have a rotten prison system. If we would legalize drugs, perhaps the prison population (predominantly Black and Hispanic) would start to fade away and private prisons will be a thing of a horrible and ugly past.

Page 12 • September 23 - September 29, 2013 • Insight News

Community Calendar • Classifieds Send Community Calendar information to us by email: info@ insightnews.com, by fax: 612.588.2031, by phone:( 612)5881313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free or low cost events preferred.

EVENTS Target Free Thursday Nights – Sept. 26 The Walker Art Center’s Target Free Thursday Nights in September feature a Chef-in-Residence event with Peter Ireland (Thursday, September 5); A Preview of the 20132014 Performing Arts Season (Thursday, September 5) and Music in the Garden featuring The Field of Medicine (Thursday, September 5). Target Free Thursday Nights in September also includes a Teen Art Lounge (Thursday, September 19), and Conversation: The Politics of Home with University of Minnesota history professor Tracey Deutsch (Thursday, September 19).

Galleries open 5–9 pm.

Aging Eye Forum – Sept. 26 Eye specialists from Phillips Eye Institute will discuss age-related vision issues and options for treatment at the Aging Eye Forum, Thursday, September 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Phillips Eye Institute 2215 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Topics will include cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, intraocular lens implants, glaucoma, macular degeneration and laser vision correction surgery.

Products and resources from the Minnesota Low Vision Store will be on display.

To register, call (612) 775-8964 or email Elizabeth.albrecht2@ allina.com by Tuesday, September 24. The Aging Eye Forum is sponsored by the Kirby Puckett Education Center of Phillips Eye Institute and Alcon.

insightnews.com

Phone: 612.588.1313

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

“With Privilege Comes Responsibility” Workshop – Sept. 26 The “With Privilege Comes Responsibility” Workshop to focus on ways to turn knowledge and understanding into action, and the role that people of privilege must play in the fight for racial justice will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26th, 2013— 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the YWCA downtown facility (1130 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403). Price: $25 for YWCA members, $50 non YWCA members. Tickets may be purchased through the YWCA website (Workshops), or at the door. For more information please contact Jerad Green, jgreen@ywcampls.org or call Sara Jensen at 612-215-4133.

Market to Mississippi Ride & Dine - Sept.

27 Join your neighbors in the West Broadway community for a FREE family-friendly bike ride from the West Broadway Farmers Market to the Mississippi River on Fri., Sept. 27 3:00pm - 7:00pm 900 West Broadway Avenue.

After the ride, share a local foods meal at the market. The day’s events will include: Registration and free bike safety checks by Venture North Bike Shop; A bike ride led by Major Taylor Bicycling Club; Chef Robert demonstrating how to make simple and delicious dishes; A meal at the market consisting of tasty seasonal food from the market; and Shopping at the West Broadway Market. Nice Ride bicycles available for those 16+ with advance registration.

Helmets required and available for free from Venture North Bike Shop. . Please RSVP for the event by going to www. westbroadwaymarket. org.

The Remember Niger Coalition Rally for Niger - Sept. 28 The Twin Cities Rally for Niger African Market & Raffle has a goal to raise $15,000.

A special event to

Speakers. Minneapolis MADDADS has been dedicated to addressing the problems of drugs, gangs and violence, restoring our communities and deterring youth and families from a life of violence and destruction since 1998.

MADDADS programming succeeds by providing realistic, tangible hope through effective programming.

For ticket information and to register please call Patricia Banks at (612) 232-1598.

JXTALICIOUS last of summer happy hour Join the 1108 Artists in a late summer studio crawl.

Stroll through 9 Artist Studios while enjoying refreshments by Tabota Seyon of Right on Thyme Catering on Friday, September 27, 2013 6-9pm JXTA Artists’ Cooperative at 1108 W. Broadway in North Minneapolis. Partake of cocktails, wine, beer and other non alcoholic drinks. Check out our spaces and learn about the diversity of art forms represented in the coop. Enjoy the delicious vibe of good music, good art, and good people at JXTA’s 1108 Artists’ Cooperative.

The JXTA Co-Op Artists are: D.A.Bullock - film and video, Tiffany Roberson - natural hair and fashion, Travis Lee - photography, Daniel Kerkhoff - visual art, Tabota Seyon - visual and culinary art, Jamil Ford & David Witt - design and architecture, Christopher

support schools in the poverty-stricken and highly-illiterate country of Niger will take place September 28, 2013 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at North Presbyterian Church, 2675 East Highway 36, North St. Paul, MN 55109. The event will feature an African Market with crafts from Africa, and a raffle with great prizes, including African art.

Food will be supplied by a local favorite food truck. The African Market is free and open to all, familyfriendly. Raffle tickets will be available.

There will be a Bike Rally & Walk ongoing, To Register for the Bike Rally

or Walk, see: www.

RememberNiger.org.

For more information contact: Karen Pepin, Remember Niger Board Member: kbpmusic@msn.com or Cathy Hickman, Remember Niger Coalition: chickman@ rememberniger.org Black Genealogy Family History Group – Sept. 28 We invite all who are interested in family research to participate in this important discussion that will have great impact on Black Minnesotans of Southern Ancestral roots. This meeting will bring together various community members and

Harrison - visual art, Samuel Babatunde Ero-Phillps - environmental design, and Kenna-Camara Cottman - dance and drum. JXTAlicious will be an evening with artistic offerings from the Co-Op, surprise performances, and opportunities for networking and discovery.

Juxtaposition Arts is an art-based community development center located in North Minneapolis that annually engages thousands of youth and adults through innovative cross-disciplinary programs and services.

Our mission is to develop community by engaging and employing young urban artists in hands-on education initiatives that create pathways to self-sufficiency. The mission of the 1108 Artists’ Co-Op is to provide quality affordable art making and creative small business

genealogy groups to discuss the importance of organizing a chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. in Minnesota.

This meeting will be held Saturday, September 28, 2013 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Sumner Library, 611 Van White Memorial Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Any questions contact: Jerry Blue (612) 5436875.

Third Annual Big Gay Race – Sept. 28 Last year, more than 7,000 people ran, jogged and walked to show their support for the freedom to marry.

Join us this year on

Saturday, September 28 at St. Anthony Main, 65 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55 to celebrate marriage equality and thank all the legislators who voted yes! This wasn’t the easiest thing to do for some of our state lawmakers – but in the end, a bipartisan majority chose to follow their own consciences and do the right thing for all Minnesota families.

Everyone is welcome at this fun and festive event! There’s no skill level required, and you can walk or run at your own pace.

The most important thing is that you show up and participate.

Check-in /Day of

space to traditionally underrepresented emerging and established artists who have a demonstrated commitment to North Minneapolis.

JXTALICIOUS - last of summer happy hour Friday, September 27, 2013 6-9pm JXTA Artists’ Cooperative at 1108 W. Broadway in North Minneapolis No cover charge, donations welcomed Facebook event page:https://www.facebook. com/events/236843413136161/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jxta1108coop YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCKAUAiIdIBoLpO- h7NVBLDw Juxtaposition Arts: http://juxtapositionarts.org/ programs/co-op-studio-space/

Race Registration 8:30 am - Race begins at 10:00 am.

To register: mnunited. org/biggacerace.

Follow the Big Gay Race on Twitter: @ BigGayRace.

public. Attendees who are signed up for a Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend event can pick up their race number and packet any time during the expo.

Health & Fitness Expo at Saint Paul RiverCentre Oct. 4–5 The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Health & Fitness Expo is being held on Friday Saturday, Oct. 4-5 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre – Exhibit Halls A & B. EXPO HOURS: Friday, Oct. 5 - Noon - 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 6 - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. This year’s expo will feature over 100 vendors including hands-on health and fitness exhibits, great bargains on running and fitness gear, free samples and massages and information on equipment, nutrition and other runner events. The expo is free and open to the

The Twin Cities Financial Planning Day – Oct 5 Find answers to your money management questions at the Twin Cities Financial Planning Day with KSTP’s Joe Schmit Oct 5th, 2013 10am to 2 pm at Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, MN 55104. The Financial Planning Association of Minnesota (FPA) is giving the Twin Cities community a day of free financial advice. FPA is teaming up with the City of Saint Paul, the Wilder Foundation, and Neighborhood House to bring this one-of-a-kind opportunity to people who have questions about money. The free

event is open to the public and will include workshops, one-onone financial advising sessions, and a resource fair to learn more about programs and services that are available. Don’t miss this opportunity to get free, private advice on the financial issues that matter most to you from qualified professionals from FPA. For information visit www.Financial PlanningDays.org/ TwinCities or call (877) 861-7826.

Anniversary Celebration – Oct. 17 M i n n e a p o l i s MADDADS 15 Year Anniversary Celebration will be held Thursday, October 17, 2013 at Heritage Park Senior Center.

Come join in the celebration for: Nonalcoholic Cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:00pm; Dinner and program at 6:00pm; Entertainment throughout the evening; Live and Silent Auction and Special Guest

HCMC Exhibit – Now -Oct. 30 A new exhibit featured in the Hennepin Government Center, The World Within Our Walls: The history of departments inside HCMC, which highlights the vast array of skills, abilities, and concerns that are necessary to fulfill our patient care mission opens Sept.

3 and runs through Oct. 30, 2013. This exhibit contains historic and current documents, objects and photographs that tell the story of each hospital department’s contribution to our health care mission.

For more information, visit our website at www.hennepin medicalhistory.org, or stop into the History Center on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10am2pm located inside HCMC in BL 226 and 227, 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, or call (612) 873-6090. The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center, A Level, 300. S. Sixth St., Minneapolis.

Volunteers of America Foster Parent Information Meetings – Ongoing Foster Parent Information Meetings for interested skilled parents desiring to provide care for troubled youth in the Volunteers of America foster care program.

Kids of all ages are in need of a stable home with dedicated parents.

Information meetings are held at Volunteers of America Corporate Office every Friday from 10am-11:30am.

To RSVP or for additional information on becoming a foster parent, contact Jolene Swan at (952) 945-4064, email ftpfostercare@voamn. org or online at voafostercare.org

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280. Must meet certain qualifications.

STAFF ATTORNEY Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks full-time attorney for its Minneapolis office. Fam. law with some work in govt benes. Licensed in MN pref’d. Postlaw school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary $45,000+D.O.E. up to $49,436. Excellent benes.

Resume with references and writing sample to Judy Hollie, CMLS, 430 First Ave. No., #359, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Appl. deadline: 10/11/13 or until filled. EOE.

Executive Director

As the operator of the Hennepin Energy Resource Center, Covanta Ene Energy is proud to help power and heat Ene Minneapolis with renewable energy.

Min We are also proud to help empower the City of Minneapolis by supporting the great work of the Urban League of Minneapolis.

Min Covanta Hennepin strives to be an active and supportive community member by providing jobs for local residents and investing in the areas of education, the environment, and economic development.

Headwaters Foundation for Justice seeks experienced Executive Director. Responsibilities include fundraising, staff development, board relations, strategic partnerships and alliances. ED reports to 18-member board. The successful candidate will understand and be committed to community organizing as a model for social change. Will employ a participatory leadership approach and have the maturity, experience and skill to instill confidence and build a shared vision with stakeholders.

The ideal candidate must possess exceptional written/ verbal skills, excellent strategic planning abilities, solid management skills, and the capacity to translate vision into results. Require at least 5 years progressive leadership experience, BA or equivalent experience. Excellent benefits, salary commensurate with experience, to apply email resume, cover letter and salary history to search@ dendros.com by September 16 – position open until filled. No phone calls. EOE.

APARTMENT OPENINGS Delton Manor is accepting applications for future 1, 2, & 3 Bedrm apartment openings. Delton Manor has 3 two-bedrm handicapped accessible units located in the building. Delton Manor promotes equal housing opportunities for all perspective residents regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual preference, religion, handicap, marital status, familial status, national origin or source of income. For applications and qualifications, contact NANCY at 218-759-2523.

AN EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

Townhomes Available Fieldcrest in Moorhead, MN Rent based on 30% of income 2 & 3 bdroms open MetroPlains Management

701-232-1887 www.metroplainsmanagement.com

YOU CAN PREVENT

DIABETES Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in Minnesota,

and African Americans die from diabetes at more than double the rate of whites. If you are African American, 18 and older and overweight, you are at high risk for Type 2 diabetes. But the good news is “It’s not too late to prevent diabetes”. Recent studies show you can

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Recover Energy-from-Waste.

prevent or delay diabetes. Lose a small amount of weight by being physically active 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and eating healthier.

Join a Stairstep Foundation/His Works United “I Can Prevent Diabetes” Program offered in area churches at no cost to you and receive $125 in gift certificates for completion. For more information

covantaenergy.com

call Sylvia Amos at 612-521-3110.