Insight News ::: 11.28.16

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Insight News November 28 - December 4, 2016

Vol. 43 No. 48 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Children say goodbye to their First Lady

Harry Colbert, Jr.

NFL Business Connection Diversity and Inclusion Supplier Diversity coordinator Alex Tittle talks to a group of minority business owners hoping to earn contracts with the league for 2018 when the Super Bowl comes to Minnesota.

Super Bowl comes with opportunity for minority; women business owners

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor In addition to the hundreds of thousands of fans that the 2018 Super Bowl will bring to the Twin Cities, it is also bringing opportunity for area minority and women-owned area businesses.

Those opportunities are being made available through the NFL Business Connection Diversity and Inclusion Supplier Diversity Program. And Alex Tittle, the man heading the

program here in Minnesota said the time for businesses to cash in is not now, but right now. Tittle, who also served in a similar role for the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority – the agency that oversaw the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium, where the 2018 Super Bowl will be played – recently met with a group of eager minority and womenowned businesses offering advice on how to be a part of the big game, and more importantly, a part of the hundreds of millions of dollars that come with it.

“We want to show the world we are prepared for

Super Bowl 52” said Tittle at a gathering in the Midtown Global Exchange Building in Minneapolis. “And our business owners want to show folks we’re ready for this opportunity.”

In being ready for the opportunity Tittle said business owners need to have their housekeeping in order.

In order to even be considered as a business that can be participate in official Super Bowl contracting opportunities the business must be 51 percent minority or woman owned, headquartered in and eligible to do business in Minnesota, be

in good standing with the state and must have been in operation for at least three years as of April 1, 2017. Businesses must also be registered as either a disadvantaged, veteran-owned, woman-owned, or LGBT-owned business. Tittle said of the 2,000 or so businesses expected to apply, a database of about 400 will make the final cut for contract consideration.

“If I had my way minority and women enterprises

SUPER BOWL 5

Michelle Obama hugs one of the awardees at the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards ceremony at the White House. Children from across the nation laughed, hugged and cried as they said goodbye to the first lady, who leaves office with her husband in January.

By Ayanna Alexander, Howard University News Service Children from all over the nation, some who had never ventured past their street corners and others who had never traveled outside their cities, stood in the

White House and cried, the tears streaming down their face. They also laughed and giggled and hugged.

They were a diverse group, Black, Hispanic, Native-American and gay, ages 12 to 18.

FIRST LADY 8

Economics, not culture, is the major challenge facing MCTC, Pierce says

Gregory P. Russ

Public Housing Authority selects Gregory Russ to succeed McCorvey Dr. Sharon Pierce

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor In many ways Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) is a microcosm of its urban

setting and urban settings across America … and that what attracted its president to the school.

Dr. Sharon Pierce said she is up for the challenges faced by the

school and its students. She said she is at the right place at the right time.

Though it has the most diverse post-secondary school student population in the state, MCTC is known for

racial division. In 2014, then president, Phil Davis, amid allegations of presiding over a hostile environment, received a vote of no confidence from

MCTC 8

Minneapolis City Council confirmation vote in December The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) Board of Commissioners has voted to appoint Gregory Russ as MPHA’s next executive director and CEO. Russ would assume leadership of the

agency following the February retirement of current executive director and CEO Cora McCorvey.

Commissioners made the appointment at their regular monthly board meeting on Nov. 16, subject to confirmation by the

MPHA 7

News

Business

Commentary

Community

NAMC

How to make a successful offer in today’s housing market

No joke: PTES (post traumatic election stress) is real

Kwanzaa: 20 years of excellence

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Page 2 • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Insight News

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NAMC awards stellar business achievement

Photo by David Bradley

Steve Wilson and Tim Wise

Photo by David Bradley

Art Gardner jr, Alex tittle and Commissioner Lindsey The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Upper-Midwest Chapter recently handed out its annual awards to various companies and entities that excelled in promoting diversity in contracting.

Those awarded included Gov. Mark Dayton and Human Rights Commissioner

Kevin Lindsey for their efforts in ensuring the U.S. Bank Stadium project exceeded minority participation goals.

With a goal of 32 percent set for minority participation, at its peak, 37 percent of all workers on the project were of an ethnic minority.

Also awarded were

Photo by David Bradley

Photo by David Bradley

Tim Wise and Jackie Cooper

Mark Hall and Hattie Davis

Photo by David Bradley

Photo by David Bradley

Non-Profit of the Year- Hennepin County Award Recipients: Felicia Clomon, Hennepin County; Commissioner Linda Higgins; Gilbert Odonkor, Hennepin County; Marie Zellman (McGough Construction (presenter); Commissioner Massman (presenter); Dwayne Etheridge, NAMC President Large Contractor of the Year, Shaw-Lundquist Associates, Inc., Medium Contractor of the Year, Tri-Construction and Small Contractor of the Year, Wenrich Property & Development.

The Affiliate of the Year for Profit award went to Knutson Construction and the Affiliate of the Year Non-Profit went to Hennepin County.

The NAMC Advocate

Supplier of the Year Award Recipients—B&L Supply--Marie Zellman, McGough (presenter); Matt Massman, State of Mn Commissioner (presenter); LaTique E Simmons, B & L Supply; Cliff Boyd, B&L Electric; Robert Battle, B& L Electric and Dwayne Etheridge, NAMC President of the Year is Ramona Wilson.

In addition to being awarded, Wilson, who is an NAMC board member, also coordinated the awards dinner and ceremony

that was held inside U.S. Bank Stadium, which many in the room helped construct.

Minneapolis Foundation adds six new trustees subcontractor on the recently completed U.S. Bank Stadium.

Ravi Norman

Devean George

The Minneapolis Foundation announced the addition of six new members to its board of trustees.

Peggy Flanagan, Devean George, Leni Moore, Sahra Noor, Ravi Norman and John Taft attended their first board meeting as trustees earlier in November.

“The Minneapolis Foundation looks for community leaders with diverse backgrounds and professional expertise to help guide our work,” said R.T. Rybak, president and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation. “The six trustees joining our board bring a wealth of experience and a range of perspectives to their new roles, and I look forward to their contributions as the foundation launches its second century.”

The board of trustees is comprised of three dozen citizens of the greater

Minneapolis area who are leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. All six of the new trustees have been appointed to four-year terms.

George, who was born in Minneapolis, made history when he became the first-ever NCAA Division III basketball player selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

Now retired from the NBA, George formed of George Group North, a real-estate company specializing in multifamily residential development, mixeduse projects, and property redevelopment and management.

Norman serves as the chief executive officer of Thor Construction, Inc. He collaborated with several Fortune 500 corporations and nonprofits to develop innovative solutions to maximize diversity and inclusion within the supply chain. Thor was a lead

Moore has an extensive background in corporate finance and investment banking, having worked in corporate and real estate finance in New York at firms including Salomon Brothers, The First Boston Corporation, and Cushman & Wakefield. She has held a number of board positions in organizations including the United Nations Dept. of Public Information Non-Governmental Organizations Executive Committee, Women’s Refugee Commission, New York Foundation for the Arts (chair), Minnesota Zoo Foundation, Graywolf Press, Minnesota Opera and currently serves as Government Relations Chair of the Minneapolis Institute of Art and past Board Chair of Global Minnesota.

Noor is the chief executive officer of People’s Center Health Services, a nationally recognized community health center based in Minneapolis. Prior to joining People’s Center Health Services, Noor held leadership roles at Fairview Health Services as the director of Community Health and Language Services and at UnitedHealth Group as the director of Clinical Operations.

In 2015, Noor was recognized as one of 40 business leaders under the age of 40 by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. She was also appointed by Gov. Mark

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Dayton and elected to serve as co-chair of the Minnesota Task Force on Healthcare Financing.

Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe, is a longtime advocate for Minnesota’s children and families. A noted community and political organizer, she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in November of 2015. Prior to joining the legislature, she served as the executive director of Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota, an organization dedicated to leveling the playing field for all children in the region. She also worked for eight years at Wellstone Action, first as

director and founder of the Native American Leadership Program, then as director of external affairs. As one of the original trainers of Wellstone Action’s signature program Camp Wellstone, she has trained tens of thousands of progressive activists, community and campaign organizers, future candidates, and progressive officeholders to make effective, sustainable, progressive change around the country.

Taft is the recently retired CEO of RBC Wealth Management-U.S., one of the largest full-service investment, advisory and wealth management firms in the United States. Taft

is a former chairman of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, a former member of the CFA Institute’s Future of Finance Advisory Council, and has served a wide range of not-for-profit and public service organizations.

Prior to his finance career, Taft was assistant to the mayor of the city of St. Paul and a journalist.

He is a direct descendant of U.S. President William Howard Taft and Sen. Robert Taft.

The Minneapolis Foundation manages nearly $700 million in assets that results in the average annual distribution of more than $50 million in grants.

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Insight News • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Page 3

Health

When caregiving overwhelms Commentary by Deb Taylor When Deborah’s father turned 84, he needed help remaining independent at home, so Deb assisted with housework and cleaning.

She raked leaves and shoveled snow, too. When he had a doctor’s appointment, she usually drove him. In time Deborah grew weary because she also had a full-time job and a

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family.

“At one point, Dad was occupying all of my time, taking all of my energy, and I just couldn’t do it. It was impossible for me to care take Dad and juggle the rest of my responsibilities,” said Deborah.

Sylvia grew weary caregiving her husband. And, because he could not be left alone, she spent long, isolating days at home, unable to get out much for socialization to refresh her own state-of-mind.

“Sometimes I’m just

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Assistant to the Publisher Shumira Cunningham Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin Associate Editor Leadership and Social Enterprise Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Men’s Health Network) – It’s lateNovember, and we all know what that means.

The holidays are right around the corner — Thanksgiving, then Christmas and New Year’s. That means time with family and of ice or school holiday parties offering seasonal favorites. Who can resist pumpkin pie and eggnog, right? The holiday season brings a wide mix of emotions and stress and the temptation of nostalgic holiday treats can add yet another concern – holiday weight gain. While eating and merrymaking is both expected and encouraged during these special moments, excessive indulgence can lead to health issues later.

This time of year doesn’t have to be synonymous with weight gain,

especially if you approach it with a sound game plan that addresses three important factors to controlling weight – nutrition, itness and stress management. We’ve compiled a holiday eating game plan with strategies that can help you from gaining those unwanted pounds.

Don’t skip meals – especially breakfast – in anticipation of eating larger holiday meals later. Research shows people who eat a healthy breakfast tend to consume fewer calories during the day.

Have a pre-meal.

Don’t go to a holiday gathering on an empty stomach. Snack on fruits or vegetables before heading out the door. This will give you a slight feeling of being full, which will help prevent overeating later.

Plan ahead. Have a plan for self-control, especially when it comes to your most tempting treats.

Memory Loss Support AFRICAN AMERICAN CAREGIVER SUPPORT KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER

Lill’s Angels Support Group

Caregiver HOLIDAY GATHERING

Photography David Bradley Rebecca Rabb

which helped me know I was not alone. And my husband, Al, came along, too, enjoying the activities.”

Caregivers must take care of themselves to avoid caregiver fatigue or burnout. Be sure to make time for yourself; a walk or time spent reading can help restore you. Consider an adult day program for your older loved one. These programs offer a place for seniors to socialize and get medical care and other services. And while they’re away, it gives you time to rest or

run errands. Do a reality check of your situation and be prepared to seek out supportive services that can help ease the caregiving burden.

Deb Taylor is CEO of Senior Community Services and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for older adults and helps seniors and caregivers maintain their independence through free or low-cost services.

Think ahead about the sights, sounds, aromas and feelings that trigger your personal patterns of overeating, and then make plans to combat these beforehand so they don’t become overwhelming.

Practicing awareness and mindful eating helps reduce the potential for excessive indulgence.

Stay Hydrated.

Sipping on a glass of water throughout an event helps keep you feeling full and staves off the dehydration that comes from eating too many high-sugar, high-salt goodies.

Dehydration can actually mimic hunger; tempting you to eat more when in reality, you’re just thirsty.

Practice portion control. It’s nice to dig in to your favorite holiday treats, however, the extra effort required later to work off the calories — or worse, the gaining of unwanted body fat from eating too much — should be reminders for portion control. Eat what you want, just keep your portions reasonable, chew food slowly and keep return trips to a minimum.

Size matters. The

bigger the plate, the more food you are likely to eat. Use smaller plates at the buffet line as they can help with portion control. There is something about seeing an empty plate that helps us feel satis ied whether the container is large or small. And that’s why using a smaller plate is so effective.

Eat food because you’re hungry, not because it’s there. Make a deliberate decision to control so-called recreational eating. Eat with your appetite, not with your eyes. Examine what’s available, and then decide what you really want.

Also, remember to eat slowly. The stomach needs about 20 minutes to tell the brain that it’s feeling full. But when food is gulped down, by the time the stomach sends its fullness signal to the brain, you’ve probably already eaten too much food and too many calories. And veg out on veggies irst. Filling up on healthy, low-calorie, high- iber vegetables instead of high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt and highcaffeine treats will make you feel full without the drawbacks of dehydration, nervousness, weight gain and overeating.

Additionally,remember that healthy eating is only half the battle. You also need to stay physically active. Maintain or slightly increase your regular exercise program. This will help decrease your appetite, keep your metabolism high and give you a little caloric leeway for those sweet treats.

When shopping for holiday gifts, park furthest away from the shopping entrance. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator and take a walk after a heavy meal. As tempting as laying on the couch may be after eating, taking a short walk instead will actually help your body digest your food.

Most of all, enjoy yourself during the holidays.

They don’t call it “the most wonderful time of the year” for nothing. But rather than focusing on food, allow yourself to enjoy the personal relationships, meaning of the season, personal re lections, renewed spiritual dedication, holiday games, fun and memories you’re blessed to have.

MENTHOL.

Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Melvin Carter, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Gloria Freeman Timothy Houston Penny Jones-Richardson Michelle Mitchum Darren Moore Artika Tyner Toki Wright

workers and help managing ongoing caregiving tasks with other family members and friends.

“Senior Community Services’ CareNextion.org website became crucial for us,” explained Deb. “We got our extended family signed up on the care team and created a calendar of tasks. Everyone helped out, which eased the burden on me.”

Sylvia found great value in the support groups at her local senior center. “I was able to talk with other caregivers

Healthy food should be available to everyone during the holidays

By Ramon Paolo Llamas

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

worn out,” admitted Sylvia.

Many thousands of Minnesotans are the primary caregiver of an older adult.

And most are reluctant to acknowledge the stress they feel as they battle fatigue, trouble sleeping, depression and stressrelated weight gain or loss.

What to do? Many are able to receive support from Senior Community Services.

The support includes home maintenance help, fellowship at senior centers, care coordination support from experienced social

NOTHING COOL ABOUT INCREASING YOUTH SMOKING. Thursday, December 15 at 5:30 – 8 pm VOA – MN Southwest Center 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Featuring: Fea Fe eaat atur tur uriri : A caregiver panel \ Ethylon (E.B.) Brown, ordained Minister of Music, ensemble, and instrumental music. Her passion for inspirational and interactive choral music draws audiences of every age in expressive, enthusiastic rhythms and melodies that celebrate life given by God the Creator.

Be prepared to share your favorite Christmas tunes to sing along.

Lift your spirits with the joy of music.

By RSVP only – 952-945-4173

Dinner served at 6 pm

The Holiday Gathering will replace the December support groups

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.

83% OF AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH SMOKERS SMOKE MENTHOLS.

83% OF AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH SMOKERS SMOKE MENTHOLS.

Page 4 • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Insight News

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Insight News • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Page 5

Business Super Bowl From 1 would have first right of refusal

(when it comes to the NFL’s selection process for awarding Super Bowl 52 contracts), but of course it doesn’t work that way.

What I do want to make sure is you are at the table,” said Tittle.

Tittle said in addition to being eligible for Super

Bowl contracts, businesses who make the cut will be placed in a database to work with Target Field and the University of Minnesota. He said a wide range of opportunities exists including everything from entertainment and event planning, food and

beverage, photography and graphics to security, snow removal and waste removal.

Businesses seeking to register with the Super Bowl must do so by April 1 at www. mnsuperbowl.com.

Another informational will be held this

Friday (Dec. 2) from 9 a.m. until noon at the University of St. Thomas Law School Atrium, 1000 LaSalle Ave., Minneapolis.

“If one of us gets it right it opens doors for someone else,” said Tittle. “We’re building a pipeline for minority,

women and LGBT businesses in entertainment, services and industry. I want all of us to eat and there’s enough for everybody to eat.”

How to make a successful offer in today’s housing market

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(c) WavebreakMediaMicro (StatePoint) – Prospective homebuyers can be encouraged by the current market.

Nearly 68 percent of homes sales today are to individual buyers compared to 53 percent in 2011 when investor and cash deals were at their peak. Still, competition for housing is hot.

“In a competitive market, your offer may be one of many. But you can take steps to increase your chances of success,” said Chris Bowden, senior vice president of HomeSteps, the real estate sales division of Freddie Mac. The experts at HomeSteps and Bowden are offering homebuyers some important tips for making an offer in today’s market. Bowden encourages buyers to understand

their finances. While it’s not nearly as fun as house hunting, fully understanding finances is critical to helping determine a price limit and whether one’s budget can cover necessary upgrades, as well as monthly expenses for general upkeep and utilities, which can run hundreds of dollars monthly.

He suggests a buyer act fast. When home inventory is low, the sooner one can make an offer, the better. Getting preapproved can help a buyer make a confident offer.

Make a strong offer that will be comparable with other sales and listings in the neighborhood. A licensed real estate agent who is active in the neighborhoods will be instrumental in helping put in a solid offer based on recent sales

of similar homes, the condition of the house and what one can afford.

Always ask the seller for a home warranty as part of an initial offer. That way the buyer will be covered if appliances or mechanicals fail or break down after purchase.

Prepare to negotiate.

Be prepared for counteroffers.

The two things most likely to be negotiated are the selling price and closing date Lastly, get a home inspection. Always get an independent home inspection to know the true condition of the home. If the inspection uncovers undisclosed problems a buyer can typically re-negotiate the terms or cancel the contract.

African-Americans are encouraged to ‘Travel Black’ during the holidays

jimcrow greenbook “‘The Green Book,’ with its list of hotels, boarding houses, restaurants, beauty shops, barber shops and various other services can most certainly help solve your travel problems ... It was the idea of Victor H. Green, the publisher, in introducing ‘The Green Book,’ to save the travelers of his race as many difficulties and embarrassments as possible,” Wendell P. Alston wrote in the 1949 edition of “The Negro Traveler’s Green Book.”

Victor H. Green had an idea to publish a guide of safe places that AfricanAmericans could patronize as they traveled throughout the United States. Green, a postal worker, corroborated with his postal colleagues around the country and published “The Negro Motorist Green Book in 1936,” later known as “The Negro Travelers’ Green Book,” or more commonly, simply “The Green Book.”

Due to Jim Crow laws, African-Americans understood that they were not welcomed in many restaurants, particularly in the South. As they traveled, African-Americans would pack enough food to last them for the duration of the trip. Eating was one obstacle, lodging was an entirely different hurdle.

“42,” a film produced about the great Jackie Robinson, who was one of the first AfricanAmericans to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball, highlighted how he could not room with his teammates in the same hotel. Robinson later spoke out against Jim Crow and criticized hotels that refused him. A number of hotels and restaurants where the Dodgers stayed integrated as a result.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin and thus allowed African-Americans to move freely throughout the country. “The Green Book” discontinued its publication soon after this bill was passed.

An offshoot of the Black Lives Matter movement has spawned a Black Dollars Matter movement as well. With traction from social media, Blacks were challenged to move their money to African-American owned financial institutions.

Thousands of accounts have been opened and more than $30 million dollars have transferred into African-Americanowned banks as a result. Now African-Americans are being challenged to “Travel Black.”

Green once wrote, “There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published,” however, Andy Ingraham, founder of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) recognized Green’s dream, “That is when we as a race will have equal opportunities and privileges in the United States,” had not yet been achieved.

Today’s version of “The Green Book” is the digital platform, www.millionstwoone.com, an African-American business directory.

The directory lists thousands of Blackowned hotels, restaurants, car dealerships, retail shopping locations, physicians, attorneys and more.

In 1998, Ingraham assembled a group of professionals to increase the number of African-American owned hotels. The group recognized that the tourism and hospitality industry did not have a considerable amount of African-American owners nor did it have many top level executives.

NABHOOD formed to create more opportunities and privileges for African-Americans.

Every July, Ingraham hosts a trade show to provide attendees with the opportunity to meet other African-American hotel owners, national leaders and top industry professionals.

The summit highlights opportunities in investments and supplier diversity and hotel ownership with major hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton and Choice Hotels.

A rising star who owes much of his hotel ownership and development success to NABHOOD is Evens Charles, the founder and managing principal of Frontier Development & Hospitality Group, LLC. Charles got his start in real estate by developing residential properties. Frontier Development & Hospitality Group, LLC has since acquired and developed hotel assets with a total capitalization of over $125 million, completing over 75 real estate transactions since its inception. Frontier Development & Hospitality Group, LLC and its partner Kana Hotels recently acquired a 221 room Embassy Suites in Columbus, Ohio from RLJ Lodging Trust, whose founder and managing principal is Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television.

Today, there are close to 700 African-American owned hotels in the United States.

African-Americans currently own hotels in every major market in the U.S. including Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The 1,175 room Washington Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel is owned by Capstone Development Corp., managing principal, Norman Jenkins. Jenkins, an African-American, is currently developing two more hotels in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Embassy Suites outside of Los Angeles in Downey on 8425 Firestone Boulevard is owned by RLJ Lodging Trust. The 860 room Doubletree Manhattan at 569

Lexington Ave. in Manhattan is also owned by RLJ. RLJ is one of the few African-American owned companies that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

You see possibility.

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Find your possible at a U.S. Bank branch, call 800.825.BANK (2265), or visit financialgenius.usbank.com

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Page 6 • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Insight News

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Commentary No joke: PTES (post traumatic election stress) is real Commentary

By Irma McClaurin, PhD Culture and Education Editor Feeling listless, pessimistic about the direction of this country, feeling more excluded since exercising your right to vote, worried that your white colleagues will begin interspersing conversations using the N word just for effect, wondering how your Spanish accent will play in the postTrump job market, or afraid to put on a scarf for fear it might be mistaken for a hijab?

If any of these symptoms describe your current

emotional state of mind, no need to look any further in the medical dictionary or the American Psychological Association’s list of documented psychological illnesses. You have PTES – post traumatic election syndrome.

No joke; this is a real disease and it’s spreading like the avian flu. There is no known cure – at least for the next four years. And PTES may cause you to do crazy things. It has been known to manifest in the paranoia known as “doing anything Black … driving, walking with skittles, selling cigars on a street, reading the Bible and the most recent is breathing while Black.

It is presumed that thousands will die from “Breathing while Black,” especially if they are in the vicinity of anyone who wears a badge: Black, white, AsianAmerican, woman; it doesn’t matter. Anyone with a badge who

find themselves in proximity of people breathing while Black have been known to hallucinate

exception is Black, transgendered police people, but to date, none have been hired,

No joke; this is a real disease and it’s spreading like the avian flu

and claim “I feared for my life” or “I felt I was in eminent danger” and legally discharge their weapons with no fear of reprisal.

The only possible

and if they are operating under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ethos, we may never know of their existence. Although the dresswearing person in the men’s

bathroom (before changing into uniform), carrying the Michael Kors handbag, is a little hard to ignore for long.

Needless to say, the prognosis for recovery is not good. It’s slow – at least four years, and potentially eight years.

In the meantime, take two shots of anything strong, pray to whomever you believe in, commune with nature (but be careful of gun-toting Trump supporters who may mistake you for a Black bear), pray, keep your passport current and maybe plan a trip to anywhere but here for a mental health break, pray, and seek inspiration from the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the slave rebellions, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Occupy Wall Street, and Black Lives Matter. And don’t forget to pray, march, protest, etc.

Newsflash to President-Elect Donald Trump … The Black genie of our liberation cannot be contained and put back in the box. We will hold you accountable for upholding our long-fought for liberty, our right to vote, our right to protest injustices under your leadership and everywhere in America, and our right to breathe and live righteously while black.

Permission to print granted by McClaurin Solutions.

Irma McClaurin is a Black Press award-winning columnist, former president of Shaw University, CEO of McClaurin Solutions and leadership strategist, and founder of the McClaurin Black Feminist Archive at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. She can be reached at blackfeministarchive@gmail. com.

We’ve got to stop killing each other

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor As I am writing this there is a dead body laying less than a half block away from me.

But just 15 to 20 minutes ago that body was a soul – a living, breathing human being. That body, bloodied and riddled with bullet holes, was a living person just 20 minutes ago. By the time you read this that body would have been identified and maybe even properly laid to rest. But at this moment … in this moment … the body of a man is laying on the ground just outside of a Little Caesar’s. A child is peering out of the window of

the restaurant. No person, let alone child, should have to see such a sight. And I am sick. I am literally sick.

At the time of writing, it is Thursday, Nov. 17 at 11:30 a.m. Yes, 11:30 a.m. Broad daylight. And quite frankly, I am struggling to come to grips with what just happened. I am shaken to the core. Not out of fear because of the close proximity … I heard every shot from outside of my office … every single shot … but I am shaken because I can’t take the blatant disregard of humanity.

And people, it has to be said. This wasn’t the cops that killed this man. The KKK didn’t come into our community and shoot five or more times.

This was us.

And you may not have pulled the trigger, but collectively, we are responsible for this. We own this. We can’t celebrate our many wonderful successes, yet ignore our glairing failures. It doesn’t work that way. We can’t march of justice when one of the “others” kills us and not be willing to march for peace to stop us from killing us.

What is hurting me the most is the normalcy in which people seem to be taking the killing. With a human soul having being just lost – the body lying on the ground … police and paramedics unable to revive … people stopped for a bit, shook their heads and continued on their ways. An employee at

the Burger King directly across the street washed the windows of the building while a man who was just murdered lay less than 50 yards away. A block south of the killing children on recess are swinging on swings and playing jump rope. Just a normal day.

Why is this normal? In what reality is this supposed to be normal? How did this become normal?

Sadly, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard shots in my newly-adopted neighborhood.

I’m begging that this be the last.

Even sadder, because of my urban living, both in Minneapolis and my hometown of St. Louis, I knew from the sound of the gunfire that someone was hit. Let that sink

in. I knew from the sound that someone was struck by the bullets. Because of the frequency of hearing gunshots my ears have been trained to know when shots are random or intentional.

I was able to discern that due to the progression of fire this was an intentional act with a target in close range. I’ve heard enough shooting in my day. When the shots let off I said out loud to myself, “Damn, that’s not good.

That’s not at all.” It didn’t take the screams that came about 15 seconds later for me to know. I knew instantly.

Camera in hand I walked toward the site of the shooting. Police were on the scene and paramedics were just arriving. I lifted my long lens

zoomed in and snapped a photo.

What I captured I hope to never see again. What I captured was emergency personnel backing off of the once living, now deceased – the man’s face covered in blood. That image will haunt me for quite some time.

He is gone and there was nothing more they could do. He’s gone. The question is, what can we do to stop the next senseless killing before the bullet exits the chamber.

Please help me in finding the answer. We need answers. I need answers. This can no longer be accepted as “normal.”

There is a dead body laying less than a half block away from me.

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Insight News • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Page 7

Education Associate degree grads guaranteed admission and credit transfer Under a new program announced last week by Minnesota State University, students who complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and earn a minimum 2.0 GPA* in an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from any Minnesota state college are guaranteed admission to every one of the seven Minnesota State universities with junior year status.

This new collaboration ensures that students can seamlessly and reliably transfer from Minnesota State colleges to Minnesota State universities.

“Minnesota State provides an extraordinary education that is the most affordable and accessible

MPHA From 1 Minneapolis City Council.

Russ is currently executive director of the Cambridge (Mass.) Housing Authority.

He brings more than three decades of experience

option in the state,” said Virginia Arthur, president of Metropolitan State University.

“With this guarantee, students can take full advantage of the significant cost savings our colleges and universities offer, graduate with significantly less debt than their peers, and emerge with the skills and knowledge needed to be prepared for the jobs of the future, provide for their families and contribute to their community and to the state’s economy.”

This guarantee saves students money because they can take advantage of the lower tuition rates at Minnesota State colleges for their freshman

and sophomore years, then transfer to a Minnesota State university to complete their bachelor’s degree. Tuition and fees at a Minnesota State college are significantly lower – between one-half and one-tenth the cost – of other higher education options within the state.

“This guarantee is something that only Minnesota State can offer,” said Anne Blackhurst, president of Minnesota State University Moorhead.

“In addition to our overall quality and affordability, it sets our state colleges and universities apart from other higher education options in Minnesota – both public and private. Only we can make

this guarantee because we are a collaborative system focused on serving the needs of students and the state of Minnesota.”

While students who complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from any of the 26 Minnesota State community colleges are guaranteed admission and full credit transfer to any of the seven Minnesota State universities, this collaboration does not guarantee admittance to specific majors. Academic requirements for major degree programs at state universities vary. For this reason, students considering credit transfer should discuss

their academic goals with an advisor at the state university they wish to attend.

to MPHA, including work at the Chicago and Philadelphia housing authorities and at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Among other industry leadership experience, he is a past president of the Public Housing Authority Directors Association.

A board-appointed executive director search

committee recommended Russ after an 18-month planning and search process.

“We’re very excited to make this recommendation, and I feel fortunate that Greg is excited to lead our organization going forward,” said MPHA commissioner and search committee chair, Tom DeAngelo.

The Search

Committee cited Russ’s passion for the mission, empathy for those MPHA serves, consensus-building skills, and experience leading complex organizations.

“It is really a privilege to have this opportunity,” Russ told the board.

In making the appointment, commissioners

acknowledged the “legacy of excellence” that current executive director McCorvey has established in her 25 years as the MPHA’s first and only leader to-date. If confirmed, Russ would likely begin his transition at the MPHA in early January.

“I believe that Greg Russ will be a great leader,” McCorvey told the board.

The metro area colleges where students can complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and earn an AA degree include: Anoka-Ramsey Community College Century College Inver Hills Community College Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minnesota State Community and Technical College Normandale Community College North Hennepin Community College Saint Paul College

The seven universities of Minnesota State that guarantee admittance from the state colleges listed above include: Bemidji State University Metropolitan State University Minnesota State University, Mankato Minnesota State University Moorhead Southwest Minnesota State University St. Cloud State University Winona State University* *Winona State University requires a minimum 2.4 GPA for AA degrees to be accepted.

“His demeanor, his passion, and his expertise in his field have not gone unnoticed by me and others around the country. Greg and I will work together closely to make sure that the transition is a smooth one.”

Report notes higher education advances, challenges in expanding diversity and inclusion The U.S. Department of Education has released a report, “Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education,” building on efforts to expand college opportunity for all.

The report presents key data that shows the continuing educational inequities and opportunity gaps for students of color and low-income students and highlights promising

practices that many colleges are taking to advance success for students of all backgrounds.

“I applaud the commitments to creating diverse campus communities that so many colleges and universities have long sought to implement by attracting, admitting, and educating diverse students. But we must acknowledge that we have more work left to ensure

that our campuses are safe, inclusive, and supportive environments that encourage student success and college completion for students from all backgrounds,” said Secretary of Education John King, Jr. In conjunction with this report, King released a letter calling on institutions to do all they can to eliminate harassment and discrimination to ensure a

positive environment for all students.

Key findings of the report found that over the past 50 years, racial and ethnic disparities in higher education enrollment and attainment, as well as gaps in earnings, employment, and other related outcomes, has increasingly contributed to gaps in opportunities for students of colors.

Underrepresented students of

color are disproportionately affected by decreases in participation at multiple points across the higher education pipeline including at application, admission, enrollment, persistence and completion.

The report also includes focus areas that can help campuses advance diversity and inclusion and provide support to students of color, low-income students

and other underrepresented population.

King said over the last seven years, the Obama Administration has made historic progress to ensure all Americans have the opportunity to get the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the global economy.

Page 8 • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Insight News

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Lifestyle

The permanency of joy Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Winter

is upon us.

As the colder weather creeps i n , attitudes change. For some, this is the most beautiful time of the year. For others, it is the saddest time of the year.

This is usually predicated on our current emotional state and our understanding of joy and happiness. Joy and happiness are two sides of the same coin. Happiness is the temporal and conditional part of your emotional state. It is the measurement of what is going on now.

On the contrary, joy is the

permanent side of your emotional state. It is based on your relationship with God. Because God is eternal, he alone can provide eternal joy.

Everyone should seek the permanency of joy needed to retain their happiness despite the ups and downs of life.

First, to have joy and happiness, you must simplify your life. Happiness is conditional so you must manage your present state.

Say goodbye to anything in your sphere that impacts your happiness. These things will only clutter your emotional closet. I have a personal affirmation that I will not voluntary do anything that does not add value to me, and if I find myself doing it, I will stop it. This should be applied to your emotional closet as well. Get rid of unhappy things and the emotional baggage that come

along with them. The better

building blocks for your

First, to have joy and happiness, you must simplify your life.

you manage your “now,” the more you increase the possibility of being joyful.

Next, to have joy and happiness, you must change what you think.

You must continuously think happy thoughts.

Your thoughts create your environment. They are the

actions. Your thoughts are the greatest defence against life’s adversity. Your thoughts feed off of your emotional state so you must remain emotionally healthy. This requires you to get rid of unforgiving, anger, bitterness and worry. Clearing these things out will make room for joy and happiness.

To have joy and happiness, you must make increasing your joy a priority. This is a spiritual necessity. The permanency of joy is predicated on a permanent relationship with God. Joy needs no support from external things. It is the undeviating side of your emotional state, and to get it, you must make peace with God. A healthy relationship with God will bring continued strength. “The joy of the Lord is our strength” – Nehemiah 8:10. Joy must come first.

Joy can exist without happiness, but happiness cannot exist without joy.

Life brings good and bad to us all. It is up to us to trust in the permanency of joy. When negative things happen that are beyond our control, we still get to choose our response. Our happiness will be impacted

by negative things, but our joy can still remain full. This is a choice based on where we choose to place our focus.

Don’t let temporary things impact your joyfulness. The process is straightforward.

Simplify your life, think happy thoughts, and make peace with God. When you do this, the permanency of joy will overtake any sorrow and make the possibility of continued happiness a reality.

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

For questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

New documentary, ‘White Time’ takes on white supremacy and white privilege “White Time,” a documentary mini-series from Raitan Films and independent filmmaker D. Eric Harmon, tackles the history and structure of white supremacy and institutional racism in the United States from colonial times to modern day.

Made possible by a Minnesota State Schools and Universities (MNSCU) sabbatical grant, “White Time” is available for free to all educational institutions.

“The documentary reveals what many Americans don’t want to own – that the U.S. is inherently racist, and

many of today’s failures in race relations aren’t a result of poor planning or execution but are actually a result of an intentional design that’s been in place from the country’s beginning,” said Harmon, the film’s director who teaches African-American literature and culture at Century Community and Technical College in White Bear Lake.

“White Time” offers insights into the concept of white supremacy, white privilege, structural racism and institutional racism. It also explores how ruling elites, via government policies

and social practices, merged all of these concepts into the essence of America by infusing white supremacy into institutions such as media, religion, education, government and law enforcement.

“The mini-series connects the chronological and systemic elements that make white racism such a prevalent factor in American life,” said Harmon. “Because the apparatus of white racism comes with a standard issue ‘cloaking device,’ most Americans are simply unaware of how white

supremacy works and how it shapes almost all that we do.”

The film series features authors, scholars, and activists such as Nekima Levy-Pounds, former Minneapolis NAACP President and Black Lives Matter activist, Mahmoud El-Kati, activist and former Macalester College history professor, Dr. Reba Peebles, a board certified psychiatrist and others.

Those interested in watching the film series can go to the Raitan Films website at www.raitan.com.

They had traveled to Washington from as far away as Arkansas and San Francisco to receive awards for their special arts

organizations. They also got a chance to say goodbye to the first lady, Michelle Obama, a woman who they said made them feel like they

too are a part of America.

“I’m more than happy,” said Noemi Negron after giving Obama a huge hug and mugging for

the cameras. “As a woman of color, it just makes me so happy to see Michelle up there fighting for everybody’s rights.”

Ian Aquino, an

autistic 9-year-old, hugged Obama four times and wore an ear-to-ear smile throughout the program.

appreciate aspect among the students.

“When I first came I had a student dialogue and when I asked what they liked most about MCTC they said it is the diversity. It’s what draws them here. That’s what keeps them here,” said Pierce.

“We’re working to heal old wounds and we’re invested in equity and inclusion. It underpins every decision … every policy we implement.

We’re being very intentional about that. We’re having the very difficult conversations.”

MCTC student population is 39 percent European-American, 31 percent Black/AfricanAmerican, 10 percent Hispanic, 7 percent that identifies as multiracial and 6 percent Asian. The average age of a student at MCTC is 27 years old and 27 percent are first generation college students.

Surprising to some, yet obvious to others, Pierce

said the biggest challenges facing MCTC is not culture; it’s economics.

“At this institution we have students facing food insecurities, shelter insecurity, we have students who are homeless … who have issues with transportation,” said Pierce.

“Some students are here for life enhancement. Everybody doesn’t come here to get a degree and we have to be

responsive to that.”

As a part of that responsiveness, Pierce, who took over as president this past July, said students have led food drives and the school operates a food pantry to support students in need. She said the school also has a robust work-study program to assists students in affording college and basic essentials. According to the school’s data, 66 percent

of MCTC students receive some form of financial aid and 43 percent are Pell Grant recipients. The annual cost for a student taking 30 hours at MCTC comes to $5,350.

To compare, those same credit hours at the University of Minnesota would cost $13,626.

“The most rewarding part of being here is knowing we can make a

difference,” said Pierce. “If we can make a difference with the student population here it will have a positive impact for all of Minnesota.

In that way, I see MCTC as a shining jewel in downtown Minneapolis. I’m excited about us now, but I’m more excited about where we’ll be five years from now.”

D. Eric Harmon

First Lady From 1

MCTC From 1 the faculty’s union and left to become an associate vice chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. Until the selection of Pierce, Avelino Mills-Novoa served as interim president. With a changing face at the top, Pierce is hoping to change perceptions as well.

“I knew the challenges of the institution and that’s what attracted me,” said Pierce, who came to MCTC from Howard Community College in Columbia, Md., where she served as vice president of academic affairs.

While issues of inclusiveness have been dominating headlines when it comes to MCTC, with a student body of more than 12,300, Pierce said the school’s diversity is the most

raitan.com

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Insight News • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Page 9

Community McCollum calls Bannon appointment proof of Trump’s ugly direction WASHINGTON – Rep. Betty McCollum (D – 4th Dist.) took to the House Floor, going on record to oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Stephen Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor in the White House.

Bannon is the former executive editor of conservative

and controversial Breitbart News and a leader of the alt-right movement.

“Donald Trump’s hateful campaign has divided our nation. After the election, Mr. Trump promised Americans that he would ‘bind the wounds of division,’” said the Minnesota congresswoman.

“Yet his

It shows that the Republican Party has embraced Trump’s campaign agenda of blatant sexism, racial bigotry, and religious intolerance.”

McCollum called on her Congressional collogues to also speak out against Bannon’s appointment, calling his rhetoric “un-American.”

appointment of Stephen Bannon as chief White House strategist is proof of the ugly direction Mr. Trump intends to take our country. Bannon built his media career catering to white supremacists and anti-Semites.

The fact that Republicans have been silent on Bannon’s appointment is a disturbing sign.

“This un-American ideology must be confronted both here in Congress and in our communities. For millions of people, including families in my district, Trump’s election means they are now living under a shroud of fear. Here in this House and at home in Minnesota, I pledge to keep fighting to defend

our fellow Americans from Trump’s extreme agenda,” said McCollum. “If we want a strong America where all families have the opportunity to succeed, we must stand united and reject those who fan the flames of hate.”

Embracing diversity and inclusion: African proverbs on leadership Women Leading Change

By Dr. Artika Tyner Diversity is needed to bring together the brightest minds to create solutions to business, economic and social challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

This is a call to leadership. It’s the type of leadership that is evidenced by one’s ability to learn from others, develop a shared vision, and build cultural bridges.

While traveling in Ghana from Accra to Kumasi in Africa, I had the opportunity to draw upon the strength of diversity and

inclusion. I embraced and explored cultural perspectives on leadership. For instance, I learned about the importance of collective engagement where knowledge is a gift we share and cherish together. I also discovered the transformative power of a shared vision and collaborative partnerships.

This cultural exchange and learning experience expanded my knowledge on how to become a more inclusive leader.

Inclusive leaders are learners who embrace the very essence of our shared humanity and common destiny. The trip also demonstrated the importance of expanding the leadership studies field by exploring diverse perspectives on leadership.

Through this process, our understanding of leadership will be enhanced and enriched.

During my Ghana visit, I gathered a list of

motivational quotes on leadership. These quotes draw upon the rich cultural heritage of Africa by offering practical advice on self-reflection, skills development, and teambuilding.

only taking a walk.” Malawian proverb On vision “If you know the beginning well, the end won’t trouble you.”

Ghanaian proverb

On learning “Knowledge is like a garden; if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.” African proverb

On ethical leadership “When virtue founds a town, the town thrives and abides.”

Ghanaian proverb

On collective engagement “Knowledge is like a baobab tree; no one person can embrace it with both arms.” African proverb

On servant leadership “One does not regret having helped another.”

Kenyan proverb On innovation “One head does not exchange ideas.” Ghanaian proverb

On leadership versus management “One head does not go into council.” African proverb

On unity “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” Kenyan proverb

On followership “He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is

On interconnectedness “A person is not a palm tree that he should be self-complete (or, self-sufficient). African proverb On teamwork “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African proverb On community-building “One finger cannot lift up a thing.” African proverb On dignity/humanity “All human beings are children of God; no one is a child of the earth.” African proverb On listening “The fool speaks, the wise man listens.” Ethiopian proverb

On the future “Life is as you yourself make it.”

Ghanaian proverb On leadership for social justice “Judge each day, not by the harvest, but by the seeds you plant.”

Guinean Proverb After reading each quote, take a moment to pause and reflect. You can begin by pondering these questions. How can you apply the quote to your daily journey? What are the key leadership lessons? What skills do you need to develop to become a more effective and inclusive leader?

Each quote should provide inspiration for your leadership journey.

On Feedback “A leader who does not take advice is not a leader.” Kenyan proverb

Kwanzaa: 20 years of excellence Commentary by Titilayo Bediako My relationship with Insight News began before there was a WE WIN Institute.

Al McFarlane has always been committed to giving community voice; to education, voice to their concerns and voice to celebrate our greatness.

In 1989, I was a new teacher at Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PYC) in North Minneapolis. I brought Kwanzaa with me. Students were taught about Kwanzaa through making it come alive using the expressions and genres that were important to them. They taught their school that Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that is based on a seven-principle value system called the Nguzo Saba. The principles are umoja, which means unity, kujichagulia, which means self-determination, ujima, which means collective work and responsibility, ujamaa, which means cooperative economics, nia, which means purpose, kuumba, which means creativity, and imani, which means faith.

PYC students worked cooperatively to create a Kwanzaa program that included African dance and storytelling that showed the school and community how creative, exciting and important this cultural holiday is. The program brought to life why millions of African-Americans celebrate Kwanzaa. It culminated in a traditional African meal prepared by the students. These

young scholars were AfricanAmericans and EuropeanAmericans who valued the universal principles that allows all cultures to celebrate Kwanzaa.

Students also wrote original Kwanzaa poems that were published in a December 1990 issue of Insight News.

One of the poems was written by a current PYC teacher, Cynthia Bryant, an educator and specialist at the school as well as a professional basketball player.

Bryant was a high school junior when she wrote “Free.”

As I unchained free to roam about With no question of me

Photos courtesy of Titilayo Bediako

In 1990 Insight News ran an article and student written poem, “Free” recognizing Titilayo Bediako’s introduction of Kwanzaa to her classroom.

Photos courtesy of Titilayo Bediako

Photos courtesy of Titilayo Bediako

Titilayo Bediako teaching the principals of Kwanzaa to her classroom at Lyndale Elementary School.

Educator Titilayo Bediako stands in front of a Kwanzaa display at the Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education.

But still I am to a limit I am questioned I am free, or am I free to be who I want to be?

This question is yet to be answered The white man still controls Free will I ever know the meaning of this word?

Classifieds

and European; as well as Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Jehovah Witness. There was so much information that these young people taught me about their cultures, their religions and the cultural mores that were most important to them.

Sharing the richness of African culture including teaching them about Kwanzaa helped us to have a better understanding and appreciation of each other. This diverse classroom presented a performance in front of two other classrooms. Presenting Kwanzaa at Lyndale Elementary School created an excitement for students throughout the school.

Will I ever be heard?

I try to believe that I am free But every time I reach that limit I feel the chain tighter around my neck Refusing to let me go I got to break away I got to be free The last question…

To be free, is it the death of me?

Free I left PYC in 1992 and began teaching sixth grade for the Minneapolis Public Schools.

My classroom was a plethora of cultures and religions. My students were Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese, African

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What started as a program comprised of one sixth grade class turned into a citywide program with more than 200 student performers. Over the past 20 years, more than 30 schools have participated and thousands of students of all cultures have contributed to

teaching Minnesota about the values and importance of Kwanzaa.

In 1996, WE WIN Institute was born. Our mission is “dedicated to the academic and social success of all children.” We have performed Kwanzaa at community centers, at elementary, high schools, colleges and universities, churches and at premier venues such as the State and Pantages Theaters.

WE WIN is honored to share our 20th anniversary at the Ordway in St. Paul on Dec. 26.

WE WIN youth will be joined by some of the most incredible performers in the Twin Cities including Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness, Emmy Award winning T Mychael Rambo, Ivey Award winning Thomasina Petrus, gospel great Tonia Hughes, the Minnesota Black Storytellers Alliance and drum and dance phenomena, Voice of Culture (VOC). The event will be directed by Brian Granderson.

Kwanzaa at the Ordway is a must attend event.

It celebrates African-American greatness, and also brings together community in unity, in strength and in commitment to make life better for all. Michelle Obama said it well; “When they go low, we go high.” Come to the Ordway on Dec.26, and share an amazing display of 20 years of unity and excellence.

Cookie Cart welcomes individuals and groups of up to 25 to volunteer in the bakery at any time of the year and especially during the busy holiday season – this year the bakery expects to bake approximately 25,000 dozens of cookies between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Volunteer shifts are available weekdays, weekday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday. It’s a fun way for family, friends and colleagues to give back to the community while working alongside the talented and dedicated Cookie Cart teens. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Sara Ernst at 612-843-1942 or sernst@cookiecart.org.

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Page 10 • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Insight News

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Lady Midnight

Nov. 28 – Dec. 4

Monday, Nov. 28 THEATER

Nov. 28 - Dec. 4

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

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

#SayHerName Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Minneapolis $15-$18

Ave.

Minneapolis Institute of Art 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ernest Arthur Bryant, III is a transdisciplinary artist interested in the historical and contemporary uses of art and artifacts by different cultures around the world. His work is on display through January.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 ART

Check out a night of music curated by vocalist Lady Midnight featuring J. Hard, MMYYKK, Sloslylove and DJ Keezy.

Thursday, Dec. 1 R&B/POP

S.,

Playwright Sha Cage delivers a new project inspired by the death of Sandra Bland.

Sha Cage

Wednesday, Nov. 30 ECLECTIC Lady Midnight Presents: Midnight Special First Avenue & 7th St. Entry 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

18-plus $7

The Works of Ernest Bryant, III

Mayda First Avenue & 7th St. Entry 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m.

18-plus $8 Recently back from her tour in South Korea, Mayda brings her unique sound to First Avenue With Boba de Luz and Lott.

Friday, Dec. 2

PLAY “Orange” Mixed Blood Theater 1501 4th St. S., Minneapolis 7:30 p.m.

Runs through Dec. 4th Free (first come basis) “Orange” chronicles Leela’s adventures over the course of one ill-planned night full of detours, thrilling heights, mythic encounters, a nine-yearold villain and the search for a perfect orange.

Saturday, Dec. 3 PLAY

818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis $15-$67 Set during Christmas 1183, “The Lion in Winter” tells the tale of King Henry, II, his imprisoned queen and their three entitled sons who vie for the throne in a double-dealing division of the kingdom.

Sunday, Dec. 4 FESTIVAL Seward Winter Frolic The Playwright’s Center 2301 Franklin Ave. Minneapolis 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

E.,

Check out art, performances, music, food and more in the Seward neighborhood.

“The Lion in Winter” Guthrie Theatre

Jack Radics: Jamaica’s new national treasure

Jamaica’s honorary Consul to Georgia, Mrs. Jewel Scott, congratulates Jack Radics at the launch of his new album, “The Watershed”

(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA – Platinum-selling Jamaican recording artist Jack Radics has been hailed as one of Jamaica’s finest cultural ambassadors and a “national treasure” by Jewel Scott, Honorary Consul of the Jamaican Atlanta Consulate in Georgia.

Scott made the remarks as she issued the keynote address at the launch of Radics’ new album, “The Watershed,” at the Bassmint Production Studios last week in Atlanta.

Before a standing room only crowd filled with celebrities, industry professionals and well wishers, Scott called the launch of “The Watershed” album, “Another milestone in the artistic journey

of one of Jamaica’s finest sons and one of our most distinguished cultural ambassadors.” She noted that in a career spanning nearly 30 years, Radics had held the flag of his nation high on stages across the world, and had refused to bow to commercial pressure to create anything but music he can be proud of.

“We are all the richer for the music he has given us as a producer, songwriter, bandleader and a singer,” stated Scott.

The event was hosted by hip-hop artist and radio DJ, Chubb Rock, of Majik 107.5 FM’s popular afternoon show “The Ride,” and featured performances by Radics along with the Blak Diamond Band, Rica Newell, and John “Jubu”

Smith of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly fame.

The launch also featured the w o r l d premiere screening of the music video for “Love Is,” the first single from the album.

Three versions of “The Watershed” – main, acoustic and instrumental renditions – were all released simultaneously on Friday.

It was also announced that Radics will shortly be embarking on a major U.S. tour to promote the album.

Jamaica’s honorary Consul to Georgia, Mrs. Jewel Scott, congratulates Jack Radics at the launch of his new album, “The Watershed”

Rapper Dee-1 discusses fiscal and social responsibility Franklin Township, N.J. – He may be blowing up as a rapper but Dee-1, a.k.a. David Augustine Jr., still drives a 1998 Honda Accord and recently told an audience of more than 100 young people that he left his job as a math teacher to be a positive influence over a greater number of youth.

“I saw how much my students wanted to be like rappers,” said Dee-1 of his time as a 5th grade math teacher in Baton Rouge, La. “I never saw someone from my city of New Orleans who was a positive influence. There are people with millions of fans teaching a negative message.

I need to get out here and get back as many people as I can, with my message.”

Interviewed by AllHipHop.com’s Chuck Creekmur, Dee-1 spent more than an hour inspiring middle school to college students with his message of hope as part of the 5th Annual Financial Freedom Conference last week hosted by the Rev. Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries in Franklin Township, N.J. Dee-1 asked students to be productive, spiritual members of society – starting with fiscal responsibility.

“Don’t even start college unless you know you’re going to finish. You have to pay those loans back,” said Dee-1. “I used to pay the minimum back.

When I signed a record deal, I got a bunch of money all

twitter.com/dee1music

Dee-1, a.k.a. David Augustine Jr.

at once. The first thing I did with my money … I paid Sallie Mae back. One thing I love about my car is that it is paid off. I got out of debt because debt is a new form of slavery nowadays.”

Dee-1 told students that they need to be financially intelligent and know their numbers.

“Rappers are always talking about, ‘get that money,’ but nobody talks about what to do when you get the money,” said Dee-1. He said that while many rappers promote negative and frivolous lifestyles in their videos, he would rather anonymously send money to a fan in need than to waste money.

Not only are

his song lyrics positive, most reflect his real life experience. Dee-1 started getting noticed for his 2009 hit “Jay, 50 and Weezy,” which he said was his first attempt to address rappers who “are so powerful, they have so much paper, they have so much platform, but they’re not doing anything positive with it.” He said he’s not sure how much influence the song has had but that it’s important for youth to “speak truth” to power.

“It’s not your job in life to save everyone,” said Dee-1. “You can plant the seed. At least I shined my light in that way.”

insightnews.com

Insight News • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Page 11

HWMR 90s party Sporting Black Excellence and showing Greek unity, Kappa, Shed G (left) and Sigma, Sam Ndely at the H. White Men’s Room 90s party.

Teen prodigy, DJ Mickey Breeze spinning 90s hip-hop and R&B classics.

H. White Men’s Room proprietor and Black Excellence clothing line founder, Houston White in his B-Boy stance.

It’s the reincarnation of TLC with (left to right) Nikki McComb, Lisa Hanson Jones and Aarian Jones.

Kenneth Scales doing his best LL Cool J impression.

Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr. Celebrating the launch of his latest apparel creation, sm-ART, Black Excellence brand founder Houston White invited a few dozen friends to his North Minneapolis barber, retail and coffee shop, H. White

Men’s Room, 1500 44th Ave. N., for a 1990s themed party. sm-ART is an acronym for Showcasing Multicultural Art and the designs are developed and designed by artists of multicultural backgrounds.

Sm-ART designs fall under the

Black Excellence umbrella and the first design features hip-hop icon, turned actor, LL Cool J. The line is available at H. White Men’s Room and online at www. shopblackexcellence.com.

Saturday, January 14 • 8:00pm Thee Urbane Life’s Bianca Lewis

612.377.2224 / guthrietheater.org

STATE THEATRE • ON SALE NOW

by JAMES GOLDMAN directed by KEVIN MORIARTY

IN PERSON: State Theatre Box Office (no service fees)

BY PHONE: 800.982.2787

Now – December 31

ONLINE: HennepinTheatreTrust.org

by CHARLES DICKENS adapted by CRISPIN WHITTELL directed by JOE CHVALA

Now – December 30

Page 12 • November 28 - December 4, 2016 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Scenes from the Walker Art Center’s Avant Garden

Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.

Lauren Jude (left) and her husband Jamil Jude taking in the sights and sounds of Avant Garden at the Walker Art Center.

Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.

KMOJ’s Walter “Q Bear” Banks, Jr. and his former co-host, Shed G living it up at Avant Garden.

Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.

With a current No. 1 album to his credit with his group Tribe Called Quest, DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad rocks the crowd at the Walker Art Center.

Photos by Harry Colbert, Jr.

Style was on display at Avant Garden as evidenced by partygoers Scott Scout (left) and Devonda Scott.

All female hip-hop dance collective comes to Southern Theater Twin Cities hip-hop dance duo and identical twin sisters, Iman Siferllah-Griffin and Khadijah Siferllah-Griffin, also known as Al Taw’am, along with their co-created collaborative SHE will present their hip-hop, street styles and urban dance production, “Abandon Outlines” at the Southern Theater Dec. 8 – Dec. 11.

Al Taw’am, known for their identical DNA and power moves is a locally and nationally recognized and awarded dance duo that uses their talent as dancers to bring about social change.

Performing at such events as Facing Race (Baltimore and Atlanta), The Noble Peace Prize Forum, World of Dance, and The Minnesota Secretary

of State’s 50th Voter’s Rights Act Anniversary Celebration, they were recently invited to speak and perform at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Mass.

Out of their desire to increase the presence of women and girls in the Minnesota hiphop dance community, the sisters created, SHE, which stands for She who Holds Everything, an allfemale dance collective.

Earlier this year, SHE won the Minnesota Sage award for Outstanding Ensemble for their performance of “9th Inning in Rooted: A Choreographer’s Evening.”

Consisting of a

middle school student to a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, SHE’s mission is to empower, educate, and encourage woman and girls to strive towards excellence through dance.

Tickets for “Abandon Outlines” at the Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., are available at www. southern.ticketworks. com/eventperformances. asp?evt=58.

AYT Photography

Al Taw’am

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