Insight ::: 08.07.2023

Ar tis tr y Presents Artistry Presents GODSPELL

Artistry’s 2023 Season features GODSPELL, a modern-day 2023 Season features GODSPELL, a telling of the Gospel of St Matthew that brings Jesus’ message of the of St. Matthew that Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance, and love to life through song, dance, and of and love to life through song, and improvisation improvisation.

The production, with a Sunday August 13, closing The with a performance, features stellar local artists including John Jamison features stellar local artists John Jamison II as Jesus, Jordan Legget as John and Judas, Ben Dutcher as II as Jesus, Jordan as John and Judas, Ben Dutcher as Nick, Elena Glass as Lindsay, Grace Hillmyer as Morgan, Javari Nick, Elena Glass as Grace as Javari Horne as Anna Maria and Dance Captain, Annika Isbell as Swing, Horne as Anna Maria and Dance Annika Isbell as Caleb Michael as George, Wariboko Semenitari as Uzo, Ben Caleb Michael as Wariboko Semenitari as Uzo, Ben Siglin as Swing, and Nora Sonneborn as Celisse as and Nora Sonneborn as Celisse.

Artistry is a multi-faceted producing arts organization and is a multi-faceted producing arts and the anchor tenant at Bloomington Center for the Art, 1800 W Old the anchor tenant at Center for the Art, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington The South Metro’s largest non- Road, Bloomington. The South Metro’s nonprofit professional theater, Artistry produces large-scale classics t classics and smaller, more contemporary chamber musicals Artistry and more contemporary chamber musicals. serves more than 82,000 people per year serves more than per year.

Vanessa Brooke Agnes directs this touching and haunting Vanessa Brooke directs this and story of kindness, love, and community Choreographer Kyle story of kindness, love, and community.

Weiler, musical director Bradley Beahen, and associate director

Weiler, musical director Beahen, and associate director

Brittany Marie Wilson deliver “Soul-filling music, joyful Marie Wilson deliver “Soulmovement and universal lessons (that) make this piece a feast for movement and universal lessons make this a feast for the senses and the spirit,” says Agnes the senses and the says Agnes.

The production team features the creative talents of Katie

The team features the creative talents of Katie

Edwards (Scenic Designer), Kyia Britts

Edwards Britts (Lighting Designer), Jacourtney Mountain-Bluhm Mountain-Bluhm (Costume Designer), Britt Hilton (Hair & Makeup Britt Hilton & Designer), Born Into Royalty (Sound Designer), Will Born Into Will Rafferty (Technical Director), and Katie Phillips erty and Katie (Production & Properties Manager) & Properties Manager).

Single tickets range from $18–$48 and tickets range $18–$48 and can be purchased online at www artistrymn org can be online at www.artistrymn.org and by visiting or calling the and or calling the Box Office 952-563-8575 ce 952-563-8575.

Box Office hours are Wednesday Box ce hours are through Friday from 1-5pm

Brooklyn Park celebrates Liberian Independence Day and Igbo Fest

By Annabel Kamalu

Brooklyn Park is home to different cultures and values. These rich heritages and interactions are deeply appreciated, said Mayor Winston at the reading of declarations and proclamations at the July 25th Brooklyn Park City Council meeting.

The mayor proclaimed:

 July 26, 2023 as Liberian Independence Day in the city of Brooklyn Park as Liberia marks the 176th anniversary since its independence. Liberia was the first African country to attain independence, Mayor Winston said.

 August 12th, 2023 to be observed as Igbo Day. This year’s Igbo Fest focuses on diversity and inclusion, as a way of understanding each

other’s culture. Brooklyn Park was presented The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) City of Excellence Award. Describing it as a great way of giving the city staff recognition for all the work they do, Luke Fischer, LMC executive director, said the award was “To recognize Brooklyn Park for its creative housing solutions.”

The Doran Group Proposal Housing developer

The Doran Group proposed a new building to be built adjacent to the 610 West Apartments. Council Member XP Lee, East District, made 3 motions seeking approval of The Doran Group Proposal. All motions passed. The city also required:

1. Conducting a noise study in the plan before awarding a construction permit

2. Providing additional screening along Highway 610

3. Complying with the city’s mixed-income housing policy; providing 15% of the units at 60% of the area’s median income.

4. Providing an affordable housing plan; a detailed document with the compliance policy

Contract Extensions

The Council awarded 10 CommunityBased Organizations contract extensions and recommended allocations to:

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Partnership Program projects.

Felicia Jappah, Project Coordinator, asked the Council to approve extending the contracts from Round 1 funding. The total community fund approved for Round 2 is $700,000, with $550,000 is allocated for the ARPA and Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the

Murua Moms: Better futures for unborn children

Pregnant African American women seeking better futures for themselves and their unborn children often face challenges of maintaining emotional well-being, avoiding chemical abuse, and establishing healthy relationships. Murua (meaning “Respect” in Swahili) Moms Program helps women address these concerns. Murua Moms program lays the foundation for a healthier future for American African pregnant women. Expectant mothers will be equipped with holistic skills that prioritize the wellness of both themselves and their unborn children. The comprehensive approach involves lectures, engaging activities, enlightening videos, and insights from guest speakers. The program offers intensive individual and group emotional support for mothers and fathers.

remaining $150,000 for workers’ development initiatives.

Mayor Winston made it clear that there was not enough information on some of the organizations that have already received funding. Thus, he suggested that the council be kept better informed.

Council Member Maria Tran, West District, citing the need for transparency, requested more reporting on how the funds are used and have been used in the past. Community Development Director, Kim Berggren said documentation exists and is available to the Council.

Council Member Boyd Morson, Central District, expressed his concerns that small businesses not being considered in the topten organizations awarded the funding as per the requirements. Lee asked, “Has there been any issues in terms of

Brooklyn Park hires 5, looks at resident survey

By Annabel Kamalu

On July 10th, 2023, the Brooklyn Park City Council introduced 5 new city employees:

 Marcus Walker; Violence Prevention Manager Marcus Walker has an extensive background working in the public sector, particularly in public safety and violence prevention. He previously worked at the office of the Mayor in Kansas City and also served at the Kansas City Police Department as an advisor for public safety policy. Walker lives in the city of St.Paul as he transitions to Minessota.

 Nuai Guza;

Environmental Health

Apprentice

Having graduated from Minnesota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a

Minor in Urban and Regional Studies, Nuai Guza worked role as a consultant in industrial and field services at West Central Environmental Consultants. Guza worked on industrial waste disposal and spill response. Guza lives in Brooklyn Park and is a member of the Army National Guard.

 Mike Fleyrti; Staff Accountant Mike Fleyrti is a licensed CPA who has worked as an accountant at US Bank before

his new role. Fleyrti lives in North East Minneapolis with his wife and their two cats.

 Martin Rozales; Detention Officer Martin Rozales holds an AA degree from St. Paul College and is currently pursuing studies in Criminal Justice Leadership at St. Mary’s University. He previously

worked with the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a specialist and corrections officer. Rosales is a member of the Army National Guard and has done a tour in Iraq. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys soccer, volleyball, weightlifting, snowboarding, camping, hiking, and paddle boarding.

 Samantha Bozic; Historic Item Farm and Recreation Specialist Samantha recently graduated from Michigan Technical University with a degree in Sustainability Science and Society and a minor in Spanish International. In college,

The program features a “Community-Wide Baby Shower”, a unique event that allows expectant fathers to gather essential items to welcome their newborns into the world.

The Murua Moms program is not just another support group. It’s a commitment to changing the narrative, one mom at a time, program organizers say.

Brakins Consulting

and Psychological Services and the African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI) said the Murua Moms Education and Support Group sessions are scheduled to take place on Saturdays, August 5th through October 7th, 2023. Brakins said several organizations have joined in creating this transformative support initiative. Supporters include University Research & Outreach Center, (UROC), Minneapolis Foundation, YWCA Foundation Grant Program, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Cultural Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Grant (CEMIG) Program. Murua Moms

Could Trump serve as president from a Federal penitentiary?

By Chuck Hobbs

So, several of my close kin and friends have asked me the following questions in recent weeks:

1. “Can former President Donald Trump run for President if he becomes a convicted felon?”

ans.: Yes, he absolutely can run for President as I will discuss below!

2. “If President Trump becomes a convicted felon and is sentenced to prison, but still wins the Electoral College vote, can he serve as President?”

ans.: It depends!

As to the first question, lest we forget that in 1920, Eugene V. Debs, a socialist political firebrand at the turn and first few decades of the 20th Century, ran for President of the United States while incarcerated at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary!

In 1917, Debs was an outspoken opponent of America’s entry into World War I and over the next year and a half, delivered speeches and wrote editorials

that were harshly critical of then President Woodrow Wilson’s administration. More pertinently, Debs was against the military draft and after he spoke out against forced conscription during a speech in Canton, Ohio on June 16, 1918, he was charged and convicted of sedition! Debs was subsequently sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and forfeiture of his right to vote in September of 1918, and was serving that time when he decided to run for president in 1920.

While Republican Warren G. Harding ultimately defeated Democrat James Cox in November of 1920, Debs—the Socialist candidate—actually won 914,191 votes—from correctional facilities! The following year, President Harding commuted his former rival’s sentence to time served and released Debs just shy of serving three full years behind bars.

As you may recall from your old Civics classes, the U.S. Constitution only requires that a candidate for President of the United States is 35-years old, a natural born citizen, and have lived continuously in the U.S. for 14 years—that’s it! Thus, even a convicted felon whose civil rights have yet to be restored is eligible

TRUMP 8

Donald Trump

Contributing Writer

Council Member Maria Tran

Council Member Nichole Klonowski

Council Member Boyd Morson

Mayor Hollies J. Winston Brooklyn Park city manager Jay Stroebel

Contributing Writer

Of all the subjects taught in America’s public schools, few have become as contentious as U.S. history. At least 37 states have adopted new measures that limit how America’s undeniable history of racism – from chattel slavery to Jim Crow – can be discussed in public school classrooms.

Educators in certain states face laws that restrict classroom discussions about racism. Florida’s Stop Woke Act for example, limits what educators can say about racism in K-12 schools. For insight on the restrictive laws and what educators can do, The Conversation compiled a roundup of archival stories from several scholars that explain their origin and intent, as well as how they could potentially

affect everyday instruction in America’s schools.

1. The value of learning about systemic racism History educators

Jeffrey L. Littlejohn and Zachary Montz described how restrictions on teaching about systemic racism in Texas public schools prevent students from learning vital historical lessons.

The scholars referencedJoshua Houston, an enslaved servant from Texas who became the county’s first Black county commissioner, and his son Samuel Walker, who notably founded a school which served as one of the first county training schools for African Americans in Texas.

“Americans cannot appreciate the accomplishments of Joshua and Samuel Walker Houston without examining the vicious realities of Jim Crow society,” Littlejohn and Montz wrote. “The lesson of their lives, and of the Juneteenth holiday, is that freedom is a precious thing that requires constant work to make real.”

Are you a Pregnant African American mom who wants a better life for you and your unborn baby?

Do you ?

Do you want to gain new strategies to address the challenge of overcoming issues of chemical abuse, emotional problems, and unhealthy relationships?

Then, this group is for YOU!

(Limited to the first15 moms who sign-up before the deadline of August 5, 2023.

WHERE: UROC (Univ. Research & Outreach Ctr) 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411

HOW TO SIGN UP: Please contact Shirlynn LaChapelle, MHPP, directly @ 763-220-0617 at the African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI) by calling: 763-522-0100 Or

Murua Moms™©2008 Program Philosophy

The goal of the Murua Moms program is to promote wellness and improve birth outcomes for pregnant African American women. Program participants will receive $25 for Pre-program interviews, & gain hands-on guidance in learning skills that promote wellness in themselves and their unborn babies using lectures, guest speakers, fun activities, and videos. Most importantly, mothers and dads will get intensive individual as well as group emotional support. Finally, the program also features a “CommunityWide Baby Shower” for moms and dads to get free items in preparation for their babies.

Murua Moms™ (Swahili for RESPECT) is a collaborative project sponsored by the University Research & Outreach Center, Brakins Consulting and Psychological Services, the African American Child Wellness Institute and funded by the Minneapolis Foundation - WCA Foundation Grant Program, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Cultural Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Grant (CEMIG) Program.

2. The importance of historical knowledge Boaz Dvir, an assistant professor of journalism at Penn State and grandson of Holocaust survivors, is concerned that many educators are shying away from examining racism and genocide in the classroom due to new and proposed state laws that restrict conversations on crimes against humanity. Consequently, Dvir wrote that an alarming 63% of American millennials and Generation Z lacked basic knowledge about the murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust. According to Dvir without vital lessons on such crimes against humanity and the factors that give rise to them, students “may not have the knowledge and insight they

BP

mismanagement of any funds?”

need to sustain and thrive in a 21st-century democracy.”

3. Critical race theory’s impact on AP courses

Suneal Kolluri, a researcher who studies Advanced Placement courses – which provide students an opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school – raises another set of concerns regarding AP history and other history courses. In 2022, two Oklahoma school districts got downgraded accreditation for violating the state’s anticritical race theory law – a field of intellectual inquiry that looks into how race has been embedded into the legal system. Kolluri described his concern that AP courses could face similar penalties in states with restrictions

that the city’s review process is extensive, and its tracking mechanisms are thorough in monitoring any funding going out.

on conversations on race. “At a time when mostly Republican-led state legislatures have passed a rash of laws to restrict how public schoolteachers can educate students about America’s racist past, I worry that AP courses like U.S History and U.S. Government and Politics could be in jeopardy,” Kolluri wrote. “The danger is posed by those who support the various new state laws against the teaching of divisive topics and critical race theory.”

4. The ongoing battle over book bans Book bans in the 1980s focused on secular humanism, because it argued that there can be fulfillment without a belief in God. But of late, book bans have focused largely on critical race theory.

Fred L. Pincus, a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland examined how the book ban movement in the 1980s relates to the one occurring today. He wrote that both book ban movements objected to the critical teaching about race and racism.

Pincusalso wrote that right-wing critics have claimed that critical race theory is designed to cause white students to feel guilty. As of June 2023, a total of 214 local, state and federal government entities across the U.S. have introduced 699 anti-critical race theory bills and other measures.

“Of course, some white students – and other

students, too, for that matter –will feel uncomfortable upon learning not only about the history of American racism but also its present manifestations,” Pincus wrote. “Reality is sometimes uncomfortable.”

5. How to teach about racism within the new laws

W. Fitzhugh Brundage, a professor of history at University of North Carolina, examined the ways teachers could stay true to American history without breaking any of the new laws. For example, he suggested ways to mention slavery within the context of lessons about other topics, such as the free market before the Civil War and how it relied on violence and forced labor.

“Given the current political climate in the U.S., there is no reason to assume more laws that govern what can be taught in public schools will not be passed,” Brundage wrote. “But based on how the laws are being written, there are still plenty of ways for teachers to tackle difficult subjects, such as racism in American society.” Read more: How teachers can stay true to history without breaking new laws that restrict what they can teach about racism Editor’s note: This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

From

Education and Support Group

Jappah responded

Mayor Winston said the issue at hand goes beyond displacement. He said he was concerned about what will be done to support residents who don’t own businesses but still may be displaced by the Light Rail Transit project. He said more discussion is needed

she interned in recreation and conservation initiatives in Minessota and Iowa.

The Council reviewed the 2022 Annual Audit Report and Auditor’s Report.

The audit report was for the year ending December 31, 2022. The independent auditor’s report included a highlight of the city auditors’ responsibilities such as cutting checks, making payrolls,

The Anti-Displacement Working Group Report and Metro Blue Line LRT Project

sessions are 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon, at UROC (University Research Outreach Center), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Light refreshments will be offered during these sessions, along with

taking receipts, updating the general ledgers, preparing the city’s financial statements, and checking the documentation. These are the 3 main findings reported;  Material Audit Adjustments  Prior Period Adjustments  Timely Bank reconciliations

According to the financial analysis, the expenditures exceeded the revenue, resulting in a decrease in the city’s fund balance from 27.8 million dollars to 26.8 million dollars. The report said

assistance with childcare and transportation.

To ensure personalized attention and quality engagement, participation is restricted to the first 15 moms. Registration closes July 30, 2023.

the fund balance still complied with the city’s unassigned fund balance policy; maintaining it between 35 and 50% of the subsequent year’s budget. A look at 5-year history on matters of general fund revenues showed a 0.8% decrease, with consistency in the main sources of revenue. There was an increase in the general fund expenditure from $52.6 million in 2021 to 56.7 million dollars in 2022. The largest variance was in public safety expenditures.

From 3 BP

Council Member Maria Tran said residents want transparency, noting delays during the process of getting

For more details, contact Shirlynn LaChapelle, 763-220-0617 or call African American Child Wellness Institute (AACWI) at 763-5220100.

the Audit Report, but that the financial report was delivered on time. The finance department said with the new staff capacity, some issues would not be experienced in the financial year 2024. Council Member Boyd Morson asked why the finance department experienced the challenge of staff turnover. Staff responded that a key factor was the shift in task completion was switching to remote work, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff said the

Anthony Goes to Camp

of Minnesota. He is both excited and nervous due to his experiences earlier that year of being Black and playing on a hockey team in the form of former rival Jason.

HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYBODY

Anthony Goes to Camp

By Anthony Walsh

When we change the narrative, we change the perception. As African Americans, our gifts, talent, and abilities are unlimited. We have excelled in all fields. As authors and writers, we are changing the landscape, with the reminder that there is room at the table for everyone. That being said, I present to you the next installment in Anthony Walsh’s Hockey Is For Everybody series, Anthony Goes to Camp.

Our story opens with 12-year-old Anthony being driven by his parents and his brother Benjamin to hockey camp in Warroad, a town in the far northern portion

Before he meets the camp counselor with the other campers, Anthony is stereotyped by a strange kid. Later, the counselor tells the campers about the Hardest Worker Award, which Anthony wants to win and knowing he has to earn it. Though Jason has apologized for his actions, the strange kid at camp turns out to be Jason’s cousin Kai, who is quick with his dismissive, racist, verbal bullying of Anthony. Will Anthony’s hard work pay off? Will Anthony and Jason’s newfound friendship stand the test?

Reading Walsh’s book reminded me of the fact that children are not born into this world hating; that is something that has to be taught, as illustrated by Jason’s cousin Kai. In addition, we see an example of silence equals complicity, when Jason does nothing to stand up for Anthony when he is the target of Kai’s bullying, mean-spirited barbs.

No one likes a bully, and it’s worse when it’s a relative. At the end of the day, Walsh teaches valuable lessons of courage, teamwork, and inclusivity, that we are more alike than we are different.

Hockey Is For

Everybody: Anthony Goes to Camp is available through Amazon and Red Balloon Book Store. Thank you, Anthony, for continuing to create change in hearts and minds. Readers, stay tuned for the final installment of Hockey Is For Everybody!

By: W.D. Foster-Graham

Anthony Walsh

reduction in funding and budget explains why it is difficult to have long-term employees in Brooklyn Park.

Mayor Hollies

Trump

From 3 From

to become the most powerful political figure in the nation!

As to the second question, “if Donald Trump happens to be convicted and is sentenced to prison, but still eventually wins the Electoral College vote, could he serve as President of the United States,” that answer requires the response that law students learn during the first week of law school: “it depends!”

First, I caution all of my readers to remember that every

Winston said, “there are realities we have to accept, and this is just one of them.” He said that the concern on how to compensate employees had to be looked into to avoid disruptions in 2024.

The Council passed the motion to receive the annual comprehensive financial report and Auditor’s reports for the year 2022.

single person accused of a criminal offense is deemed innocent “unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.” Yes, that includes Donald Trump, no matter how much you or I may disapprove of his politics or personality.

Second, it is important to remember that indictments are only allegations, and that the prosecutors who will try these cases have a burden to produce competent evidence that removes the presumption of innocence.

To that end, while much of the known evidence against Trump has been in the public sphere for years, whether it was hush money to porn stars, his bragging on tape about taking

City Manager Jay Stroebel and his assistant, Zach Kramka said Brooklyn Park has worked with Morris Leatherman Company to survey the residents for more than a decade and the survey is done every odd year. The purpose of the resident survey is to get representative feedback, evaluation on critical services and amenities,

documents that should have remained in Washington, or even his loudmouthed exhortations for his followers to proceed to the Capitol and stop the vote certification on January 6, 2021, please remember that Trump is a 78-year old man whose insouciance will be blamed on his age and subjective belief that he was following advice of his legal counsel in each instance.

Yes, I know that sounds a whole lot like the Nazi High Command swearing that they were simply “following Hitler’s orders” during their war crimes trials at Nuremberg following World War II, but having watched this circus from the beginning, Trump most

and comparisons over time especially with the consistency in questions. The survey is done based using a sample of 800 randomly selected residents and takes up to 3 weeks. Morson suggested the survey show the faces behind the survey to the council, so they can know who the people answering the

certainly had lawyers like Michael Cohen, Rudy Giuliani, and many others who were willing to tell him what he wanted to hear, thus, the “blame the lawyers” defense that soon will be front and center during his trials.

But as I wrote on Facebook early this morning, the problem for Trump’s current set of lawyers is that to proffer the “blame prior counsel” defense, one Donald John Trump must take the witness stand and testify! Trump being Trump, whether you like him or loathe him, most folks with common sense can agree that the man lacks self-control, is easily agitated, arrogant, temperamental, and will come totally unhinged during multiple hours or days of rigid cross-examination by prosecutors.

On this last point, I remember a statutory rape trial that I handled two decades ago where everyone in the courtroom, including the presiding Judge Charlie Francis, sensed that the jury was going to acquit my client, but said client insisted (over my strenuous objection) that he wanted to take the witness stand because the 14-year old

questions are. He said this would add to transparency.

Kramka said that the survey does have room for error and that such arrangements would be considered. Tran ssaid she was concerned with the unreliability of the survey, since some folks may choose not to respond.

child victim had testified that his penis was “not much larger than a q-tip cotton squab” and that she “really didn’t feel anything” and “wasn’t quite sure that she had been penetrated.” Now, because each defendant has the sole right to decide whether to testify or not in state and federal court, my client took the stand and after losing his temper and self control during the prosecutor’s cross, the jury convicted him in less than an hour. The very next day, I saw Judge Francis walking down the hallways and after chuckling loudly, he said, “Mr. Hobbs, it sure seemed to me that you had reasonable doubt for most of the trial until your client took the stand and removed ALL doubt that he did it!”

Indeed... Trump’s defense team has their work cutout for them in similar fashion and yet, something deep in my mind tells me that even if he is convicted in one or more cases, that Trump will not be sentenced to prison.

Now, don’t shoot the messenger, what I mean is that some of the factors that Trump’s judges will

accommodate and follow up as much as they can to get responses that reflect the demographics of the city Mayor Winston said some respondents prefer staying anonymous. Council Member XP Lee said that there is a need for public awareness at the neighborhood level regarding the survey.

be forced to take into account include his age, his diminishing mental capacity, and the logistics of having Secret Service Agents having to sit in prison, too, as he has such protection for life! I could be wrong, and the egalitarian part of me hopes that if Trump is found guilty, that he serves the same sentence that any other citizen would serve under the circumstances. But let’s be real, Trump is no regular citizen and the very fact that at three indictments and counting that he is still ahead of his closest rival, Ron DeSantis, by over 30 percentage points, shows that when it comes to popularity despite being criminally indicted, that the 45th president, so far, has proven to be the “Teflon Don.” Stay tuned!

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“Real Politics in Real Time” Chuck Hobbs is a freelance journalist who won the 2010 Florida Bar Media Award and has been twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.

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