Insight News ::: 02.24.14

Macy’s to introduce

Shaquille

O’Neal menswear collection MORE ON PAGE 5

February 24 - March 2, 2014

Vol. 41 No. 9 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Congressman Keith Ellison:

Trailblazer

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer US Rep. Keith Ellison often says he’s just one of the people in the struggle.

On a recent Sunday inside the Marcus Garvey House – the offices to Insight News – there was Ellison along with about 20 other people milling around having various conversations about this and that. And to the untrained eye, Ellison, in his plaid flannel shirt and blue jeans was just like everyone else – one of the people.

But of course, the Democratic congressman who represents the state’s 5th Congressional District, is not just one of the people.

Ellison, who is in his fourth term representing Minnesota’s 5th, is a first, which makes him a trailblazer – whether or not he set

out to be one. As the state’s first – and still only – ever non-white elected to national office and the nation’s first Muslim elected to Congress, Ellison’s journey has not been one of being “just one of the people in the struggle.” “(In being the first) I’m not trying to make history, I’m trying to do what’s right,” said Ellison, who likened his first to another famous first. “Being the first carries its own weight. Jackie Robinson couldn’t worry about being the first Black in the Major Leagues; he had to worry about getting hits – putting wood on that ball, because if he didn’t he was going to be out of there and the doors for everyone else coming behind him would have closed.”

Ellison’s journey from Detroit, to Minneapolis, to Congress has been chronicled in

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Harry Colbert, Jr.

Rep. Keith Ellison (right) signs a copy of his book, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” for supporter Velva Stewart. Ellison was on hand for a book signing event at the Marcus Garvey House, 1815 Bryant Ave. N, Minneapolis.

Champion: Town hall meetings engage, energize

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer State Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-59) recently hosted a town hall to update his constituents on happenings at the Capitol; and according to Champion and others, the picture is a lot rosier for North Minneapolis than in years past.

About 75 people turned out at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., to hear from Champion and others including State Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-62), the interim

Harry Colbert Jr.

State Senators Jeff Hayden (left) and Bobby Joe Champion greet one another during a town hall meeting at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). The town hall was attended by close to 75 north Minneapolis residents.

CEO of MNSure, Scott Leitz, Alex Tittle, equity director for the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, and others about happenings affecting the residents on the Northside. According to Champion and others, things are turning around for the area’s residents, as additional monies and services are making their way to the community that some critics say has been an afterthought on the state level. But much of the news shared at the two-hour meeting could have been for residents of any part of the state, as the presentations were more

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African Americans in the armed forces

By Doris I. Mangrum

Wikimedia Commons

Buffalo soldiers of the 25th Infantry, some wearing buffalo robes, Ft. Keogh, Montana.

Nobody asked me

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Daniel Abdul joins UCare as Vice President, Chief Information Officer UCare has hired Daniel Abdul as the nonprofit health plan’s new Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO). He assumed his new responsibilities in January 2014.

Abdul most recently was Chief Information Officer for the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs in St. Paul, Minn., 2010. He reports to Hilary Marden-Resnik, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, UCare.

In his new position, Abdul provides vision and strategic direction for UCare’s technology staff and systems to enable the health plan to cost-effectively serve its more than 350,000 members. He oversees the development

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Business

Man Talk

Community

Black gives back

Healing for the masculine soul

Beacon offers hope to low-income renters

Don’t believe the lies of the rich (and far right)

PAGE 2

When you read, hear or think of the armed forces of the United States of America, some of the words that may come readily to mind are strength, power, dominance and superiority.

There is another word that should also be added to that list … African-Americans. The road to recognition for these soldiers has not always been easy, but that didn’t deter the grit, guts and determination displayed by these great warriors.

From the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812, from the Mexican-American War as well as the Civil War, Spanish-

American War, the World Wars, Vietnam War, Gulf War, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq and the minor conflicts too; in every war fought by or within the United States African-Americans have contributed.

There is a virtual who’s who among African-Americans within the annals of the armed forces. The Civil War recorded a total of 186,097 AfricanAmerican soldiers serving in artillery, infantry, carpenters and chaplains, as scouts, spies, steamboat pilots, nurses and surgeons all contributing to the war cause.

In the Indian Wars, African-

Dan Abdul

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insightnews.com

Don’t believe the lies of the rich (and far right) Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter Nobody asked me, but I’m becoming more certain that this country is being stolen from its citizens.

Currently, the richest 1 percent of Americans has amassed as much wealth as the bottom 50 percent. I find it hard to believe

that any 1 percent of the population is working harder or smarter than any half of the population. I find it equally hard to believe that this increasing concentration of wealth is the result of random economic forces.

When I consider this redistribution of wealth together with the appalling shrinkage of the middle class and of union membership, I see “class warfare.”

I see bald attempts, on the part of the “1 percent” to grow the lower class.

Nearly a century ago, W.E.B. DuBois said, “Indeed the greatest and most immediate danger in white society is its fear of truth,

its childish belief in the efficacy of lies as a method of human uplift.” What he didn’t say, but was understood was that they were the humans they intended to lift up. We are seeing, today, how prophetic those words were.

Republicans tell lie after lie, over and over again, because large segments of their racist base will believe anything that is uncomplimentary about President Obama and policies he champions.

“Raising the minimum wage will cause companies to cut jobs.”

That’s just not true. Try to imagine that McDonald’s or

Target experiences a substantial uptick in sales and customer traffic and respond by shrinking their sales staff. When poor people get a few more dollars, they plow it right into the economy. Heck, they need some of everything and are behind on most of their bills. Very few really rich folk go buy another yacht. Their extra money goes into a hedge fund or to funding a political campaign so they can drive public policy that benefits them.

Currently, this country boosts poor people’s revenue stream to the tune of $250 billion a year.

This social welfare bill that

taxpayers pony up is really a subsidy to business. Corporations underpay their employees and food stamps and other welfare programs make up the difference.

Making corporations pay a living wage is the smartest way to cut the food stamp bill. Our economy would benefit from boosting the wages of low wage workers.

“Voter fraud must be combated through strict voter ID laws and restricting absentee and early voting.”

Again, not true. Voter fraud is virtually non-existent. The poor, elderly and people of color take advantage of early voting and are most likely to be without

driver’s licenses and passports.

College students take advantage of absentee voting. Exit polls and studies show these groups vote overwhelmingly Democratic.

Drive those ballot numbers down and Republicans can have a chance in a national election.

“President Obama is a lawless, Kenyan born, Muslim, demagogue who wants to be king.”

No, no, no and no.

Bonus non-question. Have you heard that George Zimmerman is promoting his “celebrity” boxing match? If he’s so tough with his fists, why didn’t he just outbox Trayvon Martin?

Loss of wealth, jobs stifle Northside recovery home prices bottomed at about $47,000, before recovering to $75,320 last November.

Many, however, couldn’t afford to hold on to their homes, sending homeownership rates, especially for non-whites, falling.

Going into the recession, whites enjoyed homeownership rates from about 64-85 percent versus rates for non-whites of about 2953 percent in the communities examined, based on 20052007 American Community Survey data. With the recession and housing market collapse, homeownership rates fell for both groups, but non-whites have fallen farther.

By Lee Egerstrom, Minnesota 2020, and Leigh Rosenberg, Minnesota Housing Partnership Five years since the housing bubble burst, and more than two years after a deadly tornado swept through, hard hit areas of North Minneapolis and nearby neighborhoods in the west metro region are still struggling with an enormous loss of home wealth, expensive and hard-to-find rental housing, and lagging incomes.

“The housing collapse hit here first before it spread to other neighborhoods,” said Lynette Stewart, a north side resident whose family is struggling with an eviction notice from Freddie Mac. Neighbors were forced out of homes and rental properties sat vacant, then the May 22, 2011 tornado struck, killing two and damaging 3,700 buildings on the north side.

Stewart estimates that from a quarter to a third of the housing units in her Near North area are vacant. “The whole area is dotted with boarded up properties.”

Disabled, and caring for two children and two grandchildren, Stewart said she grows frustrated with media reports that talk about

Wikimedia Commons

a recovery using broad economic data rather than examining community specific conditions.

“People don’t live [on Wall Street]. They’re trying to live

here.”

Inflation adjusted median home prices in areas of North Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center—which were

Join us on Monday, March 3 in St. Paul & Show your Support for Safe Schools

examined for this study—are still about $110,000-$120,000 below peak values. All three areas tell a similar story as the Camden neighborhood, where

By Marian Wright Edelman

Join community members who support the Safe & Supportive Schools Act for the student-led Rally in the Rotunda.

After, meet with others from your district to talk with your legislators about why we need to protect all students and pass this bill now!

For more information, visit outfront.org/youthsummit

High School Students Join Us for This Daylong Event The morning session at Metro State will include a plenary and workshops. Participants will then be bused to the Capitiol for the afternoon events.

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The hungry child Child Watch

Rally in the Rotunda 1:30-2:30pm

median home prices rose to about $196,000 in 2005 (in 2013 dollars), according to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. By 2011, real median

North Minneapolis Jean Bain, a realtor and coordinating consultant to the Northside Home Fund, said there were 316 vacant and boarded up home properties in North Minneapolis at the end of 2013.

That was an improvement from 2009 when there were 558 such properties, she said. Some of those properties have been cleared; new housing is being constructed in some cases.

A sign of progress, Bain said, is the declining foreclosure rate on housing properties. There were

We were homeless.

My mom. My big sister and me.

We slept in the car. . .

We went to IHOP and we only got one pancake and we shared it.

That was our breakfast...

When I was tired of sitting in the car, I would talk to my mom.

She would always say a prayer so we could have a better life.

We should buy kids good food when they are homeless.

We should help them out.

-- Jasmine, age 7 There are six people in our family.

But only five sit down to dinner.

That’s because my mom doesn’t eat.

She wants to make sure we have enough food.

-- Vanessa, age 6 Some children cheer when schools close for winter storms, but there are hungry children in America right now for whom another snow day this week meant another day without access to school breakfast or lunch. Despite criticism some big city mayors have kept schools open on snowy days this winter so their children would not go without food. These same children suffer over the weekends.

While some schools have food pantries and send children home on the weekends with backpacks filled with food, it is still far, far from enough and only a drop in the bucket of need. Schools report students who arrive hungry on Monday morning or cry when they miss the bus or it’s late because that means they’ve missed breakfast.

The record 16.1 million children living in poverty, including over seven million living in extreme poverty, leaves millions of children suffering from hunger in our

nation with the world’s largest GDP. In 2012 more than one in nine children in the United States lived in households where children were food insecure, meaning they lacked consistent access to adequate food; more than one in five children — 15.9 million — lived in households where either children or adults or both were food insecure. In some families, like Jasmine’s, hunger compounds other crises like homelessness, making them even worse. In many others hunger is almost hidden—a quiet secret of parents struggling to recover from the recession and no longer able to stay afloat. Food pantries have reported that some of the same community members who were once regular donors helping to fill the shelves are now regular visitors in need of help themselves.

Black and Hispanic households with children were more than twice as likely as White households to have food insecure children, but White households comprised the largest group of households (43 percent) with food insecure children. In 2010 and 2011, three-quarters of households with food insecure children had one or more working adults, 80 percent of whom worked fulltime.

Children’s physical health and brain development depend on access to nutritious food, especially in the earliest years of life. Hunger and malnutrition have devastating consequences for children.

Federal nutrition programs continue to be a critical support to ensure children’s daily nutritional needs are met: they put food on children’s plates, help build healthy minds and bodies, and help lift families out of poverty. A recent study found that needy children who received food assistance before age five were in better health as adults. Food programs are particularly crucial for younger children, as they are more likely to be in poor health, experience developmental delays, and be food insecure when their families’ food benefits are reduced or ended.

These programs work. Yet they are not reaching every child in

need.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which serve over 22 million children — more than one in four children in America — were cut in the recent farm bill by $8.6 billion over 10 years. An estimated 850,000 households, including 1.7 million people, will see a reduction on average of $90 a month in their food assistance.

This cut comes on top of the substantial across-the-board benefit reduction that took effect in November 2013 and affected all SNAP households.

These cuts are morally offensive and economically indefensible, especially when so many non-needy farmers and others will continue to get agricultural welfare subsidies.

SNAP is the only defense against the wolves of hunger for 1.2 million households with children who had no cash income other than SNAP in an average month in FY 2011; FY 2012 is expected to show an increase. It is shameful that Congress continues to treat poor Americans like second class citizens by cutting supports they desperately need.

Like SNAP, the school lunch, breakfast, and summer feeding programs, which provide meals to children in school and during the long hot summer months, are crucial and effective anti-poverty investments that help combat child hunger. They also play a vital role in ensuring children are fed and able to succeed in the classroom. In one study, children who were food insecure in kindergarten saw a 13 percent drop in their reading and math test scores by the third grade compared to their food-secure peers. In FY2012, more than 21 million children received free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program and nearly 11 million children received free and reduced price breakfast. When school is out, though, it’s a different story.

The long summer break can be the worst time of all for our young as hunger does not take a summer vacation.

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Insight News • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Page 3

BUSINESS

Black gives back FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw If you want to challenge your thinking on the relationship between African Americans and philanthropy you need to follow BlackGivesBack.com. Founded

by Tracey Webb in 2007, BlackGivesBack.com takes the stereotype of African Americans as the recipients of others’ philanthropy and illustrates – with images and words – that

Edelman From 2 The Children’s Defense Fund’s latest report shows only 10 percent of the number of children who relied on free or reduced-price lunch during the school year received meals through the Summer Food Service Program. Despite

Abdul From 1 of companywide technology programs, infrastructure, and Information Services Department staff who administer the health plan’s technology activities. Abdul also pursues opportunities for technology to advance UCare’s

Children From 4 Where we can start It is wise for parents to think about developing and promoting selfconcept during early childhood.

As children try, fail, try again, fail again, and then finally succeed, they develop ideas about their own capabilities. Today’s society is full of examples of actions which intentionally or unintentionally increase a young, black child’s dependency on others, stifle his/her creativity and initiative, lower self-concept, and decrease the development of responsible decision-making. This is why parental involvement is key to helping children form accurate and healthy self-perceptions.

Mangrum From 1 Americans were used to fight against Native-Americans.

The most well known were the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Calvary as well as the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiment.

During World War I, one of the most distinguished units was the 369th Infantry Regiment.

They were known as the Harlem Hellfighters and were on the front lines for six months – longer than any other American unit in the war. 171 members of the 369th were awarded the Legion of Merit.

A name to remember from the Spanish Civil War is Salaria Kee, an African-American nurse from Harlem Hospital who served in that capacity with the American Medical Bureau. She was one of the only two African-American female volunteers in the midst of the war-torn Spanish Republican areas.

Stories of African-American heroism are woven throughout the historical quilt of World War II. Commander Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. served as the commander of the famed Tuskegee Airman. He later went on to become the first African-American general in the United States Air Force. His father, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. was the first African-American Brigadier General in the Army.

And who can forget Doris Miller of Pearl Harbor fame?

In December 1944, in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower was severely short of replacement troops for existing military

celebrating their 10th anniversary this October in Raleigh, North Carolina.”

Webb was inspired at an early age. “Philanthropists that are the most inspiring to me are my parents and family. I grew up in a family of givers and I was never told to give back. I learned it from watching them. I’m about to embark on researching my family history and I’m excited to learn more about the giving of my ancestors. I’ve heard some amazing stories!”

Webb is busy growing BlackGivesBack. “My hope and vision for BlackGivesBack. com is to revamp the site with new features and expanded content. I want it to serve as a hub for learning about issues

impacting our community and the organizations and individuals committed to addressing them.

And as our buying power continues to increase, I hope that readers will include giving in their family budget to support non-profit organizations in addition to their place of worship.

Learn more at www.

BlackGivesBack.com and www. thecommunityinvestment.org.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw

DC. She gives and encourages others to join together and increase the impact of their giving. “I have learned that while we want to give back, we may not have the knowledge on where to start or how to do it effectively to

create desired change. By joining a giving circle, you can learn more in depth about needs in your community and how to give more strategically. I have observed in the past few years that this type of collaborative giving model is on the rise, especially among millennials.”

“One event that I have found inspiring is the annual Community Investment Network (CIN) conference. CIN is an organization that provides support and resources to giving circles in communities of color.

As the founder of a giving circle, there’s something powerful about being surrounded by grassroots givers – everyday people committed to giving back in their communities. They are

the fact that it is 100 percent federally-funded and has the potential to create local jobs for cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and others, too many states and communities drag their feet, create mindless bureaucratic hurdles, and make it as difficult as possible to get resources to serve meals to hungry children during the summer. I have never understood why and it should be stopped. Click here

to see the 10 best and 10 worst states for child enrollment in Summer Food Service Programs.

It is crucial to start asking about and planning right now for summer feeding programs in your community to make sure there is no child hunger crisis in your area this summer.

Encourage local congregations, organizations, community centers, parks and recreation

departments, and others to open their doors and feed hungry children this summer.

These entities are eligible to become summer feeding sponsors and sites. If you have a connection to a local service or civic program discuss this issue with them and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunity to help hungry children get food. Adults and older children can volunteer to

help prepare or serve meals at local sites. Visit the USDA’s website to learn more.

There should be no hungry people—especially no hungry children—in any community in rich America. Jasmine, Vanessa, and millions of children like them deserve better.

Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www. childrensdefense.org.

strategic provider relationships, member and provider experiences, health outcomes, regulatory requirements, and organizational efficiency “Dan Abdul is an experienced information technology leader with extensive data management knowledge. He has a strong record of enterprising technology solutions for claims, date security, compliance,

and other areas critical to the efficient delivery of quality health care today,” said Marden-Resnik. “Dan’s skills will contribute significantly to UCare’s growth and success.”

Abdul has worked in the information technology field for approximately 13 years.

He earned his Bachelor of Science-Computer Science degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and

his Master of Science-Software Engineering degree from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. He completed his Master of Business AdministrationBusiness Strategy degree at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He also served in the United States Army/ Minnesota National Guard as a Squad Supervisor and Flight Medic for eight years.

Abdul holds a Certified Healthcare CIO certificate from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives; a Project Management Professional certificate from the Project Management Institute; and is certified in Information Technology Infrastructure Library Foundations versions 2 and 3. He is a board member of ThinkIT, a bureau speaker for

the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and is involved with the administration of several technology organizations including Minnesota Digital Government and the Minnesota High Tech Association.

Abdul and his family live in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

There is abundant information suggesting that what parents and teachers do early on to set the stage for a child to develop a positive self concept is critically important. The framework below is not new and is not complex but will go a long way to mitigating the growing number of negative influences overwhelming our youth.

Research suggests that most parents and caregivers can be helpful when involving children in: • Cooperation--so they realize their and others’ unique strengths and the contributions each can make as they work together in groups toward common goals.

• Decision making --encouraging experimentation and exploration as they learn

how to develop their own ways for working toward goals.

Developing independence— expecting and encouraging responsibility and independent behavior shows respect for children as individuals who are in the process of growing up.

Goal-setting--so they learn the process of setting realistic goals on their own rather than relying on goals determined by others. Helping children establish self-set, realistic goals is one of the most important things parents and teachers can do.

Self determination--so they identify their own criteria and establish benchmarks to measure progress, developing trust in their own evaluations.

Trusting--so they will be open

and honest with their feelings, yet accepting the strengths of others as they recognize their own.

conflict and interacting positively help change the point of reference when judging model the behavior we teach offer examples of the model behavior through positive imagery promote pro-social values and self-discipline support children in taking on responsibilities use less criticism

We must play a central role in off-setting the negative influences which constantly bombard our children’s sense of self-worth by encouraging and equipping them for success in a difficult world.

African Americans are busy giving to diverse causes.

We met with Webb this past fall, and followed up with her recently, asking about the driving force behind BlackGivesBack.

“I grew tired of not seeing the rich stories of African American giving in the media. We’re often stereotyped as recipients of philanthropy when in fact we give away 25% more of our income than whites. This has been documented by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Cultures of Giving report published in 2012.

Black giving is what created many churches and institutions still in existence today.”

An active donor, Webb is also the founder of Black Benefactors, a giving circle in Washington,

units. Because of this, he made the decision to allow AfricanAmerican soldiers to pick up a weapon and join the white military units to fight in combat for the first time. More than 2,000 valiant Black soldiers volunteered to go to the front.

This was an important step toward desegregating the United States military.

President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, integrating the military and mandating equality of treatment and opportunity.

Desegregation of the military was not complete for several years. The last all-Black unit wasn’t disbanded until 1954.

Jesse Brown became the Navy’s first Black aviator in 1948. An escort ship was named after him. During the Vietnam War, 20 African-Americans received the Medal of Honor.

Other names for the honor roll include Army Gen. Colin Powell, who became the first – and to date only – African-American to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989.

Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward was officially nominated as the first commander of the new United States Africa Command on July 10, 2007 and assumed command on Oct. 1, 2007.

The sergeant major of the Marine Corps is selected by the commandant of the Marine Corps to serve as his advisor and as the preeminent and highest ranking enlisted Marine with a protocol equivalency of a lieutenant general. Alford McMichael, John Estrada, and Carlton Kent served back to back to back tours in this highly regarded position.

There are far too many acts of valor of brave African-

Tracey Webb

•

•

•

•

American men and women who sacrificed to protect and defend this great nation to list individually. Named or unnamed, the essence of these great soldiers rings loud and proud.

It really does take a village As a community (i.e. parents, teachers and other care givers), when we work with our children, to facilitate the development of a positive self-concept, we will be most successful when we allow our children to see and hear us-• accommodate and support differences • celebrate individuality over blind conformity • develop a sense of belonging • encourage participation in decision-making • foster supportive relationships • give specific reasons for our praise • guide children in resolving The Saidiana Veterans Memorial Choir and Honor and Color Guard are honored to salute and celebrate the accomplishments of these mighty warriors.

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success.

For help with your campaign visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s

• • • • • •

Facilitating the development of a positive self-concept is critically important and the ways to do it are clear. We, as a community, should make it evident to our children that each of us is unique, and that each of us wants to feel good about him/herself, trust ourselves and others, and make contributions to our community.

Doris I. Mangrum is a long time advocate for families and children with the last 25 years in the services of families in transition because of deployment, incarceration,

Steve Johnson is the owner of HNK (Happy, Nurturing and Kind) Concepts and creator of the Fearless Five, an adorable team of young, black children that imagine themselves as superheroes and go on exciting adventures together where they get to explore their potential while overcoming challenges. His company offers a popular five-part picture book series (for ages 3 to 9) along with an apparel line (for all ages) through the website http:// www.fearlessfive.com.

study abroad or any other reason for separation. She is an author, speaker, filmmaker, radio/ TV host and producer.

Page 4 • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Insight News

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Healing for the masculine soul Man Talk

By Timothy Houston In my last article, I discussed healing for the black family.

This week I would like to discuss healing from the male’s perspective or healing for the masculine soul. Most men are born whole. They come into the world full of wonder and potential. Their souls and spirits are one, and they are at peace internally and externally. The male ego is very fragile, and it is connected to a man’s masculinity through his emotions. It is protected by his thick skin.

When the man is healthy and whole, his emotions are in check and his desires are under control.

As life goes on, the good

in man is processed normally, but when something happens that wounds his ego, attacks his sexuality, or scars him emotionally, a tear is made in his masculine soul. His thick skin is no longer his protection, and his ego and emotions become vulnerable to attack. In some men, this attack took place before his clear memory was formed or at an age that caused his desires to be sidetracked. He is now sexually, emotionally, or spiritually derailed, and all his actions become driven by the desire to heal the tear in his soul.

Drugs and alcohol may become his medicine. Our family and community are impacted by these deep wounds. All is not lost. There is hope and healing.

Below are three steps to begin the healing of the masculine soul.

The first step in healing the masculine soul is the wounded man must admit that he is wounded. This can be challenging. When a

As the saying goes, “We are only as sick as our secrets.” man is scared at a young age emotionally, he only knows what he knows so his broken life may seem normal to him. He may view his vices and addictions as a part of his life’s choices.

To some degree that may be true, but if a man walks with a limp because he was dropped as a child, someone else impacted his life. He may need help in

understanding the difference. A man can no more create a tear in his masculine soul than he can perform open heart surgery on himself. Because someone outside of him was involved in creating the tear, someone outside of him will be involved in the healing process as well.

The next step in healing the masculine soul is the wounded

man must allow medicine to get to the wound. This may be very painful. Wounds have to be exposed to be treated properly. Sensitive nerve will become visible and inordinate affection will rise to the surface.

Men who have spent a lifetime masking the shame associated with their emotional scars are now asked to uncover it for healing sake. Despite this reservation, exposure is needed for permanent healing to take place. As the saying goes, “We are only as sick as our secrets.”

The final step in healing of the masculine soul is for the wounded to submit himself to the aftercare process. Emotional and spiritual wounds will have to be addressed and treated properly.

No single therapy or counseling session will be sufficient. Men who are wounded need a safe, healthy environment to recover.

This environment must be sterile and free from the vices that have once ruled their life. The wounded man will need to stay

clear of any situation that has the potential to injure him again.

I believe that Only God can permanently heal the tear in the masculine soul. Qualified professionals will have their part, but God will do the heavy lifting. Through his Son, he has given us all access to permanent healing. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished

by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” Isaiah 53:4-5.

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

To get copies of his books, for questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Lessons learned along life’s journey Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson The person you are today has a lot to do with the lessons you have learned along your life’s journey.

Some of the lessons made

you stronger and some made you want to forget they ever happened to you.

I know a person who often talks about some of the painful things from his past. He talks about his childhood with a smile on his face as if the pain that he remembers had no effect on him at all. This I found to be incredibly odd. How could he possibly smile while speaking of abuse and hurt that he endured by the hands of those who were supposed to take care of him?

Once I even asked him why he

smiled while telling his story to so many individuals. He stated that if it wasn’t for the abuse he suffered while he was a child, he wouldn’t have the strength to help so many others. He said that surviving that type of abuse gave him the courage to tell his story to help others who deal with abuse on a daily basis. He also stated that it made him into the man he is today. You see, he has a story of survival, a story that he shares any time he is asked to do so. He is changing lives one at a time. Now that is something

to smile about.

Think about the lessons that you’ve learned along your life’s journey. Could it be something that you could share to help change someone’s life? I think that we are all blessed with unique gifts and talents that we must share with the rest of the world. Once you realize what that gift is, then you will be able to identify where your work lies.

I am so happy that the lessons I have learned have led me to this moment in my life. I truly believe that I am exactly

where I am supposed to be and I am on the right track of using my gifts to help motivate and uplift people on a daily basis. I have learned so many lessons in my life (some good and some not so good), but they have shaped and formed me into the person I am today.

So think of your journey and think of the things that have impacted your life in some way.

Think of how you dealt with your situations, be it let downs or successes, and remember you survived all of this. Remember

you are a survivor and nothing can stop you from showing the world that you are unique and destined for the wonderful things that are in store for you.

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

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

Fostering a positive self-concept in Black children

By Steve Johnson, creator of the Fearless Five

devalues their self-concept at a critical stage. There exists a lack of appreciation for differing definitions of ‘beauty’, ‘intelligence’ or ‘success’ in major societal institutions with

the media outlets of television, radio and print having the most influence. The effects of this push toward conformity in definitions are evident in the well known diversity experiment conducted

© 2013 McDonald’s

It is a well-known fact that children within the black

community are bombarded early in life with images that define ‘beauty’, ‘intelligence’ or ‘success’ which run counter to the images they view in their own mirrors. This effectively

From left: Leanna Archer, Beverly Johnson, Roland Parrish, Gladys Knight, Dr. Steve Perry, Kenny Williams, and Charles Orgbon III.

We applaud the few that inspire the many.

For this year’s 365Black® Award recipients, each day is exceptional. They stand for greatness and bow with selÅessness. Through their dedication and service, they inspire a world of change. We’re proud to honor them all for staying Deeply Rooted in the Community,® 365 days a year. To learn more about this year’s honorees, go to 365Black.com.

in 1954 by Kenneth Clark.

The experiment encompassed showing Black children a white doll and a black doll and then asking them a set of questions on their opinions of the dolls.

Initially, many of the children are first asked which doll they preferred. The wide majority of the children chose the white doll because they thought it looked ‘prettier’. In another sample, the children are first asked to select the doll that looks ‘bad’, they overwhelmingly chose the black doll. In several instances, when subsequently asked to select the doll that looks like them, the children first touch the white doll, but then hesitantly select the black doll. Sadly, this experiment was conducted again fifty years later by Kiri Davis and yielded the same result. These findings reveal a significant need to offer these children images that foster a positive self-concept.

Self-esteem and selfconcept are closely connected, but although the terms of selfconcept and self-esteem are often used interchangeably, they represent different but related ideas. Self-concept refers to a child’s perception of being adequate or having skill in academic, social, behavioral and/ or athletic areas. Self-esteem is a child’s overall feeling of general happiness and satisfaction with him- or herself. So, selfconcept actually feeds either constructively or destructively into self-esteem. High selfesteem ends up being the result of the positive characteristics of a high self-concept. In other words, if an individual is pleased with her self-concept, she will have high self-esteem.

Why positive self-concept is important Enhancing the development of a positive self-concept in young, black children is important because it affects behavior related to all aspects of daily life. It is important to know that according to experts, a person’s self-concept is established quite early in life—40 percent of an individual’s mature ego development is actually achieved by age seven. Though it can always be enhanced or devalued, one’s self-concept also requires continual maintenance and support.

A healthy self-concept is like a child’s armor against the challenges of the world.

Children who know their strengths and weaknesses and feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. Research indicates

that individuals that grow up with a positive self-concept will aspire to leadership, are willing to receive constructive criticism, and are willing to take risks more often. Part of positive self-concept and self-esteem is a belief that success or failure depends on one’s own abilities and actions. Those with a positive self image take responsibility for their actions and believe that they have control and influence over the events in their lives.

They adjust well to frustration, feel able to influence their environments, know how to deal with adversity in positive ways, and are confident in themselves.

It is in helping our children to develop these skills that we are doing them a great service.

What is at stake In contrast, children with a low self-concept can find challenges to be sources of major anxiety and frustration.

They may not want to try new things and may speak negatively about themselves. Those who think poorly of themselves also have a hard time finding solutions to problems. They may exhibit a low tolerance for frustration, giving up easily or waiting for somebody else to take over. Research indicates that individuals that grow up with a negative self-concept will avoid leadership roles, criticism, and risk-taking. They are less resistant to peer pressure, media influences, and propaganda.

Those with a low self-image also tend to see temporary setbacks as permanent and intolerable conditions and a sense of pessimism then prevails. This can place children at risk for stress and mental health problems as well as real difficulties solving different kinds of problems and challenges they encounter. They may end up more prone to drug abuse, pregnancy outside of marriage, to drop out of school, or engage in socially unacceptable behaviors of all kinds, especially acts of delinquency or violence against others.

Individuals with a negative self-concept are easily frustrated, blame others for their problems, avoid difficult situations so as not to “fail,” and are dependent upon others to tell them what to do. Giving in to self-critical thoughts such as “I’m no good” or “I can’t do anything right,” they may become more passive, withdrawn or depressed. When faced with a new challenge, their immediate response might be “I can’t.”

CHILDREN TURN TO 3

Shaquille O’Neal for Macy’s: SuitSeparates - Jacket $400, Pant $150

Macy’s to introduce

Shaquille

O’Neal menswear collection Basketball and celebrity superstar Shaquille O’Neal and Peerless Clothing announced they have partnered to create a new fashion menswear collection.

O’Neal will launch exclusively at Macy’s, offering a line that ranges in sizes from regular to, fittingly, big and tall.

The Shaquille O’Neal collection, available at 100 Macy’s stores nationwide and online at www.macys.

com will include suit separates and sport coats and patterns will include traditional solids, stripes, and plaids as well as more modern and unexpected sharkskin in shades of black, navy, tan and gray. Retailing from $150 for pants to $400 for a jacket, The Shaquille O’Neal Collection will allow the 60XL guy to shop in the same store as his size 40R friend.

SHAQ TURN TO 7

Shaquille O’Neal for Macy’s: SportCoat $350

Shaquille O’Neal for Macy’s: SuitSeparates - Jacket $400, Pant $150 Shaquille O’Neal for Macy’s: SportCoat $350

Page 6 • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking

Kids Film

Festival

The Walker Art Center’s Raising Creative Kids programs kicks off with Free First Saturday Family events Kids Film Festival The Walker Art Center’s Raising Creative Kids programs in March and April include the Free First Saturday Family events Kids Film Festival, featuring short films from around the world plus a screening of the feature film, “The Story Children in Film.”

Also in March and April, the Walker presents Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate, the popular program designed to nurture creativity and engage a child’s mind. Arty Pants programs are presented on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and feature art projects, films, gallery activities, and story readings.

Raising Creative Kids programs in March and April includes Free First Saturdays, with activities free and available on a

first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Gallery admission is free from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Free First Saturdays.

Families can enjoy live performances, films, gallery adventures, and handson art making from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Activities are recommended for children ages 6 – 12 years.

On Saturday, March 1, the Walker will present Animated Adventures at the Walker Cinema at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. The films are free and doors open 30 minutes prior to each screening. Seating is limited.

Animated films include “Bitseller,” “Boomba,” “Donald,” “The Little Red Paper Ship,” “Lure,” “Mushroom Monster” and “My Strange Grandfather.”

Additional activities at the Walker include puppet

Top left: “My Strange Grandfather”, Right (top to bottom): “Bitseller”, “Lure”, “Mushroom Monster”, “The Little Red Paper Ship”, “Donald”, “Boomba” making, the opportunity to create an animated short film, the screening of “A Story of Children in Film,” the world’s first movie about kids in global cinema and on the second and fourth Tuesdays art projects, films, gallery activities, and story time for kids 3 – 5 years of age.

The Walker Art Center is located at 1750 Hennepin Ave., just past downtown Minneapolis, where Hennepin meets Lyndale.

For additional information, call (612) 375-7600 or go online at www.walkerart.org.

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Aesthetically Speaking • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Page 7

Gay celebrated as “The New Black” in out-ofthe-closet documentary

By Kam Williams The African-American community has been slow to get on the gay rights bandwagon, at least according to exit polls conducted on election days in states like California where the narrow defeat of same-sex marriage in 2008 was blamed on black folks. What’s up with that?

After all, one would expect blacks, as the long-suffering victims of segregation and discrimination, including miscegenation laws forbidding race-mixing, to be quick to support LBGT equality.

But that hasn’t been the case according to The New Black, an eye-opening documentary directed by Yoruba Richen.

The film follows the recent effort of African-American activists to rally support for Proposition 6, a Maryland same-sex referendum. This was to be no mean feat, given the way that the Black Church has dragged its feet in terms of LGBT issues.

The gay rights movement was apparently up against walking around money greasing the palms of black pastors coming courtesy of Mormons and white Evangelicals eager to sway the African-American vote. The Born Again crowd pressed for a literal interpretation of scriptures that leave no doubt about God’s will. Still, Bible-thumping bigots are ostensibly at odds with the openminded attitude advocated by George Gershwin’s heretical hymn, “It Ain’t

Shaq From 5 “Shaq is one of the biggest stars in sports with a huge fan base and following. A favorite celebrity and personality that is larger than life. Fans everywhere love Shaq for his athletic accomplishments, and his successful foray into music, movies, television shows and business. They love his style, passion and charisma,” said Ronny Wurtzburger, president of Peerless Clothing. “When it comes to fashion, Shaq is a trendsetter not only for big and tall and regular size men, but he also has strong consumer appeal among Africanand HispanicAmericans, moms who relate to Shaq’s dedication to providing quality products at affordable prices, and kids who see him as their ultimate role model.”

“My interest in developing a menswear collection was based on my frustration with the lack of fashion for big and tall customers and the higher prices for larger size suits,” O’Neal said. “I was frustrated that I had to go to a big and tall store rather than shop with my friends at the local department or specialty store. I originally wanted to develop a more fashionforward menswear collection at an affordable price. Once Peerless and I developed the collection, the reaction from Macy’s was so positive that we decided to make the collection in all sizes.”

The collection will be marketed online and in store as well as through newspapers and personal appearances.

O’Neal will also wear the new collection on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” and on future television appearances.

“Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most iconic athletes of our time, and we are thrilled that he chose Macy’s to launch this extension of his superstar talent into the world of tailored clothing,” said Richard Arnstein, a Macy’s vice president. “With his high profile lifestyle, Mr. O’Neal understands the power of being well dressed, and this new collection of suit separates will appeal to

Necessarily So” which warns that “The things that you’re liable to read in the Bible ain’t necessarily so.”

As far as conservative black ministers, some have called homosexuality “a white man’s disease,” and shunned members of their congregation who have come out of the closet. This even happened to Tonex, a Grammy-nominated Gospel singer who found his homosexual “perversions” criticized by colleague Reverend Donnie McClurkin, a convert to heterosexuality who has come to reject what he refers to as the gay lifestyle.

Nevertheless, most brothers seem to be coming around to a more tolerant attitude, despite the homophobia previously permeating black culture.

For example, as a presidential candidate, Barack Obama narrowly defined marriage “as a union between a man and a woman,” only to arrive last year at a belief that “our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law.”

The African-American community collectively jumps the broom over its last big taboo!

Excellent Unrated Running time: 75 minutes Distributor: Film Forum

men of any size who truly appreciate style and quality.”

“I am excited and honored to partner with Macy’s, an iconic American brand that

Jen Lemen

Karess Taylor Hughes

believes in our community, to launch a collection that will be fun, elegant and classy,” O’Neal said.

Macy’s, the largest retail

brand of Macy’s, Inc. with approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Come have lunch at the Dakota 11:30 - 2 Monday through Friday From Chef Derik Moran, find daily specials, salads, sandwiches and more, and never forget dessert by Pastry Chef Katie Elsing.

Prices starting at $8 View our complete menu at

dakotacooks.com

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND STUDIOCANAL PRESENT A SILVER PICTURES PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH ANTON CAPITAL ENTERTAINMENT S.C.A. AND LOVEFILM A JAUME COLLET-SERRA FILM LIAM NEESON “NON-STOP” JULIANNE MOORE SCOOT MCNAIRY MICHELLE DOCKERY NATE PARKER JASON BUTLER HARNER EXECUTIVE STEVE RICHARDS RON HALPERN OLIVIER COURSON HERBERT W. GAINS JEFF WADLOW AND ANSON MOUNT MUSICBY JOHN OTTMAN PRODUCERS STORY SCREENPLAY PRODUCED

BY JOHN W. RICHARDSON & CHRIS ROACH AND RYAN ENGLE

BY JOEL SILVER ANDREW RONA ALEX HEINEMAN BY JOHN W. RICHARDSON & CHRIS ROACH DIRECTED A UNIVERSAL RELEASE

BY JAUME COLLET-SERRA THIS FILM CONTAINS DEPICTIONS OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION

© 2013 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

Page 8 • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking 1

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Snapshots

2

3

4

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

The Embassy Suites is a great location for: Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Fundraisers Family Celebrations Call : 763.560.2700 for availability or to schedule a tour

The Twin Cities is losing two members of the Cole family to warmer temperatures. Bryan Cole, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Cole departed for Houston and their children, Terra Cole, Desralynn Cole and Bryan Cole, Jr. threw the couple a going away party out in Plymouth.

1) The couple that plays together stays together.

Bianca “Cali” Lewis and Anthony DuBose share a lighthearted moment during the festivities.

2) Isaac Ricard and Dr. Barbara Cole embrace during the celebration in Plymouth.

3) Terra Cole and Bryan Langford are all smiles at the going away celebration for Terra’s parents.

4) Songbird Lia Renee Dior and her mom, Dion Trice were out to wish the Coles goodbye and safe travels.

www.minneapolisnorth.embassysuites.com

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Insight News • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Page 9

COMMUNITY Beacon offers hope to low-income renters

By Sheila Regan, TC Daily Planet When 27-year-old Simone Brooks’ job as a school cafeteria worker ended last June, her family slid into homelessness.

Their apartment rented for $650/month. Leroy, her fiancĂŠ and father of her six-year-old son, was just making minimum wage. “It was obvious that we couldn’t pay for such a high rent,â€? she said. They could afford the apartment when they were bringing in two incomes, but once the summer hit, it was too much. “We had a rough time,â€?

Brooks said. “We had to move out of our apartment we had stayed in for nine months. We had nowhere to go.�

Renting in the Twin Cities Brooks is not alone. In the Twin Cities, low vacancy rates and increasing rents are especially troublesome for people obtaining affordable housing.

There’s often a gap between someone’s income and the rent.

The Minnesota Housing Partnership tracks rental costs in the Twin Cities. Back in March 2013, they reported that the fair market rent for “a safe, modest two-bedroom apartment� in the Twin Cities was $920.

According to Apartment Ratings, the average rental at

Courtesy of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative

Lydia Apartments houses formerly homeless individuals that time was $1100 for a twobedroom apartment.

Americans are increasingly choosing to rent rather than buy homes, according to a new Harvard study, which says the upswing in renting can be attributed to factors such as the housing bubble and the recession of late last decade. The increase,

unfortunately, has led to a lack of affordable housing for low income renters, with 50 percent of renters paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent, up 12 percentage points in the last 10 years.

According to Lee Blons, the executive director of Beacon Interfaith Housing

Collaborative, the vacancy rate in Minneapolis has gotten so low, “it’s very challenging for anyone with a blemish to get housing.�

Beacon offers homes, hope Beacon Interfaith Housing is focused on helping people walk through the process of finding a

place to live, Blons said.

Brooks received help through Families Moving Forward, a program run by BIHC. After staying in a shelter in September, her family was set up with a new apartment, which is subsidized for two years at $400/month, according to Brooks. The apartment costs

$600, so Brooks and her fiancĂŠ just have to come up with $200.

The apartment is located in the Como neighborhood of St. Paul, near Hamline University. “It’s a very nice area,� Brooks said. “It’s right by the fairgrounds. I love to be in a quiet area.�

Brooks knows that at the end of the day, she needs to move on from getting a job here and there, and instead focus on furthering her education so she can get a better job. “I’m in the process of getting myself into school for the fall semester,� she said.

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative started as one congregation, Plymouth Church in Minneapolis, which created Lydia Apartments, a site that now houses 40 formerly homeless individuals, according to their website.

Beacon now has partnered with other congregations to create affordable housing for homeless youth and adults.

One of Beacon’s new initiatives includes a project that provides housing for people with criminal histories, including services and connections to employment. Also in the coming year, Blons said the organization intends to build support for providing housing for young homeless people living in the western suburbs. “We’re looking at a couple sites right now,� she said.

Sabathani kicks off its March campaign Sabathani Community Center will be hosting a food and fund drive as part of the March Campaign, a statewide effort coordinated by the Minnesota FoodShare to raise food for local food shelves. Sabathani’s goal is to collect 100,000 pounds

of food and raise $25,000.

Hunger continues to plague our community despite ongoing state-wide efforts to meet the needs of hungry Minnesotans.

During 2012, more than 8,500 people per day used a food shelf in

Minnesota.

In 2013 Sabathani Community Center distributed 774,261 pounds of food to 9,407 households.

The community is asked to support Sabathani’s efforts by:

• Bringing donations of nonperishable food items and cash donations to Sabathani Community Center church during the month of March; • Organizing a food drive for Sabathani’s food shelf.

• To assist with the March Campaign community food and fund drive efforts, Sabathani will supply food barrels and make arrangements to pick up food and monetary donations.

Sabathani Community Center is located at 310 E. 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN. For further information and/or to make a donation, please call Kevin at 612821-2302 or Kim at (612) 8212399.

2 0 1 4 B L A C K H I S T O RY E V E N T S C A L E N D A R Spirit and Soul: The Culture of Balance, Rhythm, and Texture When: January 25 – Feb. 23 Where: The Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N 17th St, Minneapolis Art by students and faculty of the Minneapolis Community and Technical College in celebration of Black History Month. For more information , visit www. mary.org Building the Foundation of Allophilia @ the Capitol When: Feb. 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: State Office Building On that day, Minnesotans from all over the state will come together to make history. Starting at 9:30am, our community developed legislation will be heard in their respective committees in the House. As of now, these include hearings on some our most important issues: Human Rights, Housing, Criminal Justice, and Legacy Arts. These hearings belong to you!

They are the direct result of your active participation and

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right� ― Rosa Parks commitment to the process.

Now we must spread the word about the day so we can pack the Capitol that day. Remember, your presence for these hearings represent your support for our

community’s solutions. We need to fill the hearing rooms so our elected officials understand the level of support behind our bills.

You can RSVP here, http://www. councilonblackmn.com/day_at_

Classifieds Part-time Housing Coordinator Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is seeking to fill a temporary (3 to 6 months) part-time Housing Coordinator position. We are looking for a detailed, organized, flexible, motivated pro-active individual with a passion for community engagement in the nonprofit world. This position will primarily provide support for housing development in the Hawthorne neighborhood.

Organization: Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is an outreach organization offering programing that creates connections, and strengthens community to improve the quality of life in the Hawthorne neighborhood through empowering the residents in order that they can address the physical, cultural, social and economic needs of the community.

Location: North Minneapolis Activity Area: Housing, Community Building and Volunteerism Closing Date: open until filled Job Type: Part Time Salary: $16-$20 per hour Hours: Up to 25 per week Skills/Attributes: Knowledge of the phases of housing development and be somewhat familiar with construction. High attention to details, exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, self-motivated.

Possess great attitude and communication skills both verbal and written. Maintain a high level of professionalism with a positive attitude. Well organized self-starter and works professionally with volunteers. Knowledge of Facebook, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Word is a plus.

Education/Experience: The successful candidate will have a high school diploma, some post-secondary education and previous housing experience.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should send cover letter, resume, and any other pertinent information to HNCjobapp@gmail.com or mail to Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, Attn: Housing position, 2944 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

the_capitol Community Event with the Minnesota Twins When: February 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Bloomington Civic

Phone: 612.588.1313

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

City of Plymouth-Seasonal Parks & Forestry Maintenance Workers. Assists in the construction, maintenance, and repair of parks, playgrounds, and related facilities. Season is April-October. Evening & weekend work required. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.plymouthmn.gov. Position will be open until filled.

Vacancies

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

701-232-1887 www.metroplainsmanagement.com

Fax: 612.588.2031

Email: info@insightnews.com

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE

Seasonal Parks & Forestry Maintenance Workers

Townhomes Available

Plaza Lobby and Schneider Theatre 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington To make a reservation contact 952-563-4944, TTY 952-5634933. Door prizes including

Minnesota Twins tickets and behind the scenes tour.

Speakers: • Breaking the Color Barrier: Jackie Robinson (Warren C. Bowles) and Branch Rickey (Chuck Chalberg) will tell their stories and restage Robinson’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. • Minnesota Twins 1961-1981: Stew Thornley, baseball historian and author, will discuss the Met Stadium, Minneapolis Millers and the start of Twins baseball in Bloomington. • “They Played for the Love of the Game, Adding to the Legacy of Minnesota Black Baseballâ€?: Featured speaker and baseball historian, Frank M. White will share the untold story of African American baseball players denied locally to flourish and play the game of baseball. • Special exhibits from the Ramsey County Historical Society, Minnesota Twins, Clyde Doepner MN Twins Curator, and the Society for American Baseball Research.

Cokato Apts, Cokato, MN (a seniors complex 62 or over or handicapped) has vacancies on 2nd Floor for one BR apts. Waiting list open. Contact Don at 320-286-2758. E-Mail cokapts@embarqmail.com

West Falls Estates Rent based on 30% Of adjusted income Call Patricia Brown At 218-283-4967 TDD 800-627-3529

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Page 10 • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Spring Break Academy: MPS implements strategy to make up for lost learning time; district look at ways to redefine quality instructional time Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) will offer its first ever Spring Break Academy, one of several new strategies to reduce the learning gap and accelerate academic outcomes for students, Superintendent Dr. Bernadeia Johnson announced recently.

The academy is especially critical this year because students missed an unprecedented five to seven days of school due to extreme weather conditions, which compounded the loss of learning.

“This academy is a breakthrough step in our

responsiveness to raising student achievement,” said Dr. Bernadeia Johnson, superintendent of schools. “We are excited to try something new that has the potential to grow into a program that could support learning during other school breaks.” Minneapolis Public Schools also announced a proposal to appropriate $1 million of the FY15 integration budget to expand learning academies for future spring and winter breaks.

Johnson emphasized the efforts of the school district

to redefine instructional time, such as targeted year-round instruction, longer school days and years in some programs, use of Saturday school and academies over breaks, and improvements for instructional and transition time. Sullivan, Folwell and Andersen schools provide a Saturday program for English Learner students; all but one MPS high school hold International Baccalaureate preparatory courses on Saturdays; and Henry, Edison and Washburn high schools are piloting credit recovery

programs on Saturdays.

“Students need more quality time in school, not simply more time in school,” she said.

The five-day Spring Break Academy will give students added instructional time and opportunities to catch up or accelerate in class work. The academy will emphasize core subjects, while also providing enrichment opportunities that make learning exciting. Focus areas include reading and math, preparation and tips for testtaking, special science projects and developing the mindset to

work hard and smart in school.

Students will also participate in engaging activities provided

by Community Education and partner organizations.

Minneapolis schools will contact families of students who will qualify for the academy and although students are not required to attend, they are highly encouraged to take advantage of this learning opportunity. The 13 schools previously identified to receive midyear interventions are prioritized to offer the academy, however, other schools may have

the opportunity to participate.

The academy offerings will be based on the availability of staff and students who are able to participate.

District and school leaders are working to attract teachers who have relationships with students to participate in the academy.

Teachers will receive a $2,000 stipend to teach over the break.

MPS has also collaborated with its community partners and Community Education to help provide the enrichment portion of the program.

White House names HBCU all-stars The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCU) announced its first class of HBCU All-Stars, recognizing

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

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Editorial Intern Abeni Hill Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Alysha Price Photography Michele Spaise Corey Collins 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.

75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.

Currently enrolled at 62 HBCUs, the All-Stars were selected from 445 students who submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay and recommendation. The HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach

and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.

“Engaging with the next generation of leaders who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness,” said George Cooper, executive director of the WHIHBCUs. “It

is a privilege to announce these 75 students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and making a difference in their communities, and we look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama’s college completion goal.”

Over the course of the next year -- through social media and their relationships with

community-based organizations -- the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential.

In addition, the 45 female and 30 male All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the WHIHBCUs, other Initiative staff and professionals from a wide range

of disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.

More information about the activities of the 75 HBCU AllStars will be provided in the coming months as they carry out their role as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Recovery

from 2006 to last year. By 2012, Twin Cities rental prices were considered burdensome for 71 percent of renters’ households with incomes under $50,000 a year, under federal housing standards.

Camden (55412), for instance, saw a 23 percent increase in median gross rent from 2000 through the 2008-12 period, while renters’ median household income fell by nearly 40 percent. Even in many places where there have been modest housing price gains since 2000, incomes have not kept pace, as the maps below show.

Similar differences are found in Near North neighborhoods, with rents rising and renters’ median household income falling by 24 percent over the past decade.

Neighboring first ring suburbs around North Minneapolis also struggle with shrinking household incomes and growing disparities between housing/rental costs and incomes.

The trend of higher median gross rents and declining renters’ incomes continued in the large suburb of Brooklyn Park (pop.

77,752). However, this gap varied greatly depending on the neighborhood, with inflation– adjusted rents modestly outpacing real incomes in some areas and wide rent-to-income disparities in other parts of the city.

Brooklyn Park assistant city manager Michael Sable says the city is trying to figure out how to effectively manage rapid changes in the area, “Either by good planning or by good luck, we have talented people looking

at how we are changing and what we need for planning, job training, housing, and infrastructure going forward.”

Part of the reason might be Brooklyn Park’s wide population diversity, which already reflects demographers’ projections for America by the year 2030. That is when population will be evenly balanced between people who are called “white” by Census takers, and people of other races or ethnicities lumped together as “non-white” in statistics.

“We’re already there,” Sable said, so community activists, officials, educators, business leaders and others are working on strategic planning to keep household incomes rising and mixed, affordable housing for all.

Moving forward, city planners, state policymakers and business

leaders must continue working to build affordable housing and raise wages. This legislative session we have a chance to step forward on both. Raising the minimum wage would make it easier for those at the lowest end of the wage scale to cover housing costs each month. And for housing supply, we must pass $100 million in state bonding this session to build more affordable housing and to preserve what we do have, such as our public housing stock.

From 2 1,558 foreclosure actions in 2007.

Those actions have dropped 81 percent, to 301 foreclosures in the past year.

Despite this improvement, five years of people vacating houses and a near halt in singleand multi-family housing construction has made an already tight rental housing market even tighter, with rental vacancy rates at about two percent. This has sent rents upward at a time when real household incomes are shrinking both statewide and in the metro.

Minneapolis city planners, in their Quarterly Trends report, found rental prices increased 23 percent, adjusted for inflation

Hall From 1 state specific than neighborhood based.

MNSure’s Leitz, speaking to the audience was as much about resurrecting the image of the health exchange as it was about providing information. Leitz took over as CEO when April ToddMalmlov resigned in December amid harsh criticism that the exchange was being run poorly.

To date, the exchange has signed up approximately 92,000 people, about two-thirds who were on either Minnesota Care or Medical Assistance. Leitz acknowledged the program’s shortcomings, but said things are back on track with the goal of making sure everyone has access to affordable

West Metro suburbs healthcare.

“It hasn’t been the cleanest or easiest process to get into MNSure, but we’re getting much better,” said Leitz, noting that people who have signed up with the exchange have the lowest cost premiums in the nation. “We’re doing everything we can to meet the needs at the local level. We don’t want to just get people into health coverage, we want to improve the overall health of the community.”

The deadline for all Americans to have health coverage as mandated by the Affordable Care Act is March 31.

In a meeting of wide-ranging topics, Hayden, who is the Senate’s Deputy Majority Leader, discussed efforts to increase the state’s minimum wage. The current minimum wage in the state is $6.15 – a wage lower than

Harry Colbert, Jr.

Interim CEO of MNSure, Scott Leitz, said despite the early hiccups, MNSure is on track and has signed up more than 92,000 for health coverage. the federal rate of $7.25. Bills in the House and Senate seek to increase the wage, but the two bodies differ on the amount. The House has passed a bill to up the rate to $9.50, while the Senate is proposing a more modest increase to $7.75.

“But let’s talk about the minimum wage as the floor and not the ceiling,” said Hayden.

“We really should be striving for a living wage.”

One industry that is paying a living wage is that of construction and Tittle of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) – the entity behind the construction, maintenance and operations of the new home of the Vikings – said many of those jobs are going to African-Americans and other minorities. According to the MSFA equity director, 34 percent of the $975 million project’s workers are minority and 12

Minnesota 2020 is a progressive think tank focused on what really matters: education, health care, transportation, clean energy, and economic development.

percent are women – both above stated goals.

“Time and again we see projects like this and we see all this work going on and very few (African-Americans) on the site,” said Tittle, who said many of the workers are from north Minneapolis. “The construction industry is made up of white men who keep passing down this opportunity to their heirs. We’ve got to figure out how to infiltrate and sustain. I have a vested interest in the Northside. It’s my hope that the stadium works for the Northside as well.”

Tittle touted Thor Construction as one of the minority-owned firms contracted to work on the project.

“Who hires our people? We do,” said Tittle. “We have the best opportunity to hire us, so it was very important to get Thor on the project.”

Construction on the 65,000 seat multi-use stadium began in November and is expected to be complete by the start of the 2016 NFL season.

Other topics discussed at the town hall including housing, the Senate budget and criminal expungements.

Ellison From 1 his memoir, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” just released through Simon & Schuster. The 296 page book details Ellison’s life in office and his journey through politics, including being called to testify in the now infamous 2011 hearings on “hate groups” held by US Rep. Peter King (R-NY), former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

“Rep. Peter King wanted to have these hearings to be only about Muslims and I told him, ‘Hey, if you want to have a hearing on terrorists, I’m all for it, but let’s talk about the Timothy McVeighs who are out there,’” said Ellison, as he addressed the room. “I mean come on, we all know that all Muslims are not terrorists. When you talk about Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda (doesn’t) love Muslims. That’s who they kill the most.”

Ellison’s testimony during the televised hearings was credited with changing the narrative of Islam in America and stemming the wave of antiMuslim sentiments among many Americans. According to Ellison, the hearings backfired on King.

“Peter King had a certain idea of what the next day headlines

Harry Colbert, Jr.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (right) reads an excerpt from his book, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” as the Rev. Randy Staten and Insight News founder, Al McFarlane look on. would be. He thought they would read, ‘Peter King stands up the Sharia Law’ but that wasn’t what the headline was,” said Ellison.

“In many ways things changed that day.”

Chair of the Progressive Caucus and in what’s considered a safe House seat, some have speculated that Ellison – a high profile Democrat – wrote the book as he positions himself to run for president. According to the 50-year-old congressman, he has no such plans.

“I was approached to write the book and I agreed to write it because we need to counter all this mess that’s being put out there by Glenn Beck, Ann

Coulter, Michael Savage and all the rest,” said Ellison, speaking of far right commentators whose positions are often viewed as extreme, bordering on hate. “I’m not looking to run for president.”

Ellison said it took him about seven months to complete the book, and has already begun work on a follow-up.

Following the representative’s remarks, he stuck around to chat with the audience and sign copies of his book, one of which went to Velva Stewart.

“He’s doing a great job,” said Stewart. “I’m not easy to impress.

If he wasn’t doing a good job I’d be saying so loudly. He made me appreciate him.”

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Insight News • February 24 - March 2, 2014 • Page 11

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