insight news ::: 1.30.12

AestheticsWWII saga recounts heroic exploits of Tuskegee airmen

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BusinessWorking from home? Make it work for you

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EducationBeing culturally conscious when teaching history

Business leadership profi leDr. Tara Watson

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The Slave System:Aspects of its economic and social structure

Urban League job growth policy in alignment with Obama visionPresident Obama’s vision for “An American Built To Last,” as described in the January 24th State of the Union address, stands fi rmly upon National Urban League policy proposals for job growth, education and economic empowerment, Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President and CEO, said tonight. The President’s focus on the importance of job training coincides with the release of the National Urban League’s Plan to

Educate, Employ & Empower, which can be found at www.iamempowered.com. “The President’s vision for a nation where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules is possible only students are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century economy,” Morial said. “That means a robust Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum in every

classroom. It means redesigned funding formulas to balance the level of investment among states, districts and schools. It means raising the urgency of employment and education reform to the top of our national news headlines.” Through its network of 97 affi liates, the Urban League Movement serves as economic fi rst responders, touching the lives of more than 2.1 million people each year. The President reaffi rmed

a commitment to the basic American promise that if you work hard, you can do well enough to raise a family, own a home, and put a little away for retirement. “The President talked about a renewed economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values,” Morial said. “Two of the key pillars of the National Urban League 12-Point Jobs Plan focus

on manufacturing and clean energy. We have long advocated for incentives that promote the purchase of American manufactured goods by federal, state and local governments, agencies and authorities, and the encouragement of investment in businesses that promote alternative energy and conservation.” The National Urban League’s 12-Point Plan calls for targeted tax inducements for clean energy investment in urban areas,

programs encouraging urban building retrofi ts for improved energy effi ciency, and initiatives to increase the effi ciency of regulatory approvals . “It all comes down to opportunity,” Morial said. “Most Americans that hard work should pay off, and responsibility is rewarded. We must commit to knocking down barriers, educational and economic, that block the path to the American Dream.”

One of the fi rst things to understand and appreciate about what we know as slavery is that it is an institution which goes back to antiquity. What we know or think of as slavery was old when the world was young. Slavery has come in many forms. The make up of a given society, the time and context in which this institution exists, its laws, its codes, its values, customs, and habits will give slavery many faces. Thus there have been many forms of subjugation of what we loosely call slavery.

What evolved as the institution of slavery (subjugation) in the United States is peculiar to its national heritage. In the U.S. enslavement of people, through its own set of complex laws, values, beliefs, and myths, and even “race” and color became the determining factor for enslavement for life. Enslavement in America meant that enslavement was hereditary, a cradle to grave reality. In short, enslavement was fi xed in law and without fundamental human rights: No right to family and the sacrament of marriage and no right to a trial in a court of law. These two examples are but a few of the myriad of the restrictions from life, liberty and the pursuit

of happiness. “The peculiar institution,” as American slavery was called, was quite different from enslavement in ancient societies, wherein the enslaved never lost rights to human personality, never lost rights to family hood. Only the labor, not the personhood, of the enslaved was “owned”. The 12-, 14-, or 16-hour work day of the fi eld hand was tied to a gang labor system, the forerunner to the assembly lines. As articles of merchandise and units of labor, the fi eld laborer in the American system was devised to get the maximum degree of production. The servant class, or house slave, replaced the thralldom of

serfdom in Europe. The skilled artisan resembled vassals on the Lord of the land, the task slave in America resembled itinerant laborers, or bondsmen of European serfdom of the 16th

and 17th centuries. The labor of the American enslaved was exploited to the fullest. The enslaved furnished the basic and vital energy and skill that produced American wealth from a) tobacco, b) sugar, c) rice, d) indigo and e) “king cotton”. The production of these cash crops accounted for more than half of the National wealth, in addition to creating wealth for investors

By Professor Mahmoud El-Kati

SLAVERY TURN TO 7 George K. WarrenFrederick Douglas (1818 - 1895), abolitionist and freed slave

Leaders praise Obama’s State of the Union Address

No Investment, No Recovery

C o n g r e s s w o m a n Betty McCollum (D-MN) said, “Tonight the President delivered a powerful plan for action. Congress and the American people were given a clear blueprint for rebuilding our economy, strengthening the

middle class, and restoring tax fairness for hard-working Americans who are not millionaires. Looking ahead, the choice for Congress is between an agenda for action for the middle class or more political obstruction. I know Democrats are to ready to get to work re-building America, and I hope my Republican colleagues join us.” Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) said, “His vision for restoring the

economic security to the middle class by focusing on American manufacturing, energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values was a very timely message for Congress and the people of this country.” “I was particularly pleased to hear him focus on the need for reviving our manufacturing sector. After years of watching American companies ship jobs overseas, we are fi nally beginning to see entrepreneurs and manufacturers deciding to keep factories and production facilities here in the United States. This is evident in my home state of Wisconsin

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI)

Congresswoman Betty McCollum

Creative CommonsPresident Barack Obama

STATEMENTS TURN TO 2

Paula KellerEssence Stiggers and

Cearah Hamilton

February 3rd - 26th, 2012Adapted by Kim Hines fromthe book Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson.

SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North, in the Historic Hill District of St. Paul. Performance times and tickets are available at (651) 225-9265 or www.steppingstonetheatre.org

January 30 - February 5, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 38 No. 5 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.comJanuary 30 - February 5, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 38 No. 5 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

INSIGHT NEWSINSIGHT NEWS

• January 30 - February 5, 2012January 30 - February 5, 2012 • Insight News insightnews.com

with companies like Master Lock which began bringing production back to Milwaukee—the same place where the company was founded in 1921. Manufacturing is a critical part of the economy in Wisconsin, and it will be important to invest in strengthening this industry to ensure that we have more good jobs here at home.” “Additionally, his plans to invest in the education of our students, and training for our workers will be necessary to fi ll the jobs of the future and provide much needed opportunities for the long-term unemployed.” “The President’s plans to expand American energy by investing in American energy sources and alternative energy will be extremely important as we work to create a cleaner, greener environment.” “Paramount in his speech was the need for a return to American values in this country - a country where everyone gets a fair shot and we provide for the most vulnerable of our society.” “It is my hope that my colleagues will heed the President’s call to work together for the betterment of our country. We have a responsibility to govern, and not simply block all progress for the American people as the Republicans have done since President Obama took offi ce. It is our moral obligation as Members of Congress to continue to fi ght on behalf of our constituents and our country so that they can achieve the ‘American Dream.” Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors said, “President Obama’s address this evening emphasizing a renewal of American values around equity and fairness spoke directly to many of the critical policy principles that our members care deeply about and have been fi ghting for. The President’s proposals for job creation and to tackle the foreclosure crisis are critical steps toward ensuring that all Americans truly benefi t from

our nation’s recovery. We applaud him for addressing the NAACP’s long-standing priority of e c o n o m i c stability and progress in communi t i e s of color.” B e n j a m i n Todd Jealous, N A A C P President and CEO said. “ P r e s i d e n t

Obama has a plan for bringing jobs back – back to our country, back to every state, back to every block in the hardest-hit communities. Congress is dominated by obstructionists who are all too willing to let millions of families and children suffer endlessly if it advances their petty political purposes. It is time for America to be America again. It is time for the people to insist that politicians stop their partisan stalling. It is time for Congressional obstructionists to be a part of the solution and to show the leadership their constituents are dying for.” Hilary O. Shelton, NAACP

Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy and Director of the Wa s h i n g t o n Bureau said, “Since the outset of the e c o n o m i c crisis, the N A A C P has worked diligently to convince the President and Congressional

leaders that job creation cannot wait. We have met with President Obama several times, and have been encouraged by his vision for this country and this economy. We look forward

to advocating on behalf of his forward-looking agenda.” Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said, “After inheriting an economic c a t a s t r o p h e , P r e s i d e n t Obama has d e l i v e r e d 22 straight months of private-sector job growth. Mayors across the country have benefi ted from his leadership in putting cops on the street, teachers in the classroom and unemployed workers back on the job — including in the auto industry, which made one million more cars last year because of the President’s bold leadership. He has also delivered critical investments in small business, including upgrades in homegrown energy, which have created hundreds of thousands of new jobs that didn’t even exist before. The President’s leadership has delivered for America’s middle class.” “The built-to-last economy that President Obama laid out tonight will level the playing fi eld for the middle class. The President’s vision for America is one in which people who work hard, do their fair share

and play by the rules will no longer be s w i m m i n g upstream, but will actually get ahead. That’s just c o m m o n sense.” Minnesota’s First District Congressman Tim Walz

said. “When President Obama said he would bring our troops home from Iraq, he meant it. Now we must turn our focus to making sure returning vets have access to good jobs and the care they have earned. From his Returning Heroes Tax Credit to the online resources his administration is building for veterans to his efforts to improve the transfer to medical records between VA and DOD,

he has been a fierce advocate for those who have served. I am proud to work with him to honor the sacrifice and service of our nation’s veterans.” Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) said, “I applaud President Obama for putting forth a blueprint for an America that is built to last. Americans are looking for a serious, long-term strategy that will revive the economy, put people to work, and assure a p r o s p e r o u s and healthy future for our children.” “This is a make or break moment not just for the middle class but for the entire 99%, which includes our children, seniors, and the poor. Our jobs crisis is a national emergency. With nearly 50 million Americans living in poverty and the average length of unemployment continuing to rise, we must take bold action now. I am glad that President Obama understands we must build a nation where everyone gets a fair shot at achieving their full potential – and we will not be able to achieve this goal without making the proper investments in infrastructure project, health care, education, and our environment. We must end the war in Afghanistan, cut the bloated Pentagon budget, and invest in job creation. It is time to put our weapons down and pick our people up.” “It is my hope that tomorrow Republican leaders in the House will act to address this crisis that they continue to ignore. It is critical that we address the needs of the most vulnerable: the long-term unemployed, communities of color which experience higher rates of unemployment, youth, and veterans. The truth is that job creators are people who go to work every day and participate in the economy. Until Republicans wake up and work to create jobs, we must strengthen our safety net, extend unemployment benefi ts, and work to prevent families from falling into poverty –

and reignite the American Dream for those who have.” “We must speak to the moral and economic crisis of income inequality. We cannot forget the long-term unemployed, the poor, our seniors, our students, and the working poor. Everyone should have the opportunity to strive for the rewards and security of the American Dream.” Chairman of the Black Congressional Caucus (CBC), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) said, “I agree with President Barack Obama. We stand at a critical moment in American history. We can choose to uplift a small segment of our population or we can work together to improve the lives of all Americans. As our nation’s economy slowly rebounds, the African American community experiences disproportionately higher rates of unemployment, home foreclosure, educational and healthcare disparities, as well as economic hardship. As a result, vulnerable communities increasingly rely on public programs to meet their basic needs, but these are the very same programs the Republican Leadership has continued to attack. I along with President Obama believe that we all deserve a fair chance, access to jobs, good education, fair taxes and an opportunity to achieve the American dream, but every American does not have access to these kinds of opportunities.” “Recklessly eliminating vital programs like job training, education, and health care for millions of hardworking American families is not a roadmap to getting our economy back on track. It is a road map to permanently damaging the future wellbeing of our great nation. Tonight, President Obama laid out a clear blueprint to continue rebuilding our economy through American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of

American values that will strengthen our nation’s fragile economy, not just for our children’s children, but for generations to come. I commend the President for recognizing the millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules everyday and for further recognizing that they deserve a government and economy that do the same. It is high time that we all pay our fair. It is also time that we stop with the obsessive compulsive worry that another American is trying to take what we have earned. We are in this together and if we, as a country, do not realize that fact very soon we are headed for a rude awakening.” “The Republican Leadership refused to take any real action on jobs for the duration of the fi rst session the 112th Congress, despite our many efforts from the ‘For the People’ Jobs Initiative, including our over fi fty pieces of jobs legislation offered by Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and nine job creation recommendations. More recently, they have rejected the American Jobs Act, which would provide opportunities for hard working American families. By denying the American people opportunities we are denying ourselves full economic recovery. The American Jobs Act is not a hand out; it is a hand up out of poverty, out of debt, out of foreclosure and most importantly, out of hopelessness. We cannot ignore the fact that those in our most vulnerable communities continue to suffer. Their sufferings are our own. It is a new year, which creates a new opportunity to do the right thing.” “The CBC also remains committed to working with President Obama to responsibly reduce the defi cit, while safeguarding the progress that we have made in the job market by investing in our future. Investing in our communities goes hand in hand with full economic recovery. No investment, no recovery. It is time to put politics aside and make the promise of the America the practice.”

StatementsFrom 1

NAACPRoslyn M.

Brock, Chairman

NAACP National Board of Directors

Jeffrey MacMillianBenjamin

Todd Jealous, NAACP

President

NAACPHilary O. Shelton,

NAACP Senior Vice President

Suluki FardanMinneapolis

Mayor R.T. Rybak

Congressman Tim Walz (MN-01)

Representative Emanuel

Cleaver, II (D-MO), CBC

Chairman

Congresswoman Barabara Lee

(D-CA)

insightnews.com Insight News • January 30 - February 5, 2012January 30 - February 5, 2012 •

AESTHETICSWWII saga recounts heroic exploits of Tuskegee Airmen

Lunar New Year Celebration: Dragon Series Closing Ceremony

The Tuskegee Airmen is the nickname given the 332nd Fighter Group, the fi rst squadron of African American aviators ever trained by the U.S. Air Force. Formed in 1940, the historic unit had to be stationed at a base on the campus of the Tuskegee Institute in Macon County, Alabama, since the Armed Forces were still racially segregated at the time of its creation. Even after America entered World War II, the government initially remained reluctant to deploy these pioneering pilots overseas, out of a concern that the presence of Black offi cers in the midst of white soldiers might have a negative effect on military morale. Consequently, the Tuskegee Airmen languished stateside for several years, seeing no action until they were fi nally cleared for combat in the European theater of operations. Upon arriving in Italy, their 2nd rate aircraft were upgraded

from junky jalopies to state-of-the-art, P-51 Mustang fi ghter planes, thereby enabling them to escort B-17 bombers on dangerous raids behind enemy lines deep into Germany territory. The untested pilots proceeded to perform admirably on over 1,500 successful missions, demonstrating an unexpected combination of competence and valor in the process. Red Tails is an eye-popping, special-f/x driven

adventure which recreates these belatedly-appreciated veterans’ daring exploits in the skies, while chronicling their simultaneous, uncompromising quest for dignity in the face of the incessant humiliation mandated by Jim Crow. The movie marks the feature fi lm debut of Anthony Hemingway, who is previously best known for having shot episodes of a host of TV series, including The Wire, True Blood, Treme, The Closer, and CSI: NY.

The picture was produced by Lucasfi lm where it has been a pet project of the studio’s legendary founder, George Lucas, for the past quarter-century. And it features an ensemble cast topped by Academy Award-winner Cuba “Show me the money!” Gooding (for Jerry Maguire) and Oscar-nominee Terrence Howard (for Hustle & Flow). Aside from raising the question of the arbitrary color line, the plot reads like

a typical, cliché-ridden war fl ick revolving around a tight-knit, motley crew of colorful characters. Each is based on a simplistically-drawn archetype, like the ill-fated pilot you know isn’t long for this world the moment he’s shown sitting in his cockpit gazing fondly at a picture of his fi ancée right before takeoff. Another familiar fi gure is the cigar-chomping Major (Gooding), a paternalistic pontifi cator given to delivering

inspirational speeches about God, mom and apple pie. He cares about each of the men under his command, including alcoholic “Easy” Julian (Parker); daredevil “Lightning” Little (David Oyelowo); class clown “Joker” George (Elijah Kelley); and “Junior” Gannon (Tristan Wilds), a youngster who yearns to be taken seriously by his teasing colleagues. Meanwhile, back at the Pentagon, we fi nd exasperated Colonel A.J. Bullard (Howard) tirelessly lobbying the military brass to put an end to racial discrimination in the ranks. In the end, the fi lm proves more memorable for its eye-popping, action sequences than for its corny dialogue which ranges from preachy (“We’re on the side of God Almighty!”) to trite poster-speak (Let’s give those newspapers something to write about!). Nonetheless, Red Tails amounts to a worthy, overdue tribute to a group of intrepid, World War II heroes who never let their second-class status diminish their patriotism even one iota. Very Good (3 stars)Rated PG-13 for violence and profanity.Running time: 125 minutesDistributor: 20th Century Fox

Led by Asian Media Access, and collaborating with East Culture Center, Pan Asian Arts Alliance and Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center, the Chinese Lantern Carnival, which is the closing ceremony for the Lunar New Year series, will be held on Feb. 5th, 2pm – 7pm at the Great Hall in Saint Paul downtown, 180 East Fifth Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. At the Great Hall, there will be lantern making, lantern riddles, other children’s games

as well as traditional Asian Lunar New Year food. Iny Asian Dance Theater and Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center’s youth dancers will be performing throughout the afternoon and evening. Games and performances will start at 2pm. Traditionally, the lantern carnival marks the end of the Chinese New Year. This celebration is held on the night of the fi rst full moon of the lunar New Year, symbolized as harmony, and also popularly

referred to as Chinese Valentine’s Day. The main attractions are the numerous lanterns and lantern riddles. For the fi nal activity Chinese Lantern Carnival, starting at 6pm, 500 lanterns will be given away to guests, who will parade through downtown St Paul, from the Great Hall to the Mears Park, and hanging their lanterns to form Dragon, welcoming the Year of the Dragon. This event is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State

Arts Board through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. Other major sponsors include: General Mills Foundation, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and Target Foundation. For more information, please contact Asian Media Access at 612-376-7715 or visit www.panasianartsalliance.org.

20th Century FOX Leslie Odom Jr, Michael B. Jordan, Nate Parker, Kevin Phillips, David Oyelowo and Elijah Kelley in Red Tails

By Kam [email protected]

Film Review

Courtesy of Asian Media Access


EDUCATION

Nellie Stone athletes return from the cold

Being culturally conscious when teaching history

FAFSA, college affordability and early college program focus of town halls

It’s not easy to fi nd snow these days but last week- the Nellie Stone Ski Team went looking- and found it! The two Nellie Stone Ski Team coaches, along with two volunteer chaperones from the Major Taylor Cycling

Group loaded skis, snow pants and 6 pairs of jumpy legs to head, caravan style, to the famed Birkebiner Trails of South Central Wisconsin. Their trip included a smorgasbord of skiing activities including training, a race at Telemark, a night skiing experience, and all the other fun components of team travel like card games, pizza, and pancake breakfasts. The prestige of their fi nal destination did not phase the boys who were mostly just thrilled to headed out on a skiing adventure. Plans for the training trip were made at the beginning of the season, but in the end, couldn’t have come at a better time. With dismal skiing conditions in the Twin Cities, Head Coach Miller was just excited to get his team on snow. Camp Owen, not far from the Birke trails, received the team for the weekend at a heavily discounted rate. After arriving late Friday evening, the boys rose on Saturday for training before suiting up for their fi rst race. Four of the six

boys suited up in their Nellie Stone blue and yellow for their fi rst cross-country ski race.

The team was outpaced on the trails by the more experienced competition- but that didn’t

dampen their spirits. “I was really happy that they were not discouraged,” said head coach John Miller who watched his athletes maintain their enthusiasm even as they took some spills on the course. The kids wrapped up

Saturday with a night ski. Under the full moon, the kids laughed and called coyote howls on the trails- and some were echoed by other evening skiers. The kids may or may not have been successful in roping their coaches and chaperones into an evening snowball fi ght - a full moon and snow will make you do crazy things… The kids were raving about the trip the entire ride home. “It was great to just get them to snow. They really needed that,” said Coach Miller. “What is ideal is if they come away from this experience just wanting more.” With their appetites wetted for wooded trails and snow, hopefully this is not their only trip to Hayward. A great many Birkebiner races may lie in these kids futures… We can’t lose snow at this point- so it can only get better from here. A birkebiner ski race will be in their future one of these days. Raced in their yellow and blue jersies. “I’m so happy that they are excited about racing.” Nobody likes to fi nish last, but the Nellie Stone Johnson kids didn’t seem to mind.

Traditionally, the month of February has been honored as Black History Month. Schools make a deliberate effort to highlight the achievement and accomplishments of African Americans. As a young student, the month of February became a source of discomfort and low self-esteem for me. Beginning in elementary school during the month of February, our teachers would dust off the Civil Rights tapes and “shock” the rest of the class with the brutality and inhumane acts of white police offi cers toward

Blacks, without any explanations from the teacher. Consequently, I was on center stage to become the expert of the black experience from the 60’s. Each year, I was asked, “How does that make you feel?” Each year, I answered with a somber, “I don’t know.” Sharing what I really felt would have easily landed me in the principal’s offi ce. Interestingly enough, as I moved from grade level to grade level, the infamous tapes seemed to follow as well. Very little new material or instruction was offered to add depth to this period in Black history. But now, the teacher no longer had to ask how I was feeling, the students would take the liberty to take on the teacher’s role

and ask me. Being the only African American student in my classes created high anxiety every day, not just in February. I tried as

much as possible to hide in class, by not creating any problems and not asking too many questions. I realized early in my educational experience that if I did not stand out maybe the students and teacher would not realize that I was the only black student in class. Many times, educators do not provide the necessary activities, readings or instruction that will help all students understand the complexity of the content or build positive racial identity for students. The fi rst strategy to being a culturally conscious teacher is for the teacher to share their own racial biography! When teachers consciously honor Race and Culture in the classroom all students gain an appreciation for

their fellow classmates. In order for a classroom to be culturally conscious, the teacher must share his/her own racial journey with their students! Last February, I encountered an experience that reminded me of my childhood anxiety. One of my close Black friends was very upset over what happened to her child. In her child’s kindergarten class the students were watching a video during the month of February. The video was about civil rights and the information from the video illustrated Black people sitting in the back of the bus. Her child came home and asked, “Is it because I’m Black that I have to sit at the back of the bus?” Nevertheless, my friend was upset because her child

was questioning his place in our society due to the color of his skin. Perhaps the teacher did not realize the only Black child in class was viewing the video with a different lens. I truly believe educators do not intentionally plan to have students experience school with anxiety or negativity. Some educators “don’t know what they don’t know”! Some educators do not know the psychological effect of certain events and curriculum may have on students especially students of color. What students read and see shape their view and perception of how the world works positively

By Dr. Edwin Lou Javius

edustat.comDr. Edwin Lou Javius

Nordic Ski FoundationNellie Stone Ski Team

CULTURE TURN TO 5

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan was in Minneapolis on Friday, Jan. 20, hosting two town halls: one focusing on higher education, specifi cally FAFSA—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—and college affordability; and the other on creating a world-class cradle to college and career education system. U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken joined Duncan at the morning town hall at South High School in Minneapolis. Duncan answered questions from the 12th grade students and their parents about the simplifi ed FAFSA and described steps the Obama Administration is taking to ensure that college stays within reach of the middle class.

He unveiled a new @FAFSA Twitter site launched to engage students, parents, and education professionals in conversations about FAFSA and to post timely and relevant information. The second town hall, held at Irondale High School in New Brighton, focused on Minnesota’s “Pathways to Success,” Duncan was joined by Gov. Mark Dayton, Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and other state and local offi cials and business leaders. Duncan discussed education reform and Minnesota’s winning Race To The Top-Early Learning Challenge, Investing in Innovation (i3), and Promise Neighborhood grants.

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HEALTHAiken elected to National Kidney Foundation’s Minnesota Board of Directors

Poll reveals deep support for food stamps, opposition to cutting the program

After experiencing kidney disease, dialysis, receiving a kidney transplant and becoming involved with the National Kidney Foundation serving Minnesota, the Dakotas and Iowa, Jerome Bill Aiken remains focused on giving back -- this time, at a National level. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) announced Aiken, current Chairman of the National Kidney Foundation’s Minnesota Board of Directors, was named to NKF’s 2012 National Board of Directors. Aiken was also elected Chairman of NKF’s National Leadership Council Committee. Aiken has been involved with the National Kidney Foundation since he received his kidney transplant in 2006. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in Minnesota in 2010. “Bill has been a dynamic leader for NKF since the day he walked into our organization,” said Paul Olson, MD who is a Minnesota Board Member and Nephrologist

at Ridgeview Medical Center. “It is because of Bill’s hard work and connections that we have been able to implement free kidney health screenings through the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) in the metro area.” Jill Evenocheck, Division President, said, “Bill has great passion for our mission and a tremendous set of business skills that we have utilized to grow our organization.” Aiken is currently employed at Coldwell Banker Burnet. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. He has received many professional awards and is an active member of the community through his participation in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, programs at various YMCA’s including the Black Achievers Program and coaching youth basketball. Aiken is also a volunteer speaker at the Hennepin

County DaVita Dialysis Center, talking to patients and their

families about his experience with dialysis and transplant.

“After I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in 2005 and received my transplant in 2006, I was determined to get involved with the National Kidney Foundation. My personal goal is to help educate the public about various aspects of kidney disease,” Aiken stated. “I reach out to local organizations, churches and communities to educate individuals about the rise in kidney disease among Americans, the high risk of kidney failure for minority communities and how kidney disease can affect an individual’s health and well being. Since prevention is a key piece to this puzzle, I also educate about ways to prevent kidney disease, who is at risk for kidney disease and the importance of getting screened for kidney disease.” According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease and there are 20 million more who are at risk and don’t even know it. Risk factors

include having hypertension, diabetes or a fi rst degree relative with hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease. As of May 2011, KEEP has screened over 160,000 individuals who are at risk for kidney disease. To fi nd a KEEP near you, visit www.kidney.org. The National Kidney Foundation, Inc. is the major voluntary health organization dedicated to preventing kidney disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. The NKF achieves life-saving results today through the contributions of a generous public including participation in NKF signature initiatives such as the Kidney Walk, the NKF Cadillac Golf Classic and the Kidney Cars Vehicle Donation program. For more information about the NKF’s signature initiatives or to make a donation, please visit www.kidney.org.

By an overwhelming margin, American voters oppose cutting food stamp assistance (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) as a way to reduce government spending, according to new poll data released recently by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). Seventy-seven percent of voters say this is the wrong way to reduce spending and only 15 percent favor cutting such assistance. The opposition to cutting food stamps crossed party lines: 92 percent of Democrats, 74

percent of Independents, and 63 percent of Republicans say this is the wrong way to reduce spending. Only nine percent of those polled said they would be more likely to support a candidate who favors cutting funds for the food stamp program; half said they would be less likely. Opposition to food stamp cuts is even more overwhelming than in polling data FRAC released in November 2010, when 71 percent said it was the wrong way to cut spending. Voters are broadly concerned

about the nation’s hunger problem: 81 percent say that low-income families and children not being able to afford enough food to eat is a serious problem. The poll of 1,013 registered voters was conducted by Hart Research Associates from January 11-17, 2012. Support for ending hunger and protecting food stamps was high across party lines, age, race, gender, income, and geographical areas. Food stamp benefi ts currently go to one in seven Americans, a historically high participation rate that is largely attributable to

a poor economy and the added millions of working families struggling with hunger. FRAC commissioned this poll to measure support for anti-hunger measures generally and for food stamps in particular, at a time when Congress is returning for a new session, and when some state policymakers (e.g., in Michigan and Pennsylvania), some conservatives in Congress, and some political leaders have launched attacks on the program. The poll shows that a majority of Americans believe that that the Food Stamp Program is very

important to the country, and strongly believe that the federal government should have a major role in the effort to provide low-income people with the food and nutrition they need. “What this poll tells us is that, despite rhetoric and false claims about the program, Americans across the country see food stamps as a program that works and that is making a real difference for people,” said FRAC President Jim Weill. “We urge all national and state policymakers to recognize SNAP’s strengths as an essential

support for Americans. With high rates of hunger, poverty, and unemployment, SNAP is helping millions of families put food on the table. American voters won’t tolerate hunger in our midst, and across party lines they support this valuable program.” Hart Research memo summarizing the results, and poll results can be found on FRAC’s website: http://frac.org/frac-releases-new-polling-data-showing-overwhelming-support-for-efforts-to-end-hunger/

Image 1 Studios, Tina PeppardJerome Bill Aiken

or negatively! Unfortunately our traditional curriculum usually does not overtly empower students

of color and their historical contributions, more importantly the sacrifi ce and perseverance people of color continue to have in shaping America. Special recognition goes to schools that infuse different cultures into their curriculum, not

as a separate and isolated piece of history but as American history. This courageous attempt will inevitably provide opportunities for all students to learn from one another. More importantly, it provides the impetus for students to see themselves and

their experiences in the school’s curriculum. Black History Month has come a long way from the Black History Day to Black History Week to the present Black History Month. I believe if it is only one day or 28 days, schools should provide a

historical perspective which will serve to enhance the cultural and racial identity of students 365 days a year.

Dr. Edwin Lou Javius is the CEO/ President of EDEquity, Inc. Educational Consultant

Firm specializes in working with educational leaders and teachers to becoming culturally conscious. Please feel free to respond at [email protected] or visit the company web site at www.edequity.com/edequity%20brochure/

CultureFrom 4


BUSINESSWorking from home? Make it work for you

Telework, fl exwork, ROWE. Call it almost anything and it usually comes back to, “Working from home.” According to a variety of surveys, 85% of companies offer fl exible work arrangements to their employees; only 38% of companies allocate one desk per one employee; one company saved $195M in one year thanks to the increased productivity of its fl exible workforce. Flexibility is good for companies and good for employees, but best practices are only starting to emerge. Following are some tips for making a work-at-home arrangement work for you. Get dressed. Shower, brush your teeth and put your favorite slippers on. Clothes communicate, even when you’re the only one who knows what you’re wearing. Go out. Eliminating a long commute is one real benefi t of working from home. However, putting yourself in a professional mindset might require a physical shift. Driving kids to school, walking the dog, hitting the gym fi rst thing or simply circling the

block… any of these routines will help you move from home-

and-family to working mode. Designate a space for work.

If it has a door, all the better. When you are in there, you’re

working. When you are not working, close the door and don’t go back. Anyone who works at home knows the allure of slipping back to check one email or to make a quick call, and suddenly two or three

hours have slipped by. Going back in at night is fi ne if it is part of your routine. Just don’t blur the lines between work and home, even when your work is at home. If you work at a desk, sit down. Preferably in a good, comfortable chair. With the items you need at hand. While you wander through the house hunting for a stapler, you are not working. What happens at work, stays at work; keep strict house rules about “the offi ce” and any supplies in there. Plan your breaks. No cubicle-bound soul stays glued in for eight hours straight. Take a lunch and intentional, timed breaks during the day. A highlight of home-work is the ability to time-shift away from an 8-5 schedule. If you know you are most productive in the morning, get up early and do it. If you wrap up your workday at two o’clock because your work is done and the dog wants to play, then that is a schedule that works for you. Go out after work. Find ways to recharge your human side by mingling among the masses. Professional associations, teams, clubs and classes will keep any recluse-tendencies at bay. By 2013, 1.2 billion people will be mobile employees. Working at home can work if you know how to work it.

Julie Desmond is a Certifi ed Staffi ng Professional and Talent Manager for Lake Region Staffi ng and Express Employment Professionals. Send your career planning questions to julie@lakeregionstaffi ng.com.

PhotoXpress

By Julie [email protected]

Plan Your Career


and banks of Western Europe and rising capitalist families of the Northeast United States. There is a direct connection between the rise of the textile industry and cotton growing. Frederick Douglas referred to this powerful economic reality as the shameless tie between “the Lash and the loom”. At one point in this capitalist enterprise a new millionaire class emerged in both Natchez, MS and New Port, RI. In addition to wealth production and super labor exploitation, another two classes of the enslaved stand out: the athlete and the entertainer, strictly speaking, the Black athlete on the slave plantation was America’s fi rst visible professional sports fi gure. Enslaved boxers and jockeys earned signifi cant purses, not for themselves, but for slaveholders who claimed

their earnings from competition in addition to winnings from betting. The fi rst Black athletes to gain fame from sports, were prize fi ghters and jockeys. Horse racing was America’s fi rst national sport. The winner of the fi rst running of the Kentucky Derby, the Aristides, was ridden by an ex-enslaved person named Olvier Lewis. Seventeen of the 23 riders in this race were Black. Horse riding was a highly developed aspect of Black culture before the Civil War. The same can be said of the violent sport of boxing and Black American entertainers. Black singers, dancers and comedians invented the American Theater form called The Black-faced Minstrels. This was what White entertainers imitated, “copied” or “appropriated” from Daddy Rice and the New Christ Minstrels, Stephen Foster, to Al Jolson, star of the fi rst talking movie, The Jazz Singer (1927). The famous statesmen and White supremacist, Thomas Jefferson, matter of fact ly

commented on the genius of enslaved musicians and entertainers. The overall meaning of the enslavement of Black people has meant that they were the engines that drove America’s fi rst source of great social wealth; every American economic institution from the structure of fi eld work, mining and

manufacturing, to investment banking, insurance companies, and retail sales of food and assorted merchandise. The Atlantic slave trade was once the world’s biggest business. In Liverpool, England, shackles, whips, ball and chains, anklets and neck shackles, and with ship building made Liverpool (the town that gave us the Beatles)

a center of commerce. Industry in Liverpool made (more than a thousand ships used to transport Africans from West Africa to the Americas and the islands of the sea. The value of the enslaved labor to the American wealth cannot be overstated. Before the United States Treasury was developed, individual states

used their own money instead of the pesos of Spain and Russian money. It was common place to see paper money from Virginia, Georgia or South Carolina with an image of a slave master on one side of the bill and the image of an African, rake or hoe in hand, on the other side. No better image could represent the value of slave power.

Men are dirt, is that a good thing?

With all the negative stereotype about men that already exist, why would it ever be a good thing to refer to men as dirt? I hear this and other similar comments whenever I am out sharing from my book. Unfortunately, whenever anyone hears that statement, men and women from all cultural ethnicity think of it primarily in its negative connotation. But I use this statement for two different purposes, fi rst to serve

as a replacement to the statement “All men are dogs,” and secondly to created dialogue about the true creative purpose of man. The original man was from the dust of the ground, and although the quality of the dirt itself differs greatly since then, the potential that dirt possesses is still noteworthy. Everything that we see with our eyes came from the ground (or from other things that came from the ground). Every car, computer, house, oil rig, nuclear energy plant, spaceship and skyscraper came from dirt. When I use the term “Men are Dirt,” I am connecting them to the power, purpose, and potential they possess. Both diamonds and dynamite come for the same ground. I know fi rsthand what it feels like to go from a bomb waiting to explode, to fertile ground waiting to nourish and

support. All women prefer diamonds over dynamite. The challenge is getting them to understand that the same ground produces them

both. A woman is most powerful when she is able to make a clear distinction between the many and various types of men, and the ground or heart she is currently

dealing with. After making this separation, she then will only allow the men in her spear of control who will add enrichment to her life. The better she understands a

man, whom she cannot control, the more she is empowered to evaluate her choices which she is able to control. For dust you are and dust you

will return (Genesis 3:19). The analogy between man and dirt is more that what meets the eye. The best of both man and the dust from which he was formed lie below the surface in that both can nourish. The natural and spiritual ground a man occupies is full of nourishment. This spiritual nourishment is manifested in the words and actions a man produces for the good of mankind. Good ground produces more that what was originally planted. Making those in his circle of infl uence better is man’s elementary purpose. The sooner we all can be brought to understand the spiritual and creative connection between man and dirt, the better we will be able to understand man himself. Men who are fertile ground produce jewels. More important still, these men serve as nourishment for other seeds

that will become plants or metaphorically speaking, dreams. These dreams or ideas are like stems which are the thoughts that come up out of man and extend themselves to others. Because these thoughts are generated by his heart, rich soil will produce a good harvest, but if the soil contains no nutrients, it will be barren. It is the heart of man that makes him good. A good man is a good husband, father, and friend. Those around him become better. It is in this light that men are dirt is a good thing.

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

ManTalk

By Timothy Houston

LIFESTYLE

SlaveryFrom 1

“The original man was from the dust of the ground, and although

the quality of the dirt itself differs greatly since then, the

potential that dirt possesses is still noteworthy. ”


Black History Month: February 2012To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The fi rst celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim February as National African-American History Month. Note: The reference to the Black population in this publication is to single-race Blacks (“Black alone”) except in the fi rst section on “Population.” There the reference is to Black alone or in combination with other races; in other words, a reference to respondents who said they were one race (Black) or more than one race (Black plus other races).

Population42 million The number of people who identifi ed as Black, either alone or in combination with one or more other races, in the 2010 Census. They made up 13.6 percent of the total U.S. population. The Black population grew by 15.4 percent from 2000 to 2010. Source: The Black Population: 2010 <www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf>

65.7 million The projected Black population of the United States (including those of more than one race) for July 1, 2050. On that date, according to the projection, Blacks would constitute 15 percent of the nation’s total population. Source: Population projections < h t t p : / / w w w. c e n s u s . g o v /newsroom/releases/archives/population/cb08-123.html>

3.3 millionThe Black population in New York, which led all states in 2010.

The other nine states in the top 10 were Florida, Texas, Georgia, California, North Carolina, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia and Ohio. Source: The Black Population: <2010%20www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf>

38%Percent of Mississippi’s total population that was Black in 2010. Mississippi led the nation in this category followed by Louisiana (33 percent), Georgia (32 percent), Maryland (31 percent), South Carolina (29 percent) and Alabama (27 percent). Source: The Black Population: 2010 <www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf>

52% Percent of the total population in the District of Columbia that was Black in 2010. Source: The Black Population: 2010 <www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf>

2.2 million People who identifi ed as Black in New York City, which led all places with populations of 100,000 or more. It was followed by Chicago; Philadelphia; Detroit; Houston; Memphis, Tenn.; Baltimore; Los Angeles; Washington; and Dallas. Source: The Black Population: 2010 <www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf>

84.3% Percent of the total population in Detroit, who identifi ed as Black, which is the highest percentage nationally among places with populations of 100,000 or more. It was followed by Jackson, Miss. (80.1 percent), Miami Gardens, Fla. (77.9 percent), Birmingham, Ala. (74.0 percent), Baltimore, (65.1 percent), Memphis, Tenn. (64.1 percent), New Orleans (61.2 percent), Flint, Mich. (59.5), Montgomery Ala. (57.4 percent) and Savannah, Ga. (56.7 percent). Source: The Black Population: 2010 <www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06.pdf>

Serving Our Nation2.4 million Number of Black military veterans in the United States in 2010. Source: 2010 American Community Survey <http://factfi nder2.census.gov>.

Education82%Among Blacks 25 and older, the percentage with a high school diploma or higher in 2010. Source: 2010 American Community Survey <http://factfi nder2.census.gov>

18% Percentage of Blacks 25 and older who had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2010. Source: 201 0 American Community Survey <http://factfi nder2.census.gov>

1.5 million Among Blacks 25 and older, the number who had an advanced degree in 2010. Source: 2010 American Community Survey <http://factfi nder2.census.gov>

2.9 millionNumber of Blacks enrolled in college in 2010, a 1.7 million increase since 1990. Source: 2010 Current Population Survey <http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/historical/index.html> Voting11.1 millionThe number of Blacks who voted in the 2010 congressional election, an increase from 11 percent of the total electorate in 2006 to 12 percent in 2010. Source: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2010 <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/voting/cb11-164.html>

55%Turnout rate in the 2008 presidential election for the 18- to 24-year-old citizen Black population, an 8 percentage point increase from 2004. Blacks had the highest turnout rate in this age group. Source: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2008 <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/voting/cb09-110.html>

65% Turnout rate among Black citizens regardless of age in the 2008 presidential election, up about 5 percentage points from 2004. Looking at voter turnout by race

and Hispanic origin, non-Hispanic whites and Blacks had the highest turnout levels. Source: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2008 <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/voting/cb09-110.html>

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance$32,068The annual median income of Black households in 2010, a decline of 3.2 percent from 2009. Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States <http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb11-157.html>

27.4% Poverty rate in 2010 for Blacks. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010 <http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/p60-239.pdf?>

79.2% Percentage of Blacks that were covered by health insurance during all or part of 2010. Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States <http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/cpstables/032011/health/h01_006.htm>

Families and Children62.5% Among households with a Black householder, the percentage that contained a family. There were 9.4 million Black family households. Source: 2011 Current Population Survey, Families and Living Arrangements, Table F1 and Table HH-2

44.4% Among families with Black householders, the percentage that were married couples. Source: 2011 Families and Living Arrangements, Table F1

1.3 million Number of Black grandparents who lived with their own grandchildren younger than 18. Of this number, 47.6 percent were also responsible for their care. Source: 2010 American Community Survey <http://

factfi nder.census.gov>

Homeownership44.2% Nationally, the percentage of households with a householder who was Black who lived in owner-occupied homes. Source: 2010 American Community Survey <http://factfi nder.census.gov >

Jobs28.4% The percentage of Blacks 16 and older who worked in management, business, science and arts occupations. Source: 2010 American Community Survey <http://factfi nder.census.gov>

Businesses$135.7 billion Receipts for Black-owned businesses in 2007, up 53.1 percent from 2002. The number of Black-owned businesses totaled 1.9 million in 2007, up 60.5 percent. Source: 2007 Survey of Business Owners <http://factfi nder2.census.gov>

37.7% Percentage of Black-owned businesses in 2007 in health care and social assistance, repair and maintenance and personal and laundry services. Source: 2007 Survey of Business Owners <http://factfi nder2.census.gov>

10.6% Percentage of businesses in New York in 2007 that were Black-owned, which led all states or state-equivalents. Georgia and Florida followed, at 9.6 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively. Source: 2007 Survey of Business Owners <http://factfi nder2.census.gov> Editor’s note: The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. Facts for Features are customarily released about two months before an observance in order to accommodate magazine production timelines. Questions or comments should be directed to the Census Bureau’s Public Information Offi ce: telephone: 301-763-3030; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail: <[email protected]>.

Sabathani Community Center will begin putting together a storytelling art exhibit about the history of Sabathani and the people who were key in creating the organization. Sabathani was formed in 1966 by South Minneapolis residents and members of Sabathani Baptist Church to provide structured activities for African American youths. The exhibit will also feature people with roots in Sabathani’s South Minneapolis community who made signifi cant achievements in politics,

entertainment, medicine, athletics, education and business. The purpose of the exhibit is to document and preserve the history of a grassroots effort initially focused around neighborhood kids that has advanced into a major institution known throughout the Twin Cities and today serves nearly 30,000 people a year with a broad range of needs. The work of the exhibit will be done by Former Judge LaJune Lange, president of the LaJune Thomas Lange International Leadership Institute, and Anika Robbins of Anika and Friends. Lange and Robbins will inventory present artwork throughout Sabathani,

conduct interviews for an oral history, and collect news articles and historical

writings. Both women have an extensive background in fi ne arts, and in preparation

for this project, visited the Dusable Museum of African American History in Chicago and met with Curator Charles Bethea. Funds for the exhibit were granted from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Minnesota Humanities Center in cooperation with the Council on Black Minnesotans. A launch event will be scheduled to formally announce the project and the signifi cance of Sabathani’s legacy and the vision of the founders. If you are interested in providing information for the project, please contact Pamela Young, Development and Communications Manager, Sabathani, 612-821-2308 or at [email protected].

EventsGhost Stories: Five Writers Read Works on Historical Trauma - Feb 5African- American, Hmong, Japanese-American, Jewish and White Earth Anishinabe writers explore how the stories of their parents, grandparents and historical communities impact the writers’ own lives. From the ridiculous to the tragic, the writers examine the legacies of the Holocaust, war, racism and genocide. Sun. Feb. 5. 3pm @ St. Paul Jewish Community Center - 1375 St. Paul Ave. St. Paul.Free and open to the public.

Metropolitan State hosts free concert - Feb 10MSU presents “Winter Concert Series III” featuring guest cellist Soo Bae on Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the university’s Auditorium, 700 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul. This is the third of fi ve Minnesota Sinfonia concerts conducted by Jay Fishman at Metropolitan State this season. The concert is free and open to the public.

Bareedina/Beauty - Feb 25&26Celebrating the strength of Oromo women of Ethiopia through art.This photography exhibition and cultural presentation showcases Oromo women from the Horn of Africa. It is a testament to the ways these women cultivate beauty despite great challegnes in their lives. Open house: 1-4pm/Program 2-3pm Feb. 25&26 @ Augsburg College Foss Center - 625 22nd Ave S Mpls. Donation is encouraged to help develop a fi lm documentary on the outstanding resiliency of these women.

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYinsightnews.com Insight News • January 30 - February 5, 2012 •

Sabathani art exhibit in the making

Insurance AgentLooking for people with a strong entrepreneurial mindset to own their own insurance agency. The average agent earns over $120,000 a year, with some earning over $500,000. If you desire fi nancial independence, call 651-204-3131 to set up an appointment.

Community Organizers Wanted!!Working America / AFL-CIO is hiring full time staff to take our country back from the political forces that favor the wealthy and corporate special in-terests over your well-being! Diversity is highly valued at Working America: Women, people of color, and LGBT applicants strongly encouraged to apply. $457.60 week base pay - Entry Level. Fun work environment. EOE. Rapid advancement opportunities. - Apply Now: 612-331-5800

Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS): Volunteer Attorney Coordinator

– 80% position availableVolunteer Attorney Coordinator for CMLS Willmar office. Duties include: conduct intake, screen and refer cases to volunteer and contract attorneys; build, maintain relation-ships with local bar, judiciary and community resources; as-sist with planning, organizing, administration of CLE events. Paralegal exper., cert. or degree preferred. Excellent verbal and written skills; strong organizational, time management and administrative skills; Strong proficiency in computer applications – MS Word, Outlook and Excel. Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle. Salary 80% D.O.E.; Ex. Benes. Resumes to Amber Bougie, Managing Attorney, CMLS, 830 W. St. Germain, Ste. 309, St. Cloud, MN 56302 or [email protected]. No calls. EOE

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONSSabathani Community Center Inc. has a new position for a Director of Operations that will over-see and direct the Center’s day to day operations.

The Director of Operations will report to the Executive Director and is responsible for supervising the program management team and administrative staff. Other responsibilities include sustain-ing collaborative relationships with tenants, Hennepin County, United Way, foundations, govern-ment and community leaders, and other stakeholders. This position will also be responsible for assessment of programs and strategic outcomes by establishing evaluation tools to measure optimum results and determine best practices. Position will also assist management with at-tracting new tenants in order to maximize building space and establish a sustainable fi nancial model of property management.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate skills to work with a multi-cultural community, under-standing the strengths and needs of the African American, Latino, African and Asian communi-ties. Applicant must possess management skills to meet the fi nancial and programmatic chal-lenges facing this organization. Candidate must also be capable of developing and documenting programmatic outcomes that respond to client needs while meeting the expectations of funding sources. In addition, candidate must possess excellent communications and problem-solving skills and the ability to lead a management team.

Interested candidates should have a Master’s degree in Social work, 5+ years of administrative experience or equivalent or 10 years of managing programs and staff.

To apply, please send letter of introduction and resume to Clyde Turner, Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. Ste. 200, Minneapolis, MN 55409 or [email protected]. Deadline is February 10, 2012.

Sabathani is a 501c3 community organization serving 25,000 people throughout South Minne-apolis. Sabathani has a $2 million operating budget and employs 32 staff.

AA/EEO

Sabathani Community Center

L e f t t o r i g h t : L a J u n e L a n g e ; C l y d e Tu r n e r, E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r, S a b a t h a n i ; P a m Yo u n g , D e v e l o p m e n t a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n s M a n a g e r, S a b a t h a n i ; A n i k a R o b b i n s a n d s o n , L o r d a n R o b b i n s .

University of Minnesota – Community Relations

Associate Director (Twin Cities Campus)

Applications are invited for a job opportunity in the UMore Park Offi ce that helps to shape unique University-community partnerships as the U pur-sues the vision of a sustainable community on its 5,000-acre property in Dakota County:

The Community Relations Associate Director is responsible for the engagement of both the ex-ternal community in the region around the UMore Park property and the University of Minnesota’s internal community that includes students, faculty and staff. The position fosters relationships that integrate the U’s research, education and out-reach into UMore Park planning and development in conjunction with organizations in the public and private sectors.

For details, see: www.umn.edu/ohr/employment; reference requisition number #176015. Position open until fi lled.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Community Organizing The Harrison Neighborhood Association seeks en-ergetic individual committed to community organiz-ing and food access. The Membership Services Coordinator will expand the northside membership base for the newly formed Wirth Cooperative Gro-cery. This is a 6-month part-time position. Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Place you name in the subject line. For a detailed job description call 612-374-4849.


FULL CIRCLEBlack history spotlight: Holsey Memorial C.M.E. ChurchHolsey Memorial C.M.E. Church has been standing right in the heart of north Minneapolis for almost 66 years, yet most people have no idea of its existence or the powerful history embedded in the name “C.M.E” (Christian Methodist Episcopal Church). The C.M.E. Church is richly steeped in southern Black tradition and has a legacy of holding firm truths of faith, knowledge and perseverance. According to Lynda Baker, a long-time member, “Holsey is the only C.M.E. Church in Minnesota. We want people to know who and where we are. For years, we have provided wonderful afterschool programs, summer programs, mentoring programs for youth…we have been serving the community not just on Sunday mornings, but throughout the week as well.” In celebration of Black History Month, Holsey Memorial C.M.E. Church (named after Bishop Lucius H. Holsey) will host an informative program entitled “Roots of the C.M.E. Church” on Saturday February 4, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. A fundraiser bake sale will feature Lynda Baker’s (formerly the Bean Scene) homemade peach cobbler and Deep Roots Gourmet Desserts’ sweet potato pie. Refreshments will be served. Location: 1229 Logan Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411. For information call the church office at (612) 388-1525.

The hymnal, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty - early in the morning our song

shall rise to thee” may have been written in 1826 by English Pastor Reginald Heber before

Blacks were even liberated from slavery, but serves as the C.M.E.’s national anthem

of worship service. Dr. Gwen Timberlake, the piano/organ player and retired dentist who resides in Saint Paul states, “For a very long time, Holsey has been my church home. I have a deep commitment. My father, Reverend Timberlake was pastor here for a long time. After his death, my mother remained right here at Holsey until her death a few years ago.” Each Sunday, the few dedicated members can be heard singing their anthem and reciting (by heart) their affirmation of faith known as “The Apostles Creed”. A strong sense of pride flashes across faces being mindful not only of living right (so as to die and go to Heaven), but also pride in being a C.M.E. member. According to Reverend Carl D. Joyner, the senior pastor at Holsey since 2005: “The C.M.E. story began on December 15, 1870 when a Black preacher rode his horse to meet about 40 other African American men to begin their own church in Jackson, Tennessee. They organized the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church of America. That preacher was former slave, Bishop Isaac Lane who later went onto start Lane College – which is where Alex Haley’s parents met in the award winning book and movie, Roots. It was not until 1954 that the name “Colored” was changed to “Christian”. Today there are over 3,000 C.M.E. Churches, 3,200 preachers and 800,000

members mostly in southern states as well as Africa, Haiti and Jamaica. However, Holsey is the only C.M.E. Church in Minnesota. Joyner adds, “Saving souls is the key mission of our C.M.E. Churches, but education has been and will continue to be essential to us. Several HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) were established under the sponsorship of the C.M.E. Churches. Remaining today are Lane College - Jackson, Tennessee; Miles College - Fairfield, Alabama; Mississippi Industrial College – Holly Springs, Mississippi;Texas College – Tyler, Texas, Paine College – Augusta, Georgia and Phillips School of Theology – Atlanta, Georgia.” Stories can only be passed on when they are retold with passion and respect for the history. Holsey’s keepers of the flame are members such as Essie McKinney, Linnea Patterson, Leroy Burns, Dorothy Balsom, Miquel McMoore, Rev. Myril May, Annie Keys, Eunice Jones, Etta Rae, Ms. Catherine and Shirley Vincent who proudly tell the C.M.E. history to their children, grandchildren and community. Reverend Joseph Allen, a vocalist and keeper of the stories is greatly missed by the Holsey Family. After retiring as senior pastor in 2005, he remained an active member until he and his wife Sylvia moved to California last summer.

Courtesy of Holsey Memorial CME ChurchRev. Carl D. Joyner


Business leadership profi le: Dr. Tara WatsonSince 2003, Watson Chiropractic has been specializing in chiropractic holistic healthcare with an emphasis in rehabilitative care, most commonly sports, car, and work-related related injuries. Dr. Tara Watson, owner of Watson’s Chiropractic, became interested in rehab care through her experience as a Division One college athlete at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

On Opening a Business in North Minneapolis“North Minneapolis is a diamond in the ruff; it is a hidden secret,” Dr. Watson described her experience, “Once this community believes in you they will support you and your business. A presence in the community, willingness to work, and the commitment to stay goes along way in North. When there is a need for a particular service or product, the community will support you once it’s known that you are committed.” While studying to become a chiropractor, Dr. Watson had an opportunity to intern with at a chiropractic clinic in North Minneapolis. When asked to return for her residency she did so eagerly, saying, “I felt like I could relate to the people and many were underserved. There was the need for outreach, education and acting as a liaison with primary care and specialty doctors.” Dr. Watson was offered several positions on the east coast but decided her best opportunity was in North Minneapolis. After working for a year at the offi ce in which she had her internship, Dr. Watson started her own practice. She wanted to make sure the community was being properly educated around healthcare, “I found that people were using the ER for primary care so there was a need for health care, wellness care, education about healthier lifestyles. I jumped in and the rest is history.” These gaps also led Dr. Watson to open a home health care agency. Dr. Watson now employs over 40 individuals between the two businesses. Her drive to make the community a healthier place while being a successful female minority owned business is truly inspirational.

On ExpandingIn the next fi ve years, Watson’s Chiropractic will expand their services and add additional doctors to the practice. Dr. Watson is a problem solver, a doer when it comes to business and community needs. In addition to maintaining the home health care agency, Watson also intends “to launch an exciting and much needed service into the community.” Venture details aren’t public just yet but Watson did disclose this about the new business, “God and the community willing, it will help to change the tone of the avenue and provide individuals with some much needed change.”

On Paying it Forward“I am also becoming very active in the community; learning as much as I can to do my part as an individual, to

give back and help facilitate change.” Watson intends to join some of the organizations that are creating positive change and have assisted her in the past. “This is what I am calling my ‘paying forward,’” said Watson, “it takes a village to raise a child” and that belief has spilled over into her style of thinking, living, learning, and teaching.

On Becoming an Entrepreneur“Once I realized the worst thing that can happen is failure,

the entrepreneur was born,” exclaimed Watson. She meets adversity head on and refuses to be a victim. “I turn locked doors into opportunities. Regardless, my journey in no way has been easy and it certainly does not get easier, it continually takes different turns.” Watson described being fi red from a job with no income while expecting a child and paying a mortgage and bills. “I turned that challenge into starting my own practice without a single client. I rented

space for six months to try to build my client-base. Then I purchased equipment on credit, rented a space, qualifi ed for a small loan, once the business was open the rest has been character building.” Watson’s building was extensively damaged by the tornado that hit North Minneapolis on May 21st, 2011. By early June Dr. Watson had rented a temporary space to service her clients and by August her clinic was back in full operation.

On Work Ethic and Role Models”My inspirations and role models change as I grow and change but I watched my mom go to work everyday and

not get real help for us from anyone. We stuck together, learned together and as she did better we did better,” Watson described her inspirations. Jesus Christ, parents, coaches, mentors, and friends helped to shape Watson’s strong work ethic. “My humble beginnings made me dream, aspire, work hard, and appreciate. I knew that no one was going to give me anything.” She grew up in a single parent household with little means and yet, two extremely hardworking and supportive parents. “My parents are two of my biggest cheerleaders, they get so nervous and scared for me, not because they doubt me but they want the best and nothing but

success for me.”

Watson’s Chiropractic serves North Minneapolis and the greater Metropolitan Area. The offi ce is located on near the intersection of Penn on West Broadway Ave. North. They are accepting new clients and accept several types of insurance. Call and make an appointment today.

Business Name: Watson ChiropracticBusiness Owner: Tara WatsonLocation: 2110 W. Broadway Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55411Phone: (612) 521-1386Hours of operation: 9:30am-6:30pm

Courtesy of Watson ChiropracticDr. Tara Watson

insight news ::: 1.30.12

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