insight news ::: 10.12.15

BusinessResources and mindfulness in thelife of nonprofi ts

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Insight2 HealthDetox salad recipe for weight loss and energy!

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CommunitySeven fall fi re prevention tips

EducationRobbinsdale Cooper High School grads earn International Baccalaureate Diplomas

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Embarrassing, shameful

James “Mudcat” Grant: Determined to succeed

Prodigal parent documentary chronicles Grammy-winning rapper’s reunion with dad

Paraphrasing the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission, “Minnesota, we have a problem,”—an embarrassing, shameful blot on our carefully crafted and maintained image of forward thinking government, progressive corporate leadership, generous philanthropic partnerships and active civic engagement on matters of equity, fairness and quality of life. The problem is the existence of an African American shadow state within the State of Minnesota, an

alternative reality where black citizens live below the poverty line at a rate three times greater than that of white citizens. In shadow Minnesota, African American citizens experience the worst income, housing, education and poverty disparities in the entire country, ranking dead last - 51st - among the states and the District of Columbia when combining household income, home ownership, poverty and educational attainment, this, despite the fact that African

American Minnesotans pay an estimated $500 million dollars annually in taxes. A September 18, 2015 article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press put a spot light on shadow Minnesota, summarizing the fi ndings of 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data that showed African American income in Minnesota dropping 14% between 2013 and 2014. Median income for whites in Minnesota was $64,281 compared to $27,026 for African Americans. In

other words, median white income was 138% higher than African American income. African Americans are the only racial group in Minnesota to experience a decline in income between 2013 and 2014 and with that sharp decline the median income of African Americans in Minnesota is lower than that of African Americans in Mississippi, a state perennially at the bottom of the fi fty-state ranking of socio-economic indicators. St. Paul and Minneapolis

had the highest black-white unemployment disparity of the 19 largest cities in the United States. Nationwide, African American income declined 1.4% (to $35,398), compared to Minnesota’s 14% slide - 10 times higher than the national average. It is clear that Minnesota government, private and philanthropic sectors and African-American communities fell asleep at

A dozen or so community guests gathered at the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in Minneapolis for a luncheon with baseball legend, musician and author, James “Mudcat” Grant. The intimate gathering was hosted by the Minnesota Twins and was attended by special guests including Elder Atum Azzahir, executive director and founder of Cultural Wellness Center; recipient of the 2015 Minnesota Twins Roberto Clemente Legacy Award. Grant is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who had a lengthy career including a 20-win season pitching for the Twins. Grant was named to the 1963 and 1965 American League All-Star teams. In 1965 he helped lead the Twins to the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Grant’s home run in the sixth game was only the second by an American League pitcher during a World Series game. In addition to performing on the fi eld, Grant had to deal with the adversity of being an African-American and not being

allowed to eat at restaurants where his white teammates ate or not being able to stay in the same hotel due to exclusionary “whites only” policies. Grant’s animated character led him to embark on a nightclub act where he would sing, dance and entertain. His favorite cohort was Maya Angelou and he fondly recounted their time together. The two wrote a poem, which adorns his cherished picture with President John F. Kennedy. Grant wrote a book in 2005, “12 Black Aces,” which detailed the 12 African-American pitchers in major league history who had won 20 games in a season. “This book tells the story of those men and a few of their predecessors, the obstacles they faced, and the determination they showed to succeed,” said Grant. “But it is a story about so much more than just baseball. Against the backdrop of their grit and determination, it refl ects the story of all African-American baseball players through the creation of the Negro Leagues, the evolution of the game, and the parallel integration of baseball and America.”

Che “Rhymefest” Smith is among the handful of rappers who have actually managed to make it in the music industry. What’s even more remarkable is the fact that the Grammy Award-winning artist also overcame a challenging childhood, having been raised on the rough South Side of Chicago by a single-mom who’d given birth to him while still in her early teens. Despite his phenomenal success in the music business, one thing that nagged at Rhymefest was why he’d been abandoned by his father, Brian, a man he’d only seen a few times in his entire life, and not

at all over the past two decades. He wondered whether his dad ever cared or thought about him? Or might he be dead? Rhymefest’s curiosity was probably piqued because of the guilt he himself felt about having three out-of-wedlock offspring with women he’d never committed to. He wanted to understand why he’d perpetuated the cycle of parental neglect, especially since fatherless children represent 60% of youth suicides, 71% of juvenile incarcerations and 90% of homeless children. That is the tension that tugs at your heart while watching “In My Father’s House,” a Prodigal Dad documentary

James “Mudcat” Grant

By Steven L. Belton, Interim President, Minneapolis Urban League and Jeffrey A. Hassan, Executive Director, African American Leadership Forum and Gary Cunningham, CEO & President, Metropolitan Economic Development Association

By Carmen Robles

By Kam Williams

Break Thru FilmsChe ‘Rhymefest’ Smith (right) and his father Brian Tillman

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aesthetically speaking

Th reads Dance Project presents ‘Warriors of Light’MORE ON PAGE 10

Insight NewsVol. 42 No. 41 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.comOctober 12 - October 18, 2015

• October 12 - October 18, 2015October 12 - October 18, 2015 • Insight News insightnews.com

insightnews.com Insight News • October 12 - October 18, 2015October 12 - October 18, 2015 •

Animal research remains at the heart of medical progress

Scientists are on the cusp of potentially the greatest advance in cardiac care since the heart transplant. Federal regulators just approved a device that allows physicians to replace faulty heart valves without opening patients’ chests up. The procedure could save the lives of countless patients who are unfi t for surgery. For their new lease on life, these patients can thank a few dozen pigs, who were the fi rst animals to undergo the procedure and prove that it could be a life-saver. They stand out as only the latest evidence that animal research is essential to medical advancement. The procedure the pigs pioneered is called transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Doctors performing TAVR insert a tube holding a folded-up valve into the groin. They thread the tube into the heart and then open up the

valve with a balloon. Before TAVR, valve replacements required open-heart surgery. Many seniors in need of a new valve were too frail to survive such an operation. That was especially true of patients with aortic valve stenosis -- a severe narrowing of the aorta. Now that Americans are living longer, aortic valve disease has grown more common. Nationwide, its incidence has increased by 35 percent over the last decade. It kills 8,000 Americans each year. TAVR offers hope that this condition might no longer be a death sentence. This breakthrough owes its existence to animal research. When Danish physician Henning Rud Andersen conceived of the procedure in 1989, he fi rst tried it in pigs. Not long after, French cardiologist Alain Cribier attempted a similar procedure in sheep. These tests proved it was possible to replace heart valves

without surgery-- an idea that, then, seemed preposterous. TAVR isn’t the fi rst cardiac procedure that began with animal research. World-renowned surgeon

Michael DeBakey performed thousands of cardiac operations using techniques developed in dogs -- including the fi rst successful heart bypass. Thanks to his research, doctors now perform over 500,000 of these

surgeries in the United States annually. Research involving dogs was also crucial to the development of everything from the pacemaker to artifi cial heart valves. Animal research is currently helping scientists understand other devastating diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Identifying treatments for these diseases of aging will be more urgent as Americans live longer. Yet some activists want to end animal research models. They claim approaches like computer modeling and cell cultures can substitute for animal research. But it’s hard to believe such techniques could have convinced a skeptical medical community -- and regulators -- that certain heart procedures were safe for humans without fi rst studying new procedures in animals. Consequently, those who oppose animal testing are obstructing medical innovations that can add years to the lives of older Americans.

Consider former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who underwent TAVR last year. He said, “I am more energetic, people tell me I look better, and I feel much less tired.” Without the procedure, his doctor told him he’d be in a wheelchair with only a fi fty-fi fty shot of living another year. Similarly, fi lm director Robert Altman, who received a new heart around 1995, continued to make movies until his death 11 years later. These added years of creativity were thanks to animal research. Examples like these show the rewards that animal models provide. Activists who oppose this essential technique are seeking to deprive future patients-- particularly seniors -- of the many benefi ts animal research has to offer. And that’s just heartless.

Frankie L. Trull is president of the Foundation for Biomedical Research.

By Frankie L. Trull

the switch and allowed an array of appalling racial disparities to become the dominant and persistent reality for Minnesotans of African descent. We have become inured to the point of complacency. There was no community outrage or call for more analysis in 2012, when black median family income was less than half that of whites. It has taken a precipitous and embarrassing drop to grab the attention of policy makers and leaders. So, what can we do? To begin, we can stop gaping at the problem and wringing our hands over the complexity of the challenge. We must stop consciously and subconsciously believing the problem is intractable. Here are fi ve concrete measures that don’t require further research to commence, can be implemented within

and across sectors and don’t helplessly wait for the problem to fi x itself. One: Institute aggressive hiring in the public and private sectors to refl ect the racial diversity of the state. African Americans represent 5.9% percent of the state population according to the 2015 U.S. Census and statewide employment in the public and private sectors should refl ect the same. In Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, where African Americans make up 11.7% and 12.6% of the population, respectively, African American employment in the county government workforces should be commensurate with those percentages. Public school district employment should, likewise, be representative of the student populations served. In the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park school districts, for example, where the most egregious disparities in employment-to population-served exist, African American students are 37%, 30%, and

31% respectively. In the private sector, Minnesota is home to some

of the largest companies in the United States, including Cargill, United Health Group,

Target, Best Buy, 3M, General Mills, and Medtronic. Their local hiring goals and results

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Illustration of the TAVR cardiac procedure

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness MonthOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Minnesota. To mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Secretary of State Steve Simon is reminding Minnesotans who fear for their safety, including victims of domestic violence, about the Secretary’s Safe at Home address confi dentiality program. “The Safe at Home program has assisted thousands of

Minnesotans since its inception and is critical to ensuring protection for victims of domestic violence,” said Simon. “I encourage any Minnesotan who fears for their safety to meet with an application assistant and determine if enrolling in the Safe at Home program is an appropriate step to take. I’ve learned fi rsthand while traveling the state that this service has saved lives and I will work day

and night to strengthen it as long as I’m Secretary of State.”

Safe at Home assists Minnesotans who wish to keep the location of their physical residence private for personal safety reasons, often because they are victims of domestic violence and stalking. Participants enrolled in Safe at Home use a P.O. Box as their legal address for all purposes. First class mail sent to the P.O. Box is forwarded to the participant’s physical address by the Secretary of State, and all participants designate the Secretary of State as their agent for legal service of process. Safe at Home partners with organizations all around the

state to work with people who wish to enroll in the program. Application assistants, employed by these organizations, are specially trained by Safe at Home to assist those who are interested in enrolling. A person who wants to enroll in the program meets face-to-face with an application assistant to discuss their safety concerns and the assistant works with them to determine whether enrolling in Safe at Home is a good safety step for the person to take. To fi nd an application assistant in go to http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=878. Please note,

individuals can monitor computer and Internet use. If a person is in danger, it is advised to use a safer computer. Simon has made strengthening and increasing awareness about Safe at Home one of his top priorities as Secretary of State. Earlier this year, he worked with Republicans and Democrats to successfully pass a bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton in May, to further strengthen the program by providing courts with a uniform framework when working with Safe at Home participants.

With 133 requests from cities, schools and nonprofi ts, The Saint Paul Foundation has approved seven Advancing Racial Equity grants in honor of its 75th anniversary. Applicants were asked to answer the question, “What will your organization do to advance racial equity in St. Paul or the East Metro?” “These grants are representative of what I see as the emergence of a wide-spread yearning for honest self-expression,” explained Dr. Eric Jolly, president and CEO of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, of which The Saint Paul Foundation is an affi liate. “How do we help people have honest self-expression when in doing so they do not have fair and equal access to our social institutions? Grants like these can help open their access.” Organizations whose racial equity work is being funded by The Saint Paul Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Advancing Racial Equity grant program include Ujamaa Place and Better Futures, Saint Paul Youth

Services (SPYS), Penumbra Theatre Company, New Star Aviation, Genesys Works Twin Cities, Dream of Wild Health and the city of Maplewood. Ujamaa Place and Better Futures, two nonprofi ts working with marginalized African-American men, were awarded $42,500 for addressing racial disparity in the Ramsey County judicial system. The collaborative program will educate Ramsey County about alternatives to incarceration, including safe housing, counseling services, educational attainment, customized job training and workforce development. SPYS partners with the community to give young people a safety net, second chances, and the skills to pursue their dreams. The group was awarded $42,500 for its project, Creating Youth-Centric Organizations to Advance Racial Equity. SPYS will host workshops for public,

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Saint Paul Foundation grants seek to address question of racial equity

Steve Simon, MN Secretary of State

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BUSINESSResources and mindfulness in the life of nonprofi ts

Part two of a three-part series

Fundraising is fundraising, or is it? We asked Lisa Hoffman about her observations related to the similarities and differences between large, established nonprofits and emerging, or grassroots, organizations as it relates to fundraising. “All nonprofits share a passion and commitment to create positive change in their community – local, regional, national, beyond. The vast majority of nonprofits are founded by a person or a group

so driven by a cause that they decide to start an organization. I would say that even the largest nonprofit institutions started literally or figuratively around someone’s kitchen table,” Hoffman began. “Beyond that, the differences lie in resources and what resources can create. Large, established nonprofits usually are adequately or well resourced. Emerging nonprofits need to figure out their business models and make them work. Some grassroots organizations have accomplished this, and many struggle, for a variety of reasons. “Any size nonprofit can have strong and engaged leadership, a clear and compelling vision, and a board and organizational culture of positive relationships, commitment and accountability, which

combined yield an effective team and organization. “Similarly, any size nonprofit can build an effective and vibrant fund development effort – it comes back to leadership, culture, and putting fundraising success factors into place.

I’ve worked with a number of groups over the years that started with no money or a few hundred dollars and are today established groups with budgets ranging from $1 million-$5 million or more.” We believe that “mindfulness” impacts much

of life, including fundraising. As an ordained Zen priest Hoffman has wisdom to share in this area as well. “Mindfulness – awareness of what is happening in this moment – can have a powerful impact because it encourages organizations and their leadership to look beyond their nonprofits’ needs and situation to the larger community, and especially donors,” she began. “Many organizations are too internally focused and don’t look at the bigger picture beyond their mission. As our colleague Kay Sprinkel Grace says, ‘People give because you meet needs, not because you have needs.’ Mindfulness can help nonprofits keep this in mind in inviting people to partner with financial support. “Mindfulness is also a wonderful skill for board and staff to develop in cultivating and asking people to invest in

their organizations. It’s easy to be so concerned or so anxious about asking for the gift that we don’t take in signals that a person isn’t ready, or that the initiative we are pushing is not what speaks to their heart and mind.” “And, on an individual level, mindfulness can help us notice how we’re feeling and what we need for personal sustainability – so that we can keep doing the work that is so important for many years.” You can reach Lisa at www.lisahoffman.net

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

By Mel and Pearl Shaw

FUNdraisingGood Times

We believe that “mindfulness” impacts much of life, including

fundraising.

should refl ect the diversity of this community. Two: African American businesses in Minnesota must be awarded a share of public and private contracts commensurate with their representation among Minnesota businesses. Minority businesses hire minorities at

a rate signifi cantly greater than majority owned business. African American owned businesses make up 12.7% of small businesses certifi ed by the State of Minnesota; and, 27.4% of targeted businesses certifi ed by the state. Three: The Minnesota House and Senate must pass and the governor sign comprehensive legislation comprised of short and long-term strategies, of both proven and innovative approaches to

end economic disparities. The State Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage proposed African American economic stimulus legislation last year (H.F. 945 and S.F. 1819) which could serve as a template and minimum effort for engaging state resources in this effort. Four: Minnesota-based philanthropies, private, corporate and community foundations, that collectively are endowed with billions of dollars in assets and

make grants in excess of a billion dollars annually, must prioritize the income gap and devote resources to African American and African American lead organizations to solve this problem. Five: Public, private and philanthropic enterprises in partnership with African American organizations must publish an annual report card on the status of efforts to achieve these results. African Americans—

individuals, families and business, community and faith leaders—must take charge and be accountable to prepare ourselves for employment and business opportunities when they become available. We must engage every resource at our disposal and remain vigilant to fi ght the regression of economic parity and move our community forward—one child, family, neighborhood and community at a time. We must take responsibility for

our success, partnering with those who would help, defying those who expect us to fail, but moving forward always with unstoppable determination to achieve equity. All these measures combined will go a long way toward helping African Americans move out of shadow Minnesota and end the shameful maintenance of a de facto state of apartheid.

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co-directed by Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg. The picture proves to be very compelling as a sociological examination of profound dysfunction, but it’s simultaneously a bitter disappointment for anyone

expecting a miraculous, happy Hollywood ending. In search of answers, fi rst, he proceeded to buy the house that his father grew up in and moved in with his wife, Donnie. Then, after hearing rumors that Brian was a local hobo and an alcoholic, he started scouring the streets of the Windy City for him. Yes, he did search for and

get his dad into rehab right after their tearful reunion. But would his father, Brian, fi nd the strength to stay clean with the help of this new lease on life coming in the form of a job, an apartment, and a loving, supportive son? Unfortunately, Rhymefest

just can’t get any satisfaction from the father he’s craved for and loved from afar for as long as he can remember. But at least he continues to fl ourish professionally, having recently co-written the 2015 Oscar Award-winning Best Song “Glory” with Common

and John Legend for the fi lm Selma. The movie’s message, if any? If you’re a successful rap star, you might want to think twice before returning to the ghetto to track down the deadbeat dad you never knew.

Excellent (4 stars)Rated R for profanity and ethnic slurs Running time: 93 minutesDistributor: Arc Entertainment

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Detox salad recipe for weight loss and energy!

As a H o l i s t i c H e a l t h Coach and Nutri t ion Educator I am always l o o k i n g f o r recipes, resources and tools that make your food and lifestyle choices healthy and easy! Last weekend I had a lot of fun teaching a cooking class over at the newly opened Mississippi Market in St. Paul (740 East 7th Street) for the Insight 2 Health Challenge group. They all loved the

“Detox Salad Recipe” - Check it out here:

Detox Salad This is a recreation of one of my favorite Whole Foods salads! The detox salad, bursting with color and fl avor, is a nutritious powerhouse! Make a batch to munch on all week....it will give you energy and is full of fat busting nutrients!

Makes 12 cups • 2 heads broccoli • 2 1/2 cups of roughly cut caulifl ower fl orets • 3 large carrots, roughly chopped • 3/4 cup chopped parsley • 1/2 cup raw sunfl ower seeds • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds • 1/2 cup raisins • 1 cup dried currants • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1/4 teaspoons Himalayan salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Place the broccoli fl orets into a food processor and pulse until chopped very fi ne. Depending on the size of your food processor you may have to work in batches. Empty out into a large bowl. 2. Do the same with the caulifl ower fl orets. 3. Next add the carrots and pulse until fi nely chopped and add to the bowl along with the broccoli and caulifl ower. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. 4. Stir in the parsley, sunfl ower seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins and currants. Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper. **Olive oil and a splash of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar can be added to the lemon to make a more robust dressing if desired. 5. To store: keep refrigerated in a tightly sealed glass container. I like to keep it in a big sealed glass container because I fi nd that the glass keeps the salad fresher than plastic. To your health, enjoy!

Julie McMahon, Founder/Owner of Sound Nutrition, is a Certifi ed Holistic Health Coach and Raw Food Nutrition Educator who is passionate about Nutrition, Health and Wellness. Julie believes in the power of whole foods to create optimal health and maximum energy fl ow and works with her clients in a step by step approach to achieve their personal vision of health. For more information, or to schedule a nutrition consultation, visit: www.mysoundnutrition.com or call NutritionJulie at 612-270-9344.

By Julie McMahon CHHCSound Nutrition LLC

Cooking class in the brand new Mississippi Market location at 740 East 7th Street, St. Paul. Class taught by Julie McMahon, aka Nutrition Julie. Participants included Julie Hall, Nacole Webster, Nadya Sabuwala, Toronda Sweeney, Adero Cobb, Erick Goodlow,

Preston Cunningham, Whitney Cantrell and Lindsay Leko. Also Fit Lab Trainers Jamie Minor and Theresa Behnke.

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Insight News is publishedweekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

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EDUCATION

Robbinsdale Cooper High School grads earn International Baccalaureate Diplomas

Fourteen Robbinsdale Cooper High School graduates from the Class of 2015 earned prestigious International Baccalaureate Diplomas this past summer. The students are Camille

Balhorn, Aliza Beverage, Jason Dickmeyer, William Frisk, Hanna Hailegiorgis, Rachel Larsen, Corey Loken, Nathan Lutmer, Sara Minder, Blessing Ogunyemi, Kathryn Penick, Max

Perkins, Andrew Potach and Ciara White. The Diploma Programme is an academically challenging program of education with fi nal examinations that test six subject

groups – English, Language Acquisition, Mathematics, Individuals and Societies (history), Sciences, and Electives (second science, biology or business and management). In addition to the six examinations, students each wrote an Extended Essay (EE), participated in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), and took the Theory of Knowledge course. The Extended Essay asks students to engage in independent research through in-depth study of a question relating to one of the Diploma Programme subjects they are studying. Creativity, Activity, Service involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies through experiential learning. Finally, Theory of Knowledge is a course on critical thinking where students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction. “I am very proud of the hard work our Diploma candidates have put into earning the highly-esteemed IB Diploma,” said Kari Christensen, the IB coordinator at Robbinsdale Cooper. “The knowledge, critical thinking

skills and time management skills they have learned in their junior

and senior years will aid them in their post-Cooper journeys.”

Blessing Ogunyemi, a 2015 graduate from Robbinsdale Cooper High School, is one of 14 Cooper students who earned an International Baccalaureate Diploma this past summer. She is pictured

here after presenting the fi nal copy of her Extended Essay to a teacher mentor last December.

Students discuss social justice at R.E.A.C.H. Summit

MPS decision to expand moratorium is major step towards racial equity

A diverse group of high school seniors from the Twin Cities found a safe space to discuss current events and concerns at the inaugural R.E.A.C.H. (Realizing Equity and Cultivating Hope) Summit hosted by the University of St. Thomas on Saturday, Sept. 12. High school seniors who have demonstrated an interest in leadership and social justice were encouraged by their schools’ guidance counselors to register for the program. As part of their application, the students were asked to describe two or three social-justice issues they would like to discuss at the summit. Based on their responses, St. Thomas faculty

and staff members led breakout discussions on issues of race, economics, LGBT, gender equality, immigration and policing in communities of color. The students collaborated to create goals for their respective communities and formed action plans to promote positive change. The R.E.A.C.H Summit’s planning committee hopes that recognizing and discussing social issues will create a learning atmosphere for high school students that encourages diverse perspectives. St. Thomas strives to create a vibrant campus community that works for a just and inclusive society. The summit received positive reviews and the university looks forward to hosting another summit, with more students, next fall.

Earlier this month Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) released a statement that the district would “suspend suspensions” for all non-violent behavior. ISAIAH president the Rev. Paul Slack said the move is one in the right direction. “Members of ISAIAH who are parents, school stakeholders and community members applaud Minneapolis Public Schools and their commitment

to expand the moratorium to all elementary school grades,” said Slack. We see the outcome of a successful implementation of the moratorium as being one major step in addressing the racial equity crisis and the school-to-prison pipeline permeating in our state’s public schools.” ISAIAH faith leaders had been in ongoing conversations with former Superintendent

Bernadeia Johnson and, now Interim Superintendent Michael Goar, around the implementation of the moratorium to end all non-violent school suspensions. According to Slack, in a response from Goar, 2,000 students were suspended 3,090 times during the 2014-2015 school year. Of that, African-American kids were suspended 2,100 times.

“The implementation of the moratorium must include adequate oversight, accountability and bold leadership from everyone responsible for the nurture and care of our loved ones,” said Slack. “We expect the Minneapolis Behavior Policies to be followed, and the Positive School-Wide Engagement Plan that supports alternatives to suspensions is fully supported

and monitored. Too much is at stake for our children – especially the children of color who will suffer most.” Slack said negotiations between ISAIAH and Robbinsdale Area Schools have led to the reduction of suspensions by 72 percent district-wide (comparing 2013-2014 to 2014-2015). A racial breakdown has not been given. “We know suspensions

are a major contributor to the school-to-prison pipeline, which has manifested into a major racial equity crisis in our state,” said Slack. “It is disrupting our families and our communities who are paying now for our state’s growing inmate population. Dismantling this major pipeline will give students of color hope beyond prison bars, courts and further unfair policing.”

Teron Buford, Assistant Director of Admissions, Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment, University of St. Thomas, leads

a breakout discussion on race and economic issues within communities of color.

Correction: An October 5 article entitled “CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS: Leerssen, Stephens lead equity, inclusion initiatives” misspelled Joy Marsh Stephens’ last name.

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On October 18, 2015, Pastor Vernell Thomas and First Lady Loretta Thomas will celebrate 49 years of service at Greater Saint Paul Church of God in Christ. And again this year, I am writing an article recognizing them during this momentous occasion. I do this as a tribute to all pastors because pastors help build strong families and communities. I do give special recognition to my Pastor and First Lady because they have the distinction of having 49 years of service at a single church. I believe this is truly

phenomenal and noteworthy. I would like acknowledge them again by sharing some valuable lessons that I have learned from watching and listening to them. First, love covers a multitude of faults. Even when the people in our lives are not perfect, love makes up the difference. Love covers the shortcomings of others. Love helps, heals, and forgives. It is the standard that a marriage must be built on and a community must live by. When we love our neighbors as ourselves, we can wish them no ill or do them no harm. Greater Saint Paul is known in the community as a loving church that is committed to sharing this love with others. Secondly, be excellent in everything you do. Every day in your work and personal life, you are required to give your best effort. Without God as your standard, you will never give beyond your comfort

zone. I see in my Pastor and First Lady the example that your best effort is your only option. What ever your hands fi nd to do, do it with all your might. They have demonstrated that the spirit of excellence is truly how we glorify God. Thirdly, commitment matters. Who and what are you

committed to? This is a question we all must answer. Whether in church or in marriage, you must be committed. The completion of a college degree, purchase of a home, or the raising of a family, all require commitment. My pastor and his wife have demonstrated this in over 57 years of marriage.

Finally, be one with your spouse. Young couples today are making the mistake of seeking their best friends outside of their marriage. In the case of Pastor and First Lady Thomas, they are truly one. When you see one of them, you see the other. I have observed their closeness, and I have seen how they enjoy each other’s company. They are truly each other’s best friend, and they have set a stellar example for others to follow. These are only a few of the many great life lessons I have learned from my Pastor and First Lady. They are two of the greatest leaders that I have ever met. They have imparted greatness in my life. I am a better man, father, friend, and community leader because of the positive impact they have had in my life. I am sure that many others in this community share my sentiment.

In the Bible, the 49th year was the year prior to the year of jubilee, and it was a year of double blessings. As Greater Saint Paul church family celebrate their 49th anniversary, please join us and helping to fi ll the house and be a double blessing! The date is October 18th at 4:00 PM at Greater Saint Paul COGIC, 4001 4th Ave South in Minneapolis. The community is invited to celebrate with us! You will be blessed for coming, and we will be blessed for having you there! That will be our double blessing!

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.

LIFESTYLE

ManTalk

By Timothy Houston

Pastor Vernell Thomas and First Lady Loretta Thomas celebrating 49 years of ministry

No need to fear, just calm the atmosphereI have two wonderful boys named Austin and Chris ages 9 and 4. I describe Chris as an “old soul” that is calm and reserved, slow to react, and when he speaks, his words are meaningful. Austin’s personality is comparatively like mine, independent, robust and he has an attitude to be reckoned with. Austin’s birth was just like his personality -- very tough. I was diagnosed with placenta previa, which caused me to give birth to Austin six weeks early, October 2010 instead of December. As I observed Austin’s behavior develop, like any mother, I prayed for the best; especially since he was considered premature. During the course of being a mother of two children, I was also an unhappily wedded wife. My caseload was full -- I was working full-time, mother of two, married, and beginning my Doctor of Education degree in counseling education. Wait, before I move

forward, I would be remised if I did not mention that I am originally from Birmingham, Ala., and this is where all of my family originated. This part of the story is important because this is where my main support and sanity was established. Moving forward, as my husband and I pushed through a broken marriage and developed our careers, I observed the children and their brilliant personalities develop. You are probably asking by now how does this article relate to children and mood disorders? If you are still reading then I have caught your attention, and this also means I am getting to the point. While Austin was never diagnosed with any disorders, I often wondered if he had traits that should have been tested. Some of the characteristics included him being easily distracted, aggressive behavior, inability to follow directions, and blah, blah, blah. I know that this may sound silly for a 3- to 4-year-old, but there were times when his behavior was

unmanageable. As a therapist with more than 13 years of experience working with children, geriatrics, adolescents and adults; I believed that I knew what I was observing. Unfortunately, but fortunately, I was completely wrong. I need to mention that my husband and I moved the family from Alabama to Virginia to pursue the Washington, D.C. dream of

working with the Capitol Hill big wigs. My husband, now ex-husband, was a computer programmer that worked next to Anderson Cooper during President Obama’s second presidential election, and I worked as a functional family therapist providing in-home therapy to families within the Washington, D.C. area. Life seemed great. But behind closed doors my ex-husband and I were constantly fighting and arguing on a regular basis. What does this all mean? Well, when I finally moved to Minnesota and ended the relationship with my husband, he remained in Virginia, Austin’s behavior gradually changed to a more manageable child. Austin is still robust, full of attitude and very, very independent; but the characteristics that mimicked a mood disorder were really due to the chaos within the home. As a therapist, I have several parents who bring their children for diagnostics in hopes of trying to determine if their child has ADHD. Teachers sometimes have

trouble discerning between various diagnosis, and with ADHD being the highest diagnosis it is very easy for a child to obtain a label. When children become stressed their levels of cortisol rises. Cortisol is a chemical that is released when people are faced with fight or flight situations. Unfortunately, when children are placed into constant situations that never allow their cortisol levels to decrease, they begin to display behaviors that may mimic mental health disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, depression or anxiety disorder. Chris and Austin displayed their own ways of distress due to our dysfunctional household, but because I was in the “snow globe” -- it was hard for me to reflect on the issues. Once I became settled in Minnesota and removed myself from the stress and my own cortisol levels were lowered, I was able to heal and observe the children’s behavior for their true essence. The overall point is, I encourage parents to take an

inventory of their environment and rate the level of calmness within their lives. If life feels chaotic for the adult, then the magnitude of chaos is tripled for the child. Children cannot process stress nor can they understand the rate that issues occur. Parents must not be quick to label, but be quick to control the environments, reduce stress, and in all, make life as simple for children as possible. Nevertheless, if their behavior is still persistent, then please seek professional help and follow through with the resources and recommendations. Peace and love. Aja King is an independent licensed professional clinical counselor providing counseling services since 2001 in multi-cultural sensitive therapy, individual/family therapy, child/adolescent therapy and domestic abuse. King holds a Bachelors of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Masters of Art in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Atlanta.

Aja King

By Aja King, M.A., LPCC

I am a better man, father, friend, and community leader because of the positive impact

they have had in my life.


COMMUNITY

‘Way to Happiness’ booklets distributed in North Minneapolis on Oct. 16

Seven fall fi re prevention tips

MAD DADS, the Minneapolis North Community High School football team, and The Way to Happiness Foundation are teaming up on Friday, Oct. 16 to distribute up to 3,000 “The Way to Happiness” booklets in north Minneapolis. The three organizations are joining forces to address

increasing concerns about the alarming crime rate and violence occurring in north Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Police Department’s Crime Analysis Unit reports that the Jordan neighborhood ranks third in overall crime in Minneapolis as of August of 2015, with the Near

North neighborhood ranking fifth. Larceny, burglary and auto theft are the most frequent crimes. “The Way to Happiness” was written to fill the moral vacuum in society, according to the participating groups. Originally published in 1981, its purpose is to help arrest

the current moral decline in society and restore integrity and trust to man. It holds a Guinness record as the single most translated non-religious book in the world. Communities all around the world have used this guide to create a positive impact in reducing crime, violence

and unrest. Nonreligious and nonpolitical, it has been used in mentoring youth and giving them the guidance they need to succeed in life. Volunteers from all three organizations will be assembling at Shiloh Temple, 1201 W. Broadway Ave., on Friday afternoon, Oct. 16,

then splitting up into teams to distribute the booklets to homes in both the Jordan and Near North communities between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Free copies of the booklet will also be available to anyone wishing to stop by the Shiloh Temple during those hours.

Oct. 4-10 was National Fire Prevention Week, here are some fall fi re safety tips from the Minneapolis Fire Department:• Get your furnace inspected by a licensed professional to make sure it’s working safely and effi ciently. Don’t use space heaters while sleeping or when they are left unattended. • Create a family escape plan: Plan ahead in case you need to exit your home quickly in an emergency, and pick a safe meeting spot for family members outside your house. Make sure everyone knows where to meet, and practice the plan. Ideas for a safe meeting spot include a neighbor’s house, a big tree close by or a nearby fi re hydrant. • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a licensed professional if you use your fi replace regularly. • Test your smoke alarms. The theme for this year’s National Fire Prevention Week is “Hear the beep where you sleep” encouraging people to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Smoke alarms need to be checked monthly, and the batteries must be changed twice a year. A great time to remember to change your battery is daylight saving time (change your clock, change your battery). Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1. • Enjoy bonfi res – or recreational fi res – safely and legally by burning only untreated wood, keeping the fi res small and locating them at least 25 feet from any structure. Learn more about the Minneapolis recreational fi re law or watch a video on having bonfi res in the city. • Don’t burn leaves or other yard waste. • Test your carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure you have one within 10 feet of every

bedroom.

Prevent kitchen fi resMore fi res start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home. That’s why the Minneapolis Fire Department wants to make sure you know how to prevent cooking fi res. Kitchen fi re safety is explained

in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong as part of the City’s “Did you know...” series of short videos on the City’s YouTube channel and cable channels 14 and 79. Residents who have friends or neighbors who speak these languages are encouraged to share links to the videos.• Kitchen Fire Safety

Learn how to prevent kitchen fi res and what to do if there’s a fi re while you’re cooking in this video from the Minneapolis “Did you know...” series.• Seguridad contra incendíos en la cocina (Spanish) Aprenda como prevenir un incendio en la cocina y qué hacer si hay un incendio mientras está cocinando en la serie

de videos de Minneapolis “Sabía usted que…”• Amaanka Dabka ee Jikada (Somali) Fiidyoga taxanaha ‘’Ma Ogtahay…” ee YouTube ee Magaalada ee maqalka iyo muuqaalka leh waxaad ka barataa ka hortaga dabka jikada iyo talaabada aad qaadi kartid haddii

dab ka kaco jikada.• Kev Xyuas Xim Huav Chav Ua Mov (Hmong)Yog xav paub txog kev xyuas xim hauv chav ua mov, sais nroog Minneapolis tshooj xov xwm hu, “Koj pos paub” For more fi re safety tips, follow the Fire Department on Twitter at @MinneapolisFire.

Canstock photoSmoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home

Classifi eds Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: [email protected]

Now Accepting Housing Applications

Mission Oaks Townhomes is accepting housing applications for our waiting list for 2 and 3 BR apartments with Section 8 rental assistance. The waiting list will open on 9/7/2015 and close on 11/7/2015. Income limits apply. For a housing application, please call 952-876-9203. EHO.

HELP WANTEDDedicated Runs Available. Frequent Home Time, Top Pay & Benefi ts; Monthly Bonus-es & MORE! CDL-A, 1yr Exp. Req. EEOE/AAP. LIMITED POSITIONS AVAILABLE. 866-370-4476 www.drive4marten.com

Whispering Pines Apartments 7 NE 5th Ave. Forest Lake, MN

651-464-4406Public Housing Waiting List Closing

October 31, 2015

ST. STEPHEN’S HUMAN SERVICESEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

St. Stephen’s Human Services has several employment opportunities available in our single adult men’s shelters. • Full Time Shelter Advocate • Temporary River of Life Shelter Advocate (Multiple Positions)• Custodian – Temporary River of Life Winter Shelter (Multiple Positions)Our mission is Ending Homelessness. To join our team, visit http://ststephensmpls.org/join for details.

Administrative AssistantBrakins Consulting & Psychological Services

Brakins Consulting& Psychological Services, LLC & the African American Child Well-ness Institute seeks a highly motivated individual for a full-time position as an Admin-istrative Assistant to work in a community-based private practice clinic that primarily serves African American children, adolescents and adult. We are seeking an energetic Administrative Assistant who can show initiative and leadership skills, has strong com-puter technical abilities, has their own transportation, has fl exible hours and is willing to grow professionally with the company. The Administrative Assistant (AA) will be re-sponsible for performing moderately complex to complex administrative tasks in sup-port of the Executive/Clinic Director and the Mental Health Service Delivery Treatment team. Duties include extensive meeting scheduling, providing assistance to coordinate larger and complex meetings. Compiling information and preparing moderately complex documents, spreadsheets and reports using appropriate software; assisting, screening and/or selectively referring callers; handling complex and sensitive inquiries/calls from external/internal sources.

The AA is also responsible for confi rming travel arrangements and managing pay-ments for payroll and expense report reimbursement. The AA will also provide support within areas of reporting for business documentation and team/individual goals, per-sonnel changes and department record keeping processes. The successful candidate proactively tracks procedures and deadlines. The candidate may work closely with both internal and external customers to meet service needs. The AA will also act as an onsite assistant for the Treatment team for miscellaneous duties such as equipment assis-tance, delivery support and supplies. Performing special projects as requested.

The successful candidate must have a minimum of 2 or 4 years of college plus 2 years experience as an administrative assistant; possess strong written and verbal communi-cation skills and have experience with interacting with ethnically diverse mental health consumers.

Interested candidates should send a resume, interest letter and at least 3 references to:

BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., LP, Clinic DirectorBrakins Consulting& Psychological Services, LLC & The African American Child Well-ness Institute4050 Olson Memorial Hwy # 195Golden Valley, MN 55422(Phone) 763-522-0100 (Fax) 763-588-0100Email: [email protected]

Executive Director - Council forMinnesotans of African Heritage

An Executive Director employment opportunity is avail-able for the Council on Council for Minnesotans of Af-

The Council is a state agency that advises the government on

This position represents the Council on issues affecting Min-nesotans of African Heritage to the Legislature, the governor,

Candidates must possess experience dealing with issues of concern to Minnesotans of African Heritage, demonstrating effective interaction with community stakeholders, govern-

For the full position description and application infor-mation go to:https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting/4042f

3a1e1fca8612ca75842aad568fd/Viewor call 651.296.0099.

Executive DirectorThe Whittier Alliance Neighborhood Assn in South Minneapolis is seeking an Executive Director. Candidates must have experience in nonprofit management and community development. This is a full time position. For complete job description visit: whittieralliance.org and follow the link.

Minnesota Council of ChurchesProgram Director

20 hours, Research, design, and evaluation of justice programs. OPEN UNTIL FILLED http://www.mnchurches.org/about/employment.html

private, philanthropic and nonprofi t groups to change how organizations and adults interact with youth of color. Penumbra Theatre Company creates professional productions through the prism of the African-American experience. The organization was awarded $65,000 for its Summer Institute,

which trains up to 70 students from the Twin Cities to identify issues of inequality, and works to create art that will illuminate the issues and use their passion for the arts to promote social justice and racial equity. New Star Aviation seeks to grow the aerospace community by engaging a more diverse student population in aerospace education. New Star was awarded $25,000 for the Aerospace Diversity Outreach and Inclusion project, which

includes free introductory fl ight experiences for participating students. Of the more than 71,000 pilots working for major U.S. airlines, only an estimated 674 are African-American, including 14 African-American female pilots. Genesys Works Twin Cities, a nonprofi t that provides economically disadvantaged high school students training and work experience to help them succeed as professionals, was awarded $25,000 for

College and Career Success for Disadvantaged Youth. The project offers students eight weeks of skills training and places them in paid corporate internships in technology-related positions. It also includes trainings for workplace supervisors, to empower St. Paul companies to welcome students of diverse backgrounds. Dream of Wild Health, a nonprofi t focusing on health and well-being in the Twin Cities

Native-American community, was awarded $25,000 for its American Indian Youth Education and Leadership Program. This project will educate St. Paul Native-American youth in issues of food access and sovereignty. Youth will assist at the East Side Indigenous Garden, the St. Paul Farmer’s Market and other activities. The city of Maplewood was awarded $75,000 for Community is Not a Place:

Advancing Racial Equity in Maplewood. The project includes diversity training, auditing the city’s current racial understanding and facilitating community gatherings between residents and police offi cers. Maplewood Police Chief Paul Schnell said the goal is to “provide Maplewood with the tools necessary to strengthen relationships and grow the voice of diverse communities in efforts to tackle racial disparities.”

EquityFrom 4


Threads Dance Project presents ‘Warriors of Light’Sage Dance Award nominee, Karen Charles, presents her company, Threads Dance Project, in its seventh season show, “Warriors of Light.” The show takes place Nov. 6 and 7 at the Goodale Theater in the Cowles Center for Dance and The Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Show times are 7:30 p.m. each day. “’Warriors of Light’ is my second evening-length work, inspired by ‘Warrior of the Light: A Manual’ by Paulo Coelho,” said Charles “I collaborated with Sanford Moore to create an evening of dance and live music that will inspire everyone to illuminate their inner ‘Warrior of the Light’ – someone who can look at the world without bitterness and be a leader that fosters positive change in the world.” “Warriors of Light” is an opportunity for Threads to connect the community through book clubs with open rehearsals, displays of student’s art projects from three schools based on the show’s themes, and at Saturday night’s performance, students’ creative writing submissions will be read. Patrons of the Nov. 6 performance ages 21-plus are invited to a pre-show reception from 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. on the second floor Target Studio at The Cowles Center. A post-show discussion including ASL interpretation will take place following Friday’s performance.

Photo credit: Summer Street Photography


Monday, Oct. 12ROCK/METAL

HibriaNether Bar111 N. 5th St., Minneapolis 8 p.m.$10 -12

Brazilian speed metal band Hibia plays Th e Nether Bar below Mill City Nights.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 ECLECTIC/PERFORMANCE

iNMiGRATiONIcehouse2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis10 p.m.No cover

iNMiGRATiON is a “site-specifi c installation performance series” with a collective of guests including Martin Dosh, Devon Gray aka dVRG, JG Everest, Ben Durrant , Greg Shutte, Truth Maze, DJ Dennis Conrad, Ben Clark, Claire de Lune and more.

Wednesday, Oct. 14HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE

Th e Underachievers First Avenue 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 6 p.m.$18

Brooklyn hip-hop duo, Th e Underachievers, bring a blend of raw rap bravado with intelligent rhymes and solid selection of beats.

Thursday, Oct. 15HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE

Chance the Rapper Myth 3090 Southlawn Dr., Maplewood$40-$45

Chicago’s Chance the Rapper is fresh off of the successful release of the surprise “Donnie Trumpet” album. Always experimenting with styles, Chance is one of the reasons why hip-hop stays interesting.

Friday, Oct. 16THEATRE

“Henry IV Part 1”Open Book 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis$30

Sha Cage stars as as Prince Hal in this all woman adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV.”

Saturday, Oct. 17 HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE

Minnesota Hip-Hop – Revival Session Saturday’sTh e Glenwood Business Corridor Coalition (GBCC)1823 Glenwood Ave. N., Minneapolis 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.All ages$5

Th e Minnesota Hip-Hop Coalition presents “Hip-Hop Consciousness, Hip-Hop Culture” -- a production of hip-hop art, products and services with workshops and performances by Dj

Kool Akiem, Carnage the Executioner, Sti-Lo Reel, Peoplez, Sole and Madd Man.

Sunday, Oct. 18 REGGAE/PERFORMANCE

J BoogFirst Avenue 701 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 7 p.m.

His album reached No. 8 on the Billboard Reggae charts -- Compton born Hawaii transplant, J Boog returns to Minneapolis to rock First Avenue.

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at [email protected]

The Underachievers

DJ Kool Akiem

Oct. 12 - 18

Chance the Rapper

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Saxophonist Marcus Anderson enjoys And Coffee, his latest ventureSaxophonist Marcus Anderson has blended two of his favorite things – music and coff ee, introducing four fl avors of coff ee under his new brand, And Coff ee. Th e launch of the coff ee coincides with the release of a new CD of the same name. Th e CD is available online as is the coff ee, which will also soon be available in retail stores. Anderson said the fl avors refl ect his musical tastes with compositions on the CD bearing the same names and styles – Passion Blend (decaf), Cup of Joe (mild roast), Hazelnut, and Cappuccino Strut (bold roast). All are roasted and distributed in his home state of North Carolina. Each 12 oz. bag of ground coff ee retails for $12.99. “And Coff ee” marks Anderson’s eighth album in 10 years. When not on the road performing his own tunes Anderson is on the road with Prince as part of his New Power Generation band. “Touring with Prince has been rewarding in so many diff erent ways; I feel as if I’m in grad school, business classes, and etiquette school all wrapped into one,” said Anderson. Why coff ee? “Coff ee is a beverage enjoyed all over the world. People share the experience of drinking a cup of Joe with a stranger and begin to relate to one another. Mutual appreciation of music has the same kind of eff ect on people,” said Anderson. “I love being a part of products that bring us all together.” Marcus Anderson

Support provided by Producers’ Council members Leni and David Moore, Jr./The David and Leni Moore Family Foundation. Support also provided by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts; and the Engaging Dance Audiences program, administered by Dance/USA and made possible with generous funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

In honor of Dale Schatzlein (1948-2006) and his important work in dance and jazz in the Twin Cities, additional support is provided by Emily Maltz.

Dean MossjohnbrownOct 15–17, 8pmCopresented with the Givens Foundation

Dance-based interdisciplinary artist Dean Moss creates a performance meditating on the complicated, controversial legacy of 19th-century abolitionist John Brown. His ambitious socio-historical critique questions not only the turbulent past of a historical figure but also the racial, gen-der, and generational processes at play.

Walker Art Center walkerart.org/stage 612.375.7600

directed byR A M I N

G R AY

music byJ O H N

B R O W N E

written byD AV I D

G R E I G

The Guthrie WorldStage Series presents Actors Touring Company production of

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