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Insight News November 6 - November 12, 2017
For Us, By Us: Jeremiah Ellison, endorsed by DFL, Insight TURN TO PAGE 3
Uchechukwu Iroegbu
Vol. 44 No. 45• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Page 2 •November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Insight News
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Letters to the Editor
In support of Betsy Hodges for Mpls Mayor
FIGHTING FOR ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
Minneapolis and our nation are facing challenging times and we must have proven leadership to help move Minneapolis forward. We need a mayor with maturity, experience, appreciation and respect for cultural differences. We must have a mayor who listens to community and takes action at City Hall. Mayor Betsy Hodges has shown herself to be a true leader through listening to the community and having the courage to support and select Police Chief Medaria Arradondo in this time of confusion and historical teaching. She is guiding our city to be a 21st century police force and I am confident with Chief Arradondo at the helm and with Betsy in the Mayor’s Office, our city will be a shining example for the rest of the nation. Through her Cradle to K program, Mayor Hodges is working hard to improve health, childcare and housing for our children. Equity has been at the center of Betsy’s work since day one and with a second term, I know Mayor Hodges will move Minneapolis forward together. Mayor Hodges encapsulates all of the qualities
Dr. Josie Johnson
Besty Hodges
of a strong, proven, tested leader. Minneapolis not only needs Betsy, we have benefitted from her as Mayor and are better off because of her. We’ve seen equity in her budgets and policies, and we know when she says she’s
going to do something, she gets it done despite outside forces. I strongly support Betsy Hodges as my first choice for re-election and encourage readers to do the same. - Dr. Josie Johnson
Greater Twin Cities United Way and CAPI USA partner to provide fresh produce, culturally specific foods and other services to Minnesota’s newest immigrants and refugees.
Learn more at gtcuw.org
Bleeding the have-nots In regard to the article, “Tenants and advocates rally for rent control in Minneapolis” (Oct. 2 – Oct. 8), it is important to point out these falsehoods that our capitalistic system used to raise rents. Falsehood N.1, “market values” are a fair and acceptable way for landlords to gauge how much rent they should charge. Reality, “market value” rents are landlords violating antitrust laws and practicing collusion, banding together to drive up rents. How is it possible that all rental units within a certain area
all need the same high rents, when some buildings have high expenses and some have low expenses? This is proof that what we have here is extortion. Falsehood No.2, rents (are) based on “what the market value will bear.” As the Insight article showed, (50 percent of Minneapolis renter households are cost-burdened), these rents being paid by renters is not proof that they are “bearable.” In a hostage situation, you pay the ever increasing “market value” or live under a bridge. Falsehood No. 3, landlords
have the right to raise rents when supply is low. Supply and demand does not work in rental housing because renters have no choice; they need a roof over their heads. Supply and demand is applicable and appropriate for selling Vikings tickets, because the purchaser has a choice … if the price is too high they simply do not go to the game. In capitalism, it is sacred to allow they haves the right to bleed the have nots. Frank Erickson Minneapolis
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Insight News • November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Page 3
aesthetically speaking
Aesthetically It!: Events, concerts, venues in the Twin Cities
MORE ON PAGE 10
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Insight News November 6 - November 12, 2017
Vol. 44 No. 45• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Jeremiah Ellison: For Us, By Us Commentary By Al McFarlane and Batala McFarlane Jeremiah Ellison, the Insight News and DFL-endorsed candidate for the Minneapolis City Council 5th Ward seat, represents continued movement of the arc of history toward justice and freedom. Our interpretation of Ellison’s vision of the Northside is “For Us, By Us” (FUBU). FUBU was a clothing brand concept, that made a political statement in the 1990s. It signaled a generation’s fearlessness, self-confidence and self-reliance. FUBU, as a concept, changed the world. It’s one of the many powerful statements underpinning the world of hip-hop whose origin is the still-evolving victory of young Black people fighting the
power, speaking truth to power, and discovering the power of their own voice and their legacy. Ellison stands at this same intersection, where art meets political activism and engagement. His vision is steeped in equity, parity and opportunity and a new reality where dreams are no longer deferred. Gen Xers rallied behind the For Us, By Us call to action. Ellison, 28, embodies the Millennials’ iteration of this bold bid for freedom. His movement toward leadership and service in the civic arena broadens and reflects the inclusive character of the For Us, By Us concept, a concept through which fearless activists demonstrate that inclusive is not just Brown and Black folks, but all allies who understand that when we – Black people – do better, we all do better. Ellison is unapologetic and
Uchechukwu Iroegbu
Jeremiah Ellison crystal clear when he says Black people, the residents of North
Minneapolis, need better housing, fair, livable wages, quality
transportation options and clean air.
ELLISON 9
Hip-hop artist, educator and producer Toki Wright joins The Current Toki Wright will join The Current (89.3 FM) as its newest on-air host. Wright, a hip-hop artist, educator and producer, will join The Current in late November to develop and host a new hiphop show for the station that will begin airing in early 2018. An integral presence in the hip-hop scene, Wright has released music with BJ the Chicago Kid, Talib Kweli, Big Cats, G Yamazawa and Atmosphere. As an artist, he has toured the world with Brother Ali, Devin the Dude, Evidence of Dilated Peoples, J-Live and several others. With years of experience and numerous accolades, Wright has released music on Rhymesayers Entertainment and his own label, Soul Tools, charting on MTV
Toki Wright
Top 10, iTunes Top 50, and more. A two-time Emmy Awardwinning MC and a two-time CLIO Award-winning producer, Wright, who is a contributing writer with Insight News, was nominated for a Cannes Lions Award for his work as co-curator of the “Watch the Stove” mixtape for Hamburger Helper, one of the biggest viral marketing campaigns of 2016. Under the moniker “Mamadu,” Wright has made lasting contributions to the genre, producing for various artists from the Midwest, Africa and Europe. A regularly touring arts ambassador and artist, he also has performed and conducted workshops in Uganda, China, Croatia, Canada and Sierra Leone. As an educator and
community organizer, his efforts have spanned the globe – leading the nationally recognized youth organization YO! The Movement (featured in Source magazine), coordinating seven Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop festivals, and teaching hip-hop history and performance to former child soldiers in Gulu, Northern Uganda with the organization H.E.A.L.S. Wright also serves as the department head of the nation’s first fully accredited hip-hop studies program at McNally Smith College. The Current can be heard at 89.3 FM in the Twin Cities, 88.7 FM in Rochester, 104.3/94.1/90.9 FM in Duluth and online at www.thecurrent. org.
Grocery store and wellness center to open Dec. 13
North Market will address food inequity in North Minneapolis By Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor Twitter @HarryColbertJr
Dec. 13 is the date. That is the day North Minneapolis gets a muchneeded food resource in the form of North Market, 4414 Humbolt Ave. N. North Market is Pillsbury United Communities’ response to the food desert that has persisted in North Minneapolis for decades. But beyond being a food resource, North Market seeks to be a community resource center. “North Market is emblematic of who we are as an organization and as a community. It is a community driven innovation that emerges from deep listening, recognizing that dreams turn into reality when partners serving community believe,” said Adair Mosley, interim president and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities during an Oct. 30 pre-opening event outside
of the coming grocery. “We are charting a course to serve our communities in ways that are meaningful today, for tomorrow – eliminating barriers that create social inequities. The future of our work will not be defined by zip codes, life expectancies and the social determinants of a community’s health – but rather by our aspirations.” Until recently, the food inequity in North Minneapolis was palpable. Before the Summer opening of Wirth Cooperative Grocery, 1835 Penn Ave., in the Near North community, all 36,000 North Minneapolis residents were served by just two grocery stores, the Cub Foods at 701 W. Broadway Ave., also Near North and So Low Grocery Outlet, 3111 Emerson Ave. N. Once open, North Market will be the only full-service grocery in the further north Webber-Camden community. Beyond offering much needed access to fresh meats, produce, dairy and other daily essentials, North Market will offer an on-
Business News
Workforce Despite Unequal development Treatment, Black collaborative seeks Women Will Rise equity for the community
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site nutritionist and community wellness center. The market will also provide 25 service jobs. “North Market is no small feat. What you all are doing here is truly an innovation nationally,” said Yael Lehmann, executive director of The Food Trust, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring access to affordable and nutritious food for all. “You’re not just opening up a store, you’re opening a store that has a community center, and you’re opening a store that is not just a facility, but a needed community resource,” said Mary Lee, deputy director of Policy Link, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing inequities in economy, health, infrastructure and more. “There are so many things that can be built upon around this grocery store.” Gospel star Jovonta Patton, who opened the event with song, agreed. “This place is going to change the lives of the people in our community.”
Harry Colbert, Jr.
Pillsbury United Communities interim president and CEO, Adair Mosley, addressing a crowd of donors, staff and well-wishers during a pre-opening event for North Market, which opens Dec. 13 in the Webber-Camden community of North Minneapolis.
I 2 H 2017 Election
News
Africancomplain, Don’t American activateCoalition Babies awarded Upper Midwest Emmy
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Applause War on opioids for Flowers; hurts sickle cell disease endorsement for patients Hodges
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Commentary
DellaChronicles The Schall of Miss Freedom Young launchesFighter, Esquire: Ending mass environmental incarceration consulting firm
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Workforce development collaborative seeks equity for the community After years of struggling to make ends meet with unstable employment and low-wage jobs, John (last name withheld to offer privacy) decided it was time to take the next step toward a brighter and more secure future. Recognizing he lacked the job skills needed to compete in the current labor market, John made the decision to enroll in the forklift operator program at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis. After successfully completing the three-week course, he was hired by SuperValu, with a starting wage of $16 an hour, which was quickly raised to $20. His future looks bright. He anticipates significant hourly wage increases as he gains experience and seniority at work, and he also expects to have the opportunity to move into a management position in the future. Unfortunately, John’s
INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com
Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Managing Editor Harry Colbert, Jr. Associate Editor Afrodescendientes Carmen Robles Associate Editor Nigeria & West Africa Chief Folarin Ero-Phillips Associate Editor Culture and Education Dr. Irma McClaurin
story is far too rare in this community, especially for African-Americans and other communities of color who must struggle to overcome barriers to success that their white neighbors do not face. Despite its progressive reputation, Minnesota is home to some of the highest racial disparities in the nation, and little has been done to ensure that everyone has fair and equitable access to the benefits the region has to offer. The achievement gap in public schools continues to haunt African-American students, leading to significantly lower high school graduation rates and post-secondary enrollments. Black families have average household incomes of about $25,500 while white families earn nearly $71,000. More than 41 percent of AfricanAmericans live below the poverty line, while only 8 percent of white residents suffer the same economic struggle. And in a time when the economy is growing and there is increased demand for skilled workers, African-Americans are unemployed at a rate that is nearly four times higher than whites. The playing field has never been level for people of color in Minnesota, and it isn’t getting any better using the wornout strategies that have been employed in the past. Doing more of what hasn’t worked before won’t produce the kind of results the community deserves in the future. Something new, innovative and bold is needed if these appalling disparities are to be overcome. Late in 2015, Minneapolis Sens. Bobby Joe Champion and Jeff Hayden convened a community conversation they hoped would help frame and articulate the concept of equity in employment and workforce development. More than 30 community leaders representing nonprofits, schools, advocacy groups, neighborhoods and the faith community gathered to consider what could be done to build equity and increase opportunities for people of color. A powerful partnership of African-American, Latino, Hmong, Somali, NativeAmerican, and other distinct ethnic communities was formed.
Sen. Bobby Joe Champion
Sen. Jeff Hayden
Their efforts bore fruit in the 2016 legislative session, where Hayden and Champion secured and amazing $35 million appropriation for equity in workforce development and training. This legislative
descent. The Unity Opportunity Collaborative (UOC), a partnership of six organizations in the Twin Cities, was formed to specifically address the needs of African-Americans
The Unity Opportunity Collaborative (UOC), a partnership of six organizations in the Twin Cities, was formed to specifically address the needs of African-Americans and persons of African descent. The UOC brings together the leadership, expertise, and experience of Emerge Community Development, the Minneapolis Urban League, Sabathani Community Center, Minneapolis Adult Education, the Stairstep Foundation, and African American Women and Men in Need in an effort to reduce employment disparities and provide greater opportunity for those who want to improve themselves and strengthen their futures. appropriation was allocated across several different ethnic groups throughout Minnesota, with a $4.25 million award made to provide workforce services to people of African
and persons of African descent. The UOC brings together the leadership, expertise, and experience of Emerge Community Development, the Minneapolis Urban League,
Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Content & Production Coordinator Sunny Thongthi Yang Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Abeni Hill Nadvia Davis Fred Easter Timothy Houston Michelle Mitchum Artika Tyner Toki Wright
Sabathani Community Center, Minneapolis Adult Education, the Stairstep Foundation, and African American Women and Men in Need in an effort to reduce employment disparities and provide greater opportunity for those who want to improve themselves and strengthen their futures. Sharon (last name withheld), a client of Emerge Community Development, found herself out of work after 17 years with the same employer. Even though she had impressive workforce credentials, she was unable to manage her own job search because of her own anxiety, depression and discouragement. Staff from Emerge helped her get on track and supported her throughout her job search, which ended successfully when she was able to secure both a fulltime and part-time position. In a note to her case worker, Sharon conveyed her appreciation, saying, “I continue to thank you, appreciate you, and pray to God for all your guy’s help. You made a huge, positive impact in my life.” The UOC offers a diverse range of services to the community, providing instruction and support that leads to earning a GED, developing basic employment skills, learning key computer skills, earning industryrecognized career credentials and finding good paying jobs that have real career potential. A little more than a year into the program, UOC partners have produced excellent results that are already changing lives and communities. Ninety students are working on their GEDs, with 12 having already graduated. Nearly 800 students have completed a basics of employment course that provides the soft skills needed to be successful in the workforce. One-hundred thirtyfive students have developed the computer skills that are so crucial to success in the workplace. Two-hundred and eighteen participants have earned a workforce credential or certificate, and nearly 400 people have been placed in jobs, enabling them to support themselves and their families. Equity doesn’t only impact the lives of individuals; it also
transforms communities. As important as the direct services the UOC provides are, success requires a different approach and a higher level of engagement with the people who enroll in UOC programs. Equity requires more than the same access to programs that are designed to meet the needs of a broader community, programs that make assumptions about clients that may be true for some but hinder the success of African-Americans. Equity demands an approach that recognizes the unique needs and challenges of every individual, and responds appropriately and respectfully. The need for a customized and individualized approach to serving individuals in the community is seen in the UOC’s effort to help individuals earn a GED or high school diploma. Every student the UOC serves has one thing in common; they dropped out of high school before they earned a diploma. But the similarities often end there. The reasons people dropped out of high school are very different, and the challenges they face returning to school are just as varied. A successful effort to help students succeed needs to recognize this inarguable fact and provide services in an appropriate way. UOC partner, Stairstep Foundation, has made a commitment to think differently about how to support AfricanAmericans through the daunting process of earning a GED when life circumstances often make it seem impossible. Stairstep Foundation CEO, the Rev. Alfred Babington-Johnson said, “We’ve reached out to literally hundreds of people in the metro area who know they need a GED in order to find a good job. It isn’t that they don’t want to continue their education. Life just gets in the way sometimes. And if we are going to help them succeed, we need to do what is necessary to get them through the hard times. We were working with a young man who wanted his GED, and had arranged an appointment for him to be assessed and enrolled. Then Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, disrupting the lives of several family members. He missed his appointment because he was trying to help his relatives recover. He still wants to earn his GED, and we are committed to helping him get back on track now that he is able to focus his attention on it.” Something new is happening in the Twin Cities as the Unity Opportunity Collaborative works through the challenges of serving communities that are often difficult to reach. A unique collaborative model has been formed that brings together the strengths of several community partners. New methods and strategies are being used to increase program effectiveness. But most importantly, the UOC works. People are being educated, trained and placed in jobs. People are aspiring to something more and dreaming of a life they might not have imagined just a few months ago.
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Insight News • November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Page 5
TPT airs video series on baby brain development
African American Babies Coalition awarded Upper Midwest Emmy grandparents and young people,” said AABC executive director, Sameerah Bilal-Roby. “Brains Are Built” was awarded an Upper Midwest Emmy in the Public Service Announcement category. The award recognizes exceptional work in television and video arts throughout Minnesota, Iowa and North and South Dakota. “We’re thrilled that TPT is being awarded from the work
Wilder Foundation
Producers of the campaign, “Brains Are Built” pose with their Emmy for Public Service Announcement. “Brains Are Built,” a public service announcement campaign aimed at supporting African-American parents, has won a 2017 Upper Midwest Emmy Award. The “Brains Are Built” campaign is a series of educational videos about key factors impacting babies’ brain development and parent child interactions through age seven. The campaign was created by the African American Babies Coalition (AABC) in partnership with the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and Twin Cities PBS (TPT). Throughout the campaign, video public service announcements featuring African-American families sharing facts about healthy brain development were aired on TPT channels more than 5,000 times starting in June of 2016 and have been shared on numerous social media channels. “The goal of the ‘Brains are Built’ campaign is to share what is known from brain science and early childhood development research in a culturally relevant and accessible way with parents,
that AABC has produced and we are proud to have been a partner,” said Kirsten Johnson, Wilder Foundation community initiatives manager. “‘Brains Are Built’ puts the spotlight on strong, resilient families sharing a message in support of their community and cultural heritage. Everyone involved in the campaign should feel proud about that.” “It’s rewarding to play a
role in getting such an important message out,” said Daniel Pierce Bergin, producer at TPT. “Embracing community support and diversity is crucial to protecting and improving young minds and, ultimately, our future. This award helps amplify this message.” Recipients were announced at the 2017 Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards Gala on Oct. 7.
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Page 6 •November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Insight News
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Applause for Flowers; endorsement for Hodges Insight applauds the audacity of Al Flowers in seeking to be mayor of Minneapolis and we endorse incumbent Mayor Betsy Hodges for a second term as mayor. This juxtaposition is earnest and intentional. Our applause for Flowers derives from our belief that political growth and sophistication in the Black community must reflect lifting of voices that are fearless and uncompromising and vessels of bitter truth. They (the powers that be) have given us Kool-Aid and expected us to submissively drink, and wait, and expect our reward in the hereafter. Flowers’ candidacy is like the officiant in the civic cathedral. He brings to Communion the bitter cup of the reality of the marginalized, the abandoned, the disrespected and the rejected, and in doing so, demands that all candidates step forward and declare their commitment to addressing insidious disparities in education, health, jobs, wealth and business that mar our existence here. Of the broad field of candidates for mayor of Minneapo-
Al Flowers
Betsy Hodges
lis, Insight believes incumbent Mayor Betsy Hodges is best suited to bring real change, real inclusion, real opportunities to neighborhoods and communities that interest-driven leaders have ignored or confined to the margins. From among the leading well-financed candidates, Nekima Levy-Pounds, Jacob Frey, Tom Hoch and Ray Dehn, Hodges stands head and shoulders above the field precisely because she has emerged as her own person, free of obligation to moneyed and organizational interests. Hodges has proven she will and can make tough decisions. And she has grown her voice and presence toward genuine compassion and empathy for every resident of our city, regardless of zip code, ethnicity, national origin, gender preference or religion. Her opponents, shamefully, have resorted to Trump-esque fear mongering, projecting us versus them scenarios where the voice of shared opportunity, parity, equity and justice for all ought to be resounding.
Snow Emergency information coming to household mailboxes Snow season is here, and Minneapolis residents should watch their mail over the next several days for information that could help them avoid tickets and tows when enough snow falls to war-
rant a complete plowing of our streets. The City of Minneapolis is sending out more than 196,000 Snow Emergency brochures, one to each household in the city. The brochure has graphics and text showing where to park during the three phases of a Snow Emergency. Sign up now, stay informed throughout the season Residents, workers and visitors have a number of ways to learn when Snow Emergencies are declared and what to do when they are. The City advises drivers to put many of these tools to use, not just one or two. The more ways people use to learn about a Snow Emergency, the more prepared they will be to do their part, and the less likely they will be to be towed because they didn’t know one was declared. Email alerts: You can sign up to get Snow Emergency alerts automatically emailed to you. Go to www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/snow_ esubscribe for more details.
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Insight News • November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Page 7
Young Environmental Consulting Group specializes in watershed, storm water, sewer management
Della Schall Young launches environmental consulting firm Harry Colbert, Jr. Managing Editor For Della Schall Young, God has blessed the child. After years of honing her skills as a project manager in the environmental industry, Schall Young struck out on her own earlier this year to launch Young Environmental Consulting Group; a company that specializes in water management and water management systems. Less than a year old as a company, Young Environmental Consulting Group (www.youngecg.com) is amassing an impressive client list; one that includes the city of St. Louis Park, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation, the Lower Minnesota Watershed District and the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization. “This is a dream realized in every sense of the word,” said Schall Young. “This is merging my passion for water and to be an entrepreneur with the skills I’ve attained along the way.”
Schall Young has proven to be quite skillful. For the past four years the University of Minnesota graduate with a bachelor’s in water resources management and master’s in water resources sciences was a project manager with Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, architectural, construction, environmental and consulting services firm. Her service with Burns & McDonnell was preceded by stints with the engineering consulting firm of H.D.R., MnDOT and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Young Environmental Consulting Group provides businesses and municipalities consulting in watershed planning and management and helps navigate regulations regarding storm sewer systems. “Apartment complexes, those building roads and bridges; they all have to deal with these type regulations and I help them do so in an effective and responsible manner,” said Schall Young. Schall Young said being her own boss was something she
envisioned early on in life. “My entrepreneurial spirit comes from my parents,” said Schall Young, whose father owns an electrical engineering company in Liberia and whose mother owns a tailoring business. Now that she is calling the shots, Schall Young wants to offer others an opportunity. She said she hoping to engage with more women and people of color in the field and is actively seeking interns. “Unfortunately, it’s been difficult finding young people of color in the water and natural resources field,” said Schall Young. “Engineering and sciences have traditionally been white male dominated, but we have opportunities as a small business to offer one-on-one training and mentorship. I think people get more exposure and experience working with a small firm.” But judging by the rate at which Young Environmental Consulting Group keeps attaining new clients, being a “small firm” may soon be an out of date moniker.
Della Schall Young
Movember: More than an excuse to grow out mustaches form of cardiovascular disease according to the American Heart Association. African-American men are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 60 percent more likely to die from stroke according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Erectile dysfunction can be one of the first signs of cardiac disease. To minimize risks for heart disease men are encouraged to control their blood pressure and cholesterol, stop smoking, exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables, and less saturated and trans fats and keep their waistline less than 40 inches/
By North Memorial Health www.northmemorial.com
Movember is upon us. Tis the season to grow out your mustaches and goatees to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. It’s also a good time to be proactive about your health and remind the men in your life to do the same. Men, you need preventative care too. Preventative care can make all the difference. Research shows that men, who go to the doctor less than women, are more likely to have serious conditions when they do finally see a doctor. For this reason, it’s critical for men to develop relationships with their doctors and take control of their health, proactively. Preventative health visits should be scheduled every two years until age 50 and then once a year. Men over age 34 should be checked for high cholesterol and heart disease every five years. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, men die at higher rates than women for all of the top 10 causes of death and die five years younger on average. Some health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone, and many of the major health risks such as heart disease, can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Common men’s health issues and how to avoid them Regular exercise, a healthy diet, sound sleep and minimizing
Protect the prostate The prostate tends to grow as men age, causing urination problems and, if left unchecked, kidney damage. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects approximately half of men
North Memorial Health
For men, regular exercise is a key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. stress are the keys to health at any age. In addition, here are some ways to stay healthy and minimize your risk for common men’s health issues.
Keep your heart healthy Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, with more than one in three adult men having some
between 51 and 60 years old, and as many as 90 percent of men over 80. Prostate cancer is second the most common cancer in men, and the rates of prostate cancer and related deaths in African-American men are among the highest in the world. To protect the prostate men are suggested to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and see their doctor regularly for preventative care. Keep hormone levels steady Testosterone levels decline as men age, which can result in a loss of stamina and strength as well as low libido and sleep changes. To minimize testosterone levels declining as men age, they are encouraged to take part in aerobic exercise and weight and resistance training to maintain muscle mass.
which is especially important as men age and start to lose muscle mass. Men should get about 56 grams of protein daily and distribute their protein intake throughout the day to feel full longer. To get the recommended daily dose of protein men are encouraged to eat whole foods, fish, lean means, seafood, chicken and eggs and plantbased proteins like quinoa, hummus and beans. North Memorial Health provides comprehensive health care for everyone with a full range from primary care to specialty care such as urology, cardiology, sports medicine and more. If someone has a men’s health concern or would like to schedule a routine check-up, call (763) 581-CARE or visit www. northmemorial.com. As with any health-related concerns, it is best to first consult one’s primary healthcare provider.
Get enough protein Protein helps build muscles,
Give the gift of thanks this season. Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not. Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® at any Best Buy® store or at www.BestBuy.com/stjude.
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St. Jude patient Jenny
©2017 Best Buy. All rights reserved. ©2017 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (25586)
Page 8 •November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Insight News
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SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY The partners in the Unity Opportunity Collaborative have a long history of commitment to the community DV ZHOO DV VLJQL¿FDQW H[SHULHQFH GHOLYHULQJ SURJUDPV WKDW KHOS SHRSOH VXFFHHG
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Insight News • November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Page 9
Love of the food and culture The Un-Bougie Foodie By Wesley Wright
www.facebook.com/ theunbougiefoodie Recently I had the privilege of being a guest on a popular radio station in the Twin Cities. Our topic centered around cultural appropriation, and specifically for me, how this issue crosses boundaries into the food world. Cultural appropriation may be defined as when the actions of individuals that are greater in power (whether socially or economically), cherry-pick specific aspects of a culture that they deem beneficial to them, resulting in that culture losing their societal voice, or becoming invisible. But how does that affect the culinary society? Researching the topic of culinary cultural appropriation, I came across a description
that states, “it is the modifying of recipes without respect of someone else’s culture, and introducing a cuisine as if it were your own.” An example of this may be seen when the cuisine, or ingredients used by immigrants of another culture are often frowned upon, classified as unappetizing or too “ethnic.” Yet a popular chef who decides they would like to introduce American culture to said cuisine, may mellow down or make a dish more palatable, referring to it as a culturalfusion. Shops and restaurant that once scoffed at these nonAmerican standard ingredients, are placing them on their menu (i.e. oxtail sliders, poke bowls, spam sushi) becoming the adulation of food influencers as fresh, new and trendy. Seemingly forgetting about the culture from which the cuisine came, and minimizing its importance to just the food that the taste of restaurant investors find appealing. True, new and exciting cuisines should be celebrated. Chefs are creative, and strive to
Spam musubi/sushi; a popular Hawaiian snack food composed of a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice, wrapped in edible seaweed. be please their culinary public. Perhaps the intention is to honor
the culture, and highlight the cuisine. But if the actions in
preparing the food does not demonstrate a passion for the
food, along with its culture, and people … then the efforts are pointless. Food is our common desire as humans. Everyone wants to sit and enjoy a great meal. If a person’s interests leads one only to be obsessed with the next best food without being open to teaching others about a different culture, how will we progress and appreciate the vast number of ethnicities we have in this country? Offering food or restaurant suggestions should be an opportunity to learn about another culture, and then sharing a passion of both the food and the people behind the culture. Educate one’s self about the way a specific culture’s food is prepared. If someone likes a certain type of cuisine, why not make a new friend and ask them to explain about the different ingredients that may go into a dish. Gain a passion for that cuisine, and the culture. Wesley Wright is the creator and host of “The Un-Bougie Foodie,” which airs Saturdays at 10 a.m. on WEQY-LP.
A young woman in a leadership position A view from campus By Latisha Townsend Columnist I have been in leadership roles in the past. I have been a shift leader at work, a mentor in high school, and a babysitter for majority of my adolescence. Being a young woman and the president of a student organization has been the greatest challenge of my life. In this position I have found that there are a lot of people who depend on me to give them answers. I have executive board members to work with, I have an advisor to work with, I have other student organizations to work with and I have the general members of Black Motivated Women with whom to work. It was easy to do planning over the summer and have this idea in my head of how things should go, but the reality of it is that no one can really prepare to be a good leader. I have learned that a “good leader” is subjective. You will usually be deemed a quality leader up until the moment that you are no longer able to help someone or provide a solution for them. The best way to prepare to be a great leader is to teach yourself to role with the punches and think quickly on your feet. It is impossible to predict all of the curveballs the universe will send you. I would have never
Ellison From 3 North Minneapolis is a special, magical place. Ellison described his birthplace in a recent Facebook post. “North Minneapolis is home to some of the most brilliant folks the city has ever produced. I see creativity and initiative on every
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imagined how much drawback we were going to be up against this semester. In fact, I feel that my initial exposure to it was difficult for me to adjust. I am learning to be a leader to many women and I will say that I am getting better over time. One thing I have learned about myself in my first three months of being president is that I can be a pushover at times and also a people pleaser. As a new organization, we have received so much constructive criticism from many different directions that all seem to contradict each other. It can make it very difficult to make changes when you are not really sure what the biggest and most relevant issues are. I have struggled with constantly trying to make changes to please everyone and it has run me ragged at times. I am learning that I cannot please everyone and that every time I jump to please one person, I might actually be taking away something that many other people have felt was positive. Another thing that I have learned about myself is I am very passionate about everything I put my time into. I can be so intense to the point to where I get sensitive when others around me are not as passionate or do not put in the same amount of effort as me. This reminds me of something my mom told me a little while back. She said, “What is urgent to you, is just normal to other people. It has no immediate impact on their lives.” That makes more sense to me now than it did at the time. However, learning my strengths and weaknesses is why I have enjoyed my time as a student leader so far. I have also
learned how to work with other people. One of the biggest skills that I am learning is how to put my foot down and stand up for what is right for me and for the organization as a whole. I appreciate my board members so much. They have taught me to say no to whoever I need to when I feel that what I am being told is not in the best interest of the organization. I think that as a woman and even more specially as a Black woman, we tend to be more conscious of how others perceive us when we are in a leadership position. We are so afraid that people will say we have attitude problems, we are difficult to work with. I have learned now that you have to be willing to be difficult at times in order to get what you want. You cannot always ask for things. Sometimes you have to just take control and go for it yourself. Self-advocation is the biggest skill that I have learned, and I encourage my peers to practice it as well. If you put in the time and the work to get where you are, don’t allow anyone to step in your way. It is important to be able to take constructive criticism, but if you disagree, it is also healthy to respectfully consider what others are saying while still remaining true to yourself. In the words of my television “shero,” Olivia Pope, always trust your gut. Latisha Townsend is a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in communications. She is the president of the student organization, Black Motivated Women. She can be contacted at Latisha.Townsend@mnsu.edu.
block, I see neighbors looking out for one another, and I see a community deserving of better service from their representative at City Hall.” Ellison’s campaign reflects his commitment to community and how he will govern. He is the only candidate in this race who attended every single community forum. He’s held a community meeting (aside from all regular campaign events), held regular coffee hours for constituents (something the current council
member, Blong Yang, has never done), he was the first candidate to release a comprehensive policy platform when he launched his campaign. He has called and knocked so many phones and doors. He’s working hard to engage all Northsiders. Now, the quintessential political nature of our quest – revelation of our existence as the solution, not the problem – is precisely what is at play in the Minneapolis 5th Ward City Council race.
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Page 10 •November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Insight News
insightnews.com core of Cudi’s message while experimenting with sonic waves. See Kanye West’s favorite young artist at Myth.
Syd
WORLD/HIP-HOP Ibeyi with theMIND Fine Line Music Café 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $22-$35
Tuesday, Nov. 7 R&B/NEO SOUL
French-Cuban twin sisters, Ibeyi, are the daughters of percussionist, Anga Díaz, who has received a Grammy as a part of the legendary Latin jazz band, Irakere. A favorite of Beyonce, Ibeyi performs at the Fine Line with powerhouse producer, theMIND.
Syd The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $25
Kid Cudi
The Internet’s Syd dropped one of the best albums of 2017 with “Fin.” Catch her melodic and soulful show at The Cabooze.
Kamasi Washington
Sunday, Nov. 12
Wednesday, Nov. 8
More Than a Single Story: Vigilance in Uncertain Times The Loft Literary Center 1011 Washington Ave. S., Suite 200, Minneapolis 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
HIP-HOP Action Bronson Music Hall Minneapolis 111 N 5th Street, Minneapolis 8 p.m. $37.50-$47.50
Diane Wilson, whose first book, “Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past,” won the Minnesota Book Award for autobiography, memoir, and creative non-fiction in 2006, performs at the Loft Literary Center.
After being questioned for sounding like Ghostface Killah, Bronson’s response had many write him off as an artist, but he found a way to bounce back and deliver with his new project, “Blue Chips 7000.”
Nov. 6 Nov. 19, 2017
Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features venues, events, outings and more that are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is “It” worthy, email us at aestheticallyit@ insightnews.com
TRANSCENDENT OLD-SCHOOL JAZZ & BLUES
CATHERINE RUSSELL
Monday, Nov. 6 HIP-HOP/ROCK
NOV 12
7PM
Kid Cudi Myth 3090 Southlawn Dr., St. Paul 9 p.m. All ages $39.50-$47.50
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Capturing teenage angst, while bringing light to depression and addiction has been at the
Monday, Nov. 13
Thursday, Nov. 9
OPEN MIC
JAZZ
Pan-Afrikan Student Union Open Mic Augsburg University 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m.
Kamasi Washington First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. 18-plus $30 advance, $35 door When was the last time you heard of a jazz concert at First Avenue? That should tell you about the popularity of the Los Angeles born artist, Kamasi Washington.
Check out Pan-Afrikan Student Union’s open mic series at Augsburg.
Tuesday, Nov. 14 DANCE/R&B MOVE Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 8 p.m. 18-plus $10
Friday, Nov. 10 R&B K.Raydio and Friends Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis 10:30 p.m. 21-plus $8
Vie Boheme presents an experimental performance of dance and song on Eat Street. The show features Mayyadda Major and Chance York.
Wednesday, Nov.15
Illinois to Minnesota transplant, K. Raydio, has been making waves with her soulful sound. Catch her with a feature performance from composer, Javier Santiago.
HIP-HOP/ELECTRONIC Flying Lotus in 3D First Avenue 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis
Saturday, Nov. 11
B AC K
GET
NOV 21-25
POETRY
7 p.m. 18-plus $30 Hip-hop’s premiere experimental producer returns to First Ave with a special 3-D performance in the Mainroom. Also with Seven Davis, Jr.
Thursday, Nov. 16 DANCE PARTY Kanye x Drake Day The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis 7 p.m. 18-plus $10-$15 We get another Drake themed dance night with Kanye West music added to the mix at The Cabooze.
Friday, Nov. 17 STAND UP COMEDY The Comedy Get Down Tour Target Center 600 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis 8 p.m. Some of the biggest names in comedy and hit the Target Arena for the Comedy Get Down Tour with Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley and George Lopez.
Saturday, Nov. 18 DANCE TU Dance The O›Shaughnessy 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul 8 p.m. $22-$34 International choreographer Stefanie Batten Bland reflects on themes of racial profiling, unity and healing in “41 Times,” a fullcompany work commissioned by The O›Shaughnessy, which references the tragic 1999 police killing of Amadou Diallo.
Sunday, Nov. 19 POETRY Button Poetry: Rudy Francisco Release Party Icehouse 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. All ages $15 advance, $20 door Button Poetry presents the release party for San Diego poetry slam champion, Rudy Francisco.
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Insight News • November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Page 11
‘Prince: A Private View’
New book from Prince’s photographer offers candid looks into the artist’s life By Violet Brown Instagram @violetesq “Prince: A Private View” does precisely what it purports to do … provide a visually stimulating historical record, and V.I.P. pass into a day-in-the-life of Prince’s then personal photographer, Afshin Shahidi. Shahidi, who was born in Iran, and moved to Minneapolis during elementary school, begins his book with ancient wisdom from the 13th century persian poet and scholar, Rumi; “The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.” Some have interpreted this section of the poem to be a reference to being present in the
now. Some interpret the phrase to refer to the breath of God, and being spiritually awake. Under either interpretation, it is the perfect introduction into the pictorial history of one who often spoke of not looking back, of being most interested in whatever was happening right then, and who was bold in sharing with the world, his love for God and his God-given gifts … Prince Rogers Nelson. Shahidi offers moving personal reflections on moments during his tenure. The book includes several of what Shahidi calls “Band Shots.” Prince often bragged about having the tightest bands, and Shahidi was blessed with the opportunity to photograph some of the most amazing musicians in the world alongside their
bandleader, and the results are fabulous. Because of the time of Shahidi’s work, the late, and arguably, funkiest drummer of them all, John Blackwell, Jr. is pictured often. As our great
musicians transcend to the next plane, accountings like this one are more and more important. Also featured is bassist, Rhonda Smith. Readers will also see Renato Neto, Grey Boyer, Mike Phillips, Chance Howard, Rad (Rose Ann Dimalanta) and Candy Dulfer, among others, in those fabulous “Band Shots.” Beyoncé, who Prince worked with (2004 Grammys) and respected, provides a forward for the book. Longtime fans have admired Shahidi’s work with Prince for years via album cover art and concert tour posters, most notably, the “Musicology” tour and “3121” album materials. Readers will enjoy photos of Prince partying with those he was known to hang with, like Spike Lee and Chris
Rock, and also with folks like Matthew McConaughey and Dustin Hoffman. One of the features of the book is that if anyone was privy to any of the “3121” parties, just might see themselves pictured there. What I came away with after a first read is, Shahidi had
one of the best jobs in the world. He knew it and did not take it for granted. His book is a priceless addition to the historical record of one of the most amazing musicians ever to play on this Earth. “Prince: A Private View” is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Temptations and Four Tops June 17
Ordway announces five new shows for 2018 Five new shows have been added to the 2018 performance schedule at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. “Dinosaur Zoo Live” runs Feb. 13, “Gobsmacked!” Feb. 24, “Mystic India” April 20, “The Midtown Men: Four Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys” on April 27 and the Temptations and Four Tops perform on June 17. Erth’s “Dinosaur Zoo Live” takes families on a tour through pre-historic Australia where they observe, meet and interact with a collection of lifelike dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance. Beatboxing, harmonies and unique arrangements of popular songs from a renowned a cappella troupe is what’s in store for the audience of “Gobsmacked!” The Bollywood dance spectacular, “Mystic India,” is based on the concept of ancient India’s transition into modern India. The colorful
The Temptations costumes and elaborate sets have been custom designed by Amit Shah and handmade in India’s film capital by a team of 40 designers and workers over the course of four years. The team of dancers combines authentic Indian and modern techniques. Now on their seventh national tour, “The Midtown Men” perform hits from the
Beatles, the Rascals, the Turtles, Motown, the Four Seasons and more. The production reunites four stars from the original Broadway cast of “Jersey Boys,” including Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer. Two of the greatest names
in American music history, the Temptations and the Four Tops, perform together on the Ordway stage. For more than 50 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits, and sold-out performances throughout the world. Their avalanche of hits began in 1964 with the Smokey Robinson penned and produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” followed by “My Girl.” The Four Tops first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, made them stars. Their songs, soulful and bittersweet, were across-the-board successes, indispensable to any retrospective of the ‘60s. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” a number one R&B and pop smash in 1965, is one of Motown’s longest-running chart toppers. More information on these shows is available online at www.ordway.org.
JAZZ & SOUL RISING STAR
KANDACE SPRINGS NOV 15
7PM
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Page 12 •November 6 - November 12, 2017 • Insight News
insightnews.com MNHS.ORG
MNHS: HISTORY FOR ALL GIVING THANKS The Minnesota Historical Society is a national leader among state historical societies because of the ongoing support provided by the state, our members, donors, and community partners. This support allows MNHS to develop engaging, relevant, and diverse programs and exhibits that use the power of history to transform lives. This past year MNHS welcomed over one million visitors to our 26 historic sites and museums, including 260,000 students who learned about the state they call home. In an effort to provide access to all, about 250,000 visitors received free admission to museums and sites supported by public and private donations. After an extensive restoration, the State Capitol was re-opened in a weekend celebration that welcomed more than 15,000 visitors. Through tours, lectures, and musical programs, the people of Minnesota learned about the continued importance of the capitol and had the opportunity to see it in its restored splendor. In partnership with Penumbra Theatre, the History Center hosted an exhibit celebrating forty years of excellence in African American theater taking place in our own backyard. This partnership is one of many that allows MNHS to work
with community organizations to share their story. These are but a few examples of MNHS’s work that would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the state, members, and community partners. Thank you! We look forward to continuing to serve the people of Minnesota by sharing our history to show how it continues to shape our present. Exciting plans include the return of The 1968 Exhibit to the Minnesota History Center in December and expanded stories at Historic Fort Snelling in 2018 that focus on veterans, Native Americans, African Americans, and Japanese Americans. As you gather with family and friends over the next few months, I hope you will consider attending one of our programs. For a complete schedule, please visit mnhs.org/calendar.
MELANIE ADAMS Melanie Adams, PhD, is the senior director of Guest Experience and Educational Services at the Minnesota Historical Society. In this role she oversees MNHS programs, exhibits, and historic sites located throughout the state, which serve one million people per year.
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