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EducationLevy-Pounds named Outstanding Young Minnesotan

PAGE 9

Gone to GhanaTalking turkey

PAGE 7

Plan Your CareerSOS: Under a deadline, under pressure

HealthHolidays and compulsive shopping

PAGE 6

The Nefi lim “No Bullying Movement”

$4 billion in Black purchasing power

Somali leaders addresslaw enforcement issues

Black entrepreneurship on the rise

As a teen, I remember rushing to the school yard after class to see if there would be another battle of the brawn between that current week’s arch rivals. Maybe they didn’t like the other’s hair, the color of their skin, the way they laughed, or even something less obvious and superfi cial, like the idea that they

just didn’t like them at all. What seemed a ridiculous way to square off a disagreement and yet strangely innocent— when you consider that during my season fi sts spoke higher volumes than the latter days use of violent machinery, has now progressed into a plague of words that can literally kill, excessive violence, and pitting one soul against many for a deadly recipe.

From retail to beauty shops, Minnesota’s African American community contributes more than $4 billion in purchasing power to the state’s overall business activity, according to Census data. Minorities and immigrant communities have been major contributors to Minnesota’s economy in recent years, St. Paul-based think tank Minnesota 2020’s latest report fi nds. African American business ownership grew fi ve percent from 2002 to 2007, the Census shows. Those businesses generated $538 million in revenue, up 68.7 percent from $319 million in 2002. Overall, Minnesota’s minority fi rms had $5.8 billion in revenue and employed about 40,000 people, according to Concordia University’s Bruce Corrie, whose research MN2020’s report (Made in Minnesota 2011: Fertile Ground for Minority Opportunity) cites. From 2002 to 2007, revenue at minority-owned fi rms increased by 83 percent, compared to only 30 percent for all Minnesota fi rms.

“In these down economic times, public policy should be expansive enough to ensure we’re encouraging entrepreneurship in all communities and helping expand jobs and opportunities for all Minnesotans,” says Lee Egerstrom, Minnesota 2020

economic development policy fellow and report author. MN2020’s report recommends the following public policy steps to capitalize on this population growth’s potential for all Minnesota entrepreneurs. The Minnesota Legislature should invest in expanding the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and its Small Business Development Centers. Greater cultural awareness and expertise would help with outreach and training for aspiring minority entrepreneurs. Minnesota’s Offi ce of Tourism should develop a brochure guiding travelers who want to explore the state’s minority cultural venues and markets, similar to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown directory. The state should invest in identifying and building farm-to-table opportunities for all small- and medium-scale farmers and ethnic growers to serve changing Minnesota demographics and buy local supporters.

Somali community leaders in Minnesota have recently agreed to form a working group that will engage with law enforcement agencies in an effort to reduce negative perceptions of both sides, promote better relationship with each other and rally this state’s new citizens to understand they are part of the wider American public where communities are not suspects of crimes committed by individuals. The mistrust between this community and the U. S. Law Enforcement departments has been a tough challenge for everybody until January this year when the Department of Homeland Security held the fi rst meeting of roundtable discussions in Minneapolis. The executive director of Somali

Action Alliance, Hashi Shafi who describes that doubt as a barrier to peaceful coexistence said that it is important to engage direct talks that might lead to solutions. “The Law Enforcement are not here to harm anybody, they are here to protect the people. We want our community to understand their role and the reason we have them in this system” he said. “It’s important for this community to see themselves as part of the U. S. public.” Somali Action Alliance will convene sessions of the working group early December to explore engagement strategies, ongoing direct dialogue with law enforcement partners and create platforms to share information. Shafi said the outreach of the community and their partners has worked in Minnesota successfully. He hopes a replica

of this strategy might also work in major cities in Ohio and Washington State which have growing Somali-American population. Law enforcement offi cials from the Metro area who attended the round table discussion on community policing included U. S. Attorney of District of Minnesota, B. Todd Jones, and representatives of the Hennepin County Sheriff department, National Counter Terrorism Centre and FBI. The meeting reported that crimes went down and community satisfaction has signifi cantly increased after months of talks. Abdirizak Farah, a policy advisor with the Department of Homeland Security, Offi ce for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties said communities are

To identify the economics of employment inequities, we must fi rst consider the signifi cance of several related issues: the crisis of Black unemployment,

the increasing reliance on small business as a source of employment, the causes of racial disparities in business performance, and the positive impact of small business within our inner city.

Crisis of Black UnemploymentThe issue of Black unemployment is not new

and cannot be dismissed as specifi c to the current economic recession. Many, particularly African Americans, have raised this point so as to counter both colorblind accounts of the recession’s economic impact and assertions of post-racialism after the presidential election of Barack Obama.

Hakim PropesLil Savior (left) and Yung Sphinx NEFILIM TURN TO 11

BUSINESS TURN TO 4

Courtesy of Concordia UniversityDr. Bruce Corrie

Courtesy of MN2020Lee Egerstrom

By Abdiaziz Hassan

Ilyaas Maow/Mogadishu Times(L-R) Mohamed Bare, Somali Family Advancement Centre; Hashi Shafi , Executive Director of the

Somali Action Alliance chairing the discussion and Abdirahman Hassan, Education Coordinator of the Somali Action Alliance.

GROUP TURN TO 7

By Lea HargettPresident, Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce

By Alaina L. LewisContributing Writer

MORE ON PAGE 5

Kwanzaa at the Capri

December 5 - December 11, 2011 • MN Metro Vol. 37 No. 49 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.comDecember 5 - December 11, 2011 • MN Metro Vol. 37 No. 49 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

INSIGHT NEWSINSIGHT NEWS

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insightnews.com Insight News • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Page 3

Hawthorne focus on educationThe monthly Hawthorne Huddle meeting, held from 7:30-8:45am Thursday, November 3 at 601 29th Ave. N. revisited September’s topic of Academic Achievement, focusing on two innovative efforts to educate youth in North Minneapolis. Key presenters were Eric Mahmoud, founder and CEO of Harvest Preparatory and Best Academy Schools, and Angela Chang, principal of Minneapolis College Preparatory School. Minneapolis College Preparatory School (MCP) seeks to raise the student achievement and college choices for high school students in North Minneapolis. MCP will open in August of 2012 with an inaugural class of 150 freshman students at the old Lincoln Elementary School building, serving up to fi ve percent of MPS high school students at full enrollment. The MCP mission and vision is focused on college preparation and success. MCP’s mission is to instill in students the scholarship, discipline and honor necessary to succeed in college and beyond. MCP’s vision is to establish the highest performing open-enrollment high school in Minneapolis with an emphasis on serving

low-income students and preparing them to graduate from college. “One does not go to college and automatically know what to do and how to study; it is our job to prepare them,” Chang said. The school will be hiring staff and enrolling students over the next few months. The regular school day will

be 8am-4pm. Freshman and sophomores will take double courses of math and English to build momentum for college. They will also take quarterly interim assessments aligned with Minnesota state standards as well as the ACT. Students keep the same advisor for the full four years. “It is our job to push students to grow,” Chang

said. “It’s about honoring your history and families by leading a life of discipline. We have a strict merit base system addressing issues such as behavior, conduct and making sure we have a respectful environment,” she said. Eric Mahmoud, Founder and CEO of Harvest Preparatory School and Best Academy, started his program

at his 12th and Upton residence with ten children and slowly evolved into fi ve programs serving 1,000 students a day. These fi ve programs are SEED, the pre-school program, serving children 3-5 years old; Harvest which serves kindergarten through sixth grade; Boys

By Ivan B. PhiferStaff Writer

HUDDLE TURN TO 11File photoEric Mahmoud

INSIGHT NEWSwww.insightnews.com

Insight News is publishedweekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests. Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

CFOAdrianne Hamilton-Butler

Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane

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ProductionAndrew Notsch

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Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlaneBobby Rankin

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Page 4 • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

EDUCATIONLevy-Pounds named Outstanding Young MinnesotanThe Minnesota Jaycees recently named University of St. Thomas School of Law Associate Professor Nekima Levy-Pounds to the list of the 2011 Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans. Levy-Pounds is among 11 honorees who were recognized at a special awards celebration held on December 3rd. “These 11 young Minnesotans are examples of the importance of community service in developing leadership skills and living proof of our belief that service to humanity is the best work of life,” said Jason Benton, president of the Minnesota Jaycees. “This group exemplifi es the core values of the Minnesota Jaycees which include developing leadership skills, entrepreneurship, advocacy for issues important

for Minnesota, and service to their community.” Levy-Pounds directs the Community Justice Project (CJP) and teaches at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. The CJP is a part of the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services dedicated to promoting civil rights. Levy-Pounds’ goal in founding the CJP was to take a more holistic approach to addressing complex issues affecting the poor and working poor. CJP’s advocacy has led to systemic changes, policy reform and increased dialogue between law enforcement, government, and the community. CJP is actively engaged in developing a grassroots reentry initiative, known as Brotherhood Inc., to assist young African-American

males who have been involved in the criminal justice system or gangs. For her work, the American Association of Law Schools recently awarded Levy-Pounds the 2011 Shanara Gilbert

Emerging Clinician Award. Often called upon to speak to issues of Civil Rights in the Twin Cities, Levy-Pounds was part of a group that shared the prestigious Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Award by Minnesota Campus Compact in 2010, along with the St. Paul NAACP. She serves as the Chair of the newly formed Minnesota State Advisory Committee, established by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights at the direction of the U.S. Congress. Started in 1950, the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans (TOYM) program is Minnesota’s only statewide recognition program for outstanding young leaders between the ages of 18-40 who have devoted themselves to improving their community. The program

acknowledges the efforts and accomplishments of young adults who have contributed to our state through their service, thought and infl uence, community involvement, or entrepreneurship. In the past 61 years, the program has recognized the leadership of more than 400 young Minnesotans. Past awardees have included young up-and-coming leaders Walter Mondale, Marlene Johnson, Dave Winfi eld, Tim Penny, Paul Douglas, Matt Blair, Wheelock Whitney, Martin Sabo and Jason DeRusha.

2011 Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans Honorees:• Jeffrey P. Bauer, The Family

Partnership, Minneapolis• Nicholas Banovetz,

Minnesota Campaign for

Achievement Now, Saint Paul

• Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins, Minneapolis

• Megan Leafblad, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis

• Nekima Levy-Pounds, University of St. Thomas School of Law, Brooklyn Park

• Savannah Leyde, Little People’s Daycare, South Saint Paul

• Kari Mitchell, Charity Events of Minnesota, Rosemount

• Ross Alan Monten, U.S. Naval Intelligence Offi cer, Apple Valley

• Ni Suphavong, Jade Logistics, Eagan

• Ryan Thomas, Snowshark Publications, Bemidji

University of St. ThomasNekima Levy-Pounds

Many scholars have challenged conventional explanations and approaches for dealing with racial economic inequality as it relates to Black unemployment, including “the ambiguous relationship between social capital and ghetto underemployment” and the advocacy of education, as opposed to job creation, as the key to ameliorating Black poverty. Various publications have explored the diffi culty of college-educated African Americans from getting hired or even garnering an interview in the professional world. All of these issues are of course important to conversations about race, un/employment, and the color line. Yet a few interrelated issues remain under-discussed and under-examined when it comes to Black unemployment: the growing signifi cance of small businesses as a source of employment

and how the hiring practices of minority and immigrant-owned businesses may inform Black unemployment rates.

Small Business as a Source of EmploymentSmall business, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), is measured for research purpose as “independent business having fewer than 500 employees.” Let’s consider how, according to this defi nition, there are more employer businesses in the United States characterized as small than large (having more than 10 but less than 500 employees). Data indicates that the overwhelming majority of businesses in the United States are actually characterized as micro, or having less than 10 employees. Nevertheless, small businesses, as reported by the SBA, “create most of the nation’s new jobs, employ about half of the nation’s private sector work force, and provide half of the nation’s nonfarm, private real gross domestic product (GDP).”

Thus the recession’s impact on small business owners also has implications for employment rates. The growing signifi cance of the small business market for job seekers means that we need to consider how patterns of this industry may relate to the crisis of Black unemployment.

Racial Disparities in Small BusinessThere are several important determinants of success in small business ownership. Racial disparities create barriers to small businesses that directly

impact business performance. The relative lack of success among African American owned businesses is attributable in part to three potential barriers – fi nancial capital, family business background, and human capital. In 2010 and 2011, the Minnesota Black Chamber surveyed its members to identify the top three barriers to sustaining and growing their business, and all respondents identifi ed access to fi nancial capital as the number one barrier.

Small Business Impact on Inner CitiesA study by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies (JCPES) found that the creation of minority-owned businesses has a signifi cant impact on minority employment. The study found that minority-owned businesses were more likely to recruit workers from inner-city neighborhoods than non-minority fi rms. Other researchers also have found that small, white-owned businesses were less likely to hire minorities, as compared to small,

black-owned businesses. An example of the impact of small business and job creation on inner cities can be found in the history of TLC Precision Wafer, an African American owned high tech business operating in north Minneapolis since 1991. In 2001, TLC employment numbers peaked to 30 full time workers; after 911 that number has steadily decreased. In part due to the downturned economy but more signifi cantly due to the lack of capital needed to fulfi ll multiple contracts. Today the company employs 15 full time workers. According to its CEO, Dr. Timothy Childs, “if TLC were able to access the necessary capital needed for expansion, it would immediately result in 10 new jobs and by the end of the fi rst year add another 90 jobs to its ranks”. That’s 100 FTE’s in North Minneapolis where the unemployment rate for African Americans is three times the rate of whites in Minnesota.

Encouraging EntrepreneurshipAfrican-American entrepreneur-

ship is on the rise at rates greater than the general population, according to data from the Census Bureau. The newly-released fi gures, show that the number of businesses owned by African Americans rose nearly 61 percent in those fi ve years. By comparison, during the same period the overall number of U.S. businesses increased by just 18 percent. Data released by the Survey of Business Owners, as part of the Economic Census reveals the rapid growth of Black fi rms in Minnesota. There were 12,454 Black fi rms in Minnesota, of which only 617 had employees. Despite these fi gures, inner cities -- where 82 percent of the residents are minorities -- experienced job losses throughout the fi rst decade of this century, despite growing job markets in suburbs and outer regions of cities from 2000 through 2008. Many African Americans -- like other Americans -- have turned to

BUSINESS TURN TO 7

BusinessFrom 1

Suluki FardanLea Hargett

insightnews.com Insight News • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Page 5

AESTHETICSKwanzaa at the CapriAfrican Americans are magnifi cent and mighty people. It has been demonstrated through their endless infl uence on every facet of life. The gifts that African people have given to the world include the development of mathematics, writing, food production, astronomy, and medicine, just to name a few. African people’s contributions to the United States and the world have made life better for all humanity. Kwanzaa is a time to recognize and celebrate African American greatness. Kwanzaa reinforces to African American people and their children how wonderful and fantastic they are. With support from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, WE WIN Institute is continuing their annual Kwanzaa celebration at the Capri Theater (2027 Broadway Ave. N.) in north Minneapolis on Wednesday, December 14th at 6:00 p.m. With the theme, Excellent Children,

Excellent Communities, the organization is demonstrating through expressions of African

American culture that nothing can stop the resiliency and brilliance of African people.

North Minneapolis has been through many hardships this year, but through working

together, the community and the children have become better and stronger. This will be demonstrated at the Kwanzaa performance. Children from schools throughout Minneapolis and Cooper High School will teach the community about Kwanzaa. The program will include appearances by master storyteller Nothando Zulu, the legendary Sabathanites, dancers Kenna Cottman and Artie Thompson, and Voice of Culture. The program will also include the gospel choir, Deliverance for Youth. There will also be Spoken Word performances by LongShot and Naadirah. Children will play the Honorable Marcus Garvey and the fi rst African American president, Barack Obama. The program is free and open to the public and the entire Twin Cities community is invited to come and celebrate. Kwanzaa is an African American holiday. It is a Swahili word which means “fi rst” and indicates the fi rst fruits of the harvest. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana

Karenga in 1966, a university professor from California. He saw a void in the lives of African Americans and fi lled it with a holiday grounded in African culture. Kwanzaa is based on a 7 principle value system. It was designed to acknowledge and celebrate African American greatness. The principles of Kwanzaa; are said in Swahili. The principles are: Umoja (Ooh-moh-jah), which means Unity; Kujichagulia (Koo-g-jah-goo-lee-ah), which means Self Determination; Ujima (Ooh-G-mah), which means Collective Work and Responsibility; Ujamaa (Ooh- Jah-mah), which means Cooperative Economics; Nia (Nee-ah), which means Purpose; Kuumba (Kah-Oom-Bah), which means Creativity; and Imani (E-mah-nee), which means Faith. Come support Excellent Children and Excellent Communities; come support WE WIN Institute’s Kwanzaa Program on Wednesday, December 14th at the Capri.

By Titilayo Bediako

Courtesy of WE WIN InstituteWE WIN students

Allen, Johnson aglow in Treasure TroveDisney continues to evoke the Prince and Princesses in all of us with their newest Holiday prize, Disney on Ice Presents: Treasure Trove, a delight journey through their magical vault of animated wonder from then to now. Treasure Trove, which kicks off on December 8th – 11th, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota will feature a timeless story befi t every generation. From the depiction of Snow White and

the Seven Dwarfs to the beautiful Tiana from Disney’s Princess and the Frog, this adventure will send you a adrift a palette of huntsman and genies to a lion born to be a king or the celebrated bond between a gal and her amphibian friend. Farryn Johnson plays the role of Princess Tiana, a character from Disney’s 2009 fi lm the Princess and the Frog. This Midwesterner, is taking on the challenge of skating her way through the bayou’s of a New Orleans tale and into the hearts of a longing audience. She’s

been coasting on her skates since she was 4 years old and gliding through productions with Disney for the past two years. “I’ve always prayed for this. I can remember being little and telling myself that I wanted to either be a competitive skater, or a professional that tours around the country performing,” Johnson told Insight News, “At the time, I never knew that my journey would bring me to Disney, because as I was growing up, they didn’t have an African American princess. But after Princess and the Frog came out, I started to realize that Disney

on Ice was somewhere I could fi nd my dream too.” Johnson also plays other ensemble roles in the production, but it’s her magical take on Princess Tiana that she holds dearest to her heart. Before Disney’s Princess and the Frog came out in theaters, there was always the infamous question on the mind of many young African American girls everywhere, “Will Disney ever create a princess that looks like me?” They answered, and beautifully. Now Johnson has the incredible opportunity to bring to life a story that millions of young Black girls across the globe can identity with. With Princess and the Frog apart of Treasure Trove, this holiday production is sure to dazzle. Another actor breaking barriers is DC Native, Alexander Allen, an African American skater joining the production as an ensemble member of the cast who gets the opportunity and the challenge of journeying through multiple animated renditions. Allen has been skating with Feldman Entertainment, the company producing Treasure Trove since 2007. Apart from his love of the ice, Allen also has hopes of

exploring the world of fi lm. “Joining Disney on Ice was actually God’s will. My steps were ordered,” Allen offers, “When I was younger and performing with a local skating group back home, we used to do productions and some of them would include Disney skits like Lion King and Aladdin— just about 4 minutes each and in front of an audience. From there, as I grew older and more mature, a choreographer came to the rink and noticed me. After that I went from doing these performances on a local level, to touring the world with Disney on Ice. It’s amazing how early life prepares you for your future.” Disney on Ice Presents

Treasure Trove is the perfect way to start the holiday season. It will engulf you in the magic that Disney movies have delivered to audiences for decades, and will bring you face to face with a live rendition of your favorite animated classics. Whether you’re a fan of Peter Pan, Lion King, Princess and the Frog, Aladdin, Alice and Wonderland, Tangled and many more, there’s something here for every one; an abundance of reasons to be swept away unto its magic. Tickets range from $16 - $65 and performances are scheduled from Thursday, D ecember 8th – Sunday, December 11th. For more information please visit: www.xcelenergycenter.com

By Alaina L. LewisContributing Writer

Courtesy of Disney on IcerFarryn Johnson as Princess Tiana

Alexander Allen

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Page 6 • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

HEALTHHolidays and compulsive shopping

The Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series on health disparities research

Many years ago, I remember running out to Foley’s “Red Apple Days” to catch the sale on clothes and household items before the Christmas holiday began. It would have been okay to go out, but on this particular day, I had the fl u and a fever of 101 degrees. My husband had called me from out of town to see how I was feeling. It was a Sunday morning, so he asked if I felt well enough to go to church. Of course, I did not. But, two hours later, I found my self driving to the mall (which was about 1 mile PAST my church building) trying to catch the sale.

As I drove (with perspiration on my brow), it suddenly struck me that something was very, very wrong with that picture. How could I be too sick to praise the God that gave me the money, but well enough to spend it at a mall with people who did not even look like me! That’s when it hit me. That,

I (like millions of Americans) felt a compulsion to shop simply because it was Christmas and a sale. Today’s article will focus on holidays and their impact on compulsive buying. First, I will begin by saying that African American consumers (especially Black women) tend to spend more money per capita shopping

than other groups. As early as in 1997, reports suggested that Blacks spent most of their money on housing and related charges, which totaled $104.8 billion. Additionally, the analysis of government data found the biggest purchasing gains in the areas of personal care products and Internet access. Spending on personal items jumped to $7.4 billion in 1997 from $4.4 billion a year earlier as Black women with higher personal income treated themselves to hair salons, cosmetics, manicures and massages. In the personal-care segment, Black women spent 215 percent more than they did in 1996, and 60 percent more per capita than white women did in 1997. By 2009, Black households spent an estimated $507 billion in 27 product and services categories. That’s an increase of 16.6% over the $435 billion spent in 2008. African Americans’ total earned income for 2009 was estimated at $836 billion. We have to get our hair

done for parties, our nails done for lunches, and our pedicures for vacations! Advertisements suggest that we are sub-human if we do not invest in specifi c hair care products, or shop at particular stores. So, we base a lot of our self-esteem on what we get, and what we give. Therefore, in addition to buying necessities, we shop to indulge ourselves in luxuries. We shop for fun and as we do so, we sometimes come to express through our acquisitions a sense of identity, taste and lifestyle. But for some people, shopping goes beyond a necessary task, beyond an entertaining pastime, beyond the thrill of the hunt. In many instances, shopping becomes excessive and often carries troubling consequences. Most commonly, problematic shopping patterns arise from the inability to control the impulse to buy. Some people cannot seem to resist the temptation,

By Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya,

Ph.D., L.P.

Murua(Swahili for ‘Respect’)

SHOPPING TURN TO 8

PhotoXpress

The Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series on Health Disparities Research continues with Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine, Director, UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities on Friday, December 9, 12:00-1:00, University of Minnesota, 2-530 Moos Tower. Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola will present on “Disparities in Mental Health Status and Care in the U.S.” This talk will be broadcast over the Web via Mediasite for off-site viewing. To view this presentation online live or after the event, please visit us on our website at: www.healthdisparities.umn.edu/dvss Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola is an internationally renowned expert on mental health in ethnic populations. As on-site principal investigator of the Mexican American Prevalence and Services Survey - the largest mental health study conducted in the United States on Mexican Americans - he identifi ed the most prevalent mental health disorders in the Mexican-origin population in California’s central valley; showed that the rate of disorders increases the longer

SERIES TURN TO 7

ucdavis.eduDr. Sergio Augilar-Gaxiola

insightnews.com Insight News • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Page 7

an essential part of the solution and the government does not see them as a problem. Abddul Kheyre, a Somali-American who represented small business owners at the meeting told community leaders and

offi cials that Islamic centers and the media might be able to counter distrust if they are engaged positively. “If an incident happens here or elsewhere, the media generalizes the problem in a way that suggests it has been committed by Muslims or Somalis. If you generalize, everybody thinks that they are included.” Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center

director, Sheikh Abdisalam Adan said the level of acceptance between the community and others has been minimal. He said improving relationships is vital. “The narrative that Muslims are under siege has to be defeated,” Adan said. The director of Da’wa Islamic Centre, Sheikh Hassan Mohamud whose mosque is building relationship between mainstream U.S. and Somali

youth said there is need of being proactive to respond to security issues concerning the community and the country as a whole instead of reacting to a situation. In the campaign to bridge the gap, women leaders including Hodan Hassan, a senior community health worker at Hennepin County Human Services Department suggested reaching out to sections of the community, including women

and youth who are isolated and most vulnerable and through a curriculum that can be delivered in a unifi ed way by mosques and social centers. Nimco Ahmed, a community activist and policy aide with the Minneapolis City Council, told the conference that the message of those pushing negative images of the community are less than 1 percent of the society. She said the only way to counter this is

to encourage positive forces building better community. Rotating quarterly meetings by Department of Homeland Security’s Civil Rights and Civil liberties and Somali community organizations have in two years brought together law enforcement offi cials, youth and community leaders to openly discuss challenges facing them and to dislodge the culture of fear.

SOS: Under a deadline, under pressure

Writing under a deadline brings out the defi ance in me. I do it all the time and despite my best efforts, I sometimes fall behind.

The words that ring in my ears are: are you surprised to have arrived here? No, I knew it was coming. Yet, all the other deadlines came, too. There is a better way to work. What I am about to tell you works for me. I should use it more often. SOS is the description for an international Morse code distress signal which over time has come to be associated with the phrase, “Save our ship.” A sea captain in trouble will

send out a signal pleading for assistance. While a sea captain’s deadline might be particularly acute, SOS can save your ship, too, if you are overwhelmed, out of time and sinking fast. The key is to Strategize and Organize so you can Succeed. Strategize. When is your deadline? Look at a calendar, mark the day, date and time, and keep it top of mind. Ignoring your day of reckoning won’t

make it go away. What has to happen by then? Make a list of even the most minute tasks (wrap gifts, label gifts, bring gifts to Grandma’s). Organize. Take a bird’s-eye view of your project to-do list. Can one task lead to another? Can you complete some tasks simultaneously? Consider that some tasks might be okay to skip, while others can be done by other people. Catering a party, for example, might be

too expensive to delegate, but hiring a neighbor to clean the house the day before the event could free you up to do your own cooking. Some people skip the cleaning altogether until the guests leave. Put an Optional column on your to-do list and use it liberally. Succeed. When you know what you must do, how you will do it and by when, you can knock off one task at a time until your work is complete.

No more worrying that you might forget something. No wasting time trying to decide what to do next. You invested a short time on strategy and organization. Your success is a natural outcome. SOS. When the seas get rough, save yourself.

Julie Desmond is Talent Manager for Lake Region Staffi ng Company. Write to julie@insightnews.com.

By Julie Desmondjulie@insightnews.com

Plan Your Career

the individual resides in the United States; and demonstrated

that children of immigrants have even greater rates of mental disorders. From this study, he developed a model of service delivery that increased access to mental health services among the Central Valley’s

low-income, underserved, rural populations. To attend this event, please RSVP to: phdr@umn.edu The Distinguished Visiting Scholar Series is sponsored by the University of Minnesota:

- Medical School, Program in Health Disparities Research, and Center for Health Equity- Minnesota Center for Cancer Disparities With additional support from the School of Public

Health, Health Disparities Work Group, and Midwest Center for Life-Long Learning in Public Health. This series is supported

in part by a grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (1P60MD003422).

SeriesFrom 6

entrepreneurship out of necessity where job growth has slowed or disappeared. This trend is likely to continue for all Americans as we continue to shift to a new, globally competitive economy. According to the 2007 Census data, nearly four in ten African American startups operated in the healthcare and social-assistance sectors, as well as repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services. Consistent with the type of businesses being started, the majority of the African-American businesses employ between one and four people Fast forward to 2011 where we now need more than 15 million jobs nationally to get back to 2007 employment levels. For all of the encouraging trends

regarding the growth of African-American entrepreneurship refl ected in this data, a shift is necessary to start growing the types of companies that can create a much more signifi cant number of jobs. When it comes to job creation, this happens via a very specifi c type of entrepreneurial company, as opposed to entrepreneurship more generally. The Census data refl ects that most African-American entrepreneurs are not creating these types of businesses. There are numerous reasons for this, including a lack of access to these types of technologies and resources, awareness of how to secure risk-based investor capital, and knowledge of how to move a company from an idea into a job-creating entity. It is equally critical that high-growth entrepreneurship is encouraged and developed among entrepreneurs located

in inner city locations, because these entrepreneurs can have a disproportionately positive impact on inner city job creation. The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), identifi ed that high-growth inner city businesses accounted for virtually all of the new inner city jobs created in the ten years prior to 2007. Perhaps more importantly, they created new jobs for inner city residents at twice the rate of other companies located in “city limits,” and seven times the rate of companies located in the suburbs. And job creation in inner cities -- jobs that, in turn, provide living wages and household income to inner city residents -- is the fi rst step in addressing many of the other challenges faced by inner cities communities, such as affordable housing, crime reduction and poverty. So, how can we encourage more high-growth

entrepreneurship among minority entrepreneurs, including those entrepreneurs located in inner cities? 1) A new dialogue is the fi rst step. All entrepreneurs need to be aware of, and consider, the opportunity to use a transformative technology or idea, apply it to a global market, raise funding to support it, and generate thousands of jobs and personal wealth as a result. Minority entrepreneurship must move rapidly into these higher growth markets and larger scale opportunities. 2) Engagement and outreach are the second steps. While there are many programs and initiatives across the country focused on emerging industries and technologies, the participation rate of minority entrepreneurs in these programs is disproportionately low. This trend is evident in the recently announced Greater MSP

initiative. A diverse workforce and business market brings a variety of perspectives that can give us all an edge in today’s competitive business world. It takes a consistent, culturally sensitive, and focused effort to engage and reach out to these culturally diverse citizens in order to truly develop a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. 3) Intensive preparation and facilitating key connections are the third steps. This isn’t different than what any high-growth entrepreneur needs to ensure the articulation of an idea most successfully, and the right audience of investors or customers to hear that articulation. But these specifi c services and key industry relationships must be expanded beyond their historical networks to ensure that all entrepreneurs have equitable access to higher growth opportunities.

ImplicationsThe 2006- 2016 Minnesota employment projections indicate that total employment is projected to increase by 291,000 jobs between 2006 and 2016 reaching almost 3.3 million jobs by 2016. Overall the potential benefi ts of small business development may be large because if you simply increase the number and average employment of African American businesses in Minnesota by only 10 percent that would result in the creation of 29,000 new jobs for minorities. So, while we absolutely celebrate the positive trends in entrepreneurship for African Americans and other culturally diverse citizens, our state must now work to ensure that future Census reports refl ect a much greater number of larger scale, diverse fi rms that employ by the hundreds versus staff with one to four employees.

BusinessFrom 4

GroupFrom 1

BUSINESS

Page 8 • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

and very often they buy merely to acquire. They see it, they want it, they buy it. They confuse “needs” with “wants.” I may need to have a car, but I may want a “Mercedes or a Lexus.” For some of us, shopping has become a major leisure activity. As a result (and because of instant money like credit cards and ATMs, it is easy to make unplanned, non-necessity purchases. This type of impulse buying can become so excessive that people fi nd themselves in considerable fi nancial debt and psychological distress. Recent studies suggest that extreme impulse or compulsive buying is on the increase, affecting an estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of the adult population. For this reason, the compulsion to buy can have serious fi nancial

consequences on individuals and families. The latest statistics from the Federal Reserve indicate that the total amount of consumer debt outstanding remained fairly steady in 2010. The total amount of consumer debt in the United States stands at nearly $2.4 trillion. Based on the 2010 Census statistics, that works out to be nearly $7,800 in debt for every man, woman and child that lives here in the U.S. This suggests that more and more people are fi nding themselves in serious debt. Overwhelmed by debt, many are left feeling helpless, angry and confused. Because they live with a daily sense of impeding disaster, many become fearful, depressed and even suicidal. In terms of mental health diagnoses, hopping disorders appear to fall within the impulsive/compulsive spectrum. That is, if it’s an impulsive behavior, a person buys something very quickly, often

without thinking, to get rid of or avoid some bad feeling. Others may be burdened with obsessive-compulsive pulls, which are “overwhelming, intrusive urges that they try to fi ght off and eventually give into. Compulsive spenders often describe that they experience a cycle related to their spending. After the urge builds to the point that a person gives into it., the spending activity itself may offer a rush of euphoria. Then comes the crash and remorse, accompanied by a great deal of shame and guilt. Thus, the addictive nature of spending compulsions is similar to those experienced with other addiction. In addition, when people have compulsive or addictive spending patterns, it is not unusual for them to have several other addictions, and one gets worse when another seems to be getting better,” according to one psychologist, Tom Horvath, Ph.D., author of “Sex, Drugs, Gambling and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions.” Dr. Horvath contends that the addictive behavior seems to provide relief for depression or anxiety or

to bolster self-esteem. In that regard, out-of-control shopping is like a lot of other conditions and can serve as a psychological defense. It’s believed that women are more affected by the disorder of compulsive shopping. Women who are But underneath that exterior is someone who, she says, often doesn’t feel good enough, so being dressed well and wearing lots of jewelry is used to enhance a weak self-image. For some, bargain buys becomes a form of excitement and thrill-seeking. Some women will track prices for months. This is an adventure for them and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they fi nally purchase something at a rock-bottom price.”

Are You A Compulsive Shopper?If you, or someone you know has the following symptoms, you may need to consider seeking support for a possible shopping addiction:• Continuously buying things

that aren’t needed. • Buying things you can’t

afford. • Incurring signifi cant debt

and other fi nancial problems

because of shopping. • Feeling a need to shop rather

than a desire to shop. • Having a sense of exhilaration

during shopping; feeling guilty after shopping.

• Dealing with anger from family members about the purchasing and debt incurred.

• Not feeling right when not shopping.

• Having problems with relationships over shopping.

• Hiding purchases or debts. Finally, for help you may wish to contact the Association of Black Psychologists or your physician to gain access to a mental health professional qualifi ed to address your spending habits. Because most over-spending creates credit problems, you may wish to get information on debt consolidation as well as fi nancial planning and budgeting support. Another option is to seek assistance in the form of a self-help group such as Debtors Anonymous. A 12-step program, such as Debtors Anonymous, can help you return to fi rmer ground. For more information, contact:

Debtors Anonymous General Service Offi cePO Box 888Needham, MA 02492-00091-781-453-2743

BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., L.P. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who serves as the President of Brakins Consulting and Psychological Services, and Executive Director of the African American Child Wellness Institute. She has over 30 years of experience in the fi eld psychology specializing in violence recovery and multicultural mental health and is recognized as a Board Certifi ed Diplomat/Fellow, in African Centered/Black Psychology by the Association of Black Psychologists. Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya warns that this column should in no way be construed as constituting a therapeutic relationship through counseling or advice. To forward a comment about this article or to make an appointment, please contact Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya by emailing her at: bravadaakinsanya@hotmail.com or by telephone at 763-522-0100 or 612-302-3140.

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insightnews.com Insight News • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Page 9

LIFESTYLEGone to Ghana: Talking turkey

Cordie Aziz is a former congressional staffer who moved to Ghana after losing her job in January 2011. Follow her daily adventures at goneiighana.blogspot.com Last week, it was Thanksgiving in the States and millions of families and friends joined around their feasting tables to give thanks for each other and their many other countless blessings. I

on the other hand, for the first time in my life, was without Thanksgiving. Just in case you were unaware, Thanksgiving is a holiday unique to the United States and Canada, as Farmers’ Day is unique to Ghana. Therefore, there are no great holiday sales, or fighting for the last turkey at the grocery store. I couldn’t even find a non-baked cheesecake- one Thanksgiving tradition I was bent on keeping, until I realized it didn’t exist here. I don’t know why I thought Sara Lee had made her debut in Ghana, but every girl has a right to dream; especially when it involves graham cracker crust and lemon infused cream cheese. Now, for the record, I knew that there would be no

Thanksgiving in Ghana. When I decided to move I knew I was writing off the holiday, to a certain extent, along with other holidays such as the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial, Day, Veterans Day, and, well, a host of others. And I was ok with that. It’s like Frederick Douglass once said, “Without struggle there is no progress.” And, yes, it has been a struggle to let go some of my most favorite holidays, especially the ones that involve my favorite foods. But the one thing I didn’t account for is how much I would miss it. When I lived in the States, I was never much of a holiday person. I never felt the need to go home for major holidays or strive to spend it with my friends in the area. In fact, some

holidays I was perfectly happy sitting on the couch, watching holiday movies and eating my cheesecake, straight from the dish. One thing though, I think I did take for granted was the spirit associated with it. For most Americans, Thanksgiving is the official kick-off of the holiday season. We start to busily run around and shop for Christmas gifts and plan our holiday menus. We buy tickets to visit family and then anxiously await the day and, most importantly, the extended vacation. And then once we arrive at our destinations, we are even more anxious to return to the solace and familiarity of our own homes and friends for the New Year. This year though, there was

none of that. When I woke up Thursday, it was just another day. No one smiled and said Happy Thanksgiving as I ran my errands and there was no grand dinner to look forward to. In fact, my Thanksgiving feast consisted of homemade spaghetti. Instead of going out Thanksgiving evening with friends and family, I sat at the beach and drank a few beers. Fortunately, the girls’ uniforms

and hair were enough to keep me entertained for the evening. And sadly enough, there were no great leftovers. I mean my spaghetti was good, but it definitely is not what I am used to the day after turkey day. I guess, in the end, I learned that I am thankful that Christmas is an in international holiday. If it wasn’t, I think I would have to pack my bags and come home.

By Cordie AzizColumnist

Gone to Ghana

Cordie AzizThe girls from Tawala beach, who served as my Thanksgiving company.

Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, andrew@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Andrew Notsch. Free or low cost events preferred.

EventsFREE Stress Relief Acupuncture! - Thurs. in Dec.Happy Hour Acupuncture is Back! Take a break from the holiday hustle with a FREE 20-minute Stress Relief Treatment every Thursday in December from 5-7pm at Midwest Herbs & Healing. Please call ahead to schedule your time, as seating is

limited. 2919 Pentagon Dr NE, St. Anthony, MN 55418, 612-781-3006. Also, Teachers receive 50% OFF all Acupuncture services scheduled by Dec. 31. For more information, visit: www.SerenityWalkerLAc.com.

North Minneapolis Families, Friends and Neighbors - Dec 13Your voices, Your passion and Your ideas are needed. Please join us for an engaging conversation at the

Community Listening Session Tue., Dec. 13, 6-7:30pm at UROC 2001 Plymouth Ave N. Minneapolis, MN. 55411(University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center) For more information contact Northway Community Trust 612-521-4500 or email Cynthia at: cjames@northwaycom.org

Community Listening Project - Dec 13Our upcoming Community Listening Project will refl ect on 2011 action items and conversations and welcome new conversations and ideas for determining action plans and priorities for 2012 and beyond. Tue. Dec. 13 6-7:30pm @ UROC 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. MN.

A Night for Aziz - Dec. 15African Development Center of Minnesota presents AfroUniversal: A Night for Aziz. With an evening of music, art, food and stimulating conversation, we wish to honor Aziz through an exhibition devoted to his eclectic oil paintings and colorful terracotta sculptures on display. Thur. Dec. 15 5:30-8pm. ADC Art Gallery 1931 S. 5th St. Mpls. MN. 55454

A Unique Chinese Acrobatic Performance - Dec 16&17 “Fenmo - The Beauty of the Acrobatics” will be presented Dec. 16 & 17 @ 7:30pm. At Burnsville Performing Arts Center (12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN 55337). Tickets can be purchased through Asian Media Access (612-376-7715), or in person at the BPAC Box Offi ce, via Ticketmaster at 800-982-2787 or Ticketmaster.com.

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

Classifi eds/Calendar PHONE: 612.588.1313 FAX: 612.588.2031 EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com

Page 10 • December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

North Minneapolis Neighborhood beat...Interested in Joining or Leading a Block Club in Hawthorne?Crime statistics go down drastically in the community when Hawthorne has active, responsible residents looking out for one another. There is training available to learn what to look for when monitoring the neighborhood, tips for staying safe, etc. Please call the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council at 612-529-6033.

HarrisonHNA will also hold a board meeting 7-8pm Monday, December 12 at 503 Irving Ave. N. For more information: Larry Hiscock, 612 374-4849.

GED Classes Sumner Library, located at 611 Van White Memorial Blvd is now accepting enrollment for GED classes. A ten-dollar registration fee is required

for material expense. All classes however are free. The classes are held mornings from 10:00am-noon and evenings from 6:30pm-8:30pm Monday through Thursday. For more information: 612 377-5399

JordanThe Jordan Area Community Council will hold a housing and committee meeting 6:30-8pn Tuesday December 13 at Plymouth Christian Youth Center 2210 Oliver Ave. N.

JACC will also have a board meeting 6:30-8:30pm Wednesday December 14 at the JACC offi ce 2009 James Ave. N.

Webber CamdenThe Webber Camden Neighborhood Organization, Minneapolis Park Board and the Recreation Board will hold a public board meeting regarding Webber Park. The meeting is from 6:30-8:30pm Tuesday December 13 at Webber Park Recreation 4400 Dupont Av. N.

For more information: Jennifer Rengald 612 230-6473 or cswenson@minneapolisparks.org

Loan ProgramLind-Bohanon Neighborhood Association has partnered with the Center for Energy and Environment to administer home improvement programs. LBNA loans create opportunities for more home loans and other neighborhood activities. The loan has a 4% fi xed rate fi nancing, $15,000 maximum loan with no maximum income limit. Eligible improvements include: most interior and exterior maintenance and remodeling. For more information: Amy Lusenbrink 763-561-1616 or LindBohanonNA@aol.com

Minneapolis Park Board The proposed 2012 Minneapolis Park Board budget focuses on neighborhood parks, parkways, fi nancial sustainability and service delivery. Public comment opportunities are

scheduled for December 14. For more information, Amy Lusenbrink 763-561-1616 or LindBohanonNA@aol.com

Get Paid Helping Northside Seniors & Disabled AdultsThe Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Neighborhood Involvement Program (NIP) serve North Minneapolis as two senior chore service agencies. CEAP serves seniors north of 44th Ave. N. and NIP serves seniors south of 44th Ave. N. Both agencies have opportunities for individuals to earn $15 an hour doing snow removal and responsibilities as independent contractors. Both programs require individuals to be 18 or older and go through a criminal background check. Participants must also have their own shovel, or snow blower and provide own transportation to job sites. For more information: Jon Burkhow at 612-374-3322.

CamdenNorth United Methodist Church (NUMC) has a Church Clothes

Closet 9am-Noon the fi rst Saturday of each month and 6-8 pm the fi rst Monday of each month at 4350 Fremont Ave. N. Donations are accepted. For further information: 612-522-4497.

Weight loss classesWeight loss classes for Black men take place every Friday from 6:30-8:30pm at Kwanzaa Church 2200 Emerson Ave. N. The class is a 12-week course for Black men who live with obesity, type II diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertension. The cost ranges from $100 to $300 depending on training materials. Space is limited to the fi rst 10 qualifi ed participants. For more information: Kwasi Nate Russell 612-359-0077 or Kwasinate.russell009@gmail.com

Volunteer opportunitiesThe Target Meals for Minds program, in collaboration with Second Harvest Heartland will have volunteering opportunities to end the fi ght of hunger in North

Minneapolis. A mobile food pantry will open once per month at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary 807 24TH Ave. N. The distribution dates are 5-7:30 Thursday, December 15, 5-7:30pm Thursday January 26 and 5-7:30pm Wednesday February 15. For more information: Kris Jensen, Volunteer Coordinator 651-216-2761 or visit www.2harvest.org/volunteer

North Minneapolis Tornado RecoverySites are available for mental and emotional recovery for victims traumatized by the May 22nd North Minneapolis tornado. To schedule an appointment with a health care provider, three sites are available; Northpoint Health & Wellness Center 1313 Penn Ave. N. 612 543-2566, Hennepin County Mental Health Center 1801 Nicollet Ave. S. 612-596-9438 or Hennepin County Medical Center Acute Psychiatric Services 701 Park Ave. S. 612-873-3161. Crisis response teams are available 24/7. For adults, 612-596-1223 or 612-348-2233.

By Ivan B. PhiferStaff Writer

Business AgentsThe Minnesota Association of Professional Em-ployees (MAPE) is the premier labor union repre-senting nearly 13,000 professionals employed by various agencies across the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. MAPE is currently recruiting for two Busi-ness Agent positions.

Major duties will include contract administration and negotiation; member advocacy including rep-resenting members in grievances and arbitrations, supporting and advising members who are sub-ject to disciplinary action, representing members at pre-discharge meetings, assisting members in performance appraisal appeals, attending and ad-vising members at meet-and-confer meetings, and collaborating with stewards, offi cers, and commit-tees to ensure effective member representation; and other related tasks as assigned.

Applicants must have at least four years of relevant work experience, including documented successes in the areas of member representation and contract administration and demonstrated advanced knowl-edge of labor relations, labor and contract law, Min-nesota’s Public Employee Labor Relations Act, and the operations of Minnesota state agencies. In ad-dition, applicants must possess superior communi-cation, problem-solving and negotiation skills, and be able to work independently and within a team.

To be considered for these positions, send a re-sume and cover letter (preferably by email) no later than Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 to:

Paul SchweizerBusiness ManagerMAPE3460 Lexington Ave. NShoreview, MN 55126 jobs@mape.org The MAPE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Em-ployer. We strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this position.

Global human rights activist Naomi Tutu will deliver the keynote presentation sharing her passion for race and gender equality at the 22nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. The 2012 breakfast will include musical performances from The Steeles and Walker West Music Academy, and the presentation of the Local Legend and Emerging Legend community service awards. Tutu will be introduced by UNCF president and CEO Michael L. Lomax. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast is a partnership between the General Mills Foundation and UNCF (United Negro College Fund), which supports the

education of more than 60,000 college students each year. Dr. King was an alumnus of UNCF member institution Morehouse College. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast is an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of the man and movement that not only changed civil rights laws for all Americans, but set in motion the drive for human rights reform worldwide. The theme of this year’s breakfast is “Building Peace and Unity within the Global Community.” Tutu’s experience growing up Black and female in apartheid South Africa led her to choose a career as an activist for human rights. In 2011, Tutu became an ambassador of Join My Village. Join My Village is an innovative, online social change initiative facilitated by the humanitarian organization CARE with fi nancial support from General Mills and Merck that seeks to empower women and girls in the developing world. Tickets for the breakfast, which will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, are now available at MLKBreakfast.org. As in past years, the St. Paul Area Council of Churches will host several simultaneous free breakfasts that allow guests to watch the Minneapolis event on television. More information on these sites is available at SPACC.org.

Naomi Tutu keynote speaker for 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast

Courtesy of General Mills Naomi Tutu

insightnews.com Insight News • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Page 11

in Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Academy, a boys program started fi ve years ago; Sisters In Science Technology Engineering and Medicine (SISTER) and an English as a Second Language for the growing East African population.

“We have fi ve programs with the same mission. That mission is to instruct, empower, and guide African American children to achieve superior academic, social and moral development,” Mahmoud said. According to the University of California, a 10 percent increase in education decreases crime by 20 percent, a direct correlation of education affecting economics. “There is a $2 billion a day unrealized economic potential,

because of the achievement gap,” Mahmoud said. Of the nine Minneapolis schools that educate about 1200 African American children, 1100 students were non-profi cient in third through eighth grade academics. “We have a cradle to prison pipeline,” Mahmoud said. “If an unfriendly power imposes an inadequate educational system, we would call it an act of war. In North Minneapolis, we are at war, an undeclared war on

our children. There are social and economic consequences of this war,” he said. Harvest Prep last year had a 77% profi ciency in reading in comparison to the state average of 75%; in math 82% were profi cient comparing to the 58% state average. The BEST Academy program, 85% are profi cient in reading and 80% are profi cient in math, exceeding the statewide average. “What we are doing at our

school is working. We want that 15% that didn’t make it to become profi cient and close the gap,” Mahmoud said. He said the key to success is the asking and answering fi ve questions: 1. What do our children need to know and be able to do by the end of the year? 2. What is the most effective way of teaching? 3. How do we know they grasped the concept? 4. If they don’t have it, what do we do? 5. And if they do have it, what is the

next step? “We found that building a system around these fi ve questions is extremely affective in working with our children,” Mahmoud said. Meetings for the Hawthorne Huddle are held the fi rst Thursday of each month. For more information on the monthly meetings and how to become involved, contact Sophie Winter of General Mills at 763-764-3413.

In short, these times have become horrifi c; bullying is as much a crime against humanity as murder. Although in many ways, bullying is an act that this very country was built upon, now more than ever something needs to be done to put an end to the charade. Many non-profi ts, groups, and adults have stepped up to the plate to fi ght against this travesty coursing through our children’s playground. Movements have erupted over an excess of area codes calling for an end to bullying, classroom violence, and discrimination amongst peers. Although these messages are getting out there, the question remains: Is the translation of needing change reaching our youth effectively? Are they hearing the cries of many and does it draw them to want to do better? Insight News’ own Hakim Propes has found an answer to the “No Bullying” movement in his two sons Lil Savior and Yung Sphinx, a rap duo who have formed a group called The Nefi lim. Having been the victims of bullying themselves, and desiring to leave their mark on fi ghting this monster, The Nefi lim began to pen their disdain for the plaguing giant and the end result has become a song entitled, “Don’t Bully Me.” “The environment we’ve all grown up in is an environment of bullying. If you consider how this country was built, and look at our founding fathers, America was created by people being bullied,” Propes told Insight News. “The bullying culture is the thread of the American fl ag. Bullying is a

natural thing. It’s something you have to explain to your kids, and something you have to get them ready for. So when it happened to my sons they really wanted to do something to change things. The avenue that I had was music. They were so passionate about not wanting to ever be bullied again, so they decided to do a song.” What makes The Nefi lim different is that they are two children taking matters into their own hands to rise above the oppression. Through youthful eyes and unwavering strengths, they have the ability to reach a

broader audience— an audience that resides in their very own sightline. “The “Don’t Bully Me” song is actually a story about a child being bullied, it’s just seen through a kids eyes.” Propes shares. “You hear adults talking about bullying, but you don’t always hear the kids talking about it.” The Nefi lim duo, get their name from the bible; Christian stories talk of the Nefi lim people being great warriors for justice. Ironically, the Nefi lim from them to now, are still on a mission to kick oppression in the pants.

“On our promo shirts, adults always ask us, ‘Why is the bully on the shirt a monster.’ The answer is simple: That’s what a kid sees when he’s being bullied. He’s seeing this huge monster that has him so afraid that he doesn’t want to talk about it, has feelings he can’t understand, and doesn’t know how to vent. A child will create this image of a monster and with the Nefi lim name being kind of like a superhero, if you will, and us wanting to bring a light to these type of characters and teach them ways to overcome these situations, it only made sense for

them to take that as their name.” As a proud father of his two sons and their decision to deliver such an uplifting message, Propes also shared with Insight News that these two rhyme slayers have intentions of translating their mission onto several other mediums as well as rapping about a myriad of other problems that are facing man. Childhood obesity, misunderstanding politics, domestic abuse and more, are currently messages that The Nefi lim are preparing to conquer for their fi rst album. They also have a comic book in

the works, performances and a clothing line. Their intentions are to meet people wherever they are at with these important anecdotes. By doing it through these various channels, they’re able to expand their rays and allow their story to shine across a broader valley. For more information on how you can get involved with the Nefi lim’s “Don’t Bully Me” movement and listen to their music, please visit their “Nefi lim Music Group” page on Facebook or http://www.reverbnation.com/TheNefi lim. They can be emailed at TheNefi limenon@gmail.com

Nefi limFrom 1

HuddleFrom 3

Hakim Propes

Page 12 • December 5 - December 11December 5 - December 11, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com