On any given weekday or Saturday you can walk into Golden Thyme Coffee Café, a Black owned neighborhood business at 921 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104, and fi nd a snapshot of the Black community ranging from elders, politicos, artists, clergy, thinkers, to children tagging along with parents. Every Friday night in the month of February the cultural hub will be visited by vintage Black Hollywood, during the First Annual Black History Month Film Festival sponsored by Golden Thyme. Esteemed elder and Black historian Professor Mahmoud El Kati will present Black cinema featuring iconic fi lm stars such as Sidney Poitier, Lena Horne, Nina May McKinney, Jimmy Wright, Savannah Churchill, Bill Bojangles Robinson, and the Nicholas Brothers, to name a few. Each evening will include a social moment at 6:30pm, and a fi lm showing at 7:00pm, free to the public. The fi lm festival was created as an extension of Fourth Fridays at the Movies that has taken place at Golden Thyme for the last three years. In that time intercultural audiences have been exposed to fi lms representing a long history of African Americans in cinema. These fi lms, of signifi cant educational and cultural value, encourage dialogue that promotes community in-gathering and intercommunity social interaction. Additionally, the gatherings restore intergenerational connections where wisdom and history informs youthful curiosity. Success of the monthly fi lm showings overtime ensures the historic fi rst annual fi lm festival will be a value added community gathering for all to enjoy.

ScheduleFriday, February 4, 2011 The Devil’s Daughter: Starring Nina May McKinney is the fi rst feature in this year’s fi lm festival. After her father passes away, Jamaican native Isabelle is left disinherited as her successful city-dwelling sister, Sylvia, returns home to claim their plantation for herself. Hoping to scare her sibling off, Isabelle conjures up some fake voodoo rituals but fails to send Sylvia packing.

Friday, February 11, 2011 No Way Out: Starring Sidney Poitier in his fi rst feature fi lm. No Way Out is our second fi lm of the festival. The movie was unique for its time. For the fi rst time since the great Paul Robeson made fi lms in the 1920’s and 1930’s, a Black actor, Poitier, was seen in a non-stereotypical role. He plays a doctor, a psychiatrist no less, treating white patients. It is emotionally riveting.

Friday, February 18, 2011 Short Film Compilation (including Murder on Lenox Avenue): Starring Jimmy Wright and Savannah C hurchill. It is a murder mystery which takes place in Harlem. It is eventually solved after a series of missteps and illusions and the usual fare of the mystery genre. This evening will also include a very special surprise for appreciators of popular culture.

Friday, February 25, 2011 Stormy Weather: Lena Horne was Black America’s fi rst female movie star. The classic “Stormy Weather,” is one of Hollywood’s 10 greatest musicals featuring the brightest African American stars of the era—Bill Bojangles Robinson, Lena Horne, and the spiritual dancing fathers of Michael Jackson, the Nicholas Brothers.

For more information on the First Annual Black History Film Festival contact Golden Thyme Coffee Café at 651-645-1340.

So often we fi nd ourselves involved in activities without fully understanding why, as occasionally is the case during our annual observance of Black History Month. This celebration is our most meaningful opportunity to promote cultural awareness, provide direction for our young and take pride in our collective

historical accomplishments. Since 1926, there have been various ways in which Black people set aside a time of year to honor our past, appreciate our present and work toward fulfi llment of the future. This concept was introduced by Dr.Carter G. Woodson, one of our most revered historians and critical thinkers. Dr. Woodson was a man

The Minnesota Campaign for Achievement Now (MinnCAN) is a newly formed education reform advocacy organization that launched a new movement of Minnesotans dedicated to enact smart public policies to ensure that every Minnesota child, regardless of race or economic status, has equal access to adequate public schools. MinnCAN provides individuals with a platform to effectively speak on education reform and execute advocacy campaigns through research, policy, communication, and mobilization. This legislative session, the organization is declaring a ‘State of Emergency’ for Minnesota public schools in hopes to create state policy that will transform the way we educate Minnesota’s children. Vallay Varro, Exec. Director of MinnCAN, hopes that people will contribute to the dialogue that MinnCAN is working to promote. “It is time for Minnesota to have an honest conversation about the achievement gap to bring our state back together as one

because it is what’s best for our economy,” she says. Varro is also a mom, educator, and community leader. She has served as the Education Policy Director for St Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and as a School Board Director for the St Paul Public Schools.

Varro comes from a Hmong refugee family and was raised in Appleton, WI. She served as a Program Manager at the Minnesota Literacy Council, as a Director at Minnesota Reading Corps (an AmeriCorps program), and was a classroom teacher at the University of St

Catherine Pre-K Education Center. MinnCAN already has a few recommendations for closing Minnesota’s achievement gap. Firstly, the organization plans

January 31 - February 6, 2011 • MN Metro Vol. 37 No. 5 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

PAGE 4

EducationWoodson brings corporate savvy to MBA program

PAGE 5

AestheticsErica Hubbard: The “Let’s Stay Together” interview

PAGE 2

BusinessIs your innovation a viable business idea?

PAGE 11

SportsA classic Superbowl match-up

Festival highlightscultural vitality

The origin of Black History Month

Rally promotes education policy

By Mahmoud El-Kati

By Lydia SchwartzContributing Writer

By Maya BeechamContributing Writer

Photo courtesy of MinnCANVallay Varro

National ArchivesDr. Carter G. Woodson

WOODSON TURN TO 2MINNCAN TURN TO 6

www.drmacro.com

A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE SHANGILIA FOUNDATION

MORE ON PAGE 5

INSIGHT NEWSINSIGHT NEWS

Page 2 • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

BUSINESSIs your innovation a viable business idea?

Minnesota grantmakers increase giving in 2011

UNCF and Capital One create HBCU fi nancial literacy programs

In his 2011 State of the Union address, President Barack Obama told America we are poised for progress. He said, “What America does better than anyone else is spark the creativity and imagination of our people. We’re the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offi ces; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google

and Facebook. In America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives. It is how we make our living.” I know an architect who designed a working model of equipment that would have cleaned up the BP Oil Spill in weeks instead of months. There is a man in Northeast Minneapolis who thought a minivan could be improved if it had a convertible top… and then he built one. It’s in his garage now, you can see it if you want to. If you have been sitting on an innovation, now might be the right time to take steps to turn your good idea into a marketable product or service. The question is, will the effort required to move from concept

to commerce be worth the investment? Find out by completing a SWOT analysis, a systematic study of a concept’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. This tool has roots in mid 20th century business development, but was studied and really brought to people’s attention in the 60’s and 70’s. Do you think the Beatles created a SWOT to determine whether their band would be successful? Possibly. Start your SWOT analysis with a blank sheet of paper. Across the top, name the concept you are considering. SWOT can be used to analyze new business ideas or products, or to make decisions about career plans or

whom to date on Saturday. For our purposes, we’ll say that the Beatles might have titled their concept, “Perform on the Ed Sullivan Show.” Next, consider the concept’s strengths and weaknesses. Usually these lists are focused on the internal workings of the idea, those things you can control somewhat. Answer questions around, What advantages do I have in carrying out this idea? How is this different from other similar concepts? What resources do I have that others do not? The Beatles might write in their Strengths column: Good band, Original musical style, Popular with young crowd, Fun to perform on TV. Under

Weaknesses, they could write, Shock to older audience, TV is new concept, We are broke and cannot afford the plane tickets and cab fare to get to studio. Opportunities and Threats refer to outside infl uences. To uncover potential opportunities, ask: What current trends support this idea? What advancement in technology or research could enhance my concept? Opportunities for the Beatles might have included: Good exposure, Publicity could increase record sales, Could lead to opportunities on other TV shows. Threats are those issues that truly do impinge on success. Ask: What obstacles do I face? What technological changes

could threaten this concept? Threats to the Beatles might be: Possible equipment breakdown, Competition from Elvis, Potential negative publicity. Notice that an Opportunity (publicity) can also be a Weakness (negative publicity). SWOT analysis sparks creativity and insight. It enlightens decisions about whether your daydream should ever see daylight, and later helps when assessing what opportunities exist to take your business to the next level. Julie Desmond is a recruiter with Specialized Recruiting Group in Edina. Write to julie@insightnews.com.

Minnesota’s largest grantmakers (those giving more than $10 million in grants annually) are most likely to expect their grantmaking levels to hold steady. Small grantmakers (less than $1 million annually) and mid-sized grantmakers ($1 million to $10 million annually) are more likely to expect grantmaking increases in the coming year.

Among all grantmaker types, corporate foundations and giving programs are most likely to expect their grantmaking levels to hold steady, while community/public foundations are more likely to anticipate grantmaking increases. These were the fi ndings reported by the Minnesota Council on Foundations

(MCF), a regional association of grantmakers, in their 2011 Outlook Report. “When the economic crisis took hold in 2008, no one was sure how long and how bad the downturn would be and what kind of toll it would take on nonprofi ts,” notes Bill King, MCF president. “Because much of foundation giving is asset-based, we expect the

effects on grantmaking to linger. It now appears that, while the ‘new normal’ is challenging, we are moving to more stability in the next year.” “This 2011 report also reveals how grantmakers are striving to increase their impact and achieve their missions in an era of tight resources and mounting community issues,” King adds.

“Philanthropic organizations are exploring a wide range of strategies that illustrate their commitment to shaping solutions that ensure the future wellbeing of all Minnesotans.” Among the philanthropic strategies, nonmonetary support to nonprofi ts—such as technical and capacity-building assistance, volunteers and in-kind products and services—

was cited by 68% of survey respondents; program-related investments and mission-related investments were noted by 36% and 16%, respectively; and public policy and advocacy activities were listed by 32%. For the complete 2011 Outlook Report, see www.mcf.org/outlook

Innovative 3D educational gaming platform provides college students money management skills and, helps reduce student loan defaults

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and Capital One Financial Corporation have come together to provide an innovative new fi nancial education program designed to empower tens of thousands of students with important money management skills at more than 50 historically

black colleges and universities across the country. With rising student loan defaults it is imperative to look toward fi nancial literacy as a means address this critical issue facing many of our nation’s young people. The Capital One Financial Scholars Program is powered by EverFi’s award-winning 3D educational gaming platform. The platform leverages new media to bring important fi nancial topics to life, including

student loan management, opening a bank account, budgeting, credit scores, stocks and bonds, credit cards and debt management, paying taxes and the choice between home-ownership and renting. The new program, which builds upon an existing UNCF fi nancial literacy initiative, is expected to reach an estimated 50,000 students in the fi rst twelve months. “The fi nancial commitments and choices college students

make today can impact their lives for years and even decades into the future, yet most students have never taken a personal fi nance class and are unprepared to make these important decisions. The goal for this program is to help our students develop practical money management skills and avoid common fi nancial mistakes,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. UNCF president and CEO. “Capital One’s commitment to fi nancial education is

commendable, and we are thankful for the company’s support in bringing this innovative educational platform to thousands of students across the country.” Unlike other fi nancial education programs, the Capital One Financial Scholars Program continually assesses student progress and provides student certifi cation upon successful completion of the program. Several participating colleges and universities plan

to incorporate the program into fi rst-year student orientation. “We believe the EverFi platform provides an engaging, cutting-edge platform to help students build fi nancial decision-making skills that they will use now and for the rest of their lives.” said Steve Gannon, Executive Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Capital One. For a video demonstration of the EverFi platform, visit Vimeo.com/14675834.

By Julie Desmondjulie@insightnews.com

Plan Your Career

Dr.Carter G. Woodson, one of our most revered historians and critical thinkers. Dr. Woodson was a man who not only studied and wrote history but made history as well. He was a brilliant scholar with a universal mind, and yet he chose to devote his life and genius to discovering the lost of missing pages of history and including the facts about achievement, challenges and heroism of Black people, and placing them where they rightfully belonged.

As a living public fi gure, Dr. Woodson’s name was prominent from 1912 until 1950, the untimely year of his death. With a background of struggle that was required to obtain an education, Dr. Woodson climbed from the coal mines of Virginia and West Virginia and fi nished high school at age 22. By age 37 he had earned his PhD in history from Harvard University and went on to fulfi ll his passionate desire to be useful service to his people. After serving as Dean of Liberal Arts at Howard University and Dean of West Virginia Institute, Woodson stated that his dominant purpose was to turn his historical training

and preparation to the best racial account Woodson shared his learning and research skills by developing three enduring institutions, which are still with us today: The Association of the Study of Negro Life and History (now Afro-American Life and History), founded in 1915; The Journal of Negro History and the Negro History Bulletin both of which were founded in 1916. The latter two have been published quarterly for more than a half century and provided generation of Black Scholars with the opportunity to develop their skills and expose their work. Woodson did not stop there -- in 1926 he founded Negro History Week, to observe between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln in February. He inspired Black Americans to make a concrete expression of their heritage by holding celebration in their churches, schools and community centers as well as lodges and civic clubs. He also traveled widely establishing Negro History Study Clubs and encouraging small groups of people to spend Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons in their homes learning about the history of American that had been left out of the one-sided, white oriented school textbooks. Today, we celebrate Black History Month and one can well imagine that Dr. Woodson would be pleased to know that the tradition he introduced has been so proudly expanded by his people. Today, the ultimate intent of Black History Month is not only to help African Americans understand, appreciate and preserve our great heritage, but also to speak to the members of the larger society who are looking for avenues of understanding themselves and their Black countrymen. By extension, Black History is a celebration of the existence of a key people, a people who came here before the Mayfl ower. Most of all, Black History Month is a time of learning and refl ection-a time to look at one another, instead of up or down to one another. Thank you Dr. Carter G. Woodson. We love the memory of you and will continue to cherish and maintain this great idea. Sleep well our father; your children honor you still.

WoodsonFrom 1

insightnews.com Insight News • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Page 3

Next generation of learners deserve our best

Would today bring tears to their eyes?

Healthcare bill reduces racial health disparities

Education is, and remains the central threshold for improving quality of life for all. History has demonstrated this to the case. I remember growing up in a family with deep Southern roots. Every time I headed south I was frequently reminded of the sacrifi ces made by many for Black children so they could have an equal opportunity to learn, read and write, attend college and succeed. A generation later, as I raise my own children, I am disappointed that we are not meeting our call as a just society to provide all our children with the best

opportunity to succeed in the classroom. For too long, Minnesota has had one of the largest achievement gaps between white children and children of color in the nation. It’s time to do something about it. As our nation was tested generations ago, we must face this inequity in our education system head on with new ways to educate all learners. While there is no single answer to this challenge, one area of focus at the State Legislature has been “alternative teacher licensure.” Most of us agree that great teachers for our children – all of our children – are not just a priority, but a requirement. Alternative teacher licensure would create path for experts in a specifi c fi eld to educate Minnesota students in schools where there is a need. However, many are rightly concerned with the specifi cs of how we would construct and implement a plan like this in

Minnesota. We must ensure that high standards are in place so that our educators are equipped with the skills, know-how, and classroom experience to position our students for success. There are two signifi cant alternative licensure bills currently being debated at the State Capitol – one authored by Republican Pat Garafolo and four other Republicans. Another bill is authored by Democrat Carlos Mariani and co-authored by both Democrats and Republicans. Both bills include similarities – such has requiring prospective teachers to have a college degree, teach in their fi eld of expertise, have earned good grades, and to have passed content and teaching tests. However, the partisan bill does not meet the quality standards our parents and students deserve. The bipartisan bill authored by Rep. Mariani not only provides a new path for

experts who want to teach our children, it also ensures that those motivated individuals are held to the highest possible professional standards. Teachers would be assessed using something called the Teaching Performance Assessment, a widely-accepted

method of checking to make sure that teachers are doing right by their students. It also makes sure local school districts have an agreement in place with a high quality teaching program. In other words, this bill makes sure we get the best people to teach

our children to begin with. If a guarantee that our children get the best and brightest isn’t enough, there is an added benefi t. Specifi c language in the bill encourages the need to refl ect the racial and cultural diversity of the school’s student body. Closing the achievement gap is a tremendous challenge, but it’s one we mustn’t back away from. The next generation of learners deserves our best at the Legislature this year as we work on these issues. I hope we can come together on a bipartisan solution that helps prepare our students – all of them – for a globally competitive future. You can contact Representative Champion about this or any other legislative issue by email at rep.bobby.champion@house.mn, by phone at (651) 296- 8659, or by mail at 329 State Offi ce Building, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155.

When it comes to the who’s who in Black History, the list of heroes is as endless as was the unselfi sh, tireless journey of our formidable leaders of days gone by, and those anew. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Charles Drew, Bob Johnson, Miles Davis, Benjamin Banneker, Rosa Parks, W.E. B. DuBois, Marian Anderson, Thurgood Marshall, Ralphe Bunche, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordon, David Wilder, Booker T. Washington, Mae Jamison, Madame C. J. Walker, Henry Gates, Jackie Robinson, and countless others are vehicles of change. Attempting to name all who contributed to improving the lives of people of color and to the progress of this nation could fi ll page after page. Equally as long is the list of marches, speeches, demonstrations, and concerted unifi ed efforts marshaled over that last 61 years, to bring about access to opportunity, good jobs, decent housing, quality education, pathways to economic prosperity, and a better future for the next generation. But every February, for 28

days, the spotlight shines on the contributions of men and women of color who represent the best of our history. Today, more than ever, we need more than just another Black History Month Celebration.. what we need is action. United in mission and purpose, these sheroes and heroes forged a movement; a movement so intense, a groundswell of support swept not only through communities of color, but across America. This is Black History, and this too is American History. Sadly over time, both the fl ow and force of this movement has become diluted, misguided; and in some respects, is no longer in existence. Where are the leaders of the movement now? What is the 21st century agenda? Where is that spirit of genuine solidarity that once united people and organizations, ordering and dominating the steps of those brave enough to risk everything as they marched in search of equality? Sadly, I fear it’s been replaced by personal agenda, unfocused priorities, and an absence of concern for the masses. The sense of urgency to work in collaborative harmony to create positive change through collective effort has been lost. Growing segments of our community feel a sense of hopelessness; more each day are joining the ranks of the Abandoned as labeled in the book, “Disintegration.” Weary at the bickering amongst human service leaders, with the turf

wars so evident, the Abandoned, often feel that there is no where to turn for help -- they literally see no movement whatsoever. We as a community are facing tremendous change all around us; change in technology, change in the marketplace; constant change in educational requirements to achieve our goals. In the midst of all of this change, some things appear to remain very much the same. Poverty and hunger continue, disillusionment and despair linger, shattered dreams and wasted potential is far too commonplace. If you take a look around, the civil rights movement is dysfunctional. Unhealthy materialism is prevalent. Hard work has been replaced by the desire for instant gratifi cation, common good is lost to individual aspirations, and the search for self-fulfi llment is often sought by trying to discredit others. Meanwhile, our communities suffer, our young people are misguided, and we as a people still cripple along, failing to gain access to the vast gateways of opportunities that exist. We’re exposed to far more opportunity than any of our ancestors ever had, yet we still continue to wander aimlessly, still underachieving. When you consider all the freedom marches and struggles for emancipation that took place in our past; when you consider that there were more black businesses in the 1920s than today; when you consider that

the prison system has become a rites of passage playground for growing numbers of males; when you consider the growing unemployment rate, the expanded number of youth not earning standard high school diplomas, it is time for us to change our attitudes, and work to regain our focus. Noted researcher Dr. Asa Hilliard, speaking to an audience in Lauderdale Lakes on the fi rst day of Black History Month several years ago, jokingly spoke about how sad it was to see the extensive work and struggle of Martin Luther King be characterized by one speech and more frequently one phrase in that speech. Hilliard lamented that all of Dr. King’s efforts to create a movement have been replaced - it seems - by solo efforts that are not sincere, and that do little to foster change for the large numbers of people who need help. Don’t you just wonder what leaders of the movement would think if they could see where we are, or moreover where we are not? How do you suppose the 30 to 60 million people, the one-third that survived the fi ve to twelve week Middle Passage journey from West Africa to stops in the Caribbean, South American, and North America would feel to see how crime, purposeless living, substance abuse, educational underachievement, and other social maladies have stymied our greatness? I dare say, seeing our current situation, this would

certainly bring them to tears. The time has come for people of color to heal our broken spirits. We must resolve our disharmonies, halt our personal doubt and instead cling tightly to our legacy of survival and achievement. One look at the list of inventions, accomplishments and contributions that are celebrated during the 28 days of February, those made by people of color, particularly during some extremely diffi cult times, tells us that possibility is within the reach of each of us. You see, possibility is limited only by your mind. It is time to reignite the movement -- to take the shackles off of our minds and create sustainable actions which carve out pathways to a better life, for us as a people, as well as for the continued progress of America. Our ancestors made something out of nothing -- they found and made a way when things looked no way possible. The creativity, ingenuity and brilliance of our ancestors is a true testament to their power and strength because when you consider all that they endured, none of us should be here. The Minneapolis Urban League offers a Gateway to Opportunity. I ask those who want to improve your lives or who want to help others improve theirs to do more than just peer at that Gateway. Walk through our doors and become a part of movement the Minneapolis Urban League has been building for years.

Republicans, trying to make good on campaign promises, are working hard to repeal the 2010 healthcare law that, once fully implemented, will provide health insurance in some form for all Americans. Those who supported the law realize that it’s imperfect but recognize that the law’s passage was an important fi rst step. Over time, the law will save billions of dollars and ensure that Americans, regardless of income, can access medical help when they need it. A new study shows us that money will be saved in other ways, too. A report released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveals shocking racial health disparities. Billions of dollars are spent each year treating illnesses in advanced stages. With healthcare more readily available, it is safe to assume that chronic conditions can be treated regularly and early, avoiding costly hospital stays and saving the larger public money in the long run. It’s never been a secret that race and income play a part in the quality of medical care an individual receives. But these numbers are shocking. In a country as rich as America, the

expectation should be that all children live through infancy and grow into healthy adults. However, children born to African-American women are three times more likely to die before they make it to their fi rst year than those born to women of other races. If the child does make it to adulthood, they will be twice as likely to suffer from high blood pressure and much more likely to suffer from heart disease or have a stroke than their white counterparts. And, unfortunately, their chances of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is shockingly higher than that of whites. Granted, each of these illnesses are preventable. Personal responsibility – eating right, exercising, practicing safe sex – goes a long way in making sure an individual is not affl icted with these diseases. However, if one does fi nd themselves struggling with one of these illnesses, they should be able to access quality medical care early and often and not have to worry about costs. If the diseases go untreated, the long-term effects go far beyond the individual: society ultimately pays. $7 billion to be exact. That’s how much is spent a year treating preventable diseases in this country. And African Americans have twice the rate of preventable hospitalizations than whites. Before Republicans continue with their plan of repealing the healthcare law, with no workable proposal for a replacement, they should fi rst think about what price the country will have to pay if they are successful. The

Republican party should not only leave the current healthcare law intact, they should sit down with Democrats and strategize to improve it. One of those improvements should be funding more community clinics in urban areas – clinics that educate and counsel residents on disease prevention. The Republican party needs to realize that honoring

campaign promises is important but only if that promise is in the best interest of the entire nation. Judge Greg Mathis became the youngest judge in Michigan’s history and was elected a Superior Court Judge for Michigan’s 36th District. He has been called upon as a regular contributor to national television programs,

including “Larry King Live,” “Politically Incorrect,” CNN’s “Talk Back Live,” “Showbiz Tonight” and “Extra” to discuss his opinions on complex issues of the day, such as national security, unique sentencing, affi rmative action and celebrity scandals. He also offers his take on high-profi le legal cases.

COMMENTARY

To Be Equal

By Judge Greg Mathis

By Scott GrayMUL President/CEO

Gateway to excellence

By Bobby Joe ChampionState Rep. District 58B

CapitolReport

“Alternative teacher licensure would create

path for experts in a specifi c fi eld to educate Minnesota students in schools where there

is a need.”

INSIGHT NEWSwww.insightnews.com

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

Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

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Page 4 • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

EDUCATIONWoodson brings corporate savvy to MBA program

Seminar for charter developers

St. Paul Public Schools extends student application deadline

A valued consultant successfully completed a project for a client, a recognized educational institution. The consultant was informed of a vacancy in the institution for a position that would be responsible for implementing the consultant’s recommendations. The client is University of St. Thomas (UST); the consultant was Bill Woodson, MBA, who moved to Minneapolis over three years ago to serve in his current position as Assistant Dean of the University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business, Master of Business Administration Programs. “I came to St. Thomas for an opportunity. The Dean of the Opus College had retained me to do some consulting work for the university and after the end of a pretty successful extended consulting engagement he advised me that the position that was going to have responsibility for implementing most of my recommendations was going to be vacant, and he invited me to apply.” Woodson oversees four programs and the daily leadership of the program leaders, including Full-time UST MBA, Evening UST MBA, Executive UST MBA, and Health Care UST MBA. Additionally, he leads the daily functions of admissions, student

life, and the career services director who provides career services support to all graduate business programs and the non-MBA program. This year business education at the University of St. Thomas is the fi rst private school in Minnesota to earn accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The institution joins rank with less than 5% of the world’s business schools to hold AACSB accreditation, providing faculty with greater research opportunities. Many people might assume Woodson’s career is the end result of years of study and jobs within the academic world. However, his background includes twenty-fi ve years in corporate America and entrepreneurship. “I didn’t have any intention of having academia being a part of my professional career as a young professional.” Woodson, born in Sarasota, Florida and raised in Washington, DC, received an undergraduate degree in urban studies from Brown University, and is a graduate of Harvard University Kennedy School of Government where he received a Masters in City and Regional Planning. He worked in the public sector for three years, and in a change of course earned an MBA at the University of Michigan. Woodson then began a twenty-fi ve year career working in corporate

America, with Compaq Computer, Johnson and Johnson and Hewlett Packard. As an entrepreneur he started his own consulting fi rm, leading to his current position. Woodson said, “I tell young people all the time they should put a premium on taking the path that leads to the greatest number of options—even being open to opportunities that may not even be in your fi eld of view.” Woodson often refers to his experience of spending 11 years of his post-MBA professional career working in the personal computer industry. “The fi rst personal computer was built in a garage in Palo Alto, CA in 1978 when I was a college

junior. How could I have gone to college saying I was going to school for this industry that had not been invented yet? And yet that is where I spent a big chunk of my career. Technology is moving faster than ever now, though certainly I encourage young people to take a direction to say I am heading towards a particular goal, but they need to be fl exible as well because the industry they may fi nd their careers in may not be invented yet.” In addition to being fl exible in his educational and professional careers, Woodson believes it is important to surround oneself with high quality talent and to follow your passion and

intuition. “Well you know it’s funny I wasn’t a particularly exceptional student, I was probably middle of the pack in college. I wanted to be the one to make the choice and I always put myself in spaces where the talent I was surrounded by was the best quality.” He made the decision to earn an MBA, qualifying him to not only lead an academic division at St. Thomas, but many great schools nationwide. Woodson said, “It’s a degree that really opens doors. When you are great at doing the job that you do, it gives you a chance to do more—maybe to do something that is a personal passion for you.” University of St. Thomas MBA programs are structured to accommodate working professionals in order to gain credentials and advanc e their careers. All students are exposed to rigorous curriculum that emulates industry work. Woodson said, “We think that we have the most relevant curriculum in the region that really balances application and theory. What we hear pretty routinely from employers is students that they hire, the ones that perform the best, are the ones that have the greatest level of seasoning in terms of prior work experience. They have the ability to integrate the theory with practical application, and that they have the ability to communicate and work well with teams. And if you look at our curriculum you will see each of those key areas I just touched on are very much a part of our curriculum.” Kate Herzog, a 2009 graduate of the MBA program has taken her knowledge and skills to an international level. Herzog is founder of House of Talents, an organization that aims to alleviate poverty by providing artisans from rural communities in Africa, an opportunity to sell their goods

in international consumer markets. The organization is also committed to empowering the artisans through social and economic advancement. House of Talents started in an incubator offi ce space provided by Schultz School of Entrepreneurship to recent graduates working to build their foundation. Herzog said, “I am also grateful to the University of St. Thomas for providing a wonderful offi ce space and to my professors allowing me to use them as sounding board. All these pieces had to come together to provide the momentum to launch the House of Talents.” Woodson said, graduates from the Opus School of Business, ‘are a natural resource to the talent needs of those area businesses and increasingly to businesses nationally and internationally. We actually have a focus for the program and for me personally to further increase our profi le in terms of historically underserved minorities. Frankly corporate American understands that although a lot of progress has been made in terms of minority representation in management level positions, there is still an underrepresentation and they are looking for partners that can help them close that gap. We can’t help close that gap unless we can attract that talent into our program. We have one of the largest percentages of African American faculty of any business program of our size in the country. I think an important priority for me, and the university as well, is that we have a stronger connection with the African American community. We want to make sure the community knows we are here for them and eager to fi nd ways to partner and make a positive impact on the community that we are a part of.”

Courtesy of University of St. Thomas

Bill Woodson

By Maya BeechamContributing Writer

Minnesota Association of Charter Schools provides primer seminar to charter developers The MN Association of Charter Schools is offering a basic information seminar designed for those exploring the development of a public charter school in Minnesota. This seminar, entitled “So You Want to Start a Charter

School,” provides an overview of the chartering process in Minnesota: the purposes of charters, authorizing, contracting, legal requirements, funding, and the process from concept to reality. This seminar is intended to provide participants with answers to their big questions. It will be held on Thursday,

February 3rd from 5:45 PM – 7:45 PM in Minneapolis. There is a fee of $15 per individual to attend. For further information and to register to attend, please visit the event registration page on the MACS website at: http://www.mncharterschools.org/page/1/2-3-11-Charter-Developer-Session.jsp

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Superintendent Valeria S. Silva announced last week at the regular Board of Education meeting that applications for elementary and secondary students will be accepted and considered on time if turned in by March 22, 2011. The date change allows families to complete the application process following March 15, 2011, when the Board is expected to take action on the Strong Schools, Strong Communities strategic plan. “We recognize that it is

important for many of our families to know the outcome of this important vote before they complete the application process,” Silva said. “This also gives our community more chances to learn about Strong Schools, Strong Community and get any support they may need as the District continues its work of increasing student achievement.” The District’s Student Placement Center processes about 13,000 on-time applications each year. To get the best chance of securing a spot in their fi rst choice

school, families should apply by the March 22, 2011 deadline for PreK, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools. Students who must complete an application include those who are starting PreK, kindergarten, middle or high school, changing schools or are new to SPPS. For more information about the application process or to apply online, visit the District’s Web site at www.spps.org. The site is also home to detailed information about Strong Schools, Strong Communities.

insightnews.com Insight News • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Page 5

AESTHETICSErica Hubbard: The “Let’s Stay Together” interview

A benefi t concert for the Shangilia Foundation

Tribute to “The Sultry Divas of Jazz”

Talented, gorgeous and “The Girl Next Door” are words used to describe Erica Hubbard. Born in Chicago on January 2, 1979, the versatile actress has been lighting up the big and small screens with her contagious and enticing smile for the past seven years and can now be seen as one of the leads on “Let’s Stay Together,” the eagerly-anticipated, original comedy produced for the BET Network, which debuted earlier this month. Erica knew at the tender age of nine that she wanted to be an actress after performing in her fi rst stage play. Never giving up on her dream, she attended Columbia College in Chicago where she majored in Broadcast Journalism, minored in Theater and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in just three years!After graduating, Erica landed coveted leads in TV commercials in national campaigns for such companies as McDonald’s, MCI, Reebok, Sears and Noxzema, to name a few. Next, she decided to take her talents to Hollywood where she found work almost immediately. Erica’s motion picture credits include, “Save the Last Dance,” “A Cinderella Story,” “Light It Up, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Akeelah and the Bee.” And her TV credits include guest-starring roles on such hits as “CSI: Miami,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Cold Case.” She was also a series regular and the voice of Abbey on the animated series “The Replacements.” In addition, she recently wrapped four successful seasons on the NAACP Image Award-winning, critically-acclaimed family drama “Lincoln Heights.” When not acting, Erica

is deeply involved in her philanthropic work, such as volunteering for charitable organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America and serving as the Executive Director of The Erica Hubbard Foundation, a non-profi t which visits schools, community centers and youth organizations to help at-risk, inner-city kids deal with low self-esteem and poverty. In her free time, Erica loves hanging out with her best friend, her rescued Chihuahua, Winnie. And she enjoys learning sign language, taking dance classes, hiking and traveling.

Kam Williams: Hi Erica, thanks for the interview.Erica Hubbard: Thank you, Kam. I appreciate you interviewing me. KW: What interested you in “Let’s Stay Together?” EH: I love picking projects that make history such as “Let’s Stay Together” and “Lincoln Heights.” ABC Family and BET Networks developed a television series based on African-American relationships both for the fi rst time. I love being involved in groundbreaking projects! KW: Tell me a little about the show.EH: Let’s Stay Together is a comedy set in Atlanta, GA, that has an ensemble cast following the lives of a married couple, an engaged couple and a single woman. Each of the lives portrayed in “Let’s Stay Together” goes through its ups and downs, being in relationships as well as looking for love. KW: How would you describe your character, Kita?EH: Kita Whitmore is a single, sassy, outspoken, and a fun-loving girl who works at the DMV. She lives by herself and is taking a break from men until she fi nds the right relationship to pursue. In the meantime, Kita is always giving advice to others on what they should do in their relationships.

KW: Are you more like Kita

or Cassie Sutton, the character you played on Lincoln Heights?EH: I have personality traits of both Kita from Let’s Stay Together as well as Cassie

from Lincoln Heights. I use life experiences of situations I have been through to bring my roles to life. I think a person can have many different ways to express their personality

depending on the situation they are dealing with at that moment. Also, I never want to be a one-dimensional actress who portrays the same lifestyle in all her roles because I love

being versatile. In the fi lm “A Cinderella Story” I played a Valley Girl, but then in “Akeelah and the Bee” I was a single-mom from the city. I studied theater at Columbia College and we were trained to study and to portray all different types of characters and personalities. KW: What’s it like going from Lincoln Heights, a dramatic series, to a sitcom? What challenges did you face in portraying a DMV employee?EH: I really love to do comedy and drama regardless if I ‘m in a stage play or in a TV Series. I enjoy all genres of programming. As a matter of fact, when I was doing the pilot for “Let’s Stay Together,” I was also fi lming the season fi nale of the CBS-TV series “Cold Case” in which I was being shot and killed during the episode. I love both working in emotional stories and in stories that make people laugh.

KW: What message do you think people will take away from “Let’s Stay Together?” EH: The message I hope everyone will take from watching “Let’s Stay Together” is that we need to stick with each other in the good times and the bad times, and to love each other and truly care about one another in our relationships. There is a saying that I think is so true: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? EH: I usually have to bring up the fact that I love being involved in my community, volunteering or donating. Recently, I formed The Erica Hubbard Foundation and my charity work is so important to my life. I really encourage everyone to get involved with any charity and please give back to your community. KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?EH: Yes, I am afraid at times about our environment and

By Kam Williamskam@insightnews.com

Interview

To honor the Black History Month, Singers in Accord will perform with the MacPhail Community Youth Choir and Suzuki String Ensemble under the direction of J.D. Steele in a benefi t concert for Shangilia Foundation USA (SFUSA). Shangilia (the name derives from its Swahili original “Tumshangilieni” meaning “Let Us Rejoice”), is a child rescue and support center and residence, presently located in Nairobi’s Kangemi slum. It is the last hope for some of Kenya’s neediest children and is unique in its commitment

to the performing arts, which is at the core of its child rehabilitation philosophy and process. At the center, each child’s needs and aptitudes are addressed individually and each learns performing arts along with classic schooling. It is also home to the Shangilia Youth Choir of Kenya, founded and directed by J.D. Steele. “The ‘Shangilia model’ has become the subject of study by academics and other child-support institutions throughout East Africa. The SFUSA channels contributions from the U.S. to Tumshangilieni

and provides advisory and emotional support to the incredible work done by the center’s staffs who attend to Kenya’s future every day of the year,” said SFUSA spokesperson. “Ignite the Spirit—Realize the Dream” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the O’Shaughnessy on the campus of St. Catherine University (2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN 55116). Empowering messages of peace, hope, and love will fi ll the O’Shaughnessy through stirring arrangements of

African and American music by J.D. Steele. The performance will include a moving medley of spirituals, and the energetic African Masai Jumping Dance. Ticket proceeds and donations gathered at the concert will help SFUSA’s effort to build a new rescue center for orphaned children living in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Tickets for the event can be ordered online at SingersInAccord.org or via phone at 612.597.5483—$15/Student; $25/General Admission; $50/Reserved Seating.

“Nancy Wilson & Peggy Lee: The Sultry Divas of Jazz,” with Ginger Commodore and Connie Evingson, is the next concert in the Legends series at the Capri Theater. Performances are at 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, and 3 pm Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011.Single tickets are $25 and can be

ordered online at thecapritheater.org, or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111. “Legends” series artistic director Dennis Spears says that Peggy Lee and Nancy Wilson are a natural combination because of their similarities. “They are both known for their sultry and

sassy jazz styles, their class and elegance, and their experiences in acting,” said Spears. The concert promises a Valentine’s Day assortment that combines the sweet with the bittersweet. Commodore and Evingson will team up for “I Love Being Here with You” and other numbers. Evingson will solo on Peggy Lee’s famous “Fever” and “Do Right.” The Nancy Wilson hits include “Moody’s Mood,” a timely tribute to jazz great James Moody, who died in December. Longtime friends and fellow members of jazz combo Moore by Four, Commodore and Evingson will share insights into the lives as well as the music of Wilson and Lee. Ginger Commodore is a past member of Sounds of Blackness (where she met her husband, drummer Bobby Commodore) and a current member of Moore by Four. She has been a featured soloist in the Minnesota Orchestra Pops series at Orchestra Hall with Doc Severenson. Her theatrical credits include “Smokey Joe’s Café” at Hey City Theater and most recently “Black Nativity” at Penumbra. Connie Evingson’s acclaimed Peggy Lee tribute, “Fever,” premiered at the Illusion Theater in 1999 and has been

performed in many other venues. Evingson has also appeared with the Toronto Symphony, VocalEssence, Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” and the JazzMN Big Band. She appears regularly at the nationally renowned Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis and is the featured artist on the “Jazz at the Jungle” concert series at the Jungle Theater, also in Minneapolis. She has been featured on the Smithsonian’s “Jazz Singers” radio series and NPR’s “Fresh Air.” Accompanying the singers will be a three-piece jazz combo comprised of Lee Blaske on piano, Bobby Commodore on drums and Tom Lewis on bass. The Legends series culminates with Greta Oglesby’s solo concert “I Sing Because…” scheduled for 7 pm Saturday, April 9 and 3 pm Sunday, April 10. The Capri Theater is owned and operated by Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), a non-profi t human services organization that serves North Minneapolis children and families through education, community programs and community development. For more information, visit www.pcyc-mpls.org

Shangilia foundation is a child rescue, support center and residence that is unique in its commitment to the performing arts

celebs101.comErica Hubbard

HUBBARD TURN TO 7

Page 6 • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

HEALTHHamline Law Institute director named to Governor’s cabinet

New research fi nds tough times for Black children

Minnesota dentists extend helping hand to children in need

Pertussis: New vaccine recommendations

Governor Mark Dayton appointed Lucinda Jesson, as Commissioner of Minnesota Department of Human Services. Prior to her appointment, Jesson was Director, Hamline School of Law, Health Law Institute. “On behalf of Hamline University, I am very pleased to congratulate Professor Lucinda Jesson on her appointment to Governor Dayton’s administration,” said Hamline University President Linda Hanson. “Her extraordinary work as director of our Health Law Institute created a hub for the health care policy community in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the Upper Midwest. As a professor in our

School of Law, she has guided the next generation of legal minds in the areas of health care organization and fi nance, food and drug law, and health care compliance. I thank Cindy for her tremendous contribution to Hamline University, and I am confi dent she will be a vital asset to Governor Dayton’s team and to the state of Minnesota.” Jesson’s role as Commissioner of Minnesota Department of Human Services is a cabinet level position. The department is responsible for Minnesota’s Health care and economic assistance programs, child welfare, services for seniors and people with disabilities, sex offender

treatment, and licensing of service providers. “While I will miss my Hamline students and colleagues, I am excited by the opportunity to put into practice what we teach here at Hamline University,” Jesson said when she began her state duties on January 13. Jesson is the founding director of the Health Law Institute at Hamline University School of Law, which was established in 2006 to bridge gaps between health law scholarship and policy through engagement, collaboration, and innovation; to serve as a regional forum for addressing issues in health law and policy;

and to provide programs, training, and educational opportunities for future health law leaders. The Health Law Institute has earned Hamline a national reputation in health law—recently ranked as one of the top 20 health law programs by U. S. News & World Report. “Cindy’s appointment refl ects the Hamline School of Law’s long-standing tradition of leadership in the public interest,” said Hamline law dean Donald Lewis. “We are honored that one of our own will play a central role in the Dayton administration, particularly in the critical area of health care reform.”

As the country remembers the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., 40% of Black children are born poor. In the fourth grade, 85% of Black children cannot read nor do grade level math and later almost half drop out of school. A Black boy born in 2001 has a 1 in 3 chance of going to prison sometime in his

lifetime. A new report shows the vast majority of America’s Black community, 7 in 10 adults, view these as tough or very bad times for Black children and many see poor Black youth falling further behind. A majority of Black adults believe that half or

more of all Black children will experience, before reaching adulthood, racial profi ling from law enforcement, getting in trouble with the law, serving time in jail or prison, and being denied important opportunities because of their race. Serious problems identifi ed by Black Americans in a similar

study conducted by Hart Research 16 years ago continue to plague Black communities today, such as failing schools, negative cultural and media infl uences, violence, drugs and addiction, fractured families and teen pregnancy. However, Black youth are generally more optimistic

about the future than adults. On January 13, Marian Wright Edelman, president, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO, Harlem Children’s Zone, released the Hart study and a complementary new study by Andy Sum, director of the Center for Labor

Market Studies at Northeastern University. They, along with other black leaders, announced commitments for the second phase of BCCC at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. CDF website: www.childrensdefense.org

Free dental care will be given to an estimated seven thousand children facing barriers to care through the Give Kids a Smile program on Fri., Feb. 4 and Sat., Feb. 5. Minnesota dentists across the state will open their clinic doors to provide service.

This unique program matches thousand of volunteer dental professionals with children to make sure they get the treatment they need. “We don’t want reduced government services, a family job loss or change in insurance

to stand in the way of children getting the dental care they need,” said Dr. Tim Flor, president of the Minnesota Dental Association and a practicing dentist in Waseca, Minn. “Sadly, tooth decay is the number one disease in children and low-income children face

unnecessary barriers to care.” Dental disease is more prevalent today than childhood asthma. Tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease, affecting 50% of U.S. fi rst graders. For more facts on the Minnesota Dental Association’s

Give Kids a Smile, go to http://www.mndental.org/ Patients seeking appointments should be under the age of 18 and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People interested in scheduling an appointment can call United Way 2-1-1 (just

dial 2-1-1 from a landline), orthe statewide toll-free number1-800-543-7709. To see a list ofclinics providing care go to www.mndental.org. Information onspecifi c services provided will beoutlined when an appointment isscheduled.

Despite the availability of Tdap, a vaccine designed as a booster for adolescents and adults, pertussis cases have been increasing in Minnesota as in other parts of the country, such as California. Minnesota is in its third year of a peak pertussis wave, with more than 1,000 cases reported each year in 2008–2010. This is about 20 cases per 100,000 people in Minnesota. In an effort to combat this persistently high level of pertussis (or whooping cough), state and federal health offi cials are urging physicians and their patients to make wider use of a pertussis booster vaccine called

Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis). A bacterial disease that affects the lungs, pertussis infection spreads from person to person through droplets in the air. A person with pertussis develops a severe cough that usually lasts four to six weeks or longer. It can be very serious condition, especially in infants. The fi rst symptoms of pertussis are similar to a cold: sneezing, a runny nose, possibly a low-grade fever and a cough. After one or two weeks, the cough becomes severe, characterized by uncontrollable bursts where one cough follows the next without a break for

breath. Consequently, the person’s face or lips may look blue from lack of oxygen. The cough is often worse at night and during a coughing spell, the person may vomit. Coughing episodes gradually become less frequent, but may continue for several weeks or months until the lungs heal. Tdap vaccine has been available since 2005 and has been recommended for children entering seventh grade and adults needing a tetanus booster. Tdap was instituted after health offi cials found that the effectiveness of the primary series of DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis), typically

given to infants and children under seven, wears off as children approach adolescence. “We want all Minnesotans to be aware that the pertussis booster vaccine can help protect them and others from this disease, which can be most serious for young children and infants,” said Kristen Ehresmann, director of infectious disease for the Minnesota Department of Health. According to the new recommendations, adults and adolescents may be given Tdap regardless of when the last tetanus-diphtheria (Td) shot was given. No waiting

is necessary to get a pertussis shot. Tdap may be given to children 7 to 10 years of age who have not completed the recommended DTaP series or who have never received a primary series of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. This recommendation closes a gap in coverage for children of that age group with those factors. Seniors who work with young children should get Tdap. Tdap should be given to adults 65 years of age and older who have contact with infants younger than 12 months, and Tdap may be given to adults 65 and older needing a tetanus

booster if they haven’t already received the Tdap. In infants, pertussis is often severe, and infants are more likely than older children or adults to develop complications. The most common complication of pertussis is bacterial pneumonia. Rare complications include seizures, infl ammation of the brain and death. “The best way to prevent pertussis is to vaccinate all children on time and to use the booster vaccine as recommended,” Ehresmann said. More information on pertussis can be found at MN/DOH

to lobby state legislators for more open, alternate paths to getting talented teachers certifi ed. Our struggling schools need as many great teachers as they can get, and Minnesota law currently puts up major barriers for teachers attempting licensure through alternative routes. Quality pre-Kindergarten education is also critical to student success. By implementing a statewide rating system for pre-schools, parents are able to make the

right choice for their child. Our preschool and child care programs vary widely in how well they prepare children for school, but families lack the information they need to choose the best ones—and the fi nancial support to afford them. A combination of a rating system for each provider—and fi nancial incentives—to expand access to high-quality programs would go a long way in bringing better early childhood education to more Minnesota families. MinnCAN supports the ability for families to choose between public schools. Families can fi nd the school that best fi ts their children’s

needs, whether they choose a traditional public school or a public charter school. We need to put quality at the top of our agenda, encouraging high-performing school models to come to our state and holding all charter schools to a high standard for results. MinnCAN is also encouraging state legislators to develop a trusted system that measures the impact of teachers on their students’ achievement. Minnesota is missing key systems to bring this type of data to the public to help improve the quality of teaching in our schools by accurately measuring teacher effectiveness.

Varro admits that there are many ideas on the table regarding teacher evaluation. She says the important thing is that we open up a dialogue with citizens and legislators, and that we look at what other states are doing with their school districts. “Right now we don’t have anything in place to see how students are impacted… and we must be bold enough to do these things,” Varro says. MinnCAN also advocates for public schools to have the fl exibility to truly innovate methods to meet high standards. Each school, each

MinnCANFrom 1

Suluki FardanVallay Varro MINNCAN TURN TO 8

Lucinda Jesson

insightnews.com Insight News • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Page 7

President Obama maintains high ratingsReaders of The Root.com weighed in on their opinions of President Barack Obama just in time for his State of the Union address last week. The Root.com recently released the results of its extensive reader survey gauging how people assess President Obama’s achievements, exactly two years after he took offi ce. With more than 400 respondents identifying themselves as African-American, the results bring about a clearer picture than ever before of the African-American opinion of Barack Obama, as well as shine a light on the sharp divide between respondents of different races on how they view Obama and the overall racial climate in the country. Some of the survey fi ndings and data snapshots include:

Overall leadershipSolid majorities of both blacks (89%) and whites (74%) rated his leadership as either “very effective” or “somewhat effective.” Still, 23% of whites rated the Obama’s leadership as either “somewhat” or “very” ineffective, versus 8% of blacks. 75% of blacks and 62% of whites said that Obama was

addressing their needs. 29% of whites said that he was not, compared with just 15% of blacks.

Media and public perception of ObamaThe media had a stronger impact on how whites see President Obama, compared with blacks. 65% of whites said that their

perception of him is infl uenced by the media, compared with 40% of blacks.

RacismMajorities of both blacks and whites agreed (94 percent and 72 percent, respectively) that “racism plays a role in how President Obama is perceived.” A sharp divergent in perception,

just 15 percent of whites believe that hate crimes, police brutality and injustice against African Americans have increased since Obama took offi ce, while 40 percent of blacks say such crimes have increased.

Employment and job creation Blacks and whites were nearly

in agreement (37.5 percent and 40.6 percent, respectively) that opportunities for jobs and career advancement had improved for African Americans under Obama’s administration, compared with that of President George W. Bush. However, far more blacks felt negatively about employment opportunities (32 percent) for African Americans under Obama than did whites (18.5 percent).

Education3 times as many blacks (12%) as whites (4%) rated education as “important” to them. 4 in 10 in both groups saw either no improvement or a decline in the quality of education as a result of the president’s Race to the Top initiative, although a larger number of blacks than whites (38% versus 24%, respectively) saw some educational gains. On programs that directly benefi t African Americans -- a subject that the Obama administration has considered sensitive -- a small majority of whites (52%) backed the $850 million package of support for historically black colleges and universities. Of course, black support for this program was

signifi cantly stronger (85.6%).“There are numerous surveys out there regarding the public opinion of Barack Obama, but what The Root’s survey does that sets it apart is hone in on the African-American opinion of our President and the way he’s handling various policies,” said Joel Dreyfuss, managing editor of The Root. “African-American support of Obama will be critical to his re-election campaign in 2012, and this survey identifi es where black Americans feel satisfi ed in his efforts and where the President needs to improve.” The online survey was conducted online from January 14th through January 16th. Participants were self-selecting. Of the 1,006 participants, 421 identifi ed themselves as African-American; 386 identifi ed as white, 41 indicated that they were Hispanic (which can be of any race); 15 identifi ed as Asian; 58 said they were of mixed racial background; and the rest either indicated another race, no race or did not answer the question. For more information on the survey results, visit: http://w w w. t h e r o o t . c o m / v i e w s /rating-obama-its-down-black-and-white

Courtesy of theroot.com

the world we live in --Global Warming. This year I have seen and heard stories of tragedy that relate to our climate change. Although it is not good to live in worry, I am concerned about Global Warming and how it is affecting our Earth. KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?EH: Yes, the majority of the time I am happy, because I woke me up to bring cheer to someone that day. I love joking around and making people smile as well as laugh. Laughter is medicine for our souls. Life is precious and short so we all should live in joy as much as we can.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?EH: I just had a good laugh talking with my friend before the interview. My advice to everyone is try laughing as much as you can every day and watch how much positivity will fl ow throughout your life. You will be amazed on how great your day will turn out if you laugh a lot throughout your life. KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?EH: My guiltiest pleasure would be any kind of sweets either candy, cookies, pies or cakes. KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? EH: The last book I read was, “The Richest Man in Town:

The Twelve Commandments of Wealth” which shares the inside secrets of America’s self-made millionaires.” KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you listening to on your iPod? EH: I listen to all different types of music from R&B, Soul, Rap, Hip-Hop, Country, Gospel, Jazz to Reggae. If a song has a great upbeat message, I will listen to it to get my day started in a positive fashion. KW: The Nancy Lovell Question: Why do you love doing what you do? EH: I love inspiring everyone to be successful and encouraging people to keep dreaming toward their success. KW: The Laz Alonso question: How can your fans help you?

EH: My fans can help me by writing letters to me, by watching my TV series or movies, by visiting me at Facebook or Twitter to say hello. I truly love the support from fans! KW: The Dulé Hill question. Do you think that the success you’ve achieved in your career is because of you, because of a higher power, or because of a mixture of both? EH: Most defi nitely I believe the result of my success I have achieved is from a Higher Power. I know being obedient to God and Him using me to make a difference in my community is why I am successful. KW: What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?EH: The biggest obstacle that

I had to overcome is being on unemployment and fi nding the willpower to put in the work to make a great salary by hard work and dedication. KW: The Rudy Lewis question: Who’s at the top of your hero list? EH: #1: Dr. Martin Luther King. #2: Gandhi. #3: Mother Theresa. #4: President Obama. #5: Nelson Mandela. #6: Oprah. KW: The Dr. Cornel West question: What price are you willing to pay for a cause that is bigger than your own self interest?EH: I am willing to keep breaking Hollywood barriers to show my community that any one of you can be successful with years of perseverance through diffi culties and determination. I encourage

everyone to be strong no matter what your situation is and remember as the saying goes, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered? What do you want your legacy to be, and where are you in relation to that at this point in your life?EH: I want my legacy to be remembered as someone that cared about by their community through my charity involvement as well as my work onscreen, entertaining the masses. KW: Thanks again for the time, Erica, and best of luck with the new show.EH: Thank you, Kam, and Happy New Year!

HubbardFrom 5

Page 8 • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

LIFESTYLEHow not to look like your mama or daughter

I recently complimented a friend at church on her sassy, new haircut. She replied, “Oh thank you girl. I had to do something, because when l looked in the mirror, I was seeing my mama!” That led into a brief conversation about the surprising and sometimes disappointing realities of life after forty. (I need reading glasses more and more.) Please don’t get the wrong impression, friends. Overall, I embrace my age and the aging process as a gift from God, although I confess that I often forget the exact number of that gift, and have to do the math. My motto is, “when I stop getting older, then it means I’m dead!” (Having said that, please don’t get mad at me if you hear me joking about being

29 and holding… I told you I have a hard time remembering the exact number!) Just because you see your body changing and slowing, you don’t have to give in to the notion that the rest of life is downhill after forty or fi fty. Aside from getting a new haircut, here are a few simple ways that you can make your mama stop staring back at you when you look in the mirror.

Check Your Attitude. Are you always complaining about getting old? Do you love telling everybody who’ll listen about your detailed list of aches and pains? If so, cut it out! Be like my Aunt Doris, a spry 86 year-old, who always says, “I’m fi ne, I’m fi ne, baby!” God’s grace and that kind of talk keep her vibrant. It is a proven fact, that if your conversation and thoughts are fi lled with negativity, you will be more likely to feel unhappy. Solution? Become appreciative. Begin each morning with prayer and name fi ve things for which you can (and should) be grateful—revisit your list throughout the day as needed.

Finally, my husband and I found a great solution to the mild aches and pains we were experiencing these days—it is a common, but manageable issue. We started taking an over-the-counter pill containing msm, glucosamine, and chondroitin. As always, check with your physician before trying any new diet or supplement.

Check Current Styles. Instead of dressing in clothes your mama would wear, keep your wardrobe updated with accessories (think fun bracelets), stylish (sale) shoes (the wedge bootie is still hot), and a stylish pair of jeans. Also, consider adding one of the new smoothing undergarments as a secret weapon. Finally, fl ip through a fashion magazine for a closer look spring trends.

Check Your Face. Have you been wearing the same make-up for the last twenty years? Yours could be aging you. Visit a department store make-up counter and get a fresh perspective with a makeover, and see what you (and your most honest girlfriend) think.

Brighter smiles can be achieved in about 3 days with the at-home teeth whitening strips. Just don’t overuse them. The reality is that reaching mid-life does bring a special set of challenges; you may have just become an empty nester, newly single, or you may be adjusting to the fact that you do look more like your mama than the bright-eyed young woman you used to be. Yet, as with any challenge, you must acknowledge your feelings, but not allow yourself to get stuck there. Continue to reinvent yourself, and not just with a new outfi t. Experiment with new interests, new volunteer opportunities, and new hobbies. Find joy and renewed excitement in doing something completely different. Keep experimenting with different activities until you fi nd the thing that fi ts and then—Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

By Marcia Humphreymarcia@insightnews.com

Style on a Dime

snagglestyle.com

community, and each child is different, and our system needs enough fl exibility that we can take those differences into account and increase student

achievement for everyone. Flexibility means making it easier for motivated college graduates to become teachers by expanding alternative pathways to certifi cation. It also means giving our principals and superintendents far more freedom in staffi ng decisions. We also have to make sure

that new innovations actually work, and we need better ways of holding all of our schools accountable for their results. Communities need to know how their schools are doing, principals need to know how their teachers are doing, and teachers need to know what teaching methods produce the best results. Better teacher evaluations, better school evaluations, and better systems for closing failed schools are all important ways of holding schools accountable. Without the right political climate, great schools will continue to elude Minnesota’s most disadvantaged children.

To close Minnesota’s gaping achievement gap, a new ethos of reform must permeate state government, the education establishment, and the wide community of citizens. MinnCAN runs results-oriented advocacy campaigns through research, policy, communication, and mobilization. Varro says that the organization is working “to build a case and platform for people to ask, ‘How can we ignore this problem?’” MinnCAN creates informed citizens with a commitment to common sense education reform. The organization makes it easy for Minnesota’s

growing cadre of education reform advocates to take meaningful and impactful action through our advocacy system. Minnesota has always been a center for educational innovation. In recent years, the reach of these innovations has grown smaller and smaller. At a time when the demographics of our state are rapidly changing, the kids who need a great

public education the most are not getting one. The Minnesota Campaign for Achievement Now believes that we can close the achievement gap by advancing the self-reinforcing principles that work together to reward success, punish failure, and raise the quality of everything in between. For more information, visit www.MinnCAN.org.

MinnCANFrom 6

insightnews.com Insight News • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Page 9

Turner named Sabathani Executive Director

Clyde Turner has been named executive director of Sabathani Community Center, announces Shana Zaiser, chair of

Sabathani’s board of directors. Turner will begin his assignment on February 14 becoming Sabathani’s fourth executive

director since the organization began in 1966. “It is a great honor to be selected executive director of

Sabathani,” says Turner. “I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to facilitate growth and meet the challenges ahead.” Clyde Turner has more than 34 years of experience in human services working with communities, families and children. Turner was most recently Manager of Ramsey County Family Support Services Division composed of the Child Foster Care, Adult Foster Care, Adoption and Guardianship units. Turner has served on the boards of Phyllis Wheatley, YMCA, Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and National Foster Parent. Many people know Turner for his love of basketball. He was recruited as a student athlete at the University of Minnesota. While pursuing his academic credentials, he excelled as a star

basketball player. He was then drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA and played several years in Europe. Especially close to his heart is the Clyde Turner Educational Basketball Camp, which he founded 26 years ago to focus on the recreational and character development of urban youths. To date, the camp has served more than 10,000 boys and girls in the Twin Cities area. Zaiser cites Turner’s diverse experience and connections to the community as the reasons for his hire. “Clyde is an outstanding leader, and his dedication and passion will serve Sabathani and the entire South Minneapolis community well, ” she says. Turner received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. He resides in South Minneapolis.

Michael Miller, who has served as Sabathani’s interim executive director, will continue his service at Sabathani. He will take on new roles and responsibilities in the upcoming year. Sabathani Community Center is a non-profi t organization serving 24,000 people a year throughout South Minneapolis. Sabathani’s mission is to strengthen youth, children and families and to build the capacity of the community that it serves. Sabathani serves the community through a food shelf and other basic needs services, an after-school program for children and youths, a senior center and community-based health resources. Sabathani relies on donations from corporations, foundations and individuals to serve the community.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center unveiled two portraits of the late Judge Stephen Maxwell, the fi rst African American district judge in Minnesota at its Annual Gala event on January 15. “It was amazing as a fellow Morehouse Man to be able to honor him on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday in the Martin Luther King Center, himself also a Morehouse Man. Dr. King and Judge Maxwell exemplify what I and what anyone who seeks to do good things for this world should and do strive for. They were men of honor and integrity who stood as examples for us to follow”, said Jonathan Palmer, Executive Director of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of two portraits by nationally renowned local artist, Luther Kush Bey Woodley. One portrait was gifted to Judge Maxwell’s wife, Betty, and the other to the Center. The Center’s portrait will be installed formally later this year. Judge Maxwell, was a member of the Hallie Q. Brown Retired Men’s Club, a group of seniors who have been intimately involved with the Center and the community over its 81 year history, including noted people like late Johnny Cotton and recently retired St. Paul NAACP President, Nathaniel Khaliq. The Club meets twice a month at the Center to socialize and engage in activities.

Judge Maxwell was appointed district judge in 1968 just a year after being appointed the state’s second African American municipal judge. He was considered tough, but fair and is fondly remembered by those who knew him. The most popular part of the evening was the incomparable Wenso Ashby and his fellow musicians. Also featured at the event were casino style games and a silent auction. Founded in 1929, Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Inc. is a private, nonprofi t social service agency serving the Summit University area of Saint Paul, Minnesota and is the administrative body of the Martin Luther King Center.

Courtesy of Sabathani Community CenterClyde Turner

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center honors Judge Stephen Maxwell

Cutting-Edge Programming, leadership development, and community relevancy continue to be integral components of the vision of executive director, Henry Crosby, for the North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center. Here is yet another opportunity for you to benefi t from these efforts. If you missed the fi rst Business Leadership Speaker Series Luncheon, you’ll want to be sure to mark your calendar for the second installment. It will feature the new head football coach of the University of Minnesota, and take place on Wednesday, February 9, at North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center, 1711 W Broadway, Minneapolis, MN.

The schedule is as follows:11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Community Networking Opportunity12:00 p.m.–12:45 p.m. Keynote Speaker Jerry Kill also with U of M Athletic Director, Joel Maturi and WCCO-TV’s Sports Director/Anchor/Reporter, Mark Rosen12:45 p.m.–12:55 p.m. Community Dialogue & YMCA Wrap-up After hosting a nearly sold-out Business Leadership Speaker Series Luncheon in November, with speaker Tubby Smith as the featured guest, Crosby will again bring in a local leader from the Golden Gophers’ sports scene to speak about high performance strategies and their signifi cance in both the business and sports world. Kill, a new face in the Twin Cities, is known for his winning results and his strong work ethic.

Are you are interested in engaging networking opportunities and stimulating discussion about successful business strategies that can assist you in moving to the next level? Then reserve your space today for the upcoming Business Speaker Series Luncheon on February 9, at 11:30 am. Individual tickets are $50 and include a catered lunch. Vendor space is also available for $75, with lunch included. In addition, corporate and business packages are available for $500, and include lunch for ten. For more information, contact Henry Crosby at 612-588-9484 or henry.crosby@ymcampls.org. Proceeds from this event go towards supporting the ongoing work of the North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center and donations are always appreciated.

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.

EventsCommunity Catalyst Networking Event - Feb 1 — The purpose of Community Catalyst meetings is to foster collaboration for positive change in the Central neighborhood area of South Minneapolis. Theme will be Sustainable Food Networks. Tue. Feb. 1 7-8:30am. Park Avenue United Methodist Church 3400 Park Ave. Mpls.

Do you need to fi le for guardianship for a loved one who is disabled? - Feb 1&7 — When children who are disabled become adults, their parents or legal representatives may want to consider fi ling a petition for guardianship or limited guardianship. Hennepin County is offering a free session, “Guardianship, Limited

Guardianship and Conservatorship,” to help families learn about this process.Tue., Feb. 1, 5:30-7:30pm, Hennepin County Library – Edina, 5280 Grandview Square, Edina. For directions to the library, call 952-847-5425. Mon., Feb. 7, 10:30am-12:30pm, Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, the Mark E. Johnson room N-202, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. For directions to the library, call 952-847-8000. To register, call 612-596-6631 or go to www.hennepin.us/adsinfo

Toastmaster’s for Women With a Mission - Feb 5 — Do you want to improve your public speaking skills or just learn to be more comfortable speaking in groups? Come to Women with a Mission’s Toastmasters Club Open House and discover a fun, supportive place to do just that. Sat., Feb. 5 at 10:30am in the Goodwill Industries building at 533 Fairview Ave. N. Mpls. For more information call Judy at 651-295-1413 or Seanne at 651-230-4070.

Night Owl Hike at the Robert’s Bird Sanctuary - Feb 5 — Take an evening walk of the park with the chance to hear or see one of the many owl species of Minnesota. A guide will lead you through the park as well as through the life of an owl. Meet at the western gate near the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Register at minneapolisparks.org or call 612-313-7725. Sat., Feb. 5th 5:30-7pm. $5, Registration Closes at Noon on Thur., Feb.3.

Movement Building - Feb 8 — As a community, struggles and successes in the Twin Cities are shared. Learn about a cross-sector movement of African Americans in the Twin Cities who are committed to positive education, health, and economic outcomes in the Black community and are willing to invest time, talent and treasure to catalyze change. Tue., Feb. 8th, 5:30-7pm at Riverview Cafe and Wine Bar 3747 42nd Ave. S. Mpls.

Never Again For Anyone - Feb 8 — Hajo Meyer, a Holocaust survivor, physicist, violin maker, and author, will share the lesson of his experience in the Holocaust with a speech called

“Never Again for Anyone.” He will be joined by Osama Abu Irshaid, founder and editor of the newspaper Al Mezan, and Coya White Hat-Artichoker, a Dakota woman and indigenous rights activist. Feb. 8, 7pm at the John B. Davis Lecture Hall, Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105. For more information about the tour and the speakers, go to www.neveragainforanyone.com. Suggested donation: $5 - $20.

WomanVenture - Feb 8-10 — For further information and to register, visit womenventure.org or call 651-646-3808. 2324 University Ave. W., Suite 120, St. Paul, MN 55114. • Career & Employment Transition Group for Women Feb. 8 9:30–11:30am at WomenVenture, Free. Walk-in group for women to make connections, get support and receive job-seeking advice.• Career & Employment Transition Group for Women Feb. 10 6-8pm at WomenVenture, Free. Walk-in group for women to make connections, get support and receive job-seeking advice.

Adrift on the Mississippi - Feb 10-27 — The powerful true story of Reverend Robert Hickman, who led a group of slaves out of Missouri, up

the Mississippi River on a raft in search of freedom. Feb. 10-27. Thur. and Fri. at 10am

and 7:30pm; Sat. at 7:30pm; Sun. at 2pm. Adults: $25-30 Seniors: $22-28 Students with college ID: $15 Children: $10. Concordia University, St. Paul E.M. Pearson Theatre 312 Hamline Ave. N. St. Paul, MN 55104

The Playwright’s Center - Call for Applications - Feb 11 — Inviting writers of color residing in Minnesota to apply for a Many Voices playwriting fellowship. Two beginning playwrights will receive a $1000 stipend, $250 in development funds, and a structured curriculum of playwriting instruction and dramaturgical support. Three emerging playwrights will receive a $3600 stipend, $1000 of development funding, and dramaturgical support. For information on how to apply, visit: www.pwcenter.org/fi les/ManyVoicesApp2011-12.pdf

Music from Around the World - Feb 11 — Metropolitan State University presents “Music from Around the World” as the third of four free concerts of the Minnesota Sinfonia conducted by Jay Fishman, on Friday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. in the university’s Auditorium, 700 E. 7th St., Saint Paul. The concert is free and open to the public.

Come and See Weekend with the Visitation Sisters - Feb 11-12 — Are you a faith-fi lled woman interested in working towards social justice? Are you being called to an urban monastic experience? Explore life at an urban monestary with the Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, Mn. Women ages 18-45 are invited to join. Fri, Feb 11 6pm thru. Sat, Feb 12 at 1527 Fremont Ave. N. Mpls. Contact: Sister Katherine Mullin at mullinkf@aol.com

The Sultry Divas of Jazz - Feb 12&13 — Nancy Wilson & Peggy Lee: The Sultry Divas of Jazz, with Ginger Commodore and Connie Evingson, is the next concert in the Legends series at the Capri Theater. Performances are at 7pm Sat., Feb. 12, and 3pm Sun., Feb. 13. Single tickets are $25 and can be ordered online at thecapritheater.org, or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111.

MultiCultural Diversity Resource EXPO - Feb 13 — Education; Employment; Health Care; Immigration; and Housing Exhibits & Quinceañera Products/Services Vendor Exhibits. Sun. Feb. 13 - 11am-

5pm @ Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center 179 Robie St. E. St. Paul.

Mini Medical School - Feb 14-Mar 14 — Discover what it’s like to be a medical student. Once a week for 5 weeks, Mini Med students – from high school students to retirees embark on a journey examining the scientifi c foundations of health and disease, presented in a language everyone can understand. Feb. 14-March 14, Mondays, 6-8:30 p.m., 2-650 Moos Tower. $80 For registration and more information, visit: www.ahc.umn.edu/mini-medical-school or call 612-626-7072.

Getting in the Door and Getting the Job - Feb 15 — Today’s job search market is taking no prisoners. With employers getting hundreds of resumes for one position, how do you stand out as a young professional? How do you turn your limited experience into an interview opportunity, and that interview into a job offer? Get answers to those questions and more on Tue., Feb. 15 at 5:30pm at Goodwill Easter Seals Headquarters. This hands-on workshop will give attendees a rare opportunity to speak with actual hiring managers at local nonprofi t organizations and get advice on how to land the job. Registration is limited. Register by Feb. 8 to have your resume reviewed by hiring experts. For more information and to register, visit http://ynpngettinginthedoor.eventbrite.com/

Merrick Community Center Celebrates Black History - Feb 17 — Free event for families. Community Vendors, Entertainment and Food Feb, 17 5:30-8pm 715 Edgerton St, Saint Paul MN 55130.

HandsOn Twin Cities Volunteer Expo - Feb 19 — Find the perfect volunteer project for you, your family, or your group when you visit with representatives from over 100 area non-profi ts. Enjoy entertainment, participate in “speed volunteering” activities, bid on silent auction items and the watch the Be the Change Awards Ceremony. 10am-3pm, Sat., Feb 19 at Mall of America, Best Buy Rotunda. Visit www.handsontwincities.org for more information.

Page 10 • January 31, 2010 - February 6, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

COMMUNITY

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

ROSLYN ROBINSON ROSLYN ROBINSON DAYCAREDAYCARE

2918 N. 6TH STREET2918 N. 6TH STREET MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55411 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55411

• IMMEDIATE DAYCARE OPENING• IMMEDIATE DAYCARE OPENING

• 6 MONTHS THROUGH 12 YEARS • 6 MONTHS THROUGH 12 YEARS • SANDBOX PLAYGROUND • SANDBOX PLAYGROUND • HUGE FENCED YARD • HUGE FENCED YARD • PLENTY OF INDOOR SPACE • PLENTY OF INDOOR SPACE • STORYTIME, FUN ACTIVITIES, SINGING, • STORYTIME, FUN ACTIVITIES, SINGING, DANCING DANCING • BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR EVERY CHILD, • BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR EVERY CHILD, FIELD TRIPS FIELD TRIPS • COMPUTER TIME • COMPUTER TIME • BREAKFAST, LUNCH, SNACKS • BREAKFAST, LUNCH, SNACKS • OPEN 6AM - 6PM • OPEN 6AM - 6PM

CALL MS. ROBINSON TODAY FORCALL MS. ROBINSON TODAY FORAN APPOINTMENT 612.418.4457 AN APPOINTMENT 612.418.4457 Email: roslynrobinsondaycare@yahoo.com Email: roslynrobinsondaycare@yahoo.com

CREATING GREAT DAYS FOR CHICREATING GREAT DAYS FOR CHILDRENLDREN

Northway Community Trust is convening a series of community discussions as a response to 2005 Community Listening Project done in partnership with North Point Health & Wellness Center, the aim of the ongoing community dialogue will be to engagement north Minneapolis around solutions that will enable North Minneapolis to become a safer, healthier, and more economically prosperous community. Monday, February 7th 6:30-8:30pm, North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center, 1711 West Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Northway Community Trust Convene Community Discussions- Feb 7

In 2010, the public computer center at Hmong American Partnership (HAP), received 12 new computers, business-class Internet access, new furnishings. The center now offers computer classes with formal one-on-one and group instruction as part of the University of Minnesota’s Broadband Access Project (BAP).

The HAP computer center is located at 1075 Arcade Street, on the second fl oor. The lab is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Friday from 8:30am to3:00pm, and Wednesdays 8:30am to 5:00pm. It is open to the public with services aimed at adults who can learn how to open an email account, use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and

PowerPoint, create a website, look for jobs, create a resume, and much more. For more information about the public computer center and the programs and classes offered at HAP, please contact: Sai Vang, HAP, 651-495-9160, saiv@hmong.org, or Dan Huynh, BAP, at 612-624-8783, huyn0112@umn.edu.

The BAP is a $3.6m initiative of the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC) and its Offi ce for Business and Community Economic Development (BCED), in collaboration with the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium, to improve high-speed internet (broadband) access, awareness,

and use in four federally-designated poverty zones in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The project supports development and enhancements of 10 community-based public computer centers and one mobile computer lab for underserved populations, including African-Americans, Hispanics, and Hmong and Somali immigrants.

Free public computer lab at Hmong American Partnership

Assumed Name1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: gifted compositions

2. State the address of the principal place of business: 4242 Sheridan Ave. N, Minneapo-lis, MN 55412

3. List the name and complete street ad-dress of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered offi ce address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: Sean James, 4242 Sheridan Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55412

4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certifi cate and I further certify that I under-stand that by signing this certifi cate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certifi cate under oath.

Signed by: Sean James, ownerDate Filed: 10/26/2010

Insight News 1/24/2011, 1/31/2011

Fleet Mechanic The City of Brooklyn Park is seeking applicants for a full-time Fleet Mechanic to service, main-tain, and repair all city-owned automobiles, light/heavy trucks, and light/heavy equipment. Schedule: 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; $21.70/hour. City and supplemental application forms and job posting with additional information and re-quired qualifications available on city web site or address below. Closing date: 5 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2011.

City of Brooklyn Park5200 85th Avenue NorthBrooklyn Park, MN 55443Phone: 763-424-8000 Fax: 763-493-8391www.brooklynpark.orgEqual Opportunity Employer

Youth and Family Program Specialist

The City of Brooklyn Park is seeking applicants for a full-time Youth and Family Program Specialist to implement programs for youth and families at the Zanewood Recreation Center. Flexible schedule will include daytime, evening, and weekend hours; $20.08/hour. City and supplemental application forms and job posting with additional information and required quali-fications available on city web site or address below. Closing date: 5 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2011.

City of Brooklyn Park5200 85th Avenue NorthBrooklyn Park, MN 55443Phone: 763-424-8000 Fax: 763-493-8391www.brooklynpark.orgEqual Opportunity Employer

Jerry Kill at North YMCA leadership seriesBy Marcia HumphreyContributing Writer

http://www.iill.net/jerry-killJerry Kill

insightnews.com Insight News • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Page 11

A classic Superbowl match-up

In this day and age, the sports media can be quite thirsty about even the simplest little issue, and it doesn’t help that every knucklehead on Earth gets to weigh-in with the likes of Twitter. But for the football purists who like to watch some real “rock’em sock’em head knock‘em football” (as my high school defensive coach Cunningham used to say…and which I loved to play), they could not have asked for a better match-up than the Green Bay Packers line up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I do believe that I suggested that the Steelers would be one of the teams lining up for this gridiron war, and I also believe that the other team doesn’t really have a chance no matter who it is – which is quite contrary to what the Las Vegas betting line suggests. Incredibly, the Vegas line-makers initially determined that the Packers were slight favorites, though the two-week waiting period before the game will certainly allow for some movement on that professional prediction. The Steelers are entering their third Super Bowl in six years. In my humble opinion, that means a whole lot. Injuries mean a whole lot as well. Having set my fantasy football fortunes on the Green Bay Packers this year, I’m all too aware of the major void created when Green Bay’s behemoth tight end, Jermichael Finley, was knocked out for the year with a serious knee injury. Finley was Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ “Linus blanket” on the fi eld. At 6’5” and nearly 250lbs, Finley was the biggest problem that the Packers had for other teams to match-up against. Typically the free safety of the opposing team is the primary person in charge of covering tight ends. Though Steeler safety Troy Polamalu has the most famous mane of hair in the history of the NFL, and is possibly the best player at the safety position in today’s game, he only measures in at 5’10” and 207lbs. With Finley still unable to play in the Super

Bowl, Polamalu will be free to do his usual uncanny roaming around the fi eld without worry of the tight end version of Sasquatch. It’s curious that the Steelers are not being vaunted as a dynasty, as were the New England Patriots when they headed to their third Super Bowl in the fi rst decade of the century. The whole world seemed to drool over quarterback Tom Brady’s silky smooth passing touch, as well as the supposed Einstein-like brilliance of their head coach Bill Belichick in 2004. The Steelers have Ben Roethlisberger as their

quarterback, who started off the year being beaten down and suspended for a second indiscretion with the ladies. While the case never went to court, Big Ben became just plain old Ben, and has had to be vigilant about marketing a better public image ala Michael Vick. Roethlisberger seems to be his same old shifty self on the fi eld (no pun initially intended), and with two Super Bowls to his name – the last of which in 2008 ended with Roethlisberger delivering perhaps the greatest pass to ever end a Superbowl – I can’t see betting against the big fella.

And then of course there is Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin who led the team to the aforementioned 2008 Super Bowl victory. Tomlin embodies every bit of an army general with his meticulous, wide-eyed, forceful nature. I can’t say that I’ve heard enough about Tomlin’s powerful presence from the media at large, but people only need to look at the way in which said presence caused the most ridiculously boisterous and entertaining coach in NFL history, Rex Ryan of the New York Jets, to wilt with reverence, rather than go his usual “this is personal”

route. Ryan wasn’t bringing that noise to “Tomlin’s Table”, and the Jets wilted right along with their coach. Tomlin’s forceful handshake at the end of that AFC Championship game seemed to also suggest “we’ll whoop you again if you mess around and start talkin’ stuff next year pal”. To defeat some Super Bowl veterans like Tomlin and Roethlisberger – and the whole Steelers organization for that matter, since their franchise is the leader in the clubhouse with six Superbowl championships – it’s going to take a fairly prodigious performance by

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to lead his team past the Steelers #1 ranked defense. I mean if a brotha has to use a big word like prodigious, you know it’s going to take something special. All I really know is that the Super Bowl commercials better be better than the sad bunch of productions we’ve seen for the last few years. I’m almost looking forward to watching the Puppy Bowl on the Animal Planet at halftime instead. FYI to the fellas: If your Super Bowl watching involves the ladies, the Puppy Bowl is a slam-dunk homeboy. Enjoy the game.

SPORTS

Book review: I Beat The Odds

“I didn’t write this book just to revisit The Blind Side… I want to help separate fact from fi ction. After the movie came out, there were a lot of people asking me if my life was exactly how it was shown on screen. Obviously, the moviemakers have to make artistic choices to tell the story…but some of the details… just aren’t true. I hope that I can help to make a little more sense of it all. My second goal with this book, and the much more important one, is that I want to talk about—and to—the nearly 500,000 children in America… in foster care. Many people probably know my name from The Blind Side... What no one knows is exactly what happened to me during my years in the foster care system, the years before The Blind Side picked up my story. The ending of my story is unique, but the beginning of my story is, sadly, far too common…It is my goal with this book not only to tell my story in my own words, but to encourage anyone who is a part of the system or who wants to be a part of helping children out of it.” -- Excerpted from the Introduction (pgs. xiii-xviii)

Michael Oher became famous a

year ago when his inspirational story was made into a heartwarming Hollywood movie. That overcoming-the-odds sports saga recounted how a traumatized, Black teenager went from homeless to National Football League star with the help of the a well-to-do family who rescued him from the streets of Memphis. Sandra Bullock even won an Oscar for her endearing

portrayal of matriarch Leigh Anne Tuohy, a compassionate Christian who altruistically invited the gentle giant to move into her house. But the fi lm also took some liberties with the facts, such as suggesting that Michael only learned to play football in high school and that he was walking around wearing shorts in the middle of a frigid day in November. Furthermore,

because the picture basically began with his rescue, it failed to convey exactly how much of a harrowing nightmare his childhood had been previously, when he and his siblings had been shuttled from foster home to foster home on account of their mother’s crack addiction. For these reasons Michael decided to write I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to “The Blind Side” and Beyond, a poignant memoir from the perspective of an intrepid survivor who is not too proud to admit how scared, trapped and helpless he felt before fi nally fi nding a way out of the cycle of poverty. Given his humblest of origins, it’s nothing short of remarkable that he now plays offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, a tribute not only to the intervention of the Tuohys, but to his own amalgam of ambition, dedication and persistence. Besides relating his personal tale of courage, Michael designed his autobiography to serve as a charitable organization guide for folks motivated to get involved, as well as a how-to primer for children presently stuck in the foster care system. Along the way, he shares some practical advice with kids about the importance of fi nding role models, daring to dream, setting goals and developing a good work ethic. In the process, Michael Oher drives home his salient point that “You don’t have to get adopted by a rich family to make it.” Thereby, his elusive, sugarcoated Hollywood fantasy is augmented by the more readily-accessible reality that “You just have to have it

set in your brain that you are going to make a better life for yourself and you have to be committed to making that happen.”

I Beat the Odds:From Homelessness to “The

Blind Side” and Beyondby Michael Oherwith Don YaegerGotham BooksHardcover, $26.00280 pages, IllustratedISBN: 978-1-592-40612-8

Flickr (SteelCityHobbies)Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin is the consummate leader, and a great example for young men.

Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scottryan@insightnews.com

By Kam Williamskam@insightnews.com

BookReview

Page 12 • January 31 - February 6, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com