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HealthUCare wins four awards in two 2013 marketing communication competitions

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EducationHigh School for Recording Arts: A space for musically gifted students

LifestyleElle Babington Steele pens fi rst book after devastating loss

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Insight 2 HealthGood health for all African Americans in the new year

PAGE 11

UCare has hired Edith Dorsey as the nonprofi t health plan’s new Senior Vice President of Operations. She assumed her new responsibilities Dec. 2 and reports to UCare’s President and CEO, Nancy J. Feldman. As a member of UCare’s senior management team, Dorsey will ensure that operational functions are aligned to support the strategic focus and growth of UCare in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. She will provide strategic guidance and executive leadership for UCare’s operations departments including Claims, Customer Service, and Membership Billing and Enrollment. She has fi scal responsibility for the accurate and timely processing of more than 4.7 million claims annually, and related audit and fraud investigation activity. Dorsey also oversees the resolution of UCare member and provider issues and incoming calls exceeding 750,000 per year. “Edith brings more than 20 years of health care operations experience to UCare that will strengthen our service to our members and providers,” says Feldman. “We welcome her outstanding business acumen, leadership skills, and passion for UCare’s mission and goals.” Dorsey most recently was Associate Vice President at

Trizetto and Executive Client Deployment Leader at Eventus Solutions, two health care consulting companies based in Colorado. She was responsible for deploying initiatives to support integrated health care management and the California Health Benefi t Exchange, respectively. Prior to joining Trizetto, Dorsey held several enterprise-wide, improvement-focused positions at United Healthcare of Atlanta, Ga., including National Program Manager for Provider Relations, National Director of Network Contracting, National Director of UHG Compliance, and National Director of Enterprise Solutions. Dorsey also was Chief Operating Offi cer of the Georgia Health Plan. Dorsey’s career also includes leadership

The unemployment rate dipped to 4.6 percent in Minnesota this past December – more than 2 percent lower than the national average – yet unemployment for African-Americans in the Twin Cities is nearly four times that state average. While the current rate of unemployment rate for area African-Americans is staggering at somewhere near 18 percent, that rate was as high as 27.4 percent – the highest in the nation – as cited in a 2012 study by the Economic Policy Institute. The rates of unemployment are similarly high for Native-Americans and Latinos. With such daunting numbers, and with recent cuts to unemployment benefi ts, the question becomes what can be done to reduce the rate of unemployment in communities of color. One program working on reducing the rate of unemployment in the area is Summit OIC, 935 Olsen

Edith Dorsey joins UCare senior management team

Ellison urges signifi cant expansion for Summit Academy

On January 16, College Possible participated in a summit for increasing college access for low-income students at the White House. The summit brought together qualifi ed representatives from organizations such as the National Economic Council, the Domestic Policy Council, and the Department of Education to have dialogue about the achievement gap and class disparities among college students and graduates. “Education is one of the surest ways out of poverty,” said College Possible associate director Bethany Krueger. The organization announced their expansion strategy at the summit that would lead them to providing services in Philadelphia. “Philadelphia is our commitment to the President and the First Lady,” said Krueger. Two hundred college presidents and some organizations throughout the country met at the summit to show full commitment to the mission of creating better college access. Krueger said the percentage of low-income students graduating with a 4-year degree in their mid-twenties is below 10 percent. “Nationally 8 percent of all low-income high school students graduate from four-year-degree schools by

Expanding college possibilities

UCareEdith Dorsey

By Harry Colbert, Jr.Contributing Writer

EMPLOYMENT TURN TO

2 U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (center suit) tours a project home with Gary Courtney (left), head of job services for Summit OIC and Louis King, CEO of Summit OIC, as students hang drywall.

By Abeni HillEditorial Intern

College PossibleAbove: College Possible coaches working directly with students. Below: Como Park High School

students showing off their graduation certifi cates last Spring. DORSEY TURN TO 9POSSIBLE TURN TO 4

MORE ON PAGE 5MO

Ordway highlights African culture through Taking Our Place Centerstage: The African Diaspora in HarmonyLadysmith Black Mambazo

Vol. 41 No. 6 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.comFebruary 3 - February 9, 2014

Page 2 • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Insight News insightnews.com

Memorial Hwy., Minneapolis. Summit OIC provides training in specialized areas of technology, construction and healthcare to adults with a minimum of a GED and 7th grade math and 9th grade reading profi ciency. The academy is currently providing training to more than 300 students at no cost to the student. “It’s a free education, so why not take the opportunity,” asked 21-year-old Jasmine Whitaker. Summit prides itself as being a place where everyone can be given an opportunity to learn and hopefully gain meaningful employment. “I haven’t always led a law abiding life,” said Tony Winslow, a 34-year-old learning construction at Summit OIC. “I made a lot of mistakes and I did time in prison. But I’m a different person. I actually just got hired with a construction company in St. Paul. Summit gave me the courage to change.” Though unemployment numbers are far worse for people of color, Nora Strand serves as an example that hard times can fall on anyone. A former 25-year x-ray technician, Strand, who is white, found herself looking for work following bouts of depression and substance addiction. Two years sober, Strand is a week from graduating Summit’s carpentry program. About 20 percent of Summit’s enrollees are female. “I knew I needed to do something different so I came to Summit,” said Strand. “I was skeptical at fi rst because I heard of a lot of schools that were iffy, but I came here and I loved it.” Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) recently toured the facilities of Summit OIC and praised the efforts of the academy’s leaders and held the school as a model for the nation. “I think Summit needs to be signifi cantly expanded,” said Ellison, after speaking with several current Summit enrollees. “There’s not enough parking as it is because so many people want to be a part of the program. Workforce investment is key.” Ellison said graduates of Summit should be able to gain meaningful employment if investment dollars were spent in north Minneapolis. “North Minneapolis is one of the least invested parts of our metropolitan area,” said Ellison. “There’s a whole lot of that needs to be done over here, everything from drainage, to sewage to housing construction. There’s a ton of things to be built and if there’s more work, then there are more workers earning a good living.” Ellison said the lack of investment in north Minneapolis is by design. “I have a 1937 map from the city zoning department that identifi es north Minneapolis as a quote, unquote Negro slum,” said the congressman. “So for historical reasons, north Minneapolis has always been the other side of the tracks. It’s where Jewish immigrants came, it’s where African-Americans came and now Latinos. It’s my neighborhood and I love it and I’m proud to be here, but it is long overdue for major investment. We’re trying to create a path where people can open their refrigerators and there’s actually something in it.”

EmploymentFrom 1

UCare has won four national marketing communication awards for materials created for UCare members in the health plan’s Minnesota and western Wisconsin service area. “We are proud to receive national recognition for the quality and effectiveness of our work for our members,” said Ghita Worcester, senior vice president of public affairs and marketing for UCare. “Most importantly, we believe these

award-winning UCare materials will help UCare members and communities make wise health decisions for healthful lives.” UCare received a Merit Award for its “UCare and You” brochure in the national 2013 National Mature Media competition, the nation’s largest awards program recognizing the best marketing, communications, educational materials and programs for adults age 50 and older. The

publication describes health and wellness programs available to members of UCare’s Minnesota Health Care Programs and UCare’s Medicare plans in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare also received one Bronze Award and two Merit National Health Information Awards (NHIA). The competition was conducted by the Health Information Resource Center, a national

clearinghouse for consumer health information programs and materials. The Bronze Award went to UCare’s “UCare Connect Quick Start Guide” in the Consumer Decision-Making Information category. The guide was created to help new members of UCare Connect, a plan for people with disabilities, learn about the preventive, health and wellness, and customer service resources available to them.

A Merit Award was earned by UCare’s Parents’ Guide in the competition’s Health Promotion/Disease and Injury Prevention Information category. UCare created the Parents’ Guide to inform new parents about their child’s growth and development, and to prompt regular preventive screenings and physician relationships. The second Merit Award went to the health plan’s “Healthy Portions Cutting Board,” which was evaluated in the Health Promotion/Disease and Injury Prevention Information category. The UCare-designed plastic cutting board features images of recommended foods and portion sizes and is distributed at community outreach and health education events. The Mature Media Awards are conducted by the Mature

UCare wins four awards in two 2013 marketing communication competitions

Ghita Worcester

UCARE TURN TO 11

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insightnews.com Insight News • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Page 3

One by one, the 2013 GED graduates at Open Door Learning Center stood up to say thank you in their own words to their fellow students and teachers. In just a few hours, they’d put on a cap and gown and walk across the stage in Minneapolis’ January 16 GED graduation ceremony. Connie said her three children and the trio of coordinators at Open Door Learning Center cheered her on and kept her in class. “As many times as I wanted to give up,” Connie said, “they wouldn’t let me give up. They wouldn’t let me give up on myself.” For Michael, who went to seven different high schools in three states, a diploma seemed out of reach. It was ten years since he’d been in a high school classroom, but the teachers helped

him persevere to get his GED. “It was a huge step in my life,” Michael said. Chekita got the whole class laughing about her least favorite test: math. “I passed in time to be here and share with you all today,” Chekita said, “so thank you all for that.” Annelisa Donlan, a coordinator at Open Door Learning Center, urged students to view this graduation day not as the end of journey but the beginning. And to inspire their next steps, she read a list of the students’ dreams: “Become an animal rescuer. Travel. Start my medical career. Be a journeyman electrician. Go to college.” College and career readiness is a major focus of the new GED test. Instead of simply measuring

high school equivalency, the new test – which debuted this month – aims to prepare students for their next step. Starting in 2014, students must take the test on a computer rather than with pencil and paper. This means adults must master computer skills in addition to studying for the fi ve subject tests of the GED. Individual attention for students is important, especially for learning the computer skills needed on the test. Volunteer tutors make this one-to-one teaching possible in classrooms. To be a volunteer in Adult Basic Education, no prior teaching experience is necessary. The Minnesota Literacy Council offers training and placement assistance for GED volunteers.

This year’s graduates at Open Door Learning Center are glad they made that fi rst call many months ago to enroll in classes. Not only did they earn their GED, but they formed a community of learners. Open Door Learning Center has fi ve locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, but there are hundreds of GED programs in Minnesota. Adults who want to study for the GED can fi nd a program near their home through the Adult Literacy Hotline: 1-800-222-1990 or mnliteracy.org/hotline. To fi nd out more about becoming a volunteer with the Minnesota Literacy Council and changing lives all over Minnesota, visit mnliteracy.org/volunteers or contact Ellie Purdy at epurdy@mnliteracy.org.

GED graduation: A beginning, not an end

High School for Recording Arts (HSRA), 1166 University Ave. St. Paul, is no ordinary charter school. The school was founded to create a safe and positive space for musically gifted students whose learning styles didn’t fi t the status quo. “‘When students haven’t been successful in more traditional spaces they don’t feel comfortable, they don’t feel understood,” said Executive Director Tony Simmons. “They feel their style of learning and the way they carry themselves, the way they think and apply their thinking towards learning isn’t appreciated or understood in a traditional space. “We need to create a space

that allows our students to be themselves,” said Simmons. The director said many students are either drop outs or have been expelled from school and as a result, they arrive at HSRA older than the average high school student with very few credits. Simmons said the average age of the student body is about 17 ½. “We spend time getting to

know our students really well,” said Simmons. He said it is important to identify the students’ strengths. “We know a lot of our students are incredibly creative,” said Simmons. “There are so many opportunities that you can take advantage of by building

High School for Recording Arts:

A space for musically gifted studentsBy Abeni HillEditorial Intern

HSRAState of the art production equipment at HSRA

Tony Simmons David Ellis

Open Door Learning CenterOpen Door Learning Center students Maria and Connie prepare

to walk across the stage January 16 at the Minneapolis GED graduation ceremony.

HSRA TURN TO 9

EDUCATION

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To learn more, visit www.mpls.k12.mn.us or call Student Placement Services at 612.668.1840.

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pre-K-12 student school request cards are due:

Page 4 • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Insight News insightnews.com

This weekly Insight commentary is titled “Man Talk.” It has been two years since I began writing this column, and originally I set out to share insights from my relationship book, “Men Are Dirt.” It is based on insight about men from a man’s perspective. The wisdom and knowledge contained in the book was given to me by God, and it was compiled from over 25 years of couples and relationship counseling. As Valentine’s Day

approaches, there will be a lot of focus on relationships so I would like to share some knowledge from the book. “Men Are Dirt” is a powerful relationship tool. It has taken me around the country, and I have witnessed fi rsthand how the knowledge contained in it has changed lives for the better. The book’s key feature is that it provides a platform for men and women to have a dialogue about some of the challenging issues that are impacting relationships. This includes sections on why do men cheat, the danger of a neglected woman, how to deal with an immature male, when a man loves his wife, is he ready for you, how to treat a good man, and many other essential discussion topics. Why a book titled “Men Are Dirt?”

The title captures the spirit and intent of the book. Men were formed by God from the dust of the ground. More importantly, dirt nourishes seeds (ideas) that will become plants (dreams realized).

“Men Are Dirt” was written from the premise that like dirt, the best of man lies below the surface. Think about it, everything that you see with your eye came from the ground or from things that come

from the ground. Because both diamonds and dynamite come from the same ground, the sooner you can come to understand the spiritual and creative connection between man and dirt, the better you will be able to understand why he behaves as he does. Although the title of the book is “Men Are Dirt,” the book was written with women in mind – particularly since women will always be the primary participant in any relationship. Women are the numerator in their relationship equations so when men being wholeness equal to theirs, the relationship is one. The book is intended to empower women by using dirt as and analogy to make a clear distinction between the different types of men – a distinction that will allow women to choose only those relationships that will add enrichment to their lives. The better a woman understands man, whom she cannot control, the mor e she is empowered to make betters choices about the men she allows into her life and ultimately her heart.

Knowledge is power. It can change your life. “Men Are Dirt” is a book of knowledge therefore it is a book of power. I encourage you to get a copy of the book and share it with that signifi cant person in your life. Relationships are so important to me that if you mention my Insight News ad when you purchase a copy of the book, I will include a second copy at no additional cost for you to share with that special person in your life. You can get a copy at menaredirt.com. My gift to all is knowledge and power. Knowledge will bring about a greater tomorrow than today because you are able to build on today’s experience. As I move forward and to the third year of writing for the Insight News, I hope and pray that these articles continue to be valuable and inspirational.

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

Men Are DirtRelationship insight you can live by

Author Elle Babington Steele felt a calling to write her book “Run Your Race: How to Keep Going When Life Wears You Out” after a devastating event that changed her life. “The book was inspired by the traumatic experience that followed the birth of my daughter, Dakota Sky,” said Babington Steele. “This experience called upon me to evaluate my life.” Her daughter passed away 30 minutes after birth because of a heart-related birth defect. The insightful writer realized she had to continue living her life. “Each day following the experience I had to wake up and keep moving in spite of what I had gone through,” said Babington Steele. “I was in a space where I was continuously seeking out what I needed to do to keep moving forward.” After motivating herself,

Babington Steele decided to fi nd a way to reach out to others. “As I discovered those things that kept me going, they became

revelations to pass on to others,” said Babington Steele. “Thus, I began writing my fi rst book.” Babington Steele hopes

her book will encourage others as well. “After reading the book maybe those who are discouraged will feel like, ‘since someone showed me how to do it, maybe I will give it a try’,” said the hopeful author. Babington Steele also shared key advice from her book. “I recommend that people take the appropriate amount of time to mourn or recover from a challenging life experience,” said Babington Steele. “But at some point life calls upon you to either move forward, stay where you are or go backwards. The choice is yours.” “Run Your Race: How to Keep Going When Life Wears You Out” is now available to purchase on Amazon in eBook and paperback format. Babington Steele will have an offi cial book launch on Feb. 8th at Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, at 5:30 p.m. This event is open to the public. For more information visit http://www.ebabingtonsteele.com

Elle Babington Steele pens fi rst book after devastating loss

ManTalk

By Timothy Houston

Men were formed by God from the dust of the ground. More

importantly, dirt nourishes seeds (ideas) that will become plants

(dreams realized).

Elle Babington Steele

By Abeni HillEditorial Intern

age of 24,” said Krueger. “This compares to the 73 percent of high school students that graduate from all level incomes.” College Possible has operating offi ces in multiple cities such as Portland, Ore., Milwaukee,

Omaha, Neb., and the Twin Cities. “As an organization we want to service 20 thousand students in 10 cities by 2020,” said Krueger. Krueger also said College Possible currently has employment opportunities. “We are looking for our next group of core members,” said Krueger. For more information, visit http://www.collegepossible.org/index.aspx

PossibleFrom 1

LIFESTYLE

Shiloh Temple International Ministries presents:

Saturday, February 1st: 10:30am-12pm Pastor Les Lester presents exciting research and discoveries about Blacks in the Bible. You don't want to miss this!!!

Saturday, February 8th: A Prayer Breakfast 8:30am-10:00am; Followed by a Black History panel discussion addressing "How to Restore Our Hidden Legacy." Featuring:

Celebrating Our Great Legacy!

Bishop Richard D. Howell, Jr. & Pastor Bettye Howell

RESTORATION 2014 STIM’s Black History Month

Sunday, February 16th: Liberia Day. Did you know that Liberia, Africa, was started by repatriated Black Americans to Africa? Learn more...

Sunday, February 23rd: Africa Day. Dress in African attire and enjoy African foods, as Feb. 23 is dedicated to the continent of Africa.

Mahmoud El Kati, Professor Emeritus Macalester College

Professor Shannon Gibney, Black Studies Professor, Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Al McFarlane, Publisher, Insight News

V.J. Smith, National President Mad Dads.

Moderator, Pastor Les Lester

1201 W Broadway Ave ▪ Minneapolis, MN 55411 ▪ 612.302.1463 ▪ www.shilohtemple.com

Sonya Goins 50th Birthday Celebration at Seven SushiFeb. 9WCCO producer and Channel 12 on-air talent, Sonya Goins is celebrating her 50th birthday in style. Th e local tastemaker has put together an evening of live music and a silent auction to celebrate her birthday, and to also bring focus to Crohn’s Disease, a painful and potential deadly illness that aff ects the intestines. Goins is a Crohn’s suff erer. Proceeds raised will go to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America - Minnesota/

Dakotas Chapter. Goins’ celebration runs from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Seven Sushi is located at 700 Hennepin Ave. S, downtown Minneapolis.

Dionne Farris and Russell Gunn at the DakotaFeb. 12OK, who didn’t love the music group Arrested Development? And, who didn’t love the soundtrack to “Love Jones?” Quite honestly, this particular writer thinks the “Love Jones” soundtrack is the best soundtrack ever. And when you have the best song on the best

soundtrack, well you’re quite It! worthy. Dionne Farris, who was an original member of Arrested Development and had the standout song, “Hopeless” on the “Love Jones” soundtrack is coming to the Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 12 for two shows with jazz master Russell Gunn. Th e two will rework several of Farris’ hits including “Hopeless” and the pop smash, “I Know” as well as perform songs from their duo album, “Dionne Get Your Gunn.” Th e pair has two shows, a 7 p.m. and a 9 p.m. Tickets are $32. For more information call the Dakota box offi ce at (612) 332-5299 or go online at www.dakotacooks.com.

Thee Urbane Life* and the Southern Comfort Music Series present Transformation Vol. 2 … for the Love of Music at the Fine Line Music Café Feb. 14Valentine’s Day is for lovers and Transformation is for the lovers of music. Transformation is a musical mash-up that uses a live band to transform classic and popular hip-hop songs

into jazz, rock, reggae, fusion and more. Th ink of it as Notorious B.I.G. meets Dizzy Gillespie or 2 Pac meets Miles Davis and Slash from Guns and Roses. Th e music series, “Hidden Beach Unwrapped” is an excellent example of what Transformation is all about. Also, DJ Dell Dilla of the Mashwell Brothas will be DJing and celebrating his birthday. Th e Fine Line, 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis, is under new ownership and has an all new (more welcoming) staff . Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at ticketf.ly/1fgL9r8. For more information, email theeurbanelife@gmail.com

Aesthetically

Th e Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, together with members of the African and African-American communities, is presenting a set of distinctive performances in February to celebrate the arts of the African Diaspora. Taking of Our Place Center Stage:  Th e African Diaspora in Harmony is a series of performances highlighting the varied arts from across the African cultural existence. Th is month the Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, as a part of the Target World Music and Dance Series presents hip-hop powerhouse Rennie Harris Puremovement (Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.) and 2014 Grammy Award-winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.). Cri tically acclaimed, Rennie Harris’ bold, original hip-hop work encompasses rich and diverse African-American traditions of the past while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation. Rennie Harris, a Philadelphia native, founded her group more than 20 years ago based on the belief that hip-hop is the most important original expression of a new generation, with the unique ability to express universal themes that extend beyond racial, religious, and economic boundaries. For more than 50 years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. Th e result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched

a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a male choral group from South Africa, was formed in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala has recorded over 50 albums since their fi rst recording in 1973 in South Africa. Th e group was invited to sing by Nelson Mandela when he received his Nobel Prize in 1993 and when he was inaugurated as president of South Africa in 1994. In the mid-1980s, Paul Simon visited South Africa and incorporated Black Mambazo’s rich

tenor/alto/bass harmonies into his “Graceland” album—a landmark 1986 recording that was considered seminal in introducing world music to mainstream audiences. In addition to the group’s collaboration with Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded with numerous artists around the world, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Melissa Etheridge and others. Last week, Ladysmith Black Mambazo tied with the Gipsy Kings for a Grammy win in the Best World Music Album category at the 56th Grammy Awards. Th is was the

group’s fourth Grammy win. “Th e Ordway’s World Music and Dance series is a completely unique program in the Twin Cities. We take the time to really search for and gather talent from diff erent pockets of the world to help celebrate the art and culture from that area,” said Dayna Martinez, director of the Ordway’s World Music and Dance. “February encompasses a variety of musical and dance performances that highlight everything from a cappella to hip-hop and Latin dance.” Tickets for each performance are $28 and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org or by calling the

Ordway at (651) 224-4222. Th e Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading nonprofi t performing arts centers. Th e Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and the Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.

Aesthetically It! is a list of picks from the editors of Aesthetically Speaking. Aesthetically It! features hip venues, events, outings and more that we feel are worthy of “It” status. If you have a venue, event or outing that you feel is It worthy, email harry@insightnews.com.

Ordway highlights African culture through “Taking Our Place Centerstage: The African Diaspora in Harmony”

Top: Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Above (l-r): Rennie Harris Pure Movement Dancers Brayndn Harris, Kyle Clark, and Ryan Cliett

Brian Mengini

It

Page 6 • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking insightnews.com/aesthetics

Threads Dance Project performs with Grammy nominated Sweet Honey in the RockFour years in the making, Th reads Artistic Director Karen L. Charles is now realizes a dream with Sweet Honey as she takes audience members on a journey of memories, loss, love and spirituality with “Body & Soul.” Th e show also includes a reprise of “Humanity & Elysian Fields Avenue” – a dance about the physical and emotional tragedies of Hurricane Katrina. “To collaborate with this nationally acclaimed music group is sure to be an inspirational, truly memorable performance,” said Charles. “Th reads Dance Project seeks to examine, expose and celebrate the threads that connect us in the hope of improving humanity through its work. Th is mission runs parallel to Sweet Honey in the Rock’s desire to invite people to think about who we are and how we treat each other. I

have always been drawn to Sweet Honey’s music because they say in music what I try to say with movement.” Performances take place March 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Cowles Center for Dance an the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. For ticket information, visit www.thecowlescenter.org or call (612) 206-3600. Th e Mission of Th reads Dance Project is to examine, expose and celebrate the threads that connect one another by celebrating the human spirit through dance. Th reads Dance Project is in its third season. Th e company was founded by Charles aft er her father passed away, leaving her just enough money to realize her 10-year dream of becoming a choreographer and director of her own company. Charles studied as a fellowship recipient at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Th eatre. She served

as founder and principal instructor of Discovering Dance (Atlanta), and was an instructor in the Atlanta Public School System for ten years. Sweet Honey in the Rock is a Grammy-nominated and a cappella ensemble, celebrating four decades of creating an adventurous and diverse mix of blues, African, jazz, gospel and R&B music, with excursions into symphonic and dance theater. Last year Sweet Honey released its 23rd CD, “Sweet Honey in the Rock ... A Tribute, Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center,” which paid homage to the music of iconic jazz diva’s Abbey Lincoln, Miriam Makeba, Odetta, and Nina Simone. Th ey also performed at the unveiling of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial statue and the national memorial service for Nelson Mandela at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

insightnews.com/aesthetics Aesthetically Speaking • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Page 7

Lincoln Berry: Legendary jazz musician diesA memorial service for Minnesota’s legendary Jazz organist, Lincoln Berry, was held on Jan. 25, in Saint Paul. Berry passed on Jan. 20, at the University of Minnesota Hospital aft er a short fi ght with cancer. Berry was 74. A prized musician, Berry

was featured frequently at the Dakota Jazz Club and the Artist Quarters and performed with national and internationally acclaimed artists such as, Sam Cooke, Little Richard, B.B. King, the Ohio Players, Billy Preston, the Clark Sisters and others.

Locally, Berry performed with, Billy Steele, Mike Ferguson, Debbie Duncan, Bobby Lyle, the late Captain Jack McDuff and others. Barry was born in St. Paul on Jan. 13, 1940. In 1950 his family moved to what is now called Blaine, and he graduated

from Anoka High School in 1959. Berry is survived by eight children, six siblings, and

a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Berry

were held at the River of Life Christian Church, 739 Summit Avenue in St Paul.

Lincoln Berry

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Page 8 • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking insightnews.com/aesthetics

2014 Grammys recap: A Royal Night to Remember! From Queen B’s wardrobe malfunction to Queen Latifah’s mass wedding

Although the Grammys were dominated by the French robot duo Daft Punk, rapper/producer team Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and New Zealand teen singing sensation Lorde, their wins were easily upstaged by memorable appearances by two black queens, namely, Queen B and Queen Latifah. For, the night to remember’s highlights featured a wardrobe malfunction during Beyoncé’s performance of “Drunk in Love” and Reverend Latifah’s offi ciating the wedding of 33 couples (with the power vested in her by the State of California) following Macklemore’s spirited rendition of the gay anthem “Same Love.” Did anybody think about Nas’ pronouncement that “Hip-hop is dead!” on a night when the genre’s artists netting the most accolades were no longer black gangsta rappers but white gay rights advocates preaching tolerance of sexual preferences? Talk about jumping the shark! Th e only other jaw-dropper was the sight of Pharrell in that oversized, Canadian Mountie hat.

Complete List of 2014 Grammy WinnersRecord of the Year “Get Lucky,” Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Nile

RodgersAlbum of the Year “Random Access Memories,” Daft PunkSong of the Year Joel Little and Ella Yelich-O’Connor (“Royals,” Lorde) New Artist Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Pop Solo Performance “Royals,” Lorde Pop Performance, Duo or Group “Get Lucky,” Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Nile RodgersPop Instrumental Album “Steppin’ Out,” Herb AlpertPop Vocal Album “Unorthodox Jukebox,” Bruno MarsDance Recording “Clarity,” Zedd and FoxesDance/Electronica Album “Random Access Memories,” Daft PunkTraditional Pop Vocal Album “To Be Loved,” Michael BubléRock Performance “Radioactive,” Imagine Dragons Metal Performance “God Is Dead?,” Black SabbathRock Song Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear (“Cut Me Some Slack,” Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear)Rock Album “Celebration Day,” Led ZeppelinAlternative Music Album “Modern Vampires of the City,” Vampire WeekendR&B Performance “Something,” Snarky Puppy and Lalah Hathaway Traditional R&B Performance “Please Come Home,” Gary Clark Jr.

R&B SongJames Fauntleroy, Jerome Harmon, Timothy Mosley and Justin Timberlake (“Pusher Love Girl,” Justin Timberlake)R&B Album “Girl on Fire,” Alicia KeysRap Performance “Th rift Shop,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and WanzRap/Sung Collaboration “Holy Grail,” Jay Z and Justin

Timberlake Rap Song Ben Haggerty and Ryan Lewis (“Th rift Shop,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Wanz)Rap Album “Th e Heist,” Macklemore & Ryan LewisUrban Contemporary Album “Unapologetic,” Rihanna Country Solo Performance “Wagon Wheel,” Darius RuckerCountry Performance, Duo or Group “From Th is Valley,” the Civil WarsCountry Song Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne (“Merry Go ’Round,” Kacey Musgraves)Country Album “Same Trailer Diff erent Park,” Kacey MusgravesNew Age Album “Love’s River,” Laura SullivanImprovised Jazz Solo “Orbits,” Wayne ShorterJazz Vocal Album “Liquid Spirit,” Gregory PorterJazz Instrumental Album “Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue,” Terri Lyne CarringtonLarge Jazz Ensemble Album “Night in Calisia,” Randy Brecker, Wlodek Pawlik Trio and Kalisz PhilharmonicLatin Jazz Album “Song for Maura,” Paquito D’Rivera and Trio CorrenteGospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance “Break Every Chain (Live),” Tasha CobbsGospel Song Tye Tribbett (“If He Did It Before ... Same God (Live),” Tye Tribbett)Contemporary Christian Music Song David Garcia, Ben Glover and Christopher Stevens (“Overcomer,” Mandisa)

Gospel Album “Greater Th an (Live),” Tye TribbettContemporary Christian Music Album “Overcomer,” MandisaLatin Pop Album “Vida,” Draco RosaLatin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album “Treinta Días,” la Santa CeciliaRegional Mexican or Tejano Album “A Mi Manera,” Mariachi Divas de Cindy SheaTropical Latin Album “Pacifi c Mambo Orchestra,” Pacifi c Mambo OrchestraAmerican Roots Song Edie Brickell and Steve Martin (“Love Has Come for You,” Steve Martin and Edie Brickell)Americana Album “Old Yellow Moon,” Emmylou Harris and Rodney CrowellBluegrass Album “Th e Streets of Baltimore,” Del McCoury BandBlues Album “Get Up!,” Ben Harper and Charlie MusselwhiteFolk Album “My Favorite Picture of You,” Guy ClarkRegional Roots Music Album “Dockside Sessions,” Terrance Simien and the Zydeco ExperienceReggae Album “Ziggy Marley in Concert,” Ziggy MarleyWorld Music Album “Savor Flamenco,” Gipsy Kings“Live: Singing for Peace Around the World,” Ladysmith Black Mambazo (tie)Children’s Album “Th row a Penny in the Wishing Well,” Jennifer GasoiSpoken Word Album “America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t,” Stephen ColbertComedy Album “Calm Down Gurrl,” Kathy Griffi nMusical Th eater Album “Kinky Boots,” Billy Porter and Stark Sands, artists; Sammy James Jr., Cyndi Lauper, Stephen Oremus and William Wittman, producers; Cyndi Lauper, composer/lyricist Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media “Sound City: Real to Reel,” Butch Vig, compilation producerScore Soundtrack for Visual Media “Skyfall,” Th omas Newman, composerSong Written for Visual Media Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth, “Skyfall,” from “Skyfall” (Adele)Instrumental Composition “Pensamientos for Solo Alto Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra,” Clare Fischer (the Clare Fischer Orchestra)Instrumental Arrangement “On Green Dolphin Street,” Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band)Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) “Swing Low,” Gil Goldstein (Bobby McFerrin and Esperanza Spalding)Producer of the Year, Nonclassical Pharrell Williams

Producer of the Year, Classical David FrostRemixed Recording, Nonclassical “Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix),” Cedric Gervais, remixer Orchestral Performance “Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 4,” Osmo Vänskä, conductor (Minnesota Orchestra)Opera Recording “Adès: Th e Tempest,” Th omas Adès, conductor; Simon Keenlyside, Isabel Leonard, Audrey Luna and Alan Oke; Jay David Saks, producer (the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; the Metropolitan Opera Chorus)Choral Performance“Pärt: Adam’s Lament,” Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor (Tui Hirv and Rainer Vilu, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Sinfonietta Riga and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Latvian Radio Choir and Vox Clamantis)Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance “Roomful of Teeth,” Brad Wells and Roomful of TeethClassical Instrumental Solo “Corigliano: Conjurer — Concerto for Percussionist and String Orchestra,” Evelyn GlennieClassical Vocal Solo “Winter Morning Walks,” Dawn Upshaw (Maria Schneider; Jay Anderson, Frank Kimbrough and Scott Robinson; Australian Chamber Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra)Classical Compendium“Hindemith: Violinkonzert; Symphonic Metamorphosis; Konzertmusik,” Christoph Eschenbach, conductorContemporary Classical Composition “Schneider, Maria: Winter Morning Walks,” Maria Schneider (Dawn Upshaw, Jay Anderson, Frank Kimbrough, Scott Robinson and Australian Chamber Orchestra)Music Video “Suit & Tie,” Justin Timberlake and Jay Z Music Film“Live Kisses,” Paul McCartney Recording Package “Long Night Moon,” Sarah Dodds and Shauna Dodds, art directors (Reckless Kelly)Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package “Wings Over America (Deluxe Edition),” Simon Earith and James Musgrave, art directors (Paul McCartney and Wings)Album Notes “Afro Blue Impressions (Remastered & Expanded),” Neil Tesser (John Coltrane)Historical Album “Charlie Is My Darling — Ireland 1965,” Teri Landi, Andrew Loog Oldham & Steve Rosenthal, compilation producers; Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer (the Rolling Stones)“Th e Complete Sussex and Columbia Albums,” Leo Sacks, compilation producer; Joseph M. Palmaccio, Tom Ruff and Mark Wilder, mastering engineers (Bill Withers) (tie)Engineered Album, Nonclassical “Random Access Memories,” Peter Franco, Mick Guzauski, Florian Lagatta and Daniel Lerner, engineers; Antoine Chabert and Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer (Daft Punk)Surround Sound Album “Live Kisses,” Al Schmitt, surround mix engineer; Tommy LiPuma, surround producer (Paul McCartney)Best Engineered Album, Classical“Winter Morning Walks,” David Frost, Brian Losch and Tim Martyn, engineers; Tim Martyn, mastering engineer (Dawn Upshaw, Maria Schneider, Australian Chamber Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra)

By Kam Williams

Mikamote / Wikimedia CommonsHip hop artist Jay-Z received 9 nominations

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insightnews.com Insight News • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Page 9

Social Security offices in Bloomington and St Paul If you’ve recently begun receiving Social Security benefits or plan to apply in the near future, you may be wondering this tax season: are Social Security benefits taxable? The short answer is:

sometimes. Some people have to pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income (such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return) in addition to your Social Security benefits. There is never a case when a person pays tax on more

than 85 percent of his or her Social Security benefits, based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. Now, let’s get down to the numbers. If you file a federal tax return as an individual and your income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits. If your income is more than $34,000, then up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable.

If you are married and you file a joint return, and you and your spouse have a combined income that is between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits. If your combined income is more than $44,000, then up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable. Note that your “income” for the purpose of determining whether you must pay taxes on some of your Social Security

benefits includes your adjusted gross income, your nontaxable interest, and one half of your Social Security benefits. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.htm for more information. In January, you should have received a Social Security Benefit Statement showing the amount of benefits you received last year. You can use this statement, or SSA-1099, when completing your federal income tax return to find out

whether some of your benefits are subject to federal income tax. If you didn’t receive yours, you can request one at www.socialsecurity.gov/1099. So, are your Social Security benefits taxable? Maybe. To learn more, read page 14 of our booklet, Retirement Benefits, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs or visit www.irs.gov/ to obtain more detailed information on the subject.

We were recently inspired by a group of young professional women who came together on a Saturday morning to discuss fundraising for their upcoming conference. These women were under 40, energized, and engaged. They were getting ready to launch their sponsorship program and wanted guidance regarding how to solicit. We appreciated their reaching out and inviting us to meet with

them. During our time together they discussed conference goals and content, brainstormed potential sponsors, and practiced role playing. They closed with a list of action items and a date (the following Wednesday!) for their next meeting. All this was accomplished in less than 90 minutes. These are women of action. We were inspired to be in their presence for a number of reasons. First, they launched their inaugural conference in 2013 in response to their need for a way to connect with other young professional women, to learn from women who are a bit more established in their careers, and to create a supportive environment of like-minded women here in Memphis. They called their conference the

Modern Day Woman Conference (MDWC) and it was a great success with over 200 women attending. The 2014 conference topic is balance: how do we create balance in our lives? How can we grow in our careers, be active in our communities, and enjoy our roles within our families? These are questions women of all ages grapple with. Too often we grapple with them as individuals, or with a small circle of friends. The MDWC 2014 creates a public forum for the discussion. The conference is organized by Young Women Philanthropists (YWP) an auxiliary of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. Here’s how they defi ne themselves on Facebook: “We are young, energetic, professional,

resourceful, confi dent, family-oriented, insightful, infl uential, persuasive women committed to learning, contributing, and owning... PHILANTHROPY!!” We love that! They focus on educating, empowering and training the next generation of philanthropic women leaders through active participation in fundraising. “We are training today to fi ll the shoes of the more experienced philanthropists tomorrow.” This racially diverse group of women is busy setting their agenda, helping to create the city they want to live and work in, and giving back. They are supporting each other, and looking to women who are a bit more experienced in life, work and philanthropy to help guide their growth. We share their story

to inspire you to join with others in creating community solutions. If you are under 40, you are the future of your community and our country. We need your collective engagement. Claim the title of “philanthropist” – one who loves humanity – and join with others in creating the world you want to live in. Learn more about young women philanthropists at www.wfgm.org.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw help nonprofi t organizations grow their fundraising. Services include coaching, campaign preparation and proposal writing. Learn more at www.saadandshaw.com.

Are your social security benefi ts taxable?

Young women philanthropists

By Mel and Pearl Shaw

FUNdraisingGood Times

upon that asset that will connect to core learning areas such as English, Math, and Science. “It’s all about creating a different impression on that young person,” said Simmons. “For the fi rst time in their life, they might feel appreciated.” HSRA founder David T.C. Ellis developed the idea for the school at his recording studio, Studio 4. Ellis noticed a need for acknowledgement of youth in the community. “Right around that time, at the studio, he noticed a bunch of kids hanging out wanting to know about the music industry,” said Simmons. The teenagers were skipping school. “He fi nally had the revelation of ‘I can’t get these kids to go to school, I need a school here.’” “I saw the need in the community,” said Ellis. “These young people are really motivated to educate themselves through the process of recording arts.”Ellis said they were eager to show him their musical chops. “They were all congregating at the studio and wanted me to let them in the studio and show me what they could do,” said Ellis. The studio owner couldn’t engage with them as much as they had hoped. “Initially I was blowing them off, I was busy trying to get clients,” said Ellis. He changed his mind when one day when one of his clients did not show up for an appointment. The music industry enthusiasts convinced him to let them in the studio.

“They just blew me away with their ability and what they were capable of doing,” said Ellis. Ellis felt a connection to these teenagers who were curious about the music business. “I had a lineage of these young people because I went through the same

type of situation,” said Ellis. The high school founder defi nes himself as a nontraditional student. “I got kicked out of some of the more traditional schools,” said Ellis. He enrolled in St. Paul Open School and it changed his life.

“It was a lifesaver for me,” said Ellis. “The school approached education from a different perspective in that it was hands-on. They really nurtured and enhanced me with that.” The HSRA approach to education is collaborative learning. The atmosphere of the

school is spacious. While there are separate classrooms, they all face a cafeteria-like area that has a stage. The classrooms are situated to create an oval shape toward the stage. Simmons said at times they will open up the classrooms and let the students interact with each other although they were initially studying separate subjects. “Creativity fl ows best in that type of environment,” said Simmons. “It allows us to do the things we need to do, whatever that student is bringing as an asset to the other things we know they need to demonstrate in terms of learning.” “The fact that teachers are working together, they’re not closed off from each other, students are working together amongst different advisories,” said Simmons. “It is a natural environment to learn.” Simmons said the High School for Recording Arts doesn’t just prepare students for the workforce. “Our main goal is when it is time for these students to graduate, they are looking at themselves as life-long learners,” said Simmons. For more information about HSRA, visit http://www.hsra.org/ To see HSRA student’s projects, visit the YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/HSRAMinnesota

HSRAFrom 3

positions with WebMD, Oxford Health Plans, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. Dorsey received a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Ariz., in 2009, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1981. She earned a Six Sigma Black Belt through the American Society for Quality in 2004 and earned her Certifi ed Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute in 2011. Dorsey is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership & Organizational Development at Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Dorsey lives in St. Paul, Minn.

DorseyFrom 1

HSRAState of the art production equipment at HSRA

By Rhonda Whitenack and Jim Czechowicz,

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

Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

CFOAdrianne Hamilton-Butler

Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane

Associate Editor & Associate PublisherB.P. Ford

Vice President of Sales & MarketingSelene White

Culture and Education EditorIrma McClaurin

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Production InternSunny Thongthi

Distribution/Facilities ManagerJamal Mohamed

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Page 10 • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Insight News insightnews.com

History HiJinx: Black History MonthWhen: Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 2014Time: Noon to 4 p.m.Where: Minnesota History Center,Admission Cost: $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MNHS members.Visit the History Center for free programming each weekend in February. Explore the Minnesota’s Greatest Generation exhibit and learn about Harold Brown, a WWII Tuskegee airman. Try on a parachute pack and make your own model aircraft.

FDR and Black AspirationsWhen: Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.Where: RCL—Roseville ,2180 Hamline Ave. N., Roseville,The Great Depression and World War II brought hardship, but they also unleashed a wave of renewed demands for justice among black Americans. J.B. Andersen, presenter of an enormously popular lecture series on the Presidency, talks about the ways in which black leaders like A. Philip Randolph used the international crisis to press the case for Civil Rights with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

The Ballad of Emmett Till by Ifa Bayeza directed by Talvin Wilks When: Feb. 6 – March 2, 2014Where: Penumbra Theatre Company Admission Cost: Adult $40.00 and Student (with a valid school ID for college/university) $15.00His brutal death was the spark that ignited one of the most important social justice movements in the world, but Emmett Till remains a stranger to most Americans. The Ballad of Emmett Till introduces you to the boy and celebrates his life through the eyes of those who loved him and knew him best. As his mother said, her son was “the sacrifi cial lamb of the Civil Rights Movement.” When he died, the world woke up. For ticket purchase, go to http://www.penumbratheatre.org/ or call (651) 224-3180.

Elle Babington Steele Book Launch Event When: February 8, 2014 5:30 to 7:30pmWhere: Open Book (1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN)Author, Life Stylist (someone who helps others transform their lives from the inside out), and speaker, Elle Babington Steele has written her fi rst book, inspired by

the heartbreaking experience that followed the birth of her daughter. Elle channeled the revelations that kept her going after this painful experience into Run Your Race: How to Keep Going When Life Wears You Out. Elle Babington Steele will read an excerpt from her book, as well as sign copies of her book at the launch event. For additional information please visit www.ebabingtonsteele.com.

Restoring Our Hidden Legacy - Panel DiscussionWhen: Feb. 8, 2014, 10:30 a.m. - NoonWhere: Shiloh Temple, 1201 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MNConfi rmed panelists include Dr. Mahmoud El-Kati, professor emeritus, Macalester College; Professor Shannon Gibney, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and V.J. Smith, national president of Mad Dads. The panel will be moderated by pastor and journalist Les Lester. Les has served as a reporter for the Chicago Defender newspaper and in radio news. The theme of our Black History Month celebration is Restoration 2014.

Bearing Witness: The Ballad of Emmett Till

When: Feb.11 at 7:30 p.m.Where: RCL—Roseville, 2180 Hamline Ave. N., RosevilleIn 1955, a 14-year-old boy was brutally murdered in Mississippi for the “crime” of whistling at a white woman. His death shocked the conscience of a nation and helped ignite the modern Civil Rights Movement. The Penumbra Theatre presents scenes from their new play with a Q & A session to follow.

NOMMO, featuring Kevin YoungWhen: Feb. 12, 2014 at 7 p.m.When; Hubert H. Humphrey Center, Cowles Auditorium, University of Minnesota301 19th Ave. S., MinneapolisAdmission Cost: Free and open to the public. Reservation RequestedJoin us for the 10th annual NOMMO African American Author Series, featuring host and moderator Alexs Pate. Our second event features poet Kevin Young on February 12, 2014.These dynamic events feature the authors reading from their work and engaging in spirited dialogue with Pate about the state of the art of African American literature. To secure a reservation, http://www.continuum.umn.edu/reg/nommo/

African Americans in Ports and WaterwaysWhen: Feb. 13, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.Admission Cost: FreeThe Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Historical Society team up to present a program for Black History Month, focusing on African Americans in transportation. Join us as we navigate through the history of Black voyagers and sailors who explored the Great Lakes and Northern Territories.

The Pullman Porters of Saint Paul; Building Community by Writing Black HistoryWhen: Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.Where: RCL—Maplewood, 3025 Southlawn Drive, MaplewoodDuring the great days of railroading, they were the well-traveled African-American elite who brought news of the outside world back to their community. They formed the nation’s fi rst black labor union, and their leader was a titan of the early Civil Rights Movement. Join us to hear the story of the Pullman Porters of Saint Paul.

Film on FridayWhen: Feb. 14 at 10 a.m.Where: RCL—Maplewood, 3025 Southlawn Drive,

MaplewoodJoin Ramsey County Library in Maplewood for outstanding feature fi lms drawn from the many stories of Black History.

Reading from the Bible with Absalom Jones Celebration: Featuring Special Guest Preacher The Reverend Dr. Wil GafneyWhen: February 14 at 6:30 p.m.Where: Olson Campus Center (1490 Fulham Street, St. PaulAdmission Cost: $10.00Lecture and book signing with the Reverend Dr. Wil Gafney, , a priest who serves the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in PhiladelphiaWhen: February 15 at 4 p.m.Where: Olson Campus Center (1490 Fulham Street, Saint Paul MN 55108Admission Cost: $25.00Absalom Jones Celebration Dinner with Keynote Speaker, Reverend Dr. Wil Gafney.When: February 16 at 11 a.m.Where: St. James AME Church (624 Central Avenue West, Saint PaulAdmission Cost: FreeReverend Dr. Wil Gafney will preach at the 3rd annual joint celebration. One of the most prophetic voices in the Episcopal Church today is The Reverend Dr. Wil Gafney, a Priest who serves

the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia. She is a Bible scholar teaching at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Dr. Gafney has authored, edited, or co-edited several study Bibles and commentaries, including “The People’s Study Bible, The Africana Bible,” and “Daughters of Miriam.” A self-described “Evangelical Episcopalian,” Wil proclaims a loving God who is a liberator. She reads the Bible from a context of being an African-American woman in America. She is a very careful bible scholar who wrestles with the diffi cult texts. Her sermons and blog posts are very powerful and moving. Dr. Gafney is a dynamic preacher. She has also authored columns in the Huffi ngton Post. Dr. Gafney’s website is: http://wilgafney.com. Sponsored by Holy Trinity Episcopal Church & Luther Seminary. Daughters of Africa—a Musical CelebrationWhen: Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.Where: RCL—Maplewood, 3025 Southlawn Drive, MaplewoodFueled by the songs of Lena Horne, Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, and many others, the Mixed Blood Theatre presents an exuberant, music-driven celebration of African American women’s triumphs and accomplishments, featuring a striking collection of profi les of the famous and the forgotten.

African-American Cultural Impact on the 1920sTwo presentations for Black History Month

“The Racial Divide during the Harlem Renaissance”When: Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.Where: Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., MinneapolisAdmission Cost: FreeWellesley College and Northeastern University, noted author and cultural historian Carla Kaplan will speak about the African-American cultural impact on the 1920s.

Book Reading and Book Signing- Carla KaplanWhen: Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.Where: Common Good Books, 38 S. Snelling Ave., St. PaulAdmission Cost: FreeCarla Kaplan will read from her award-winning book, Miss Anne in Harlem: The White Women of the Black Renaissance

Metro Transit is asking for customer and community feedback to help develop a 10- to 15-year plan for expansion of its bus system. When complete, the Service Improvement Plan will guide

improvements to Metro Transit’s network of local and express bus service in the years ahead as additional funding becomes available. Through February 2014, Metro Transit is soliciting

feedback through a survey posted at www.metrotransit.org/sip. The brief survey is designed to collect data on travel patterns and priorities of travelers, as well as to solicit suggestions for changes to bus service.

Metro Transit is also partnering with community groups and promoting the Service Improvement Plan throughout the transit system in an effort to maximize input. This feedback will help to

inform a draft plan that will be presented to the public next year for additional comment before being fi nalized. Printed materials about the Service Improvement Plan for group distribution are also

available upon request at sip@metrotransit.org. Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council. Customers boarded Metro Transit buses and trains 81 million times last year.

Metro Transit seeks input to shape service improvement plan

“Children learn more from what

you are than what

you teach.”― W.E.B. Du Bois

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West Falls Estates Rent based on 30% Of adjusted income Call Patricia Brown At 218-283-4967

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Vacancies Cokato Apts, Cokato, MN (a seniors complex 62 or over or handicapped) has vacancies on 2nd Floor for one BR apts. Waiting list open. Contact Don at 320-286-2758. E-Mail cokapts@embarqmail.com

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLEThe Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Author-ity has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280. Must meet certain qualifi cations.

APARTMENT OPENINGSDelton Manor is accepting applications for future 1, 2, & 3 Bedrm apartment openings. Delton Manor has 3 two-bedrm handicapped accessible units located in the building. Delton Manor promotes equal housing opportunities for all perspective residents regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual preference, religion, handicap, marital status, familial status, nation-al origin or source of income. For applications and qualifi cations, contact NANCY at 218-759-2523. AN EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

Temporary positions The MN House of Representatives has a number of temporary positions for the 2014 Legislative Ses-sion.

DFL Caucus:• Legislative Assistant• Communication Specialist• Constituent Service Specialist/Writer

Sergeant-at-Arms:• Committee Pages• Legislative Assistant

House Public Information Services:• Information Assistant • Writer• Television Production Technician

Complete job postings can be found at www.house.mn/jobs or call (651) 297-8200 for a faxed or mailed copy.

EEO/AA EMPLOYER

Chief Operations Officer (COO)The Chief Operations Officer is responsible for North-Point’s Human Services’ organization’s day-to-day oper-ating activities, including program operations, facility man-agement, development, revenue growth and budgeting.

Qualifications:• BS/BA required. Master’s degree in Human Services, Business or related field preferred• Demonstrated leadership skills and work in a multidis-ciplinary integrated services environment• Solid working knowledge of nonprofit budgeting, busi-ness development and strategic planning• Minimum of five years of experience required in senior level management of a non-profit organization

If you are interested in this position, please submit resume and cover letter to Ethel Thomas-Giles at ethomas-giles@northpointinc.org by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2014.

2 0 1 4 B L A C K H I S T O RY E V E N T S C A L E N D A R

COMMUNITY

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insightnews.com Insight News • February 3 - February 9, 2014February 3 - February 9, 2014 • Page 11

Good health should be on minds of everyone, especially African Americans, at the beginning of this New Year. Whether we contemplate our access to adequate health care coverage or make a conscience effort to lose weight and get into better physical shape, there are stark factors that we should all consider. Of the ten leading causes of death for African Americans, as reported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), we, as individuals, can infl uence, and often prevent, a number of these problems; primarily heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and chronic respiratory disease. How? Basic, good health relies on the often-used terms; proper diet, good nutrition and regular exercise. And as a physician, I would also add frequent check ups. Clearly diet and exercise are always part of everyone’s effort to get healthy. But, it’s critical to know what’s important about diets and which exercises are best for your particular age and stage

in life. In addition, as important as your commitment to be more active and eating right may be, it is just as important that you have a good health care provider for regular checkups and screenings. Diet: There are a lot of diets out there. There are low carbohydrate diets, protein diets, rice diets, water diets, etc. Many turn out to be nothing more than “fads.” You can fi nd almost any type of diet you want. However, the biggest elements contributing to successful diets include portion control, carbohydrate reduction, and increases in the amount of fruit and vegetables that you consume. Counting calories helps if you know what serving size means. When you see something is “150 calories” in a can or on a box, this means for “one serving.” Count the calories right. Also, recent studies suggest that over-the-counter weight reduction products are of limited value. Exercise: Regular exercise is great for weight control, but not always for weight reduction. If you have one piece of pie that’s 500 calories, it will take you approximately two hours on an elliptical machine or treadmill to work off just those calories alone. Exercise should be geared to your age and stage.

Over-exercising initially can lead to heart attack and stroke if you are really out of shape. You should have a conference with a professional trainer to ascertain what your goals are for your exercise program. You should be given proper, professional instruction on how to perform those exercises that will appropriately give you the best chance of doing things right and effectively, with the desired outcomes. Checkups and Screenings: Most of us hate to go to the doctor. Even doctors hate going to the doctor. But going to your healthcare provider on a regular basis is critical to any new approach to health and fi tness. It may not be necessary to go once a year when you’re young, but it may be a good idea because it focuses you on making regular visits. Don’t go around your birthday if it makes you too anxious, but keep in mind a set date for regular visits. In many studies that show that African Americans have problems with health issues that other ethnic groups don’t have, it appears that too often we look at symptoms; seek care too late; and have no regular periodic schedule. Men over 40 probably need a PSA on a regular basis, along with an EKG. If you

smoke, perhaps you need an evaluation of your lungs. Women over 40 need regular breast exams and lung exams, if they smoke. Regardless of what the literature says, PAP smears and assessments of bone density are critical. There are other tests and screenings as well but the key point is that everyone should make that all-important “visit to the doctor.” For 2014 to be a great year, we all should become more serious about our health.

Michael A. LeNoir, M.D. is the current President of the National Medical Association, assuming the post in June 2013. Dr. LeNoir is one of the top clinical allergists and pediatricians practicing in the San Francisco Bay area. Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association (NMA) is the nation’s oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 35,000 African American physicians and their patients. The NMA repeatedly advocates for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people.

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By Michael A. LeNoir, M.D. – President, National Medical Association

A NATIONAL MEDICAL RESOLUTION: GOOD HEALTH FOR ALL AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE NEW YEAR

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