Insight News ::: 12.15.14

More than the blending of two cultures and two worlds, Revel Spirits is the blending of an entrepreneurial dream. The crossing of paths for Micah McFarlane, an African-American music producer and promoter and that of Mexican native Hector Ruiz, an executive chef and restaurateur can only be attributed to destiny. McFarlane was looking for a new venture, a spiritual, life altering adventure. With his childhood friend Blas Gonzales

by his side, McFarlane traveled to Mexico where Revel Spirit was created. Revel is not your abuelo’s (Spanish for uncle) spirits … no lime or salt needed. It is a high-end sipping experience. While having the same foundation as tequila, Revel is made from the Weber blue agave plant in the Morelos region of Mexico, by Ruiz’ family who perfected their distillation processes until their handcrafting created a spirit that became known as Avila. Ruiz was following his grandfather’s request when he entered the world of culinary delights and opened the doors

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – The Black unemployment rate rose to 11.1 percent in November, according to the latest jobs report from Labor Department, because of increasing optimism in the economy. The Black unemployment rate rose from 10.9 percent in October to 11.1 percent and the jobless rate for Whites increased slightly from 4.8 percent to 4.9 percent in November. The unemployment rate for Black men also increased from 10.7 percent in October to 11.2

Insight 2 HealthHealth challengegetting results

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MoneyTips for saving for retirement in your 20s

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Bryan StevensonEnding the silence about the mass incarceration crisis

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SportsTorii Hunter returns to his baseball home

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Revel SpiritBlending two cultures,

two worlds into one destiny

39th Dr. Michael T. Fagin Pan African Student Leadership Conference will be held at MSU Edina

State’s economist projects $1.037 billion surplus for 2016-20 17 biennium Black workersrejoining the labor market

The year 2015 will mark the 39th celebration of the Dr. Michael T. Fagin Pan African Student Leadership Conference. This year also marks a signifi cant change for the conference in that it will be temporarily relocated from the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus to Minnesota State Mankato’s Edina location

(7700 France Ave.) to share the event with a wider audience and gauge the level of interest in the conference in the Twin Cities. Minnesota State Mankato President Richard Davenport, who named the conference to honor Fagin in 2010, has maintained his strong support of the conference. Davenport

said he would like to see the conference rise to the level of an international event while continuing to address the concerns of African and African-American people throughout the world, with particular interest in the United States. The conference has a long history of addressing the

major concerns of African and African-American people. This year the conference will highlight the signifi cant accomplishments that have been made in regards to civil rights and the continued problems that people of African descent face in contemporary

Minnesota fi nance offi cials released the state’s most recent economic forecast this week, which shows the state with a projected $1.037 billion budget surplus for the next two year budget cycle. State Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-59) sees the good news as another sign of the state’s continued economic improvement and evidence that a balanced budget leads to great things for Minnesotans. “Despite Republican opposition, we increased revenue and invested in education and job creation,” said Champion. “These investments are now paying off. Today, the state projections include a solid budget surplus and our unemployment rate that has shrunk to 3.9 percent. This forecast is proof that investing in key priorities and fairly raising revenue when needed works.” According to Champion, if the projected surplus holds

up through the next economic forecast in February, the 2015 legislature will continue to work towards putting forth a balanced budget that keeps the state’s fi scal house in order, creates jobs that support Minneapolis families and address the many transportation needs of the community. Although it is diffi cult to predict specifi c priorities for a potential surplus, the state economist and other non-partisan fi nancial experts agree that Minnesota must hold onto an adequate budget reserve, or “rainy day fund,” to withstand future economic volatility. Under state law, a third of any surplus is automatically diverted to the reserve. The major factors that contributed to Minnesota’s 2016 - 2017 budget surplus and improved budget outlook are a $373 million surplus from

Valerie Wilson

MARKET TURN TO 9

REVEL TURN TO 7

SURPLUS TURN TO 7

FAGIN TURN TO 3Dr. Michael T. Fagin

By Freddie AllenNNPA Senior Washington Correspondent

Hector Ruiz, Carmen Robles, Micah McFarlane and Rick Aguilar at Café Ena.

By Carmen Robles, Associate Editor, Afrodescendientes

Afrodescendientes

Motown: Th e MusicalMORE ON PAGE 10

Insight NewsVol. 41 No. 52 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.comDecember 15 - December 21, 2014

Page 2 • December 15 - December 21, 2014December 15 - December 21, 2014 • Insight News insightnews.com

The Insight 2 Health Challenge (I2HC) is driving clear results, heading into its full second year of challenging the community. Three hundred and eighty pounds have been lost by 85 participants through the four challenges that began in September of 2013. Attrition during the 10-week challenges, due to life’s everyday hurdles or the inability to keep in course, shed roughly 30 percent of challengers during the course of the programs. “Life challenges throw some folks off that path. But we’ve shown that if you put in the basic work, you’ll see the results,” said coordinator Tyrone Minor. Minor, a former star track athlete at the University of Minnesota, applies his personal approach to challenges to help drive the attitude of the program. “I want to be the best. I go hard regardless. If I’m doing it, I’m trying to win.” A similar attitude has emanated from the successful challengers, and the ripples of that attitude adjustment have energized their overall life visions beyond exercise and health. Program founder Al McFarlane has gone as far as to build for himself, an overall program for health and life goals that extend through his 100th birthday. “I feel as good as I’ve ever felt. And we have to pass on that feeling of vitality to the entire community. It’s important,” said McFarlane.

Heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes are the lead causes of death for African-Americans. The continuous sprinkling of dialysis offi ces in communities of color tell a story of diminishing quality of life becoming a way of life. “Our goal is to help people open up energy for a better life,” said Minor. I2HC testimonials confi rm this impact. “We’re trying to build the community one challenge at a time. And it feels even better when you’re talking about good people involved all around. Everyone helps each other, and that’s what community is all about,” added Minor. Exemplifying the deeper community meaning, Minor spoke of a situation involving a cancer diagnosis for one challenger, and the support which followed, including groceries, fl owers and supportive visits. On the other side of community, Minor spoke of another challenger who has been inspired to pursue a long held dream of entrepreneurship. “We want to help people promote the good that comes from their transformation,” said Minor. The 10-week I2HC offers a simple but holistic approach. A straightforward set of body and activity measurements – for example a timed one-mile run – provide an easily understood course to success. In some ways it refl ects physical education class from school days, but with adult measurements, concerns, activities and culture. Program registrants

challenge and encourage each other in the various statistics tracked, including simple meetings with the team of health professionals. Life coaching professionals assist in helping challengers understand how to approach the correction of mindsets and excuses that bind many people into a steady cycle of unhealthy habits. Small adjustments are often provided

as solutions, yet success with goals in life and health often come down to small decisions and adjustments. The next I2HC begins Jan.17. Flexible weekly scheduling options are available through the program design. Registration information is available at www.Insight2HealthChallenge.com.

HEALTH CHALLENGE GETTING RESULTS

By Ryan T. Scott

380lbs have been lost through four Insight 2 Health Challenges

insightnews.com Insight News • December 15 - December 21, 2014December 15 - December 21, 2014 • Page 3

Healthy holiday eating habits

Excess weight and unhealthy eating contribute to a multitude of health conditions including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers – to name just a few. Making smart nutrition choices and maintaining healthy eating habits can be especially challenging during the holiday season. Studies show that the average American gains one to two pounds during the holiday season. While we may not all gain weight, we tend to eat and drink more and exercise less. Thanks to the overabundance of high-calorie foods, navigating holiday parties, family gatherings and offi ce goodies is a big challenge. However, getting through the holidays without adding to your waistline doesn’t have to be all about avoidance and sacrifi ce. Whether you celebrate

Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa there are some simple things you can do to enjoy the

holidays and still maintain your health and wellness goals. Choose wisely: Survey the buffet, choose a small plate to keep portions modest and only make one trip. This allows you to control your calorie intake while enjoying the meal. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Don’t feel like you have to sample everything. Don’t go hungry: Skipping meals to save up for a holiday party is a recipe for disaster that leads to overeating. Just like you shouldn’t go to the grocery store when you haven’t eaten, going to a holiday party on an empty stomach leads to poor food choices. Slow down: Set your fork down and pause between bites. It takes 15-20 minutes for your stomach to signal a feeling of fullness. This will help you eat until you’re satisfi ed, not stuffed. Keep moving: Schedule your exercise along with your other commitments and look for ways to be active during the day like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking at the

end of the lot. Consider alternatives: Modify favorite traditional recipes by using evaporated skim milk or fat free half and half, low fat yogurt, sour cream or cream cheese, and two egg whites for one egg. Bring healthy foods to holiday parties like a fresh veggie tray with low fat dip, fresh cut fruit or shrimp cocktail. The holiday season isn’t the only time in the year when we need to focus on wellness and nutrition. I encourage you to reach out to a dietitian if you have ongoing questions or concerns. At North Memorial Health Care,

Nutrition Counseling is provided by our experienced registered dietitians. Eating habits are assessed during a one-to-one appointment. A personalized food plan is developed and explained. Many insurance companies provide coverage for nutrition counseling and appointments are available at the North Memorial Outpatient Center in Robbinsdale and at the following North Memorial Clinics: Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Camden, Golden Valley, Northeast, Plymouth City Center, Ridgedale and St. Anthony. Call (763) 581-5850 to schedule an appointment.

Karen Palmer, Registered Dietitian, North Memorial Health Care

Karen Palmer

society. When Bobby Seale of the Black Panther Party spoke at a previous Pan African Student Leadership Conference, he said in regards to civil rights: “Everything has changed and nothing has changed.” Seale’s statement is quite true today when we look at the continued attacks on Blacks being gunned down in the streets of America. Cities such as Jacksonville, Sanford, Pensacola, Fla., New Iberia,

La., and New York City, and most recently Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., have all had young African-American men shot and killed. In reviewing incidents of African-American youth being shot and killed in the last decade, it lets us know how unsafe the streets of America are for people of African heritage. Consider the following: in January 2004, Timothy Stansbury Jr. in New York City was shot and killed by offi cer Richard Neri when he was startled by Timothy Stansbury, age 19, opening the door on the rooftop; a jury found the

shooting to be accidental. In October 2009, Victor Steen of Pensacola, Fla., was struck and killed by a Pensacola police car after offi cer Jerald Ard had attempted to taze Victor Steen, age 17, while still driving. Another outstanding incident was the notable case of Trayvon Martin, which needs little additional discussion other than send a message to the Black community to be fearful of wearing a hooded sweatshirt. In November 2012, Jordan Davis, 17, of Jacksonville, Fla., was shot and killed by Michael Dunn, allegedly being

provoked by teenagers having loud music. In March 2014, Victor White III, a 22-year-old young man of African descent in New Iberia, La., was shot and killed while in handcuffs in an incident still currently under investigation. Most recently, in August 2014, in Ferguson, Mo., the Michael Brown incident of being shot and killed shows us everything has changed, but nothing has changed in regards to the safety for people of African descent walking the streets of America.

FaginFrom 1

MAINTAIN, NOT GAIN THIS HOLIDAY.

Enjoy more of the merry and less of the guilt this holiday season. Just by filling your holiday with more good cheer and better food choices, you’ll ring in the New Year on a healthy note. Excess weight and unhealthy eating contribute to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and certain cancers. So, be nice to yourself by maintaining your healthy eating habits and making smart nutrition choices throughout the holiday season.

North Memorial’s Nutrition Counseling can help you with a wide range of health issues, from weight and cholesterol management to high blood pressure and diabetes. To learn more, visit NorthMemorial.com/nutrition or call 763.581.5850.

HEALTH

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WE CALL IT caregiving.


Bryan Stevenson: Ending the silence about the mass incarceration crisis

Schools must destroy myth of a single-sided story

We Colored the Vote. Now #ColorMnPolicy - Rallying Cry of ALANA Partners

Bryan Stevenson is lifting his voice to end the silence about America’s mass incarceration crisis. This visionary leader is committed to reforming the criminal justice system and building a more just society. Stevenson is the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). EJI is a nonprofi t organization that provides legal representation to indigent defendants and prisoners who have been denied fair and just treatment in the legal system. Hundreds gathered at the Westminster Town Hall Forum to learn about Stevenson’s vision for justice and how they can become instrumental in advancing social change. Stevenson opened his remarks by raising a compelling question … what should we be doing to create greater justice? This is a call to action for everyone to critically examine the realities

of mass incarceration and the related impact on the nation’s future. The U.S. prison population has grown from 300,000 about 40 years ago to 2.3 million today. The United States has only fi ve percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of the world’s prison population. There are 65 million Americans who have a criminal record. Stevenson also discussed the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, which include felon disenfranchisement. In Stevenson’s home state of Alabama, once convicted of a felony, a person is banned from ever voting again. Stevenson warns these are “bleak and dismal statistics, yet there is an appalling silence about what over-incarceration and excessing punishment is doing to our community.” According to Stevenson, correcting a broken system begins by addressing proximity. Stevenson said we can no longer afford to create a great distance

between ourselves and the poor, vulnerable, and incarcerated. Stevenson further challenged the audience to move from the status quo by doing uncomfortable things. This was issued as a challenge to get out of comfort zones and address the reality of injustice experienced by far too many in Black and Brown community. The lecturer said by lifting our voices, we can create and manifest change in laws, policies, and practices. In 2010 Stevenson and the EJI team argued before the U.S. Supreme Court to end the sentencing of children to mandatory life sentences without parole. In this historic case, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed life without parole sentences for juveniles as unconstitutional. “Bryan Stevenson is America’s young Nelson Mandela … a brilliant lawyer fi ghting with courage and conviction to guarantee justice for all,” said Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Kasim AbdurRazzaq a licensed psychotherapist and school social worker, may have unearthed a key social justice issue contributing to educational disparities and social injustices. On Oct. 15 AbdurRazzaq took to the stage to share his thoughts to reimagine education at the inaugural TEDx at the University of St. Thomas School of Education. In his talk AbdurRazzaq used a personal anecdote reciting the painful words of his second grade teacher, “one kid, one vote” to illustrate why a system where “majority rules” is not suffi cient for all learners and creates an oppressed group he refers to as “cultural others.” AbdurRazzaq described the creation of cultural others as an insidious informal process that happens to diverse populations informing them that they are not valued.

In his work as a school social worker AbdurRazzaq has witnessed disenfranchised students fail to be inspired and disengage from academic learning. In his talk the social worker re-imagined a just educational system that destroys the myth of a single-sided story in order to embrace the truth of a story with multiple perspectives where every student gets what they need to be successful. As a school social worker, AbdurRazzaq supports students in special education using a strength based and student as expert model. This year he has helped to support the equity and inclusion policy of St. Paul Public Schools by co-teaching a creative writing class focused on building self-knowledge. In addition to his role as a special education social worker, AbdurRazzaq serves

as a therapist offering family, individual, couples and pre-marital counseling services through the Arubah Emotional Health Services and African American Wellness Institute. As a therapist AbdurRazzaq believes that teaching culture or self-knowledge is vital to impacting attitudes and beliefs that drive behavior and outcomes. AbdurRazzaq hopes his TEDx talk will invoke critical thinking that inspires a shift away from the current educational paradigm that has produced more than 60 years of achievement gaps and undesirable results for some, toward a model that empowers and creates success for all students. To watch Kasim’s talk on the TEDx channel, visit www.tedxtalks.ted.com/search/?search=kasim+abdur+razzaq.

Partners shared data on historic ALANA voter exit poll in MN. 368 ALANA voters from 64 cities which included 85 MN House and 45 Senate districts. 21 percent voted early. Highly

engaged group of voters. We colored the vote. Now #ColorMNPolicy, programs and institutions was the rallying cry. For data see: http://lnkd.in/bcK_uUu.

By Dr. Artika Tyner

Bryan Stevenson

Kasim AbdurRazzaq


I was talking with a friend the other day and she mentioned how her life is nothing like she thought it would be. She spoke about how she wanted to do so many things before she got this age, but most of her dreams to this point have not come true. She also talked about some of the people she knew who started where she did but are doing so much better than she is. This she said makes her so discouraged and sad when she thinks about it. There are so many people who feel the same way as my friend does. They look at the lives of others and compare their lives and situations to them. Then they wonder, “why them and not me?” But the truth is this: What is meant for you is meant for you! And what is meant for another person may not be meant for you. Everyone has their own

journey and their lessons to be learned along the way. Never look at someone else’s life and envy it. Take a look at your own journey and be proud that you are still here to complete your goals. I think about some of the lessons I learned as a young adult. I too, used to wonder why I had to endure so much at such a young age. But as I look back, now I realize that without those lessons, I wouldn’t have anything to write about. I wouldn’t have anything to share with other young women who may need my experience and expertise in a certain matter to help them along their journey of discovery. When you really think about it, many of us experience different things at different times. Some people get it together before others and some people may need a little extra time to fi gure this whole thing out. But the key is to never give up and believe that you are unique exactly how you are. You don’t need to envy anyone or wish you could have what someone else has. What’s meant for you will be shown to you. Believe and continue on your journey! And as always, stay focused, stay determined, and

keep striving for greatness.

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach. She can be reached via her website at www.thequeensproject.com or email at [email protected].

The struggle against injustice is not over. On September 2, 2013, Rep. John Lewis spoke to fast food strikers: “Sometime you have to fi nd a way to get in the way. Sometimes you have to use your marching feet and sometimes you have to make a little noise. Sometime you have to fi nd a way to make a way out of no way. Sometime you have to fi nd a way to get in the way. I know some of your coworkers may be a little afraid. But you must tell them, don’t be afraid. Be of good courage.” Civil rights leader and activist R ep. John Lewis’s words are powerful and true. As a black man in this country, I not only have to get in the way, but I must also realize that I am in the

way. I have personally been the victim of racial profi ling, police harassment, and racial stereotyping that has at times, taken me to rage. During my work with Restoration 2000, a men’s group in Albany Georgia that was committed to racial equality, I received hate mail and racial threats. All of this has only worked to strengthen my resolve. I am in the way because my son’s and grandson’s need me to be. I am in the way because my

community and country need me to be. First, because I am in the way, I am not afraid to use my voice to speak against injustices. Whether it is in the streets in protest, the words of an article in the newspaper, or the words of a sermon in church, I will continue to speak out against injustice and to make a demand for justice. No longer do we simply cry for justice, but in this day and time, we must demand it! We

demand justice for the weeping mothers and widows. We demand it for Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Gardner, and the countless unnamed others. We must demand justice because Dr. King said it best, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Secondly, because I am in the way, I will use my voice at the polls to make a way out of no way. Our country’s judicial system is broken. When eye-witness testimony and clear cut video evidence is not enough for a grand jury to indict any white police offi cer accused of killing a black man of any age, we must use our power to abolish that racially biased antiquated system. Political power is power, and it must be used in all cases of injustices. No longer can blacks afford to be loud in protest, but silent at the polls. We need them both to enact lasting change. Finally, because I am in the way, I must use my voice at home to teach my children to be of good courage. I will use it to teach my son and grandsons’ to be men of integrity, standard,

character and distinction. I bless them with my words and my presence, hands and heart, back and brain. I give my children and grandchildren the best of me so they can be better. It is good to be in the way. Because of it, I have a platform to tell our young men that they must never be a menace to society because they too are in the way. They must never be afraid or feared, voiceless or violent, because this country continues to need black men they can look up to. I declare myself to be such a man, and I will not give up, give out, or give in. I am not afraid to speak, march, stand, write or vote against injustices because like Rep. John Lewis, I have found a way to get in the way.

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

LIFESTYLE

ManTalk

By Timothy Houston

MotivationalMoments

By Penny Jones-Richardson

Sometime you have to fi nd a way to get in the way

Everyone has their own journey

Chef Huda wins Food Network’s Cutthroat KitchenWASHINGTON, D.C. - Chef Huda Mu’min, multi-talented owner of Washington, D.C. area culinary company Pretty & Delicious, has made Food Network history by winning $23,900 – the largest personal prize earnings to date – on Food Network’s cooking show “Cutthroat Kitchen” hosted by Alton Brown. The milestone episode “S’Mortal Combat” Nov. 30 and will re-air Wednesday, Dec. 17 (8 p.m.), Thursday, Dec. 18 (11 p.m.) and Friday, Dec. 26, (4 p.m.). “I had so much fun. It was amazing competing against such an incredible group of uber-talented chefs,” said Mu’min. “But make no mistake, I worked hard to prove that I’m not just the pretty and delicious chef, I am cutthroat competitive when it comes to being the best.” Mu’min, who specializes

in healthy comfort-food, outsmarted her competition in the “chilly chili” sabotage, challenging two chefs to harvest ingredients from a block of ice. The chefs then faced an unexpected, dangerous dim sum challenge. In the fi nal challenge, s’mores were made after her competitor shot marshmallows at a giant graham cracker and chocolate target. In the end, celebrity-tasting judge, Jet Tila, declared Mu’min’s dish as the best one and she won the competition with the largest personal winnings in the history of the show. Currently in its sixth season, “Cutthroat Kitchen” challenges four chefs to cook gourmet dishes to be judged by a guest celebrity, but introduces auctions in which they can purchase opportunities to sabotage each other or benefi t themselves. Each chef is given $25,000 at the start of the show.

The winner keeps whatever money he or she has not spent in attempts to sabotage the other competing chefs. Mu’min, a multi-talented executive chef and owner of Pretty & Delicious culinary company in Washington, D.C., was featured on the fi rst season of ABC’s “The Taste” with Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson. She was recently a James Beard Foundation “Taste America” celebrity guest auctioneer. Raised in a completely organic household, Mu’min specializes in healthy comfort food and is an ambassador for the American Heart Association and supports the American Diabetes Association. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and Le Cordon Bleu and was honored with the 2013 Tastemaker Excellence Award. Huda Mu’min

No longer can blacks afford to be loud in protest, but silent at

the polls. We need them both to enact lasting change.

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

Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

CFOAdrianne Hamilton-Butler

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COMMENTARYPolice are here to protect America from us

Getting justice for Mike Brown, Ferguson and victims of police killings nationwide

LETTER TO THE EDITORWe can stop hitting our children

Much has been written and spoken about the “achievement gap.” Nobody asked me, but I am at least as concerned about the “education gap.” That’s the gap between what is taught to all Americans and the full, unvarnished truth about this country’s roots and history. America has mis educated itself into believing two myths – the myth of American exceptionalism and the myth of Black inferiority. It is as if America’s record with the land’s fi rst inhabitants, the Native-Americans, Asian-Americans

and slaves somehow does not disqualify it as the world’s bastion of fairness and freedom. Does it seem ironic to you that we celebrate during Thanksgiving the hospitality the Pilgrims received from Native-American while turning a blind eye in our history books to the centuries of lies, mistreatment and murder with which the generous hosts were repaid? Today, Americans of all stripes act as if the history of Blacks began with the slave trade. They act as if Blacks were doing little but running from lions and mamba snakes before kindly sea captains turned them over to kindlier slave holders for education and care. Yet, while Greece is given credit for being the cradle of philosophy, it is universally forgotten that Plato and Aristotle studied at the fi rst university on earth, at Timbuktu, in Mali. That’s in Africa, south of the Sahara.

There’s also no mention of Hannibal of Carthage, also in Africa, who, in the greatest military feat perhaps of all time, in 218 B.C., led his army, including elephants, across the Alps to the gates of Rome. Though the question has been raised whenever a new

Pope is being selected, is Catholicism ready for a Black pope, somewhere in the records of the Catholic Church are the names of the three Black popes who led the church before the slave trade began. In American History texts you will not fi nd mention of

James Griffi n. He was a slave in the Virginia colony during the run up to the Revolutionary War. He was offered up to the war effort by his master as a skilled architect. He was charged with the responsibility of designing the battlements that would protect the colony from attack from the sea. He supervised the construction of the battlements and commanded the troops that defended the battlements for the duration of the war. At the war’s conclusion, he was returned to his master. He did not develop those skills at the University of Virginia. They likely crossed the Atlantic with him. Clearly, it has been known, since this was a collection of British colonies that slaves were more than strong backs with weak minds. But dispelling the myth of Black inferiority, would bring us face to face with that fi rst myth.

Whole truth be told, America is a well-dressed, centuries old, serial abuser. This was true on the 18th of April in 1775 and on the 9th of August in 2014. It has been true on all the days between and since. Georges Santayana warned that a people who forget their past, are doomed to relive it. W.E.B DuBois warned that “Indeed the greatest and most immediate danger in white society is its fear of truth … its childish belief in the effi cacy of lies as a method of human uplift.” The good news is it’s becoming harder for America to mask the fact that the police are not here to protect us, they are here to protect America from us. The entire “justice” system is complicit. Police don’t care if you can’t breathe and offi cials in many places, including the Supreme Court, don’t care if you can’t vote.

One of the more popular chants that sounds more like a mantra is “never again” each time an unarmed Black man is killed by the police. The chant has begun to sound more like a hollow threat because an unending barrage of bullets are being fi red on us by those who are supposed to protect and to serve. We march, we pray, we protest and sometimes in our righteous anger we loot and burn. But the killing goes on as if it is business as usual and as if our protests are falling on deaf ears. If these events

were happening in any country that is in opposition to key areas of American foreign policy they would be characterized as “state sponsored terrorism.” It would be a fi tting characterization because police departments and their personnel are agents of the state and these acts of killing unarmed citizens of a numerical and racial minority group could easily be seen as acts of terror perpetuated by the state against them. We are at a critical time in our history and it is past time for us to fi gure out a way to end this senseless race-based killing. St. Louis may be the turning point. For whatever reason it seems that people of good will;

Black, white and others have had enough and they are no longer willing to protest a few days and then go back to business as usual. The ongoing protest in Ferguson, Mo., New York, California, Seattle and towns and cities nation and even worldwide have gotten the nation’s attention and even the attention of foreign governments and leaders. So did Occupy Wall Street and when the occupy movement had run its course I don’t know that anything had or has changed. I have a suggestion that if implemented may bring results. It seems as if the only thing this system respects is money and the effect on their money that

organized action can bring to their bottom line. When Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Ala. in 1957 it sparked a bus boycott that crippled the transportation in that southern city and brought about the desegregation of the system. It is time we put a new twist on an old strategy. Several nights a week the major television networks broadcast numerous police shows, from “Cops,” “Law and Order,” “Blue Bloods,” “First 48,” “Cold Case,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Criminal Minds,” “Chicago PD,” “NCIS” to “CSI Miami,” “CSI Las Vegas” and CSI everywhere else it seems. ABC and NBC have their own unique versions of who-

done-it police shows including “Dateline” and “20/20.” We are constantly bombarded with the creative investigative tools and scientifi c evidence and techniques that the big city police forces use to solve crimes of all sorts with special emphasis being placed on murder. I have watched “Dateline” on numerous occasions and the episodes seem to always deal with murder. Seldom if ever are there any witnesses to the crimes. “Dateline” is based on real life events. I have yet to see the focus of solving the crimes based on begging the communities where the crimes were committed for

information or for witnesses to come forward. Nevertheless the crimes are always solved. They are solved based on good police investigative work and competent prosecution once a suspect is identifi ed. In my opinion it is a slap in the face and pouring salt in the wounds of our community when we are made to think that the reason murders are not being solved is because we don’t come forth with information and that we are following a “no snitch” code community wide. At the same time they show us on network

Dear Editor:

Your Nov. 30 issue carried two columns devoted to spanking and Adrian Peterson. Both convey the impression that spanking or corporal punishment conveys special benefi ts. It does no such thing. The column by Ryan T. Scott, assumes “Peterson administered a form of disciplinary punishment familiar to most cultures in human history.” He does not tell you that 35 nations have already adopted “no spanking” policies. The letter to the editor by a Gary Burgess, Sr. “criminalizing Black fathers” ends by saying, “I will defend my home, and the best way to defend my home and to secure the future for my family is to discipline my sons.” He too, fails to tell you that his state; South Carolina, is one of 19 U.S. states that permit paddling in public schools. That’s not allowed in Minnesota. Both writers assume corporal punishment benefi cial and harmless. It is not, for three reasons. First, corporal punishment or spanking is no

more effective than “time-out,” but has many negative consequences. Second, it sends confl icting messages about love and violence, and fi nally there is a world-wide movement to establish rights for children. In an examination of many studies on corporal punishment, Elizabeth T. Gershoff, of the University of Texas at Austin found that “corporal punishment was associated with … higher levels of immediate compliance and (but) aggression and lower levels of moral internalization and mental health.” Spanking, like smoking, does not guarantee bad outcomes, but it improves your chances. You may have been spanked and are doing fi ne, but over the large populations studied, spanking is associated with direct physical harm, increased aggression, poor moral internalization, antisocial behavior, and a Canadian study found that, “Spanking erodes developmental growth in children and decreases a child’s IQ.” Spanking also sends the message that a loving relationship includes violence. Thus, spanking in childhood is associated with adult spouse abuse. The other message is moral – might makes right.

You may not have heard of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, but it is the next expansion of human rights. It is something conservatives and those “red” states don’t want you to know, yet 35 countries around the world have adopted the Convention’s position In defense of Adrian Peterson, why does a “red” state, that approves corporal punishment, suddenly choose to pillar a prominent Black athlete whose mother was never charged with birching him, especially in Texas where the “Board of Education” is often a pun for “paddle?” He (Peterson) may honestly feel his success is owed to his mother and he got the mixed message of love and violence. He may not have the moral courage of a Chris Carter, who pronounced his mother “wrong” for hitting him, but that courage to renounce one’s upbringing is rare. The violence of our communities, Black and white, may begin with the treatment of our children. To reduce violence and increase human rights we can stop hitting our children.

Sincerely,Alexander Reid McFarlane

Nobody Asked Me

By Fred Easter

Alexander Reid McFarlane

Guest commentary by Walter Ray

Whole truth be told, America is a well-dressed, centuries old,

serial abuser.

RAY TURN TO 9

Bertram Kreuter

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The only thing missing from Torii Hunter’s return to Minnesota press conference was Reuben Studdard crooning “Love, love, love” as Hunter entered the room. Though Hunter originally hails from Pine Bluff, Ark., in reference to the great state of Minnesota, Hunter said, “It’s always been love. This is home for me.” After seven seasons away, Hunter returns to the Twins franchise that drafted him in 1993, with a one-year $10.5 million contract for the upcoming season. When referencing the Minnesota Twins, there is no getting around the great name of Kirby Puckett. Though Hunter did not make his Twins major league debut until 1997 – two years after Puckett’s final year – the smile, athleticism and positive spirit emanating from Hunter, served as a great transplant to the heart of the Twins that Puckett represented. In 2006 Puckett died of a stroke at the far too young age of 45. One year later Hunter left for greener championship pastures with the Los Angeles Angels. Hunter’s personality and performance have been missed ever since. Since Hunter left, the Twins have slowly lost the winning consistency seen during the several years of his all-star level production, remaining near the basement of the American League Central Division since 2011. And so Hunter’s return is not all about fuzzy feelings of home, but most fundamentally about the need to have talented feet able to touch home base in the course of scoring runs. “We need a right handed hitter. It allows for a more balanced option of the field,” said Twins General Manager Terry Ryan at the press conference. Hunter’s production in recent years would have led the team in overall

production, including RBI. In addition the production, as one of the youngest teams in the league, Hunter’s veteran presence and leadership nature should be valuable to kindle better performance from the youth of the Twins team. “These guys have talent. You see the potential,” said Hunter. New Twins manager Paul Molitor (Twins player 1996-1998) recalled Hunter’s early years as a teammate. “He played fearlessly,” said Molitor. The Twins have managed to play fairly fearlessly over the years without Hunter, but it is his five All-Star appearances and nine Gold Glove awards that will most tangibly help. Many would argue that the talented players the Twins have allowed to leave, only to blossom with other teams, would have serviceably filled the performance void left by Hunter. The Twins have juggled young prospects and free agent acquisitions over the last few years trying to rediscover the consistent formula of the past. Now they are reaching back to the past, hoping Hunter can pierce the recent veil of irrelevance. Hunter’s travels have likely been good for his career, experiencing other clubhouses, systems and title runs, but, of course, there’s no place like home. The Twins and their fans can hope for the ever elusive storybook return, but realizing the value of what they had in Hunter, and the willingness to welcome him back as a winning solution, may be the beginning of an adjustment in team culture that bats in the runs needed to win more games. Winning solves a lot, and Hunter is certainly a winner.

Moments in Sports

By Ryan T. [email protected]

Torii Hunter returns to his baseball home

“He played fearlessly,” Twins Manager Paul Molitor

Keith Allison / Creative Commons

Torii Hunter

for Revel Spirits. Described as a chef who is fearless, his culinary artistry is magical and comes to life as he fuses the culture and tropical fl avors and ingredients of Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America with his French culinary genius. His passion for cuisine is a family thing. Ruiz considers his mother the true chef, stating he “simply modifi es their family recipes with the skills learned at Cordon Blue in Paris.” Ruiz is chef and owner of Café Ena a sophisticated, upscale restaurant showcasing the delicious Latin fusion cuisine and named after his young daughter Ena. Located at 4615 Grand Ave. in south Minneapolis, Café Ena brings a comfortable and casually elegant restaurant to the neighborhood. Ruiz’ other restaurant, Rincón 38 is a neighborhood spot. Located at the intersection of 38th Street and Grand Avenue in south Minneapolis, it specializes in small plate selection containing Spanish, Italian and French infl uences. He also created LaFresca, an upscale bistro at 48th Street and Grand Avenue, which also features an intimate Latin fusion fi ne dining experience. Ruiz credits his wife and three children for his successes. When he was studying in Paris he was offered a position as executive chef at a restaurant, however, the restaurant would not help with the Visas for

his family prompting him to leave France and head home to Minnesota where the rest, as they say, is history. Far smoother than even the best of tequilas, the triple distilled agave spirit called Revel Avila goes down easy making the consumer instantly aware that the craft spirit is special. Revel Spirit’s mission is to deliver the fi nest organic spirits available utilizing fair-trade and sustainable farming

practices. Revel offers three products, Revel Avila Blanco, Revel Avila Reposado and Revel Avila Anejo. “I love going to Mexico. I love them and they love me,” said McFarlane, explaining the relationship he has with the Ruiz family. “We are famila (Spanish for family)” echoed Ruiz. For more information on Revel Spirits contact Micah McFarlane at [email protected].

the 2014-15 fi scal year (which ends in June), after a third is

diverted to the state’s budget reserve, individual income tax collections are up and health care spending is down. The health care spending reductions are largely attributed to Medical Assistance spending reductions

and reduced enrollment. Tax collections are slightly increased because of Minnesota’s low unemployment rate of 3.9 percent (which is at its lowest level in more than eight years).

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Year end refl ections: Part two

Last week we shared a little of the history of this column. We hope we conveyed why we are committed to these weekly writings, and most importantly our belief in you, our readers. While we have met very few of you in person, we hold you

up before us in our minds as we write. When we have the opportunity to meet you in person we are always delighted. Now and then people come up to us in the grocery store or on the street to let us know they read our column. Others let us know when we meet in business settings. Now and then we get an email or phone call. Here’s who we think of as we write. We think of people who are committed to nonprofi t organizations, those who volunteer, those who provide executive leadership, and those who are charged with fundraising. We think of

receptionists and vice presidents, long-term donors and committed alumni. From our experience we know that some of you are well connected professionals, others are grassroots activists. Some are devoutly religious, others are more secularly focused. We conjure up the diversity of your life experience, and the diversity of the organizations and causes you believe in. Mostly, we salute your humanity, your leadership, and your willingness to get involved. We want you to succeed. That’s what drives us to write each week. You. As we prepare to celebrate 10 years of writing

this column we look back at its evolution and the diversity of topics we have addressed. We share them with you here to encourage you to look for past columns on our blog www.FUNdraisingGoodTimes. As you prepare for 2015 there may be columns you missed with content that can help you. For example, early columns focused on “how to” topics. These included how to create a case for support, how to create a fundraising plan, how to write a proposal, how to solicit a gift, and how to host a friendraiser. We moved into guidance and suggestions related to ensuring

special events generate revenue, recruiting board members, and the difference between staff-led fundraising and volunteer-led fundraising. We expanded into interviews with philanthropic leaders, donors, bookkeepers, technologists and grant writers. Guidance grew to include topics such as “answer the phone” and “how to keep a fundraising job” and “how to sabotage your fundraising.” We highlighted organizations that were successful in their fundraising. The prerequisites for fundraising success have been featured throughout our columns, and in fact our book Prerequisites

for Fundraising Success is an outgrowth of this column. As you prepare for 2015, contemplate what you are willing to do in support of nonprofi ts you believe in. If you would like us to address a specifi c topic, let us know. We’ll get busy writing.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw

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

By Mel and Pearl Shaw

FUNdraisingGood Times

MONEY

Tips for saving for retirement in your 20s(StatePoint) In your 20s, you may think you have all the time in the world to save for retirement. It can be tempting to spend your entire paycheck, particularly if you’re entering the workforce and have debt or other spending priorities. This is the time to create the savings behaviors that could boost your retirement readiness in the future. Your age is your biggest advantage in your 20s. Saving early gives you the opportunity to make your money work for you with compounding interest. “Many young people need education and one-on-one support to help them get on track and stay on track with retirement savings goals,” says Chuck Cornelio, president of Retirement Plan Services for Lincoln Financial Group. Cornelio offers tips to help young people take action and save for retirement: • Start Now. One of the easiest ways to save for retirement is through an employer-sponsored retirement plan, like a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. Whether you’re starting a new job or interviewing for one, check out the retirement plan benefi ts offered by your

employer. And as soon as it’s available to you, enroll. If your company doesn’t offer an employer-sponsored retirement plan, consider saving in an individual retirement account (IRA). Most local banks have an IRA solution that could work for you. • Save at Least to the Match. Many employers will match your contributions up to a certain percentage. Save at least up to that match amount. When you don’t take full advantage of a company match, you’re leaving money on the table. • Create a Budget. For many, entering adulthood means managing one’s own fi nances for the fi rst time. Along with saving for an emergency fund, create a monthly budget that allows you to save a small percentage towards your retirement savings plan. A few dollars from every paycheck can make a big difference down the road. • Resist Taking Money From Yourself. Life happens and you may need cash to pay for unexpected expenses. During these times, you may be tempted to borrow against your retirement savings or take out the money altogether.

By doing so, you may miss out on potential market gains. You could also incur taxes and penalties for money withdrawn or for not paying back a loan. • Make More, Save More. The more you earn, the more you should save. When you receive an extra bump in cash from a bonus, pay raise or another pleasant surprise, consider putting that money towards your retirement savings. • Seek Help. You may need help with identifying the investment options and savings goals that are right for you. Schedule an initial meeting with a fi nancial professional and then commit to annual check-ups to talk about your savings progress. A Lincoln Financial Group participant satisfaction survey found that retirement confi dence increases with access to guidance from a fi nancial professional, such as a retirement consultant. For more savings tips, visit www.LincolnFinancial.com. Once you start saving, you’ll feel good about the progress you’re making towards boosting your retirement readiness.

Courtesy of StatePoint


COMMUNITY

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

BOOK REVIEW

“Justice While Black: Helping African-American Families Navigate and Survive the Criminal Justice System”

“The August 9th fatal shooting of teenager Michael Brown by police in Ferguson, Missouri has focused global attention on the precarious safety of young African-American men... Brown is only the most recent addition to the tragic list of shootings of young, African-American men that have ignited media attention in recent years. But the fact is that our young black men have always lived under threat from the armed guardians of the white social order. Black males and police forces have been at odds since the nation’s founding, when wealthy planters hired slave patrols to keep the white community safe from ‘dangerous’ escaped slaves. The tactics have been modernized, and the impact--as we’ve seen at Ferguson--remains devastating… The criminal justice system is not so much a necessary service to society as it is a business that seeks to profi t from the arrest and imprisonment of U.S. citizens. Justice While Black is a handbook for African-American families that is full of practical, brass-tacks advice… on how to avoid being ensnared in the criminal justice system.” Excerpted from a Note from

the Publisher, Doug Seibold Unless you’ve been living under a rock in recent months, you know that the incredibly antagonistic and too often deadly relationship between the police and black males is fi nally garnering the national attention it has so long deserved. Something’s gotta give, when it’s degenerated to the point where you have cops shooting to death a 12 year-old playing with a toy gun in a park and an unarmed 28 year-old merely escorting his girlfriend down the dark stairwell of his apartment building.

Yes, President Obama has weighed-in in the wake of the grand juries’ failures to indict the offi cers responsible for the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. He’s ostensibly attempting to quell racial unrest by hinting that Attorney General Holder might still fi le Federal civil rights charges against the cops. But meanwhile, the question remains: how should the parent of a black boy prepare him for a possible encounter with police, since they’re prone to misread the most innocent of behaviors as somehow menacing? After all,

it’s been said that if a cop sees a black man sitting, he’s shiftless; if he’s standing, he’s loitering; if he’s walking, he’s prowling; and if he’s running, he’s escaping. I’m not sure whether there’s been a more timely tome than “Justice While Black,” a how-to book written by a concerned sister who is both a lawyer and a mother. With 20+ years experience as a criminal defense attorney under her belt, Robbin Shipp (with the help of Pulitzer Prize-winner Nick Chiles) shares a wealth of advice for young brothers about not only dealing with police on

the street, but with navigating one’s way through the court and correctional systems, should you unfortunately be arrested and/or convicted. Not one to mince words, the author from Chapter One, “Offi cer Friendly Isn’t Your Friend,” makes it clear that any black man’s encounter with a police offi cer could easily lead to a close brush with death. Therefore, she relates step-by-step instructions about what to do in situations ranging from being stopped while driving (“If the offi cer asks for your license and registration, get his permission to

reach for them.”) to being placed under arrest (“Resist the urge to explain to them everything that happened.”), and so forth. A mandatory, must-read that just might save the life or liberty of someone you love. Helping African-American Families Navigate and Survive the Criminal Justice System by Robbin Shipp, Esq. and Nick Chiles Agate Bolden Paperback, $9.99 160 pagesISBN: 978-1-932841-90-9

percent. The share of Black men that either held jobs or looking for work in November, the labor force participation rate, fell from 67.7 percent in October to 67.1 percent last month. The jobless rate for White men increased from 4.2 percent to 4.6 percent, the labor force rate was fl at at 71.8, and the employment-population ratio declined from 68.7 percent to 68.6 percent. Even though the unemployment rate for Black

women increased from 9.4 percent in October to 9.6 percent in November, William Spriggs, an economics professor at Howard University and chief economist at AFL-CIO, a labor group that represents 12.5 million workers, said that that labor force participation rate for Black women over 20 years old continues to go up. The employment-population ratio, the share of the population of Black women that hold jobs, was 55.1 percent in January 2014 and compared to 56.1 percent in November. The labor force rate for Black women was 61.5 percent in January. The unemployment rate for Black

women was 10.4 percent. Valerie Rawlston Wilson, director of the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy at the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank focused fi scal policies that affect low- and middle-income families, said that as the economy continues to grow and the labor market continues to grow, we still have to make investments for those who face challenges with gaining employment. “That includes providing adequate training, addressing the issue of re-entry and the barriers that ex-offenders

face and the signifi cant unemployment gap between Black youth and White youth,” said Wilson. “That includes providing adequate training, addressing the issue of re-entry and the barriers that ex-offenders face and the signifi cant unemployment gap between Black youth and White youth.” Wilson said that access to enter the labor force and to get early work experience, whether that’s a part-time job in retail or fast food or something more career directed like apprentice programs, will be essential for Black teenagers. “We’re fi nally seeing

enough jobs, where people are getting optimistic to pull them back into the labor market,” said Spriggs. “That’s a good sign.” Spriggs explained, “The numbers are good because it means the labor market is on solid ground, it’s growing in a healthy way and the big worry is federal reserve policy. The [federal reserve bank] has to wait until real wages grow and savings get built back up the positive way.” At 11.1 percent, the Black unemployment rate continues to hover around twice the national average (5.8 percent), a trend that goes back nearly 50 years.

“It’s caused in large by part by discrimination,” said Spriggs. He said part of the diffi culty in the recovery for Black employment is that we had such a backlog of job needs. The surest cure of anti-discrimination is full employment, said Spriggs. “‘If I think I can kill you, without giving a thought to that, do you think I’m going to be fair in hiring you?’” asked Spriggs. “I don’t even have to be fair about letting you live. If I don’t have to be fair about letting you breathe, why do you think I’m going to be fair about whether you need a job whether you need money?”

MarketFrom 1

Denene Millner Nick Chiles

Erik VossRobbin Shipp

television every week and maybe everyday what the police agencies are capable of when it comes to solving crimes in the larger communities. As it relates to police murdering of unarmed Black men and beating of Black women, I suggest that we as a nation of justice seeking, moral, honorable and ethical men and women of all races ask that anytime a police offi cer is involved in the killing of a citizen of any community that that offi cer be put on administrative leave without pay until the investigation is complete. The way the system operates at this point it can be argued that they are being rewarded for killing us. They are

put on leave, with pay. They are never found to have commented an unnecessary killing; it’s always ruled justifi able homicide when it comes to the shooting of unarmed Black men. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck. This includes the police. If they lived under a stated policy of being suspended without pay until an investigation was completed it would do two things. It would make many police offi cers slower to react with deadly force when confronted with Black men that they may fear and or distain. Secondly, it will speed up the investigative processes. The system will take into account the fi nancial suffering or setbacks to the police offi cers involved in these shootings and will act in a quicker manner out of solidarity to the policemen involved. Even if they are only without a regular

paycheck for two weeks or a month it will cause damage to them fi nancially as well as damage to their family relationships and community relationships. It will say that killing citizens is no longer an accepted practice that will go unnoticed. I believe all the police shows on television are making mockery of our communities when the local police departments can’t solve a crime without our doing most of the leg work. So my unorthodox suggestion to put pressure on the system is for us by the millions to turn the channel whenever a police show come on. These shows depend on advertisers spending money to get their products before the consuming public. They say that Black people watch more hours of television than any other racial group(s). If we turn the channel at the proper time the

Nielsen ratings people who rate the numbers of viewers for these shows will notice a drop and the advertising dollars for these shows will take a hit. It will take time. It will take commitment. It will take concerted effort. It will take sacrifi cing. It will take the raising of consciences throughout our communities on a nationwide basis. It may take a year or more but once the system (networks, advertisers) realizes what we are doing, a conversation will start as to how to bring some satisfaction to these lost viewers. There can be a ripple effect down the chain to the political class that the money corporate class controls. The political class controls the police departments and has power to force change in this institution. In the end we would and do have the potential to determine the kinds of shows that we and our children are

exposed to. We can force a major change in police tactics by refusing to participate in the mockery of these crime shows on television. We don’t need to make any noise. We don’t have to hold a march or make a speech. We don’t have to do a thing but become more conscience of our position in society and our potential to exert power in this society by hitting at the purse strings of major advertisers on the most powerful tool that wields the most infl uence over the largest segments of society. This would need to be a grassroots effort … churches, mosques, community organizations, neighborhood organizations, school groups, fraternity and sorority organizations, motorcycle clubs, social clubs etc., joining in to spread the word and encourage it’s members to hold fast to the ban. This will need to be talked about

continuously, deeply understood by all, explained in language that is simple and easy to understand. It is a question of morality. How and why do we support these shows that mock us in reality? Our children die every day and they tell us they can’t fi nd the killer because we believe in some stupid no snitch code. Then the ones who tell us the lies are themselves murdering our sons and uncles and fathers in the street in front of witnesses and on live video. It’s like they are paid to get away with murder. This does not need to be the only option we exercise but I believe it will be an effective one if we put it into play. There has to be an economic impact to our dissatisfaction if we are to receive justice from this system that seems to hold Black life in so little regard.

RayFrom 6

By Kam Williams

RENTALSTapestry Management, LLC has various sized apartments/townhomes for rent in the following locations: St. Paul, Golden Valley, Mankato, Red Wing, N. St. Paul, Rochester, Plymouth, Jordan, Winona, Olivia, and Redwood Falls. Rental as-sistance is available to qualifi ed applicants in all locations. Please contact the appropriate location for availability and additional information.Birmingham Townhomes – St. Paul952-854-8800Calvary Center Apartments – Golden Valley 763-546-4988Colonial Square Apartments – Mankato507-345-1321Cooperidge Apartments – Red Wing651-388-1500Franklyn Park Apartments – N. St. Paul651-770-1504Innsbruck Townhomes – Rochester 507-289-1319Mission Oaks Townhomes – Plymouth763-559-5770Newbridge Apartments – Rochester507-282-8284Northgate Community Housing – Rochester507-289-1319Oakridge Apartments – Rochester507-281-1031Schule Haus – Jordan952-492-2084Wapasa Apartments – Winona507-429-9261Westcourt Apartments – Olivia 320-523-2101Westfalls Townhomes – Redwood Falls507-641-5933

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Soul comes to the Twin Cities with ‘Motown: The Musical’Critically acclaimed show runs Dec. 16 – 28 at the Orpheum

Th e music of Motown is known worldwide, but the story behind the music is just as fascinating. Put the backstory and the music together with a talented group of actors, singers and dancers and it all adds up to a stage show that has been blowing audiences away. “Motown: Th e Musical” is the story of the world’s most famous record label that birthed the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Four Tops

and the most famous family in music, the Jacksons … as in the Jackson 5 … as in Michael Jackson. “Motown: Th e Musical” comes to the Twin Cities for an extended stay at the Orpheum Th eatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., downtown Minneapolis. “Motown” opens Tuesday, Dec. 16 and runs through Dec. 28 with the exceptions of Christmas Eve and Day. Th e tell-all musical tells the previously untold – but much rumored – story of the love aff air of Motown founder Barry Gordy and Motown superstar diva, Diana Ross. Th e story is told from Gordy’s point of view as he wrote the stage play. Also told are stories

behind the making of several Motown classics penned by Gaye, Wonder, Robinson and others. Th e ensemble cast performs 40-plus songs during the musical. Touring cast member Elijah Lewis, who plays Wonder and Four Tops lead singer, Levi Stubbs, said “Motown: Th e Musical” is authentic as it gets. “Mr. Gordy puts all the cards on the table with the story,” said Lewis. “All I will say is some things you’ll be very surprised about.” Lewis, who also toured with “Mama, I Want to Sing,” said “Motown’s” authenticity shines through from every aspect. “You get the original music,

great sets, costumes, and all the actors are incredible,” said Lewis. “With the help of costume and makeup you’re almost looking at and hearing the real people.” Playing Stevie Wonder can be both intimidating and exhilarating. But for Lewis not much could top what happened one night in Detroit … um Motown … when Wonder himself joined Lewis on stage. “Mr. Wonder came to opening night in Detroit and I got to close out the show with him, which was amazing,” said Lewis. “He told me I reminded him of a young him and that’s something that was pretty amazing and will hold

throughout my entire career.” While the actors and their ability to emulate the Motown greats are essential, Lewis said the true star is the music. “A lot of the songs carry the story. A lot of these stories behind the songs have a lot of meaning to them,” said Lewis. “Motown was the soundtrack to life for so many people.” Tickets for “Motown: Th e Musical” are on sale at the State Th eatre Box Offi ce, online at www.HennepinTheatreTrust.org, by calling (800) 982-2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster center. Groups of 10 or more should contact [email protected] or call (612) 373-5665.

By Harry Colbert, Jr.Contributing Writer

Top: The TemptationsMOTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour(C) Joan Marcus, 2014

Bottom: Patrice Covington as Martha Reeves (center) & CastMOTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour(C) Joan Marcus, 2014


Monday, Dec. 15PANEL DISCUSSION

Getting Away With Murder: How Police Kill with Impunity 4200 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis7 p.m.

With the country locked in a heated debate over police

killings and accountability, this panel discussion aims to teach about the legal and societal mechanisms that allow police to avoid accountability and actions the community can take to change police culture and increase police accountability.

Th e discussion will focus on the tricks used by the system to cover for police who kill. Panelists include Lena Buggs, of the St. Paul Green Party, law professor, Peter Erlinder, Bettie Smith, mother of Quincy Smith who was killed by Minneapolis Police and law professor Robin Magee.

Th e event is sponsored by Communities United Against Police Brutality.

Tuesday, Dec.16SOUL/THEATRE/PERFORMANCE

“Motown: Th e Musical”Orpheum Th eater910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis7:30 p.m. All Ages$49-$134Runs through Dec. 28

“Motown: Th e Musica”l is the life story Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson,

Smokey Robinson and many more.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 Washburn Blackbox Acting Program Advanced Th eatre Showcase Patrick’s Cabaret3010 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis$5 suggested donation

Washburn High School’s Blackbox Acting Program Th eatre 2 and Th eatre 3 Performers present all original work on topics including gender identity, police brutality, multi-racial identity, violence, sexual assault, rape culture and more.

All proceeds go back into funding the program. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Thursday, Dec. 18

HIP-HOP/SOUL/PERFORMANCE

Slum Village w/ Soul Tools and Lioness Th e Cabooze 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis8:30 p.m.$15

Th e Infamous Slums Tour (originally billed with Prodigy of Mobb Deep) hits Minneapolis on Th ursday with a special new hometown lineup. Soul Tools (Kevin Washington Ensemble, DJ Willie Shu, Toki Wright, Master Mind, Freez, Miss Brit, Reggie Reg and DJ Snuggles) present their fi rst crew performance. Hit maker Lioness also opens the night.

Friday, Dec. 19HIP-HOP/PERFORMANCE

Th e Heiruspecs Holiday Classic Turf Club1601 University Ave., St. Paul9 p.m.

21-plus$12 advance, $15 door

Heiruspecs is proud to present another edition of their Holiday Classic series.Th is year they will be co-headlining with one of their closest musical partners, Carnage. Carnage will be joined by his full-band, known as Th e Last Band Standin’. Th e night will be rounded out by K. Raydio and O-D. Tickets are available at www.turfclub.net.

Saturday, Dec. 20HIPHOP/PARTY

Glo-in-the-Dark Birthday Party for Glo Pesci FACES in Mears Park 373 Sibley St., St. Paul 21-plus$10

One of the pioneers of independent hip-hop in the Twin Cities, Glo Pesci (of Abstract Pack) celebrates his birthday in his hometown of St. Paul. Glo hosts and DJs at this residency each Saturday night but this will be a special celebration.

Sunday, Dec. 21JAZZ/BRUNCH

Th ee Urbane Life Jazz Brunch

feat. Wenso Ashby and ZsaméScratch Bar & Grill408 3rd Ave. N., downtown MinneapolisNoon – 3 p.m.All agesNo cover

Th ee Urbane Life has returned with its wildly popular jazz brunch – this time at Scratch Bar & Grill. African-American and women owned, Scratch is a newly opened restaurant specializing in upscale comfort food.

Wenso Ashby and Zsamé continue to delight area ears with their jazzy styling and Zsamé’s eff ortless vocals.

SOUL/PERFORMANCE

Jhené Aiko “Enter Th e Void Tour” Featuring SZA and Th e Internet Skyway Th eatre711 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 18-plus$35

Jhene Aiko has been making noise on the music scene for the past few years. Features with Ab-Soul, Childish Gambino, T.I. and touring with Drake have propelled her into superstar status. SZA of TDE and Th e Internet (Odd Future) return to town for what on paper looks like an instant classic show.

Tickets are available at Urban Lights, Goodies St. Paul, Electric Fetus, and online at www.skywaytheatre.com.

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

Th ere’s a saying in many home kitchens used to describe the care that goes into cooking some of the most closely held family recipes. Th at saying is, “and the secret ingredient is love.” For Scratch Bar & Grill, the newest restaurant in Minneapolis’ North Loop, the entire project was a labor of love and that love comes through in the décor, atmosphere and most importantly the food. Now the owners and staff at Scratch, 408 3rd Ave. N., are hoping to spread the love and endear itself to the neighborhood. Opened on Oct. 31, Scratch is a warm, open but cozy space that lends itself to appeal to the urban hipster without being pretentious. Any diner can easily see the care and attention to detail that went into designing the space that was most recently Deseo, a quaint, but awkward nightclub/lounge. Th ankfully, gone are the quirky pieces of art and the faux jungle complete with albino python. In their place are now handcraft ed booths, tables, light fi xtures and a custom bar; all constructed from locally sourced materials and labor. Yes, the love that went into the design of Scratch is obvious, but the love that goes into the food is what shines best. Th ank executive chef Jamis Scapple for that. Scapple, who helped design menus for area favorite establishments such as Key’s Café, the Dakota Jazz Club, St. Paul Hotel, Nicollet Island Inn and Afft on House, said he’s pouring his heart into Scratch. “Everything here is made from scratch … it’s not just a motto, it’s what we do, it’s who we are,” said Scapple. “Care goes into everything. We make everything here from scratch; our pastas, meatballs, salad dressings … everything.” Th e menu at Scratch is simple but

refi ned. Th at’s just how Scapple likes it. “Sometimes the simple things are the best,” said Scapple. Some of the menu highlights include the Rum Cured Salmon ($10), delightful bites of salmon cured in rum, lemon, Dijon and dill and served with cream cheese atop a crustini; the Saff ron Seafood Crustini ($9.75), lobster, crab, and shrimp with a saff ron aioli on a dried tomato crustini and topped with a pickled radish slaw and the Poutine Hoagie ($11.50), a shaved ribeye with cheese curds and fries smashed together and served with a side of gravy. “I like to call it upscale bar food,” said Scapple. “We took comfort classics and put a North Loop twist on it.” Th e origins of Scratch Bar & Grill are quite organic as well. Scapple was ready to run his own kitchen and loved the space that is now home to Scratch, but he needed capital. A causal conversation with

longtime pal, Adam Mitchell, a well-known electrician and laborer, led to a meeting with the now owners, Cassandra Smith-Royal and Rachel Blader. Royal-Smith, an entrepreneur and investor, was immediately intrigued with the proposition. “I’m always looking at ways to expand my portfolio and what drew me to the project was the chef ’s passion and then, of course, you have this great location,” said Smith-Royal. With its 3rd Avenue location, Scratch Bar & Grill is just about 100 yards from Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. Th at in itself was enough to peek Smith-Royal’s interest as the team plays 81 regular season home games a year and draws thousands of fans to the area, many who will have to walk past Scratch to enter the ballpark. “And this space is so beautiful,” said Blader. “All the wood we used was recycled wood from the building’s original materials, which was built in

1885. Each light fi xture was hand blown by Liz Fink, a local glass artist. All the tables were custom built as well as the booths and upholstery. And we hired all local contractors. It all fi ts into the scratch concept.” Mitchell, who served as the project manager for the Scratch build out, also reached out to his cousin, Trent Bowman to help Smith-Royal and Blader in the day-to-day operations. “I have a background in banking, fi nance and in customer service and I was consulting (the owners of Scratch) and as things progressed I came on as general manager,” said Bowman.

While there is no baseball until April, the people at Scratch are using a targeted North Loop marketing campaign to build clientele and are working with select tastemakers to increase awareness. On Sunday, Dec. 21, Scratch is hosting a jazz brunch featuring Wenso Ashby and Zsamé from noon until 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/729593740447912. Scratch is open Monday through Th ursday 4 p.m. to close, Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays for select events.

By Harry Colbert, Jr.Contributing Writer

Photos: Harry Colbert, Jr.

Above: (Left to right) Chef Jamis Scapple, owners Cassandra Smith-Royal and Rachel Blader and general manager, Trent Bowman are proud to invite everyone down to Scratch Bar &

Grill, 408 3rd Ave. N., Minneapolis.

At Scratch Bar & Grill, everything from the glass fixtures to wall design, booths and tables are all custom made.

SCRATCH BAR AND GRILL

Home cooking comes to the North Loop

Dec. 15 - 21

Jhene Aiko


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