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BusinessBefore you hit send: A case for proofreading your emails

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HalloweenRecipesScare up some fun!

Gone to GhanaComfort, the enemy of success

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AestheticsCinema world silenced black existence

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Black purchasing power to exceed $1.1 trillion

Jeff Haydenwins State Senate seat

Power watching Reports outline implicationsof demographic change

A sacred moment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – African Americans’ buying power is expected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2015, according to The State of the African American Consumer Report, released last month, collaboratively by Nielsen, a leading global provider of insights and analytics into what consumers watch and buy, and The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a federation of more than 200 Black community newspapers across the U.S. This growing economic potential presents an opportunity for Fortune 500 companies to examine and further understand this important, fl ourishing market

segment. Likewise, when consumers are more aware of their buying power, it can help them make informed decisions about the companies they choose to support. “Too often, companies don’t realize the inherent differences of our community, are not aware of the market size impact and have not optimized efforts to develop messages beyond those that coincide with Black History Month,” said Cloves Campbell, chairman, NNPA. “It is our hope that by collaborating with Nielsen, we’ll be able to tell the African American consumer story in a manner in which businesses will understand,” he said,

“and, that this understanding will propel those in the C-Suite to develop stronger, more inclusive strategies that optimize their market growth in Black communities, which would be a win-win for all of us.” The report, the fi rst of annual installments in a three year alliance between Nielsen and NNPA, showcases the buying and media habits and consumer trends of African Americans. The 41st Annual Legislative Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference week’s activities set the backdrop for the announcement.

Don’t you just love this time of year? The crispness of the air. Trees showing off their gorgeous fall colors. Our kids settling (hope springs eternal) into the still kinda’ new school year. And, the deluge of new Fall TV shows still rolling out. So little time and so many guilty TV viewing pleasures. Although you know by now that Nielsen is the leading global research company that measures what consumers buy, you also know we do a great job at measuring what consumers watch! And there’s no better time of year to talk about television viewing than Fall. Even though in this digital age

we consume our media content in many ways, via online streaming on our computers, our smartphones and tablets, according to Nielsen data, old school television still rules amidst all the new kids on the video consumption block. Live primetime viewership in this country is still strong with nearly 200 million viewers. Of course, when we say “watching television” these days, those programming options have grown to include cable, satellite, on-demand or digital video recording (DVR) viewing. I try to keep you abreast of Blacks’ habits and purchasing choices, as compared to the general population. The State of the African American Consumer Report, a groundbreaking, fi rst-of-its kind study developed by Nielsen in collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), has an entire in-depth section that analyzes

Washington, D.C—The Center for American Progress offi cially launched Progress 2050, a project that seeks to explore and analyze the policy implications of demographic change and work toward a more inclusive progressive agenda. To mark the launch, CAP released two new reports that will help guide the project’s work going forward. The fi rst report, “Progress 2050: New Ideas for a Diverse America,” analyzes the policy impacts of the dramatic demographic changes the country will experience over the next four decades and argues that a progressive vision is urgently needed to ensure we take advantage of diversity as one of our greatest assets. The report also outlines the work that Progress 2050 has already undertaken—both in collaboration with CAP’s policy teams and other organizations

inside and outside the beltway—and draws a map of the project’s future activities. The second report, “Toward 2050 in Northern Virginia: A Roundtable Report on the Old Dominion’s Increasing Diversity,” is the fi rst of a series of papers that will report on local conversations organized throughout the country by Progress 2050 and PolicyLink, an organizational partner in this effort. These roundtables bring together community leaders, advocates, activists, and academics to discuss regional and issue-oriented questions related to the ongoing demographic shifts. The fi rst such conversation took place in Northern Virginia, a community known for embracing its diversity as one of its greatest assets.

It was a warm sunny day, befi tting the occasion. An audience in excess of 50,000, varied in ages, but mostly seasoned adults, with family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. To man, women or child, they wore

white caps, with the caption above the bib, “Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial”. There was a smattering of some people who would be classifi ed as white. There too, were Asians, and others outside of the Black-White pale of identity. In short, it was a glorious

Jeff Hayden stands on the shoulders of generations of freedom fi ghters and advocates for human decency, equality and justice. Elected to the Minnesota Senate last week to fi ll the seat representing Senate District 61 vacated by Linda Berglin, Hayden is the fi rst person of African descent to be elected from a Minneapolis Senate district. He joins former St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington, who was elected to the Senate representing District 65 in St. Paul. Similarly, Harrington was the fi rst person of African descent to be elected to the Senate from the City of St. Paul. Both men follow Dr. Robert Lewis, who served in the Senate in the 1970s, and who was elected, however, by a virtually all white constituency in St. Louis Park, an affl uent suburb at the western

edge of Minneapolis. Jeff Hayden and fellow DFLer Chris Eaton won special Senate elections by considerable margins. Hayden defeated Green Party candidate Farheen Hakeem with 68 percent of the vote. Eaton, defeated Republican Cory Jensen with 61 percent of the vote. Jeff Hayden’s ancestors, according to his father, Dr. Vincent Peter Hayden, Ph. D., founder and CEO of Turning Point, in North Minneapolis, fl ed slavery in Kentucky, aided by the fi ery abolitionist, John Brown. Dr. Hayden said John Brown led a number of Haydens and other enslaved Africans to a new life of freedom in Clinton, Kansas.

By Cheryl Pearson-McNeil

DissectingDiversity

Suluki FardanDr. Vincent Peter Hayden and Senator Jeff Hayden, D-61

Courtesy of NielsenL-R: Cloves Campbell, Chairman, NNPA; Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Senior Vice-President, Public Affairs

and Government Relations, Nielsen; Danny Bakewell, NNPA Chairman Emeritus

nps.gov“Stone of Hope” MLK Memorial

CONSUMERS TURN TO 3

REPORTS TURN TO 12POWER TURN TO 2

HAYDEN TURN TO 9

By Professor Mahmoud El-Kati

KING TURN TO 12

HERBIE HANCOCK October 28th, 8 pm at Minnesota Orchestra Hall

Guillaume Laurent

READ THE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 7

October 24 - October 30, 2011 • MN Metro Vol. 37 No. 43 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.comOctober 24 - October 30, 2011 • MN Metro Vol. 37 No. 43 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

INSIGHT NEWSINSIGHT NEWS

Page 2 • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

BUSINESSBefore you hit send: A case for proofreading your emails

Business owner Jim shared an email that surprised me and made me think. We all know people who text and drive and chew

gum at the same time. We are in a hurry these days, and need to accomplish important things. In a written message, typos are easily forgiven, especially if a line at the end of the message says, “Sent from my phone.” That said, professionals still have a responsibility to maintain a slightly higher standard. America is in the middle of a battle between spell check and autocorrect, and if the following email is any indication, America is not winning.

The lengthy sales email written to Jim included the following: I am with New yrok Life. I would like the opportunity to tell you about my company. I cna stop by at 1:15 oe 2:30 afternoon. With our company, you’ll have piece of mind knowing you’re backed by one of the strongest companies in the industry. They’re the strongest? Let’s hope they pay more attention to my insurance needs than they did in spelling class.

I recently relocated to Detroit, where spelling is no longer taught in the schools. It isn’t considered necessary. As we all rely more heavily on our software to think and write for us, the gap between those who think for themselves and those who don’t will become more apparent. Lesson of the day: proofread your messages. With a quick look back, the obvious errors will be, well, obvious. And, as Jim added in his message to me, “Just takes an extra minute!” Julie Desmond is a recruiter for a Fortune 500 company in Minneapolis, MN. Write to Julie@insightnews.com.

By Julie Desmondjulie@insightnews.com

Plan Your Career

PhotoXpress

television and movie watching behavior. According to the report, African Americans watch 40% more television than any other demographic group in the country, averaging seven hours and 12 minutes each day and about 213 hours per month. The average African American household also owns four or more televisions (great for going room to room and not missing a beat of viewing, although I personally tend to stay cemented to my couch and only watch one of the four TV’s in the house). As a group, Blacks tend to prefer premium cable channel programming, drama, live or reality television program and sporting events. Hands down, the television event that attracted the most African American viewers, so far, in 2011 was Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A record 12.5 million of us tuned in to watch making it the most watched Super Bowl ever. I was surprised by this number because pop culture has us believing that basketball is the sport we most love, but in comparison, seven million viewers watched the NBA Game 6 Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat. Remove sporting events from the equation, and it’s the Grammy Awards which took top honors – attracting four million African American viewers. The BET Awards followed with 3.9 million viewers. And, BET proved to be a favorite landing spot when it brought back The Game and 3.1 million of us had our eyes glued to the screen for its season premier (Why can’t Derwin and Melanie get it together, sigh, he knew that baby wasn’t his. Or I forget now…was it?!). What’s the common denominator for these favorite shows of ours? Diversity. The more diversity there is in the programming offered, the more likely we are to tune in. In analyzing our viewing habits, the report also shows that African Americans make up 11% of the movie-going population, an industry that generates $12 billion in annual revenue. Interestingly, the heaviest attendees are divided into two different age groups:

those 12-17 and 45-54. Study results reveal that these are the same folks who are most likely to consume/watch movies at home on TV and all of the alternate formats like streaming, downloading and pay-per-view. As with our TV shows, African Americans prefer comedies and action adventures, evident in the Top 5 African American- Themed Movies To Date (with predominantly African American casts). “The Pursuit of Happyness” (Gross: $162.6 million)“Bad Boys II” (Gross: $138.4 million) “The Nutty Professor” (Gross: $128.8 million) “Coming to America” (Gross: $128.1 million) “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” (Gross: $123.3 million) Anybody notice Eddie Murphy stars in three out of the fi ve? Now

that he’s going to host the 2012 Oscars, perhaps we’ll see an upswing in the number of African American viewers who tune in. By now, you know my old refrain, so say it with me – “Knowledge is power.” What we watch is important to both the marketers who want to reach and interact with our community and the producers who want us as viewers. Ratings and movie ticket sales equal dollars. Dollars equal power. Download your own personal copy of report by going to www.nielsen.com/africanamerican or look for it as an insert in your local Black newspaper.

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of public affairs and government relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www.nielsenwire.com.

PowerFrom 1

insightnews.com Insight News • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Page 3

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication

We honor Dr. King today in stone. Let us honor him tomorrow and every day—for as long as it takes—with powerful, persistent voices and unrelenting nonviolent action to rescue his dream - America’s dream - from the clutches of materialism, militarism, racism and poverty he warned would be America’s undoing. In his last Sunday sermon at Washington National Cathedral, Dr. King retold the parable of the rich man Dives who ignored the poor and sick man Lazarus who came every day seeking crumbs from Dives’ table. Dives went to hell, Dr. King said, not because he was rich but because he did not realize his wealth was his opportunity to bridge the gulf separating him from his brother Lazarus and allowed him to become invisible. Calling for a Poor People’s Campaign, he warned this could happen to America, the richest nation on earth. The day he was assassinated, he called his mother to give her his next Sunday’s sermon title: “Why America May Go to Hell.” He warned that “America is going to hell if we don’t use her vast resources to end poverty and make it possible for all of God’s children to have the basic necessities of life.” He called with urgency for a Poor People’s Campaign in 1968 when there were 25.4 million poor Americans including 11 million poor children and our GDP was $4.13 trillion. Today there are 46.2

million poor people including 16.4 million poor children and I’ve no doubt he’d be leading another campaign to end poverty and to create jobs and income for everyone in America. He would be dismayed that 20.5 million of our neighbors are living in extreme poverty including 7.4 million children who are the poorest age group in America. And the younger they are the poorer they are. One in four or 5.5 million infants, toddlers and preschoolers were poor in 2010, the years of greatest brain development. The number of poor children—16.4 million—living in the richest nation on earth exceeds the entire combined populations of Haiti and Liberia, two of the poorest countries on earth. The number of extremely poor children—7.4 million—in our nation is equivalent to the population of Israel. The number of poor children under fi ve—5.5 million—exceeds the population of Sierra Leone. Children don’t have any belts to tighten and face more and more cuts in survival programs. The New York Times reported in 2010 that almost six million Americans had no income—one in 50—and depended on Food Stamps to stave off the wolves of hunger. What has happened in America that we have normalized child and family poverty, homelessness and hunger—punishing innocents with federal and state cuts for budget defi cits they did not cause while 279 current members of Congress (238 Representatives and 41 Senators) have pledged not to ask the wealthiest corporations

and individuals to pay a dime in new taxes to restore some of the hundreds of billions they drained from taxpayer coffers that have nearly bankrupted our nation and torn asunder the lives and hopes and futures of millions of Americans?

Beginning today, let’s honor Dr. King by our committed action to end child poverty and close the morally obscene gulf between rich and poor in our nation where the 400 highest income earners made as much as the combined tax revenues of 22 states. They don’t need any more tax breaks and need to give back some of their unfair share of our nation’s tax subsidies and bailouts to feed and house and educate our children and employ their parents. Let’s follow Dr. King by naming and changing the pervasive racial disparities, undergirded by poverty, that place one in three Black and one in six Hispanic boys born in 2001 at risk of prison in their lifetimes. Incarceration is becoming the new American apartheid and poor children of color are its fodder. Let’s reroute our children into a pipeline to college and

productive work to compete with children from China and India and enable our children to compete economically in a globalizing economy. Let’s honor Dr. King by speaking truth to power and demanding justice for the poor

and vulnerable children with our voices and votes and powerful persistent nonviolent direct actions. Citizens of every race and income level must band together to bring our nation back from the brink of self destruction fueled by unbridled greed of the few and a military budget that dwarfs our early childhood development budget where the real security of our nation lies. Let’s honor Dr. King by stopping the resurgence of racial segregation in our schools, unfair treatment of children of color through zero tolerance school discipline and special education practices that push them out of school and towards prison. And we must stand together and resist efforts to undermine the hard earned right to vote which is the life blood of democracy. Let’s not return to Jim Crow shenanigans that denied the right to vote

to Blacks and other citizens and strangled our democratic processes far too long. Let’s honor Dr. King by building a beloved community in America where all have enough to eat, a place to sleep, and enough work at decent wages to support a family, buy a home, and raise children in safe neighborhoods. Let’s truly honor Dr. King by transforming our education system that sentences millions of children to social and economic death by failing to prepare them and our country for the future. That more than a majority of children in all income and racial groups and nearly 80 percent of Black and Hispanic children cannot read or compute at grade level in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades is a national catastrophe which will bring our nation down. Let’s honor Dr. King by ending the violent wars within and without that destroy lives, families, communities, and drain life giving resources on weapons of death rather than weapons of life. The guns that snuffed out Dr. King’s life have snuffed out the lives of over 110,645 children since 1979. Every three hours a child or teen is killed by a fi rearm in the United States. Let’s honor Dr. King with our unrelenting efforts to ensure that “the bank of justice” is not bankrupted further and like him refuse to accept “there are insuffi cient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of the nation.” Let’s send the bounced checks of jobs, quality education, food and early childhood development back to Congress

and state capitols and tell them to refi ll our nation’s insuffi cient bank accounts with transfers from the overfl owing coffers of powerful corporations and individuals from unjust tax breaks and subsidies and to pay the long overdue promissory notes of justice and hope millions of children are waiting to receive from the crumbs of Dives’ table. The day after Dr. King was shot, I went into riot torn Washington, D.C. neighborhoods and schools urging children not to loot, get arrested and ruin their futures. A young Black boy about 12 looked me squarely in the eyes and said, “Lady, what future? I ain’t got no future. I ain’t got nothing to lose.” It’s time to prove that boy’s truth wrong in our militarily powerful, materially rich but spiritually poor nation and to honor the sacrifi ce of this prophet of God who died to help redeem the soul of America. It’s now up to each of us to pick up the mantle of justice and lift high the torch of freedom for our children and grandchildren. Dr. King told and showed us what to do. Let’s do it.

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.

By Marian Wright Edelman

Flanked by civic, business and legislative leaders, Nielsen and NNPA executives spoke about the relevance and importance of the information shared in the report and the fact that it will be distributed in NNPA’s 200+ publications, reaching millions of readers and online viewers. “We see this alliance with NNPA as an opportunity to share valuable insights, unique

consumer behavior patterns and purchasing trends with the African American community,” said Susan Whiting, vice chair, Nielsen. “By sharing, for example, that African-Americans over-index in several key areas, including television viewing and mobile phone usage, we’ve provided a better picture of where the African American community can leverage that buying power to help their communities,” she said. “Likewise, the information points businesses in the right direction for growing market

share and developing long range strategies for reaching this important demographic group.” Consumer trends in the report include facts such as:

• With a buying power of nearly $1 trillion annually, if African Americans were a country, they’d be the 16th largest country in the world.

• The number of African American households earning $75,000 or higher grew by almost 64%, a rate close to 12%

greater than the change in the overall population’s earning between 2000 and 2009. This continued growth in affl uence, social infl uence and household income will continue to impact the community’s economic power.

• African Americans make more shopping trips than all other groups, but spend less money per trip. African Americans in higher income brackets, also spend 300% more in higher-end retail grocers more than any other

high income household.

• There were 23.9 million active African American Internet users in July 2011 – 76% of whom visited a social networking/blog site.

• 33% of all African Americans own a smart phone.

• African Americans use more than double the amount of mobile phone voice minutes compared to whites – 1,298 minutes a month vs. 606.

• The percentage of African Americans attending college or earning a degree has increased to 44% for men and 53% for women.

The report is available at www.insightnews.com The report is also available at www.nielsen.com and www.nielsen.com/africanamerican – Nielsen’s microsite which highlights tailored information to the African American community.

ConsumersFrom 1

“It’s now up to each of us to pick up the mantle of justice and lift high

the torch of freedom for our children and grandchildren. Dr. King told and

showed us what to do.”

Page 4 • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

Julio Vargas-Essex, Bloomington, was appointed interim admissions director in student affairs by President Sue K. Hammersmith. He assumed the one-year appointment on Aug. 31, 2011. In this position, he oversees the admissions offi ce; designs, develops and implements both

a comprehensive recruitment and admissions plan and student academic retention support activities; and implements an evaluation and data collection system for student services activities. Vargas-Essex comes to Metropolitan State from the Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, where he has worked since March 2011. Since 2008 he had worked at Augsburg College as associate director and coordinator of multicultural recruitment and retention. Earlier he was a student services coordinator and adjunct instructor at Rasmussen College, Eagan, Minn., and a crisis intervention specialist at Eau Claire Academy. He holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. Metropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, provides high-quality, affordable academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. It is the only state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

EDUCATIONWalmart awards million dollar grant to CBCF

Enrollment tops 200,000 students for second year at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) recently announced a $1 million grant from Walmart to support the CBCF/Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program. The announcement marks Walmart’s renewed commitment to supporting deserving African American college students who are interested in internships on Capitol Hill or with government agencies. Walmart has donated $2 million to this program since 2006. The CBCF/Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship

Program is a semester-long internship program that prepares participating students for careers in public service or the private sector. As a result of Walmart’s funding, interns also receive a stipend and housing during their internships. “CBCF is proud to accept this generous award from our partners at Walmart,” said CBCF Chairman Donald M. Payne. “There is nothing more important than investing in the futures of our young people. The grant will help to ensure that CBCF will be able to develop leaders who will

be primed to make a positive impact on the lives of African Americans. It is a guaranteed return on investment that is immeasurable,” he said. “Diversity is core to Walmart’s success and we are always honored to partner with organizations that share our commitment to helping minority students succeed in life. The congressional internship program is a wonderful example of an initiative for African American students that works,” said Kimberly Woodard, Walmart’s director of federal government relations

and CBCF board member. “The program’s success over the last six years has raised the bar for congressional internships and we commend the CBCF for its commitment to promoting diversity on the Hill.” Walmart’s fi rst grant to the CBCF in 2006 - an initial $1 million, three-year grant, established the CBCF/Walmart Strive for Excellence Scholarship Program and the CBCF/Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program. The programs were created to provide students with the funding and experiences needed

to reach their educational and career goals. Since 2007, more than 80 exceptional college-aged students have participated in the internship program. “Walmart has been a great friend to CBCF in helping young people to connect the dots between community, governance and the importance of public policy which aims to improve the quality of life for millions of African Americans. What better way to hone those skills than in our nation’s capital,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., president and chief executive offi cer of CBCF.

The funding also supports the CBCF partnership with the George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Program to give interns an opportunity to earn academic credit. This partnership offers a combination of hands-on coursework and networking opportunities with like-minded peers and professional politicos. For more information about CBCF’s internship programs, application criteria and deadlines, go to www.cbcfi nc.org.

For the second consecutive fall, more than 200,000 students are enrolled in credit-bearing

courses in the 31 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities - the second highest enrollment level

ever, offi cials said. The state colleges and universities now enroll 200,716 students in credit-bearing courses, down slightly from last fall when 203,738 students were enrolled. An additional 220,000 students are expected to enroll in credit and noncredit courses across the state by the end of the current academic year, bringing the year’s total enrollment to about 420,000.

The slight enrollment decrease was not unexpected because so many of the students who enrolled at the start of the recession have now graduated. In 2011, 38,385 students graduated, up six percent from 2010. The number of students of color rose to 43,141, up 4.6 percent and setting another record high. Students of color now make up 22 percent of students, up from

20.7 percent in fall 2010. Online enrollment also rose to 55,554 students, an increase of 3.5 percent compared to fall 2010. Because many students shifted from full-time to part-time status, full-year-equivalent enrollment is projected to decrease by 2.5 percent for the current year. (Full-year-equivalent enrollment is calculated by adding the credits taken by all students and dividing by the number of credits considered to be a full-time course load - 30 credits per year for undergraduates and 20 credits for graduate students.)

The colleges and universities project a full-year-equivalent enrollment of 154,091 in credit-bearing courses for the current year, compared with the actual full-year-equivalent enrollment of 158,060 for the 2010-2011 academic year. The numbers released are the offi cial enrollment headcount of students taking credit-based courses on the 30th day of the fall semester. To see pdf report go to: w w w. m n s c u . e d u / m e d i a /newsreleases/2011/pdf/fall_enroll.pdf Metropolitan State appoints

Vargas-Essex as interim admissions director

Courtesy of Metropolitan State Julio Vargas-Essex

Great Teachers Make Great Schools.

Breck School | 123 Ottawa Ave. N. | Minneapolis, MN 55422 | www.breckschool.org

Call Admissions Director Scott Wade at 763.381.8200 for more information.

Fall Open House and BarbecueSaturday, October 29 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Come see for yourself.

insightnews.com Insight News • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Page 5

AESTHETICSCinema world silences Black existence

Munqs debuts at Honey night club

Year after year, movies created for African American audiences or made with a predominately African American plot and cast, go down in number. With the exception of the regularly expected offering from movie mogul Tyler Perry, or the few film houses that care to share our side of the frame like Our Stories Films spring flick, Jumping the Broom, more often than not our existence is being silenced in the world of cinema. With this dilemma in mind, American Black Film Festival (ABFF) founder Jeff

Friday has created a vehicle to bring awareness to our noticeable muffling. October marks Black Movie Month, a thirty-one day tribute created to promote Black film and remind the studios of the importance and necessity of diversity in cinema. From the era of Beverly Hills Cop to the breakout season when Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Don Cheadle, Nia Long, Will Smith and Vivica Fox were some of the many Black actors swimming in the celluloid and commanding the marquee at a theater, flicks like Boyz in the Hood, Independence Day or The Best Man not only commanded audiences,

but they also gave African American and non-African Americans a chance to see our world magnified on the big screen. A world that is as deserving as any and has always proven to be rich in inspiration and bringing in revenue. In knowing this, what exactly has become the problem in Hollywood? Friday, whose been the brains behind the ABFF for the past 15 years, started the highly acclaimed festival as a way to give independent African American filmmakers a place to showcase their voice in the cinematic world where there hasn’t always been one. The festival packs in

thousands of appreciators and creators of African American film every year in Miami, FL. However, this didn’t shield Friday’s eyes to the alarming truth around him. More and more Black films are being made yearly on an independent platform, but on the flipside, Black culture is becoming non-existent in mainstream films on the theatrical level. “I had a team put together a list of the number of Black films that were released theatrically in the past twenty-five years. Back in 1995, ‘96 ’97, there were 12 to 13 films a year released — all films

Blue-eyed soul meets spoken word and trip-notic funk in newcomer Corey W. Lawson, who simply goes by the name Munqs, a moniker that breathes the same creativity and innovativeness heard through his musical art. The name, said to be more like an alter ego for the twenty-seven year old artist, marks the end of Lawson’s fi ve-year affair of merely fl irting with his appetite for chords and lyrics. A half a decade later, Lawson has fi nally emerged as Munqs, and now with Trial & Era, his debut album, gaining substantial buzz amongst music fans worldwide, it only makes sense to formally announce that he’s “going steady” with his longtime crush; Munqs makes his full band debut at Honey Night Club in downtown Minneapolis on October 27 . It’s defi nitely going to be a show that you don’t want to miss.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Munqs can’t help his diet for musical expression. He grew up in a household where his mother was a musician and his father managed a night club. He saw fi rsthand their triumphs and even their less than victorious moments in the tiresome industry; these lessons defi nitely helped to form an

impression on a kid that maybe making a living through song is not as easy as the snap of a fi nger. This practical way of thinking, however, did nothing to keep him from walking in their shoes eventually. “For me, music is like chocolate.” Munqs told Insight News, “I don’t eat it everyday, but as long as it’s around, I will defi nitely

have some. Whether or not I was 100% focused on music throughout my life, it truly has always been something that I did. And now I’m ready to explore it professionally.” Trial & Era, Munqs debut album is rich in character, deep in meaning, and much like basking in a schizophrenic arboretum; the diddies are beautiful indeed, but it’s to be noted that these infectious songs are an evolutionistic blend of styles from Munqs creative mind from then (5 years ago) to now. Each song has a bouncible attraction— it’s like a tetherball game through hip-hop hooks, spoken word verses, guitar heavy backdrops, and new age rhythms. Much like a story, the album will bring you from the eyelashes of love, the fl ipside of wonder, and the downfall of a broken kiss. It short, it’s like pulling the cork on aged rum; the inner workings of this

By Alaina L. LewisContributing Writer

By Alaina L. LewisContributing Writer

FILM TURN TO 11

MUNQS TURN TO 11

Courtesy of Sorenson-McQueen

Courtesy of the artistMunqs

Page 6 • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

HEALTHThe psychology of racism and the right to be stupid (part III)

In last week’s article, I began the discussion of how racism is created and destructively maintained. This fi nal segment of the article will conclude with the discussion of factors around racism and its maintenance, but more importantly, this segment will provide the reader with concrete strategies to overcome racism in our personal, professional and political lives. As a reminder, racism is defi ned as the belief that there are inherent differences among people based on traits and capacities that can be entirely attributed to their race. We learned that racism is not limited to the white majority and that in fact, there are highly visible examples of racism among racial minority group members against their own groups. Likewise, people from minority groups can also be racist against majority group members. Some of us may remember, George Jefferson in the

sitcom “All In the Families” from the 1970s. Today, however, there are very few public examples of white-folk “haters.” Nonetheless, when there is different treatment based on the race of ‘those people” (whoever they are) it is racism. Racism, in my opinion is just plain stupid—but we have the right as Americans, to be stupid. The factors that maintain racism are very strongly rooted in the use, abuse and sharing of power. In my work, I often refer to two approaches to power that I developed: Socio-Cultural Model of Shared Power© vs. Socio-Cultural Model of Abused Power©. In the Socio-Cultural Model of Abused Power,© I describe how societies create victims through isolation, emotional abuse, sexual/physical abuse, economic abuse, using children, threats, using privilege (white, male, and American), and intimidation. Thereafter, the victimization process is compared to an empowerment model of shared power whereas “victors” (not victims) are created. In the Socio-Cultural Model of Shared Power© I describe how power is shared through community inclusion, respect for sexuality, emotional affi rmation, honesty and accountability, equal opportunity, non-threatening behavior and economic empowerment. This coming election year will reveal the fact that many of our white brothers and sisters feel their socio-cultural power is being threatened because of the “black” presence in the White House. On the other hand, the upcoming elections will also lead many of us Black Americans to fail to be engaged because we feel disappointed and disillusioned because, for once, socio-political power was within our grasp and our Black President did not appear to fi ght hard enough to provide us with an increased access to power, trust, or authority. Many of us also got upset because the conciliatory nature of our President projected an impression that looked more as he was “selling out” than “leveling

the playing fi eld.” Certainly, for the more radical among us, his efforts were nowhere close to “getting even” for all the centuries of wrongs we have endured! After Barack Obama became president, there was a great deal of talk that we had now entered into a “post-racist” society. For surely many of us thought that having an African-American president was simply a fantasy that embodied the best of our aspirations. We believed that fi nally, in America, the dream would no longer be deferred and the truth would now be realized that: “all men (actually all people) are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, which among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” We thought, fi nally, everybody in America will have an equal access to power, health, wealth, and opportunity—not just the rich or the white. Nevertheless, since the inauguration of President Obama, we have discovered that America is far from being “post-racist.” In fact, our election of a Black president in a time when really “nobody” wanted the job - was a fate that has had many unintended effects. For example, one unintended impact has been that the bad U.S. economy has been unfairly blamed on him-- as has the fact that we have experienced “wars and rumors of wars, and disasters in diverse places.” There have been some who have even declared that the end of the world is near because we have turned our country over to the leadership of a Black man! Now, honestly, I must admit that I had a similar thought myself because growing up in the “south,” I did hear some folks say: “Jesus will come, and Hell will freeze over before this country elects a Black man to be president!” However, after the election of a Black president, I soon discovered that Jesus was still here (because he never left) and Hell did not freeze over! What did happen, however, was that a lot of rich

white brothers and sisters got busy to create an environment so that what happened in November 2008 would NEVER happen again. Those groups and individuals in power who hold racist beliefs have made shameless, bold, and unabashed efforts to restrict the growth, prosperity, and

opportunities of those whom they perceive as being the most socially vulnerable populations. By strategically using their power, these groups have sought to dismember the power-base of the current president through methods ranging from rezoning districts, changing voting procedures and dismantling collective bargaining rights of unions (among other laws). Many of us continue to struggle with trying to understand why there was such a strong socio-cultural backlash/reaction to having a Black president. We did not want to believe that “race” or “racism” could possibly come into play among us – especially when we consider that everybody in America is broke, everybody is looking for jobs, every community has children who are struggling to get an education, and everybody (regardless of race) has health care costs that are killing us! The problem is that everybody is not broke, everybody is not unemployed, every community does not have children who are

struggling to get an education and everybody does not have health care costs that are killing them….not everybody--just the poor, the young, the disabled, the ethnic minority, the women and --the working class folks. As you can see, racism (and all of the other isms) is necessary

to maintain the status quo so that there will not be a great shift in the power differential. Consequently, white people will more than likely remain “on the top” rungs of society while other minorities will still be on the bottom. For example, for poor white people who are racist, the status quo of white superiority must be maintained. Consequently, they are motivated (because of their racist agenda) to join with the super-rich –who, incidentally, are also mostly white -- even though the fact that maintaining the status quo for the rich also means that the rich will get richer, and the poor will get poorer. The psychology of racism is that there is a seductive nature to holding on to the power associated with being in the majority. It is that status (and the fear of losing it) that draws people into making stupid decisions based on race. It is also the fact that moving away from racism will more than likely lead to discomfort, shame, guilt, sadness, grief, moral soul-searching, and loss. People who work hard to break the barriers of racism often fi nd that they cannot sit comfortably with “Uncle Ollie” who tells racist jokes. They fi nd that when they hear the “N” word around their friends or family, they must correct them. When people work to break the power base by not adhering to discriminatory practices in their workplaces, they stand up for minority group peers (and sometimes get the consequence of social isolation from their majority culture peers). For legislators who stand up, they lose votes, big money donors, and the chance to continue in their power-based legislative appointments. Yes, there are large costs to leaving racism behind. The gains, however, are greater than the losses. For you see, when you work to undo racism, you acknowledge your own humanity, the Creator who made us all, and the possibilities that in America, all of us are created equal. Here are the steps to Un-doing racism, when you have the Courage to make a change: Acknowledge that racism has been learned and anything that has been learned can be unlearned. Racism has been systematically created and can be “undone” if you understand how it occurs, how it functions and why it continues. Take time to review all of the stereotypes that you have learned about racially different groups and how those beliefs infl uence how you interact with them. As an example, write a list of the (positive and negative) stereotypes that

you hold of African Americans. How many personal examples of those stereotypes do you have to validate that those beliefs are true? Identify systems that are in place in our society that oppress people based on race and class. Also, address issues of superiority and inferiority in terms of your own internalized racial oppression. Play special attention to try to identify those systems in which you participate and how those systems manifest in order to impact the ability of people to organize and work together to create change. For example, if you are a white schoolteacher, do you notice that you (and other white teachers) refer Black boys to the offi ce more often than you refer the other children in your classroom? If you wanted to change things at your school, what barriers would you have to confront? Become more immersed in your own cultural and racial heritage. Understand that it is also likely that, in comparison to other groups, you have lost the ability to speak your native language, you know very little about the history of your group of origin, and you do not know how to prepare many of the traditional dishes affi liated with your group. This process of racial deracination (stripping of one’s heritage) occurred unintentionally and against the will of those who were enslaved or those who were indigenous and colonized; however, many immigrants or refugees came to American looking for a better life and lost their heritage as a by-product of coming here. The belief is that when we know and share our own culture, we can respect and appreciate the racial heritage and cultures of others. Make a commitment to become personally responsible to change at least one thing in your own behavior as well as one thing that occurs in unjust system in society. Find ways of working with others to create positive changes that will benefi t everyone. Ways of doing this include joining activities or groups in the community that promote racial equity, attending workshops and trainings, and developing an expanded social network of people who do not all look like you, think like you, or act like you. The Racial Equity Resource Directory provides listings of racial equity programs and training providers serving faith communities, civic organizations, educational institutions, and anyone working to combat racism and increase cultural competence. Their website is: http://www.mncompass.org/disparities/ r e s o u r c e d i r e c t o r y . p h p ? search=service&for=policies

BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., L.P. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and serves as President of Brakins Strategic Initiatives Consulting and Psychological Services. Brakins Strategic Initiatives (BSI) Consulting & Psychological Services has the mission of “providing excellent, culturally competent consulting and mental health services to meet the needs of children, adults, families and organizations.” Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya warns that this column should in no way be construed as constituting a therapeutic relationship through counseling or advice. To forward a comment about this article or to make an appointment, please contact Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya by email @ bravadaakinsanya@hotmail.com or by telephone at 612-839-1440.

By Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya,

Ph.D., L.P.

Murua(Swahili for ‘Respect’)

“The psychology of racism is that there is a seductive nature

to holding on to the power associated with being in the

majority. It is that status (and the fear of losing it) that draws people

into making stupid decisions based on race. ”

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insightnews.com Insight News • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Page 7

In 1951, a boy prodigy at the age of 11, played a Mozart Concerto on piano at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He grew up to be the genius of Herbie Hancock, who has captured hearts globally in his 50 year career as a jazz pianist. On Friday, October 28, 8:00p.m., Hancock will grace the stage of Minnesota Orchestra in his fi rst solo tour in the Piper Jaffrey Jazz, An Evening with Herbie Hancock. Hancock took time to speak with Contributing Writer Maya Beecham about his career, the Buddhist faith, and next steps. Maya Beecham: In Illinois during the era you grew up as a child where racial tension was a huge part of society what was it like playing for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra? Herbie Hancock: Well I was 11 years old so I was really young, I was still wearing short pants at that time, and I didn’t know. When you are that young you are not always aware of the depth of many things that are happening around you. I didn’t know that I may have been one of the fi rst African Americans to play with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I didn’t notice discrimination as far as that activity was concerned. Except there was one thing that was kind of strange that did happen. I auditioned with this certain concerto. Normally, by the way, the concerto you audition with is the concerto you play at the performance. Months later at the same time I received notice I had been selected for the piano they said they were unable to fi nd the orchestral parts for the concerto, and I would have to learn a new concerto or forfeit the performance. So I had to learn a whole new concerto in a much shorter time, which I did perform by the next week. I saw the Chicago Symphony Orchestra again because there was a wonderful classical pianist that was performing. So I went there with my music

teacher. Guess what she played? She played the concerto that I used for my audition that they said they were unable to get the orchestral parts for, so they lied. You could look at it and say well she was performing that concerto and she didn’t want someone performing a week before the same concerto that she was performing. How can someone do that to a little kid that was 11. It’s a little strange. Someone said arguably that there could have been a racist thing going on there but I have no way of knowing for sure. My music teacher was mad. M.B.: Do you come from a family of musicians or are you the fi rst? H.H.: Well I thought I was the fi rst. Most of the people on the Hancock side of the family were visual artists. There were potters and painters and so forth. As a matter of fact my one surviving Uncle Dilbert, who was the youngest child of my grandmother, just retired from teaching art for many years at The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the fi nest art schools in the world. So, on my mother’s side of the family I don’t know of any musicians. All this time I had been thinking since I was seven that I was the fi rst musician in the family I had even heard about, because my grandparents were not musicians. My mother took piano lessons and my father took piano lessons when he was little for a very short time. By the time I start playing my mother could still read piano music so we had some sheet music she could play for us. But she was a housewife not a musician. It was sometime after my 50th birthday, I was back in Chicago and I had some days off so I took my father to lunch. During that conversation he mentioned his Uncle Jack the piano player. He thought he had told me about Uncle Jack. I guess I had a great uncle that played jazz at the turn of the century. This is someone that introduced my grandfather to my grandmother, that’s what my father told me. I said where did he play, he said he played in brothels where else was there to

play. That’s where jazz started. They just played in houses of ill repute. M.B.: How did you begin your passion for music? H.H.: Well my mother noticed from the time I was about six, whenever I would go to my best friend’s apartment, which was almost every day, I would ask him if I could play around on his piano. So she saw me take an interest in piano and she told my father let’s get him a piano on his next birthday which was my seventh birthday. So they did. I realize the piano was for the family and my having a birthday then was an occasion for bringing in a piano and because

of my interest in it. So fi nally the family had a piano but offi cially it was mine and my brother and sister and I stated taking lessons. My mother could still read sheet music so she bought some and played some things for us and we started lessons. After two and a half or three and a half years my older brother and younger sister kind of dropped out of playing piano but I continued. It was through my mother’s wisdom, watchful eye, her love which is her compassionate spirit for her son, that I play piano until this day. M.B.: So what took you to the next step? Were you the one to push your early career?

H.H.: Well I just continued to take piano lessons all through high school. When I was 14 I went to a student variety show that my high school used to give every semester. This particular semester they had a jazz trio and the piano player who was improvising playing jazz was in my class. Well that woke me up because I thought you had to be older to play jazz and I wasn’t particularly interested in it. When I saw somebody my age improvising which was something I wasn’t able to do on my instrument, that’s when I became interested. I liked the beat that I heard. After that concert I talked to

that guy and he told me what he had been listening to, and he said go get some records of George Shearing. And that’s how I started listening to George Shearing records. Then I listened to Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, and it went on and on after that. I was still taking classical lessons and trying to learn jazz from the street because it wasn’t part of schools at the time. So I learned from one of the musicians and also using my own ear to hear things I liked. When I went to college I actually decided to be an

HANCOCK TURN TO 12

Q&A with Herbie HancockBy Maya BeechamContributing Writer

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Page 8 • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

Fall is in the air! Everyone loves that crisp, cool, leaf-raking, jacket wearing weather. Along with football games, and homecomings, autumn brings our children’s favorite holiday – Halloween.

It’s easy to brew up some Halloween fun with frozen dough. Creepy, maybe, but these holiday recipes are just the ticket to put a smile on the face of all the little ghouls and boys in your life. If you are the one who has to stay home to hand out treats to all the neighborhood princesses and pirates why not have these fi endishly fun foods on hand to munch on? Prepare the kids for a long night of ghoulish celebrations with this Ghostly Three Cheese Pizza. It will send shivers down their spines and your hungry Trick-or-Treaters will be ready for a fun fi lled night. Bake up a batch of these eerie Edible Eyeballs. They’re sure to bring shrieks of delight from your family and friends. All will agree they are most defi nitely a Halloween fun food! Sweet Spider S’mores are the perfect thing to greet your own little goblins when they come running in the door with cold noses and full goody bags. The marshmallow and graham cracker fi lling combines with the chocolate frosting for a delectably delicious dessert. This Halloween why not bewitch your family and friends with these ghoulish ghosts, spooky spiders and edible eyeballs? The trick is in the ease of frozen dough. The treat is in the homemade taste. Your enjoyment will be frightfully delightful! SPIDER S’MORES• 6 Rhodes Warm-N-Serv™ Soft Dinner Rolls• chocolate frosting• chocolate sprinkles• marshmallows• M &M’s• licorice laces cut into 4-inch lengths• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine• ½ cup coarsely crushed graham crackers

Bake rolls following instructions on package. Place on rack to cool. When cool, slice off tops and hollow out to make a small bowl. Place butter in a saucepan and melt. Add 40 marshmallows and continue cooking on low until completely melted. Add graham crackers and combine well. Quickly fi ll each hollowed out roll with the marshmallow fi lling while it is warm (over fi ll just a little). Replace the roll tops. Frost each one with chocolate frosting and cover with chocolate sprinkles. To make the eyes, cut slices off of a marshmallow, using a hot, wet knife. Add M&M’s to each eye and one for a nose. Make holes with a wooden skewer where legs attach and poke in the licorice pieces.

EDIBLE EYEBALLS• 6 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature• 12 pepperoni slices• 1 cup pizza sauce• mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes• green olives, with pimento• 1 beaten egg

Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Flatten each roll into a 4-inch circle. Top each one with 1 pepperoni, a spoonful of pizza sauce, 3 cubes cheese and 1 more pepperoni. Pull sides of the roll up over the fi llings and pinch together securely to seal. Place in a sprayed muffi n tin, seam side down. Brush each one with egg. Bake at 350°F 15-20 minutes or until nicely browned. Remove from pan and cool slightly. With a knife, pierce the top of the eyeball slightly and twist the knife to make a small hole. Place the green olive with pimento into the hole to make an eyeball. Place some pizza sauce in a small squeeze bottle to draw bloodshot veins on each eye. Serve with more pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. RHODES DOUGHNUTS• 1 Rhodes Texas™ Roll, or 2 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold• vegetable oil• glaze and chocolate icing• choice of toppings (nuts, coconut, candy sprinkles etc.)

Poke holes in roll centers and stretch to form large openings. If using dinner rolls, press 2 together well and then stretch with fi ngers. Place doughnuts on a large sprayed baking sheet. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let double in size. Pour oil two inches deep into small sauce pan or electric fry pan and heat to medium. Remove wrap and fry doughnuts on each side (about 15 seconds) until golden. Remove with a fork and place on paper towel. Drop into glaze and coat both sides. Place on waxed paper. For chocolate doughnuts, dip into icing and coat one side. Quickly sprinkle with toppings.

Glaze: 1/2 cup water and 4 cups powdered sugar, mixed well.

Chocolate icing: Bring to boil 1/2 cup butter, 6 tablespoons milk, 4 tablespoons cocoa. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 3 cups powdered sugar.

GHOSTLY THREE CHEESE PIZZA• 12 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature• ½ cup pizza sauce• ¾ cup grated provolone cheese• ¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese• ¾ cup grated white cheddar cheese• deli pepperoni slices• purple onion rings• salami slices• olive slices• green pepper

Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Combine rolls and shape into a large teardrop shape. On rounded end cut down sides 3-4 inches to form arms. Pull arms out and tuck pointed ends under. Place on a large sprayed baking sheet. Pull bottom of ghost to one side. Poke with a fork several times to prevent bubbles from forming. Pre-bake at 350°F 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Spread pizza sauce evenly over crust. Sprinkle evenly with cheeses. Using remaining ingredients, decorate face as desired. Bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is nicely melted.

HALLOWEEN RECIPES

SCARE UP SOME FUN!

insightnews.com Insight News • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Page 9

“They became self-reliant, productive citizens who defended their freedom and over generations, defended America through selfl ess military and community service. “I believe they are looking at him from the Great Beyond, saying ‘Our lives and sacrifi ces were not in vain. What we did in making our bid for freedom is now manifest in his achievement.’” he said. To be sure, Jeff Hayden is a new-breed politician. He and House of Representatives colleague, Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-58B, served as a dynamic duo in the House, serving their districts adeptly, conscientiously, while also championing and shaping progressive inclusion agenda as advocates for all disenfranchised and marginalized residents of Minnesota. They were joined in the House by Rep. Rita Moran, representing District 65A in St. Paul. Doris Christopher, a political leader in District 61 said it was time for a person of color to represent the District in the State Senate. “Linda Berglin was good, but we need a person of color in the Senate,” she said. “Jeff Hayden has great command of the art of politics. He comes around and asks the people in his neighborhood and District how we feel about issues that affect us. This is wonderful. I am so proud of Jeff. We really need somebody like him in the Senate to advocate for us.” Peter Hayden further explored the genesis of Senator Hayden’s political prowess. “When Jeff was six-years-old, he was invited to serve as a Junior King in the Minneapolis Aquatennial Parade. I said no to that invitation because it didn’t make sense that he participate in a parade that would not allow participation of the Elks Lodge, a legacy fraternal association in our community. I call that the beginning of his

revolution…his awakening to injustice and discrimination, and his earliest determination to resist it, to fi ght it,” said Peter Hayden. Peter Hayden said the entire family - the Haydens and the Merrills-- are elated, overjoyed and proud of Senator Hayden. “Our families, Jeff’s sisters and his aunts, all see this accomplishment as a development that will allow and encourage us all to grow, do better and be better. This says we should not just sit back, but that we should know that what he has achieved fortifi es our family’s and the community’s belief that we can accomplish what we put our minds to and are willing to work hard for. We don’t talk about what we did to make him successful, rather we celebrate his success and what that has done for us,” he said.“During the campaign, I was pleased to serve as his chauffer. It was my pleasure to drive him around, and to jump out and open the door for him,” Peter Hayden said. Senator Hayden is also a product of and master of the digital age. He connects with supporters and neighbors on Facebook and Twitter, and other social media platforms. And his online networks were abuzz with praise and congratulations as his victory was announced following Tuesday’s election. One of the fi rst congratulatory notes was from his mom, Judith A. Merrill. She wrote: Congratulations son, Senator Jeff Hayden. I am very, very proud of you. I know you will be the best Senator ever.”

Here are additional posts from

Twitter and Face book:

MinnesotaDFL DFL PartyCongratulations to the newly elected DFL Senators - Chris Eaton and Rep. Jeff Hayden!

PoliticsMN Politics in MNHouse 61B Rep. Jeff Hayden wins special election for SD 61 seat with 68.24 percent of the vote.

MNAFLCIO Minnesota AFL-CIOCongratulations to Labor-endorsed Chris Eaton & Jeff Hayden on their elections.

WintaFresh Eritrean PrincessMN Black public offi ces: US Rep Keith Ellison, State Senator Jeff Hayden, State Rep. Bobby Champion, Rena Moran, Councilman Melvin Carter.

SenatorHiggins Linda HigginsWith more than 90% of votes reported, it’s clear that Chris Eaton and Jeff Hayden are MN’s newest state senators. Danielle RobertsALRIGHT! My voting worked!

Meisha PierceCongratulations!! I knew you could do it, this is awesome.

Daniel HuffHey Senator! You rock. Congratulations.

Mary Thorpe-MeaseCongratulations! So glad you will be a voice of reason to replace Linda. You’ll be great!

Bruce LarsonCongratulations Jeff. TakeAction Minnesota looks forward to working with you on healthcare issues.

Mari MoenCongratulations Jeff!! Minnesota is lucky to have you working for us!

Marge HoffaCongratulations Jeff, you will be a fabulous Senator!

COMMENTARYTo the Occupy movement: What do you want?

The Occupy Wall Street movement is now one month old. The protests have spilled over from their initial Wall Street site to Washington, D.C., Miami, and, according to the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) website, around 1500 cities around the globe. They’ve even come here to Greensboro, North Carolina, a day before President Obama is scheduled to visit North Carolina, marching outside a Bank of America building against economic inequality and fi nancial fraud. Some of the signs, screened through the headlines, are poignant, thoughtful, and also humorous. And the outrage of those who are angry about our economic situation is an energy that needs to be harnessed. If you aren’t angry at our nation’s banks, all you have to do is read Ron Susskind’s latest book, “Confi dence Men: Wall Street, Washington, and the Education of a President” (Harper, 2011) , which details the ways that Larry Summers and Tim Geitner essentially defi ed President Obama and did bank bailouts their way. As I read it, I wanted to shake the smug white men for their clear disrespect of our nation’s elected president, but in truth, I also wanted to shake the president for not calling these men on their nonsense. Here’s the bottom line, if it needs to be

regurgitated. Banks got bailed out, we got ripped off. Banks were given money to lend and they chose not to lend it. Banks created risky fi nancial instruments –derivatives – and when they couldn’t perform, they whined and leaned on an excuse that they were “too big to fail”. Now they are even bigger, and our government is all the more invested in their nonsense. And the billions that went to bailing banks out, may have created jobs. No wonder they are mad, these

Occupy Wall Street folks. Heck, I’m mad with them and for them. But mad as I am, as I look at their movement, I see a sense of déjà vu. Young folks, mostly white folks, taking it to the street. Protesting, acting out their frustration. And to what end? OWS does not look like American, but there are reasons for that. There are plenty of unemployed young African Americans and Latinos, but our law enforcement experiences are different from those of whites. While a protest arrest may be

seen as a youthful indiscretion for a young white man, it is an employment-ender for a young Black man. As the New York police are arresting right and left, I can imagine a brother or a sister deciding that they might just stay home and support OWS in spirit. Still, I could see getting out of the offi ce and into the street, but to what end? What in the world do these folks want? They are protesting because of their pain, but they have to turn pain and protest into power. In other words,

where is the list of demands, the set of policy changes the OWS folk want? Their momentum is exciting, and the wide swath of their movement is amazing. The attempt to have a fl at hierarchy is refreshing in an era where everyone is out to get their 15 minutes of fame. At the same time, those of us who are seasoned activists wonder, to what end? What do you want, y’all? Please make it plan. Protesting income inequality won’t make the playing fi eld level. Protesting greed won’t yield many ends, when the incentives for greed are hard-wired into our system. What are bankers to do? Voluntarily give up multi-million dollar bonuses in the face of unexpected anger. Even as our friends at OWS protest, Bank of America has imposed a fee on those who use debit cards. Banking on the fact that folks have so many relationships hard-wired into their banking lives, including things like online payments, the BoA folks are betting that folks won’t mind paying $60 more a year to maintain their relationships. This is pure abuse of monopoly power, but it is the same abuse that our government has experienced at the hands of the banks.

I am encouraging those on OWS to do two things. First, they must diversify. They must reach out to Black, Brown, and marginalized communities so that this protest is not a narrow white occasion. And, in reaching out to these folks, they must clearly understand the greater risks involved when people of color take it to the streets. They need to be prepared to protect those who are racially targeted by those who sometimes masquerade as law enforcement offi cers. More importantly, the OWS team needs to offer up some clear demands. Not only are we mad at Wall Street and exploitative bankers, but also we want legislation that manages them. The terms might include issues of compensation, of tax consequences of rapid short term trading, of pension abuse, of massive layoffs. They need to spell it out so that the outrage that has spilled into the streets now spills back upon our legislators. We should occupy Wall Street, but to what end. Other than agitation, what does OWS want?

Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina.

By Julianne MalveauxNNPA Columnist

David ShankboneDay 2

HaydenFrom 1

Suluki FardanRepresentative Bobby Joe Champion, D-58B

and Senator Jeff Hayden, D-61

Page 10 • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

COMMUNITY

Quote of the week

Quote of the week

“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. ”

— Martin Luther King, Jr.,

North Minneapolis Neighborhood beat...By Ivan Phifer, Staff Writer

JordanThe Jordan Action Community Council will hold their board meeting 6:30-8pm Wednesday October 26 at 2009 James Ave N. For more information: Lynn Riskedal 612 886-4539.

Public Safety Block Club CommitteeThe Jordan Area Community Council will hold a Public Safety and Block Club Committee meeting 6:30-7:30pm Wednesday October 26th at the JACC house 2009 James Av. N. For more information: Lynn Riskedale 612 886-4539 or info@jordanmpls.org

Tree Planting in Folwell ParkFolwell Park lost over 200 trees in the May tornado. To help restore Folwell Park to its former beauty, a tree-planting event is planned for October

26. This tree-planting event is the kick off to planting new, replacement trees across the tornado-affected areas of North Minneapolis. Help the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board at Folwell Park on October 26. For more information: Roberta Englund 612-521-2100 or info@webbercamden.org

VictoryThe Victory Neighborhood Organization will hold a neighborhood meeting 7-9pm Wednesday October 26 at St John’s Missionary Baptist Church 4301 Thomas Av. N. For more information: Debbie Nelson 612-529-9558 or info@victoryneighborhood.org

Lind-BohanonThe Lind-Bohanon Neighborhood Association is celebrating a 10-year anniversary of the Creekview Park Haunted House from 7-9:30pm Friday,

October 28, Saturday October 29 and 6-8:30pm Monday October 31 at the Creekview Recreation Center 5001 Humboldt Av. N. The cost is $5 for kids ages 6 and up, $3 for kids 5 and younger. For more information: 612 370-4965.

VictoryLind Bohnan will hold a board meeting from 7-9pm Wednesday November 2 at the Victory Neighborhood Association offi ce 44th and Osseo Rd. For more information: Amy Lusebrick 763 561-1616.

Senior Leaf RakeOn Saturday, November 5, WCNO residents will rake leaves for senior homeowners and homeowners with disabilities. Leaves are raked, bagged (bags provided) and put at the alley line for pick up. Call 612-521-2100 to register for this free service.

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

CamdenNorth United Methodist Church

(NUMC) has a Church Clothes Closet 9am-Noon the fi rst Saturday of each month and 6-8 p.m. the fi rst Monday of each month at 4350 Fremont Av. N. Donations are accepted. For further information: 612-522-4497.

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

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

EventsReach Out & Read (Volunteer Opportunity) – Oct 24-Nov 2 Give your time to help children to become better readers! No special skills are needed. During this afternoon service project, you’ll be reading one-on-one or working in small groups with children. Space is limited. Please RSVP at http://ywreads.eventbrite.com. @ YWCA St. Paul 375 Selby Ave., St. Paul.

An Evening in Honor of State Senator Linda Berglin - Oct 25Please join us for an evening with Senator Linda Berglin, who served in the Minnesota House and Senate a total of 39 years. With Mayor Sayles Belton as emcee, we will hear from Senator Berglin about her career, her work to shape health care policy and champion economic equity issues, and her thoughts about the future of politics in Minnesota. And, there will be time for questions from you! Tue., Oct. 25, 6:30-8:30pm @ Sabathani Community Center, Room J (3rd Floor) - 310 E. 38th St.

Mask-Making Fun-Raising DANCE PARTY! - Oct 27HOBT is excited to announce our fi rst ever ADULTS ONLY Halloween Party. Join Harriet Brewing Company and a host of local eateries for great food and drink, mask-making, prizes for the funniest & scariest masks, music by the Brass Messengers and lots of dancing! Thur., Oct. 27 7:30-10pm - 1500 Lake St. E. Mpls. Benefi t admission: $40 per person (adults only). Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling 612 721-2535.

Organist Dr. Carol Williams Performance - Oct 28San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams will be performing at Benson Great Hall, Bethel University on Fri., Oct. 28 at 7:30 pm in a free concert. Carol is very enthusiastic about promoting interest in the pipe organ in the twin cities during her visit and we hope to enlist your help to get the word out about this free opportunity.

Pancreatic Cancer Symposium – Oct 29One-day patient symposium about pancreatic cancer on Sat. Oct. 29 9am-4:45pm at the Hyatt Regency Mpls, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. Pancreatic cancer specialists from the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital and other institutions will address diagnostics, treatment options, diet and nutrition, genetics and more. To register online or for more information, visit www.pancan.org/minnsymp10 or call toll-free 877-272-6226.

City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation Clean-up - Oct 29Join us on Saturday October 29 9am-1pm as we begin pruning, seeding, mulching, raking and removing buckthorn - all in preparation for the upcoming ski season. Wear boots, work pants and gloves to protect you for a hard days work. Please bring your favorite saws, shovels, rakes, wheel barrows, loping sheers as we prepare the trails for snow. Register in advance so you can

join us for a free lunch provided by REI. REI will also provide free wicking volunteer t-shirts while supplies last, sizes are limited. For questions or more information, please call The Loppet offi ce at 612- 604-5334.

Hallelujah Harvest of Love - Oct. 30One Love Ministries in Saint Paul welcomes everyone on Sun., Oct 30, 11:45am to the 6th annual “Hallelujah Harvest of Love” Praise and worship Celebration. Potluck, poetry, door prize and raffl e. Bread and can goods give away. Join the singing and family fun, also, we’re accepting donations for the needy. Wilder Square Highrise 750 N. Milton., 651-489-4350

Holiday Food Drive - Give 5, Get 5. - Nov 1-Dec 31SophieJoe’s Emporium announces its partnership with Second Harvest Heartland for a holiday food drive. Come into SophieJoe’s Emporium any time between November 1 and December 31, 2011 with 5 items from Second Harvest Heartland’s Most Needed Items list to receive a 5% discount card for SophieJoe’s Emporium merchandise. Give 5, Get 5. Money can also be donated to Second Harvest Heartland at SophieJoe’s using your Visa, Mastercard or cash. For every $100.00 you donate, you will receive a 5% discount card.

Breaking Free’s 2nd Annual Benefi t Breakfast - Nov 5Breaking Free is hosting a complimentary breakfast at The Great Hall in St. Paul to share past successes, plans for the future, and testimonials from survivors who have been helped by the program. RSVP required to events@breakingfree.net. The Great Hall in St. Paul. 180 E. 5th St. Suite 160 St. Paul, MN 55101. 10-11:30am (parking in the Lowertown and Galtier garages)

Reading and Book Signing by Author John Coy – Nov 5Join us for a reading and book signing by author John Coy. Coy is the author of the award-winning picture books “Night Driving,” “Strong to the Hoop,” “Vroomaloom Zoom” and “Two Old Potatoes and Me.” His 4 for 4 series, for middle school readers, explores the importance of teamwork, friendship and being open to change both on and off the fi eld. Books will be available for purchase at the event and 20% of proceeds will benefi t literacy programs at the YWCA St. Paul. For more information, visit http://ywreads.eventbrite.com. @ YWCA St. Paul 375 Selby Ave., St. Paul.

Come Sing the Great Songs of Peace - Nov 5Minnesota Community SINGS! Event with WAMM on Sat., Nov. 5, 7-8:30pm, Mpls Eagles Club, 2507 E. 25th St. Mpls. Led by Bret Hesla, Mary Preus & Larry Dittberner of Minnesota Community SINGS with special guest, WAMM’s resident songwriter Brigid McDonald. A benefi t for WAMM, $15 adults, $5 kids, $25 family. All voices welcome!

Chik’N Wing’s One Clown Circus Live! - Nov 6@ Midtown Global Market on Sun., Nov. 6 at 4pm. The show feature original music, magic, juggling and lots of balloons. Midtown Global Market is located on Lake Street at Chicago Avenue. For more information call (612) 205-3613.

Mixed Media: The Faculty Show - Nov 10This exhibition features the creative works produced by a number of Metropolitan State’s arts instructors, from paintings and drawings to photographs and paper garments. The exhibit opens with a reception on Thur., Nov. 10, 5-8pm and continues through Dec. 10. Gallery hours are

Mon.-Thur., 11am-7pm; and Fri.-Sat., 11am-4pm. @ Library and Learning Center, 645 E. 7th St., Saint Paul.

A Special Job Search Program for Veterans - Wed’sFacilitators: Capt. Dave Recker, USN (Ret) and Sp/5 Stan Brown, USA (Ret). Christ Presbyterian Church, in the Parlor 6901 Normandale Road, Edina. Wed’s at 1pm. For more information about this workshop, call 952-943-0718, or stan@stanbrown.us.

The Black Parent Group - Mondays free weekly support group for parents of any race raising African American children. Mondays at 7-830PM located at: Washington Tech Middle School 1495 Rice St. Saint Paul. Please visit the website: www.theblackparentgroup.com or send an e-mail to info@theblackparentgroup.com

African Dance w/ Whitney Every Tuesday & Wednesday*Tue. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $12 Patricks Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. Mpls.*Wed. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $13 Zenon School of Dance (4th Floor) Hennepin center for the Arts 528 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.

Impact the life of a child: Become a literacy tutor with RSVPRSVP of the Greater Twin Cities is accepting applications from people 55 and over who are interested in tutoring youth, either in the classroom or in an after school program format. RSVP places people in volunteer tutoring positions with organizations in their own neighborhoods. You can make a difference in a child’s life for as little as one hour a week. The RSVP program, sponsored locally by Volunteers of America of Minnesota, provides benefi ts and support to people 55 and over. For more information call Mary Jane Horton, RSVP Literacy Coordinator, at 952-945-4163 or mhorton@voamn.org

Senior Companions Make a Difference - OngoingAre you interested in visiting homebound or isolated elders in their homes and helping with transportation for appointments or errands? If so, the Senior Companion Program would like to match you with people in the community who need a little extra help to stay in their homes. Senior Companion volunteers earn a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, training and liability insurance while serving. Volunteers must be 55 or older and serve 15 hours a week. For more information, contact Kate Neuhaus with the Senior Companion Program of Lutheran Social Service at 651-310-9447 or at kate.neuhaus@lssmn.org

Free Internet Access - OngoingAccess internet, check email, look for housing, type up resumes, jobsearch, practice typing, learn Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. M-F 11am-2pm and 5pm-7pm. At Sabathani Community Center Room 324 310 E 38th St Mpls, MN 55409.

Youth Business Club Develops Entrepreneurial Skills - OngoingKids learn with support and guidance from community. The Selby Avenue Youth Business Club is open to youth ages 9-16 who are interested in starting their own or learning more about business. The group meets the fi rst and third Saturday of ever month from 9:30 am to noon at Golden Thyme Cafe on Selby and Milton. For more information, interested parties can visit http://selbyareacdc.org/Saybcindex.html , e-mail at SAYBC10@gmail.com or contact at: 615-964-0710.

Wanted: Community-minded book lovers - OngoingOne in seven U.S. adults lack the literacy skills necessary to enjoy great books, help their children with homework, or understand medication labels. But you can change this by volunteering with the Minnesota Literacy Council. With only two or three hours a week, your love of reading can create a stronger community. Tutor an adult learner, assist in an adult classroom, or teach a basic English or GED class. We have locations throughout the Twin Cities area, fl exible scheduling and training to help you get started. Contact Allison at volunteer@themlc.org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219 or visit us on the web at www.themlc.org

Hazelden Offers Free Educational Opportunity - OngoingConcerned about someone’s alcohol or drug use? Addressing Concerns Together (ACT), Hazelden’s new outreach program, can help. Join us for a free event to learn more about addiction, intervention, assessment, and treatment. Hazelden’s St. Paul campus, 680 Stewart Ave., St. Paul. 2nd and 4th Mon. of each month at 6pm. This is an open event and there is no need to register. If you have questions, please contact Hazelden at 800-257-7800Volunteer Opportunities

Enthusiastic individuals needed to make a lasting difference in the life of an adult learner. Help someone in your community learn English, prepare for the GED or increase their basic math, reading and computer skills. Ongoing training and support is provided through the Minnesota Literacy Council. For more volunteer information, go to www.theMLC.org or contact Allison Runchey at 651-645-2277 ext 219, arunchey@theMLC.org

Volunteer: Coach to Success Mentoring ProgramVolunteer to become a mentor with AAAC’s mentoring program. Make a positive impact on the life of a young student in the Osseo Area School District #279. For more information, contact the African American Action Council, 6001 78th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN. 763-503-0159.

Adult Literacy TutorsFor opportunities throughout the Metro area or Greater Minnesota, contact Allison at the Minnesota Literacy Council arunchey@theMLC.org or (651) 645-2277, Ext 219.

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

Townhomes For Rent

2 Bedrooms - $500/month3 Bedrooms - $575/monthFor more information contact: Fergus Falls HRA 1151 Friberg Ave.Fergus Falls, MN218-739-3249 fergusfallshra.com

RENTALS IN NEAR NORTH MINNEAPOLISDignifi ed and Quality 3 & 4 bedroom units available for rent in Near North Minneapolis, starting at $715 per month.

One 3-bed ADA unit available.

Tenant responsible for electricity, gas, and water heater.

Applicants subject to monthly income requirements of $2200, back ground checks and rental references.

Section 8 Welcome!

For inquiries and applications, call Anna at 612-808-6501.

TOWNHOME RENTALSNewer 2 and 3BR townhomes next to park and walk-ing trails available for immediate occupancy in the heart of Farmington. Townhomes feature attached garages, laundry in apartments (machines provided at no charge), on site play area, on site manager and maintenance.

Income guidelines apply. Please contact Claudia at (651) 460-3686. Professionally managed by Hornig Companies, Inc. www.hornigcompanies.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Rentals

Child and Adult Care Food Program opens upBaraka Day Care Center announced its participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals will be available at no separate charge to enrolled children at the following site: Baraka Day Care Center 1910 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404. Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 7am-11pm Sat-Sun 7am-6pm. The goal of the program is to improve the diets of young children and increase the opportunity for children to eat a variety of nutritious foods. Meals meet nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meals are available to all participants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For more information, contact: Baraka Day Care Center 1910 Chicago Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 545-5771.

insightnews.com Insight News • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Page 11

Comfort, the enemy of success

Cordie Aziz is a former congressional staffer who moved to Ghana after losing her job in January 2011. Follow her daily adventures at goneiighana.blogspot.com For three weeks, as some people saw it, I became comfortable in Ghana. I managed

to land a job with the United States government overseas, and, of course, for most people, this was the determining factor in my success story. However, in my opinion, it was more like a nail in a coffi n. I remember when I fi rst came across the job; I didn’t even want to apply. My stint in Washington, DC, taught me more than enough about working for the government, and, I can readily admit, it’s not for me. But yet, the practical side in me said it would provide me some stability in a new land, not to mention, give me more prestige amongst the local population. So, when I got an email inviting

me in for an interview, I started not to respond. I looked at the screen for hours and then fi nally hit reply near the end of the day, accepting the interview. Then they started checking my references, and I became anxious. And although, I was hesitant about accepting the position, everyone else was so convinced it was a blessing. So that is how I ended up, for three weeks, working 50 hours a week amongst people who were from where else, but Washington, DC. It was the fi rst time that I was unhappy in Africa. I couldn’t fi gure out how I had allowed myself to get trapped, sucked back into

the exact same thing I just left. I wondered if I was in work purgatory, and I was destined to relive my same horrible experience over and over again. Yet, for some reason, I felt I could not quit. In fact, one day, I even said a desperate prayer to God, “Please, let them fi re me.” This is probably a point and prayer many people can relate to. After all, it is easier to be pushed from the ledge than to jump. I mean, regardless of how outgoing, or fl exible a person is, I believe, no one likes to be uncertain about life. Naturally, it makes us all uncomfortable. That is why we seek comfortable

things that make us feel secure, like jobs we hate. We know it takes a toll on our mental, physical and emotional health, yet we feel that we cannot lose the security, or rather the fi nancial security, of a job. It is understandable though, money may be the root of all evil, but it is also the answer to all things. Fortunately, for me, God answers prayers, and I was terminated when the agency was alerted I was still obtaining my resident permit. Technically, without a resident permit, I am an illegal immigrant and don’t have the right to work- so it worked out, after all. I must admit to a little disappointment,

but it didn’t last long. Finally, after three weeks I have my life back and I can continue to build my empire. Most importantly, I have learned the lesson that comfort truly is the enemy of success. My grandmother passed last month and, before I left, she said she was so proud because I got to do things and go places she never even thought of as a kid. Most of the feats my grandmother admired probably came from moments of discomfort like this. However, if the track record speaks for itself, these moments also always provide the momentum needed to push forward full steam ahead.

By Cordie AzizColumnist

Gone to Ghana

that we remember and were targeted to African Americans. This year, we’ve had 4 films come out. That’s wrong. We’re just not making enough noise about it. The Black film is disappearing from American culture.” Friday explains to Insight News, “Sure there’s Black individuals that are working. There will always

be Black stars — the chosen few Black people who get the checks and do big projects. That’s not what we’re talking about though. We’re talking about Black culture disappearing.” What’s said to be the culprit behind that falling number of urban narratives is Hollywood’s lust for money, and the studio’s desire to only jump behind productions that have a crossover appeal to international audiences. These flicks are usually high

concept ideas like an Avatar or an Inception, or sequel driven pieces, which always promise to deliver the previous audience. Franchises like Harry Potter, The Twilight Saga, Pirates of the Caribbean, X-Men or anything out of the Marvel Comic vault, all usually rake in box offices of $500,000 + by the time they’re ready to be retired from the theater. When you do the math and put these numbers against a film like Tyler

Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family, which compared to its running mates only pulled in 53 million worldwide, you begin to see what’s controlling Hollywood’s decisions: greed. Friday points out an important fact to consider; Forbes magazine just named Tyler Perry the highest paid male in entertainment after bringing in an estimated $130 million in earnings year after year. Numbers that trump those of Jerry Bruckheimer as well as Steven Spielberg. Perry’s

money alone was earned off of creating works that speak to the interest of Black culture. A truth that illustrates a hole in Hollywood’s decision making process. “Tyler Perry made every one of those dollars from marketing his films to Black people or in exploring Black interest. His earnings alone prove that there is a very lucrative market for marketing entertainment and films to Black people. So why aren’t the studio’s getting behind us? We have to start dialoguing and speaking out against this injustice.” Friday’s Black Movie Month is an extension of this discovery and a way for us to create dialogue about this problem and come up with solutions to getting the attention of the powers that be. Aside from the verve we must all create at home about this issue, the website connected to this movement also has a topics forum, highlights Black movies of the

past 25 years, shares resources for making your own films, celebrates African American accomplishments through cinema and more. After stopping at the website and moving through its many facets, Friday asks that you add your name to the petition he has created to ask the studios to meet our demand of supplying Black audiences with diverse films that highlight our stories. Although the web movement only lasts until the end of the month, Friday hopes that the agenda will continue within all of us until our demands are met and our voice is heard by the studios. When you consider the situation and look at the numbers, we can either speak out now while we have a few films in our yearly site line, or wait until the day we have nothing to look forward to at all. Now is better than never. For more informa tion: www.blackmoviemonth.com

album and its creator, defi nitely illustrate the sentiment that some things do get better with

time. After your fi rst listen of Trial & Era, you’ll defi nitely be ready for another taste of this 8 track masterpiece. “With knowing as many amazingly talented musicians that I do, the toughest part for me has always been not holding myself and my work

up against what they do,” Munqs shares, “I had to stop thinking against myself— ‘I know some amazing guitarists, but I’m a mediocre guitarist. I know some amazing singers, but I’m just alright.’ I would do this every time. They were inspiring, but also extremely

humbling. I fi nally had to tell myself, it’s okay that I can’t do that, right now, but it doesn’t mean I won’t ever be able to do it eventually. It took time, and I have evolved musically and mentally. I know now that I don’t have to be the best singer, or the best guitarist, but I still

have something to contribute to the world of music.” Munqs has come a long way on his journey to musical realization, but he has arrived a winner on tier one of his personal mountain. Munqs will be unveiling his full live band at Honey Night-Club at 205 E.

Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN on October 27 at 8:30pm. He will be joined by Twin Cities Hip Hop artist Xavier Marquis. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information or to download Trial & Era: www.munqs.com

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Page 12 • October 24 - October 30, 2011 • Insight News insightnews.com

engineering major fi rst instead of music because I was trying to be practical. I knew I could get a job in electrical engineering which was my major, but who knew that I could actually work as a musician. One day I looked in the mirror and said, “who are you trying to kid?” And so the next day I changed my major to music composition and got my degree in music composition. Seven or eight months later I was playing in Donald Byrd and Pepper Adams band. M.B.: In working with Miles Davis how did that mold you as a man and musician? H.H.: Well the great thing about me working with Miles was he was a master teacher, a real mentor for me and many musicians. He taught us the most important lessons in music. The fi rst thing I learned from Miles was the importance of listening because I noticed the way he played indicated that he was really listening to what his sidemen were playing behind him, which was great lesson for me. Every time he would

play solos he really kind of brought the band together as a unit. He showed me a lot about teamwork. He told us to always think outside the box, always work on new stuff and not just go for what you know. He wanted us to always explore new territory and try things, which is great. I encourage other musicians to do that. It’s a great way to learn and to grow and make your own discoveries. Miles also taught me about being able to take some music and break it down into smaller pieces. Break it down to be a lot more provocative for improvisation. That is great training for arranging and for writing composition. Many things I learned from Miles. He taught me to be non-judgmental. I remember one time we had a ticket one night somewhere in Europe. Throughout the whole tour this was one of the best concerts we were playing, everything was building up, we had audiences in the palm of our hand and everybody was burning. Then we got around to Miles. He started blowing a particular tune and when Miles was really building his solo up I hit this chord that was so wrong. I felt like I destroyed the whole evening. Then Miles took a breath and played a phrase that

made my chord right. I was so shocked. It took me years to realize Miles didn’t judge what I played. He took it as something interesting that happened and he created something that made it an inclusive part in what we were playing. That was a great lesson for me. And I have been trying to employ many of the things I learned from Miles ever since then. M.B.: As you think over your career can you talk about stand out occurrences from each decade related to your music or life in general? H.H.: When I fi rst started practicing Buddhism, up until today, it has been life changing for me. I am a member of Soks Gakkai International, a form of Nichiren Buddhism that really is about the truth. It really opens your eyes to clearly see how you relate to the world you live in. It builds on the best qualities that are of the human character; your compassion, your courage, wisdom and clarity of vision. Also it builds your respect for the beauty that lies in every human being even if they don’t manifest that beauty and don’t realize the beauty themselves. I have been practicing now almost 39 years. M.B.: What’s next? H.H.: This tour that I am doing, using a solo keyboard not just acoustic piano, but

synthesizer and computer. I am using the newer technologies that weren’t available years ago that have enabled me to manipulate sound. I haven’t done this type of tour before ever, with no one but me on stage. I am also doing

solo concerts with orchestras so that is new with me as a professional. I hope to purs ue music in a classical music vein. And continue my work with acoustic piano and electronic instruments too.

One of the most important things is not just my activities playing concerts per se. I was just appointed Good Will Ambassador for United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). So my last album is called Imagine Project and it really is about peace through global collaboration. I want to continue that theme for several years and projects to come. So I am beginning to do work not just from a musical standpoint. I also hope to host a symposium with scholars and thinkers to address problems of confl ict like ignorance between different cultures, nations, ethnicities and religions in the hopes of encouraging people to come together globally. And to promote the building of a new global citizenry because this is what we need in the 21st century. Globalization is already here we have to make it work and it just can’t be businesses. People have to learn to live together and appreciate differences that we have and create new things. So I am working more from my human stand point and being a Good Will Ambassador for UNESCO allows me that honor. For information on purchasing tickets contact Minnesota Orchestra at 612-371-5656 or visit www.minnesotaorchestra.org

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The conversation included a discussion of Virginia’s recent demographic shift, small-business development

and the success of the state’s communities of color in spurring economic growth, and the underlying need for greater civic engagement of diverse populations. Future conversations will take place in North Carolina, Texas, and Minnesota.

“As our country changes demographically it is imperative that we shift the conversation about the growth of our communities of color from one of defi cit—dropout rates, unemployment and poverty rates—to one of opportunity—human capital, investment, and

growth. Progress 2050 will work with other organizations to bring forth that narrative and to seize the opportunity we have today to put in place policy solutions to ensure broadly shared prosperity in 2050 and beyond,” said Vanessa Cárdenas, Director of Progress 2050.

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day. A day that teaches us that we cannot afford to let fi res burn low. A day that inspires us to “walk together children, don’t get weary, there is gonna be a great gittin’ up morning”. The atmosphere, the very ambiance itself refl ected an underlying spirit of the will to “overcome” all of the present chaos and confusion. How long will it take, the prophet asked? How long. Not long? Truth crush to earth, will rise again. How long? Not long, because no lie can live forever. How long? Not long, because the moral

arch of the universe is long, but bends toward freedom… Yes, the words Martin Luther King Jr. were in the air. This was a sacred moment. A Parade of public speakers, all brought their A game. Everyone had something of substance to say about Martin Luther King Jr., about Social Justice, about Freedom and Equality, about the American Dream which Dr. King articulated so well. I personally, have never seen that many gifted public speakers at one occasion. They did justice not only to the great tradition of skillful oratory, but a depth and breath of social thought to the question of Human Dignity. They were and are the

champions of human rights struggle in America: First, Dr. Kings family: Dr. Farris King, his older sister, is a marvel. Her oratorical skills and concise remarks that she made thrilled us. His three living children and his niece all would have made Dr. King proud. His coworkers from the Southern Christian Leadership conference: Joseph Lowry, now the undisputed Dean of the Civil Rights Movement. John Lewis, one of the bravest men still living, and Andrew Young, Dr. King’s fi rst lieutenant, and Jessie Jackson, and wonderful woman, Marian Wright Edelman, A Tower of Power for children’s rights, and our beloved Cicely Tyson, activist.

For spiritual uplift in song, there was Reevie, better known as Aretha Franklin, and the man of great insight, foresight and hindsight… Stevie Wonder. Stevie’s always there when you need him most. And fi nally, the president of the United States, Barack Obama, in his usual eloquent, and thoughtful self, acknowledged his debt to Martin Luther King Jr. and the movement, which transformed America into what we now call New America. As he always does, he reminded us that we are still striving as the preamble to the constitution states, “towards a more perfect union”. His presidency reminds us that the republic is not yet good, but only less bad.

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Marco FedeleHerbie Hancock live in concert