insight news ::: 01.28.13

LifestylePets affected more than humans

PAGE 9

CommentaryState of equality and justice in America

PAGE 11

HealthFibroids: What can you do?

YouthAaliyah Kellogg joins Scholastic News Kids Press Corps

PAGE 3

Edelman: American education system in crisis

Students, parents seek answers after black doll hung at Washburn High

WASHINGTON (NNPA) — Rejecting calls for him to move closer toward his Republican critics, a con dent President Barack H. Obama kicked off his second term on Monday by making an impassioned plea for a more inclusive America. “It is not our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began,” Obama said in his inaugural speech. “For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a

living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. “Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we nd a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity – until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia, to the quiet lanes of Newtown,

It was cold (the thermometer showed -9) and it was early (doors opened at 7 a.m.) but for the 2,000-plus in attendance at the 23rd annual MLK Breakfast, the early morning cold was no obstacle. Many said the celebration of the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – on a historic day when the country celebrated the second inauguration of President Barack Obama – was

Students, parents, educators and concerned members of the community packed inside the auditorium of Washburn High School hoping to get answers following the hanging of a black doll. The incident took place on Jan. 11, but didn’t fully come to light until nearly a week later. Parents were not informed about the incident until several days after the incident – which led some to say the school and the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) were trying to cover-up the disturbing act. A community forum to discuss the shocking incident was held on Jan. 23. “I grew up in Selma, AL, where segregation was the rule.

This incident has saddened, angered and hurt me personally,

By Harry Colbert, Jr.Contributing Writer By Harry Colbert, Jr.

Contributing Writer

Opinion

By George E. CurryNNPA Editor-in-Chief

Credit: General MillsMarian Wright Edelman

ProBid teaches the business side of business

Possessing a skill for a trade does not necessarily mean that a person has a skill for business. And while there are many skilled African-American contractors and laborers, far too many who set out in business for themselves fail to remain in business for long due to the lack of business skills. But a Twin Cities company is hoping to equip these budding entrepreneurs with the tools to run thriving, successful

businesses. ProBid, founded by Errol Foster and Dale White, has been teaching business acumen to minority, women and disadvantaged contractors since 2007. Along the way, ProBid has received contracts with MnDOT, the city of St. Paul and other agencies to assist in training and qualifying what are considered disadvantaged businesses for government contracts. “We found we have a large number of small businesses that don’t know how to bid on a contract,” said White. “So

we help them to know costs, various bidding rules and other critical information so they can be successful in the bid process. In trade schools and even in college, they don’t teach you how to run a business.” “They know how to do the trade. They know how to lay concrete; they know how to do the jobs, but they don’t know the business – they don’t have the business acumen. Once we’ve trained people to understand the numbers, they can’t be taken advantage of,” said Foster, who has a degree in engineering. “We

increased minority contracting within MnDOT by 30 percent.” White, who has a degree in computer science, has developed proprietary software to assist contractors in every aspect of their business. The software can take blueprints and quickly provide exact square footage for a room or area, and most importantly – from a business standpoint – assist in accounting (labor, taxes, insurance, worker’s compensation, material costs, etc.) to insure a contractor can

By Harry Colbert, Jr.Contributing Writer

MLK TURN TO 3

INAUGURATIONTURN TO 12

Obama’s bold return to base

BUSINESS TURN TO 7

WASHBURN TURN TO 7

Harry Colbert, Jr.Errol Foster (left) and Dale White, co-founders of ProBid seek to

provide minority and women contractors with all the tools they need to successful bid on private and government contracts.

Harry Colbert, Jr.MPS Superintendent

Bernadeia Johnson addresses students, faculty, parents and concerned citizens regarding the hanging of a black baby

doll at Washburn High School.

Freddie Allen/NNPAPresident Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama acknowledge well-wishers at 2013 Inauguration Ball.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY’S

Jackie and Me essay contestMORE ON PAGE 5

Photo by Dan Norman.Ansa Akyea as Jackie Robinson

Vol. 40 No. 5• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.comJanuary 28 - February 3, 2013

• January 28 - February 3, 2013 • Insight News insightnews.com

David Branch leads North High Senior Academy Program

Henry Patriots create new skiing tradition

North Community High School has seen its fair share of changes, struggles, media frenzy, and various principals in a short time period along with a decrease in attendance. During the 2012-13 school year, however, there are individuals who are not only working to alter the perception and outcome of North High, but who are also making rst-hand efforts to remake the image of the 124-year-old institution. That includes Shawn Harris-Berry, principal of Academy of Arts and Communications and David Branch, principal of the

Senior Academy Program. Prior to the taking the position at North, Branch was on staff at Lucy Craft Laney

Elementary for ve years. Lucy Craft was known as a “turn-around school” – one identi ed as chronically under-achieving or under-performing. These schools receive additional resources and support through a grant. This federal grant is known as the Student Improvement Grant, a key component of the department’s blueprint for helping states and districts turn around the nation’s lowest-performing schools. “North is identi ed as a high priority school for similar reasons,” said Branch. Branch volunteered for the open position at North that a lot of people were not too eager to ll. “Part of my responsibility

with this program is to see that Senior Academy Students grades 10th –12th, are phased out with the class of 2015,” said Branch. This program will make way for the Academy of Arts and Communication initiative Dr. Harris Berry heads. The outcome of the two academy programs stems from the confusion surrounding the announcement by Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson during the 2010-11 school year that North High would close its doors due to decreasing and below standard enrollment. “To be honest North did have some struggles,” said Branch.

Shortly after Johnson’s announcement was the development of the North High Advisory Council. It worked with district leadership, which created a partner called the Institute for Student Achievement (ISA), to help turn North around. “Basically we are a turn-around school without the funding,” said Branch. The task to provide students with the best education comes with challenges. “As the program shrinks, resources also shrink. I have done my best to leverage resources from my end,” said Branch. With a number of students behind on credits, Branch has put together an idea of “contract

for credit.” “If (a student) did not pass a class, (the student) can enter into a contract with (a) teacher to make up missing work. Some students are one or two assignments away, so we give them an additional opportunity to earn that credit,” said Branch. Another initiative Branch instituted is the Positive Behavior Enrichment Supports program, targeting students who do not get suspended or receive behavior referrals with positive reinforcement. To celebrate such achieving students, a barbecue was held in October for students who had good attendance or who were

“Did you run here?” a surprised Minneapolis ski coach asked Joe Clifton as he trotted up to the Wirth Chalet for at 4pm for his afternoon ski practice. Joe was in a t-shirt and had just run from school to practice as a warm up before snapping into his skis. His younger brother Andrew, a freshman on the team, was close at his heels, and a few of his teammates arrived moments later via the city bus. The United States was never known for it’s skiing calvary, however the Patriots at Patrick Henry High School are forming their own battalion on snow. Three years ago Clifton was the only skier at the school. Now he is a member of a team; eight athletes, one coach, and the beginning of a new skiing tradition at the school. “These kids are working really hard,” said coach Mary Luoma who is the rst ski coach Patrick Henry has had in over ten years. Clifton

is pleased with the growth of the team as well. “We can actually be competitive as a team” he said. One of the closest Minneapolis public schools to Theodore Wirth Park, Henry skiers are no longer feeling like strangers on their home turf. With some Minneapolis high schools boasting ski teams of 100 plus participants, Henry is a small - but tight knit group. “We’re pretty close,” said Raequan Wilson who is a freshman on the team. Wilson skied with the Antwain Ski Team in middle school and trained with LNR (Loppet Nordic Racing) in the summer. He has been able to apply the experience he gained there to high school racing. “We’ve about half new and half “skiers”” he said describing the make-up of the team. “We can train with people our own level,” but added that they all help one another out. The growth of the Henry Ski Team is largely due to cross country skiing opportunities currently being run by the Loppet

Foundation in North Minneapolis elementary and middle schools.

The Loppet Foundation, a non-pro t organization based

in Theodore Wirth Park, runs a trajectory of programming

designed to introduce youth to cross country skiing and support that interest with a year round structure of outdoor activities that keep kids interested and active during all seasons. Currently the Foundation runs teams at Anwtain and Nellie Stone Johnson middle schools, and hopes to build this network to include more middle schools in the future. Selena Philaphandeth, a ninth grader at Henry joined the team after learning how to ski in the Minne-Loppet program at Bryn Mawr. When asked what spurred her to join the Henry Ski Team, she responded, “I noticed I was wasting time sitting at home and I wanted to do something fun and worthwhile with my time”. Was she bothered by the cold? A smile emerged from deep within her hood, “I like it.” Selena’s brother is a third year skier at Anwatin Middle School. Would there be friendly competition between the two siblings in the future? Selena

By Ivan B. PhiferStaff Writer

By Ingrid Remak

The Henry Ski Team participated in the Loppet Foundation’s Waf e Loppet at Wirth. (Back row - left to right): Nick Kester, Andrew Clifton, Coach Mary Luoma, Raequan Wilson (front row) Tori

Cooper, Selena Philaphandeth

David Branch

HENRY TURN TO 6

NORTH TURN TO 6

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insightnews.com Insight News • January 28 - February 3, 2013 •

Aaliyah Kellogg joins Scholastic News Kids Press Corps

A love for music and an inquisitive mind have landed 11-year-old Aaliyah Kellogg opportunities of a lifetime and a chance to report for Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. The daughter of Mint Condition lead singer, Stokley Williams, and Sylvia Williams (owner and creator of Sweet Sylvia), Kellogg has been exposed to celebrities and musicians at an early age. Kellogg said she always had an interest in journalism, but it wasn’t fostered until she met Michelle Williams (formally of Destiny’s Child). “I’ve always been a

curious person and like to ask questions,” said Kellogg. “She’s (Kellogg) never been shy,” said Kellogg’s mother, Sylvia Williams. After watching her daughter informally interview Michelle Williams, she knew journalism was something her daughter should pursue. It was through Kellogg’s godmother that she and her mother found out about Scholastic News Press for Kids Corps. Her godmother took interest when she saw that kids had the opportunity to interview the president of the United States. It was then that Kellogg sent in an application that featured an article Kellogg did on a documentary about Twin Cities musicians. The documentary, “Funkytown,” set to air in Europe in January, features Desdamona, Peter Schimke, Cynthia Johnson, BoomBox, Eric Leeds, and Mint Condition. Kellogg wanted to cover this story because it featured her father and highlighted the talents of the Twin Cities. From this experience Kellogg said she, “learned to communicate better, write better and learned about my surroundings.” This story is what impressed Scholastic News Kids Press Corps editor Dante A. Ciampaglia. “Her application was pretty strong,” said Ciampaglia. He said that with her article Kellogg was able to showcase what makes her community special, which is one of the reasons the organization chooses kids from all over the country. “She was also very poised.”

Kellogg is one of 59 young reporters ages 10-14, reporting for Scholastic. She is one of 19 new young reporters to join the Scholastic this year. This is “news for kids by kids,” said Ciampaglia. “It covers and brings things to kids in a way that’s understandable. Kids also get the chance to develop and propose story ideas.” When Kellogg is not reporting for Scholastic, she is posting interviews on her blog, “Li Simone Media.” At her age she has already had the chance to interview the likes of Eric Roberson, Kelly Price, Questlove of the Roots, Terri Ellis of EnVogue and Meshell Ndegeocello. Her interviews are done via Skype and each post features videos of the interviewed artist. “I’m glad she is identifying her passion,” said Sylvia Williams. “It’s pretty fun to watch.” Besides interviewing musicians, Kellogg interviewed a veterinarian who donated money to Hurricane Sandy relief for animal shelters. Of her stories, Kellogg said this was her favorite. In the future she hopes to interview the rst daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama. Up next she will be doing a story on an upcoming show at Imagination Theatre featuring her little brother and which is under the music direction of her father. To view Kellogg’s work, visit www.lisimonemedia.com and teacher.scholastic.com.

By Chris Garner

Chris Garner Aaliyah Kellogg

necessary because there is still work to be done to insure opportunities for all. And if there was any ambiguity of the dire situation this nation nds itself in when it comes to the plight children of color face, keynote speaker Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, clearly spelled things out. “We need to wake up,” said Edelman. “And we need to recognize that we have to invest now, and invest with urgency and with persistence so that we can give every child a chance to be able to function, work and contribute in this very complex, changing world and economy.” To prove her point, Edelman offered a few sobering statistics. “In this nation, every eight seconds a child drops out of school,” said Edelman. “Every 29 seconds a baby is born into poverty. Every 85 seconds a child is born to a teenage mother. One in three black males and one in six Latino men have been incarcerated.” Edelman, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest honor awarded to a civilian – and who was the rst African-American woman admitted to the Mississippi state bar, took time in her remarks to call for an end to gun violence in the nation and in the African-American community and called for education reform in what she termed a cradle-to-prison pipeline. “Every three hours and 15 minutes a child is lost to gun re. Every three hours we have a Newtown,” said Edelman referring to the December school massacre that killed 20 children and six adults. The former counsel for the Poor People›s Campaign that King, Jr. began organizing before his death, Edelman said since the assassination of King, Jr. more than 1.3 million people have died due to gun violence. “That’s two times the number of all those killed in all the wars in American history,” said Edelman. A maven in human, civil, and child rights, Edelman said America’s education system is in crisis. “Eighty percent of black and Latino students cannot read, write or compute at grade level,” said Edelman. “Folks, this is a disaster. (These individuals) are being sentenced to economic death. These children are going to become a majority of our population.” The underperforming of students of color is not fault or their own doing according to Edelman. “I’m tired of us holding children accountable

for things we have not equipped them to do,” said Edelman, who said just throwing money at the problem is not the answer. “We don’t have a money problem; we have a values and morals problem.” One of the solutions Edelman offered was to attract more quali ed instructors to the least performing schools and having teachers who are more culturally competent and vested in children’s success.

She also called for better funding of pre-kindergarten learning. According to Edelman, af uent children enter kindergarten with a three million word head start on their poorer counterparts. Breakfast attendee, Derrick Owusu, said education cannot be left to just the educators. He called on more citizens to take on a mentoring role with at-risk students. “We (adults) need to learn

to give back,” said Owusu, who is originally from Ghana. “You can’t put all the pressure just on the students. But also, the student cannot give up. Keep pushing.” MLK Breakfast chair, Martin Abrams called on the capacity audience to commit to service. “Let’s do more than feel the spirit of this celebration; let’s commit to action,” said Abrams. “Let’s talk less and do

more.” The breakfast, in its 23rd year, has become known as one of the nation’s premier King, Jr. holiday celebrations. Past keynote speakers have included Martin Luther King III, Gen. Colin Powell, Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Vernon Jordan. The event was sponsored by the United Negro College Fund and supported by the General Mills Foundation.

MLKFrom 1

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Mission, vision and plan

This week we introduce a new column on the often mysterious, and ever important topic of fundraising. Written by Mel and Pearl Shaw, FUNdraising Good Times, is written for those who manage, work for, or provide volunteer leadership for nonpro t organizations and institutions. Fundraising is to the nonpro t sector what sales is to the private sector. Serving on a nonpro t board requires

knowledge and leadership in the area of fundraising. The column is designed to help you attract and retain resources and leadership needed for success.

Successful fundraising begins long before a fundraising plan is ever created. It starts with your organization’s vision and mission. These two items are at the core of non-pro t operations. It is the vision and mission that drive your strategic direction and goals. And it is the strategic direction that in uences fundraising and the use of funds. The chief executive for your organization is the person responsible for the vision and mission. Depending upon the structure of your organization

this person could be the director, executive director, the chief executive of cer, the president or chancellor. He or she is the person responsible for ensuring board members, employees, and volunteers understand the mission and vision and are in agreement with these. He is also responsible for ensuring the organization’s strategic direction — as documented in the strategic plan — is rooted in the mission and vision. The work of de ning your nonpro t’s mission and vision may have been done years ago. Or, these may be still evolving. Sometimes the process of de ning these can appear to be complicated and too time consuming. But clearly de ning these is critically important – they are the

bedrock from which you will create your strategic, business, and/or operating plans. They are what will ultimately drive your fundraising. Here’s how it works. Your mission and vision inform the creation of your strategic plan. Your strategic plan sets the path for your operations and activities. Knowing your current and projected future operations and activities informs your fundraising. While you can always raise some money, meeting your fundraising goal will require that you know how much you are seeking to raise and for what current and projected purposes. It all ties back to your mission and vision. Here are our simple de nitions. Your vision

statement communicates your vision for the future — what you are seeking to achieve. Your mission statement communicates the purpose of your organization. Your strategic plan communicates how you will bring your vision and mission to life.. Your vision and mission statements should be short and concise — one or two sentences at most, if possible. Your strategic plan can be as simple or as complex as your organization requires. We are partial to short, clearly written plans that include easy-to-understand and easy-to-measure goals and objectives. Once the vision and mission are established, it is the chief executive’s responsibility to ensure they are understood and

that the board and employees are in agreement with them. All parties need to know these statements – and what they mean – inside and out. All need to be able to discuss the vision and mission when talking about the organization. Each needs to know the goals and objectives contained in the strategic plan and the progress being made toward these. These are some of the rst steps in building towards fundraising success. © Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” They provide fundraising counsel to nonpro ts. Visit them at www.saadandshaw.com.

Hats off to the job fair!

For those who left last week’s job fair with a new position, congratulations! For those who did not, my friends who represent companies across the Twin Cities have asked me to pass along some tips that will help you work your way through the next job fair more successfully. Kindly, remove your hat. And your puffy ski jacket. And your gloves. Yes, it is freezing outside. But this job fair is an indoor event. There is a coat check near the door. If you’re worried about theft, carry your coat over your arm. Clunky, but preferable. I once worked with someone who kept his coat on all day in order to take frequent smoke breaks. You don’t want anyone to think you’re that guy. Plan ahead, so you will know which companies will be attending the job fair. Check out the job openings posted online (Indeed.com is a good place to start) to nd out which companies

are hiring for your skillset. A successful networker, my friend Yael told me she does some internet stalking prior to events so she will know who to “bump into” when it counts. Plan ahead, so you will know what to say when you meet people from your target companies. Yael admits to investing enough time in advance so that she knows something unique about those people she wants to bump into. At a job fair, you have two choices. You can say, “I’ll do anything! Tell me about your company!” Or, you can say, “I’m really good at this one thing and I saw a posting that t my skills; can you tell me who I should talk to about that?” When someone approaches my table at a job fair, and they look friendly and ready to work, that’s a great start. When they tell me exactly what they want to do and which of my job openings they like, I want to jump up and down and schedule interviews on the spot. Be that person. And remember to put that hat back on when you leave. It’s freezing outside.

Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your resume, career plans and questions to [email protected].

By Julie [email protected]

Plan Your Career

By Mel and Pearl Shaw

FUNdraisingGood Times

Chad Johnston to helm of SPNN

INROADS names Michael T. Holmes COO

Following an extensive nationwide hiring process, the St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN) has named Chad Johnston from The People’s Channel in Durham, N.C. as the organization’s new executive director. Board President Cody Fleischfresser said, “I can’t express enough how excited we are to have Chad join SPNN as our executive director. Chad brings an energy and passion to his work, along with the idea that media can be a transformative force in the community.” As Executive Director of The People’s Channel since 2004, Johnston has worked tirelessly to promote community media. A graduate of Antioch College, he brings with him a wealth of community media experience,

including time spent in Argentina as an independent journalist and three years as a board member for the Alliance for Community Media. “I have a deep commitment to community media, and I have seen the power it has to amplify voice,

create positive social change, and promote local economic development,” said Johnston. SPNN said it is not looking to make any strategic realignments or dramatic changes to current programs. Mike Wassenaar served as the executive director of SPNN for 13 years, and announced his resignation this past fall. According to SPNN, under his leadership, the organization experienced tremendous growth and stability. In keeping the longevity of SPNN in mind, Fleischfresser said that minimizing disruption to the organization was one of the most important priorities in the executive director search process. Currently, Operations and Production Manager Steve Brunsberg is serving as the interim

executive director until Mar. 25, when Johnston steps into his new role. “St. Paul has a reputation of being very open, friendly and committed to having a healthy community,” said Johnston. “I am tremendously excited to learn about all the wonderful people and organizations that make St. Paul such a great place to live.” SPNN is a 501(c)(3) non-pro t community media center serving St. Paul and the Twin Cities metro area. The organization’s mission is to empower people to use media and communications to better lives, use authentic voice and build common understanding. SPNN operates ve channels on the Comcast cable system, which reach 52,000 cable households in St. Paul.

INROADS, Inc., the nation’s largest non-pro t source of salaried corporate internships, has appointed Michael T. Holmes as its new Chief Operating Of cer (COO). Holmes will lead and manage a comprehensive array of services and programs for INROADS to establish the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, staff and systems necessary to grow the organization, ensure nancial strength and maintain operational ef ciency. “Michael has a strong commitment to development and a deep understanding of the INROADS process, and I am very con dent about the leadership and operational acumen he will deliver to INROADS’ mission

and strategies,” said Forest Harper, president and CEO of INROADS, Inc. From 1985 to 2001, Holmes served INROADS

as executive vice president, national accounts manager and managing director of Fair eld-Westchester Counties. Along the way, he gaining signi cant operations management experience and demonstrated signi cant leadership, stewardship, business and relationship development skills. The two regions he oversaw in his former role at INROADS -- Northeast and New England – are, to date, two of INROADS’ most successful and critical. “Michael can move seamlessly into leadership to make an immediate impact as the new COO, based on his 16 years of previous experience at INROADS, and thanks to his strong leadership, client relations and sales abilities,” said Harper. In addition to his INROADS

experience, Holmes’ professional background spans academia and the manufacturing, nancial and professional services industries. Most recently, Holmes served as director of global talent acquisition for Terex Corporation, a diversi ed global manufacturer, where he was responsible for leveraging recruiting strategies creatively, utilizing social media, as well as trend and data analysis. Prior to that, he initiated strategies to increase diversity recruiting efforts as director of strategic talent management and global diversity for Pitney Bowes, and as vice president and diversity sourcing manager for Citigroup. Holmes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from College of the Holy Cross.

Chad Johnston

Michael T. Holmes

PhotoXpress

BUSINESS


AESTHETICS

Deceptively good

Jackie and Me essay contest

Meagan Good stars in NBC’s midseason drama “Deception” as Joanna Padget Locasto, a San Francisco narcotics detective with childhood ties to a notoriously secretive and powerful New York family, the Bowers. When her childhood best friend, Vivian Bowers, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Joanna is enlisted by the FBI to help to nd the killer, agreeing to go undercover into the opulent lifestyle she thought she’d left behind. Meagan has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actresses, recently completing a season-long arc on Showtime’s acclaimed series “Californication” as well as a role in “Think Like a Man,” the feature lm based on the best-selling book by Steve Harvey. In 2011, she starred on the big screen alongside Angela Bassett and Paula Patton in “Jumping the Broom.” The versatile actress has mastered a variety of lm genres, ranging from horror with “The Unborn” opposite Odette Annable and Gary Oldman to comedy with “The Love Guru,” co-starring Mike Myers, Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake. She rose to fame as a result of her box-of ce hit “Stomp the Yard,” but was recognized earlier for her acclaimed performance opposite Samuel L. Jackson in the eerie family drama “Eve’s Bayou,” for which she received an NAACP Image Award nomination. Additional feature lm credits include the critically-acclaimed cult lm “Brick,” opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “You Got Served,” “D.E.B.S,” “Waist Deep” with Tyrese Gibson, Queen Latifah’s “The Cookout,” “Biker Boyz,” “Deliver Us from Eva,” “Friday” with Ice Cube, “Roll Bounce” and the horror lm “Saw V.” Besides acting, Meagan has produced independent lms such as “Miles from Home,” which she starred in opposite actor/director Ty Hodges. The picture screened at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival, the Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival, where it swept all of the awards - Best Feature, Best Actor and Actress (Meagan Good) and Best Director. More recently, she produced and starred in “Video Girl,” the “Gia”-esque lm that depicts the sordid and misunderstood life of a music video superstar. Born in Panorama City, California, Megan began appearing in commercials at the age of 4 and to date has completed over 60 national television commercials. She made her

primetime television debut on the WB nighttime series “Raising Dad,” and her rst major television role was as a regular on the hit show “Cousin Skeeter.” And she has guest-starred on “Moesha,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “The Division,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” “My Wife & Kids” and “All of Us,” too. Meagan was recently married to DeVon Franklin, an executive for Columbia Pictures who is also a preacher and motivational

speaker. Here, she talks about her new show, “Deception,” which airs Monday nights on NBC at 10 PM ET/PT. (Check local listings)

Kam Williams: Hi, Meagan. Congratulations on your marriage, newlywed!How was the honeymoon?Meagan Good: It was fantastic, especially considering we were celibate until marriage!

KW: What interested you in

Deception?MG: The script was incredible and there were so many elements that appealed to me creatively and physically, and the cast seemed like an amazing group of people.

KW: Tell me a little about the show?

Based on the popular book series by Dan Gutman, Jackie and Me by Steven Dietz magically transports audiences back to Jackie Robinson’s rookie year at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement. Tony nominated director Marion McClinton will direct Jackie and Me on the UnitedHealth Group Stage March 12 through April 14. Joe Stoshack is by far not the best baseball player on his Little League team. He does however have an impressive collection of baseball cards that gives Joe the remarkable ability to time-travel. When he’s given an assignment to write a school report about a famous African American, Joe travels back in time to meet one of the greatest baseball players ever—Jackie Robinson—and learns what it was like for the man who endured more than his share of prejudice to break baseball’s color barrier. Joe plans to write a prize-winning report but never expects the enduring change in his perception of history and courage. Celebrated actor Ansa Akyea has been charged with the task of playing the legendary historical gure. Akyea is thrilled to be playing Jackie Robinson. He states: “I can’t express the joy and

honor it will be to travel through time and revisit the obstacles and barriers that Jackie Robinson overcame by playing baseball. Through his sheer determination, character, and grace in his love of playing baseball, he broke barriers both in sports, and culture, and ultimately changed the American mind by getting to its heart.” Akyea concludes by saying he expects the show to be “full of life lessons, and most of all, to have a huge heart that proves that regardless of circumstance, with a little help and encouragement, we are only limited by what we can dream to achieve.” CTC will celebrate this spirit through a city-wide essay competition for third through tenth-graders, adjudicated by author Dan Gutman and former Minnesota Twin Tony Oliva with prize packages from the Minnesota Twins and Fox Sports North. Jackie and Me runs March 12 – April 14, 2013 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. As part of CTC’s commitment to programming for ages two through eighteen, Jackie and Me is recommended for grades 3 and up. Tickets are on sale now and affordable ticket packages are also still available. For more information visit us online at

childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Of ce at 612.874.0400. School performances are already sold out. Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the rst theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003). Founded in 1965, CTC serves more than 300,000 people annually and is one of the 20 largest theater companies in the nation. The company is noted for de ning worldwide standards for youth theatre with an innovative

mix of classic tales, celebrated international productions and challenging new work.

Jackie and Me Essay Contest

Contest prizesOne Grand Prize Winner will be awarded:• Four tickets to a Minnesota

Twins home game • Winner and one adult will

attend Twins batting practice on Target Field

• Recognition on Twins

scoreboard• Four complimentary tickets to

CTC’s production of Jackie and Me

• Recognition on CTC lobby monitors

• Personal behind-the-scenes tour for up to six guests at Fox Sports North

• One copy of Jackie and Me autographed by author Dan Gutman

Three First Prize Winners will be awarded:• Four complimentary tickets to

CTC’s production of Jackie and Me

• Recognition on CTC lobby monitors

• One copy of Jackie and Me autographed by author Dan Gutman

Contest rules• Entrants must be 15 years old

or younger as of March 12, 2013.

• Essays must be no more than 500 words, and an original work created solely by the entrant.

• Entries may be submitted online or by mail.

• Essays must be postmarked no later than February 18, 2013

• Limit one (1) entry per person.

• Winners will be announced on CTC’s Facebook page the week of March 11. Winners will also be noti ed via email.

Auth or Dan Gutman and the Twins’ Hall of Famer Tony Oliva will adjudicate the essays.

The essayIn Children’s Theatre Company’s upcoming play Jackie and Me by Steven Dietz adapted from the book by Dan Gutman, Joey Stoshack travels back in time to 1947 to meet baseball legend Jackie Robinson. In addition to being remembered as one of the greatest baseball players in history, Jackie Robinson paved the way for African-American players in the Major Leagues – but it wasn’t easy. Imagine how dif cult breaking baseball’s color barrier must have been for Jackie and his family. Please tell us, in your own words, how does the story of Jackie Robinson inspire you? Submit your entry via Children’s Theatre Company as an attachment to [email protected]. Via mail or delivery to:Children’s Theatre Company2400 Third Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55404

By Kam [email protected]

Interview

GOOD TURN TO 8

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FULL CIRCLEYou are the master of your fate

I am the master of my fate; I am captain of my soul (William Ernest Henley) Our life is made up of series of choices and consequences. The moment we decide to take full responsibility for the things that happen in our life, it will begin to change for the better. The things we say about ourselves will always supersede the things said by others. You serve as the numerator in your life equation and the people in your life serve as the denominator. When others bring spiritual, emotional, and nancial value equal to yours,

your life becomes one or whole. On the other hand, when they bring emotional, nancial, and spiritual baggage that is greater than you and your resources, your life becomes a fraction of what it should be. To become the master of your fate, you must rst take ownership of your choices. First, take ownership of the actions you take. To do this, you will need to remove “it’s all your fault” or “you made me do it” from your vocabulary. Take responsibility for your choices by looking inward for your transformation. Self-examination is the vehicle that allows you to redirect your course in life. Self knowledge transforms you. This self-awareness gives new perspective thereby giving a new point-of view. This means you no longer have to wait for someone to come along and make your life better. When you take ownership for it, you

own it so you have the power to change it. Secondly, never measure your life by any single moment in it. Although, life constantly

adds and takes away from you, it does not render you powerless to still make an impact in it. William Ernest Henley wrote

the poem “Invictus” from his hospital bed. Although he had survived tuberculosis at age twelve, in the process, he had one foot amputated. He later

resisted the doctor’s assurance that the only way to save his life was to amputate the other leg; as a result, Henley was

discharged from the hospital in 1835 with one foot intact. Because he was able to see his life beyond his current setback, Henley went on to live an active life for more than thirty years. Tell yourself that you are more than this moment in your life. The things you think and say about yourself will always supersede the words spoken by others. This is the type of self con dence that is necessary to produces true greatness. Finally, nd your own personal happiness. Individually, we must take responsibility for our lives. No one can truly make another person happy. If a person is not content within themselves, changing everything around them still will not make them happy. Make it a point not to voluntarily do anything that will frustrate you. Set some time aside each day to do something you enjoy. Spend more time with people that

add to your life. Your life will be different because you are different. This year, as you re ect on your life and the people in it, ask yourself the question, “Are they adding value to me?” If not, it is time to make some changes. William Henley knew that he was the master of his fate and the captain of his soul. Each of us must learn this lesson for ourselves. To live your best life today, you must take responsibility for the success and failure in your life and live out the principle you are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul!

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

ManTalk

By Timothy Houston

on the honor roll. “A lot of our attention goes towards the students that are struggling and we forget the ones who are doing well. We have to celebrate our good

students,” said Branch. Branch said North gets a bad rap, though some criticism is deserved. “If we have not done our job in terms of improving and increasing graduation rates, we should be held accountable,” said Branch. “However, there are also things (for which) we get overlooked.” Branch

pointed to the Polar Producers – students who write, produce and perform on the air with the Jazz 88 KBEM program and enrichment programs for advance placement students. “People do not hear these stories,” said Branch. The Senior Academy program has 200 students – grades 10-12, but will reduce

to 150 next year while the Arts Academy will increase with a new freshman class. “I came in to establish new expectations for all stakeholders; students, teachers and parents,” said Branch. “Families need to have support to help us change behaviors for the children who are struggling.”

Branch is very familiar with the sentiments from the students regarding stability. “When you have so much change in a short amount of time, the expectations get screwed up. Students have asked me the rst day in, ‘How long are you going to be here?’ If you look at the number of assistant principals since 2008,

it has been even higher than the amount of principals. It is a legitimate question.” Overall, Branch is optimistic for the new direction of North High. “As much as we have struggled here the last four or ve years especially, we know there is a powerful history of strong graduates,” said Branch.

answered con dently, “no, I ski smoother than him.” Madonna Moua is also a rst year skier on the Henry team. As a ninth grader she decided to join the team at the recommendation of one of her teachers. “I don’t like sports like basketball, I don’t like to feel “smashed” upon,” she chuckled. Moua would never have imagined herself on snow, let alone loving it. “I love climbing to the top of the hills and I feel so warm” she added checking her cheeks with her hands. “I don’t get cold.”

While Patrick Henry welcomes new skiers - it is the determination of its experienced athletes that will make the team competitive in Minneapolis. In the City Conference Grade Level classic race, Joe Clifton placed 12th overall, Mike Xiong was 3rd for the 10th graders, and Raequan was 1st for 9th graders. Andrew Clifton and Teagan Brogdon were 3rd and 4th respectively. Coach Mary Luoma, who was an assistant coach on the Anwatin Ski Team for several years, has witnessed the growth of many of the Henry skiers as athletes and individuals. “I have been thrilled to see the team camaraderie and excitement for races. Raequan and Mike have

developed a strong friendship that started in middle school. In high school I have seen them become more responsible, and concerned about how they are doing academically.” She hopes the Henry team begins a tradition of both strong racers and lifelong

skiers. “Teagan started to ski at Bryn Mawr with Coach Margaret (The Loppet Foundation) and then skied at Anwatin. He loved being outside, but wasn’t that into racing. This year he has remarked that the races are awesome... he can’t get enough

skiing!” Like most ski teams, the group trains hard and then enjoys the reward skiers like the most: food. This past weekend, the team joined other members of the Loppet ski community for the Waf e Loppet - a morning ski

with waf es to follow. Fueled by a love for skiing (and a waf e here and there), this team is forming a tight bond on the trails. Watch the Henry skiers as they participate in the City Conference Championships, Jan. 30 - Wirth Park.

HenryFrom 2

NorthFrom 2

To live your best life today, you must take responsibility for the success and failure

in your life [...]

Selena Philaphandeth


Veterans seek presidential recognition for legendary Buffalo SoldierCALIFORNIA -- In honor of Black History Month 2013, The National Coalition of Black Veterans Organizations has come together to advocate for the promotion of the late Colonel Charles Young, the legendary Buffalo Soldier who was medically discharged from the United States Army on January 22, 1917. Colonel Charles Young was recalled in 1918 in the grade of colonel after riding 500 miles to demonstrate his tness to serve on active military duty. The Veterans have drafted a letter (See attached letter with Resolutions) requesting that the President issue a Proclamation elevating Colonel Young to the honorary rank of Brigadier General during Black History Month 2013. The National Coalition of Black Veterans have stated in their letter to President Obama: “We are rm in our belief that the honor we are seeking on his behalf was earned over a career that spanned more than thirty-two years of honorable service to our nation (1889 - 1922). We are joined in this request by resolutions from the Commonwealth of Kentucky House of Representatives (the birth state of Colonel Young), the

Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, the Council of the District of Columbia and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.” As the third Black cadet to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Colonel Young’s accomplishments were numerous.

They included becoming the rst Black military attache, the rst Black Superintendent of a National Park, and the rst Black soldier promoted to both the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel as well as Colonel. He also distinguished himself in command positions during the Philippine Insurrection and General Pershings Punitive

Expedition. During the latter event, his courageous actions under re resulted in the rescue of the 13th Cavalry. Colonel Young was the highest ranking African American in the military at the outset of the First World War and until his death in 1922. Colonel Young unfortunately lived during an era of racial inequities, which

prevented him from leading combat troops during the First World War. This impacted his opportunity for the promotion we are seeking on his behalf. Above all, The National Coalition of Black Veterans recognize that “this request is a small measure compared to many of the items that demand the

President’s attention. Although symbolic in nature, it is important because it lls an important void in the legacy of black participation and accomplishments in American Military History. We ask that the President’s contribution to the process come in the form of the honorary promotion we are seeking for Colonel Charles Young.” To review the letter and related links in the letter to the proclamation go to: http://www.unity rst.com/veterans2013.pdf

bid a job knowing his or her pro t margin.

“Some people were bidding jobs and by the time they got into the project, they were over budget because they didn’t properly account for everything that went into the job,” said White.

Foster and White said another obstacle facing small minority- and women-owned contractors is the lack of up-front nancing. ProBid offers a 12-hour course that once completed, participants

become pre-quali ed for a line of credit. The funding comes from various sources, including non-for-pro ts. Up-front funding is essential when obtaining a government contract, as most

such contracts do not pay in advance . Typically, ProBid offers classes to participants for $90. The classes are valued at $1,500, but the additional cost is offset by various government agencies and non-pro ts. The classes run in eight-week sessions from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thus far, according to Foster, ProBid has assisted more than 750 Minnesota contractors. “We’re trying to change the mindset of a small business contractor,” said Foster. Foster, who is a military veteran, said his company is also seeking to offer specialized courses for contractor who are also veterans. He said these courses will be at no charge to the veterans. Skilled contracting can also provide an excellent opportunity for ex-felons. White said one ex-felon who took a ProBid course has secured a cleaning contract with several Walgreen’s and

Family Dollar stores. “You don’t need security clearance to paint stripes on a roadway,” said Foster. For a company that is making such a name for itself, one might expect to see Foster and White in some swanky of ce with a fancy zip code, but that is far from the case. The duo works out of a shared space in the of ces of the Minneapolis Builders Exchange (MBEX), 1123 Glenwood Ave. The exchange is a member-oriented, non-pro t association dedicated to assisting construction industry businesses throughout the upper Midwest. “This place here is a diamond in the rough,” said Foster. “Anything a contractor needs, they can get it here. This facility is a great teaching facility.” To learn more about ProBid or to enquire about course enrollment, call (651) 967-9395 or visit www.probidtraining.com.

BusinessFrom 1

but there is an opportunity to learn, grow and advance,” said MSP Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson, who is African-American. Johnson said she was shocked, as Minneapolis is known to be a racially and socially tolerant and diverse community. “I’m not proud of this, nor are our students,” said Carol Markham-Cousins, principal at Washburn. “This will be the beginning of a discussion about race that needs to happen. We’re going to face this head on. It was racist and it’s wrong.” According to district of cials, sometime between 1:40 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 11, a group of unnamed students hung a black baby doll by its neck from a railing. The hanging doll

was seen by several students and faculty, and was also captured on surveillance video. Though the hanging took place on Jan. 11, and pictures of the hanging doll were posted on various social media sites, Washburn parents were not of cially noti ed about the incident until Jan. 16 and Jan. 17. The district blamed the delay on its focusing primarily on the students at Washburn. Parent Stephanie Young was one of the parents who heard about the hanging almost immediately. Her daughter, Shante` Young, 14, a freshman at Washburn, saw the hanging in real time. “My reaction was outrage,” said Stephanie Young. “This is 2013. Why are we having to deal with this?” Stephanie Young said her daughter called almost immediately after she saw the group of students hanging the doll in the hallway. “She was upset. She called me and said, ‘Mom, you’re not going to

believe what just happened.’” According to Shante` Young,

she exited her classroom to blow her nose when she noticed four white students – who she knew by name, but who she otherwise had little interaction with – with a couple of the students holding an item. “I heard one of the girls say, ‘Hang it off the stairs,’” said Shante` Young, who said initially she did not know the item they were attempting to hang was a doll. “At rst I thought it was a science project, but when they (those with the doll) looked at me and I saw the skin of the baby I shook my head. I was so upset.” And though some are saying the students’ act was a harmless prank and the color of the doll was coincidental, Shante` Young disagrees. “They knew what they were doing and they need to apologize for what they did,” said Shante` Young. One student indirectly involved with the incident said she was saddened to know that

such an incident could have taken place. Lily Quist, 14, a freshman at Washburn said the now infamous baby doll was hers. Quist, who is white, said she brought the doll to school for use in an upcoming play, and the doll was taken from the theater department. “My heart was broken,” said Quist. Washburn and MPS are not releasing any information regarding the offending students – including any possible discipline – citing federal and state student privacy laws. Stephanie Young said she has heard that a total of four students were disciplined, with two being immediately expelled and two being subsequently expelled. Markham-Cousins would not con rm or deny such speculation. “My job is to protect these students equally,” said Markham-Cousins. The Washburn principal said she spoke with all of the

offending students and their parents. “I can tell you this; they are full of remorse. They had no idea how bad this was. Those kids didn’t understand the gravity of what they did,” said Markham-Cousins, who is in her sixth year as Washburn principal. When asked what rational the students offered for the horri c act, Markham-Cousins said their answers were, “Not anything that would satisfy anybody.” Several calls from students, parents and community members alike came asking for greater diversity in curriculum. The superintendent and principal agreed that a greater teaching of various cultures is needed and both said they are looking at ways to go beyond what is in the textbooks to teach diversity. “This is not just a teachable moment, this is a transformative moment,” said Markham-Cousins.

WashburnFrom 1

Harry Colbert, Jr.Washburn High School Princi-pal Carol Markham-Cousins told those in the Washburn

auditorium that the hanging of a black doll inside her school was racist and such incidents

will not be tolerated.

510 MediaCoalition of Black Veterans call on President Obama for proclamation honoring the legendary Buffalo Soldier Colonel Charles Young. Left to right: Wilfred Harvey, Howard Jackson, chairman, National Minority Military Museum Foundation, Charles Blatcher, III, chair-man, National Coalition of Black Veterans, Ervin Breaux, Guy Washington, National Park Service and Robert Brauer, former chief of

staff to Congressman Ronald V. Dellums.

blackarchives.orgCharles Young, Lt. Colonel 10th Cavalry. Commanded

Post 1917.


Pets exposed more than humansDear EarthTalk: What are some tips for keeping my dogs and cats healthy?-- Kim New eld, via e-mail

Believe it or not, our pets may be exposed to more harsh chemicals through the course of their day than we are. Researchers at the non-pro t Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that pet dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people. “Just as children ingest pollutants in tap water, play on lawns with pesticide residues or breathe in an array of indoor air contaminants, so do their pets,” reports EWG. Since they develop and age seven or more times faster than children, pets also develop health problems from exposures much faster, EWG adds. “Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher in pets than is typical for people, with 2.4 times higher levels of stain- and grease-proof coatings (per uorochemicals) in dogs, 23 times more re retardants (PBDEs) in cats,

and more than ve times the amounts of mercury, compared to average levels in people,” reports the group. Their 2008 study looked at plastics and food packaging chemicals, heavy metals, re retardants and stain-proo ng chemicals in pooled samples of blood and urine from 20 dogs and 37 cats tested at a Virginia veterinary clinic.

“For dogs, blood and urine

samples were contaminated with 35 chemicals altogether, including 11 carcinogens, 31 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, and 24 neurotoxins,” adds EWG. This is particularly alarming given that man’s best friend is known to have much higher cancer rates than humans. A 2008 Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Center study found that dogs have 35 times more skin cancer, four times more

breast tumors, eight times more bone cancer, and two times more leukemia per capita as humans. And according to researchers from Purdue University, cancer is the second leading cause of death for dogs, with about one in four canines succumbing to some form of the disease. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism—a condition which many think is on the rise in felines due to chemical exposures—is already a leading

cause of illness for older cats.

In its Pets for the Environment website, EWG lists dozens of ways for pet owners to ensure that dogs and cats are as safe as possible in this dangerous world we inhabit. Among other tips, EWG recommends choosing pet food without chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin, and looking for organic or free-range ingredients

rather than by-products. As for drinking water, EWG suggests running tap water through a reverse osmosis lter—either faucet-mounted or pitcher-based—before it goes into a pet’s bowl to remove common contaminants. Also, replacing old bedding or furniture, especially if it has exposed foam, can prevent pets from ingesting re retardants. From avoiding non-stick pans and garden pesticides to choosing greener kitty litter and decking material, the list of tips goes on.

Taking steps to ensure a safer environment for pets—some 63 percent of U.S. homes have at least one—will mean a safer world for humans, too. EWG concludes that our pets “well may be serving as sentinels for our own health, as they breathe in, ingest or absorb the same chemicals that are in our environments.”

CONTACT: EWG Pets for the Environment, www.ewg.org/PetsfortheEnvironment

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected]. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

EarthTalk®E - The Environmental Magazine

Hemera CollectionPets ingest pollutants and pesticide residues and breathe in an array of indoor air contaminants just like children do -- and since they

develop and age seven or more times faster than children, pets develop health problems from exposures much faster.

MG: My character’s name is Joanna Locasto. Her mother worked for the Bowers family and she grew up in the house and was best friends with Vivian. They had a strange falling out when

they were 17 and I moved to San Francisco and went on to become a narcotics of cer with the SFPD, while Vivian went on to become a “celebutante.” The show opens with Vivian’s murder and the FBI brings me in undercover to nd out who did it. KW: Will solving this murder take up the whole rst season?

MG: Yes, but the show is so crazy and there are many other things that unfold while the murder is being solved. KW: How would you describe your character, Joanna Locasto?MG: Tough, ballsy, and vulnerable, with a strong moral compass. She has a moral heart and wants to pursue justice and

see the right thing happen. KW: How did you prepare for this role? Did you consult your father, since he was a police of cer in the LAPD?MG: Yes I did, and also his wife who is currently in the FBI. They helped me learn about the

GoodFrom 5

GOOD TURN TO 11

LIFESTYLE

PUZZLES ACROSS1. *Previous Grammy nominees Ant and Lambert6. *Best New Artist, possibly9. Hit the bottle13. Relating to a node14. Arrival time15. *She’s a 6-time Grammy winner and Michael’s sister16. Harry Potter’s antagonist _____ Malfoy17. Always, in verse18. Uncredited actor19. *Female artist with most wins21. Like Horn of Plenty amount23. Exclamation expressing disgust24. Pea houses25. Ratio of adjacent side to hypotenuse of right-angled triangle28. With minimal sound distortion30. Go ashore35. Shades37. Electric and moray sh39. Less bright then supernovae40. Von Bismarck or Hahn, e.g.41. *Grammy winner Keb Mo is a _____ Blues icon43. Allen Ginsberg poem44. Stands for46. A ride to mountain top47. Cambodian money48. Magician’s word50. Double reed woodwind52. Wine quality53. Wild goat55. Flash ___57. “Last Tango __ _____”61. *Grammy Museum location64. Island republic in central Paci c65. Stallone67. Incompetent69. Main section of Vegas70. Sailor’s af rmative71. Be of one mind72. Tattled73. *These Grammy winners owned a lonely heart74. Famous prize

DOWN1. Plus2. Rachel Renee Russell’s “____ Diaries”3. Month of Purim4. Last European colony in China5. Outer covering that can be shed6. Fine print add-ons7. Shoshonean8. Narcotics lawman9. *Grammy winner Bob James wrote theme for this DeVito sitcom10. “I’m ___ you!”11. Cuzco country12. Plural of #14 Across15. *Call her maybe?20. It usually precedes “away”22. Like Jack Klugman on TV24. Jackie O’s hat25. “_____ at the bit”26. Kind of space27. Bristles29. Fifteen of these from basket to foul line31. Physicist Niels ____32. Steer clear of33. More raw34. *What doesn’t kill her makes her stronger36. *They play with Mumford38. Wild guess42. Something in the air45. Provoke49. ___-Wan Kenobi51. Eroded by wind54. English homework?56. This was his name-o57. In or of the present month58. Warsaw Pact opposition59. Opposite of knit60. Desert-like61. Cleaning cabinet supplies62. Sink or swim, e.g.63. D’Artagnan’s weapon of choice66. Singular of #61 Down68. Rolodex abbr.

The Grammys

ANSWERS TURN TOO 10


STATE OF EQUALITY AND JUSTICE IN AMERICA:

It is the best of times and the worst of times

Gun control: If she had a gun

King’s greatest legacy

Editor’s Note: “The State of Equality and Justice in America” is part of series of columns written by an all-star list of contributors to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The contributors include: U. S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) LCCRUL 50th Anniversary Grand Marshal; Ms. Barbara Arnwine, President and Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL); Mr. Charles Ogletree, Professor, Harvard University Law School/Director, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice; the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., President/CEO, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; the Rev. Joseph Lowery, Co-founder, Southern Christian Leadership Conference; U. S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.); and 14 additional thought leaders

and national advocates for equal justice. Here’s the second op-ed of the series:

With the death of Trayvon Martin nearly a year ago, many wondered whether there could be any justice in America. The indictment of George Zimmerman and the subsequent focus on the shooting death of

Trayvon Martin has set the legal process to take its course in the near future. In looking at the overall state of race and justice in America, clearly a lot of progress has been made. On November 4, 2008, the United States elected its rst African-American President Barack Obama, who is just beginning his second term. Clearly, the job of equality and justice is not the job of one man. But, since his election, President Obama has taken a number of steps that make the state of race and justice a positive one. If we simply look at the Supreme Court, which decides much of our legal issues that impact us greatly, the President has had the opportunity to appoint two people. And on both occasions, he appointed women; including a woman of color. When we look at the United States Circuit Courts, which are one step away from the United States Supreme Court, President Obama has appointed the rst African-American

for Mississippi to the Fifth Circuit, an African-American with Haitian connections to the Second Circuit, the rst woman in Massachusetts to the First Circuit, and an African-American woman to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. This only begins to show the diversity and quality of his appointments. More importantly, the President - in his rst term - persuaded Congress to support a $787 billion stimulus package, has had healthcare approved, and prevailed in the Supreme Court on protection of rights of immigrants. These successes reveal the commitment to the state of justice, equality, and progress in our country. Despite the progress of the past four years, there is still much work to be done. We still have a problem in terms of employment, housing, and an increasing negative re ection on the African-American presence in the criminal justice system. While many of these issues are in uenced by local and state

legislation, they are still troubling when you see the African-American unemployment rates in double digits, housing foreclosures increasing, and the state of equality in our criminal justice system leaves all of us at peril. The good news, of course, is that under the leadership of Attorney General Eric Holder, the rst African-American Attorney General, the disparity between powder cocaine and crack cocaine has been reduced from 100 to 1 to 18 to 1. This is a step in the right direction. But leveling the playing eld to a 1 to 1 ratio is still necessary. And we hope will be accomplished in the coming years. President Obama has made clear his views on the kinds of justices he wants for the courts, what kinds of tax cuts he wants, as well as his views on a woman’s right to choose, immigration, and now, stricter gun laws. Voters carefully assessed and made their decision for themselves and for their children and grandchildren

for generations to come. In conclusion, it is the best of times and the worst of times. We have made a lot of progress on many issues, but the job is not done. Charles Ogletree Jr. is the Jesse Climenko Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, and executive director and founder, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice. This article - the second of a 20-part series - is written in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The Lawyers’ Committee is a nonpartisan, nonpro t organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to enlist the private bar’s leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity - work that continues to be vital today. For more information, please visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.

COLLEGE PARK, Md.— We all know those words from Martin Luther King on April 3, 1968—almost as well as we know the climax to the “I Have A Dream Speech.” The ones about the dif cult days ahead he won’t see and the mountaintop he won’t climb. We know that less than 24 hours after those words—uttered inside a building holding back a thunderstorm in Memphis, Tenn., at a mass meeting to support striking garbage workers—Martin Luther King’s blood

spills and pours all over America, pushing the nation towards justice. But the more I deal with the Newtown, Mass. tragedy, now a month in, I began to think about King’s words right before that in the same speech. When I saw President Obama this past Wednesday read the letter from Julia Stokes, 11, a young white girl, then turn to tell her “Julia, I will try very hard” to do something on gun control, it reminded me of another letter King read to that crowd in Memphis before he went into his nal self-eulogizing. That letter was also from a young white girl, a ninth grader.

She said that she was glad King didn’t sneeze after when he was stabbed near his heart in 1958 in Harlem, signing copies of his rst book, “Stride Toward Freedom.” Doctors had said if he had sneezed, the blade would have punctured his aorta, and he would have died. In that last speech, King does a great riff off the letter, talking about how if he had sneezed, he would have missed the student-sit-ins, the Freedom Rides, the Albany, Birmingham and Selma campaigns for an end to segregation and the right to vote. Climaxing the point to great cheers and applause, he declared: “If I had sneezed, I

wouldn’t have been in Memphis to see a community rally around those brothers and sisters who are suffering. I’m so happy that I didn’t sneeze.” We are, too. But let’s go a little earlier in the speech, to the stabbing: “You know, several years ago, I was in New York City autographing the rst book that I had written. And while sitting there autographing books, a demented black woman came up. The only question I heard from her was, ‘Are you Martin Luther King?’ And I was looking down writing, and I said, ‘Yes.’ And the next minute I felt something

beating on my chest. Before I knew it I had been stabbed by this demented woman.” The woman’s name was Izola Ware Curry. She stabbed him with a steel letter opener. Why? Because she was mentally ill. Like Adam Lanza, a name we now all know, forever linked with the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Like Seung-Hui Cho, from the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting. So when we think about how hard we are going to have to push those in Congress to ignore the National Ri e Association and its lobbyists, or gun zealots in red

and blue states, we can ponder the past as well as the present. Because if Curry had had a gun, we’d all be at work on Monday in a very different, very diminished America.

Todd Steven Burroughs, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of Communications Studies at Morgan State University, a historically Black college in Baltimore, Md. He is the co-editor, along with Jared Ball, of “A Lie of Reinvention: Correcting Manning Marble’s Malcolm X” and is the co-author, with Herb Boyd, of “Civil Rights: Yesterday and Today.”

I’ve always disliked the way Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is often celebrated. The reasons why became even clearer to me these past few days, as the importance of considering King’s life and work was juxtaposed against three other developments: the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation; the celebration of Barack Obama’s second inaugural as president of the United States; and the splenetic, knee-jerk resistance of the National Ri e Association and other conservatives to the president’s efforts to devise sensible gun-regulation proposals. Those events tell me I’m right in thinking too many King ceremonies indulge too much in the simplistic, feel-good rhetoric of “Can we all just get along?” and ponder too little why he was so widely criticized in the last years of his life – not just by the overt racists but by White liberals and more than a few Black politicians and colleagues in the civil rights leadership as well. The reason is that King refused to temper his increasingly sharp criticism of America’s aws. Instead, he became more provocative in identifying those aws existence in the North and West as well as the South. Those were the years that the Apostle of Nonviolence fully took on the mantle of, as Rev. Hosea Williams, one of his trusted aides, described him, “the militant of the century.” So, I’m sure that, while many in pulpits and auditoriums these past few days bemoaned the “racial divide” and the “partisan gridlock” that are roiling American society, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been pleased. Not pleased as in “happy” or “delighted,” but because he’d understand that the polarization itself is a sign that the nation’s “outsider groups” are making progress in gaining a full measure of their American citizenship. For example, recall the

furious response to and the ratcheting up of polarization over the Massachusetts Supreme Court’s 2003 ruling legalizing gay marriage. Who would have predicted that by 2013, albeit still-heated opposition from conservatives, public acceptance of gay marriage would have come so far so fast? So it was for the 13 brief years Martin Luther King, Jr. ashed across the American landscape. Even a cursory reading of media headlines from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s illuminates how widespread the racial polarization was. Yet, it’s now clear the opposition to the Movement was so erce precisely because overt, legalized racism was about to fall. The polarization was one of the “rainbow signs” that a change was going to come far more quickly than most White Americans expected. Indeed, the Civil Rights Movement underscored that there are two different kinds of polarization. One results from the oppression that con nes its targets to second-class status. Before the mid-1960s Black Americans (and other Americans of color) had been locked in that physical and psychological ghetto for, literally, centuries. The other kind of polarization, however, comes into being when the targets of oppression start challenging the status quo in signi cant ways. King and the Movement’s other leaders and rank-and- le activists understood that securing equal rights for Blacks required relentlessly, nonviolently upsetting the White majority’s comfort with the country’s racist laws and customs. Their actions compelled the nation, and the world, to juxtapose America’s soaring ideals and rhetorical commitment to freedom for all with its tawdry reality. The ensuing polarization led straight

to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today’s political chatter is saturated with gloomy descriptions of and predictions about the erce polarization in the political arena. Yes, it’s evident that in the wake of Obama’s re-election, conservatives have re-committed themselves to ooding the state legislatures with reactionary measures and fomenting chaos in the Congress. Yes, it’s critically important to not lose sight of the magnitude of the challenge: the callous proposals to restrict women’s right to determine what reproductive choices are best for them that conservatives are yet again trying to push through state legislatures; their resistance to pursuing reasonable solutions to the crisis of undocumented immigration; their continuing to try to nd ways to undermine Blacks’ right to vote, to mention just a few. But we should also realize that the president’s re-election not only cemented in history his individual importance. It also underscored the rise of multicultural America as a powerful, progressive voting force which enabled Obama to overcome the most dangerous reactionary threat to democracy the country has faced since the Civil War. In that regard, America’s current polarization is a stark, and welcome, reminder that we’re still ghting for the full measure of our rights as Americans – and that at this moment we’re winning. So, if you happened to be at a celebration marking Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, or an event marking the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, and some of the 1960s civil rights freedom songs were sung, you should realize that wasn’t an indulgence in nostalgia but an acknowledgment of our present reality – and responsibility.

Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist based in New York City. His latest book is, Last Chance: The Political Threat to Black America.

By Charles J. Ogletree, Jr.

By Todd Steven Burroughs

Charles Ogletree, Jr.

By Lee A. DanielsNNPA Columnist

Lee Daniels

COMMENTARY


Send Community Calendar information to us by email: [email protected], by fax: 612.588.2031, by phone: 612.588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free or low cost events preferred.

EVENTS

Community Public School Funding Forum Jan. 30Do you nd school funding hard to understand? Curious about how much money Minneapolis Public Schools receives from state and local sources and how spending priorities are determined? Ever wonder how much control principals have over their school budgets? Come hear the ins and outs of school nances from Sarah Snapp, MPS Budget Director

and Carol Markham-Cousins, Washburn High principal on Wednesday, January 30, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Washburn High School, 201 West 49th Street, Minneapolis. After brief presentations, will break into small groups for in-depth conversation with each presenter and time to share concerns and ideas with other community members. Bring your friends, neighbors and questions! Space is limited, so register early! To learn more, contact

Rebecca Noecker or call 612-455-1571.

Saint Paul Public Library Commemorates Black History Month FebruarySaint Paul Public Library host several free events for all ages in February to commemorate Black History Month. Merriam Park Library (1831 Marshall Ave, 651-642-0385) will screen the lm “The Powerbrokers,” about Civil Rights activist, Whitney Young, who led the National Urban League, at 7pm on Mon., Feb. 4. At Truth Be Told workshops for teens, spoken word artist Tish Jones will use spoken word to help participants tell their stories and craft new poetic works. Workshops take place at 4pm, Tue., Feb. 5 at Rondo Library (461 N Dale St, 651-266-7400) and at 11am, Sat., Feb. 9 at Highland Park Library (1974 Ford Pkwy, 651-695-3700). Another workshop for teens, Tell Your Story with Hip Hop, presented by hip hop artist Toki Wright, will be held at 4pm on Wed., Feb. 5, at the Rice Street

Teen Zone (1022 Marion St, near Rice Street Library, 651-558-2223). The headliner event for Black History Month is a free performance by the acclaimed local jazz group, Moore by Four, at 6:30pm, Wed., Feb. 20, at the Landmark Center (75 W 5th St, 651-292-3233.) For kids, Central Library (90 W 4th St, 651-266-7000) will host African Drumming and Dance presented by Duniya Drum & Dance at 11am, Sat., Feb. 23. For more information, please call 651-266-7000 or visit www.sppl.org/blackhistory.

Mentor Series Feb. 1 – 13Mentor Series,

National Book Award Winner William Alexander, and Literary Love Fest - At-A-Glance: 2/1: Mentor Series Reading: Jude Nutter; 2/2: Poetry Reading: Hadara Bar-

Nadav, Adam Clay, Michael Robins, & Kristin Naca; 2/5: Minnesota Emerging Writers’ Grant Reading; 2/9: Second Story with Will Alexander and Kelly Barnhill; 2/9: Mizna’s Journal Release Reading; and 2/13: Literary Love Fest. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free, open to the public, and take place at The Loft Literary Center at Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis. Please call The Loft for class details & times: (612) 215-2575, website: https://www.loft.org/

Walker Art Center Free First Saturdays Feb. 2Walker Art Center’s Raising Creative Kids program in February features a Free First Saturday inspired by the exhibition Painter Painter, (Saturday, February, 2) and Arty Pants. The Walker presents Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate, the popular program designed to nurture creativity and engage a child’s mind, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month featuring art projects, lms, gallery activities, and story readings. Activities are free and available on a rst-come, rst-served basis from 10 am–3 pm. Gallery admission is free from 10 am–5 pm on Free First Saturday. Families can enjoy live performances, lms, gallery adventures, and hands-on art-making from 10 am–3 pm. Activities recommended for ages 6–12.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now Workshop Feb. 4PACER Center is offering “If I Knew Then What I Know Now,” a free workshop for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals. It is on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn. Advance registration is requested. The insights from parents who have already been through the early years of raising a child with a disability can prove helpful to parents who are just beginning that process. At this workshop, a panel of experienced parents of children with disabilities

will share insights they gained while raising and educating their children. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share their own insights and experiences. To register

for the workshop, call PACER at (952) 838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call (800) 537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org.

Calendar • Classi eds Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: [email protected]

Neighborhood Organizations CalendarClevelandThe Cleveland Neighborhood Association will hold a board meeting Monday January 28 from 7-9pm at Lucey Craft Laney Elementary 3333 Penn Ave. N. For more information, visit http://clevelandneighborhood.org/

Community Open House for River of Life Winter Over ow Shelter The River of Life church located at 2200 Freemont Ave. N. will host an open house Tuesday January 29 from 6-7pm. A free meal will be provide at River of Loaves and Fish church, followed by an open house at the River of Life Shelter. For entry, use the door closes to Emerson on the 22nd Ave. side. For more information, Damien

Jones Shelter Supervisor 612-760-4890.

West Broadway CoalitionWest Broadway Coalition will hold a Business Committee Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 31, 8:30-9:30pm, in the McDonalds Community Room 916 W. Broadway. The agenda will include; presentations and discussion regarding new 4th Precinct Inspector Mike Kjos and how plans for the precinct will affect businesses. Presentations will also be shared by Shaina Brassard of WBC and Al McFarlane, WBC Board member, regarding the importance of marketing one’s business.

Lind-BohananThe Lind-Bohanan Neighborhood Organization encourages

residents to come and learn about what crimes are happening in the neighborhood and what’s being done about them. Get resources to handle living in the urban core with problem properties, noise problems, or other. The next meeting will be held Monday, February 4, 7:00pm - 8:30pm Kingsley Commons 4550 Humboldt Ave. For further information http://www.scnampls.org/Neighborhood.ns f /Get+SCNA/Calendar+of+Events!opendocument

JordanThe Jordan Area Community Council will host a Housing Committee Meeting Tuesday February 5 from 6:30-8:30pm at 2900 Freemont Ave. N. For more information; Sandy Ci’Moua 612-

886-4539.VictoryThe Victory Neighborhood Association will host an informational board meeting 7pm -9pm Wednesday, February 6 at the Victory Neighborhood Association of ce 2200 44th Ave. and Osseo Rd. Meetings are held every rst Wednesday of the month. For more information, Debbie Smith 612-529-9558.

HawthorneThis month’s Hawthorne Huddle will focus on hearing from our community’s youth. The Minneapolis Youth Congress will discuss their ideas for improving educational outcomes. Please feel welcome to offer your ideas, as they are appreciated. The Hawthorne Huddle will be held

Thursday February 7 from 7:30 to 8:45am in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, 621 29th Ave. N. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15am.

Shingle CreekEvery month the Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association congregates for board meetings to discuss various topics, activities, projects and events in the neighborhood. The next meeting will be held Tuesday February 12, 6:30-8:00pm, Creekview Park 5001 Humboldt Ave. N.

ClevelandThe Cleveland Neighborhood Association will host their monthly board meeting Monday 7-9pm February 18 at Lucy Craft Laney 3330 Penn Ave. N. For

more information ; Ariah Fine, Director of CNA 612-588-1155.

STEP-UP InternshipsMinneapolis youth ages 14-21 can apply for a summer internship with STEP-UP until March 4. All applications must be completed online. If you need assistance with your application, call 612-673-5041 or visit the STEP-UP page for agencies that offer staff and/or computer assistance. As part of the process of getting a STEP-UP internship, youth must complete a competitive application process and work readiness training through the program. Internships are paid, and youth are matched up with a wide range of local businesses for summer jobs. The deadline is March 4, 2013.

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Community Living SpecialistTeach independent living skills to individuals with disabilities one-to-one in their homes for a Hopkins non-profit. Train in areas such as household skills, budgeting, cooking, community awareness and health & safety. Transport people to medical apts and weekly errands. Flexible part time to full time hours available but may include some afternoons, eves or weekends. Knowledge & ability to mentor culturally diverse population of male clientele. AA degree or better, own reliable transportation & refer-ences, computer literacy required. Exper preferred. 13.50 – 14.40 per hour DOQ. Email resume to Mary Perkins at [email protected]

PART-TIME POSITIONSJoin team committed to enhancing the nonprofit sector. Charities Review Council hiring a Program Coord & Research Assoc. Apply by Jan. 31. www.smartgivers.org

COMMUNITY

AnswersFrom 8


mentality of a police of cer and what a day in their life is like, and what it takes to be a person who will give their life for the call of duty.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

MG: I wish someone would ask if I was “saved” before I met my husband. A lot of people assume I had a spiritual awakening when I met him and it bothers me that people think that happened overnight. KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? MG: I’m currently reading my husband’s book, “Produced by Faith.” http://www.amazon.com/

exec/obidos/ASIN/1451671962/ref=nosim/thslfo re-20 KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?MG: I love anything vintage. And I love Marc Jacobs and shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti. KW: Dante Lee, author of “Black Business Secrets,” asks: What was the best business decision you ever made, and what was the worst?MG: Best – to do Deception. Worst – one or two lms I did that I won’t call out by name. KW: The Michael Ealy question: If you could meet any historical gure, whom would it be?MG: Rosa Parks or Jesus. KW: The Pastor Alex Kendrick question: When do you feel the most content?MG: When I’m with my family. KW: The Toure question: Who is the person who led you to become the person you are today?MG: God. And my mom has been amazing. KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? MG: They don’t believe in “no.” KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?MG: Keep God as your main focus. Make sure your desire to do what you’re aspiring to do is deeper than just fame and being a

celebrity. Be willing to work hard, and don’t believe that when a door closes it’s anything personal. KW: How do you want to be remembered?MG: As a woman who represented God but was controversial, stood

by what she believed and wouldn’t allow other people’s opinions of her to manipulate her directions. As someone who helped others, loved others deeply even if they tried to hurt her, was there for people when she could be, and ultimately made everything she

did about God and not just about herself. KW: Thanks again for the time, Meagan, and best of luck with the show.MG: Thanks, Kam.

Fibroids: What can you do?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that start in the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are very common and present in about one-third of all women between the ages of 40-60. These rates can be 2-3 times higher in Black women, where broids are often seen at even younger ages. While broids often do not cause any problems, depending on their location they can cause several issues including constipation, pelvic pain, and heavy and prolonged vaginal bleeding (that when severe can cause anemia). So, while these growths do not cause cancer their effects can be potentially serious. This week we discuss broids, what is known about their causes and what you can do to try to prevent or limit their growth.

Fibroids: risk factors and the hormone connectionIt is known that women who have a family history of broids, are overweight or who have never given birth have an increased risk of developing broids. High blood pressure has also been associated with broids. We cannot change our family history or lose a lot of weight overnight. However, there is

growing evidence to suggest that there are things that you can do to that may decrease broid growth. The added bene t is that these lifestyle changes will also help support your overall health. Hormone levels (especially estrogen) stimulate broid growth. When a woman who has broids reaches menopause, her broids will generally shrink. Fibroid growth is driven by an imbalance in hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are two main female reproductive hormones, but if they are out of balance this can cause problems. Here are some strategies that will aid in restoring or supporting hormone balance.

Be aware and knowledgeable of what we put in and on our bodyEating a diet high in processed carbohydrates, like chips, crackers, bread, etc. has been associated with increased broid growth in African-American women. Part of this may be due to the fact that these foods can increase blood sugar which leads to the release of in ammatory and growth factors in our blood. These factors can stimulate estrogen production. On the positive side, eating a diet higher in vegetables and fruits can lower in ammation, moderate blood sugar and is associated with fewer broids. The role of dairy products in broid growth is unclear. One study has shown that African-American women who report consuming more dairy products have a decreased risk of developing broids. However,

there are hormones that can be given to cows to increase their milk production that increase the hormone levels present in nished milk. To gain the nutritional bene ts of dairy products but limit one’s exposure to these added hormones choose organic dairy products whenever possible. In addition to type of food we eat, we need to pay attention to how it is made and the packaging

it comes in. Some of the chemicals that are used to produce plastics have been shown to potentially have estrogen-like effects in the body. Ways to decrease your exposure to these environmental hormones include: avoid heating and reheating foods in plastic containers (use glass, ceramic, metal etc.) or if you must use them ensure that they are labeled microwave and dishwasher safe. Ditch your plastic water bottles

or get one that is BPA-free or made of metal (BPA is a chemical used to manufacture many plastic bottles canned food liners). Decrease your intake of canned foods (most cans are lined with BPA). It’s not just about food, recent studies have suggested an association between the use of hair relaxers and broids. This does not mean that relaxers cause broids, more studies are

needed. However, these studies do suggest a relationship that is worth knowing about as we are making personal health and beauty decisions. In addition, as a community we need to pressure the companies whose products we buy to do continued research to ensure the safety of these products.

Other lifestyle issuesNormal vitamin D levels are

important for the normal growth of cells and low vitamin D levels are also associated with increased in ammation in the body. Early studies have shown that Vitamin D can limit the growth of broid cells in test tubes. So, make sure that you are getting your vitamin D. As we have previously discussed with other health issues, stress management is important. Increased stress levels can drive in ammation which can contribute to hormone imbalances, so seek ways and support to get a handle on stress.

Treatment Options and Supporting your healthFor women whose broids continue to grow, there are various treatment options both surgical and nonsurgical. If broids are small and causing mild to moderate symptoms, it makes sense to try non-surgical treatment options. If these measures fail, surgery is often considered. Surgical procedures include procedures to attempt to just remove the individual broids (myomectomy) and complete removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). If you are needing treatment for your broids, make sure you know your options. Studies have shown that African-American women have high rates of hysterectomy and that some of this may be due to not always having good information regarding alternatives to surgery. Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure and may be an appropriate choice for many women if other options have failed but make sure that you

know about the alternatives before deciding on this. If you have already had a hysterectomy or other procedure for broids, it is never too late to make changes for your health. It should be noted that the same hormone imbalances that can drive broid growth can present as wide range of health conditions that affect both men and women: premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovary disease, obesity, blood sugar problems and mood symptoms. Any of these lifestyle changes discussed will still have bene ts to your overall health.

Dr. Winbush is a family physician practicing at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. She has a strong interest in wellness and patient education to help individuals feel empowered to optimize their health and functioning. She wants to hear from you! To respond to this article, request topics for future articles and for additional resources visit www.functionwellmedicine.com or LIKE Function Well Medicine on Facebook. The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately quali ed and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a healthcare provider if you suspect you are ill.

OurHealth

By Nicole Winbush MD

[Fibroids] are very common and present in about one-third of all women between the ages of 40-60. These rates can be 2-3 times

higher in Black women

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• January 21 - January 27, 2013 • Insight News insightnews.com

Time for Congress to build a better drone policy

Bass ranking member of foreign affairs subcommittee

U.S. Representative Keith Ellison, a Democrat, represents Minnesota’s 5th District in the U.S. House and is co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. An unmanned U.S. aerial vehicle — or drone — reportedly killed eight people in rural Pakistan last week, bringing the estimated death toll from drone strikes in Pakistan this year to 35. As the frequency of drone strikes spikes again, some questions must be asked: How many of those targeted were terrorists? Were any children harmed? And what is the standard of evidence to carry out these attacks? The United States has to provide answers, and Congress has a critical role to play. The heart of the problem is that our technological capability has far surpassed our policy. As things stand, the executive branch exercises unilateral authority over drone strikes against terrorists abroad. In some cases, President Obama approves each strike himself through “kill lists.” While the president should be commended for creating explicit rules for the use of drones, unilateral kill lists are unseemly and fraught with hazards.

When asked about the drone program in October during an interview on the “The Daily Show,” the president said, “One of the things we’ve got to do is put a legal architecture in place, and we need congressional help in order to do that, to make sure that not only am I reined in, but any president’s reined in terms of some of the decisions that we’re making.” It’s time to put words into action. Weaponized drones have produced results. They have eliminated 22 of al-Qaeda’s top 30 leaders and just last week took out a Taliban leader. Critically, they lessen the need to send our troops into harm’s way, reducing the number of U.S. casualties. Yet the costs of drone strikes have been ignored or inadequately

acknowledged. The number of innocent civilian casualties may be greater than people realize. A recent study by human rights experts at Stanford Law School and the New York University School of Law found that the number of innocent civilians

killed by U.S. drone strikes is much higher than what the U.S. government has reported: approximately 700 since 2004, including almost 200 children. This is unacceptable. Another cost is how drone strikes are shaping views of the United States around the world. You might develop a negative attitude toward the United States if your only perception of it is

a foreign aircraft buzzing over your house that occasionally res missiles into your neighborhood. In Pakistan, where 95 percent of U.S. drone strikes have occurred, people familiar with them overwhelmingly express disapproval (97 percent, according

to Pew polling from June) and believe they kill too many innocent people (94 percent). Drone strikes may well contribute to the extremism and terrorism the United States seeks to deter. U.S. drone use has also lowered the threshold for the use of lethal force in foreign countries. Would we re so many missiles into Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia if doing so required sending U.S.

troops into harm’s way? Our drone policy must be guided by more than capability. It must be guided by respect for noncombatants, necessity and urgency. It is Congress’s responsibility to exercise oversight and craft policies that govern the use of lethal force. But lawmakers have yet to hold a single hearing examining U.S. drone policy. Any rules must provide adequate transparency, respect the rule of law, conform with international standards and prudently advance U.S. national security over the long term. In codifying a legal framework to guide executive action on drone strikes, Congress should consider these steps: First, we must do more to avoid innocent civilian casualties. The Geneva Conventions, which have governed the rules of war since World War II, distinguish between combatants and noncombatants in the conduct of hostilities and state that civilian casualties are not acceptable except in cases of demonstrated military necessity. This is the standard we must follow. Second, Congress must require an independent judicial review of any executive-branch “kill list.” The U.S. legal system is based on the principle that one branch of government should not have absolute authority. Congress

should object to that concentration of power, especially when it may be used against U.S. citizens. A process of judicial review would diffuse executive power and provide a mechanism for greater oversight. Third, the United States must collaborate with the international community to develop a widely accepted set of legal standards. No country — not even our allies — accepts the U.S. legal justi cation for targeted killings. Our justi cation must rest on the concept of self-defense, which would allow the United States to protect itself against any imminent threat. Any broader criteria would create the opportunity for abuse and set a dangerous standard for other countries to follow, which could harm long-term U.S. security interests. The United States will not always enjoy a monopoly on sophisticated drone technology. The Iranian-made drone that Hezbollah recently ew over Israel should compel us to think about the far-reaching implications of current policy. A just, internationally accepted protocol on the use of drones in warfare is needed. By creating and abiding by our own set of reasonable standards, the United States will demonstrate to the world that we believe in the rule of law.

Washington, D.C. – Representative Karen Bass (D-Calif) released the following statement recently on her reappointment to serve as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations in the 113th Congress. Representative Bass is currently the only African American woman serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “I am honored to serve as Ranking Member of this critically important subcommittee at such a pivotal time in America’s relationship with Africa. During my rst term, I was

honored to play a role in helping to rede ne America’s relationship with the continent and pushing for the United States to be a fully engaged partner in the thriving economic growth being seen all across sub-Saharan Africa. We

successfully secured an extension of AGOA’s third country fabric provision that permits African nations to import raw materials from anywhere in the world, produce apparel, and export the nished product to Africa from the U.S. duty-free. For U.S. apparel companies like GAP and Levi Strauss, this extension helped to make it possible that they can continue to do business in Africa. Working across party lines, we will do what we can to resolve many long-simmering con icts that threaten the stability of the continent and expose human rights abuses wherever they exist across the globe. I look forward to continuing this work and am honored to be chosen to serve.”

By U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, published originally in the Washington Post

By Representative Karen Bass (D-Calif)

beta.congress.govRepresentative Karen Bass

(D-Calif)

U.S. Representative Keith Ellison

God called Dr. King as a modern day Moses and gave him a prophetic DREAM to help to set the captives free. He and my father, Rev. A. D. King, are brothers, fallen soldiers of the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement who now reside in Heaven. Many people don’t even know that Martin had a brother and a sister. He was a beloved uncle and family member. The year 2013 will mark several signi cant landmark anniversaries including 150 years since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, 100 years since the formation of the Federal Reserve System, 50 years since the MLK ‘I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH’, and the 40th year landmine Supreme Court Roe

v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in America. This will surely be a year of transition and there is a need for a deep spiritual awakening. In fact it’s time for America to wake up before the dream becomes a nightmare. Thank God that Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. Happy Birthday Uncle M. L.

DR. ALVEDA C. KING: Daughter of the late slain civil rights activist Rev. A. D. King and Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Founder of King for America, Inc. Mother of six and doting grandmother. Consultant to the Africa Humanitarian Christian Fellowship. Former college professor. MA degree in Business Management. Published author of Sons of Thunder, The King Family Legacy and I Don’t Want Your Man, I Want My Own. Doctorate of Laws conferred by Saint Anslem College.

Served on the boards and committees of Coalition of African American Pastors, and the Judeo-Christian Coalition for Constitutional Restoration. Served in the Georgia State House of Representatives. Accomplished actress and songwriter. She is a voice for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, speaking about her regret for her abortion. During the years of the Civil Rights Movement, led by her Uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Alveda’s family home was bombed in Birmingham, Alabama. “Daddy’s house was bombed, then in Louisville, Kentucky his church of ce was bombed. I was also jailed during the open housing movement,” she recalls. Alveda has continued her long-term work as a civil rights activist. Advocate for School Choice as a civil rights issue. Strong advocate for life of the unborn, faith in God not faith in government bureaucracy.

KingFrom 7

[...] the number of innocent civilians killed by U.S. drone strikes is much higher than

what the U.S. government has reported: approximately 700

since 2004

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know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm.” Obama’s speech represented a clear shift from four years ago when the newly-elected president optimistically thought that he could inject civility and common sense into Washington’s contentious politics. After being rebuffed by opponents who placed politics ahead of the interests of the country – including taking it to the brink of a self-in icted nancial cliff – President Obama boldly shifted gears Monday by sketching a progressive vision and signaling a willingness to ght for it. “For now decisions are upon us and we cannot afford delay,” he stated. “We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate. We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect. We must act, knowing that today’s victories will be only partial and that it will be up to those who stand here in four years and 40 years and 400 years hence to advance the timeless spirit once conferred to us in a spare Philadelphia hall.” Obama, the nation’s rst African-American president, was sworn in on the day the nation observed the annual federal holiday to honor the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was sworn in on a black leather traveling Bible used by King that was topped by a smaller one owned by President Abraham Lincoln. And he referenced both men as he declared Americans “are made for this moment.” The direct link between the nation’s rst Black president and the observance of King’s birthday underscores how far this country has progressed since the assassination of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) president and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1968. Although King did not live to see the election of an African-American to the nation’s highest of ce, he predicted in 1964 that a Black would be elected president of the United States. In an interview with the BBC, King was asked to comment on a statement by then New York Senator-elect Robert F. Kennedy that it might be possible to elect a Black president in 40 years. “I’ve seen levels of compliance with the civil rights bill and changes that have been most surprising,” King said. “So, on the basis of

this, I think we may be able to get a Negro president in less than 40 years. I would think that this could come in 25 years or less.” Obama’s election came 44 years after King’s statement and four years longer than what Robert Kennedy had envisioned. Standing in the shadows of a U.S. Capitol built by slave labor, Barack Obama expressed much more self-assurance Monday than he had four years ago. “We do not believe that in this country freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few,” the president said. “We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us at any time may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.” The reference to a nation of takers was a direct rebuttal to Mitt Romney’s telling a group of donors that 47 percent of Americans are “dependent on government” and would “vote for the president no matter what.” Ironically, Romney received 47 percent of the popular vote in his losing effort against

Obama. The president indicated he plans to move the U.S. away from “perpetual war” and will take on tough issues such as immigration reform and climate change. Obama became the rst president to link the 1839 Seneca Falls Convention for women’s rights, the 1965 Selma-Montgomery, Ala. voting rights march and the 1969 Stonewall movement that put gay rights center stage. He said, “We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths –- that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.” President Obama used “we the people” — the opening words of the U.S. Constitution — ve times during his 18 1/2 minute speech. Although attendance at the inauguration was expected to be half of the record 1.8 million four years ago, it appeared that Monday’s gures will probably exceed previous estimates. One

of cial said there were probably more than 1 million in attendance on the National Mall. That would still rank ahead of 400,000 George W. Bush drew at the beginning of his second term and more than Bill Clinton’s 800,000 in 1993. Four years ago, Obama exceeded the then-record 1.2 million who saw Lyndon B. Johnson inaugurated in 1965. After the inauguration, the Obamas led a parade procession that included 59 groups with 8,800 people from the Capitol approximately 1.6 miles down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The president and the rst lady exited their limousine near 9th Street, N.W. and walked for three blocks, returning the waves and cheers of excited onlookers, before returning to the motorcade. President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and their families watched the remainder of the parade from the glass-encased of cial review stand in front of the White House facing Lafayette Park. Later, they danced at two private balls in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, down from the 10 held in their honor four years ago. At each ball, they slow-danced as they were being serenaded by fellow Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson,

who sang Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” a tune the president had belted last year at the Apollo Theater in Harlem to display his vocal talent. As usual, all eyes were on First Lady Michele Obama as onlookers waited to see what fashion designer she would elevate to international attention. She surprised everyone by selecting Jason Wu, the same designer she used for the rst inauguration. The rst lady came on stage at the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball in a dazzling ankle-length ruby-colored chiffon dress. Alicia Keyes was no fashion slouch, wearing a red backless dress as she played the piano and sang, “Obama’s on rrrrrre!” Earlier, Beyoncé Knowles stirred the inauguration crowd with her rendition of the National Anthem. However, the The Times of London reported — and other news outlets later con rmed — that she lip-synced the National Anthem. According to the New York Times, a spokesman for the Marine Band said it is routine for musicians to record music for the inauguration in case the weather prevents them from keeping their instruments in tune. The Times said Col. Michael J. Colburn, the band director, received orders from event organizers to use the backup

track just before Beyoncé was scheduled to sing live. “We don’t know why,” Sgt. Kristin duBois told the New York Times. “But that’s what we were instructed to do so that is what we did. It’s not because Beyoncé can’t sing. We all know Beyoncé can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play.” The New York Times later updated its story after a different spokesman for the Marine Band said no one in the band had been in a position to know if Beyoncé had performed live. However, CNN con rmed earlier news reports that the singer had lip-synced the National Anthem. Kelly Clarkson and all other program events were performed live. On Monday, Obama became the second and probably last president to be sworn in four times. In 2009, Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts ubbed his lines at the of cial swearing in and do-over was completed the next day. This time, Roberts administered the oath of of ce in a awless private ceremony Sunday because the Constitution requires the president to be sworn in on Jan. 20; he repeated it in the public ceremony on Monday. Reciting his oath Monday, it was President Obama’s turn to make a slight error. Instead of “United States,” he said, “United Sta –.” It didn’t matter because the of cial oath had already been administered the day before. Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected four times before presidents were limited to serving two terms, was the only other president to utter the presidential oath four times. “… We, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it,” Obama said. “We believe that America’s prosperity must rest upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class. We know that America thrives when every person can nd independence and pride in their work; when the wages of honest labor liberate families from the brink of hardship. We are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American; she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God but also in our own.” As he prepared to leave the U.S. Capitol, President Obama stopped and turned around. “I want to take a look one more time,” he said. “I’ll never see this again.”

InaugurationFrom 1

Freddie Allen/NNPAPresident Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on 2012 Inaugural Parade Route.

insight news ::: 01.28.13

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