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June 28 - July 4, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 29 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

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Don’t burn bridges:Resign like you might return someday

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Walker West:Preserving a legacy of musical excellence

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Friends, leaders celebrate Toni Carter

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HIV/AIDSWith education, there is hope amid the crisis

Chantel SinGs, and Georgia “Miss Georgia” McClellon just may be the next artists to blow

up on the Minneapolis music scene. SinGs, who spells her last name with a capitalized “G,” has been performing since before she can remember. Her sound can easily be described as mirroring the likes of her greatest

infl uences: Mary J. Blige, Anita Baker, and Michael Jackson. Hers is a vocal soul acquainted with real R&B, garnering music that is two parts rhythm, one part blues, and all parts captivating. Listeners can get a taste of this on her tracks which include

“Autobiography,” “Unfaithful,” and “Won’t Say A Word.” SinGs has opened for artists such as Trey Songz, Jagged Edge, Lyfe Jennings, Silk, and many others. She can also be seen weekly performing around town and hosting a myriad of

events, most notably, the “Vibin’ Industry Night Showcase,” an open mic initiative, which runs every Wednesday evening at the Lounge Night Club. SinGs co-hosts this weekly event with another incomparable class act, Mr. Jemika Hayes.

Like most multi-talented artists, SinGs doesn’t stop the buck on just slaying music, this sultry songstress can also be seen playing the role of “Traci” on the hit web series TH3M, a

Blue Cross says it’s on a mission is to improve the health of all Minnesotans by making the “healthy choice the easy choice” and therefore, has stepped forward as the

lead sponsor of Nice Ride, an innovative bicycle sharing program launched last week in Minneapolis. But State Representative Bobby Champion, who represents North Minneapolis, says once again, his constituents have been relegated to being an after-thought, kicked to

the margin while affl uent communities get public and philanthropic subsidy. One leader called it shameful transportation apartheid. If you are downtown or in Uptown, you will see bright green bikes that people can rent, ride and drop off at convenient bike stands, downtown, Uptown, at the U of M or Northeast.

But the program is conspicuously absent and unavailable to residents of North Minneapolis, the Phillips and Elliot Park neighborhoods and 8th Ward in South Minneapolis, except along the Midtown Greenway. Blue Cross’ support for Nice Ride, which it describes as

The Stafford Family of Minnesota hosts the annual Dozier Family Reunion in the Twin Cities –

July 1-4, 2010. More than 150

The Dozier legacy dawns the American horizon with the birth of Anthony Dozier, Sr., recorded as 1810 in Williamsburg County, SC. At that time, James Madison was serving as the fourth President of the United States (1809-1817). Anthony, a slave, married Salina, who was born in 1815, which was the cessation of the War of 1812 involving England. In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” We wondered whether Anthony ever imagined that 200 years after his birth, our 44th President would be an African American named Barack

Obama. It is ironic that both presidents have something in common: Madison is considered

the “Father of the United States Constitution”; whereas, Obama is a scholarly constitutional

lawyer and professor.

Married to the microphone, singers search for stardom

Bicycle apartheid

A legacy of wealth building

Anthony Dozier’s Eyes on History

Staffords host family 1810-2010 Bicentennial celebration

By Alaina LewisContributing Writer

By Al McFarlane andB.P. Ford, The Editors

By Jan and Julian Stafford, Ed. D.

SINGERS TURN TO 7

BIKES TURN TO 7

DOZIER TURN TO 11LEGACY TURN TO 11

Photos: Rich Peterson W/13TwentyThree Photography, Miss Marie PhotographyChantel SinGs (left) and Georgia “Miss Georgia” McClellon

Courtesy Ransom StaffordBobby Stafford (center), an attorney from Northern Virginia, with two of his Minnesota nephews -

Alex Stafford (left) and Max Stafford (right).

Courtesy Ransom StaffordJohn Dozier and wife Lottie Dozier. John Dozier, went to South

Carolina State College in Orangeburg, SC, played football there, worked on the Atlantic Coast Line railroad as the only Black

conductor in this country in the 1950’s. He retired and became a collector of old Civil War artifacts. He is the son of Ned Dozier,

a very successful businessman who owned a two-story brick home at the turn of the century. Ned Dozier was a large land

owner and farmer with successful pulp wooding, milling, store merchandising businesses. He was a supplier of cross ties and

wood to the railroad industry.

File PhotoState Rep. Bobby

Joe Champion

File PhotoNRCC Executive Director

Sherry Pugh

Nice ride (if you can get it)

MORE ON PAGE 4

PHO

TO: STEPH

EN ALLEN

INSIGHT NEWSINSIGHT NEWS

• June 28 - July 4, 2010 • Insight News insightnews.com

Friends and family gathered at a barbeque on Father’s Day to wish Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter (District 4) a happy birthday and to begin fundraising for her reelection campaign. Rory Koch, Legislative Assistant to State Rep. Joyce Peppin (R-32A), has recently fi led to challenge Commissioner Carter for her seat in the November 2nd elections. In attendance at the barbeque were Lt. Gov. candidate Robyn Robinson, former FOX 9 news anchor; DFL-endorsed candidate for MN House of Representatives District 65A, Jeremiah Ellis; and Commissioner Carter’s son, St. Paul City Councilmember Melvin Carter III (Ward 1). “People often ask me if seeing my mother achieve so many great things has inspired me, that I could do the same. But in fact, it had quite the opposite effect. [Working so close with her] has made me realize that I could never do all of the things she has done,” Councilmember Carter said.

Toni Carter was born in Birmingham, AL, but grew up in Cleveland, OH, before moving to Minnesota in 1971 to attend Carleton College. She is married to retired St. Paul Police Sergeant, and Save Our Sons co-founder, Melvin W. Carter, Jr. Prior to her election to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Carter served as a member and chair of the St. Paul Board of Education. First elected in 2005, she is the fi rst African American ever to serve on a county board

in Minnesota. Commissioner Carter currently serves as chair of the Association of Minnesota Human Services Policy Committee; of the Ramsey County’s Legislative, Human Services, and Workforce Committee; and the Juvenile Detention Alternatives

Stakeholder Committee. She also serves on the leadership teams of Ramsey County’s Workforce Investment Board and the Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. A priority of Commissioner Carter has been the creation of new living-wage jobs with building projects such as restoring St. Paul’s historic Union Depot and expanding the Roseville Library. She works as a local elected offi cial to ensure that Ramsey County residents and businesses benefi t from these opportunities. Being active in community building for over thirty years,

Toni has served on numerous community boards including the St. Paul Planning Commission, the Metropolitan Area Library Service Agency, the Walker West Music Academy, the West Side Community Health Center, the St. Paul YWCA, and the Jeremiah Program. She has

received numerous awards for her work in the community, and in the arts and arts education, including an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Concordia University-St. Paul. Commissioner Carter has been working to implement strategic school, community, and intergovernmental partnerships for child safety and student achievement through the St. Paul Children’s Collaborative and by advancing the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). As the JDAI co-chair, she has led the process to reduce the number of youth detained while maintaining public safety and is working to spread the initiative statewide. She is a long-time education activist and a co-founder of the Grandparent Volunteer Program at Benjamin Mays School. She also supports other community partnerships, such as Heading Home

Minnesota/Ramsey, that keep county departments connected to our community and build capacity to support children and families. “By supporting community partnerships [and working] with our Ramsey County departments, I’m working to build capacity in neighborhoods to cost-effectively sustain the supports our children and families need,” Commissioner Carter said. Commissioner Carter has also been heavily involved in advocating and in the building of the Central Corridor Light Rail Line as a member of the Central Corridor Management Committee. She was able to successfully secure additional stations at Western, Victoria, and Hamline Avenues. Commissioner Carter has been working with residents, businesses, and jurisdictions along the corridor to give rise to a shared vision for the Central Corridor. She wants to create a service plan than enhances transit and light rail access for everyone, parking solutions that work, an integrated and comprehensive streetscape and public art design and planning, and construction and development to increase opportunity and prosperity for residents and businesses within the corridor area. Commissioner Carter has also been working to create quality affordable rental and owner-occupied housing in the area. “I’ll continue to focus on support for our businesses and neighborhoods while

construction proceeds, and on resolving the remaining issues, such as parking, together…This endeavor must integrate a holistic, community-generated vision of a transit system and surrounding development that helps people—especially those currently in the corridor—get to good jobs, access the resources they need, explore new avenues, and remain connected to each other,” she said. Commissioner Carter is also a co-chair of the MN Human Services Performance & Outcomes Reform Steering Committee, which works to redesign critical services to achieve real results for real people: sustainability and the best value for property taxpayers. “I’ll continue my work to redesign and support our strained Human Services system to achieve the results we want,” she said. Commissioner Carter is committed to the delivery of effi cient and effective county services, eliminating disparities in county services and systems, and to raising grassroots awareness of the county decision-making processes and its systems. She hopes to continue “to steward the resources [District 4 receives] from local property taxpayers and to maximize support from our state and federal government.” You can contact District 4 Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter at (651) 266-8366 or at [email protected].

Filing deadlines have passed, endorsement conventions are complete and we are getting ready for the statewide primary election on Tuesday, Aug, 10. In this week’s column I will address the following questions: How did the candidates get on the ballot? What is the party nomination and how is that different from party endorsement? Minnesota has three major political parties, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) , the Republican Party (GOP), and the Independence Party (I). Minnesota has one minor party, the Green Party. All remaining political parties are, in fact, political committees. How a candidate gains access to the election process is determined by their party status if seeking a partisan offi ce. Partisan offi ces include US Representative, US Senate, State Senator, State Representative and Governor. Attorney General, State Auditor and Secretary of State are non-partisan offi ces, but many candidates seek the endorsement of a major or minor political party. School boards, city council, county commissioner, county sheriff are all non-partisan offi ce, but candidates for these offi ce often seek party endorsement as well. For partisan offi ces, a candidate for a major party must receive the party nomination in August at the

primary in order to proceed to the general election on November 2, 2010. Candidates running for partisan offi ce who are independent, or a member of a minor party and do not have a party nomination during the primary election, have a different process. Independent and minor party candidates for partisan offi ce are nominated by submitting a petition when fi ling for offi ce. While major party candidates must fi rst win in a state primary before their names are placed on general election ballots, the names of independent and minor party candidates are placed directly on the general election ballot upon fi ling their petitions. What is the difference between party endorsement and party nomination? A party endorsement is the process by which party activists select their favorite candidates to inform the general electorate what candidate they prefer.

With that endorsement, candidates for partisan offi ce seek the party nomination where they must win the primary election. Candidates for non-partisan offi ce often seek party endorsement to show that they refl ect the values of the party platform for a given political party. In the primary, candidates for non-partisan offi ce must achieve the requisite number of votes in order to proceed to the general election. For non-partisan offi ces no more than twice the number of candidates for a single seat may proceed to the general election. For example, if a candidate is seeking a nonpartisan seat on a local school board race and there are three open seats for the school board – only the six candidates who receive the highest number of votes may proceed to the general election. While the party endorsement is a competitive process, it is the primary, not the endorsement, that determines which candidates proceed to the general election. Moreover, it is only party activists that participate in the endorsement, but every citizen eligible to vote may participate in the primary election to determine the party nominee. For example

in the 2010 election for Minnesota governor, only Rep. Tom Emmer is seeking the Republican Party nomination for governor and therefore does not have to run for the party nomination in the August 10 primary election. By contrast, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher received the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party endorsement, but there are a number of other candidates seeking the DFL nomination and therefore Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher must compete in the August 10 primary election for the DFL nomination. To fi nd out who will appear on your ballot you can go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website (www.secretaryofstate.mn.us). Alternately, you can go to the League of Women Voters Minnesota Voter Guide (vote.lwvmn.org), which will not only inform you about who is running for offi ce but will also

provide candidate answers to nonpartisan questions to help you decide who to vote for in August and again in November. Get involved. The primary election determines who will appear on your ballot in November. If you have a favorite candidate who has a primary election, you must turn out and vote on August 10 to try to ensure that she or he can compete for offi ce on November 2, 2010.

Keesha Gaskins is the Executive Director for the League of Women Voters Minnesota and the League of Women Voters Education Fund. Gaskins holds a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law, and served as a law clerk for both the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Supreme Judicial Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Keesha graduated with honors from St. Cloud State University with a dual major in Political Science and Criminal Justice in 1996. She is a frequent lecturer on issues related to redistricting, election law, history of women in American politics, Minnesota’s electoral system and democratic reform. For more information, visit vote.lwvmn.org

Your Politics

By Keesha Gaskins

How candidates get on the ballot

Friends, leaders celebrate Toni CarterBy Lydia SchwartzContributing Writer

File PhotoToni Carter

“While the party endorsement is a competitive process, it is the primary, not the endorsement, that determines

which candidates proceed to the general election.”

“I’ll continue my work to redesign and support our strained Human Services system to achieve the

results we want”

insightnews.com Insight News • June 28 - July 4, 2010 •


EDUCATIONOn Tuesday, June 15, about 450 people gathered to celebrate 150 Minneapolis and Saint Paul public school students and the culmination of Destination 2010, a student achievement and scholarship initiative sponsored by The Minneapolis Foundation. Launched in 2001, Destination 2010 enrolled 364 third-graders across seven struggling Minneapolis and St. Paul district public schools in a nine-year student achievement and scholarship initiative. ”D2010” was designed to help

these students, the majority of whom were low income and of color, graduate in 2010 and pursue higher education -- and to share the lessons learned along the way. As third-graders, these students were promised that if they graduated from high school and did not move out of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul school districts, they would be given a $10,000 scholarship for a four-year college or a $5,000 scholarship for a vocational/technical school. The celebration, which was held at

the Nicollet Island Pavilion, honored the journey of these students and their families, their academic achievements and, for most, the beginning of their post-secondary education. After the long trek through elementary, middle and high school, Tuesday’s event was an apt celebration of a journey full of twists, turns, challenges and successes. Between cheers at every mention of the word “college,” the event featured WCCO TV anchor and youth mentor Angela Davis as keynote speaker, special guest Nontombi Naomi Tutu, international human rights advocate and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who offered a blessing and special message to the students, and Voices Merging, who performed an original piece created for and dedicated to the Destination 2010 students. Several students also shared their personal experiences. “I really want to thank Destination 2010 for keeping me looking toward the future and what it will bring,” said Destination 2010 student and graduate of Washburn High School, Eric Simmons, before the crowd of fellow students, families and friends, and school and community leaders. “Thanks for everything that you guys did to give us a head start in life and help build skills that we will actually use in the real world.” “Being able to participate in D2010 meant having knowledge, support and a motivator for my family and me,” said Agustina Miranda, a graduate of Champlin Park High School and Destination 2010 participant. “It gave me something to look forward to in life, not just the money but the experience. I am very thankful for this great opportunity.” Over the years, Destination 2010 lost many of the original students due to mobility issues, including their moving outside the eligible districts. And instead of seven public schools, by 2010 students were spread across 40

schools. What The Minneapolis Foundation and its partners have learned is that for this group of students, who are among the most under-represented populations in higher education, there are no shortcuts. Collaboration across schools, communities and families is critical to getting them from kindergarten to college. “We fi rst met these students

as nine and ten year old children,” said Sandra Vargas, The Minneapolis Foundation president and CEO. “Tonight we saw how they have grown into young men and women, ready to pursue the next step in their education. As we listened to their stories, I was reminded again that along with scholarships and academic enrichment

opportunities, a sincere belief in the abilities of all of our kids is perhaps the most critical piece of the puzzle. Quality education is key to both individual success and regional prosperity. Armed with the lessons learned from Destination 2010, we will continue working to achieve educational equity in the Twin Cities.”

Destination 2010 celebrates Twin Cities student journeys

Stephen AllenFour graduating students shared their refl ections on Destination 2010 at the June 15

celebration and are pictured here with special guests Angela Davis, Keynote speaker, and Naomi Tutu. From left to right: Rayneisha Varner, Eric Simmons, Agustina Miranda, Miguel Castell-Victorio (back).

Stephen AllenEric Simmons, Destination 2010 student and graduate of Wasburn High School shared his personal

experience with the crowd of 450 fellow students, their families, school and foundation staff, as well as community partners and leaders.


Music is alive on any given weekday afternoon in the modest building situated on the corner of Selby Avenue and Avon Street in the historic African American Rondo Community of Saint Paul. Children are keying chords on a grand piano, exercising vocal chords, or practicing an instrumental on horn. This is the location of the historic Walker West Music Academy, a 501c(3) non-profi t community school of music, and one of the only African American arts organizations in the nation with a 20 plus year history, that is still in operation. Over the years Walker West has produced decades of musical phenoms with international appeal, such as recording artists and musicians Larry Waddell and Stokely Williams of Mint Condition; jazz performing artist, songwriter and music teacher Paris Strother; and song writer, performer and recording artist Nikki Jean. Students and their parents come to Walker West in throngs because of its ability to produce skillful musicians; for the guidance and credibility of its dedicated founders the Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West; curriculum focused on music performance and instruction strongly infl uenced by the African American experience; and the commitment of accomplished staff. A portion of the school’s mission reads as follows: “Walker West Music Academy is a quality, well rounded community school of

music as well as an outreach institution whose artistic purpose is committed to the recognition, education and celebration of diverse cultures through the study of their unique expression and contributions to the language of music.” It all started over 20 years ago when Walker approached West about the idea of joining forces to start a music school. They had many conversations about the idea, and one day Walker called West and said, “I have a building are you still interested.” They started by renting the basement

of a duplex on Hague Avenue in 1988, before moving into their current location at 777 Selby Avenue, which previously served as a restaurant. West said, “I think that it was a natural thing to do, to teach and open our music academy because playing music is really second nature, but it was fi rst nature for both of us at the time.” The two joined their natural gifts and worked to give back to the community. Walker remembers the initial impetus for starting the school was to fi ll a void in the community. “There was a

distinct need for young people to learn a skill in the arts rather than being in the streets. So, Grant and I decided to have students come together and after quite a bit of talking and discussion we started the school,” he said. West’s goal is to inspire students from no skill to mastery of a skill. “My notion is that we can inspire a student to excellence, to teach the student a language because I think that music is certainly a language, and teach that language in a way that’s very natural. And then moving from

where you are to then some point that you can envision that you can. It’s interesting when you show students something and they say it’s hard, and then you say, ‘yes, this is how you do something that’s hard.’ And you break it down for them so they conceptualize what’s going on and then they began to tease out the part that is hard and then they are doing it. It’s all about accomplishing something. I think it’s important particularly for African-American kids, because a lot of life is skipped over because it’s hard.”

To date the school offers a robust program including Individual Instruction and Group Lessons in a variety of instruments, Performance oriented Ensembles (including the school’s well known Jazz Ensemble), Summer Music Enrichment Programs, Jazz Workshops, Early Childhood Music Education, and After-School and In-School Music Education. One of the school’s more recently developed programs is called Walker West Without

AESTHETICS

PhotographerTop: Co-founders: Reverend Carl Walker (left) and Grant West

(right). Bottom: Walker West Music Academy students.

Walker West preserves legacy of musical excellenceBy Maya BeechamContributing Writer

WEST TURN TO 6


HEALTH

NEW YORK (NNPA) - All across the country, African American communities are being devastated: One in 16 Black men will be diagnosed with HIV this year; one in 30 Black women will be diagnosed with HIV; AIDS is the third leading cause of death for African American women age 25-34; and although Black people are only 12 percent of the U. S. population, they make up nearly half of all AIDS cases. These are just a few of the confounding statistics articulated by Robert Bailey, a leader of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Partnerships Team at the

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But, Bailey, speaking at the recent National Newspaper Publishers Association Annual Convention, also added that there is hope. “There is hope amid the crisis because we have more opportunities than ever to stop this epidemic,” Bailey said, pointing to HIV/AIDS education and awareness as a key. Bailey, speaking during a panel discussion, was at the conference – in part – to help award one of the more than 215 Black-owned newspapers with the Thomas Morgan III Award for HIV/AIDS Education. The $2,500 award, jointly funded by the Atlanta-based CDC and the California-based Black AIDS Institute, was this year won by the Cleveland Call & Post,

represented by Constance Harper, executive vice president and editor. The paper is published by boxing promoter Don King. In its second year, the award is given to the participating NNPA member newspaper that does the best job educating its readership about the scourge of HIV/AIDS on Black America. Harper’s newspaper won with an entry of three major HIV/AIDS supplements published last year. The award, received by the Dallas Examiner last year, was given at the beginning of the annual Merit Awards. The Tom Morgan Award was named by Phill Wilson, an NNPA columnist and president and CEO of the BAI. Thomas Morgan III was a reporter and editor at the New York Times and served as the fi rst openly gay president

of the National Association of Black Journalists. He died at age 56 in Brooklyn, N.Y. from the complications caused by AIDS. Incidentally, the award was given less than two weeks before National HIV Testing Day -Sunday, June 27. The NNPA Foundation is one of 16 Black organizations chosen by the CDC and the Obama administration as part of a major HIV/AIDS education campaign, called Act Against AIDS

Leadership Initiative. Bailey stressed that the Act Against AIDS campaign, announced last year within Obama’s fi rst 100 days, was the nation’s fi rst federally-funded HIV/AIDS media campaign in almost 20 years. “But, the rate of HIV contractions among people who are Black is still unacceptable. The sad thing is that it is 100 percent preventable,” said Bailey. Although reductions are being

seen in intravenous drug-users and transmissions from mothers to children, the crisis is still deeply embedded in the Black community. This is the 30th anniversary of the fi rst HIV infection, Bailey stressed; yet there are still 56,000 new infections each year. “Every nine-and-a-half minutes, someone in the U. S. – someone’s, mother, father, brother, sister, cousin, uncle or aunt, is infected with HIV.”

HIV/AIDS: With education, there is hope amid the crisisBy Hazel Trice EdneyNNPA Editor-in-Chief

Carole GearyRobert Bailey, HIV/AIDS Team leader for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Hazel

Trice Edney, NNPA News Service Editor-in-Chief; Connie Harper, Call & Post executive vice president; Nykayla Richards, hostess; and NNPA Chairman Danny Bakewell.

Walls, where instructors make music education more accessible to all communities, by taking instruction outside of the school. This alleviates high transportation costs, and allows families with limited income to benefi t from music education. Additionally, the school has a Scholarship Program endowed within the Pan African Community Endowment of the Saint Paul Foundation. Walker West has 8 full-time and part-time staff members, and a faculty of 26 music instructors. Felix James, Walker West instructor and retired music teacher for St. Paul Public Schools, joined staff at Walker West shortly after its inception. He was riding his bike up the street contemplating a job situation within the school system, when, through the window, he saw Walker teaching a student. James walked in and asked when he could start teaching at the newly founded school. Shortly after James joined the Walker West staff he brought six students with him. James started the wind instruments program, and the jazz band program. With an education and counseling background James often integrates all of his expertise for the betterment of his students, and he has taken particular notice of the disparities suffered by African American students. “Our kids sometimes develop a little slower because they aren’t exposed to the lessons early enough. So we decided to use Central High School as a place where we are going to try and provide lessons to those kids who need it and to those students who we fi gure we can make a difference with; whether they develop to be great students of the instrument, or they just develop their minds.

“All these kids who pursue well-rounded music education end up doing great things with their lives and careers whether it’s in music or in life,” James further explained adding that music helps organize the brain at an early age. And this, he said, helps young people achieve personal victories with every lesson. Sabrina Williams, First Lady of Mighty Fortress Ministries, experienced her own personal victory in the lives of her three children, ages 15, 12, and 8, who’ve been studying piano at Walker West for the last four years. “Our boys started off with no interest, zero interest, and they have been very much motivated. Their motivation has increased tremendously and they have really gained skills and ability. The quality of instruction that they receive shows Mr. Grant and Rev. Walker have worked really hard with our kids to motivate them and to teach them and it has paid off a lot,” said Williams. There is a strong belief with the founders and instructors that their expertise is shared with students, in order to carry on the legacy of quality music education for generations to come. Former Walker West student Paris Strother, expressed her appreciation for the instruction she received in a recent Walker West newsletter. “Walker West was great because to study tons of different styles, I didn’t have to leave the building! The understanding of different genres leads to a deeper appreciation of the diversity of the world.” William Duncan, brother to famed Twin Cities jazz vocalist Debbie Duncan, began teaching at Walker West four and a half years ago when he arrived in the Twin Cities from Michigan. Duncan teaches voice, piano and organ. “I have witnessed some very intricate programs take place here; for example, there’s the summer enrichment program, where students learn fi ve differentiated

skills within a period of three weeks and then they perform a concert. Considering a lot of it is on the novice level, the knowledge that they get is very impacting because you don’t see a lot of that within schools around the country, and doing something of that magnitude,” he said. Duncan said that he has been greatly impacted by the work of Walker and Grant West. “A lot of the infl uence they have has also impacted me. It made me recognize further our purpose is it to give back. As the Bible says to whom much is given, much is required. When you have something you have been blessed with you have to give back,” he said. Peter Legget has spent the last four years giving back in evolving roles as the organization has needed him. He started off as a drum set instructor, and has continued to teach and has moved to more administrative roles. In 2009 he served as interim executive director and in 2010 took on the role permanently. As a musician, instructor, and staff member at Walker West,Leggett says he has, “ a greater understanding and appreciation for what the school provides to the Rondo Community and St. Paul, and more people from Minneapolis are coming to the school for music education they can’t fi nd.” He explained further that Walker West provides a community-oriented environment, and everybody --from students, to teachers, and parents—is recognizing that the lessons also serve as a creative outlet for students who are learning from a holistic approach. West summed it up by saying, “at Walker West we teach the children, we don’t teach the music.” For more information on programs offered at Walker West Music Academy visit www.walkerwestmusicacademy.org.

WestFrom 5


BUSINESS

creation from award-winning screenwriter Tye Green. TH3M may possibly become one of the next big television series to hit primetime networks in the near future. Most recently her song “Can’t Stop Thinking About You,” produced by Megha Mann, was featured on the VH1 series “Basketball Wives.” However, major success such as this haven’t always come without obstacles. But, she’ll attest to the fact that all the strife has aided in solidifying her strength. “What sets me apart from other artists is defi nitely my unique story,” SinGs offers. “I’m more than just an artist: I’m a mother, an [ovarian] cancer survivor, a friend, a sister and a daughter. My dream isn’t just to be a big superstar, it’s beyond that. I want to set a good example for my son, and for anyone who has doubts that there is hope. Music is my therapy, and I hope that through my songs, I can make others feel the same way.” With her debut album, “Long Time Coming” due out later this year, SinGs is looking upward to the future, and onward towards the plans she’s been cultivating throughout the years. Her showcase, “Diva’s On the Rise! A celebration of Women Empowerment, Strength and Success,” is being followed by a sequel which returns the all female supercharged review to the Lounge Night Club once again on July 8. As a KMOJ DJ, co-hosting the “Back in the Day” old school show with Ray Richardson every Sunday evening(6-10pm), SinGs also shares her on air craft with another artist to keep an eye on, Georgia McClellon. Most Minnesotans know McClellon by her moniker, the incredible “Miss Georgia,” the Queen of Middays (10am – 2pm) “Done the right way” over at 89.9FM KMOJ Radio. McClellon is a talented powerhouse. Of the many hats she wears, she said: “It’s a thin line to walk as an artist, to be someone’s equal, to make party music for them, and still be motivating and inspiring,” McClellon says of her greatest musical infl uence Tupac Shakur. “I [admire] his ability to master many genres of art, from theater and acting, to a poetry book that was published shortly after his death, and for what he’s most known for, his rap music.” Taking to the road with the same valiant effort as her idol, this future mogul is miles apart from other individuals in her arena who proclaim those same desires of achieving greatness. Rather than standing center stage, and boasting about her plans to capture her own treasure chest, McClellon’s humbly refi ned nature has afforded her an opportunity to remain in front of the public eye as a Twin Cities Personality, while making magic happen from behind the scenes with an intent to show the world what she’s made of, rather

than merely projecting greatness through the use of words. Understanding the importance of ownership, and how it can be instrumental in forging your own success, McClellon is the CEO of Amana Entertainment LLC, a multi purpose media company named after her fi rst child, Georgia Amana. Through it came the creation of her web series “Miss Georgia Interviews,” a show that highlights the Twin Cities hottest up and coming talent, by bringing audiences unique interviews from the heart of some of the most dynamic and stylish places in the Metro Area. Some of the guests who’ve braved her twenty questions

have been Stina, JayEstate, and the rest of the Top Line Entertainment crew, DJ J Cue, and other members of the ATG DJ’s and Roulette, a female MC. With places like the Aloft Hotel, the illustrious rooftop room of Chambers Hotel, and OM Restaurant as the backdrop, the show is poised to be the urban answer to KARE 11’s Showcase Minnesota. Episodes will be online this fall, with new and exciting things to come in the near future. In addition to having an incredible face for the moving camera and pursuing a modeling career McClellon is also a beast on the microphone, whether by spitting her spoken word, unleashing one of her latest rap

songs, or sharpening up her skills as a vocalist. Her current single, “Death of Barbie,” has spread like wildfi re across the Twin Cities and is being praised as an anthem for all women. Her vocal vibe, and the themes of empowerment she chooses to express in her music could easily be compared to the one and only Dana Owens, who’s known to most as Queen Latifah. Both artists embody a wide array of vocal talent, and utilize those skills to provide a range of choice on their albums. McClellon is currently working on her debut and promises that it will feature a variety of unique fl avor. Performing citywide in such venues as the Red Sea and The

Lounge, no stage is safe from virtuosity when Miss Georgia or Chantel SinGs has a microphone in their hands. Both women, who are still just in their twenties and are both single parents, have proven that you don’t need a touch of magic to make magic happen or to overcome your circumstances. You just need to overcome yourself, and from there you’ll fi nd that golden ticket that will afford your voice forever. For more information on Chantel SinGs, visit: Chantelsings.web.com or Myspace.com/ChantelSings For more information on Georgia “Miss Georgia” McClellon, visit: Miss-Georgia.com

SingersFrom 1

a community health initiative, is funded entirely with Blue Cross’ settlement proceeds from the historic lawsuit against the tobacco companies. “As part of Blue Cross’ prevention efforts, Nice Ride Minnesota is one way the health company is working to tackle obesity and other costly diseases by addressing their root causes - one of which is physical inactivity,” the company says on the Nice Ride website.

If that is the case, Northside health advocates are asking, why not anchor the program in communities that have the greatest need, that have the highest rates of obesity and other health conditions created by inactivity and lack of access? Since Minneapolis is a founding partner in the Twin Cities Bike Share Project, contributing $350,000 in start-up funding, shouldn’t 5th Ward, 8th Ward and 6th Ward, the wards with highest concentrations people of color, and the greatest health disparities, and the greatest transportation access challenges, benefi t from

expenditure of their tax dollars as well? Why not focus on neighborhoods with the highest incidence of high blood pressure and diabetes, specifi cally Black and American Indian communities where health and access issues conspire to deprive residents of Minnesota’s high quality of life standards. Blue Cross said, “Innovative solutions like Nice Ride make it convenient for people to maintain their health and prevent risks like high blood pressure and diabetes. Blue Cross wants to change the way people think about getting

around by promoting physical activity and making it easy for people to make the active choice the easy choice. These small changes translate into positive habits over time.” Bike Walk Twin Cities (BWTC) says it invested $1.75 million in start-up funds for Nice Ride to support creation of a network for non-motorized transportation. BWTC administers a federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot program and is part of Transit for Livable Communities. According to Sherry Pugh, executive director of Northside Residents Redevelopment Council, there is a history of

disregarding and ignoring the needs and wishes of North Minneapolis and similar neighborhoods. “We were a ‘dead zone’ that had both a lack of forestation and lack of bike paths. Our studies showed, despite the city’s claim to be one of the most bikeable cities in the country, in all 13 North Minneapolis neighborhoods there were no bike paths.” NRRC, Pugh said, promoted to Willard Hay and Near North residents that they recognize the unique value of two great amenities: the Mississippi River on the east and Theodore Wirth Park, on the west. “No other neighborhood is

anchored by such amenities. Plymouth Avenue is a vibrant pedestrian and bike corridor. We advocated for bike path that we fi nally got in 2005, and we developed ‘pocket parks’ along Plymouth Avenue for pedestrians and bike riders,” she said. Pugh said Minneapolis doesn’t do traffi c counts in North Minneapolis that would show the vitality of pedestrian and bike traffi c. “They never counted traffi c on our street. It was not a priority. The priority was the Midtown Greenway, with got millions of dollars. We had to wait.”

BikesFrom 1

The resignation announcement on my desk was a sickening surprise: it was from someone I had never worked with, who wished to share his forced resignation with the world,

and I feel strangely sorry for him. Raging about his change in circumstances, this person has let his anger overshadow his accomplishments. Whether leaving is your idea or someone else’s, please leave with your pride intact and your professional progress in people’s minds; you might be driving fast forward but, for most people, the future looms large in the rearview mirror. If I wanted to hire or recommend this person to a future position, this letter created a roadblock. It said,

“I resigned peacefully,” and, “Unfortunately, (former employer) has decided to assassinate my professional character.” Not so peacefully, then. Star employees address confl icts objectively and recognize that no assassination is peaceful. A potential employer would question his ability to read people and situations accurately. The writer attached his resignation letter, which included a laundry list of slights, slammed the former employer and included

threats of lawsuits. Why is he sharing this information indiscriminately? How can anyone hire or recommend a tattletale? His letter reveals more than he might realize, saying, “While I made some errors in judgment over the past few weeks, they did not rise to the level that was indicated… not just my opinion, but also the opinion of several attorneys and agencies… who, unlike executive management, were able to make an unbiased decision… abused by your

company… taking measures to remedy the situation.” Maybe it’s PTSD from raising children, but the whine in his voice hurts my ears, and I’m sitting in another state, unattached, just reading the thing. Like most potential employers, not knowing the guy, I have only this letter to go by when assessing this person’s character and abilities. He may be talented and wise, but his “errors in judgment” extend beyond any reasonable level. By sending this letter to his entire network and theirs, this

individual comes across like a fi recracker on the Fourth of July: explosive, far-reaching and aimless about where he lands. If this is someone you want in the desk next to yours, on the assembly line near you or as your next trainee, let me know. He is probably available to start soon.

Julie Desmond leads job search and career planning workshops in Minneapolis. Write to [email protected].

Don’t burn bridges: Resign like you might return someday

By Julie [email protected]

Plan Your Career

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

Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

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Have you been driving through your community admiring your neighbors’ veggie gardens and fl ower beds? Do you feel a twinge of jealousy because you would like a garden of your own, but don’t know where to

begin? Are you coveting your neighbor’s cucumber plants?? That was my story last year. From my kitchen, I could see my neighbor’s rather large vegetable garden, and I wanted one, too. The problem was I was unsure about the best placement of the garden-out of the way of my kids and their balls, in enough sun, and in a location that didn’t make the back yard look tacky. Instead of allowing all those questions to overwhelm me this season, I came up with a suitable solution: I created a garden on my deck and you can, too. It’s not too late, really! In fact, this is the perfect

time to perk up your porch, patio, or deck with fl owers or vegetable plants. Especially in these tough economic times, you could save big by growing your own food. I have recently seen prices slashed by up to 50%. So grab your work gloves, some dirt, and let’s create something tasty and beautiful! I have to tell you that the idea for the deck garden really came from my two younger children. First, my son’s spring science lesson from school included watching various seeds grow. At the end, he brought home planted chives. Then my daughter, who loves the dollar section at Target,

zeroed in on the plant-your-own-veggies kit and she just had to have it. She lovingly tended to her plants in their mini pots, which she kept safely in her room. Of course, I promised them both that we would plant them outside when the time was right. In the meantime, I was gathering plants also-tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and fl owers- from garage sales, and other discount stores. The day I bought the dirt, the children and I took all of our supplies-recycled pots, shovels, and dirt-out to the deck, and put on our gloves, (at least I did) and

got busy. They were so excited about their slightly wilted plants that they had grown from seeds-they were fi nally coming out to play. They even made little labels for everything, taped them on toothpicks, and stuck them in the dirt. My once drab deck has turned into this beautiful vibrant garden, with four different pepper plants, three types of tomato plants, herbs and fl owers, and it just

makes me smile! What makes me smile even more is that my children, who did all the work as a team, are enthusiastic about caring for and growing their own food…together. Enjoy!

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

LIFESTYLE

By Marcia [email protected]

Style on a Dime

Perk up your patio, porch or deck with homegrown veggies

about.com


COMMENTARY

(NNPA) - The recent slight uptick in job creation has prompted some to declare that the great recession is over. But a look beneath the surface of the numbers tells a more ominous story. It’s true -- the Labor Department’s employment report for the month of May showed a gain of 431,000 jobs and an overall unemployment rate of 9.7 percent - down slightly from April’s rate of 9.9 percent. But before breaking out the champagne we should consider that 411,000 of the newly employed are temporary Census workers and that 15 million Americans are still looking for work. Consider also, that African American and Latino joblessness continues to far outpace the national average, and now stands at 15.5 percent and 12.4 percent respectively. With summer fast approaching, the unemployment rate for Black teens has climbed to 38 percent. Clearly, like the oil spewing from that well in the Gulf of Mexico, the jobs crisis continues. Perhaps the most disturbing statistic in the latest jobs report is that 46 percent of all unemployed workers have been out of a job for six months or more - a clear sign that the labor market is far from being in recovery. The burgeoning ranks of the long-term unemployed, coupled with the weak growth in private sector jobs reinforces the need for legislation that funds direct job creation and training for the chronically unemployed. This will reap huge dividends for struggling families and communities as well as our nation. A new report from the National Urban League Policy Institute describes how investing in job creation is also the best strategy for reducing the defi cit. We estimate that if the economy could replace the 8 million jobs

lost since the recession began in December of 2007, the resulting increase in tax revenues would reduce the defi cit by $235 million. Another $75 billion dollars in defi cit reduction would be achieved due to reduced spending on unemployment benefi ts. In total, a robust jobs surge can reduce the budget defi cit by $310 million. The continuing increase in teen unemployment is also cause for alarm. We urge the Senate to join the House in swiftly passing H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act. That bill includes $1 billion for a summer youth program and $2.5 billion in emergency assistance for needy families. We know that summer jobs are the launch pad for success. They provide a foundation for a solid work ethic and invaluable experience that gives young people a clear advantage that lasts throughout their working life. The Senate must act without delay. We cannot continue to sacrifi ce our future for short-term political gain. As a part of our centennial year IAMEMPOWERED campaign, the National Urban League has challenged the nation to meet the goal of ensuring that every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefi ts by the year 2025. To keep the country focused on that goal, we recently launched our State of Urban Jobs site at iamempowered.com. Log on today to stay abreast of the latest developments.

NUL’s 6-POINT PLAN FOR JOB CREATION1. Fund Direct Job Creation by offering fi nancial support to cities, counties, states, universities, community colleges and non-profi t community based organizations to hire the personnel necessary to provide critical services in communities across the nation. Eligibility for support will be based on local unemployment rates with a focus

on the long-term unemployed. At least twice in American history, the government has responded to high rates of unemployment with investments in direct job creation -the 1935 Works Progress Administration when nearly one-fourth of the labor force was out of work, and the Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 which established Title VI of CETA as a temporary countercyclical employment program at a time when unemployment was quickly approaching 9 percent. We propose an investment of $150 billion to create 3 million jobs, a number that represents only half of the current unemployed with a high school diploma or less. 2. Expand and Expedite the Small Business Administration’s Community Express Loan Program through a reduction of the interest rate to 1 percent targeted for those businesses located in areas where the local unemployment rate exceeds the state average. A ten-fold expansion of the program (from $1 billion to $10 billion) should make credit available to an additional 50,000 small businesses nationwide. 3. Create Green Empowerment Zones in areas where at least 50 percent of the population has an unemployment rate that is higher than the state average. Manufacturers of solar panels and wind turbines that open plants in high unemployment areas will for a period of three years, be eligible for a zero federal income tax rate and a zero capital gains tax under the condition that they hire and retain for a minimum of three years at least half of their workforce from the local area. 4. Expand the Hiring of Housing Counselors Nationwide by investing $500 million to fund housing counseling agencies nationwide to help delinquent borrowers work with their loan servicers to secure more affordable mortgages. Over the past 18 months more than $400

million in federal funds have been invested by the Administration to help mitigate the mortgage crisis through housing counseling and according to a recent report by the Urban Institute, borrowers facing foreclosure are 60% more likely to hold onto their homes if they receive counseling and receive loan modifi cations with average monthly payments $454 lower than those who did not see counselors. 5. Expand the Youth Summer Jobs Program for 2010 by investing $5-7 billion to employ 5 million teens. While the unemployment rate for African-American youth is over 40 percent, the employment population ratio makes clearer the desperate situation faced by many urban youth. Since the late

1990s, this number has declined from a high of 33 percent down to 15 percent and labor force participation for this group is now at a record low of 26 percent. A critical factor in eliminating racial and socio-economic disparities in unemployment is providing a solid foundation upon which African-American youth can build positive future labor market expectations and experiences. 6. Create 100 Urban Jobs Academies to Implement an Expansion of the Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) to employ and train the chronically unemployed. UYEP, a four year demonstration project created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor in 2004, is a youth career preparation initiative designed

for at-risk, out-of-school, and adjudicated youth and young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. With 27 Urban League affi liate sites and a total of $29.3 million, the program served 3,900 youth, 65 percent of whom either had job placements (paying an average wage of $9.32/hour) or completed their high school diploma or GED. Two hundred participants were placed in postsecondary schools or college upon completion of their secondary education. Scaling this program up to 100 sites would more than triple the program at a cost of $108.5 million.

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

By Marc H. MorialNNPA Columnist

Recession not over yet; Jobs crisis continues

Old Highland, one of the fi rst platted neighborhoods of Minneapolis, has taken on the challenge of telling its unique and diverse community story by narrating its development and evolution through time. The Old Highland Neighborhood Association has contracted with Tammy Lindberg to work with residents to collect neighborhood history and to document contributing properties. The ultimate goal is to use the social history and architectural documentation to update and expand the existing self-guided Walking Tour Guide of signifi cant properties in the Old Highland neighborhood. The updated Walking Tour Guide will be a great promotional tool for Old Highland. It will be used to 1) increase public awareness of the historic and architectural quality of the homes in Old Highland; 2) encourage and support neighborhood interest and efforts in maintaining, enhancing and restoring the architectural integrity of individual homes and streetscapes, and 3) promote and market the neighborhood to potential new home owners who value and

appreciate great housing and the strong sense of community among people who live here. The Old Highland Neighborhood is located in North Minneapolis, encompassing approximately 30 square blocks. The outer limits are defi ned by Plymouth Avenue, West Broadway, Aldrich Avenue and Girard Avenue. The neighborhood has been described as a “potpourri of architecture and lifestyles which resulted has produced an exciting diversity which today makes the Old Highland Neighborhood unique and vital, respected for progressive thinking and reverence for a proud heritage.” This project is made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund administered by the Minnesota Historical Society and fi nanced through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by Minnesotans on November 4, 2008. For more information, please contact Tammy Lindberg at (612) 251- 8167 or [email protected]

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, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

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

West African Drumming with Fode Bangoura - OngoingLearn traditional rhythms from Guinea West Africa. This is an open level class that will teach beginners basic technique and foundations of hand drumming while offering experienced drummers the opportunity to broaden their repertoire and learn challenging

accompaniment. Every Tuesday 5:30-7pm Patrick’s Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. $17 per class, $150 - 10 class card, $5 Drum rental - Must call or email ahead if renting a drum (651-338-5409).

Minnesota’s Waiting Children Free Information Sessions - OngoingDowney Side…families for youth invites community members to attend a FREE information session regarding adoption and Minnesota’s Waiting Children. Sessions are held every third Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Downey Side’s St. Paul offi ce located in the Bigelow Building at 450 No. Syndicate Street – Suite 380.

Midtown begins Tuesday farmers market - OngoingStarting on June 1, the Midtown Farmers Market will be open Tuesdays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 2225 East Lake, the very same location as our Saturday (8:00 to 1:00) market. Experience Midtown’s new mix of vendors and wares—you’ll fi nd your week’s worth of seasonal produce, a selection of arts and crafts, and delicious dinner or late afternoon snacks (gelato, pizza, hotdogs, doughnuts)!

Classic Black fi lms at VOA Park Elder Center – OngoingFirst and third Mondays of each month, 11 am - 12:15 pm. These

fi lms are free of charge and the public is invited. Popcorn, hotdogs and drinks are provided for a suggested donation of $1. VOA Park Elder Center, 1505 Park Ave. Mpls. 612-339-7581, [email protected]

Credit Smart- OngoingFREE Credit Education Classes. Every Tuesday, 6-8pm. Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls. HYPERLINK “http://www.mul.org/”www.mul.org Contact Theresa (612) 827- 9268.Realizing the American Dream – OngoingHome Buyer Program. First Thurs. of every month, 6-8pm. $25.00 per FamilyMinneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls. HYPERLINK “http://www.mul.org/”www.mul.org Contact Theresa (612) 827- 9268.

Young Writers -June – Aug.Young Writers is the place for youth! A gathering of aspiring young poets, novelists, fi ction writers, essayists and more. We laugh, work, create, and grow together in a community workshop setting - come check it out! Open to ages 13-19. Second and Fourth Tuesday of every month 6PM - 8PM at Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Mpls. FREE!

History Pub Crawls - June 23, July 7, 14, 21, Aug. 4, 11, 18

The popular History Pub Crawls return this summer with tours of St. Paul ‘s downtown, the West End and Summit Hill neighborhoods. Trolley picks up at the Minnesota History Center - 345 Kellogg Blvd W., St. Paul MN 55102-1903. $25; $20 for MHS members. 7-9pm (Trolley departs at 7 p.m.) For info call 651-259-3000 or visit Website: www.mnhs.org/pubcrawls

2010 Movies in the Parks - Thru Aug 28The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has packed more than 80 movies into its third annual Movies in the Parks series. The mobile series, which travels to parks across the city throughout the summer, will run Monday through Saturday June 14-Aug. 28. Movies are free to the public and start 15 minutes after sunset. For more information, check out www.mplsmusicandmovies.com.

Music & Movies - June 24 - July 29Music and Movies is a unique, family-friendly attraction on St. Paul’s West Side in Parque Castillo. The free series is held on Thursday nights beginning on June 24th and ending on July 29th. Create Mexican inspired art, move to community building music, and relax with family centric movies. Thursdays, June 24th through July 29th 6:30-8:45pm at Parque Castillo, 149

Cesar Chavez St Paul, MN 55102

Summer Saturday Film Workshops – Thru-Aug. 21Through a series of hands-on workshops, teens will learn both the technical and conceptual skills needed to make a successful fi lm. Youth will work in small groups to collaborate on fi lms in different genres (narrative, documentary, experimental, animation). Youth will get experience in screenwriting, storyboarding, lighting, camerawork, directing, acting, and editing. The completed fi lms will be shown to an audience at the end of the summer in the Intermedia Arts theater. June 26 - August 21, 2001; Saturdays Only 1PM - 4PM at Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. FREE.

B-Girl Be: Hip-Hop History, Culture and Creation – June 29 & July 8B-Girl Be curriculum engages boys and girls in discovering the power of authentic hip-hop. Participants learn the history of hip-hop as a radical form of social commentary, community engagement and protest for communities of color; analyze lyrics, form and content; and create their own work. Open to youth in grades 7 -12. Tue., June 29, 1PM - 3PM at Rockford Road Library 6401 42nd Ave. N., Crystal, & Thur., July 8, 1PM - 3PM at Brooklyn Park Library

8600 Zane Ave. N., BrooklynPark, FREE.

Sign up now for summerclasses and camps at CamdenMusic School! - Thru. JulySummer term: July 12 -August 20. Includes vocaland instrumental lessons,ensembles, Musikgarten andmusic theory classes. Summercamps: Monkey Mind Pirates,July 19 � 23, performances July23 and 24. Ages 8 � 11. CampKomoniwannarock, August2-5 and 9-12, performance July12. Grades 5-8 (�09-�10).Scholarship application deadline:5pm Tuesday, July 6. Familydiscounts also available. Moreinformation: 612-618-0219 orwww.camdenmusicschool.com

The Minnesota Sinfonia - July 5Family Pops Concert. Monday,July 5, 7 p.m. Como LakesidePavilion, 1360 N LexingtonPkwy, St. Paul. FREE. Childrenwelcome. 612-871-1701. www.mnsinfonia.org

Pastors for Peace 21st Caravanto Cuba - July 7Send-off benefi t: 13 Routes –130 U.S. and Canadian CitiesWed., July 7, 6-9pm at PlymouthCongregational ChurchNicollet & Franklin Avenues,Mpls. For more information:612.721.8440 www.minnesotacubacommittee.com

•June 28 - July 4, 2010 • Insight News insightnews.com

PHONE: 612.588.1313 EMAIL: [email protected] FAX: 612.588.2031 ONLINE: www.insightnews.comCOMMUNITY CALENDARCOMMUNITY CALENDAR

CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS PHONE: 612.588.1313 FAX: 612.588.2031 EMAIL: [email protected]

EMPLOYMENT/HOUSINGEMPLOYMENT/HOUSING

Huntington Place ApartmentsThe BEST 1 bedrooms in Brooklyn Park! 1 BRs starting at $595 • Huge bedrooms • Tons of closet space • Indoor & outdoor pool. Call today! 763-560-0244 www.liveathp.com EHO

ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team is announcing a program for college Internships for the fall and winter. The pro-gram will consist of fi ve teams of 5 interns each in the following areas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3) Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Business administration. Each team will have a leader and be given challenging assignments.

We are looking for college students major-ing in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 in-terns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits. Interested Parties please send resume to:

The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program10125 Crosstown Circle #200Eden Prairie, MN 55344

952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040www.minnesotablizzards.com

Updated 1-2 BedroomApartments in WhittierClean, quiet, secure,

Parking available near busWHITTIER COMMUNITY

APARTMENTS612-870-RENT(7368)

“Equal Housing Opportunity”

Hallie Q. Brown Community CenterSubstitute Teacher

DEPT: Early Learning CenterSUPERVISED BY: Youth Program ManagerTITLES SUPERVISED: N/AFLSA: Non-ExemptSALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour

POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fi ll in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher par-ticipates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities. Assists with ensuring that the classroom is ap-propriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure envi-ronment for each child.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities.2. Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom envi-ronment in accordance to program goals and philosophy.3. Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely man-aging developmental activities for the participants.4. Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports.5. Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood devel-opment. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred.

Licensing and Certifi cations: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Minne-sota Teachers’ License (preferred).

Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experi-ence required.

Other Requirements:• Dealing with confi dential information.• Tight deadlines.• Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions.• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.• Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager.• Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines.• Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cul-tural backgrounds.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and refer-ences to:

Hallie Q. Brown Community CenterATTN: Human Resources270 N. Kent StreetSaint Paul, MN [email protected]

Request for Proposals for Food Service Contract(s)

The Senior Nutrition Programs of the Senior Services Consortium of Ramsey County, Scott-Carver-Dakota CAP agency Inc., and Volunteers of America of Minnesota will ac-cept proposals through July 9th, 2010 for their food service contracts, beginning Janu-ary 1st, 2011 through December 31st, 2011. The contract(s) will be awarded for one year , with possible renewal for up to two additional years.

The contracts call for approximately 780,000 meals annually in aggregate with 2,600 noon congregate and home delivered meals per day plus an additional 1,550 weekend and evening meals per week. The programs also deliver another 600 frozen meals per week. This contract can be bid for in total or by pro-gram. Additionally, Volunteers of America of Minnesota will take bids separately for Anoka and Hennepin Counties. The Senior Servic-es Consortium of Ramsey County will take separate bids for bulk and frozen meals. To request a written proposal, call Nancy Chris-tianson, Director of Senior Nutrition, Volun-teers of America, MN, 612-617-7845.

Old Highland creates neighborhood narrative

Neighborhood Housing Services Ascension Church

All photos courtesy of Old Highland Neighborhood AssociationFormer Library

Associate DirectorSarah’s, a temporary housing facility for women sponsored by the Srs of St. Joseph of Carondelet seeks a FT person to provide ad-min. fi nancial, public relations services along with managing the daily operations of the ministry. Qualifi cations: Graduate degree in Public/Non-Profi t Business Adm, Com, or Mgmt. Minimum of 5 yrs exp in human/so-cial services req. Ability to work with women of diverse backgrounds, language skills and life experiences; supervisory exp required. Exp with computer software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Quark Xpress, desktop publishing and internet. If interest-ed, email or send cover letter and resume to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, c/o HR, 1884 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 Email: [email protected] by July 16, 2010.

Criminal Duty and Docket Clerk

The U.S. District Court of Minnesota is seeking a Criminal Duty and Docket Clerk for St. Paul and Minneapolis. This position will support Magistrate Judges with their preliminary criminal proceedings and will work as a criminal docket clerk. The individual will schedule hearings, correspond with other court agencies, and make timely and accurate electronic entries on the court’s docket; provide detailed quality con-trol and case management including communicating with the public, attorneys, and court staff. Qualifi cations: Knowledge of local court rules, practices, proce-dures and forms. Knowledge of Magistrate Judge practices. Skill in communicating and working with judges, counsel, and others in scheduling events and managing courtroom logistics. Ability to summarize court proceedings and prepare minutes. Knowledge of and skill in the use of applicable automated systems Three years of specialized experience required. BA or Paralegal degree preferred. Starting salary--$40,201 to $50,275. Position range to $65,385. A detailed job description can be viewed at www.mnd.uscourts.gov. Submit cover letter and resume by Tuesday, July 6th at 5:00 PM, to HR Manager, U.S. District Court, U.S. Courthouse, 300 S. Fourth St., Suite 202, Minneapolis, MN 55415. E-mail: [email protected]. Only applicants selected to participate in the interview pro-cess will be contacted. U.S. or allied country citizenship required. All employees are subject to a background check. An Equal Oppor-tunity Employer.

Information Services SpecialistThe U.S. District Court of Minnesota is seeking a customer service oriented professional for its Information Services Department in the Clerk’s Offi ce in St. Paul. This position requires excellent customer service skills. Position duties include help desk support by answering, tracking and responding to requests regarding hardware and software problems. Creates and maintains automated court forms, macros and templates. The ability to assist advanced users with application ques-tions and problems is critical. A thorough working knowledge of cur-rent Windows operating systems and the ability to assess and trouble-shoot system and hardware errors is required. Cisco VOIP technology experience is preferred. Additional skills should include a working knowledge of LAN/WAN network interfaces and the ability to trouble-shoot basic network access issues. A strong working literacy should include the Windows operating systems, MS Offi ce, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Lotus Notes email, basic systems security, and other desk-top utilities as required. Preference will be given to candidates with an Associate’s degree in communications and/or computer-related program, or Bachelor’s degree. Starting salary range is $48,663 to $60,827. Position range to $79,073. We offer a comprehensive ben-efi ts package. For a complete job description please visit our web site, www.mnd.uscourts.gov. To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements, preferably via email in one PDF document, by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 to HR Manager, U.S. Courthouse, 300 S., 4th St., Suite 202, Minneapolis, MN 55415.E-mail: [email protected]. All employees are subject to a back-ground check. An Equal Opportunity Employer.


Anthony and Salina produced seven children, born at various times during the country’s struggle with slavery, and as Abraham Lincoln become the 16th president of the United States in 1861. The children’s births occurred during the run-up to the Civil War in 1861, which literally began right after Lincoln’s election. By the way, Anthony’s white brother, Anthony, Jr, who served as a 2nd

Lt. in the Confederacy Army, was among the delegation that voted for South Carolina’s succession from the Union the winter of 1861 due to Lincoln’s election. Anthony’s and Salina’s children, our second generation forebears, were Anthony Jr., 1844; Dearie, 1847; Lizzie (Hooks), 1850; Robert (McCullough), 1851; Gydea (Lindy Williams), 1852; Ned, 1854, and Maggie (Delight), 1856. Again, as faith would have it, during the time of Anthony, President Lincoln freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation) on January 1, 1863, but “Jubilation Day” was not celebrated until June 16,

1863. The day was one of great happiness of a freed people in Galveston, TX. “Jubilation Day” --Juneteenth-- is still somewhat annually celebrated throughout America. It can be reasonably assumed that the Anthony family celebrated, too. This may be of some interest to history buffs: One single day in July—and one of history’s greatest ironies—attests to the undeniable symbolism of the battles of Vicksburg and Gettysburg. As it happened, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Union Army crossed the Mississippi River the same day that Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army

began its retreat. These decisive moves—so critical to the outcome of the Civil War and to ending two of its most infamous battles—happened on July 4, “ Independence Day”, 1863. We wonder did the Anthony family celebrate this day, as well. Later, “Jubilation Day” inspired James Weldon Johnson to write the poem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in 1871, in the midst of Reconstruction. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was publicly performed fi rst as a poem as part of a celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900. James wrote the words to introduce its honored

guest, Booker T. Washington. The poem was later set to music by James’ brother, Rosamond Johnson, in 1905. Singing the song quickly became a way for African Americans to demonstrate their patriotism and hope for the future. In calling for Earth and heaven to “ring with the harmonies of Liberty,” they could speak out subtly against racism and Jim Crow laws—and especially against the huge number of lynchings accompanying the rise of the Ku Klux Klan at the turn of the century. In 1919, the NAACP adopted the song as “The Negro National Anthem.” From

the 1860s through the 1900s the Dozier second generation produced the third generation offsprings. The fourth generation produced the fi fth generation that experienced the “Civil Right Movement” in pursuit of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Dream.” Our father, Edward (Dozier) Stafford, was a fourth generation member. Before his death in 1868, Anthony, Sr. experienced many defi ning events in American history that unfolded before his very eyes. Similarly, we have witnessed more than 200 years of the Dozier legacy in America.

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family members will gather at the Bloomington Embassy Suites to participate in the family’s “1810 – 2010: Bicentennial Jubilation.” The observance commemorates the birth of one of their forebears – Anthony Dozier, Sr. in 1810. Anthony Dozier earned his freedom in South Carolina during slavery, and through fortitude, guile, vision, and judgment, he

created and built an economic base and successful family business in Williamsburg County, SC that would become widely known and chronicled throughout the history of the Carolinas. He and his direct off-spring participated and shared in the tightly controlled economic growth and prosperity in the mid 1800s. He was a hard working trail blazer and over time, gained the confi dence, trust and support of whites. He owned a cotton gin, a large general merchandise store, and maintained contracts with the railroad company to lay

tracks and provide wood to fuel the trains that operated certain routes in South Carolina. He also owned and operated a corn mill. He owned enough land to harvest and sell tree timber. If the greatness of a man is measured not only by what he accomplished under severe hurdles and insurmountable

odds, but also by the thousands of lives and subsequent generations he positively impacted – then Anthony Dozier was truly a great man. This is his unique and special legacy that’s been generationally remembered by many and passionately kept alive by his descendants.

The Minnesota Stafford’s are descendants of the Dozier’s and have been planning this reunion event for nearly two years. Of the original 13 Staffords from South Carolina, seven of them now live in the Twin Cities – moving here after fi nishing college – Al Stafford (Carol), Shem Shakir (Sybil), Jan Stafford

(Okereta), Julian Stafford (Faria), Pompey Stafford (Florence), Ransom Stafford (Julie) and Kimaka White (Tim). For more information about the family and what they have in store for their family reunion, please go to the Dozier Website at www.2010doziereunion.net

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