Apology to the North Minneapolis Community. We don’t have leaders, we have self-appointed spokespersons
Black leadership has to recognize that principles more than speech, character more than a claim, is greater in advancing the cause of our liberation than what has transpired thus far. ~Louis Farrakhan
In recent articles on IBNN, we have stated that north Minneapolis has a few “self-appointed leaders.”
Well that’s not the case.
IBNN took it for granted that these individuals from the areas of media, human services, politics and a host of other industries were “leaders,” when in fact they didn’t have the integrity, honesty and experience to guide a community to greater levels and work with others on a fair and knowledgeable playing field.
With local “spokespersons” going on record saying, “Bad parenting is the reason we have crime, gangs and a failure of the Black infrastructure,” none of these inexperienced “spokespersons” want to talk about the systemic reasons why. These spokespersons have left out an important part of the explanation on why Minneapolis youth resort to violence, drug dealing, babies having babies and crime.
They see no future.
MSNBC reports that, “Minorities make up nearly half the children born in the U.S., part of a historic trend in which minorities are expected to become the U.S. majority over the next 40 years. In fact, demographers say this year could be the “tipping point” when the number of babies born to minorities outnumbers that of babies born to whites.
- Black Minnesota spokespersons have not talked about the plan to address the issues of no jobs; no economic development; no graduations from high school for children of color. They are not ready for this “tipping point.”
- Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has been “planning” for 8 seasons. As he continues to plan, our (Black) spokespersons have not come to terms on where Black Minnesota is.
- Over 55 weeks ago, we watched a mini-movement with highlighted marches on the state capital for force the hand of the Minnesota Department of Transportation to cooperate, facilitate and let us (Blacks) participate. Year-to-date: Nothing.
- While they (Poverty-Pimp Spokespersons) battle for crumbs, millions of dollars are passing through the realm of process where people with a plan have full access to dollars and jobs which will lead to wealth and independence for everyone but us.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to downplay the roll of spokesperson – but the right “spokespersons” turn into people like Malcolm X, Dr. King and Huey Newton – who for most part are prepared to die for what they believe in, rather than organize their community for cash grants – you know who I’m talking about.
Present day spokespersons are motivated when a camera or a news reporter is on the scene of a crime or event. They are the first to jump in front of a camera to be the “mouthpiece” for the whole community.
On earth, the only thing you can do without experience is “count numbers.”
Some of these spokespersons cannot read; or have never made a payroll.
Their idea of community engagement is to meet with the mayor or other politicians – whom for the most part already know these folks don’t have a plan or a clue. Ask yourself, “When was the last time a meeting with a local politician created jobs for north Minneapolis?”
Case in point: On February 18, 2010 the 58B state representative, who is the Vice-Chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy Division, and sits on the Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division, called a meeting at the request of local “spokespersons” with Congressman Jim Oberstar to discuss the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s ongoing compliance issues.
Sources tell IBNN that towards the end of the meeting on Congressman Oberstar asked this group, “What can I do –what are the suggestions?” Only two of the members of the group had a plan. Remember, “fluff” is only good in baking.
You see, there are only a few that have the experience and goal setting skills to operate in the realm of efficiency, while making sure “the least of thee” have the tools for success.
We (Black people in Minneapolis) continue to give our power to rodeo clowns and sideshow freaks that don’t care if you mothers and fathers have a job.
KFAI-FM: WAVE Project – “Is a Spoonful of Integration enough for the rest of us?” Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 6 p.m.
“By listening and watching local media, you would think that Valentines Day was the only event going on in the month of February. With CNN’s special, featuring Soledad O’Brien’s “Black in America 2,” – a watered down version of what it’s like to be Black America is skewed for a White audience, it misses the mark at every turn. The issues for those who are forward thinkers are jobs, economic development and education. Tune in KFAI on Sunday for the real State of the Union about Black America.”
Minneapolis, MN Feb. 12 / IBNN/ — Tune in Sunday, February 14, 2010 to KFAI-FM Radio at 90.3FM (Minneapolis) & 106.7 (St. Paul), 6 p.m.-7 p.m. to KFAI’s Wave Project. This program will feature Springboard Economic Development Corporation’s CEO Lennie Chism; Don Allen, the editor and chief of The Independent Business News Network and USA Radical Black with along with Kelechi Jaavaid, better known as KJ the comedian, will be live on KFAI to discuss the topic “ Is a Spoonful of Integration enough for the rest of us? That is the remaining 37 Million African Americans in the United States.”
You can also tune in nationally by going to www.kfai.org for the live streaming broadcast.
On Sunday February 14, 2010, from 6-7 p.m. KFAI Radio 90.3 FM (Minneapolis) and 106.7 (St. Paul) will air an exclusive segment on race relations and generational progress produced by Lennie Chism, Executive Director of Springboard Economic Development Corporation. Chism’s program, titled A Spoonful of Integration is Not Enough for the Rest of Us explores the Civil Rights Movement through music pinpointing cultural anthems such as “We Shall Overcome” to Tupac’s “Ghetto Gospel” as indications of change.
Chism says, “My motivation was to get people to critically look at the 1947 integration of baseball and begin to ask whether integration helped. I wanted to show how integration was not as successful as people thought. Thanks to integration, The Negro League was completely dismantled by 1963, blacks went from running leagues and teams to just being players. Jobs and industry were lost because of integration for blacks. Hence, A Spoonful of Integration is Not Enough for the Rest of Us,” Chism explains. Chism adds, “However when you look at the music industry, that has been dominated by African-Americans for years, with absolutely no desire to integrate, there are countless success stories, hip-hop culture did not bow down, sell out nor attempt to assimilate.”
Chism believes the struggle for Civil Rights continues in the current day hip-hop movement. “I chose to end the segment with Tupac because he is one of the greatest street lobbyists ever,” explains Chism. “He spoke of another culture that the establishment would want to see removed. But in reality that culture became an industry that is creating jobs and a new wealthy class of African-Americans.”
Chism hopes multiple generations tune in for the special program, special guests include Donald Allen editor in chief of two international read controversial blogs and Kelechi Jaavid, local comedian to lighten the air.
Donald Allen, a blogger, Republican and outspoken critic of Minneapolis’ political processes and non-profit watchdog as it relates to communities of color and the delivery of services states, “This is an opportunity to mention names, agencies and politicians who for the most part are more celebrity-based then actually making sure the community is healed. This is an opportunity to let America know that agencies like the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minneapolis Urban League and the NAACP have lost their mojo.”
Tune in on Sunday, the revolution continues.
Part 4: Affirmative Action is no “Action Jackson” at MnDOT
By Donald W.R. Allen,II – Editor in Chief/IBNN and USA Radical Black
Last week at MnDOT and internal email was sent to select employees at MnDOT regarding the recent stories posted on IBNN.
The email read: (Unedited):
From: Prescott, Mary (DOT)
Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 10:47 AM
Re: Part 3 – Who signs off on 0% goals and 0% goals achieved at MnDOT?
FYI for internal use only – this will be discussed at the DBE and Workforce Development Collaborative Group meeting on Friday. Specifically, hopefully, 1) Lennie Chism bringing Donny Allen a newsperson who seemed only there looking for a story and he did not state that this is why he was there; and 2) it was agreed to “no surprises” at the last meeting and this has been the fourth surprise from Mr. Chism; ground roles for media and the hard work going forth with all the project teams.
Note: The email above is just another example of bigotry at MnDOT for the acting civil rights director to single out two Black men, asking questions about a 17 year trend of failure in an attempt to address, solve and recommend a plan of action. This top-of-mind attention is not wanted at MnDOT, hence, 1% in federally funded contracts to minority contractors.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation employee base is a “protected class” of the government workforce. They have the “Cadillac” of benefits that aren’t affected by the current economic status of non-government working-class Minnesotans. Read more
Donny Allen for President/CEO of the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL)-My solution is the best solution!
I have been one of the most outspoken critics of the Minneapolis Urban League since 2007 . Unfortunately, my predictions about the fledgling social service agency have come to pass. Rather than watching this vital agency go under, this is my solution. My goals are simple: Re-hiring of all laid off staff; a re-structuring of departments and community engagement; raising $200 Million for the agency in 2010-2011. The Minneapolis Urban League must develop community benefits agreements with organizations that come into Minneapolis to build and create business entities.
Written by Donald W.R. Allen, II – Editor in Chief/IBNN
I have no business ties to the usual suspects in North Minneapolis – but what I do have is unlimited knowledge about non-profits, how they work and over 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. In other words, I am the best chance that the Minneapolis Urban League has to rise above mediocrity.
Under my leadership, in two years the Minneapolis Urban League will have its own Credit Union; Employment Agency; and a Foundation to assist individuals in “true” business ventures, with professionals overseeing the MUL’s investments. NO MORE MONEY CRISIS.
The MUL will never again have to depend on one major funding source. I promise this to the community.
The Minneapolis Urban League has become a shell of an agency, providing fewer services and lacking direction. Without immediate restructuring, the MUL will be doomed to catastrophic failure.
As a member in good standing of the MUL, I offer a plan of action to bring the agency back to the days when it was a force to be reckoned with.
My plan consists of a one-year phased marketing plan, which will bring in $1 million dollars in cash donation in the first three months after I am hired.
This is about the process of business.
I believe, “Sound business principals can be applied to the Minneapolis Urban League while hiring staff that was cut due to less-than-professional budgeting and fund-raising planning and/or execution.” I will work closely with the development staff and existing programs by providing leadership and direction never before attained by the Minneapolis Urban League. If the St. Louis Urban League can capture $15 million dollars in Stimulus money, the MUL can do the same thing. It’s all about relationships.
I was asked, “What about the all articles you posted on IBNN about the Minneapolis Urban League? How is it that you now want to lead the organization you have so harshly criticized?
My reply is simple, “I have kept my eye on the Minneapolis Urban League because of my belief in the importance of its mission. I remember when the MUL was a staunch advocate for civil rights and economic development. I have watched the Urban League falter with dismay, knowing that this agency can do much better, and the citizens of the community desperately need it to do better.”
I offer a way forward.
This can only be a win-win situation for the Minneapolis Urban League.
Hitchhiking for compliance on Minnesota’s roads and highways, who will facilitate a facilitation for the facilitators at MnDOT?
“The Civil Rights Office of MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) is committed to ensure equal opportunity for all businesses and personnel on The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Public Facilities projects. To hold policies to ensure that no person be excluded from participation, or be denied benefits, based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin.”
The Law: 49 CFR Part 26.7 states:
a. You must never exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract covered by this part on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.
b. In administering your DBE program, you must not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, use criteria or methods of administration that have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program with respect to individuals of a particular race, color, sex, or national origin.
What happened at MnDOT?
H.I. R.E. Minnesota (www.hiremn.org) based in north Minneapolis, one of the state’s largest advocate’s for jobs in the construction and green trades, has battled with the practices of MnDOT’s “lack of inclusion” on road and highway projects in the State of Minnesota.
Louis King co-chair of HIRE Minnesota says, “We’re not asking for any ‘handouts’ – just the opportunity to get trained participants jobs working on Minnesota roads and highways, hence, equal opportunity for all businesses and personnel on The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Public Facilities projects.”
The late Dr. Martin Luther King in his prophetic last speech (1968) said, “All we say to America is be true to what you said on paper.”
On paper as well as the MnDOT website, MnDOT’s inner office agency or the “minority conduit” to assure checks and balances as it pertains to minority-ethnic compliance the Civil Rights Department states the following:
1. To promote fair and equitable public service, advocating non-discriminatory treatment in providing transportation services.
2. To ensure transportation services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner.
3. To ensure equal opportunity in employment, participation, benefits, services, and contracts.
4. To eliminate discrimination.
5. To increase the number of businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the highway and bridge construction industry.
These five points heinously say, “Okay, I don’t have to ride in back of the bus and someday MnDOT might have a level playing field.” Read more
H.I.R.E. Minnesota files “Missing Persons Report” on Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) – whose missing? …Hundreds people of color that should be hired by the agency to work on road construction projects throughout the state
Rally at MNDOT 11:45 am – 1 pm, Thursday, July 23, 2009. (Minnesota Department of Transportation is located at Transportation Building, 395 John Ireland Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55155. Click here for map.
Earlier this month, H.I.R.E Minnesota asked people from around the state to contact the Office of Energy Security to let them know that we expect them to be accountable to low-income communities and communities of color. Thanks to your help, we are moving negotiations forward to make that happen. We’ll keep you updated.
At the same time, there is another state agency we need to hold accountable: The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT).
Join us this Thursday as we file a missing persons report at MNDOT!
Meet on the lawn across the street from the MNDOT Headquarters (in the MNDOT cafeteria in case of rain)
Each year, MNDOT gives hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money to private contractors to build and repair our roads, bridges and transit ways.
They know they are supposed to meet their modest goals for women and minority contracting, hiring and training. They know because they’ve been told by the federal government, by community groups, by workforce development programs and by HIRE Minnesota, including many of you who came to hearings this spring.
Yet year after year MNDOT fails to meet its goals. Drive by any local construction site and you’ll notice whose missing: workers of color.
But MNDOT now tells us that we are asking them to move “too fast” to meet their goals!
We’d like you to help us file a missing persons report with MNDOT. Please join us at the MNDOT headquarters this Thursday. We need to remind MNDOT that they need to be accountable by giving opportunities to people from our community.
Part 3: “Riding the Minority-Ethnic Gravy Train all the way to the Bank.” Have the Minnesota Lynx forgotten about Black owned and operated Media in the Twin Cities? How do we score in the front office?
(l-r)MTN's Black Focus-Ron Edwards; Lynx-Anna Mercado; V-Media's Don Allen; Mpls Mirror's-Terri Y; Lynx-Conrad Smith and African News Journal-Ben K.
Local Black media has nothing to offer the Minnesota Lynx organization.
For more than 30 years professional sports have been dominated by Blacks.
Blacks on the courts.
Blacks on the field.
Blacks on the track.
But when it comes to spending valuable advertising dollars with local Black owned and operated media outlets, Blacks stay back! Rather than spending those dollars for advertising in local Black owned and operated media outlets – the Minnesota Lynx want to do trade with tickets in lieu of good old US currency.
We find that of no value.
Is it me, or is something wrong with this picture?
Is a Black media outlet, less than a White media outlet, if so, why? Is a media outlet that plays “Black music” owned by a “White” company better than a Black Station owned by a Black firm?
It’s clear to me; the Minnesota Lynx have chosen their battle by making it clear that – there is no room at the Target Center for Black owned and operated Media.
I wonder what Beyonce’s people will say about that.
In a recent meeting with the Minnesota’s Lynx Chief Operating Officer Conrad Smith, a coalition of minority-ethnic media outlets presented concern and criticism about the Lynx/Timberwolves organizations exemption of Black owned and operated media to assist with the promotion of the two teams. In that meeting were the African News Journal, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Mpls Mirror, V-Media Marketing and MTN’s Black Focus and others.
Early this year the MN Lynx invited select individual in for a “focus group” to drum up ideas on how to get the “community” and others interested in the team.
In an article from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder titled, “The Lynx’s woes (or no’s) in marketing to the Black community,” it states:
- “I don’t see a representative from the Lynx over North [Minneapolis] at the Cub [Foods grocery] store on Broadway with filers or anything, saying, ‘Hey, we want you to come to the games,’” adds Onika Craven, Minneapolis. “Once you start doing that, to get more involved in the community, [Black] people will come.”
- Woman’s Club of Minneapolis Communications Director Dana Beasley says, “I’m not really sure, but we should wrap our arms around our people and support our success stories.”
- John Robinson, Burnsville: “Maybe if the players got out more in the community, and begin to market them more, maybe I would go [to a Lynx game].”
- “They [the Lynx] need to go through the Black papers, KMOJ, and go into those neighborhoods,” notes Lea B. Olsen, Minneapolis. “These young ladies should be seen by every little girl in North Minneapolis and South Minneapolis. These are the greatest role models that we could have in the African American community.”
Some of these same ideas were addressed and brought up by the group that met with Mr. Smith and Anna Mercado, Marketing Manager for the Lynx. Still coalition members received phone calls and said, “We’ve got some negative feedback from the meeting, we don’t want to be a part of a coalition.”
Local radio station KMOJ has reached out to the MN Lynx.
KMOJ’s Kelvin Quarles says, “We approached them about a marketing campaign. There have been times when I personally reached out to these players themselves, and we never got a call back.” He adds that the Lynx’s Black players must take the initiative themselves and reach out more.
But the Minnesota Lynx continue to want the “lights cut on” by sending out emails like this:
The Minnesota Lynx need you!
We’re making some exciting changes on and off the court. After three big trades on Friday, we managed to bring home Minnesota native Kelly Miller and secure another first round pick in the 2009 Draft. Recent front office additions include Chief Operating Officer Conrad Smith and Ticket Sales Manager Joe Schwei.
Bet you’re thinking…what does this have to do with me?
As a respected professional in the Twin Cities community, the Lynx are interested in your perspective and want your creative ideas to make the upcoming 2009 season the best yet!
WHAT – An informal brainstorming session to discuss new sales and marketing perspectives for the WNBA and the Minnesota Lynx.
# # #
Obviously, “changes” with the Minnesota Lynx don’t include Black owned media. Stay tuned – we’ve just got started.
Note: The MN Lynx is rumored to use one Black owned local cable television channel for ads, they wish not to be mentioned in this story.
Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights Director Michael Jordan, Delayed, Stopped and Re-Buffed with a vote of No Confidence!
On Monday (7/6/09), at Minneapolis City Hall, the Health, Energy and Environment Committee, standing committee of the Minneapolis City Council, met to discuss 6 line items, which included the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights budget and the report back on the Task Force’s analysis.
While Council members Hofstede, Ostrow and Goodman sat uninterested and bland, Council members Lilligren, Benson, Gordon engaged in healthy dialog about the direction of MDCR Task Force and the proposed analysis that was to be presented today.
With the concerns of many community members and true stakeholders the MDCR director Michael Jordan’s “analysis” was put on hold until July 20, 2009, as if to site a vote of “no confidence” for Jordan. The Civil Rights Commission’s Ken Brown, Acting Chairman told IBNN that the report or analysis was one of Mr. Jordan’s own doing and did not represent the community or “true stakeholders,” “It was fussy, incomplete and lacked qualitative and quantitative information that should be a part of any financial or procedural analysis.”
As IBNN reported in an earlier story, director Jordan’s Civil Rights Task Force was comprised of City of Minneapolis employees, and others Jordan had personally invited to be on the task force, like Community Actions Bill Davis, who we allege is one of the players in the fall of the NAACP. Mr. Davis who had a confrontation with Mayoral candidate Al Flowers last year was on the ground in Sabathani Community Center’s parking lot when calling police to report he’d been struck, the dispatcher asked, “Did a car hit you?” (LOL!)
This Task Force was mandated to seek options, but was merely a “smoke screen” created by the suggestion of Minneapolis City Council person Elizabeth Glidden, who “waffled” when informed that Director Jordan had removed several community members from the first meeting by saying, “The is a private meeting.” Glidden did not come down to the meeting after she personally called IBNN and invited us to the meeting.
Council member Lilligren brought up a great point, “Have we investigated other funding options, like contract compliance in the MARQ2 project? Could we find funding by assigning the MDCR to monitor and develop compliance reports on projects like that?
Jordan remained mute…uninterested and stubborn.
Protesters lined the chambers of Minneapolis City Council meetings with signs protesting the Mayors cutting of the Investigative Unit.
Also on hand was Ward 5 City Council candidate Kenya McKnight, who by the way, tore the City Council a “new one” with her comments on the importance of having the MDCR investigators stay put.
Commentary
When will someone come forward and address the systemic failures in our city government? The Minneapolis City Council has failed to take any corrective action in contract compliance; Investigative discrepancies and inter-office “trusts.”
Michael Jordan has failed the minority-ethnic community of Minneapolis through a “tainted” process of checks and balance that have left the community with no accountability from the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, investigative and contract compliance.
The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is contracted to do the compliance report for the new baseball stadium…where is it? (Not done!) What about all the contractors not in compliance as it pertains to the MDCR Ordinances? Where are the fines?
If Michael Jordan and his team of Contract Compliance folks had been on top of their game, we estimate a total of over $300,000+ in fines and a few disbarments of contractors that have repeatedly not been in compliance – but out of compliance contractors continue to receive City of Minneapolis Contracts.
Furthermore, where is the Council on Black Minnesotans? (Silent) Who is doing public policy and addressing these disparities in the MDCR; where is the voice of Ward 5 Council member Don Samuels?; the Mayor’s office?; and (surprise) Minneapolis Television Network (MTN), where over 90% of programming minority ethnic but the Board is a who’s whom of the White community.
I see a heinous “process” all over!
Back to the MDCR….”How can we trust the judgment of Michael Jordan?”
Michael Jordan has not come up with any alternative funding steams to assist in keeping the MDCR investigators in place. As I type this story, I can think of several alternative funding streams that will allow the MDCR keep its investigative unit in Minneapolis and not transfer to the State – but again, I do business.
These funding streams would not interfere with any project, budget or City of Minneapolis planned or current engagement – but would provide Minneapolis the opportunity to keep the MDCR Investigators right downtown where they belong.
One thing that has to be gone from the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is director Michael Jordan.
The people of Minneapolis deserve a better Civil Right’s director, not R.T.’s “yes man.”
In closing, we should think about moving out Mayor Rybak too!
Tune into 89.9FM- KMOJ The People’s Station – Friday, May 1st at 3:20 p.m. “A Call to Action-Take back North Minneapolis” interview!
Posted by Cortez Acoutez
Listen to the announcement by clicking here – A Call to Action Announcement
Editors note: KMOJ-FM Radio 89.9 does not support nor is affiliated with “The Agency” but does provide community information with the on-air platform of the radio station for its listeners. This announcement was paid for by “The Agency.” KMOJ-FM is the best source of News and Information for the Black community. Please support KMOJ by listening and underwriting fine on-air programming. For more information contact the station at (612) 377-0594.
On Friday at 3:20 p.m. tune into KMOJ-FM 89.9 during the Walter “Q-Bear” Banks Show for the interview with Independent Business News Network editor, political consultant and member of the North Minneapolis Community Ethics Committee Don Allen.
Mr. Allen will talk about the upcoming event on Saturday, May 2, 2009 called “A Call to Action-Take Back North Minneapolis”. This presentation is a prelude to the petition to find out where the money is and who is responsible for programs and services in north Minneapolis.
Don’t forget to tune int0 89.9 KMOJ-FM tomorrow at 3:20 p.m.
This has been a public service announcement provided by the Independent Business News Network (www.ibnn.org).
IBNNNEW- Apology to the North Minneapolis Community. We don’t have leaders, we have self-appointed spokespersons Donald Allen
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- IBNN Exclusive Report: Youth with weapon attempts to enter funeral of Alisha “Lele” Neely (Captured on Film) Donald Allen
- WCCO 4 (CBS) Television fails in journalistic integrity with “edited and spliced” tape of the Minneapolis Police Beating of Ira Stafford…rating F- Donald Allen
- MURDERAPOLIS – Code 4, No More Donald Allen
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