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.
North Minneapolis Politics: Bottineau Line-(Light Rail Transit), Dog and Pony shows not needed!
“A performance of epic proportions is great in theater. The question is, will this project provide jobs and economic stimulus to North Minneapolis?”
By Donald W.R. Allen, II – Editor in Chief of IBNN and USA Radical Black
On Thursday, January 28th, a meeting was held in North Minneapolis to talk about the Bottineau Line (Light Rail) and how it would affect the north Minneapolis community.
In a continuation of back-room-deals, sidebars with no forward thinking some community members wonder will this be another “ride-by” of economic opportunity that seems to keep missing Black people and Black business in north Minneapolis? With no establishment of a 40/40/40 Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), it seems that this is just another projects that will ride on the backs of the under served community with no real benefit other than train that goes through the “hood.”
Minnesota Public Radio (the Radio-Man) is suing the Metropolitan Council over a planned light rail project that would run trains by the station’s office in St. Paul. For the “technical” reasons, if the Light Rail runs anywhere near Broadway and Penn, will KMOJ-FM be able to sue for the same reasons…no.
It’s simple as Black and White, literally.
Since the passing of the Stimulus Bill over 3.3 million Americans have lost their jobs. In January 2010 over 20,000 have lost gainful employment.
In 2009, north Minneapolis leaders promised at least 1000 jobs for the community.
In the fall of 2009, a deafening silence fell from north Minneapolis’ “self-appointed leaders.” What happened to the millions of dollars in stimulus money from the Obama administration sent cleverly cloaked as something that will never trickle down to businesses, human services agencies and the people who need jobs now?
The presentation on Thursday night was another fine example of “lip-service” to see if local politicians can handle “the community.”
“What, no jobs again?” – says 51-year old Sam, who drives a taxi in Minneapolis for a local taxi company and lives in north Minneapolis, “It’s the same group of politicians always telling the community ‘the jobs and new projects are coming’ – and nothing ever develops. It’s like being super-glued to the edge of your seat with all of the suspense of a big screen production and no delivery of a plot. It’s funny, we fall for it ever time.”
Sam’s feelings on the matter of jobs to north Minneapolis reflects the feelings of many who are tired of the “sensationalism” and announcements of possible opportunities which for the most part never-ever make it to the average north Minneapolis resident. Those who do benefit are non-profit agencies and their employees tasked to study the “process of how.”
At Thursday nights meeting, Minnesota State Representative Bobby Jo Champion (58B) told the captive audience (after one
of his constituents posed a very good question about jobs in north Minneapolis along the proposed light rail), “We’re not here to talk about jobs!”
The United States has donated over $600 million to Haiti – an economic and infrastructure disaster zone, at what point does the Black community in north Minneapolis get any consideration – also an economic and infrastructure disaster zone.
At what point will it be about jobs, economic stimulus? When will Representative Champion’s committee address the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s lack of engaging minority contractors – or jobs? Champion, who sits on the states Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division, who meet on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. in Room 5 of the State Office Building, has been, for the most part IBNN alleges, mute to the real needs of transit and transit options for his constituents in 58B – to include the compliance by Minnesota Department of Transportation.
We now have before us a proposed LRT line whose reason for existing is political rather than practical. It’s time for a reality check. Read more
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
EMERGE corrects mistake – but only after it was brought to their attention. So much for knowing what you are doing.
North Minneapolis: A community that needs the immediate infusion of at least 30,000 jobs to build capacity, wealth and independence continues to suffer with a program that provided a position for 1 person, with 5 more that started training on Monday, December 8, 2009. Concerned community stakeholders need to take a look at other north Minneapolis agencies entrusted to bring jobs to our community. I attest this is not the first time this has happened – but a continuation of bad business practices and administrative bureaucracy.
Minneapolis, MN (IBNNNEWS)…Sources close to IBNN informed us of possible transgression as it pertains to the paying weatherization workers for a program within Emerge. Not only in this matter but other questions like: “Why did Emerge have job fair participants to fill out W-4 forms, with critical social security information – and no jobs available?
Does this denote an investigation?
We say yes.
IBNN sent an email titled, “Emerge was illegally paying weatherization workers less than prevailing wage” asking Emerge to clarify its process in this matter.
The following is the email response from executive director Mike Wynne:
Mr. Allen, 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.
Congressman Ellison – “Where are you?” National Urban League Writes National Leaders on Behalf of 27 Million Underemployed Americans!
Today at 11:35 a.m. on Facebook, the National Urban League delivered the following message:
The below letter outlining National Urban League’s plan for putting Americans back to work was sent to the following National Leaders:
Mr. Lawrence Summers, Director, National Economic Council
Honorable Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, U.S. Senate
Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives
Honorable Barbara Lee, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus, U.S. House of Representatives
November 24, 2009
Dear National Leaders,
I am writing to you on behalf of the over 27 million underemployed Americans in desperate need of full-time employment. This includes not only the 
unemployed, but also the marginally attached and those working part-time for economic reasons, all of whom are struggling to make ends meet during these difficult economic times. As you are well aware, the news that in October, the national unemployment rate exceeded ten percent for the first time since the early 1980s was a sobering wake-up for the leadership of this country even to the point of soliciting a call for a Jobs Summit to be held after the Thanksgiving holiday. While I applaud the Administration for publicly acknowledging the gravity of our nation’s employment situation, I would add that double-digit unemployment has been a reality for communities of color since last summer –for African Americans since August, 2008 and for Latinos since February, 2009.
As President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream, I have firsthand knowledge of the tremendous obstacles these families have been facing, not just since national unemployment reached 10.2% in October, but for over a year now. In fact, demand for workforce development, business development and housing counseling services through the Urban League’s more than 100 affiliates located in 35 cities and the District of Columbia increased by 74 percent between 2006 and 2008. Our local affiliates are on the front lines of this jobs crisis and witness the devastating impact it is having on the individuals and families that walk through their doors. In response, the National Urban League went on record last fall drawing attention to the deepening unemployment crisis in urban America and calling for a second stimulus plan that would invest directly in job creation and training for the very communities we interact with and serve every day.
It is now a year later, and I am again calling on our nation’s leaders to invest in a long overdue plan for putting urban America back to work that is targeted, temporary and timely. The National Urban League’s Plan for Putting Americans Back to Work meets these criteria. Targeted because it provides solutions for communities with the highest rates of unemployment and the long-term unemployed who often face the greatest barriers to getting a job the longer they are without one. Temporary in that the recommended investments require less than a three year commitment. Timely because the bulk of the plan involves direct job creation as a means of bringing recovery to those most in need more quickly.
Most economists agree that the pace of recovery will be slow. Yet, the individuals to which this plan is targeted are often the last to experience the effects of even a more rapid economic recovery. Therefore, the National Urban League’s Plan for Putting Americans Back to Work is a comprehensive six-point plan to make a direct investment of $168 billion over 2 years to address the most urgent needs of American families in economic crisis by investing in direct job creation, job training for the chronically unemployed, greater access to credit for small businesses and additional counseling relief for those caught in the backlog of the foreclosure process. The plan also proposes tax incentives for clean energy equipment manufacturers who employ individuals in the targeted communities. The plan proposes to do these things in the following ways:
1. Fund Direct Job Creation by offering financial support to cities, counties, states, universities, community colleges and non-profit 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 modifications 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 affiliate 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.
At a time of the year when we traditionally give thanks and prepare to share generously with those around us, the American people are both frustrated and disappointed. When the financial industry was hemorrhaging, there was great urgency in devising the TARP plan for its rescue. Despite the ambivalence of most Americans with regards to spending billions of dollars to bail out the very businesses they felt had previously taken advantage of them, they understood the need to take swift and deliberate action to avoid a major national, or even global, financial crisis. We ask that the same urgency be given to the people experiencing a personal financial crisis in cities throughout this country. Recognizing the tremendous amount of work that is required to implement a plan of this magnitude in the most efficient and beneficial manner, I make myself available to meet with you to discuss the ideas proposed herein.
Sincerely,
Marc H. Morial
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Urban League
Minneapolis Empowerment Zone Fried Chicken – Can the community get a piece? With a special message from the North Minneapolis Grim Reaper
By Donald W.R. Allen, II – editor in chief, IBNN
A flaccid leadership base will never be able to uplift a community, its people or the businesses that need the support of the community they operate in. No jobs will be developed. No new businesses started and the truly sad part? No economic stimulus for north Minneapolis.
Why is it more expensive to develop the corners of Penn and Broadway Avenues North, in comparison to building a state-of-the-art fire station in the City of Edina? Does this mean that north Minneapolis real estate is more valuable then prime lots in Edina? Or is the community is being bamboozled by its political and self-appointed leaders?
I think so…
I smell a rat.
In 1999, 6.7 square miles of Minneapolis were designated an Empowerment Zone (EZ) through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). One of 15 cities to be awarded the 10-year designation, the Minneapolis EZ program aims to create sustainable communities through economic growth, affordable housing, safety, education, job training and community services. The designation of the Minneapolis EZ officially ends on December 31, 2009, although final reporting of program expenditures and outcomes will not be complete until 2010.
The current spreadsheet of loans distributed by the City of Minneapolis, seen here (www.ibnn.org/ez – click on loans), shows that money earmarked for north Minneapolis was in fact distributed in a “creative” manner, with all the classic signs of cronyism.
The following letter was sent to Congressman Keith Ellison, State Representative Bobby Jo Champion, and 20 other Minneapolis lawmakers, requesting one of them to “step up” and ask for an audit of the distribution of Minneapolis Empowerment Zone monies.
The letter reads:
According to a resent Star Tribune article, Rebecca Otto, our State Auditor is willing to do an audit of the Federal Empowerment Zone spending at the request from one of you (local lawmakers). I am asking as a citizen of Minneapolis, and as a candidate for office who is concerned about the economic situation of my fellow residents, to request an immediate audit from the Minnesota State Auditor Office. Time is critical in this matter given that the program ends this year. I would like to see this request made by Friday September 25th.
In May of 2003, Minneapolis community members met with the Mayor of Minneapolis in City Hall to discuss empowerment zone spending. This meeting was facilitated by Clarence Hightower, so these concerns have existed for a long time. Six years later, we have seen $130 million in bonding authority that is going unused. For communities in these areas, that money can be put to use to provide economic stability to all residents in Minneapolis which would result in fewer foreclosures, better public safety, and more jobs.
As elected officials that represent Empowerment Zone Areas you have witnessed unemployment worsen throughout the years, and I believe that it is your duty to make the request to trigger an investigation. We are asking on behalf of all citizens that live in the impoverished areas that you live in and represent.
# # #
Well it’s October 2009. Not one of the lawmakers—from the 5th congressional district’s Ellison to 58B representative Champion—has issued a response.
Why not?
The City of Minneapolis, CPED and several others attached themselves to the EZ dollars and distributed them in whatever manner they felt was necessary. Rather than building capacity for businesses along Broadway Avenue, these R.I.C.O. Act violators (yes, I said it), felt it was okay to award South Minneapolis’ Jeremiah Program $400,000 and forgive them the full amount. The Midtown Exchange Apartments, also in South Minneapolis, were also granted and forgiven a whopping $500,000. And the list of misappropriations continues.
The EZ grant payment spreadsheet is, in sum, a list of favors and collaborative back-scratching that should be reviewed by Ms. Otto, the Minnesota State Auditor. IBNN attests that the Minneapolis Empowerment Zone dollars were and continue to be misappropriated by the elected officials that we, the citizens of Minneapolis, have put in City Hall.
Thus the opening line of this story- A flaccid leadership base will never be able to uplift a community, its people or businesses that need the support of the community they operate in.
North Minneapolis seems doomed to produce the same results from the same ideas with no solutions in site.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is insanity.
Green Job Politricks to North Minneapolis…Return to Sender, Address Unknown
As reported by Insight News on Friday, June 5, 2009: Democratic Rep. Margaret Anderson Keliher, Speaker of the Minnesota House, praised the work of HIRE-MN, the expansive network of community service and environmental advocacy groups that succeeded in passing a bill directing $2.5 million for training and outreach for green jobs and infrastructure stimulus spending.
According to Alex Tittle, about 7,000 jobs in infrastructure repair and renovation will be created from federal stimulus spending in Minnesota. (Tittle is responsible for training programs at Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Centers-SAOIC and one of the partner stakeholders in HIRE MN).
…Fast forward to September 8, 2009. “Where are the 7,000 jobs related to the passing of the bill for $2.5 million?”
How about this, “Where is one job” created in North Minneapolis from the passing of this bill? Why are local north Minneapolis news outlets reporting a “win” when in fact the journey has just begun?
“Self-interest journalism” in north Minneapolis misleads the community into thinking that because it’s a front page story, it must be true. Example: Stories about the “great accomplishments” of the Minneapolis Urban League appearing in one particular north Minneapolis based newspaper, when the MUL is facing a possible scandal concerning the numbers of people it actually serves, compared to those it claims to serve. Is it possible that this newspaper is getting money from the MUL for advertising, and therefore has a vested interest in publishing “fluff” rather than “fact?” Would this not add to the already-corrupt practices in north Minneapolis’ Black community, where some “self-appointed” leaders have positioned themselves as gatekeepers for stimulus dollars, state construction contracts, politics, jobs and community interests – clearly working outside of their field of expertise.
Okay, back on point: Let’s take a closer look at why no jobs have been created in north Minneapolis since the passing of this bill.
Sources from the Minnesota Department of Commerce-Office of Energy Security say they are pushing for the $2.5 million to be routed through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MSCU), which is comprised of 32 state-supported technical colleges, community colleges and state universities.
Students that receive training through MSCU are more likely to succeed in their careers than those who attend a non-accredited colligate institution. In some cases, students that are paying for Green Job Training could in fact receive the same training for free at technical colleges.
The MnDOT Piece:
Interestingly, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is currently within compliance standards based on the ethnic breakdown information that has been supplied by the City of Minneapolis. However, there is a problem here: the City of Minneapolis has not completed, or commissioned, a Disparity Report (which would provide current figures on minority hiring) since 1997 (!).
MnDOT’s contractors are required to make a “good faith effort” to use DBE’s (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and WDBE’s (Women Disadvantaged Business Enterprise). This clause is problematic however, as it implies no obligation to actually contract with a minority-owned business, instead allowing MnDOT to define what a “good faith effort” means.
In other words, MnDOT cannot stipulate that an all-White general contracting firm from St. Cloud, Minnesota must use a Black business for any project…that’s against the law.
Despite being fully aware that this law needs to be modified, and a new Disparity Report must be commissioned, Michael Jordan, director of the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights has failed to act. In our opinion, he continues to display a lack of true concern for the minority-ethnic workforce of Minneapolis.
Enter Representative Bobby Joe Champion.
Representative Champion’s committee assignments include, Civil Justice; Finance; Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division; Transportation Finance and Policy Division (Vice Chair) – with the ability to put fourth legislation to change the law, Rep. Champion has not acted accordingly, instead preferring to hold “circus style” town hall meetings with Congressman Keith Ellison.
Ellison and Champion have delivered neither jobs nor economic development to the Black community they claim to represent. Ironically, however, their “celebrity” status remains very high.
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