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.
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
Rank Choice Voting BUST and Tainted Ballots – Get this: In North Minneapolis!
Watch the video – “If you don’t get angry, somethings wrong with you.
Today (October 27, 2009) at City Hall a hidden camera filmed Patrick O’Connor, Interim Director of Elections for the City of Minneapolis as he talked about mistakes the city made trying to inform voters about Rank Choice Voting. He also went on to tell us where the money came from and how much was allocated to educate the citizens of Minneapolis about the very new voting system.
The most interesting part of this dialog was the part when he mentioned the “tainted ballots” that come from North Minneapolis….
What?
Tainted ballots from North Minneapolis?
With this statement alone, IBNN and partners are requesting the Minnesota Attorney General’s office to investigate these “tainted ballots” and find out who in City Hall is responsible.
This video says more than I could ever write.
North Minneapolis Politics – Part IV: League of Women Voters “United they stand – provided we fall”
Editor’s note – just so we have an understanding…
Non partisanship:
1. Not partisan; objective.
2. Not supporting or controlled by a political party, special interest group, or the like.
The League of Women Voters has reared their not-so-non-partisan heads in North Minneapolis politics – again.
The LWV has scheduled a Minneapolis City Council Ward 5 Debate at the Capri Theater on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 6 p.m.
How can the League of Women Voters be “objective” when for the most part the LWV is driven by the DFL infrastructure?
Information from the League of Women Voters website states, “The LWV Minneapolis will sponsor and co-sponsor several forums. We will also be moderating and timekeeping at a number of forums sponsored by other groups.”
Is that right?
“Groups that ask us to moderate often tell us that candidates are much more apt to participate if they know the League will be moderating.”
Oh really?
“Others know that the members of their organization have biases and they want to offer a forum that provides total neutrality.”
Would that be the “neutrality” in the flavor of the kool-aid or coffee, black – no cream?
Apparently, many in the community feel that the League of Women Voters has a bias toward African American candidates with extra harsh feeling to anyone not associated with the Minnesota DFL. This again depicts another one of many conflicts of interests and partisanship with an incumbent candidate or anyone not in lock-step with the DFL.
In a conversation with LWV volunteer Margret Berg, IBNN was concerned that the League of Women Voters initiated contact with Ward 5 incumbent Don Samuels’s campaign staff first, rather than contacting each candidate directly. From that conversation emails were sent out to the other Ward 5 candidates originating from the Samuels campaign camp inviting the other candidates to a debate.
Laziness or partisanship?
IBNN asked Ms. Berg, “Why is Don Samuels campaign manager sending out emails to the other Ward 5 candidates to invite them to the debate?”
Berg: “I haven’t gotten to it yet, I just locked down the Capri Theater today.”
IBNN: “If you (LVW) are putting on a debate, shouldn’t the candidates get the invite from the LWV directly, rather than from the Samuels campaign staff?”
IBNN: “Again you guys are up to your dirty tricks like in 2008.”
Berg: “What?”
League of Women Voters executive director Kesha Gaskins told IBNN when asked about the Ward 5 debate, “That’s Minneapolis, I have nothing to do with how they operate.
Let’s continue…
The debate between Troy Parker and Barb Johnson (Ward 4)… didn’t go well as far as the candidates are concerned. Mr. Parker, who just two weeks ago resigned as the chair of the Minneapolis DFL so he could concentrate on campaigning said, “Strangely, the LWV introduced me as a candidate running in Ward 4 with the Independent Party. I’m DFL!”
Several community stakeholders contacted IBNN to say that, the LWV is not the agency to conduct forums of any type in north Minneapolis and felt that the organization did a disservice to Mr. Parker and fellow Ward 4 candidate Marcus Harcus.
Let’s visit 2008…
The League of Women Voters had a strangle-hold on the Congressional Debates taped at KSTP to be broadcast on sister station Channel 45. If the incumbent did not want to have the debate aired, or even taped – the LWV would strictly obey the incumbent’s wishes, as in the case of Ed Mathews (R-MN) and Betty McCollum (D-MN).
We attest that the League of Women Voters is to the DFL incumbents as the Moonwalk is to Michael Jackson.
The League of Women Voters website still carries information from the 2008 election cycle while listing the 2009 Primary on September 15, 2009 – is this voter education or voter miss-education?
We allage the League of Women Voters is manipulative, partisan and on the front burner of having a very high sense of “southern stratification” while fronting like they are the only official organization that can put on a forum or debate.
In an ACORN-like manner, the LWV have become antiquated, outdated and unwanted in North Minneapolis politics.
Gee, thanks Congressman Ellison?
While the area around Congressman Ellison’s office in north Minneapolis takes catastrophic losses in employment, foreclosures, AIDS/HIV, Educational Opportunities and other issues that affect a poor community, Congressman Ellison moves right along, without seeing the obvious. “Could height be an issue?” The video below is and example of what the people of Minnesota’s 5th CD should have been doing long ago.
Minding my own business while checking Google Alerts, I came across an alert from 5th Congressional Districts Representative – Congressman Keith Ellison (dated Friday, February 27, 2009) in the form of a press release.
It read: “Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) announced that the House of Representatives approved federal funding this week for fifteen important projects in the Fifth District Congressional District. Senate approval is expected this next week before sending it to President Obama for his signature.”
The bill, H.R. 1105 includes bill funding at the request of Congressman Ellison for the following projects:
- $20 million for Central Corridor – The Central Corridor is a light rail project connecting downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.
- $534,000 for Southwest Transit – The Southwest Transit is a proposed 14-mile light rail transit line from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Read more
Unconscious Incompetence “It will never have the same meaning anymore”
Okay, I know everyone is sick of hearing about the Minneapolis Urban League and the miss-steps the organization has made as relates to among other things, their annual “membership” meeting.
But wait!
It gets funnier. Today I received something that gave me a chuckle: the first-ever email addressed to all MUL members asking if we wanted to attend the PGA Golf tournament.
The unedited email, sent by MUL-president R. Scott Gray’s executive assistant read:
MUL MEMBERS!
Do YOU like the sport of GOLF?
Would you be interested in the opportunity of attending the 91st PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday (Aug. 10-12) of next week?
If so, be one of the first 10 lucky members to respond to tickets@mul.org with the day of your choice (one day only), and we will leave two grounds passes for you at the Front Desk of the MUL’s Headquarters Office, located at 2100 Plymouth Avenue No.
# # #
In the format of a hip-hop radio station give-away, members were asked to respond to this fine opportunity to see “Tiger, Tiger, Tiger Woods y’all.”
Of course, not being able to resist the opportunity to reply to ALL of the members whose addresses were in plain view (someone needs to teach the MUL about email etiquette), I promptly replied as follows: Read more
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