@16 with Brother Ali Music, Race and Religion with the Outspoken Rapper Page 12 Volume 5 • Issue 1

Volume 5 • Issue 1 www.threesixtyjournalism.org February–March 2014

Minnesota Teens Report Stories & Issues That Matter

They’re not black enough. They speak “Mexican.” They must be overachievers if they’re Chinese … good with computers if they’re Indian … hiding something if they Race in Minnesota wear a turban. Twin Cities teens have heard it all—and frankly, they’re a bit tired of Ra the labels. Pages 11-25 ce

@16 with Brother Ali Music, race and religion with the outspoken rapper Page 12 Volume 5 • Issue 1

Frequently asked questions

What is ThreeSixty Journalism? ThreeSixty University of Minnesota. In 2001, the program moved to Writers in this issue Simone Cazares, St. Paul Conservatory for Journalism is a youth journalism program of the College the University of St. Thomas and became a year-round Performing Artists • Ellie Colbert, Washburn HS • Hannah Gordon, of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas. The program with a full-time staff. Washburn HS • Nichelle Heu, Harding HS • Aamino Hirmoge, Harding non-profit program is committed to helping Minnesota What’s the name ThreeSixty Journalism mean? HS • Deborah Honore, Bloomington John F. Kennedy • Madie Ley, Elk teens tell the stories that matter in their lives and In 2006, the program’s name changed to ThreeSixty River HS • Kimberly Martinez, Harding HS • Lana Rubinstein, River communities. Journalism to reflect the program’s growth and the Falls HS • Maya Shelton-Davies, River Falls HS • Amolak Singh, Nova What is ThreeSixty’s mission? ThreeSixty’s mission range of backgrounds among the students we serve. Classical Academy • Brianna Skildum, Roosevelt HS • Amira Warren- is to bring diverse voices into journalism and related We are interested in telling stories from all parts of our Yearby, St. Louis Park HS • Ninis Widyaningrum, Lakeville South HS • professions by using intense, personal instruction in community, using a variety of media tools, including Mina Yuan, Wayzata HS the craft and principles of journalism to strengthen words, photos, illustrations and video. the literacy, writing skills and college-readiness of How can I get involved? ThreeSixty is accepting Photographers in this issue Victoria Turcios, Minneapolis Minnesota teens. applications to its two summer camps—our residential Community and Technical College Whom do you serve? ThreeSixty Journalism directly Intermediate Camp from June 15-27 and our day Intro serves more than 100 Minnesota high school students to Journalism Camp from July 7-24. For application Publisher: Lynda McDonnell each year via after-school classes, weekend workshops, details, visit www.threesixtyjournalism.org and click on Editor: Thomas Rozwadowski school partnerships, individual coaching and summer the “Summer Camps” link at the top. Scholarships are journalism camps. About half the students served come available; the earlier, the better to qualify. Design Consultant: Diana Boger from low-income homes and more than 60 percent come To inquire about our magazine or submit ideas, Community Outreach Editor: Katie Johnson from communities of color. We serve thousands more essays, photos and artwork, email them to info@ Communications Marketing Coordinator: Briana Gruenewald via our writing contests, print publications and website– threesixtyjournalism.org or contact Editor Thomas www.threesixtyjournalism.org. Rozwadowski at [email protected]. Administrative Assistant: Tyanna Dickerson How did ThreeSixty Journalism start? The To arrange classroom visits, contact Community Editorial offices program began as the Urban Journalism Workshop Outreach Editor Katie Johnson at katie.johnson@ Mail 5057, 2115 Summit Ave. in 1971. UJW provided basic journalism training to stthomas.edu or Executive Director Lynda McDonnell at St. Paul MN 55105 Minnesota high school students, particularly low- [email protected]. 651-962-5282 income and minority teens, at summer camps at the [email protected]

ThreeSixty is grateful to the following individuals who donate for minnesota teachers their time and expertise to the success of the program: ThreeSixty Journalism Board of Advisors Brian Bellmont, ✁ Bellmont Partners Public Relations • Sue Campbell, Twin Cities Public Television • David Cazares, Minnesota Public Radio • Dennis If you would like to receive ThreeSixty free of charge four times a year, send the following information to McGrath, McGrath Buckley Communications Counseling • Dr. Dina [email protected]. Gavrilos, University of St. Thomas • Dr. Kristie Bunton, University of Name St. Thomas • Mike Burbach, St. Paul Pioneer Press • Doug Hennes, University of St. Thomas • Duchesne Drew. Star Tribune • Lida Poletz, School Weber Shandwick • Scott Libin, Internet Broadcasting • Sara Pelissero, WCCO-TV School phone and extension ( ) Number of copies (30 minimum) Ex officio member Dr. Terence Langan, Dean, College of Arts & Email Sciences, University of St Thomas Address Major supporters include our advertisers, donors and the City, State, Zip following organizations Carl & Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation • Bremer Foundation • Best Buy Children’s Foundation • University To get an individual subscription through the mail, send a $25 check for one year (four issues) to: of St. Thomas • Gannett Foundation • Dow Jones News Fund • Marketing coordinator, ThreeSixty Journalism, 2115 Summit Ave., Mail 5057, St. Paul, MN 55105 Carlson Companies • Comcast • KSTP-TV • Google • Star Tribune Please include your name, address and email address. • Mall of America

2 threesixtyjournalism.org the Ra ce issue

It began with a simple story pitch. “I want to write about low-key racism in schools,” ThreeSixty writer Amira Warren-Yearby proposed at our first fall editorial board meeting. Our response: Tell us more. That got the ball rolling for several students to weigh in on race-related topics—everything from judgments about listening to “white rock music” as a Somali girl, or feeling inadequate about an authentic “black identity” because of pervasive stereotypes, to mounting frustration over the “little boxes” that peers and adults force us in because of skin color, speech patterns, hairstyles, religious preferences— you name it. On Martin Luther King Day, ThreeSixty students took it one step further by crafting their own “microaggression” signs for a photo project that we’re proud to unveil in the following pages. Our goal with this collection of stories and visuals is simple: Let’s learn from each other. Or as ThreeSixty writer Amolak Singh advised when asked how someone should inquire about the turban he wears because of his Sikhism: “Just be polite. Watch your tone, that’s all.” Sounds like an easy place to start, right? n Pages 11-25

Send comments to contents FEBRUARY/March ThreeSixty Journalism Send your letters to ThreeSixty Creatures of comfort: Journalism at 2115 Summit Ave., C’mon, who can resist a cuddly dog’s wagging tail? Yet while animal therapy 4 n 4 Mail 5057, St. Paul, MN. 55105, bonds can prove life-changing, the approval process isn’t as simple as begging for treats. or comment online at www. Telling stories, changing minds: What is empathy? In the case of Northside Women’s threesixtyjournalism.org Space in Minneapolis, it’s about opening doors to victims of prostitution. n 6 You can also join ThreeSixty Think before you ink: Journalism’s Facebook fan From Justin Bieber to LeBron James, tattoos seem to be everywhere. n 7 page or follow us on Twitter@ But Minnesota law requires teens to wait. So, what’s the right age to get one? ThreeSixtyMN Home away from home: Riding a big yellow school bus felt like a piece of the American dream to one exchange student. Yet despite the new experiences, life overseas can pose challenges. n 8 Connect with us online @16 with Brother Ali: The prolific Minneapolis-based rapper is never at a loss for words. Whether converting to Islam or discovering hip-hop, life as a teenager shaped everything Ali stands for today. n 12

YourTurn contest winners: If you get knocked down, just dust yourself off and keep forging ahead, Thank you Finance right? Except it’s never that easy—as the winners of our essay contest about failure can attest. n 26 & Commerce 7 Pieces of a puzzle: The print version of ThreeSixty Even with a big part of her past shrouded in mystery, teen writer n 28 Journalism magazine will be Lana Rubinstein finds comfort in the confusion of her adoption “scavenger hunt.” published four times during the Style in the bargain aisle: Big brands still hold sway among mall dwellers, but with an 2013-2014 school year. Finance increasing eye on variety and affordability, thrift shopping is making a fashionable dent. n 29 & Commerce in Minneapolis Music with a mission: has donated printing of the As the Cedar Cultural Center celebrates 25 years, the Minneapolis n 30 publication. We are grateful for venue’s brain trust reflects on the power of live music and global awareness. this generous gift. Sweet science: Think it sounds fun to play with chocolate? Meet Joshua Werner, the man behind Patisserie 46’s artistically edible masterpieces. n 31

February / March 2014 3 Creatures of comfort

Animal therapy bonds lead to life changing lessons, rewards

Glancing at Lily, an adorably fuzzy seven-year-old Shih Tzu with Mina Yuan enormous chocolate eyes, one would Wayzata High never guess that only three years School ago, she had been lying in a cage in Submitted Canada—unwanted and unloved. Therapy dogs provide a boost to patients and staff as part of an animal therapy program called Pets Assisting With Healing Yet that’s exactly where Lily where she serves as the principal’s (PAWH) at St. Paul Children’s Hospital. Dogs are especially valuable because they can read human faces. was. Jerri Loberg had been helping secretary. To Loberg’s surprise, when to overnight rescue dogs from the Brooklyn Center high schoolers from start to finish what they want southern United States when she first heard of the puppy with the soul- to do with dogs. It might be an eye- met Lily. Having lived her entire four ful brown eyes, they immediately opener that their dog really doesn’t years in a puppy mill, Lily was on her flocked to visit. like sitting down and reading with way to a dog auction in Canada. They cooed over her silky brown a kid. The dog might get kind of “Lily was in really bad condi- fur and smiled whenever Lily looked antsy and want more action. They tion when I first saw her,” Loberg up. Lily’s condition began to improve wouldn’t know until they tried it,” said. “She was blind in one eye, had as she made new friends, and in no Anderson said. only five teeth left, and one leg was time, more and more students and “But the unique thing about Pet broken and never got set properly.” teachers were dropping by Loberg’s Partners’ (classes and tests) is that Though Loberg instantly fell in office whenever they were stressed to when I evaluate, I evaluate 50 per- love with Lily, by the next morning, pet or talk to Lily. cent of the handler and 50 percent she had to send her off to Canada as “It got to the point where of the dog, or the animal. (Handlers) planned. For weeks, Loberg won- Lifetouch even took a picture of Lily have to do all of the training. I just dered about the dog’s fate. No longer for the yearbook,” Loberg said, laugh- facilitate information for them to able to deal with the uncertainty, she ing. “Everybody loved her. But then go home, but I don’t physically train called Lily’s auctioneer. (the school) told us that Lily had to their dog.” No one wanted Lily. Families with become a registered therapy animal Following the 10-week course, children complained that injuries or else she couldn’t come anymore.” animals of all species and their prevented her from playing, and handlers have to take an online the elderly decided that it was too ROAD TO REGISTRATION test and pass a 20-exercise-long expensive to raise a dog with so And so began Lily and Loberg’s mis- animal simulation class, a four hour are taking, simulates real-life situa- evaluation. Interestingly enough, many health problems. Upon hearing sion to serve as a therapy team. online test, and then another obedi- tions for therapy animals and their the test is almost exactly the same about Lily’s loneliness, Loberg imme- Registration to become an official ence and simulation test. handlers to practice. Some of the for all species. diately adopted the Shih Tzu. therapy animal is no simple feat. For Patti Anderson, a therapy animal simulations include teaching han- “They’re the same exercises but “I really thought she wasn’t going a dog to become registered with Pet trainer for the Animal Humane dler-dog teams how to properly enter modified for different species. I to make it at first,” Loberg said. “I Partners, a national therapy animal Society in Golden Valley, teaches bathrooms and elevators, calmly mean, you don’t have guinea pigs mean, she wouldn’t even drink water. organization, the dog and its handler a weekly class for dogs that want interact with homeless children and heel,” Anderson said. It was pretty bad.” must first pass through puppy kin- to become registered through Pet greet patients in wheelchairs so all “After the test, I talk with (han- As a result of Lily’s poor health, dergarten, two levels of obedience Partners. She conducts the final obe- parties remain comfortable. dlers) and ask them what they want Loberg brought the dog to work with training, the Canine Good Citizen dience and simulation test, as well. “I think of (this class) as a to do. Some of them join a club, her at Brooklyn Center High School, (CGC) obedience test, a therapy Her class, which Lily and Loberg sampler. People don’t really know like Animal Ambassadors. Their

4 threesixtyjournalism.org How to help

Animal-handler teams often volunteer for their entire for the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley. lifetimes due to the satisfaction of interacting with As therapy animals become more popular— therapy patients. Dogs, for example, live for an aver- popping up everywhere from college campuses age of 11 years, but smaller dogs can live for much during finals week to veterans’ hospitals and nursing longer. Of course, some animals stop earlier, too. homes—animals are often needed to meet demand. “A good handler will see when an animal isn’t To learn more about volunteer opportunities or interested anymore. I mean, grandma and grandpa becoming a therapy animal-handler team, visit www.

Staff don’t like going down the slide anymore. Same with petpartners.org or www.northstartherapyanimals.org. Lily, a seven-year-old Shih Tzu, allows a volunteer to pet her during animal dogs,” said Patti Anderson, a therapy animal trainer therapy training at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley.

main focus is nursing homes or those dogs big or little dogs? Hairy or less hair? Does the She’s even trying out for the swim team. part of the therapy session,” Lindstrom said. at the airports … Then North Star Therapy child need the type of personality of a dog “Every single child that I have worked with “They see the handler as equally impor- Animals, which is mainly dogs, is everywhere that’s calm or active?” (is) incredibly motivated during the therapy tant as the dog. It’s incredibly rewarding for doing everything, like health clinics or eating While personality and appearance are sessions when the dog is there. But about two the volunteer that comes in. They see that disorder clinics.” important in choosing animal teams, another months or so later, that child bonds to the they (are making) an incredible difference in crucial factor is which species serves the best handler, and the handler is a very important that child’s life.” HELPING AT HOSPITALS purpose. Nicole Lindstrom has been an occupational Dogs are the only species that can read therapist at St. Paul Children’s Hospital for 11 human faces, making them the number one years. In 2003, she started an animal-assisted animal choice for therapy, Anderson said. Their therapy program called Pets Assisting With grasp of expressions and moods allows them Healing (PAWH) at the Children’s Hospital. to be sensitive to the needs of therapy patients Her interest stemmed from dolphin human who often seek comfort. therapy in Key Largo, Fla.—and the astronomi- cal expense involved. MOTIVATIONAL POWER “It was extremely expensive, and as I was Lindstrom can vouch for the healing powers there, I felt bad that children didn’t have the of therapy animals. One of her patients is an option to continue this kind of therapy when 8-year-old girl who suffered a stroke last year— they went home,” Lindstrom said. “When I which left the right side of her body weaker returned to Minnesota to start working at the than the left, leading to poor balance. Children’s Hospital, I really wanted to start an It was difficult for the child to walk without AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) program.” a cane or walker, and she couldn’t dress herself Lindstrom created the PAWH program to or go to her normal classroom. Lindstrom also use a therapy dog during occupational therapy, observed that it was difficult for her to speak physical therapy and speech therapy. With help clearly and use both hands to complete tasks. from the infection control team at the hospital, Because the girl was frustrated and not she agreed on guidelines—making sure that particularly motivated during therapy ses- dogs trimmed their nails, bathed within 24 sions, Lindstrom opted to use a therapy dog. hours of the therapy session, remained on bed Almost immediately, the girl gained motiva- sheets, and other health precautions. tion. Whether throwing a ball, dressing the The program began with one animal team. dog in various costumes to improve her motor Today, there are 30 teams volunteering at skills, or brushing the dog’s teeth to learn how Children’s Hospital. to use both hands, she completed each exercise “I pick the therapy dog and handler based cheerfully and confidently. on a few things,” said Lindstrom, who only Now, three months after working with the allows animal teams registered with Pet dog, Lindstrom’s patient can speak clearly, walk Partners since they re-evaluate every two years. without a cane or walker, use both hands to “I base it on the child first. Does the child like complete tasks and attend her regular classroom.

February / March 2014 5 Carlson --Supported Content

Telling stories, changing minds

Northside Women’s Space opens its doors to victims of prostitution

“I had a woman come in last summer, and I greeted her at the door. It was so hot that day, and she said, ‘Hi, is this the right place?’ And I said, ‘We’ll make it the right place.’ She was so tired. She couldn’t talk very well. I asked if I could give her a Signs and pictures hug, so I gave her a hug. I asked, ‘What else can I do?’ And she said, ‘Do you inside the Northside have a washcloth and some soap? I just don’t want to stink anymore.’ Women’s Space at So I went and grabbed her a bunch of supplies, and she asked, ‘Can I Kwanzaa Church go into your bathroom?’ I told her she could stay in there however long she offer hope and wanted to, so I sat down and waited for her. The look on her face when she support to victims came out was just elated. She had washed her hair and combed it. She said, of prostitution. ‘I’ve been out in the street all night just trying to make my rent. Can I just sit down?’ We had the air conditioner on and she said, ‘I feel like a human again.

I can make it.’ Staff We don’t have a lot at Northside Women’s Space, but that day, I saw the gospel. I could not pay her minimum wage. I could not pay her rent. But I opportunity to test whether hear- Their lives were anything but could give her a $25 food card and a safe place.” ing the stories of women involved in “Pretty Woman” glamorous. The the sex trade would change people’s women had experienced “extreme —Rev. Alika Galloway, co-pastor Kwanzaa Community Church views of prostitution. Together poverty, high rates of violence, Maxine Johnson and founder, Northside Women’s Space with Prichard, they wanted to find homelessness, chemical dependency, research that might actually help exploitation by pimps and traffick- really know what to do with them, What is the importance someone. ers, unmet health needs, societal but they were important and I of storytelling? And how can a story Maya “Alika (Galloway) told me about stigma, exclusion, and victimiza- knew that.” change someone’s views on a contro- Shelton-Davies what they did over there, a little bit tion,” Martin found. Guided by Prichard, Johnson River Falls versial topic like prostitution? about the women, and that really Nearly two-third needed access designed an experiment to test High School Recently, 20-year-old Maxine sparked my interest,” Johnson said. to a food shelf and temporary emer- how hearing the women’s first- Johnson, a psychology major at the The public’s view of prostitutes gency housing. Feeling stigmatized person narratives would affect University of St. Thomas, learned is typically negative. Women who was one reason they didn’t seek help. public perceptions. She had 78 from a research project that sto- sex for money. sell their bodies are seen as sex- From that research came the people take an anonymous online rytelling has the power to change There are soft couches in a crazed, immoral and in control of idea for a drop-in center with flex- survey that asked about their views people’s minds about prostitution sunny upstairs room, hot meals and their choices regarding the street life, ible hours and a safe place to rest of prostitution and prostituted and sex trafficking. sanitary supplies, a chance to meet Johnson said. and share their stories. Northside women. Participants then watched Her psychology professor, with a counselor who specializes in The reality is quite different. Women’s Space opened in 2010 to a three-minute video clip of women Roxanne Prichard, told Johnson trauma, and referrals to other forms In 2006 and 2007, University of provide it. About 20 to 40 women who were former prostitutes telling about the Northside Women’s Space of help. The Presbyterian church Minnesota researcher Lauren Martin come each week to use its resources, their stories. at Kwanzaa Community Church. even sold its old stained-glass win- interviewed 150 adults who traded Galloway said. Afterward, when people took the Located a block off Broadway dows because women felt judged by sex for money in North Minneapolis. “When I first came, I started survey again, their views were far Avenue—a hotbed of prostitution the Biblical figures towering above Most were unemployed African- listening to women who were more compassionate. After watch- in North Minneapolis—the Center their heads. American mothers who desperately engaged in the sex trade, and they ing the videos, they were far less provides a welcoming and safe Johnson, a junior, was looking needed money for essentials like were telling me their stories,” she likely to believe that women freely place for women who have traded for a research project and saw an food and housing. said. “I just held the stories. I didn’t storytelling continued on page 14

6 threesixtyjournalism.org Think before you ink

Tattoos might be everywhere— but Minnesota law requires teens to wait

Miley Cyrus has a dream catcher on the right side of her Nichelle Heu abs. Justin Bieber has an eye with Harding “Believe” under his right arm. High School LeBron James has Chosen1 stretched across his back. Megan Fox’s shoulder lets us know that “We will all faces said it all: To get a tattoo, you

laugh at gilded butterflies.” have to love it. Staff When it comes to tattoos, “It’s like a coming of age,” said Jake Hoel, 19, of Eau Claire, Wis. braces for his first tattoo from Anthony Elliott II of Elliotts Tattoo in Little Falls. The pair teenagers don’t need an excuse to Jason Donner, a tattoo artist at met up this winter at the Villain Arts Tattoo Convention in Minneapolis. want what everyone seemingly has. Mutiny Tattoo and Piercing in Whether they see them on celebri- Minneapolis. “You get to a certain was fired by the South Washington make his tattoos more meaningful, “Just because when you’re 18, ties, athletes or fellow students, age and you know exactly who County school district for tattooing Donner understands the tempta- you’re so excited … but you really today’s generation accepts body art you are. You want to put some- a 15-year-old Cottage Grove stu- tion facing teens. don’t know what to get,” Marie said. as a true statement and way of life. thing on you to define who that dent at his home. Hardy was issued “I got a tattoo a little bit older … “Tattoos should have meanings. “I think that young people (today) person is. And it’s something that a citation for two misdemeanor but only because I couldn’t afford And I think that’s what should be on think of their body as more of a is right of passage.” counts of assault. what I wanted to do,” he said. “If I somebody’s body. If they’re going to canvas instead of this sacred thing While eager teens might trust would’ve had the money, or if some- have something forever, at least have that nobody can touch. And they just THE RIGHT AGE? an adult willing to tattoo them, one would’ve been like, ‘Oh yeah, something that reminds you of why want to decorate it,” said Aly Marie, Except “coming of age” means your being patient is better, said Heather I’ll tattoo you,’ you know, maybe I you got it.” 20, an employee at Twisted Tattooing 18th birthday in Minnesota. Markun-Heard, 19, of Minneapolis. would’ve made a bad choice and and Piercing in Chicago. In 2010, a new state law made “I always wanted mine done done it.” MORE ACCEPTABLE TODAY In mid-January, Minneapolis it illegal for anyone under 18, even unprofessionally, just because I Marie is covered in tattoos— Donner said the mindset for those hosted Marie and other tattoo fans with parental consent, to get a wanted one so bad,” said Markun- many of them representing her who appreciate body art hasn’t at the Villain Arts Tattoo Convention tattoo. The law was further tight- Heard, who got her first tattoo family and what she loves. Her changed. However, it has become inside the downtown Hyatt. With ened in August, with any individual on her 18th birthday. “Since I was knuckles are filled with meaning and more socially acceptable. That needles rattling around them, artists caught performing body art without little, I’d always ask for one but my inspiration, including nods to her can influence customers who may showcased unique work from across a valid license guilty of a gross mom wouldn’t let me. I was always autistic brother, including a puzzle have previously denied themselves the country—everything from exotic misdemeanor. tempted. Finally, I was smart enough piece in red—his favorite color—and a tattoo because of workplace or birds and comic book characters to That led to some headlines to say, ‘No, I want it done well.’ So a blue ribbon for autism. family judgments. personal inscriptions. in December when Park High I waited.” Though she works around tat- “I think that teens have always The pained expressions on some gymnastics teacher Terry Hardy Donner got his first tattoo when toos every day, if Marie were in wanted tattoos. I don’t think it’s he was 20. Though he’s glad to control of laws, she’d push the age special in this particular moment in have waited for life experience to requirement to 22. time. When I was a teenager, we all If I would’ve had the money, or if someone would’ve wanted to get tattoos. My dad’s generation, they wanted to get tattooed been like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ll tattoo you,’ you know, maybe at a young age, too,” Donner said. Should minors under the age of 18 be allowed to get tattoos? think “But the older generation now is I would’ve made a bad choice and done it. What’s the appropriate age for that decision? spot more likely to get a tattoo. Because —Jason Donner, tattoo artist ink continued on page 14

February / March 2014 7 Home away from home

Exchange students experience highs and lows while studying overseas

You walk into a long, brick building you have never been to Ellie Colbert before. All around you, kids are Washburn slamming lockers and rushing to High School class. They reminisce about their summer together and smile at the familiar faces. Only you don’t know your way around, don’t know who to Hannah Gordon sit with. You don’t even know where Washburn to begin. High School Exchange students experience all of this unknown in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home, elsewhere. Sydney Corbeil-Wild, in a language they don’t speak, a a 17-year-old junior at Washburn, culture they don’t know, and with a decided to live abroad only four family they have never met. months before her departure date. “The first day of school when She has been living in Tudela, Spain you come up and you know nobody, for the past six months. that is really stressful,” said Julien Corbeil-Wild decided on Hainaut, an 18-year-old exchange Spain because she was tired of the student who has been at Minneapolis “same old things at home” and Washburn for five months. “And you wanted to step outside her comfort don’t really speak the language and zone. Despite anticipating some everybody asks you questions, and … adjustments, she didn’t expect the first lunch, you’re like, ‘OK, now everything in her life to be turned what do I do?’” upside down. Originally from Belgium, Hainaut “I miss laughing really hard at always knew he wanted to travel to something, because I haven’t laughed the United States. really hard for a long time,” Corbeil- “I always dream of going to USA. Wild said. “I miss mac and cheese Since I was 10, I told my mom, and my dog. I miss being able to ‘Mom, I will go to USA,’” he said. easily talk to people about how I’m Not all students who study abroad feeling. Easy connections.” held a childhood dream of traveling exchange continued on page 10

think What would be the hardest thing to leave or give up from home spot if you traveled overseas for a school year? Submitted Top: Snow remained a familiar fixture to Maja Caye while living as an exchange student in Sweden. Below: Fellow Washburn junior Sydney Corbeil-Wild enjoys a meal with her host family in Tudela, Spain.

8 threesixtyjournalism.org Sitting on the school bus that first time was like being sucked into a movie. I was in a real, yellow American A dream realized school bus! Looking out to the neighborhood and people An exchange student’s arrival in on the bus, I reminded America opens eyes, hearts myself that I was really here, living my dream.

I grew up in Indonesia, a developing country that became Ninis friends why some girls spend an hour Widyaningrum independent from Japan less than 70 Lakeville South every morning to put on makeup, years ago. Poverty and corruption High School she said they wanted to cover up are major problems. Because of our any unwanted things on their faces. conditions, a movement has started Once, when I told my friend that in so the younger generation can work things that only used to be on TV. Indonesia we couldn’t use makeup at and study hard to get Indonesia out I began speaking a whole new lan- school, she said, “I won’t go to school of its black hole. guage and staying with a new family. if that’s the rule.” It’s just … different. This generation is the nation’s hope I landed in Minneapolis-St. Paul to make Indonesia a better place to Airport in August. It was a warm, A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE live: No collusion and nepotism, better sunny day. For my host family, it was Overall, there’s a lot I’ve learned education, truthful government and hot, but for someone who grew up from my exchange experience. It’s Submitted less poverty. Our movement includes with nothing but scorching sun and Ninis Widyaningrum (middle) shows off her homemade pants for Homecoming not only about living like you’re in a programs to study abroad so teenagers humidity, it was a pleasant Friday at Lakeville South High School. “Because I’m an exchange student, I wanted to movie, having a year holiday or being can go to developed countries, learn, morning. A good day to start a new make them memorable,” she said. a new person in a whole new place. come back, share and be the future chapter in my teenage life, right? Instead, it has opened my mind leaders at home. On my first day, they showed me just the same as in Indonesia. There Liars” and I pay attention to how about how unique we all are. I was in 7th Grade when I heard downtown Lakeville, the school I were people who tend to study more Aria Montgomery goes to school We’re the same, yet different. We about Youth Exchange and Study would be attending and their favorite than others, and people who were with a bunch of makeup. Some all want people to understand and (YES), a scholarship from the U.S. pizza place. At night, after unpack- noticeably popular. girls wake up very early to put on love us. We need them to. It’s just Department of State meant to bridge ing my luggage and getting ready to eyelashes and curl their hair. Even at that our countries take very different understanding between Muslims and sleep, I cried. I cried because I knew GLARING DIFFERENCES school, there’s always some girl with approaches to this. Americans—especially after the 9/11 I would love my host family like my Another thing that I knew from her hair-straightener in the school I am learning that the universal tragedy. own family, and I didn’t want to mess movies, but was still strange to expe- bathroom every morning! language—smiling and laughing—is It was always my dream to go to up. I cried because it was all so new rience, was when the bell rang. The In Indonesia, rules for girls have really effective and heartwarming. the United States. The best part? It’s and strange, and I was so scared. I second the bell went off, everybody been in place forever: We can’t wear Having my friends greet me with my a full scholarship. spent most of my summer with my got up and left even though the makeup, color our nails or wear name—which is hard for them to I started the YES selection in 10th new family—they taught me how to teacher was still talking in front of extreme accessories. Heck, we wear pronounce and remember—or even Grade. The year-and-a-half process play golf and brought me boating on the class. The first time I saw that, it uniforms! We are only allowed to smile at me in a hall full of crowded was full of waiting and uncertainty, the lake. Then school started and I felt … wrong. wear watches, simple bracelets or people is a wonderful feeling. and I competed with 8,000 young experienced more challenges. Back home, sometimes teachers earrings, rings and necklaces made I have the door of opportunity scholars from all over Indonesia. Sitting on the school bus that don’t hear the bell and will continue of noble materials (such as gold, wide open in front of me. All of these Then the news came: I was selected first time was like being sucked to talk in front of class. Even then, silver or platinum). The concept gifts make me realize that my dream as one of 85 scholarship winners. The into a movie. I was in a real, yellow we would wait for our teacher to stop of uniforms is to make all students to explore the world is important. To process of my departure seemed so American school bus! Looking out talking and remind them politely, or equal and diminish the social gap. create new places to call “home,” but fast—and in the next blink, I arrived to the neighborhood and people on just wait until they realized it’s time Since I have been exposed to still have my own home in Indonesia, in the United States, the land of my the bus, I reminded myself that I was for us to go. both cultures, it’s opened my eyes where I know my family and friends teenage dream. really here, living my dream. The second thing that I noticed to how Indonesian girls show their are waiting for me. At school, I expected to see lots is how American girls present true selves. It’s not that American These opportunities and relation- WELCOME TO LAKEVILLE of drama and supermodels because I themselves. The fact that they wear girls are fake—they are just really ships keep me going through this Coming to a whole new world is watch a lot of American movies and makeup every day to school isn’t dependent on makeup to cover their once-in-a-lifetime exchange student exciting, yet scary. I was seeing TV shows. Instead, the students were surprising. I’m a fan of “Pretty Little insecurities. When I asked one of my experience.

February / March 2014 9 “Pursuingan “We talked with them as if they were part of the family. We were undergraduate their host mom and dad, and the kids were their sister and brother.” degreewasthe —Erin Thompson, a Minneapolis mother and host to exchange students

exchange from page 8 LIFE AT ‘HOME’ bestdecision Caye is originally from Sweden and lived MAKING ADJUSTMENTS with her extended family while she was I’vemadeinmy For Corbeil-Wild, the largest difference is there—whereas most exchange students, the social aspect. including Hainaut and Corbeil-Wild, have “Kids my age go out until, like 6 in the no idea what their family will be like until life;ithasgiven morning. That would never happen (in the they step off the plane. US). They have way more freedom (in Spain). Some are an immediate match, while mesomany There’s more trust in kids,” she said. others take awhile to get adjusted. A few even Maja Caye, also a junior at Washburn, end up switching host families because of had to re-adjust after spending the 2012-13 communication or personality problems. opportunities.” school year in Sweden. Now that she is back Erin Thompson, a Minneapolis mother, in the United States, she finds herself missing has been hosting exchange students for the the versatility of life in Europe. past four years. Her first exchange student, “When I first came back, I was super Balazs from Hungary, came to her home excited to be with my friends and family. I somewhat unexpectedly. got back to doing all the normal things, like “We got a call in October (from the coor- SERENA XIONG ’13 ST. OLAF COLLEGE going to the beach with my friends,” dinator at her son’s school) that a guy from Caye said. Hungary was here and it didn’t work out with Augsburg College “But as time goes on, it’s really hard, the family he was staying with,” Thompson Bethany Lutheran College because every single day I think about my said. “The mother wasn’t feeding him much Bethel University year away and what I would be doing right food and he needed a place right away. So we Carleton College now in Sweden. Like, it would be me on the thought, yeah, let’s do it.” College of Saint Benedict subway, or me on the train, or me hanging out After hosting Balazs for a year, The College of St. Scholastica with my best friend, Alice, who I really miss.” Thompson and her family got hooked on Concordia College (MOORHEAD) According to the Council on Standards the hosting experience. Since then, they’ve Concordia University (ST. PAUL) for International Educational Travel, welcomed two more exchange students: Gustavus Adolphus College 1,381 foreign students came to Minnesota Masha, 16, from Poland, and Yurong, 18, during the 2012-13 school year. That places from China. Watch Hamline University the new Macalester College Minnesota fourth in the country for number “We definitely make them feel really at “Paying for Private Minneapolis College of Art and Design of students hosted. With 104 students travel- home, loved, and part of our lives … We College” ing to other countries, Minnesota is also talked with them as if they were part of the video online Saint John’s University Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota second in outbound students. family. We were their host mom and dad, and St. Catherine University Caye said observing and talking about the kids were their sister and brother. They diversity with fellow classmates gave her a were included as much as they absolutely St. Olaf College greater appreciation for cultures outside wanted to be,” Thompson said. University of St. Thomas her own. Hainaut and Corbeil-Wild will be “My friend from Sudan, she was there in their new “homes” for the next four because her dad is the ambassador for Sudan. months. While they can’t predict the future, Whenever I went over to her house after they both realize it will have a lasting school, she would, at certain times, put on a impact on their lives. full black headdress and pray right in front of “It’s good preparation for college next mnprivatecolleges.org/possible me,” Caye said. year. I think I will try to keep in touch with “I would just be sitting on my bed texting the friends I will have here,” Hainaut said. “It’s and she’d be praying. It was so cool. You a pretty amazing experience to meet a lot of learn to adapt to everyone’s cultures.” people, to learn about a different culture.”

10 threesixtyjournalism.org Ra ce

m be a character who is sassy, hopeless attitude and hip shaking. It was fun, Coloring outside Monologue, singing, maybe and with lots of attitude. plus I was the only freshman in the some dancing. The process usually I’ve wanted to be an actor ever main cast, which felt great. takes about three to five minutes. since kindergarten. SteppingStone That same year in the “Music the script lines The next day or two the list is Theatre in St. Paul would perform Man,” I played Alma, an uppity, posted. I scroll down the names. shows at my school, and from then obnoxious, old smart aleck. Lead roles: white girl, white boy. on, I was hooked. Sophomore year, I was Lorraine in Are audiences able to look beyond race Supporting role: white, white, white. My first show was in sixth grade. “All Shook Up,” the hopeless roman- Oh hey, supporting role: sassy black I played Adriana in “The Black tic with lots of spunk and attitude. when it comes to acting roles? girl, Amira. That’s me! Snowman.” Later, in eighth grade, I “Les Miserables”: girl number five, I jump for joy and my heart is played Frog in “A Year with Frog and the mean and jealous one with a racing like it did at my audition. Toad.” It was the lead role and one of lot of attitude toward others. And But in the back of my mind there’s my brightest moments. this year, even though I dropped The wait seems like hours. a fire. I wonder, “Why can’t my name In the summer before high out of the show to focus on school, My heart races a million Amira ever be at the top of the list?” school, I played myself in a musical, I was cast as Lucille in “Once Upon Warren-Yearby times fast. My stomach flips like St. Louis Park I genuinely might not have been “Here’s Where I Stand,” with Project a Mattress.” She’s a member of the an acrobat. High School the right fit for a lead role. Maybe I Success. Entering my freshman sassy and stuck-up trio. Though I’ve done this a million didn’t hit all the right notes or pick year, I thought to myself, “This is my Sound familiar? times, each time feels like the first. the right monologue. Right kicked thing. This is what I love.” I’m not saying that I’ve never had The list gets shorter. My name My name is called and I’m shak- when I should have sashayed. And I was determined to con- good roles. I’m grateful for all of the gets closer. All of my anxiety and ing. I walk into the auditorium and I always make sure to work on tinue this in high school. experiences I’ve had in theater. But nervousness becomes more intense. try to retain slow and steady improving my skills for the next In my first year, I auditioned for there comes a point in an actor’s The pressure is crushing me like … breaths. audition. I try to be realistic. But as I “Little Shop of Horrors.” I landed the career when you think, “Is that all I a ton of bricks. One more deep breath. look back on my life in theater, I feel role of Chiffon from the trio. They’re have to offer? Is that all I’ll ever play?” “Amira!” And begin. like I’ve been typecast. I’ll forever a feisty group of girls, all about acting roles continued on page 14

where, you know, you see a certain have to be that way. I was reading QUICK Q&A … with Siddeeqah Shabazz kind of black person on TV. Like, a about a recent show that literally had McDonald’s commercial is going to colorblind casting, and it didn’t get a have these deep, spoken word black good review. It said something about folks who all try to look Afro-centric. how (the reviewer) couldn’t get into What’s it like being an actor of color? Amira Warren-Yearby sat There’s that type. It’s a step. I’m not it because of all the ethnicities. Isn’t down with Siddeeqah Shabazz, an actor and teen programs specialist at saying it’s the best step, but it’s hap- that unfortunate to say? If you can Pillsbury House Theatre in Minneapolis, to talk about casting issues related pening slowly, surely. place yourself in the 1800s in Italy, to ethnicity. Honestly, you never know what’s and you’re in (2014) Minnesota, you Shabazz, originally from Oakland, Calif., has theater degrees from the going on in the head of a casting know, that’s OK. You can have a play University of La Verne and the Guildford School of Acting in England. She has director. Maybe they had the cos- in space and believe it’s going on performed on multiple stages, including Luna Playhouse, Electric Theatre, tumes ready and you just don’t fit in there, but different ethnicities, that’s Mixed Blood Theatre and The People’s Center. Her favorite roles include Evilene one. You never know. I understand what throws you off? in “The Wiz” and Shakespeare’s Othello. that. I go through that. The only thing I can do is go into the audition What advice do you have for young What are some of casting challenges fit, blonde, white and thin. OK, that’s and leave knowing that I did exactly actors of color? that actors of color face? the character. That’s it. “Oh, I don’t Siddeeqah Shabazz what I wanted to do. Sometimes you Create your own work. When As an African-American, you defi- fit those.” But at least you know. have a great audition and you just there’s nothing out there, and that’s nitely start to think that you don’t Here, you’ll get, “Oh, everybody … I mean, you know that you’re not don’t get the role. the only way you can get seen, look like everyone else. And it’s hard can come.” But they still really mean going to fit into this character who is create your own. New theaters are to get cast. It’s still hard. But I never a white person. If it’s something dating a white guy in America. Do you think audiences would have a popping up all the time because of thought of it as a setback. That’s historical and they have to cast hard time with colorblind casting? it. That’s how theater was started! actually what’s kind of great about Abraham Lincoln, you know it’s not Does colorblind casting exist? I think audiences are conditioned to It’s a lot of work. It’s a long haul. Los Angeles. It’s a double-edged going to be a black person. Or if you I think there needs to be more say, ‘Well, you have these two parents But if you feel like you’re not being sword out there, but at least they tell have German last names, or someone honest colorblind casting. I think it’s that look a certain way, so the kid seen, do it yourself. There’s some- you what they want. You have to be from France, and you’re reading it getting better. There are some things must look like this …” But it doesn’t thing powerful about that.

February / March 2014 11 Ra ce

Albino. Muslim. Rapper. These are the characteristics that tend to define Brother Ali in interviews. Yet as you quickly learn in an hour-long conversation with him, they are broad labels that don’t begin to describe a man who has become one of the most prominent musicians in Minnesota. As a teenager in the ‘90s, Ali began using the political fuel of hip-hop to react to the same racial issues he faced as an outcast growing up in the Midwest. Because of his physical appearance—he’s legally blind due to albinism—Ali sought a community he could belong to. African-American peers welcomed him, and after an introduction to breakdancing, he began to rap as a teenager. “It was, like, a chance for me to be somebody in the 16 world. And a chance for me to take hold of the fact that everybody was looking at me, and everybody was Aamino noticing me,” he said. Hirmoge @ “I was able to use that in Harding High w/Brother Ali a way that empowered School me instead of being treated a certain way.” Taking control of his identity also extends to religion. Ali con- verted to Islam when he was 15, a decision influenced partly by hip-hop and Malcolm X—which proved to be his salvation when friends around him began making unwise choices about drugs and violence. “I don’t know if I would have been able to stand up to the peer pressure without something like Islam,” he said. A member of Rhymesayers Entertainment, a local hip-hop label that’s also home to Atmosphere and Evidence, Ali continues to stand up for what he believes in. His latest album, 2012’s “Mourning in America and Dreaming In Color,” addresses slavery, race, the Occupy movement, the hypocrisy of war—and perhaps most important, the daily struggle Has Brother Ali ever he sees around him. faced judgment in the As part of ThreeSixty’s “Race hip-hop community Issue,” reporter Aamino Hirmoge because of his skin color? spoke with Brother Ali about his Quite the opposite, he rap roots, the effect racial iden- said: “There’s never tity has on music and how he’s been a dope ass white endured a lifetime of labels— rapper that hasn’t been including one truly malicious embraced.” childhood nickname.

About this series

This marks the sixth installment of ThreeSixty’s “@16” series, where our teen writers interview Minnesota news- makers and difference makers about life as a 16-year-old high school student. Who should we talk to next? E-mail [email protected] with your suggestions. Submitted

12 threesixtyjournalism.org What were your teenage years like? It was crazy. I had a lot of different The Brother Ali file kinds of things going on at the same time. But I think it was seriously Profession: Hip-hop artist, signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment defined by the political and eco- Real name: Jason Newman nomic environment. When I was a Age: 36 teenager, it was the early ‘90s and the High school: Robbinsdale Cooper in New Hope (Ali dropped out before graduating and crack epidemic was really big in the has since become a stay-in-school advocate) Midwest. And racial tension was at Find ’em: On Twitter @BrotherAli and www.brotherali.com a high. Things were very, very tense Best advice for teenagers: “Keep being in new situations and keep having to question then … tensions were really high yourself and the things you think you know. Question what you think you know. Get in and, you know, it was a lot of life and a situation where your survival, and your happiness, and all that stuff, demands you to death reality going on at the time question all the things you think you know.” because of the drug situation. So, that’s the time when, musi- cally, hip-hop took a turn to being grade—you know, I didn’t have a And so, all of the important dancing is fun and all that … but There were the white kids, that really political … You know, Malcolm whole lot of friends. At all. And people in my life … the only time that rapping needs to become my culture, without having a great connection X was really prominent during those being albino, and looking different, I ever had friends at all was when I my expression.” When I turned 13, to black people, wanted to adopt years. Spike Lee did the (“Malcolm and living in the Midwest, which started to form a connection with the 14, that’s when I knew I was going to certain elements of blackness, as X” with Denzel Washington) movie was highly segregated and not very black community. And so, that was actually rap. like, a costume, instead of develop- in, like ‘92 or ‘93. But the lead up to diverse … I moved every year. my whole existence in life. And it was ing themselves as individuals. They that movie, it was like a three-year That’s also when AIDS … so, that way from the time I was seven What was the response? kind of took on this persona that lead up. And Malcolm was very now I’m going back to when I was years old until I started doing under- The response was always really good. had nothing to do with their own popular. That started because of little to kind of give some context. ground rap. My friends, when I was Partially because I’ve always been experiences. And those white people hip-hop. Because of Public Enemy When I was in elementary school, a kid, were “b-boys.” They were break good at it, and I’ve always spent a lot actually hated me. and people like KRS-One, those that’s when AIDS first started to dancers. They were into rap. of time working on it. Like, I always They had the mimicry thing going people mentioning him or talking become known. So, at one of the And so I got into the music literally memorized everything that I on. And I think they were really about him, sampling his voice. And schools, just to give an example of through dancing, you know … in the could get my hands on. So I memo- jealous of me because I was actually then everyone knew that this movie’s what my relationship was like with ‘80s. But that time I talked about, rized every rap lyric that I could living the life that they were trying coming, so people were wearing other kids—that was my nickname when you know, the lyrics got really own for a 10 or 15-year period. And to emulate. But the difference is that shirts with X on them. And just, in school. AIDS. Like, that was my important, rap lyrics were changing I still know them all. Every word they were trying to put it on from the Malcolm was very, very popular. name at school. people at that point. If you look at that existed in all the important rap outside, whereas mine came from I actually got the advice to read Nobody knew my name at school. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, music from, like ‘85 to ‘95, that ten- the inside out. his autobiography from KRS-One, AIDS was my name. you know—Public Enemy and Ice year period. There was a time where I felt like who was my favorite rapper at the Cube and Rakim, those people were Also, it meant a lot more to me I needed to somehow differentiate time. I went to a lecture that he did Just to be mean to you? Kids called our Malcolm X’s. People that listen because when I would go to new myself from those people, but after … and that was all part of listening you AIDS? to that music felt like they were part schools, or I’d be in new environ- awhile, I realized that the best thing to this music and seeing that race Yeah, yeah. Because they’re just like, of a movement, and a lot of us were ments, I obviously looked really to do is just let time be the teller. tensions were really high. I was part “Yeah, he has AIDS.” Nobody knew … feeling this impact. different. So everybody notices that That in time, things would happen of a few different incidents at school what it was, you know what I mean? That’s when I was like, “OK, right away. But then, the ability to where genuine people would prove and stuff that almost turned into There was a mystery around it. So I rap? I could shift the attention I was themselves genuine. I did go through like, riots. And you know, my friends had to experience that. Those were getting into something that I could a period where I was trying to prove were shooting people, and getting the situations I dealt with at that be celebrated for rather than, you like, “I’m not like those guys.” And shot, and going to jail over drugs, time in the Midwest. Like, now, in know, being made fun of. after awhile, I realized that I was and drug money, stuff like that all Minneapolis and St. Paul, there’s a honoring them too much by doing around me. All of those things were Hmong community. There’s a Somali Were you ever discriminated against that. That they weren’t important going on. It was a serious time. community. You know, people from or bullied because of your choice in enough for me to prove that I’m not entire areas. But at that time in those music? them. They did not matter. How did music shape those years? little cities, it wasn’t like that. It was, When I think about bullying, I think Specifically, how did you come to maybe 90 percent white and 10 per- of something physical. And I was Why did Islam appeal to you? How discover your hip-hop identity? cent black, then maybe like, an Asian always able to shut that down. So I did it shape you? Well, the most important people in family or a family from India. Those wouldn’t say bullied. But I was ridi- Religiously and doctrine wise, it my life from the time I was in second places just weren’t diverse. culed, mostly from white people. Brother Ali continued on page 15

February / March 2014 13 Ra ce ink from page 7 choice. It’s going to last a lifetime,” Brian said. acting roles from page 11 some fans on Twitter claiming that Rue being 20 years ago, you wouldn’t see a grandma And when the time comes to audition for a African-American “ruined the movie” or didn’t getting one. It wouldn’t have been accepted. FIND A PROFESSIONAL new role, I feel like I already know the verdict. make her death “as sad.” Now, I tattoo whole families from 18 to 75.” That permanence, more than anything, leads “What does he or she have that I don’t?” Can the color of someone’s skin really ruin Or as Marie said: “When I was little, my to complete agreement from artists and older As an African-American actor, I can’t a role in a movie, TV show or play? Does skin parents told me tattoos were horrible and it fans: Getting a tattoo professionally done is help but think that for most roles, since color really affect the connection you have was the worst choice to ever do. Now they’re the only safe and smart solution. people already picture a character as white, with a character? kind of learning that it doesn’t affect your If teens want tattoos, they’ll find a way that’s all it can ever be. Or conversely, The book even describes the characters as character as a person.” to get them—whether it’s a friend who maybe I was only picked for a certain one having “darker” skin tones and eyes. The whole Married couple Teresa and Brian Morrill knows a friend willing to tattoo someone because of my Afro. district is also primarily black with working of Apple Valley still don’t agree about tattoos. in a basement or a teenager using a safety Historically, there’s been a double stan- conditions that are compared to ones found Teresa loves them. Brian would never get one. pin to carve his or her arm, then filling it dard. Natalie Wood famously played Maria, during slavery. Yet even with different opinions, Brian in with eyeliner ink. a Puerto Rican, in “West Side Story.” Mickey Sadly, I’ve come to learn that it’s all about admitted that he can respect the art—which However, that can mean dirty needles, Rooney played Mr. Yunioshi, a Japanese man, how the audience mentally pictures the char- is why he was willing to accompany his wife contamination, serious infections like HIV in “Breakfast at Tiffanys.” White actors pretend acter and less about telling a good story. Give to a tattoo convention. or Hepatitis C, and a lifetime of regret, to be everything from Native American to the people what they want, right? As for when their kids should get one … Donner said. Asian to African-American. I could go on and Except I want to be the damsel in distress. “If 18 is the legal age, that’s when they can “Teenagers by nature are defiant. So, I on with recent examples. I want a story that ends in happily ever after. do it,” Teresa said. mean they’re going to do what they want to Yet it appears that some viewers have prob- I want to inspire and represent other ethnic “I’d tell them to wait until they’re a little do—even if all the right information is out lems with black actors playing key roles, which actors by landing a lead role. older, maybe closer to 21, to make a permanent there,” he said. is devastating and counteracts any progress I want to grow. that has been made in the Hollywood or the- But apparently because of my skin color, ater community. Take “The Hunger Games.” it’ll take a lot for that to happen. And even if it There were race controversies over the black does, someone will probably still say that they characters Rue, Thresh and Cinna—with can’t connect with me.

KNOW A TEEN storytelling from page 6 “Prostitution generally is your last alter- chose to work as prostitutes. And they were native. Who wants to sell their body to a WHO IS MAKING A far more likely to see prostituted women as stranger? Nobody. So this is the last option, victims. the end of the road,” Galloway said. This was a pilot study, and Johnson plans to “Their family has been poor, and they do further research. But she is excited by what end up working in the streets. The more the she’s found so far. minimum wage stays the same, the more DIFFERENCE? “It definitely seemed to change views, going prostitution there’ll be. There’s this direct from a more negative point of view on the correlation between economic equity and ThreeSixty Journalism is seeking local women involved in the sex trade to a more prostitution.” positive one,” she said. Her ultimate hope is this: “Together in teenagers who are making a unique Galloway is also hopeful. She believes the this nation, we will find the moral courage to difference in the community to profile for stories may be powerful enough to change change the conditions that compel females to minds and policies. sell what is sacred.” publication. Nominate a teen who’s started a business, overcome personal odds, led a Strong voices meaningful movement or defied the teenage stereotype in another way. Carlson, an international travel and hospitality company based in Minnetonka, is committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation and trafficking. The firm trains all employees in its hotels to Contact editor Thomas Rozwadowski at recognize and report suspicious activity. [email protected] or 651-962-5269 As part of its commitment to protecting women and children, Carlson is supporting to nominate yourself or another teen. ThreeSixty Journalism’s coverage related to the empowerment of young women during the 2013-14 school year. We are deeply grateful for this support.

14 threesixtyjournalism.org Ra ce brother ali from page 13 hit among my peers. Whenever and criticized by peers. really spoke to me. I was always Drowning out the sexually explicit song played For example, a white person really spiritual and I wanted to on the radio, I’d think, “Why is who likes rap and dresses in a believe the Christianity that I was this on the radio? I don’t relate hip-hop manner gets called an being taught. But I just couldn’t. the noise to this. There’s no point to it.” So ugly term like “wigger”—someone There were, like, theological I started listening to indie rock, who is white and acts “black” or things and doctrine things that I and in later years, heavier rock “ghetto.” But take a look around— just couldn’t believe. And hearing Musical tastes don’t have to be and “smarter” pop that doesn’t there are more white rappers Malcolm X’s teachings just solidi- constantly reference sex, drugs than ever, be it Macklemore, fied it that much more to me. defined by skin color, peer groups and clubbing. Mac Miller, Eminem, and locally, But then also external things— I can see where the stereotypes Brother Ali and Slug from the fact that everybody respected in music come from. People tend Atmosphere. Islam. So even though all of my to look for artists who they can Where would those rappers friends were smoking, drinking, The piano starts to play. relate to, and unfortunately, that’s be if someone had made them Aamino selling drugs, carrying guns, get- I recognize the tune immediately: often about appearance or what feel guilty about listening to Hirmoge ting in fights and having sex, all “Welcome to the Black Parade” by Harding High everyone else in their circle of “black” music when they were that, my spirit was (saying) that My Chemical Romance. School friends might listen to. young? Where would Run wasn’t me. It’s such a beautiful melody to The stereotype also comes DMC be if they’d refused to Whereas if you were a Muslim, start a song with. from race distribution in the work with Aerosmith on “Walk and you really were about that life, When I listen to it, all my being accused of not acknowl- music field. Black artists dominate This Way” because rock music that was respect. And that’s where fears go away and I feel like I can edging my race as my own. All the hip-hop, R&B and soul scenes, was “too white?” the name Brother Ali came from. conquer anything. It does what a because of the music I listen to. while whites are the majority in A great example of uniting (Friends) would be playing dice or good song should do. I listen to all types of music, rock, country and folk music. through music was the kick-off smoking or whatever, but when I’d Lead singer Gerard Way fin- anything from rap to rock, pop But there are some that cross ceremony for the 2010 World come around, they’d be like, “Oh, ishes the first verse, giving way to to indie. Some of my favorite color lines. Lenny Kravitz is prob- Cup in South Africa. A group don’t do that around Brother Ali.” massive drums and guitars as the artists and bands include My ably the most well-known exam- of multicultural artists, includ- It was almost like a title of respect. song transforms into an all-out Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, ple of a modern-day black rocker. ing Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and So, there was that. celebration. I picture the black Green Day, System Of A Down, Lajon Witherspoon, lead singer of K’naan performed. parade roll out on a destroyed Marilyn Manson, Mindless Self Sevendust, is black. Darius Rucker While K’naan sang “Waving What advice do you have for street, just like in the music video. Indulgence, Lady Gaga, Queen, is a black country artist. Flag,” you could see everyone teenagers who are exploring their I see the band giving it their all on Two Door Cinema Club, Tegan It’s not just a black and white in the audience getting into the identity for the first time? the float. and Sara, M.I.A. and Macklemore. issue, either. Dir En Grey is one of music, cheering and raising their To me, the coolest thing about I’m not paying attention to the When I listen to a song, I the few Japanese rock bands. The hands throughout the song. They being a youth is that you’re in a lot commotion on my bus in St. Paul. listen to the message, rhythm and late Freddie Mercury of Queen weren’t divided into nations or of situations that aren’t comfort- I’m fully immersed in the music. artistry. I don’t pay attention to was from Zanzibar and grew up races. They were one. able and aren’t all set up for you The guy behind me taps my stereotypes or what the singer’s in India, and we all know how It was beautiful to see that to be comfortable. I think that’s shoulder. I look over to see a black race is. That’s how music should famous he was. on live television—thousands of a huge opportunity. It used to be kid around my age, dressed in be absorbed. If you like it, then Yet people constantly stereo- people from all over the world, of that you get married, you start hip-hop attire. enjoy it. Who cares if it’s a white type music and expect that only all skin tones and races, uniting having kids and you’re expected “You listen to that heavy metal rapper or a black singer? one race can “own” a specific because they related to a song. to work. It’s a new phenomenon stuff?” he says. Around eighth grade, the song genre. Anyone who doesn’t follow Look, I know people will con- to have a maturing, early adult “You think you’re white? Listen “3” by Britney Spears was a huge these “rules” will be questioned tinue to judge my music prefer- set-like mind—a real sense of to something normal, not this ences. I get that it won’t stop until things and not have to take care of white music.” music genres—and expectations all your needs. And most people (Sigh). This again? for each other—become more waste that time. But the people I’ve been asked so many times I can see where the stereotypes in music racially diverse. that see it for what it really is and why I listen to certain types of come from. People tend to look for artists who When someone challenges me make use of it, you could do some music. It all follows the same about listening to My Chemical really amazing things. refrain: “Why do you listen to they can relate to, and unfortunately, that’s often about Romance or Macklemore, all I’m white music?” “Do you think going to say is, “Define white This interview transcript has been you’re white?” appearance or what everyone else in their circle music. Define black music.” edited. For a longer version, visit I’ve also grown ridiculously Why create a racial divide www.threesixtyjournalism.com. tired of being called an “Oreo” and of friends might listen to. where it doesn’t need to be?

February / March 2014 15 On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Ra interviews about race our writers have compiled for 21 Twin Cities students participated in a ThreeSixty this issue, ThreeSixty’s hope is that these powerful multimedia project centered on microaggressions— student voices will create greater dialogue in local or as defined by Columbia University psychologist schools and communities. ¶ The topic of race isn’t Derald Wing Sue, “the daily verbal, ce easy to talk about. But our aim is simple: If we’re behavioral or environmental Photos by Victoria Turcios genuinely curious, how can we ask others about victoriaturcios.smugmug.com indignities, whether intentional or their race or religion without offending? What can Special thanks to unintentional, that communicate Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune we learn from each other? ¶ Please share your hostile or negative racial slights own microaggressions or advice about the toward people of color.” ¶ Inspired by a Fordham above questions on our ThreeSixty Facebook page. Also, for videos University photo project, ThreeSixty asked its students to write down a of our students discussing their microaggression sign, visit www. microaggression they’ve experienced. Together with several essays and threesixtyjournalism.org or our YouTube channel.

“See what?” Amber, sensing Josh was tread- like Lil Wayne and Drake to see what “You’re not black” “That group of ghetto black kids ing dangerous water, attempted to I was missing. outside of the class,” Josh chimed in. clarify. How could these two cultures be “You guys, they were just listening “What Josh is trying to say is we so different? How can one emphasize Three minutes before I’m late to music”—like I had to apologize for don’t … consider you ... see you as … community so much while the other to class. Deborah relating. black.” focuses so heavily on the individual? Honore I dodge students jogging to their John F. Kennedy “Yeah, but do they have to be so “Exactly, you’re not really black,” I didn’t know which black culture next hour, bags bouncing so loudly I High School bla ….” Amber paused awkwardly. Josh said, as if a big weight had come I fit in, so … am I not black? What can hear rattling books and pencils. I “No, say it. You’d say it if I wasn’t off his shoulders. was wrong with me? What was I quickly glide through the fluorescent here. Do they have to be so black, I got up, walked to my seat, and doing wrong? I felt like Sojourner lit hallways praying I won’t be late Yeah, I know this one. I bounce right?” said nothing. I walked to my next Truth: “Ain’t I a (black) woman?” again. along too, even throw in an aye. “I’m so sorry, Debbie. I didn’t class. Again, nothing. For the rest Because of Josh and Amber, I had My typical route to third hour I laugh at the guys who are enthu- mean to offend you,” Amber said. of the day, those words echoed in been made to feel as if I no longer Civics brings me past the same siastically bobbing their heads with “Why on earth would that not my head. fit my birthright. Except the more I cliques. I arrive to class with just the bass and jokingly singing along. I offend me? You’re not black. thought about it, I began to realize enough time to spare when I notice head to my seat with a smile, replay- “Well, you don’t count,” Josh said, that I hadn’t lost my blackness. It had m the usual crowd of African-American ing the medley in my head. backing up Amber. been taken away from me. teens clustered by the entrance. A few desks away, another group “What’s that supposed to mean?” After that day, I became obsessed The image of black that Josh I know most of them; half I’d con- of friends is talking and laughing in “You know, you’re not like them. with “the black identity.” I dissected and Amber described was built on sider close friends. They’re blasting the corner of class. Out of curiosity, I You’re different,” he said with a ner- current and past black cultures. I stereotypes—the same ones I saw Lil Wayne through someone’s phone walk over to hear the joke. vous hint in his voice. watched YouTube videos on lead- when I looked up Lil Wayne and the speaker. Everyone simultaneously “Hey, what’s so funny?” I stared at him, confused. He’s ers like Martin Luther King Jr., Ella hip-hop community. belts aye aye aye to the beat of the “You didn’t see them?” Amber talking about me like I’m some type of Fitzgerald and Maya Angelou. I lis- Ratchet. Ghetto. Thug. song. I stop to listen. giggled. hybrid out of a science-fiction flick. tened to mainstream hip-hop artists stereotypes continued on page 24

16 threesixtyjournalism.org Deborah Honore “I’m so confused. I don’t understand why my skin tone correlates to my intelligence. Like, it baffles me. I just thought we could be over this, and we’re not … We can be so much better than this.”

February / March 2014 17 Brianna Skildum Ra “It hurts that they judge me by what I look like ce rather than the things that I do. I am one of the people in the Native “You’re only pretending” community that actually appreciates being Native.”

If you’ve ever moved Minneapolis? I feel eyes on away from your child- Brianna me, judging: “She’s white.” Skildum hood home, you might “She’s not white.” Roosevelt know what it’s like to see a High School How should I speak familiar place yet feel like when I’m at school? “She you no longer belong. only calls herself Native to For instance, you might get attention.” “She doesn’t walk past the house you grew up in and see new use ‘Rez English.’ She’s not one of us.” people living in it, or notice that the wallpa- How should I respond to my peers? “She just per from your bedroom has been torn off and wants to be better than us, which she isn’t. She’s replaced with beige paint. just white like the rest of us.” As a Native American, I feel alien in my own Being Native offends whites, being white land. Some of my peers, along with adults who offends Natives. I can’t win. Aamino I’ve just met, make me feel like I don’t belong. I remember an incident from fourth grade Hirmoge I’m sure it’s the same for other people and during show and tell when I decided to high- “I know what race I races, but I feel like this all the time. light my moccasins, which were very important am. I look in the mirror I am a Native American. Native to this coun- to me. When it was my turn to share, I put every day. I identify as try. My father is as close to being a full-blooded them on, played Native music and proudly a black person. And Ojibwe Native as you get in his generation, and began to dance. But after I started, another you’re telling me I consider myself Native because of the way we girl in my class began mocking the music. The that because of the carry out our daily lives. teacher repeatedly asked her to stop, but she music I’m listening We respect the music, dance and food. replied, “What? I’m only pretending, like she is.” to, I think I’m white? We follow the same rituals of our ancestors. I hated it so much. She thought I was “just No! That’s not how Whether attending powwows, dancing, singing, pretending” to be Native. it works.” smudging (cleansing one’s body with smoke It works the other way, too. My dad always from sage) or going to lodge, we pride ourselves talks about how the Native community is on being very traditional. accepting of others but hard on its own. Yet I’m always asking myself why I feel like I Though elders say that he is true Native, the don’t belong. Why I feel so different. majority of his peers criticize the way he I don’t fit in with the typical “white girl” speaks, what he does for a living and judges the group. My skin isn’t light enough, I’m not a fact that he married my mother, who is white. blonde cheerleader-type, and I don’t use the He’s “American”—or at least is trying too hard same off-putting slang as my peers. to be. Victoria Turcios But I also don’t fit in with the “true Native” Yet our family accepts and follows Native “Mexican isn’t a language. group since my skin and hair are too light for traditions. We smudge. We go to lodge. We It’s where you come from, them. Because appearance is so important, I pray to the creator. an origin. Spanish is a always feel compelled to hide my face or tell But those traditions aren’t enough. We are language. People all over Natives I meet for the first time that, yes, I still outcasts because of ethnic factors beyond Latin America speak it, am one of them. That way, they don’t get the our control. but that doesn’t justify chance to decide for themselves. There shouldn’t be one defining characteris- people saying those kinds So what am I? tic of a mixed race teen. Why can’t we all just be of things.” Both sides tell me that I don’t belong and I who we are and say what we want to be? Why should stick with “the other side.” Yet I’m also do we have to fit neatly in the same group as not allowed to call myself Native or white since determined by someone else? I don’t fully fit the general “being” of either title. Especially with our generation, since inter- When they look at me, they say that I am racial marriage is only going to increase. Pretty something other than what I am. Why can’t I soon there won’t be a person alive who belongs just be? to a singular race. It’s all confusing to me. How should I act So let’s stop trying to force everyone into when walking to my job on Lake Street in one.

18 threesixtyjournalism.org Kimberly Martinez Madie Ley “You can’t just assume “It makes me feel like that everyone is an illegal I can’t have a sense of immigrant or that it’s uniqueness or that I can’t a bad thing. Because be different. That just sometimes students that because I’m white, I’m are illegal immigrants, this generic blank slate. it wasn’t their choice … I can’t have an opinion. and their parents brought I can’t support … or them here.” empathize.”

Nichelle Heu Mina Yuan “I’m just tired of “The teacher (who made explaining myself— the comment) was who I am, what I do, basically assuming that and what my culture is. we were immigrants It makes me feel like and that we don’t speak they can’t tell me (apart) English, even though we from different races. I do because we were all feel like I am the same born here … She was as everybody, and I am treating us as if we were not. I am one of a kind. less than she was.” Hmong.”

Amira Riley Davis Warren-Yearby “It makes me feel like my “It makes me feel status as a black person pissed off, because I is invalid—because I like being black. And don’t fit a stereotype. I don’t like it when That I don’t get to identify people try to degrade or myself as being black put down other people because I don’t fit … the that look like me based requirements of being on how a small group black.” of people act that look like me.”

February / March 2014 19 Freddy McConnell Ingrid Sabah “Not every tall, black, “It’s not OK, because … physically fit guy plays they’re trying to put me basketball. Maybe I want in their little boxes. Like, to do theatre and be I am not as urban or as an actor and not play hip-hop … or I dress a basketball.” certain way and shop at a certain place, and they’re just like, ‘Oh, you’re not like the rest of them.’”

Shay Sagal Abdirahman Radhakrishnan “I don’t mind people “It’s just irritating to me, being curious, because I because they assume I like when people ask me know everything about questions about what I computers just because wear or where I am from. I’m Indian and I’m Anybody can ask me why suddenly tech support.” I wear a hijab, but … a lot of times it comes off as rude, but they just don’t realize it.”

Andi Nadya Darwesh Singh Amanda “It happens anywhere, “Everybody who (meets) regardless of the me for the first time, situation. Sometimes … they say … ‘Oh no, I I don’t even see them thought you’re bald.’ there, and I just hear a And then I say, ‘So, does question (shouted out) it matter if I’m bald or like, ‘What do you have not? I’m still human and under there?’” I’m a girl.’ Because in my religion, they say, ‘Cover anything that you think is beautiful.’ ”

20 threesixtyjournalism.org Danielle Wong Ra “(It can be) kind of flattering that they assume that I always ce reach for the stars, but then again, it also makes the Chinese person or “Well then, what are you?” Asian person feel like they need to please, and that “Mom’s teaching me I’ve always found this is not OK.” Simone Cazares how to mix colors. She says St. Paul funny since Mexican is that if I mix red, yellow, Conservatory actually the least of what black and white paints in For Performing I am—25 percent—yet the right combination, I Artists because of my last name, will have the right brown tan skin and bold facial fea- for a picture of me. tures, that’s all people seem “The right brown? But Mom, brown is to see. Often they’re surprised when they find brown,” I say. out that I don’t speak Spanish or have tacos for “That’s not so,” Mom says. “There are lots of dinner every night. different shades of brown.” “Well then, what are you?” This is a passage from one of my favorite When I tell them, they’re surprised. Baou Lee books as a child, “The Colors of Us” by Karen “You’re black?” “I would always get this Katz. The story is about a little girl who wants I get this all the time. Apparently I’m too said to me because to paint a self-portrait. Originally, she believes light skinned. “Don’t they realize that there are I wouldn’t be in the that there is only one shade of brown, but her many shades of black?” the little girl inside me kitchen helping the mother—an artist—teaches her that there are wants to ask. other ladies serve the actually many different shades. “But you don’t talk black or act black.” guys … I don’t really As a multicultural couple, my parents Oh, you mean ghetto? I’m black, and the need to do this because believed that it was important to read books way I speak is the way I speak. So tell me, how I don’t feel obligated. I like “The Colors of Us” so that I understood is that not talking black? don’t even know you.” those lessons. Here’s the problem: Most people perceive My dad, who is black and Mexican- being black as acting ghetto—or “street”—but American, is slightly lighter than milk choco- for my family and plenty of others, that’s not late. My mom, who is Canadian and Jamaican, the case. is the color of flan coated with caramelized My black heritage consists of listening to jazz sugar. My younger sister and I are a mix, but and making collard greens and sweet potato pie her skin color is still slightly different from on Thanksgiving. For me, that black heritage mine. She is the color of creamy caramel, and I also includes my Mom’s Jamaican roots, which am the color of milky espresso. means listening to reggae and eating ackee and Like the girl in the book, I would often codfish on Christmas morning. mix colors to create these shades because my There’s another part of my heritage that I Alayna Xiong 20-count box of crayons only gave me three can’t ignore: Being Canadian. My grandmother “Just because I have options—peach, yellow or brown. There was was from Toronto. smaller eyes or I have no in-between. As a little kid, that would often “Who’s that lady in the picture with you?” yellowish skin or black upset me. friends will sometimes ask, followed by, “What? hair, that doesn’t make Didn’t the people who made crayons know You’re white?” me Japanese. Why do that there was more than just one color of Her pale white skin, blonde hair and blue you have to think that brown? eyes look very different from my tan skin, curly all Asians are Japanese, Outside of my family, the world didn’t seem brown hair and brown eyes. But she was just Chinese or Korean? I to know either. When most people looked at “grandma” to me. A grandma who loved trips mean, there are more me, they only saw one ethnicity: Mexican. That to the park, tea parties and buying me lots of than that.” still happens. In fact, it’s only become worse as stuffed animals. I’ve grown older. color continued on page 25

think Do you identify with one race more than another? Think about what has influenced spot that decision. Are parents or peer groups a factor?

February / March 2014 21 Ra ce

shifting IDENTITIES partner, Liebler said. “If he had come to Chicago call- Mixed results Change in identity is common, “(Mixed race) people are more ing himself multiracial, he would although entirely unpredictable and likely to choose the race of the group have had no political career. And I random, Liebler said. For example, of people they live around or are think if he called himself multira- The challenges of being multiracial recent data shows that the number of surrounded by,” she said. “While our cial now, black people would see it Native Americans who changed their society is opening up, it still kind of as a betrayal.” go well beyond a checkmark race from single to mixed is almost expects us to be of a single race.” According to the Times, in 2011, the same as the number of Native Those who struggle to belong to the Census Bureau cited that “the Americans who changed their race a single group also experience set- number of Americans who identi- the opposite way. Liebler has yet to backs in everyday life, said Liebler, fied themselves as being of more “German, British, Black, find a logical way to explain this. who cited a recent study about than one race in 2010 grew about Irish, Native … I think that’s it.” Amolak Singh “At first, we thought it might just how mixed race high schoolers 32 percent over the last decade. The This is how Elizabeth Wiley, 15, of Nova Classical be a bunch of teenagers messing struggling with identity often had number of people who identified as St. Paul describes herself. However, Academy around on a form. But then we saw worse grades and a worse social both white and black jumped 134 on most forms, she can only mark that even old people were doing it,” life than their peers. percent. Nearly 50 percent more herself as “mixed”—which doesn’t Liebler said. Further complicating The conversation even extends children were identified as mul- begin to capture the extent of her how complicated and diverse their matters is that any noticeable trends to President Obama. Born of a tiracial, making that category the ethnic diversity. backgrounds are, perhaps trickier for in mixed race identity also fail to cor- black, Kenyan father and a white fastest-growing youth demographic While some steps have been them is the desire to claim authentic- relate with gender or class. mother from Kansas, Obama is in the country.” taken to offer greater classification ity with—and belonging to—a single It makes sense that personal mixed race, yet doesn’t identify Savannah Broadnax, 15, a stu- and clarity for a new multiracial gen- racial community, Liebler said. issues can also influence racial himself that way—even though he dent at St. Paul Conservatory for eration—for instance, 2000 marked “There are many complications identities, Liebler said. While some has the ability to on federal forms. Performing Artists, said that her the first time that people could and factors that play into racial multiracial individuals may choose Despite being raised primarily by racial identity has evolved based on identify as more than one race on the identity, and it is often subjective a race that is convenient for them— his mother, Obama marks him- her surroundings. Broadnax’s father United States Census—it isn’t true of to the race. For example, Native based on how easy or difficult it self as black and is considered the is African-American, while her every form or application. Americans, even if they have three is to get a job or a scholarship, for “black president, not the mixed mother is white. Although she con- And let’s face it: “Multiracial is a white grandparents, are almost example—others pick their race race president,” Liebler said. siders herself to be black, her identity big word,” said Carolyn Liebler, an certainly going to call themselves based on the inherent human desire “Obama made the politically has shifted with age. assistant professor of sociology at the Native because race is a political to fit in. For instance, multiracials correct choice,” political scien- “When I was little, I kept my hair University of Minnesota. issue for them,” said Liebler, who who decide to label themselves as tist Robert C. Smith told the Los straight, and did other things to try With mixed race individuals wrote her dissertation on trends a single race often may do so to Angeles Times after Obama’s to fit in,” said Broadnax, who went often further restricted because of within Native American identity. increase their chances of finding a census choice became public. multiracial continued on page 25

Amolak Singh Ninis “Even though they don’t Widyaningrum say it, it automatically “When I came here and assumes that anyone I saw the box and I had who wears a turban and to check the races, I was is dark skinned is like, confused. Because I had a terrorist or someone to check the race, and it who is bloodthirsty, just doesn’t matter what even though that’s a race we are. We are just very small minority of the same.” people.”

22 threesixtyjournalism.org POWERING DREAMS. BUILDING LEADERS. COMCAST IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THREESIXTY JOURNALISM. stereotypes from page 16 wanted to know what she had learned from SPRING SPORTS Stereotypes that many black teens follow as her past when it came to stereotypes and inse- a guideline to define themselves as authenti- curities based on racial identity. cally black. She didn’t have one person or thing to Because I don’t follow those same stereo- blame. Instead, Wendy explained that it’s a types, I’m not black. mixture of students’ hunger for a community I had to decide: Were Josh and Amber in and a lack of historical pride passed from the wrong? Or were they innocently ignorant? older generations that can lead to accepting They didn’t know any better, so should I be stereotypes. When you don’t have a strong mad at them for what they’d said? Are they to lineage to fall back on, or haven’t been told blame for my identity crisis? what to stand up for and represent as a I had so much bitterness toward this culture, it’s easy to settle for someone else’s narrow identity of black, but no outlet. I interpretation. became angry with the media and everyone For instance, a common black stereotype who enforced these stereotypes. I was so is being uneducated. Wendy obviously didn’t mad that I decided if I couldn’t be “their believe in that stereotype. Growing up, her version” of black, then I didn’t want be black parents and elders told her, “Wendy, you can at all. be whoever you want to be. You can do what- I completely disassociated myself from the ever you want to do … you may have to work a stereotypical image Josh and Amber saw in little harder to get there, but you can.” that crowd of students. I needed someone to She refused to fall into the common trap. blame, so I blamed everyone who followed the She chose not to “assimilate with the dominant stereotypes. trait.” The following week, I decided to find some- Our talk opened me to important perspec- where I could belong. I looked for students like tives on stereotypes and how students struggle me who had been left behind, those stranded with them. As I reflected on the incident with to find an identity. You know how a common Josh and Amber, I kept searching for someone hate can bring different people together? to blame, when in truth, I should’ve blamed Imagine a bunch of students that hadn’t made myself. the cut. Not just black either, but Hispanic, Stereotypes don’t define you. You define Asian, white—you name it. Together we made yourself. a diverse clique for ourselves. So, fine. I’m not black enough. I play None of us fit into our race assigned ste- lacrosse. I’m in band. I love all music genres, reotype. Every day, we would poke fun at the be it country, rap, classical, R&B and dubstep. I labels we hated so much. My Hispanic friend fully enunciate my words. I love to learn. I suck would call herself a “beaner “ and “cholo.” My at basketball. Asian friends would poke fun at their math If the stereotypes are true, then I guess skills. I’d make jokes about getting pregnant Miley Cyrus and her Jordans are more black Stats and scores and more! and being a “baby mama.” We picked at each than me. other’s insecurities. When I look back at the incident with Josh If we could make it funny, then it wouldn’t and Amber, I can’t help but laugh. I was so StarTribune.com/preps be so hurtful, right? angry and felt like a victim. While I was right Except the more I tried to smile through it, to speak up, I was just as ignorant about my Photo ©Star Tribune the worse I felt. Perpetuating stereotypes felt identity as they were. My friends said they Lacrosse like a bigger disappointment than being sent to were sorry. To them, not being black was their a racial no man’s land. odd way of complimenting me. Tennis Each day at lunch that I carelessly laughed I’m my own person. I’m Ethiopian, and joked only validated those stereotypes. I Congolese and African-American. I’m Softball became worse than Josh and Amber. I became comfortable with black, white or multiracial worse than the stereotypes that I hated so groups. Because I’m not scared of other back- Baseball much. grounds and cultures—and because I’m proud Because I knew better. of my own—I can relate to anyone. I realize Cross Country now that it’s a rare quality to have. m Soccer Before writing this piece, I wanted to have I sought answers from Wendy Burns, the solid answers about race relations. I wanted to director of student activities and leadership figure it all out in the hopes that this essay would development at Hamline University, before bring closure to me—and of course, the reader. writing this piece. I asked Wendy, who is In the end, I simply learned that I like who I African-American, whether her students have am. I’m uniquely Deb. struggled with the same problems. Also, I That’s all the closure I need.

24 threesixtyjournalism.org Color from page 21 a black mom and a white dad. My parents also used to read it to me as a child. The book even black is brown is tan spaces out the words to show that, although is girl is boy families have different skin tones and ethnici- is nose is face ties, they are still the same, still equal. is all the colors My mom likes the multiracial label, while of the race my dad prefers to be more specific, identify- is dark is light ing himself as a black man with Mexican singing songs heritage. I’m not sure exactly how I want to in singing night identify myself. kiss big woman hug big man Regardless, my parents wanted me to know black is brown is tan that no matter how I choose to identify, we are this is the way it is for us this is the way we are all still the same, all still equal. And to never let anyone tell me otherwise. big That’s “black is brown is tan,” a poem by “This is the way it is for us, this is the way Arnold Adoff about a multicultural family with we are.”

multiracial from page 22 through the years for that very reason,” said to a mostly white suburban school. ”Now, I’ve Edyn McLeod, 15, vice president of Project really grown to love myself more and be myself, RACE’s teen division. no matter what the situation.” “But it is more than that. Proper racial Though her mom considers Broadnax to be identification can actually be a life or death mixed race, she places a greater emphasis on issue. Multiracial people are almost invisible in her African-American side. medical data.” “At first I really didn’t think about it. But at McLeod, of East Brunswick, N.J., was some point, I realized that everybody con- born from a Jamaican-Hungarian father and a deal sidered me black, and so I started to identify Belarusian mother. As the VP of Project RACE, myself as African-American,” Broadnax said. McLeod promotes her organization’s work through social media. SPREADING AWARENESS “The way I look at it, I would never want to SAVE 50-80% Examining appropriate racial and ethnic clas- choose one parent’s race over the other,” she said. sifications has been the focus of Project RACE, For young multiracials, identity is a lifelong on local a national advocacy organization headquar- conversation. Since the data can be “messy,” food tered in California, since it began in 1991. The Liebler said, it is more important for mixed race organization’s goal to spread awareness has led people to think about themselves individually entertainment to legislation for multiracial classifications in rather than categorically. shopping multiple states. “They should be teaching us, rather than us “Proper racial identification is important teaching them. They should tell us what they’re online offers for many reasons. First of all, words matter. experiencing, because we clearly don’t get it,” What you call people matters. The name for Liebler said. “Embracing and exploring is much and much more African-Americans, for instance, changed better than choosing.”

Microaggressions roll call

Sagal Abdirahman, St. Louis Park High School • Andi Nadya Amanda, Highland Park High School • Riley Davis, Hamline University • Nichelle Heu, Harding High School • Aamino Hirmoge, Harding High School • Deborah Honore, Bloomington John F. Kennedy • Baou Lee, Bloomington John F. Kennedy • Madie Ley, Elk River High School • Kimberly Martinez, Harding High School • Freddy McConnell, St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists • Shay Radhakrishnan, Math and Science Academy • Ingrid Sabah, Bloomington John F. Kennedy • Amolak Singh, Nova Classical Academy • Darwesh Singh, Minnesota Transitions Charter School • Brianna Skildum, Roosevelt High School • Victoria Turcios, Minneapolis Community S I G N U P AT T W I N C I T I E S . C O M and Technical College • Amira Warren-Yearby, St. Louis Park High School • Ninis Widyaningrum, Lakeville South High School • Danielle Wong, Eastview High School • Alayna Xiong, Harding High School • Mina Yuan, Wayzata High School

February / March 2014 25 YourTurn Winners

showing everyone around me. I was At a young age, I didn’t know What have you showing staff, teachers, students, who I really was. I had to go through coaches—everyone—that I was a so much in order to actually know fighter. Knowing I let my parents what I stood for. To this day, I am learned from failure? down was devastating. Was this who unsure of who the person LaMyiah I was becoming? A girl who lets her Harvel is, and will be, but there parents down? Someone who is care- are a couple things I do know for The awesome job. The dream college. The spot on the JV basketball team. “Everyone is looking at you Myiah.” less and comes to school just to get sure. I know college is where I want Sometimes we simply don’t get what we want. Whether it’s because of “Are you going to stand for this?” into trouble? Did I even care about to be. I know that I am an ambi- something completely out of our control, or something we did or didn’t do— “Just let her win?” “Let it go?” “Or my future? tious young lady, and I am ready to we still perceive it as failure. But, how we react to and learn from a setback is fight?” Ignorantly, I followed the That night I cried, both out of commit to my education. I joined what will impact the future. thought that told me to get up and frustration and confusion. This was a college preparation class called The winning essays detail a hardship and how the writer overcame it. show her I wasn’t anything to play not who I wanted to be. I was worth AVID (Advancement Via Individual Rather than dwelling in the disappointment, the essayists triumphed thanks with. I fought her. more. The people around me, that Determination) during my sopho- to persistence and personal reflection. This began my first test of trying take the time out of their day to be more year. I’ve been through many to figure out who I really was as a with me, deserved better. My parents tests and have learned many lessons person. At the time, I felt like what deserved better. and I am ready for the next step When I first started high I did was right. She threw a book at My attitude about who I was toward my future goals. First place school, I didn’t know what to expect. me. I’m not a pushover. All of the changed the next day. I decided I High school isn’t yet over for me, ($100 prize) I wanted my first day to be like the time I sat in the principal’s office, I wasn’t going to let the people around but I see the values in the lessons I movies. Get lost, sit at lunch with made every attempt to make myself me believe that I was a bad person. I have learned. Besides keeping grades strangers—who eventually become believe everything was the other was better than what they had seen up, staying away from the wrong LaMyiah Harvel, friends—meet new friends, and go girl’s fault. the first day of school. I didn’t fight, people and being involved, I will Central High School home anxious to tell my parents how That evening, I went home to a didn’t get suspended and didn’t get have to go through so much more. wonderful my day was. My first day screaming mom and the most disap- sent out of class. I joined Girl Scouts It will all be worth it. And maybe Judge’s notes: “A genuine and didn’t turn out to be that way. pointed dad. The principal of my and got a mentor. I played sports and someday I can tell my story to a heartfelt reflection on the writer’s My first day of high school was school personally called my dad. She had good grades. crowd of people. situation. Not only did she give the day I experienced my first con- explained to him how hard it was to insight into what she learned from frontation. A former classmate of get me into this school and how she the incident, but how loved ones mine—that I had never gotten along was second-guessing if it was a good Knowing I let my parents down around her were also affected. with—walked past me. Instead of not choice. The look on my dad’s face Made for a compelling story into saying anything, I impetuously spoke brought me back to reality. He worked was devastating. Was this who I was how she failed at something and out loud, calling her ugly. Words hard to get me into Central. I don’t live becoming? A girl who lets her parents how she was able to turn it into a were said between the two of us, and in the area, but he was determined to positive in the end. The story had eventually, she threw a textbook at get me into a good school. down? Someone who is careless and comes clear details about what the failure me, which hit my shoulder, barely That night, I was left with my was, the progression (and repercus- missing my face. My body began to thoughts. I realized that I wasn’t to school just to get into trouble? Did I sions) of her actions and the learn- boil as my face turned red. Thoughts just showing myself what type of ing process afterward.” rushed into my head all at once. person I could potentially be—I was LaMyiah Harvel even care about my future?

subsequently applied her learning are relevant mastered, so this program would be a breeze. Sorry. Second place and thoughtful.” When the time arrived, I snatched the forms And, I crumbled. With one word, my future ($50 prize) and blazed through the cliché application disappeared. I let down my family and friends, I’m Abigail Judge and I’m kind of a big deal. It’s questions with an arrogant smirk. Not being and I let down myself. Suddenly I was not the an undeniable fact, or at least my sixth grade accepted seemed like an impossible outcome. best or the smartest, I was a failure. Abigail Judge, Mounds Park Academy ego assured me it was undeniable. I strutted After unworried months spent bragging My life changed—but not in the dramatic around silently believing I was the smart- to relatives and friends about the challenging way I envisioned. It didn’t end, and my future Judge’s notes: “Bringing the ending precisely est sixth grader to grace the Earth—modesty course—using rhetoric like “college-prep” and was not ruined; yet I predicted the end to my back to the opening is a nice touch, especially was not one of my strengths. Therefore, I had “challenging” to convince them of my compat- egocentric world, and my competitive self given the author’s enlightened understanding to apply to the “tough program,” an ultra- ibility with the program—the long awaited vanished. I emerged a light-hearted risk-taker, of what makes her ‘kind of a big deal’ after the competitive enrichment course. There was no letter arrived. With one word, two syllables, my impervious to the dread of failure. Leaving my initial failure. And the examples of how she challenging academic subject that I had not narcissistic world disintegrated. comfort zone became the norm, as sticking to

26 threesixtyjournalism.org what I knew—logic-based hand, driving. Though I My life changed—but courses like mathemat- did not pass, I didn’t con- ics—seemed impractical sider myself a failure, as I not in the dramatic way I and unexciting. No longer would have in sixth grade. did applying for the PHAT I regained composure envisioned. It didn’t end, and leadership program in after shedding minimal eighth grade intensify my tears and rescheduled my future was not ruined; stress because it was non- my test, calling the first yet I predicted the end to academic. I applied and one a “test run.” However, understood that I might Abigail Judge my greatest risk of all, my egocentric world. . . not be admitted. After after days of contem- discovering I was welcomed into the plation, was deciding to apply for program, my ego did not inflate, I Yearbook Editor-in-Chief—despite I’m Abigail Emily Judge and I ESSAY CONTEST thanked those who accepted me and the uncertainty of not getting the am kind of a big deal. However, not gave myself a slight “pat on the back,” position—and competing against because of my academic achieve- quietly celebrating my successes. close friends for the role. Sixth grade ments or competitive attitude, but QUESTION As life becomes more compli- Abbie would have forgotten friend- because after my encounter with fail- cated and I become older, I remain ships and ruthlessly rivaled for the ure, I am adventurous enough to try How do you balance the freedom to high-spirited and adventurous. spot. But with my new and improved ambitious, nonacademic endeavors, be yourself on social media against Facing a milestone, the driver’s attitude, I resisted competitiveness re-attempt a task after defeat, and license test, I forgot the fears of not and vowed to accept the outcome, even take risks despite the possibility the risk of offending others or passing and focused on the task at favorable or not. of adverse outcomes. damaging your reputation?

When I was about four or five in the official sized hoop. After I Third place years old, my mom took me to the made my first shot, I made another, ($30 prize) park and I went to the basketball and another, and another. I felt like I hoops. I tried to make a basket on couldn’t stop! the official sized hoop. First try, I The day I made that first shot, it $100 Sanjay Lawler barely got the ball to hit the net. That felt like a great achievement. To this for the winning essay Roosevelt High School moment of failure was a blessing in day, I’m playing basketball almost Cash prizes for disguise. Another key part of that every day. I love basketball and I love Judge’s notes: “Overcoming failure moment is that I didn’t doubt myself. getting better at it. But, on the days 2nd and 3rd, too! by practicing is a great lesson to I had a specific feeling and drive to when I lack confidence in my game, learn, and this essay does a good job make the basket on that official sized I sometimes refer to that story. The of showing this with the example of hoop. I wasn’t focusing on how long story is one of the best life stories I’ve the writer trying to make a shot on it would take me. I focused only on ever learned. It tells me today that I DEADLINE: a regulation-size basket. I could just making the basket. can achieve whatever I want. It’s just see him trying again and again, and After I felt that motivation to about a matter of how much time APRIL 11 could feel his pride in finally making make my first basket in an official you put into it. a shot. The essay also does an excel- sized hoop, I never doubted myself. This story of failure has led me to lent job of explaining why failure can Starting the day after I failed to great things. I have met many friends be so fruitful in the closing section. make my first shot, my through basketball. I’ve Well done.” mom and I went to that gone out of my comfort same park every day after zone. I found something Submit your essay at: Failure is lack of success. It is mostly school. It took me weeks in my life that I really www.threesixtyjournalism.org/ always out of your control—and and weeks to make my love doing. Sometimes you probably can’t predict that it’s first basket. But, one day, it’s hard to find that YourTurnContest coming. However, once you experi- I tried a shot—and it hit special something in your ence failure, you can learn from it. the backboard and went life that you really love or Winning entries will be published This might get you more determined through the hoop. I went want to get better at. This online at www.threesixtyjournalism.org to try what you failed at again, but do to call my mom and I told is why you shouldn’t be and in the May 2014 magazine issue it differently and better the next time. her I made my first basket Sanjay Lawler scared to fail.

February / March 2014 27 professional and related to my Pieces of a puzzle research paper. I realized that, while she may have worked with my parents, she couldn’t know everything. Adoption journey feels like And if she didn’t have the answers, who would? ‘impossible scavenger hunt’ In the end, it was a great experience. Not only did I learn about unfortunate flaws in the child services department, but I also asked I’m sitting on the ground, questions that gave me insight into picking flowers. She calls my name Lana some of her past experiences. And Rubinstein in the distance. But as I turn around, that was the most important part. River Falls a milky fog obscures her face before High School I’m not the only one missing I can make out her exact features. puzzle pieces. So is Emily. So are Startled awake, my alarm clock countless children who have similar reads 1:30 a.m. It’s a school night Dec. 29, 1996 in Kazan, Russia. stories and who endure lives polar- and I should get some sleep, but my But those are just facts. ized by happiness and confusion. mind races. I can’t deny the persistent desire While I still don’t have a connection Is that really what she looks like? for the indescribable connection to my biological family, I gained Am I making her up? Will the fog one feels to a biological family a new one to adopted kids I may be thinner next time so I can get a member. A connection similar to never even meet. better look? the ones my friends, who are twins, Countless times people have This recurring dream, simul- feel toward each other. And the one asked, “Do you think you will ever taneously comforting and confus- that my sister, Aliya, 24, feels to my go back?” “To Russia, in search of ing, happens unexpectedly. It’s adoptive mother. answers?” Every time, I shake my comforting because it’s all I have of Aliya knows the exact time she head. No. my biological mother. It’s confus- was born. She looks in the mirror Because it’s the truth. It’s a ing because I don’t know if it’s and sees our mom’s bone structure strange kind of wanting. I want Submitted actually her. reflected. Her determination and Lana Rubinstein’s peek into her adoption past has been intimidating—but also information, but I don’t want to For as long as I can remember, organizational skills are cut directly liberating. Top: Lana as a young girl. Below: The Rubinstein family on vacation. know too much, to ruin the idea the words “adopted,” “choice” and from our mom’s character cloth. that I have, that my parents gave me “better life” have been part of my I envy that. up because they had to, not because personal vocabulary. But they Was I born in the early morn- always be the one who fully under- connection I felt to my personal they wanted to. haven’t always meant the same thing ing or mid-afternoon? I look in the stands me and knows what I’ve story that had the most significant I know my adopted family loves to me as they do now. mirror and wonder if my biological gone through. impact on me. me. I know that they will do any- My adoptive parents traveled mother had the same unusual hazel In my sophomore Honors Searching through my adop- thing in their power to make sure from River Falls, Wis. to Russia to eyes as me or if I got my nose from English class, I found a few more tion file in the basement, I found I have the best life possible. I don’t bring home a two-year-old strug- my dad. Where did my hyperactivity pieces. Under the watchful eye of the name of the Lutheran Social want to put my family through the gling to speak, stay healthy and come from? the toughest teacher I’ve ever had, Services adoption counselor, Beth potential hurt of digging into a past even smile. I’ve always thought of myself as a we covered literature, essays, poetry Opsal, who played a direct role that they tried so hard to remove me That girl is a stark contrast to the puzzle. I have some pieces, but I’m and prose. Near the end of the term, in my case. I was thrilled to find from. To me, it would be an impos- talkative, active and smiley 17-year- still trying to complete myself. we had to write the dreaded—cue the puzzle piece connected to the sible scavenger hunt. One where old I am today. I credit my adoptive So is my friend Emily. She and I dramatic music—research paper. woman who made sure my parents even the clues are hidden extremely parents with literally saving my life. met at a Jewish event when we were What topic could be important would be able to take care of me and well, let alone the answers. They’ve given me the opportunity 13. When it was my turn to share and interesting enough to hold my love me. I may never know all the details to discover who I am in a safe, com- an interesting fact during an ice- attention through this extensive Admittedly, I was terrified when of my lineage, my facial features forting and supportive environment. breaker, I proudly announced that I process? Why, adoption, of course! I first started looking her up. But I or if the woman in my dreams is They’ve been open and honest was adopted from Russia. The information I found during was proud of myself for taking the actually my biological mother. But with the limited details they have on “You stole mine!” she gasped. my research was astonishing: Facts initiative to interact with someone in considering myself a jumble of my adoption—my father’s last name We’ve been friends ever since. and figures that made me angry, linked to my mysterious past. unknowns, a puzzle that might is Konstantinovna, my original It’s a friendship based on mutual adoption stories that made me Our interview was through always be missing at least one piece, name is Svetlana and I was born on history and experiences. She’ll cry from happiness. But it was the e-mail. I kept my questions purely there’s comfort in that confusion.

28 threesixtyjournalism.org as possible at the same time.” What brands hold the most power among your peers? Is Enter a name brand store at think individual style important, or do name brands put pressure on Style in the the mall with $20 and you prob- spot teens to buy more expensive clothing so they can fit in? ably won’t get very far. But Evan Martinson, 20, of St. Paul, can leave bargain aisle a Goodwill or Marshall’s with an hunt. You don’t know what you’re notice the variety an original outfit fit for his professional job. going to be able to find. And that’s brand offers. Take, for instance, Big brands still hold sway, but thrift “You can get the whole combo the best part for me.” the denim section of Forever 21’s for $20, a pair of pants, shoes ... For Nathan Taylor, 19, of Maple website, which features 80 styles. shopping is making a fashionable dent and it looks like you’re wearing Grove—a self-proclaimed “broke Abercrombie offers seven. like, $400 or $500 worth of clothes.” college student”—the potential to “Name brand-wise, read the find a diamond in the rough is also reviews and carefully plan your THRILL OF THE HUNT thrilling. closet to decide what pieces are The average student Hutson, who has vowed to shop “I found a white T-shirt worth investing into,” Hutson said. spends all week looking forward to Kimberly solely at thrift stores in 2014, is with (Spot, the dog from “Little “If an item looks as good on a Martinez Friday. You know the old phrase, seasoned in the activity, as she’s Rascals”) on it at a thrift store. It hanger in a thrift store as it would Harding High “TGIF?” For local fashion blogger School been shopping this way since ninth was the coolest thing ever,” he said. in a regular store, definitely buy Zhenya Hutson, it’s “TGIT.” grade. Her wardrobe is 60 to 70 Hutson appreciates that the big that brand.” Hutson’s calendar doesn’t percent thrifted. She admits getting brands focus on quality, rather than A full-time preschool teacher, remind her of impending lunch American Public Media’s a thrill from the mysterious variety quantity. And they do host occa- Hutson admits that her blog has dates or professional development Marketplace reports that Stephanie occupying the Goodwill racks. sional sales, especially on Black also become “a full-time, every- meetings with fellow Minnetonka Wissick, senior research analyst “It’s the opportunity of … Friday, if you want to buy direct day routine.” She regularly scours school teachers. Rather, it details at Piper Jaffray, said Abercrombie having clothes that (are) differ- from say, Abercrombie. fashion websites, like Refinery29, the themes and outfits she posts & Fitch, American Eagle and ent,” she said. “Because the items “The one thing is, they do make StyleCaster and WhoWhatWear, on her blog for “Thrift Style Aeropostale represented a com- you can buy, they’re not going to quality clothing,” she said. “It’s not for inspiration. However, she says Thursdays.” bined 35 percent of teen spending be the latest collection. They’re the Forever 21, where you ... put it’s important not to get too caught It’s an original idea the Russian on fashion in 2006. Now, it’s a mere not going to be what’s on sale at a shirt in the wash and it comes up in outward appearances. native started for her three-year- 12 percent. Target, Kohl’s, (JC) Penney’s or out of the dryer and you can’t even “At the end of the day, it’s not old blog BeingZhenya.com. Since According to the investment any mass retailer. I can go and … donate it—you just have to toss it.” about the clothes,” she said. “It’s her first post, she has built a bank’s 26th semi-annual “Taking dig through, and it’s like a treasure If you’re serious about quality, about who you are.” fashion-conscious team of eight to Stock with Teens” market research nine other bloggers, located in the project, teens are still brand con- states and Canada, that collaborate scious, but not necessarily brand with her on the weekly project. loyal. “I wanted to find bloggers who Katie Thomas, 19, of were keen on the idea of (thrift Bloomington, loves designer Calvin shopping) and who want to spread Klein—but that doesn’t mean she’s the thrift love,” she said. “This is willing to shell out $54.99 for a pair not … a clique or a closed group. of basic, stretchy black leggings. It’s open, and if anybody else wants “His stuff is expensive, but when to do ‘Thrift Style Thursday,’ you you go (to Marshall’s), it’s $12. It’s are more than welcome.” like, ‘Whew, OK.’” Hutson represents allegiance to Looking stylish, but on a a growing trend in shopping cul- budget, is important to young ture—the shift of shopping solely at people. big brand retailers to finding deals Grammy-winning rapper at stores like Marshall’s, Plato’s Macklemore, whose 2012 single Closet and Goodwill, which sell “Thrift Shop” peaked at No. 1 brand names at lower prices. on the Billboard charts, said the premise of his song is “standing for

BEING BRAND CONSCIOUS ... let’s save some money, let’s keep Submitted The main appeal of the thrift shops some money away, let’s spend as Zhenya Hutson, a local fashion blogger, spreads her love of thrift shopping to readers of BeingZhenya.com on specially among teens? Price and variety. little as possible and look as fresh designated “Thrift Style Thursdays.”

February / March 2014 29 is to “promote intercultural appre- audience member’s approach to book- Malian performer Fatoumata Music with ciation and understanding through ing, having experience as a volunteer Diawara is a unanimous favorite of music,” said director of development before picking up a paid position. the trio. In her show at the Cedar Adrienne Dorn. Marketing director Michael last April, she pulled up four random a mission Fulfilling those goals for more Rossetto believes a strong sense of fans that reflected the global diver- than two decades hasn’t been an easy community is what makes the Cedar sity of the audience. Upon seeing a feat, especially in a music-rich area so intimate. He has experienced it young West African girl, a middle Cedar Cultural Center celebrates 25 years with abundant live entertainment firsthand, both as a staff member and aged West African dance instructor, offerings. But Dahlen excels at cap- musician. a Somali woman and an older white as a community conscious artists’ haven turing diversity in the Twin Cities. “The Cedar to (audience mem- man, Dorn remembered thinking, A University of Minnesota grad bers) exists as this little world,” “Everything we’ve been working who worked as an on-air DJ at Radio Rossetto said. “They have this con- toward is happening!” K, Dahlen not only books talented cept of the Cedar’s bubble.” One of Rossetto’s most memo- Concerts are for listening musicians, but also promotes a And there’s no shortage of proof. rable shows is from February. to great live music—or rather, Madie Ley unique global scene that no other As a nonprofit, the Cedar has a pool Minnesota Public Radio’s 89.3 The they should be. Elk River venue can match. By recognizing of nearly 300 volunteers, some that Current called it an “epic charity If you’re a weathered concert- High School these worldly musicians and the come as often as three times per concert,” unique not only to the goer in the Twin Cities, you’re likely communities they can bring together, week. Dahlen recalls one volunteer Cedar but also to the Twin Cities. familiar with the numerous music she allows fans to see the Twin Cities from Stillwater who commuted regu- To raise funds and awareness for venues it has to offer. On the other oriented so audience members are with a more cultured lens. larly to shows for years, using the Doctors Without Borders, the Cedar hand, you’ve also dealt with too close to the performers, no matter Dahlen utilizes resources like music to cope with chronic pain. hosted a 28-hour live drone—a music many pushy diehards and disrespect- where they sit. Minnesota Public Radio and glo- His “unspoken feedback” is style that emphasizes sustained and ful loudmouths to truly enjoy “There isn’t a bad seat in the balFEST New York to find the the best kind Dahlen can receive. repeated sounds—as part of the a favorite song. house,” Dahlen said. “I know that just right artistic fits. She also brings an The interaction between venue “Drone Not Drones” movement. Lucky for Sage Dahlen, rowdy sounds like a line you would throw and patron is a major reason the The idea stemmed from Duluth crowds aren’t a problem at the Cedar out ... but it’s really true.” Cedar has stuck it out for more two band Low’s 28-minute, one-song Cultural Center. Meant to serve as decades, she said. Rock the Garden performance. Acts a “listening room,” the Cedar is an INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR included Paul Metzger, Marijuana intimate and respectful setting where The Cedar is a nonprofit organiza- LOOKING BACK Deathsquads and Low. performers bring a different kind tion located in the Cedar-Riverside Celebrating 25 years as a music Although it was a different type of show, said Dahlen, the venue’s neighborhood of Minneapolis. venue has also allowed Dahlen, Dorn of concert experience, Rossetto said artistic director. Known for hosting a wide variety of and Rossetto to reflect on some of there was still a connection among Housing 200 spectators for a local, national and—most remark- their favorite memories. audience members. It wasn’t neces- seated show and 600 for sold out ably—international talent during the Described by the Cedar’s website sarily about the music, he said, but standing ones, the Cedar’s stage is last 25 years, the Cedar’s mission as “cooly infectious Afro-pop,” the reason behind the music. “The reason we’re working here is that on any given night, there’s a different community,” he said. Memorable moments that stick with Dahlen are similar to the live drone—shows that separate the Cedar from other Twin Cities venues. The Fiery Furnaces, nor- mally a four-person indie rock act, opted for a calmer, two-person show at the Cedar. Minnesota country- blues musician Charlie Parr, who often plays to standing crowds in clubs, prefers sit-down concerts at the Cedar for his older fans. The first show Dahlen worked as a paid

Pat O’Laughlin employee was a group of Cuban Grammy-nominated artist Femi Kuti, a Nigerian musician and eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, performs during a recent visit to Cedar Cultural Center. throat singers.

30 threesixtyjournalism.org “The Way I Work”

To celebrate its 25th anniver- sary, the Cedar also hosted a col- Sweet science lection of shows that highlighted the venue’s mission of cultural understanding. The kickoff show Meet the man behind Patisserie 46’s featured Oliver Mtukudzi, a staff favorite from Zimbabwe, and Staff chocolate-inspired masterpieces Joshua Werner, head chocolatier at other shows included Ethiopian “Chef John called me one day Patisserie 46, poses in front of the band Krar Collective, Malian and asked if I wanted to move to Minneapolis bakery’s dessert and performer Rokia Traore and Minneapolis,” Werner recalled. “And pastry-filled display case. Ukrainian group Dakhabrakha. How’s this for a fun job title? I said, ‘What’s in Minneapolis?’ And Head Chocolatier. Maya he said, “I am.” Shelton-Davies INTO THE FUTURE For Joshua Werner of Patisserie The rest is history. Werner River Falls So, what can music fans expect 46 in Minneapolis, it’s a delicious High School arrived in Minneapolis, willing to from the Cedar in the coming reality. take a chance on an empty space years? Fun and games, amid Werner, 27, has spent nearly his that would eventually transform into growing pains. entire life in the culinary arts, spe- chocolate and confections. I couldn’t one of the Twin Cities’ most highly As the Cedar’s community cifically with pastries and chocolate. believe some of the stuff they did regarded eateries. continues to expand, it may be His love affair with food started with the chocolate. It was beautiful Walking into Patisserie 46, the happening too fast for Dorn to while on family vacations in West and amazing, and for me it started first thing that grabs your attention keep up. Virginia, where—like most kids with the lifetime of being around food,” is the glass case filled with an artistic “I don’t know of any nonprofit a sweet tooth—he became enamored Werner said. assortment of desserts. They almost the sugars that you use, just to make that’s grown this quickly,” she with a local candy shop. After graduating high school, seem too pretty to be purchasable. sure it’s right. It’s all about precision,” said. “When it started out, I would just Werner enrolled in the French Pastry Werner’s unique craft can’t be Werner said. Whether creating new pro- look at the window to see what they School’s six-month program, where fully appreciated by seeing the final If the chocolate isn’t a specific grams or adding more positions, were making. And eventually they he gained extensive experience with product, though. To have earned temperature—whether dark, milk the Cedar staff has high hopes for would let me come in and work,” pastries and chocolate. At the French the title of “art” from loyal Patisserie or white—the entire batch has to the future. Getting supporters to Werner said. “So, it got to the point school, a typical day would consist patrons means employing a painstak- be re-done, Werner said. With all fund those ideas is where chal- where I would run out of the car of having a demonstration in the ing creation process. Even something the specifics and patience needed, a lenges arise, Dorn said. Hosting to get in there, and I would spend morning—then looking at recipes as seemingly simple as making a career as a chocolatier definitely isn’t 250 live shows a year is only a around two days of my vacation just and making desserts over the next 7 chocolate plaque to put atop a des- a cakewalk. fraction of the financial picture working.” to 8 hours. sert requires practiced precision. It “You have to have the passion for for a music-based nonprofit. Werner’s early inspiration set After working as a pastry chef/ becomes evident inside Werner’s it,” Werner said. “It has to be within Top of the list for new him on a path for culinary excellence chocolatier at a Las Vegas hotel for workroom as he skillfully maneuvers you, that this is what you want to go programming is the 416 Club. while at the National Restaurant five years, Werner received a call pools of chocolate on the cool gran- into 110 percent.” Funded by grants from The Association show in Chicago. As he from John Kraus, his former French ite, his movements so meticulous The long hours required of his Jerome Foundation, the 416 visited various booths, candy caught school instructor. Kraus was opening and fluid that it looks effortless. craft are also paying off in other Club commissioned seven local his eye once again. his own European-style bakery/res- Then again, why are chocolate ways. Patisserie 46 was recently artists—from a pool of more “I saw the French Pastry School, taurant—Patisserie 46—and needed plaques necessary in the first place? named to Dessert Professional’s Top than 100—to compose diverse and they had beautiful showpieces, a head chocolatier. “It changes (the dessert) from Ten list of chocolatiers in North interpretations of music. Dahlen something that looks good and tastes America. It’s one of many “surreal” is particularly enthusiastic about great to something extraordinary,” accolades Werner has received for this year’s original performers. Career advice Werner said. his desserts. “It’s been everything from a A big misconception is that Through it all, Werner has never classical interpretation of what it’s This is the second installment of“The Way I Work,” a regular ThreeSixty Werner gets to “play with choco- forgotten the place that piqued his like to be an animal in the zoo— feature aimed at providing insight into unique and interesting career late” all day. In reality, the process interest in the first place. played on the harp—to a ping fields. Intrigued by this career path? Chocolatier Joshua Werner offers of making chocolate is incredibly “I actually went back (to West pong table rigged with contact the following advice to teenagers: scientific, with little room for error. Virginia) about a year ago to visit one mics,” she said. “We’re coming “Research a lot. Look at magazines, look at websites for chefs, and “To make good chocolate, you of the candy makers that’s still there. up with some pretty incredible find a local chef who’s around. See if you can ask some questions, have to make sure it’s safe, stable and I saw her and brought a box of my people, and I hope that The Cedar shadow around for a few hours,” he said. “You have to be able to have has a good shelf life. A lot of science chocolates,” Werner said. can continue to take a role in that that understanding of what goes on with this job.” is involved, and also math to calcu- “She was so happy that I was kind of artist involvement.” late how much water is in a recipe, doing this.”

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