Posted by Deb on April 23, 2009
Excerpt: On the day MayKao Hang married, her father told her she was no longer part of their [the Yang] clan. She now belonged to the Hang clan—her husband’s clan. She recalls her father saying, your mother’s womb is what you borrowed. Then he told Hang that her new mother-in-law was now her mother. Hang remembers his words made her cry.
Read the entire article here http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2009/04/22/mn-voices-maykao-hang-talks-about-hmong-culture-clans-and-women.html
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Posted by Deb on April 9, 2009
This article was published by the Twin Cities Daily Planet on April 7, 2009
Excerpt: At their current pace, the InVocation singers are on track to have their most financially successful season. So, what will they do with all that money? Donate it to charity…what else?
To read the entire aticle click on the link below.
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Posted by Deb on March 18, 2009
On March 15 (Day of Irish Dance) and March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day), all the Irish dance schools in the Twin Cities performed at Landmark Center in Saint Paul. Here is a clip of my group’s performance. I am far more relaxed than the February performance…and it shows.
Day of Irish Dance
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Posted by Deb on March 3, 2009
My article was republished by Insight News. Pretty exciting!
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Posted by Deb on March 1, 2009
My Irish Dancing Debut (2/2009)
Here I am on stage for the first time ever. It may not be pretty but it sure was fun.
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Posted by Deb on February 14, 2009
“On opening night, I thought I was going to be nervous, said Amani Ward. “But as soon as the lights came up, I wasn’t nervous anymore.”
At age ten, Ward already displays a level of self-confidence equal to other members of the esteemed Carter family. Following in the footsteps of grandmother Toni Carter and uncle Melvin Carter III and other family members, this Crossroads Elementary fourth-grader is showing she, too, has acting talent. This week she opened portraying the lead role in Steppingstone Theatre’s latest production Ruby! The Story of Ruby Bridges.
Ward infuses some of her own charming personality as well as the mannerisms of her six-year-old sister Afiya into the character of Ruby. However, she tries not to over-analyze her role.
My director told me to just say [the lines] because I’m doing too much thinking. I’m trying not to think so hard,” said Ward.
Knowing she is portraying an important historical figure has left a lasting impression. “Sometimes I feel sad for what she had to go through,” Ward said, “but, at the same time I feel glad because she did that…It would be really cool if she came to see the play.”
Ward’s desire to act comes naturally. She is part of the next generation of artists and performers in the Carter family. He mother, Anika Ward, is the executive director of ARTS-Us—a nonprofit, community-based program whose stated mission is “to develop young leaders in and through the arts.” The program was co-founded 15 years ago by Ward’s grandmother, Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter.
Toni Carter points out that the Carters have been involved in the arts for several generations. Many were actors, storytellers and musicians; some even performed in the circus.
“We’re a family of performers,” she said.
Toni Carter is a veteran of the stage herself. In 1971, Carter moved here from Cleveland, Ohio to attend Carleton College. While there, she joined the Carleton Thespian Society and the Carleton Black Actors. Upon graduation, she relocated to the Twin Cities where she worked at IBM during the day and performed at the Penumbra Theatre at night.
“Penumbra became my second home early on,” she said.
Her love of the arts and belief that they help develop the whole person led her to leave corporate America and become a teacher at Crosswinds School in Woodbury—a school that engages students in academics through the arts. Later, she was elected to Saint Paul School Board where she advocated for the arts.
Even now as County Commissioner, Carter still sits on the board for ARTS-Us. In its 15-year history she has personally seen many talented people in the program rise up to become leaders.
“Many of them are storytellers and great speakers. One of them, my son, is on city council,” she said.
Saint Paul Councilmember Melvin Carter III is Toni Carter’s son and Amani Ward’s uncle. He took part in several community theatre programs including SteppingStone and ARTS-Us. That early experience may have helped prepare him for the political stage. He believes being in front of an audience helped build self-confidence. Although he enjoyed acting, he discovered he connected more deeply with the audience through storytelling—an art he learned from watching his mother.
“I felt I could break down that invisible barrier with the audience,” Councilmember Carter said. “It’s not just about acting or storytelling. It’s about learning to communicate effectively.”
Like her uncle, Ward is also involved with ARTS-Us. She attends their afterschool program and is part of their young storytellers program. This summer she hopes to be part of the cast for their original production Kumbayah—The Juneteenth Story, which is a story commemorating the end of slavery.
With so much talent to draw from, Ward had several family members offering support and guidance. Someone was always willing to help her practice her lines. She is clearly a dedicated performer; however, while preparing for the show, there were times she preferred to do other kid-centered activities.
“They forced me to practice every single day of my break…I couldn’t play my Wii,” Ward said.
Her family’s intense level of involvement has not dissuaded Ward from pursuing an acting career. Although she can envision herself someday starring in a TV show, she is not ruling out a possible future in politics. She said her long-range goals may include someday becoming president. Whatever she pursues, she knows she has the full support of her family.
“They want me to follow my dreams,” Ward said.
Councilmember Carter sees his niece, and all of the Carter children, as the next generation of leaders. “I charted my own path, yet it’s not dissimilar from my mother’s path. Whatever they do, whether it is acting, politics or being a neurosurgeon, it will be through a lens of wanting to improve the community.”
More of this story is published on the Twin Cities Daily Planet website click here.
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Posted by Deb on January 29, 2009
“Mom, is it okay if I play dress up?”
From the time he could talk, my son has always had an active imagination, replete with several imaginary friends to keep him company. That hadn’t changed just because Jaden was in third grade. If anything, it had become more elaborate.
“What did you want to wear?”
He pointed to a navy blue suit hanging in his closet, his First Communion suit. We were saving it for another special occasion such as a wedding or—God forbid—a funeral; however, for nearly a year it had sat in his closet gathering dust. In all likelihood, he would outgrow it before he would wear it again. Still, I hated the idea of it getting dirty or stained.
“Why do you want to wear your suit?” I asked.
“I want to dress like Barack Obama.”
Without hesitation, I told him he could wear his suit. A smile radiated across my face when I looked at him in the suit because he really did looked like a pint-sized Barack Obama (with curlier hair).
Three days earlier was the big day—Inauguration Day. I wanted to go to DC. I wanted my face to be part of that sea of smiling faces. I wanted to take my eight-year-old son so together we could witness history. Yes, I had hoped to be there. However, the idea quickly lost its appeal once I realized we would travel over 1000 miles (by bus) just to stand outside in the shivering cold for hours, between a jumbotron and a row of port-a-potties.
I opted instead for a more rational way to mark the occasion. First, I kept my son home from school on that day—his first missed day all school year. Together we went to the Riverview Theater in south Minneapolis. After standing outside for 45 minutes in temperatures similar to our nation’s capital, we joined 700 other people inside to watch the Inauguration on the big screen. Jaden sat in the seat with his eyes transfixed on the movie screen while eating real-buttered popcorn. He cheered when the Obama family came on camera and gave a standing ovation when Barack took the oath. When we left I felt like we were just as much a part of history as anyone in the DC crowd.
At the time, I had hoped I was creating a lasting memory for my son, a story he would share with his children someday. Now three days later, I could see I had achieved far more. The simple act of wanting to dress up in a suit told me he now aspired someday to be president, like Barack Obama.
Later that same day, my son’s friend came over to play. Jaden again wanted to be the president. I suggested his friend could be Vice-President Joe Biden. At that moment, I realized how close this picture was to the reality, for my son is biracial and his friend is white.
As I watched Jaden’s imagination soar, I wondered: Was this type of fantasy play even possible when I was his age, forty years earlier? I think not. I seriously doubt it was a consideration for many minority children even twenty years ago. However, 2009 is the year when things changed, for it is the year the first African American became president. In my son’s mind, and to a certain extent even in mine, all things are possible.
President Obama inspired millions of people of all ages and hues to believe again in America’s greatness. My hope is that he will be a successful president, partly because his success is inextricably linked to our nation’s success. However, also because the hopes and dreams of so many young Jadens rest on his shoulders.
Jaden is a self-confident (sometimes overly confident) boy with high ambitions. The son of two introverts, once a stranger asked if he was shy. He looked in her eyes and assuredly told her, “No.” He is a leader. He already can see himself growing up and becoming president. And now, so can I.
This essay is published on my blog at Twin Cities Daily Planet.
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Posted by Deb on January 8, 2009
You pretend the truth isn’t staring you in the face;
that you didn’t lose the race.
You’re such a disgrace.
You whine cause things didn’t go your way-
now demanding your day,
and making us pay.
You’ll punish us all until the bitter end,
refusing to give in.
But you won’t win.
Your bruised ego will only cause us pain.
This is insane.
And there’s nothing to gain.
You say you’ll keep fighting till the race is done.
But, in truth it’s just-
Denial…on the run.
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Posted by Deb on December 14, 2008
Confused…don’t worry. These are our Ghanaian names. In Ghana, every person receives a day name—a name representing the day of the week they were born. Mike was born in a Monday, which means Kojo. Jaden (Kwesi) was born on a Sunday. My day name, Abena, means Tuesday.
In June 2008, we took the trip of a lifetime. We traveled to the continent of Africa (yes Sarah Palin, Africa is a continent). The seeds for this trip were planted more than a year ago thanks to Macalester College’s international host program. Through that program, we became the host family for Seyram Addom, a lovely young lady from Ghana, West Africa. Over the past year, a kinship has developed between the Addom family and us which led to her parents (Victor and Joyce) extending an invitation for us to visit Ghana. The idea of visiting Africa—especially walking on the same land as my ancestors—has been a dream of mine ever since I traced my roots through DNA. So, with our 10th wedding anniversary looming, we decided to accept their warm invitation.
Joyce and Victor arranged for us to stay at a guesthouse a few blocks from their home and far away from the tourist district. Each morning we walked over to their home, often with the neighborhood chickens or goats strolling nearby. For the most part, the only time the residents even noticed us was when little children waved to Mike and said “Hi Abroni.” The mothers would giggle because Abroni means white man.
The Addom family extended a level of hospitality that exceeded all of our expectations. They introduced us to some of Ghana’s most fascinating sites, such as exploring Kakum National Park Rainforest and watching carpenters make fantasy coffins for the dearly departed. Also, as a surprise, the family hired an African drum band with dancers to entertain us during our anniversary dinner.
Actual coffin shaped like a king cobra.
Our anniversary dinner and dance.
kakum Nat'l Park (L-R), Victor, Jaden, Deb, Setri, Mike, Joyce, Seyram and Kofi.
Sandwiched like sardines for months at a time, this dungeon held over 1000 male slaves awaiting transport to the colonies. Due to unsanitary conditions, often many died.
The most impressive place we visited—and the primary reason for our trip—was a former slave castle. Cape Coast Castle is only one of countless slave castles along the west coast of Africa. Under British rule, countless numbers of captured Africans languished in the dungeon waiting for slave ships to haul them to the colonies. Our tour guide described in horrific detail the brutality they experienced. He also revealed that ever since Ghana gained independence in 1957, it has strived to make amends for its part in the slave trade by welcoming descendants of slaves back home.
In just eight days, we learned so much about life in Ghana; like how to pound yams into a tasty porridge called fufu. I felt connected to the people of Ghana in a way I never anticipated. So much so, that I have adopted Ghana as my ancestral homeland and the Addoms as my extended family. Mike and I are excited about returning the hospitality as the Addoms are planning a visit here very soon.
With regards to the rest of our family, everyone is well. Brian is staying at our house again while he takes classes and works part-time. Chris graduated and now teaches at a school in Minneapolis for pregnant teens/teen mothers. Susan continues with medical school although is no longer married.
Jaden is growing in both size and intellect. He’s now in 3rd grade; however, in a 4th grade math group. He enjoys reading Star Wars books or building things with Legos and K’nex; that is when he’s not playing Guitar Hero on Nintendo DS. He still plays piano and viola. He also has joined the community center swim team.
I’m still writing for the Twin Cities Daily Planet and volunteering for the Science Museum. In addition, I’m taking adult beginner Irish dance lessons and at the same time shattering another stereotype by proving not all black people have rhythm. If my knees and courage hold up, I’ll be dancing on St. Patrick’s Day with the Rince na Chroi school (pronounced Rink eh na Kree). That’s Gaelic for Dance of the Heart.
Mike finds solace from the daily grind of work by communing with nature. Whenever possible, he likes to go camping. This summer we upgraded from our pop-up camper to an RV. The comfortable bed, bathroom, and kitchen make camping that much more enjoyable. We think of it as our cabin on wheels. Also, as a birthday present, he received an inflatable 3-person kayak (it actually resembles a canoe) that he plans to take out next year as soon as the lakes thaw.
Our family standing outside our new RV.
I cannot end this letter without commenting on this historic election year. Our country overwhelmingly elected a man who, less than 150 years ago, would have been sold to the highest bidder and branded like cattle. Some well-meaning people thought our nation was not ready for this; that inspiring people to believe in a better America only offered false hope. However, in the words of President-elect Barack Obama, “…in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.”
God bless America.
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Posted by Deb on October 26, 2008
Excerpt: If it’s true good things come in threes, then 2008 has been a banner year for Peter Blau.
Click here to read the entire article
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Posted by Deb on October 15, 2008
Excerpt: “I’m often credited as one of the founders, which is sort of like someone being credited with founding soap.”
That’s what Mel Duncan said while reflecting on his role as the founder and executive director of Nonviolent Peaceforce…
Click here to read more about Mel duncan and Nonviolent Peaceforce.
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Posted by Deb on September 22, 2008
“It’s about time they have a parenting class for parents with school-age kids,” Melissa Semrad said. PEP, the new Parent Educational Program for parents with school-age children, debuted in September. Created by the Working Family Resource Center in Saint Paul, PEP addresses the concerns of parents with children ages 5-12 years of age.
Click here to read the entire article.
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Posted by Deb on May 14, 2008
Excerpt: It’s 10:15 on Tuesday morning. More than sixty moms, dads, grandparents and nannies have brought their infants to the Red Balloon Book Shop—one of the few remaining independent bookstores in Saint Paul. Adults and babies sit on the floor, eyes transfixed on storyteller Sara Walker as she energetically moves across the room, weaving stories, music and games together. Tuesday morning is story time for infants and the audience is mesmerized.
Read more at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/11403
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Posted by Deb on May 5, 2008
Today, the Minneapolis Star Tribune published an article about citizen journalism. The reporter prominently featured me in the article here is a link to the story.
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Posted by Deb on April 22, 2008
Excerpt: “Aren’t they just fantastic?”
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu may have been this weekend’s headliner; however, the real stars were the 350 teens, mentors and advisors attending the April 12-13 PeaceJam conference—the PeaceJammers.
Read more at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/11001
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Posted by Deb on March 21, 2008
I have a set of crayons I purchased for my son.
They’re People Color Crayons, with more choices than just one.
When he draws with these crayons, I can’t help but imagine how
our country would be so much better, with more choices than we have now.
The term black, which is often used, simply does not apply.
Instead, I’d rather call myself fawn, while I look you in the eye.
My husband who is told he’s white can freely declare to you
he’s actually the color melon. Something not many people knew.
Our handsome and intelligent son could then stand up and boast
he’s proud his skin color looks more like a slice of toast.
Our creative way of thinking quickly extends beyond us three
to every man, woman and child longing to be free.
Some might say they’re peach or maize, others sable, spice or taupe.
With so many colors, we quickly learn our titles are too narrow in scope.
Then our government leaders, forced to listen to our cry,
would finally admit to everyone that race was just a lie.
Created by our forefathers, to justify their greed.
It plagues our nation to this day, oppressing those in need.
Our nationwide protest means we no longer follow the norm
of being lumped in obsolete categories on a census form.
No longer trapped in boxes, we see each other as peers.
Instead of letting a thin layer of pigment dictate all our fears.
Can a simple pack of crayons help create a better country?
I believe a change can happen, and I’ll have it begin with me.
I wrote this poem after working as an exhibit volunteer in The Science Museum of Minnesota’s special exhibit RACE: How Different Are We? The crayons were my favorite prop to share with museum guests who inevitably found them liberating. At the end of the exhibit’s run, I presented an earlier version of my poem to Robert Garfinkle, one of the chief creators of the exhibit. I also recently posted it on Barack Obama’s website to show my support for him after his historical speech of race.
Posted in --Poetry, ALL MY WRITING, Mother Thoughts | Tagged: culture, race, racism, science museum of mn | 2 Comments »
Posted by Deb on March 17, 2008
Excerpt: In actuality, Saint Paul is transferring management of eight of its recreation centers to community organizations. In an effort to keep the lights on at all of its recreation centers, Saint Paul devised a creative solution—partnerships.
Read more at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/10068
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Posted by Deb on February 25, 2008
Excerpt: “As a business owner and a property owner, I’m against it.” Kathy Stransky expressed her hostility over the proposed Central Corridor LRT slated to stop outside her front door. Stransky and her husband Tom together own Midway Used and Rare Books in Saint Paul. The store has sat on the corner of Snelling and University for the past 43 years—and the Stranskys have owned it for 27 of those years.
Read more at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/9463.
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Posted by Deb on February 20, 2008
Excerpt: As the first battered women’s shelter in the nation, Women’s Advocates has always strived to empower women. “Our mission is eliminating violence in the lives of women and children,” says executive director Raeone Loscalzo.
Read more at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/9380
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Posted by Deb on February 1, 2008
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