Again, local media like the Startribune can change the perception of North Minneapolis by highlighting new faces, new voices and new perspectives like Ms. Celi Dean. Many people are tired of seeing and hearing the same old people who are activist, but lack follow-up and follow-through.
Minneapolis woman takes Miss Black USA crown Peg Meier, Star Tribune November 21, 2005 Miss Black USA Celi Marie Dean, 20, of Minneapolis, center, gave modeling tips to a group of girls at the Farview Park recreation center in north Minneapolis. She says her mantra is: To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. She's a poet, model, top student, dancer and a mentor to teenage girls -- pretty impressive crowning achievements even before the glittery Miss Black USA title. Celi Marie Dean, 20, competed in Washington, D.C., in August against 23 other candidates in evening gowns and aerobic wear, interview sessions and talent contests. The Minneapolis woman's talent was reading a poem she had written about her life and roots as a black woman. The Miss Black USA title includes $5,500 in scholarships, a mink coat and a January trip to the Bahamas. Dean's first name (pronounced "See-lee") came from her paternal grandmother, who lived in Liberia in West Africa. Dean is a full-time student at the University of Minnesota with a 3.5 grade-point average. She also works eight hours a week as a mentor to girls 13 to 18 at a Minneapolis recreation center and volunteers several more hours a week as a tutor. She squeezed in time for an interview. Q What do you want to do with your life? A I'm majoring in family social science, with a minor in African-American studies. I plan to get a master's in counseling and become a high-school guidance counselor, probably in the Twin Cities, where I've lived all my life, but I'd be willing to travel for the right career. I'm a model and dancer, too, and my greatest passion now is writing poetry. Another goal is family. I love surrounding myself with family, and I want a big family when I get older. Q How big a family do you have? A Eleven siblings. Some are stepbrothers and stepsisters, but I usually don't use that word "step." Family is just family. My parents are divorced; I was 6 when it happened, and that was my first emotional challenge. My parents have been there for me from the beginning. Family support, trusting in God and believing in me have been the foundation of my success. Q Any words of wisdom you'd like to pass along? A Yes, my mantra: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." That's why I continue to reach out to young people, and I know I am making a difference. http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/5735366.html Posted by Shawn Lewis, Minnetonka, MN -- ___________________________________________________ Play 100s of games for FREE! http://games.mail.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
