June 2022

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ June 2022

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thepositivecommunity.com

Diageo N.A. : Spirits Company Launches Responsible Drinking Campaign

Choose Healthy Life Gets Boost from NYS Gov. Hochul Radio Personality

“Doctor”

Bob Lee

A Man for the People

Celebrating Black Music!

HBCU Spotlight: Howard University

Positive Change

Ranked as one of the nation’s best hospitals for maternity services

WE’RE PROUD TO BE NAMED A BEST MATERNITY HOSPITAL BY NEWSWEEK Saint Peter’s University Hospital has been blessed over the years to have delivered more babies than most facilities in the region, making us a premier hospital for maternity services.

From a hospital-based, midwifery-led birth center to a state-designated Regional Perinatal Center with a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for high-risk births, our experienced staff delivers exceptional care.

Safely treating you better...for life.

Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen

SHARE THE COST.

SHARE A CHAT.

SHARE YOUR HOME. 6 reasons so many people 60 and over turn to our Home Sharing Program.

1. Helps them afford to stay in their homes 4. We screen and do full background checks 2. Finds a home sharing mate to move in 5. Home sharers decide if it’s the right match 3. It can help with paying bills 6. The service is completely free

Want to stay in your home, but need help with expenses?

Call 212-962-7559 or 311 to learn more about this free program. Or visit HomeSharingNYC.org

JUNE ISSUE 2022

Photos: Karen Waters

CONTENTS

Culture

Mayor Eric Adams Endorses Inez Dickens

12

erature

music, ar t + lit

28

ealth H Dr. Bob Lee: A Man of the People COVER STORY

ess ideas for welln

Money

27

JP Morgan Chase Brooklyn Mixer...................................16 One Hundred Black Men of NY

+ work ..................................bu19 iness, finance

Urban Angels Awards Gala Trinity Cadillac Ribbon-Cutting ........................... esponsibly ate Drink R....20 to educ l America aims Diageo North 24ess on the ef fects of alcoho Pillar College Inaugurates New President................... en Money ar aw se ea ng cr ni

Features

& in

By Jean Nash

Wells

SECTIONS n o i t a c Edu Education nce of lear

the ar t + scie

Inauguration of Dr. Augustine A. Boakye..........................26

More Than Symbolism We Need Change .........................34 Miller Street Health Fair ............................................ 39

14

Celebrating Mothers ..................................................46

Elijah Sanchez/

Jazzy Soul Series Kicks Off in Newark ........................44

MCRD

Barry H. Ostrowsky Animal Wellness Center.......................41 HBCU Spotlight: Howard University

munications a Corporate Com io Nor th Americ Gurdián; Rad bers L-R: Diageo nt/ CEO Alvaro (MCRD) mem erica PresiHP, Inc.) Preside sible Drinking Am (NA pon . th Res Inc Nor s, for Consor tium tado; Diageo ic Publication Hur C) pan o (TP His ard of tor Ric Multicultural Edi ociation VP of Sales e Community ez; National Ass Tatum; NAHP lds; The Positiv Director VP Lorenzo Lop tnership VP Sam Stephanie Chi Development Market and Par Relations EVP Constituency ate and por ting Cor rke a One Integrated Ma th Americ PA) National w; Diageo Nor Council Sr. Association (NN lisher Adrian dent Debra Cre per Publishers and TPC Pub ional Newspa F. Chavis Jr.; Jean Wells; Nat Dr. Benjamin sident & CEO Pre A NNP Ron Burke; nity

Diageo North America, Interfaith Action Movement .......................................48 Drink Responsibly Imam Hajji Earnest Shakir Celebrates 89th Birthday .....51

Health

t their commu porations tou their e often hear cor ditions for p better con doing well. work to hel ng good while doi , i.e. g a , rin ers nso consum ny forms: spo k can take ma up at events or giving This giving bac , showing . nce etc ma ips, for rsh per ola concert or funds for sch ise, providing k and has out merchand about its wor y is serious excessive s pan res com add e to On plan a 10-year action color. With committed to munities of ption in com alcohol consum

W..........53 A Great Day in Harlem ....................................

&also inside The Positive Community June Issue 2022

Culture

Sheila Thorne President/CEO Healthcare Multicultural up.

Marketing Gro

AM 6/22/22 11:07

Guest Editorial .................................. 10 Fitness Doctor ........................ 32 B it s & P i e c e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2 The Last Word ................................ 54

4

22

2_WF.indd 6

TPC_Junio_202

30 NYS Gov. Hochul and Choose Healthy Life

42 Jumping 4 Justice in Summit www.thepositivecommunity.com

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

R C

First Baptist Church, New Reid Temple COGIC, South Orange, NJ East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Bishop William Cahoon General Baptist Convention, NJ North Stelton AME Church, Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders, President Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ to PROGRESS Rev. Jethro James, Pastor GREAT Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Greater Mount Zion A.M.E., Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Trenton, NJ he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses Rev. Dr. Charles F. Bayer, Pastor Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor and institutions listed below have committed to the Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, NY he clergyoforganizations, churches, community businesses and Rev. institutions below to the Ministries, purchase of at Dr. Frank J. listed Blackshear, Pastorhave committed Ruth Fellowship purchase at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 Plainfield, NJ Harlem Congregations for magazines per monththrough at $1.50theeach or theyofsupport this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more each orleast they 50 support this publication purchase Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Community Improvement (HCCI) by calling 973-233-9200.

Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., President & CEO Shiloh AME Zion Church, advertising.

Find out more by calling 973-233-9200.

Englewood, NJ Imani Baptist Church, Rev. John Pastor East Orange, NJB.C., New York, NY Mariners’ Temple Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Pilgrim B. D. C.,Givens, Newark, NJ Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Rev.Dr. William Derek Lee, Pastor Senior Pastor Shiloh B.C., Wilson, New Rochelle, Rev. Henrietta Carter, Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Rev. Dr. Glenn Pastor NY Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor It Is Well B.C., Living Ministries, Memorial, New York, NY Clark, NJ Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ New York, NY Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor NJ Abundant Fellowship Clear View T. Baptist Senior Pastor Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Jesse Willams,Church, Pastor Rev. Dr. CalvinLife O. Butts III, PastorCOGIC, Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown, Pastor Macedonia Newark, NJ Newark, NJ Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Lakewood, NJ Church, Bridgeport, CT Shiloh Trenton, NJ Messiah Baptist Cross and Crown Christian Church, Abyssinian B.C.,Bohannon, Newark, Jr., NJ Pastor Supt. Edward Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Rev. JohnB.C., D. Givens, Pastor Orange, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor Rev. Dr. James B. Logan, Pastor Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Harlem, NY Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NY Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor Mariners’ Temple B.C., New York,NJNY St. Anthony Baptist Church, Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, Aenon Baptist Rev. Dr. CalvinChurch, O. ButtsVauxhall, III, PastorNJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev.Dana Dr. Henrietta Carter, Pastor Brooklyn, NY Rev. Owens, Pastor Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Community Church of God, Shiloh Plainfield, NJ Sr., Pastor Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Rev Dr.B.C., Walter L. DeLoatch, Memorial, B.C., York, Rev. Barry R. Church, Miller, Pastor Plainfield, NJ Metropolitan B.C., New Newark, NJNY Agape Baptist Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown, Pastor Rev.Dr. Dr.David ReneeJefferson, Washington Gardner, St. James AMEL.Church, Newark, NJ Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor Rev. Pastor Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Senior Pastor Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Pastor Patricia Perkins-Auguste Rev Alphonso Pastor NY Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Mother A.M.E. Zion Church Harlem, NY Antioch BaptistWilliams, Church, Sr., Brooklyn, Rev. Darell Baptist Armstrong, Pastor Camden, NJ Messiah Baptist Church, St. John Church, Empire BaptistPastor Convention Rev. Dr.Missionary Gary V. Simpson, Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor Rev. RobertBaptist M. Waterman, Pastor Agape Church, Newark, NJ Bridgeport, CT Rev.Anthony Dr. SilasBaptist M. Townsend, Pastor NY St. Church, Brooklyn, Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Rev. Craig R.ofJackson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, Mt. Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Archdiocese New York Rev.Neboh Dr. James B. Logan, Pastor Rev. Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ New York, NY Church, Palmyra, NJ Evergreen Baptist Antioch Baptist Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Brother Tyrone Davis, Church, Office of Black Ministry Messiah Baptist Church, Rev.James ShawnAME T. Wallace, St. Church,Pastor Newark, NJ Rev.Dr.Dr.Guy Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Rev. Campbell, Jr., Pastor Brooklyn, NY East Orange, Mt. Pisgah B.C.,NJ Brooklyn, NY Baptist Ministers Conference St. Luke Church Rev. RonaldBaptist L. Slaughter, Pastor Robert Cross andMissionary Crown Christian Church, Fellowship B.C., Newark, NJ ofRev. Greater NYM. & Waterman, Vicinity Pastor Rev. Johnny RayPastor Youngblood, Pastor Rev.Dr. Dana Owens, of Harlem, NY Church, Camden, NJ Orange, NJT. Byrd Pastor/Founder St. John Baptist Rev. Dr. Elton Rev. Dr. Charles A.ofCurtis, President Archdiocese New York Metropolitan B.C.,Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Dr.Silas Johnnie McCann, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor Rev. M. Townsend, Pastor Brother TyroneNewark, Davis, NJ Hackensack, First Baptist Church of BCT Partners, Rev. Dr. DavidNJ Jefferson, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Office of Black Ministry Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor Rev.Dante' PrestonR.E.Quick, Thompson, Jr., Pastor Rev. PhD, Pastor Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Pastor Baptist Ministers Conference Harlem, Mt. Olivet NY B.C, Newark, NJ Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY St. Mark Missionary B.C., of Arlee Greater NYJr., & Vicinity Ebenezer Orange, NJ First BaptistB.C., Church, East Elmhurst, NY St. Luke Baptist Rev. W. Milteer, Pastor Rev. Griffin Pastor Rev.André Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Pastor Jamaica, NY Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Geraldine L. Harris, President Rev.Patrick H. William III, Pastor Rev. HenryRutherford Young, Pastor Rev. Johnnie McCann, Pastor Mt.Zion Neboh Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Owen E. Williams, Pastor Mt. AME Church, Trenton, NJ Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY BCT Partners, Newark, NJ Elizabeth, First Baptist NJ Church of Kenilworth, NJ Harlem, NY Justice, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO Councilwoman-At-Large Rev. Nathaniel Bullock Jr., Pastor Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Rev. Kenneth Orange, NJ D.R. Clayton, Pastor Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Bethany NJ NY Patricia Perkins-Auguste BereanB.C., B.C.,Newark, Brooklyn, Mt.Bernard PisgahGlee, B.C.,Pastor Brooklyn, NY Rev.Mark Melvin E. Wilson,B.C., Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ St. Missionary Jamaica, NY Rev. Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Empire Missionary Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Baptist Convention New Beginnings Agape Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Mount Olive Baptist Church, Montclair, Christian Center, Freehold, NJ Deptford, NJ St. MatthewNJ AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev.Baptist Dr. Carlof T. Jericho, Washington, Jr., Pastor Rev. Bryan, Pastor Rev.Jeffrey Timothy L. Adkins-Jones PhD., Pastor First Hackensack, NJ Rev. Melvin Dr. Bernadette Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor Rev. E. Wilson,Glover, PastorPastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Bethany Newark, Beulah BibleB.C., Cathedral Church,NJNewark, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, New Garden State Jurisdiction First Corinthian Palmyra, NJ Baptist Church, NY St. Paul Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Mt. Olivet RedDr. Bank, NJ Glover, Pastor COGIC NJ B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. Walrond, Jr., Jr., Pastor Senior Pastor Rev.Michael Dr. GuyA.Campbell, Rev. Bernadette Bethlehem B.C., NJ Calvary BaptistMissionary Church, Garfield, Bishop William Rev. André W. Cahoon Milteer, Pastor Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Roselle, NJ St. Church,B.C., Red Bank, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Mt. Zion Church, St.Paul PaulBaptist Community New HopeAME Baptist Church,Trenton, NJ Newark, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Metuchen, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor Brooklyn, NY Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder Beulah Bible Cathedral First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Ronald Owens, Pastor St. Community Brooklyn, NY Rev.Paul David K. Brawley,B.C., Pastor Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., PastorChurch, Mt.Dr. Zion B.C.,L.Westwood, NJ First Church of Rev. Dr.Baptist Terry Richardson, Pastor Newark, NJ Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Rev. Hope Bernard Glee, Church Pastor of East Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ New Baptist Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Orange, East Orange, NJ General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. CoryB.C., L. Jones, PastorNJ Tabernacle Burlington, Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor New Beginnings Agape Christian Rev. Danté R. Quick, PhD, Pastor Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders, President Rev. Cory L. Jones, Center, Freehold, NJ The Dr. New Hope B.C.,Pastor Newark, NJ Canaan B.C.,NJ Paterson, NJ First Baptist Church, Garfield, New Baptist Church of Rev. Hope Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor Rev.New Joe Carter, SeniorNewark, Pastor NJ Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ The Hope B.C., Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor Rev. JoeBaptist, Carter, Senior Pastor NJ NewDr.Garden StateRoss, Jurisdiction Union Bridgeton, Rev.Dr.Patrick Henry Young, Pastor Rev. Drew Kyndall Senior Pastor Cathedral Calvary International., Baptist Church, COGIC NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Grace C., Mt.Church Vernon, NY Perth Amboy, NJNJ First B. Baptist Union Baptist Temple,,Pastor Bridgeton, NJ Morristown, New LifeWilliam Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Bishop Cahoon Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor of Kenilworth, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Asbury Park, NJ Rev. Nathaniel Jr., Pastor Greater Zion HillBullock B.C., Harlem, NY Charity Baptist Bronx, NY NY United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Canaan B. C.Church, of Christ, Harlem, New Reid Temple Metuchen, NJ COGIC Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Rev. Dr.Baptist Frank J. Church Blackshear, Pastor Rev. Pastor First of Teaneck, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Rev.Reginald ThomasWilliams, D. Johnson, Pastor East NJL. Owens, Pastor Rev. Orange, Dr. Ronald Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor Bishop William Cahoon Harlem Congregations for Christian Irvington, CanaanLove B.C.,B.C., Paterson, NJNJ Walker B.C. Sr., Bronx, NY New Hope Baptist Church of East Rev. Dr.Memorial J. Albert Bush Pastor Community Improvement (HCCI) First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ North Rev. Washington, Rev.Brandon Barry L.Keith Graham, Pastor Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Selton AME Church, Orange, East Orange, NJ Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., President & CEO Welcome Baptist Church, Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor Piscataway, NJ Cathedral International, Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Welcome Church, Newark, NJ Rev.Dr. Dr.Eric Vernard E. Hinton, Newark, Baptist NJ Rev. and Myra Billips,Pastor Pastors Imani Church, East Orange, FirstBaptist Corinthian Baptist Church,NJ NY Rev. Curtis W. Belle,NJJr., Pastor Perth Amboy, Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Bishop Donald Pastor NJ Community B.C.,Hilliard, Englewood, of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ World Gospel Music Assoc., First Park Baptist Church, Rev. Jethro James, Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Charity Baptist Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor,Church, Pastor Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder Newark, NJ Plainfield, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Park Disciples of Christ, NewAve LifeChristian Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor East Orange, NJ Christian Love B.C., Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor Rev. Antonio Porter, PastorIrvington, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor

ROLL CALLOLL

GREAT

T T

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

“The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work in promoting the good works of the Black Church. All churches and businesses should subscribe to and advertise in The Positive Community. Please support this magazine, the only one that features good news about the black community.”—Rev. Buster Soaries

“National Park and Recreation Month is the perfect opportunity to highlight the beauty of our open spaces, the importance of recreation facilities and the positive impact they have on our wellness and quality of life. The area overlooking the Orange Reservoir provides a beautiful and unique spot to host a diverse lineup of activities to exercise, entertain and inspire you. We invite the public to celebrate with us and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events” Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive and the Board of County Commissioners Invite You to

Free Events!

Wellness on the Waterfront Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane Essex County celebrates Parks and Recreation Month with free weekly activities at the Waterfront in Essex County South Mountain Reservation

Mondays

Yoga for Adults: July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15 at 6:30pm These classes are suitable for both beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners. Bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably. Classes are held rain or shine

Tuesdays

Jammin’ in July: July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16 at 7pm Elevate your Waterfront experience with music. The schedule is as follows: July 5: Chatham Community Band August 2: Apex Ensemble Monclair Orchestra July 12: West Orange Community Band August 9: Chris Barry Music July 19: Maplewood Concert Band August 16: Sterling Sample, Steel Drummer July 26: Peter & The Master Key

Wednesdays ZOO-VIES: July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10, 17 - films begin at dusk Movies under the stars on the rooftop of our Turtle Back Zoo parking deck. Bring your own lawn chair. Rain cancels. The location is at TBZ not the Clipper Pavilion. For a complete schedule, visit EssexCountyNJ.org

Thursdays

Full Body Workout: July 7, 14, 21, 28 at 6:30pm Join the group and get in shape!

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.essexcountynj.org

SubEssex Ad - 8.25x10.75

| Putting Essex County First

REV. DR. CORNELL EDMONDS ESQ. GUEST EDITORIAL

POSITIVEMUSIC

MATTERS

!

Rev. Dr. Cornell Edmonds Esq. is Interim Pastor of The Church of the Covenant, E. 42nd St NYC (around the corner from United Nations).

Pleading Our Own Cause

I

n our quest for positive self-identity, sometimes the best guidance for our communities hides in plain sight. For example, the following abstract from the first editorial of the first Black edited and published American newspaper, Freedom’s Journal: The peculiarities of the journal, render it important that we should advertise to the world the motives by which we are actuated, and the objects which we contemplate.

We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us. Too long has the publick been deceived by misrepresentations in things which concern us dearly, though in the estimation of some mere trifles; for though there are many in society who exercise towards us benevolent feelings; still (with sorrows we confess it) there are others who make it their business to enlarge upon the least trifle, which tends to the discredit of any person of colour; and pronounce anathemas and denounce our whole body for the misconduct of this guilty one.

June presents a wonderful opportunity to ‘say it loud’ as we commemorate the 43rd anniversary of Black Music Month. Black music is an unprecedented cultural legacy of the Black community. Innovative genres of Black music have ushered in unique voices to “plead our own cause.”s Throughout the years our positive music resoundingly reconciled the question posed in the fourth verse of the 137th Psalm of David. “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” Historically tormented as a community, one of the greatest of which is public misrepresentation of who we are. The music we controlled and produced, which expressed our joys and laments, gave a counter narrative. As creative control diminishes, and others determine what we produce musically, and how the message is disseminated, the clarion call of the Cornish and Russworm editorial rings prophetic. Can anyone understand who we are if we are not empowered cont’d on next page

The editors and proprietors of Freedom’s Journal, Rev. Samuel Eli Cornish and John Brown Russworm, succinctly stated the reason for their undertaking. “To plead our own cause.”—something we need to do now more than ever. It is essential to the survival of our community. Over time we have ‘pleaded our own cause’ in various ways—through art, theater, dance, poetry, and journalism. Today of course, social media and branding have huge influence in communicating messages. Music has served as a unique vehicle for our people to plead our cause. Through musical innovation, we announced who we were and the causes of importance to us. When challenged to assert the necessary positive identity to plead our own cause, Say It Loud, written by “Pee Wee” Ellis and released by James Brown in 1968, offered classic musical restatement of the bold editorial claims of Cornish and Russworm.

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

GUEST EDITORIAL cont’d from previous page

to communicate just that? To plead one’s own cause is to be empowered to give distinct and positive voice to the particular identity and concerns of a community. It is a hallmark of a community’s freedom.

Bold and Beautiful

Nearly two hundred years since the first publication of Freedom’s Journal, editor and publisher, Jean Wells and Adrian Council, continue that legacy.

Their persistent efforts afford our community voice to positively “plead our own cause.” They refuse to allow the significance of Black Music Month, and its relationship to the positive identity of our community, to wane with passage of time.

Though times have changed, the need to “plead our own cause,” continues. I dare write that the need appears to be more urgent today than ever.

Consider the diminishing artistic control over what Black artists lyrically and visually produce. Musical products that, tragically, misrepresent who we are, in the words of Cornish and Russworm, “tends to the discredit of any person of colour.” The implications of those messages are devastating our communities and the generations of young people who simply demand to know that their lives matter.

Misrepresented, confusing, and confounding

IT'S COOKOUT SEASON.

ARE YOU READY?

messages about a people can easily translate into discrimination and violence toward those very same people.

I recall a time when listening to artists who freely sang the Lord’s song in this strange land was all one needed to understand our causes, and who we were. Consider the message of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” Consider Freda Payne’s “Bring the Boys Home,” and its exhortation. Consider Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues” and its impact. Consider James Brown’s “Say It Loud” and how it inspired a community to proudly self-identify. This month and beyond, consider the full inheritance of Black music, and how it attests to the countless positive contributions we have made to this nation and the world.

I close with words from Dr. Thelma Adair, the nearly 102-year-old matriarch of our larger community, who shared these wise words: “The cause is not over . . . it is important to join together to celebrate ourselves . . . doing so is a long walk, not a short hop.”

We must persist in pleading our own causes in ways that accentuate our gifts as a people and a community led by those who are bold, loving and loud, Black, beautiful, and proud.

Bethany Baptist Church 275 W. Market St. Newark, NJ 07103

City Hope Ministries 92-102 S. 6th St. Newark, NJ 07107

Metropolitan Baptist Church 149 Springfield Ave. Newark, NJ 07103

Greater Mt Moriah Baptist Church 210 Clinton Ave. Newark, NJ 07108

Pilgrim Baptist Church 34 Hudson St. Newark, NJ 07103

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 198 Chadwick Ave. Newark, NJ 07108

St. Mark Free Will Baptist Church 669 S. 11th St. Newark, NJ 07103

Clear View Baptist Church 314 Hobson St. Newark, NJ 07112

Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 231 Seymour Ave. Newark, NJ 07108

Jehovah-Jireh Praise & Worship Church Center 505 S. 15th St. Newark, NJ 07103

Visit ChooseHealthyLife.org to find a vaccine site near you.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

11

L-R: Londel Davis Jr., Rev. Dr. Chris Williams II, Alyah Horsford-Sidberry, Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington Jr., Michael J. Garner, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Rev. Dr. Brian D. Scott, Inez Dickens and Rev. Dr. Johnnie M. Green

L-R: Londel Davis Jr. and Alyah Horsford-Sidberry

L-R: Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington Jr., NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Michael J. Garner, Rev. Dr. Brian D. Scott, and Inez Dickens

Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner

Mayor Eric Adams Endorses Inez Dickens’ Re-election

N

YC Mayor Eric Adams visited Inez Dickens’ Harlem campaign headquarters, where she also received the blessing of a cadre of Baptist ministers. “I am proud to endorse my friend, Inez Dickens for re-election. I have a great deal of respect for Inez,” Adams said in a release put out by the Dickens campaign.

“Her consistency over the years is unwavering in her representation of Harlem and the people of our

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

entire state. To do all that is needed for our city right now will take a seasoned leader in Albany, and that is Inez Dickens.”

“I am so blessed to have my ministers and the great mayor, Eric Adams, support my run for re-election,” Dickens said. “We must work together, united in our convictions to get the resources our community needs and deserves. I am committed to delivering on my promises to create a stronger and more unified Harlem.” —TPC Staff

Clergy supporting Inez Dickens New Mount Zion Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington Jr. Mount Neboh Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Johnnie M. Green Union Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Brian D. Scott Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Chris Williams II Eastward Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner,Sr. Memorial Baptist Church Pastor Renee Washington Gardner

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Money

buiness, finance + work

Drink Responsibly

Education

Diageo North America aims to educate & increase awareness on the effects of alcohol

the art + science of learning

Elijah Sanchez/MCRD

By Jean Nash Wells

Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD) members L-R: Diageo North America Corporate Communications VP Lorenzo Lopez; National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.) President/ CEO Alvaro Gurdián; Radio One Integrated Market and Partnership VP Sam Tatum; NAHP VP of Sales Ricardo Hurtado; Diageo North America President Debra Crew; Diageo North America Corporate Relations EVP Stephanie Childs; The Positive Community Editor (TPC) Jean Wells; National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) National Marketing and Constituency Development Director Ron Burke; NNPA President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.; and TPC Publisher Adrian Council Sr.

W

e often hear corporations tout their community work to help better conditions for their consumers, i.e., doing good while doing well.

This giving back can take many forms: sponsoring a concert or performance, showing up at events or giving out merchandise, providing funds for scholarships, etc.

One company is serious about its work and has committed to a 10-year action plan to address excessive alcohol consumption in communities of color. With

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

Sheila Thorne President/CEO Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

We all know that no amount of underage drinking is safe. Through SMASHED, the award-winning alcohol education program supported by Diageo in collaboration with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the company plans to educate young people on the dangers of drinking. the help of the newly formed Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD), Diageo North America reached out to Black, Latino, and Native American organizations to address alcohol-related harm in the U.S. Yes, Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol with a collection of brands at almost every price point, in every category of spirits and beer, wants you to drink responsibly.

Diageo North America reached out to Sheila Thorne, president of Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, LLC to launch the initiative. With her reputation as the quintessential minority ethnic group healthcare marketing guru, she is exactly who can get the job done.

Thorne gathered leaders from diverse organizations and media in Washington, DC to focus on who, how, and what would be the way to reach their targeted audiences to make a real difference. “Alcohol misuse and abuse has had a devastating effect on people of color, their families, and our communities,” stated Thorne. “Partnerships with trusted organizations have always been the key to success in motivating people of color. When Diageo reached out to me, I connected them with the nation’s leading Black, Latino, and Native American law enforcement, media, faith, and community-based organizations to help deliver culturally competent messages about responsible drinking,” she explained. “I am honored to be a part of this initiative and privileged to work again with these outstanding organizations to make a difference.”

We all know that no amount of underage drinking is safe. Through SMASHED, the award-winning alcohol education program supported by Diageo in collaboration with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the company plans to educate young people on the dangers of drinking. Diageo has committed to reaching one billion people—both adults and teens, by 2030 with the message of moderation.

Diageo’s message? They want their customers to enjoy their brands, but do so in a way that does not harm themselves or other people. www.thepositivecommunity.com

National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) President Rev. Anthony Evans

Have you ever asked yourself if you should have that next glass of wine? You know that you shouldn’t have another martini, but you somehow decide on just one more? You should visit Diageo North America’s educational resources, including: • Wrong Side of the Road, an interactive digital experience featuring real stories of impaired drivers who share their consequences (https://drinkdriving.drinkiq.com/) • DRINKiQ.com (also available in Spanish language at DRINKiQ.com/espanol), a platform that helps people understand the effects of alcohol and empowers them to make responsible choices around alcohol.

You’ll find illuminating facts, which will certainly cause you to think about your own drinking habits and make sure you are drinking responsibly for your health and safety as well as others.

National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) President Rev. Anthony Evans, a member of the consortium, had this to say about the initiative: “The Black Church has always been at the forefront of important social issues that impact people of African heritage. Alcohol misuse is a fundamental problem that requires sustainable collaboration and immediate action. NBCI is proud to be a member of the MCRD to help stamp out this problem in communities of color and create new strategies to impact this difficult problem.”

Diageo’s message? They want their customers to enjoy their brands, but do so in a way that does not harm themselves or other people.

So, have a drink— responsibly. Here’s a toast to life!

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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Chase Business Banking Exec. Dir. Mikal Quarles

JP Morgan Chase Brooklyn Mixer Photos: Ryan Council

T

he last few years have devastated many small businesses, but the owners of Harlem-based YaVe Tequila, online retailer MamaP, and IV Purpose Sports Bar and Restaurant say they are succeeding despite the woes the pandemic brought to their companies.

Along with executives from JPMorganChase (JPMC), they networked and shared invaluable information with other entrepreneurs and pointed to Chase Business Banking’s 30-city Business Insights Tour for much of their survival. The tour provides diverse small business owners with free educational training led by industry experts, focused growth strategies, pandemic recovery tools, and networking opportunities. —TPC Staff

YaVe Tequila Founder Joe Cruz Jr.

Chase Business Banking VP Jumoke M. Fagbayi-Butts

L-R: YaVe Tequila Founder Joe Cruz Jr. talks to Mikal Quarles

L-R: Chase Events Marketing VP Lucy Fitzpatrick, YaVe Tequila staff, Chase Events Marketing Assoc. Sara Dashow, Chase Brand Marketing Exec. Dir. Stasi Waleski L-R: TPC’s Cheryl Saunders and IV Purpose Owner Darnell Joseph

L-R: Chase Business Banking CEO Ben Walter with local small business leaders Keadian Russ (Klean N’ Jiffy), Tatrian Samuels (Tami Hair Studios), and Renaye Clarke (Klean N’ Jiffy)

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

L-R: TPC’s Adrian Council Jr. and Chase representative www.thepositivecommunity.com

This summer, students are planning their own return to the office BY: JOHN BONHOMME

Managing Director, Regional Director of Chase, New Jersey

W

ith offices and workplaces closed during the pandemic, many young people looking for work experience to boost their resumes were shut out. But that didn’t mean opportunity didn’t exist.

Who else could better weather this storm than the Gen Z or Zoomer generation?

Despite many young people defining their generation with the name of a video conference call app, the last two years saw the lowest levels of youth summer employment since the Great Recession, hitting young people from lower-income families especially.

For many people ages 16 to 24, having a summer work experience is the first opportunity to get a taste of professional life, learn and build skills, create connections and start a career journey.

JPMorgan Chase who has long been committed to ensuring that young people find meaningful first employment opportunities, just announced a new $20 million, five-year commitment to support Summer Youth Employment Programs in 24 U.S. cities starting this summer. This commitment will help young adults – especially those living in underserved communities -- gain meaningful work experience and set them on a quality career pathway.

And as the regional director for Chase branches throughout New Jersey, I am proud to announce that we are committing to this program in 2022 and supporting the City of Newark’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

The jobs supported by this summer youth employment program will expand skill-based and career-specific employment and training opportunities, while giving young employees the experience they need to gain new skills and prepare them for the future of work. www.thepositivecommunity.com

In addition to creating new job opportunities for young workers, these summer work experiences are a great way to develop early/foundational work skills; create a professional network of contacts; and earn college credentials and/or credits, if applicable.

Today’s young people need more education and higherquality work experiences to enter into the workforce and access a successful career path to support themselves, their families and communities. The current challenges created by the pandemic along with increasing uncertainty in the economy means that young people face higher barriers to reaching long-term quality jobs.

By investing in local community partners and advancing policy solutions, thousands of young adults from across the country will benefit from having experiences at a critical age that can lead to a bright future.

Our young people are the next generation of leaders and they need our help. While we expect them to learn from us, we also have much to learn from them. They see the world differently than their older counterparts and bring a perspective that continues to give us hope for the future.

That’s why today’s government, community and business leaders should make these types of investments for our next generation. They create stronger, more resilient communities where economic opportunity is accessible for everyone, regardless of background. That is exactly the type of future we should all want.

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement

Inaugural golf invitational

e s a e Pl

! s U Join

Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Galloping Hill Golf Course 3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth, NJ

11:30am | Buffet Lunch & Registration 1:00pm | Tee Time | Scramble Format 5:00pm | Reception 6:00pm | Dinner and Awards Cost: $300 Per Golfer $100- Reception & Dinner

Registration and Sponsorship information available at:

www.hcci.org

L-R: Courtney Bennett, Abe Larrieux, Fred Davis, Jermaine Huell, Michael Garner, Anthony Smalls, Marc Morial (Guest Speaker), Brian Jones, Aldrin Enis, Terrence Byerson and Jeff Wells Photos: Bruce Moore

L-R: Brian Jones, Marc Morial and Abe Larrieux

One Hundred Black Men of NY Discuss the State of Black America with Mark Morial

O

ne Hundred Black Men of New York (OHBMNY) hosted National Urban League President Marc Morial for an important discussion on the State of Black America at City College on June 2, 2022. The National Urban League provides this annual analysis of disparities both economic and political in Black America. The hope is that statistics can be a guide toward strengthening the efforts to ease the disparities and lessen the gaps in health, wealth, education and other life affirming necessities.

Morial served two terms as mayor of New Orleans, was a Louisiana state senator, and is a former president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. —TPC Staff www.thepositivecommunity.com

Marc Morial June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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The ribbon-cutting ceremony

I

nterested in a new or used car? Check out what’s available at the new Trinity Cadillac showroom in Englewood, NJ. Owners Lee Morant, Joseph Collado, Alex Collantes watched proudly as Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes and One Hundred Black Women President Gwen Reese cut the ribbon for Trinity Cadillac’s grand opening on May 26, 2022. —TPC Staff

L-R: Trinity Cadillac Owners Lee Morant, Joseph Collado and Alex Collantes

L-R: Trinity Cadillac Owner Lee Morant, Service Manager Derrick Morris, Trinity Cadillac Owner Joseph Collado, Trinity Cadillac Owner Alex Collantes, Sales Manager Lemuel Brown and Salesman Isaiah M. Jefferson

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Courtesy of Trinity Cadillac

Trinity Cadillac Ribbon-Cutting

AROUND THE TABLE: STORIES OF THE FOODS WE LOVE On View Now–Sept 11 An Exhibition Celebrating the Art and Science of Edible Plants nybg.org

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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Education the art + science of learning

Howard President Wayne A. I. Frederick

The Mecca; Howard University

BY FERN GILLESPIE HOWARD ALUM

H

oward University graduates and former students helped change America and its history.

Founded in 1867 in Washington D.C. during the Reconstruction Era, Howard ranks eighty-third on the U.S. News and World Report list of national universities.

Known as “The Mecca,” approximately 12,000 students of all origins, races, and cultures from around the world attend the university each year. They pursue studies in more than 140 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

A private research university, comprised of 13 schools and colleges, Howard has awarded more than 120,000 degrees in the arts, the sciences, and the humanities.

Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, Fulbright Scholars and more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States received an education at this HBCU (Historically Black College or University).

Through its Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering and Architecture, Howard has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in STEM fields. The College of Medicine, a national leader in studying health disparities among people of color, is one of America's top institutions for training female surgeons. The Schools of

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

Social Work, Business and Communications (renamed Cathy Hughes School of Communications) produce leaders in their academic areas. Howard’s commercial radio station, WHUR-FM, has ranked #1 in the DC market and created the popular “Quiet Storm” ballad format for urban radio.

Historically, Howard University grads serve as advocates for social justice and architects of social change.

Howard’s distinguished faculty members through the years reads like a “Who’s Who in America.” Among them: Nobel Laureate Ralph J. Bunche, political science; Charles R. Drew, medicine; E. Franklin Frazier, sociology; Alain J. Locke, literature; Carter G. Woodson, history; and Lois Mailou Jones, art.

Legacies from former Howard students continue to have an impact on society. Although Sean Combs dropped out of Howard’s School of Business after his sophomore year, he believes his experience at Howard inspired his phenomenal career in music and fashion. In 2022, Forbes listed Combs’ worth as $930 million and he pledged $1 million scholarship fund to Howard’s School of Business.

Literary legend Zora Neale Hurston co-founded The Hilltop student newspaper during her year at Howard in the 1920s. Today, the newspaper is one of the top college papers in the country. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The 2022 Howard University graduation put a spotlight on Howard’s Hollywood stars. Alum Phylicia Rashad, the newly appointed dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, presented a bachelor’s degree to actor Anthony Anderson, who returned to Howard to finish his degree. Named in honor of the late acclaimed actor, Howard alum and former Rashad student Chadwick A. Boseman, the college welcomed Oscar nominee and Howard alum Taraji P. Henson. as commencement speaker. Boseman, Anderson and Henson all studied fine arts and drama there in the 1990s.

In 1872, two years after the founding of Howard University Law School, Charlotte Ray was the first woman to graduate from the school and the first woman admitted to the District of Columbia Bar. Almost 150 years later, Howard undergrad alum Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female Vice President of the United States and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African American and first Asian American vice president.

When Vice President Harris attended Howard in the 1980s, she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which was founded at Howard along with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

“The thing that Howard taught me is that you can do any collection of things, and not one thing to the exclusion of the other,” stated Vice President Harris. “You could be homecoming queen and valedictorian. There are no false choices at Howard.”

Editor’s Note: Our family boasts six female Howard attendees and four graduates including my granddaughter Autumn Jeannette Witter, 2021 Summa Cum Laude graduate. —JNW

Some Howard University Graduates of note include: · Thurgood Marshall, U.S. Supreme Court Justice · L. Douglas Wilder, Governor of Virginia · Toni Morrison, Nobel Laureate author · Jessye Norman, Opera singer · Debbie Allen, Actress, producer and director · Dr. LaSalle Leffall Jr. Pres. Amer. College of Surgeons, · Vernon Jordan, Attorney, Civil Rights leader · Andrew Young, Mayor and United Nations Ambassador · Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta · Edward Brooke, Senator from Massachusetts · David Dinkins, Mayor of New York City · Benjamin Hooks FCC Commissioner/Exec. Dir. NAACP · Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark · Leticia James, Attorney General of NY State · Gregory Meeks, Queens Congressman · Lonna Hooks, Secretary of State of New Jersey · Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Toure), Activist · Lori Stokes, News anchor · Michelle Miller, CBS News host · Hal Jackson, Radio personality WBLS and WLIB www.thepositivecommunity.com

Gregory Meeks

Thurgood Marshall

Chadwick Boseman

Zora Neale Hurston

Kamala Harris

Phylicia Rashad

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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Dr. Hayles posing with Pillar College staff, board members and his family as his inauguration ceremony

Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr. addressing the audience at his inauguration

Pillar College Inaugurates New President:

S

Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr.

urrounded by history at the beautiful Newark Museum, hundreds of wellwishers were on hand to witness another historic moment, the inauguration of Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr. as president of Pillar College. He is the college’s first African American president, succeeding Dr. David E. Schroeder, who currently serves as chancellor.

A wide range of speakers including New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way; Seton Hall University Assistant Provost for Faculty Affairs Amy Newcombe; and Dr. Hayles’ brother, Fitz Hayles, praised Dr. Hayles’ leadership skills and his ability to personally connect to others. Many speakers reflected on the inspiration Dr. Hayles provided for them over the years through his integrity and persistence.

New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way spoke about the partnership between her office and Pillar College students, who work with her staff to help residents register to vote in the New Jersey Annual Ballot Bowl.

“Dr. Hayles, transformational leader,” she said. “It is an honor and a blessing just to be in your presence.”

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

Photos: Eric Hartmann at SeaLight Creative

Pillar College Chancellor Dr. David E. Schroeder congratulating Pillar College President Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr at his inauguration ceremony

Professor Amy Newcombe attended the ceremony to represent Seton Hall University in their congratulations to their alumnus. “As a student at Stillman Business School, President Hayles demonstrated exceptional ability and commitment to his studies that are still remembered by his professors. I checked!” quipped Professor Newcombe.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Information Systems from Seton Hall University and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Change Strategy, School of Leadership, Regent University. Dr. Hayles served in the United States Airforce as an officer, and then for several private sector companies such as Merck and Prudential Financial, before pivoting into academia. Dr. Hayles’ proud family including his wife, Maryann, and his two children witnessed the important event.

Pillar College has the distinction of being New Jersey’s only fully-accredited evangelical four-year college, and has been offering a Christ-centered education for over 100 years. www.thepositivecommunity.com

MAKE A DIFFERENCE. MAKE AN IMPACT. EARN A TEACHING DEGREE.

Earn a tuition-free* BA in Elementary Education through the Pillar College B.E.S.T. FOR MEN (BLACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS) PROGRAM. If you have what it takes to be the BEST, Pillar College wants to hear from you. Our B.E.S.T. for Men (Black Elementary School Teachers) Program offers a tuition-free* college degree in Elementary Education, leading to teacher certification for qualified Black men who want to make a difference in young lives by becoming elementary school teachers.

A Johns Hopkins University study found that Black students are 32% more likely to go to college when they have at least two Black elementary school teachers.** It’s called the role-model effect. As the ONLY college in Newark, NJ with a BA in Elementary Education, we’re putting it to work for our community.

Newark teachers starting salary $62k.***

*B.E.S.T. for Men Scholarship. Conditions apply. Please visit the Pillar College website for details: www.pillar.edu/best **https://releases.jhu.edu/2018/11/12/black-students-who-have-one-black-teacher-more-likely-to-go-to-college/ ***https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/newark-schools-try-attract-new-teachers-62k-starting-salary?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_ source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

Learn More: Pillar.edu/BEST | For more information call 973-803-5000 The only accredited Christ-centered evangelical Christian college in New Jersey.

Campus Locations: Newark, Somerset, Paterson, Plainfield, and Jersey City, NJ Pillar College is accredited by Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Inauguration of Dr. Augustine A. Boakye – 9th President of Essex County College

Inauguration of Dr. Augustine A. Boakye 9th President of Essex County College

Dr. Augustine A. Boakye addresses the audience at his Inauguration

Dr. Augustine A. Boakye

Dr. Boakye receives the Presidential Oath of Office Essex County College President from College Board of Trustees Chair Marion A. Emeritus Dr. A. Zachary Yamba Bolden. Wife Elizabeth holds the Bible and daughter L-R: ,Standing nextlooks to Dr. daughter Hilda Hilda on.Boakye At right(Second are ECCRight), Trusteeshis Jeweline Boake, holding bible, his wife Elizabeth Boake, Board of Trustees Chair Essex County College President Grimes and Isabel Cruz Emeritus Dr. A. Zachary Yamba Marion A. Bolden and Trustees Jeweline Grimes and Isabel Cruz

Arts High School String Ensemble performing at Rutgers University-Newark Chancellor the Nancy Inauguration Dr. Cantor

Rutgers University-Newark Chancellor Dr. Nancy Cantor remarks Arts High School Stringgives Ensemble

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka brings greetings Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Essex County College student Angela Anokye Essex County College Alumnus Jonathan Diaz, Essex County Executive Joseph N. ECC student Angela Anokye Boateng, Boateng, President of Theta the College’s Theta ClassCounty of 2016College Alumnus Jonathan Diaz, DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex President of Phi KappaPhi Honor Kappa HonorAlpha Society, Alpha Theta Theta Chapter Class of 2016 Society, Theta Theta Chapter Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

– INAUGURATION SPECIAL–

Don’t miss ECC’s Community Education Forum TV Series discussion on Social Justice.

Host: Alfred Bundy

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

Presenter: Rev. Deforest “Buster” Soares www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: New York Theological Seminary President Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond with honorees: Dr. Karen Scott, NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, Susan Shah, Deray Mckesson, and Margaret Grossman

Urban Angels Awards Gala

Photos: Raymond Hagans

L-R: First Corinthian Pastor Rev. Michael A. Waldron Jr., TPC's Jean Nash Wells and Tre Waldron

L-R: Brennan Hammond, Primrose Hammond, Dr. Eleanor MoodyShepherd, Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond, Dr. Jan McCray, and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Hammond

N

ew York Theological held its 18th Annual Urban Angels Award Gala, on June 2, 2022. The event honored faith and thought leaders who have made relevant, restorative, and revolutionary contributions to our ever-changing world. Proceeds from the event will tackle prison education reform and support their pioneering second master’s degree program at Bedford Hill Corrections Facility for Women. Honorees included the Health Commissioner of New York Dr. Dave Choski, Managing Partner & President of Sugar Hill Capital Margaret Grossman, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Campaign Zero Deray Mckesson, Managing Director, Racial Justice –Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies Susan Shah. —TPC Staff www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: First Lady Cheryl Matthews Lacey and Bethany Pastor Reverend Adolphus C. Lacey, PhD

L-R: Aarian Punter and her husband, Dr. Malcolm A. Punter

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

27

a man of the people

bob lee

By R.L. Witter

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AT TPC’S GREAT AMERICAN EMANCIPATION DAY AWARDS BANQUET Bob Lee presented Debi “Debi B” Jackson, wife of radio legend the late Hal Jackson, with the Community Service Award—a framed Cultural Narrative poster—for her work with Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens International and the Youth Development Foundation. The foundation was established to provide scholarships for young minority women around the world. Pictured L–R: Security Analyst and Promoter Dave Sheppard, Ms. Jackson and Bob Lee

G

rowing up in the Queensbridge Projects in New York City, young John Robert Lee Jr. played football and baseball while contemplating a career as a professional boxer. All of that went out the window when the music bug bit him.

Becoming Dr. Bob Lee

Bob began to appreciate the records his mom and his sister played in their home. He soon began a collection of his own, color-coded the 45 RPMs he purchased and called himself a “house party DJ.” He traversed the city DJing wherever he could at community centers, block parties, schools, and eventually, colleges and universities. He became quite well known, but how did Bob Lee become Dr. Bob Lee? The way Bob tells it, though his given name is John Robert Lee Jr., both he and his father were always called Bob. In the building in Forest Hills, Queens where his father served

The Positive Community June Issue 2022

as doorman there were medical and dental offices. As a young boy he would spend time there with his dad and got to know many of the tenants. One, a dentist, was particularly fond of him. Bob recalls he would often go to the dentist’s office, put on one of his white lab coats, look into a microscope and pretend to be a doctor. The dentist finally gave him a lab coat and his father brought him a chemistry set with his own microscope.

Dr. Bob Lee was born.

While medical school wouldn’t be in his future, Lee, always a savvy promoter, understood how Bob Lee, “Doctor of two turntables and a mic” would sound and he was right. He has created a legacy of 30 years and growing. He was still a teenager when he began at WBLS as an intern, worked as famous air personality Frankie Crocker’s program assistant, and promoted WBLS at events throughout the city. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Doing Something for the People

Lee explained that he always wanted to do something to help people. After studying at the New York Institute of Technology he thought, “Let me do something more meaningful than just radio. I wanted to be serving on the ground and in the public, saying some words to the people.. Looking people in the eye and being with people. I love when people talk to me, but I’m a great listener, too.”

Giving back began when Lee paired with a new radio personality, Mr. Magic. “We started the WBLS On-Time Program. Ken Webb would be on the air in the morning and Mr. Magic and I would go around to schools with a lot of early-days rappers, trying to encourage kids to be on-time and get a good education,” Lee said. “We’d put these kids on the air and ask them what they wanted to do after graduation and they’d say, ‘I want to be a dentist’ or something and they said it on the radio to four million people… years later they’d come back and say, ‘Look, I’m a doctor,’ or a stockbroker… It just warms my heart that I said a few words to some young people and encouraged them to follow their dreams.”

From the On-Time Program, Lee created the Make the Grade Foundation (MTG4U), a partnership and collaboration between parents, teachers, students, community, and clergy with a financial literacy and health component, to help in the edification of young minds.

“Everyone uses their own name on their foundations, but I wanted it to be more meaningful,”he revealed. He came up with “Making the Grade” while in the shower one morning. Still wet when he reached for a pen and paper and scribbled the name, he has that smeared writing on wrinkled paper to this day.

Bob Lee with his mentor, Hal Jackson

Bob Lee with high school students at the WBLS “On Time” program

www.thepositivecommunity.com TPC_Junio_2022_WF.indd 9

MTG4U hosts college fairs and bus tours, local school tours, workplace shadowing opportunities, a communications club, and a community ministry.The organization tackles issues like food insecurity, blankets for the unhoused, and has a rescue vehicle.

Faith and Family

Along with his radio work and community service, another constant in Lee’s life is his faith. He was raised in the Catholic church from first communion to altar boy to marriage. Once he began interacting with a range of diverse people and making appearances at community events, he was exposed to other religions. “I’ve sat in mosques, studied Judaism and Buddhism. I’ve had an opportunity to explore many religions and traditions over the years, so that’s why I wanted to study world religions and feel better about how I deal with people in the community. It’s all about community building— moving together in the same direction for a common cause. I’m not hitting people over the head with the Bible.” After earning a doctorate in Theology at the New Seminary in Washington, DC, he is now, formally, Rev. Dr. John Robert Lee Jr. As if his accomplishments in radio and in the community aren’t enough, Lee is a man of many other talents. He has authored several books including “People to Know in Black History & Beyond: Recognizing the Heroes and Sheroes Who Make the Grade” in 2019 and a second volume released just this year. He boxed his way through the Golden Gloves, was a night foreman at a printing company, and is a student of natural healing, holistic, and eastern medicine. Dr. Bob also landed acting roles in several popular movies and TV shows including Do the Right Thing, Paris Blues in Harlem, Shaft, Down to Earth, Law and Order, and hosts Open on BronxNet, broadcast Monday-Wednesday and Friday on Optimum and Fios.

A family man, Bob is devoted to his wife, three children, and five grandchildren. His oldest daughter is a Navy Veteran and registered nurse, his son is a teacher and coach, and his youngest daughter is an accomplished singer. A longtime friendship with rapper Kurtis Blow led to Lee’s involvement with the Hip Hop Alliance, a strategic partnership that represents the needs and concerns of the Hip Hop and R&B workforce through advocacy, information, and service. Their goal is to extend pivotal union resources to all creators in Hip Hop and R&B. Dr. Bob Lee—still serving and giving back.

As our time together ended, I asked Lee if there was anything we hadn’t covered that he wanted our readers to know. Without missing a beat he replied, “I want to be able to continue to help people.”

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

29 6/22/22 11:07 AM

Health ideas for wellness

Money

Saving lives

The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening L-R: Rev. Michael A. Waldron III, Rev. Que English, Debra Frazierbuiness, finance + work Unit NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rev. Jacques DeGraff Howe, NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul

By Jean Nash Wells

NYS Gov. Hochul and Choose Healthy Life Announce Health Equity Funding for Black New Yorkers Photos: Raymond Hagans

Education the art + science of learning

The Choose Healthy Life Team and Community Partners

A A

s men age, the cells in the prostate gland can become cancerous. Every year in the United States, more thanand 30,000 men die from cancer, sect a press community eventprostate on June 3, 2022, ond only to skin About one inChoose eight men in AmerNew Yorkcancer.

Governor Hochul, Healthy Life ica will (CHL), develop and the condition at some point in their state lives, Quest Diagnostics announced and about one inand 40 will from it. Age iscollaboration the greatest risk appropriations thedie public-private of factor church for prostate cancer. one in 10,000 men Black leaders andWhile healthonly navigators to address under age 40 will be thatcommunities number leapsacross to onethe in health disparities indiagnosed, underserved 14 for thosewith agesthe 60 to 69. About 60 percent of all prostate city.

Along Governor were CHL Executives Rev. cancers are diagnosed in men over Rev. the age of 65, and 97 Al Sharpton, Debra Fraser-Howze, Jacques DeGraff, percent occur in menQuest 50 years of age and older.

Founding Partner Diagnostics CEO-elect Jim All of these facts are reasons for concern, but University Black men Davis, Technical Assistance Partner Columbia must be particularly vigilant.and Black men have a 70 Partner percent Professor Robert Fullilove, Implementation higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are UWNY C Board Member Hedieh Fakhriyazdi.

U.S. more than twice likely toand die Human from it. Prostate cancer usuDepartment of as Health Services-Director, ally has for no noticeable symptoms.

The first signPartnerships of disease is Center Faith-based and Neighborhood oftenQue found during routineremarks. screening exam.Staff This is Rev. English alsoaoffered —TPC why screening is important.

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

But there is good news; with early detection, prostate cancer can be treated successfully and thanks to billionaire businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, the lives of more Black men in New York City can be saved.

The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit, a state-of-the-art mobile facility equipped with advanced scanning and trained staff, enables early detection of prostate cancer for at-risk Black men. The mobile L-R: Rev Al Sharpton, Jim Davis, Robert Fullilove and Hedieh Fakhriyazdi

Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are more than twice as likely to die from it.

L-R: Keisha Sutton, Hazel Dukes, Stacy Lynch and Marcie McCall www.thepositivecommunity.com

DO YOU CHECK ALL THE BOXES? Vaxxed

Boosted

Bethany Baptist Church 275 W. Market St., Newark, NJ 07103

Jehovah-Jireh Praise & Worship Church Center 505 S. 15th St., Newark, NJ 07103

Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 231 Seymour Ave., Newark, NJ 07108

Metropolitan Baptist Church 149 Springfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

City Hope Ministries 92-102 S. 6th St., Newark, NJ 07107

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 198 Chadwick Ave., Newark, NJ 07108

Pilgrim Baptist Church 34 Hudson St., Newark, NJ 07103

Greater Mt Moriah Baptist Church 210 Clinton Ave., Newark, NJ 07108

Clear View Baptist Church 314 Hobson St., Newark, NJ 07112

St. Mark Free Will Baptist Church 669 S. 11th St., Newark, NJ 07103

Visit ChooseHealthyLife.org to find a vaccine site near you.

WE OUTSIDE. NOW LET’S BE SAFE.

Get your free Covid-19 vaccine.

Visit ChooseHealthyLife.org to find a vaccine site near you.

Bethany Baptist Church

275 W. Market St., Newark, NJ 07103

Jehovah-Jireh Praise & Worship Church Center

505 So. 15th St., Newark, NJ 07103

Metropolitan Baptist Church

149 Springfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

Pilgrim Baptist Church

34 Hudson St. P.O. Box 8036, Newark, NJ 07103

St. Mark Free Will Baptist Church

669 So. 11th St., Newark, NJ 07103

City Hope Ministries

92-102 So. 6th St., Newark, NJ 07107

Greater Mt Moriah Baptist Church

210 Clinton Ave., Newark, NJ 07108

Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

231 Seymour Ave., Newark, NJ 07108

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

198 Chadwick Ave., Newark, NJ 07108

Clear View Baptist Church

314 Hobson St., Newark, NJ 07112

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Get your free Covid-19 vaccine.

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

31

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.

He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

Back to Life, Part 2

I

t’s June! We are continuing to get back to a new and improved reality. Let’s continue to challenge ourselves to greater activity. Exercise or mindful movement is universally effective, unlike supplements and fad diets.

Improving your physical conditioning leads to muscle strength and core stability, confidence in movement and appearance, and it lessens the risk of chronic illness.

Exercise helps transform the body on the inside and outside and leads to an improved mental state.

I have recently lost 12 pounds on a new fitness regimen that focuses on reconditioning the mind, body, and spirit. Is your goal weight loss, improving muscle strength and agility, or reshaping your body? I’ve recorded some recommendations that helped me. Don’t forget to breathe, stretch, walk, and lift weights—see last month’s article, “Back to Life Part I.” 1) Stop telling yourself you don’t like to exercise!

You must speak life over your actions or they will not stick to form a good habit. The truth is you will love the effects your physical conditioning will have on your body. That is more than enough of a reason to get started.

2) Monitoring your diet is essential. You must plan ahead and be strategic in your intake. Like many of us, maybe you have a plan to stop eating fast food or to avoid sugar. Also, like many of us, without planning ahead you can easily start slipping back into activities that don’t honor your goals. If you have a poor diet with many excess calories, your body will use what it can for energy but the rest will turn into fat. This can increase visceral fat, which wraps around your abdominal organs and can raise your risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and high cholesterol. Visceral fat can also inflame your body’s tissues and narrow your blood vessels.

3) Increasing aerobic activity can improve your life in many ways. Aerobic means “with oxygen.” It helps your heart pumps oxygenated blood to your muscles,

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

which helps them burn fat and carbohydrates for fuel.

It increases your stamina and helps control your blood pressure. This increased activity will help maintain your weight and keep you from developing too much fat. Some good ways to increase your aerobic activity are HIIT (high-intensity interval training), strength training, or a long and slow bike ride/run.

Let’s continue getting back to life. Please check out our new 8-week class, designed to help you reach your personal best. Additionally, here is a YouTube link to my 12-minute workout you can do 3 days per week at home. https://youtu.be/E625Kq64XmQ Please place a comment on the YouTube video chat and let me know what you would like to see.

Live well and prosper.

Fitness training is available through the Live Well Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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OTC allowance and items eligible for purchase may vary by plan and are subject to change. Dental services must be medically necessary to be covered; limitations and exclusions apply. Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. offers HMO plans that contract with the Federal Government and has a contract with New York State Medicaid for its Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Plans contain exclusions and limitations. Benefits vary by plan. Healthfirst complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. © 2022 HF Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

Y0147_MKT22_128 0276-22_M

ADVERTORIAL

More Than Symbolism We Need Change

By Roger Milliner Chief Growth Officer at MetroPlusHealth

A

lthough it has long been celebrated in the African American community, Juneteenth remains largely unknown to most Americans. This day provides an important opportunity to encourage a national conversation about what true freedom for Black communities means. It was not until after Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. Still, systemic racism prevents Black communities from experiencing many of the freedoms promised in the Declaration of Independence.

Today, that unmet promise shows how Black communities are disproportionately affected by severe health challenges, including a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, lack of adequate dental care, and a Black maternal mortality rate two-to-three times higher than white women. And a conversation about Black Americans cannot be had without addressing the truths in plain sight about the health disparities that prevent our communities from accessing cost-effective and equitable care.

Deeply rooted in the past, there is a lack of trust between the Black population and care providers. Often structured to overlook the population’s unique needs, Black communities are rarely represented in health care planning and decision-making stages because they do not hold many executive positions. A Mckinsey study found that limited progress has been made in the representation of Black men across all levels, and women of color only make up 5% of senior-level positions. While some progress has been made in recent years, having too few diverse faces in leadership positions in the system further drives health disparities and reactive care. To build trust, the care system must reflect and authentically connect to the people in the communities they represent. At MetroPlusHealth, we hire from and set up offices in New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods. We build relationships with local leaders

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

and trusted messengers whose influence ensures a direct channel to community residents who require information.

Preventive care means proactively reaching out to communities long before they are in the emergency room. This can start with promoting annual checkups and includes providing information in a way and in places that make an authentic connection. Studies have shown that Black men generally do not seek medical care, and this ongoing issue keeps doctors from detecting lifethreatening problems early, resulting in more significant health concerns. In partnership with the Community Health Action of Staten Island and the American Heart Association, MetroPlusHealth formed an initiative that supports Black men, many of whom have higher hypertension and blood pressure rates. This initiative is anchored in their local barbershop—a trusted space where Black men often feel at home and can openly express themselves—to provide blood pressure screenings and bring awareness of their health concerns.

While this Juneteenth, we acknowledge the symbolic freedom of the Black community, it is time to bridge the gap between our community and the health care system so that Black Americans can prosper through excellent and equitable health care. Comprehensive health coverage and access to quality care are no longer just nice to haves – they are imperative to ensuring the future of Black families.

Culturally sensitive and fluent in more than 40 languages, MetroPlusHealth’s staff is as diverse as the great city it serves.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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“We encourage residents to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Our comprehensive plan provides vaccinations centers that are convenient to all Essex County residents. Vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And the Board of County Commissioners

Essex County COVID-19 Vaccination & Testing Locations

Sears Building, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston Mall Thursdays & Fridays from 2 to 7 p.m. & Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

Essex County Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Newark Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

Orange City Hall, 29 North Day Street, Orange Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

Irvington Town Hall, 1 Civic Square, Irvington Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m.

East Orange City Hall, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange Moderna, Pfizer and J&J vaccines are available.

Everyone ages 5 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments for vaccinations are not required. However, if you would like to make an appointment, visit EssexCOVID.org or call 973-877-8456. Appointments for testing are not required.

There are no out-of-pocket costs to receive vaccines. Residents will be asked to provide their medical insurance information so Essex County bill the insurance company $40 for each dose of the vaccine. If you do not have insurance, the cost of the vaccine will be covered by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Funds.

Putting Essex County’s Health First

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

One of the top 15 heart transplant programs in the nation.

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center has a passion for heart health. As the most comprehensive cardiothoracic surgery program in the state, our Heart Failure and Transplant program has performed more than 1,100 heart transplants, including the first in the state of New Jersey. We’ve been at the forefront of highly-specialized heart care for more than 30 years, improving the quality of life for transplant candidates and recipients, leading groundbreaking research and helping to increase access to transplants.

Hope. Health. Hearts. All transplanted here. Learn more at rwjbh.org/hearttransplant

Listen every day at 7am on TPC radio for The Upper Room re-broadcast

IT'S COOKOUT SEASON.

ARE YOU READY?

Bethany Baptist Church 275 W. Market St. Newark, NJ 07103

City Hope Ministries 92-102 S. 6th St. Newark, NJ 07107

Metropolitan Baptist Church 149 Springfield Ave. Newark, NJ 07103

Greater Mt Moriah Baptist Church 210 Clinton Ave. Newark, NJ 07108

Pilgrim Baptist Church 34 Hudson St. Newark, NJ 07103

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 198 Chadwick Ave. Newark, NJ 07108

St. Mark Free Will Baptist Church 669 S. 11th St. Newark, NJ 07103

Clear View Baptist Church 314 Hobson St. Newark, NJ 07112

Mt Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 231 Seymour Ave. Newark, NJ 07108

Jehovah-Jireh Praise & Worship Church Center 505 S. 15th St. Newark, NJ 07103

Visit ChooseHealthyLife.org to find a vaccine site near you.

Samuel C. Arnold-Manager-Licence #3180 Elizabeth T. Perry-Tisdale-Asst. Manager-Licence # 5073 38

The Positive Community June Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Miller Street Health Fair Photos: Karen Waters

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he Miller Street Shelter was the scene for a health fair on June 4, 2022. Sponsored by Aetna, the City of Newark, and the United Community Corporation, the fair featured refreshments, information on resources and giveaways including free groceries.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

39

Health care Health Health care care Health care as low as $0. as as low low as as $0. $0. as Including low as $0. vision

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Incluyendo beneficios de la

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Including Includingvision vision Including vision and dental. and anddental. dental. and dental.

Incluyendo Incluyendobeneficios beneficiosde de lala Incluyendo beneficios de la vista y dentales. vista vistayy ydentales. dentales. vista dentales.

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Essex County Executive Dedicates Essex County Barry H. Ostrowsky Animal Wellness Center

E

ssex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. dedicated the Animal Hospital at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo as the Essex County Barry H. Ostrowsky Animal Wellness Center on the Monday, May 23rd. Opened in 2005, the building was renamed in honor of Barry Ostrowsky, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health.

Barry Ostrowsky has built RWJBarnabas Health

www.thepositivecommunity.com

into the premiere healthcare system in New Jersey and is recognized as one of the leading authorities on healthcare. Under his leadership, Cooperman Barnabas, Clara Maass and Newark Beth Israel Medical Centers have contributed to the economic development, public health and quality of life or our communities, DiVincenzo said. Barry also has been a great partner with Essex County.

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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Culture

music, art + literature

!

Health survival ideas for wellness

By James Frazier Newark News & Story Collaborative

Black Theater Companies Pivot, Present | In-person Theatre is Back

Money Jumping 4 Justice in Summit

F

L-R: Dr. Angelica Clifton, Fountain BC, First Lady Cheron Dumas

and husband, Moderator Rev. Dr. Derrick Middlesex rustrated with the lack of diversity in AmerChurch onDumas Henry Central Baptist Asso. Rev.Street.

Dr. CarolMany Patterson, First Baptist ican theater, Ricardo Mohamed Khan and performAngela Graham and Amber Davis jumping for justice Church Lincoln Gardens L. Kenneth Richardson conceptualized ers benefited from earthe Crossroads Theatre Company. Since its ly successes on NFT’s founding in 1978, Crossroads has produced stage—the late Chadover 100 works, many of them premiere wick Boseman, Debbie productions African and African American artists, Allen, Morgan FreeBY LESLIE by NASH including The Colored andFountain Spunk by Baptist George Church C. man, of Phylicia Rashad, he pastor and Museum people of focused on lifting the voices women and girls around Wolfe,in Jitney by August Wilson, Sheila’s Day by South AfDenzel Washington, Summit, NJ hold true to their long history of the world and heightening awareness, advocacy, and rican writer Duma, Ndlovu and many more. Crossroads LaTanya Richardson amplifying the voices of the most marginalized. activism. Globally, an estimated 736 million women— received the 1999 Tony Award for Outstanding RegionJackson, Samuel L. been In May, Fountain Baptist Church Pastor Reverend al Theatre in the United States in recognition of its 22- Dr. J. almost one in three—have Jackson, Issasubjected Rae, and to intimate Ricardo Kahnviolence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at partner Michael Sanders hosted a different kind of revival—the year history of artistic accomplishment and excellence. many more. Woodie 2022 Double Dutchmy Revival, least once in their lives. One women you know has “MyJumping4Justice father’s heritage is East Indian; mothera isthreeKinginJr.three retired from Crossroads Theatre Company day event supporting Global Christian experienced some formleadership of gender-based violence. Think African-American and sothe theyLott wereCarey bringing together of the illustwo cultures,” said Kahn. “That’s ethically as well as trious about theaterit— at the endaof June.

Missional Community’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative. that’s staggering statistic. geographically. up, Central there wasBaptist never aAssociation sense “During the first of the pandemic, March 2020, Together, the Growing Middlesex Mark yourpart calendar for the second Saturday in May that we were solely identified

by Dr. being Black Dumas, kids in Sis. I had of been thinking about retiring,” KingDouble revealed.

(MCBA) Moderator Reverend Derrick 2023 when the Jumping4Justice Dutch Revival Camden,Prince, New Jersey.

Yes, we were Black in (co-captains Camden, “Then the pandemic increased in the time.

The offices Vernell and Sis. Kamise Thompson of returns.

Dr. Gina Stewart, current president of Lott but our roots are global. What I’ve always wanted to closed down. Then people needed to have shots. I the 40+ Double Dutch Sub-Club) committed to supporting Carey, adheres to the age-old saying, “teamwork makes the tell people through Crossroads is that it’s about our said, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t want to go back to work. women girls victimized by gender-based work.” between the local roots. Asand Black people in this country we should violence not I’m 83dream years old.

So,This whatpartnership should I do?’

I thought, I churches fueled by gendered racism. through MCBA and other associations, raised forget or even allow people to think this is all of who we needed a young person to run it. And that person was $12,000.00 for support services, proving Dr. Stewart’s point: Together A gender justice panel discussion followed two days are.”

He continued, “There’s much more!

Theby sense Elizabeth Van Dyke, our artistic director.

She’s experiof aphenomenal preaching

by Dr. Annthat Knight stronger! how to communicate with this connecting, having a theater likeCarolyn Crossroads enced we andare understands connects to many different communities in this coun- generation. And getting that younger person to run it try and around the world is in order for us to redefine and work with me over the last year and five months, who we are on a larger level.” solidified it for me.”

As millions of people quarantined last year, theAcross the Hudson River, one of the pioneering institutions integrating artists of color and women into the aters around the world temporarily closed their doors mainstream American theater, Woodie King Jr.’s New and we were forced to stay at home without live enFederal Theater (NFT), faces major changes. Found- tertainment. For the first time, the theater found the ed in 1970, NFT began as an outgrowth of a theatre need to compete with social media and streaming program called Mobilization for Youth. The theatre’s platforms. NFT embraced change, deciding to shift first season opened in the basement of St. Augustine’s theater to the digital space with pre-recorded and live

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buiness, finance + work

Education the art + science of learning

Photos Courtesy of Fountain Baptist Church

Pastor J. Michael Sanders, Dr. Angelita Clifton (center), and the Camden NJ 40+ Double Dutch Sub-Club

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

Junior Justice League starts them out early www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fountain Baptist Church Pastor Dr. J. Michael Sanders and Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight

L-R: First Baptist Church of Teaneck NJ Pastor Dr. Marilyn Harris and Dr. Angelita Clifton

The Junior Justice League Sack Race

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

43

James Gibbs Photos Courtesy of Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

L-R: Chris Sabin and Anthony Smith

TPC’s Angela Ridenour

An audience of happy jazz enthusiasts

Mike Phillips

Jazzy Soul Series Kicks Off in Newark

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here is nothing like live jazz music. Recently the options have been few, but Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District kicked off its 15th music festival season with its highly popular Jazzy Soul Series at the revitalized Medallion Restaurant.

World renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips celebrated the release of his new single “City Lights,” at his only New Jersey tour stop. Mike is the only musician in the world to have recorded and toured with the legendary “Big Three” of American soul and pop music: Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, not only as a member of the band, but as a featured soloist. He is also the first musician signed by Michael Jordan to the Nike Jordan Brand, home of the Air Jordan.

Other performers in the series include Newarkborn James Gibbs II and local homegrown performing artists such as JANÉ (Jah-nay), poet/spoken word artist

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

The Euphonym, and emerging vocalist ALANA ZENÉ (pronounced Ah-Lah-Nah Zeh-Nay). Influenced by founding board member Amiri Baraka’s love of jazz, Lincoln Park Jazzy Soul Series program introduces jazz infused live soul music to a new generation of music lovers.

Lincoln Park Music Festival Official Events Youth Fest Day – Sunday 7/10 Gospel Night in The Park – Wednesday 7/27 Yendor presents Rodney’s House: A Celebration of the late Rodney M. Gilbert – Friday 7/29 House Music Day – Saturday 7/30 Hip Hop Culture Day – Sunday 7/31 The Soul of Lincoln Park – Saturday 8/6 Lincoln Park Caribana – Sunday 8/7 Peace in Lincoln Park hosted by Brick Citi Buddha – Sat 9/17 www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.thepositivecommunity.com

June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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Celebrating Mothers

T

wo Fish and Five Loaves, led by caterer extraordinaire Kevin Smallwood welcomed Moms on Sunday, May 8 to their annual Mother’s Day brunch at the Robert Treat Hotel’s beautiful Tri-state Ballroom.

Hundreds of families celebrated their deserving mothers at the afternoon soiree. The event, hosted by the TriState Leading Ladies: Shaila Scott, Toya Beasley and Liz Black, with DJ Spen, featured a lavish spread and lively entertainment. —TPC Staff

L-R: Valerie Marable, Kevin Smallwood and Shaila Scott

Photos: Karen Waters

L-R: Tri-State leading ladies Shaila Scott, Toya Beasley and Liz Black

L-R: DJ Mitch the People Pleezer and Skip Dillard

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

L-R: Renowned DJ Spen and Kevin Smallwood www.thepositivecommunity.com

Interfaith Action Movement (IAM) members

Interfaith Action Movement Second Anniversary Dinner Celebration

Photos: Karen Waters

Seated L-R: Tency Eason & Hon. Mildred C. Crump, Standing L-R: David Jones, Dr. Pamela Jones, Pastor Michael Ogunleye, Min. Louise Roundtree, Cynthia Dawkins, Pas. Eyesha Marable and Rev. Dr. Kimberly Holmes.

L-R: Linell Andrews and IAM Founder Rev. Derrick L. Green

T

he mission of the Interfaith Action Movement (IAM) addresses the spiritual, social, and economic needs of underserved and marginalized communities in New Jersey and across the nation. The Second Anniversary IAM Dinner Celebration took place on April 23, 2022, at Don Pepe Restaurant , Newark. IAM Founder Rev. Dr. Derrick L. Green spoke, Pastor Eyesha Marable entertained with liturgical dancing, and jazz artist Zakiiyyah Zaimah & Band provided the musical interludes. —TPC Staff

L-R: Pastor Eyesha Marable and Irene Daniels

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L-R: Surprise guest Wyatt Jennings, Imam Shakir, Chadia and Jamaal Saleem

L-R Grandchildren Kiara Hartley, Nadirah Saleem, Aliyah Saleem, Nylah Shakir, Kahleem Shakir, Cardell Wiggins, and Sylvia Joi Wiggins

Hajjah Faheemah and Hajji Siddeeq El-Amin

L-R Imam Aziz, Miriam Aziz, Imam Khalil Aziz, and Joan & Mahdee Najeeullah

Granddaughter Aliyah Saleem expressing special moments and wishes

Beloved Imam Hajji Earnest Shakir Celebrates 89th Birthday

www.thepositivecommunity.com

believes “The best people are those who go beyond themselves to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Photos: Karen Waters

F

amily and friends gathered in an exquisitely adorned private tent at Stage House Tavern, Mountainside, NJ to celebrate Imam Hajji Earnest Shakir’s 89th birthday on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Plainfield Masjidullah founder; devoted husband of Audrey Shakir; dedicated father of Earnest Wiggins Jr., Jemil Shakir, and Chadia Saleem honored his longevity with family, supporters, special presentations, gifts, and scrumptious cuisine.

Imam Shakir is a devout Muslim leader, consummate professional, well-respected community benefactor, and owner of Wiggins Auto Body Inc. in Plainfield, NJ. This 50+ year business owner and community service advocate is the recipient of numerous exemplary awards and honors from the Union County NAACP, UCC Justice and Peace Action Network, Union County ACIC Stop the Violence Campaign, Plainfield Marcus Garvey Pioneer Award, Plainfield Area NJ Ebony Police Association, Plainfield Masjidullah, and more. Imam Shakir wholeheartedly

Imam Earnest Shakir with his son Jemil Shakir left, daughter Chadia Saleem, and son Earnest Wiggins Jr June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

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Bits and Pieces current news + topics COLLECTED BY LESLIE NASH

Wrongfully Accused Black Bird-Watcher Lands TV Show About Birding When Christian Cooper decided in May of 2020 to go to New York’s Central Park to take part in his favorite hobby—bird-watching—he had no idea he would end up in the national news. At the park, he encountered a woman with her unleashed dog. He asked her to kindly leash her pet, but her reaction caused him to take out his phone and start recording. Amy Cooper (no relation) called police, crying that a Black man was threatening her, though no such thing had occurred.

The viral video added to the current debate about Black men deemed suspicious or threatening by just being alive.

N o w, i n a t r u l y p o s i t i v e development, Christian Cooper will host a television show about birds, Extraordinary Birder, for National Geographic.

New American Women Quarters™ Feature Maya Angelou Have you seen the Maya Angelou quarter? The U.S. Mint began circulating the design honoring the poet and author in January. A part of the “American Woman” series, the coin is the first-ever to honor a Black woman. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the series conveys “what we value and how we’ve progressed as a society.” The coin’s designer, Emily Damstra, says “It struck me that she lived life very passionately.

Other coins in the series released this year honor Astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, Native American Activist Wilma Mankiller, New Mexico Suffragette Nina Otero-Warren, and Chinese American Film Star Anna May Wong.

Amplifying Black Expectant Mother’s Voices The pregnancy experience of seven-time Olympic Medalist Allyson Felix caused her to want to raise awareness about the experiences of other Black mothers. Felix developed severe preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication, which can be deadly if not treated quickly. Inequalities for Black maternal health is a passionate subject for Felix, whose daughter is now 3 years old. Pampers has partnered with Felix and they’ve committed $250,000 to tackling systemic issues in Black maternal health, and a $100,000 partnership with the National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC). The partnership will develop resources to empower Black women to use their voices when working with providers to ensure healthy outcomes for babies and for mothers.

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The Positive Community June Issue 2022

New York State Senate Passes the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act (NYJLVRA) This past January, a federal version of the bill failed to get the 60 votes needed to prevent a filibuster in the dysfunctional US Senate. Their inaction on this important issue (and others), led states to consider passing their own version of the bill to ensure the right to vote. On June 2, 2022, the New York State Assembly voted to approve the NYJLVRA. The NYVRA’s critical protections include: • Preclearance for some local governments to prove that proposed voting changes will not harm voters of color before they can go into effect.

• Providing new legal tools to fight discriminatory voting provisions in court.

• Expanding language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency.

• Creating strong protections against voter intimidation, deception, or obstruction.

• Instructing state judges to interpret election laws in a pro voter way whenever possible.

• Establishing, through companion legislation, a central hub for election data and demographic information that will empower officials and community members to ensure accessible elections. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photograph by Art Kane - Courtesy © Art Kane Archive 2022

Top Row L-R: Benny Golson, Art Farmer, Wilbur Ware. 2nd Row: Hilton Jefferson, Art Blakey, Chubby Jackson, Johnny Griffin. 3rd Row: Dickie Wells, Buck Clayton, Taft Jordan. 4th Row: Zutty Singleton, Red Allen. 5th Row: Sonny Greer, Jimmy Jones, Tyree Glenn. 6th Row: Miff Mole, J.C. Higginbotham, Charles Mingus. 7th Row: Jo Jones, Gene Krupa, Osie Johnson. 8th Row: Max Kaminsky, George Wettling, Bud Freeman, Pee Wee Russell, Buster Bailey. 9th Row: Scoville Browne, Bill Crump, Ernie Wilkins, Sahib Shihab, Sonny Rollins. Bottom Row: Gigi Gryce, Hank Jones, Eddie Locke, Horace Silver, Luckey Roberts, Maxine Sullivan, Jimmy Rushing, Joe Thomas, Stuff Smith, Coleman Hawkins, Rudy Powell, Oscar Pettiford, Marian McPartland, Lawrence Brown, Mary Lou Williams, Emmett Berry, Thelonious Monk, Milt Hinton, Vic Dickenson, Lester Young, Rex Stewart, J.C. Heard, Gerry Mulligan, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie. Sitting with the boys: William “Count” Basie

A Great Day in Harlem

BY LESLIE NASH arly on the morning in August 1958, on the stoop of 17 East 126th St., jazz greats gathered. Most of the musicians were on their way home after playing all night in the best jazz clubs in NYC. A young photographer, Art Kane, captured what would become known as “A Great Day in Harlem.” Along the curb, several young boys are seated, their names unknown with the exception of Taft Jordan Jr. Wrangling those energetic youths to sit quietly must have been difficult, but not more difficult than gathering so many jazz greats in one place for this iconic photograph.

We wonder what the future had in store for those children sitting there. Did they know how important the moment was? Do any of our readers know the name of any of the children pictured, and what became of them?

We would like to hear from you if you have information for our search.

Contact The Positive Community at 973-233-9200 or email leslie@thepositivecommunity.com.

E

www.thepositivecommunity.com

“

Black and white: two colors forbidden to be in close proximity yet captured so beautifully within a single black and white frame.

The importance of this photo transcends time and location, leaving it to become not only a symbolic piece of art but a piece of history. During a time in which segregation was very much still a part of our everyday lives, and in a world that often pointed out our differences instead of celebrating our similarities, there was something so special and pure about gathering 57 individuals together, in the name of jazz.

”

Quincy Jones, documentary narrator, A Great Day in Harlem June Issue 2022 The Positive Community

53

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

June 2022

Vol. 22 No. 5 b

Publisher

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief

THE POWER OF POTATO SALAD

Associate Editor

A

Jean Nash Wells R. L. Witter

Sales

Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams Satori MPR Cheryl Saunders Austin Fenner

Contributing Writers Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie

Contributing Photographers

Vincent Bryant Ryan Council Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC Raymond Hagans

Executive Assistant Leslie Nash

Community & Government Affairs Wayne Smith

The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: info@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation.

All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive Community TM its management or staff. The Positive Community TM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

54

The Positive Community June Issue 2022

fter more than two years and learning the true meaning of cabin fever, we have taken small steps to get back to some form of pre-COVID normalcy. We’ve taken a short road trip and stayed in a hotel, eaten on restaurant patios a few times, and FINALLY are seeing friends and loved ones in person again.

We began in April with a Sunday dinner on the patio. Hubby got on the grill. Throughout the day we engaged our four guests in games of Phase 10, Spades, Culture Tags, and Black Card Revoked. As the evening began to wind down and we cleaned up, one of the fellas looked both left and right, then leaned down and in nearly a whisper asked, “Is it okay if I take home some of that potato salad?” I smiled and retrieved a container for him. As he filled the container he said, “Lady, I haven’t had your potato salad in two years. This made my day!” He gave me a hug as he topped off the container with some of Hubby’s barbeque.

In May we had planned a Memorial Day cookout but unforeseen circumstances made us unable to host at our house. Everyone was disappointed as we planned to watch a movie in the backyard that night, but some of our dearest friends stepped up and volunteered to host the cookout at their home. When I called Sunday night to ask what time and if they wanted us to bring the projector and movie screen, my friend laughed and said, “Don’t worry about the movie but you need to come early so you can make the potato salad. I know it’s too hot in your kitchen so I’ll make room for you to

do your thing. Oh, and I’m buying some extra potatoes so we can have some extra over here for Tuesday.”

I thanked her and don’t you know we had a blast Monday morning cutting up and laughing as I made the potato salad at her house. It wasn’t easy to keep my secrets from her, but I managed.

June came, and along with it, Juneteenth and Father’s Day. We all looked forward to being together. I called a friend who hadn’t socialized much since losing his mother last year. I invited him to the festivities, but he was hesitant to commit to attending. I reminded him he is loved and would be missed and left it at that. Well, imagine my joy and surprise when he arrived to celebrate! We fussed over him. The fellas offered him various cuts of meat and cold drinks; the ladies offered to make his plate and we were all thrilled to see him. I asked what changed his mind. He smiled and said, “I heard you were making potato salad.”

As we get out and get together this summer, take a moment to appreciate the blessing of friends, family, and togetherness. Make folks feel welcome, savor the flavors, and don’t forget my invite; I’ll be glad to bring the potato salad.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

They said it couldn’t be done.

We didn’t listen.

We’ve done hard things before, we do them all the time.

For most cancer patients, the usual options are surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. So we’re working on ways to get the immune system to deploy billions of cancer-killing cells and help more patients survive.

When some people experienced mysterious COVID symptoms and had nowhere to go, our team created the first Center for Post-COVID Care.

It wasn’t that long ago we had to open up your whole chest for heart surgery.

Now we’re pioneering a bypass that goes through a few tiny incisions. With this surgery, we can get you back on your feet in weeks instead of months.

So if anyone ever tells you there’s no other way—don’t listen.

©CRDA

SUMMER MOOD-BOOSTERS IN NEW JERSEY

Surprise yourself with new wonders, or rediscover the places and faces you treasure most. Beloved beaches and boardwalks.

Parks, forests and family-friendly attractions. Distinctive dining, art, history and culture. Inspiring journeys, like our Black Heritage and Scenic Byways Trip Itineraries.

Get your free official travel guide and explore more at VisitNJ.org