May-June 2021

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ May/June 2021 thepositivecommunity.com

What’s going on Turns 50!

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING NEWARK’S BLACK MUSIC AND CULTURE FIRST LADY BIDEN VISITS HARLEM’S ABYSSINIAN BC FOCUS ON HEALTH

$2.95

HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH PROUDLY CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH As New Jersey’s largest health care organization, we are dedicated to ensuring that there is equity and opportunity for our patients and team members. Our mission is to transform health care and we are deeply committed to eliminating unacceptable gaps in health outcomes based on race and ethnicity.

As families gather together to celebrate Juneteenth which is typically celebrated on June 19th to commemorate when the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation arrived in Texas, freeing over 250,000 slaves in 1865, two years after it was signed, these gatherings have more meaning this year as our state and the U.S. emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has laid to bare the alarming health disparities affecting the Black community that preexisted the pandemic.

As a nation and as a community, let’s stand together and continue the march towards justice and an equitable society.

2021

Schedule your COVID-19 vaccine today by visiting HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Covid19.

TOP FOR COMPANIES

HOSPITALS &

HEALTH SYSTEMS

KEEP GETTING BETTER

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 1

CONTENTS

SECTIONS Health ................................... 12 Education ............................. 64

Features

60 Cover photo by Jim Hendin

ON THE COVER: Marvin Gaye’s iconic What’s Going On album turns 50 and is just as relevant as ever SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrating Newark's Black Music & Culture .......... 27–54

&also inside

Publisher’s Desk ................................ 8 Fitness Doctor ................................. 18 The Last Word .................................. 76

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

AARP’s EVP & Chief Diversity Officer .......................... 10 Englewood Health Discusses Diversity ...................... 12 Congressman Watson Coleman on Black Health Care .. 16 Dr. Fauci & First Lady Visit Abyssinian B.C. ................ 20 NY Presbyterian Doctors Host Webinar ..................... 24 Special Section .......................................................... 1 Economic Lens of Newark’s Black Culture & Art .......... 2 Newark’s Black Music: Past, Present, & Future ............ 4 Black Music & Art Move the City Forward .................... 6 Newark Ushers in New Era of Arts ............................... 8 Grammy Museum Experience at the Rock ................. 10 Newark: NJ’s Gospel Music Capital ........................... 12 The Temple: Newark Symphony Hall ......................... 13 Lincoln Park’s Musical History and Legacy ................ 16 The Next 40 Years at Newark’s WBGO ....................... 18 It Takes A Village to Sustain an Arts City .................... 20 Community, Creativity, and Curiosity at NMOA ........... 22 Tribute to Dr. Roy Hastick ......................................... 56 Newark Beth Israel Expansion Is Newark Strong ....... 58 National Black Theatre & NY Phil Open NYC Parks .... 59 Jim Hendin: What’s Going On Photographer .............. 62 Mary J. Blige Inducted into Apollo Walk of Fame ....... 63 Hezekiah Walker Establishes Center for Gospel ......... 64 Honorary Degrees Awarded ....................................... 65 Unpacking Juneteenth .............................................. 68 Zion Park WWI Memorial in Brooklyn ........................ 72 Aetna Community Outreach ...................................... 73 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.

Moderator Roland Martin

e Black Church in the Pursuit of Economic Justice Host Pastor Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., Esq. @ROLANDSMARTIN

Join Us June 24th 8:00 PM

Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson

Dr. Willie D. Francois

Dr. Jacqueline Thompson Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III

Dr. Suzanne Johnson-Cooke

Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr_

EST

Bishop Joseph Walker III

Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert, Jr

Bishop Talbert W. Swan

How can the Black Church advance an Economic Agenda?

R C

GREAT GREAT

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MAKE MAKE THE THE DIFFERENCE! DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO TO PROGRESS PROGRESS

he he clergy clergy organizations, organizations, churches, churches, community community businesses businesses and and institutions institutions listed listed below below have have committed committed to to the the purchase purchase of of at at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising.

Find out least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more more by calling calling 973-233-9200 973-233-9200 or or email email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com. by

Abundant Life Abundant Life Fellowship Fellowship COGIC, COGIC, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Supt.

Edward Bohannon, Jr., Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Pastor Abyssinian Abyssinian B.C., B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Calvin Calvin O. O. Butts Butts III, III, Pastor Pastor Abyssinian B.C., Newark, Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Barry Barry R. R. Miller, Miller, Pastor Pastor Aenon Aenon Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Vauxhall, Vauxhall, NJ NJ Rev Rev Alphonso Alphonso Williams, Williams, Sr., Sr., Pastor Pastor Agape Agape Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Craig Craig R. R. Jackson, Jackson, Pastor Pastor Antioch Antioch Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Rev. Robert Robert M. M. Waterman, Waterman, Pastor Pastor Archdiocese Archdiocese of of New New York York Brother Brother Tyrone Tyrone Davis, Davis, Office Office of of Black Black Ministry Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Charles Charles A. A. Curtis, Curtis, President President BCT Partners, Newark, BCT Partners, Newark, NJ NJ Dr. Dr. Randal Randal Pinkett, Pinkett, CEO CEO Berean B.C., Berean B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Rev. Arlee Arlee Griffin Griffin Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Bethany Bethany B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Adolphus Adolphus C. C. Lacey, Lacey, Sr. Sr. Pastor Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Rev. Timothy Timothy E. E. Jones, Jones, Pastor Pastor Bethlehem Missionary Bethlehem Missionary B.C., B.C., Roselle, Roselle, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Jeffrey Jeffrey Bryan, Bryan, Pastor Pastor Beulah Beulah Bible Bible Cathedral Cathedral Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Gerald Gerald Lydell Lydell Dickson, Dickson, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Garfield, Garfield, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Calvin Calvin McKinney, McKinney, Pastor Pastor Calvary Calvary Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Morristown, Morristown, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Jerry Jerry M. M. Carter, Carter, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Canaan Canaan B. B. C. C. of of Christ, Christ, Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Rev. Thomas Thomas D. D. Johnson, Johnson, Pastor Pastor Canaan Canaan B.C., B.C., Paterson, Paterson, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Barry Barry L. L. Graham, Graham, Pastor Pastor Cathedral International., Cathedral International., Perth Perth Amboy, Amboy, NJ NJ Bishop Donald Bishop Donald Hilliard, Hilliard, Pastor Pastor Charity Baptist Charity Baptist Church, Church, Bronx, Bronx, NY NY Rev. Rev. Reginald Reginald Williams, Williams, Pastor Pastor Christian Christian Love Love B.C., B.C., Irvington, Irvington, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Brandon Brandon Keith Keith Washington, Washington, Pastor Pastor Clear Clear View View Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Curtis Curtis W. W. Belle, Belle, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Community Community B.C., B.C., Englewood, Englewood, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Lester Lester Taylor, Taylor, Pastor Pastor Community Community Church Church of of God, God, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Antonio Antonio Porter, Porter, Pastor Pastor

Concord Concord B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Gary Gary V. V. Simpson, Simpson, Pastor Pastor Convent Avenue Convent Avenue Baptist Baptist Church, Church, New New York, York, NY NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Cross and Cross and Crown Crown Christian Christian Church, Church, Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Lula Lula A. A. Baker, Baker, Pastor Pastor Ebenezer B.C. B.C. of of Englewood, Englewood, NJ NJ Ebenezer Rev. Rev. Preston Preston E. E. Thompson, Thompson, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Ebenezer Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Ebenezer Rev. Rev. H. H. William William Rutherford Rutherford III, III, Pastor Pastor Elizabeth, Elizabeth, NJ NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Patricia Perkins-Auguste Perkins-Auguste Empire Empire Missionary Missionary Baptist Baptist Convention Convention Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Carl Carl T. T. Washington, Washington, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Evergreen Evergreen Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Palmyra, Palmyra, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Guy Guy Campbell, Campbell, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Fellowship Fellowship Missionary Missionary B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Elton Elton T. T. Byrd Byrd Pastor/Founder Pastor/Founder First First B.C. B.C. of of Lincoln Lincoln Gardens, Gardens, Somerset Somerset NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. DeForest DeForest (Buster) (Buster) Soaries, Soaries, Pastor Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church, Church, East East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, NY NY Rev. Rev. Patrick Patrick Henry Henry Young, Young, Pastor Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church Church of of Kenilworth, Kenilworth, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Nathaniel Nathaniel Bullock Bullock Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church Church of of Teaneck, Teaneck, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Marilyn Marilyn Monroe Monroe Harris, Harris, Pastor Pastor First First Baptist Baptist of of Jericho, Jericho, Deptford, Deptford, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Derek Derek V. V. Gaitling, Gaitling, Pastor Pastor First First Corinthian Corinthian Baptist Baptist Church, Church, NY NY Rev. Rev. Michael Michael A. A. Walrond, Walrond, Jr., Jr., Senior Senior Pastor Pastor First First Park Park Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Rufus Rufus McClendon, McClendon, Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor First First Baptist Baptist Church, Church, South South Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Terry Terry Richardson, Richardson, Pastor Pastor General General Baptist Baptist Convention, Convention, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Lester Lester W. W. Taylor, Taylor, Jr., Jr., President President Good Good Neighbor Neighbor B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. George George A. A. Blackwell, Blackwell, III, III, Pastor Pastor Grace Grace B. B. C., C., Mt. Mt. Vernon, Vernon, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Franklyn Franklyn W. W. Richardson, Richardson, Pastor Pastor Greater Zion Hill B.C., Greater Zion Hill B.C., Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Frank Frank J. J. Blackshear, Blackshear, Pastor Pastor Harlem Congregations Harlem Congregations for for Community Community Improvement Improvement (HCCI) (HCCI) Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., Malcolm A. Punter, Ed.D., President President & & CEO CEO Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. William William Derek Derek Lee, Lee, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor ItIt Is Well Living Ministries, Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, Clark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Kahlil Kahlil Carmichael, Carmichael, Pastor Pastor

Macedonia Macedonia Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Lakewood, Lakewood, NJ NJ Dr. Dr. Edward Edward D. D. Harper, Harper, Pastor Pastor Mariners’ Mariners’ Temple Temple B.C., B.C., New New York, York, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Henrietta Henrietta Carter, Carter, Pastor Pastor Memorial, Memorial, B.C., B.C., New New York, York, NY NY Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Senior Pastor Senior Pastor Messiah Messiah Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT CT Rev. Rev. James James Logan, Logan, Pastor Pastor Messiah Messiah Baptist Baptist Church, Church, East East Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dana Dana Owens, Owens, Pastor Pastor Metropolitan Metropolitan B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. David David Jefferson, Jefferson, Pastor Pastor Mother Mother A.M.E. A.M.E. Zion Zion Church Church Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Malcolm Malcolm J. J. Byrd, Byrd, Pastor Pastor Mt. Mt. Neboh Neboh Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Johnnie Johnnie Green Green Jr., Jr., Pastor Pastor Mt. Mt. Pisgah Pisgah B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Johnny Johnny Ray Ray Youngblood, Youngblood, Pastor Pastor Mount Church, Mount Olive Olive Baptist Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Hackensack, NJ Rev. Rev. Gregory Gregory J. J. Jackson, Jackson, Pastor Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. André André W. W. Milteer, Milteer, Pastor Pastor Mt. Mt. Zion Zion AME AME Church, Church, Trenton, Trenton, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. J. J. Stanley Stanley Justice, Justice, Pastor Pastor Mt. Mt. Zion Zion B.C., B.C., Westwood, Westwood, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Bernard Bernard Glee, Glee, Pastor Pastor New Beginnings New Beginnings Agape Agape NJ Christian Christian Center, Center, Freehold, Freehold, NJ Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Rev. Dr. Andre McGuire, Pastor Pastor New State New Garden Garden State Jurisdiction Jurisdiction COGIC NJ COGIC NJ Bishop Bishop William William Cahoon Cahoon New Hope Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, Metuchen, NJ NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of New Hope Baptist Church of East East Orange, Orange, East East Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Vernard Vernard E. E. Hinton, Hinton, Pastor Pastor New Hope New Hope Baptist Baptist Church Church of of Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor Pastor New New Life Life Cathedral, Cathedral, Mt. Mt. Holly, Holly, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Eric Eric Wallace, Wallace, Pastor Pastor New Reid Temple COGIC New Reid Temple COGIC East East Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Bishop Bishop William William Cahoon Cahoon North Selton Selton AME AME Church, Church, North Piscataway, Piscataway, NJ NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Billips, Pastors Pastors Paradise B. C., Newark, Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Jethro Jethro James, James, Pastor Pastor

Park Ave Park Ave Christian Christian Disciples Disciples of of Christ, Christ, East East Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor Pilgrim Pilgrim B. B. C., C., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Glenn Glenn Wilson, Wilson, Pastor Pastor Ruth Ruth Fellowship Fellowship Ministries, Ministries, Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Tracey Tracey Brown, Brown, Pastor Pastor Shiloh Shiloh AME AME Zion Zion Church, Church, Englewood, Englewood, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. John John D. D. Givens, Givens, Pastor Pastor Shiloh Shiloh B.C., B.C., New New Rochelle, Rochelle, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. DeQuincy DeQuincy M. M. Hentz, Hentz, Pastor Pastor Shiloh Shiloh B.C., B.C., Plainfield, Plainfield, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Sheila Sheila L. L. Thorpe, Thorpe, Pastor Pastor Shiloh Shiloh B.C., B.C., Trenton, Trenton, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Darell Darell Armstrong, Armstrong, Pastor Pastor St. St. Anthony Anthony Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Walter Walter L. L. DeLoatch, DeLoatch, Sr., Sr., Pastor Pastor St. St. James James AME AME Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Ronald Ronald L. L. Slaughter, Slaughter, Pastor Pastor St. St. John John Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Camden, Camden, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Silas Silas M. M. Townsend, Townsend, Pastor Pastor St. St. John John B.C., B.C., Scotch Scotch Plains, Plains, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Shawn Shawn T. T. Wallace, Wallace, Pastor Pastor St. St. Luke Luke Baptist Baptist Church Church of of Harlem, Harlem, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Johnnie Johnnie McCann, McCann, Pastor Pastor St St Luke Luke B.C., B.C., Paterson, Paterson, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Kenneth Kenneth D.R. D.R. Clayton, Clayton, Pastor Pastor St. St. Mark Mark Missionary Missionary B.C., B.C., Jamaica, Jamaica, NY NY Rev. Rev. Owen Owen E. E. Williams, Williams, Pastor Pastor St. St. Matthew Matthew AME AME Church, Church, Orange, Orange, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Melvin Melvin E. E. Wilson, Wilson, Pastor Pastor St. St. Paul Paul Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Montclair, Montclair, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Bernadette Bernadette Glover, Glover, Pastor Pastor St. St. Paul Paul Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Red Red Bank, Bank, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Alexander Alexander Brown, Brown, Pastor Pastor St. St. Paul Paul Community Community B.C., B.C., Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY NY Rev. Rev. David David K. K. Brawley, Brawley, Pastor Pastor Tabernacle Tabernacle B.C., B.C., Burlington, Burlington, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Cory Cory L. L. Jones, Jones, Pastor Pastor The The New New Hope Hope B.C., B.C., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Joe Joe Carter, Carter, Senior Senior Pastor Pastor Union Union Baptist Baptist Temple,, Temple,, Bridgeton, Bridgeton, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Albert Albert L. L. Morgan, Morgan, Pastor Pastor United United Fellowship Fellowship B.C., B.C., Asbury Asbury Park, Park, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. James James H. H. Brown, Brown, Sr., Sr., Pastor Pastor Walker Walker Memorial Memorial B.C. B.C. Bronx, Bronx, NY NY Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. J. J. Albert Albert Bush Bush Sr., Sr., Pastor Pastor Welcome Welcome Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Newark, Newark, NJ NJ Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Elijah Elijah C. C. Williams, Williams, Pastor Pastor World Gospel Gospel Music Music Assoc., Assoc., Newark, Newark, NJ NJ World Dr. Dr. Albert Albert Lewis, Lewis, Founder Founder

““The The Positive Positive Community Community magazine magazine does does outstanding outstanding work work in in promoting promoting the the good good works works of of the the Black Black Church.

Church. All All churches churches and The Positive Positive Community Community.. Please Please support support this this magazine, magazine, the the only only one one and businesses businesses should should subscribe subscribe to to and and advertise advertise in in The that Rev. Buster Buster Soaries, Soaries, General General Baptist Baptist Revival, Revival, May May 20, 20, 2010 2010 that features features good good news news about about the the black black community.”— community.”—Rev.

ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

“For those of us who tend the sick And heed the people’s cries Let me say to you, right on” Marvin Gaye, “Right On” 1971

SAVING OUR OWN COMMUNITY

W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N

T

he Black Music Month question of the year: What’s up with all the sexually explicit language and lyric content and the pornographic gestures that dominate so much of today’s hip hop and rap music genres?

It’s everywhere—on radio, TV, across social media platforms, on street corners, and blaring out of car windows (with children in the back seat).

For the entertainer, it seems the lower one goes in promoting anti-social lifestyles, Black-on-Black violence, negative, and criminal behavior, the more notoriety and money earned. What do today’s hip-hop intellectuals (writers and creative artists) think? Is this what freedom looks like?

What’s to be gained by publically insulting one another and downplaying our own self-worth? What will be the story of Black music in America 50 years from today, when Marvin Gaye’s iconic What’s Going On album turns 100?

Almost daily my office is bombarded with press releases from major record labels’ PR departments heralding the latest hits. I listen to the lyrics and witness videos that denigrate all Black people. See it for yourself, google the top-selling rap tracks and videos of 2021.

Save the Children

In the popular entertainment and media industries, young African Americans are being exploited and paraded before the whole world as a race without a past or a future – soulless.

Today, we’re being perceived as a people with a laissez-faire attitude toward our children’s progress and our own cultural assets. In real time, young folks are being robbed of their innocence and the dignity of their humanity; generations are being led astray.

Unwittingly, tragically, we have all but surrendered our cultural sovereignty to “market forces” and the “enemies of progress.” We allow others to determine what’s best for us and our children—reminiscent of slavery times.

Collectively, we may be in danger of becoming the first generation since Emancipation to leave future generations with less—culturally and economically—than our predecessors. While African Americans continue to make huge strides politically, the state of Black music, the culture, and that of our underclass has become a planetary emergency; a quality of life and mental health issue; a spiritual, cultural, and economic crisis that must be addressed—NOW!

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

Is there anything we can do together to arrest and reverse this negative, unhealthy trend within our own lifetime?

A Solution

I believe a most urgent matter is the lack of alternative media and cultural space for music, the arts, youth development, and ethics training; cultural literacy, education, moral grounding and social advancement. Defeat the negative with a positive! It’s the only way forward toward real victory and lasting success. Wisdom and experience will lead the way. Together let us begin to create new models for wholesome expression, intergenerational social engagement, and dialogue.

Now in its 21st year, The Positive Community quality brand is an alternative space in media, entertainment, and community service. Our family of products and services include the magazine; a website (https://thepositivecommunity.com); e-newsletter; social media; special events; the “African American Cultural Narrative poster”; the annual “Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet” (Jan.1, 2022); Positive Community Radio—“In Classic Black” (streaming music 24/7 online); a video production team; the Positive Music Hub (online); the 2021 Economic Justice Town Hall series; the Positive Music Matters Foundation; and the all-volunteer community health advocates, African Americans for Health Awareness (AAHA).

The Positive Community offers a “clean glass” to those who hunger for truth and thirst for righteousness. Our mission is to grow the business, create jobs, and prosper; to represent and project all of that which is great and good about Black life and culture in the USA. While we exist on a small, “shoestring and bubblegum” budget, we claim only that territory which is ours to claim; and we are not afraid of the giants!

Right On!

We encourage thoughtful conversation and/or debate among faith leaders, intellectuals, and all forward thinkers.

Collectively, we have a sacred obligation and a patriotic duty to preserve, protect, and promote our very best — America’s best! Know the past, but focus on the future; play the long game…and win!

Are you willing to advocate on behalf of a creative movement for positive change; can we encourage our www.thepositivecommunity.com

corporate friends and businesses to support such a movement through advertising and sponsorship? corporate friends businesses Can we agree to aand united effort to to support promotesuch posi-a movement through advertising and sponsorship? tive, community-building, life-affirming ideals: selfCan we agree to a united to promote acceptance, self-reliance and effort self-respect?

Ours posiis a tive, community-building, life-affirming ideals: most noble and righteous cause. Can we countselfon acceptance, self-reliance and self-respect? Ours is a your support? most noble and righteous cause. Can we count on your support?

After all, each of us has been entrusted to ensure the survival and safe-passage of values from this After all, to each us has been entrusted to engeneration theofnext.

Ultimately, the progress, sure the survival and safe-passage of values from this prosperity, and freedom of future generations –our generation to the next.

Ultimately, the progress, grandchildren’s grandchildren—descendants whom prosperity, and freedom of future generations we will never know, depend upon the quality of–our our grandchildren’s grandchildren—descendants whom thinking—today! we will never know, depend upon the quality of our thinking—today!

PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER’S NOTE Special Magazine Section Highlighting the Rich History of the Arts in Newark

O O

Special Section Highlighting the Rich of the Arts in Newark ne Magazine of the hardest-hit industries during the pandemic hasHistory been the arts.

But as cultural venues begin to

reopen and invite the public to visit them once again, the Newark Alliance and The Positive Community ne of the hardest-hit during the pandemic has city’s been most the arts.

But as cultural venues begin (TPC) have joined in industries partnership to promote one of the important assets—its vibrant artsto reopen and invite the public to visit them once again, the Newark Alliance and The Positive Community scene—in a special magazine section. Some of Newark’s most treasured cultural institutions are highlight(TPC) have joinedSymphony in partnership promote one Center/Grammy of the city’s most®important assets—its vibrant ed in this special feature: Hall,to the Prudential Museum Experience, NJPAC,arts the scene—in a special magazine section.

Some of Newark’s most treasured cultural institutions are highlightNewark Arts Council, Newark Museum of the Arts, Lincoln Park Cultural District, and more. ® ed Thank in this you special feature: Symphony Hall, the Prudential Center/Grammy Museum the to the supportive Newark Alliance team led by De’Shawn Wright, InterimExperience, CEO; DellaNJPAC, M. Walker, Newark Arts Council, Newark Museum of the Arts, Lincoln Park Cultural District, and more.

Jr., Director, Newark 2020 | Hire Newark; and Kim J, Ford, Sr, Marketing & Content Manager, who also served ThankEditor you toof theour supportive Newark Additional Alliance team led you

by De’Shawn Wright, CEO; Della Walker, as Guest special section. thank to Brit Harley andInterim the amazing team M. at Newark Jr., Director, Newark 2020 | Hire Newark; and Kim J, Ford, Sr, Marketing & Content Manager, who also served News + Story Collaborative; MEDINA = CITI; the Newark music and arts community; the City of Newark; and as Guest Editor of our special section.

Additional thank you to Brit Harley and the amazing team at Newark a special thanks to sponsors and community partners for their support of this project.

News + Story Collaborative; MEDINA =salutes CITI; Black the Newark community; the rich, City of Newark; and In addition, The Positive Community Music music Monthand witharts a look at the city’s musical history aand special thanks to our sponsors and community partners for their support of this project. heritage; celebrating Juneteenth, now recognized as a state holiday; and featuring a Focus on Health.

In addition, The Positive Community salutes Black Music Month with a look at the city’s rich, musical history and heritage; celebrating Juneteenth, now recognized as a state holiday; and featuring a Focus on Health.

THINK GREEN. THINK FAST. THINK SAVINGS. Join NYC businesses making the shift to more efficient deliveries.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

NYC DOT is committed to improving the movement of goods in the city. We are recruiting businesses to join our Off-Hour Deliveries program. Delivering and receiving goods during off-peak hours helps reduce daytime congestion and improves air quality for everyone. Learn how your business can boost productivity and contribute to a better quality of life in NYC by visiting ohdnyc.com today.

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May / June 2021 The Positive Community

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Edna KaneWilliams AARP’S EVP And ChiEf diVERSity OffiCER

A

s AARP’s Chief Diversity Officer, Edna KaneWilliams has the responsibility for driving AARP’s enterprise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy encompassing our workforce, workplace and marketplace. She leads strategies for multicultural audiences and the age discrimination strategy work, and will also oversee the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council and AARP’s Strategic Enterprise Employee Resource Groups (SEERGs).

She brings to this position over twenty-five years of experience working in senior management positions in both the nonprofit and for profit organizations, with an emphasis on strategic planning, targeted marketing, community outreach, media relations and program development. She has held a variety of other key positions, including as Senior Vice President of Communications and Social Marketing at IQ Solutions, Inc., Senior Vice President at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, and Senior Vice President of Multicultural Markets at AARP. Edna holds a B.A, from Yale University and an M.A from George Washington University. She is the recipient of a Coro Foundation Fellowship, and was

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

also a Diversity Executive Leadership Program fellow for the American Society of Association Executives.

She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Legal Counsel for the Elderly and The Center for Responsible Lending. She previously served as a board member of the Black Women’s Health Imperative.

She has received numerous career awards, including the Spirit of Democracy Award from the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation, the National Markets Award from the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, and the Dorothy Height Humanitarian Award from the Conference of National Black Churches.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

All throughout the year, we celebrate Black Joy. Its beauty. Its brilliance. Its variety. Its tenacity. Its resilience.

Its ability to thrive despite everything.

The power of Black Joy truly knows no bounds... it’s A Joy Supreme.

Celebrate A Joy Supreme with us at aarp.org/blackcommunity

Health ideas for wellness

In October 2020, Englewood Health formed their Diversity, Inclusion, and Education Council (DIEC).

In June 2021, we wanted to follow up on where the DIEC is now and what they’ve accomplished thus far.

Director of Talent Acquisition, Organizational Development, and Diversity Eva Matos-Botex, who is also leader of the DIEC, answered our questions.

The Positive Community (TPC) Why now? What prompted the creation of the diversity council last October?

EMB: As a healthcare leader, we wanted to take a more focused approach to addressing health disparities and social inequities. The Diversity and Inclusion Education Council was developed out of this commitment to doing more and doing better for the communities we serve.

TPC: The council has been in place for more than six months now; what disparities or policies have they identified thus far that need to be changed, updated, or improved?

EMB: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Englewood Health has seen how the virus disproportionately impacts communities of color. Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. As such, council members have pledged to serve as ambassadors and

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

support ongoing COVID-19 prevention and vaccination initiatives at the hospital and in the community.

Recently, the council helped to staff a community vaccination event organized by Englewood Health that targeted medically underserved populations in the community. The weekend event served those most in need of assistance, and we made sure that potential barriers — access to technology; language hurdles; and economic, insurance, or immigration statuses — would not prevent those in the community who wanted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from getting it.

TPC: Have employee orientations begun yet? What sort of training and/or discussions does the orientation entail?

EMB: Englewood Health has refreshed and enhanced orientation programs and training activities for incoming staff, current team members and leaders that focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and unconscious bias. Our Human Resources team launched a new learning and training application to create a more dynamic and enwww.thepositivecommunity.com

gaging educational experience for employees. These include videos and interactive features that highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplace and for the communities we serve.

TPC: Have any existing programs been expanded or new programs implemented? If so, which ones?

EMB: Englewood Health expanded on current programming by launching Understanding Unconscious Biases, a self-paced eLearning program. The curriculum takes a closer look at the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion, cultural competency, and unconscious biases. The program emphasizes that biases can affect how healthcare professionals perform their jobs, ultimately impacting patient care. Team members are empowered to recognize and address these biases so they can reduce their impact, fostering more open, productive, and respectful communication among team members.

TPC: What has the reaction to the establishment of the diversity council been from council members and employees in general?

EMB: The council includes representation from all areas of Englewood Health including clinicians, support staff, and administration. Each member of the 12-person council played a role in developing its charter, goals and objectives, and actionable efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to reduce healthcare disparities in our community.

Englewood Health has a long-standing culture of continuous improvement, both individually and collectively.

Our physicians, staff, Board of Trustees, and volunteers www.thepositivecommunity.com

As a leader and model for other health care organizations throughout the state and country, we encourage our fellow health care leaders to focus on the public health crisis that is racism have embraced the opportunity to strive toward living the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, cultural competence, and reducing unconscious bias. Our primary goal is to work together to provide high quality, patientcentered care for the communities we serve.

TPC: Have you seen or do you expect to see other healthcare and medical providers establishing diversity councils so it will become the norm?

EMB: In February 2021, Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health, joined over 1,600 CEOs from across the country who signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, committing to encourage diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Englewood Health was the first health care system in New Jersey to sign the pledge. As a leader and model for other health care organizations throughout the state and country, we encourage our fellow health care leaders to focus on the public health crisis that is racism. Together, we can make an impact on systemic health and social inequalities and improve the health and lives of people throughout our entire community.

May / June 2021 The Positive Community

13

Community Gives Back to Revered Institution That Services Its Citizens

Saint Peter’s University Hospital Receives

New Community Health Services Van

S

aint Peter’s University Hospital is proud to announce the addition of a new Community Health Services van, which will continue to help expand the mobile health services provided to the central New Jersey community. Saint Peter’s Community Health Services program provides mobile health screenings and educational programs to the public.

Its staff of advance practice nurses and registered nurses travel to communities throughout Middlesex and Somerset counties, particularly to areas where healthcare services may be limited.

According to Marge Drozd, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, director of Community Health Services at Saint Peter’s, “Community Health Services offers healthcare services where our citizens ‘live, learn, work, play and pray.’ Our goal is to make health care convenient and accessible and we do that by bring-

ing Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s extraordinary healthcare services to wherever you are.”

Funding for the new 40-foot van, which now replaces the hospital’s 34foot van, was generously provided by Saint Peter’s Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization and the philanthropic arm of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

“The fact that we were able to raise the $280,000 purely from community donations is a testament to what Saint Peter’s means to the community, not only in New Brunswick where our brick and mortar facility is located, but to the greater community at-large,” said Emily Lyssikatos, director of Saint Peter’s Foundation. “The hospital has been providing superior medical care to New Jersey residents for over 110 years and as a Catholic institution is committed to delivering compassionate care that ministers to both body

and soul. Providing the hospital with a new van so it can continue its mission completes the circle of giving.”

Many in the area recognize Saint Peter’s Community Health Services van as a fixture in the community having seen it at key sites where services are provided including schools, retirement communities, day care centers, homeless shelters, senior centers, public housing complexes, shopping centers, churches and corporations. Providing accessible health care has been paramount this year due to the pandemic.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, Saint Peter’s Community Health Services staff went into hard hit areas identified as ’hot spots,’ distributing coronavirus care kits including educational materials about best practices, along with masks and hand sanitizer,” added Drozd. “Quality service is what we’re all about.”

Some of the services provided by the Community Health Services staff include: Blood sugar screenings • Blood pressure screenings Cholesterol screenings • Osteoporosis screenings Skin cancer screenings • Vision screenings Hearing screenings • Immunizations Stroke risk assessment screenings

In addition to screenings and immunizations, Saint Peter’s Community Health Services provides education on a variety of topics including prostate health, breast health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, nutrition and more. While primarily servicing Middlesex and Somerset counties, Saint Peter’s Community Health Services van has serviced areas as far south as Monmouth

County, and is available in other areas where and when the need arises. In 2019, Community Health Services visited 330 sites and provided one or more health services to approximately 11,500 individuals. In Monroe Township alone, Saint Peter’s provides services at six active adult communities via its Nursing Healthcare Centers embedded onsite.

For more information about Saint Peter’s Community Health Services or to secure a visit for your local group, please call 732-339-7675. To make a donation to Saint Peter’s Foundation, please call or email, 732-745-8542 or spfoundation@saintpetersuh.com.

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Once again Once again we made the grade we made the grade

WE’RE PROUD TO BE AMONG WE’RE PROUD TO BE AMONG WE’RE PROUD TO BE AMONG THE NATION’S SAFEST HOSPITALS THE THE NATION’S NATION’S SAFEST SAFEST HOSPITALS HOSPITALS

For the second consecutive time, Saint Peter’s University Hospital For the second consecutive time, Saint Peter’s University Hospital Forhospital the second consecutive time,toSaint Hospital is the only in Middlesex County havePeter’s earnedUniversity an “A” grade for excellence is the only hospital in Middlesex County to have earned an “A” grade for excellence is the only hospital in Middlesex County to have earned “A” grade for excellence in the commitment we have to the patients and an families we serve. in the commitment we have to the patients and families we serve. in To thelearn commitment we have to the patients and families we serve. more about Saint Peter’s University Hospital,

To learn more about Saint Peter’s University Hospital, To learn more about Saint Peter’s University Hospital, call 732.745.8600 or visit saintpetershcs.com call 732.745.8600 or visit saintpetershcs.com call 732.745.8600 or visit saintpetershcs.com

Safely treating you better...for life.

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NJ Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Speaks Out on Black Healthcare

BY FERN GILLESPIE

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he morning of January 6, 2021, New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman sensed there was something wrong. “I was in the Capital that day,” she began. “Before the proceedings had started, I had been evacuated from my apartment because of [undetonated] bombs [found] near the Republican National Committee headquarters, and out of my office because my office building was so close to the Republican National Committee. So, I said to my staff, ‘Let’s go to the Capitol because we will be safe there.’”

Pro-Trump rioters descended on the Capitol. While hiding from the violent rioters with fellow Congress members and their staffers, she contracted COVID. “I felt a sense of betrayal on the part of my Republican colleagues in Congress,” she said. “Their staff refused to wear masks and did not have enough respect for the safety and security of others.”

Rep. Watson-Coleman, who serves on the House Committee of Appropriation and the House Committee of Homeland Security, is on the forefront of developing a 9/11 style investigations committee on January 6 riot. “A sense of security was breached. We have to get to the bottom of this,” she said passionately. “We have to ensure something of this nature never ever happens again in this country.”

Political life runs in her family. She’s the only daughter of famed politician John S. Watson, a Democrat who served six terms in the New Jersey General Assembly. When he died, she won his seat in the assembly. Then, in 2002, elected chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, she became the first Black woman to lead the state party. “It gave me the opportunity to expand the reach of the party,” she explained.

In 2015, Rep. Coleman-Watson became the first Black woman elected to Congress from New Jersey. Although her district is the Trenton area, women statewide have embraced her. “Even to this day, Black women all over the state of New Jersey will reach out to me and refer to me as their congresswoman,” she said.

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

Political life runs in her family.

She’s the only daughter of famed politician John S. Watson, a Democrat who served six terms in the New Jersey General Assembly Recently, we spoke with Rep. Watson-Coleman on healthcare issues concerning people of color from mental health to healthy moms to African American hair.

You co-authored the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act focusing on people of color. This May it passed in a bipartisan vote of 349-74 in the House of Representatives. Why did you partner with the Congressional Black Caucus for the study?

BWC: I kept seeing these postings on Facebook about young, Black children attempting, threatening, and committing suicide. Then I would read the articles behind them [the posts] about the disparities and numbers and that the trend for Black youth was increasing while the trend for all other youth in terms of suicide attempts or thoughts and successes had been diminishing. I told my staff the one thing we can do is shine light on this. I went to Karen Bass, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; we agreed there was an urgent need to do something. We needed to signal the urgency of the situation. I worked with Congressional Black Caucus colleagues and a group of professional psychologists, sociologists, providers, and advocates and conducted a series of hearings. We put out a report on what we found, and we authored legislation identifying a need for resources and attention to areas that we found had significant gaps. We found there was still a stigma in the African-American comcontinued on next page

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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continued from previous page munity as it related to addressing, needing, and acknowledging mental health problems. We understood there was a gap in the number and range of culturally competent providers.

We recognized that there was insufficient research being done by the National Institute of Mental Health and other entities in the federal government with regard to the impact of mental health and the services that are provided to people of color, particularly the African-American community. The legislation basically addresses those gaps and needs that we identified. It puts resources into those areas and encourages and supports those that are being educated in these fields.

It supports schools, their administrations, and teachers in understanding what to look for in the area of mental health or even study our communities. It passed in the house. Now it’s in the Senate. It’s sponsored by Senators Menendez and Booker. Hopefully, this time the Senate will take it up. The President, who has spoken about the issues of the disparities in healthcare as it relates to African-Americans in our communities of color, will sign it.

You re-introduced the Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine Act, known as the Healthy MOM Act. What makes it unique?

Health and wellness for mind and body.

BWC: We’ve seen some illustrations of what happens to young people, like the girls who were sent home because of their braids. Like the young wrestler whose locks were actually cut on television while he was in an event — that he actually won. So, they humiliated him, cut his hair. We know there is consistent and persistent institutional racism against people who are Black. The way we wear our hair, the textures of our hair, the styles we wear are just an extension of our being who we are. Some people have a determination in their minds on what is and is not professional and acceptable. So, people have been made to feel uncomfortable about their hair and its style.

Perhaps they have been overlooked for a promotion or not even hired. How we wear our hair is an extension of being African-American or being Black and these actions are a manifestation of discrimination against a race. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Here when you need us most.

Now and always.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

May / June 2021 The Positive Community

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You joined Congresswomen Barbara Lee, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Gwen Moore in reintroducing the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, known as the CROWN Act. Why is the Crown Act important for Black women? What is the impact of hair discrimination on Black women and girls?

B:9.75"

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BWC: The Healthy Mom Act recognizes that being pregnant is a life-changing experience. It affords women the opportunity to change their health coverage at that time to meet their needs. There are things that are already considered life-changing and you’re allowed to change your coverage. One of them is having a baby. Another is changing a job. One of them is getting married.

But it is not when you become pregnant. Obviously, you want healthy moms and healthy babies. They need access to prenatal care and postnatal care. This legislation, if it passes, will give them the coverage that they need.

HorizonBlue.com

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.

The Same Power Health Beyond Coronavirus

W H

e just celebrated Easter and I am so excited. I love the traditional holidays and Easter is one of my faumanity a whole has been watching horror vorites. as I have a sincere fondness for theinway indias humankind was engulfed by the novel viduals who celebrate this wonderful holiday put on corotheir It wastheir truly Sunday navirus. best and make way ato worldwide church. Butpandemic, I also have something I never thought I’d experience my an attachment to the traditional activities such asduring Easter egg lifetime. Thankfully, it now looks like we have come hunts and chocolate bunnies. I know, I’m old fashioned. to theFrom othera theological side as the perspective, world is slowly opening again. For as a Christian, I celebrate this I am grateful. the Resurrection of Jesus without shame. I believe in the Ourofonly theitworst of the pandemic power theprotections resurrectionduring and what represents. were isolation and wearing protective equipment.

Although One of my life scriptures is Ephesians 1:19-20 (NIV): “and many first treated this as optional, wearing masks and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Thatsocial powdistancing quickly more than a suggestion.

It er is the same as thebecame mighty strength he exerted when he became law.

This was a huge lesson for many as they put raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand their in thepersonal heavenlypreferences realms.” aside and embraced this new way of being to stay healthy.

As I was writing and meditating on this scripture, I began Let’s equate this to our the health — spirit, mind, and to reason and cogitate about magnitude of God’s power, body.

As the Fitness Doctor and the spiritual leader of which lives inside of us. Could this same power that raised aJesus thriving faith community, I believe exercising fifteen from the dead help the community overcome the lack minutes perovereating, day (at minimum) is essential.

Yes, every of exercise, and unhealthy food choices? day!

It provides many benefits like weight loss, emoMore than a quarter of Americans age 50 and older do tional stability, increased energy, and the reduction not move beyond basic everyday activities, according toofa chronic disease. with and/or new report from Coupled the Centers forspiritual Disease exercise Control and Prepractices such as prayer and meditation, you now have vention. a plan for success.

Despite the many benefits of moderate physical activity, including decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and early death; about 31 million U.S. adults are Do yourself a favor and follow these Fitness Doctor inactive. Hispanics and African-Americans were more likely tips for better health: to be physically inactive (zero exercise) than whites according to CBS News.

• Get your physician’s approval before starting an Exercise is defined as activity requiring physical effort, car exercise plan. ried out specifically to sustain or improve health and fitness.

• Slowly incorporate regular physical activity into As a pastor and spiritual leader, I have seen this “God

your schedule; take a fifteen-minute walk, exercise power” work and bring transformation to the lives of good

with hand weights, or use a fitness app for inspiration. people bound by various forms of dysfunctional behavior.

• Schedule it! Be consistent, build healthy habits, and This power that raised Christ from the dead and helped ad increase them. It’s all about growth. dicts and other dysfunctional people experience freedom • Invest in a certified personal trainer to safely from what held them in bondage is the same power that can

evaluate you and develop a plan for your success. help black and brown communities overcome the inability to sustain a consistent exercise program, eat healthier, and consume less food. www.thepositivecommunity.com 18 The Positive Community May / June 2021

This spiritual power is found within the believer. That’s right; it’s specific to the Christian. To access this power, you Hand inChrist handaswith exercise is dietary Salty must accept Savior and submit yourselfintake. wholeheartsnacks and sweet desserts may taste good, but the result edly to serving Him and becoming a disciple. There is no of indulging be obesity andischronic diseasestolike way around it. can Resurrection power set and precise the hypertension and diabetes. If you eat poorly, you will not Christian. lose weight — no matter how much you exercise!

Secondly, prayer and meditation help bond and build the relationship with God through Christ. Prayer helps the individual develop a Christ consciousness, thus, helping him/ Follow these Fitness Doctor tips for an improved her become aware of the God-given power working on the physical condition: inside. As my auntie often said, “How can you use what you don’t know you have?” Amen.

• Make healthy choices, one meal at a time.

And finally, you must believe. Believe what? Believe the • Build your self-control. Nothing tastes as good as same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same

being healthy! power working on the inside of you to help you overcome • Avoid unsustainable fad diets and instead, consisdysfunction. Yes, even the dysfunctional behavior of overeat tently eat well. The results will show. ing, lack of exercise, and unhealthy food choices.

• Stop eating late meals.

There is place for faith to support physical fitness and • Select colorful vegetables and lean proteins health. The bible teaches us that the body is the temple of for meals. the Holy Spirit or as I like to say, “The body is the house of • Avoid simple carbs.

God.” If we don’t take care of it where are we going to live?

• Explore the produce section and try something new!

Remember when you listened to the man or woman of God preach about this power that raised Jesus from the Consistent physical activity and a healthy, clean diet dead? It is the same power! can improve your life dramatically, no matter your age I facilitate and teach a free workshop and seminar titled or current condition. Making these changes can lessen “The Truth about Weight Loss.” In this seminar, I teach or eliminate the effects of chronic disease, which is my the concept of getting healthier and fit from within. If you greatest desire for you. You must live well; it is more than would like to learn more about this transformative seminar a suggestion! or how I might share with your church or organization, call my assistant Karen Beasley at (732) 912-4435 or send email Live Well and prosper! to pastor@itiswellchurch.com Fitness training is available through the Live Well Exercise Consistently, Eat Healthier, 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 information contained thisphysician column is of isDisclaimer: of a generalThe nature.

You should consultinyour a general nature.

You should consult your physician or health or health care professional before beginning any exercise care professional before beginning any exercise program or program or changing your dietary regimen. changing your dietary regimen.

April 2018www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 23

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is most effective within the first 5 days of symptoms (in some cases, up to 10 days)—so you must act fast: G E T T E S T E D . G E T T R E AT E D . G E T B E T T E R .

To schedule a COVID-19 test call 201-833-3313 To be evaluated for treatment call 201-833-3495 No prescription is needed.

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718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 Copyright © 2021 Holy Name Medical Center. All rights reserved. *Medical conditions that place people at higher risk for COVID-19 complications: age 65 and older, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, COPD, asthma, chronic kidney disease, immune disorders, immune-suppressive treatment. This is not a complete list. Contact Holy Name for more information.

Learn more at HolyName.org/AntibodyTreatment

First Lady Biden and Dr. Fauci Visit Abyssinian Baptist Church Dr. Fraser Dr. Jill Jill Biden, Biden, Dr. Dr. Anthony Anthony Fauci, Fauci, Linda Linda Thompson, Thompson, Debra and Debra Fraser Howze watch and Abyssinian Youth getting COVID-19 Vaccine.

Howze Abyssinian Youth getting COVID-19 Vaccine.

U.S. FirstDr. Lady, Dr. Jill Rev. Biden, Dr. O. Calvin O. III; Butts, III and FLOTUS Jill Biden; Dr.Rev. Calvin Butts, Abyssinian Mrs. Patricia Patricia Butts; Butts, and Dr. Anthony Fauci Abyssinian First First Lady, Lady Mrs. Dr. Anthony Fauci

Dr. Dr. Jill Jill Biden, Biden, Shavette Shavette Thompson Thompson,and and Dr. Dr. Anthony Anthony Fauci Fauci

Harlem resident, resident, 92 92 year-old years-oldAnnette AnnetteGausney, Gausney,Dr. Dr.Anthony AnthonyFauci, Fauci, Harlem Sis. Fraser Howze Sis. Linda Linda Thompson, Thompson, Dr. Dr. Jill Jill Biden, Biden, Debra and Debra Fraser Howze

Dr. and Dr. Dr. Anthony Anthony Fauci Fauci Dr. Jill Jill Biden, Biden, Rev. Rev. Jacques Jacques DeGraff DeGraff, and

In In October October 2020, 2020, Dr. Dr. Butts Butts and and the the Abyssinian Abyssinian Health Ministry linked with the Choose Healthy Health Ministry linked with the Choose Healthy Life Initiative Initiative to to provide provide critical, critical, life-saving life-saving Life resources in hard to reach communities that resources in hard-to-reach communities that have have been been disproportionately disproportionately impacted impacted by by the the Corona virus pandemic.

In collaboration with coronavirus pandemic. In collaboration with the the Choose Choose Healthy Healthy Life Life network network of of partner partner churches, The The Abyssinian Abyssinian Baptist Baptist Church Church churches, continues continues to to broadcast broadcast the the importance importance of of regular testing for the COVID-19 virus. regular testing for the COVID-19 virus.

Since Since its its January January 18, 18, 2021 2021 launch launch as as aa COVID-19 COVID-19 vaccination vaccination site, site, The The Abyssinian Abyssinian Baptist Church delivered over over 11,00011,000 doses Baptist Churchhashas delivered of the two-part Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine. doses of the two-part Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos Photosby: by:Bob BobGore Gore

O

n n Sunday, Sunday, June June 6, 6, 2021, 2021, First First Lady Lady of of the the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, and White United States Dr. Jill Biden, and White House Medical Dr. Anthony Anthony FauHouse Medical Advisor, Advisor Dr. Fauci, paid an historic visit to The Abyssinian Bapci paid an historic visit to The Abyssinian Baptist tist Church Church in in the the City City of of New New York York to to tour tour the the church’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. church’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Along Along the the tour, tour, Dr. Dr. Biden Biden and and Dr. Dr. Fauci Fauci reaffirmed reaffirmed Reverend Calvin Calvin Butts’ Butts’ persistent persistent appeal appeal to to Reverend the church and community that “it’s safe and the church and community that “it’s safe and smart smart to to get get vaccinated vaccinated at at The The Abyssinian Abyssinian BapBaptist Church!” tist Church!”

The The Abyssinian Abyssinian Baptist Baptist Church Church began began offering COVID-19 in June June 2020 2020 at at the the offering COVID-19 Testing testing in height of the virus spread in New York State. height of the virus spread in New York State.

20 The Positive Community May / June 2021

AP AP Photo/Craig Photo/Craig Ruttle Ruttle

DO IT FOR EACH OTHER. GET VACCINATED! The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free.

TO FIND WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE: · Call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) · Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder

They’ve taken care of you, now take care of them by getting vaccinated together!

· Visit nyc.gov/vcc for a list of sites offering vaccines without an appointment · Fill out the form at nyc.gov/homebound if you are a fully homebound and want to get a COVID-19 vaccine at your home Free transportation is available.

GET BACK TO WHAT WE LOVE

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and will help us all get back to the people and activities we have missed.

Get the facts. facts. Get the vax. vax.

To get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to find a vaccination site to get your COVID-19 vaccine. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Health

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

Bill de Blasio May / June 2021 The Positive Community Mayor

Health

Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

21

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

A heart failure specialist’s message for the community Interventional cardiologist Matthew Montgomery, DO, MBA, MPH, from the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI) combines his training in heart failure and interventional cardiology to treat advanced cardiac disease.

Q: What do you want people to know about taking care of their heart?

A: The most important thing is for people to pay attention to their body.

If you were fine walking out to the mailbox six months ago, and now when you do it you’re winded, you may have a heart issue or even heart failure that needs to be evaluated.

Many people assume heart symptoms are just signs of getting old, or say “well, maybe I’m just not feeling well today,” so they don’t follow up. However, it is extremely important to pay attention Matthew Montgomery, to these things, DO, MBA, MPH especially if you have risk factors or family history of heart disease.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about the team at Newark Beth Israel?

DON’T IGNORE THESE SYMPTOMS

In treating advanced heart failure, we talk to patients to find out about their lives, not just their medical histories.

The following signs may indicate heart failure or another health condition. Contact your primary care provider to have them checked out.

It’s a team effort here, and we all work with the common goal of helping to improve our patient’s cardiac conditions, which can often require addressing various other factors, such as financial or social support, to name a few.

Everyone should have a primary care doctor and should follow up with them on a regular basis. You may be referred to a cardiologist or to our clinic for advanced heart failure. We will do everything we can to help you get better.

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

To connect with a top cardiovascular specialist at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, call 888-724-7123 or visit rwjbh.org/NBIHeartTransplant

rwjbh.org/newarkbeth

• Shortness of breath, either at exertion or when you’re lying down • Fatigue and weakness • Swelling in legs, ankles and feet • Persistent coughing or wheezing • Lack of appetite or nausea • Confusion or impaired thinking • Heart palpitations with chest pain, fainting, or dizziness

Three New York PresbyterianBrooklyn Methodist Hospital Doctors to host Webinar

D

r. Onyinye Balogun is an assistant professor of Radiation Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine specializing in the treatment of breast and gynecologic malignancies. She is a graduate of Harvard University and Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Balogun initiated her residency training at the University of Chicago and completed her final year at New York University.

She has conducted and published breast cancer research in novel therapeutics for triple negative breast cancer and brain metastases. She is also engaged in gynecologic cancer research as well as global health activities with a focus on improving the delivery of radiation therapy in low and middle income countries.

She was recently appointed as a Cancer and Ethnicity Scholar at the New York Genome Center where she oversees the Polyethnic 1000 project, an initiative to study the genome's contribution to cancer disparities.

A

fter receiving her BS in Biology at the University of North Texas, Evelyn Taiwo obtained her MD at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Following her residency at Boston University Medical Center, she completed a three-year fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

In 2019, Dr Taiwo joined the staff at New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital as attending physician, and assistant professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Prior to her current position, she served as assistant professor of Medicine at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn from July 2011-2019, and as attending physician and Hematology-Oncology at Kings County Hospital. While at Kings County Hospital, Dr. Taiwo served as director of the Breast Cancer Clinic overseeing research activities, clinical care delivery, and education.

As a researcher, Dr Taiwo has contributed to several studies on cancer presentation in urban and minority patient populations.

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ivian J. Bea, MD is an assistant professor of Surgery at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY and section chief of Breast Surgical Oncology at New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn NY. Dr. Bea received her master’s degree in biology from Drexel University and her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her training in general surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina and a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is a breast cancer disparities researcher, educator, and community outreach leader. As a leader in the community, Dr. Bea has focused on bridging the gap between multidisciplinary breast cancer treatment and community barriers. Most recently, Dr. Bea was awarded the prestigious American Medical Association’s National Minority Quality Forums Braintrust, “Top 40 under 40 in Minority Health” for her dedication to community outreach and research. Her clinical and research interests include management of the axilla, inflammatory breast cancer management in underserved populations, as well as identifying and eliminating breast cancer diagnosis and treatment disparities.

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

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During National Stroke Awareness Month,

NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Offers Tips on How to Recognize and Prevent Strokes

"Be FAST" to Spot the Signs of Stroke

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very 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. The earlier a stroke is recognized and treated, the greater the chance of recovery. Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a stroke goes untreated. In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is sharing information on stroke risk and prevention.

“It takes less than a minute for a stroke to change a person’s life forever, but taking the time to make a few simple lifestyle adjustments and finding out how to recognize a stroke as soon as it happens can save thousands of lives.” says Dr. Ji Chong, director of the Stroke program at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Dr. Chong encourages the community to use the acronym BE FAST as an easy way to learn how to recognize a stroke and act quickly to minimize its long-term damaging effects.

Dr. Chong outlines the risk factors that can be controlled including treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiac arrhythmias and diabetes. She shares the following five stroke prevention tips:

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital treats one of the highest volumes of stroke and cerebrovascular disease patients in the world and the highest in New York City. The hospital is certified by the Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center—the highest level of stroke certification a hospital can receive.

For more information on how stroke affects the body and brain and more details to prevent stroke, please visit: https://www.nyp.org/neuro/stroke NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S. Each year, nearly 40,000 NewYork-Presbyterian professionals deliver exceptional care for more than 4 million patient visits.

For more information, visit: www.nyp.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

REDUCE SALT INTAKE. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke. Cutting back on salt is one of the most significant steps to maintaining or lowering blood pressure to a healthy level of 130/80 or below. Try flavoring your food with a variety of spices that may be healthier than salt.

EAT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET. Maintaining a healthy balance between your good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL) is the best way to prevent high cholesterol, heart disease and the increased risk of stroke. Cholesterol levels should remain at 200 mg/dl or below.

Stop smoking. Smoking is bad not only for your lungs, but for your brain as well. A smoker is at twice the risk of having a stroke because smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure and speeds up the clogging of arteries.

EXERCISE. Exercise benefits everyone, so we should all aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days to improve our overall health.

If you are obese or overweight, your risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes increases and so does your risk for stroke.

LIMIT ALCOHOL: Heavy alcohol use -- more than one to two drinks a day -- increases your blood pressure and your risk of ischemic attack and hemorrhagic stroke.

Certain populations are at a higher risk of having a stroke even after making the proper lifestyle changes. These include adults 55 years of age or older, African-Americans and Hispanics, those with a family history of stroke, and people who have already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (mini stroke). In addition, women are more likely to die from a stroke than men, although attacks are more common in men.

Your Healthy Summer Checklist This summer, get back

Englewood Health reminds you to:

to doing the things

� Schedule your annual physical.

you love with the

� Speak with your physician about important screenings and preventive care services, including:

ones you love. Make

• Diabetes screening

• Bone density testing

• Lung cancer screening

• Cardiology exam

the commitment to

• Mammogram

• Hepatitis screening

playing an active role

• Pap smear and HPV screening

• Joint and spine check-up and care

• Skin cancer screening

• Pulmonary function testing

in your health care.

• Screening for other cancers based • Smoking cessation on your risk factors, including • Vascular screening for stroke stomach and prostate cancers and neurological conditions • Vein screening

Get your COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit englewoodhealth.org/vaccine to schedule an appointment.

Need help finding a physician?

Call 833-234-2234 or visit englewoodhealth.org

www.thepositivecommunity.com

May / June 2021 The Positive Community

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

The Economic Lens of Black Music and Culture in Newark

By Della M. Walker, Jr., Director, Newark 2020 Newark Alliance

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lack music is the heartbeat of American society. Distinctive rhythms, harmonies, and blues notes connect us to our African roots and ground the Black experience in America. The City of Newark has a rich history of music and music spaces that provided opportunities for Blacks to gather and express their happiness, sorrow, triumph, and rebellion. Built in 1925, Newark’s Symphony Hall is “New Jersey’s oldest and largest showcase for the arts, education, and entertainment programming.” Newark is also home to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Prudential Center, and the Grammy Museum.

Black musicians have served as activists and our muse.

Through their music, they tell our story authentically and unapologetically. Moreover, Black music is intertwined throughout all cultural and economic aspects of the city: visual arts, government, tourism, commerce, spirituality, education, and recreation.

Newark Symphony Hall 1982, Count Basie and Della M. Walker, Jr.

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The Positive Community May/June 2021

A vibrant music economy creates value for cities by fueling tourism, economic growth, nightlife, job creation, development, and artistic growth. In addition, cities with a thriving music economy are well-suited for corporate attraction, resident retainment, and business development, strengthening the brand and desirability of Newark. The music economy also reaches across several industries, including construction, entertainment, film, technology, manufacturing, retailing, consumer services, and the public sector.

The City of Newark and the Cultural Affairs division have taken significant steps to create a vibrant music and arts ecosystem, including establishing the Newark Artist Accelerator, curating music programming and education throughout the city, and implementing creative placemaking strategies, ensuring that artists and musicians have access to ample spaces and places to create and showcase their talent. The city has also partnered with local and regional developers on building housing for musicians and artists and actively supports the revitalization of Newark’s Symphony Hall. With an “arts mayor” in Mayor Ras J. Baraka, it’s no wonder the City of Newark is intentional about collaborating with local performing artists and arts institutions to foster artistic and audience development while engaging the support of the music community at large.

At Newark Alliance, we are most proud to be at the table and help integrate the “Hire, Buy, Live Local” economic development strategy into the local music and arts economy. As The City of Newark rebounds from the pandemic, it is vitally important that we support the rebirth of our music and arts community through training and hiring local talent, ticket purchases, donations, support of local music festivals, and fostering diverse music spaces.

Music has the power to uplift, unify, connect, calm, and move us into action. We must show up for Black music the way Black music has shown up for us. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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6/1/21 11:06 AM

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Black Music in Newark: Past, Present, and Future

By Wayne Winborne Executive Director, Institute of Jazz Studies Rutgers University–Newark

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ewark has one of the richest and deepest traditions of Black music anywhere in the world. The interplay between music and commerce has played a role in its growth from a Puritan theocratic colony founded in 1666 to its current status as a burgeoning region of social, cultural, and economic development. While Newark’s history is variegated with contributions from diverse communities, African Americans are a significant factor in the fabric of life here.

Indeed, the history and growth of the Newark’s Black community and its music not only parallels, but is inextricably linked to the city’s development.

Newark had humble beginnings with four settlers building houses at what is now the intersection of Broad Street and Market Street, also known as the Four Corners, but in the early 1800s leather factories and breweries drove exponential growth. People flocked to Newark in search of economic opportunities and by 1922, Newark had 63 live theaters, 46 movie theaters, and an active nightlife. Its Four Corners was estimated to be the busiest intersection in the United States.

Its population would continue this growth reaching a peak number of almost 450,000 just after World War Two. During this same period, just a half century away from having been enslaved, striving African Americans left the south for jobs, opportunities, and escape from crushing oppression and discrimination. They migrated to cities like Newark and brought their cultural selves with them, adapting and incorporating everything they saw, heard, and experienced to reflect their new lives and possibilities, especially new urban harmonies, and rhythms. This is a profoundly important moment of cultural practice and adaptation, reflective of a people’s need to retain core components of their collective identity and their simultaneous grasp and mastery of the situation confronting them in a strange and new place. In this moment, African Americans would completely alter the artistic and cultural landscape of every city they inhabited, especially Newark where the major presence of breweries (27 before Prohibition) contributed to the number of bars

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The Positive Community May/June 2021

(over 1,000 in the 1930s) and related spaces that provided employment opportunities for musicians. Additionally, rent parties featuring local and emerging talent thrived while larger venues such as the Mosque (now Symphony Hall), Skateland, and the Adams Theater presented stars like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington.

Further, the Black Church was equally if not more important to the music African Americans would create, nurture, and continually alter over the course of the 20th century. Gospel music in its various forms and iterations, southern blues, early jazz, ragtime, brass bands, dancehall, and vaudevillian popular music would all percolate in Black Newark consciousness. Thus, Black music in Newark would continue to evolve just as the city itself. These African-based music forms within the context of an American experience would emerge as jazz, rhythm and blues, early rock and roll, soul, funk, hip hop, and more.

Today, the music continues to reflect and refract the experiences of the people, especially the youth. Jersey club, hip hop, progressive jazz, Latin jazz, alternative rock, and all their hybrids can be heard in bars, cafes, restaurants, performance spaces, and outdoor venues around the city.

Economic opportunities in the tech sector as well as new housing development are boosted and supported by a cross section of entrepreneurs, artists, students, professionals, new and longtime residents, and neighbors from surrounding communities. These opportunities exist side by side with challenges like those faced by African Americans over the last century. This potent mix of old and new, hope and despair, and secular and spiritual are essential to understanding and appreciating the music of and by Black people in the city of Newark. These contrasting factors will continually fuel the evolution of this great music, by a great people, in a great city.

Special thanks to Junius Williams and the Rise Up Newark project. www.thepositivecommunity.com

3/12/100/0

100/98/16/20

The Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage throughout our historic Parks System. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze, and dance to the sounds of summer.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr Essex County Executive

LIVE FREE CONCERTS

2021

HOSTED BY:

ESSEX COUNT Y PA R K S

SUMMER MUSIC F R E E FA M I LY F U N

ESSEX COUNTY BROOKDALE PARK

LIVE AT YOUR LOCAL ESSEX COUNTY PARK

All performances begin at 7:30pm

All performances begin at 7pm

STONEFLOWER SOUL: A SANTANA TRIBUTE Thursday, August 12

JERSEY SOUND Monday, August 9 Yanticaw Park, Nutley

EAGLEMANIA Friday, August 13

SYMPHONICS Tuesday, August 10 Verona Park, Verona

SOUL CRUISERS: A MOTOWN TRIBUTE Thursday, August 19 NEW POWER SOUL: CLASSIC ROCK Friday, August 20 A NIGHT OF DOO-WOP WITH THE CAPRIS Friday, August 27

FIREWORKS SPECTACULARS All performances begin at 7:30pm

SMOOTH Wednesday, June 30 Weequahic Park, Newark THE INFERNOS Thursday, July 1 Brookdale Park, Bloomfield

BRADFORD HAYES Monday, August 16 Veterans Memorial Park, Newark DAVID CEDENO ORCHESTRA Tuesday, August 17 Riverbank Park, Newark GORDON JAMES Wednesday, August 18 Watsessing Park, Bloomfield/East Orange LAYONNE HOLMES Monday, August 23 Ivy Hill, Newark RICHARD REITER Tuesday, August 24 Vailsburg Park, Newark

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive the Board of County Commissioners, and the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Wayne L. Richardson, President Carlos M. Pomares, Vice President Tyshammie L. Cooper Leonard M. Luciano Brendan W. Gill Robert Mercado Romaine Graham Patricia Sebold Rufus I. Johnson

LATIN SPLENDOR Wednesday, August 25 Riverfront Park, Newark JUKE BOX LEGENDS Monday, August 30 Cedar Grove Park, Cedar Grove THE CAMEOS Tuesday, August 31 Grover Cleveland Park, Caldwell NANNY ASSIS, BRAZILIAN EXPERIENCE Wednesday, September 1 Independence Park, Newark BEGINNINGS: A CHICAGO TRIBUTE Thursday, September 2 Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange

FESTIVALS HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL AND A SPLASH OF CARIBBEAN Saturday, September 11 11am – 8pm Weequahic Park, Newark These events are co-sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.

Concert schedule is subject to change.

Please check essexcountyparks.org for updates and cancellations.

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Thursday, August 26 Branch Brook Park, Newark

OUR SPONSORS: OUR SPONSORS: OUR SPONSORS: OUR SPONSORS:

made possible fund made possible with funds made with possible made possible with funds

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Newark Arts Scene Black Music, Art, and Artistic Expression Move the City Forward

By Devonne Campbell

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ewark Arts, internationally-recognized for its award-winning annual Newark Arts Festival, is an organization at the origin and forefront of art culture in New Jersey’s “hustle headquarters.” It has been championing, amplifying, and cultivating the cultural necessity of artistic expression since 1981.

“With a Black and Latino population of more than 70%, Newark has a long and rich arts history. It boasts decades of creativity, producing artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Whitney Houston, Willie Cole, Chakaia Booker, Queen Latifah, and Amiri Baraka,” says Newark Arts Director of Marketing & Artistic Initiatives Lauren M. Craig, Esq. Beyond its signature of industry and economy, beauty and innovation, Newark has been at the center of many art movements and home to some of the most important Black activists and culture creators.

The late Gerry Gant was a prolific visual artist, poet, performance artist and educator. Born in Newark Gant worked

on murals across every ward in the city. Commissioned to create a number of public sculptures, 13 of them reside in Nat Turner Park.

Linda Street of Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate, Gant’s lifelong friend whom he entrusted to handle his life’s work and legacy manages his estate. This summer, via a newly developed app, visitors can take a virtual tour of the permanent installation of Gant’s iconic sculptures. Nat Turner Park is where the iconic “The Bluesman” piece resides.

Ralph Andre of Mean Genius is creator of the app; director Kay the Creator under the creative oversight of Street’s Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate will provide the photographs.

“That was one of the first public art projects we worked on together. That work was installed in Nat Turner Park in 2009.” Street explained. “It’s such perfect timing because the narrative of this work, which is installed at each of the park’s five entrances, speaks to Nat Turner, slavery, and the origins of music as it relates to the African-American influence.”

Violinist Bri Blvck

Photo: Newark Arts

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The Positive Community May/June 2021

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Linda Street Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate

TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Newark artist Gerry Gant poses with his sculpture Bluesman.

In September, Street will curate a solo exhibition of Gant’s work at Paul Robeson Gallery at Express Newark. “We’re really excited about a couple of the installations in the exhibition that have a very clear focus on music,” said Street.

“That was a recurring narrative throughout most of Gerry’s work—whether it’s sculpture, painting, or graffiti art—there was a musical theme.” Following that, Gant’s work will be included in a group show focusing on street art at the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ. Afterward, the collection will be stored in the old Star Ledger building near the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

“In recent decades, community arts organizations have suffered,” said Craig. “Many residents seek arts access in their neighborhoods. In-community, smaller-budget, women-led, Black and Brown-led arts organizations and programs often lack resources—a key reason Newark Arts provides mini grants through its ArtStart program to such organizations.”

Newark Arts continuously uses their platforms to emphasize the value and importance of making space for art, funding arts education, and supporting artist entrepreneurship as a means of elevating the city.

In 40 years of advocacy and empowerment of the arts, Newark Arts has done more than simply provide performance platforms for its homegrown artists. “In terms of historically Black enclaves and spaces, we seek to promote their history in not only the context of the city, but their importance to the arts nationally,” said Craig.

The organization collaborates with the City of Newark in various ways to restore and revitalize historic areas of Newark by way of arts and culture to “make the area vibrant again.”

Newark Arts, Newark Symphony Hall, and the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District have partnered to form the “Lincoln Park Alliance,” an initiative with the focus of reactivating and restoring the health of one of New Jersey’s only historically Black cultural districts. While making space for all kinds of history to take place, Newark Arts commits to honoring the legacy of their residents’ culture—past, present and future.

Further emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and community engagement through art and their mission to “power the arts to transform lives,” Newark Arts’ Arts Ed Newark brings arts education to Newark communities for children pre-K-12 and “provides professional development www.thepositivecommunity.com

for artist educators in trauma-informed care, a growing area of practice for Newark youth.”

Newark Arts wholeheartedly understands the importance of investing in its communities of color, creating opportunity for its patrons and residents, and a hub of innovation and minority leadership by which everyone can be inspired.

If you’re looking for a space to explore and celebrate the creative life of our beautiful city, look no further than Newark Arts.

Newark has been at the center of many art movements and home to some of the most important Black Activists and culture creators: Amiri Baraka and the Black Power Movement, playwright Richard Wesley, the iconic Whitney Houston, and Hip-Hop’s Queen of Community Queen Latifah. In the visual arts medium, Newark’s history of Black Music is palpable in the works of Akintola Hanif (Hycide), fayemi shakur (Womb of Violent), the legendary Gladys Barker Guarer, Adrienne Wheeler, The Land Collective, Malcolm Rolling, RED, the late “Mural King” Rodney M. Gilbert, and the late visual artist, poet, performance artist and educator Jerry Gant.

Devonne Campbell (Sophia’s Daughter) is a Haitian-American writer, performance artist, organizer, and flower child based in Newark, NJ. She has a mission to enlighten, inform, empower, and reconnect humanity to its humanity. You can find her work @Itssophiasdaughter on IG.

g Airin 24/7

May/June 2021 The Positive Community

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

NJPAC Ushers In A New Era of Arts, Entertainment, and World-Class Live/Play Community Building

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ormer Governor Thomas H. Kean envisioned in 1997 a world-class performing arts center in the State of New Jersey. As the largest city in the state with a rich, diverse music and art history only 20 miles from New York City, Newark was the right home for Jersey’s crown jewel. It has been 25 years since the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) opened its doors at 1 Center Street. The institution has built a stellar reputation for presenting some of the greatest “must-see” artists, musicians, and performers globally, including those in the local Newark music community. The arts center has already made an indelible mark in Newark music history.

NJPAC has hosted luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire, The Roots, Hezekiah Walker, Christian McBride, Johnny Mathis, and many more. In addition, the venue’s annual James Moody Jazz Festival celebrates the music genre with roots firmly grounded in the Black/African American experience.

NJPAC has also played host to a highly popular annual Kwaanza Festival. “It’s almost every kind of art you can think of. We have our finger in it.” said NJPAC Senior Advisor for Community Engagement Donna Walker-Kuhne. She continued, “And we’re always focused locally first; then as we expand, we look at the county, we look at multiple counties, to see how else can we build this up.”

More recently, NJPAC has launched multiple initiatives to support communities of color. To further ensure cultural diversity and community dialogue, NJPAC has continued working with its corporate partner PSEG on its film/forum initiative, PSEG True Diversity Film Series, a unique virtual forum focusing on social justice issues. Access is available to the public online to over 500 of the venue’s virtual events. On May 10, a virtual program with panelists Lucia Liu, Jamie Lew, and Yolanda Skeete addressed recent violence toward Asian Americans and detailed how anyone could be an ally.

In keeping with its community and arts education mission, NJPAC celebrated Juneteenth by hosting a standing-in-solidarity panel, It’s About Reparations. Panelists explored racial inequities and provided sustainable actions for the public.

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The Positive Community May/June 2021

By Daniela Palacio

This summer there are a variety of arts courses for children to choose from such as Hip Hop Arts and Culture or Musical Theater. The City Verses virtual summer camp is a free program specifically for teen artists interested in the jazz and poetry. Participants will engage in projects and build strong connections with their peers and instructors virtually.

“The original idea of NJPAC was to build a kind of a great performing arts center that was not only in Newark, but was of Newark,” explained NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber. One example is the Jersey Fresh virtual series featuring Newark artists and others from throughout the Garden State. Hosted by NJPAC staffer and Newarker Kitab Rollins, the Thursday night performances burst with exciting and unforgettable moments.

“It’s not just promoting those artists and giving them a performance opportunity. It’s making sure we distribute content,” said NJPAC Executive Vice President and Executive Producer David Rodriguez. We distribute them around the country to dozens of other performing arts institutions. We create content for other people. The issue isn’t just creating a gig for young artists. It’s creating a career for young artists.”

Pivoting to virtual programs allowed NJPAC’s Women in Jazz program to expand its reach. “When we did our Women in Jazz program, we increased the numbers of people participating by over ten times,” explained Rodriguez. “But the interesting thing is Women in Jazz was first run by Geri Allen, and now our developing campus is named after her since her passing.”

He continued, “The program, which instructs young women in the art and musicianship of jazz, is now led by MacArthur Genius Award winner, violinist Regina Carter. Women from seven countries and young people are tuning into Women in Jazz. Going virtual has a multiplying effect.”

The popular, summertime, outdoor, live music series, Sounds of the City commences live in-person again, after being virtual during last year’s global lockdown. The 2021 lineup includes hip hop icon Rakim, R&B diva and soulstress Syleena Johnson, gospel powerhouse Le’Andria Johnson, and the Grammy Award-winning reggae band Third World. NJPAC will implement additional safety protocols to ensure the safety of attendees.

Daniela Palacios is a resident reporter with the Newark News and Story Collaborative. Daniela also founded Para KIDS! @parakidsbooks, a bilingual children’s book company determined to help children become or remain bilingual. www.thepositivecommunity.com

earth, wind & fire Tue, Dec 7 @ 8PM Wed, Dec 8 @ 8PM This GRAMMY-winning supergroup brings a night of greatest hits “September,” “Let’s Groove,” “Celebrate” and more.

stephanie mills & the whispers Sat, Jan 15 @ 8PM The ultra-soulful songstress Stephanie Mills is back by popular demand, with celebrated R&B balladeers The Whispers.

an evening with gregory porter

sep 24

pseg true diversity film series Reparations: Continuing the Fight for Economic Justice Mon, Jun 21 @ 7PM This free virtual event examines the need for reparations, and discusses the forms that reparations might take.

jul 15 – aug 26

eddie griffin Sat, Sep 18 @ 7PM and 9:30PM No topic is off limits with unfiltered comic Eddie Griffin (Def Comedy Jam, Malcolm & Eddie, Undercover Brother).

every thursday at 6PM Jul 15 Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue Dance Party Jul 22 Rakim Jul 29 Syleena Johnson Aug 5 Tony Vega Aug 12 Le’Andria Johnson Aug 19 Brass Against Aug 26 Third World

Your safety is our priority.

Visit njpac.org/health for more information.

@NJPAC • 1.888.GO.NJPAC • njpac.org • Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 • One Center Street, Newark, NJ Jun_Positivecommunity.indd 1

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Grammy Museum Experience A Musical Rock of Gibraltar in Newark

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estled in the footprint of the Prudential Center arena (“The Rock”) in Newark, NJ—a short walk from Newark Penn Station, the historic Ironbound District, and downtown’s restaurant district—is the Grammy Museum Experience. Opened in 2017, Prudential Center and sports entertainment company HBSE specifically brought the museum to Newark “as a way of really meeting the community with music,” says Mark Conklin, Director of Artist Relations and Programming.

Besides, New Jersey is one of the top three states with the most Grammy-award winning artists.

In a formerly underutilized, street level space in the bowels of the Prudential Center, the 8,200 square-foot space helped revitalize the Mulberry Commons corridor (known as Newark’s Chinatown in the early 20th century), and connects the restaurants and shops at Broad and Market to Mulberry Commons park. The corridor is poised to see a significant uptick in foot traffic. A planned pedestrian skyway will connect Newark Penn Station to the Ironbound section of the city, making the Grammy Museum Experience a landmark welcoming center for music fans from around the world.

“The museum really celebrates music in all its forms and, of course, highlights the Grammys,” says Conklin. “Our

The Fisk Jubilee Singers

Photo courtesy grammymuseum.org

By Sana Atiya

museum was designed to celebrate New Jersey as a whole and the contributions of artists that come from New Jersey and, of course, our area, Newark, when you talk about Sarah Vaughan and Wayne Shorter. The history is rich.” One of the most popular and intentional exhibitions is New Jersey Legends, featuring iconic artists from the Garden State such as Naughty By Nature, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Frank Valli, and Newark’s own icon, “The Voice,” Whitney Houston. The focus of the exhibit is to highlight all the great music that comes from this state.

With music education at its core, the Grammy Museum Experience offers a wealth of public programming. Viewers can stream visuals of industry professionals and musicians from the comfort of their homes. “Music is the kind of a great language everybody identifies with, and it’s a way to bridge the gap. Everything we do, we’re focused on highlighting our local heroes, but also the people of the future or the next generation of Grammy Award winners,” Conklin went on to say. Standing programming includes Black History Month; Women’s History Month; a new Mini-Masterclass web series; Behind the Songs, a series of conversations between Mark Conklin and notable recording artists, songwriters, and producers; and their new podcast Musically Speaking.

The museum began rolling out several online programs for Black Music Appreciation month the week of June 18th, just in time for Juneteenth. “Our first interview was with the Fisk Jubilee singers, one of the world’s most renowned choirs who introduced the Negro spiritual to the world.

They recently won the Grammy for the Best Roots Gospel Album at the 63rd Grammys.” A performance by the choir and an interview with the choir’s director, Dr. Paul Kwame, will air this month on the museum’s website. Other programming includes a program with four-time Grammy award-winning artist and probably the world’s greatest music ambassador, Angélique Kidjo; releasing audio from the last in-person pre-COVID performance, An Evening with Naughty by Nature; and the museum will end its week with audio from An Evening with Gloria Gaynor, the Newark-born Grammy-award winner.

Most exciting is the debut of the museum’s third mural as a part of a five-part mural series, in partnership with Prudencont’d on page 26

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Newark: Gospel Music Capital of the State of New Jersey

By Pastor Michael Carr

W

ithout a vision the people will perish. Without hope, there can be no faith. To that end and from the days of old, gospel music has been the source of our strength and inspiration. Throughout history, during the most tumultuous of times, hymns like “Amazing Grace,” “Precious Lord,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Wade in the Water,” “Steal Away,” and others have ordered our steps and proclaimed our courage, perseverance, and fortitude.

Gospel music serves as a window, not only into our souls, but into the future of what is yet to come. God, in his infinite wisdom, sought to inspire and place the vision in the heart of Newark’s very own living Legend, Dr. Albert J. Lewis Jr., to carry the torch of the “Father of Gospel Music,” the late Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, musician and composer. Through Lewis’ efforts, June is now Gospel Music Month and recognized throughout the state of New Jersey, paying homage to the greatest gospel singers, composers and musicians.

Dr. Albert J. Lewis Jr. The genesis of Newark as the Gospel Music Capital began in 1982 during the reign of one Newark’s greatest mayors, the Honorable Kenneth A. Gibson. Gospel music was celebrated from June 14 thru June 21. In 1983, a resolution in the state government proposed to make the celebration statewide for the entire month of June. Governor Thomas Kean began the process and under the new leadership of Governor Jim McGreevey, Gospel Music Month became an official celebration statewide in New Jersey. Guided by Dr. Albert J. Lewis Jr., gospel music continues to thrive and Newark remains the Gospel Music Capital of the State of New Jersey!

Music is a universal language. Gospel music stirs, invigorates, lifts, inspires, and connects with the inner spirits of humanity. Every genre of American music so appreciated and loved throughout the world has its roots in gospel music.

Those who know Dr. Lewis know he leads every conversation with his favorite word, “victory,” reminding us that victory is ours. Befitting the founding father of Gospel Music Month, it is also fitting that we sing, “In The Name of Jesus We Have the Victory!”

On any given day, at any given time, you will hear the sounds of gospel music throughout the city. From Mahalia Jackson, Inez Andrews, Rev. James Cleveland, Pastor Darryl Coley, Edwin Hawkins, Rev. Dr. Shirley Caesar, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and so many more— we say, “Thank you” to Dr. Albert Lewis Jr. for his vision and selfless service in keeping us singing gospel music.

Dr. Lewis says, “Our purpose is to preserve the tradition of gospel music, teaching and instructing generations now and to come.” Let us celebrate Gospel Music Month in the Gospel Music Capital of the State of New Jersey, Newark, and beyond.

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TPC SPECIAL SECTION | Celebrating

Newark’s Black Music & Culture

Proposed New Symphony Hall Artist Rendering Photo: newarksymphonyhall.org

Newark Symphony Hall: The Soul of Newark

By Brit Harley

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THE TEMPLE

uilt by Shriners International in 1925 for $2 million as the Salaam Temple (later known as the Mosque Theatre), Symphony Hall is more than just an ornate physical structure—it truly has a soul. Music icons Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Chuck Berry, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and others have performed there. After the Shriners, Symphony Hall changed ownership. According to Preservation New Jersey, the Hall suffered financial troubles after the Great Depression and was sold at a sheriff’s sale in 1933 to Prudential Life Insurance Co. However, by 1938 Symphony Hall experienced a 20-year run of great success and critical acclaim.

In July 1964, the municipal council voted to allocate $340,000 to acquire and rehabilitate the venue and a leasing agreement was made between the City of Newark and Symphony Hall. The nonprofit organization included “many

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of the city’s leaders in the industry, business, finance, and the professions” according to the 1964 New York Times article “Newark Pledges $340,000 To Arts; Mosque Theater Would Be Transformed Into Center.” Fifty-one years after its opening day, on a cold Friday in January 1976, an official press release came from the Newark Public Information Office entitled “City to Seek Ways to Repair and Reopen Symphony Hall.” The auditorium was being closed due to electrical system defects. Despite these challenges, Newark Business Administrator William H. Walls predicted “it will come back bigger and better,” and it did! Newark Symphony Hall was added to The National Registry of Historic Places in 1977.

“Black music is American music,” says current president & CEO Taneisha Nash Laird. “And so, it resonates well beyond us. And I think Symphony Hall is symbolic of that.” cont’d on next page May/June 2021 The Positive Community

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NEWARK SYMPHONY HALL cont’d from previous page

Countless legends and cultural icons have graced the venue, including Sarah Vaughn, Amiri Baraka, The Temptations, Patti Labelle, and Alvin Ailey, to name a few.

“The very first Black performer to perform at Symphony Hall was Marian Anderson in 1940. So when you think of Symphony Hall and Black music, it’s not just R&B; it’s opera and classical. It’s Rock with Jimi Hendrix,” said Nash Laird.

“One of the most iconic images of Aretha Franklin is at Newark Symphony Hall, sitting at the dressing room mirror. Jimi Hendrix performed at the Hall on April 5, 1968, the day after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Newark Symphony Hall’s true legacy has always been about centering the community. The venue played an essential role in the 1970 election of Newark’s first African-American mayor, Kenneth Gibson. “When the late great Amiri Baraka was campaigning for Ken Gibson, had all these people come to Newark Symphony Hall. He had Isaac Hayes, Harry Belafonte, and Dustin Hoffman,” Nash Laird explained. “Newark Symphony Hall was central in the election of our first African-American mayor of a northeastern city.

That’s what I think about—the music, of course, but I think about all the things the music helped advance in terms of humanity.” If you rode past this incredible place over the last two decades or so, it would have been easy to miss the legacy that lives within the walls of Symphony Hall. Despite the challenges of the 20th century, the vision pressed on.

SANKOFA

Exclusively led by men for more than 90 years, in 2018, Newark Performing Arts Corporation recruited social change agent and former executive director of the Arts Council of Princeton Taneshia Nash Laird to helm another turnaround a century in the making. Nash Laird is the first Black woman to lead one of Newark’s oldest, theater-sized performing arts spaces and the only Black woman leading a performance arts center in New Jersey. “Our mission is all about utilizing

Taneshia Nash Laird, President & CEO, Newark Symphony Hall

Woodline Dorcin

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The Positive Community May/June 2021

newarksymphonyhall.org

our historic venue for economic opportunity and development in Newark. I think that’s definitely a unique mission for a performing arts center. But also, wellness when you think about the arts.” She said.

Nash Laird’s background in the arts started at 13 when she toted her black and white marble composition notebook full of her rhymes everywhere. “So, I’m literally growing up hip hop, in the sense that I was the person who got my start in hip hop. And now I’m running a multimillion-dollar performing arts center.” Nash Laird’s first job was director of media relations at Planet Rock Music. While in college, she hosted a Time Warner cable show called New York Rap. It was there hip hop legend DJ Marley Marl brought hip hop icons Dupré “DoItAll” Kelly, Al’Terik “Mr. Funke” Warrick, and Anthony “Lord Jazz” Colston—Newark’s Lords of The Underground—on their first album’s promotional run. These humble and exciting beginnings were the primer for Nash Laird’s work today. In her first two years as CEO, she bolstered the venue’s programming, responded to community needs, and announced plans to restore the vintage concert hall in a $50 million renovation. The goal is to leverage the renovation for revitalization in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. The global lockdown presented unprecedented challenges, navigating grief and loss, even losing a staff member who served the organization for a decade. Like other performance spaces, Symphony Hall faced the huge financial challenge of the disappearance of revenue from event-rentals and ticket sales.

In addressing the global economic downturn and advancing its capital campaign in October 2020, Newark Symphony Hall announced a Black-led investment committee whose role is to shape oversight policy and provide fund-management guidance.

While huddled in place during the lockdown, Symphony Hall incubated fresh new initiatives like #EmbraceNewark, www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Newark’s Black Music & Culture

an artist-activated initiative featuring photos, footage, and writings by ten local Black artists documenting their pandemic experiences. #EmbraceNewark is responsible for the 2020 creative project “Symphony of Survival.” Under the creative direction of Newark poet and author Jasmine Mans, the project archived mourning, protest, and survival to honor the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were both murdered by police. #EmbraceNewark also facilitates resources for food distribution, personal protective equipment, wellness checks, and online artistic programming designed to engage and inform.

“Newark is predominantly Black and Brown. To be able to provide opportunities in this space, it feels amazing to center the cultural community of Newark in the work that I’m doing,” says Nash Laird. The historical and cultural impact of Newark Symphony Hall is reflected through new opportunities and projects. The Lab is a performing arts business incubator and career accelerator program that will support people in the community to build careers on and off the stage. This summer, registration will open to participate at no cost. Yendor Theatre Company, co-founded by Andrew Binger and the late Rodney Gilbert in Newark, New Jersey, is the first company-in-residence of The Lab initiative where they will be producing Black Terror by award-winning playwright and Newark-born screenwriter Richard Wesley.

The play will be co-produced by WACO Theatre Center based in Los Angeles, co-founded by actor Richard Lawson and philanthropist Tina Knowles-Lawson. Andrew Binger, protégé of Rodney Gilbert, will be the artistic director of Black Terror. Binger was also a mentee of Laird through the Victoria Emerging Leaders Program at Rutgers Business School’s Institute for Ethical Leadership. “To be able to kind of put that together and to be that connector, I think that is the role I was meant to play. So, what I feel is pride,” said Nash Laird.

Another new initiative, “The Soul of Newark Symphony Hall,” is a production celebrating the Hall and Black Newark. Directed and curated by Dr. Guthrie Ramsey, the multimedia production will include narration, reenactments of oral histories, music, and cinematic and photographic montage. Per Nash Laird, “‘The Soul of Newark Symphony Hall’ explores the connections between the social, cultural, and political lives of Black Newark, with the transformational space at the hall.”

In April 2021, the Hall launched the interview series “Homegrown,” hosted by creative force Citi Medina. “Homegrown” celebrates and shares the stories of prominent artists and entertainers born and raised in Newark. The series includes Tony® Award-winning actress and longtime R&B recording artist Melba Moore, James Mtume & Tawatha Agee, Robert “Kool” Bell (Kool & the Gang), and next Dupré “DoItAll” Kelly from Lords of the Underground, a direct connection to Laird’s humble beginnings in music. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The restoration of Newark Symphony Hall has been decades in the making. The $50 million effort is a three-phase project expected to create 500 jobs and assist 50 local small businesses. The exterior renovation will complete on the 100thyear celebration of the venue in 2025 with plans to reimagine the marquee that was there during the 1960s and 70s.

On Juneteenth, the organization partnered with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for “Brotherhood Week: A Juneteenth Celebration,” which sought to revive the Black Experience through visual and performing arts. The program was streamed across Symphony Hall’s social media platforms and Newark public access TV. Legendary radio personality and co-founder of Black Music Month Dyana Williams was also honored in a special event in late June.

THE ROAD TO 100 YEARS

The restoration of Newark Symphony Hall has been decades in the making. The $50 million effort is a threephase project expected to create 500 jobs and assist 50 local small businesses. The exterior renovation will complete on the 100th-year celebration of the venue in 2025 with plans to reimagine the marquee that was there during the 1960s and 70s.

If it were up to Nash Laird, she would love to have all of the living legends who once performed at Newark Symphony Hall return. “I’m looking forward to us having a full year of celebrating our centennial,” she said. “But I also have this image and vision that we are making future legends. The people we’re going to put on the stage now are the people I hope 50 years later people will say, ‘Oh, my goodness, can you believe so and so performed there?’ I want us to continue the place we’ve always had. I know when the Deltas helped bring the Supremes back to Symphony Hall… in 1967—who would have ever thought I’d be talking about that so many years later? Those are the types of things I want [to do]. I want us to be creating more history.”

Brit Harley is the co-founder of the Newark News & Story Collaborative and a 2020–2021 John S. Knight Community Impact Fellow at Stanford University.

May/June 2021 The Positive Community

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Lincoln Park

Photos Courtesy Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

Building on History, Gospel, Jazz, and the Legacy of Soulful House Music

LeAndria Johnson Gospel in the Park Lincoln Park Music Festival 2019

Lincoln Park Music Festival 2016

L

incoln Park has played an important role in Newark’s African-American history. Jazz singer Sarah Vaughn grew up blocks away from the park on Brunswick Street.

Her family was active in old Mount Zion Baptist Church at 186 Thomas Street (which split in 1945 and a portion of the congregation founded the Park Presbyterian Church at 208 Broadway). The Black Church has always been a pillar in the Newark Black music experience, with a vibrant history in gospel music.

Gospel singer, songwriter, and Grammy Award-winning producer Rev. Milton Biggham, the former senior pastor of Newark’s Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, explained, “Everybody you can possibly think of that’s over 30 or 40 has come out of the church. The church has produced gospel and gospel has produced almost everything else—particularly Black artists—and they have influenced just about everything that’s being done today.”

One aspect of Lincoln Park’s hidden past is “the redlight district,” a series of bars and jazz lounges that stretched down to Branford Place. Only blocks away from the old South Park Presbyterian Church, the juxtaposition of gospel and the red-light district’s jazz scene was as controversial and

By James Frazier

contradictory as a Billie Holiday “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” lyric. “It’s the evolution of music,” said Rev. Kevin E. Taylor, co-pastor of Unity Fellowship Church NewArk for almost three years and senior pastor at Unity Fellowship Church New Brunswick for 12 years. “Jazz is directly inspired by gospel the way hip hop and R&B are inspired by jazz. You can hear the influence. You can hear it in the bridges of the music. When Black artists were done performing in Newark at 1:00 a.m. there were only one or two places where they could all hang out.”

Today, the City of Newark’s Office of Clergy Affairs, led

by Director of Churchwide Affairs at Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree, not only embraces its gospel roots, but uses faith to “reclaim, restore, and revive” its communities citywide. Of the evolution of gospel music Rev. Rountree said, “Organs have not always been in the church. Pianos haven’t always been in the church. At some point there were no drums. When the Pentecostal movement came along it was like ‘Oh, my!’” She added, “Then you had Sister Rosetta Tharpe come along and It was just a different form of gospel. She made it feel like you brought the club to the church!”Rountree continued, “And here comes Kirk Franklin and turns the world upside down. Let’s go back before then to the Clark Sisters. Romans 12:2 says ‘Be not conformed…’ I know we’re not supposed to conform, but how do you get the world to transform?”

Other churches in Lincoln Park include 1,300 plus member St. James A.M.E Church (with campuses in Newark and South Orange); Churches in Cooperation, Inc.; and New Ark Cathedral Lincoln Park. Along Broad Street in downtown Newark, you’ll find New Point Baptist Church; Grace Episcopal Church; and Old First Presbyterian Church, which was a stop on the Underground Railroad and has tunnels that exist even today.

The spirit, activism, and soul of gospel have always existed in Newark. Nearly 20 years after the 1967 riots, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural non-profit was formed to plan, design, and develop a vibrant and comprehensive cultural arts district in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of downtown Newark.

Their arts and culture programming represent Newark’s robust musical history while pushing toward an innovative and progressive future. Its popular, week-long Lincoln Park Music Festival (boasting 50,000 attendees over a weekend) continues Newark’s tradition of gospel music in an outdoor, “revival” style experience. The highly-attended House Music Day, which garners over 20,000 fans alone, picks up where cont’d on page 26

42 16 The The Positive Positive Community Community

May / June2021 2021 May/June

www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Newark’s Black Music & Culture

WBGO: What’s Going On? The Next 40 Years at Newark’s Radio Station

P

icture this: a colorful street filled with laughter, dancing, and soulful jazz sounds wafting in the air. From the 1940s to early 1960s, this imagery was the norm for cities like Newark, New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit on any given Saturday night. It was not uncommon for a place like Newark’s Halsey Street to be lined with jazz clubs sixty or seventy years ago much like the theater district in New York City. Many scholars have noted that jazz started in New Orleans as a mixture of Spanish, European classical music, and African influences. The French military also had a significant impact on jazz, including parade drums and horns, creating a one-of-a-kind sound.

Newark’s homegrown WBGO 88.3 FM is the home and history-keeper of jazz in the tri-state region and around the world online. Returning to the fold as its newly appointed president & CEO is Steve Williams, a 25-year public radio and jazz radio veteran who previously served as director of Programming at WBGO. On jazz, Williams remarked, “It’s just an ebb and flow thing, but there has to be a release and I think jazz music for the artists, as well as fans of the music, historically provided a form of release.”

When it comes to Black protest music, before there was a Marvin Gaye singing about the societal ills going on in the community, there was jazz. Williams said, “Historically, jazz musicians were some of the first civil rights activists, they not only went to places they were not welcomed into, but they also traveled all over the country.” He continued, “Because jazz was primarily represented by Black musicians, it was seen as radical by white people and others [some of whom were Black], because it’s a secular music. Jazz artists were conveying something new, [therefore] many would consider them as activists in their own right. Eventually this activism became more overt during the civil rights movement.”

Because of the nouveau sounds of jazz, it became more

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By Habeebah Yasin

Steven A. Williams WBGO President & CEO

popular in the early 1900s with people like Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, and Louis Armstrong performing. The familiarity and deep connection might explain why there is an emergence of younger jazz musicians and audiences in the Caribbean in Cuba and Jamaica, and the United Kingdom. Younger, rising superstars in the genre like smooth jazz violinist Damien Escobar, Kamasi Washington, Nubya Garcia, Kendrick Scott Oracle, and Jazzmeia Horn are pushing the boundaries and filling theaters and jazz festivals.

Additionally, thanks to the recent slew of historical biopics such as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020); Billie Holiday Vs United States (2021); and Bessie (2015), starring Newark’s own Dana “Queen Latifah” Owens, there is a new generation of youth discovering the lineage of jazz through its forefather—the blues.

As for the future of WBGO, Williams’ vision builds on the station’s celebration of jazz and commitment to diversity in a rapidly changing, new media environment. William noted, “WBGO is truly unique—its origins, mission, and place in the world. It’s the only jazz station in the New York metropolitan area.” First up, an exciting, new WBGO initiative called WBGO Studios, a podcasting production unit, in order to create and establish a digital presence online and allow for more international audiences. WBGO Studios will also develop new talent in the podcast arena, as well as seek to help strengthen already existing podcasts in the community. For Black Music Month, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme (June 20); Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace and One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (June 27); The Pulse with Keanna Faircloth spotlighted singer-songwriter Aaron Myers (June 23), cont’d on page 26

The Positive Community May/June 2021

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Public/Private Partnerships

It Takes a Village to Sustain a Vibrant Arts City

By James Frazier

C

OVID-19 showed us in 2020 is that historically underfunded communities and community-based organizations of color were hardest hit by the economic downturn. In New Jersey, the coronavirus pandemic devastated the arts industry, costing the creative economy business $3.9 billion in revenue; 73,640 people lost their jobs. As part of the global response, some corporate sponsors and funders re-thought their diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies; and others continued or increased their tradition of giving to underserved and marginalized populations of creatives.

In Newark, Bank of America has expanded its support of Black Film Festival to include the Newark Museum of Art at Home programs and activities. The program launched in April 2020 and brings art, science, and cultural experiences to people online. The PNC Foundation forms partnerships with local nonprofit organizations to expand educational opportunities and promote the growth of communities through economic development initiatives. Audible is the fastest-growing employer in the city of Newark. The organization thinks about its neighborhood investments and how to contribute to the tech and innovation ecosystem, which is key in a virtual world where galleries have been closed due to the pandemic.

Art spaces like Akwaaba Gallery in the West Ward and even 2019’s citywide Newark Arts Festival resorted to apps and virtual gallery experiences while potential patrons sheltered in place. The Prudential Foundation has aided the arts, business, and the community by playing a notable role in Newark’s redevelopment. In addition, their foundation supports local arts and cultural organizations and projects throughout the city, such as New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark Symphony Hall, Newark Public Library, Newark Museum of Arts, WBGO, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Newark Arts, and Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District.

Other funders and grant-making organizations include Newark Arts, Victoria Foundation, NJ CARES Act Funding via NJSCA, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, NJ State Council on the Arts, Momentum Fund of United Philanthropy Forum, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Resilience Fund, Turrell Fund, Bank of America, TD Bank, Verizon, M&T Bank, PSEG, Hanini Group, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. PSEG’s Newark Arts Emergency

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The Positive Community May/June 2021

$

Grant, made possible by funding from the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund, is a need-based minigrant of $1,000. The grant provides financial support to individual artists to create music, dance, theatre, film, visual, and literary art projects.

In January 2020, Mayor Baraka announced the creation of the the City of Newark’s first arts grant program, the Creative Catalyst Fund, to ensure that the arts continue to thrive. The fund will provide up to $1 million dollars annually for at least the next three years, beginning with $750,000 provided by the City in 2020 to seed the initiative.

Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is the title sponsor for NJPAC’s “Sounds of the City,” a free, popular, outdoor concert series that brings residents together every week in Chambers Plaza. Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City is made possible through a collaboration between NJPAC and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and their mutual dedication to providing the community with access to enriching resources, including exceptional entertainment. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has been a stalwart supporter of the arts in New Jersey across a variety of disciplines including music, opera, theater, dance and visual arts with a strong emphasis on arts education programming.

The arts cannot happen without financial support, period. While our arts organizations and working artists of all disciplines are driving the culture and creativity forward, it would not be possible without the ongoing financial support from anchor corporate institutions, foundations and grant-making organizations at a national, state and local level. We are grateful for the funders and supporters that keep the arts alive in Newark, New Jersey and leading the way.

James Frazier is the executive producer and resident reporter with the Newark News & Story Collaborative and creative director of The Vision Room. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Newark Museum of Art: Where Community, Creativity & Curiosity Ignite

By Kira Jones

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ewark has always been a great cultural city. Residents and visitors of Newark move to the beats of house music, hip hop, jazz, and gospel to survive and thrive in the hustle and bustle of the largest city in New Jersey. This is a city where creativity, art, and collaboration are almost inherent characteristics. These characteristics do not stop at the citizens rather, they are part of the fabric of the arts institutions that serve the community. The recently re-branded Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) is no exception. The State of New Jersey’s largest museum is home to large artworks of Global Africa and Asia, American art, arts of the Ancient Mediterranean, decorative arts, collections, a planetarium, the historic Ballantine House, and so much more. NMOA is a must visit when planning a trip to downtown Newark’s arts and entertainment district.

Linda C. Harrison, the museum’s eighth director and CEO and first African-American director, has a unique purview and understanding of the museum’s connection to Black Music Month and Juneteenth. The Newark Museum of Art began as The Newark Museum at the Newark Library in 1909 by librarian and reformer John Linda C. Harrison, Director and CEO Cotton Dana. It is under Harrison’s rebranding of the museum we can see a greater focus on the arts. “I began my career in the corporate realm, but after noticing an imbalance in visibility pertaining to arts organizations, my relationship with the discipline blossomed,” said Harrison.

The Newark Museum of Art has a long history of understanding the interdependencies of visual art and music as exemplified from programming such as Creative Play, Painting of Music, Musical Arts of Asia, and most recently, FORSA!: A Journey Through African Art, Music, and Culture. The museum continues to reach out for partnerships uplifting all artistic expressions and holds a deep commitment to local artists. Harrison recalls the 2016 collection galleries dedicated to Native artists of North America. This debut consisted of performances by the Lenape Drum Circle in addition to traditional singing and dancing. In 2018,

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The Positive Community May/June 2021

Danielle Scott Is ThIs All We’re MAde Of?, 2019 Acrylic paint, artist panel board, spent bullet shells, spatula, drain 20 x 10 x 3 in.

Courtesy of the artist

the “Rockies & Alps: Bierstadt, Calame, and the Romance of the Mountains” exhibition featured a traditional Alphorn musician playing throughout the galleries. The music roaming the halls of the museum exemplified inclusivity, spirit, and wonder with the recurring sounds of Miles Davis, Alabama Shakes, Tango Chill Out, and many more.

The Newark Museum of Art marked its second year of Juneteenth celebrations. This program, Juneteenth Community Day, works to amplify the importance of Juneteenth in American history. Harrison said, “The arts on this day are used not only to tell the story of and celebrate Black culture, but to cultivate conversations on how to ‘activate change in the present and future.’” Last year’s celebration focused on the power and relevancy of rap, one of the greatest contributions of Black culture, in conjunction with equality. This year’s celebration was virtual and focused on art and the symbolism of stepping in the Black community.

On June 17th, 2021, the museum opened the 2021 New Jersey Arts Annual: ReVision and Respond on site. This features artworks by 45 artists representing 14 counties from across the Garden State. Harrison also shared that in early 2022, Yale University Professor of Anthropology and African American Studies Aimee Meredith Cox will activate artist Saya Woolfalk’s one-person exhibition with a collaborative dance performance involving the Newark community. Under Linda C. Harrison’s leadership, the Newark Museum of Art is committed to continuing the legacy of and contribution to Newark’s future as a “destination city for arts, education, and entertainment.”

Kira Jones is a resident-reporter with the Newark News and Story Collaborative. Kira is also the founder of the DOTUM (Daughter of the Urban Mind) Foundation dedicated to involving youth in learning the skills needed to serve the cities we live in. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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tialalFinancial. ecbassist neirepEndea xE mueOwens suM ym marG30). ehtSalon ,8102Sessions ecniS .with laicnSheila aniF lait (June iehS htiw sSince noisseS2018, nolaSthe .)03Grammy enuJ( snMuseum ewO aedExperience nE tsissab dna and Prudential partnered -naniF larestarted itnedurP for htiwthedefirst rentrtime ap sasince h retnthe eC pandemlaitnedurP -mednap Center eht ecnhas is em it tsrfi ehwith t rof Prudential detratser nFinanosrednA Anderson cial—a taerc owith t—man uesexploration um eht fo reof ntrNicholas ap gnidnuPayton’s of ,duorp#BAM a—laic MAB#proud, s’notyfounding aP salohcpartner iN fo noofitathe rolpmuseum—to xe na htiw ncreate ageb ci ic ebegan a series nI .sdraw and evfi Take s’krawFive eN tput uohgaufocus orht son larunew m evreleases fi fo seirby es a yb sesof aelfive er wmurals en no sthroughout ucof a tup eNewark’s viF ekaT five dna wards. ;tnemeIn vom movement; tune with the city’s soul and love of the -marGAmerican eht htob artists. ,stra eht fo evol dna luos s’ytic eht htiw enut .starts, sitra both nacirethe mAGramnacirfA African my,cMuseum lWhile aitneduwe rPcan noitcelebrate utitsni roh cnaiconic dna esounds cneirepof xEjazz muemusic, suM ym the isum zzajExperience fo sdnuos cand inocanchor i eht etainstitution rbelec nacPrudential ew elihW Financial aeh ,talso filpuacknowledge ot tra cilbup the fo reneed wop efor ht diversity dnatsredand nu laincluicnaniF -ulcni dunderstand na ytisrevid the rof power deen eof ht public egdelwart onktocauplift, osla tsheal, um ew we,lmust and and murals -ni Williams slarum ohighlighted wt tsrfi ehT that .yrotjazz sih dcan na be eruatlmore uc etainclusive rbelec dna evicelebrate sulcni eroculture m a eb n ac zhistory. zaj taht The dethgfirst ilhgtwo ih sm ailliW in.nois sion. clude West Ward’s eht for dnawomen SBAF and tsitramembers yb naeJ of felthe cyWLGBTQ+ s’draW tscommunity. eW eht edulc .ytinthe umm oc +Q TBGLWyclef eht fo sJean rebmby emartist dna nFABS emowand rof the ecaps space Central eriameL eWBGO duaM tis sitcultivating ra yb notsuthe oHspace yentihfor W as’more draW inclulartneC -ulcni Ward’s erom a Whitney rof ecapsHouston eht gnitaby vitlartist uc si OMaude GBW ,eLemaire, snopser nI In ,response, which is composed.sof alg texperience uc-dnah fo .through sbl 000,1their nahtpodcasts. erom fo desopmoc si hcihw tsamore cdopthan rieht1,000 hguolbs. rht of ecnhand-cut eirepxe zglass. zaj evis sive.ssjazz While COVID has temporarily halted in-person visits to ot stisiv nosrep-ni detlah yliraropmet sah DIVOC elihW thekcmuseum, s’muesuYasin, m eht rwhose of edupronouns titarg desare serpshe/her/they, xe nilknoC ,m um eht alB a si ,Conklin yeht/reh/expressed ehs era snugratitude onorp esofor hw the ,nismuseum’s aY habeebaH Habeebah is uaesBlack transition silver ni gniwoman nil revliwho s a scares ’erehabout T“ .tnsocial emegajustice gne laissues, utriv oincluding t noitisnart gnidulcnto i ,svirtual eussi ecengagement. itsuj laicos tuo“There’s ba serac oahw namlining ow milin suM Muslim everything, elbapeople’s won eplight r’eW .in dnthe uofUnited ew enStates o ehtand s’tahwomen’s t dna ,grights nihtyisreve -si sthgir s’and nemothat’s w dnathe setaone tS detwe inUfound. eht ni tWe’re hgilp s’now elpoepable kcalB Black to & create od Habeebah ew tub ,eis cnaeid ua regral a hcwith aer dthe na Newark tnetnocNews etaer& c ot sweNcontent kraweN and eht hreach tiw retarolarger per-tnedaudience, iser a si habut beebwe aH do .seus sues. resident-reporter look forward to getting back to seeing people.evinitaour ”,ecCollaborative. aps ruo ni elpoep gniees ot kcab gnitteg ot drawrof kool robaspace,” lloC y rotS Story he joked. Although there is no confirmed date, the Gram-marG eht ,etad demrfinoc on si ereht hguohtlA .dekoj eh my Museum Experience will re-open its doors in the Fall llaF eht ni srood sti nepo-er lliw ecneirepxE muesuM ym of 2021, with new exhibits underway. “We are expecting a a gnitcepxe era eW“ .yawrednu stibihxe wen htiw ,1202 fo very big, exciting new exhibit in October,” Conklin revealed. .delaever nilknoC ”,rebotcO ni tibihxe wen gniticxe ,gib yrev “The exact date is being worked out, but it will be by the eht yb eb lliw ti tub ,tuo dekrow gnieb si etad tcaxe ehT“ end of September.” ”.rebmetpeS fo dne

kraP nloand cniL Lincoln Sana Atiya is a resident reporter with the Newark News dna swePark N kraweN eht htiw retroper tnediser a si ayitA anaS 1 e g a p resident. m o r f d ’ t n o c cont’d Story Collaborative. She is a mom, creative, and 6Newark .tnefrom diserpage krawe16 N dna ,evitaerc ,mom a si ehS .evitaroballoC y rotS ffo tfel ,rabiznaZ bulC ,noitutitsni larutluc kraweN rehtona another Newark cultural institution, Club Zanzibar, left off -sid ,zzaj ,lepsog si yrotsih s’kraweN“ .7002 ni desolc ti nehw when it closed in 2007. “Newark’s history is gospel, jazz, dis.rolyaT .E niveK .veR denialpxe ”!poh pih ,]cisum[ esuoh ,oc co, house [music], hip hop!” explained Rev. Kevin E. Taylor.

-um esuoh tahw wonk dna kraweN ni eb won ot desselb m’I“ “I’m blessed to now be in Newark and know what house mu”.dlrow siht ot snaem cis sic means to this world.”

According to Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District Ex-xE tcirtsiD larutluC tsaoC kraP nlocniL ot gnidroccA tes sah noitazinagro eht ,htimS ynohtnA rotceriD evituce ecutive Director Anthony Smith, the organization has set eht ni era erutluc dna trA“ .gnidliub ycagel no sthgis rieht their sights on legacy building. “Art and culture are in the nlocniL .ytinummoc ruo gnilaeh fo ssecorp ruo fo retnec center of our process of healing our community. Lincoln ,stra ,ecitsuj laicos fo dirbyh a si tcirtsiD larutluC tsaoC kraP Park Coast Cultural District is a hybrid of social justice, arts, .ytinummoc ruo tsgnoma htlaew gnidliub dna ,ytilibaniatsus sustainability, and building wealth amongst our community.

-niart boj od eW .sesuoh dliub eW .lavitsef a naht erom er’eW We’re more than a festival. We build houses. We do job trainnI ”.tnemegagne ytinummoc dna ,gnimraf ytinummoc ,gni ing, community farming, and community engagement.” In -rutluC tsaoC kraP nlocniL ,doohrobhgien kraP nlocniL eht the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Lincoln Park Coast Culturwon dna ,zzaj ,lepsog eht fo repeek ycagel eht si tcirtsiD la al District is the legacy keeper of the gospel, jazz, and now -ummoc nwotnwod siht ni erutluc dna yrotsih cisum esuoh house music history and culture in this downtown commucisum“ a emoceb lliw tahw rof noitadnuof a gnidliub ,ytin nity, building a foundation for what will become a “music horizon. .nozirohMural eht nwith o snartist alp noMaude isnapxLemaire e erutuf htiw ”egalliv village” with future Whitney Houston eriameexpansion L eduaM tsplans it ra hton iw lthe aruM notsuoH yentihW

www.thepositivecommunity.com moThe c.ytin ummoceCommunity vitisopeht.wwMay/June w www.thepositivecommunity.com 26 Positive 2021

May 2021 The Community 1/2June 02 en uJ/yawww.thepositivecommunity.com M inummoC evitisoP eh27 T27 62 May/June 2021 TheytPositive Positive Community

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Photo: Renee Hastick

Photo: Seitu Oronde

Tribute to the Late Dr. Roy Hastick

Dr. Hastick’s daughters: Camille Hastick and Renee Hastick-Motes

Standing: L–R: Angela Sealy, Anne Marie Stanislaus, Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene, Bishop Cecil Riley, Davond Motes, Brandon St. Louis; Front Center: Dr. Eda F. Harris-Hastick and Norma Hastick, sister of Dr. Roy Hastick

Brooklyn Street Renamed in His Honor

DR. BRENDA M. GREENE COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK CARIB NEWS

O

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

Photo: Seitu Oronde

L - R: Rolanda Telesford, Tamara Ivey, Davond Motes, Dr. Eda F. Harris-Hastick, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams

His wife, Dr. Eda HarrisHastick, holding poster honoring Dr. Hastick’s life

Camille Hastick and Renee Hastick-Motes

Photo: Anna Rathkopk-Motes

n Saturday, May 8, 2021, supporters and well-wishers came together for the joyful gathering on the corner of Caton and Flatbush Avenues to celebrate the life of Dr. Roy Hastick, Sr. and the street renaming ceremony in his honor. Local politicians, leaders, community members, and family did not let the inclement weather stop them from commemorating the late Caribbean entrepreneur and leader.

Born in St. David’s, Grenada on May 10, 1950, the celebration was timely and a great way to continue honoring his life. Dr. Hastick founded the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) in 1985. He passed away on April 8, 2020.

Sponsor of the name change, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene said Hastick was an outstanding community leader, entrepreneur, and mentor to many people in Brooklyn throughout his career. “He was a true visionary and a dear friend of the community. His dedication was undeterred by the health struggles he faced in his later years and reinforced his unique legacy of public service.”

Assemblymember Diana Richardson said, “Through his many affiliations and his leadership, Dr. Hastick was and remains a pillar of Central Brooklyn. He leaves behind a loving family, a grateful community, and a legacy of accomplishments that will endure and serve as an inspiration for the generations to come. We honor his contributions today and rename this street as a lasting tribute to his life of service.”

His wife, Dr. Eda Harris-Hastick, a long-time professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Founder of the Social Work Degree program at Medgar Evers College, was a beacon of light and pride at the ceremony. She and her daughter, Camille Hastick, gave remarks on behalf of the entire family. Former NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop and Rockaway Business Alliance International PR Board Chair Rose Guerrier shared as co-hosts of the event.

Also in attendance were elected officials and special guests including Congressmember Yvette Clarke, NY State Senator Kevin Parker, NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie, NY State Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, Borough President Eric Adams, and NYC Councilmembers Dr. Mathieu Eugene and Robert Cornegy.

Dr. Brenda M. Greene is a professor of English and founder and executive director of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York

Grandchildren – L–R: Elijah Williams; Nevaeh Motes; Denise Motes; Brandi Chew; Ryan Chew; and Davond Motes, Jr. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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May / June 2021 The Positive Community

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President and CEO Darrell Terry and staff at unveiling

President and CEO, Darrell Terry unveils project name

Newark Beth Israel Names Expansion Project “Newark Strong”

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ewark Beth Israel Medical Center announced the name of the hospital’s facility expansion project, “Newark Strong.” The $150 million expansion project will include a new 17,000-squarefoot, glass-enclosed main lobby; expanded adult and pediatric emergency departments; new hybrid operating rooms; and a dedicated center for all cardiac services. It’s the largest expansion of the facility in more than 50 years.

“This is such an exciting time for our employees, physicians, and community. This inclusive project will transform our hospital and spark investment in the South Ward. Our employees, physicians, nurses, and community voted and they chose a name that captures what this project means to our neighbors as well as our staff,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., president and chief executive officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

Throughout the construction phase of the project, the hospital will prominently display the name on a banner located on the corner of Osborne Terrace and Lyons Avenue, right in front of the hospital.

(L-R) Marilyn Monroe Harris, Darrell Terry and Atiya Jaha-Rashidi

Residents can find more information about the project by visiting: rwjbh.org/nbiexpansion.

Photo by: Bruce Moore

C

ampaigning for Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, Esq. stopped by Greater File Baptist Church in Harlem where he was invited to deliver remarks.

L-R: Campaign Manager, Keisha Sutton-James, Alvin Bragg and Rev. Geraldine Harris, Pastor

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

NYC Parks Open with The National Black Theatre and New York Philharmonic Festival

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he National Black Theatre and the New York Philharmonic joined together to bring culture back to Harlem and to New York City. NY PHIL BANDWAGON performed at Marcus Garvey Park, May 15, 2021. Some of the events during May 14–16 included performances

by Paul Beaubrun, Sing Harlem Choir, DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore, violinist Curtis Stewart, soprano Laquita Mitchell and The Harlem Chamber Players, and more.

Murals —some designed by Julia Cocuzza— were on the state-of-the art shipping container soundstage that hosted over 100 artists and 39 performances across four boroughs throughout the month of May. The artwork was conceptualized in collaboration with community

www.thepositivecommunity.com

partners: The National Black Theatre, Institute for Action Arts, A Better Jamaica, El Puente Presente, Flushing Town Hall, and Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education.

Performances took place from a mobile, 20-foot shipping container at Domino Park in Brooklyn, Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan, Father Gigante Plaza in the Bronx, and St. Albans Park in Queens. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo returned as creator and executive producer. Over four weeks, the Philharmonic and its partners presented a total of 39 performances by more than 100 artists, spanning artistic disciplines from reggae, jazz, and opera to dance, poetry, theater, film, and visual art.

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WHAT’S GOING ON

50 TH ANNIVERSARY

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By Ron Scott

hile the United States has acknowledged June as Black Music Month since 1979, it is important to understand it is celebrated 365 days per year 24/7—like Black History Month.

Black music is the conscientious soul of America; it is the music that came to this country in shackles. Before we heard Black music that threw down, got down, bebopped, and hip hopped, we heard the moans, groans, grunts, screams, and shouts of our ancestors as they

were stolen from their Motherland through that Door of No Return on Gorée Island (off the coast of the city of Dakar, Senegal). They were packed like cattle or looted bounty onto dark, wooden caverns called slave ships where they were brutalized with the regularity of each ocean wave crashing against those ships of inhumanity.

Once reaching the plantations of these American shores, those sounds were transformed to ring shout prayer grunts and screams and moved first to the cotton fields, then to call and response that became part of the Baptist Church as the pastor paced back and forth with the sermon of the day shouting, “Lord forgive them for they know not what they do.” As the deacon responded, “Preach on Rev, we hear you. Let the congregation say, ‘Amen,’” and they responded, “Amen!”

Ray Charles and the Raelettes combined call and response (transformed into R&B and soul music) with that distinct cadence of a Baptist preacher and brought them from juke joints all the way to Carnegie Hall. Those moans, grunts, and screams became a signature for James Brown, Little Richard, and Bo Diddley (these sounds transgressed to rock and roll/ R&B music, soul, gospel, and funk). Those loud screeches

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from the tenor saxaphones of Wild Bill Moore and Illinois Jacquet became the sounds of jazz music.

Oddly enough, the Motown sound was not known for its moanin’, groanin’ or shouts; it was a distinctive, smooth groove that instigated finger snappin’ and a head bobbing thing. The most significant album in the Motown Records catalog is Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On (Motown Tamla 1971), celebrating its 50th anniversary during this Black Music Month. Gaye’s What’s Going On represented the intense possibilities of the August 28, 1963 historical March on Washington, the anger and gritty truth of the Autobiography of Malcolm X, the faith of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme (Impulse! 1965), the courage of the Memphis sanitation workers strike (slogan “I Am A Man”) from February 12– April 16, 1968, and the confident prospects of today’s Black Lives Matter movement. All nine-compositions written by www.thepositivecommunity.com

Today, in 2021, the lyrics of “What’s Going On” are regretfully true: “Mother, mother there’s too many of you crying/Brother, brother, brother there’s far too many of you dying/You know we’ve got to find a way/to bring some loving here today…” And from “Save the Children”—“Who really cares/who is willing to try/… to save a world/that is destined…to die/…Jesus made this world for us to live in and all he asks is that we give each other love.” The genius of Marvin Gaye. Can mere mortals live up to his expectations? What’s going on?

Motown’s Studio A, a.k.a “The Snakepit,” where What’s Going On was recorded

Gaye cover the spectrum of Black music culture from Negro spirituals to R&B and jazz, along with classical orchestration and arrangements.

Gaye’s What’s Going On, united masses of people around the world, similar to the protests in Minnesota that sparked international demonstrations after the brutal, police killing of George Floyd. The last cut on the album, “Inner City Blues (Makes Me Want To Holler),” is the 50-year connection to 2021with lyrics “Make me want to holler the way they do my life/….bills pile up sky high/…hang ups let downs, bad breaks set backs/trigger happy policeman.” Say their names Ronald Greene, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, Eleanor Bumpurs (1984), Henry Dumas (1968), and Tamir Rice.

“Save the Children” is both an emotional plea and a warning, “Little children today are really going to suffer tomorrow/what a shame such a bad way to live/who is to blame/ live for life but let live everybody/live life for the children.”

This song can be juxtaposed with “Inner City Blues” as Gaye relates to a better life for our children so they are not shot in their cribs or caught in the middle of gang violence on the way home from school. They are all children of God. “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)” mourns the destruction of the environment in a modernized society, “Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our seas/fish full of mercury.” “Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky)” reflected the heroin epidemic that still quietly exists today. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The critics described this album as one of the first “concept” albums. This is far from just any R&B concept album.

This is the genius of Gaye putting into music the inequities he witnessed as a Black man in America and his pleas for humanity to come together as one. He is armed with nine songs of introspective lyrics that explore themes of police brutality, drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. He was credited with igniting awareness of ecological issues before it became a national public concern. The songs all segued into the next; like life, the music was ongoing. Its purpose, to keep listeners connected in the moment. What’s Going On is a far cry from his previous cries of “Baby, Baby, Baby,” “Hitchhike,” or “Pride and Joy.” Gaye chose a few, select members of Motown’s house band, The Funk Brothers, for this recording that included Detroit’s versatile music legend, keyboardist Earl Van Dyke; Wild Bill Moore played a memorable tenor saxophone riff on the song “Mercy, Mercy Me”; the funk vibe on “Inner City Blues” is consumed by bass riffs composed and performed by bassist Bob Babbitt; and James Jamerson (who studied with Detroit icon pianist and composer Barry Harris) played bass on the rest.

What’s Going On was Gaye’s eleventh studio album, his first to reach the Billboard Top LPs top ten, and stayed on the chart for over a year. It sold more than two million copies within twelve months of its release, becoming Motown and Gaye’s best-selling album to that date.

Throughout the album there is Gaye’s emotional gospel plea advising people to “come together” on “Wholy Holy” and “God Is Love,” the latter states, “true love can conquer hate every time.”

Today, in 2021, the lyrics of “What’s Going On” are regretfully true: “Mother, mother there’s too many of you crying/Brother, brother, brother there’s far too many of you dying/You know we’ve got to find a way/to bring some loving here today…” And from “Save the Children” — “Who really cares/who is willing to try/…to save a world/that is destined…to die/…Jesus made this world for us to live in and all he asks is that we give each other love.” The genius of Marvin Gaye. Can mere mortals live up to his expectations?

What’s going on?

May / June 2021 The Positive Community

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Jim Hendin

Iconic Motown Photographer

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e were thrilled to locate photographer Jim Hendin, who photographed the iconic cover of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On album. Although the photo has been screen-printed on t-shirts and every other kind of memorabilia honoring the album’s 50-year anniversary, Hendin says he’s not seen a dollar, and hardly anyone has sought his permission for its use. Hendin was kind enough to provide an original print to grace the cover of The Positive Community. Thank you, Mr. Hendin.

Hendin got his first assignment at Motown 1968. “After months of persistence I managed to secure a cover shoot for Sugar and Spice, a Martha Reeves and the Vandellas album,” he recalled. “The thrill and excitement of this first session was unparalleled because it was my first rite of passage into what is warmly referred to as ‘the Motown Family.’” There were many more assignments to come.

Remembering his time at Motown fondly, Hendin said, “Although business was now conducted at the Motown Center Building, a large ten-story affair in the middle of Downtown Detroit, Motown Records and all those connected to it still kept the original sense that we were not simply a big company, but instead, a big, extended family. There really was a family spirit of togetherness and compassion in everything we did. An all for one, one for all cohesiveness that made working for Motown a spectacular experience.”

Over the next seven years, he drew closer and closer to the Motown family, attending parties, press conferences, and recording sessions — each time with camera in tow. He also took many photos in his Detroit studio. Memories flowed as he described the atmosphere. “An always happy Stevie Wonder would be there with his tape recorder and harmonica. The Supremes and The Four Tops would get together as the super group ‘Magnificent Seven’ for an outrageous session complete with cowboy chaps, hats, holsters, and saddles.” He went on to shoot many, many photos for Berry Gordy and Motown—album covers, press, and publicity shots.

The What’s Going On shoot was different. It took place at Gaye’s home. Hendon remembered he was “clicking away,” following Gaye around. When Gaye went into the backyard, he went too. It started to sleet and snow; Hendin kept clicking and caught what has become a world-famous photograph on the front and back covers of one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time. Hendin has been quoted as saying, “It was luck or something stronger we had that day.” Or perhaps it was a great photographer with an eye for the perfect picture.

That’s my impression.

Visit http://hendinphoto.com/ to view a range of Motown photographs and some of Hendin’s other work, as well. His work is iconic, his photographs have touched our lives for decades, and they’ve been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Mary J. Blige Inducted Into Apollo Walk of Fame

Photos courtesy of Apollo Theatre Foundation

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he Apollo – the soul of American culture and a globally recognized national treasure – honored nine-time Grammy Award-winner and two-time Academy Award nominee Mary J. Blige, who was inducted into the Apollo’s Walk of Fame on Friday morning, May 28, 20021. The Walk of Fame celebrates and honors the legendary artists who performed on the world-famous nonprofit theater’s stage over the last 87 years, Ms. Blige joins iconic inductees including Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, and most recently, the original Temptations.

Following the success of her debut album, What’s the 411?, nearly 30 years ago, Ms. Blige has continued to be a figure of inspiration, transformation, and empowerment, making her one of the defining voices of contemporary music. She first appeared on Showtime at the Apollo in 1992 with a performance of “You Remind Me,” and went on to appear on the hit series in 1995 and 2001, and at the Apollo with a sold-out concert of her own in 2002. With eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (and 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination among many other accolades, Ms. Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar.

The permanent plaque recognizing Ms. Blige’s cultural significance, international success, and extraordinary longevity in the entertainment business was unveiled during the ceremony. www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Billy “Mr. Apollo” Mitchell, Apollo Theater Board Chair Charles Phillips, Mary J Blige, and Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes

Ms. Blige joins iconic inductees including Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, and most recently, the original Temptations.

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Education the art + science of learning

The primary goal [...] is for all components of gospel music to work cohesively to blend our vast areas of ability and excellence in the knowl-

Hezekiah Walker Establishes Center for Gospel Music

edge of the arts

Program Launched at Virginia Union University

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he Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University (VUU) launches this month. The academic center is the first of its kind in the United States. It will provide education and resources to help musicians and budding gospel artists learn the cultural and business aspects of gospel music.

Courses are available to all VUU students. A variety of certification courses related to work in the industry will be available to the public.

Walker, a second-year student of the Virginia Union University’s Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology said, “The strong theological training I’ve received here at Virginia Union during the past two years has helped to shape my ministry.” He continued, “My goal is to give back to the school that has poured so much into me, by helping emerging gospel artists learn the business, as well as theological aspects of the gospel music industry.”

“Gospel music is an important part of our culture and VUU is honored to partner with Walker to create a central hub for the study, writing, and preservation of gospel music. Walker has poured his spiritual gift

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

and innovative ideas into the development of courses and events planned for the center,” said VUU President and CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas. “VUU is growing to meet the changing career interests of our students by creating academic programs where the workforce demand is high or where students can explore opportunities in STEM, history, or the arts.”

The primary goal of the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University is for all components of gospel music to work cohesively to blend our vast areas of ability and excellence in the knowledge of the arts. Students will learn through the study of sacred arts and how this relates to African heritage; explore music and worship traditions that promote understanding of biblical texts in faith-building; and participate in several planned live recordings to be produced under the direction of Walker and VUU Choir director and award-winning gospel producer, Elder J. David Bratton.

The center is an extension of Walker’s mantra, “And Because God is the greatest power, we will not be defeated!” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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edgar Evers President Patricia Ramsey conferred undergraduate and honorary doctoral degrees during a joint commencement ceremony honoring the classes of 2020 and 2021 in this, the college’s historic 51st year. The virtual event on Thursday, June 3, 2021, officially recognized 2,662 students in both graduating classes. “These graduates are resilient innovators who lead by example and demonstrate flexibility and unwavering determination. They truly embody our College’s motto of courage, strength, and fortitude.”

The College awarded honorary degrees to two distinguished individuals whose lives exemplify the College’s shared principles of professional excellence and personal success, and whose achievements reflect the institution’s mission of social and economic justice as well as a commitment to service.

Honorary Degrees Awarded

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ichael T. Pugh, president and chief executive officer of Carver Bancorp, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Carver Bancorp is the holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank, a federally chartered savings bank and the nation’s largest publicly traded African- and CaribbeanAmerican operated bank, with approximately $600 million in assets and 140 employees. Mr. Pugh also serves as a board member of several non-profit organizations, including the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Community Development Bankers Association, and Madison Square Boys and Girls Club.

Mr. Pugh worked as a bank teller while earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from Eastern Michigan University, and he pursued a Master of Science in Financial Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Mr. Pugh also earned professional certifications from Babson College and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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iggy Marley, an eight-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, producer, activist, and humanitarian, will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. The eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley, his legendary career spans 40 years as a musical pioneer, infusing reggae with funk, blues, rock, and other elements. Over the past 15 years, Ziggy has fulfilled a dream inspired by his father— becoming a truly independent artist, owning his own masters and publishing rights.

Championing political and philanthropic causes, Marley served as a Goodwill Youth Ambassador for the United Nations and actively participates in Bob Marley Foundation initiatives worldwide. He founded his own charity, URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization whose mission encompasses building new schools, operating health clinics, and supporting beneficiaries, including One Love Youth Camp, Chepstowe Basic School in Jamaica, and HOLA (Heart of Los Angeles).

Marley recently received the Black Press of America’s prestigious Global Icon Achievement Award. In 2017, his contributions were recognized with the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement, making him the first reggae artist to receive the esteemed award in its more than three-decades.

To the delight of all, Marley delivered a rendition of his father’s 1980 hit, “Redemption Song.” Via Instagram, he revealed that the recognition brought much joy to his mother, Rita Marley.

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Honorary Degrees Awarded Linda Caldwell Epps, Doctor of Humanities

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inda Caldwell Epps, native of Elizabeth, New Jersey; resident of Newark; and granddaughter of the Great Migration came of age in the turbulent 1960s. In college and graduate school, she developed a passion for the history of America, especially for untold histories of our nation. She brought this passion to a career serving the people of New Jersey, first as a leader in higher education and public media, and later as president of the New Jersey Historical Society. During 27 years at Bloomfield College, her roles included vice president for student affairs, dean of students, and vice president for college relations. Consultant to several institutions on diversity and equity in higher education including the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, president and CEO of 1804 Consultants, and a founding member of the Sankofa Collaborative, Epps serves as co-chair of the Revolution NJ Advisory Council, as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding.

Linda also served as a consultant to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and, in New Jersey, to the William Trent House; the Newark Public Library; the Scotch Plains Public Library; the Timbuctoo historical site; Old First Church of Elizabeth; and the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Education. Her many honors include the 2019 recipient of the Beulah Oliphant award, presented annually to women in recognition of outstanding contributions to New Jersey history in historic preservation, education, or scholarship.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, her master’s from Seton Hall University, and her doctorate from Drew University.

Photo courtesy of Linda J. Caldwell-Epps

Risa Juanita Lavizzo-Mourey, Doctor of Science

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distinguished advocate for public health, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey is the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Population Health and Health Equity Professor, Emerita, at the University of Pennsylvania. President and chief executive officer of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation from 2003 to 2017, Lavizzo-Mourey spearheaded bold initiatives such as creating healthier, more equitable communities. A specialist in geriatrics, she came to the foundation from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was the Sylvan Eisman Professor of Medicine and Health Care Systems, director of the Institute on Aging, and chief of geriatric medicine at the School of Medicine. She worked as deputy administrator for the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research under President George H.W. Bush and served as Quality of Care chair for President Bill Clinton’s panels on health care. President Barack Obama appointed her to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, and she was named a White House Champion of Change. She has an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and an M.B.A. from Wharton School of Business.

A childhood meeting with Martin Luther King Jr. — who in 1966 said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman” — inspired her to broaden her focus beyond healing individual patients to benefitting society through medicine. Honored by the Obama administration as a White House Champion of Change, Lavizzo-Mourey served as chief of geriatric medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine and a member of the White House Health Care Reform Task Force.

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Photo: Courtesy Risa Juanita Lavizzo-Mourey

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Unpacking

BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN BRITNEE N. TIMBERLAKE, 34TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, ESSEX AND PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ

American Chattel Slavery: A diabolical 244-year plan that created a lucrative economy through the use of free labor. The free work was provided by people who were violently stolen from African countries and transferred to the Americas. The transfer journey took place in the dark and dank bowels of ships, frightened people chained together like animals for months, arriving malnourished after months of suffering and inhumanity. Once debarked, captives were taken to locations primarily in the Caribbean, beaten into submission to make the thought of Africa and freedom a fleeting one. Then, they were sold to a master to build the American economy. Women and men worked from sunup to sundown. They were bred like cattle and watched their relatives sold at auction like property. Abuse was mental and physical. Their names were changed, religion, language, and culture stripped. They were neglected economically, socially, and educationally.

Women were often separated from their children by the time they grew to be five years old. It was nothing less than a hellish existence in which one was lucky to eke out a few moments of joy.

Oh wait, or was it 246-years?

Juneteenth Time and time again, we have learned many of the narratives we embrace as historical facts have been incomplete and often flat-out false. Remember when we learned on January 1, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to end the horrors of slavery? Remember when we were taught this action was the year all slaves were free? The truth is, while Lincoln gained the title of the “Great Emancipator,” his proclamation only applied to the Confederacy, not the Union country where he was the actual president.

The Confederacy had an entirely different president and operated under a different set of laws. Lincoln applied the Emancipation Proclamation only to the Southern states in rebellion. Since those states had already seceded and the war was underway, Lincoln's federal government had no power or ability to enforce the proclamation.

On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered in Virginia, a Union general traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce the Civil War had ended. The General's announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation issued more than two years earlier, making enslaved African Americans free people. Today this event is celebrated as Juneteenth with parades and family gatherings around the county.

What It Means With The 1619 Project taking off, more people are acknowledging the horrors of slavery and the negative economic impact it had and continues to have on Black Americans. It is more appropriate than ever to celebrate the accurate history and examine our liberation to determine what it all means.

Slavery was replaced by sharecropping, convict leasing, and the economic turmoil and injustices they left behind. Sharecropping occurred when slaves were freed into a system while being illiterate, having no land, no homes, no subsidy, and no absolute rights. Many former slaves and generations of families were forced, by circumstance, to remain on the plantation to sharecrop. For their labor, sharecroppers were paid pennies on the dollar and in old crops.

Convict leasing occurs to this day. Black people are disproportionately incarcerated at higher rates than white people, despite similar rates of crime. Many Black people who cannot afford the best representation end up with maximum sentences for minor offenses for which lighter-pigmented people usually receive lesser sentences or probation. City and state governments throughout the United States have long balanced their budget on the revenue generated by the public and private prison system and contracts to incarcerate. Many prisoners create goods and provide free labor for companies. Systemic racism and the election of biased, prejudiced, or ignorant elected officials continues the vicious cycle that relies on the perpetuation prison as a revenue generator.

Four hundred years later, Black bodies are still used to perpetuate an economic system initially designed to profit using free labor.

THREE WAYS WE SHOULD ALL CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH: Of course, break out the picnic baskets, light some sparklers, and enjoy time with family and friends. But also do these things: 1. IN HONOR OF OUR FREEDOM, seek to understand and participate in the legislative process by getting involved in politics; work on a campaign, run for office, or volunteer with an advocacy organization working to shape policy and laws locally and federally.

2. DETERMINE THE MERIT OF A LAW OR EXECUTIVE ORDER based on its actual impact in the community, not just title. The Emancipation Proclamation, while admirable, did not immediately free the slaves as quickly as we were all taught it did. Be intentional about reading laws, following the process it took to become law, and its impact once in effect.

3. REGISTER TO VOTE, and then do not give your vote away so easily. Voting is a right only gained in 1965, 100 years after Juneteenth. Exercise your right to only vote for candidates who are working to benefit the community good. Support legislators who draft laws that positively impact the population you represent. Vote out representatives who actively try to stop actual progress. Hold your elected officials accountable.

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The African American Cultural Narrative

frican Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years). On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born.

One hundred years later in August 1963, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, as he led hundreds of thousands to a March on Washington, seeking an end to discrimination and 90 years of Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full and equal citizen’s rights for the people in what has been called “the Second Emancipation.”

Forty years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elected its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008).

In the 100 years between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching, and enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports, and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! And that is our story—the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!

An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget!

This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations.

We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters!

This is our story—the cultural narrative—a new language of freedom; a springboard toward a great and prosperous future; a spiritually enlightened ideal. A vision of hope, opportunity, and progress; liberty and happiness; health and wholeness—peace and goodwill!

WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…!

© 2019 The Positive Community Corporation. All rights reserved.

Graphic Design: Penguin Design Group, Newark, NJ

—Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Photos courtesy of FPSH and Seitu Oronde

68th AD District Leader Keith Lilly, event organizer

Free Grocery Distribution Not-For-Profits And NYPD Work Together

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riends of Public School Harlem, Inc. (FPSH) sponsored a free grocery giveaway event on May 21 at the NYPD 25th Precinct in East Harlem. Families were joined by Councilman Bill Perkins, Councilwoman Diana Ayala, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez, and the 25th Precinct Community Council and received much-needed food supplies with a show of gratitude. The event, made possible by a grant from the Migdol Family Foundation, provided meals for over 300 families.

Sheri Perl and Jerry Migdol passing out free groceries to the community

L–R: Jerry Migdol and Sheri Perl Migdol with the Migdol Family Foundation

NYPD Transit District 23 Commanding Officer Captain Lee Manuel

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T:3.4"

SATURDAYS Phylicia Rashad

Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Edie Falco

Dominique Morisseau

David Morse

David Cromer

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11:00 AM

FREE CONFERENCE CALL.COM

ONE LINE 727-731-1201 T:9.5"

Mary-Louise Parker

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Zion Park World War I Memorial in Brooklyn Annual Day of Remembrance

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Veterans Affairs Commissioner James Hendon; NYC Council Rep. Alika AmprySamuel; Bishop William Williams, Greater NY Chamber of Commerce Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Chair; Retired Airforce Colonel Terrance Holliday; Greater NY Chamber of Commerce President Mark Jaffe; Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative founder Howard Teich; and US Army Recruiter Sanders

U.S. Army recruit, flag holders at the newly refurbished Zion Park WW1 Memorial

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The Positive Community May / June 2021

Photos: Seitu Oronde

rected in 1925 at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue, East New York Avenue, and Legend Street in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Zion Park World War I Memorial has become a center for a diverse, vibrant community to sit and talk or rest after a bike ride or a long walk.

On Wednesday, May 26, a solemn remembrance took place at the memorial honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Honored attendees included Peter Krauss of the Ascend Learning Center, Ryan Hegg of the WWI Centennial Committee, NYC Council Rep. Alika Ampry-Samuel, NYS Assembly Rep David Weprin, and NYPD Officers Beckford and Verma.

L–R: Ryan Hegg, WWI Centennial commission; Howard Teich, Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative; Adrian Guglielmo, US Veterans Chamber of Commerce; Alicia Ampry–Samuels, NYC Council Rep; Mark Jaffe, Greater NY Chamber of Commerce; Assembly Member David Weprin; retired Air force Colonel Terrance Holliday, chair of Greater NY Chamber of Commerce Military; and Veterans Affairs Committee with US Army soldiers www.thepositivecommunity.com

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AETNA COMMUNITY OUTREACH

ope & Esperanza Community Health Center Grand Opening: On Monday, May 17th, the Aetna Better Health of New Jersey team helped welcome Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center to Newark. Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center is the newest Federally Qualified Health Center in Newark, located in the North Ward. Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center is dedicated to serving the community by providing culturally competent, affordable health care for all. All patients, regardless of ability to pay, are welcome.

Nourishing Newark: Each month, Aetna Better Health of New Jersey hosts Nourishing Newark – a FREE healthy food giveaway event. Nourishing Newark is held at Healthcare Central in Newark, NJ. 200 Bags of Better Health are distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis. Bags are filled with fresh produce, rice, beans and more!

Healthcare Central is located at 48-A Jones Street, Suite C-101, Newark, NJ. Loads of Love: Every day, thousands of kids miss school and adults miss work because they don’t have access to clean clothes. Aetna Better Health of New Jersey aims at removing those barriers. Each month Aetna hosts Loads of Love, a FREE laundry day event, in Newark, New Jersey. It’s not just about clean clothes, it’s about community and building relationships. Loads of Love is held on the last Saturday of every month. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

The Last Word

June 2021

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 21 No. 4

Publisher

WHAT’S STILL GOING ON: MARVIN GAYE’S MASTERPIECE 50 YEARS LATER

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR

Contributing Writers Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie Derrel Jazz Johnson g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Rev. Theresa Nance

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Photographers

Vincent Bryant Risasi Dias Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr.

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

Production Assistant April Davis

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 CommunityTM its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

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’ve often posited the reason the deaths of singers and musicians are felt so deeply by the general public is the oddly personal relationship we have with them. I’ve likened Michael Jackson and Prince to my “play cousins.” They were at every family gathering, reunion, and wedding.

They even shared my prom with me. I’m certain Michael Jackson encouraged that boy to attempt our first kiss. Don’t even mention a day at the beach or a crazy road trip in college. They were there.

Just a year old when Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece, What’s Going On was released in May, 1971, I can truly say, I grew up with Marvin Gaye’s voice and compositions as the soundtrack of my life beginning with hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and his duets with Tammi Terrell. “Sexual Healing” was all the rage at the roller-skating rink when I was 12. He died two days after my fourteenth birthday. I used my babysitting money to purchase Anthology when I was sixteen.

I never stopped listening to Marvin.

But the 50th anniversary of What’s Going On caused me to listen differently.

I listened as he intended the concept album to be heard—in order, without pause. It blew me away! Not just the sheer genius of Gaye’s compositions, lyrics, and orchestrations; but his seeming prescience as well. The open-

ing lines of the album sing, “Mother, mother/There’s too many of you crying/Brother, brother, brother/There’s far too many of you dying.” How could Gaye have known the issues of 1971 would be the issues of 2021? “Picket lines (Sister) and picket signs (Sister)/ Don’t punish me (Sister) with brutality (Sister)”—I close my eyes and see the protesters from summer 2020 taking to the streets around the world in response to the murder of George Floyd.

“What’s Happening Brother” was Gaye’s tribute to his brother, Frankie, who had returned from three years in Vietnam. “Can’t find no work, can’t find no job, my friend/Money is tighter than, it’s ever been/Say man, I just don’t understand/What’s going on across this land/Ah, what’s happening brother?/Yeah, what’s happening?

What’s happening my man?” The song brings to mind young amputees I often see while waiting for my husband at the VA hospital. I overheard one veteran telling another he doesn’t really drink or do drugs, but every once in a while, he gets drunk and high so he can check himself in for rehab at the VA. He’s warm and fed for a few weeks until the weather isn’t quite so brutal.

The third track, “Flying High in the Friendly Sky” paints a picture of individuals tired of being tired, looking for something—anything—to make themselves feel better. “Flying high in the friendly sky/Without ever leaving the ground/And I ain’t seen nothing but trouble baby/Nobody really understands, no, no/And I go to the place where the good feeling awaits me/Self destruction’s in my hand.” While drugs have ravaged Black and inner-city communities for decades, we’ve heard urgent concerns about the American opi-

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oid crisis for the past four years or so. It’s funny how that works; drug addiction only became a problem when “mainstream and main street” America are suffering. Marvin sang about it ten American presidents ago.

Next up is “Save the Children.” When I look at the world/ It fills me with sorrow/Little children today/Are really going to suffer tomorrow/What a shame/Such a bad way to live/Oh, who is to blame?” The lyrics take me back to youthful summers at the beach when we didn’t yet know about “SPF.” We collected fireflies after dark, and school shootings weren’t a thing. Skin cancer, being holed-up in the house, and mass shootings were not yet the norm.

On “God Is Love,” Gaye cautions us: “Don’t go and talk about my father/Because God is my friend, he is my friend/ He loves us whether or not we know it /And He’ll forgive all our sins, forgive all our sins/And all He asks of us, oh yeah, is we give each other love, oh yeah.” And yet in 2021, people (still) twist the words of the Bible and use God’s words to divide and shun people who don’t believe the same. Evangelical Christians voted for a twice-divorced, racist, grifting charlatan. They pray over and for him and call him a savior and warrior for Christ. There is nothing Christ-like, Christ-centered, or even Christ-adjacent about the man. He touts Christian values while cutting social programs that help the least of us; locks children in cages; maligns immigrants, Muslims, and minorities; and inspires white supremacists and anti-Semites to proudly emerge from the darkest corners of society to spew their sick views, hatred, and violence.

The next track, “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology),” probably the most well-known song on the album, was written at the height of the environmental movement, less than six months after the federal government’s creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I recall the grey skies in and around the New York City of my youth and how the smog obscured the world’s most famous skyline. I sang along with the “Give a hoot, don’t pollute” commercials, and remember the PSA with the Indian man paddling his canoe through polluted waters, landing on a trash-filled shore, then shedding a single tear. “Woah, ah, mercy, mercy me/ Ah, things ain’t what they used to be/Where did all the blue skies go?/Poison is the wind that blows/From the north and south and east…/Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our seas/Fish full of mercury/Radiation underground and in the sky/Animals and birds who live nearby are dying.”

During the spring of 2020 while deep in the COVID-19 pandemic, we were amazed by pictures of Los Angeles and other cities around the world with crystal clear, blue skies. Deer, coyotes, bears, and other wildlife wandered streets mostly devoid of people. Marvin would have marveled at the sight.

“Right On” encapsulates 2020 perfectly. The pandemic saw the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, many of us isolated, and our medical professionals showing compassion and care working around the clock to treat and save people from a widespread virus that killed nearly 600,000 people in www.thepositivecommunity.com

this country as of this writing. “Some of us were born with money to spend/Some of us were born for races to win/ Some of us are aware that it’s good for us to care/Some of us feel the icy wind of poverty blowing in the air/For those of us who simply like to socialize/For those of us who tend the sick/And heed the people’s cries/Let me say to you, right on.”

If there were an anthem or theme song for 2020–2021 and the COVID-19 pandemic it would be “Wholy Holy.”

We had to come together to stay apart for our own safety. We learned to Zoom and FaceTime so we could see and feel connected to friends and loved ones safely. Millions of us couldn’t go to work, school, or even worship in church. And yet, millions of us took to the streets in protests around the world, protests that have continued for a full year. “Wholy holy/Come together/Wholy holy/ People, we all got to come together/Because we need the strength, power and all the feeling/Wholy holy/Oh Lord, get together, one another/Wholy holy/We should believe in one another/Jesus left a long time ago, said he would return/He left us a book to believe in, in it we’ve got a lot to learn/Oh yeah/Wholy/Oh Lord, we can conquer hate forever, we need him/Wholy/We can rock the world’s foundation/Everybody together, together and holy/Will holler love, love, love across the nation.”

And the final track, “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) speaks to so much of what we are experiencing at this very moment. The wealthy buy tickets for space travel; the poor work multiple jobs but still can’t eke out a decent living. We celebrated a police officer convicted of killing George Floyd. Over the last several years, thanks to the omnipresent cell phones, we have literally SEEN police killing Black people seemingly with impunity. Those of us who believe and pray, know God has a plan and will see us through. “Rockets, moon shots/Spend it on the have-not’s/Money, we make it/Before we see it, you take it/Oh, make you want to holler/The way they do my life/Make me want to holler/The way they do my life/ Inflation no chance/To increase finance/Bills pile up sky high/Send that boy off to die/Crime is increasing/Trigger happy policing/Panic is spreading/God knows where we’re heading.”

Despite the political nature of much of the album’s songs, the overarching theme of What’s Going On is love.

Every song mentions love—love for our brothers, the Earth, the children, and God. Thirty-two years old at the release of the album What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye died at the age of 44 at the hands of his father when he intervened in an argument between his parents. “Mother, mother/There’s too many of you crying/Brother, brother, brother/There’s far too many of you dying.” The loss of his genius was a tragedy. Thankfully, his genius and memory live on in his voice and his music. We just need to listen. And love.

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WE ARE ON A MISSION JUSTICE, JUNETEENTH AND OUR JOURNEY TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM.

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